Engaging Antiracist And Decolonial Praxis To Advance Equity In Oregon Public Health Surveillance Practices.

Public health surveillance and data systems in the US remain an unnamed facet of structural racism. What gets measured, which data get collected and analyzed, and how and by whom are not matters of happenstance. Rather, surveillance and data systems are productions and reproductions of political priority, epistemic privilege, and racialized state power. This has consequences for how communities of color are represented or misrepresented, viewed, and valued and for what is prioritized and viewed as legitimate cause for action. Surveillance and data systems accordingly must be understood as both an instrument of structural racism and an opportunity to dismantle it. Here, we outline a critique of standard surveillance systems and practice, drawing from the social epidemiology, critical theory, and decolonial theory literatures to illuminate matters of power germane to epistemic and procedural justice in the surveillance of communities of color. We then summarize how community partners, academics, and state health department data scientists collaborated to reimagine survey practices in Oregon, engaging public health critical race praxis and decolonial theory to reorient toward antiracist surveillance systems. We close with a brief discussion of implications for practice and areas for continued consideration and reflection.

Centering Communities of Color in the Modernization of a Public Health Survey System: Lessons from Oregon.

Context: Public health survey systems are tools for informing public health programming and policy at the national, state, and local levels. Among the challenges states face with these kinds of surveys include concerns about the representativeness of communities of color and lack of community engagement in survey design, analysis, and interpretation of results or dissemination, which raises questions about their integrity and relevance. Approach: Using a data equity framework (rooted in antiracism and intersectionality), the purpose of this project was to describe a formative participatory assessment approach to address challenges in Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and Student Health Survey (SHS) data system by centering community partnership and leadership in (1) understanding and interpreting data; (2) identifying strengths, gaps, and limitations of data and methodologies; (3) facilitating community-led data collection on community-identified gaps in the data; and (4) developing recommendations. Results: Project team members' concerns, observations, and critiques are organized into six themes. Throughout this engagement process, community partners, including members of the project teams, shared a common concern: that these surveys reproduced the assumptions, norms, and methodologies of the dominant (White, individual centered) scientific approach and, in so doing, created further harm by excluding community knowledges and misrepresenting communities of color. Conclusions: Meaningful community leadership is needed for public health survey systems to provide more actionable pathways toward improving population health outcomes. A data equity approach means centering communities of color throughout survey cycles, which can strengthen the scientific integrity and relevance of these data to inform community health efforts.

Economic convergence in a globalized world: The role of business cycle synchronization.

Increasing economic integration and global synchronization can be key for countries aiming to catch up in GDP per capita terms. Little attention has hitherto been placed in synchronization as determinant of convergence. In this paper we estimate the effect of economic globalization and synchronization on income convergence for a sample of 89 developed and developing countries in the period 1970-2015. We use a dynamic factor model and panel data techniques to undertake the objectives of the paper. We show that synchronized countries (those correlated with the factor) exhibit a higher response on GDP per capita growth with variations on the global business cycle. This implies that synchronization improves growth for that group in global expansionary phases, but also implies risks during global recessions. On the contrary, the effect on growth of an economic globalization index is less relevant for synchronized countries than for asynchronized countries. The latter result implies that asynchronized countries can benefit more increasing their levels of economic globalization.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Food Insecurity among Mexican University Students' Households.

