Severe febrile neutropenia associated with satralizumab in an Argentinian neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patient.

BACKGROUND: Recently, satralizumab (interleukin-6 receptor blocker) was approved for seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients. In SAkuraSky trial, mild neutropenia was reported in 15% of patients under satralizumab. Most neutropenias were transient; grade 3-4 was not related to serious infections. So far, no severe neutropenia (<100 cell/mm3) has been reported worldwide. METHODS: We present an aquaporin-4-antibody-positive NMOSD patient who developed severe febrile neutropenia 2 weeks after adding satralizumab to her azathioprine treatment. CONCLUSION: Analytic control for satralizumab is recommended at 4 weeks. However, we recommend this control at week 2, in order to closely monitor neutrophil count and prevent further complications.

Portable colorimetric enzymatic disposable biosensor for histamine and simultaneous histamine/tyramine determination using a smartphone.

Tyramine oxidase (TAO), peroxidase (HRP), and Amplex Red (AR) have been immobilized on cellulose to obtain disposable biosensors for the determination of histamine. During the enzymatic reaction, AR is oxidized and a pink spot is obtained. Using a smartphone and measuring the G (green) color coordinate, histamine can be determined in the presence of other biogenic amines (putrescine and cadaverine) in concentrations ranging from 2·10-5 M to 5·10-4 M with a 7.5·10-6 M limit of detection (LoD). Despite tyramine interference, experimental conditions are provided which allow rapid and simple histamine and simultaneous histamine/tyramine (semi)quantitative determination in mixtures. Finally, tyramine and histamine were determined in a tuna extract with good results (compared to the reference HPLC-MS method). The methodology can also be applied in solution allowing histamine (and simultaneous histamine/tyramine) determination with a lower LoD (1.8·10-7 M) and a similar selectivity.

Seizure activity triggers tau hyperphosphorylation and amyloidogenic pathways.

OBJECTIVE: Although epilepsies and neurodegenerative disorders show pathophysiological similarities, their direct functional associations are unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that experimental seizures can induce tau hyperphosphorylation and amyloidogenic modifications over time, with intersections with neuroinflammation. METHODS: We used a model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) where unilateral intrahippocampal injection of kainic acid (KA) in C57BL/6 mice elicits epileptogenesis and spontaneous focal seizures. We used a model of generalized status epilepticus (SE) obtained by intraperitoneal KA injection in C57BL/6 mice. We performed analyses and cross-comparisons according to a schedule of 72 h, 1 week, and 8 weeks after KA injection. RESULTS: In experimental MTLE, we show AT100, PHF1, and CP13 tau hyperphosphorylation during epileptogenesis (72 h-1 week) and long-term (8 weeks) during spontaneous seizures in the ipsilateral hippocampi, the epileptogenic zone. These pathological modifications extended to the contralateral hippocampus, a seizure propagating zone with no histological lesion or sclerosis. Two kinases, Cdk5 and GSK3ß, implicated in the pathological phosphorylation of tau, were activated. In this MTLE model, the induction of the amyloidogenic pathway (APP, C99, BACE1) was prominent and long-lasting in the epileptogenic zone. These Alzheimer's disease (AD)-relevant markers, established during seizure progression and recurrence, reciprocated an enduring glial (GFAP, Iba1) inflammation and the inadequate activation of the endogenous, anti-inflammatory, glucocorticoid receptor system. By contrast, a generalized SE episode provoked a predominantly transient induction of tau hyperphosphorylation and amyloidogenic markers in the hippocampus, along with resolving inflammation. Finally, we identified overlapping profiles of long-term hippocampal tau hyperphosphorylation by comparing MTLE to J20 mice, the latter a model relevant to AD. SIGNIFICANCE: MTLE and a generalized SE prompt persistent and varying tau hyperphosphorylation or amyloidogenic modifications in the hippocampus. In MTLE, an AD-relevant molecular trajectory intertwines with neuroinflammation, spatiotemporally involving epileptogenic and nonlesional seizure propagating zones.

