Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in patients with STEMI. Association with percutaneous coronary intervention and antithrombotic treatments.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are formed by DNA, histones and proteolytic enzymes, and are produced by activated neutrophils through different mechanisms. In turn, NETs can activate platelets and coagulation cascade favoring thrombotic processes. The aims of this study were to analyze levels and kinetics of NETs in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients and correlate them with antithrombotic therapy and cardiovascular outcomes at follow-up. METHODS: 150 consecutive STEMI patients referred to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) were included. Citrate anticoagulated blood was extracted immediately before pPCI, 30 min and 24 h after the procedure. As markers of NETS cell free DNA (cfDNA), nucleosomes and citrullinated Histone 3 (citH3) were determined. 46 healthy subjects were included as controls. Patients were follow-up for 1.4 ± 0.56 years. RESULTS: Before pPCI, NETs markers were elevated in STEMI patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05); these increased significantly 30 min post pPCI (p ≤ 0.001) and decreased at 24 h but remained elevated compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Patients treated with bivalirudin presented a lower increase of NETs 30 min post pPCI compared to patients treated with heparin (p < 0.05). Cardiovascular risk factors or type of stent implanted did not modify NETs levels. Cit3H (HR = 3.74; 95%CI 1.05-13.4; p = 0.042) and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% (HR = 6.84; 95%CI 2-23; p = 0.002) were independent predictors of composite endpoint of myocardial infarction, stroke, stent thrombosis and/or cardiovascular-cause death. CONCLUSIONS: NETs were elevated in STEMI patients, increased by pPCI and decreased thereafter. One of the most specific NETs markers was associated with cardiovascular outcomes.

Neutrophil extracellular traps are increased in patients with acute ischemic stroke: prognostic significance.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are networks of DNA, histones, and proteolytic enzymes produced by activated neutrophils through different mechanisms. NET formation is promoted by activated platelets and can in turn activate platelets, thus favoring thrombotic processes. NETs have been detected in venous and arterial thrombosis, but data in stroke are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate NETs in the plasma of patients with acute ischemic stroke and their potential association with baseline clinical characteristics, stroke severity, and one-year clinical outcomes. The study included 243 patients with acute ischemic stroke. Clinical and demographic data and scores of stroke severity (NIHSS and mRs) at onset and discharge were recorded. Markers of NETs (cell-free DNA, nucleosomes, and citrullinated histone 3 (citH3)), were determined in plasma. Patients were followed-up for 12 months after the ischemic event. NETs were significantly elevated in the plasma of patients with acute ischemic stroke when compared to healthy subjects. NETs were increased in patients who were over 65 years of age and in those with a history of atrial fibrillation (AF), cardioembolic stroke, high glucose levels, and severe stroke scores at admission and discharge. In multivariate analysis, elevated levels of citH3, the most specific marker of NETs, at onset were independently associated with AF and all-cause mortality at one-year follow-up. NETs play a role in the pathophysiology of stroke and are associated with severity and mortality. In conclusion, citH3 may constitute a useful prognostic marker and therapeutic target in patients with acute stroke.

Elementos determinantes en el logro de la autonomia del profesional de enfermeria que labora en el campo asistencial del sector privado, oficial, y de seguridad social / Determinant elements for the achivement of the nursing professional who works in service of the private, official and social security sector

Estudio descriptivo transversal para determinar la existencia o no de elementos que permiten a la enfermera de servicio desepenarse con "autonomia". Se encuestaron 9 de las 204 enfermeras en ejercicio en una institucion hospitalaria o de atencion a la comunidad en la ciudad de Bucaramanga, de acuerdo a un formulario perviamente disenado y probado mara medir sus actitudes con base en la escala de Likeret. se tomaron como parametros el conocimiento de si mismo, la autoestima, la seguridad, la capacidad para dar y recibir afecto, la ausencia de tension e hipersensibilidad, el grado de satisfaccion personal con el trabajo, la imagen de si mismo, sus aptitudes, la capacidad para tomar desiciones, su estatus profesional y la clase social. Como resultados de esta encuesta preliminar se concluye la necesidad de reestructurar algunas de las partes del formulario y se cuestiona la aplicabilidad del instrumento disenado. Asi mismo, se justifica la elaboracion de escalas actitudinales especificas para obtener datos relevanetes para los fines que se propone el trabajo