Treating a common comorbidity: Pain outcomes following a 3-week cognitive processing therapy-based intensive treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder address.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly co-occurs with pain and has been implicated in the maintenance of chronic pain. However, limited research has examined whether intervening for PTSD can hinder or optimize treatment outcomes for co-occurring pain and PTSD. In the present study, we examined changes in pain, PTSD, and depressive symptoms among 125 veterans completing a 3-week cognitive processing therapy (CPT)-based intensive treatment program (ITP) for PTSD. We also explored whether pretreatment pain interference predicted changes in PTSD and depressive symptom severity and whether larger changes in pain interference over the course of treatment were associated with larger changes in PTSD and depressive symptom severity. Linear mixed models revealed that participants' pain interference decreased throughout treatment, d = 0.15, p = .039. Higher levels of pretreatment pain interference were associated with higher PTSD, p = .001, and depressive symptom severity, p = .014, over time. Larger reductions in pain interference corresponded to more improvement in PTSD symptoms, ß = -.03; p < .001, but not depressive symptoms. These findings indicate that ITPs for PTSD can reduce pain interferences, albeit to a small degree, and that reductions in pain interference can contribute to reductions in PTSD symptom severity. Future studies should examine which treatment components contribute to larger changes in symptom severity for veterans with co-occurring pain and PTSD.

Intervención educativa en una enfermedad desatendida: hidatidosis/ equinococosis quística en escolares del norte de Chile / Educational intervention in a neglected disease: hydatidosis/cystic echinococcosis in schoolchildren in northern Chile

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hidatidosis es una zoonosis cuyo control más eficiente y eficaz es la promoción en salud, especialmente en la población infante-juvenil. OBJETIVO: Medir el impacto de un programa de intervención educativa sobre hidatidosis en escolares del norte de Chile. MÉTODO: Estudio intervencional educativo con fases pre y post test en 3.145 estudiantes de educación preescolar, primaria y secundaria de tres comunas. Se definieron dimensiones, unidades educativas y sistemas de evaluación incorporados en las bases curriculares. Se calculó el puntaje de logro de respuestas correctas utilizando la prueba t. Se estimó el tamaño del efecto mediante d de Cohen y análisis de varianza mixto. RESULTADOS: Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la muestra total y en las variables género, comuna, procedencia rural-urbana y nivel de educación. Los puntajes post intervención fueron mayores y con tamaños de efecto grandes a excepción de los primeros niveles de educación. Se hallaron puntajes mayores post test y efectos de interacción con diferencias significativas en rural-urbano y en comuna anteriormente intervenida. La dimensión mejor evaluada fue "medidas de autocuidado" y la más baja "tenencia responsable de perros". CONCLUSIONES: El programa educativo fue efectivo al ser dirigido a grupos etarios, mediante métodos pedagógicos en las bases curriculares de los establecimientos educacionales.

BACKGROUND: Hydatidosis is a zoonosis whose most efficient and effective control is health promotion, especially in children and youth. AIM: To measure the impact of an educational intervention program on hydatidosis in schoolchildren in northern Chile. METHOD: Educational interventional study was performed with pre-post test phases in 3,145 students of preschool, primary and secondary education from three districts. Dimensions, educational units and evaluation systems were defined and incorporated into the curricular bases. The correct answer achievement score was calculated using the T-test. Effect size was estimated using Cohen's d and mixed analysis of variance. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found in the total sample and in variables such as gender, district, rural-urban origin and level of education. Post-intervention scores were higher than pre-intervention and with large effect sizes, except for the first levels of education. Higher post-test scores and interaction effects were found with significant differences in rural-urban and in a previously intervened district. The best evaluated dimension was "self-care measures" and the lowest was "responsibly keeping dogs". CONCLUSIONS: The educational program was effective when directed to age groups, through pedagogical methods in the curricular bases of educational facilities.

'Undoing a knot': a qualitative study of massed 1-week Cognitive Processing Therapy.