Relación de la hiperuricemia con las alteraciones metabólicas y factores de riesgo cardiovascular en jóvenes mexicanos.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperuricemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but its impact has not been properly documented. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of hyperuricemia on metabolic parameters and cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) in apparently healthy Mexicans. METHOD: Cross-sectional study of 768 young adults. Association of hyperuricemia with alterations in metabolic parameters and CRF (hypertension, mixed dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome) was sought. Log-linear and regression models were used to determine the influence of hyperuricemia. A multivariate analysis of variance was applied to observe the interaction of hyperuricemia and overweight or obesity with changes in metabolic parameters. RESULTS: Metabolic parameters were higher in patients with hyperuricemia than with normal uric acid (all < 0.05). Hyperuricemia was significantly associated with hypertension (OR=6.8, 95 % CI: 1.1-46), dyslipidemia (OR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.3-4.7) and metabolic syndrome (OR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.1-4.6). Hyperuricemia and overweight or obesity significantly predict changes in cardiovascular risk metabolic parameters (Wilks' l=0.91, F (6.175)=3.1, p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperuricemia is significantly associated with metabolic alterations and different CRF.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hiperuricemia es un factor de riesgo para enfermedad cardiovascular, pero su impacto no ha sido bien documentado. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el impacto de la hiperuricemia en los parámetros metabólicos y los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en mexicanos aparentemente sanos. MÉTODO: Estudio trasversal de 768 adultos jóvenes. Se buscó asociación de la hiperuricemia con alteraciones de los parámetros metabólicos y factores de riesgo cardiovascular (hipertensión, dislipidemia mixta y síndrome metabólico). Se aplicaron modelos loglineales y de regresión para determinar la influencia de la hiperuricemia. Se aplicó análisis multivariado de varianza para observar la interacción de la hiperuricemia y el sobrepeso u obesidad en los cambios de los parámetros metabólicos. RESULTADOS: Los parámetros metabólicos fueron mayores en los individuos con hiperuricemia que con ácido úrico normal (< 0.05). La hiperuricemia se asoció significativamente con hipertensión (RM = 6.8, IC 95 % = 1.1-46), dislipidemia (RM = 2.5, IC 95 % = 1.3-4.7) y síndrome metabólico (RM = 2.3, IC 95 % = 1.1-4.6). La hiperuricemia y el sobrepeso u obesidad predicen significativamente los cambios en los parámetros metabólicos de riesgo cardiovascular (l de Wilks = 0.91, F [6.175] = 3.1, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONES: La hiperuricemia está asociada significativamente con las alteraciones metabólicas y los distintos factores de riesgo cardiovascular.

Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Large Hemispheric Infarction Undergoing Decompressive Hemicraniectomy.

BACKGROUND: Deep-venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke. This study is the first to examine the risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with large hemispheric infarction undergoing decompressive hemicraniectomy. METHODS: The study population included 95 consecutive patients with a large hemispheric infarction who underwent decompressive hemicraniectomy between 2006 and 2014 at our institution. All patients received prophylactic unfractionated heparin and intermittent compression devices (SCD). Patients were systematically screened for DVT at 5-day interval using Duplex ultrasound. PE was diagnosed on chest CT angiography. RESULTS: Mean age was 57 ± 12 years; mean BMI was 28.3 ± 7.4 kg/m(2). 30.5 % of patients had infarction in the dominant hemisphere and 69.5 % in the non-dominant hemisphere. The mean NIHSS score was 16.0 ± 5 at admission. The mean length of stay was 22 ± 17 days. 35 % of patients developed a DVT including 27 % who developed above-knee DVT and required placement of an inferior vena cava filter. In multivariable analysis, predictors of DVT were an NIHSS ≥ 17 (p = 0.007), seizures (p = 0.003), hypertension (p = 0.03), and increasing length of stay (p = 0.01). The proportion of patients who developed PE was 13 %. In multivariate analysis, BMI ≥ 30 predicted PE (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of DVT and PE is remarkably high in patients with large hemispheric infarction undergoing decompressive hemicraniectomy despite prophylactic measures. We recommend routine screening for DVT in this population. Interventions beyond the standard prophylactic measures may be necessary in this high-risk group.

