ABSTRACT
Currently, we are experiencing a true pandemic of a communicable disease by the virus SARS-CoV-2 holding the whole world firmly in its grasp. Amazingly and unfortunately, this virus uses a metabolic and endocrine pathway via ACE2 to enter our cells causing damage and disease. Our international research training programme funded by the German Research Foundation has a clear mission to train the best students wherever they may come from to learn to tackle the enormous challenges of diabetes and its complications for our society. A modern training programme in diabetes and metabolism does not only involve a thorough understanding of classical physiology, biology and clinical diabetology but has to bring together an interdisciplinary team. With the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic, this prestigious and unique metabolic training programme is facing new challenges but also new opportunities. The consortium of the training programme has recognized early on the need for a guidance and for practical recommendations to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic for the community of patients with metabolic disease, obesity and diabetes. This involves the optimal management from surgical obesity programmes to medications and insulin replacement. We also established a global registry analyzing the dimension and role of metabolic disease including new onset diabetes potentially triggered by the virus. We have involved experts of infectious disease and virology to our faculty with this metabolic training programme to offer the full breadth and scope of expertise needed to meet these scientific challenges. We have all learned that this pandemic does not respect or heed any national borders and that we have to work together as a global community. We believe that this transCampus metabolic training programme provides a prime example how an international team of established experts in the field of metabolism can work together with students from all over the world to address a new pandemic.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Diabetes Mellitus , Education, Medical, Continuing , Obesity , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2 , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/therapy , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus/therapy , Humans , Obesity/epidemiology , Obesity/therapyABSTRACT
Objetivo. Se han evidenciado más errores y menor seguridad de los pacientes durante el periodo de incorporación de los residentes. Se evaluaron los resultados de aprendizaje de las competencias de valoración y control de la vía aérea, y cateterización epidural tras un curso de introducción a la anestesiología basado en simulación clínica antes de comenzar las rotaciones. Material y método. Participaron 12 residentes de anestesiología. Se estudió la transferencia de las competencias aprendidas durante el curso a la clínica (variable principal). Se utilizó una rúbrica de 28 habilidades y comportamientos para evaluar la primera intubación supervisada en pacientes ASA I/II. La variable secundaria fue el grado de autoeficacia para realizar la cateterización epidural y se valoró mediante preguntas de autoevaluación. Se realizó una encuesta de satisfacción. Se describieron las variables cualitativas (método Wilson) y las numéricas con la media y la desviación estándar (tras la prueba de Shapiro-Wilk). Resultados. Durante la primera intubación en pacientes se encontró que el 75% de los participantes completaron más de 21 habilidades de valoración y control de la vía aérea de un total de 28. Doce fueron completadas por todos ellos y 5 por la mitad. Más del 83% de los participantes refirieron un alto grado de autoeficacia para la cateterización epidural. Todos los participantes recomendarían el curso. Conclusiones. El rendimiento de los residentes de anestesiología al realizar por primera vez en pacientes la valoración y control de la vía aérea, y el grado de autoeficacia para la cateterización epidural fueron elevados tras un curso intensivo de simulación al comenzar la residencia (AU)
Objective. An increased number of errors and reduced patient safety have been reported during the incorporation of residents, as this period involves learning new skills. The objectives were to evaluate the learning outcomes of an immersive simulation boot-camp for incoming residents before starting the clinical rotations. Airway assessment, airway control with direct laryngoscopy, and epidural catheterization competencies were evaluated. Material and method. Twelve first-year anaesthesiology residents participated. A prospective study to evaluate transfer of endotracheal intubation skills learned at the simulation centre to clinical practice (primary outcome) was conducted. A checklist of 28 skills and behaviours was used to assess the first supervised intubation performed during anaesthesia induction in ASA I/II patients. Secondary outcome was self-efficacy to perform epidural catheterization. A satisfaction survey was also performed. Results. Seventy-five percent of residents completed more than 21 out of 28 skills and behaviours to assess and control the airway during their first intubation in