Persistent Barriers of the Gluten-Free Basic Food Basket: Availability, Cost, and Nutritional Composition Assessment.

Gluten-related disorders are treated with a gluten-free diet. The "basic food basket" (BFB) consists of a list of basic foods consumed by low-income groups in society, including those lowest-cost versions within each food category. To evaluate the cost, availability, and nutritional quality of the BFB and gluten-free BFB (GF-BFB), foods were photographed, registering their cost, availability, and nutritional characteristics, in high quality and mid-range supermarkets, wholesalers, health shops, and corner shops, matching each regular BFB product with a gluten-free equivalent. Of the 1177 potential products, the selection of lowest-cost foods yielded 55 and 47 products (BFB and GF-BFB, respectively). Breads/cereals and drinks showed the highest differences (279% and 146%, respectively) while meats and sausages showed the lowest ones (18.6%). The GF-BFB cost represents 30.1% of the minimum wage, which covers the cost of 5.2 and 3.3 of the BFB and GF-BFB per month, respectively. Availability ranged between 22.7 and 42.4%. Lower availability was associated with poorer nutritional quality in the GF-BFB, which provides 5% less energy, 26% more fat, and 25% less protein than the BFB. Only 47% of gluten-free products declared their "gluten-free" condition. The results strongly suggest that the GF-BFB must be redesigned to be both gluten-free and nutritionally adequate.

Moral injury in post-9/11 combat-experienced military veterans: A qualitative thematic analysis.

War zone exposure is associated with enduring negative mental health effects and poorer responses to treatment, in part because this type of trauma can entail crises of conscience or moral injury. Although a great deal of attention has been paid to posttraumatic stress disorder and fear-based physiological aspects of trauma and suffering, comparatively less attention has been given to the morally injurious dimension of trauma. Robust themes of moral injury were identified in interviews with 26 post-9/11 military veterans. Thematic analysis identified 12 themes that were subsumed under four categories reflecting changes, shifts, or ruptures in worldview, meaning making, identity, and relationships. Moral injury is a unique and challenging clinical construct with impacts on the individual as well as at every level of the social ecological system. Recommendations are offered for addressing moral injury in a military population; implications for community public health are noted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Applications designed to successfully implant in challenging left atrial appendage occlusion cases: a new tool for the interventional cardiologist.

An 85-year-old patient with permanent atrial fibrillation with a DDD pacemaker, and with indication for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). Sent for LAAO due to recurrent gastrointestinal bleedings even on apixaban and with a CHA 2 DS 2 VASc and HAS-BLED scores of 4 and 3 respectively.

Exploring Phytotherapeutic Alternatives for Obesity, Insulin Resistance and Diabetes Mellitus.

At present, the pathologic spectrum of obesity-insulin resistance (IR)-diabetes mellitus (DM) represents not only a pressing matter in public health but also a paramount object of study in biomedical research, as they constitute major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and other chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD). Phytotherapy, the use of medicinal herbs (MH) with treatment purposes, offers a wide array of opportunities for innovation in the management of these disorders; mainly as pharmacological research on small molecules accumulates. Several MH has displayed varied mechanisms of action relevant to the pathogenesis of obesity, IR and DM, including immunological and endocrine modulation, reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress (OS), regulation of appetite, thermogenesis and energy homeostasis, sensitisation to insulin function and potentiation of insulin release, among many others. However, the clinical correlates of these molecular phenomena remain relatively uncertain, with only a handful of MH boasting convincing clinical evidence in this regard. This review comprises an exploration of currently available preclinical and clinical research on the role of MH in the management of obesity, IR, and DM.

Depression as an Immunometabolic Disorder: Exploring Shared Pharmacotherapeutics with Cardiovascular Disease.

