Cardiac resynchronization therapy for pacing induced cardiomyopathy: Role of baseline right ventricular pacing burden.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is indicated for patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and chronic right ventricular (RV) pacing burden ≥40% (pacing-induced cardiomyopathy, PICM). It is uncertain whether baseline RV pacing burden impacts response to CRT. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of all CRT upgrades for PICM at our hospital from January 2017 to December 2018. Univariate and multivariable-adjusted changes in LVEF, and echocardiographic response (≥10% improvement in LVEF) at 3-12 months post-CRT upgrade were compared in those with RV pacing burden ≥90% versus <90%. RESULTS: We included 75 patients (age 74 ± 11 years, 71% male) who underwent CRT upgrade for PICM. The baseline RV pacing burden was ≥90% in 56 patients (median 99% [IQR 98%-99%]), and <90% in 19 patients (median 79% [IQR 73%-87%]). Improvement in LVEF was greater in those with baseline RV pacing burden ≥90% versus <90% (15.7 ± 9.3% vs. 7.5 ± 9.6%, p = .003). Baseline RV pacing burden ≥90% was a strong predictor of an improvement in LVEF ≥10% after CRT upgrade both in univariate and multivariate-adjusted models (p = .005 and .02, respectively). CONCLUSION: A higher baseline RV pacing burden predicts a greater improvement in LVEF after CRT upgrade for PICM.

Multicenter assessment of the outcomes of subcutaneous ICD implantation in patients with prior or future sternotomy.

BACKGROUND: The subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) is a viable alternative to transvenous ICD and avoids intravascular complications in patients without a pacing indication. The outcomes of S-ICD implantation are uncertain in patients with prior sternotomy. OBJECTIVE: We aim to compare the implant techniques and outcomes with S-ICD implantation in patients with and without prior sternotomy. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective cohort study including adult patients with an S-ICD implanted between January 2014 and June 2020. Outcomes were compared between patients with and without prior sternotomy. RESULTS: Among the 212 patients (49 ± 15 years old, 43% women, BMI 30 ± 8 kg/m2 , 68% primary prevention, 30% ischemic cardiomyopathy, LVEF median 30% IQR 25%-45%) who underwent S-ICD implantation, 47 (22%) had a prior sternotomy. There was no difference in the sensing vector (57% vs. 53% primary, p = 0.55), laterality of the S-ICD lead to the sternum (94% vs. 96% leftward, p = 0.54), or the defibrillation threshold (65 ± 1.4 J vs. 65 ± 0.8 J, p = 0.76) with versus without prior sternotomy. The frequency of 30-day complications was similar with and without prior sternotomy (n = 3/47 vs. n = 15/165, 6% vs. 9%, p = 0.56). Over a median follow-up of 28 months (IQR 10-49 months), the frequency of inappropriate shocks was similar between those with and without prior sternotomy (n = 3/47 and n = 16/165, 6% vs. 10%, p = 0.58). CONCLUSION: Implantation of an S-ICD in patients with prior sternotomy is safe with a similar risk of 30-day complications and inappropriate ICD shocks as patients without prior sternotomy.

UltraSound Axillary Vein Access (USAA): Learning curve and randomized comparison to traditional venous access for cardiac device implantation.

