Accidentes ofídicos notificados al Programa Nacional de Control de Zoonosis y Centro Antirrábico Nacional, Paraguay (2015) / Ophidic related accidents notified to the National Program of Control of Zoonosis and National Anti-rabies Center, Paraguay (2015)

Introducción: Las picaduras de serpientes constituyen un grave problema de Salud Pública. Objetivo: Describir los casos de mordeduras de serpientes notificados al Programa Nacional de Control de Zoonosis y Centro Antirrábico Nacional, Paraguay durante el año 2015. Método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo y de corte transversal. Los criterios de inclusión fueron toda persona que haya sido mordida por alguna serpiente y que haya sido notificado al Programa Nacional de Control de Zoonosis y Centro Antirrábico Nacional durante el año 2015. Tipo de muestreo no probabilístico. Resultados: Fueron notificados 169 casos de mordeduras de serpientes. De acuerdo con las características sociodemográficas, la mayoría de los afectados fueron varones, con una edad promedio de 26,39 ±1.36. Los lugares más frecuentes donde ocurrieron los accidentes ofídicos fueron las chacras, y en el Departamento de San Pedro. En la mayoría de las mordeduras no se pudo identificar a la serpiente agresora, y cuando fueron identificadas, fueron las del genero Bothrops, las más frecuentes. En cuanto a la localización de las picaduras, fueron más frecuentes en los miembros inferiores, siendo necesario la hospitalización para el tratamiento. No se reportaron fallecidos. Conclusión: En el año 2015 fueron notificados 169 casos, los departamentos con mayor prevalência fueron San Pedro, Itapúa y Caazapá. El perfil del afectado es un varón con promedio de edad de 26 años, trabajador rural. Las serpientes del género Bothrops causaron el 32,5% de las mordeduras. Palabras clave: Mordeduras de serpiente; Envenenamiento; Epidemiología.

Introduction: Snake bites are a serious public health problem. Objective: To describe the cases of snake bites reported to the National Zoonosis Control Program and National Anti-Rabies Center, Paraguay during 2015. Method: Observational, descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study. The inclusion criteria were any person who has been bitten by a snake and it has been notified to the National Zoonosis Control Program and National Anti-Rabies Center during 2015. Type of non-probabilistic sampling. Results: 169 cases of snake bites were reported. According to the sociodemographic characteristics, the majority of those affected were males, with an average age of 26.39 ± 1.36. The most frequent places where theophidic accidents occurred were the farms, and in the Department of San Pedro. In most of the bites the aggressor snake could not be identified, and when they were identified, they were those of the genus Bothrops, the most frequent. As for the location of the bites, they were more frequent in the lower limbs, requiring hospitalization for treatment. No deaths were reported. Conclusion: In the year 2015, 169 cases were notified, the departments with the highest prevalence were San Pedro, Itapua and Caazapá. The profile of the affected is a male with an average age of 26 years, a rural worker. The snakes of the genus Bothrops caused 32.5% of the bites. Keywords: Snake bites; Poisoning; Epidemiology.

Allocating effort and anticipating pleasure in schizophrenia: Relationship with real world functioning.

BACKGROUND: Poor motivation to engage in goal-oriented behavior has been recognized as a hallmark feature of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SZ). Low drive in SZ may be related to anticipating rewards as well as to poor working memory. However, few studies to date have examined beliefs about self-efficacy and satisfaction for future rewards (anticipatory pleasure). Additionally, few studies to date have examined how these deficits may impact SZ patients' real world functioning. METHOD: The present study examined SZ patients' (n=57) anticipatory pleasure, working memory, self-efficacy and real world functioning in relation to their negative symptom severity. RESULTS: Results revealed that SZ patients' negative symptom severity was related to decisions in effort allocation and reward probability, working memory deficits, self-efficacy and anticipatory pleasure for future reward. Effort allocation deficits also predicted patients' daily functioning skills. CONCLUSIONS: SZ patients with high levels of negative symptoms are not merely effort averse, but have more difficulty effectively allocating effort and anticipating pleasure engaging in effortful activities. It may be the case that continuously failing to achieve reinforcement from engagement and participation may lead SZ patients to form certain negative beliefs about their abilities which contributes to amotivation and cognitive deficits. Lastly, our findings provide further support for a link between SZ patients functional daily living skills their effort allocation.

