Impacto del diagnóstico y tratamiento del cáncer de pulmón en dieciocho meses de COVID-19 en Matanzas

Introducción: el diagnóstico y tratamiento del cáncer de pulmón representa un desafío para la sociedad en tiempos de pandemia de COVID-19. Objetivo: analizar el impacto del diagnóstico y tratamiento de pacientes con cáncer de pulmón durante dieciocho meses de COVID-19 en Matanzas. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio analítico, prospectivo y longitudinal. El universo lo constituyeron los 135 pacientes inscritos en el Servicio Provincial de Oncología, de Matanzas, entre el 1 de marzo de 2020 y el 31 de agosto de 2021. Los datos se obtuvieron de las historias clínicas y se analizaron con el paquete estadístico SPSS v. 23. Resultados: los meses con más diagnóstico fueron septiembre, octubre y noviembre. La edad de mayor incidencia fue la comprendida entre 60 y 69 años, con predominio del sexo masculino. Con relación al hábito tabáquico, la incidencia más alta estuvo representada por los fumadores (59,2 %), y la menor por los no fumadores (17,8 %). Respecto al tipo histológico, el carcinoma de células escamosas fue el más frecuente, y al estado general de los pacientes, el grupo 1 de la escala del Easter Cooperative Oncology Group, el de mayor prevalencia. La etapa clínica al diagnóstico predominante fue la IV, y las modalidades de tratamiento más usadas fueron la quimioterapia y la inmunoterapia. Conclusiones: el impacto del diagnóstico oportuno y el tratamiento adecuado del cáncer de pulmón en los primeros dieciocho meses de COVID-19 en Matanzas, fue negativo.

Introduction: the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer represents a challenge for society in times of COVID-1 pandemics. Objective: to analyze the impact of the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer patients during 18 months of COVID-19 pandemics in Matanzas. Matertials and methods: an analytical, prospective and longitudinal study was carried out. The universe were 135 patients registered in the Oncology Provincial Service of Matanzas between March 1st 2020 and August 31st 2021. Data were obtained from the clinical records and analyzed with SPSS v.23 statistical packet. Results: the months with higher quantity of diagnosis were September, October and November. The age with the highest incidence was from 60 to 69 years, with predominance of male sex. In relation to smoking, the highest incidence was represented by smokers (59.2%), and the lowest by non-smokers. Respecting the histological type, the squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequent, and respecting the general status of the patient, the group 1 of the Easter Cooperative Oncology Group was the one with highest prevalence. IV stage was the predominant clinical stage at diagnosis, and chemotherapy and immunotherapy were the most used treatment modalities. Conclusions: the impact of lung cancer opportune diagnosis and adequate treatment in the first eighteen months of COVID-19 in Matanzas was negative.

Anemia en la enfermedad arterial periférica / Peripheral arterial disease and anaemia

La anemia por déficit de hierro tiene una alta prevalencia en la población mundial. En el paciente quirúrgico la anemia de cualquier causa implica una mayor morbimortalidad en el postoperatorio. Esto es especialmente importante en el paciente con arteriopatía periférica, ya que tiene unas tasas muy elevadas de anemia por déficit de hierro o por otras causas. En la claudicación intermitente la anemia es un factor predictor de muerte a medio plazo. En los pacientes con isquemia crítica en los que la prevalencia es más elevada es indicador de amputación y muerte a medio plazo. Es necesario elaborar protocolos específicos para estos pacientes, ya que por la historia natural de su enfermedad no es posible corregir la anemia antes del acto quirúrgico.(AU)

Iron deficiency anaemia is highly prevalent worldwide. In the surgical patient, anaemia of any cause implies higher morbidity and mortality in the post-operative period. This is especially important in patients with peripheral artery disease, as they have very high rates of anaemia due to iron deficiency or other causes. In intermittent claudication, anaemia is a predictor of death in the medium term. Patients with critical ischaemia have higher prevalence of anaemia and it is an indicator of amputation and death in the medium term. Specific protocols need to be developed for these patients since the natural history of their disease does not allow for the correction of anaemia before surgery.

[Peripheral arterial disease and anaemia]. / Anemia en la enfermedad arterial periférica.