patients. Twelve items were performed by all residents and 5 by half of them. More than 83% of participants reported a high level of self-efficacy in placing an epidural catheter. All participants would recommend the course to their colleagues. Conclusions. A focused intensive simulation-based boot-camp addressing key competencies required to begin anaesthesia residency was well received, and led to transfer of airway management skills learned to clinical settings when performing for first time on patients, and to increased self-reported efficacy in performing epidural catheterization (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Anesthesiology/education , Learning , Simulation Training/organization & administration , Simulation Training/standards , Catheterization/methods , Anesthesia, Epidural/methods , Anesthesia, Endotracheal/methods , Reproducibility of Results , Simulation Training/methods , Self Efficacy , Anesthesiology/organization & administration , Self-Assessment , Personal Satisfaction , Intubation, Intratracheal/methods , Intubation, IntratrachealABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: An increased number of errors and reduced patient safety have been reported during the incorporation of residents, as this period involves learning new skills. The objectives were to evaluate the learning outcomes of an immersive simulation boot-camp for incoming residents before starting the clinical rotations. Airway assessment, airway control with direct laryngoscopy, and epidural catheterization competencies were evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twelve first-year anaesthesiology residents participated. A prospective study to evaluate transfer of endotracheal intubation skills learned at the simulation centre to clinical practice (primary outcome) was conducted. A checklist of 28 skills and behaviours was used to assess the first supervised intubation performed during anaesthesia induction in ASA I/II patients. Secondary outcome was self-efficacy to perform epidural catheterization. A satisfaction survey was also performed. RESULTS: Seventy-five percent of residents completed more than 21 out of 28 skills and behaviours to assess and control the airway during their first intubation in patients. Twelve items were performed by all residents and 5 by half of them. More than 83% of participants reported a high level of self-efficacy in placing an epidural catheter. All participants would recommend the course to their colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: A focused intensive simulation-based boot-camp addressing key competencies required to begin anaesthesia residency was well received, and led to transfer of airway management skills learned to clinical settings when performing for first time on patients, and to increased self-reported efficacy in performing epidural catheterization.
Subject(s)
Anesthesiology/education , Simulation Training , Airway Management , Consumer Behavior , Curriculum , Educational Measurement , Humans , Internship and Residency , Learning Curve , Prospective Studies , Self EfficacyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: We examine why dementia prevention and risk reduction are relatively underfunded and suggest potential remediation strategies. The paper is aimed at researchers, funders and policy-makers, both within dementia and also the wider health prevention field. METHODS: A discussion-led workshop, attended by 58 academics, clinicians, funders and policy-makers. RESULTS: The key barriers identified were the gaps in understanding the basic science of dementia; the complex interplay between individual risk factors; variations in study methodology; disincentives to collaboration; a lack of research capacity and leadership and the broader stigma of the condition. Recommendations were made to encourage strategic leadership, provide greater support for grant applications, promote collaboration and support randomized control trials for the research field. CONCLUSION: Having identified the barriers, the key challenge is how to implement the potential solutions. This will require engagement with decision-makers within funding, policy and research to ensure that action takes place.
Subject(s)
Biomedical Research/trends , Dementia/prevention & control , Biomedical Research/methods , Biomedical Research/organization & administration , Culture , Dementia/etiology , Education , Forecasting , Humans , Intersectoral Collaboration , Leadership , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Risk Factors , Risk Reduction Behavior , StereotypingABSTRACT
Adjusted early estimates of the 2013/14 influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) in Spain for all age groups was 35% (95% CI: -9 to 62), 33% (95% CI: -33 to 67) and 28% (95% CI: -33 to 61) against any influenza virus type, A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) viruses, respectively. For the population targeted for vaccination, the adjusted VE was 44% (95% CI: -11 to 72), 36% (95% CI: -64 to 75) and 42% (95% CI: -29 to 74), respectively. These preliminary results in Spain suggest a suboptimal protective effect of the vaccine against circulating influenza viruses.