Depressive symptoms, self-esteem, HIV symptom management self-efficacy and self-compassion in people living with HIV.

The aims of this study were to examine differences in self-schemas between persons living with HIV/AIDS with and without depressive symptoms, and the degree to which these self-schemas predict depressive symptoms in this population. Self-schemas are beliefs about oneself and include self-esteem, HIV symptom management self-efficacy, and self-compassion. Beck's cognitive theory of depression guided the analysis of data from a sample of 1766 PLHIV from the USA and Puerto Rico. Sixty-five percent of the sample reported depressive symptoms. These symptoms were significantly (p ≤ 0.05), negatively correlated with age (r = -0.154), education (r = -0.106), work status (r = -0.132), income adequacy (r = -0.204, self-esteem (r = -0.617), HIV symptom self-efficacy (r = - 0.408), and self-kindness (r = - 0.284); they were significantly, positively correlated with gender (female/transgender) (r = 0.061), white or Hispanic race/ethnicity (r = 0.047) and self-judgment (r = 0.600). Fifty-one percent of the variance (F = 177.530 (df = 1524); p < 0.001) in depressive symptoms was predicted by the combination of age, education, work status, income adequacy, self-esteem, HIV symptom self-efficacy, and self-judgment. The strongest predictor of depressive symptoms was self-judgment. Results lend support to Beck's theory that those with negative self-schemas are more vulnerable to depression and suggest that clinicians should evaluate PLHIV for negative self-schemas. Tailored interventions for the treatment of depressive symptoms in PLHIV should be tested and future studies should evaluate whether alterations in negative self-schemas are the mechanism of action of these interventions and establish causality in the treatment of depressive symptoms in PLHIV.

A multinational study of self-compassion and human immunodeficiency virus-related anxiety.

AIM: This study represents an initial effort at examining the association between the construct of self-compassion and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related anxiety in a multinational population with HIV disease. BACKGROUND: Previous studies have found that self-compassion is a powerful predictor of mental health, demonstrating positive and consistent linkages with various measures of affect, psychopathology and well-being, including anxiety. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from a multinational study conducted by the members of the International Nursing Network for HIV Research (n = 1986) were used. The diverse sample included participants from Canada, China, Namibia, the United States of America and the territory of Puerto Rico. Study measures included the anxiety subscale of the Symptom Checklist-90 instrument, the Brief Version Self-Compassion Inventory and a single item on anxiety from the Revised Sign and Symptom Checklist. FINDINGS: Study findings show that anxiety was significantly and inversely related to self-compassion across participants in all countries. We examined gender differences in self-compassion and anxiety, controlling for country. Levels of anxiety remained significantly and inversely related to self-compassion for both males (P = 0.000) and females (P = 0.000). Levels of self-compassion and anxiety varied across countries. CONCLUSIONS: Self-compassion is a robust construct with cross-cultural relevance. A culturally based brief treatment approach aimed at increasing self-compassion may lend itself to the development of a cost effective adjunct treatment in HIV disease, including the management of anxiety symptoms.

Mediators of antiretroviral adherence: a multisite international study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of stressful life events (SLE) on medication adherence (3 days, 30 days) as mediated by sense of coherence (SOC), self-compassion (SCS), and engagement with the healthcare provider (eHCP) and whether this differed by international site. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional sample of 2082 HIV positive adults between September 2009 and January 2011 from sites in Canada, China, Namibia, Puerto Rico, Thailand, and US. Statistical tests to explore the effects of stressful life events on antiretroviral medication adherence included descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis of variance, analysis of variance with Bonferroni post-hoc analysis, and path analysis. An examination by international site of the relationships between SLE, SCS, SOC, and eHCP with adherence (3 days and 30 days) indicated these combined variables were related to adherence whether 3 days or 30 days to different degrees at the various sites. SLE, SCS, SOC, and eHCP were significant predictors of adherence past 3 days for the United States (p = < 0.001), Canada (p = 0.006), and Namibia (p = 0.019). The combined independent variables were significant predictors of adherence past 30 days only in the United States and Canada. Engagement with the provider was a significant correlate for antiretroviral adherence in most, but not all, of these countries. Thus, the importance of eHCP cannot be overstated. Nonetheless, our findings need to be accompanied by the caveat that research on variables of interest, while enriched by a sample obtained from international sites, may not have the same relationships in each country.

Prevalence, correlates, and self-management of HIV-related depressive symptoms.

