Exploring the Combined Action of Adding Pertuzumab to Branded Trastuzumab versus Trastuzumab Biosimilars for Treating HER2+ Breast Cancer.

The binding activity of various trastuzumab biosimilars versus the branded trastuzumab towards the glycosylated extracellular domain of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) target in the presence of pertuzumab was investigated. We employed size exclusion chromatography with tetra-detection methodology to simultaneously determine absolute molecular weight, concentration, molecular size, and intrinsic viscosity. All trastuzumab molecules in solution exhibit analogous behavior in their binary action towards HER2 regardless of the order of addition of trastuzumab/pertuzumab. This analogous behavior of all trastuzumab molecules, including biosimilars, highlights the robustness and consistency of their binding activity towards HER2. Furthermore, the addition of HER2 to a mixture of trastuzumab and pertuzumab leads to increased formation of high-order HER2 complexes, up to concentrations of one order of magnitude higher than in the case of sequential addition. The observed increase suggests a potential synergistic effect between these antibodies, which could enhance their therapeutic efficacy in HER2-positive cancers. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the complex interplay between therapeutic antibodies and their target antigens, providing valuable insights for the development of more effective treatment strategies.

Hospital care direct costs due to ambulatory care sensitive conditions related to diabetes mellitus in the Mexican public healthcare system.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) incur substantial costs on the health system that could be partially avoided with adequate outpatient care. Complications of chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus (DM), are considered ACSC. Previous studies have shown that hospitalizations due to diabetes have a significant financial burden. In Mexico, DM is a major health concern and a leading cause of death, but there is limited evidence available. This study aimed to estimate the direct costs of hospitalizations by DM-related ACSC in the Mexican public health system. METHODS: We selected three hospitals from each of Mexico's main public institutions: the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), the Ministry of Health (MoH), and the Institute of Social Security and Services for State Workers (ISSSTE). We employed a bottom-up microcosting approach from the healthcare provider perspective to estimate the total direct costs of hospitalizations for DM-related ACSC. Input data regarding length of stay (LoS), consultations, medications, colloid/crystalloid solutions, procedures, and laboratory/medical imaging studies were obtained from clinical records of a random sample of 532 hospitalizations out of a total of 1,803 DM-related ACSC (ICD-10 codes) discharges during 2016. RESULTS: The average cost per DM-related ACSC hospitalization varies among institutions, ranging from $1,427 in the MoH to $1,677 in the IMSS and $1,754 in the ISSSTE. The three institutions' largest expenses are LoS and procedures. Peripheral circulatory and renal complications were the major drivers of hospitalization costs for patients with DM-related ACSC. Direct costs due to hospitalizations for DM-related ACSC in these three institutions represent 1% of the gross domestic product (GDP) dedicated to health and social services and 2% of total hospital care expenses. CONCLUSIONS: The direct costs of hospitalizations for DM-related ACSC vary considerably across institutions. Disparities in such costs for the same ACSC among different institutions suggest potential disparities in care quality across primary and hospital settings (processes and resource utilization), which should be further investigated to ensure optimal supply utilization. Prioritizing preventive measures for peripheral circulatory and renal complications in DM patients could be highly beneficial.

Trastuzumab deruxtecan in patients with central nervous system involvement from HER2-positive breast cancer: The DEBBRAH trial.