Subject(s)
Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/immunology , Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/immunology , Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Case-Control Studies , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/isolation & purification , Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/isolation & purification , Influenza, Human/epidemiology , Influenza, Human/virology , Logistic Models , Male , Middle Aged , Population Surveillance , Spain/epidemiology , Vaccination , Young AdultABSTRACT
Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es comparar los resultados obtenidos en la planificación de la radioterapia del cáncer de mama realizada en decúbito supino frente a decúbito prono en pacientes con mamas grandes y/o péndulas, así como la utilidad de un inmovilizador específicamente diseñado para la radioterapia de la mama en decúbito prono. Material y métodos: Se ha diseñado un inmovilizador para el posicionamiento de la mama en decúbito prono comparándolo con la inmovilización tradicional en decúbito supino conseguida mediante cuna-alfa o plano inclinado. Se analizaron los datos de 10 pacientes a las que se les realizó una doble planificación, en supino y prono, tras una cirugía conservadora de la mama. En la TAC obtenida para la planificación, se definió la totalidad de la mama como volumen blanco de planificación (PTV), así como el pulmón ipsilateral, el corazón y el tejido blando circundante a la mama como órganos críticos. La planificación en ambos casos se realizó empleando una técnica de campos tangenciales conformados con multisegmentos para obtener la máxima homogeneidad de la dosis administrada. Resultados: La homogeneidad de dosis alcanzada en el PTV, medida de acuerdo al V95%-107%, fue similar en las dos planificaciones, aunque la dosis máxima en la mama tratada fue mayor en el plan realizado en decúbito supino. El posicionamiento de las pacientes en decúbito prono redujo el porcentaje del pulmón ipsilateral que recibía dosis igual o superior a 20 Gy (V20Gy), pasando del 26,5 al 2,9% (p = 0,007). Del mismo modo, el posicionamiento en decúbito prono redujo el porcentaje del corazón que recibía dosis igual o superior a 35 Gy (V35Gy), desde el 3,4 al 1,2% (p = 0,038). Finalmente, la existencia de áreas de sobredosificación fuera de la mama también se redujeron significativamente con la posición en decúbito prono (p = 0,012). Conclusiones: El empleo de un sistema sencillo de inmovilización en decúbito prono para pacientes que precisen radioterapia de la mama tras cirugía conservadora en el caso de mamas grandes, permite mantener una homogeneidad de dosis adecuada en el volumen blanco al mismo tiempo que disminuye las dosis administradas a órganos sanos críticos como pulmón y corazón(AU)
Objective: The aim of this study is to compare two radiotherapy plans for breast cancer performed in both supine and prone position and the usefulness of a specifically designed device for prone breast radiotherapy. Material and methods: We designed an immobilization device for the positioning of the breast in the prone position comparing it with the traditional supine immobilization. We have analyzed data from 10 patients who underwent a double planning, supine and prone, after breast-conserving surgery. Radiotherapy planning in both cases was performed by using a multiple-segmented tangential-fields technique for maximum uniformity of the administered dose. Dose distributions for PTV (ipsilateral breast) and organs at risk (i.e. ipsilateral lung, heart and extramammary soft tissue) were compared for both plans. Results: The dose homogeneity achieved in the PTV, as measured according to V95%-107%, was similar in the two plans, although the maximum dose in the treated breast was higher for the supine plan. Prone positioning reduced the percentage of ipsilateral lung receiving doses equal to or greater than 20 Gy (V20Gy), from 26.5 to 2.9% (p = 0.007). Similarly, the prone position reduced the percentage of heart receiving doses equal to or greater than 35 Gy (V35Gy), from 3.4 to 1.2% (p = 0.038). Finally, the existence of overdosage areas outside the breast were also significantly reduced by the prone position (p = 0.012). Conclusions: The use of a simple system of breast immobilization in prone position for patients with large or pendulous breasts, can maintain adequate dose homogeneity in the target volume while decreasing the dose administered to critical healthy organs such as lung and heart (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Breast Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Breast Neoplasms/surgery , Mastectomy, Segmental/methods , Mastectomy, Segmental/trends , Breast Neoplasms , Mastectomy, Segmental/instrumentation , Mastectomy, Segmental/standards , Mastectomy, SegmentalABSTRACT
