Intravenous Foreign Body at the Hand: Case Report.

Intravenous foreign bodies following trauma to the hand are relatively uncommon with sparse reports of this condition being published in the literature. They have been reported to migrate as far as the thoracic cavity and the heart. In the following case report, we describe a case of an intravenous foreign body following hand trauma, and the treatment and potential complications are also discussed.

Long COVID in hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients in a large cohort in Northwest Spain, a prospective cohort study.

Survivors to COVID-19 have described long-term symptoms after acute disease. These signs constitute a heterogeneous group named long COVID or persistent COVID. The aim of this study is to describe persisting symptoms 6 months after COVID-19 diagnosis in a prospective cohort in the Northwest Spain. This is a prospective cohort study performed in the COHVID-GS. This cohort includes patients in clinical follow-up in a health area of 569,534 inhabitants after SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 diagnosis. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics were collected during the follow up. A total of 248 patients completed 6 months follow-up, 176 (69.4%) required hospitalization and 29 (10.2%) of them needed critical care. At 6 months, 119 (48.0%) patients described one or more persisting symptoms. The most prevalent were: extra-thoracic symptoms (39.1%), chest symptoms (27%), dyspnoea (20.6%), and fatigue (16.1%). These symptoms were more common in hospitalized patients (52.3% vs. 38.2%) and in women (59.0% vs. 40.5%). The multivariate analysis identified COPD, women gender and tobacco consumption as risk factors for long COVID. Persisting symptoms are common after COVID-19 especially in hospitalized patients compared to outpatients (52.3% vs. 38.2%). Based on these findings, special attention and clinical follow-up after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection should be provided for hospitalized patients with previous lung diseases, tobacco consumption, and women.

Massive Release of CD9+ Microvesicles in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection, Regardless of Virologic Control.

BACKGROUND: The role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pathogenesis is unknown. We examine the cellular origin of plasma microvesicles (MVs), a type of ectocytosis-derived EV, the presence of mitochondria in MVs, and their relationship to circulating cell-free mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (ccf-mtDNA) in HIV-infected patients and controls. METHODS: Five participant groups were defined: 30 antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive; 30 ART-treated with nondetectable viremia; 30 elite controllers; 30 viremic controllers; and 30 HIV-uninfected controls. Microvesicles were quantified and characterized from plasma samples by flow cytometry. MitoTrackerDeepRed identified MVs containing mitochondria and ccf-mtDNA was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Microvesicle numbers were expanded at least 10-fold in all HIV-infected groups compared with controls. More than 79% were platelet-derived MVs. Proportions of MVs containing mitochondria (22.3% vs 41.6%) and MV mitochondrial density (706 vs 1346) were significantly lower among HIV-infected subjects than controls, lowest levels for those on ART. Microvesicle numbers correlated with ccf-mtDNA levels that were higher among HIV-infected patients. CONCLUSIONS: A massive release of platelet-derived MVs occurs during HIV infection. Some MVs contain mitochondria, but their proportion and mitochondrial densities were lower in HIV infection than in controls. Platelet-derived MVs may be biomarkers of platelet activation, possibly reflecting pathogenesis even in absence of HIV replication.

One-stage Distal Interphalangeal Joint Fusion With External Fixator for the Treatment of Septic Joint Arthritis.

Septic joint arthritis in the small joints of the hand can be caused by penetrating trauma, ruptured ganglion cysts, or open joint dislocations, among others. The use of external fixation for the treatment of this condition has been reported in the past as a means of temporary joint distraction, or for secondary fusion procedures. In the present article, the authors describe a surgical technique involving the use of a low-cost external fixator for the primary arthrodesis of infected distal interphalangeal joints of the hand. The external fixator is fabricated with simple materials, threaded Kirshner wires, bone cement, and an insulin syringe, which the authors have used to fuse the distal interphalangeal joint primarily when destroyed by septic arthritis.

Clinical characteristics, aetiology and mortality/recurrence risk factors of acute cholangitis in patients with and without biliary stent.