Factors influencing vitamin B6 status in domestic cats: age, disease, and body condition score.

Limited studies are available on vitamin B6 status in domestic cats. To this end, we evaluated glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) activity in hemolysates with and without pyridoxal 5'-phosphate addition in two feline populations: a cohort of 60 healthy, domestic (sexually intact and specific pathogen-free) cats maintained under strictly controlled conditions with appropriate diets housed at the Feline Nutrition and Pet Care Center, and a cohort of 57 cats randomly selected between December 2022 to January 2023 that visited the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital to seek care under different circumstances. The GOT activity expressed as the ratio with and without pyridoxal 5'-phosphate addition (primary activation ratio; PAR) decreased significantly with age in the healthy cohort. The PAR values normalized to age established a cut-off for vitamin B6 deficiency in both cohorts, identifying 17 of 101 animals as vitamin B6 deficient. Using machine learning, a partition-based model (decision tree) was built to identify the most important factors that predicted vitamin B6 deficiency while using the resulting tree to make predictions for new observations. This analysis, performed with all 101 cats, revealed that the diagnosis of an infectious, chronic or acute condition (0.55) was the main contributor, followed by age (0.26), and body condition score (optimal-overweight; 0.19). Thus, our study supports that vitamin B6 supplementation may be indicated in junior to adult animals diagnosed with an infectious, chronic, or acute conditions or healthy cats with body weight ranging from optimal to overweight. In older cats, even if healthy, underweight to optimal cats appear to be at risk of vitamin B6 deficiency.

Clinical Dementia Rating independently predicted conversion to dementia in a cohort of urban elderly in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Dementia is a major public health problem in aging populations. The Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) classifies the severity of dementia and identifies borderline cases that supposedly have higher rates of conversion to dementia. This study aims to verify the dementia conversion rate (CR) in a subsample of an elderly cohort (70+ free of the disease), and to identify risk factors, determining whether CDR is able to predict which individuals have high likelihood of converting. METHODS: A subsample of 156 participants was clinically evaluated for dementia at baseline in which 80 patients without dementia were reassessed after 2.6 years on average to verify the conversion. The CR was analyzed according to demographic, health variables, and CDR classification at baseline, using the Poisson regression method in univariate and multivariate analyses, with exposure time as an offset variable (person-years). RESULTS: From those re-evaluated, 50% had CDR = 0 and a CR of 38.1/1,000 person-years and the other 50%, CDR = 0.5 (70% with sum of boxes scores ≤1, CR = 145.4/1,000 person-years and 30% > 1, CR = 216.8/1,000 person-years). CR was 91.3/1,000 person-years on average. In the multivariate analysis, when compared with those with CDR = 0, the hazard ratio of those with CDR = 0.5 was 3.82; and for those with CDR = 0.5 and sum of boxes scores >1, 5.69. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion rate to dementia was significantly higher among those with CDR = 0.5 and even higher for those whose sum of boxes scores was >1. Therefore, CDR was able to predict which individuals had a higher likelihood of converting to dementia.

Reactive morphology of dividing microglia following kainic acid administration.

The microglial response to a pathological microenvironment is hallmarked by a change in cellular morphology. Following a pathological stimulus, microglia become reactive and simultaneously divide to create daughter cells. Although a wide array of microglial morphologies has been observed, the exact functions of these distinct morphologies are unknown, as are the morphology and reactivity status of dividing microglia. In this study, we used kainic acid to trigger microglial activation and cell division. Following a cortical kainic acid injection, microglial morphology and proliferation were examined at 3 days post-injection using immunohistochemistry for ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) to stain for microglia, and KI67 as a marker of cell division. Individual microglial cells were isolated from photomicrographs and skeletal and fractal analyses were used to examine cell size and spatial complexity. We examined the morphology of microglia in both wildtype and microglia-specific tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α knockout mice. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models or a two-way ANOVA. We found that dividing microglia had a more reactive morphology (larger cell body area, longer cell perimeter, and less ramification) compared to microglia that were not dividing, regardless of microglial release of TNF-α. However, we also observed dividing microglia with a complex, more ramified morphology. Changes in microglial morphology and division were greatest near the kainic acid injection site. This study uses robust and quantitative techniques to better understand microglial cell division, morphology, and population dynamics, which are essential for the development of novel therapeutics that target microglia.

