FLIM-FRET Protein-Protein Interaction Assay.

Fluorescence lifetime imaging performed under FRET conditions between two interacting molecules is a sensitive and robust way to quantify intermolecular interactions in cells. The fluorescence lifetime, an inherent property of the fluorophore, remains unaffected by factors such as concentration, laser intensity, and other photophysical artifacts. In the context of FLIM-FRET, the focus lies on measuring the fluorescence lifetime of the donor molecule, which diminishes upon interaction with a neighboring acceptor molecule. In this study, we present a step-by-step experimental protocol for applying FLIM-FRET to investigate protein-protein interactions involving various RAS isoforms and RAS effectors at the live cell's plasma membrane. By utilizing the FRET pair comprising enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) and fluorescent mCherry, we demonstrate that the proximity and possible nanoclustering of eGFP-tagged KRAS4b G12D and mCherry-tagged KRAS4b WT led to a reduction in the donor eGFP's fluorescence lifetime. The donor lifetime of eGFP-tagged KRAS decreases even further when treated with a dimer-inducing small molecule, or in the presence of RAF proteins, suggesting a greater FRET efficiency, and thus less distance, between donor and acceptor.

Natural Product Graveoline Modulates Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homologue (KRAS) Membrane Association: Insights from Advanced Spectroscopic Studies.

The KRAS gene plays a pivotal role in numerous cancers by encoding a GTPase that upon association with the plasma membrane activates the MAPK pathway, promoting cellular proliferation. In our study, we investigated small molecules that disrupt KRAS's membrane interaction, hypothesizing that such disruption could in turn inhibit mutant RAS signaling. Native mass spectrometry screening of KRAS-FMe identified compounds with a preference for interacting with the hypervariable region (HVR), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) further refined our selection to graveoline as a compound exhibiting preferential HVR binding. Subsequent nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis showed that graveoline's interaction with KRAS depends on C-terminal O-methylation. Moreover, our findings revealed multiple interaction sites, suggesting weak engagement with the KRAS G domain. Using nanodiscs as a membrane mimetic, further characterization through NMR and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) studies demonstrated graveoline's ability to perturb KRAS membrane interaction in a biochemical setting. Our biophysical approach sheds light on the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying KRAS-ligand interactions, providing valuable insights into understanding the KRAS-associated pathophysiology. These findings contribute to the translational aspect of our study, offering potential avenues for further research targeting KRAS membrane association with the potential to lead to a new class of RAS therapeutics.

Virtual screening of ultra-large chemical libraries identifies cell-permeable small-molecule inhibitors of a "non-druggable" target, STAT3 N-terminal domain.

STAT3 N-terminal domain is a promising molecular target for cancer treatment and modulation of immune responses. However, STAT3 is localized in the cytoplasm, mitochondria, and nuclei, and thus, is inaccessible to therapeutic antibodies. Its N-terminal domain lacks deep pockets on the surface and represents a typical "non-druggable" protein. In order to successfully identify potent and selective inhibitors of the domain, we have used virtual screening of billion structure-sized virtual libraries of make-on-demand screening samples. The results suggest that the expansion of accessible chemical space by cutting-edge ultra-large virtual compound databases can lead to successful development of small molecule drugs for hard-to-target intracellular proteins.

Reply to La Marca et al. Comment on "Naranjo-Bonilla et al. Retinal and Choroidal Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure as Treatment for Sleep Apnea: Results at 12 Months. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 12637".

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Psychiatry in the Harvard Medical School-Cambridge Integrated Clerkship: an innovative, year-long program.