BACKGROUND: Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) has shown durable antitumor activity in pretreated patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer (ABC), but its efficacy has not yet been evaluated in patients with active brain metastases (BMs). DEBBRAH aims to assess T-DXd in patients with HER2-positive or HER2-low ABC and central nervous system involvement. METHODS: This ongoing, five-cohort, phase II study (NCT04420598) enrolled patients with pretreated HER2-positive or HER2-low ABC with stable, untreated, or progressing BMs, and/or leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. Here, we report findings from HER2-positive ABC patients with non-progressing BMs after local therapy (n = 8; cohort 1), asymptomatic untreated BMs (n = 4; cohort 2), or progressing BMs after local therapy (n = 9; cohort 3). Patients received 5.4 mg/kg T-DXd intravenously once every 21 days. The primary endpoint was 16-week progression-free survival (PFS) for cohort 1 and intracranial objective response rate (ORR-IC) for cohorts 2 and 3. RESULTS: As of October 20, 2021, 21 patients received T-DXd. In cohort 1, 16-week PFS rate was 87.5% (95%CI, 47.3-99.7; P < .001). ORR-IC was 50.0% (95%CI, 6.7-93.2) in cohort 2 and 44.4% (95%CI, 13.7-78.8; P < .001) in cohort 3. Overall, the ORR-IC in patients with active BMs was 46.2% (95%CI, 19.2-74.9). Among patients with measurable intracranial or extracranial lesions at baseline, the ORR was 66.7% (12 out of 18 patients; 95%CI, 41.0-86.7), 80.0% (95%CI, 28.4-99.5) in cohort 1, 50.0% (95%CI, 6.7-93.2) in cohort 2, and 66.7% (95%CI, 29.9-92.5) in cohort 3. All responders had partial responses. The most common adverse events included fatigue (52.4%; 4.8% grade ≥3), nausea (42.9%; 0% grade ≥3), neutropenia (28.6%; 19% grade ≥3), and constipation (28.6%; 0% grade ≥3). Two (9.5%) patients suffered grade 1 interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis. CONCLUSIONS: T-DXd showed intracranial activity with manageable toxicity and maintained the quality of life in pretreated HER2-positive ABC patients with stable, untreated, or progressing BMs. Further studies are needed to validate these results in larger cohorts.

Diagnosis of bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae using a multiplex real-time PCR technique.

Bacterial meningitis is one of the diseases that, despite the introduction of several vaccines, remains a serious public health concern. Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), Neisseria meningitidis (Nm), and Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) are responsible for most cases diagnosed in children, adolescents, and adult population. Rapid, sensitive, and specific laboratory assays are critical for effective diagnosis and treatment, particularly in countries like Mexico in which culture positivity rates are very low due to the use of antibiotics prior to sample collection and to delay in transporting samples to the laboratory. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a rapid diagnostic test for bacterial meningitis and compare these results with bacterial culture in three general hospitals in Mexico. During a 5-year period (2014-2018), a total of 512 CSF samples obtained from patients in whom infectious meningitis was suspected as initial clinical diagnosis were tested with RT-PCR with species-specific targets for the three pathogens. For Spn, 5.07% samples were RT-PCR positive; 0.39% for Nm and none for Hi. Only five RT-PCR Spn positive samples had a positive culture. Sensitivity and specificity estimates for RT-PCR are 100% and 95.46%, respectively. DNA amplification methods can provide better sensitive diagnostic tests than the reference standard, which is culture, particularly when antimicrobial treatment is initiated before clinical samples can be obtained.

Acreditación de servicios y calidad de la atención a neonatos en hospitales mexicanos.

OBJETIVO: Comparar la calidad de atención a neonatos con sepsis neonatal, hipoxia intrauterina, prematuridad y asfixia perinatal en hospitales acreditados (HA) y no acreditados (HNA). Material y métodos. Se evaluaron 28 hospi-tales de la Secretaría de Salud en 11 estados de México; la evaluación incluyó infraestructura, equipamiento e insumos, procesos de gestión de calidad e indicadores de calidad clínica. Se utilizó LQAS y se estimó el cumplimiento promedio de criterios e indicadores en HA y HNA. RESULTADOS: Hubo diferencias significativas en favor de HA en equipamiento e insumos y no significativas en existencia y funcionamiento de los comités hospitalarios. No hubo diferencias consistentes ni significativas en cumplimiento de indicadores clínicos entre los HA y HNA. CONCLUSIONES: La acreditación para la atención de neonatos con los diagnósticos seleccionados no se asocia a diferencias en la calidad de la atención.

Acreditación de servicios y calidad de la atención a neonatos en hospitales mexicanos / Accreditation of services and quality of care for newborns in mexican hospitals

Resumen: Objetivo: Comparar la calidad de atención a neonatos con sepsis neonatal, hipoxia intrauterina, prematuridad y asfixia perinatal en hospitales acreditados (HA) y no acreditados (HNA). Material y métodos: Se evaluaron 28 hospitales de la Secretaría de Salud en 11 estados de México; la evaluación incluyó infraestructura, equipamiento e insumos, procesos de gestión de calidad e indicadores de calidad clínica. Se utilizó LQAS y se estimó el cumplimiento promedio de criterios e indicadores en HA y HNA. Resultados: Hubo diferencias significativas en favor de HA en equipamiento e insumos y no significativas en existencia y funcionamiento de los comités hospitalarios. No hubo diferencias consistentes ni significativas en cumplimiento de indicadores clínicos entre los HA y HNA. Conclusiones: La acreditación para la atención de neonatos con los diagnósticos seleccionados no se asocia a diferencias en la calidad de la atención.