Household food insecurity (FI) remains a major public health challenge worldwide. Data about perceived FI and its risk factors in Mexican university students are lacking. We aimed to assess FI's prevalence and factors affecting it among university students' households in Mexico. This cross-sectional analysis involved 7671 university students' households using the 2018 Mexican National of Household Income and Expenditure Survey data. Variables analyzed included sociodemographic characteristics, and the 12-item validated Mexican Scale for Food Security (EMSA). Multivariable logistic regression modelling was performed to identify FI risk factors. The overall household FI prevalence was 30.8%. According to FI severity, prevalence rates were 16.3% for mild-FI, 8.8% for moderate-FI, and 5.7% for severe-FI. Low socioeconomic status (OR = 2.72; 95%CI: 2.09-3.54), low education level of household's head (OR = 2.36; 95%CI: 1.90-2.94), self-ascription to an indigenous group (OR = 1.59; 95%CI: 1.41-1.79), attending public university (OR = 1.27; 95%CI: 1.13-1.43), female-headed household (OR = 1.26; 95%CI: 1.13-1.40), having worked recently (OR = 1.19; 95%CI: 1.07-1.33), and being in second year of studies (OR = 1.17; 95%CI: 1.03-1.33), were significantly related to FI. Our results confirm that FI is highly prevalent among Mexican university students' households and that sociodemographic factors are essential in addressing this concern. Findings highlight the need for preventive programs and policies to alleviate FI.

Diet quality and nutrient density in subjects with metabolic syndrome: Influence of socioeconomic status and lifestyle factors. A cross-sectional assessment in the PREDIMED-Plus study.

BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic disparities and lifestyle factors are likely to determine the overall quality of the diet. In addition, overeating is compatible with inadequate micronutrient intake and it can lead to adverse health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess adequacy of dietary nutrient intake and to investigate the influence of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors on nutrient density in a large primary cardiovascular prevention trial conducted in healthy participants with metabolic syndrome (MetS) to assess the cardiovascular effects of an energy-restricted Mediterranean diet (PREDIMED-Plus). METHODS: Baseline cross-sectional analysis of the PREDIMED-Plus trial with 6646 Spanish participants (aged 55-75 years in men and 60-75 years in women) with overweight/obesity and MetS. Energy and nutrient intake (for 10 nutrients) were calculated using a validated 143-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and nutrient density was estimated dividing the absolute nutrient intake by total energy intake. The prevalence of inadequate intake was estimated according to dietary reference intakes. Multivariable linear regression models were fitted to examine associations between socioeconomic status or lifestyle factors and nutrient density. RESULTS: A considerable proportion of the screened participants showed a deficient intake of vitamins A, D, E, B9, calcium, magnesium and dietary fibre. Inadequate intake of four or more of the ten nutrients considered was present in 17% of participants. A higher nutrient density was directly and significantly associated with female sex, higher educational level and a better adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Lifestyle factors such as non-smoking and avoidance of sedentary lifestyles were also independently associated with better nutrient density. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with MetS, despite being overweight, exhibited suboptimal nutrient intake, especially among men. Low nutrient density diet can be largely explained by differences in socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. These results highlight the importance of focussing on nutritional education in vulnerable populations, taking into account nutrient requirements.

Características clínicas y administrativas que se relacionan con el retraso en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello / Clinical and administrative characteristics related to the delay in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with head and neck cancer

Introducción. En Colombia, el diagnóstico de los tumores de cabeza y cuello es tardío, lo cual aumenta la mor-talidad, las secuelas estéticas y funcionales, y los costos para el sistema de salud. Actualmente, hay poca información sobre los factores que retrasan el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello. Métodos. Se trata un estudio transversal y analítico. Como referencia, se utilizó el cálculo de muestras para una población finita con un nivel de confianza del 95 % y un margen de error del 5 %, para un total de 159 pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer de cabeza y cuello atendidos en la Clínica Vida de Medellín, entre los años 2016 y 2017. Resultados. Se evaluaron 146 pacientes. Los síntomas más frecuentes por los que consultaron fueron masa cervical y disfonía. Solo el 53,4 % de los pacientes buscó atención médica inmediata ante la presencia del síntoma. De aque-llos que no la buscaron, la causa más frecuente fue la creencia de que el síntoma desaparecería espontáneamente. Discusión. Con base en los resultados obtenidos, se puede concluir que el síntoma de presentación juega un papel importante para que el paciente decida buscar o no buscar atención médica inmediata. El síntoma de presentación y el vivir en el área rural, retrasan el tiempo transcurrido entre la aparición del síntoma y la primera valoración por un médico de atención primaria. Los factores que se asociaron al retraso entre el diagnóstico y el inicio del tratamiento, fueron la seguridad social y el haber presentado tos como síntoma inicial