OBJECTIVE: The authors present what is to their knowledge the first description of a model for longitudinal third-year medical student psychiatry education. METHOD: A longitudinal, integrated psychiatric curriculum was developed, implemented, and sustained within the Harvard Medical School-Cambridge Integrated Clerkship. Curriculum elements include longitudinal mentoring by attending physicians in an outpatient psychiatry clinic, exposure to the major psychotherapies, psychopharmacology training, acute psychiatry "immersion" experiences, and a variety of clinical and didactic teaching sessions. RESULTS: The longitudinal psychiatry curriculum has been sustained for 8 years to-date, providing effective learning as demonstrated by OSCE scores, NBME shelf exam scores, written work, and observed clinical work. The percentage of students in this clerkship choosing psychiatry as a residency specialty is significantly greater than those in traditional clerkships at Harvard Medical School and greater than the U.S. average. CONCLUSION: Longitudinal integrated clerkship experiences are effective and sustainable; they offer particular strengths and opportunities for psychiatry education, and may influence student choice of specialty.

Retinal and Choroidal Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure as Treatment for Sleep Apnea: Results at 12 Months.

BACKGROUND: To determine the impacts of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on retinal and choroidal thickness measurement in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: Participants were 28 patients with OSA treated with CPAP who were enrolled immediately after diagnosis and graded according to the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) determined in an overnight polysomnography. Inclusion criteria were a new diagnosis of OSA and an indication for CPAP. Participants underwent a full ophthalmologic examination including standard automated perimetry (SAP) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) at the levels peripapillary, macular, and choroidal before CPAP onset, and after three and twelve months of CPAP. The data compared before and after treatment were intraocular pressure, SAP, and the thicknesses peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), total retinal (TR), retinal ganglion cell layer (RGCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), photoreceptor layer (PL), and choroidal. RESULTS: After 3 months of CPAP, we observed thickening of the pRNFL (in 5/6 subfields) (p < 0.004) and TR (in 5/9 subfields) (p < 0.010). At 12 months, thickening persisted in these layers, this time affecting 2/6 and 2/9 subfields, respectively (p < 0.012 and p < 0.001, respectively). Choroidal thinning was observed at the temporal level at both 3 and 12 months compared to measurements before starting CPAP treatment (p = 0.014 and p = 0.038, respectively). SAP remained unchanged. Intraocular pressure was higher at 12 months than at 3 months (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: 12 months of CPAP avoids retinal thinning and normalizes choroidal thickness in OSA patients.

The role of psychosomatic medicine in global health care.

This article reviews the principles and skills involved with psychosomatic medicine and their potential ability to improve global health care. New awareness of the escalating global public health impact of noncommunicable diseases, including chronic medical conditions and mental disorders, has stimulated interest in determining how best to organize health services. Home to the biopsychosocial model, the field of psychosomatic medicine is well-suited to inform such efforts by virtue of its emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration and specialized knowledge at the interface of medicine and psychiatry that takes into account individual and contextual influences on health. Consistent with the principles of psychosomatic medicine, promising strategies to improve global health care include integrating mental health care into primary care, applying the chronic care model in programs aimed at enhancing disease self-management, and using innovative models such as Internet-based therapy and telemedicine to increase access to quality care.

[Anaphylaxis sugammadex-induced in a pediatric patient]. / Anafilaxia por sugammadex en paciente pediátrico.

INTRODUCTION: Sugammadex is a cyclodextrin that reverses neuromuscular blockade, especially of rocuronium. The occurrence of anaphylaxis produced by its use is of 1:1000 and 1:20000; it is observed mainly in subjects of Asian origin. CASE REPORT: A 9-year-old boy of Asian origin who, after the administration of sugammadex, immediately manifested an episode of anaphylaxis, which was reverted by using adrenaline and antihistamines. The serum tryptase at two hours was 27.7 µg/L; at 6 weeks, it was 3 µ/L. The sugammadex 100 mg/mL skin test was positive. The basophil activation test was positive with sugammadex 20 mg/mL. CONCLUSION: The temporal relationship between the administration of the drug, the clinical manifestations, the elevation of tryptase, and the diagnostic tests performed, disclosed the episode of anaphylaxis associated with hypersensitivity to sugammadex.