Iron deficiency anaemia is highly prevalent worldwide. In the surgical patient, anaemia of any cause implies higher morbidity and mortality in the post-operative period. This is especially important in patients with peripheral artery disease, as they have very high rates of anaemia due to iron deficiency or other causes. In intermittent claudication, anaemia is a predictor of death in the medium term. Patients with critical ischaemia have higher prevalence of anaemia and it is an indicator of amputation and death in the medium term. Specific protocols need to be developed for these patients since the natural history of their disease does not allow for the correction of anaemia before surgery.

Endovascular Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysm Repair Performed in a Hybrid Operating Room Versus Conventional Operating Room Using a C-Arm.

BACKGROUND: To compare contrast usage and radiation exposure during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using mobile C-arm imaging in a conventional operating room (OR) or fixed angiographic equipment in a hybrid OR (HR). METHODS: A retrospective unicenter study from May 2016 to August 2019. All consecutive patients undergoing standard EVAR were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group OR included EVARs performed in a conventional OR with a mobile C-arm (May 2016 to April 2018) and group HR included EVARs performed with a fixed angiographic equipment in an HR (May 2018 to August 2019). Data collected included patient demographics, aneurysm diameter, neck length, radiation dose: median dose-area product (DAP), fluoroscopy time, total operative time, contrast use, and 30-day clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients were included in the study (42 patients in group OR and 35 patients in group HR). There was no difference in age, body mass index (BMI), mean aneurysm, and neck length between groups. Patients in the group HR received less contrast volume (108.6 mL [±41.5] vs. 162.5 mL [±52.6]; P < 0.001), but higher radiation dose (154 Gy cm2 [±102.9] vs. 61.5 Gy cm2 [±42.4]; P < 0.001). There were no differences in fluoroscopy time (20.4 min [±8.5] vs. 23.2 min [±12.4]; P = 0.274) and total operative time (106.4 [±22.3] vs. 109.4 [±25.8]; P = 0.798). No difference was found in terms of 30-day complication rates or operative mortality between groups. DAP was positively correlated with BMI in the group OR (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient rs, 0.580; P < 0.001), but no correlation could be seen in the group HR (rs, 0.408; P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Routine EVAR performed in a hybrid fixed-imaging suite may be associated with less contrast usage, but higher radiation exposure in our center. The significantly higher radiation exposure when the mobile C-arm is replaced by an HR should not be underestimated.

Anemia en pacientes sometidos a cirugía vascular, factor predictor de amputación y muerte / Anaemia in patients who underwent vascular surgery: a significant predictor of amputation and death

Antecedentes y objetivos: En los pacientes con enfermedad arterial periférica que requieren intervenciones quirúrgicas la anemia se ha comprobado que puede ser un factor independiente de mal pronóstico tanto a corto como a medio plazo. Pacientes y métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de los pacientes intervenidos en cirugía vascular de forma consecutiva durante 2 meses en 12 unidades de cirugía vascular. Se analizan los factores de riesgo habituales y se valora la hemoglobina (Hb) preoperatoria. Con un seguimiento de 12 meses, se registran eventos cardiovasculares, muerte y cifras de Hb. El análisis de supervivencia con tablas de Kaplan-Meier y, posteriormente, análisis de regresión logística para evaluar los factores que pueden influir en la mortalidad. Resultados: En 518 pacientes, la mortalidad al año es del 21% y los eventos cardiovasculares del 34%. La anemia preoperatoria fue del 63% en isquémicos y el 23% en aneurismas, siendo superior al año de la cirugía, el 68 y el 50%, respectivamente. Si la Hb preoperatoria es mayor de 10mg/dl, la supervivencia al año es mayor (96% vs. 90%), se producen menos eventos cardiovasculares y menos amputaciones (24% vs. 68%). Conclusiones: En el análisis multivariante, las variables que influyeron en la mortalidad fueron la edad, la insuficiencia renal, la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, la cardiopatía isquémica, haber presentado complicaciones hospitalarias, tener un evento cardiovascular. La Hb preoperatoria influye proporcionalmente, de manera que cada unidad de Hb que aumenta, disminuye la probabilidad de muerte 0,81 veces. Una anemia con Hb preoperatoria inferior a 10 se asocia a una mayor probabilidad de amputación de la extremidad y de fallecimiento