OBJECTIVES: Acute cholangitis is one of the most frequent complications in patients carrying biliary stents. The aim of our study is to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the microbiological profile and evolution of patients with acute bacteremic cholangitis, comparing them based upon they were or not biliary stent carriers. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients over 18 years-old with a stent placement in our center between 2008 and 2017 were included. We compared them with our prospective cohort of patients with a diagnosis of acute bacteremic cholangitis. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcome was clinical cure at day 7, 14-day mortality and 90-day recurrence. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-three patients were analyzed, including 156 in the stent-related (SR) and 117 in the stent not-related (SNR) group, respectively. Stent-related colangitis patients were younger, with more comorbidities and with a greater severity of infection. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia were the most frequent isolation. Enterococcus spp. was the third most frequent isolation in SR group but were uncommon in SNR patients; where E. coli was the most prevalent microorganism. Septic shock (HR 3.44, 95% [CI 1.18-8.77]), inadequate empirical treatment (HR 2.65, 95% CI [1.38-.7.98]) and advanced neoplasia (HR 2.41, 95% CI [1.55-6.44]) were independent 30-day mortality risk factors. The 90-day recurrence rate significantly higher in those patients with stent-related cholangitis (29% vs. 13%, p=0.016) and stent replacement was associated with lower recurrence rate (HR 0.38, 95% CI [0.11-0.77]). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and microbiological profile, as well as outcome of patients with SR and SNR cholangitis were different. In SR group, recurrence rate was high and stent replacement was associated with a lower risk.

Evaluación cualitativa de una intervención educativa en mejoras en salud en estudiantes de enfermería / Qualitative evaluation of an educational intervention about healthcare improvement for nursing students / Avaliação qualitativa de uma intervenção educativa em melhorias em saúde em estudantes de enfermagem

Objetivo: explorar o significado da experiência e dos conhecimentos adquiridos por estudantes de enfermagem formados em melhoria de cuidados de saúde. Materiais e métodos: foi realizada uma aproximação fenomenológica baseada no método Giorgi, mediante uma discussão em grupo com 21 estudantes europeus de quatro países, em julho de 2019. Os dados foram triangulados com os depoimentos de informantes-chave e com o uso de uma ferramenta de avaliação específica para o tema. A análise também foi triangulada com três pesquisadores experientes que reduziram os dados por consenso a oito unidades de significado. Resultados: o empoderamento da enfermagem e das organizações sanitárias horizontais foram duas das unidades de significado mais recorrentes junto com os valores profissionais, como o trabalho em equipe e a humanização dos cuidados. Conclusões: os conhecimentos, as atitudes e os valores adquiridos evidenciam as carências na formação dos futuros profissionais de enfermagem na Europa. A abordagem teórico-prática das sessões, bem como a fusão de culturas supuseram fortalezas para os estudantes. É necessário seguir mais casos que evidenciem o retorno do investimento em formação em melhorias substanciais em contextos reais e seu impacto sobre a qualidade assistencial.

Objetivo: Explorar el significado de la experiencia y los conocimientos adquiridos por estudiantes de enfermería formados en mejora de cuidados de salud. Material y métodos: se realizó una aproximación fenomenológica basada en el método Giorgi mediante una discusión grupal de 21 estudiantes europeos de cuatro países en julio 2019. Los datos fueron triangulados con los testimonios de informantes clave y con el uso de una herramienta de evaluación específica para este tema. El análisis también se trianguló con tres investigadores experimentados que redujeron los datos por consenso a ocho unidades de significado. Resultados: El empoderamiento de enfermería y las organizaciones sanitarias horizontales fueron dos de las unidades de significado más recurrentes junto a los valores profesionales como el trabajo en equipo y la humanización en los cuidados. Conclusiones: los conocimientos, las actitudes y los valores adquiridos evidencian las carencias de la formación de los futuros profesionales de enfermería en Europa. El enfoque teórico-práctico de las sesiones, así como la mezcla de culturas supusieron fortalezas para el alumnado. Es necesario el seguimiento de más casos que evidencien el retorno de la inversión formativa en mejoras sustanciales en contextos reales y su impacto sobre la calidad asistencial.

Objective: To explore the meaning of the experience and knowledge acquired by nursing students trained in healthcare improvement. Material and methods: A phenomenological approach based on the Giorgi method was made through a group discussion of 21 European students from four countries in July 2019. The data was triangulated with the testimonies of key informants and with the use of an evaluation tool specific to this topic. The analysis was also triangulated with three experienced researchers who reduced the data by consensus to eight units of meaning. Results: Nursing empowerment and horizontal health organizations were two of the most recurrent units of meaning along with professional values such as teamwork and humanization of care. Conclusions: The knowledge, attitudes and values acquired are evidence of the shortcomings in the training of future nursing professionals in Europe. The theoretical and practical approach of the sessions, as well as the mixture of cultures, were strengths for the students. It is necessary to follow up on more cases that show the return on the training investment in substantial improvements in real contexts and its impact on the quality of care.

Major Surgery Affects Memory in Individuals with Cerebral Amyloid-ß Pathology.