Introducción: Sugammadex es una ciclodextrina que revierte el bloqueo neuromuscular, especialmente de rocuronio. La incidencia de anafilaxia producida por su uso es de 1:1.000 y 1:20.000, se observa principalmente en sujetos de origen asiático. Reporte de caso: Niño de 9 años, de raza asiática que tras la administración de sugammadex, inmediatamente manifestó un episodio de anafilaxia, la cual revirtió con el uso de adrenalina y antihistamínicos. La triptasa sérica a las 2 h fue de 27.7 µg/L; a las 6 semanas fue 3 µg/L. La prueba cutánea a sugammadex 100 mg/mL fue positiva. La prueba de activación de basófilos fue positiva con 20 mg/mL sugammadex. Conclusión: La relación temporal de la administración del medicamento, las manifestaciones clínicas, la elevación de la triptasa y las pruebas diagnósticas realizadas, identificaron el episodio de anafilaxia asociado con hipersensibilidad por sugammadex.

Provocation Tests in Nonimmediate Hypersensitivity Reactions to ß-Lactam Antibiotics in Children: Are Extended Challenges Needed?

BACKGROUND: ß-Lactam antibiotics are the most common trigger of reactions in children with most of them being nonimmediate (85.5%), but proven allergy after the allergological workup is between 7% and 10%. There is no agreement on how to perform the provocation tests in these types of hypersensitivity reactions. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether or not repeated doses of the ß-lactams are required to reproduce a nonimmediate reaction in children. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study. We included children under 14 years who were referred for a nonimmediate reaction to ß-lactams. All patients underwent a 1-day hospital provocation and were kept under observation at home during the following days for at least the time elapsed between the first dose and the symptoms of the index reaction. If no reaction was triggered, the patient resumed the provocation at home with 2 daily therapeutic doses for an equal of interval time. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients were included in the study. A positive reaction was recorded in 14 of them (14.4%). The short hospital provocation triggered 3 immediate reactions and 8 delayed reactions. The home rechallenge developed 1 immediate reaction and 2 delayed reactions. CONCLUSIONS: Nonimmediate reactions to ß-lactams in children may be triggered with a 1-day provocation test. We suggest to perform a 1-day provocation test followed by an observational period of at least the time interval of the index reaction. If this challenge is negative, an extended home provocation could subsequently be carried out.

Treatment of Eosinophilic Annular Erythema With Benralizumab.

This case report describes an 83-year-old woman with a generalized pruritic eruption comprising annular and polycyclic plaques on the face, neck, trunk, and extremities with changing appearance.

Enhanced depth OCT imaging of the lamina cribrosa for 24 hours.

The lamina cribrosa thickness (LCT) could be affected by dynamic changes in its structure. Using Spectral-domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), we have studied the behaviour of the laminar region in 14 young subjects over 24h. Significant changes in LCT were observed, depending on the time at which the measurement was taken, with the maximum thickness being observed at 7.30 p.m., and the minimum at 7.30 a.m. This finding could suggests a circadian pattern in the LCT thickness in healthy subjects, which could have implications for the classification, diagnosis and prognosis of both normal and glaucomatous subjects.

Avaliação da implantação do acesso avançado nos indicadores de qualidade de uma unidade de saúde / Evaluación de la implementación del acceso avanzado en los indicadores de calidad de una unidad de salud / Evaluation of the implementation of advanced access on the quality indicators of a health unit

Objetivos: O objetivo principal foi analisar os indicadores de acesso da unidade de saúde (US) Sesc, antes e após a implantação do acesso avançado (AA). Como objetivo secundário, foram analisados os indicadores de desempenho da US Sesc, antes e após o AA. Métodos: Estudo transversal descritivo com análise dos dados obtidos mensalmente do sistema de informação em saúde do Grupo Hospitalar Conceição, comparando o período de novembro/16 -outubro/17 com novembro/17 - outubro/18. Resultados: Após o AA, o número de atendimentos médicos aumentou 8%, o absenteísmo nas consultas diminuiu de 6,9% para 3% e o número de pacientes diferentes atendidos teve um acréscimo de quase 5%. Em relação ao controle de doenças crônicas, o número de hipertensos atendidos cresceu e também houve um aumento na porcentagem de hipertensos controlados, passando de 74% para 77%. O número de diabéticos atendidos aumentou, assim como a porcentagem de diabéticos controlados subiu de 73% para 81%. Houve uma diminuição de quase 10% de atendimentos a pacientes vinculados à US nos serviços de atenção secundária de referência. Discussão: É possível considerar que a implantação do AA na US Sesc foi associada a uma melhoria dos indicadores de acesso, bem como da maior parte dos indicadores de desempenho analisados.