Introduction: Intensive or massed Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been found to result in significant PTSD symptom reductions. However, few studies to date have used qualitative approaches to systematically evaluate client reflections about massed treatment approaches for PTSD. To address this gap, the present study aimed to improve our understanding of trauma survivors' reflections following the completion of 1-week CPT.Method: We conducted semi-structured interviews with seven trauma survivors within 3-months of the completion of 1-week CPT. We used the scissor-and-sort technique to identify themes and subthemes in the qualitative data.Results: Using the scissor-and-sort technique, we generated five main themes and associated subthemes from the data. The main themes were: (a) tangible skills, (b) feasibility, (c) therapeutic process, (d) symptom presentation, and (e) treatment expectations.Conclusion: Collectively, our results suggested that 1-week CPT was feasible and led to changes in PTSD symptoms and improved cognitive and affective coping skills.

Scant research has examined client reflections about massed treatment approaches for PTSD.Among participants who completed a semi-structured interview about their experiences with 1-week CPT for PTSD, we generated five themes: (a) tangible skills, (b) feasibility, (c) therapeutic process, (d) symptom presentation, and (e) treatment expectations.Collectively, our results suggested that 1-week CPT was feasible and led to changes in PTSD symptoms and improved cognitive and affective coping skills.

Caracterización de la enfermedad renal crónica subclínica en Chile

Contexto al realizar cribado en la población de riesgo se encontró que la enfermedad renal crónica subclínica (ERCs) está escasamente caracterizada en Chile y su conocimiento contribuiría al mejor manejo y tratamiento precoz, atenuando sus consecuencias. Objetivo describir las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de la población con ERCs en Chile. Metodología estudio descriptivo transversal en una población de 1032 sujetos provenientes de tres regiones de Chile: Coquimbo (n = 902), Metropolitana (n = 70) y De Los Ríos (n = 60), provenientes de programas cardiovasculares, otros programas de APS y familiares directos de pacientes en diálisis. A los pacientes se les aplicó: un consentimiento informado, una encuesta, un examen físico (presión arterial, peso y talla) y se realizaron exámenes de laboratorio (creatininemia y albuminuria/creatininuria). Se definió ERC por guía KDOQI-2012 y velocidad de filtración glomerular según MDRD. La albuminuria se midió mediante relación albuminuria/creatininuria de primera micción (mg/g). VFG < 60 ml/min o albuminuria ≥ 30 mg/g, definieron ERCs. Se determinaron frecuencias y comparaciones (chi-cuadrado, t student y Anova), con un nivel de significancia de p < 0,05. Resultados presentaron ERCs 205 sujetos (19,9 %), siendo significativamente más frecuente en ≥ 65 años (35,7 %), quienes alcanzaron estudios básicos (26,6 %), labores de servicio doméstico (44 %), pensionados (40 %), quienes tenían familiares en diálisis (24,6 %) y diabéticos insulino-requirentes (70,6 %). En el grupo ≥ 65 años hubo una significativa menor frecuencia de ERCs en aquellos que realizaban actividad física, comparado con los sedentarios (48,8 %). A mayor intensidad de HTA y presión de pulso (PP) se observó una mayor frecuencia de ERCs. Conclusiones estos datos aportan información epidemiológica útil para la programación de mejores estrategias de detección de ERCs en Chile.