BACKGROUND: Major surgery has been associated with perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND), but the contributing factors and long-term prognosis are uncertain. We hypothesize that preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) might predispose to cognitive deterioration after surgery. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of amyloid-ß on the cognitive trajectory after orthopedic surgery in a sample of non-demented subjects. METHODS: Non-demented individuals older than 65 years that were on the waiting list for orthopedic surgery with spinal anesthesia underwent a neuropsychological assessment before and after surgery. During surgery, cerebrospinal fluid samples were obtained to determine AD biomarkers. RESULTS: Cumulative incidence of PND was 55.2%during a mean follow-up of nine months. The most affected cognitive domains were executive function and constructional praxis. The presence of abnormal levels of amyloid-ß was associated to a postoperative impairment in verbal and visual memory tests. According to their AD biomarker profile, participants were categorized as either Amyloid Positive (A+) or Amyloid Negative (A-). The incidence of PND did not differ between both groups. The A- group showed a tendency similar to the global sample, worsening in executive function tests and improving on memory scales due to practice effects. In contrast, the A + group showed a notable worsening on memory performance. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the hypothesis that surgery may promote or accelerate memory decline in cognitively asymptomatic subjects with brain amyloid-ß deposits.

Experience of People in Mild and Moderate Stages of Alzheimer's Disease in Spain / Experiencia de personas con Alzheimer en fases leves y moderadas en España / A experiência de pessoas com Alzheimer na Espanha nas fases leve e moderada

Objetivo: analizar el significado que adquiere la enfermedad para las personas afectadas por Demencia, proporcionándoles voz. Material y métodos: aproximación a la fenomenología descriptiva a través de entrevistas a personas de ambos sexos y mayores de 50 años residentes en Tarragona (España) con un diagnóstico de Demencia leve o moderada, principalmente enfermedad tipo Alzheimer. Resultados: surgieron tres grandes temáticas: 1) normalización de la pérdida de memoria en fases incipientes en relación al proceso natural de envejecimiento; 2) autopercepción de que existe un problema de memoria instaurándose que se disimula frente a su entorno y 3) procesos de adaptación y aprendizaje de estrategias para convivir con su condición tras el diagnóstico. Conclusiones: la falta de infraestructuras especializadas dentro del sistema sanitario en materia de cuidados, programas de prevención y detección precoz son los aspectos más evidentes remarcados.

Objective: To analyze the meaning of dementia by those affected by it, and to give them a voice. Material and methods: Descriptive phenomenology through interviews with people of both genders who are over 50 years old and living in Tarragona (Spain), with a diagnosis of mild or moderate dementia, mainly related to Alzheimer's disease. Results: Three main themes emerged: 1) normalization of memory loss in early stages as part of the natural aging process; 2) self-awareness of progressive memory decline, which is concealed from others, and 3) adaptation processes and strategies to coexist with their condition after diagnosis. Conclusions: The most evident features were the lack of specialized infrastructures within the health system in terms of care, prevention programs, and early detection.

Objetivo: Analisar o significado que a doença adquire para as pessoas afetadas pela demência, dando voz a elas. Material e Métodos: Abordagem da fenomenologia descritiva por meio de entrevistas com pessoas residentes em Tarragona (Espanha) com diagnóstico de demência leve ou moderada, principalmente doença do tipo Alzheimer de ambos os sexos e com mais de 50 anos. Resultados: Surgiram três grandes temas: 1) Normalização da perda de memória em fases incipientes relacionadas ao processo natural de envelhecimento; 2) Autopercepção de que existe um problema de memória que se esconde do ambiente; 3) Processo de adaptação e estratégias de aprendizado para conviver com sua condição após o diagnóstico. Conclusões: A falta de infra-estruturas especializadas no sistema de saúde, programas de prevenção e detecção precoce são os aspectos mais evidentes.

Clinical characteristics, aetiology and mortality/recurrence risk factors of acute cholangitis in patients with and without biliary stent.