El objetivo de este artículo es describir el proyecto de integración del entrenamiento mediante simulación clínica en el programa docente de los residentes de Anestesiología y Reanimación en el Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla. Un equipo de trabajo definió los criterios de integración para identificar las competencias, diseñó las actividades y escenarios clínicos basados en simulación, y se responsabilizó de la coordinación y de la financiación del programa. Para el desarrollo del proyecto se utilizaron las instalaciones del Centro de Entrenamiento en Situaciones Críticas Fundación Marcelino Botín (ahora integrado en el Hospital Virtual Valdecilla). Se describe un modelo de entrenamiento basado en simulación clínica. Según las competencias identificadas, el tiempo disponible por los residentes e instructores, y el presupuesto disponible, se diseñaron cuatro actividades para los residentes de primer año, tres para los de segundo, tres para los de tercero y cuatro para los de cuarto. En conclusión, la integración de la simulación clínica en el periodo de residencia supone un reto para los formadores, pues gran parte del beneficio de esta herramienta se basa en la complementación con otras metodologías de entrenamiento y en la adaptación al currículum docente. Son necesarios más estudios para establecer criterios de integración de esta herramienta en el programa docente -en aquellas áreas de la especialidad donde se demuestre su mayor eficiencia- y para valorar su eficacia. La simulación facilita entrenarse sin riesgo para los pacientes, la exposición temprana a situaciones que de otra manera pueden ser difíciles de observar y la práctica reflexiva sobre la toma de decisiones(AU)
This article describes the use of clinical simulations for training residents in anesthesiology and postoperative recovery care at Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla. A working group defined criteria for the competencies residents would acquire by means of simulation training, designed the scenarios to be used, and took responsibility for coordinating and funding the program. We used the platform of the Critical Events Training Center of the Marcelino Botín Foundation, now part of our center's virtual hospital. The simulationbased training modules include 4 activities in the residents' first year, 3 in each of the second and third years, and 4 in the fourth year; all center on acquisition of the identified competencies and take into consideration the time availability of residents and instructors and the budget. We have concluded that integrating clinical simulations into residency training is a challenge for educators, given that a large part of the benefit derived from this tool comes from complementing it with other instructional resources and adapting it to the syllabus. More studies are required to establish criteria to guide the integration of this tool into the curriculum in those areas of the specialty where it can work most efficiently; the effectiveness of the approach also needs to be assessed. Simulations facilitate training without putting patients at risk and provide residents with early exposure to situations that might otherwise be difficult to observe. This tool also encourages the practice of reflective clinical decision-making(AU)
Subject(s)
Anesthesiology/education , Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/education , Internship and Residency/organization & administration , Internship and Residency/standards , Education, Medical, Continuing/methods , Education, Medical, Continuing/organization & administration , 28574/ethics , Malingering/epidemiology , Anesthesiology/ethics , Anesthesiology/organization & administrationABSTRACT
Objetivos. Reducir los errores de medicación y evitar las interacciones y duplicidades mediante un programa de conciliación de la medicación crónica al ingreso. Crear una lista actualizada de medicamentos conciliados resolviendo las discrepancias antes de 24h del ingreso en planta. Garantizar la medicación necesaria a la dosis, vía e intervalos correctos según la situación clínica del paciente. Material, pacientes y métodos. Estudio observacional, prospectivo, no aleatorizado y no controlado durante el periodo de octubre 2008 a marzo 2009 (ambos incluidos) en un hospital comarcal de primer nivel, donde se concilió la medicación crónica con la del ingreso hospitalario a todos los pacientes ingresados que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Resultados. Se incluyeron 469 pacientes, conciliándose 3.609 medicamentos de los cuales 2.466 (68,3%) tenían discrepancias: 667 (27,1%) no justificadas y 1.799 (72,9%) justificadas; no tenían discrepancias 1.143 (31,7%). Las discrepancias no justificadas mayoritarias fueron las omisiones de prescripción 662 (26,8%) y las duplicidades 5 (0,2%). En 640 (25,9%) ocasiones el error llegó al paciente sin ocasionar daños y solo en 4 (0,16%) fue precisa su monitorización. Discusión. Mediante el abordaje interdisciplinario del proceso de conciliación de la medicación crónica se han detectado y neutralizado muchos errores de medicación, se han resuelto las discrepancias, neutralizando omisiones, interacciones, duplicidades y se han eliminado los fármacos de bajo valor intrínseco farmacológico, registrándose en la historia clínica informatizada el listado de medicamentos conciliados(AU)