BACKGROUND: Many techniques exist for venous access (VA) during cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the learning curve with ultrasound (US) guided axillary vein access (USAA). METHODS: Single-center prospective randomized controlled trial of patients undergoing CIED implantation. Patients were randomized in a 2:1 fashion to USAA versus conventional VA techniques. The primary outcomes were the success rates, VA times and 30-day complication rates. RESULTS: The study included 100 patients (age 68 ± 14 years, BMI 27 ± 4 kg/m2 ). USAA was successful in 66/70 implants (94%). Initial attempts at conventional VA included 47% axillary (n = 14), 30% (n = 9) cephalic, and 23% (n = 7) subclavian. The median access time was longer for USAA than conventional access (8.3 IQR 4.2-15.3 min vs. 5.2 IQR 3.4-8.6 min, p = .009). Among the five inexperienced USAA implanters, there was a significant improvement in median access time from first to last tertile of USAA implants (17.0 IQR 7.0-21.0 min to 8.6 IQR 4.5-10.8 min, p = .038). The experienced USAA implanter had similar access times with USAA compared with conventional access (4.0 IQR 3.3-4.7 min vs. 5.2 IQR 3.4-8.6 min, p = .15). Venograms were less common with USAA than conventional access (2% vs. 33%, p < .0001). The 30-day complication rate was similar with USAA (n = 4/70, 6%) versus conventional (n = 3/30, 10%, p = .44). CONCLUSION: Although the success rate with USAA was high, there was a significant learning curve. Once experienced with the USAA technique, there is the potential for reduced complications without adding to the procedure duration.

Impact of ultra-conservative ICD programming in patients with LVADs: Avoiding potentially unnecessary tachy-therapies.

BACKGROUND: Patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) often tolerate ventricular arrhythmias (VA). We aim to assess the frequency and outcomes of ICD therapies averted by ultraconservative ICD programming (UCP) in LVAD patients. METHODS: This single center, retrospective cohort study included patients with LVADs and ICDs implanted from 2015 to 2019 that had UCP. The aim for UCP was to maximally delay VA treatments and maximize anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) prior to ICD shocks. VA events were reviewed after UCP and evaluated under prior conservative programming to assess for potentially averted events (that would have resulted in either ATP or defibrillation with prior programming). RESULTS: Fifty patients were included in the study with follow-up of median 16 ± 10.2 months after UCP. The median time from LVAD implantation to reprogramming was 7 days (IQR 5-9 days). Fourteen patients (28%) had potentially averted VA events that would have been treated with their prior ICD programming (82 total events, median two events per patient, IQR 1-10 events). Treated VA events occurred in 15 patients (30%). Eleven of the 14 patients with potentially averted VAs had treated events as well. Only one patient reported definitive symptoms of self-limited "dizziness" during a potentially averted event that did not result in hospitalization. No patients died of complications from or needed emergent care/hospitalization due a potentially averted VA. CONCLUSIONS: UCP in LVAD patients likely prevented unnecessary VA treatments in many patients with minimal reported symptoms during these potentially averted events. Prospective studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Comparative outcomes of vascular access closure methods following atrial fibrillation/flutter catheter ablation: insights from VAscular Closure for Cardiac Ablation Registry.

PURPOSE: This registry compared the safety and efficacy of vascular closure device Perclose (PC) with figure-of-eight stitch (Fo8) and manual compression (MC) following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation/flutter. METHODS: VAscular Closure for Cardiac Ablation Registry (VACCAR) is a prospective, observational registry that assessed the time to hemostasis (TTH), time to ambulation (TTA), length of stay (LOS), complications, patient-reported outcomes, and pain medication use. RESULTS: A total of 434 patients (mean age 64.0±11.0 years; 38% female; 94.9% white) were enrolled between October 2017 and May 2019: 156 in MC, 203 in Fo8, and 75 in the PC group. Median TTH was significantly reduced in the PC and Fo8 group at 7 and 9 min respectively vs. the MC group at 20 min (p<0.001). Median TTA was significantly reduced in both the PC and Fo8 group at 2.2 h vs. the MC group at 6.5 h (p<0.001 for both). Median LOS for the PC group was significantly reduced at 27.5 h compared to the MC and Fo8 group at 29 h (p<0.01). A higher proportion of same-day discharges were noted in the PC and Fo8 groups at 14 (18.7%) and 25 (12.3%), respectively, compared to 5 (3.2%) in the MC group (p<0.01 for all). There was no significant difference in complications between the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both PC and Fo8 are safe with improved TTH, TTA, LOS, and a higher number of same-day discharges compared to MC.