Introduction subclinical chronic kidney disease (CKDs), performing screening in at-risk populations, is poorly characterized in Chile. Its knowledge would contribute to better management and early treatment, mitigating its consequences. Objective to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the population with CKDs in Chile. Methodology cross-sectional descriptive study in a population of 1,032 subjects from three regions of Chile; Coquimbo (n=902), Metropolitana (n=70) and De Los Ríos (n=60), from cardiovascular programs, other Primary Care programs and direct relatives of dialysis patients. Informed consent, survey, physical examination (blood pressure, weight and height) and laboratory tests (creatinine and albumin/creatinine urinary ratio) were performed. CKD was defined by KDOQI-2012 guideline and Glomerular Filtration Rate according to MDRD formula. Albuminuria by relation albumin/creatinine of first urination (mg/g). eVFG <60 ml/min and/or Albuminuria ≥ 30 mg/g, defined CKDs. Frequencies and comparisons were determined (chi-square, t student and ANOVA), with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results 205 subjects (19.9%) presented CKDs, being significantly more frequent in ≥65 years (35.7%), who achieved elementary school studies (26.6%), domestic service workers (44%), retired workers (40%), having a family member on dialysis (24.6%) and insulin-requesting diabetics (70.6%). In the ≥65 year-old group, there was a significantly lower frequency of CKDs in those who performed physical activity, compared to sedentary (48.8%). The higher the intensity of hypertension and pulse pressure (PP), the higher the frequency of CKDs. Conclusions These data provide useful epidemiological information for the programming of better detection strategies for CKDs in Chile.

Changes in guilt cognitions in intensive PTSD treatment among veterans who experienced military sexual trauma or combat trauma.

Unresolved trauma-related guilt has been identified as a factor that can intensify posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD symptomology and is associated with many negative mental health outcomes. Evidence-based treatments, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), have been shown to successfully reduce trauma-related guilt. However, less is known about how trauma-related guilt cognitions change over the course of PTSD treatment and, more specifically, intensive PTSD treatments. The current study examined whether guilt cognitions (i.e., hindsight bias/responsibility, insufficient justification, wrongdoing) changed over the course of a 3-week CPT-based intensive treatment program (ITP), whether guilt cognition changes predicted PTSD and depression symptom reductions over time, and whether guilt cognition changes and their association with PTSD and depression symptom changes differed based on whether they worked on combat trauma or military sexual trauma. Data were collected from 360 veterans enrolled in a 3-week ITP. Results from linear mixed effects models suggested that trauma-related guilt cognitions reduced significantly over the course of treatment (ps < .001), changes in wrongdoing (p = .032) and hindsight bias/responsibility (p = .003) were significant predictors of PTSD symptom reductions and hindsight bias/responsibility (p = .032) was the only significant predictor of depression symptom reduction. Overall differences in guilt cognitions over time based on cohort type were only significant for insufficient justification (p = .001). These findings suggest that changes in hindsight bias/responsibility demonstrated the largest effect size (d = 0.1.14), implying that hindsight bias/responsibility may be one of the most important guilt cognitions to target. This study also highlights the importance of the relationship between trauma-related guilt and PTSD and depression symptoms. Future research should examine whether changes in guilt cognitions precede changes in PTSD and depression symptoms, and if addressing certain types of guilt cognitions is more important to achieving PTSD and depression symptom reductions.

Who will respond to intensive PTSD treatment? A machine learning approach to predicting response prior to starting treatment.

Despite the established effectiveness of evidence-based PTSD treatments, not everyone responds the same. Specifically, some individuals respond early while others respond minimally throughout treatment. Our ability to predict these trajectories at baseline has been limited. Predicting which individuals will respond to a certain type of treatment can significantly reduce short- and long-term costs and increase the ability to preemptively match individuals with treatments to which they are most likely to respond. In the present study, we examined whether veterans' responses to a 3-week Cognitive Processing Therapy-based intensive PTSD treatment program could be accurately predicted prior to the first session. Using a sample of 432 veterans, and a wide range of demographic and clinical data collected during intake, we assessed six machine learning and statistical methods and their ability to predict fast and minimal responders prior to treatment initiation. For fast response classification, gradient boosted models (GBM) had the highest AUC-PR (0.466). For minimal response classification, elastic net (EN) had the highest mean CV AUC-PR (0.628). Using the best performing classifiers, we were able to predict both fast and minimal responders prior to starting treatment with relatively high AUC-ROC of 0.765 (GBM) and 0.826 (EN), respectively. These results may inform treatment modifications, although the accuracy may not be sufficient for clinicians to base inclusion/exclusion decisions entirely on the classifiers. Future research should evaluate whether these classifiers can be expanded to predict to which treatment type(s) an individual is most likely to respond based on various clinical, circumstantial, and biological features.