Objectives. To reduce medication errors and prevent interactions and duplications using a Chronic Medication Reconciliation Program on patient admission. To create an updated reconciled medications by resolving discrepancies within 24 hours of admission to the ward. To ensure the necessary medication is given at the dose, route and at the correct intervals depending on the clinical situation of the patient. Material, Patients and Methods. Prospective observational, non-randomised and uncontrolled study during the period from October 2008 to March 2009 (both included) in a primary level local hospital, in which all patients admitted to the hospital who met the inclusion criteria had their chronic medication reconciled on hospital admission. Results. A total of 469 patients were included, with 3609 medications being reconciled, of which 2466 (68.33%) had discrepancies: 667 (27.0%) unjustified and 1799 (72.9%) justified. There were no discrepancies in 1143 (31.6%). The majority of unjustified discrepancies were prescription omissions in 662 (26.8%) and duplications in 5 (0.2%). On 640 (25.9%) occasions the error reached the patient without causing any harm, and only 4 (0.16%) required monitoring. Discussion. Using an interdisciplinary approach in the reconciliation of chronic medication, many medication errors have been detected and neutralised. Discrepancies have been resolved, neutralising omissions, interactions and duplications. Drugs with a low intrinsic pharmacological value were withdrawn, and the list of reconciled medications recorded in the clinical notes(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Medication Errors/ethics , Medication Errors/methods , Medication Errors/standards , Medication Errors/prevention & control , Medication Errors/trends , Medication Errors , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To reduce medication errors and prevent interactions and duplications using a Chronic Medication Reconciliation Program on patient admission. To create an updated reconciled medications by resolving discrepancies within 24 hours of admission to the ward. To ensure the necessary medication is given at the dose, route and at the correct intervals depending on the clinical situation of the patient. MATERIAL, PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective observational, non-randomised and uncontrolled study during the period from October 2008 to March 2009 (both included) in a primary level local hospital, in which all patients admitted to the hospital who met the inclusion criteria had their chronic medication reconciled on hospital admission. RESULTS: A total of 469 patients were included, with 3609 medications being reconciled, of which 2466 (68.33%) had discrepancies: 667 (27.0%) unjustified and 1799 (72.9%) justified. There were no discrepancies in 1143 (31.6%). The majority of unjustified discrepancies were prescription omissions in 662 (26.8%) and duplications in 5 (0.2%). On 640 (25.9%) occasions the error reached the patient without causing any harm, and only 4 (0.16%) required monitoring. DISCUSSION: Using an interdisciplinary approach in the reconciliation of chronic medication, many medication errors have been detected and neutralised. Discrepancies have been resolved, neutralising omissions, interactions and duplications. Drugs with a low intrinsic pharmacological value were withdrawn, and the list of reconciled medications recorded in the clinical notes.
Subject(s)
Medication Errors/prevention & control , Medication Reconciliation/methods , Patient Care Team , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Hospitals , Humans , Male , Prospective Studies , SpainABSTRACT
This article describes the use of clinical simulations for training residents in anesthesiology and postoperative recovery care at Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla. A working group defined criteria for the competencies residents would acquire by means of simulation training, designed the scenarios to be used, and took responsibility for coordinating and funding the program. We used the platform of the Critical Events Training Center of the Marcelino Botin Foundation, now part of our center's virtual hospital. The simulation-based training modules include 4 activities in the residents' first year, 3 in each of the second and third years, and 4 in the fourth year; all center on acquisition of the identified competencies and take into consideration the time availability of residents and instructors and the budget. We have concluded that integrating clinical simulations into residency training is a challenge for educators, given that a large part of the benefit derived from this tool comes from complementing it with other instructional resources and adapting it to the syllabus. More studies are required to establish criteria to guide the integration of this tool into the curriculum in those areas of the specialty where it can work most efficiently; the effectiveness of the approach also needs to be assessed. Simulations facilitate training without putting patients at risk and provide residents with early exposure to situations that might otherwise be difficult to observe. This tool also encourages the practice of reflective clinical decision-making.