Bow Hunter's Syndrome: A rare cause of vertebrobasilar insufficiency.

Bow Hunter's syndrome, also referred to as rotational occlusion of the vertebral artery, is caused by dynamic compression of a patient's dominant vertebral artery. We reported a case of successful clinical and imaging work up of Bow Hunter's Syndrome that occurred in a 79-year-old female patient. We discussed the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and subsequent management options of this rare syndrome. The gold standard for diagnosis is dynamic cerebral angiography, which allows the reproduction of symptoms with head turn greater than 30-45 degrees. Subsequent management is based on the underlying etiology causing rotational compression.

Cardiac magnetic resonance longitudinal strain analysis in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: A comparison with speckle-tracking echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Strain analysis with speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is considered superior to ejection fraction for ventricular function assessment in different clinical scenarios. Feature tracking (FT) permits cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) strain analysis in routinely acquired cine images. This study evaluated the feasibility of CMR-FT and its agreement with STE in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: An echocardiogram and CMR were performed in 128 patients who underwent primary percutaneous revascularisation after a STEMI. Adequate strain analysis was obtained by both techniques in 98 patients and peak systolic longitudinal strain (LS) was assessed with STE and CMR-FT. RESULTS: Of 1568 myocardial segments, 97.2% were correctly tracked with STE and 97.7% with CMR-FT. For global LS, STE showed a mean of -14.8 ±â€¯3.3% and CMR-FT -13.7 ±â€¯3.0%, with good agreement between modalities [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.826; bias -1.09%; limits of agreement (LOA) ±â€¯4.2%]. On the other hand, segmental LS agreement was only moderate, with an ICC of 0.678 (bias -1.14%; LOA ±â€¯11.76%) and the ICC ranged from 0.538 at the basal antero-lateral segment to 0.815 at the apical lateral segment. Finally, both STE and CMR-FT showed excellent intra- and inter-observer reproducibility (ICC > 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: CMR-FT provides LS with similar feasibility to STE and both techniques showed good agreement for global LS, although agreement at segmental level was only moderate. CMR-FT showed excellent reproducibility, strengthening its robustness and potential for both research and clinical applications.

Atherogenic index of plasma as a marker of cardiovascular risk factors in Mexicans aged 18 to 22 years.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the use and application of the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in the prediction of cardiovascular risk factors including mixed hyperlipidemia, hypertension, hyperuricemia, and metabolic syndrome in a population of young Mexican adults. Values were obtained for metabolic parameters, such as glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol (total, high-density, low-density, and very low density), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and uric acid. Through univariate and multivariate analysis, parametric comparisons were applied and receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk of hyperuricemia, hypertension, mixed hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome from a high AIP. Metabolic parameters and AIP had a significant correlation, with higher rates observed with increased AIP. As a set, metabolic parameters increased with an AIP >0.21 (λ Wilks = 0.58, F(14,344) = 7.7, P < 0.0001). The area under the curve was statistically significant for prediction of hyperuricemia (0.6), mixed hyperlipidemia (0.9), hypertension (0.8), and metabolic syndrome (0.95). In conclusion, in a sample of young Mexican adults, AIP was strongly associated with cardiovascular risk factors and could serve as a useful marker for the prediction of metabolic alterations related to cardiovascular disease.

