Exploring how non-clinical factors in childbirth care shape users' experiences in public health facilities in rural Chiapas, Mexico: a qualitative study using the WHO health systems responsiveness framework.

INTRODUCTION: Many Mexicans face barriers to receive delivery care from qualified professionals, especially indigenous and poor sectors of the population, which represent most of the population in the state of Chiapas. When access to institutional delivery care is an option, experiences with childbirth care are often poor. This underscores the need for evidence to improve the quality of services from the user's perspective. The present study was conceived with the objective of understanding how non-clinical aspects of care shape women's birthing experiences in public health institutions in Chiapas. METHODS: We conducted an exploratory qualitative study. Data collection consisted in 20 semi-structured interviews to women who had delivered in a public health facility in Chiapas during the last six months prior to the interview. For the design of the interview guide we used the WHO health system responsiveness framework, which focus on the performance of the health system in terms of the extent to which it delivers services according to the "universally legitimate expectations of individuals" and focuses on the non-financial and non-clinical qualities of care. The resulting data were analyzed using thematic analysis methodology. RESULTS: We identified a total of 16 themes from the data, framed in eight categories which followed the eight domains of the WHO health systems responsiveness framework: Choice of the provider and the facility, prompt attention, quality of basic amenities, access to social support, respectful treatment, privacy, involvement in decisions, and communication. We shed light on the barriers women face in receiving prompt care, aspects of health facilities that impact women's comfort, the relevance of being provided with adequate food and drink during institutional delivery, how accompaniment contributes positively to the birthing experience, the aspects of childbirth that women find important to decide on, and how providers' interpersonal behaviors affect the birthing experience. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified non-clinical aspects of childbirth care that are important to the user experience and that are not being satisfactorily addressed by public health institutions in Chiapas. This evidence constitutes a necessary first step towards the design of strategies to improve the responsiveness of the Chiapas health system in childbirth care.

Evaluation of the implementation of a community health worker-led COVID-19 contact tracing intervention in Chiapas, Mexico, from March 2020 to December 2021.

BACKGROUND: Mexico is one of the countries with the greatest excess death due to COVID-19. Chiapas, the poorest state in the country, has been particularly affected. Faced with an exacerbated shortage of health professionals, medical supplies, and infrastructure to respond to the pandemic, the non-governmental organization Compañeros En Salud (CES) implemented a COVID-19 infection prevention and control program to limit the impact of the pandemic in the region. We evaluated CES's implementation of a community health worker (CHW)-led contact tracing intervention in eight rural communities in Chiapas. METHODS: Our retrospective observational study used operational data collected during the contract tracing intervention from March 2020 to December 2021. We evaluated three outcomes: contact tracing coverage, defined as the proportion of named contacts that were located by CHWs, successful completion of contact tracing, and incidence of suspected COVID-19 among contacts. We described how these outcomes changed over time as the intervention evolved. In addition, we assessed associations between these three main outcomes and demographic characteristics of contacts and intervention period (pre vs. post March 2021) using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: From a roster of 2,177 named contacts, 1,187 (54.5%) received at least one home visit by a CHW and 560 (25.7%) had successful completion of contact tracing according to intervention guidelines. Of 560 contacts with complete contact tracing, 93 (16.6%) became suspected COVID-19 cases. We observed significant associations between sex and coverage (p = 0.006), sex and complete contact tracing (p = 0.049), community of residence and both coverage and complete contact tracing (p < 0.001), and intervention period and both coverage and complete contact tracing (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis highlights the promises and the challenges of implementing CHW-led COVID-19 contact tracing programs. To optimize implementation, we recommend using digital tools for data collection with a human-centered design, conducting regular data quality assessments, providing CHWs with sufficient technical knowledge of the data collection system, supervising CHWs to ensure contact tracing guidelines are followed, involving communities in the design and implementation of the intervention, and addressing community member needs and concerns surrounding stigmatization arising from lack of privacy.

Ultrasound evaluation of a new surface reference line to describe sural nerve location and safe zones to consider in posterior leg approaches.

