A Retrospective Study on tDCS Treatment in Patients with Drug-Resistant Chronic Pain.

Background. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the primary motor cortex (M1) has an analgesic effect superior to a placebo in chronic pain. Some years ago, tDCS was implemented at the Hospital Nacional of Paraplegics (Toledo, Spain) to treat patients with pharmacological resistance to chronic pain. Objective. The main objectives of this study with tDCS were (1) to confirm the safety of one-year treatment; (2) to estimate the number of patients after one year in treatment; (3) to describe the effects of tDCS on the pain intensity during one-year treatment; and (4) to identify factors related to treatment success. Methods. This was a retrospective study conducted at the National Hospital for Paraplegics with 155 patients with pharmacologically resistant chronic pain. Anodal tDCS was applied over the M1 for 20 min at 1.5 mA for 10 treatment sessions from Monday to Friday (Induction phase), followed by 2-3 sessions per month (Maintenance phase). Pain intensity was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results. Anodal tDCS on M1 confirmed the reduction in the pain intensity. Moreover, 58% of outpatients completed one year of treatment. Only the VAS values obtained during the baseline influenced the response to treatment. Patients with a very high VAS at the baseline were more likely to not respond adequately to tDCS treatment. Conclusions. Anodal tDCS over M1 is an adequate therapy (safe and efficient) to treat drug-resistant chronic pain. Moreover, pain intensity at the start of treatment could be a predictor of patients' continuity with tDCS for at least one year.

Fatigue insights from walking tests in spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis individuals.

In the last decade, fatigue in clinical populations has been re-conceptualized, including dimensions such as perceived fatigue (trait and state fatigue) and fatigability. The aim of this study was to evaluate different expressions of fatigue in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) participants compared to able-bodied controls, during activities of daily living, especially during gait. A total of 67 participants were included in this study (23 with SCI, 23 with MS, and 21 able-bodied controls). All participants performed two functional tests (6-Minute Walk Test and 10-Meter Walk Test) and they completed the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). The rate of trait fatigue was different between groups, with MS participants showing the highest rate. Moreover, scores on functional tests and state fatigue were different between groups after the tests. Our results indicate that trait fatigue and state fatigue in individuals with SCI and MS are different with respect to able-bodied population. Both SCI and MS groups experienced more trait fatigue than control group in daily life. In addition, walking tasks produced similar levels of state fatigue between healthy people and patients with MS/SCI. However, these tests induced longer-lasting levels of state fatigue in the patients.

Breast Cancer in a Filipino Male: A Case Report and Brief Literature Review.

This is a case report of a 76-year-old Filipino male who presented with a six-year history of a steadily growing left breast mass. The mass was eventually diagnosed to be Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Anatomic and Prognostic Stage IIIB (T4b cN0 M0), Grade 3, Luminal A. Subsequently, the patient underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy of doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide and paclitaxel, followed by modified radical mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection, concluded by post-mastectomy radiation therapy. The patient had complete clinical response to this trimodality therapy. The rarity of this case is juxtaposed and integrated with the present literature on male breast cancer.

Radiation Oncology in the Philippines: Current State and Future Directions.

Purpose: As global cancer incidence continues to rise, low- to middle-income countries like the Philippines are projected to experience a disproportionate increase in cancer burden, further straining already limited resources. Radiation therapy (RT) is an essential and cost-effective modality in cancer care, both in the curative and palliative settings. In this article, we provide a brief narrative on the history of the field of radiation oncology in the Philippines and review the current challenges to effective and equitable RT service delivery in the country. Methods and Materials: We gathered data from the official websites of the Philippine government's health and statistics agencies, the Philippine Radiation Oncology Society, and the Directory of Radiotherapy Centers of the International Atomic Energy Agency, to review available human and infrastructure resources related to RT delivery in the country. Using the 6 health care dimensions of the World Health Organization's Building Blocks of Health Systems framework, we identified barriers to access and proposed possible initiatives for development. Results: Despite the remarkable growth of radiation oncology in the country in the past 2 decades, many challenges remain in the areas of human resources, infrastructure, policymaking, health economics, education, and service delivery. Radiation health workers and facilities are concentrated in the National Capital Region, limiting accessibility in rural areas. Out-of-pocket spending on RT-related expenditures remains high. The proper allocation of resources according to varying regional needs is impeded by the lack of a robust national cancer registry. Legislative reforms have been initiated but have yet to be fully implemented. Conclusions: Addressing these gaps in RT access will require in-depth study and multi-sectoral commitment aimed at establishing and implementing a nationwide framework for RT service delivery that can be readily adapted to varying regional needs. Despite many complex geographic, social, and economic obstacles, efforts by private and public sectors of society to provide ready access to RT services for all Filipinos continue to gain momentum.

Simplified risk stratification based on cardiopulmonary exercise test: A Spanish two-center experience.

A simplified 4-strata risk stratification approach based on three variables is widespread in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) at follow-up. This study aimed to assess the impact of replacing the 6-min walk test (6MWT) with the peak 02 uptake evaluated by the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on risk stratification by this scale. We included 180 prevalent patients with PAH from two reference hospitals in Spain, followed up between 2006 and 2022. Patients were included if all the variables of interest were available within a 3-month period on the Spanish Registry of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (REHAP): functional class (FC); NT-proBNP; 6MWT; and CPET. The original 4-strata model (NT-proBNP, 6MWT, FC) identified most patients at low or intermediate-low risk (36.7% and 51.1%, respectively). Notably, the modified scale (NT-proBNP, CPET, FC) improved the identification of patients at intermediate-high risk up to 18.9%, and at high risk up to 1.1% in comparison with the previous 12.2% and 0.0% in the original scale. This new model increased the number of patients correctly classified into higher-risk strata (positive NRI of 0.06), as well as classified more patients without events in lower-risk strata (negative NRI of 0.04). The proposed score showed a slightly superior prognostic capacity compared with the original model (Harrel's C-index 0.717 vs. 0.709). Using O2 uptake instead of distance walked in the 6MWT improves the identification of high-risk patients using the 4-strata scale. This change could have relevant prognostic implications and lead to changes in the specific treatment of PAH.