Depressive symptoms are highly prevalent yet undertreated in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs). As part of a larger study of symptom self-management (N=1217), this study examined the prevalence, correlates, and characteristics (intensity, distress, and impact) of depressive symptoms, and the self-care strategies used to manage those symptoms in PLHAs in five countries. The proportion of respondents from each country in the total sample reporting depressive symptoms in the past week varied and included Colombia (44%), Norway (66%), Puerto Rico (57%), Taiwan (35%), and the USA (56%). Fifty-four percent (n=655) of the total sample reported experiencing depressive symptoms in the past week, with a mean of 4.1 (SD 2.1) days of depression. Mean depression intensity 5.4 (SD 2.7), distressfulness 5.5 (SD 2.86), and impact 5.5 (SD 3.0) were rated on a 1-10 scale. The mean Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score for those reporting depressive symptoms was 27 (SD 11; range 3-58), and varied significantly by country. Respondents identified 19 self-care behaviors for depressive symptoms, which fell into six categories: complementary therapies, talking to others, distraction techniques, physical activity, medications, and denial/avoidant coping. The most frequently used strategies varied by country. In the US sample, 33% of the variance in depressive symptoms was predicted by the combination of education, HIV symptoms, psychological and social support, and perceived consequences of HIV disease.

Insulinización intensiva de choque en el debut de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2, seguida de tratamiento oral posterior / Intensive insulinization at the beginning of type 2 diabetes mellitus followed by subsequent oral treatment

Paciente varón de 32 años, fumador y con un estilo de vida sedentario, quefue remitido a nuestro hospital de día de diabetes, desde atención primaria,por una glucemia al azar superior a 300 mg/dL, para estudio y seguimientoposterior. Se diagnosticó debut de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, obesidad de grado1, dislipemia, hipertensión arterial y síndrome metabólico. Se realizó consejode tipo dietético, antitabáquico y acerca de aspectos relacionados con elestilo de vida; se inició insulinización intensiva de choque con pauta en bolobasal, tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial y prevención primaria de episodioscardiovasculares. La introducción escalonada posterior del tratamientocon antidiabéticos orales (metformina y repaglinida) permitió afianzar los resultadosobtenidos y poder retirar el tratamiento insulínico. Destaca en este casola utilización de una terapia insulínica intensiva en el debut de la diabetes mellitustipo 2 –en concordancia con los resultados de estudios publicados en losúltimos años– con el objetivo de mejorar la función de las células beta y quizáconseguir mantener su función de forma prolongada(AU)

A 32-year-old male patient, smoker and with a sedentary lifestyle, was referredto our Diabetes-Day-Care Center from Primary Care due to a random bloodsugar level greater than 300 mg/dl for evaluation and subsequent follow-up.An onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus, grade 1 obesity, dyslipidemia, arterialhypertension and metabolic syndrome were diagnosed. In addition to nutritionalconselling, advice regarding tobacco cessation and certain lifestyle-relatedaspects, intensive insulinization was initiated based on a basal-bolus approach,along with antihypertensive treatment and primary prevention ofcardiovascular events. The subsequent, gradual introduction of oral antidiabe ticdrugs (metformin and repaglinide) allowed us to sustain good glycemic resultsand withdraw insulin treatment. Noteworthy in this case is the use, in accordancewith in recent years published study results, of an intensive insulin therapyat the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus aiming at improving beta-cell functionand possibly achieving prolonged maintenance of their function(AU)

Detección de deficiencia de yodo en el sur de España mediante el cribado del hipotiroidismo congénito / Using newborn congenital hypothyroidism screening specimens to detect iodine deficiency in three regions of Spain