Incidence and characteristics of metabolic syndrome in patients of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Objective: the exact prevalence of obesity in Mexico is not well known and varies between sources, but more than 30% of Mexico's population are obese. Obesity is associated with several diseases such as metabolic syndrome; the latter, along with cancer, have become public health concerns worldwide, and their association has been widely studied in developed countries. The aim of this study was to identify the overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome and to describe its characteristics among first-time cancer patients at a referral center in Mexico. Methods: a prospective, observational, cohort study of first-time patients of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico in the period of September 2016-2017. We identified 1,165 first-time patients, and 316 patients with known or recently diagnosed metabolic syndrome were included. Results: median age was 55 years old and most were female (81%). The most frequent tumors were breast, gynecological, and hematological. Obesity (class 1-3) and abnormal glucose and/or previous diabetes mellitus diagnosis were mostly observed in patients with skin and soft tissue tumors; dyslipidemia, high triglycerides, and/or low HDL-cholesterol were mostly observed in patients with gastrointestinal tumors. Conclusion: the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among first-time cancer patients was 27%. As obesity and cancer are of public concern in Mexico, the implementation of preventive strategies for metabolic syndrome patients, focusing on the first level of care during early stages in order to reduce the risk of cancer, is needed.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivo: la prevalencia de la obesidad en México es mayor del 30% de la población total. La obesidad se asocia con diversas enfermedades, entre ellas el síndrome metabólico; este y el cáncer se han convertido en problemas de salud pública a nivel mundial, y su asociación ha sido ampliamente estudiada en países desarrollados. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar la prevalencia del síndrome metabólico y describir las características entre pacientes oncológicos de primera vez en un hospital de tercer nivel en México. Métodos: estudio prospectivo, observacional y de cohortes que incluye a pacientes oncológicos atendidos por primera vez en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología durante el periodo de septiembre 2016 a 2017. Identificamos 1165 pacientes; 316 tenían el diagnóstico de síndrome metabólico y fueron incluidos en el presente estudio. Resultados: la mediana de edad fue de 55 años y la mayoría de los pacientes eran del sexo femenino (81%). Las neoplasias más frecuentes fueron las de mama, ginecológicas y hematológicas. La obesidad (clase 1-3) y la glucosa anormal y/o un diagnóstico previo de diabetes mellitus se observaron mayormente en pacientes con neoplasias de piel y tejidos blandos; los pacientes con neoplasias gastrointestinales presentaron mayormente dislipidemia, triglicéridos elevados y/o HDL bajo. Conclusiones: la prevalencia del síndrome metabólico en nuestros pacientes oncológicos fue de 27%. Al ser la obesidad y el cáncer problemas de salud pública en México, la implementación de medidas preventivas para pacientes con síndrome metabólico debe enfocarse en el primer nivel de atención, durante etapas tempranas, para poder reducir el riesgo de cáncer.

Aneurysms with persistent filling after failed treatment with the Pipeline embolization device.

OBJECTIVE: The Pipeline embolization device (PED) has become a valuable tool in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Although failures with PED treatment have been reported, the characteristics and course of these aneurysms remain a topic of uncertainty. METHODS: Electronic medical records and imaging studies were reviewed for all patients treated with the PED between July 2010 and March 2015 to identify characteristics of patients and aneurysms with residual filling after PED treatment. RESULTS: Of 316 cases treated at a single institution, 281 patients had a long-term follow-up. A total of 52 (16.4%) aneurysms with residual filling were identified and constituted the study population. The mean patient age in this population was 58.8 years. The mean aneurysm size was 10.1 mm ± 7.15 mm. Twelve aneurysms were fusiform (23%). Of the aneurysms with residual filling, there were 20 carotid ophthalmic (CO) aneurysms (20% of all CO aneurysms treated), 10 other paraclinoid aneurysms (16.4% of all paraclinoid aneurysms), 7 posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms (21.9% of all PCoA aneurysms), 7 cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms (14.9% of all cavernous ICA aneurysms), 4 vertebrobasilar (VB) junction aneurysms (14.8% of all VB junction aneurysms), and 3 middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms (25% of all MCA aneurysms). Eleven patients underwent placement of more than one PED (21.2%), with a mean number of devices of 1.28 per case. Eight of 12 aneurysms were previously treated with a stent (15.4%). Nineteen patients underwent re-treatment (36.5%); the 33 patients who did not undergo re-treatment (63.5%) were monitored by angiography or noninvasive imaging. In multivariate analysis, age older than 65 years (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.33-5.28; p = 0.05), prior stent placement across the target aneurysm (OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.15-7.51; p = 0.02), aneurysm location in the distal anterior circulation (MCA, PCoA, and anterior choroidal artery: OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.19-6.18; p = 0.017), and longer follow-up duration (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.09; p < 0.001) were associated with incomplete aneurysm occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: While the PED can allow for treatment of large, broad-necked aneurysms with high efficacy, treatment failures do occur (16.4%). Aneurysm size, shape, and previous treatment may influence treatment outcome.