PURPOSE: Several authors have described methods to predict the sural nerve pathway with non-proportional numerical distances, but none have proposed a person-proportional, reproducible method with anatomical references. The aim of this research is to describe ultrasonographically the distance and crossing zone between a surface reference line and the position of the sural nerve. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study, performed between January and April 2022 in patients requiring foot surgery who met inclusion criteria. The sural nerve course in the posterior leg was located and marked using ultrasound. Landmarks were drawn with a straight line from the medial femoral condyle to the tip of the fibula. Four equal zones were established in the leg by subdividing the distal half of the line. This way, areas based on simple anatomical proportions for each patient were studied. The distance between the marking and the ultrasound nerve position was measured in these 4 zones, creating intersection points and safety areas. Location and distances from the sural nerve to the proposed landmarks were assessed. RESULTS: One-hundred and four lower limbs, 52 left and 52 right, assessed in 52 patients were included. The shortest median distance of the nerve passage was 2.9 mm from Point 2. The sural nerve intersection was 60/104 (57.7%) in Zone B, 21/104 (20.1%) in Zone C and 19/104 (18.3%) in Zone A. Safety zones were established. Average 80.5% of coincidence in sural nerve localization was found in the distal half of the leg, in relation to the surface reference line when comparing both legs of each patient. CONCLUSIONS: This study proposes a simple, reproducible, non-invasive and, for the first time, person-proportional method, that describes the distance and location of the main areas of intersection of the sural nerve with points and zones (risk and safe zones) determined by a line guided by superficial anatomical landmarks. Its application when surgeons plan and perform posterior leg approaches will help to avoid iatrogenic nerve injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

[Quasi-experimental study of an intervention on the pharmacological management of non-oncological chronic pain in Primary Care]. / Estudio cuasi experimental de una intervención sobre el manejo farmacológico del dolor crónico no oncológico en atención primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the impact of a formative / informative intervention on the treatment of non-oncological chronic pain in Primary Care. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study before-after, and follow-up of the patient cohort. LOCATION: 64 Primary Care teams/centres (770 physicians). PARTICIPANTS: Patients≥14 years without an oncological diagnosis on: 1) fentanyl citrate, 2) major opioids and≥2 anxiolytics-hypnotics, 3) long-term major and minor opioids, 4) transdermal lidocaine, out of indication. INTERVENTION: Dissemination of recommendations for the treatment of non-oncological chronic pain and the reporting of the incidents of their patients to each doctor. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Number of incidents in 2 cross sections (June 2017 and June 2018). Number of incidents in June 2017, which were maintained in June 2018 (prospective cohort). RESULTS: Of the 2,465 incidents detected in 2017, there was a 21.1% reduction after the intervention. The reduction was higher (61.8%, p<.001) in the prospective cohort. In absolute values, the most important reduction was in incidences of lidocaine patches outside of indication (1,032 incidences). The approved indication was found in less than 8% of the treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention reduced the number of patients with incidences, and this reduction was higher in the prospective cohort, confirming the efficacy of sending information about patients with incidences to their physicians. The incorporation of new treatments during the follow-up year was significant, so these interventions should be perpetuated over time.

Revolutionizing Healthcare: Qure.AI's Innovations in Medical Diagnosis and Treatment.

Qure.AI, a leading company in artificial intelligence (AI) applied to healthcare, has developed a suite of innovative solutions to revolutionize medical diagnosis and treatment. With a plethora of FDA-approved tools for clinical use, Qure.AI continually strives for innovation in integrating AI into healthcare systems. This article delves into the efficacy of Qure.AI's chest X-ray interpretation tool, "qXR," in medicine, drawing from a comprehensive review of clinical trials conducted by various institutions. Key applications of AI in healthcare include machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing (NLP), all of which contribute to enhanced diagnostic accuracy, efficiency, and speed. Through the analysis of vast datasets, AI algorithms assist physicians in interpreting medical data and making informed decisions, thereby improving patient care outcomes. Illustrative examples highlight AI's impact on medical imaging, particularly in the diagnosis of conditions such as breast cancer, heart failure, and pulmonary nodules. AI can significantly reduce diagnostic errors and expedite the interpretation of medical images, leading to more timely interventions and treatments. Furthermore, AI-powered predictive analytics enable early detection of diseases and facilitate personalized treatment plans, thereby reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes. The efficacy of AI in healthcare is underscored by its ability to complement traditional diagnostic methods, providing physicians with valuable insights and support in clinical decision-making. As AI continues to evolve, its role in patient care and medical research is poised to expand, promising further advancements in diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy.