Proteinuria y síndrome nefrótico / Proteinuria and Nephrotic Syndrome

Introducción: El síndrome nefrótico es una patología que afecta el complejo glomerular del riñón, se caracteriza por una proteinuria mayor 3500 mg/d. De acuerdo a la respuesta de los esteroides se puede clasificar en síndrome nefrótico en esteroide resistente o esteroide sensible. Objetivo: Determinar la relación que existe entre la proteinuria y las variantes del síndrome nefrótico en adultos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, tipo serie de casos, con una población de 28 pacientes. Se recolectaron y se procesaron los datos a través del software Epi-Info 7,2TM; la frecuencia simple, la media estadística, prueba t de Student, y el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. Resultados: En el análisis combinatorio de los fármacos adyuvantes para síndrome nefrótico, el grupo que utilizó antiproteinúricos pero no estatinas, demostró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre la proteinuria postratamiento media del grupo de síndrome nefrótico esteroideo resistente (6202 mg/d) vs síndrome nefrótico esteroideo sensible (65,9 mg/d) (valor de p 0,418). Existe una correlación negativa entre los niveles proteinuria postratamiento y el nivel de albúmina sérica postratamiento (r = - 0,7 valor de p < 0,00001). Conclusiones: Se demostró la ausencia de asociación entre la proteinuria inicial y las variantes de síndrome nefrótico esteroide sensible y esteroide resistente (valor de p = 0,8)(AU)

Introduction: Nephrotic syndrome is a pathology that affects the glomerular complex of the kidney, characterized by proteinuria greater than 3500 mg/d. According to the response to steroids, nephrotic syndrome can be classified as steroid-resistant or steroid-sensitive. Objective: To determine the relationship between proteinuria and the variants of the nephrotic syndrome in adults. Methods: A descriptive, retrospective, case series type study was carried out with a population of 28 patients. The data was collected and processed through Epi-Info 7.2TM software; simple frequency, statistical mean, student's t-test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: The statistically significant difference was obtained in the antiproteinuric and non-statin group, between the mean post-treatment proteinuria of the steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome group (6202 mg/d) in comparison to steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (65.9 mg/d) (p value 0.0418). There is negative correlation between post-treatment proteinuria levels and post-treatment serum albumin level (r= -0.7 p value <0.00001). Conclusions: The absence of association between initial proteinuria and steroid-sensitive and steroid-resistant variants of nephrotic syndrome was demonstrated (p value=0.8)(AU)

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome After Orthotopic Heart Transplantation: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Calcineurin inhibitor-induced posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is well described in liver and kidney transplant patients, but there is a paucity of data in heart transplant patients. PRES syndrome in the setting of heart transplantation can occur as early as 5 days following transplantation. CASE REPORT A 32-year-old woman who had recently undergone orthotopic heart transplantation developed headaches, visual disturbances, and generalized tonic clonic seizures 5 days after initiating anti-rejection therapy (tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and prednisone). No focal neurological deficits were noted on physical exam. Multifocal subcortical fluid attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintensity signals and areas of diffusion restriction with postcontrast enhancement, diagnostic of PRES, were found on MRI brain. Her symptoms resolved 2 days after tacrolimus was switched to cyclosporine. A follow-up MRI after 6 weeks demonstrated complete resolution of areas of flair hyperintensity signal. She was sent home on a short course of seizure prophylaxis, which was discontinued after the resolution of radiological findings. She had no further episodes of seizures for 6 months following discontinuation of her anti-epileptic regimen. CONCLUSIONS Tacrolimus-induced PRES can occur as early as 5 days after orthotopic heart transplantation. Early recognition of symptoms and management can prevent permanent neurological sequelae.