Modern times have seen depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD) become notorious public health concerns, corresponding to alarming proportions of morbidity, mortality, decreased quality of life, and economic costs. Expanding comprehension of the pathogenesis of depression as an immunometabolic disorder has identified numerous pathophysiologic phenomena in common with CVD, including chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress. These shared components could be exploited to offer improved alternatives in the joint management of these conditions. Abundant preclinical and clinical data on the impact of established treatments for CVD in the management of depression have allowed for potential candidates to be proposed for the joint management of depression and CVD as immunometabolic disorders. However, a large proportion of the clinical investigation currently available exhibits marked methodological flaws which preclude the formulation of concrete recommendations in many cases. This situation may be a reflection of pervasive problems present in clinical research in psychiatry, especially pertaining to study homogeneity. Therefore, further high-quality research is essential in the future in this regard.

Relación entre tiroiditis autoinmune y lupus eritematoso sistémico / Relationship between autoinmune thyroiditis and systemic lupus erythematosus

Introducción: El lupus eritematoso sistémico es una enfermedad autoinmune que se caracteriza por la presencia de autoanticuerpos, los cuales, junto con el proceso inflamatorio, son los responsables de las manifestaciones clínicas de la enfermedad. Se puede asociar con otras afecciones como la tiroiditis autoinmune, la que, en ocasiones, precede al diagnóstico de lupus. Objetivo: Describir la relación entre tiroiditis autoinmune y lupus eritematoso sistémico. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, correlacional y retrospectivo, realizado en la Consulta Externa del Hospital Andino de Chimborazo en el periodo comprendido entre enero de 2017 y julio de 2018. El universo estuvo constituido por la totalidad de los pacientes (137) que acudieron a consulta y que presentaron diagnóstico de lupus eritematoso sistémico. La muestra quedó conformada por los 97 pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión definidos para la investigación. Se empleó la correlación de Pearson para establecer la relación existente entre tiroiditis autoinmune y lupus eritematoso sistémico. Resultados: El promedio de edad de los pacientes fue de 36,32 años, con predominio de edad entre 26 y 35 años. Predominó el sexo femenino (91,75 por ciento) y el tiempo de evolución fue menor de 3 años (46,40 por ciento). El 32,99 por ciento de los casos con lupus eritematoso sistémico presentaron también diagnóstico de tiroiditis autoinmune, que precedió al diagnóstico de lupus en un 90,63 por ciento de los casos. Conclusiones: Existe una relación entre tiroiditis autoinmune y lupus eritematoso sistémico. Ambas afecciones comparten mecanismos autoinmunes comunes, pero no queda totalmente esclarecido el mecanismo que las interrelaciona(AU)

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematous is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of autoantibodies, in adition to the inflammatory process are responsible for the disease's clinical manifestations. It can be associated with other conditions such as autoimmune thyroiditis, this affection, sometimes, precedes the diagnosis of lupus. Objective: To describe the relationship between autoimmune thyroiditis and systemic lupus erythematous. Method: It is a descriptive, correlational and retrospective study, carried out in the outpatient clinic of the Andean hospital of Chimborazo in the period between January 2017 and July 2018. The universe was constituted by the totality of patients (137) who attended the consultation and who presented a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematous. The sample was constituted by 97 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria defined for the investigation. Pearson correlation was used to establish the relationship between autoimmune thyroiditis and systemic lupus erythematous. Results: The average age of 36.32 years with predominance of patients between 26 and 35 years of age. The female sex is predominated (91.75 percent) and the evolution time is less than three years (46.40 percent. 32.99 percent. of the cases with SLE also present a diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis that preceded the diagnosis of lupus in 90.63 percent. Conclusions: The relationship between autoimmune thyroiditis and systemic lupus erythematous is described; both conditions share common autoimmune mechanisms, but the mechanism which interrelate both conditions is not completely clarified(AU)