Mutant p53 Gain-of-Function Induces Migration and Invasion through Overexpression of miR-182-5p in Cancer Cells.

The master-key TP53 gene is a tumor suppressor that is mutated in more than 50% of human cancers. Some p53 mutants lose their tumor suppressor activity and acquire new oncogenic functions, known as a gain of function (GOF). Recent studies have shown that p53 mutants can exert oncogenic effects through specific miRNAs. We identified the differentially expressed miRNA profiles of the three most frequent p53 mutants (p53R273C, p53R248Q, and p53R175H) after their transfection into the Saos-2 cell line (null p53) as compared with p53WT transfected cells. The associations between these miRNAs and the signaling pathways in which they might participate were identified with miRPath Software V3.0. QRT-PCR was employed to validate the miRNA profiles. We observed that p53 mutants have an overall negative effect on miRNA expression. In the global expression profile of the human miRNome regulated by the p53R273C mutant, 72 miRNAs were underexpressed and 35 overexpressed; in the p53R175H miRNAs profile, our results showed the downregulation of 93 and upregulation of 10 miRNAs; and in the miRNAs expression profile regulated by the p53R248Q mutant, we found 167 decreased and 6 increased miRNAs compared with p53WT. However, we found overexpression of some miRNAs, like miR-182-5p, in association with processes such as cell migration and invasion. In addition, we explored whether the induction of cell migration and invasion by the p53R48Q mutant was dependent on miR-182-5p because we found overexpression of miR-182-5p, which is associated with processes such as cell migration and invasion. Inhibition of mutant p53R248Q and miR-182-5p increased FOXF2-MTSS1 levels and decreased cell migration and invasion. In summary, our results suggest that p53 mutants increase the expression of miR-182-5p, and this miRNA is necessary for the p53R248Q mutant to induce cell migration and invasion in a cancer cell model.

Integration of Hot Isostatic Pressing and Heat Treatment for Advanced Modified γ-TiAl TNM Alloys.

The conventional processing route of TNM (Ti-Nb-Mo) alloys combines casting and Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) followed by forging and multiple heat treatments to establish optimum properties. This is a time-consuming and costly process. In this study we present an advanced alternative TNM alloy processing route combining HIP and heat treatments into a single process, which we refer to as IHT (integrated HIP heat treatment), applied to a modified TNM alloy with 1.5B. A Quintus HIP lab unit with a quenching module was used, achieving fast and controlled cooling, which differs from the slow cooling rates of conventional HIP units. A Ti-42.5Al-3.5Nb-1Mo-1.5B (at.%) was subjected to an integrated two HIP steps at 200 MPa, one at 1250 °C for 3 h and another at 1260 °C for 1 h, both under a protective Ar atmosphere and followed by cooling at 30 K/min down to room temperature. The results were compared against the Ti-43.5Al-3.5Nb-1Mo-0.8B (at.%) thermomechanically processed in a conventional way. Applying IHT processing to the 1.5B alloy does indeed achieve good creep strength, and the secondary creep rate of the IHT processed materials is similar to that of conventionally forged TNM alloys. Thus, the proposed advanced IHT processing route could manufacture more cost-effective TiAl components.

An approach to cellular tropism of SARS-CoV-2 through protein-protein interaction and enrichment analysis.

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a primarily pulmonary disease that can affect several organs, directly or indirectly. To date, there are many questions about the different pathological mechanisms. Here, we generate an approach to identify the cellular-level tropism of SARS-CoV-2 using human proteomics, virus-host interactions, and enrichment analysis. Through a network-based approach, the molecular context was visualized and analyzed. This procedure was also performed for SARS-CoV-1. We obtained proteomes and interactomes from 145 different cells corresponding to 57 different tissues. We discarded the cells without the proteins known for interacting with the virus, such as ACE2 or TMPRSS2. Of the remaining cells, a gradient of susceptibility to infection was observed. In addition, we identified proteins associated with the coagulation cascade that can be directly or indirectly affected by viral proteins. As a whole we identified 55 cells that could be potentially controlled by the virus, with different susceptibilities, mainly being pneumocytes, heart, kidney, liver, or small intestine cells. These results help to explain the molecular context and provide elements for possible treatments in the current situation. This strategy may be useful for other viruses, especially those with limited reported PPI, such as a new virus.