Objectives: The main objective was to analyze the access indicators of the Sesc health unit (HU), before and after the implementation of advanced access (AA). As a secondary objective, the performance indicators of the health unit Sesc HU were analyzed, before and after AA. Methods:Cross-sectional descriptive study with analysis of data obtained monthly from the health information system of Grupo Hospitalar Conceição, comparing the period of November/16 - October/17 with November/17 - October/18. Results: After AA, the number of medical appointments increased by 8%, absenteeism in consultations decreased from 6.9% to 3% and the number of different patients treated increased by almost 5%. Regarding the control of chronic diseases, the number of hypertensive patients seen increased and there was also an increase in the percentage of controlled hypertensive patients, from 74% to 77%. The number of diabetics treated increased, as did the percentage of controlled diabetics increased from 73% to 81%. There was a decrease of almost 10% in attendance to patients linked to the US in the reference secondary care services. Discussion: It is possible to consider that the implantation of AA in Sesc HU was associated with an improvement in access indicators, as well as most of the performance indicators analyzed.

Objetivos: El objetivo principal era analizar los indicadores de acceso de la unidad de salud (US) Sesc, antes y después de la implementación del acceso avanzado (AA). Como objetivo secundario, se analizaron los indicadores de rendimiento de la US Sesc, antes y después del AA. Método: Estudio descriptivo transversal con análisis de datos obtenidos mensualmente del sistema de información de salud del Grupo Hospitalar Conceição, comparando el período Noviembre/16 - Octubre/17 con Noviembre/17 - Octubre/18. Resultados: Después del AA, el número de citas médicas aumentó en un 8%, el absentismo en las consultas disminuyó del 6,9% al 3% y el número de pacientes diferentes tratados aumentó en casi 5%. Con respecto al control de enfermedades crónicas, el número de pacientes hipertensos vistos aumentó y también hubo un aumento en el porcentaje de pacientes hipertensos controlados, del 74% al 77%. El número de diabéticos tratados aumentó, al igual que el porcentaje de diabéticos controlados aumentó del 73% al 81%. Hubo una disminución de casi 10% en la asistencia a pacientes vinculados a la US en los servicios de atención secundaria de referencia. Discusión: Es posible considerar que la implantación del AA en la US Sesc se asoció con una mejora en los indicadores de acceso, así como en la mayoría de los indicadores de desempeño analizados.

Autoeficacia, ansiedad precompetitiva y percepción del rendimiento en jugadores de fútbol categorías sub 17 y juvenil

Propósito: Analizar las relaciones entre autoeficacia, ansiedad precompetitiva y percepción subjetiva del rendimiento deportivo en futbolistas de diferentes categorías (sub 17 y juvenil) de un club de fútbol costarricense. Metodología: Participaron 32 jugadores: 17 de la categoría sub 17 (todos con 16 años de edad) y 15 de la categoría juvenil (18.2 ± 0.77 años), con un promedio de edad general de 17.03 ± 1.23 años. Se aplicó escalas de autoeficacia general, ansiedad precompetitiva, autoeficacia específica y percepción del rendimiento. Resultados: Los jugadores sub 17 perciben mejor su rendimiento en comparación con los juveniles. La ansiedad somática registró una disminución significativa (F(2.46) = 10.21, p ( .01) a través del tiempo en ambas categorías. Se encontraron correlaciones significativas (p ( .05) entre la ansiedad somática y la autoeficacia específica; la ansiedad somática y cognitiva; la ansiedad cognitiva y autoeficacia específica; así como entre autoeficacia específica y general. Conclusión: Los datos muestran que los jugadores de ambas categorías tienen un comportamiento similar en la mayoría de las variables, se muestran relaciones significativas entre algunos indicadores y podría existir una capacidad de adaptación a lo largo de los partidos, evidenciada en la disminución de la ansiedad somática.