Introducción: Se midió hipertirotropinemia neonatal en 3 provincias del sur de España y se analizó la repercusión de una posible deficiencia de yodo en un programa de cribado de hipotiroidismo congénito (CH, congenital hypothyroidism). Material y métodos: El estudio comprende 113.108 recién nacidos que se dividieron en 2 grupos según el momento en que se extrajo la muestra para el cribado. En 78.646 se recogió después de las 48h de vida y en 34.462 se obtuvo en el momento del nacimiento del cordón umbilical (muestras precoces). Los recién nacidos procedían de las provincias de Sevilla, Huelva y Córdoba. La tirotropina (TSH) se midió por fluorimetría a tiempo discriminado. Resultados: El porcentaje de hipertirotropinemia neonatal fue superior en Huelva (5,2%) que en Sevilla (1%) (p<0,001), hecho constatado igualmente en el grupo de muestras precoces (Huelva: 5,3%; Sevilla: 1,9%, y Córdoba: 1,7%: p<0,001). En este último grupo, el 0,3 y el 0,2% de los recién nacidos de Sevilla y Córdoba, respectivamente, presentaron TSH >20mUI/l y 10 recién nacidos tuvieron que localizarse por cada recién nacido con CH. En Huelva hubo que llamar a 17 recién nacidos por caso detectado. Conclusiones: La distribución heterogénea de las concentraciones de TSH en los recién nacidos de las 3 áreas geográficas parece indicar una ingesta de yodo irregular y deficiente. La extracción de muestras precoces más una posible deficiencia de yodo incrementa el número de falsos positivos en el programa de cribado neonatal de CH (AU)

Background: Neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia by measurements of thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations has been assessed in three different areas of Spain. The repercussions of a possible iodine deficiency in a congenital hypothyroidism screening program have also been analysed. Material and Methods: The study comprised 113,108 newborns, which were divided into two groups according to the time of blood sampling. In 78,646 newborns heel blood samples were obtained after 48h whereas in 34,462 newborns, samples were obtained at birth from the umbilical cord (early samples). Newborns came from three areas of the south of Spain, Seville, Huelva and Cordoba. TSH concentrations were measured by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay. Results: The percentage of hyperthyrotropinemia was greater in Huelva (5.2%) than Seville (1.0%) (p<0.001), similar to that observed in early samples, which was higher in Huelva (5.3%) than in Seville (1.9%) and Cordoba (1.7%) (p<0.001). In the early samples group, 0.3% and 0.2% of the newborns from Seville and Cordoba respectively, had TSH >20mIU/L and 10 infants should have been recalled for a new sample for each case detected. While in Huelva 17 infants (0.9%) were recalled per case detected. Conclusions: The heterogeneous distribution of TSH concentrations in newborns from several geographical areas appears to indicate an irregular and deficient iodine intake. Using early samples and a possible iodine deficiency, increase false positive results in a Neonatal Screening Program of congenital hypothyroidism (AU)

[Using newborn congenital hypothyroidism screening specimens to detect iodine deficiency in three regions of Spain]. / Detección de deficiencia de yodo en el sur de España mediante el cribado del hipotiroidismo congénito.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia by measurements of thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations has been assessed in three different areas of Spain. The repercussions of a possible iodine deficiency in a congenital hypothyroidism screening program have also been analysed MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised 113,108 newborns, which were divided into two groups according to the time of blood sampling. In 78,646 newborns heel blood samples were obtained after 48h whereas in 34,462 newborns, samples were obtained at birth from the umbilical cord (early samples). Newborns came from three areas of the south of Spain, Seville, Huelva and Cordoba. TSH concentrations were measured by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay. RESULTS: The percentage of hyperthyrotropinemia was greater in Huelva (5.2%) than Seville (1.0%) (p<0.001), similar to that observed in early samples, which was higher in Huelva (5.3%) than in Seville (1.9%) and Cordoba (1.7%) (p<0.001). In the early samples group, 0.3% and 0.2% of the newborns from Seville and Cordoba respectively, had TSH >20mIU/L and 10 infants should have been recalled for a new sample for each case detected. While in Huelva 17 infants (0.9%) were recalled per case detected. CONCLUSIONS: The heterogeneous distribution of TSH concentrations in newborns from several geographical areas appears to indicate an irregular and deficient iodine intake. Using early samples and a possible iodine deficiency, increase false positive results in a Neonatal Screening Program of congenital hypothyroidism.