Long-Term Effectiveness and Tolerability of Pain Treatment with Tapentadol Prolonged Release.

BACKGROUND: The central analgesic tapentadol prolonged release (PR) has proven effective and generally well tolerated in a broad range of chronic pain conditions. Long-term data of its use are still scarce. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate long-term effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of tapentadol PR in patients with severe chronic osteoarthritis (OA) knee pain or low back pain (LBP) who responded to tapentadol in 1 of 4 preceding 12-week phase 3b clinical trials. STUDY DESIGN: Open-label, uncontrolled, observational extension study of up to 72 weeks. SETTING: Fourteen centers in Spain. Protocol approval by the reference ethics committee for all the participating centers. METHODS: Eligible patients started the extension trial on the tapentadol PR dosage optimized for them in the preceding trial; dose adjustments were permitted throughout the extension. Treatment effectiveness outcomes included changes in pain intensity, sleep, state of health, quality of life, patient and clinician global impression of change, and patients' satisfaction with treatment. Patients with OA knee pain also answered the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA index, and patients with LBP with a possible neuropathic pain component completed neuropathic pain-related questionnaires. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients were enrolled: 40 with OA knee pain, 43 with LBP. The full analysis set consisted of 81 patients. Mean pain intensity remained relatively stable over the 72-week extension period with mean increases from baseline of 0.44 (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.1,1.0; Numeric Rating Scale) for all patients, 0.2 (95% CI, -0.5, 0.9) for patients with OA, and 0.68 (95% CI, -0.2, 1.6) for patients with LBP. State of health and quality of life baseline ratings were maintained; overall impression of change was "improved." Most patients (88.9%) reported at least good treatment satisfaction at the end of treatment. Mean daily tapentadol PR doses slightly increased from 313.3 ± 139.5 mg at baseline to 315.7 ± 140.1 mg at end of study. Uptitration was required for 8.4% of the patients, 4.8% had a dose reduction during the trial. Adverse events considered probably/likely or certainly related to tapentadol PR treatment by the investigator were documented for 18.1% of all patients, most commonly constipation (7.2%). Seven patients (8.4%) experienced adverse events leading to premature discontinuation. LIMITATIONS: An open-label design, stable concomitant analgesics (World Health Organization step I), and dose adjustments were allowed during the study. All patients had benefitted from tapentadol PR in preceding trials. CONCLUSIONS: Sustained pain relief and quality of life for up to 72 treatment weeks under relatively stable dosing, as well as the good safety profile, indicate the usefulness of tapentadol PR for patients who suffer from severe chronic OA knee pain and LBP with limited risk for tolerance development.

A meta-analysis of transcriptome datasets characterizes malignant transformation from melanocytes and nevi to melanoma.

Melanoma represents one of the most aggressive malignancies and has a high tendency to metastasize. The present study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms of two pathways to cancer transformation with the purpose of identifying potential biomarkers. Our approach is based on a meta-analysis of gene expression profiling contrasting two scenarios: A model that describes a transformation pathway from melanocyte to melanoma and a second model where transformation occurs through an intermediary nevus. Data consists of three independent, publicly available microarray datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database comprising samples from melanocytes, nevi and melanoma. The present analysis identified 808 differentially expressed genes (528 upregulated and 360 downregulated) in melanoma compared with nevi, and 2,331 differentially expressed genes (946 upregulated and 1,385 downregulated) in melanoma compared with melanocytes. Further analysis narrowed down this list, since 682 differentially expressed genes were found in both models (417 upregulated and 265 downregulated). Enrichment analysis identified relevant dysregulated pathways. This article also presented a discussion on significant genes including ADAM like decysin 1, neudesin neurotrophic factor, MMP19, apolipoprotein L6, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)8, basic, immunoglobulin-like variable motif containing and CXCL16. These are of particular interest because they encode secreted proteins hence represent potential blood biomarkers for the early detection of malignant transformation in both scenarios. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4, an important therapeutic target in melanoma treatment, was also upregulated in both comparisons indicating a potential involvement in immune tolerance, not only at advanced stages but also during the early transformation to melanoma. The results of the present study may provide a research direction for studying the mechanisms underlying the development of melanoma, depending on its origin.