Abstract: Objective: To compare the quality of care for neonates with neonatal sepsis, intrauterine hypoxia, prematurity and perinatal asphyxia in accredited hospitals (HA) and unaccredited (HNA). Materials and methods: 28 hospitals of the Ministry of Health were evaluated in 11 states in Mexico; the evaluation included infrastructure, equipment and supplies, quality management processes, and clinical quality indicators. LQAS was used, and average fulfillment of criteria and indicators in AH and NAH was estimated. Results: There were significant differences in favor of HA in equipment and supplies and, not significant, in the existence and functioning of hospital committees. There were no consistent or significant differences in compliance with clinical indicators between the AH y NAH. Conclusions: Accreditation for the care of newborns with the selected diagnoses is not associated with differences in the quality of care.

Potentially inappropriate prescribing in older adults in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and quantify potentially inappropriate prescribing (prescripción potencialmente inapropiada, PPI) and other drug prescribing problems in public health care services in a population-based study at the three existing levels of complexity in Mexico. METHODS: Descriptive analysis of the Study on Satisfaction of Users of the Social Protection System in Health 2014-2016, prescription and drug supply section, to obtain the prevalence of PPI in older adults (≥ 65 years), based on Beers, STOPP, Prescrire and BSP listings using AM (older adults) prescription indicators, one for each listing. RESULTS: Most older adults (67%) were prescribed at least one medication, with a mean of 2.7 medications per prescription. The PPI prevalence was 74% according to the BSP criteria, 67% according to the STOPP listing, 59% with the Beer criteria, and 20% with Prescrire. The most frequent PPI prescriptions were NSAIDs, vasodilators and sulfonylureas. CONCLUSIONS: The use of PPIs in AM is high in Mexico. The higher prevalence found in this study may reflect the use of a source with population representativeness. The partial use and adaptations of the criteria make difficult comparing the studies; however, the STOPP criteria are the ones with the highest prevalence, as they cover a greater number of drugs and their use is more common in the first level of care.

Factors Associated with Urethral and Bladder Neck Stricture After Transurethral Resection of the Prostate.

Introduction: Urethral and bladder neck stricture (U/BNS) is a complication that occurs in up to 9% of patients following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The most relevant risk factors reported are prolonged surgical duration and prostatic volume. The purpose of this study is to analyze risk factors associated with the development of U/BNS following TURP. Materials and Methods: Case-control study. Population: patients who underwent TURP. Cases: patients with U/BNS following TURP, diagnosed between January 2010 and December 2018. We included patients with obstructive symptoms after TURP with clinical or radiographical evidence of U/BNS. Controls were patients who underwent TURP between January 2016 and December 2017, without evidence of stricture. Patients with history of pelvic fracture and previous U/BNS were excluded. We analyzed as risk factors age, prostatic volume, diabetes mellitus, previous use of transurethral catheter, urinary tract infection, bladder calculi, prostate cancer, previous TURP, resection time, resected volume during TURP, transoperative complications, and number of surgical procedures performed during the same event. We used chi-square or Mann-Whitney's U test for between-group comparison; association was established by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI), variables with p < 0.05 were included in the logistic regression. Results: We included 101 cases and 207 controls. Cases had lower incidence of prostate cancer, smaller prostates, less resection time during TURP, lower grams resected and prostate-specific antigen values than controls. History of transurethral catheter was more frequent in controls than cases (46% vs 29%, p = 0.004); there were no differences between groups in the other factors analyzed. On multivariate analysis, the use of a transurethral catheter was a protective factor against U/BNS (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.064-0.442, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In this study, the use of urethral catheter before TURP is a protective factor against U/BNS.