Introduction: In Colombia the diagnosis of head and neck tumors is late, which represents an increase in mor-tality, aesthetic and functional sequelae and costs for the health system. Currently, there is little information on the factors that delay the diagnosis and treatment of patients with head and neck cancer.Methods: It is a cross-sectional and analytical study. As a reference, the calculation of samples was used for a finite population with a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of 5%, for a total of 159 patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer treated between 2016 and 2017.Results: A total of 146 patients were evaluated. The most frequent symptoms for those who consulted were neck mass and dysphonia. Only 53.4% of the patients sought immediate medical attention in the presence of the symptom. Of those who did not seek for it, the most frequent cause was the belief that the symptom would spontaneously disappear.Discussion: Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the presentation symptom plays an important role for the patient to decide whether or not to seek immediate medical attention. The presentation symptom and living in rural areas delay the time elapsed between the appearance of the symptom and the first assessment by a primary care physician. The factors that were associated with the delay between diagnosis and the start of treatment were social security and having presented cough as an initial symptom

[Assistance program in quitting tobacco use in Navarra. 25 years on stage]. / Programa de ayuda a dejar de fumar en Navarra. 25 años de andadura.

In Navarre, the Smoking Cessation Program (PAF) was launched in 1994, result of the collaboration between Public Health and Primary Care. In 2001 it was integrated into the Tobacco Regional Action Plan, together with the other two lines of action: prevention of smoking initiation and promotion of smoke-free spaces. PAF includes two levels of intervention, a basic and an intensive one, with programmed educational support, individual and group. Medications for smoking cessation have been intermittently subsidized by the Health Department of Navarre. In December 2017, funding of medications for smoking cessation was reintroduced, in the same conditions of any other medication. Treatments are limited to one per patient and year, always including educational support. In 2018, 6139 people benefited from this funding, 50% women and 60% with yearly income lower than 18000 euros. We carried out a preliminary evaluation through a telephone survey. Overall, 35% of participants reported to keep abstinent after one year, 40% among those who also received intensive educational support.

En Navarra el Programa de Ayuda a Dejar de Fumar (PAF) nace en 1994 fruto de la colaboración entre Salud Pública y Atención Primaria y desde 2001 se integra en el Plan Foral de Acción sobre el Tabaco, junto con otras dos líneas de actuación: prevención al inicio y espacios sin humo. El PAF incluye dos niveles de intervención, básico e intensivo, con apoyo educativo programado individual y grupal y periodos de financiación farmacológica. En diciembre de 2017 se reintrodujo la financiación de los fármacos para la deshabituación tabáquica en las mismas condiciones que el resto de medicamentos, limitada a un tratamiento por paciente y año, siempre en el contexto de un programa de apoyo educativo. En 2018 se beneficiaron de la financiación 6.139 personas, la mitad mujeres y 6 de cada 10 con rentas inferiores a 18.000 euros. Los resultados de la evaluación preliminar, realizada mediante encuesta telefónica, muestran una tasa declarada de abandono al año del 35%, que asciende al 40% si se recibe apoyo educativo.

A survey of Heads of Surgery and Residents on accessibility and employment in liver transplant teams in Spain. / Encuesta a los jefes de Unidad y residentes de Cirugía sobre la accesibilidad y el trabajo en los equipos de trasplante hepático en España.

