Deforestation in Colombian protected areas increased during post-conflict periods.

Protected areas (PAs) are a foundational and essential strategy for reducing biodiversity loss. However, many PAs around the world exist on paper only; thus, while logging and habitat conversion may be banned in these areas, illegal activities often continue to cause alarming habitat destruction. In such cases, the presence of armed conflict may ultimately prevent incursions to a greater extent than the absence of conflict. Although there are several reports of habitat destruction following cessation of conflict, there has never been a systematic and quantitative "before-and-after-conflict" analysis of a large sample of PAs and surrounding areas. Here we report the results of such a study in Colombia, using an open-access global forest change dataset. By analysing 39 PAs over three years before and after Colombia's peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), we found a dramatic and highly significant increase in the deforestation rate for the majority of these areas and their buffer zones. We discuss the reasons behind such findings from the Colombian case, and debate some general conservation lessons applicable to other countries undergoing post-conflict transitions.

Review of the genus Susuacanga (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae).

The genus Susuacanga Martins, 1997 is redescribed. A new combination, S. blancaneaui (Bates, 1880) comb. nov. and a new synonymy, Eburia unicolor Bates, 1870 = S. octoguttata (Germar, 1821) are proposed. The genus is now composed of 12 species. The geographical distribution of S. opaca is expanded to include Belize. Photographs of Susuacanga species are included and a key to differentiate them is provided.

Effect of nesiritide in patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Nesiritide is approved in the United States for early relief of dyspnea in patients with acute heart failure. Previous meta-analyses have raised questions regarding renal toxicity and the mortality associated with this agent. METHODS: We randomly assigned 7141 patients who were hospitalized with acute heart failure to receive either nesiritide or placebo for 24 to 168 hours in addition to standard care. Coprimary end points were the change in dyspnea at 6 and 24 hours, as measured on a 7-point Likert scale, and the composite end point of rehospitalization for heart failure or death within 30 days. RESULTS: Patients randomly assigned to nesiritide, as compared with those assigned to placebo, more frequently reported markedly or moderately improved dyspnea at 6 hours (44.5% vs. 42.1%, P=0.03) and 24 hours (68.2% vs. 66.1%, P=0.007), but the prespecified level for significance (P≤0.005 for both assessments or P≤0.0025 for either) was not met. The rate of rehospitalization for heart failure or death from any cause within 30 days was 9.4% in the nesiritide group versus 10.1% in the placebo group (absolute difference, -0.7 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.1 to 0.7; P=0.31). There were no significant differences in rates of death from any cause at 30 days (3.6% with nesiritide vs. 4.0% with placebo; absolute difference, -0.4 percentage points; 95% CI, -1.3 to 0.5) or rates of worsening renal function, defined by more than a 25% decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (31.4% vs. 29.5%; odds ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.21; P=0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Nesiritide was not associated with an increase or a decrease in the rate of death and rehospitalization and had a small, nonsignificant effect on dyspnea when used in combination with other therapies. It was not associated with a worsening of renal function, but it was associated with an increase in rates of hypotension. On the basis of these results, nesiritide cannot be recommended for routine use in the broad population of patients with acute heart failure. (Funded by Scios; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00475852.).

Antihypertensive efficacy of amlodipine and losartan after two 'missed' doses in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension.

We compared the effects of amlodipine (5-10 mg, n=94) and losartan (50-100 mg, n=94) on the lowering of blood pressure (BP) at steady state and after two missed doses, as well as on tolerability. This was a randomized, double-blind study of 12 weeks of active treatment followed by 2 days of placebo treatment. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and office BP measurements were performed at baseline, week 12 and after the 2-day drug holiday. After 12 weeks, amlodipine was significantly more effective than losartan in reducing both 24-h systolic blood pressure (SBP) (-18.0 versus -10.8 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (-10.6 versus -8.0 mmHg). While mean SBP and DBP for both treatments increased comparably during the drug holiday, BP values remained significantly lower than baseline for both treatments. The superior BP-lowering effect of amlodipine compared with losartan was maintained during the drug holiday.

