Metabotropic glutamate 2,3 receptor stimulation desensitizes agonist activation of G-protein signaling and alters transcription regulators in mesocorticolimbic brain regions.

Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors are regulators of glutamate release and targets for development of therapies for hyperactive glutamatergic signaling. However, the effects of long-term stimulation of mGlu receptors on cellular signaling in the brain have not been described. This study investigated the effects of 2-day and 14-day osmotic mini-pump administration of the mGlu2,3 agonist LY379268 (3.0 mg kg-1  day-1 ) to rats on receptor-mediated G-protein activation and signaling in mesocorticolimbic regions in rat brain sections. A significant reduction in LY379268-stimulated [35 S]GTPγS binding was observed in the 14-day group in some cortical regions, prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and ventral pallidum. The 14-day LY379268 treatment group exhibited mGlu2 mRNA levels significantly lower in hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, caudate, and ventral pallidum. In both 2-day and 14-day treatment groups immunodetectable phosphorylated cAMP Response Element-Binding protein (CREB) was significantly reduced across all brain regions. In the 2-day group, we observed significantly lower immunodetectable CREB protein across all brain regions, which was subsequently increased in the 14-day group but failed to achieve control values. Neither immunodetectable extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) protein nor phosphorylated ERK from 2-day or 14-day treatment groups differed significantly from control across all brain regions. However, the ratio of phosphorylated ERK to total ERK protein was significantly greater in the 14-day treatment group compared with the control. These results identify compensatory changes to mGlu2,3 signal transduction in rat brains after chronic systemic administration of agonist, which could be predictive of the mechanism of action in human pharmacotherapies.

Cetoacidosis por estrés: caso clínico en paciente con atrofia muscular espinal / Stress induced ketoacidosis in spinal muscular atrophy: report of one case

Spinal muscular atrophy is an uncommon cause of ketoacidosis, where there is a decrease in muscle mass, an abnormal metabolism of glucose and fatty acids, and changes in neuroendocrine function. These conditions favor the accumulation of keto acids and the development of metabolic acidosis. We report a 26-year-old female, with a history of spinal muscular atrophy type III, consulting for abdominal pain and vomiting lasting one week. She was admitted to the emergency service somnolent and poorly perfused. She had a pH of 6.98, HCO3- of 3.8 mmol/L, pCO2 of 16.4 mmHg, BE of -26 mmol/L, delta ratio of 1.05, anion gap of 31 mEq/L, creatinine of 0.37 mg/dL, sodium of 147 mEq/L, potassium of 3.7 mEq/L, chloride of 112 mEq/L, lactate of 1.2 mmol/L, glucose of 108 mg/dL, albumin of 4.2 g/dL, ketonemia +++, ketonuria +, measured plasma osmolality of 322 mOsm/kg, estimated osmolality of 314 mOsm/kg, toxilab negative, salicylate levels < 3 µg/mL, acetaminophen levels < 1.2 µg/mL. Intravenous hydration and bicarbonate were started, without satisfactory response. Interpreting the clinical picture as a ketoacidosis induced by stress in a patient with spinal muscular atrophy, it was handled with glucose, amino acids, vitamins and trace elements, with a favorable response.

[Stress induced ketoacidosis in spinal muscular atrophy. Report of one case]. / Cetoacidosis por estrés: caso clínico en paciente con atrofia muscular espinal.

Spinal muscular atrophy is an uncommon cause of ketoacidosis, where there is a decrease in muscle mass, an abnormal metabolism of glucose and fatty acids, and changes in neuroendocrine function. These conditions favor the accumulation of keto acids and the development of metabolic acidosis. We report a 26-year-old female, with a history of spinal muscular atrophy type III, consulting for abdominal pain and vomiting lasting one week. She was admitted to the emergency service somnolent and poorly perfused. She had a pH of 6.98, HCO3- of 3.8 mmol/L, pCO2 of 16.4 mmHg, BE of -26 mmol/L, delta ratio of 1.05, anion gap of 31 mEq/L, creatinine of 0.37 mg/dL, sodium of 147 mEq/L, potassium of 3.7 mEq/L, chloride of 112 mEq/L, lactate of 1.2 mmol/L, glucose of 108 mg/dL, albumin of 4.2 g/dL, ketonemia +++, ketonuria +, measured plasma osmolality of 322 mOsm/kg, estimated osmolality of 314 mOsm/kg, toxilab negative, salicylate levels < 3 µg/mL, acetaminophen levels < 1.2 µg/mL. Intravenous hydration and bicarbonate were started, without satisfactory response. Interpreting the clinical picture as a ketoacidosis induced by stress in a patient with spinal muscular atrophy, it was handled with glucose, amino acids, vitamins and trace elements, with a favorable response.