Subject(s)
Anesthesiology/education , Internship and Residency , Patient Simulation , Postoperative Care/education , Resuscitation/education , Curriculum , HumansABSTRACT
Objetivo: evaluar de forma prospectiva los resultados de la técnica de abordaje mínimamente invasiva (MIS) frente al abordaje tradicional en la artroplastia total de cadera. Material y método: se estudió, de forma prospectiva, a 70 pacientes consecutivos intervenidos de artroplastia total de cadera por vía posterolateral, el 49% mediante abordaje tradicional de Moore y el 51% mediante abordaje reducido (menos de 10 cm) distribuidos aleatoriamente. Se emplearon cotilos y vástagos con recubrimiento de hidroxiapatita y se revisó a los pacientes a los 6 meses. Las variables cuantitativas se evaluaron mediante la prueba de la t de Student, mientras que las variables categóricas fueron comparadas mediante la prueba de la X2. Resultados: partiendo de 2 grupos comparables estadísticamente, el tiempo quirúrgico y los días de ingreso fueron mayores en el abordaje estándar, aunque sin signifi cación estadística. La mala posición de los vástagos (colocación de éstos en varo o valgo) fue signifi cativamente mayor en el grupo MIS (p = 0,018). El test SF-12 y el test de Harris a los 6 meses fueron mejores en el abordaje estándar. Conclusiones: en nuestra experiencia, el abordaje reducido para artroplastia total de cadera no ha mejorado los resultados de la técnica tradicional en pérdidas hemáticas, dolor o rapidez de recuperación. Presenta una mejoría en el tiempo quirúrgico y en los días de hospitalización, con una presencia de vástagos posicionados en varo signifi cativamente mayor y una peor calidad de vida a los 6 meses (test SF-12) de los pacientes(AU)
Purpose: To prospectively evaluate the results of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) vs. thetraditional approach in total hip arthroplastyMaterials and methods: We prospectively studied 70 consecutive patients subjected tototal hip replacement with a posterolateral approach. In 49% of them, a traditional Mooreapproach was used and in 51% a minimally invasive approach (an incision of less than 10cm); patients were distributed into the two groups randomly. We used hydroxyapatitecoatedcups and stems. Patients were reviewed at 6 months. Quantitative variables wereassessed using Student¡¯s ¡°t¡± test, whereas categorical variables were compared with thechi square test.Results: Comparison of our two groups revealed that OR time and hospital stay werelonger with the standard approach, although this difference was not statisticallysignifi cant. Stem malpositioning (placing them in varus or valgus) was signifi cantly higherin the MIS group (p=0.018). The results of the SF-12 questionnaire and the Harris hip scorewere better with the standard approach.Conclusions: In our experience, minimally invasive surgery for total hip replacement hasnot improved the results obtained with the traditional approach in terms of blood loss,pain or time to recovery. Better results are however obtained in terms of OR time andlength of hospital stay, although this is overshadowed by a greater incidence of varusstem malpositioning and a poorer life quality at 6 months (SF-12 questionnaire)(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/methods , Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/methods , Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/trends , Quality of Life , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/trends , Prospective Studies , Durapatite/therapeutic use , Antibiotic Prophylaxis/trends , Antibiotic Prophylaxis , Acetabulum/surgery , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Postoperative Complications/prevention & controlABSTRACT
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: [corrected The plants selected in this study are used traditionally in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and traditional healers interviewed claimed these plants can also help AIDS patients. AIM: To evaluating the in vitro anti-HIV properties of selected plants in various bioassays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The extracts were evaluated for their inhibition against alpha-glycohydrolase, reverse transcriptase and viral proteins (NF-kappaB and Tat) which play a significant role in the HIV life cycle. RESULTS: Terminalia sericea extract (IC(50)=92mg/ml) exhibited a considerable alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity which was better than acarbose (IC(50)=131mg/ml) under our assay conditions. In the reverse transcriptase assay, T. sericea also showed good inhibitory activity (IC(50)=43mg/ml), which was higher than that of the reference drug, Adriamycin (IC(50)=100mg/ml). The ethyl acetate extract of Elaeodendron transvaalense exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity in both the NF-kappaB and Tat assays with inhibitory activity of 76% and 75% respectively at a concentration of 15mg/ml. The acetone and chloroform extracts of E. transvaalense and Zanthoxylum davyi also showed good activity in the NF-kappaB and Tat assays.