INTRODUCTION: The access of surgeons to liver transplant teams in Spain is heterogeneous. This study aims to portray the current human resources of Spanish transplant teams, distribution of transplant duties among team members, how transplant team members acquire their skills, their leaders' view of their future, as well the motivations of Spanish General Surgery residents to choose transplantation as their future career choice. METHODS: Two different surveys were created, one for head surgeons and one for residents, about the number of team members and their training, recruitment, organization of tasks and motivation to work in transplantation. The questionnaires were e-mailed to both the transplant program directors and the surgical residents. RESULTS: There are on average 8 surgeons in each transplant unit. More than four surgeons perform the hepatectomy in 54.2% of the groups, while the graft implantation is performed by more than 4 surgeons at just 25% of the centers. Forty-two percent of the transplant chiefs advocated a fellowship training system, and 87.5% believe that generational turnover is guaranteed. Out of 525 residents, 101 responded. Regarding training, 12.8% had no interest in transplantation. Concerning their work preferences, 37.6% were not interested in transplantation because it is excessively demanding, and 52.5% would not like to be part of a liver transplant team in the future. CONCLUSIONS: The generational turnover seems to be guaranteed according to liver transplant program directors. The new generations of surgeons generally opt for other areas of surgery other than transplantation. Studies with a greater number of responses are necessary to validate these results.

A Global Assessment of Circulating Prolysyl Oxidase in Nonischemic Patients With Garden-variety Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Lysyl oxidase is overexpressed in the myocardium of patients with hypertensive cardiomyopathy. We aimed to explore whether patients with hypertensive-metabolic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HM-HFpEF) also have increased concentrations of circulating prolysyl oxidase (cpLOX) and its possible consequences. METHODS: We quantified cpLOX concentrations in 85 nonischemic patients with stage C, HM-HFpEF, and compared them with those of 51 healthy controls. We also assessed the correlations of cpLOX with myocardial stiffness parameters, collagen turnover products and fibrogenic cytokines, as well as the predictive value of plasma proenzyme levels at 1-year of follow-up. RESULTS: We detected raised cpLOX values and found that they correlated with calculated E/E' ratios and stiffness constants. The subgroup of patients with type I diastolic dysfunction showed a single negative correlation between cpLOX and B-type natriuretic peptide whereas patients with a restrictive diastolic pattern showed a strong correlation between cpLOX and galectin-3. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that cpLOX > 52.20 ng/mL slightly increased the risk of a fatal outcome (log-rank = 4.45; P = .034). When Cox regression was used, cpLOX was found to be a significant independent predictor of cardiovascular death or hospitalization due to the decompensation of HM-HFpEF (HR, 1.360; 95%CI, 1.126-1.638; P = .046). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with symptomatic HM-HFpEF show high cpLOX serum levels associated with restrictive diastolic filling indices. These levels represent a moderate risk factor for poor clinical outcome. Throughout the natural history of HM-HFpEF, we observed that cpLOX concentrations were initially negatively correlated with B-type natriuretic peptide but positively correlated with galectin-3 as advanced diastolic dysfunction developed.

Assessment of Paraspinal Muscle Atrophy Percentage after Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Unilateral Instrumentation Using a Novel Contralateral Intact Muscle-Controlled Model.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective comparative clinical study. PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess paraspinal muscle atrophy in patients who underwent minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) and unilateral pedicle screw fixation using a novel contralateral intact muscle-controlled model. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The increased incidence of paravertebral lumbar muscle injuries after open techniques has raised the importance of implementing minimally invasive spine surgical techniques using tubular retractors and minimally invasive screw placement. The functional cross-sectional area (FCSA) represents the lean muscle mass; furthermore, FCSA is a useful marker of the contractile ability of a muscle following a spine surgery. However, the benefits of unilateral fixation and MI-TLIF on paraspinal muscles have not been defined. METHODS: We performed a retrospective imagenological review on eleven patients who underwent unilateral MI-TLIF and unilateral transpedicular screw lumbar placement. FCSAs of the multifidus and erector spinae were measured 1 year after surgery at adjacent levels and were compared to the contralateral intact muscles. Measurement differences between the surgical and nonsurgical sites were compared. The interobserver reliability was calculated using an intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The mean FCSA at the surgical site was 20.97±5.07 cm2 at the superior level and 8.89±2.87 cm2 at the inferior level. The mean FCSA at the contralateral nonsurgical site was 20.15±5.95 cm2 at the superior level and 9.20±2.66 cm2 at the inferior level was. The superior and inferior FCSA measurements showed no significant difference between the surgical and nonsurgical sites (p=0.5, p=0.922, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Using a mini-open tubular approach through the sulcus between the longissimus and iliocostalis, MI-TLIF and unilateral pedicle screw instrumentation produced minimal paraspinal muscle damage at the superior and inferior adjacent levels.