Ácido tranexámico tópico e infiltración periarticular vs administración tópica para la disminución de pérdida sanguínea en artroplastia de rodilla. Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva / Topical tranexamic acid and periarticular infiltration vs topical administration for the reduction of blood loss in knee arthroplasty. a cohort study

Introducción El ácido tranexámico (TXA) es uno de los métodos farmacológicos más efectivos para disminución de pérdida de sangre en reemplazos articulares. El objetivo fue evaluar los efectos de la administración de TXA en infiltración periarticular combinado con vía intraarticular comparado con TXA tópico en la pérdida sanguínea en remplazo total de rodilla (RTC). Materiales & Métodos Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes sometidos a RTC. Se recolectó valores de hematocrito y hemoglobina pre y posquirúrgica en pacientes operados entre marzo de 2016 y marzo de 2018. Al primer grupo se les realizó infiltración periarticular con mezcla de bupivacaina con epinefrina 150mg, ketorolaco 30mg, morfina 0.1mg/kg y 2g. de TXA intraarticular; al segundo grupo administró el mismo protocolo anterior más 1g. de TXA en la mezcla infiltrada. Resultados 174 pacientes [Grupo 1: 174 (65.9%) y Grupo 2: 90 (34.1%)]. Del grupo 1, el porcentaje de transfusión fue del 0,57% (1 paciente). La disminución promedio del hematocrito fue del 7,03% (-1.4 a 18.3) y la disminución de la hemoglobina de 2,51 (-0.5 a -5.7) g/dl. En el grupo 2 sin transfusiones. Disminución media del hematocrito fue del 7,05 (-0.3 a 15.1) y la disminución de la hemoglobina de 2,56 (0.0-5.2) g/dl. Discusión Los resultados de nuestro estudio son similares a reportes de estudios previos. La utilización de TXA en la mezcla de infiltración periarticular adicional a su uso tópico no genera beneficio en el control de pérdida sanguínea en el remplazo total de rodilla.

Introduction The tranexamic acid is currently one of the most effective pharmacological methods for blood lose in articular replacements. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of TXA administration in periarticular infiltration combined with intraarticular administration compared to topical TXA in blood lose in total knee arthoplasty. Methods Retrospective observational study. Patients undergoing total primary knee arthoplasty were included. Hematocrit and pre-surgical and post-surgical hemoglobin values ??were collected in patients operated between March 2016 and March 2018. The first group underwent peripheral joint infiltration with bupivacaine mixture with epinephrine 150mg, ketorolac 30mg, morphine 0.1mg / kg and 2g. of intraarticular TXA; the second group administered the same previous protocol plus 1g. of TXA in the infiltrated mixture. Outcomes 174 patients [Group 1: 174 (65.9%) and Group 2: 90 (34.1%)]. From group 1, the percentage of transfusion was 0.57% (1 patient). The average decrease in hematocrit was 7.03% (-1.4 to 18.3) and the decrease in hemoglobin from 2.51 (-0.5 to -5.7) g / dl. In group 2 there were no transfusions. The average decrease in hematocrit was 7.05 (-0.3 to 15.1) and the decrease in hemoglobin of 2.56 (0.0-5.2) g / dl. Discussion The results of our study are similar to reports from previous studies. The use of TXA in the mixture of periarticular infiltration in addition to its topical use does not generate benefit in the control of blood loss in the total knee arthroplasty.

Medication Adherence Following Acute Coronary Syndrome: Does One Size Fit All?

Guideline-based management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is well established, yet some may challenge that strict implementation of guideline recommendations can limit the individualization of therapy. The use of all recommended medications following ACS places a high burden of responsibility and cost on patients, particularly when these medications have not been previously prescribed. Without close attention to avoiding non-adherence to these medications, the full benefits of the guideline recommendations will not be realized in many patients. Using a case example, we discuss how the recognition of adherence barriers can be an effective and efficient process for identifying patients at risk of non-adherence following ACS. For those identified as at risk, the World Health Organization's model of adherence barriers is explored as a potentially useful tool to assist with individualization of therapy and promotion of adherence.

Secretome profile analysis of hypervirulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis CPT31 reveals increased production of EsxB and proteins involved in adaptation to intracellular lifestyle.