Subject(s)
Anti-HIV Agents/pharmacology , Plants, Medicinal/chemistry , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/drug therapy , Biological Assay , Cell Death/drug effects , Cell Line , Ethnobotany , Glycoside Hydrolases/metabolism , HeLa Cells , Humans , NF-kappa B/antagonists & inhibitors , Plant Bark/chemistry , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Roots/chemistry , Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors/pharmacology , South Africa , tat Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/antagonists & inhibitorsABSTRACT
In the present work we studied the use of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology employing a remote reflectance fibre-optic probe (with a 5 cm x 5 cm quartz window) for the analysis of the percentage of milk (cow's, ewe's and goat's) used in the elaboration of cheeses with different ripening times. To do so, cheeses with known and varying percentages of cow's, ewe's and goat's milk were elaborated (112 samples with milk collected in winter and 112 samples with milk collected in summer) and used as reference material, and ripening controls were performed over 6 months. The method allows immediate control of the cheese without prior sample treatment or destruction by direct application of the fibre-optic probe to the sample. The regression method employed was modified partial least squares (MPLS). Of all the samples (224), 200 formed to so-called calibration set and the other 24 were used for external validation. The calibration results obtained using 200 samples of cheese allowed the percentage of cow's, ewe's and goat's milk to be measured. The multiple correlation coefficients (RSQ) and prediction corrected standard errors (SEP(C)) obtained were respectively, 0.834 and 11.6% for cow's milk; 0.871 and 9.8% for goat's milk; 0.880 and 10.6% for ewe's milk. The ratio performance deviation (RPD) values obtained indicate that the NIRS equations can be applied to unknown samples.
Subject(s)
Hip Fractures/complications , Hypertension/complications , Accidental Falls , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Hip Fractures/epidemiology , Humans , Hypertension/epidemiology , Male , Multivariate Analysis , Osteoporosis/complications , Osteoporosis/drug therapy , Risk Factors , Sex FactorsABSTRACT
No disponible
Subject(s)
Aged , Humans , Quinolones/adverse effects , Tendinopathy/diagnosis , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/administration & dosageABSTRACT
Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) developed among 11 of 416 renal allograft recipients transplanted between 1985 and 2000. Only 3 among 364 Caucasian recipients developed KS, while it affected 8 of 52 Black patients, all of whom had been born in African countries (P <.001). All patients had their immunosuppression reduced; two also received daunorubicin and one received electrotherapy. Three patients developed accelerated renal allograft dysfunction, probably due to the reduced immunosuppression. Remission of KS was observed in seven patients, while lesions stabilized or improved partially in the other four. After resuming dialysis 2 of 11 patients died; both were in KS remission. Human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8) serology and DNA analysis was evaluated in sera obtained from seven donors: all were negative. Conversely, among eight sera collected pretransplant from the nine living recipients, HHV-8 IgG was detected in six and DNA was present in one. HHV-8 IgG was expressed in all patients (9/9) at some point posttransplant; DNA was detected in three patients. Therefore, the robust ethnic predisposition to KS was associated with a high pretransplant prevalence of HHV-8 among African recipients. Although some seroconversions were detected posttransplant, there was no evidence for donor-to-recipient transmission.