OBJECTIVES: Acute cholangitis is one of the most frequent complications in patients carrying biliary stents. The aim of our study is to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the microbiological profile and evolution of patients with acute bacteremic cholangitis, comparing them based upon they were or not biliary stent carriers. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients over 18 years-old with a stent placement in our center between 2008 and 2017 were included. We compared them with our prospective cohort of patients with a diagnosis of acute bacteremic cholangitis. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcome was clinical cure at day 7, 14-day mortality and 90-day recurrence. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-three patients were analyzed, including 156 in the stent-related (SR) and 117 in the stent not-related (SNR) group, respectively. Stent-related colangitis patients were younger, with more comorbidities and with a greater severity of infection. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia were the most frequent isolation. Enterococcus spp. was the third most frequent isolation in SR group but were uncommon in SNR patients; where E. coli was the most prevalent microorganism. Septic shock (HR 3.44, 95% [CI 1.18-8.77]), inadequate empirical treatment (HR 2.65, 95% CI [1.38-.7.98]) and advanced neoplasia (HR 2.41, 95% CI [1.55-6.44]) were independent 30-day mortality risk factors. The 90-day recurrence rate significantly higher in those patients with stent-related cholangitis (29% vs. 13%, p=0.016) and stent replacement was associated with lower recurrence rate (HR 0.38, 95% CI [0.11-0.77]). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and microbiological profile, as well as outcome of patients with SR and SNR cholangitis were different. In SR group, recurrence rate was high and stent replacement was associated with a lower risk.

Unusual Forearm Deformity Solved by 3D Custom Made Guides.

We report a case of a symptomatic forearm deformity due to a premature distal ulnar fracture solved by 3D custom made cutting guides. Our patient is a sixteen years old girl referred to us due to a forearm deformity and a dysplasic ulnar head associated to pain at the dorsum of the distal ulna and at the radial head at the elbow. Using custom-made cutting guides on a 3D model, a both bone forearm osteotomy was performed. At 18 months of follow up, the range of motion did not improve significantly but our patient referred no pain and she was satisfied with the procedure. The accuracy of single cut osteotomies, utilizing three-dimensional planning and custom patient guides has been previously established. This technique helped with the pain in our case.

Experiencing the care of a family member with Crohn's disease: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the experiences of caregivers living with relatives affected by Crohn's disease (CD) in a context in which the family provides social support. DESIGN: A qualitative study based on a phenomenological approach was conducted through in-depth interviews. SETTING: Participants living in Alicante (Spain) were recruited PARTICIPANTS: Eleven family caregivers of people with CD were interviewed. METHODS: The in-depth interviews took place in the participants' homes and were audio recorded and then transcribed for a qualitative thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five themes and accompanying subthemes were identified: (1) adaptation to the caring experience, (2) dichotomy 'with or without me', (3) unending burden, (4) need for knowledge and control of the disease, and (5) getting used to CD and normalising life. CONCLUSION: The findings contribute to an increase in the knowledge and comprehension of the experience of being the caregiver of a relative with CD, which could be useful for professionals towards improving the quality of the CD caring process. Due to the temporal dimension of CD with frequent bouts of exacerbation and remission, family caregivers must adapt and acquire skills during chronic illness evolution. Moreover, the lack of family caregivers' inclusion and follow-up within the Spanish health system makes them feel invisible and useless, which may contribute to caregivers' burdens.

Availability and perceived usefulness of guidelines and protocols for subcutaneous hydration in palliative care settings.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the availability of, adherence to, and perceived usefulness of guidelines and protocols for managing hydration and subcutaneous hydration in palliative care settings. BACKGROUND: Hydration at the end of life and the use of a subcutaneous route to hydrate generate some controversy among health professionals for different reasons. Having guidelines and protocols to assist in decision-making and to follow a standard procedure may be relevant in clinical practice. DESIGN: Cross-sectional telephone survey, with closed-ended and open-ended questions designed specifically for this study. METHODS: Data were obtained from 327 professionals, each from a different palliative care service. Mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum were calculated for continuous variables; frequency distributions were obtained for categorical variables. A qualitative content analysis was performed on the open-ended questions. The article adheres to the STROBE guidelines for reporting observational studies. RESULTS: Only 24.8% of the participants had guidelines available to assist in making decisions regarding hydration, and 55.6% claimed to follow them 'always or almost always'. Of the participants, 38.8% had subcutaneous hydration protocols available, while 78.7% stated that they 'always or almost always' followed these protocols. The remaining participants considered the protocols as useful tools despite not having them available. CONCLUSIONS: Only 25% of the participants' services had guidelines for hydration, and less than 40% had protocols for subcutaneous hydration. However, adherence was high, especially in cases where protocols existed. Among the participants who did not have guidelines and protocols, attitudes were mostly favourable, but mainly as a reference and support for an individualised clinical practice. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Guidelines and protocols on hydration in palliative care may be more useful as a solid reference and support for individualised practice than as instruments for standardising care. From this perspective, their development and availability in palliative care services are recommended.

Rapid decrease in titer and breadth of neutralizing anti-HCV antibodies in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who achieved SVR.