Legume consumption is inversely associated with type 2 diabetes incidence in adults: A prospective assessment from the PREDIMED study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Legumes, a low-energy, nutrient-dense and low glycemic index food, have shown beneficial effects on glycemic control and adiposity. As such, legumes are widely recommended in diabetic diets, even though there is little evidence that their consumption protects against type 2 diabetes. Therefore the aim of the present study was to examine the associations between consumption of total legumes and specific subtypes, and type 2 diabetes risk. We also investigated the effect of theoretically substituting legumes for other protein- or carbohydrate-rich foods. METHODS: Prospective assessment of 3349 participants in the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) study without type 2 diabetes at baseline. Dietary information was assessed at baseline and yearly during follow-up. We used Cox regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for type-2 diabetes incidence according to quartiles of cumulative average consumption of total legumes, lentils, chickpeas, dry beans and fresh peas. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 4.3 years, 266 new cases of type 2 diabetes occurred. Individuals in the highest quartile of total legume and lentil consumption had a lower risk of diabetes than those in the lowest quartile (HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.96; P-trend = 0.04; and HR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.46-0.98; P-trend = 0.05, respectively). A borderline significant association was also observed for chickpeas consumption (HR 0.68; 95% CI: 0.46, 1.00; P-trend = 0.06). Substitutions of half a serving/day of legumes for similar servings of eggs, bread, rice or baked potato was associated with lower risk of diabetes incidence. CONCLUSIONS: A frequent consumption of legumes, particularly lentils, in the context of a Mediterranean diet, may provide benefits on type 2 diabetes prevention in older adults at high cardiovascular risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered at http://www.controlled-trials.com (ISRCTN35739639). Registration date: 5th October 2005.

Moisture content prediction in poultry litter using artificial intelligence techniques and Monte Carlo simulation to determine the economic yield from energy use.

The objective of this study is to determine the economic return of poultry litter combustion in boilers to produce bioenergy (thermal and electrical), as this biomass has a high-energy potential due to its component elements, using fuzzy logic to predict moisture and identify the high-impact variables. This is carried out using a proposed 7-stage methodology, which includes a statistical analysis of agricultural systems and practices to identify activities contributing to moisture in poultry litter (for example, broiler chicken management, number of air extractors, and avian population density), and thereby reduce moisture to increase the yield of the combustion process. Estimates of poultry litter production and heating value are made based on 4 different moisture content percentages (scenarios of 25%, 30%, 35%, and 40%), and then a risk analysis is proposed using the Monte Carlo simulation to select the best investment alternative and to estimate the environmental impact for greenhouse gas mitigation. The results show that dry poultry litter (25%) is slightly better for combustion, generating 3.20% more energy. Reducing moisture from 40% to 25% involves considerable economic investment due to the purchase of equipment to reduce moisture; thus, when calculating financial indicators, the 40% scenario is the most attractive, as it is the current scenario. Thus, this methodology proposes a technology approach based on the use of advanced tools to predict moisture and representation of the system (Monte Carlo simulation), where the variability and uncertainty of the system are accurately represented. Therefore, this methodology is considered generic for any bioenergy generation system and not just for the poultry sector, whether it uses combustion or another type of technology.