Biochemical Characterization of a Novel α/ß-Hydrolase/FSH from the White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei.

(1) Background: Lipases and esterases are important enzymes that share the α/ß hydrolase fold. The activity and cellular localization are important characteristics to understand the role of such enzymes in an organism. (2) Methods: Bioinformatic and biochemical tools were used to describe a new α/ß hydrolase from a Litopenaeus vannamei transcriptome (LvFHS for Family Serine Hydrolase). (3) Results: The enzyme was obtained by heterologous overexpression in Escherichia coli and showed hydrolytic activity towards short-chain lipid substrates and high affinity to long-chain lipid substrates. Anti-LvFHS antibodies were produced in rabbit that immunodetected the LvFSH enzyme in several shrimp tissues. (4) Conclusions: The protein obtained and analyzed was an α/ß hydrolase with esterase and lipase-type activity towards long-chain substrates up to 12 carbons; its immunodetection in shrimp tissues suggests that it has an intracellular localization, and predicted roles in energy mobilization and signal transduction.

Patients' perspectives on BETTER 2 prevention and screening: qualitative findings from Newfoundland & Labrador.

BACKGROUND: Chronic disease prevention and screening (CDPS) has been identified as a top priority in primary care. However, primary care providers often lack time, evidence-based tools, and consistent guidelines to effectively address CDPS. Building on Existing Tools to Improve Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening in Primary Care (BETTER) is a novel approach that introduces a new role, that of the prevention practitioner; the prevention practitioner meets with patients, one on one, to undertake a personalised CDPS visit. Understanding patients' perspectives is important for clinicians and other stakeholders aiming to address and integrate CDPS. AIM: To describe patients' perspectives regarding visits with a prevention practitioner in BETTER 2, an implementation study that was carried out after the BETTER trial and featured a higher proportion of patients in rural and remote locations. DESIGN & SETTING: Qualitative description based on patient feedback surveys, completed by patients in three primary care clinics (urban, rural, and remote) in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. METHOD: Patients' perspectives were assessed based on responses from 91 feedback forms. In total, 154 patients (aged 40-65 years) received ≥1 prevention visit(s) from a prevention practitioner and were asked to provide written feedback. In addition to demographics, patients were asked what they liked about their visit(s), what they would have liked to be different, and invited to make any other comments. Qualitative description was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged from patients' feedback: value of visit (patients appreciated the visit with a prevention practitioner); visit characteristics (the visit was personalised, comprehensive, and sufficiently long); prevention practitioners' characteristics (professionalism and interpersonal skills); and patients' concerns (termination of the programme and access to preventative care). CONCLUSION: Patients appreciated the visits they received with a prevention practitioner and expressed their desire to receive sustained CDPS in primary care.

Aspirina en dosis ultrabajas y hormesis / Aspirin in ultra-low doses and hormesis

La relación entre hormesis y Homeopatía resulta hoy en día controvertida. Por un lado, sus primeros fundamentos fueron enunciados con el objeto de explicar los efectos de la Homeopatía. Por otro lado, la mayoría de los trabajos realizados que muestran efectos horméticos fueron realizados a concentraciones mucho mayores que las utilizadas en Homeopatía. El presente trabajo muestra varios puntos de contacto entre la Homeopatía y el concepto de hormesis, y muestra la relación que existe entre los trabajos realizados sobre los efectos de la aspirina 15CH y los distintos tipos de hormesis.

Implementation of the BETTER 2 program: a qualitative study exploring barriers and facilitators of a novel way to improve chronic disease prevention and screening in primary care.