Potentially inappropriate prescribing in older adults in Mexico / Prescripción potencialmente inapropiada en adultos mayores en México

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To identify and quantify potentially inappropriate prescribing (prescripción potencialmente inapropiada, PPI) and other drug prescribing problems in public health care services in a population-based study at the three existing levels of complexity in Mexico. METHODS Descriptive analysis of the Study on Satisfaction of Users of the Social Protection System in Health 2014-2016, prescription and drug supply section, to obtain the prevalence of PPI in older adults (≥ 65 years), based on Beers, STOPP, Prescrire and BSP listings using AM (older adults) prescription indicators, one for each listing. RESULTS Most older adults (67%) were prescribed at least one medication, with a mean of 2.7 medications per prescription. The PPI prevalence was 74% according to the BSP criteria, 67% according to the STOPP listing, 59% with the Beer criteria, and 20% with Prescrire. The most frequent PPI prescriptions were NSAIDs, vasodilators and sulfonylureas. CONCLUSIONS The use of PPIs in AM is high in Mexico. The higher prevalence found in this study may reflect the use of a source with population representativeness. The partial use and adaptations of the criteria make difficult comparing the studies; however, the STOPP criteria are the ones with the highest prevalence, as they cover a greater number of drugs and their use is more common in the first level of care.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO Identificar y cuantificar la prescripción potencialmente inapropiada (PPI) y otros problemas en la prescripción de medicamentos en los servicios públicos de atención médica en un estudio poblacional en los tres niveles de complejidad existentes en México. MÉTODOS Análisis descriptivo del Estudio de Satisfacción de Usuarios del Sistema de Protección Social en Salud 2014-2016, sección de prescripción y surtimiento de medicamentos, para obtener la prevalencia de PPI en adultos mayores (≥ 65 años) con base en listados Beers, STOPP, Prescrire y BSP mediante indicadores de prescripción en AM, uno por cada listado. RESULTADOS Al 67% de los AM se les prescribió al menos un medicamento, con una media de 2.7 medicamentos por receta. La prevalencia de PPI fue del 74% según los criterios BSP, del 67% según el listado STOPP, del 59% con los criterios Beer y del 20% con Prescrire. Las prescripciones PPI más frecuentes fueron los AINES, vasodilatadores y las sulfonilureas. CONCLUSIONES El uso de PPI en AM es alto en México. La mayor prevalencia encontrada en este estudio puede ser reflejo de la utilización de una fuente con representatividad poblacional. La utilización parcial y adaptaciones de los criterios dificultan la comparabilidad entre estudios, sin embargo, los criterios STOPP son los que más altas prevalencias han presentado debido a que abarca un mayor número de medicamentos y su uso más habitual en el primer nivel de atención.

Can we cure oligometastatic disease? A practical point of view.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To critically analyze the available evidence on oligometastatic breast cancer and to suggest therapeutic approaches for optimal management of these patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Unlike metastatic breast cancer, which remains incurable, patients with a limited number and extent of metastatic lesions, that is, oligometastatic disease, might achieve disease control and long-term survival when radical therapy of the primary tumor, if present, and metastatic disease is added to standard systemic therapy. However, the lack of a clear definition, variety of presentations, and the absence of biomarkers makes oligometastatic breast cancer a poorly understood clinical entity for which there is no standard treatment. SUMMARY: Improvements in systemic therapies along with radical treatment of the primary tumor and metastatic lesions, together with optimization in the use of imaging tools, may help to increase the percentage of patients with metastatic breast cancer who achieve no-evidence-of-disease status or, at least, chronification of the disease. However, the fundamental question remains: which patients may benefit the most from a radical therapeutic approach? In this article, we propose strategies for the appropriate selection and comprehensive management of these patients.