Annotated Bibliography: Understanding Ambulatory Care Practices in the Context of Patient Safety and Quality Improvement.

The ambulatory care setting is an increasingly important component of the patient safety conversation. Inpatient safety is the primary focus of the vast majority of safety research and interventions, but the ambulatory setting is actually where most medical care is administered. Recent attention has shifted toward examining ambulatory care in order to implement better health care quality and safety practices. This annotated bibliography was created to analyze and augment the current literature on ambulatory care practices with regard to patient safety and quality improvement. By providing a thorough examination of current practices, potential improvement strategies in ambulatory care health care settings can be suggested. A better understanding of the myriad factors that influence delivery of patient care will catalyze future health care system development and implementation in the ambulatory setting.

Decompressive hemicraniectomy: predictors of functional outcome in patients with ischemic stroke.

OBJECT Patients presenting with large-territory ischemic strokes may develop intractable cerebral edema that puts them at risk of death unless intervention is performed. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of outcome for decompressive hemicraniectomy (DH) in ischemic stroke. METHODS The authors conducted a retrospective electronic medical record review of 1624 patients from 2006 to 2014. Subjects were screened for DH secondary to ischemic stroke involving the middle cerebral artery, internal carotid artery, or both. Ninety-five individuals were identified. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for an array of clinical variables in relationship to functional outcome according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Clinical outcome was assessed at 90 days and at the latest follow-up (mean duration 16.5 months). RESULTS The mean mRS score at 90 days and at the latest follow-up post-DH was 4. Good functional outcome was observed in 40% of patients at 90 days and in 48% of patient at the latest follow-up. The mortality rate at 90 days was 18% and at the last follow-up 20%. Univariate analysis identified a greater likelihood of poor functional outcome (mRS scores of 4-6) in patients with a history of stroke (OR 6.54 [95% CI1.39-30.66]; p = 0.017), peak midline shift (MLS) > 10 mm (OR 3.35 [95% CI 1.33-8.47]; p = 0.011), or a history of myocardial infarction (OR 8.95 [95% CI1.10-72.76]; p = 0.04). Multivariate analysis demonstrated elevated odds of poor functional outcome associated with a history of stroke (OR 9.14 [95% CI 1.78-47.05]; p = 0.008), MLS > 10 mm (OR 5.15 [95% CI 1.58-16.79; p = 0.007), a history of diabetes (OR 5.63 [95% CI 1.52-20.88]; p = 0.01), delayed time from onset of stroke to DH (OR 1.32 [95% CI 1.02-1.72]; p = 0.037), and evidence of pupillary dilation prior to DH (OR 4.19 [95% CI 1.06-16.51]; p = 0.04). Patients with infarction involving the dominant hemisphere had higher odds of unfavorable functional outcome at 90 days (OR 4.73 [95% CI 1.36-16.44]; p = 0.014), but at the latest follow-up, cerebral dominance was not significantly related to outcome (OR 1.63 [95% CI 0.61-4.34]; p = 0.328). CONCLUSIONS History of stroke, diabetes, myocardial infarction, peak MLS > 10 mm, increasing duration from onset of stroke to DH, and presence of pupillary dilation prior to intervention are associated with a worse functional outcome.