Epidemiological information and animal models have shown various Mycobacterium tuberculosis phenotypes ranging from hyper- to hypovirulent forms. Recent genomic and proteomic studies suggest that the outcome of infection depends on the M. tuberculosis fitness, which is a direct consequence of its phenotype. However, little is known about the molecular and cellular mechanisms used by mycobacteria to survive, replicate and persist during infection. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive proteomic analysis of culture filtrate from hypo- (CPT23) and hypervirulent (CPT31) M. tuberculosis isolates. Using two-dimensional electrophoresis we observed that 70 proteins were unique, or more abundant in culture filtrate of CPT31, and 15 of these were identified by mass spectrometry. Our analysis of protein expression showed that most of the proteins identified are involved in lipid metabolism (FadA3, FbpB and EchA3), detoxification and adaptation (GroEL2, SodB and HspX) and cell wall processes (LprA, Tig and EsxB). These results suggest that overrepresented proteins in M. tuberculosis CPT31 secretome could facilitate mycobacterial infection and persistence.

Estudio cuasi experimental de una intervención sobre el manejo farmacológico del dolor crónico no oncológico en atención primaria / Quasi-experimental study of an intervention on the pharmacological management of non-oncological chronic pain in Primary Care

OBJETIVO: Analizar el impacto de una intervención formativa/informativa sobre el tratamiento del dolor crónico no oncológico en atención primaria. DISEÑO: Estudio cuasi experimental antes-después y seguimiento de la cohorte de pacientes. Emplazamiento: Sesenta y cuatro equipos de atención primaria (770 médicos). PARTICIPANTES: Pacientes ≥ 14 años sin diagnóstico oncológico con: 1) fentanilo citrato, 2) opioides mayores y ≥ 2 ansiolíticos-hipnóticos, 3) opioides mayores y menores de forma crónica, 4) lidocaína transdérmica fuera de indicación. Intervención: Difusión de recomendaciones del tratamiento del dolor crónico no oncológico y facilitación de las incidencias de sus pacientes a cada médico. MEDICIONES PRINCIPALES: Números de incidencias en 2 cortes transversales (junio 2017 y junio 2018). Número de incidencias en junio de 2017 y que se mantienen en junio de 2018 (cohorte prospectiva). RESULTADOS: De las 2.465 incidencias detectadas en 2017 se produjo una reducción del 21,1% tras la intervención. La reducción fue superior (61,8%; p ≤ 0,0001) en la cohorte prospectiva. En números absolutos, la reducción más importante fue en incidencias de parches de lidocaína fuera de indicación (1.032 incidencias). La indicación aprobada constaba en menos del 8% de los tratados. CONCLUSIONES: La intervención redujo el número de pacientes con incidencias y la disminución fue mayor en la cohorte prospectiva, lo que confirma la eficacia de enviar información sobre pacientes con incidencias. La incorporación de nuevos tratamientos durante el año de seguimiento ha sido importante, por lo que estas intervenciones deben perpetuarse en el tiempo

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the impact of a formative / informative intervention on the treatment of non-oncological chronic pain in Primary Care. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study before-after, and follow-up of the patient cohort. LOCATION: 64 Primary Care teams/centres (770 physicians). PARTICIPANTS: Patients ≥ 14 years without an oncological diagnosis on: 1) fentanyl citrate, 2) major opioids and ≥ 2 anxiolytics-hypnotics, 3) long-term major and minor opioids, 4) transdermal lidocaine, out of indication. Intervention: Dissemination of recommendations for the treatment of non-oncological chronic pain and the reporting of the incidents of their patients to each doctor. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Number of incidents in 2 cross sections (June 2017 and June 2018). Number of incidents in June 2017, which were maintained in June 2018 (prospective cohort). RESULTS: Of the 2,465 incidents detected in 2017, there was a 21.1% reduction after the intervention. The reduction was higher (61.8%, p < .001) in the prospective cohort. In absolute values, the most important reduction was in incidences of lidocaine patches outside of indication (1,032 incidences). The approved indication was found in less than 8% of the treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention reduced the number of patients with incidences, and this reduction was higher in the prospective cohort, confirming the efficacy of sending information about patients with incidences to their physicians. The incorporation of new treatments during the follow-up year was significant, so these interventions should be perpetuated over time

Optimización de la gestión del dolor postoperatorio basado en una nueva herramienta tecnológica. Mapa del dolor / Optimization of postoperative pain management based on a new technological tool. Pain map