[Polypharmacy in Mexico: a challengefor prescription quality]. / Polifarmacia en México: un reto para la calidad en la prescripción.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of polypharmacy, as well as the factors that identify the groups with higher risk, in population study in Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive analysis of the Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2018-19 (Ensanut 2018-19), Utilization of services (medicine section) and Household questionnaires, to obtain prevalence of polypharmacy (simultaneous consumption ≥5 medicines). A logistic regression model was used to estimate the association of polypharmacy with sociodemographic and health care factors. RESULTS: Prevalence of polypharmacy: 18 years, 15.5%, and 65 years, 26.5%. Higher prevalence in: nephropathies (61.5%), heart disease (42.2%), chronic ob-structive pulmonary disease (38.5%), diabetes (29.3%) and hypertension (26.4%). Increased possibility in adults 65 years (OR:1.95), low schooling (OR:1.54), social security (OR:1.64), serviced in public services (OR:1.7) and chronic illness (OR:1.84). CONCLUSIONS: Polypharmacy is associated with chronic disease and some sociodemographic factors. Large area of opportunity to improve quality of care, particularly pharmacological prescription to identified population with higher risk.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la prevalencia de polifarmacia, así como los factores que identifican a los grupos con mayor riesgo, en un estudio poblacional en México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Salud y Nutrición 2018-19 (Ensanut 2018-19), cuestionarios de Utilización de servicios (sección medicamentos) y del Hogar, para obtener la prevalencia de polifarmacia (consu-mo simultáneo ≥5 medicamentos). Se utilizó un modelo de regresión logística para estimar la asociación de polifarmacia con factores sociodemográficos y de atención a la salud. RESULTADOS: Prevalencia de polifarmacia: ≥18 años, 15.5%, y ≥65 años, 26.5%. Prevalencias superiores: nefropatías (61.5%), cardiopatías (42.2%), enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (38.5%), diabetes (29.3%) e hipertensión (26.4%). Mayor posibilidad en adultos ≥65 años (OR:1.95), con baja escolaridad (OR:1.54), seguridad social (OR:1.64), atendidos en servicios públicos (OR:1.7) y enfermedad crónica (OR:1.84). CONCLUSIONES: La polifarmacia se asocia con tener enfermedad crónica y con factores sociodemográficos. Es una gran área de oportunidad para mejorar calidad de la atención, particularmente la prescripción farmacológica a la población identificada con mayor riesgo.

Polifarmacia en México: un reto para la calidad en la prescripción / Polypharmacy in Mexico: a challenge for prescription quality

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar la prevalencia de polifarmacia, así como los factores que identifican a los grupos con mayor riesgo, en un estudio poblacional en México. Material y métodos: Análisis descriptivo de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2018-19 (Ensanut 2018-19), cuestionarios de Utilización de servicios (sección medicamentos) y del Hogar, para obtener la prevalencia de polifarmacia (consumo simultáneo ≥5 medicamentos). Se utilizó un modelo de regresión logística para estimar la asociación de polifarmacia con factores sociodemográficos y de atención a la salud. Resultados: Prevalencia de polifarmacia: ≥18 años, 15.5%, y ≥65 años, 26.5%. Prevalencias superiores: nefropatías (61.5%), cardiopatías (42.2%), enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (38.5%), diabetes (29.3%) e hipertensión (26.4%). Mayor posibilidad en adultos ≥65 años (OR:1.95), con baja escolaridad (OR:1.54), seguridad social (OR:1.64), atendidos en servicios públicos (OR:1.7) y enfermedad crónica (OR:1.84). Conclusiones: La polifarmacia se asocia con tener enfermedad crónica y con factores sociodemográficos. Es una gran área de oportunidad para mejorar calidad de la atención, particularmente la prescripción farmacológica a la población identificada con mayor riesgo.

Abstract: Objective: To analyze the prevalence of polypharmacy, as well as the factors that identify the groups with higher risk, in population study in Mexico. Materials and Methods: Descriptive analysis of the Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2018-19 (Ensanut 2018-19), Utilization of services (medicine section) and Household questionnaires, to obtain prevalence of polypharmacy (simultaneous consumption ≥5 medicines). A logistic regression model was used to estimate the association of polypharmacy with sociodemographic and health care factors. Results: Prevalence of polypharmacy: 18 years, 15.5%, and 65 years, 26.5%. Higher prevalence in: nephropathies (61.5%), heart disease (42.2%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (38.5%), diabetes (29.3%) and hypertension (26.4%). Increased possibility in adults 65 years (OR:1.95), low schooling (OR:1.54), social security (OR:1.64), serviced in public services (OR:1.7) and chronic illness (OR:1.84). Conclusions: Polypharmacy is associated with chronic disease and some sociodemographic factors. Large area of opportunity to improve quality of care, particularly pharmacological prescription to identified population with higher risk.

¿Puede un sistema de estándares e indicadores de calidad relacionados a cesárea reducir la morbi-mortalidad materna? / Can a system of quality standards and indicators related to caesarean section reduce maternal morbidity and mortality?