Análisis de costo-efectividad del uso de lentes intraoculares tóricos frente a los lentes monofocales tradicionales en pacientes con catarata y astigmatismo corneal preexistente / Cost-effectiveness analysis of toric intraocular lenses use versus traditional monofocal lenses in cataract patients with pre-existent corneal astigmatism

Objetivo: evaluar la costo-efectividad del uso de lentes intraoculares (LIO) tóricos en la cirugía de pacientes con catarata con astigmatismo corneal pre-existente (> 0.75 D) versus el uso de lentes intraoculares (LIO) monofocales. Método: mediante un modelo tipo árbol de decisión se compararon las intervenciones desde la perspectiva del tercero pagador. El modelo tuvo un horizonte temporal de cinco años. La medida del resultado analizado fue la agudeza visual acumulada de 20/32 o mejor expresada en tiempo de visión normal a distancia libre de soporte adicional. Se aplicó una tasa de descuento del 3% anual para costos y desenlaces clínicos. La efectividad fue tomada de un estudio clínico controlado multicéntrico. Resultados: en el caso base la razón de costo-efectividad incremental (RCEI) para los LIO tóricos fué de (USD) $534,83 por cada año de visión normal a distancia libre de soporte adicional comparados con los LIO monofocales. Se observó que la RCEI mejora si el astigmatismo es mayor antes de la cirugía, así para rangos de dioptría <1.50, >1.50 <2.00 y >2.00 la RCEI fué de (USD) $712.40, (USD) $416.75 y (USD) $382.16, respectivamente. Según el análisis de sensibilidad univariado la probabilidad de quedar sin astigmatismo debido al LIO monofocal, es la variable de mayor impacto en la RCEI. Conclusiones: los LIO tóricos demostraron ser costo-efectivos para el tratamiento de los pacientes con catarata y con astigmatismo corneal preexistente, siendo mejor su beneficio en pacientes con mayor compromiso visual.

Objective: to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of toric intraocular lenses (IOL) use in surgery of patients with cataract and preexisting corneal astigmatism (> 0.75 D) versus the use of monofocal intraocular lenses (IOL) from the perspective of third party payer. Method: interventions were compared using a decision tree model from a third party payer's perspective. The model had a time horizon of 5 years. The measured outcome was the cumulative visual acuity of 20/32, which was expressed in normal vision time without additional support. A discount rate of 3% per annum was applied to costs and clinical outcomes. The effectiveness was taken from a controlled multicenter clinical study. Results: in base case, the incremental costeff ectiveness ratio (ICER) for the toric IOL was (USD) $ 534.83 for each year of normal vision without additional support compared with monofocal IOL. It was noted that the ICER improved if the astigmatism was high before surgery, so in different diopter ranges: <1.50, > 1.50 < 2.00 and > 2.00 the ICER was (USD) $ 712.40, (USD) $ 416.75 and (USD) $ 382.16 respectively. According to univariate sensitivity analysis the probability to end without astigmatism due to monofocal IOL was variable with the greatest impact on the ICER. Conclusion: toric IOLs proved to be cost-effective for the treatment of patients with cataract and preexisting astigmatism.

Vibrational spectroscopy of the mineral meyerhofferite CaB3O3(OH)5·H2O--an assessment of the molecular structure.

Meyerhofferite is a calcium hydrated borate mineral with ideal formula: CaB3O3(OH)5·H2O and occurs as white complex acicular to crude crystals with length up to ~4 cm, in fibrous divergent, radiating aggregates or reticulated and is often found in sedimentary or lake-bed borate deposits. The Raman spectrum of meyerhofferite is dominated by intense sharp band at 880 cm(-1) assigned to the symmetric stretching mode of trigonal boron. Broad Raman bands at 1046, 1110, 1135 and 1201 cm(-1) are attributed to BOH in-plane bending modes. Raman bands in the 900-1000 cm(-1) spectral region are assigned to the antisymmetric stretching of tetrahedral boron. Distinct OH stretching Raman bands are observed at 3400, 3483 and 3608 cm(-1). The mineral meyerhofferite has a distinct Raman spectrum which is different from the spectrum of other borate minerals, making Raman spectroscopy a very useful tool for the detection of meyerhofferite in sedimentary and lake bed deposits.