A double-blind, controlled, multicenter, randomized study comparing the antihypertensive effectiveness and tolerance of a daily dose of two nifedipine formulations: nifedipine microgranules versus nifedipine osmotic pump.

INTRODUCTION: Controlled clinical studies have clearly established the advantages of blood pressure (BP) reduction. However, optimal control of BP in the population is still not adequate. Monotherapy is ineffective in the majority of hypertensive patients, and multidrug therapy increases costs. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess to what extent and how uniformly BP can be controlled with two different 24-hour drug-releasing formulations of nifedipine, used as monotherapy. METHODS: One hundred ninety-two patients of both genders, aged 18 to 65 years, with mild to moderate (Stage 1 and 2) essential hypertension with systolic BP <200 mm Hg and diastolic BP between 90 and 115 mm Hg were randomized in a double-blind, double-dummy fashion to receive sustained-release formulations of 30 mg nifedipine/day either as microgranules (NMG) or via osmotic pump (NOP) for 8 weeks. Office BP was measured at baseline (after 2 weeks of placebo) and after the third to fourth week of treatment. If at the third to fourth week the systolic BP/diastolic BP did not reach values of <140/<90 mm Hg, the dose was doubled to 60 mg/day. Monotherapy that did not yield these BP values at 8 weeks was considered a failure. Ambulatory monitoring of blood pressure (AMBP) was also performed after the placebo period and at the end of treatment. Smoothness index (SI) and trough/peak ratio (T/P) were calculated and their correlation was checked. RESULTS: The initial systolic/diastolic BP values were similar at baseline and decreased significantly after the third to fourth week of treatment, with no difference between the groups. The proportions of patients reaching the goal BP (<140/<90 mm Hg) were similar in the two groups: NMG, 71%, and NOP, 78% (P = 0.12). There were no changes in the heart rate in either group. There was no difference between groups in the reduction in mean arterial pressure measured by AMBP. The frequency of SI values >1.4 and T/P ratios of >0.5 was similar in both groups. An important correlation was found between the SI and T/P values. The incidence of adverse effects was low and similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Target BP was reached in more than 70% of patients receiving monotherapy with either formulation. Both formulations were tolerated well.

Is hepatitis B immunoglobulin prophylaxis needed for liver transplantation in the era of new antivirals?

Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most common causes of cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide, frequently requiring liver transplantation. Other nonliver organ transplants get infected de novo or through reactivation from previous active or inactive infections. With significant improvements in the surgical techniques and immunosuppressive regimens over the last 20 years, organ transplantation has become the most effective and lifesaving therapy for patients with chronic renal failure, cirrhosis, hepatocarcinoma, and heart failure. Until recently chronic HBV infection was considered a formal contraindication for liver transplantation, since recurrence of infection without prophylaxis occurs in 75% to 90% of the patients, with significant morbidity and mortality and few therapeutic alternatives. However, the introduction of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) a decade ago to reduce the risk of reinfection of liver grafts, and more recently the availability of nucleoside analogues with few side effects and easy administration, have led to a dramatic improvement in patient outcomes with a risk of long-term HBV reinfection of less than 10% with combined HBIG and lamivudine prophylaxis. Chronic HBV infection in kidney, heart, and other organs has become a serious long-term problem and one of the most frequent and important comorbidities affecting graft and patient survival. Fortunately the introduction of nucleoside analogues allows significant control of viral replication and prevents progression of liver disease and other organ damage. In the present article we discuss the current indications for HBV prophylaxis and treatment prior to and after organ transplantation, as well as the most cost-effective way to apply different regimens to reduce side effects and improve survival and quality of life after transplantation.

Should patients with chronic hepatitis C infection be transplanted?

Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection affects more than 170 million people throughout the world and 2 to 3 million Americans. End-stage liver disease secondary to chronic HCV infection is the most frequent indication for liver transplantation in this country. Currently, the gold standard for treatment for immunocompetent patients is a combination of peginterferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin for 6 to 12 months depending on the genotype. This treatment achieves a sustained virological response (SVR) in 54% to 61% of patients overall. Almost 50% of patients do not respond or have recurrences posttreatment and progress in over 10 to 20 years into chronic liver disease and its complications. Liver transplantation is the only therapeutic modality that impacts on quality of life and survival of these patients. However, recurrence of HCV in the new allograft is universal with accelerated progression to cirrhosis in 5 to 10 years. Response to treatment is usually low (20% to 30%), and associated with significant side effects and depression. A significant percentage of patients with recurrent HCV after transplantation require retransplantation to control the complications of end-stage liver disease. Other solid organ transplants recipients already HCV-positive, or infected at the time of transplantation from blood transfusions or an infected graft, develop accelerated, progressive liver disease facilitated by the adverse effects of immunosuppression in addition to HCV replication. To prevent morbidity, mortality, and high costs related to the consequences of HCV infection, all solid organ transplant candidates should be tested for HCV infection and treated appropriately with PEG-IFN and ribavirin prior to transplantation.

Efficacy and safety of two different formulations of nifedipine (GITS) vs. slow release microgranules in patients with mild and moderate hypertension.

The objective of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of nifedipine in two different formulations (osmotic pump and slow release microgranules) in patients with essential hypertension. A total of 91 patients with mild and moderate essential hypertension were recruited in a randomised, double-blinded trial, to receive a daily dose of 30 mg of nifedipine GITS or nifedipine slow release microgranules for 8 weeks. Patients who did not respond to the above-mentioned dose at week 4 of treatment received an increased dose of 60 mg per day of either drug for the remaining trial period. The primary end point of this study was the variation in mean sitting diastolic blood pressure (SDBP) from baseline values to the ones found at week 4 of treatment. The secondary end point was the variation in mean sitting systolic blood pressure (SSBP). Drug tolerability was measured according to incidence of side effects. The results were that both presentations reduced the mean SDBP and SSBP with similar efficacy. Drug side effects were also similar in both formulations. In conclusion nifedipine in slow release microgranules (NMG) is as effective as osmotic pump nifedipine (GITS) in reducing blood pressure with a similar tolerability profile.

Efficacy and safety of valsartan compared with enalapril at different altitudes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety, tolerability, and antihypertensive efficacy of valsartan with enalapril at different altitudes. METHOD: A total of 142 adult Colombian outpatients with mild to moderate essential hypertension were recruited in 3 cities at different altitudes (Bogotá at 2600 m, Medellin at 1538 m and Barranquilla at 100 m) and randomized in an open label fashion to receive either valsartan 80 mg once daily or enalapril 20 mg once daily for 8 weeks. Those patients not responding at 4 weeks received additional 1.25 mg indapamide daily during the remaining trial period. The primary efficacy variable was the change in mean sitting diastolic blood pressure (SDBP) from baseline to 4 weeks. Secondary efficacy variables included the change in mean sitting systolic blood pressure (SSBP). The primary criterion for tolerability was the incidence of adverse experiences. RESULTS: Both valsartan and enalapril reduced mean SDBP and SSBP with similar efficacy, independent of altitude. Adverse events irrespective of relationship to trial drug were reported by 12 patients (18.8%) on valsartan and by 15 (23.4%) patients on enalapril. Enalapril was associated with a significantly (P<0.05) higher rate of dry cough and more cases of headache than valsartan. CONCLUSIONS: Valsartan 80 mg once daily is as effective as enalapril 20 mg once daily in reducing blood pressure, with tolerability profile at least as good as enalapril's.