Arteritis de Takayasu / Takayasu arteritis

Introducción: La arteritis de Takayasu es una vasculitis sistémica considerada como una enfermedad rara. Su mecanismo etiopatogénico se basa en un proceso inflamatorio que afecta la arteria aorta y sus grandes ramas. La ausencia de pulso, la angiodinia, los trastornos hipertensivos y la presencia de nódulos en miembros inferiores se describen como sus principales manifestaciones clínicas. Objetivo: Dar a conocer las principales manifestaciones clínicas que permiten la sospecha diagnóstica de la arteritis de Takayasu en la atención primaria de salud. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 36 años de edad, la cual acude con manifestaciones clínicas que hace que se sospeche y finalmente se realice el diagnóstico de arteritis de Takayasu. Conclusiones: La sospecha clínica de la enfermedad se basa en una adecuada historia clínica, epidemiológica y hallazgos de laboratorio, los cuales son perfectamente detectables en la atención primaria de salud(AU)

Introduction: Takayasu arteritis is a systemic vasculitis considered a rare disease. Its etiopathogenic mechanism is based on an inflammatory process that affects the aorta and its large branches. The absence of pulse, the angiodynia, the hypertensive disorders and the presence of nodules in the lower limbs are described as their main clinical manifestations. Objective: To present the main clinical manifestations that allows the diagnostic suspicion of Takayasu arteritis in primary health care. Clinical case: 36-year-old female patient, which presents clinical manifestations that allow the diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis. Conclusions: The clinical suspicion of the disease is based on adequate clinical, epidemiological and laboratory findings, which are perfectly detectable in primary health care(AU)

Diagnóstico de Arteritis de Takayasu, un caso infrecuente / Diagnosis of Takayasu's Arteritis, an infrequent case

Introducción: la arteritis de Takayasu es considerada como una rara enfermedad que afecta fundamentalmente a mujeres jóvenes donde produce alteraciones en la aorta y sus principales ramas. Esta vasculitis tiene su sustento epidemiológico en la inflamación de las paredes de los vasos sanguíneos lo que determina la intensidad y severidad de las manifestaciones clínicas de la enfermedad. Objetivo: socializar las principales manifestaciones clínicas, elementos epidemiológicos y exámenes complementarios que permiten realizar el diagnóstico de la arteritis de Takayasu. Caso clínico: se presenta el caso de una paciente de 46 años de edad la cual es referida desde la atención primaria de salud, con manifestaciones clínicas y de laboratorio que permiten confirmar el diagnóstico de la arteritis de Takayasu. Conclusiones: Las manifestaciones generales, oftalmológicas y cardiovasculares fueron las más representativas en este caso. La identificación de la misma, unidos a los elementos epidemiológicos y los resultados de los exámenes complementarios constituyeron los pilares diagnósticos de la enfermedad. Los esteroides e inmunosupresores son los grupos farmacéuticos más utilizados en el tratamiento de la AT. Un elevado por ciento de pacientes requieren tratamiento quirúrgico(AU)

Introduction: Takayasu arteritis is considered a rare disease that affects mainly young women where it produces alterations in the aorta and its main branches. This vasculitis has its epidemiological sustenance in the inflammation of the walls of the blood vessels which determines the intensity and severity of the clinical manifestations of the disease. Objective: to socialize the main clinical manifestations, epidemiological elements and complementary tests that allow the diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis. Clinical case: the case of 46-year-old patient is presented, which is referred from primary health care, with clinical and laboratory manifestations that confirm the diagnosis of Takayasu's arteritis. Conclusions: The general, ophthalmological and cardiovascular manifestations were the most representative in this case. The identification of the same, together with the epidemiological elements and the results of the complementary tests constituted the diagnostic pillars of the disease. Steroids and immunosuppressants are the pharmaceutical groups most used in the treatment of TA. A high percentage of patients require surgical treatment(AU)

Depression as a Neuroendocrine Disorder: Emerging Neuropsychopharmacological Approaches beyond Monoamines.