BACKGROUND: BETTER (Building on Existing Tools to Improve Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening in Primary Care) is a patient-based intervention to improve chronic disease prevention and screening (CDPS) for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and associated lifestyle factors in patients aged 40 to 65. The key component of BETTER is a prevention practitioner (PP), a health care professional with specialized skills in CDPS who meets with patients to develop a personalized prevention prescription, using the BETTER toolkit and Brief Action Planning. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand facilitators and barriers of the implementation of the BETTER 2 program among clinicians, patients, and stakeholders in three (urban, rural, and remote) primary care settings in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. METHODS: We collected and analyzed responses from 20 key informant interviews and 5 focus groups, as well as memos and field notes. Data were organized using Nvivo 10 software and coded using constant comparison methods. We then employed the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to focus our analysis on the domains most relevant for program implementation. RESULTS: The following key elements, within the five CFIR domains, were identified as impacting the implementation of BETTER 2: (1) intervention characteristics-complexity and cost of the intervention; (2) outer setting-perception of fit including lack of remuneration, lack of resources, and duplication of services, as well as patients' needs as perceived by physicians and patients; (3) characteristics of prevention practitioners-interest in prevention and ability to support and motivate patients; (4) inner setting-the availability of a local champion and working in a team versus working as a team; and (5) process-planning and engaging, collaboration, and teamwork. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a novel CDPS program into new primary care settings is a complex, multi-level process. This study identified key elements that hindered or facilitated the implementation of the BETTER approach in three primary care settings in Newfoundland and Labrador. Employing the CFIR as an overarching typology allows for comparisons with other contexts and settings, and may be useful for practices, researchers, and policy-makers interested in the implementation of CDPS programs.

Epidemiología de la infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana en pacientes hospitalizados en una institución de alta complejidad y enseñanza universitaria en Medellín, Colombia / Epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus infection in inpatients in a teaching hospital of high complexity in Medellin, Colombia

Introducción: La prevalencia y mortalidad de la infección VIH/sida sigue siendo alta en Colombia, más aún cuando en nuestro sistema el acceso a los programas y terapia antirretroviral es limitado. Objetivo: Describir y analizar las características clínicas, epidemiológicas y sociodemográficas de pacientes hospitalizados con infección por VIH/sida. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Resultados: Se incluyeron 159 pacientes, con una edad promedio de 47 ± 13 años, 83% hombres. El 35% tenían antecedentes de promiscuidad sexual, el 27,6% eran homosexuales y el 20% tenían historia de tuberculosis. Al ingreso, un 66% tenía diagnóstico de sida, un 24% recuento de CD4 ≥ 200 cél/mm ³ y un 62% recibía tratamiento antirretroviral. Los principales síntomas al ingreso fueron gastrointestinales (50,3%), neurológicos (40,9%) y respiratorios (30%). En un 33,3% se documentaron infecciones oportunistas, siendo las principales: tuberculosis (37%), histoplasmosis (17%) y criptococosis (9,7%). En un 16,9% se diagnosticaron neoplasias; las más importantes fueron neoplasias de órgano sólido (6,9%), enfermedad linfoproliferativa (5,6%), enfermedad mieloproliferativa (2,5%) y sarcoma de Kaposi (1,8%). La estancia promedio fue de 12 ± 16 días; un 12,5% requirieron atención en UCI, y de estos, un 65% fueron sometidos a ventilación mecánica. La letalidad fue del 13,8%, y la mortalidad atribuible al VIH/sida, del 77,2%. Conclusiones: Las características de nuestra muestra son similares a las reportadas en otras series; difieren en el tipo de infecciones oportunistas y la alta letalidad y mortalidad atribuible a la infección VIH/sida. Las principales causas de hospitalización son infecciones oportunistas, seguidas de enfermedad neoplásica y quirúrgica. Mycobacterium tuberculosis es la infección oportunista más frecuente.

Introduction: The prevalence and mortality of HIV/AIDS infection still high in Colombia, due to a lack of access to HIV programmes and the limited coverage of antiretroviral therapy. Objective: To describe and analyse clinical, epidemiological and socio-demographic features of inpatients with HIV/AIDS infection. Methodology: Descriptive retrospective study. Results: A total of 159 patients were included; the average age was 47 ± 13 years and 83% were men. 35% had a history of sexual promiscuity, 27.6% were men who had sex with men and 20% had a history of tuberculosis. At admission, 66.6% had AIDS, 24% had CD4 ≥ 200 cells/mm ³ and 62% were taking antiretroviral therapy. The most common symptoms at admission were gastrointestinal (50.3%), neurological (40.9%) and respiratory (30%). In 33.3%, opportunistic infections were documented and the most frequent were: tuberculosis (37%), histoplasmosis (17%) and cryptococcosis (9.7%). Some 16.9% of patients had cancer, including 6.91% with a solid organ neoplasm, lymphoproliferative disease (5.6%), myeloproliferative disease (2.5%) and Kaposi's sarcoma (1.8%). The average length of hospitalisation was 12 ± 16 days; some 12.5% required ICU care and 65% required mechanical ventilation. Lethality was 13.8% and attributable mortality to HIV/AIDS infection was 77.2%. Conclusions: The characteristics of our population are similar to those described in other studies; however a high lethality and attributable mortality to HIV/AIDS infection were found. The most frequent causes of hospitalisation were opportunistic infections followed by neoplasms. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the most common opportunistic infection.