Antecedentes: la aplicación de estándares e indicadores de atención materno neonatal en unidades que no utilizan parámetros de calidad mejora el cumplimiento de actividades en la atención prenatal, del parto, del posparto, del recién nacido y de las complicaciones perinatales relacionadas a cesárea. Objetivo: implementar y monitorizar la tendencia de cumplimiento trimestral de un sistema de estándares e indicadores de complicaciones obstétricas y neonatales relacionadas a cesárea y su impacto en la morbimortalidad materna ­ neonatal. Metodología: intervención de carácter prospectivo "antes y después", a realizarse en el Servicio de Obstetricia de la Unidad Metropolitana de Salud Sur de Quito durante 15 meses. Se realizó el levantamiento de la línea de base epidemiológica de cesárea; se socializó y capacitó al personal en el uso del "Manual de Estándares, Indicadores e Instrumentos para medir la Calidad de la Atención Materno-Neonatal" del Ministerio de Salud Pública y se realizaron monitoreos trimestrales de cumplimiento. Resultados: se alcanzan niveles de cumplimiento significativos (p≤0,05) hacia el noveno mes de intervención en 11 de los 17 estándares de calidad seleccionados. A corto plazo determina una reducción significativa de la razón de mortalidad neonatal y una estabilización de la mortalidad materna. No se disminuyó la frecuencia de cesáreas ni la estancia hospitalaria. Conclusión: los resultados apoyan el uso permanente de un sistema de monitorización utilizando estándares e indicadores de complicaciones obstétricas y neonatales relacionados a cesárea para mejorar la calidad de atención médica. (AU)

Background: the application of standards and indicators of maternal neonatal care in units that do not use quality parameters improves regulatory compliance activities on prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum, of the newborn and perinatal complications related to caesarean section. Objective: implement and monitor the trend of compliance quarterly of a system of standards and indicators of obstetric and neonatal complications related to caesarean section and its impact on maternal mortality and morbidity. Methodology: intervention prospective "before and after", to be held in the obstetrics service of the health South of Quito Metropolitan unit for 15 months. Was the lifting of the epidemiological baseline of Caesarea; were you socialized and trained staff in the use of the "Manual of standards, indicators and instruments to measure the quality of Maternal-Neonatal care" of the Ministry of public health; and quarterly monitoring of compliance were carried out. Results: significant levels of compliance are achieved (p≤0. 05) to ninth month of intervention in 11 of the 17 selected quality standards. To short term determines a reduction significant of the reason of mortality neonatal and a stabilization of the mortality maternal. Not decreased the frequency of caesarean section or hospital stay. Conclusion: the results support the use of a monitoring system using standards and indicators of obstetric and neonatal complications related to caesarean section to improve the quality of health care.

[Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in elderly patients and associated factors in a general hospital of the north of Mexico]. / Prevalencia de diabetes mellitus de tipo 2 y factores asociados en la población geriátrica de un hospital general del norte de México.

UNLABELLED: There are few reports on the impact of diabetes in the geriatric population. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of diabetes in the geriatric population in a hospital in Northeast Mexico. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study and a probabilistic sampling were made. The files of outpatients of the geriatrics department in a General Hospital in Monterrey, Mexico,were examined. The information obtained from these files was related to the patient's personal pathological and non-pathological background, besides a full geriatric evaluation. RESULTS: A total of 171 files were examined, out of which 97 (56.7%) belonged to females and 74 (43.3%) to males. The mean age was 78 ± 6.9 years. Diabetes was found in 76 patients (44%), major depression was found in 85 patients (50%), with the latter being more common in diabetic patients (p = 0.002). It was also found that diabetic patients take more drugs during their disease. Adjusting for age, gender, and academic level, cognitive impairment was found in 110 patients (64.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes mellitus is more frequent in the geriatric population and it uses more resources.

Survivor voices: co-learning, re-connection, and healing through community action research and engagement (CARE).

This article describes the Trauma Healing Project (THP: www.http//healingattention.org), the Survivor Voices study (n = 351), and the complementary nature of community- campus partnerships (CCP) and community-based participatory action research methodology (PAR). Survivor Voices-a random digit telephone survey developed by, conducted, analyzed, and disseminated by survivors of abuse and violence, university researchers, and students-was designed to learn from survivors about what hurt and about what helped with regard to how people responded to their trauma, and what they recommend for trauma healing. We feature our CCP, including challenges faced, how we have addressed those challenges, and profile our current findings. We describe how PAR and CCPs can be very useful tools toward the development of a community-wide effort to reduce violence and support trauma healing.