Depression is currently recognized as a crucial problem in everyday clinical practice, in light of ever-increasing rates of prevalence, as well as disability, morbidity, and mortality related to this disorder. Currently available antidepressant drugs are notoriously problematic, with suboptimal remission rates and troubling side-effect profiles. Their mechanisms of action focus on the monoamine hypothesis for depression, which centers on the disruption of serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic neurotransmission in the brain. Nevertheless, views on the pathophysiology of depression have evolved notably, and the comprehension of depression as a complex neuroendocrine disorder with important systemic implications has sparked interest in a myriad of novel neuropsychopharmacological approaches. Innovative pharmacological targets beyond monoamines include glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, various endocrine axes, as well as several neurosteroids, neuropeptides, opioids, endocannabinoids and endovanilloids. This review summarizes current knowledge on these pharmacological targets and their potential utility in the clinical management of depression.

Seguridad del MitraClip en pacientes con cable endocárdico de resincronización cardiaca en el ventrículo izquierdo a través del septo interventricular / Safety of MitraClip implantation in patients with a left ventricular endocardial lead for cardiac resynchronization therapy through the interventricular septum

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Novel PAradigm to improve Inflammatory burden in end stage Renal disease (rePAIR): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Given the importance of inflammation as a predictor of poor outcomes in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), reductions in inflammatory biomarkers have been proposed as a critical target in this population. This study targets chronic periodontitis, an oral inflammatory disease of microbial etiology causing persistent inflammation in ESRD. Unlike the previously reported episodic periodontal interventions, we propose to control periodontal inflammation with a continuous maintenance and oral health behavior modifications. We hypothesize that this strategy will improve systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, oral health and quality of life within the 6-month observation period. METHODS: The rePAIR (novel PAradigm to improve Inflammatory burden in ESRD) study is a pilot and feasibility, parallel-arm, and randomized controlled clinical trial that will recruit 72 ESRD subjects with periodontitis in a model of computerized block randomization. This trial aims to compare the effect of standard-of-care vs. repeated non-surgical periodontal therapy on systemic and oral inflammatory burden. This trial will recruit ESRD adult patients with periodontitis older than 21 years old with a minimum of 12 teeth and no history of periodontal treatment within a year. The trial will examine serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (primary outcome) as a biomarker of inflammation as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6), F2 isofurans and F2 isoprostanes (secondary outcomes) and compare their difference between groups from baseline to 6 months. The trial will also compare the difference between groups in patient-centered and clinical oral outcomes from baseline to 6 months. DISCUSSION: The trial follows a rigorous and transparent study design capturing elements such as pre-specified eligibility criteria, pre-specified primary and secondary outcomes, detailed intervention description to allow replication, intervention random allocation and concealment, blinding in outcome assessment, appropriate sample size calculations, explanation of interim analysis, as per CONSORT Guidelines. Further, gender diversity is secured not only at recruitment but also throughout the trial and during the analysis. Therefore, treatment response outcomes will be examined per gender category. In order to manage anticipated problems, the protocol has included alternative approaches. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03241511 . Registered on 7 August 2017.

Morbilidad en el primer nivel de atención del Seguro Social Campesino, Riobamba, Chimborazo, Ecuador 2016 / Morbidity in the first level of care of the Seguro Social Campesino, Riobamba, Chimborazo, Ecuador 2016

Introducción: El Seguro Social Campesino ofrece atención médica en dispensarios de salud del primer nivel basados en la atención primaria de salud por lo que necesita contar con datos fidedignos sobre morbilidad. ObjeTIvo: Caracterizar la morbilidad en el primer nivel de atención del Seguro Social Campesino en la provincia de Chimborazo durante el año 2016. Métodos: La presente investigación es un estudio descriptivo. El universo de estudio lo constituye toda la población atendida por los 45 médicos tratantes del Seguro Social Campesino de enero a diciembre de 2016, en la provincia Chimborazo, Ecuador. Los datos fueron recopilados del Concentrado Mensual de Morbilidad. Las variables analizadas fueron edad, género y morbilidad. Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos indican el mayor porcentaje (57 %) de los pacientes atendidos fueron adultos de 50 y más años de género femenino (55 %). Las infecciones agudas de las vías respiratorias fueron la primera causa de morbilidad general (28 %), afectando con mayor frecuencia a las mujeres (26 %). Con respecto a las enfermedades crónicas la hipertensión arterial (13 %) y la poliartrosis (10 %) fueron las más comunes, ambas afectando con mayor frecuencia a las mujeres. Conclusión: Se concluye que la morbilidad en el Seguro Social Campesino se caracteriza por el predominio de infecciones agudas de las vías respiratorias, hipertensión arterial y poliartrosis, ocurriendo todas con más frecuencia en mujeres.