Parathyroid cysts: the Latin-American experience.

BACKGROUND: Parathyroid cyst is an infrequent and unsuspected disease. There are more than 300 hundred cases reported in the world literature, a few of them are from Latin America. The experience of our centers and a review of the cases are presented. METHODS: Case report of a series of patients with parathyroid cyst from our institutions according to the CARE guidelines (Case Reports). A search of Medline, Embase, BIREME (Biblioteca Regional de Medicina) LILACS (Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud), Google Scholar and Scielo (Scientific Electronic Library on Line) databases and telephonic or email communications with other experts from Latin-America was performed . RESULTS: Six patients with parathyroid cyst were found in our centers in Colombia. Most of them were managed with aspiration of the cyst. Two of them required surgery. Only one case was functional. Twelve reports from Latin America were found for a total of 18 cases in our region adding ours. CONCLUSIONS: Parathyroid cysts are uncommonly reported in Latin America. Most of them are diagnosed postoperatively. Suspicion for parathyroid cyst should be raised when a crystal clear fluid is aspirated from a cyst. The confirmation of the diagnosis may be easily done if parathyroid hormone (PTH) level is measured in the cyst fluid.

Developing clinical decision tools to implement chronic disease prevention and screening in primary care: the BETTER 2 program (building on existing tools to improve chronic disease prevention and screening in primary care).

BACKGROUND: The Building on Existing Tools to Improve Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening in Family Practice (BETTER) trial demonstrated the effectiveness of an approach to chronic disease prevention and screening (CDPS) through a new skilled role of a 'prevention practitioner'(PP). The PP has appointments with patients 40-65 years of age that focus on primary prevention activities and screening of cancer (breast, colorectal, cervical), diabetes and cardiovascular disease and associated lifestyle factors. There are numerous and occasionally conflicting evidence-based guidelines for CDPS, and the majority of these guidelines are focused on specific diseases or conditions; however, primary care providers often attend to patients with multiple conditions. To ensure that high-level evidence guidelines were used, existing clinical practice guidelines and tools were reviewed and integrated into blended BETTER tool kits. Building on the results of the BETTER trial, the BETTER tools were updated for implementation of the BETTER 2 program into participating urban, rural and remote communities across Canada. METHODS: A clinical working group consisting of PPs, clinicians and researchers with support from the Centre for Effective Practice reviewed the literature to update, revise and adapt the integrated evidence algorithms and tool kits used in the BETTER trial. These resources are nuanced, based on individual patient risk, values and preferences and are designed to facilitate decision-making between providers across the target diseases and lifestyle factors included in the BETTER 2 program. Using the updated BETTER 2 toolkit, clinicians 1) determine which CDPS actions patients are eligible to receive and 2) develop individualized 'prevention prescriptions' with patients through shared decision-making and motivational interviewing. RESULTS: The tools identify the patients' risks and eligible primary CDPS activities: the patient survey captures the patient's health history; the prevention visit form and integrated CDPS care map identify eligible CDPS activities and facilitate decisions when certain conditions are met; and the 'bubble diagram' and 'prevention prescription' promote shared decision-making. CONCLUSION: The integrated clinical decision-making tools of BETTER 2 provide resources for clinicians and policymakers that address patients' complex care needs beyond single disease approaches and can be adapted to facilitate CDPS in the urban, rural and remote clinical setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The registration number of the original RCT BETTER trial was ISRCTN07170460 .

Diagnóstico de neoplasia colorrectal: descripción de hallazgos en colonoscopia virtual y convencional / Diagnosis of Colorectal Neoplasia: Description of Findings On Virtual Colonoscopy And Conventional Colonoscopy