Introducción: En el año 2005 el Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad (MSSSI) impulsó y promovió la Estrategia de Seguridad del Paciente del Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), en colaboración con las comunidades autónomas, que integraba las aportaciones de los profesionales sanitarios y de los pacientes a través de sus organizaciones. Uno de los objetivos de las prácticas seguras era la necesidad de prevención y control del dolor en el adulto y en el niño, incluyéndose la gestión de este en los estándares de calidad. En el Hospital Universitario Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTIP), en el año 2016 se inició la elaboración de los indicadores que se querían evaluar para una mejor detección y eficiencia terapéutica del dolor agudo intrahospitalario de cualquier área y que finalizó con el diseño y creación de lo que denominamos "Mapa del dolor". El objetivo fue diseñar una herramienta que, a través de la variable clínica dolor, permitiera mejorar la visualización de esta y extraer los datos estadísticos de los indicadores defi nidos para una óptima gestión del dolor dentro de un hospital universitario de tercer nivel. Material y método: Análisis descriptivo de la herramienta que denominamos "Mapa del dolor" en el Hospital Universitario Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP) durante el año 2016. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes ingresados en los que el registro de dolor se realizó a través de la historia clínica informatizada GacelaCare(R). Considerando el dolor como 5.ª constante, la variable principal fue el registro de la intensidad del dolor mediante la escala visual analógica (EVA) o escala verbal numérica (EVN) en cada turno de enfermería. El procedimiento de creación de la herramienta para la elaboración del denominado "Mapa del dolor" se realizó con la colaboración del Departamento de Sistemas de Información del HUGTiP, junto con miembros de la Unidad del Dolor. Resultados: El "Mapa del dolor" se fundamenta en el registro de la intensidad del dolor mediante la escala visual analógica (EVA) o escala verbal numérica (EVN) por turno de enfermería, acción previa imprescindible por parte de enfermería. Permite visualizar en la pantalla los registros de la intensidad del dolor de todos los pacientes hospitalizados de manera simultánea y en tiempo real. El "Mapa del dolor" identifi ca los registros con distintos colores a modo de semáforo del dolor, en color verde marca los valores de EVN entre 1-3 (dolor leve), en color naranja EVN entre 4-6 (dolor moderado) y en color rojo EVN entre 7-10 (dolor intenso); asimismo señala con una franja de color morado aquellos pacientes operados el día anterior, facilitando el control del dolor durante las primeras 24 horas postoperatorias. La explotación estadística de los registros informatizados de dolor permite obtener resultados de los indicadores relacionados con su gestión, previamente defi nidos por nuestro hospital. Discusión: El "Mapa del dolor" es una herramienta innovadora que permite desarrollar con garantías la efi ciencia de las unidades de dolor agudo de bajo coste

Introduction: In 2005, the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality (MSSSI) promoted the Patient Safety Strategy of the National Health System (SNS), in collaboration with the Autonomous Communities, which integrated the contributions of health professionals and patients through their organizations. One of the objectives of safe practices was the need for prevention and control of pain in adults and children, including management of the same in quality standards. At the Germans Trias and Pujol University Hospital (HUGTIP) in 2016, the development of the indicators that were intended to be evaluated for better detection and therapeutic effi ciency of acute in-hospital pain in any area ended with the design and creation of what we call as "pain map". The objective was to design a tool that, through the clinical pain variable, could improve the visualization of pain and extract statistical data from the defi ned indicators for optimal pain management in a university hospital of the third level. Material and method: Descriptive analysis of the tool we call pain map at the Germans Trias and Pujol University Hospital during 2016. The population was all patients admitted to hospital units where the pain registry was made through the GacelaCare(R) computerized medical record. The main variable was the recording of pain intensity using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or Numeric Verbal Scale (NVA) by nursing shift considering pain as the 5th constant. The tool creation procedure was carried out with the collaboration of the hospital information systems department together with members of the Pain Unit for the elaboration of the so-called pain map. Results: The pain map is based on the previous action required by nursing which is the recording of the intensity of pain using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or Numerical Verbal Scale (NVA) in turn considering pain as the 5th constant. The map allows to visualize on the screen the registers of the pain intensity of all hospitalized patients simultaneously and in real time. The pain map identifi es with different colors as a traffi c light of pain. In green color, the EVN values are between 0-3 (mild pain), orange EVN between 4 and 6 (moderate pain) and red color between 7 and 10 (intense pain). Likewise, it indicates with a purple band those patients operated on the previous day, facilitating pain control during the fi rst 24 postoperative hours. The statistical exploitation of computerized pain registers allows obtaining results of the quality indicators related to pain management defi ned by our hospital. Discussion: The pain map is an innovative tool that allows the development of low-cost Acute Pain Units to be guaranteed with effi ciency