Hepatitis C: perfil clínico: estudio multicéntrico internacional / Hepatitis C: clinical profile: international multicentral study

Existen muchas variaciones individuales en el comportamiento de las personas infectadas con el virus de la Hepatitis C. Analizar las características de un grupo de pacientes con Hepatitis C estudiados en Colombia (22) y Venezuela (75); pacientes y métodos: Se analizaron los datos obtenidos en forma prospectiva de 200 pacientes adultos anti-VHC positivos en quienes los hallazgos clínicos, bioquímicos, serológicos ultrasonográficos e histológicos permitían establecer el diagnóstico de hepatitis C. La edad promedio de todos los pacientes fue de 50 años con rango de edad de 18 a 91 años, comprendían 96 mujeres, edad 52+15 años y 104 hombres; edad 50 + -5 años con diagnóstico de hepatitis aguda 6 por ciento hepatitis crónica, 57 por ciento cirrosis, 36 por ciento y hepartocacinoma: 3 por ciento. El 48 por ciento de las mujeres y el 22 por ciento de los hombres con hepatitis crónica presentaron síntomas, siendo los más frecuentes: astenia y cansancio fácil. La ictericia resultó excepcional en hepatitis aguda o cirrosis. La esplenomegalia resultó altamente significativa para diferenciar hepatitis crónica de cirrosis (2 por ciento vs 46 por ciento. La plaquetopenia fue significativa más importante en cirrosis. La relación AST/ALT fue menor de 1 en hepatitis crónica y mayor de 1 en cirrosis. La ultrasonografía sirvió para establecer el estudio siendo útil para el diagnóstico de cirrosis cuando se presentaron alteraciones difusas de la superficie y signos de hipertensión portal. El hallazgo más frecuente a la biopsia hepática fue hepatitis crónica con actividad necroinflamatoria leve, moderada y fibrosis leve o ausente

Gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea: Una experiencia multicéntrica

El objetivo fue presentar la experiencia con dos variantes técnicas de la Gastrostomía Endoscópica Percutánea (GEP). Fueron practicadas 78 GEP, 63 por ciento por la técnica de deslizamiento y 37 por ciento por tracción, 44 mujeres (57 por ciento) y 34 hombres (43 por ciento) de 6 a 94 años, con enfermedades del sistema nervioso central en 89.6 por ciento de los casos. No fueron observadas diferencias estadísticas en los resultados dependientes de la institución ni el uso o no de antibióticos. Las complicaciones fueron más frecuentes durante las primeras 24 horas y después del séptimo día con la técnica por tracción, durante su estandarización. Los pacientes desnutridos tuvieron más complicaciones asociadas al procedimiento. Se concluye que la GEP es una técnica practicable en cualquier servicio de endoscopia, de bajo riesgo, con baja frecuencia de complicaciones y relacionadas con el estado nutricional del paciente y grado de pericia adquirido

Hemorragia de vías digestivas altas, incidencia en 20.000 endoscopias

La hemorragia digestiva alta es la principal y más frecuente urgencia en Gastroenterología. La causa del sangrado depende de la población, del centro hospitalario y sus recursos; sin embargo, la úlcera péptica es la principal causa en la mayoría de las series. A pesar de los múltiples avances tecnológicos, la mortalidad general no ha variado en forma significativa. En el presente artículo presentamos la experiencia durante 10 años en la Sección de Gastroenterología y Hepatología de la FSFB, además hacemos una revisión del tema que permite actualizarlo

Efectividad terapéutica de la S-Adenosil-L-Metionina en hepatitis viral aguda A,B, NANB