Comparison of hepatitis B and SARS-CoV2 vaccination rates in people who attended Drugs and Addiction Centres.

Background and aims: Persons with substance use disorder are at increased risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Although most of them are attached to social health centers, the vaccination rate in this group is low. In this context, we designed a study to evaluate the prevalence of users of drug addiction centers (DAC) not immunized against hepatitis B and to compare the rate of vaccination against hepatitis B with the rate of immunization against SARS-Cov-2 in 2 years of follow-up. Design: Retrospective study that included individuals attended at DAC. Patients were screened at baseline (June 2020-January 2021) for HBV immunization. Individuals with HBsAb < 10 IU/mL were recommended to receive hepatitis B vaccine, during follow-up (January 2021-October 2022). At the end of follow-up, the HBV vaccination rate among candidates was determined and compared with the vaccination rate against SARS-Cov-2 in this population in the same period. Findings: A total of 325 subjects were surveyed and tested. At baseline, the 65% (211/325) of were candidates to initiate vaccination and were advisor to HBV vaccination. During the follow-up 15 individuals received at least one dose of HBV vaccine, supposing a vaccination rate of 7.2%. In the same period, 186 individuals received at least one dose against SARS-Cov-2, representing a vaccination rate of 83%. The comparison between vaccination rates reached statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study manifests a low rate of immunization against HBV in DAC users, despite a high level of immunization for SARS-Cov-2 during the same period in the same population. Consequently, the lack of immunization against HVB in this population might be related with health policy issue more than to individuals linked to care and awareness. A similar approach for vaccination intended for SARS-CoV2 should be applied in high-risk population to warrant the success of immunization program against other preventable diseases such as HBV.

Asociación entre desenlaces clínicos y cumplimiento del protocolo de recuperación mejorada después de la cirugía (ERAS) en procedimientos colorrectales: estudio multicéntrico / Association between clinical outcomes and compliance with the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol in colorectal procedures: A multicenter study

Introducción. Los protocolos de recuperación mejorada después de cirugía se han diseñado como una innovación en salud tras demostrarse que la mejora en los dispositivos médicos y la depuración de técnicas alcanzaron la meseta en disminución de complicaciones. Con estas estrategias de la medicina perioperatoria, en cirugía colorrectal se reducen la morbilidad y estancia hospitalaria. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar si la tasa de adherencia al programa de recuperación mejorada después de la cirugía (ERAS) está asociada con los resultados quirúrgicos. Métodos. Estudio multicéntrico, observacional, retrospectivo de cohorte (2015-2019), en cinco hospitales latinoamericanos certificados por la sociedad ERAS. Se calculó la incidencia de complicaciones quirúrgicas durante el posquirúrgico inmediato (30 días) y la duración de la estancia hospitalaria. Se utilizaron análisis bivariado y regresión logística multivariada para evaluar los factores asociados con la tasa de complicaciones. Resultados. Fueron incluidos en el estudio 648 pacientes en cinco hospitales ERAS, con edad promedio de 61 años y mayor porcentaje de hombres (51 %). El cumplimiento global al protocolo ERAS fue de 75 % y la estancia promedio de 6,2 días (mediana: 4 días). Se tuvo un cumplimiento óptimo del protocolo ERAS (igual o mayor al 80 %) en 23,6 % de los pacientes. Se documentó fuga de la anastomosis en 4 %, complicaciones infecciosas en 8,4 %, íleo en 5,7 %, reingreso en 10,2 % y mortalidad de 1,1 %. El análisis multivariado mostró que los niveles de adherencia óptima al protocolo ERAS reducen significativamente la aparición de complicaciones como fuga de la anastomosis (OR 0,08; IC95% 0,01-0,48; p=0,005) y complicaciones infecciosas (OR 0,17; IC95%0,03-0,76; p=0,046).Discusión. Los resultados sugieren que un cumplimiento del programa ERAS mayor al 80 % se asocia a menor frecuencia de complicaciones en pacientes con cirugía electiva colorrectal

Introduction. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol has been designed as an innovation in health after demonstrating that the improvement in medical devices and the refinement of techniques reached the plateau in reducing complications. With these strategies of perioperative medicine, in colorectal surgery morbidity and hospital stay are reduced. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the rate of adherence to the ERAS protocol is associated with surgical outcomes.Methods. Multicenter, observational, retrospective cohort study (2015-2019), in five Latin American hospitals certified by the ERAS Society. The incidence of surgical complications during the immediate postoperative period (30 days) and length of hospital stay were calculated. Bivariate analyzes and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess factors associated with complication rates.Results. 648 patients were included in the study in five ERAS hospitals, with an average age of 61 years and a higher percentage of men (51%). Overall compliance with the ERAS protocol was 75% and the average stay was 6.2 days (median: 4 days). There was optimal compliance with the ERAS protocol (equal to or greater than 80%) in 23.6% of the patients. Anastomotic leak was documented in 4%, infectious complications in 8.4%, ileus in 5.7%, readmission in 10.2%, and mortality in 1.1%. Multivariate analysis showed that optimal adherence levels to the ERAS protocol significantly reduce the appearance of complications such as anastomotic leakage (OR 0.08; 95%CI 0.01-0.48; p=0.005) and infectious complications (OR 0.17; 95%CI 0.03-0.76; p=0.046).Discussion. The results suggest that compliance with the ERAS program greater than 80% is associated with a lower frequency of complications in patients with elective colorectal surgery