Improving mental, physical, and social functioning through participation in a 3-week cognitive processing therapy-based intensive PTSD treatment.

Research has supported the utility of brief intensive treatment programs (ITPs) which utilize interventions, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), for reducing severity of symptoms among veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These treatments have produced large overall reductions in PTSD severity and demonstrated the persistence of these gains following treatment. However, the potential effects of ITPs on mental, physical, and social functioning following treatment completion has been largely unexplored. We utilized data from 204 veterans and 5 service members who completed a 3-week CPT-based ITP and 3-month follow-up assessments. We used a two-stage mixed effects location-scale model approach to initially model each participant's amount of PTSD change over time and used these estimates to predict mental, physical, and social functioning three months following treatment. Veterans reported moderate improvements in mental, physical, and social functioning from pre-treatment to 3-month follow-up (ds = 0.52,.42,.55, and.47, respectively). Results indicated that reductions in PTSD severity during treatment, rather than fluctuation in symptom reporting from one assessment to the next, significantly predicted improved mental, physical, and social functioning at follow-up. This study supports the ability of ITPs to enact meaningful improvement in functioning among veterans with PTSD in a short timeframe.

Treating posttraumatic stress disorder at home in a single week using 1-week virtual massed cognitive processing therapy.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments are increasingly delivered in massed formats and have shown comparable results to standard, weekly treatment. To date, massed cognitive processing therapy (CPT), delivered daily, has been delivered primarily in combination with adjunctive services and among veteran populations, but it has not been rigorously evaluated as a standalone intervention. The present study evaluated 1-week massed CPT delivered virtually (i.e., via telehealth) to a community sample of trauma-exposed individuals (N = 24). Using a single-arm open-label design, participants received CPT twice per day for 5 days. The results indicated that most participants completed treatment (n = 23, 95.8%), and no adverse events were reported. Participants exhibited large reductions in clinician-rated, d = 2.01, and self-reported PTSD symptoms, d = 2.55, as well as self-reported depressive symptoms, d = 1.46. On average, participants reported a 5-point PTSD symptom reduction and 1-point reduction in depressive symptoms for each treatment day. Reductions in PTSD and depressive symptoms were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Overall, 1-week massed CPT delivered virtually was shown to be feasible and to result in rapid symptom reductions that were sustained over time. Virtual massed CPT has the potential to increase access to effective treatments and help trauma survivors restore aspects of their lives in short amounts of time.

Aceptabilidad de los almuerzos del Programa de Alimentación Escolar y estimaciones de pérdidas económicas asociadas en la comuna de Coquimbo, Chile

RESUMEN Una nutrición adecuada es fundamental para el crecimiento y desarrollo óptimo de la infancia. En Chile, el Programa de Alimentación Escolar tiene como propósito disminuir la brecha asociada con el acceso a la cantidad y calidad de los alimentos en la población de estudiantes vulnerables. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el grado de aceptabilidad de los almuerzos que el Programa ofrece a los estudiantes y sus pérdidas económicas asociadas. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en 528 estudiantes primarios y secundarios de 5 colegios públicos de la comuna de Coquimbo, quienes evaluaron 6 almuerzos mediante la escala sensorial hedónica de 9 puntos, encuesta de características organolépticas, test de ordenación y determinación de porcentaje de ingesta para establecer pérdidas económicas. Se realizó muestreo probabilístico estratificado, ANOVA para análisis de la escala hedónica y porcentaje de ingesta, tablas de contingencia, Chi cuadrado para características organolépticas (p<0,05). Se encontró que la carne de res con fideos tuvo la mayor preferencia y las más bajas aceptaciones fueron frijoles con fideos y pastel de pescado con puré de papas (p<0,05). Las preparaciones con menor aceptabilidad representaron el 82,2% de las pérdidas económicas, principalmente frijoles. Los resultados confirman una baja ingesta de pescado y verduras, que las características de sabor por bajo contenido de sal afectan las preferencias y que existe una relación directa entre la ingesta y la pérdida económica.