La hepatitis viral aguda es una causa frecuente de enfermedad en el mundo, ocasionado serias complicaciones, y altos costos como consecuencia de la incapacidad resultante. A pesar de esto, no disponemos de ninguna modalidad terapéutica de probada eficacia. El papel exacto de la SAMe en el tratamiento de las hepatopatías ha sido parcialmente clarificado por estudios recientes que muestran, que esta molécula es de efecto benéfico en la colestasis intrahepática (DRUGS 0:111, 1990) y otras hepatopatías. Para evaluar la efectividad de la SAMe se realizó un estudio doble ciego, placebo, control en 28 pacientes entre enero 25 de 1989 y junio 15 de 1991 con los siguientes criterios de inclusión: Edad entre 10 y 65 años, evidencia clínica de hepatitis aguda A, B o NANB, menos de 15 días de evolución, AST y-o ALT mayor de 500 U-L y bilirrubina total mayor de 3 mg-dl. Todos los pacientes fueron aleatorizados para recibir SAMe 500 mgr IV diariamente por 10 días o Placebo (l-Lisina 150 mg; Hidróxido de sodio 4.5 mgs; agua destilada estéril 5.0 ml) IV diariamente por 10 días. Ambos grupos eran comparables en relación con la edad, etiología y pruebas hepáticas. Las diferencias entre los grupos se evaluaron utilizando las pruebas ANOVA, t de Student, con programa estadístico SPSS-PC. Un valor de menos de 0.005 se consideró significativo

Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy with subcutaneous access and the use of Gianturco stents for the management of biliary tract strictures.

The need to control recurrent biliary strictures implies the practice of repeated major surgical procedures. The hepaticojejunostomy with subcutaneous jejunal access (Chen's procedure) allows the permanent option of a non-operative management of recurrent biliary tract anastomosis complications. Through the subcutaneous jejunal access, the application of a Gianturco metallic prosthesis is permitted and the correction of biliary-intestinal anastomosis strictures with non-operative methods is possible. This report is a review of a series of 20 patients treated with the Chen procedure, of whom 3 patients also had implantation of Gianturco stents via hepaticojejunostomy with subcutaneous access.

Chronic cholestasis, paucity of bile ducts, red cell aplasia, and the Stevens-Johnson syndrome. An ampicillin-associated case.

The unique case of severe chronic cholestasis with paucity of bile ducts accompanied by pure red cell aplasia and the Stevens-Johnson syndrome in a 35-year-old woman after ampicillin ingestion is presented. The patient improved gradually and is asymptomatic 4 years later. Sequential histological and clinical follow-up substantiate the course of her disease.

Deteccion inmunohistoquimica de antigenos del papiloma virus humano y del virus herpes simple tipo II en la neoplasia intraepitelial cervical y carcinoma invasor de cervix / Immunohistochemistry antigenic detection of human papilloviruses and herpex siplex virus in the intraepithelial cervical neoplasia and invader carcinoma of the cervix

Para conocer la presencia de los virus Herpes simple tipo 2 (V.H.S-2) y papiloma virus humano (P.V.H) en las lesiones premalignas y malignas del cervix uterino i.e. NIC I-III y CA invasor., se inicio un estudio retrospectivo de 125 biopsias en noviembre de 1986. Morfologicamente 24% de las biopsias contenian displasias y76% carcinoma insitu e invasor. A 90 especimenes histologicos se les investigo con la tecnica de Inmunoperoxiodasa la presencia de antigenos de los virus P.V.H. y V.H.S2 RESULTANDO POSITIVOS EL 21% Y EL 5.6% de los casos respectivamente ; no se detecto la presencia de los virus simultaneamente en el carcinoma invasor que en la neoplasia intraepitelial cervical I-II-III. A 76 pacientes se les realizo encuestas para investigar la correlacion de la infeccion viral con los factores de riesgo del cancer de cervix. Se encontro que el P.V.H. esta presente en mayoir proporcion en las pacientes con diagnostico anatomopatologico NIC-III y CA invasor, con 4 hijos o menos y que iniciaron vida sexual entre los 15 y 18 anos; este hallazgo indica la posibilidad de infeccion por el P.V.H. desde edades tempranas de la vida y persistencia del virus en forma latente en el epitelio escamocelular del cervix. Observamos que el habito de fumar es una caracteristica del 75% de las mujeres infectadas por el papiloma virus. En este estudio no se demostro una asociacion estadisticamente significativa entre los virus V.H.S-2 y P.V.H. con el CA de cervix. Sinembargo, nuestros resultados sugieren un papel del papiloma virus y el habito de fumar en el proceso..