Quiste broncogénico gástrico: una localización singular / Gastric bronchogenic cyst: a singular presentation

Los quistes broncogénicos son formaciones quísticas originadas por una anomalía de desarrollo del eje traqueobronquial durante la embriogénesis a partir de la pared ventral del intestino anterior. Se define al quiste broncogénico como una yema pulmonar ectópica cuya localización más frecuente es en la carina, intraparenquimatoso y en el mediastino; presenta otras localizaciones atípicas y menos comunes, como las regiones cervical, supraclavicular, esofágica, retroperitoneal y cutánea. Se presenta el caso de una mujer joven que consultó al servicio de urgencias con síntomas de dolor abdominal, a quien se le practicaron múltiples pruebas y se le diagnosticó un quiste broncogénico gástrico.

Bronchogenic cysts are cystic formations originated by a tracheobronchial axis developmental anomaly during embryogenesis from the ventral wall of the anterior intestine. A bronchogenic cyst is defined as an ectopic pulmonary bud with most frequent location in the carina, intraparenchymal and mediastinal, presenting atypical and less common locations such as the cervical, supraclavicular, esophageal, retroperitoneal, and cutaneous regions. We present the case of a young woman, who consults the emergency department with abdominal pain, who is subjected to multiple tests being diagnosed as gastric bronchogenic cyst

Impacto del cateterismo derecho de ejercicio en el diagnóstico diferencial de la enfermedad tromboembólica pulmonar crónica / Value of exercise right heart catheterization in the differential diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease

Introduction and objectives Chronic thromboembolic disease refers to the presence of chronic thrombotic pulmonary vascular thrombosis without pulmonary hypertension (PH) at rest but with exercise limitation after pulmonary embolism (PE). Our aim was to evaluate the hemodynamic response to exercise in these patients and its correlation with the values reached in cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Methods We included symptomatic patients with persistent pulmonary thrombosis after PE. We excluded patients with left heart disease or significant PH (mean pulmonary arterial pressure [mPAP] >25mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance >3 WU, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure [PCWP] >15mmHg). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing and exercise right heart catheterization were performed. Exercise-induced precapillary PH was defined as mPAP/CO slope >3 and PCWP/CO slope <2mmHg/l/min. The hemodynamic response and the values obtained in cardiopulmonary exercise testing were compared between patients with and without exercise-induced precapillary PH. Results We studied 36 patients; 4 were excluded due to incomplete hemodynamic data. Out of the 32 patients analyzed; 3 developed a pathological increase in PCWP. Among the remaining 29 patients (mean age, 49.4±13.7 years, 34.5% women), 13 showed exercise-induced PH. Resting mPAP was higher in those who developed exercise-induced PH (23.3±5.4 vs 19.0±3.8mmHg; P=.012), although CO was similar in the 2 groups. Patients with exercise-induced PH exhibited data of ventilatory inefficiency with reduced values of end-tidal CO2 pressure at the anaerobic threshold (32.8±3.0 vs 36.2±3.3mmHg; P=.021) and a higher Ve/VCO2 slope (34.2±4.8 vs 30.7±5.0; P=.049). Conclusions Exercise limitation and ventilatory inefficiency could be attributable to exercise-induced precapillary PH in a subgroup of patients with persistent pulmonary thrombosis and dyspnea (AU)

Introdución y objetivos La enfermedad tromboembólica crónica se define como la trombosis crónica de la vasculatura pulmonar y disnea, sin hipertensión pulmonar (HP) en reposo tras una embolia de pulmón. El estudio evaluó la hemodinámica al esfuerzo en estos pacientes y su relación con la ergoespirometría. Métodos Se incluyó a pacientes sintomáticos con trombosis pulmonar crónica tras una embolia de pulmón. Se excluyó a los pacientes con cardiopatía izquierda o HP significativa en reposo (presión arterial pulmonar media [PAPm] >25mmHg, resistencia vascular pulmonar >3 UW y presión capilar pulmonar [PCP] >15mmHg). Se realizó una ergoespirometría y un cateterismo derecho de ejercicio. La HP precapilar al ejercicio se definió como las pendientes PAPm/gasto cardiaco >3 y PCP/gasto cardiaco <2mmHg/l/min. Se comparó la respuesta hemodinámica y ergoespirométrica entre pacientes con y sin HP precapilar al ejercicio. Resultados Se estudió a 36 pacientes, excluyéndose 4 por calidad subóptima en el registro hemodinámico. Tres pacientes presentaron una elevación patológica de la PCP. De los 29 restantes (edad, 49,4±13,7 años; el 34,5% mujeres), en 13 se halló HP precapilar al ejercicio. La PAPm basal fue mayor en aquellos con HP al ejercicio (23,3±5,4 frente a 19,0±3,8mmHg; p=0,012), con similar gasto cardiaco. Aquellos con HP al ejercicio exhibieron valores reducidos de la presión de CO2 exahalada en el umbral anaeróbico (32,8±3,0 frente a 36,2±3,3mmHg; p=0,021) y mayor pendiente Ve/VCO2 (34,2±4,8 frente a 30,7±5,0; p=0,049). Conclusiones La HP precapilar al ejercicio se asocia con limitación funcional e ineficiencia ventilatoria en un subgrupo de pacientes con trombosis arterial pulmonar crónica y disnea persistente (AU)