[Validity of the Portuguese version of Clinical Dementia Rating]. / Validade da versão em português da Clinical Dementia Rating.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity of the Portuguese version of the Clinical Dementia Rating for classifying the cognitive function among the elderly. METHODS: The Mini Mental State Examination was utilized as a screening method for cognitive deficit among a cohort of 424 elderly. All those who scored <26 points (108 elderly) and 48 elderly with scores > or =26 were included in the study. The 156 subjects selected were submitted to clinical evaluation and neuropsychological tests for the diagnosis of dementia. Afterwards, both cases and non-cases were classified, according to the Portuguese version of the Clinical Dementia Rating, in the categories normal, borderline, mild, moderate and severe dementia. RESULTS: Among the 156 subjects selected, 122 were non-cases, 62 (51%) were classified as normal (CDR=0) and 60 (49%) as borderline (CDR=0.5). Among the 34 cases of dementia, 17 (50%) were classified as mild dementia (CDR=1), eight (23%) as moderate (CDR=2) and six (18%) as severe dementia (CDR=3). Only three (9%) of the cases were considered borderline cases by the Clinical Dementia Rating. Its sensibility was 91.2% and the specificity was 100%. The positive predictive value was 100% and the negative predictive value was 97.6%. The Mini Mental State Examination scores declined significantly according to the degree of dementia. CONCLUSIONS: The Portuguese version of the Clinical Dementia Rating is a valid instrument for classifying the dementia status of the elderly. Almost half the cases considered normal by the diagnostic criteria of the Mini Mental State Examination were borderline cases according to the Clinical Dementia Rating and might correspond to cases of mild cognitive impairment, with an increased risk of conversion to dementia cases.

Relación de la hiperuricemia con las alteraciones metabólicas y factores de riesgo cardiovascular en jóvenes mexicanos / Relationship of hyperuricemia with metabolic alterations and cardiovascular risk factors in young Mexicans

Resumen Introducción: La hiperuricemia es un factor de riesgo para enfermedad cardiovascular, pero su impacto no ha sido bien documentado. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de la hiperuricemia en los parámetros metabólicos y los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en mexicanos aparentemente sanos. Método: Estudio trasversal de 768 adultos jóvenes. Se buscó asociación de la hiperuricemia con alteraciones de los parámetros metabólicos y factores de riesgo cardiovascular (hipertensión, dislipidemia mixta y síndrome metabólico). Se aplicaron modelos loglineales y de regresión para determinar la influencia de la hiperuricemia. Se aplicó análisis multivariado de varianza para observar la interacción de la hiperuricemia y el sobrepeso u obesidad en los cambios de los parámetros metabólicos. Resultados: Los parámetros metabólicos fueron mayores en los individuos con hiperuricemia que con ácido úrico normal (< 0.05). La hiperuricemia se asoció significativamente con hipertensión (RM = 6.8, IC 95 % = 1.1-46), dislipidemia (RM = 2.5, IC 95 % = 1.3-4.7) y síndrome metabólico (RM = 2.3, IC 95 % = 1.1-4.6). La hiperuricemia y el sobrepeso u obesidad predicen significativamente los cambios en los parámetros metabólicos de riesgo cardiovascular (l de Wilks = 0.91, F [6.175] = 3.1, p = 0.007). Conclusiones: La hiperuricemia está asociada significativamente con las alteraciones metabólicas y los distintos factores de riesgo cardiovascular.

Abstract Introduction: Hyperuricemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but its impact has not been properly documented. Objective: To assess the impact of hyperuricemia on metabolic parameters and cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) in apparently healthy Mexicans. Method: Cross-sectional study of 768 young adults. Association of hyperuricemia with alterations in metabolic parameters and CRF (hypertension, mixed dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome) was sought. Log-linear and regression models were used to determine the influence of hyperuricemia. A multivariate analysis of variance was applied to observe the interaction of hyperuricemia and overweight or obesity with changes in metabolic parameters. Results: Metabolic parameters were higher in patients with hyperuricemia than with normal uric acid (all < 0.05). Hyperuricemia was significantly associated with hypertension (OR=6.8, 95 % CI: 1.1-46), dyslipidemia (OR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.3-4.7) and metabolic syndrome (OR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.1-4.6). Hyperuricemia and overweight or obesity significantly predict changes in cardiovascular risk metabolic parameters (Wilks’ l=0.91, F (6.175)=3.1, p=0.007). Conclusions: Hyperuricemia is significantly associated with metabolic alterations and different CRF.