The main targets for neutralizing anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies (HCV-nAbs) are the E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins. We have studied the characteristics of HCV-nAbs through a retrospective study involving 29 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who achieved sustained virological response (SVR) with peg-IFNα + ribavirin anti-HCV therapy. Plasma samples at baseline and week 24 after SVR were used to perform neutralization assays against five JFH1-based HCV recombinant viruses coding for E1 and E2 from genotypes 1a (H77), 1b (J4), 2a (JFH1), 3a (S52) and 4a (ED43). At baseline, the majority of plasma samples neutralized 1a, 1b, 2a, and 4a, but not 3a, genotypes. Twenty-four weeks following SVR, most neutralizing titers declined substantially. Furthermore, titers against 3a and 2a were not detected in many patients. Plasma samples with high HCV-nAb titers neutralized all genotypes, and the highest titers at the starting point correlated with the highest titers at week 24 after SVR. In conclusion, high titers of broad-spectrum HCV-nAbs were detected in HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals, however, those titers declined soon after SVR.

Factores que contribuyen al Envejecimiento Activo en los adultos mayores, desde el marco del Modelo de Adaptación de Roy / Fatores que contribuem ao Envelhecimento Ativo nos adultos maiores, desde o marco do Modelo de Adaptação de Roy / Factors Contributing to Active Aging in Older Adults, from the Framework of Roy's Adaptation Model

Objective. To determine the variables contributing to the explanation of active aging according to Roy's adaptation model. Methods. Descriptive correlational study, with convenience and snowball sampling. Two hundred older adults with chronic disease, were included. The instruments used were: a) Yesavage's Geriatric depression scale, b) Pheiffer's mental state questionnaire, c) basic activities of daily living, d) instrumental activities of daily living, e) Hope scale, f) coping mechanism items from the Successful Aging Inventory (coping with aging), g) hours of volunteer work, and h) The Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire. Coping with aging was composed of independence in basic and instrumental activities of daily living, free from symptoms of depression, good mental state, and perception of health as good. Data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics, and simple and multiple linear regression models. Results. Fifty one percent of the participants showed active aging (42% men, and 56% women). Of the proposed variables, the variables showing effect on the variables of active aging, in the generalized linear model, were years of suffering the disease (Λ=0.922; p=0.008), coping with aging (Λ=0.582; p=0.001), and perceived social support (Λ=0.885; p=0.001). These three variables explained 5% of basic activities of daily living, 41% of the instrumental activities, 12.5% of health perception, 26% of mental state, and 21% of depression. Hope, and volunteer work were not significant. When the variables of active aging were dichotomized, age showed negative effect on global active aging and coping with aging positive effect. Conclusion. Although, proposed variables explained individually active aging, only coping with aging explained global active aging. (AU)

Objetivo. Determinar las variables que contribuyen a la explicación del envejecimiento activo de acuerdo con el modelo de adaptacion de Roy. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo correlacional; se hizo muestreo por conveniencia y bola de nieve. Se incluyeron 200 adultos mayores. Se utilizaron los instrumentos: a) escala geriátrica de depresión de Yesavage, b) cuestionario de estado mental de Pfeiffer, c) Actividades básicas de la vida diaria, d) Actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria, e) escala de esperanza, f) reactivos de mecanismos de afrontamiento del inventario de Envejecimiento exitoso (afrontamiento al envejecimiento), y g) el cuestionario de apoyo social Duke-UNC-11. El envejecimiento activo se conformó por independencia en las actividades básicas e instrumentales de la vida diaria, libre de síntomas de depresión, buen estado mental y percepción de salud buena. Los datos se analizaron a partir de estadística descriptiva e inferencial, y modelos de regresión lineal y múltiple. Resultados. El 51% de los participantes mostró envejecimiento activo (42% en hombres y 56% en mujeres). De las variables propuestas, el modelo lineal generalizado mostró que los años de padecer la enfermedad, (Λ=0.922; p=0.008), el afrontamiento al envejecimiento (Λ=0.582; p=0.001), y el apoyo social percibido (Λ=0.885; p= 0.001), presentaron efecto sobre las variables que conformaron el envejecimiento activo. Estas tres variables explicaron el 5% de las actividades de la vida diaria, 41% de las instrumentales, 12.5% de la percepción de salud, 26% del estado mental y el 21% de la depresión. La esperanza y trabajo voluntario no fueron significativas. Al dicotomizar las variables del envejecimiento activo se encontraron efectos negativos de la edad y positivos del afrontamiento al envejecimiento. Conclusión. Aunque en este estudio se encontró que las variables propuestas explican en forma individual las variables del envejecimiento activo, solamente el afrontamiento al envejecimiento explicó la varianza del envejecimiento activo en forma global. (AU)