Reevaluation of the Strain Pressure Theory: Toward a Better Understanding the Biology of Tooth Movement / Reevaluación de la Teoría Presión - Tensión: Hacia una Mejor Comprensión de la Biología del Movimiento Dental

The aim of this report was to analyze the majority of publications referred to orthodontic movement Biological basis, principally strain- pressure theory taking account contemporaneous methodological study designs. The literature published in Pubmed from 1967 to 2014 was reviewed, in addition to well-known scientific reports that were not classified under this database like classical manuscripts since 1839. The comment items are: Limitations of animal models, Histological slices, what to watch for, Rats as an experimental model in orthodontics, Strain­pressure, the force used in these studies that fundament this theory, Reevaluation studies about strain-pressure theory in biology movement using contemporaneous models, Up to date concepts, Theory reevaluation the first step to understanding new acceleration concepts and Movement biology research, present and future. After analyzing those items we concluded: A 3D perspective is essential for a complete understanding of events in tooth movement involves two interrelated processes: the bending of alveolar bone and remodeling of the periodontal tissues. It's important to start, and acknowledge that the PDL cannot be divided into two different areas that react independently to an applied force. It´s a continuous periodontal compartment in OTM, rather than a pressure side and a tension side. When an orthodontic force is applied there are two simultaneous effects that correlate. Alveolar bone flexion and remodeling of the periodontal tissues. Alveolar Bone deformation compromising the main structures (PDL, bone and cement), compression and tension can coexist in different directions. The magnitudes of compression and tension are typically different in different directions. As the majority of research and studies indicate that fundamental movement biology are made on animal models, it is important to know that their results and conclusions, under the actual evidenced based practice guidelines do not allow to make clinical decisions even if they are included on systematic reviews.

El objetivo de esta revisión es analizar la mayoría de las publicaciones relacionadas a la fundamentación sobre el movimiento de ortodoncia, principalmente la teoría presión-tensión, teniendo en cuenta los diseños de estudios metodológicos contemporáneos. Se revisó la literatura publicada en la base de datos de MEDLINE, 1967-2013 , además de los informes conocidos que no fueron clasificados en esta base de datos como manuscritos clásicos desde 1839. Los temas principales en los que se divide el artículo son: Limitaciones de los modelos animales, cortes histológicos, las ratas como modelo experimental en ortodoncia, la fuerza utilizada en los estudios que fundamentan esta teoría, reevaluación sobre los estudios de la teoría presión ­tensión en modelos contemporáneos, conceptos actuales en biología del movimiento, reevaluación de la teoría: el primer paso para entender los nuevos métodos en aceleración del movimiento, conceptos e investigaciones en biología del movimiento: presente y futuro. Una perspectiva 3D es esencial para una comprensión completa de los acontecimientos. El movimiento dental implica dos procesos interrelacionados: la curvatura del hueso alveolar y la remodelación de los tejidos periodontales. Es importante empezar, y reconocer que el PDL no puede ser dividido en dos áreas diferentes que reaccionan de forma independiente a una fuerza aplicada. Está en un compartimiento continuo periodontal , en lugar de un lado de presión y un lado de tensión. Al aplicar una fuerza de ortodoncia hay dos efectos simultáneos: la flexión del hueso Alveolar y la remodelación de los tejidos periodontales. La deformación del hueso compromete las estructuras principales (PDL, hueso y cemento) y la compresión y la tensión pueden coexistir en diferentes direcciones.

La evolución de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar a lo largo de 30 años: experiencia de un centro de referencia / Trends in pulmonary hypertension over a period of 30 years: experience from a single referral centre

Introducción y objetivos: La hipertensión arterial pulmonar (HAP) se caracteriza por aumento de resistencias vasculares pulmonares, disfunción progresiva del ventrículo derecho y muerte. A pesar de los avances, sigue asociada a alta morbimortalidad. El objetivo del estudio es describir el tratamiento de esta enfermedad y determinar factores pronósticos de pacientes con HAP tratados en un centro de referencia nacional a lo largo de 30 años. Métodos: Se estudió a 379 pacientes consecutivos diagnosticados de HAP (enero de 1984-diciembre de 2014). Se los distribuyó en 3 intervalos de tiempo: previo a 2004, 2004-2009 y 2010-2014, y se analizaron los factores pronósticos de deterioro clínico. Resultados: La mediana de edad de los pacientes es 44 años (el 68,6% eran mujeres) y estaban en clase funcional III-IV el 72%. Se observó un incremento en etiologías más complejas: enfermedad venooclusiva e hipertensión portopulmonar en el último periodo. La terapia combinada de inicio aumentó (el 5% previo a 2004 frente al 27% posterior a 2010; p < 0,05). El análisis multivariable mostró como factores independientes de deterioro clínico edad, sexo, etiología y variables combinadas (p < 0,05). La supervivencia libre de muerte o trasplante al primero, el tercero y el quinto año fueron del 92,2, el 80,6 y el 68,5% respectivamente. La mediana de supervivencia fue 9 años (intervalo de confianza del 95%, 7,532-11,959). Conclusiones: La HAP es una enfermedad heterogénea y compleja. La mediana de supervivencia libre de muerte o trasplante en nuestra serie es 9 años. La estructura de una unidad multidisciplinaria de HAP debe adaptarse con rapidez a los cambios que se producen en el tiempo incorporando nuevas técnicas diagnósticas y terapéuticas (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricular dysfunction and death. Despite scientific advances, is still associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim is to describe the clinical approach and determine the prognostic factors of patients with PAH treated in a national reference center over 30 years. Methods: Three hundred and seventy nine consecutive patients with PAH (January 1984 to December 2014) were studied. Were divided into 3 periods of time: before 2004, 2004-2009 and 2010-2014. Prognostic factors (multivariate analysis) were analyzed for clinical deterioration. Results: Median age was 44 years (68.6% women), functional class III-IV: 72%. An increase was observed in more complex etiologies in the last period of time: Pulmonary venooclusive disease and portopulmonary hypertension. Upfront combination therapy significantly increased (5% before 2004 vs 27% after 2010; P < .05). Multivariate analysis showed prognostic significance in age, sex, etiology and combined clinical variables as they are independent predictors of clinical deterioration (P < .05). Survival free from death or transplantation for the 1st, 3rd and 5th year was 92.2%, 80.6% and 68.5% respectively. The median survival was 9 years (95% confidence interval, 7.532-11.959) Conclusions: The PAH is a heterogeneous and complex disease, the median survival free from death or transplantation in our series is 9 years after diagnosis. The structure of a multidisciplinary unit PAH must adapt quickly to changes that occur over time incorporating new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques (AU)