Introduction: The Seguro Social Campesino offers medical care in first level health services, which are the base of primary health care, therefore is needed to have reliable data on morbidity. Objective: Characterize the morbidity in the first level of attention of the Seguro Social Campesino in the province of Chimborazo during the year 2016. Methods: The present investigation is a descriptive study. The universe of study includes the entire population treated by the 45 doctors who worked at he Seguro Social Campesino from January to December 2016, in the province of Chimborazo, Ecuador. Data was collected from the monthly morbidity reports. Variables analyzed were age, gender and morbidity. Results: Our results indicate that the highest percentage (57%) of patients attended were adults of 50 years of age or older, frequently women (55%). Infections of the acute upper respiratory tract were the first cause of general morbidity (28%), affecting specially females (26%). Regarding to chronic diseases, arterial hypertension (13%) and polyarthrosis (10%) were the most common diseaseas, affecting mainly females. Conclusion: We conclude that morbidity in the Seguro Social Campesino is characterized by the predominance of acute upper respiratory tract infections, hypertension and polyarthrosis, whick most frequently affect women.

Punto de corte para el índice de adiposidad visceral en una población venezolana: resultados del Estudio de prevalencia de síndrome metabólico de Maracaibo / Optimal cutoff for visceral adiposity index in a Venezuelan population: Results from the Maracaibo City Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence Study

Aim: Visceral obesity is one of the most intensely researched cardiometabolic risk factors in recent years; nonetheless, its accurate assessment remains a challenge in regions were socioeconomic conditions hinder the widespread use of diagnostic methods for this purpose, such as imaging tests. In this setting, Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) may be a useful tool. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the VAI cutoff in adult population from Maracaibo City, Venezuela. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with multi-staged sampling; 2026 subjects of both genders aged ≥18 years were selected from this database and had their VAI calculated. In order to determine VAI cutoffs, subsamples of metabolically healthy and sick individuals were determined, with 599 and 286 subjects, respectively. Gender-specific and general ROC curves were plotted in order to identify the most suitable cutoff according to sensitivity and specificity. Results: Median VAI in the selected sample was 1.67 (0.97-2.78). The optimal cutoff was determined to be 1.91, with 70.3% sensitivity, 70.3% specificity [AUC = 0.777 (0.745-0.808)]. No differences were found between genders. Analysis by age revealed VAI to have greater predictive power among subjects aged < 30 years (cutoff: 1.53), 78.6% sensitivity, 72.8% specificity [AUC = 0.797 (0.709-0.884)]. Conclusion: We suggest a VAI cutoff of 1.9 for define dysfunctional adiposity in our population, with age being an important factor in the epidemiologic behavior of this variable, particularly in younger individuals.