Home medicines reviews following acute coronary syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite continual improvements in the management of acute coronary syndromes, adherence to guideline-based medications remains suboptimal. We aim to improve adherence with guideline-based therapy following acute coronary syndrome using an existing service that is provided by specifically trained pharmacists, called a Home Medicines Review. We have made two minor adjustments to target the focus of the existing service including an acute coronary syndrome specific referral letter and a training package for the pharmacists providing the service. METHODS/DESIGN: We will be conducting a randomized controlled trial to compare the directed home medicines review service to usual care following acute coronary syndromes. All patients aged 18 to 80 years and with a working diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome, who are admitted to two public, acute care hospitals, will be screened for enrolment into the trial. Exclusion criteria will include: not being discharged home, documented cognitive decline, non-Medicare eligibility, and presence of a terminal malignancy. Randomization concealment and sequence generation will occur through a centrally-monitored computer program. Patients randomized to the control group will receive usual post-discharge care. Patients randomized to receive the intervention will be offered usual post-discharge care and a directed home medicines review at two months post-discharge. The study endpoints will be six and twelve months post-discharge. The primary outcome will be the proportion of patients who are adherent to a complete, guideline-based medication regimen. Secondary outcomes will include hospital readmission rates, length of hospital stays, changes in quality of life, smoking cessation rates, cardiac rehabilitation completion rates, and mortality. DISCUSSION: As the trial is closely based on an existing service, any improvements observed should be highly translatable into regular practice. Possible limitations to the success of the trial intervention include general practitioner approval of the intervention, general practitioner acceptance of pharmacists' recommendations, and pharmacists' ability to make appropriate recommendations. A detailed monitoring process will detect any barriers to the success of the trial. Given that poor medication persistence following acute coronary syndrome is a worldwide problem, the findings of our study may have international implications for the care of this patient group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12611000452998.

Diagnóstico por pesquisa neonatal de metabolopatías congénitas en el Centro Provincial de Genética Médica de Santiago de Cuba / Diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism by neonatal screening at the Provincial Center of Medical Genetics of Santiago de Cuba.i en

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 20 niños de 0 a 5 años de edad con metabolopatías congénitas (fenilcetonuria, galactosemia, deficiencia de biotinidasa, hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita e hipotiroidismo congénito), quienes habían sido diagnosticados a través de la pesquisa neonatal, procedentes de todos los municipios de Santiago de Cuba, y fueron atendidos en el Centro Provincial de Genética Médica desde el 2006 hasta el 2011, a fin de caracterizarles según algunas variables clínicas y epidemiológicas. En la provincia de Santiago de Cuba se obtuvo una baja tasa de incidencia de los trastornos metabólicos congénitos detectados en la pesquisa neonatal, con una mayor frecuencia del hipotiroidismo congénito (55,0 %). De igual manera, los pacientes mostraban escasas manifestaciones clínicas, las cuales, además, eran leves. Los resultados de la serie reflejaron la presencia de un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos, unidos a una adecuada atención pediátrica.

A descriptive and cross sectional study was conducted in 20 children from 0 to 5 years of age with inborn errors of metabolism (phenylketonuria, galactosemia, biotinidase deficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and congenital hypothyroidism), coming from all the municipalities of Santiago de Cuba, who were diagnosed through neonatal screening and attended in the Provincial Center of Medical Genetics from 2006 to 2011, in order to characterize them according to some clinical and epidemiological variables. In Santiago de Cuba province a low rate of incidence of congenital metabolic disorders diagnosed in neonatal screening was obtained, with a higher frequency of congenital hypothyroidism (55.0%). Similarly, patients had a few clinical manifestations, which also were mild. The results of the series revealed the presence of an early diagnosis and treatment, with adequate pediatric care.