Objetivo. Determinar as variáveis que contribuem à explicação do envelhecimento ativo de acordo ao modelo de adaptação de Roy. Métodos. Estudo descritivo de correlação, se fez amostragem por conveniência e bola de neve. Se incluíram 200 adultos maiores. Se utilizaram os instrumentos: a) escala geriátrica de depressão de Yesavage, b) questionário de estado mental de Pfeiffer, c) Atividades básicas da vida diária, d) Atividades instrumentais da vida diária, e) escala de esperança, f) reativos de mecanismos de afrontamento do inventário de Envelhecimento de sucesso (afrontamento ao envelhecimento), e g) o questionário de apoio social Duke-UNC-11. O envelhecimento ativo se conformou por independência nas atividades básicas e instrumentais da vida diária, livre de sintomas de depressão, bom estado mental e percepção de boa saúde. Os dados se analisaram através de estatística descritiva e inferencial, e modelos de regressão lineal e múltipla. Resultados. 51% dos participantes mostrou envelhecimento ativo (42% em homens e 56% em mulheres). Das variáveis propostas o modelo lineal generalizado mostrou que os anos de padecer a doença, (Λ=0.922; p=0.008), o afrontamento ao envelhecimento (Λ=0.582; p=0.001), e o apoio social percebido (Λ=0.885; p=0.001), apresentaram efeito sobre as variáveis que conformaram o envelhecimento ativo. Estas três variáveis explicaram 5% das atividades da vida diária, 41% dos instrumentais, 12.5% da percepção de saúde, 26% do estado mental e 21% da depressão. A esperança, e trabalho voluntário não foram significativas. Ao classificar as variáveis do envelhecimento ativo se encontrou efeito negativo da idade e positivo do afrontamento ao envelhecimento sobre o envelhecimento ativo global. Conclusão. Embora neste estudo se encontrou que as variáveis propostas explicam em forma individual as variáveis do envelhecimento ativo, somente o afrontamento ao envelhecimento explicou a variável do envelhecimento ativo em forma global. (AU)

Salud, enfermedad y cuidado de adultos mayores inmigrantes / Health, illness and care of immigrant older adults / Saúde, doença e cuidado de idosos imigrantes

Objetivo: describir el significado de salud, enfermedad y cuidado del adulto mayor inmigrante de la comunidad El Mezquital ubicada al nordeste de la costa mexicana del golfo de México en relación a su cosmovisión y el entorno donde viven. Método: una investigación etnográfica fue realizada con estadías largas en el sitio de estudio, observación participante y entrevista abierta a 15 participantes, durante enero de 2016 a abril de 2017. La validación de datos se realiza mediante una técnica de triangulación de la información. Resultados: patrones recurrentes de significado de salud fueron: sentirse bien, tener familia, tener dinero, el lugar donde viven; de enfermedad: conocimiento personal, alimentación, actividad física y tener fe; y en el cuidado se identificaron la medicación, estudios diagnósticos, cirugías. Conclusión: conocer el significado de salud, enfermedad y cuidado de adultos mayores permitió identificar patrones recurrentes que inciden culturalmente sobre lo que ayuda a la persona a estar bien y lo que la enferma o le hace mal, expresando el cuidado desde el entorno del hogar. La investigación desde perspectiva cultural, potencia un campo natural de cuidado basado en el entendimiento y comprensión cultural para brindar cuidado culturalmente congruente.

Objective: it was to describe the health, disease and care of immigrant older adults living in the Mezquital in Northeastern Mexican coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Method: an ethnographic research was conducted with long stays in the study site, participant observation and open interviews to 15 participants, during january 2016 through february 2017. Data obtained was validated through a triangulation technique. Results: recurring patterns of meaning of health were: feel good, have a family, have money, where they live; of disease were personal knowledge, physical activity, food and faith; in care were identified: medication, diagnostic tests and surgeries. Conclusions: to know the meaning of health, illness and care of major adults allowed identifying patterns appellants who affect culturally on what helps the person it is to be well and what the sick person or it harms him, reflecting the care from the environment of the hearth. The investigation from cultural perspective, promotes a natural field of care established in the understanding and cultural comprehension to offer culturally coherent care.