Quality of Life and Associated Risk Factors in Hemodialysis: Perspective from a Center in the Dominican Republic

Background: Chronic kidney disease has an overall prevalence of 10 %. It can progress to a condition called end-stage renal disease. Therapies such as hemodialysis are necessary at this stage. Our study aims to measure the quality of life of patients on hemodialysis. Methods: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study with 81 patients. Data was collected using a survey that included sociodemographic variables, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Screening Index (CES-D), and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-SF36). Data were analyzed using the software Epi Info™ 7.2, t-test, ANOVA, and correlation coefficient. Results: The severity of symptoms is more significant in the female sex than in males (65.7117 vs. 74.2874). All of the components of the KDQOL-SF36 showed a negative correlation with the CES-D. Household income had a mild positive correlation with the scale (r = 0.2608, p = 0.0229). Physical activity was shown to be associated with the physical component of the scale (41.6346 vs. 35.7365, p = 0.0412). Patients with partners were associated with higher quality of life scores than single patients (53.6585 vs. 42.6783, p = 0.0348). Conclusion: This is the first study conducted in the Dominican Republic to analyze the variables affecting the quality of life in patients in hemodialysis units. The severity of the symptoms increased in female patients, and patients without a partner are associated with worse quality of life scores.

Introducción: la enfermedad renal crónica presenta una prevalencia global del 10 % y puede progresar a una condición llamada enfermedad renal en etapa terminal. Terapias como la hemodiálisis son necesarias en esta etapa. Nuestro estudio tiene como objetivo medir la calidad de vida de pacientes en hemodiálisis. Método: se realizó un estudio observacional transversal, en el cual se recolectaron los datos de 81 pacientes. Para esto, se aplicó un cuestionario con las variables sociodemográficas, así como la escala CES-D y la escala KDQOL-SF36. Los datos se analizaron con el software Epi Info ™ 7.2. mediante la prueba t, ANOVA y el coeficiente de correlación. Resultados: la gravedad de los síntomas fue mayor en el sexo femenino que en el masculino (65,7117 vs. 74,2874). Los componentes de KDQOL-SF36 mostraron una correlación negativa con la puntuación de la escala CES-D. El ingreso del hogar tuvo una correlación positiva leve (r = 0,2608, p = 0,0229). La actividad física mostró estar asociada con la escala (41,6346 vs. 35,7365, p = 0,0412). Los pacientes con parejas tuvieron mejor calidad de vida que los pacientes solteros (53.6585 vs 42.6783, p = 0.0348). Conclusiones: este es el primer estudio realizado en la República Dominicana con el fin de evaluar las variables que afectan la calidad de vida de los pacientes en hemodiálisis. La gravedad de los síntomas aumentó en pacientes del sexo femenino y vivir sin pareja estuvo asociado a un menor puntaje en las escalas de calidad de vida.

Caracterización de la lesión renal aguda en un hospital de la República Dominicana

Resumen: Objetivo: Caracterizar la lesión renal aguda (LRA) para describir el patrón etiológico, manifestaciones clínicas y de laboratorio. Material y métodos: Diseño observacional, retrospectivo tipo serie de casos. Se analizaron los registros de 88 pacientes, atendidos en la Unidad de Nefrología de un Hospital en la República Dominicana, sin importar el estadio de la enfermedad. Resultados: Encontramos que la edad media es 64 años con una TFG 17 mL/min/1.73 m2. El principal motivo de ingreso como de interconsulta es la "elevación de azoados" con 7.51% (n= 19 / 253) y 29.90% (n=58 / 194), respectivamente. El diagnóstico final más común fue la anemia con un 17.09% (n=50 / 396), la hipertensión arterial con un 34.16% (n=55 / 151) fue la comorbilidad predominante. La mayoría de pacientes no tuvo ningún antecedente medicamentoso con un 31.17% (n=48 / 154), la intervención más común fue el uso de fluidos en un 40.83% (n=49 / 120). El hallazgo clínico más descrito fueron los campos pulmonares hipoventilados 42,72% (n=44 / 103). Conclusiones: Recomendamos poner en funcionamiento acciones que ayuden con un oportuno diagnóstico y tratamiento temprano de la LRA en el hospital.