Retrospective cost analysis of management of febrile neutropenia in cancer patients in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Febrile neutropenia (FN) is associated with disruption of planned chemotherapy and increased management costs. However, the economic impact of FN in Spanish clinical practice has not been documented hitherto. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective chart review of adults with breast or lung cancer or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) who had > or = 1 FN episode during chemotherapy. Resource use, direct costs, and FN effect on planned chemotherapy were assessed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 238 episodes of FN were analyzed in 194 patients. The mean + or - SD length of FN-related hospitalization was 8.7 + or - 6.9 days (median [p(25)-p(75)] = 7 [5-11] days). At least one transfusion was needed in 77 (32.3%) FN episodes, blood tests were done in 233 (97.9%) and blood cultures in 207 (87.0%). Antibiotics were used in all episodes (100%), other drugs in 186 (78.2%) episodes and the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in 161 (67.7%) episodes. The distribution of costs per episode of FN were: hospitalization 79%, antibiotics 10%, G-CSF 5%, complementary tests 4%; other drugs 1%, blood transfusions 1%. The estimated mean (95% CI) cost per FN episode was euro3841 (95% CI: euro3476-4206). FN management was costlier in NHL patients euro4514 (95% CI: euro3805-5223) than in breast or lung cancer patients (euro3519 [95% CI: euro2976-4061] and euro3311 [95% CI: euro2817-3805] respectively) (P < 0.05 both comparisons). Planned chemotherapy was disrupted in 139 (58.4%) episodes (dose reductions in 75 [34.9%], dose delays in 60 [28.0%] and withdrawal in 33 [14.7%]). CONCLUSIONS: FN substantially affects healthcare resource use and costs in breast cancer, lung cancer and, NHL. In this study, hospitalization and antibiotics were the main drivers of cost. A limitation of the analysis was that it did not include the indirect costs associated with FN episodes.

[Use of physical restraints in an elderly population living in public nursing homes]. / Uso de sujeciones físicas en una población anciana ingresada en residencias públicas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of the use of physical restraints in public nursing homes through the Residents' Functional Classification Information System in order to assess the introduction of a protocol designed to reduce and rationalize the use of these devices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five public nursing homes in the autonomous region of Madrid were included in this study. The following data on the use of physical restraints were analysed: frequency of use (daily or less than daily), type of device, level of functional dependence for activities of daily living, and severity of cognitive impairment. RESULTS: A total of 5346 residents were included. The prevalence of the use of restraints was 8.4%. When the use of bedrails was added, this percentage rose to 20.8%. Bedrails accounted for 63.4% of all restraints used, trunk restraints for 17.7%, limb restraints for 3%, and chairs preventing voluntary rising for 15.9%. A single device was used in 62.6%. Of the restraints, 71.4% were used daily and 28.6% were used temporarily. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study represent an approximation to the current use of physical restraints in nursing homes. The prevalence found was similar to, or less than, that observed in previous studies. The most commonly used form of restraint was bedrails. The use of these devices is probably excessive, affecting even residents without cognitive impairment or physical dependence. To reduce the use of restraints and guarantee optimal care when their application is indicated, the Regional Social Welfare Service systematically applies a protocol for the prevention and use of physical restraints.

Mil trasplantes renales en el CMN Siglo XXI (1963-1998): primera experiencia en México / One thousand kidney trasplants at National Medical Center \"Siglo XXI\" (1963-1998). First experience in Mexico

Se describe la experiencia del primer centro de trasplante renal en alcanzar mil trasplantes renales, efectuados en el período 1963 a 1998. Se destaca que el Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI efectuó el primer trasplante renal en México en octubre de 1963, siendo el segundo país de Latinoamérica, después de Argentina, quien lo efectuó en 1957. Los primeros 18 trasplantes se efectuaron entre 1963 y 1968, en los que 14 procedieron de donador cadáver (DC). Entre 1975 y 1985 se efectuaron 320 trasplantes, con gran actividad de trasplantes, sólo en 1975 se efectuaron 50 trasplantes de los que 18 procedieron de DC. A partir de 1992 el grupo de trasplante renal actual efectuó 509 trasplantes hasta 1998y acumuló la más grande experiencia de trasplantes renales en México.