Definición de nanomateriales para Colombia / Definition of Nanomateriais for Colombia / Definição de nanomateriais para a Colômbia

Debido a la creciente producción y uso de nanomateriales para actividades de investigación y desarrollo en Colombia, es necesario establecer una definición del término nanomaterial que facilite la toma de decisiones en torno a iniciativas de carácter regulatorio y de normatividad. Se presenta la definición de nanomateriales para Colombia que ha adoptado el Consejo Nacional Asesor de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología adscrito a la Red Colombiana de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología.

Due to the increasing production and use of nanomaterials in research and development activities in Colombia, it is necessary to define the nanomaterial term in order to facilitate decision-making process regarding initiatives with a regulatory or normative character. This article presents the nanomaterials definition that has been adopted by the National Advisory Council for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, a Colombian Network of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

Dada a crescente produção e utilização de nanomateriais para a pesquisa e desenvolvimiento na Colombia, é urgente estabelecer uma definição do termo de nanomaterial para facilitar a tomada de decisão sobre iniciativas na regulamentação e as leis. É apresentada uma definição de nanomateriais para a Colombia que aprovou o Conselho Consultivo Nacional de Nanociência e Nanotecnologia ligado à Rede Colombiana de Nanociência e Nanotecnologia.

Adenomiomatosis de la vía biliar, incidencia de 10 años y revisión de la bibliografía actual / Adenomyomatosis of the biliary tree, ten-year incidence and review of current literature

Introducción. La adenomiomatosis es una entidad anatomo-clínica de difícil diagnóstico. Se puede clasificar en generalizada, segmentaria y localizada. Suele presentarse con síntomas de colelitiasis, aunque puede variar desde ser completamente asintomática hasta sugerir una lesión maligna. El objetivo de este estudio fue revisar la afectación adenomiomatosa de la vesícula biliar y los conductos biliares intrahepáticos y extrahepáticos, así como su diagnóstico y tratamiento. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo de 10 años de duración en los servicios de Cirugía Digestiva y Anatomía Patológica del Hospital Universitario San Cecilio en Granada, España. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes que presentaban afectación adenomiomatosa de la vesícula biliar y del sistema biliar intrahepático y extrahepático. Resultados, Entre los años 2000 y 2010, se identificaron 24 pacientes, 19 mujeres y 5 hombres, con adenomiomatosis de un total de 5.141 piezas quirúrgicas. Las manifestaciones clínicas fueron de colelitiasis en 20 (83,3 %) pacientes, de colecistitis en 2 (8,35 %) y de obstrucción (ictericia) en 2 (8,35 %), y correspondieron con los hallazgos histopatológicos: se encontraron 20 lesiones localizadas en el fondo de la vesícula, dos en el conducto cístico y dos en el colédoco distal. En la mayoría de los casos se practicó colecistectomía laparoscópica simple; los últimos dos se sometieron a duodenopancreatectomía cefálica u operación de Whipple, por sospecharse afectación maligna. Conclusión. Esta enfermedad puede presentarse con ausencia completa de síntomas, o con manifestaciones de colelitiasis, colecistitis o de síndrome colestásico. En los casos en que se sospeche una afectación maligna, lo adecuado es hacer un examen histopatológico intraoperatorio, antes de practicar cirugías complejas.

Introduction: Adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder and biliary ducts is an anatomic and medical entity of difficult diagnosis. It can be classified as generalized, segmentary or localized. Typical clinical presentation includes symptoms of cholelithiasis, but it can range from completely asymptomatic to suspicion of malignancy. The aim of this study was to review the gallbladder and intra and extrahepatic biliary ducts affectation by adenomyomatosis, its diagnosis and treatment. Patients and Method: Ten-year retrospective study, held at San Cecilio University Hospital's Digestive Surgery and Pathology Services in Granada, Spain. All patients with gallbladder and intra and extrahepatic biliary ducts adenomyomatosis were included. Results: 24 patients with adenomyomatosis were identified out of 5,141 surgical specimen in the ten-year period 2000-2010; 19 were female and five male. Twenty (83.3%) patients presented with symptoms of cholelithiasis, two (8.35%) with symptoms of cholecystitis, and two (8.35%) with obstructive signs (jaundice),all of which were consistent with the pathology findings: 20 lesions were located in the gallbladder fundus, two in the cystic duct, and two in the distal common bile duct. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in all but the last two cases, in which a cephalic pancreatico-duodenectomy, or Whipple procedure, was perfomed for suspected malignancy. Conclusion: This entity's clinical condition can present as totally asymptomatic, or with symptoms of cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, or cholestatic syndrome. When malignancy is suspected, intra-operative pathological confirmation is recommended before undertaking a complex surgical procedure.

High prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis E virus in HIV-infected patients with unexplained liver disease / Prevalencia elevada de anticuerpos frente al virus de la hepatitis E en pacientes infectados por el VIH con enfermedad hepática de origen incierto

OBJECTIVE: To look for evidence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) exposure in HIV-infected patients with unexplained elevations of liver stiffness (LS). METHODS: Case-control study conducted in 31 HIV-infected patients with unexplained elevations of LS and in 31 HIV-controls with normal LS, matched by age, sex and CD4 cell-counts. Serum HEV antibodies were tested by two ELISA procedures and by Immunoblot. We defined exposure to HEV as the detection of serum HEV antibodies by at least one of the two ELISA assays, provided that it was confirmed by Immunoblot. A real-time PCR RNA assay was conducted in all plasma samples to identify subjects with active HEV infection. RESULTS: Exposure to HEV was demonstrated, according to the criteria used in this study, in 9 (29%) of the cases, whereas it was shown in 5 (16%) of the controls (p = .3). Serum HEV RNA was detected in none of the controls and in only in one case. This patient had a documented chronic hepatitis E with progression to cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS: HEV antibodies are frequently found in HIV-infected patients with unexplained liver disease

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la existencia de exposición previa al virus de la hepatitis E (VHE) en pacientes infectados por el VIH con elevaciones inexplicadas de rigidez hepatica (RH). MÉTODOS: Estudio caso-control realizado en 31 pacientes con infección por el VIH y elevaciones inexplicadas de RH y 31 controles infectados por el VIH con RH normal, apareados por edad, sexo y recuento de células CD4. Se investigó la presencia de anticuerpos en suero frente al VHE mediante dos técnicas de ELISA y por Inmunoblot. La exposición previa al VHE se definió como la detección de anticuerpos séricos mediante al menos una de las dos técnicas de ELISA que se confirmó posteriormente mediante Inmunoblot. En todos los pacientes se realizó una PCR en tiempo real para identificar a aquellos pacientes con infección activa por el VHE. RESULTADOS: Se demostró la presencia de exposición previa al VHE, de acuerdo a los criterios usados en el estudio, en 9 (29%) de los casos y en 5 (16%) de los controles (p = 0.3). La PCR en tiempo real confirmó la presencia de RNA del VHE en el suero de uno de los casos y en ninguno de los controles. Este paciente presentó una hepatitis crónica por VHE documentada con progresión a cirrosis. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes infectados por VIH con enfermedad hepática de origen inexplicado presentan una frecuencia elevada de anticuerpos frente al VHE

Posicionamiento de lopinavir/ritonavir en los esquemas de la terapia antirretroviral / Positioning of lopinavir/ritonavir in antiretroviral treatment schemes

El uso de lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) para el tratamiento de la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) fue aprobado por la EMEA en marzo de 2001. LPV/r es el inhibidor de la proteasa del que se ha realizado un mayor número de ensayos clínicos. Toda la evidencia generada en los últimos 15 años permite que, a pesar del tiempo transcurrido desde su aprobación, LPV/r siga posicionado como un fármaco antirretroviral con excelentes perspectivas. En primer lugar, LPV/r más 2 análogos de nucleósidos/nucleótidos se sigue considerando una buena opción para el tratamiento antirretroviral (TAR) de inicio. Además se ha evaluado ampliamente la eficacia y seguridad de nuevas estrategias de TAR de inicio basadas en el uso de LPV/r en biterapia. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que LPV/r más lamivudina (3TC) o raltegravir pueden ser tan eficaces en TAR de inicio como la triple terapia estándar y justifica su consideración como regímenes alternativos en este escenario. En tercer lugar, LPV/r es el fármaco pionero y el que cuenta con un mayor número de evidencias procedentes de ensayos clínicos en el escenario de simplificación a monoterapia (LPV/r) o biterapia (LPV/r + 3TC). Por último, LPV/r es un fármaco de gran utilidad en situaciones especiales, con bajo riesgo de hepatotoxicidad en pacientes con hepatopatía crónica, recomendado como de uso preferente para el tratamiento de pacientes con infección por VIH-2, y seguro y eficaz para prevenir la transmisión del VIH durante el embarazo (AU)

Lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) was approved for use in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in 2001 and is the protease inhibitor that has been most widely studied in clinical trials. Despite the time interval since its approval, all the evidence accumulated in the last 14 years indicates that LPV/r continues to occupy an important position among antiretroviral drugs. Firstly, LPV/r plus 2 nucleoside/ nucleotide analogs is still considered a good option for initial antiretroviral therapy (ART). Secondly, numerous studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of new initial ART strategies based on LPV/r in dual therapy. The results obtained suggest that LPV/r plus lamivudine (3TC) or raltegravir can be as effective in initial ART as standard triple therapy and justify their consideration as alternative regimens in this scenario. Thirdly, LPV/r is a pioneer drug, as well as being the agent with the largest amount of evidence from clinical trials on simplification to monotherapy (LPV/r) or dual therapy (LPV/r + 3TC). Lastly, LPV/r is highly useful is special situations. It has a low risk of liver toxicity in patients with chronic liver disease, its use is preferred in the treatment of patients with HIV-2, and it is safe and effective in preventing vertical HIV transmission (AU)