Abstract: Objective: To characterize acute kidney injury (AKI) and describe its etiological pattern, clinical and laboratory manifestations. Material and methods: Retrospective, observational design, case series type. We analyzed the records of 88 patients treated in the nephrology unit of a hospital in the Dominican Republic, regardless of the stage of the disease. Results: We found that the average age is 64 years with a GFR 17mL/min/1.73 m2. The main reason for admission and consultation is the "elevation of BUN and creatinine levels" with 7.51% (n= 19 / 253) and 29.90% (n=58 / 194), respectively. The most common final diagnosis was anemia 17.09% (n=50 / 396), hypertension with 34.16% (n=55 / 151) was the predominant comorbidity. The majority of patients had no medication history with 31.17% (n=48 / 154), the most common intervention performed was fluid use with 40.83% (n=49 / 120). The most frequently described clinical finding was hypoventilated lungs with 42, 72% (n=44 / 103). Conclusions: We recommend the implementation of actions to improve the timely diagnosis and management of AKI in the hospital.

Resumo: Objetivo: Caracterizar a lesão renal aguda (LRA) prá descrever o padrão etiológico, manifestações clinicas e do laboratório. Métodos: Modelo observacional, retrospectivo tipo série de casos. Foram analisados os registros de 88 pacientes, antendidos na Unidade de Nefrología dum Hospital na República Dominicana, sem importar o estágio da doença. Resultados: Encontramos que a edade média é 64 anos com uma TFG de 17 mL/min/1.73 m2. A razão principal da admissão e interconsulta é a "elevação de azoados" com 7.51% (n=19/253) e 29.90% (n=58/194), respectivamente. O diagnóstico final mais comum foi a anemia com um 17.09% (n=50/396), a hipertensão arterial com um 34.16% (n=55/151) foi a comorbidade predominante. A maioria dos pacientes não tinha histórico medicinal com um 31.17% (n=48/154), a intervenção mais comum foi o uso de fluidos num 40.83% (n=49/120). O achado clínico mais comum foi campos pulmonares hipoventilados 47.72% (n=44/103). Conclusões: Recomendamos colocar em operação ações que ajudam com um diagnóstico oportuno e um tratamento precoce da LRA no hospital.

Overexpressed Arabidopsis Annexin4 accumulates in inclusion body-like structures.

Large protein complexes form in the cytosol of prokaryotes and eukaryotes as assemblies of functional enzymes or aggregates of misfolded proteins. Their roles in the cell range from critical components of metabolism to disease-causing agents. We have observed a novel structure in the cells of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana that appears to be a form of inclusion body. These long, spindle-shaped structures form when Arabidopsis are transformed to express high levels of the protein Annexin4 fused to a fluorescent protein. These structures, previously named darts, are visible in all cells of the plant throughout development. Darts take on a variety of morphologies including rings and figure-eights. These structures are not associated with the endomembrane system and are not membrane bounded. Darts appear to be insoluble aggregates of protein analogous to bacterial inclusion bodies and eukaryotic aggresomes. Similar structures have not been observed in untransformed plants, suggesting darts are artifacts of transgenic overexpression.

Freeman-Sheldon syndrome in a 29-year-old woman presenting with rare and previously undescribed features.

Described are previously unreported features presenting in a case of Freeman-Sheldon syndrome (FSS); these apparently unreported features may substantively inform current therapy and further research. While considered to be primarily a craniofacial syndrome, FSS is officially described as a myopathic distal arthrogryposis. Clinical diagnosis requires microstomia, whistling-face appearance (pursed lips), H-shaped chin dimpling, nasolabial folds, and two or more contractures of hands and feet. Spinal deformities, metabolic and gastroenterological problems, other dysmorphic craniofacial characteristics, and visual and auditory impairments are frequent findings. Differential diagnoses include: distal arthrogryposis type 1, 2B (Sheldon-Hall syndrome) and 3; arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and isolated non-syndromic deformities. Expression is frequently from new allelic variation. Important implications exist for geneticists, neonatologists, paediatricians, plastic surgeons and others to facilitate patients' legitimate opportunity to meaningfully overcome functional limitations and become well. Despite complexities and complications, early craniofacial surgery and aggressive physiotherapy for limb contractures can achieve excellent outcomes for patients.