Introducción: La colonoscopia virtual surge como método diagnóstico en las diferentes patologías del colon. Objetivos: Describir y comparar los hallazgos de la colonoscopia convencional y la virtual relacionados con la presencia de neoplasias y sus características morfológicas de tamaño y localización, en pacientes con sospecha de patología de colon. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de registro de casos clínicos. Se incluyeron 23 pacientes remitidos al servicio de gastroenterología para realización de colonoscopia, durante septiembre de 2007 y mayo de 2008. Los pacientes fueron llevados a colonoscopia virtual y, posteriormente, a colonoscopia óptica; los hallazgos fueron clasificados por un radiólogo y un gastroenterólogo, respectivamente, según su localización en los diferentes segmentos del colon, así como el tamaño, el tipo de lesión en mucosa, submucosa, carcinomas y lesiones extrínsecas. Resultados: El grado de concordancia de los dos procedimientos para el diagnóstico de pólipos fue de 76 %. Se encontró que la colonoscopia virtual tiene una sensibilidad para el diagnóstico de pólipos de 85,7 % IC (52,6-100) y un valor predictivo negativo de 92,9 % IC (75,8-100), valores considerados importantes, pero con amplios intervalos de confianza atribuidos a la poca cantidad de pacientes. Conclusiones: En el presente estudio se encontró un alto valor predictivo negativo, lo que hace que la colonoscopia virtual pueda ser el método diagnóstico inicial de elección en el tamizaje de las patologías colorrectales. En caso de ser negativa, se descarta patología; si es positiva, el método diagnóstico a seguir para confirmar los hallazgos sería la colonoscopia directa.

Introduction: Virtual colonoscopy emerges as a new diagnostic method to study the pathology that affects the colon. Objectives: To describe and compare the findings of conventional colonoscopy and virtual colonoscopy related to the presence of a neoplasia according to its morphology, size and location in patients suspected of having colonic pathology. Material and Methods: Descriptive study of the review of clinical cases. 23 patients submitted to the gastroenterology service between September 2007 and May 2008 for a conventional colonoscopy were included. The patients were taken to virtual colonoscopy and, subsequently, to optical colonoscopy; the findings were classified by a radiologist and a gastroenterologist, respectively, according to its location in the different segments of the colon, as well as size, the type of lesion in the mucous and submucous membrane, carcinomas and extrinsic lesions. Results: The degree of concordance between the two procedures on the diagnosis of polyps was 76%. Virtual colonoscopy had 85.7% sensibility (IC 52.6-100) and a negative predictive value of 92.9% (IC 75.8-100) for the diagnosis of polyps. These are considered important findings, but with wide intervals of confidence due to the small quantity of patients. Conclusion: In this study we found a high negative predictive value, which means that virtual colonoscopy could be the initial diagnostic method of choice in the screening of colorectal pathologies. In case it is negative, pathology is ruled out. If it is positive, the diagnosis method to follow in order to confirm the findings would be direct colonoscopy.

Caracterización de pacientes hospitalizados con infecciones causadas por micobacterias no tuberculosas, en un hospital de alta complejidad en Colombia / Characteristics of inpatients with nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in a highly complex hospital in Colombia

Antecedentes: Las infecciones por micobacterias no tuberculosas (MNT) se describen en los últimos años con mayor frecuencia, especialmente en pacientes con inmunosupresión y en pacientes tratados por procedimientos estéticos. Las MNT incluyen especies del género Mycobacterium , diferentes del complejo Mycobacterium tuberculosis y Mycobacterium leprae . Objetivo: Describir las características demográficas y clínicas de pacientes hospitalizados con infecciones por MNT. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Resultados: De 187 pacientes con infección por micobacterias documentadas por cultivo, 17 (9,1%) tuvieron infección por MNT. Edad promedio de 38,4 ± 19,2 años. El 58,82% fueron hombres. Las principales comorbilidades fueron VIH/sida (41,17%), diabetes mellitus (23,53%), enfermedad renal crónica (17,64%), terapia inmunosupresora (17,64%) y neoplasias (17,64%). En los coinfectados con VIH el recuento de CD4 fue <50 en 85,71%. Las especies más frecuentes fueron complejo M. avium (CMA) 35,29%, M. abscessus (17,65%) y M. chelonae (11,76%). Las formas de infección fueron: diseminada (35,29%), pulmonar (23,53%), piel y tejidos blandos (17,64%) y gastrointestinal (11,76%). Estancia promedio de 22,1 días; un 23,53% requirió atención en UCI. La mortalidad general fue 23,53%. Conclusión: Las infecciones por MNT causan una serie de condiciones patológicas, los pacientes inmunocomprometidos son la población de mayor riesgo y las formas diseminada y pulmonar,las más frecuentes. La sospecha temprana así como la toma de muestras adecuadas y el uso de métodos diagnósticos apropiados son indispensables para su diagnóstico oportuno y tratamiento adecuado.

Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections has been described more frequently in recent years, especially in immunosuppression conditions and after cosmetic surgical procedures. The NTM include species of the genus Mycobacterium , other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and Mycobacterium leprae. Objective: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of Colombian in-patientswith NTM infections. Methodology: A retrospective descriptive study. Results: In 187 patients with culture- confirmed mycobacterial infection, 17 (9,1%) had NTM.The mean age was 38,4 ± 19,2 and 58,82% were men. Major comorbidities were: HIV/AIDS(41,1%), diabetes mellitus (23,5%), chronic renal disease (17,6%), immunosuppressive therapy(17,6%) and neoplasms (17,6%). In patients co-infected with HIV, CD4 count was <50 in 85,7%.The most frequent species were M. avium complex (MAC) in 35,2%, M. abscessus in 17,6% and M. chelonae in 11,7%. Infections were disseminated (35,2%), pulmonary (23,5%), skin and soft tissue (17,6%) and in gastrointestinal system (11,7%). The average hospital stay was 22,1 day sand 23,5% required intensive care unit. Overall mortality was 23,5%. Conclusion: MNT infections cause a number of pathological conditions, being more frequent in immunocompromised patients. The disseminated and pulmonary forms were the most common. Early clinical suspicion and appropriate samples and diagnostic assays, are crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.

Implementing and evaluating a program to facilitate chronic disease prevention and screening in primary care: a mixed methods program evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this paper are to describe the planned implementation and evaluation of the Building on Existing Tools to Improve Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening in Primary Care (BETTER 2) program which originated from the BETTER trial. The pragmatic trial, informed by the Chronic Care Model, demonstrated the effectiveness of an approach to Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening (CDPS) involving the use of a new role, the prevention practitioner. The desired goals of the program are improved clinical outcomes, reduction in the burden of chronic disease, and improved sustainability of the health-care system through improved CDPS in primary care. METHODS/DESIGN: The BETTER 2 program aims to expand the implementation of the intervention used in the original BETTER trial into communities across Canada (Alberta, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories and Nova Scotia). This proactive approach provides at-risk patients with an intervention from the prevention practitioner, a health-care professional. Using the BETTER toolkit, the prevention practitioner determines which CDPS actions the patient is eligible to receive, and through shared decision-making and motivational interviewing, develops a unique and individualized 'prevention prescription' with the patient. This intervention is 1) personalized; 2) addressing multiple conditions; 3) integrated through linkages to local, regional, or national resources; and 4) longitudinal by assessing patients over time. The BETTER 2 program brings together primary care providers, policy/decision makers and researchers to work towards improving CDPS in primary care. The target patient population is adults aged 40-65. The reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintain (RE-AIM) framework will inform the evaluation of the program through qualitative and quantitative methods. A composite index will be used to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of the prevention practitioner intervention. The CDPS actions comprising the composite index include the following: process measures, referral/treatment measures, and target/change outcome measures related to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and associated lifestyle factors. DISCUSSION: The BETTER 2 program is a collaborative approach grounded in practice and built from existing work (i.e., integration not creation). The program evaluation is designed to provide an understanding of issues impacting the implementation of an effective approach for CDPS within primary care that may be adapted to become sustainable in the non-research setting.

Insuficiencia adrenal por infarto hemorrágico en síndrome antifosfolípido primario / Adrenal deficiency by hemorrhagic infarction in antiphospholipid syndrome

Describimos dos casos de insuficiencia adrenal primaria asociados a hemorragia uni o bilateral de las glándulas adrenales dentro del contexto de un síndrome antifosfolípido (SAF): un paciente con aparente cuadro infeccioso pulmonar y con diagnóstico posterior de falla adrenal, infarto pulmonar y SAF primario, y otra paciente con SAF de vieja data que ingresa a urgencias con cuadro de dolor abdominal, astenia, hipotensión e hiponatremia. Las imágenes de abdomen reportaron compromiso hemorrágico adrenal bilateral en un caso y unilateral en el otro. Ambos casos tenían niveles bajos de cortisol sérico y elevados de hormona adrenocorticotropa, y recibieron manejo con hidrocortisona, con mejoría de los síntomas, normalización de la presión arterial y del trastorno hidroelectrolítico. El síndrome antifosfolípido puede ser una causa de hemorragias y de trombosis en cualquier órgano, llevando a insuficiencia adrenal primaria como una de sus complicaciones.