Leptina e insulina sérica en adultos con sobrepeso y obesos en régimen hipocalórico con alto contenido de carbohidratos complejos / Serum leptin and insulin in obese adults on hypocaloric dietary regimen of high complex carbohydrate content

En situaciones de cambios en el peso, la evidencia sobre la relación entre la leptina y la insulina con el contenido de grasa corporal no es concluyente. Se planteó establecer asociaciones entre leptina e insulina (ELISA) y pérdida de peso (antropometría) durante un régimen hipocalórico alto en fibra, en 71 individuos (sobrepeso/ obesos), al inicio (I), a dos (2s) y a seis semanas (6s) del régimen. Se aplicaron pruebas no paramétricas para muestras independientes y relacionadas. Hubo disminución significativa de la leptina entre I, 2s y 6s, similar entre sobrepeso y obesidad, normalizándose a las 6s (sobrepeso fueron normales a las 2s y obesos a las 6s). Aumentó la prevalencia de valores normales (leptina <15 ng/mL) durante el régimen. La leptina fue significativamente mayor en obesos que en los con sobrepeso y en mujeres que en hombres, sin diferencias significativas por género para la insulina. Asociación significativa entre leptina e indicadores de adiposidad (índice de masa corporal, circunferencia abdominal). A las 2s, hubo correlación positiva entre leptina e insulina, no evidente a las 6s. El régimen basado en el consumo de fibra fue eficiente para lograr cambios en los parámetros antropométricos y bioquímicos, en especial, una disminución de la leptina.

Leptin acts as a regulatory signal for food intake, body energy balance, body fat content and body weight stability. In order to establish associations among serum leptin, serum insulin and weight loss, 71 obese or overweight adults were assessed by anthropometry and serum determination of leptin at the beginning (B), two weeks (2w) and six weeks (6w) after consuming a dietary regime based on complex carbohydrates intake. Data was analyzed by non parametrical tests for independent and related samples. There was a significant decrease of leptin among B, 2w and 6w of similar nature between overweight and obese participants, with all of them reaching normal values at 6w (overweight at 2w and obese at 6 w). Prevalence of normal leptin values (<15 ng/mL) increased among B, 2w and 6w. Leptin levels were significantly higher in obese vs. overweight and in women vs. men with no differences in serum glucose or insulin by sex. There was a significant association between leptin and adiposity indicators (body mass index and abdominal circumference). At 2w, but not at 6w, a positive correlation between leptin and insulin was found. A dietary regime based on increased consumption of complex carbohydrate (fiber) was efficient to induce favorable changes in anthropometrical and biochemical indicators, especially serum leptin.

Manejo multidisciplinario de los trastornos adictivos, a propósito de un caso / Multidisciplinary approach to addictive disorders: reflections on a case

A través de un caso reflexionar sobre las características de las adicciones como un fenómeno nuevo que irrumpió en nuestra sociedad a mediados de los años 80 y sobre las formas de intervención. Material y métodos. Analizamos detalladamente el caso, fases, diferentes tratamientos, evolución personal y familiar. Resultados. La evolución de los pacientes depende de múltiples variables como la edad, el tipo de consumo y de sustancia, la psicopatología presente en el paciente y/o sus familiares, la patología asociada, la red social y el trabajo. Planteamos la hipótesis de que la evolución de los pacientes depende también del contacto con sus terapeutas, en la medida en que se ayuda al paciente a conocer y expresar sus sentimientos y a provocar cambios en su conducta y en sus hábitos, además de intentar alianzas terapéuticas con otros miembros de la familia. Por último, mostramos un modelo de funcionamiento en equipo para poder superar las enormes dificultades que presentan estos pacientes y tratar, en la medida de lo posible, de evitar el «síndrome del quemado» que se produce con frecuencia entre los profesionales que trabajamos con este tipo de personas. Conclusiones. El trabajo en equipo y un manejo multidisciplinario son necesarios para enfrentarse a los problemas planteados en el tratamiento ambulatorio de los trastornos adictivos. El trabajo en equipo como factor de prevención del «síndrome del quemado» de los profesionales. Los tratamientos de las adicciones son de larga duración (AU)

Objectives. To use a clinical case to think about the main characteristics of addictive behaviour and the way health professionals may intervene on it. Material and methods. A clinical case is thoroughly analysed: its phases and the different treatments applied, its personal and familiar evolution. Results. Patient evolution depends on different variables, like age, which substance is consumed and in which way, the psychopathological traits or symptoms of the patients or of his/her family, the organic pathology associated, whether a social network is present or not,¿ It is suggested that ties with the therapeutic team are important in patient evolution, since its presence may help the patients to recognize and to express their feelings and may induce changes in their behaviour. Therapeutic alliances with other family members may also be useful. Team work may help to overcome the obstacles and difficulties associated with the treatment these patients and to avoid the burn-out syndrome, which is frequently observed in those professionals working in this field. Conclusions. Whenever one wants to confront the problems associated with the handling or treatment of addictive behaviour, both team work and a multidisplinary approach to these patients are needed. They may act as a protective factor to avoid the socalled burnt-out syndrome. In the addiction field, treatment must be considered as a long-term process (AU)

Unhealthy behaviours for self-management of HIV-related peripheral neuropathy.