Origen anómalo de la arteria coronaria izquierda: reporte de un caso / Anomalous origin of left coronary artery: case report

Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 8 años que acude a control médico por soplo cardiaco. El ecocardiogama evidencia valvulopatía mitral; recibe tratamiento con digoxina y enalapril que producen una leve mejoría, pero posteriomlente se manifiesta disnea que conduce a una nueva evaluación. Se realiza nuevo esquema diagnóstico por medio de tomografia helicoidal y cateterismo que permiten diagnosticar anomalía coronaria izquierda que nace en la arteria pulmonar. La paciente ingresó a esta institución de salud para proceder a la cOITección quirúrgica del origen anómalo de la arteria coronaria y plastia valvular. Fue dada de alta sin complicaciones y con tratamiento ambulatorio profiláctico para endocarditis bacteriana por patología valvular.

[Critical reading ability in research during medical internship]. / Lectura crítica de investigación en el internado de pregrado en hospitales generales.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate level of development that medical interns achieve, before graduating, in critical reading ability during their internship in five general hospitals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the academic year, we compared the initial and final scores of critical reading of medical interns before graduation in five general hospitals in IMSS. An instrument using 98 items that explored interpretation, judgment and proposal was developed and validated by four medical education researchers. In hospitals 1, 4, and 5, professors developed active-participative strategies related to critical reading in clinical research. In Hospital 2, no course was given and in Hospital 3, a traditional course (mainly clinical exposure) was offered. RESULTS: The final global scores were better for those students in Hospitals 1, 4 and 5 versus Hospitals 2 and 3 (median: 31, 29, 31 versus 9 and 24) (Kruskal-Wallis < 0.05). Initial and final differences in global and interpretation, judgment and proposal were also better in those same students. CONCLUSIONS: Active-participative educational strategies may develop the ability for critical reading of clinical research in internship and these strategies must be included in the curriculum during internship.

Mujeres rurales al timón en bolivia

El manual pretende socializar experiencias de capacitación en género centradas en dar competencias concretas al accionar de las mujeres, desde el campo del liderazgo femenino, fundamentalmente las destinadas hacia las mujeres rurales, a partir del trabajo realizado por CIDEM con diferentes grupos de mujeres, distintas instituciones y en diferentes espacios, desarrollando acciones de empoderamiento político con enfoque de género.

Mujeres rurales al timón en bolivia. manual de capacitación en fortalecimiento de liderazgos femeninos para el ejercicio de los derechos políticos y ciudadanos

Este manual recoge los procesos de capacitación desarrollados con organizaciones sociales de mujeres rurales en una dimensión amplia, con instituciones que trabajan en la temática y recupera propuestas político conceptuales para proponer mayores reflexiones en temas como ciudadanía, género y sus implicancias, instrumentos internacionales, marcos legales en Bolivia, procesos de negociación y fortalecimientos de liderazgos. Pretende contribuir al ejercicio pleno de los derechos políticos y ciudadanos de las mujeres.

Contaminación intradomiciliaria en un sector de extrema pobreza de la comuna de La Pintana / Indoor air pollution in a zone of extreme poverty at La Pintana community, Santiago

Background: Indoor pollution can be an important risk factor for human health, considering that people spend more than 60 percent of their time in their houses. Aim: To investigate indoor pollution in a zone of extreme poverty in Metropolitan Santiago. Material and methods: During 24h, carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), respirable particulate matter (PM10), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons absorbed in PM5, temperature and humidity, were measured in the interior of 24 houses in La Pintana, Santiago. Results: The higher pollutant concentrations were observed during hours when heating was used, in houses that used coal (mean PM10 250 µg/m3, CO 42 ppm, SO2 192 ppb) or firewood (mean PM10 489 µg/m3, CO 57 ppm, SO2 295 ppb). In all houses, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were detected and they came from the interior of the house and not from external filtered air. Coal, firewood and cigarette smoke were important sources of carcinogenic and kerosene and gas were sources of non carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Conclusions: In the houses studied, the population was exposed to an accumulation of highly toxic pollutants, caused by a lack of ventilation. A high relative humidity also contributed to the growth of biological pollutants