Two cases of primary adrenal insufficiency associated with unilateral or bilateral hemorrhage of the adrenal glands in the context of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are described: one patient with apparent picture of lung infection and subsequent diagnosis of adrenal failure, pulmonary infarction and primary APS and another patient with longstanding APS entering the emergency room with abdominal pain, asthenia, hypotension and hyponatremia. The abdominal images reported bilateral adrenal hemorrhagic commitment in one case and unilateral in the other. Both cases had low levels of serum cortisol and high adrenocorticotropic hormone and received hydrocortisone management with improvement of symptoms and normalization of blood pressure and electrolyte disorder. Antiphospholipid syndrome can be a cause of bleeding and thrombosis in any organ, leading to primary adrenal insufficiency as one of its complications.

Finding a BETTER way: a qualitative study exploring the prevention practitioner intervention to improve chronic disease prevention and screening in family practice.

BACKGROUND: Our randomized controlled trial (The BETTER Trial) found that training a clinician to become a Prevention Practitioner (PP) in family practices improved chronic disease prevention and screening (CDPS). PPs were trained on CDPS and provided prevention prescriptions tailored to participating patients. For this embedded qualitative study, we explored perceptions of this new role to understand the PP intervention. METHODS: We used grounded theory methodology and purposefully sampled participants involved in any capacity with the BETTER Trial. Two physicians and one coordinator in each of two cities (Toronto, Ontario and Edmonton, Alberta) conducted eight individual semi-structured interviews and seven focus groups. We used an interview guide and documented research activities through an audit trail, journals, field notes and memos. We analyzed the data using the constant comparative method throughout open coding followed by theoretical coding. RESULTS: A framework and process involving external and internal practice facilitation using the new role of PP was thought to impact CDPS. The PP facilitated CDPS through on-going relationships with patients and practice team members. Key components included: 1) approaching CDPS in a comprehensive manner, 2) an individualized and personalized approach at multiple levels, 3) integrated continuity that included linking the patients and practices to CPDS resources, and 4) adaptability to different practices and settings. CONCLUSIONS: The BETTER framework and key components are described as impacting CDPS through a process that involved a new role, the PP. The introduction of a novel role of a clinician within the primary care practice with skills in CDPS could appropriately address gaps in prevention and screening.

Encuesta nacional sobre consumo de drogas en población de educación secundaria: Costa Rica 2012 / National Survey on Drug Use in Secondary Education Population: Costa Rica 2012

Por su naturaleza, el estudio permite la realización de comparaciones con las versiones anteriores de la encuesta en Costa Rica, así como con los hallazgos de otros países del continente, los cuales han realizado investigaciones con instrumentos y procedimientos semejantes. El presente informe de la Encuesta sobre Consumo de Drogas en Estudiantes de Secundaria 2012 se divide en 3 partes: la primera parte son los aspectos metodológicos, donde se describen los métodos utilizados para el proceso de muestreo, elaboración del instrumento, recolección de datos y análisis de la información; en esta parte también incluye la definición de los términos básicos para una mejor comprensión del informe; la segunda parte se refiere a los resultados generales de la encuesta, con una caracterización de la muestra, seguida por la descripción general de los indicadores de consumo para cada sustancia psicoactiva incluida en la encuesta, así como los resultados de una serie de módulos sobre percepción de riesgo, asociada al consumo, salud mental, involucramiento parental, relaciones sexuales y otras más. La última parte se refiere al capítulo de discusión, que resume las conclusiones generales del estudio y brinda recomendaciones sobre futuras investigaciones y para la mejora de las estrategias preventivas y de atención al consumo de alcohol, tabaco y otras drogas en población adolescente y escolarizada

Estimación de la demanda de tratamiento de personas menores de edad consumidoras problemáticas de sustancias psicoactivas en Costa Rica 2011 / Estimation of the demand for treatment of underage problem users of psychoactive substances in Costa Rica 2011

El presente estudio, corresponde al primer ejercicio de actualización a su predecesor, el cual será periódico a fin de dimensionar la situación del consumo problemático de drogas en la población menor de edad y la respuesta con que cuenta actualmente la red nacional de tratamiento

Consenso médico de biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina de tiroides. reporte de citología tiroidea basado en el sistema de bethesda / Medical consensus of fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid. bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology

En este artículo se presenta un consenso médico basado en el sistema de Bethesda del Instituto Nacionalde Cáncer (Estados Unidos) para el uso de la biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina en el manejo de nódulos tiroideos, realizado en conjunto con patólogos, radiólogos, endocrinólogos y otras especialidades médicas de Colombia, España, Chile, Venezuela, Estados Unidos y Panamá. En este trabajo se describen las indicaciones de la biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina de tiroides, requisitos previos, entrenamiento, acreditación, técnicas, terminología diagnóstica, pruebas complementarias y opciones de tratamiento. El objetivo del actual artículo es presentar ante la comunidad médica la clasificación de los reportes citológicos, el reporte de ecografía que propone usar el sistema de datos y el reporte de imágenes tiroideas (TIRADS, del inglés The Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System), el uso de la medición de tiroglobulina en biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina y técnicas de citología líquida;...