The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy is frequent in HIV disease and is often associated with antiretroviral therapy. Unhealthy behaviours, particularly substance-use behaviours, are utilized by many HIV-positive individuals to manage neuropathic symptoms. As part of a larger study on self-care for symptoms in HIV disease, this study analyzed the prevalence and characteristics of unhealthy behaviours to self-manage peripheral neuropathy in HIV disease. Sociodemographic and disease-related correlates and unhealthy behaviours were examined in a convenience sample of 1,217 respondents who were recruited from data collection sites in several US cities, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Taiwan. Results of the study indicated that respondents with peripheral neuropathy (n=450) identified a variety of unhealthy self-care behaviours including injection drug use, oral drug use, smoking cigarettes and alcohol ingestion. Specific unhealthy behaviours that participants reported to alleviate peripheral neuropathy included use of marijuana (n=67), smoking cigarettes (n=139), drinking alcohol (n=81) and street drugs (n=30). A subset of those individuals (n=160), who identified high levels of neuropathy (greater than five on a scale of 1-10), indicated significantly higher use of amphetamines and injection drug use in addition to alcohol use and cigarette smoking. For participants from Norway, substance use (using alcohol: 56%) was one of the most frequent self-management strategies. Implications for clinical practice include assessment and education of persons with HIV for self-care management of the complex symptom of peripheral neuropathy.

Symptom management and self-care for peripheral neuropathy in HIV/AIDS.

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common neurological complication in HIV and is often associated with antiretroviral therapy. As part of a larger study on self-care for symptoms in HIV disease, this study analyzed the prevalence and characteristics of peripheral neuropathy in HIV disease, sociodemographic and disease-related correlates and self-care strategies. A convenience sample of 1,217 respondents was recruited from data collection sites in several US cities, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Taiwan. Results of the study indicated that respondents with peripheral neuropathy (n=450) identified 20 self-care behaviors including complementary therapies, use of medications, exercise and rest and/or elevation of extremities. Ratings of frequency and effectiveness were also included. An activities checklist summarized into five categories of self-care behaviors including activities/thoughts, exercise, medications, complementary therapies and substance was used to determine self-care behaviors. Taking a hot bath was the most frequent strategy used by those with peripheral neuropathy (n=292) and received the highest overall rating of effectiveness of any self-management strategies included in this study at 8.1 (scale 1-10). Other self-care strategies to manage this symptom included: staying off the feet (n=258), rubbing the feet with cream (n=177), elevating the feet (n=236), walking (n=262), prescribed anti-epileptic agent (n=80), prescribed analgesics (n=84), over-the-counter medications (n=123), vitamin B (n=122), calcium supplements (n=72), magnesium (n=48), massage (n=156), acupuncture (n=43), reflexology (n=23) and meditation (n=80). Several behaviors that are often deemed unhealthy were included among the strategies reported to alleviate peripheral neuropathy including use of marijuana (n=67), cigarette smoking (n=139), drinking alcohol (n=81) and street drugs (n=30).

Hepatitis tóxica por carbimazol / Carbimazole-induced toxic hepatitis

Las tionamidas son fármacos antitiroideos que poseen habitualmente una buena tolerancia. No obstante, pueden originar toxicidad hematológica y hepática potencialmente grave. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 45 años con hipertiroidismo por enfermedad de Graves-Basedow que, 3 semanas después de iniciar tratamiento con carbimazol (30 mg/día), presentó clínica de prurito, ictericia mucocutánea, orinas colúricas y molestias abdominales. La clínica y la analítica realizada confirmaron la existencia de colestasis y hepatólisis y fue necesario interrumpir el tratamiento antitiroideo y administrar corticoides y N-acetil cisteína. Su recuperación fue lenta y casi completa al año de evolución. La ausencia de otras causas de afección hepática y la secuencia cronológica entre el inicio del tratamiento, el comienzo de la sintomatología y la mejora tras su retirada indican que la hepatotoxicidad se debió al carbimazol