Purpose: To analyze the relationships between self-efficacy, precompetitive anxiety, and self-perception of sports performance in two categories (under 17 and juvenile) of a Costa Rican soccer club. Methodology: 32 players participated in the study: 17 in the under 17 category (all 16 years of age) and 15 in the juvenile category (18.2 ± 0.77 years), with a mean overall age of 17.03 ± 1.23 years. Scales of general self-efficacy, precompetitive anxiety, specific self-efficacy and perception of performance were applied. Results: Under 17 players perceive their performance better compared to juvenile players. Somatic anxiety recorded a significant decrease (F(2, 46) = 10.21, p ( .001) over time in both categories. Significant correlations (p ( .005) were found between somatic anxiety and specific self-efficacy, somatic and cognitive anxiety, cognitive anxiety and specific self-efficacy, as well as between specific and general self-efficacy. Conclusion: The data show that players of both categories report similar results in most of the variables, there are significant correlations between some indicators, and there could be an adaptive capacity throughout the games evidenced in the decrease of somatic anxiety.

Objetivo: Analisar as relações entre autoeficácia, ansiedade pré-competitiva e percepção subjetiva do desempenho esportivo em futebolistas de diferentes categorias (sub 17 e juvenil) de um clube de futebol da Costa Rica. Metodologia: Participaram 32 jogadores: 17 da categoria sub 17 (todos com 16 anos de idade) e 15 da categoria juvenil (18.2 ± 0.77 anos), com uma média de idade geral de 17.03 ± 1.23 anos. Aplicaram-se escalas de autoeficacia geral, ansiedade pre-competitiva, autoeficacia específica e percepção do desempenho. Resultados: Os jogadores sub 17 percebem melhor seu desempenho em comparação com os juvenis. A ansiedade somática registrou uma diminuição significativa (F(2, 46) = 10.21, p ( .01) através do tempo em ambas as categorias. Encontraram-se correlações significativas (p ( .05) entre a ansiedade somática e a autoeficacia específica; a ansiedade somática e cognitiva; a ansiedade cognitiva e autoeficacia específica; bem como entre autoeficacia específica e geral. Conclusão: Os dados evidencian que os jogadores de ambas categorias têm um comportamento similar na maioria das variáveis, se mostram relações significativas entre alguns indicadores e poderia existir uma capacidade de adaptação ao longo dos partidos, evidenciada na diminuição da ansiedade somática.

Efecto de un programa de ejercicios en la capacidad funcional y respuesta hemodinámica de pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular / The Effect of Exercise Training on Functional Capacity and Hemodynamic Responses in Cardiac Patients