Micropropagacion in vitro de Rosa rosa sp. a partir de yemas axilares y respuesta callogénica / Rose rosa sp. in vitro micropropagation from axillary buds and callogenic response

El objetivo de este trabajo fue obtener plántulas de Rosa sp y respuesta callogénica a partir de yemas axilares y hojas. Se utilizó Murashige y Skoog (MS) al 100%, como medio de cultivo para la fase de establecimiento, adicionado con myo-inositol 0,1 mg/L, ácido ascórbico 0,1 mg/L, tiamina 0,2 mg/L, sacarosa 30 g, benzylaminopurina (BAP) 0,4 mg/L, kinetina 0,3 mg/L, ácido naftaleno-acético (ANA) 0,3 mg/L, y Agar sigma 6 g; ajustando el pH a 5,8; esterilizados en autoclave a 120°C bajo 15 lb de presión. El análisis de varianza para la fase de multiplicación y enraizamiento determinó que existen diferencias altamente significativas para la variable altura ( p=0,000), para determinar en cuáles medias son significativamente diferentes se realizó la prueba de Kruskal ­ Wallis. Para las variables presencia de raíz (p = 0,3398), número de hojas (p = 0,4775) y formación de callos (p = 0,1964), sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas.

The objective of this work was to obtain Rosa sp seedlings and callogenic response from axillary buds and leaves. Murashige and Skoog (MS) 100%, was used as culture medium for the establishment phase, added with myo-inositol 0.1 mg / L, ascorbic acid 0.1 mg / L, thiamin 0.2 mg / L, sucrose 30 g, benzylaminopurine (BAP) 0.4 mg / L, kinetin 0.3 mg / L, indole-acetic acid (IAA) 0.3 mg / L, and Sigma agar 6 g; adjusting the pH to 5.8; sterilized in an autoclave at 120 °C under 15 lb of pressure. The analysis of variance for the phase of multiplication and rooting determined that there are highly significant differences for the variable height (p = 0.000), in order to determine which means are significantly different, the Kruskal - Wallis test was performed. For the variables presence of root (p = 0. 3398), number of leaves (p = 0.4775) and callus formation (p = 0.1964), without statistically significant differences.

Identification of two novel type 1 peroxisomal targeting signals in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Peroxisomes lack their own genetic material and must therefore import proteins encoded by genes in the nucleus. Amino acids within these proteins serve as targeting signals: they direct the delivery of the proteins to the organelle. The majority of soluble proteins destined for the peroxisomal matrix utilize a type 1 peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS1): a C-terminal tripeptide that follows the pattern small/basic/hydrophobic. We have discovered two new C-terminal tripeptides that target proteins to peroxisomes in Arabidopsis thaliana. The tripeptides PSL and KRR do not fit the major PTS1 consensus but cause green fluorescent protein to accumulate in peroxisomes of stably transformed Arabidopsis. We have identified forty-one proteins in the Arabidopsis genome that also bear these tripeptides at their C-termini and may therefore be peroxisomal.