Objetivo: La obesidad central es uno de los factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos emergente más evaluado durante los últimos años, sin embargo, su medición de forma precisa resulta un reto en aquellas poblaciones cuyas condiciones económicas dificultan la realización de métodos diagnósticos complejos, como pruebas de imagen. Por ello el objetivo de este estudio es determinar el punto de corte del índice de adiposidad visceral (VAI) en sujetos adultos de la ciudad de Maracaibo, Venezuela. Métodos: Se seleccionó a 2.026 individuos de ambos sexos, mayores de 18 años, de la base de datos del Estudio de prevalencia de síndrome metabólico en la ciudad de Maracaibo, un estudio descriptivo, transversal, con muestreo multietápico. El VAI se calculó para cada sexo y para la estimación del punto corte se seleccionó a 599 sujetos sanos y 286 enfermos, realizándose curvas COR para identificar el mejor valor de acuerdo con la sensibilidad y la especificidad. Resultados: El promedio de VAI en la muestra seleccionada fue 1,67 (0,97-2,78). El punto de corte fue 1,91 (70,3% de sensibilidad y 70,3% de especificidad) con AUC = 0,777 (0,745-0,808), sin diferencias en el punto de corte según sexo. En el análisis por grupos etarios la mayor capacidad predictiva fue para el grupo < 30 años con AUC = 0,797 (0,709-0,884), con un punto de corte de 1,53 (78,6% de sensibilidad y 72,8% de especificidad). Conclusión: El punto de corte indicado para VAI en nuestra población es de 1,9; considerando la edad como un factor importante en su comportamiento, especialmente en los grupos más jóvenes.

Unusual cause of central aortic prosthetic regurgitation during transcatheter replacement.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an increasingly common procedure for the treatment of aortic stenosis in elderly patients with comorbidities that prevent the use of standard surgery. It has been shown that implantation without aortic regurgitation is related to lower mortality. Mild paravalvular regurgitation is inevitable in some cases due to calcification of the aortic annulus and its usually somewhat elliptical shape. Central regurgitation is less common, but has been associated with valve overdilatation in cases in which reduction of paravalvular regurgitation was attempted after the initial inflation. However, there are no reported cases of central prosthetic aortic regurgitation due to acute LV dysfunction. We report a case in which central aortic regurgitation occurred due to transient ventricular dysfunction secondary to occlusion of the right coronary artery by an embolus. The regurgitation disappeared after thrombus aspiration and normal ventricular function was immediately recovered.

Imaging Evaluation of Tricuspid Valve: Analysis of Morphology and Function With CT and MRI.

OBJECTIVE: In this article we show the morphologic detail of the tricuspid valve (TV) apparatus and discuss the spectrum of diagnostic information that CT and MRI can provide regarding pathologic processes. We also compare the strengths and limitations of these modalities with currently established echocardiographic diagnostic parameters. CONCLUSION: The TV plays an important role in a number of pathologic states, and its abnormality can directly or indirectly influence morbidity and mortality in different cardiac disorders. However, the importance of the role of the TV has been overlooked primarily because TV malfunction may remain less symptomatic for a long time. Along with rapid development in imaging technology, improvement in postoperative management, and better understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of TV dysfunction, more attention is being given to careful imaging analysis of this "forgotten valve."

Comparison of imaging techniques to assess appendage anatomy and measurements for left atrial appendage closure device selection.

BACKGROUND: The adequate device size selection for left atrial appendage closure is crucial to ensuring adequate implantation and for avoiding the need for multiple attempts that increase the risk of complications. Our aim was to evaluate the information obtained using different imaging techniques to select the size of the closure device in a clinical environment. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients who consecutively underwent implantation of Amplatzer cardiac plug (ACP) devices were studied. All patients were examined using computed tomography (CT) prior to intervention. Measurements were compared to those obtained using intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (IOTEE) and angiography. Size was determined by the longest axis of the appendage ostium. The influence of all techniques on the correct selection of final size was assessed. RESULTS: The measurements taken using the three techniques agreed in only 21.6% of the cases, leading to accurate selection of device size. Two techniques coincided as follows: IOTEE-CT in 45.9%, angiography-CT in 35.13%, and angiography-IOTEE in 24.3%. Measurements using CT were definitive for ACP selection in 75.7% of cases, angiography in 48.6%, and echocardiography in 51.4%. Device size was undermeasured with angiography in 35.1% of cases, and with IOTEE in 24.3%; CT overmeasured 21.6% of cases. The combination of angiography-CT was the most accurate for selection of device size. CONCLUSION: CT most often predicts the appropriate device size. If it fails, it usually overestimates the size. Agreement of measurements with all three techniques is the most accurate situation; when two agree, the most accurate combination is angiography and CT.