Resumen:Introducción:la sobrevivencia después de un evento cardiaco ha aumentado en Costa Rica en la última década. Por consiguiente, este aspecto podría ser atribuido a los programas de rehabilitación cardiaca (RC). La RC mejora la capacidad funcional, reduce la presión arterial en reposo y durante el ejercicio; sin embargo, estos factores no han sido bien estable cidos en pacientes cardiacos costarricenses.Propósito:examinar el efecto de un programa de ejercicios en la capacidad funcional y la respuesta hemodinámica de pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular.Metodología:doscientos veinte y seis pacientes cardiacos con una edad = 58 ± 13 años, estatura = 1,67 ± 0,9 metros; peso = 75,0 ± 12,0 kg; IMC = 26,7 ± 3,7 kg/m2; VO2max = 13,4 ± 4,9 ml/kg/min, frecuencia cardiaca en reposo (FCrep) = 71 ± 13 lpm; presión arterial sistólica (PAS) = 112 ± 18 mmHg y presión arterial (PAD) diastólica = 69 ± 10 mmHg, participantes de nuestro programa de RC de la Universidad Nacional. Los pacientes completaron una prueba de caminata de 6 minutos (PC6M) antes y después de cumplir un programa de ejercicios de 12 semanas. La capacidad funcional de ejercicio y el VO2máx fueron estimados con la utilización de la distancia recorrida en la PC6M. Se empleó la prueba T para medidas repetidas para determinar las diferencias entre las mediciones antes y después del programa. También se calcularon los tamaños de efecto (TE) y la probabilidad se estableció a prioride P ≤ 0,05.Resultados:Los pacientes mejoraron su capacidad funcional de ejercicio un 31% en la de 410 ± 100 a 539 ± 93 m, IC 95 % -138,4 a -118,8, P<0,001, y el VO2max un 25 % de 13,4 ± 5,0 a 16,8 ± 5,2 ml/kg/min, IC 95 % -3,7 a -3,1, P< 0,001. La PAS disminuyó un 3,6 %, de 112 ± 18 a 108 ± 17 mmHg, IC 95 %1,48 a 5,98, P= 0,001 y la PAD se redujo un 2,9 %, de 69 ± 10 a 67 ± 9,0 mmHg, IC 95 % 0,82 a 3,6, P= 0,002. La presión arterial media (PAM) de igual forma disminuyó un 3,6 %, de 83 ± 11 a 80 ± 10 mmHg, IC 95 % 1,2 a 4,2, P< 0,001. Los tamaños de efecto para la PC6M, VO2max, PAS, PAD y PAM son 1,29, 0,68, 0,22, 0,22 y 0,27 respectivamente. Los pacientes mostraron una mejor frecuencia cardiaca de recuperación a los 5 minutos después de la PC6M (35 latidos por minuto, IC 95 % 20,9 a 24,8, P<0.001) versus 23 latidos por minuto, IC 95 % 33,3 a 37,7, P<0,001). También se registró una mayor recuperación en la PAS (29 mmHg, IC 95 % 15,06 a 19,25, P<0,001) en contraste con 17 mmHg, IC 95 % 25,01 a 32,6, P<0,001). Los tamaños de efecto para la frecuencia cardiaca y la PAS de recuperación después de la PC6M fueron 0,85 y 0,73 respectivamente.Conclusión:Nuestro programa de rehabilitación cardiaca aumentó la capacidad funcional y mejoró la respuesta hemo dinámica después del ejercicio. Estos hallazgos proveen una evidencia razonable que la RC puede contribuir a la sobrevi vencia y la calidad de vida de los pacientes cardiacos costarricenses.