Efecto de la concentración de polen apícola en las propiedades reológicas, colorimétricas y fisicoquímicas del jugo de naranja

Al tener en cuenta los beneficios del jugo de naranja y el consumo de polen para el organismo, el propósito de este trabajo fue la estandarización de un jugo de naranja enriquecido con polen, para ello se elaboraron dos tipos de jugo con diferentes concentraciones de polen, P1% y P5%. Se evaluaron las coordenadas de color (L*, a* y b*), el comportamiento reológico para determinar el comportamiento al flujo del jugo y las características fisicoquímicas. Los parámetros colorimétricos L*, a* y b* del sistema CIELab de color de un jugo comercial con relación al jugo enriquecido con polen aumentó para los valores de L* y a*, debido a mayor contribución de la luminosidad y del color rojo con un aumento en la concentración de polen. El comportamiento de flujo evidenció un comportamiento newtoniano para el jugo al 1%, el cual pasa a ser un fluido no newtoniano con un aumento en la concentración de jugo. El análisis fisicoquímico, por medida de °Brix, pH y acidez titulable, permite concluir que los tratamientos analizados cumplen con lo especificado en la norma técnica colombiana (NTC) 5468 Jugo (zumo), pulpa, néctar de frutas y sus concentrados.

Taking into account the benefits of drinking orange juice and pollen, we decided to propose a research to standardize a type of orange juice enriched with pollen. Thus, we made two kinds of juice with different concentrations of pollen: P1% and P5%. We evaluated its color coordinates (L*, a* y b*), its rheological behavior and its physical and chemical characteristics. Colorimetric criterion L*, a* y b* of the CIELab system for the color of commercial juice, in comparison to the enriched juice with pollen, increased for the L* and a* values, given the bigger contribution to luminosity and red color that brings the pollen. Rheological behavior showed a Newtonian behavior for the juice with 1% concentration, becoming a non-Newtonian liquid after the concentration. Physical and chemical analysis, through measurements of Brix, pH and titrateable acidity ratios, allows to conclude that the analyzed treatments comply with the specifications of the 5468 Colombian Technical Norm (NTC in Spanish): juice, pulp, fruit nectar and its concentrates.

Ao considerar os benefícios do suco de laranja e o consumo de pólen para o organismo, o objetivo deste trabalho foi a padronização de um suco de laranja enriquecido com pólen; para isso, foram elaborados dois tipos de suco com diferentes concentrações de pólen: P1% e P5%. Foram avaliadas as coordenadas de cor (L*, a* e b*), o comportamento reológico para determinar o comportamento no fluxo do suco e as características físico-químicas. Os parâmetros colorimétricos L*, a* e b* do sistema CIELab de cor de um suco comercial em comparação com o enriquecido com pólen aumentaram para os valores de L* e a*, devido a maior contribuido da luminosidade e da cor vermelha com o aumento na concentrado de pólen. O comportamento de fluxo evidenciou um comportamento newtoniano para o suco a 1%, o que passa a ser um fluido nao newtoniano com um aumento na concentração de suco. A análise físico-química, por medida de °Brix, pH e acidez titulável, permite concluir que os tratamentos analisados cumprem com o especificado na norma técnica colombiana (NTC) 5468: suco (sumo), polpa, néctar de frutas e seus concentrados.

Feasibility of a Spanish/English computerized decision aid to facilitate smoking cessation efforts in underserved communities.

INTRODUCTION: People with poor access to medical care are more likely to smoke but are less likely to receive nicotine dependence treatment. OBJECTIVE: To assess preliminary outcomes of a computer-based, bilingual smoking cessation decision-aid to facilitate utilization of resources. METHODS: A computer kiosk with a smoking cessation decision-aid was integrated at three safety-net clinics and two health fairs. The kiosk queries participants about smoking behaviors, guides them to set a quit date and select treatment, provides printed materials, and prompts fax-referral to quitline. RESULTS: Among the 163 smokers referred to the kiosk, 78.5% participated in the study and 30% completed the kiosk in Spanish. Few had previously used cessation resources. During completion of the decision-aid, 95.3% requested pharmacotherapy, and 70.3% opted for counseling. Among those reached for two-month follow-up (69.5%), 20.2% reported they had quit smoking. CONCLUSION: Spanish/English computerized decision aids are feasible and can facilitate the use of effective treatments for smoking cessation among underserved smokers.