ABSTRACT Adequate nutrition is a fundamental factor for optimal early childhood growth and development. In Chile, the School Nutritional Program aims to diminish the gap associated with access to the quantity and quality of food. The objective of this study was to determine the degree of acceptability of prepared lunches that are given to students by the School Nutritional Program and its association with economic losses. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 528 primary and secondary students from 5 public schools in the Coquimbo commune, who evaluated 6 lunches using the 9-point hedonic sensory scale, a survey of organoleptic characteristics, a ranking test and determination of the intake percentage to establish economic losses. Stratified probability sampling was performed, ANOVA for analysis of the hedonic scale and percentage of intake, contingency tables, Chi square tests were used for organoleptic characteristics (p<0.05). The thin sliced beef with noodles was found to have the highest preference and the lowest ranked meals were beans with noodles and fish cake with mashed potatoes (p<0.05). Preparations with lower acceptability represented 82.2% of economic losses and were mainly beans. The results confirm a low intake of fish and vegetables, that taste characteristics due to low salt content affect preferences and that there was a direct relationship between intake and economic loss.

Evaluación del etiquetado frontal de advertencia de la Ley de Alimentos en adultos responsables de escolares de las comunas de La Serena y Coquimbo / Evaluation of the front-of-package warning labels of the Chilean Food Law by adults responsible for schoolchildren in the districts of La Serena and Coquimbo

RESUMEN Una política pública creada para abordar el problema de la obesidad en Chile, es la Ley de Alimentos del año 2016 y su Reglamento que incluye etiquetado frontal de advertencia. El objetivo del estudio es evaluar el reconocimiento, juicio de valor y utilización del etiquetado frontal de advertencia descrito en la reglamentación, en personas responsables de escolares de las comunas de La Serena y Coquimbo. En estudio transversal, se aplicaron 543 encuestas personales en 22 establecimientos educacionales seleccionados por muestreo probabilístico estratificado. Se utilizó prueba de Chi-cuadrado para bondad de ajuste y tablas de contingencia, se consideró significativo un valor p<0,05. El 98,7% reconoció los sellos de advertencia, principalmente en los envases. El 86,2% valoró como no saludable su presencia y 68,1%, como saludable su ausencia. La comparación de sellos fue realizada por el 67,5% de los encuestados, de los cuales un 97,4% eligió los alimentos con menor cantidad de sellos. El 91,3% señaló que disminuyó la cantidad de alimentos comprados con presencia de sellos en relación al período anterior a la vigencia de la Ley. Los sellos de advertencia son conocidos, entendidos y considerados en la selección de los alimentos.

ABSTRACT The Chilean Food Law of 2016 was a public policy created to address the problem of obesity in Chile and includes front-of-package warning labeling. The objective of the study is to evaluate the recognition, value judgment and use of the front-of-package warning labels described in the regulation, among caretakers of schoolchildren, in the districts of La Serena and Coquimbo, Chile. A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 543 personal surveys were applied in 22 educational establishments selected by stratified probability sampling. Chi-square goodness of fit test and contingency tables were used, a p value<0.05 was considered significant. Almost all caretakers surveyed (98.7%) recognized warning labels, mainly in packaging, 82% of the participants rated the presence of the labels as unhealthy and 68.1% reported the absence of the label indicated a healthy food. The label comparison was made by 67.5% of the respondents, of which 97.4% chose foods with fewer labels. 91.3% indicated that the quantity of food purchased with warning labels decreased in relation to the period before the law was launched. Warning labels are known, understood, and considered in food selection.

Utilidad de la punción de la arteria radial en radiología intervencionista

Se presenta la punción de la artería radial previa evaluación de la circulación colateral con el Test de Allen, como alternativa de abordaje en pacientes con contraindicación para punción femoral y axilar que ofrece ventajas como eliminación de sangrados y hematomas