Objetivo: descrever o significado de saúde, doença e cuidado do idoso imigrante da comunidade El Mezquital localizada no nordeste da costa mexicana do Golfo do México em relação à sua cosmovisão e o entorno de onde vivem. Método: uma investigação etnográfica foi realizada com estadias longas no local do estudo, observação participante e entrevistas abertas a 15 participantes, durante janeiro de 2016 a fevereiro de 2017. A validação dos dados se realizou mediante uma técnica de triangulação de informações. Resultados: padrões recorrentes de significância em saúde foram: sentir-se bem, ter uma família, ter dinheiro, o lugar onde vivem; de doença: conhecimento pessoal, comida, atividade física e ter fé; e no cuidado se identificaram a medicação, estudos diagnósticos e cirurgias. Conclusão: conhecer o significado de saúde, doença e cuidado de idosos permitiu identificar padrões recorrentes que incidem culturalmente sobre o que ajuda a pessoa a estar bem e o que a torna doente ou que faz mal, expressando o cuidado desde o entorno do lar. A investigação a partir da perspectiva cultural potencializa um campo natural de cuidado baseado no entendimento e compreensão cultural para fornecer cuidado culturalmente congruente.

¿Por qué es necesaria una mirada enfermera global hacia los cuidados y el desarrollo de la competencia cultural en enfermería? / Why is a Nurse's Global Perspective Necessary for the Care and Development of Cultural Competence in Nursing? / Por que a perspectiva enfermeira global é necessária para o cuidado e desenvolvimento da competência cultural na enfermagem?

Actualmente, ante la gran movilidad geográfica a la que asisten las sociedades, se hace necesario un giro en el abordaje de los cuidados con una mirada congruente y sensible a las características étnicasde las personas. La riqueza de la diversidad cultural patente en los valores de cada comunidad no debe pasar inadvertida en la atención a los procesos de salud y enfermedad que los profesionales sanitarios manejamos a diario en las instituciones. Cada vez más será necesario poner en valor la habilidad de los equipos profesionales multidisciplinares para reconocer las características culturales de cada grupo al que atienden, desde una perspectiva de respeto y aprendizaje basada en el relativismo cultural. Sin embargo, aunque dicha habilidad puede ser innata en algunas personas, también es posible cultivarla y desarrollarla, dignificando aún más ­si cabe­ las profesiones sanitarias.

Nowadays, given the great geographical movement that societies attend, it is necessary a turn in the approach to care with a consistent and sensitive look at the ethnic characteristics of the people. The richness of the cultural diversity evident in the values of each community should not go unnoticed in the attention to the processes of health and illness that the health professionals handle daily in the insti-tutions. Increasingly, it will be necessary to value the ability of multidisciplinary professional teams to recognize the cultural characteristics of each group they serve from a perspective of respect and learning based on cultural relativism. However, even though this ability may be innate to some people, it is also possible to cultivate and develop it, dignifying even more ­if it fits­ the health professions

Atualmente, diante da grande mobilidade geográfica observada pelas sociedades, faz-se necessário reverter a abordagem dos cuidados com um olhar consistente e sensível às características étnicas das pessoas. A riqueza da diversidade cultural presente nos valores de cada comunidade não deve passar despercebida aos processos de saúde e doenças com os quais os profissionais de saúde lidam diariamente nas insti-tuições. Cada vez mais será necessário valorizar a habilidade das equipes profissionais multidisciplinares para reconhecer as características culturais de cada grupo que atendem, a partir de uma perspectiva de respeito e aprendizagem baseada no relativismo cultural. No entanto, embora essa habilidade posa ser inerente a certas pessoas, também é possível cultivá-la e desenvolvê-la, dignificando-a ainda mais ­caso se adequar­ às profissões de saúde

Elevated liver stiffness is linked to increased biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation in HIV/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients.

OBJECTIVES: Immune dysregulation is a hallmark of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and biomarkers of T-cell activation, bacterial translocation, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and coagulopathy in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: We studied 238 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, 32 healthy controls, and 39 HIV-monoinfected patients. Patients were stratified according to LSM into four groups: less than 12.5, 12.5-25, 25-40, and more than 40 kPa. T-cell subsets were measured using flow cytometry and plasma biomarkers using immunoassays. RESULTS: HIV/HCV-coinfected patients had higher biomarker levels of immune activation in peripheral blood [T-cell activation (CD4CD38 and CD8CD38), bacterial translocation (soluble CD14), inflammation [IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, IFN-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10)] endothelial dysfunction [soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM1), soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM1), and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR1)], and coagulopathy (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1)] than healthy controls and HIV-monoinfected patients. Moreover, in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, a direct relationship between LSM and immune activation [T-cell activation (CD8CD38 bacterial translocation (lipopolysaccharide), inflammation (IL-8, IP-10), endothelial dysfunction (sVCAM1, sICAM1, and sTNFR1), and coagulopathy (D-dimer)] was found. Subsequently, patients were stratified into different fibrosis stages, finding that patients with cirrhosis who had LSM at least 40 kPa showed higher biomarker values of immune activation [T-cell activation (CD4CD38 and CD8CD38), bacterial translocation (lipopolysaccharide), inflammation (IL-8, IL-6, IP-10), endothelial dysfunction (sVCAM1, sICAM1, and sTNFR1), and coagulopathy (D-dimer)] than patients from the other three groups (<12.5, 12.5-25, and 25-40 kPa). CONCLUSION: T-cell activation, bacterial translocation, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and coagulopathy increased with the severity of liver fibrosis in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, particularly in patients who had LSM at least 40 kPa.