Sustained virological response to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin leads to normalization of liver stiffness in hepatitis C virus-infected patients / Respuesta viral sostenida con interferón pegilado y ribavirina conduce a la normalización de la rigidez hepática en pacientes infectados por el virus de la hepatitis C

INTRODUCTION: Pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (Peg-IFN/RBV) therapy leads to improvements in liver stiffness measurements (LSM) in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. However, the rate of LSM return to normal values in response to Peg-IFN/RBV is unclear. Thus, our aim was to assess the probability and factors associated with LSM normalization in HCV-infected patients receiving Peg-IFN/RBV. METHODS: This prospective observational longitudinal study included 160 HCV-infected patients, 111 (69%) with human immunodeficiency virus and receiving Peg-IFN/RBV, with baseline LSM ≥ 7kPa. The outcome variable was LSM normalization, i.e. a stable decrease in LSM below 7kPa after starting Peg-IFN/RBV. RESULTS: After starting Peg-IFN/RBV, 56 [35%, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 28-42%] patients showed LSM normalization. The probability of LSM normalization was 21% (95% CI: 13.2-32.4%) at 12 months, and 51.3% (95% CI: 39.9-63.9%) at 24 months after Peg-INF/RBV initiation for individuals with sustained virological response (SVR), and 8.3% (95% CI: 4-16.6%) at 12 months and 11.3% (95% CI: 6-20.7%) at 24 months for those without SVR (p < 0.001). For individuals with LSM ≥7kPa 24 weeks after the pre-planned end of treatment, LSM normalizations were only observed among those with SVR. Achievement of SVR [Hazard ratio (HR, 95% CI): 6.84 (3.39-13.81)] and lack of baseline cirrhosis [HR (95% CI): 4.17 (1.69-10)] were independently associated with LSM normalization after starting Peg-IFN/RBV. CONCLUSIONS: LSM normalizations during Peg-IFN/RBV treatment are more likely, and occur earlier among patients with SVR. In addition, LSM normalizations continue 24 weeks after the scheduled end of therapy, but only among individuals who reach SVR

INTRODUCCIÓN: El retorno de la rigidez hepática (RH) a valores normales en respuesta al tratamiento de la infección por hepatitis C (VHC) con Peg-IFN/RBV no está claro. Por ello, evaluamos la probabilidad y los factores asociados con la normalización de la RH en pacientes tratados con Peg-IFN/RBV. MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron 160 pacientes infectados por VHC en este estudio longitudinal prospectivo, 111 (69%) de ellos por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana, con RH basal ≥ 7kPa y que recibieron Peg-IFN/RBV. La variable principal fue la disminución estable de la RH < 7kPa. RESULTADOS: Después de iniciar Peg-IFN/RBV, 56 (35%; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%]: 28-42%) pacientes normalizaron la RH. La probabilidad de la normalización de la RH fue del 21% (IC 95%: 13,2-32,4%) 12 meses y del 51,3% (IC 95%: 39,9-63,9%) 24 meses después de iniciar Peg-IFN/RBV en los pacientes con respuesta viral sostenida (RVS), y del 8,3% (IC 95%: 4-16,6%) 12 meses y del 11,3% (IC 95%: 6-20,7%) 24 meses en los sin RVS (p < 0,001). La normalización de la RH en los pacientes con ≥ 7kPa 24 semanas después de finalizar el tratamiento se observó solo en aquellos con RVS. La RVS (hazard ratio [HR]: 6,84; IC 95%: 3,39-13,81) y la ausencia de cirrosis [HR (95%IC): 4.17 (1.69-10)] se asociaron independientemente con la normalización de la RH después de iniciar Peg-IFN/RBV. CONCLUSIONES: La normalización de la RH durante la terapia con Peg-IFN/RBV es más probable y ocurre más temprano en los pacientes con RVS; además, continúa 24 semanas después del fin de tratamiento, pero solo en aquellos con RVS

Efectos adversos neuropsiquiátricos del ziconotide intratecal / Neuropsychiatric side effects of intrathecal ziconotide

No disponible

Factores determinantes de la capacidad de ejercicio en pacientes con hipertensión arterial pulmonar severa / Factors Affecting the Response to Exercise in Patients with Severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

IntroducciónLa ergoespirometría cuantifica objetivamente la capacidad de ejercicio. Hasta ahora, solo se ha descrito el comportamiento al ejercicio mediante ergoespirometría en la hipertensión arterial pulmonar en pacientes recién diagnosticados.El objetivo fue describir el comportamiento al ejercicio de pacientes con hipertensión arterial pulmonar severa bajo tratamiento y definir que parámetros lo determinan.Pacientes y métodoEstudio transversal realizado en 80 pacientes, 57 mujeres, 44 (13) años, con hipertensión arterial pulmonar severa (48 idiopática, 14 aceite colza, 13 colagenosis, 5 virus del sida), presión pulmonar media al diagnóstico 61 (15)mmHg y 49 (33) meses bajo tratamiento, en los que se determinó NTproBNP y realizó ecocardiograma y ergoespirometría.ResultadosNuestros pacientes, bajo tratamiento específico, presentaron el comportamiento típico de los pacientes con hipertensión arterial pulmonar en la ergoespirometría, aunque con menor limitación de capacidad aeróbica y de eficiencia ventilatoria. Ser varón (p=0,004), presentar elevados equivalente ventilatorio de dióxido de carbono en el umbral anaeróbico (p<0,001) y NTproBNP (p=0,006) se asociaron en al análisis multivariado con peor consumo de oxígeno en el máximo esfuerzo mientras que con peores cifras del valor porcentual respecto al predicho lo hicieron: menos tiempo de tratamiento (p=0,01), la dilatación del ventrículo derecho (p<0,001) y un elevado equivalente ventilatorio de dióxido de carbono en el umbral anaeróbico (p<0,001).ConclusionesEn la hipertensión arterial pulmonar, se pueden considerar predictores de peor capacidad funcional la disfunción ventricular derecha (dilatación del VD y elevación de NTproBNP), la ineficiencia ventilatoria, el sexo masculino y el reciente diagnóstico, que implica menor tiempo bajo tratamiento(AU)