Abstract:Survival after a cardiac event has increased in Costa Rica over the last decade. Increased survival and quality of life are attributed to improved cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programming. CR is thought to enhance functional exercise capacityand reduce resting and exercise blood pressures; yet, these factors are not well characterized in Costa Rican patients.Purpose:To examine the effect of exercise training on functional capacity and hemodynamic responses in cardiac patients.Methods:Two hundred and twenty six cardiac patients (age = 58.0 ± 13 years, height = 1.67 ± 0.9 m, weight = 75.0 ± 12.0 kg, BMI = 26.7 ± 3.7 kg/m2, VO2máx = 13.4 ± 4.9 ml/kg/min), resting heart rate = 71 ± 13 bpm, systolic blood pressure (SBP) = 112 ± 18, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) = 69 ± 10) from our University-based CR program performed a 6-minute walking Test (6MWT) before and after completing a twelve-week exercise program. Functional capacity and VO2máx were estimated based on the 6MWT. Paired t-test was used to determine pre-and post rehabilitation outcomes differences. Effect sizes were also calculated P≤ 0.05 a priori.Results:Patients improved their functional exercise capacity using the 6MWT by 31%, from (410 ± 100 to 539 ± 93 m, CI 95% -138.4 to -118.8, P<0.001), and VO2max by 25% from (13.4 ± 5.0 to 16.8 ± 5.2 ml/kg/min, CI 95%-3.7 to -3.1, P< 0.001). Resting SBP was reduced by 3.6 %, from (112 ± 18 to 108 ± 17 mmHg, CI 95% 1.48 to 5.98, P= 0.001) and resting DBP was reduced by 2.9 %, from (69 ± 10 to 67 ± 9.0 mmHg, CI 95% 0.82 to 3.6, P= 0.002). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was also reduced by 3.6 %, from (83 ± 11 to 80 ± 10 mmHg, CI 95% 1.2 to 4.2, P< 0.001). Effect sizes for 6MWT, VO2max, SBP, DBP and MAP were (1.29, 0.68, 0.22, 0.22 and 0.27 respectively). Patients exhibited a greater five minute heart rate recovery after post 6MWT 35 beats per minute, (CI 95% 20.9 a 24.8, P<0.001) versus 23 beats per minute, (IC 95% 33.3 a 37.7, P<0.001) at the beginning of the CR. We also had a greater SBP recovery 29 mmHg (CI 95% 15.06 a 19.25, P<0.001) than 17 mmHg at, (IC 95% 25.01 a 32.6, P<0.001) at the initial of the CR program. The effect sizes for heart rate and SBP recovery after the 6MWT were 0.85 and 0.73 respectively.Conclusion:Our twelve-week cardiac rehabilitation program improved functional capacity and enhanced hemodynamic responses after exercise. These findings provide plausible evidence that CR may contribute to improved survival and quality of life in Costa Rican CR patients.

Indicadores antropométricos y fisiológicos de la salud en trabajadores de diferentes empresas costarricenses / Anthropometric and physical fitness indicators related to Costa Rican employee's health

Objetivo: Evaluar indicadores antropométricos, fisiológicos y de aptitud física relacionados con la salud en trabajadores costarricenses. Método: Participaron 965 sujetos (379 hombres y 586 mujeres) trabajadores de diferentes empresas públicas y privadas, con una edad promedio de ±40,34 años. El peso fue determinado con una balanza validada, con una precisión de ±100 gr, marca Tanita, modelo BF-682W; el porcentaje de grasa fue medido mediante el protocolo de pliegues cutáneos utilizando un calyper marca Lange, modelo 12-1110. Resultados: El 19,5 % de los sujetos tiene presiones arteriales calificadas como no saludables. El 57 % de los funcionarios presentó porcentajes de grasa calificados como no saludables, el 67,9 % índices de masa corporal no saludables, el 37,5 % presentó un riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular entre alto y muy alto. El comportamiento de las variables estudiadas fue significativamente diferente según sexo (p ≤ 0,05). E función de la variable edad, las personas más jóvenes, mostraron los mejores valores promedio relacionados con el estado de salud (p ≤ 0,05). Se registraron correlaciones significativas entre la mayoría de las variables analizadas (p ≤ 0,05). Discusión: Los datos registrados son consistentes con lo reportado en la literatura científica. Se concluye que un alto porcentaje de los trabajadores muestran valores no saludables. Estos datos sirven de alerta para aumentar las actividades de promoción de la salud en el ambiente laboral, en relación con los hábitos alimentarios y con estilos de vida físicamente activos (ejercicio físico).