Factores sociodemográficos asociados al rendimiento académico en estudiantes de la licenciatura en Médico Cirujano-Partero / Sociodemographic factors associated with academic performances of students in the bachelor's degree for Medical Surgeon Midwife

Introducción: Se han realizado estudios empleando diferentes metodologías con el objetivo de definir el rendimiento académico, su impacto, los factores involucrados en el mismo y los diferentes niveles en los que se puede identificar. Objetivo: Identificar los factores sociodemográficos asociados al rendimiento académico de los estudiantes de licenciatura en médico cirujano y partero del Centro de Estudios Superiores de Tepeaca, Puebla, México. Métodos: Se aplicó un instrumento a una muestra de n= 192 alumnos de la licenciatura en Medicina que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, obteniendo información acerca de 12 variables independientes. Se obtuvo el rendimiento académico de los alumnos en base a sus calificaciones por materia. Se realizó un análisis estadístico de tipo descriptivo e inferencial. Resultados: El análisis estadístico arrojó valores significativos a nivel estadístico, de las siguientes variables: sexo (t = -3,253, p< 0,05, r= 0,22), nivel académico de la madre (F= 2,272, p<0,05, n2= 0,57), trabajar y estudiar (F= 7,475, p< 0,05, 2= 0,73), ingreso familiar mensual (r= -0,223, p< 0,05) y promedio del nivel educativo previo a la licenciatura (r= 0,428, p< 0,05). Conclusiones: Los factores sociodemográficos asociados a un rendimiento académico alto, son: sexo femenino, alto nivel académico de la madre y un buen promedio en el nivel educativo previo a la licenciatura. Mientras que trabajar y estudiar e ingreso familiar mensual elevado son factores que se asocian a un rendimiento académico bajo(AU)

Introduction: Studies have been carried out using different methodologies in order to define academic performance, its impact, the factors involved in it and the different levels at which it can be identified. Objective: To identify the sociodemographic factors associated with academic performance of undergraduate students of surgery and midwifery at the Center for Advanced Studies in Tepeaca, Puebla, Mexico. Methods: An instrument was applied to a sample 192 students of the bachelor's degree in Medicine who met the inclusion criteria, obtaining information about 12 independent variables. The academic performance of the students was obtained based upon their grades by subject. A descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was carried out. Results: Statistical analysis showed statistically significant values ​​of the following variables: sex (t=-3.253, p< 0.05, r= 0.22), mother's academic level (F= 2.272, p<0.05, h²= 0.57), working and studying (F= 7.475, p<0.05, h²= 0.73), monthly family income (r =-0.223, p<0.05), and average educational level prior to the degree (r= 0.428, p< 0.05). Conclusions: The sociodemographic factors associated with a high academic performance are female sex, the mother's high academic level, and good average in educational level prior to the degree. While working and studying and high monthly family income are factors associated with low academic performance(AU)

Mild systemic oxidative stress in the subclinical stage of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a late-onset, progressive degenerative disorder that affects mainly the judgment, emotional stability, and memory domains. AD is the outcome of a complex interaction among several factors which are not fully understood yet; nevertheless, it is clear that oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways are among these factors. 65 elderly subjects (42 cognitively intact and 23 with probable Alzheimer's disease) were selected for this study. We evaluated erythrocyte activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase as well as plasma levels of total glutathione, α-tocopherol, ß-carotene, lycopene, and coenzyme Q10. These antioxidant parameters were confronted with plasmatic levels of protein and lipid oxidation products. Additionally, we measured basal expression of monocyte HLA-DR and CD-11b, as well as monocyte production of cytokines IL1-α, IL-6, and TNF-α. AD patients presented lower plasmatic levels of α-tocopherol when compared to control ones and also higher basal monocyte HLA-DR expression associated with higher IL-1α production when stimulated by LPS. These findings support the inflammatory theory of AD and point out that this disease is associated with a higher basal activation of circulating monocytes that may be a result of α-tocopherol stock depletion.