IntroductionErgospirometry objectively quantifies exercise capacity. Up until now, the response to exercise evaluated by ergospirometry in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension has only been described in recently diagnosed.patients.Our aim is to describe the response to exercise in patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension under specific treatment and define which parameters determine their exercise capacity.Patients and methodA cross-sectional study was performed on 80 patients, 57 women, aged 45 (14), with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (48 idiopathic, 14 related to toxic rapeseed oil, 13 to connective tissue disease, 5 to human immunodeficiency virus), mean pulmonary pressure at diagnosis 61(15)mmHg and after 49(33) months under treatment since diagnosis. Biomarkers were measured and echocardiography and ergospirometry were performed the same day.ResultsOur patients, under specific treatment, showed the typical behaviour of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension with less limitation of both aerobic capacity and ventilatory efficiency. Being male (p=0.004), high ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide at anaerobic threshold (p<0.001) or biomarkers (p=0.006) were the strongest predictors of impaired peak oxygen uptake in multivariate analysis, whereas for an impaired percentage achieved of predicted value were right ventricle diastolic diameter (p<0.001), months of treatment (p=0.01) and high ventilatory equivalent for CO2 (p<0.001).ConclusionsIn pulmonary arterial hypertension, right ventricle dysfunction (expressed by its dilation or high NTproBNP) and impaired ventilatory inefficiency as well as being male or a short time under treatment can be considered as determining factors of impaired exercise capacity(AU)

Usar rifampicina más pirazinamida en profilaxis antituberculosa no incrementa el riesgo de hepatotoxicidad grave en pacientes infectados por virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana: metaanálisis de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados y controlados / Use of rifampicin plus pyrazinamide for antituberculosis prophylaxis does not increase the risk of severe hepatotoxicity in HIV patients: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials

Objetivo Comparar la incidencia de hepatitis grave asociada al tratamiento con rifampicina más pirazinamida (RZ) en tratamiento preventivo de tuberculosis en pacientes infectados por virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), con pauta estándar de isoniacida (H) durante 6 (6H) o 12 (12H) meses. Pacientes y métodos Metaanálisis de ensayos clínicos de asignación aleatorizada y controlados, en los que se comparó el régimen RZ con la pauta estándar de tratamiento de la infección latente tuberculosa (6 a 12H) en pacientes infectados por VIH. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura médica desde 1986 hasta diciembre de 2007. Se identificaron 5 ensayos clínicos de asignación aleatorizada y controlados, realizados en España, EE. UU., Haití y Zambia. Se valoró como repuesta binaria la ausencia o presencia de hepatotoxicidad grave, definida como aquella que provocó la muerte del paciente o fue causa de retirada del tratamiento, y se estableció como medida la diferencia de riesgo de (..) (AU)

Objective To compare the incidence of severe hepatitis in HIV-infected patients receiving rifampicin plus pyrazinamide (RZ) for antituberculosis prophylaxis with that of patients receiving a conventional isoniazid-based regime for 6 to 12 months (6–12H).Methods Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, in which RZ was compared with 6–12H, the standard regimen for latent tuberculosis infection in HIV-infected patients. A systematic search of studies published between 1986 and 2007 was carried out, and 5 randomized clinical trials conducted in Spain (2), the USA (1), Haiti (1), and Zambia (1) were identified. The absence or presence of severe hepatoxicity, which was defined as toxicity causing the death of the patient or requiring treatment withdrawal, was assessed as a binary response, and the outcome measure was the difference in the risk of hepatotoxicity between patients receiving RZ and those receiving 6–12H (controls).Result sAmong the 5 trials retrieved, 1 was excluded from the final analysis because of incomplete data on the development of hepatotoxicity. A final total of 2657 (..) (AU)

Factores de riesgo cardiovascular dependientes del tratamiento antirretroviral / Cardiovascular risk factors associated with antiretroviral therapy

Los pacientes infectados por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) comparten los factores de riesgo cardiovascular tradicionales con la población general. Además, el propio VIH incrementa significativamente el riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular. Por este motivo, el control de la infección por el VIH con tratamiento antirretroviral de gran actividad (TARGA) ayuda a reducir el riesgo vascular de los pacientes infectados por el VIH. Hay evidencias de que el TARGA incrementa el riesgo cardiovascular, y se ha asociado el uso de abacavir, ddI, lopinavir/r e indinavir con el desarrollo de infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM). Sin embargo, el riesgo absoluto de desarrollar IAM en pacientes que reciben TARGA es muy bajo con relación al alto beneficio obtenido por la terapia antirretroviral

HIV-infected patients share traditional cardiovascular risk factors with the general population. Moreover, HIV per se significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Consequently, control of HIV infection with highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) helps to reduce vascular risk in HIV-infected patients. However, there is evidence that HAART increases cardiovascular risk and the use of abacavir, didanosine, lopinavir/ritonavir and indinavir has been associated with the development of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the absolute risk of AMI in patients receiving HAART is very low in relation to the benefit obtained with antiretroviral therapy