This article presents a medical consensus based on the Bethesda system of the National Cancer Institute (USA) for the use of fine needle aspiration biopsy in the management of thyroid nodules. This consensus was performed in conjunction with pathologists, radiologists, endocrinologists, and other medical specialties of Colombia, Spain, Chile, Venezuela, United States, and Panama. In this work was described the indications for fine needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid, prerequisites, training, accreditation, techniques, diagnostic terminology, additional tests and treatment options. The aim of this article is present to the medical community the classification of cytological report, ultrasound report using the data system, and the thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS); as well as, the use of thyroglobulin measurement in fine needle aspiration biopsy, and liquid-based cytology techniques...

Síndrome antifosfolípido: descripción de una cohorte de pacientes colombianos y evaluación delos factores de riesgo para trombosis / Antiphospholipid syndrome: description of a cohort from Colombia and evaluation of thrombosis risk factors

Introducción: El síndrome antifosfolípido es una enfermedad autoinmune, caracterizada portrombosis vascular y morbilidad gestacional en presencia de anticuerpos antifosfolípidos. Se handescrito varios factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de trombosis en estos pacientes, pero losestudios son heterogéneos y no discriminan entre eventos arteriales y venosos.Objetivo: Describir las manifestaciones clínicas e inmunológicas del síndrome antifosfolípidoen una cohorte de pacientes colombianos y establecer los factores de riesgo para el desarrollode trombosis venosa y arterial.Materiales y métodos: Se condujo un estudio analítico de corte transversal. Criterio de inclusión:Consenso de Sydney de 2006 y clasificación del síndrome antifosfolípido como secundario, segúncriterios del American College of Rheumatology.Resultados: Se incluyeron 100 pacientes; 84 de ellos mujeres; edad promedio 37.6 años. El 59%de los pacientes correspondía a síndrome antifosfolípido secundario. La manifestación clínicamás frecuente inicial y durante el seguimiento fue la trombosis venosa (56.52% y 47%, respectivamente),seguida por “manifestaciones no criterio” (23.91%), especialmente neurológicas. Latrombosis venosa profunda fue recurrente en el 46%; 30% de los individuos presentó trombocitopeniasevera. La ausencia de autoanticuerpos específicos discriminó entre formas primariasy secundarias. La diabetes mellitus fue un factor de riesgo significativo para trombosis venosa(6.4% vs. 0%; OR 2.205, IC 95%: 1.772–2.742) y el tabaquismo para enfermedad cerebrovascular(33.3% vs. 6%, OR 7.9, IC 95%: 1.5–41.324).Conclusiones: Esta cohorte de pacientes colombianos con síndrome antifosfolípido presentaalto porcentaje de manifestaciones no incluidas en los criterios clasificatorios, con compromisoorgánico grave, atípico y recurrente.

[Nutritional surveillance in Chilean schoolchildren: validity of the information]. / Vigilancia nutricional en escolares chilenos: Validez de la información.

BACKGROUND: Anthropometry is used to survey health and nutritional situation of the population. Therefore the quality of the information that is being used must be evaluated. AIM: To estimate the agreement in weight, height and nutritional status in schoolchildren, comparing measurements made by teachers in schools and a standardized and supervised team of professionals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross sectional study including 927 schoolchildren in 31 schools from 7 counties of Santiago. Schools were randomly chosen and the universe of children attending to first grade was measured. Weight, height and nutritional status collected by teachers and researches, were compared. RESULTS: Total agreement for nutritional status reached 0.67, random-weighted Kappa was 0.40 and weighted Kappa, 0.42. Teachers tended to over diagnose under-nutrition and under diagnose overweight and obesity measuring 270 grams less than the qualified team (p <0.001) and 1.7 cm more in height (p <0.001), what is reflected in a difference of less than one point in body mass index (p <0.001). Discrepancies in height and body mass index were higher in extreme values. CONCLUSIONS: There is a low agreement between the measurements taken by the research team and teachers. Even though there are discrepancies between measurements, high levels of overweight and low prevalences of stunting and underweight are kept, reflecting problems with exactitude, but not bias. Corrective actions to improve the quality of information, which should include training programs for teachers, instrument maintenance, supervision and verification system for data entry, are needed.