The Bilobed Racquet Flap or Extended Seagull Flap for Thumb Reconstruction: A Case Report.

The treatment of extensive soft tissue defects in the thumb with dorsal metacarpal artery flaps has been previously reported in the literature. Island flaps from the dorsum of the index and long fingers have been the subject of many reports and studies. However, when the defect involves the whole thumb, a 360° circumferential defect, standard first or second dorsal metacarpal artery flaps are usually insufficient. There are fewer reports on the use of bilobed flaps for this application and we have found no reports on the use of bilobed racquet flaps or extended seagull flaps as treatment for this condition. We report the salvage of a thumb degloving injury with use of a bilobed racquet flap.

Healthcare professionals' views of the experiences of individuals living with Crohn's Disease in Spain. A qualitative study.

Crohn's Disease (CD) in Spain lacks of a unified National Clinical Pathway and not even any early detection program and professional follow-up outpatient attention once it has been diagnosed. Little is known about the Spanish health professionals' views of the experiences of individuals living with Crohn's Disease nationwide and also about how the Spanish Health System faces this situation. A qualitative research method was conducted to explore this topic through in-depth interviews with eleven healthcare professionals, who represented different clinics treating people with CD from the province of Alicante (Spain). Three topics and seven sub-topics were derived from the analysis of the content emerging from the interviews. The three main topics were: the healthcare system as a hindrance for ongoing treatment of CD, the impact of the disease, support networks. The knowledge of CD gained by healthcare professionals, in the contexts studied here within, with regards to the psychosocial aspects and the experience of those living with the disease and their immediate circles, is poor, if not null on an academic level, becoming experiential on their incorporation into the professional field. Additionally, a priori, they lack the tools to address the doubts and concerns of patients from the moment of diagnosis through the ongoing care of the patient. Organizational hindrances, such as the lack of time and consensual guidelines for adequately monitoring CD patients in Alicante (Spain), further restrict the patient-professional relationship. Due to the consensus established by the National Agency regulating the contents of the Health Professions' Education and Training across the country, we are assuming that the phenomenon highlighted may be similar in other parts of Spain. Therefore, it can be said that healthcare professionals have a limited understanding of the impact of CD on the day-to-day life of those affected, not being considered a part of the CD patients' formal support network. Nonetheless, they are conscious of this limitation and advocate for multidisciplinary teams as the best means of attending to people living with CD. Our study outcomes may represent the first step onto identifying strategies and best practices for establishing an effective therapeutic relationship, as well as any hindering factors.

Understanding life experiences of people affected by Crohn's disease in Spain. A phenomenological approach.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: People affected by Crohn's disease must adapt their lives to their new chronic condition, and therefore, understanding such experience can be helpful in planning effective interventions for the affected ones. The aim of this study was to gain an insight into such experience and how they adapted in different areas of their lives, particularly in a family-centred culture such as the Spanish one. METHOD: A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted through in-depth interviews to 19 people diagnosed of Crohn's disease in the province of Alicante (Spain). Once the interviews were transcribed, data were analysed using Colaizzi's seven-step method. RESULTS: Five emergent themes were identified: self-protection against the unknown cause; self-training; learning to live with Crohn's disease; perceived losses associated to Crohn's disease; and relationship with others. The results portrayed a chronically ill patient who is unconscious about the chronicity and consequently must develop strategies to keep living a similar life like the one lived before. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that people affected by Crohn's disease struggle with the fact of being a chronic patient with uncertainty about the illness and need to learn living with a chronic condition that limits their daily lives. Furthermore, the lack of Crohn's disease a professional in charge of these people's Cares such as the specific nursing role existing in other countries support in the Spanish Health System determines the loneliness those diagnosed experience to cope with the new situation.