Anatomical classification of left atrial appendages in specimens applicable to CT imaging techniques for implantation of amplatzer cardiac plug.

BACKGROUND: Certain anatomical characteristics of the left atrial appendage (LAA) are associated with complexity in the implantation of occluder devices. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to define characteristics measurable by three-dimensional imaging that would predict complexities both in the implantation procedure and the selection of the appropriate device size. METHODS: An anatomical study was performed of 50 postmortem hearts, of which 15 had a history of atrial fibrillation, and of 30 consecutive patients undergoing LAA occlusion with the Amplatzer cardiac plug (ACP). The specimens were classified according to variables that can be visualized using computerized tomography (CT). The CT scans of 30 consecutive patients were classified according to the level of the LAA ostium, the left lateral ridge (LLR), the LAA limbus and distance from LAA to the mitral annulus before undergoing LAA occlusion, and the results were correlated. RESULTS: Three types of LAA orifice were defined: type I, with a usually higher, anterior LAA ostium, a short, flattened and wide LLR and almost nonexistent limbus; type II, presenting a long, pointed and narrow LLR, and a longer, more defined limbus; type III, with a lower LAA ostium, close to the left atrium floor and the mitral annulus, a marked separation from the left pulmonary vein orifices and a limbus of intermediate length. CONCLUSION: LAA with lower ostia are more difficult to occlude. Types II and III have very prominent LLRs with longer limbi, which may increase the difficulty of inserting the guide and making measurements for selection of the right ACP size.

Durability of the first antiretroviral treatment regimen and reasons for change in patients with HIV infection.

BACKGROUND: To study the durability of the drugs and coformulations currently used in the first treatment regimen of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV patients, and to examine the reasons for changing this medication. METHODS: A retrospective observational multicenter study of patients with HIV infection who started a first-line ART regimen between January 2007 and June 2010. The primary outcome variable was the durability of this first ART regimen until discontinued or amended and the reasons for the change. Survival analysis of durability was performed using Kaplan-Meyer curves analysis, and a Cox multiple regression model was constructed to identify associated factors. RESULTS: A first-line ART regimen was initiated for 600 patients; after 1 year, it had been changed in 172 (28%) cases, with a median duration of 31 months. The main reason for change was toxicity (20.5% of all patients), followed by loss to follow-up (8.3%) and virological failure (5.3%). The most common type of toxicity was gastrointestinal (30%), followed by cutaneous (23%) and neuropsychiatric (18%). The use of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) was associated with greater durability than that of protease inhibitors (43 months vs 21 months; P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: The durability of the first-line ART regimen, based on current antiretroviral drugs and coformulations, is about 2.5 years, with toxicity being the main reason for its modification. Gastrointestinal toxicity is the type most commonly reported. NNRTI treatment is associated with greater durability of the first treatment regimen.

C-Reactive Protein: An In-Depth Look into Structure, Function, and Regulation.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the adult population worldwide, with atherosclerosis being its key pathophysiologic component. Atherosclerosis possesses a fundamental chronic inflammatory aspect, and the involvement of numerous inflammatory molecules has been studied in this scenario, particularly C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a plasma protein with strong phylogenetic conservation and high resistance to proteolysis, predominantly synthesized in the liver in response to proinflammatory cytokines, especially IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF. CRP may intervene in atherosclerosis by directly activating the complement system and inducing apoptosis, vascular cell activation, monocyte recruitment, lipid accumulation, and thrombosis, among other actions. Moreover, CRP can dissociate in peripheral tissue-including atheromatous plaques-from its native pentameric form into a monomeric form, which may also be synthesized de novo in extrahepatic sites. Each form exhibits distinct affinities for ligands and receptors, and exerts different effects in the progression of atherosclerosis. In view of epidemiologic evidence associating high CRP levels with cardiovascular risk-reflecting the biologic impact it bears on atherosclerosis-measurement of serum levels of high-sensitivity CRP has been proposed as a tool for assessment of cardiovascular risk.