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess anthropometric, physiological and physical fitness indicators related to Costa Rican employee´s health. Methods: A total of 965 subjects (379 men and 586 women) participated in this study. They came from different public and private companies, with an average age of 40,34 ± years. The weight was measured in kilos, with the model Tanita BF-682W. The fat percentage was assessed using the skin fold protocol with a caliper Lange brand, model 12-1 110. Results: A 19,5 % of the subjects have ranges of unhealthy systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The 57 % of the simple size qualified on unhealthy fat percentages, 67,9 % presented unhealthy BMI, and 37,5 % was categorized on high and very high risk of cardiovascular disease. All the variables of study demonstrated significant differences by sex (p ≤ 0,05). According to the age, younger people showed better average values related to health status (p ≤ 0,05) Discussion: The recorded data are consistent with those reported in the scientific literature. It was concluded that a high percentage of employees evaluated show unhealthy values. These results are a warning to the workplace to increase health promotion activities, to promote healthy food habits and physically active lifestyles on their workers.

Influencia de la capacidad funcional inicial en marcadores fisiológicos después de un Programa de Rehabilitación Cardiaca / Influence of the initial functional capacity in physiological markers after a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Introducción: Las padecimientos cardiovasculares que incluyen la enfermedad arterial coronaria (EAC) son la causa líderde muertes en Costa Rica, mientras que la participación en programas de rehabilitación cardiaca (PRC) ayudan a tratar laEAC, también aumentan su capacidad funcional. Aunque los beneficios fisiológicos de los PRC ya están bien establecidos,el impacto de una capacidad funcional inicial en los marcadores fisiológicos después de un PRC está menos definido. Estacapacidad inicial puede ser estimada por medio de la distancia recorrida en la prueba de caminata de 6 minutos (PC6M) ytambién se puede medir el consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2máx) con esta prueba.Objetivo: Examinar retrospectivamente el efecto de la capacidad funcional inicial después de un PRC de 12 semanas enpacientes con EAC.Metodología: Ciento doce pacientes cardiacos con una edad = 58.5 ± 12 años, estatura = 1.67 ± 0.8 metros; peso = 75.2 ±11.9 kg; IMC = 26.8 ± 3.7 kg/m2; circunferencia de cintura = 95.9 ± 8.9 cm; VO2max = 13.9 ± 5.2 ml/kg/min, los cuales ingresaronal PRC de la Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica y completaron una PC6M antes y después de un PRC de 12 semanas.El VO2máx fue estimado con la PC6M y los pacientes fueron agrupados en tertilos conforme a los resultados iníciales de laPC6M y las estimaciones del VO2máx. El análisis de varianza (ANOVA) de una vía se utilizó para determinar las diferenciasentre los grupos. Además, se usó el Programa Estadístico para las Ciencias Sociales «PWSS¼ versión 16, para realizar elanálisis y la probabilidad se estableció a priori de P ≤ 0.05.Resultados: Los pacientes mejoraron de manera significativa (P <0.001) un 34% en la PC6M de (404 ± 99 a 543 ± 93 m, P...

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of morbidity in Costa Rica, while cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP)participation counters CAD and improves functional exercise capacity. Although the benefits of CRP are well established,the impact of baseline fitness changes on post-rehabilitation functional capacity is less well defined. Functional capacitycan be assess measuring the distance obtained in the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and maximal oxygen consumption(VO2max) can be also estimated based on this test.Purpose: To retrospectively examine the effect of baseline functional exercise capacity on 12- week CRP outcomes inpatients with CAD.Recibido 21-II-2013. Aceptado 02-IV-2013InfluenciaMethods: One hundred and twelve cardiac patients (age = 58.5 ± 12 years; height = 1.67 ± 0.8 m; weight= 75.2 ± 11.9 kg; BMI = 26.8 ± 3.7 kg/m2; waist circumference = 95.9 ± 8.9 cm; VO2max = 13.9 ± 5.2 ml/kg/min) from the National University of Costa Rica completed a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) before and after a12-week CRP. VO2max was estimated from 6MWT sub-maximal exercise performances. Patients were grouped intotertiles based on their initial 6MWT performances and VO2max estimates, and examined for post-rehabilitationoutcome differences. Between group differences were examined by one-way ANOVA, p ≤ 0.05 a priori.Results: Patients improved significantly (P <0.001) in the 6MWT by 34% from (404 ± 99 to 543 ± 93 m, P...