Thyonamides are antythyroid drugs usually with a good tolerance. However, these drugs can produce a potencially serious hepatic and hematologic toxicity. A file case report of a 45-year-old-woman with severe hyperthyroidism caused by Graves-Basedow illness, which was treated with carbimazole (30 mg daily) is provided. Three weeks later, the patient presented itch, icterus, intense choluria and abdominal discomfort. Clinic and analysis confirm cholestasis and hepatolysis, making it neccesary to interrupt the antythyroid therapy and administer corticoids and n-acetyl-cisteine. The recovery of this patient was slow and almost complete within one year. The absense of other causes of hepatic injury, chronology at the beginning of therapy, appearance of symptons and improvement after discontinuing use, leads us to believe that this response is due to carbimazole

Symptom experience and functional status among HIV-infected women.

Irrespective of powerful drug therapies, there has been a slight increase in newly diagnosed cases of AIDS in women. HIV/AIDS-related symptoms develop from the illness itself, treatments or medications. Symptoms and their reoccurrence remain problematic. This study is a secondary analysis of data exploring symptoms, symptom distress and functional status in 104 ethnically diverse HIV-positive women. Measures included the Brief Symptom Inventory, a General Symptom Questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the Inventory of Functional Status. Findings indicate that this sample of women was distressed, at risk for depression and had a moderate level of physical functioning. These findings support the need for symptom management interventions that enhance emotional wellbeing and self-care activities for HIV-infected women.

Research agenda for Hispanics in the United States: a nursing perspective.

Heterogeneity is perhaps the most salient characteristic that defines Hispanic populations of the United States. Hispanic populations include native-born, migrant, and immigrant peoples with distinctive national origins and regional settlement patterns. This multigenerational migratory and social adjustment process has produced important cultural variations within and among the respective Hispanic ethnic groups. Moreover, the demographic structure of Hispanic populations is also varied and complex. These historical, demographic, and sociocultural features shape the health and disease experience of Hispanics. As expected, respective Hispanic ethnic groups vary in health status and have differing needs for health services. This article provides demographic background, a historical perspective, a synthesis of Hispanic issues identified in major and authoritative government documents, summary on the state-of-the-science for nursing research with Hispanics, and recommendations for future nursing research directions.

The influence of sleep and activity patterns on fatigue in women with HIV/AIDS.

The cause of HIV-related fatigue is most likely multifactorial. When presented as a chief complaint, clinicians often include an assessment of stress level, depression, anemia, infection, and amount of sleep and activity. The empirical bases for these evaluations vary in their validity and implementation in clinical practice, but the basis for evaluating adequate amounts of sleep and activity currently lacks empirical research. The purpose of this study was to describe HIV seropositive women's sleep and activity patterns related to their fatigue experience. Sleep and activity were assessed with wrist actigraphy to obtain objective measures of total sleep time, number of awakenings, and sleep efficiency, as well as level of daytime activity, 24-hour activity rhythm, and naps. This sample of 100 women with HIV/AIDS averaged only 6.5 hours of sleep at night, and 45% of the sample napped. CD4 cell counts were unrelated to sleep and fatigue measures. Compared to the low-fatigue group, the women with high fatigue had significantly more difficulty falling asleep, more awakenings from nighttime sleep, poorer daytime functioning, and a higher frequency of depressive symptoms. Findings from this study provide clinicians with empirically based support for detailed clinical evaluations of sleep and activity patterns, as well as anxiety and depression, in clients who complain of fatigue. Findings also provide data for potential interventions to improve sleep and activity in persons living with HIV/AIDS and to reduce fatigue and depressive symptoms.

Social interactions, perceived support, and level of distress in HIV-positive women.

Although powerful pharmacological therapies are helping women with HIV infection live longer, women continue to experience the stressors of chronic illness. This study used a person-environment systems framework to describe social interactions, perceived social support, and psychological distress in HIV-positive women. A convenience sample of 104 HIV-positive women living in the San Francisco Bay Area completed a questionnaire on social interactions, perceived social support, and distress. Women reported limited social interactions with family and friends and a low level of perceived social support. Social support and level of distress did not differ by ethnicity. Limited perceived social support was a significant predictor of distress in this sample of women. Supportive interactions from health care providers can be useful in mediating the relationship between the stressor of HIV disease and distress in HIV-positive women. Community-based nurses can enhance HIV-positive women's support network by providing positive and supportive interactions as they intervene with women in symptom management, case management, and other health care services.