Background and objective: In patients with peripheral artery disease requiring surgery, anaemia has been found to independently predict short and medium term higher morbidity and mortality. Patients and methods: We retrospectively studied all patients undergoing surgery, consecutively during 2months in 12 vascular surgery units. We analysed cardiovascular risk factors and preoperative haemoglobin. Statistical analysis was done with Kaplan-Meier for survival and logistic regression modelling to identify predictors of mortality. Results: 518 patients were consecutively operated on in our vascular units, the mortality rate was 21% the first year and 34% for cardiovascular events. Preoperative anaemia was present in 63% of the ischemic patients and in 23% of the patients requiring aneurysm repair, one year after surgery it increased to 68% and 50% respectively. When preoperative anaemia was superior to 10mg/dl, one year survival increased (96% vs. 90%), fewer cardiovascular events occurred and there were fewer amputations (24% vs. 68%). Conclusions: On multivariable analysis: age, renal failure, chronic lung disease, coronary artery disease, postoperative complications and previous cardiovascular events were associated with an increased risk mortality rate. Preoperative haemoglobin influenced proportionally such that for every 1mg /dl increase, the probability of mortality decreases by 0.81. Preoperative anaemia, especially when haemoglobin is inferior to 10mg/dl, is associated with an increased risk of death and amputation

Anaemia in patients who underwent vascular surgery: a significant predictor of amputation and death. / Anemia en pacientes sometidos a cirugía vascular, factor predictor de amputación y muerte.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In patients with peripheral artery disease requiring surgery, anaemia has been found to independently predict short and medium term higher morbidity and mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied all patients undergoing surgery, consecutively during 2months in 12 vascular surgery units. We analysed cardiovascular risk factors and preoperative haemoglobin. Statistical analysis was done with Kaplan-Meier for survival and logistic regression modelling to identify predictors of mortality. RESULTS: 518 patients were consecutively operated on in our vascular units, the mortality rate was 21% the first year and 34% for cardiovascular events. Preoperative anaemia was present in 63% of the ischemic patients and in 23% of the patients requiring aneurysm repair, one year after surgery it increased to 68% and 50% respectively. When preoperative anaemia was superior to 10mg/dl, one year survival increased (96% vs. 90%), fewer cardiovascular events occurred and there were fewer amputations (24% vs. 68%). CONCLUSIONS: On multivariable analysis: age, renal failure, chronic lung disease, coronary artery disease, postoperative complications and previous cardiovascular events were associated with an increased risk mortality rate. Preoperative haemoglobin influenced proportionally such that for every 1mg /dl increase, the probability of mortality decreases by 0.81. Preoperative anaemia, especially when haemoglobin is inferior to 10mg/dl, is associated with an increased risk of death and amputation.

Raised Fibrinogen Levels and Outcome in Outpatients With Peripheral Artery Disease.

The influence of raised fibrinogen levels on outcome in stable outpatients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has not been consistently investigated. We used data from the Factores de Riesgo y ENfermedad Arterial (FRENA) registry to compare ischemic events, major bleeding, and mortality in stable outpatients with PAD, according to their baseline plasma fibrinogen levels. Of 1363 outpatients with PAD recruited in FRENA, 558 (41%) had fibrinogen levels >450 mg/100 mL. Over 18 months, 43 patients presented with acute myocardial infarction, 37 had an ischemic stroke, 51 underwent limb amputation, 19 had major bleeding, and 90 died. Compared to patients with normal levels, those with raised fibrinogen levels had an over 2-fold higher rate of ischemic stroke (rate ratio [RR]: 2.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-4.59), limb amputation (RR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.46-4.67), or death (RR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.49-3.51) and an over 3-fold higher rate of major bleeding (RR: 3.90; 95% CI: 1.45-12.1). On multivariate analysis, patients with raised fibrinogen levels had an increased risk of developing subsequent ischemic events (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.11-2.32) and major bleeding (HR: 3.42; 95% CI: 1.22-9.61). Stable outpatients with PAD and raised plasma fibrinogen levels had increased rates of subsequent ischemic events and major bleeding.

Overexpression of bromodomain factor 3 in Trypanosoma cruzi (TcBDF3) affects differentiation of the parasite and protects it against bromodomain inhibitors.

The bromodomain is the only protein domain known to bind acetylated lysine. In the last few years many bromodomain inhibitors have been developed in order to treat diseases such as cancer caused by aberrant acetylation of lysine residues. We have previously characterized Trypanosoma cruzi bromodomain factor 3 (TcBDF3), a bromodomain with an atypical localization that binds acetylated α-tubulin. In the present work we show that parasites overexpressing TcBDF3 exhibit altered differentiation patterns and are less susceptible to treatment with bromodomain inhibitors. We also demonstrate that recombinant TcBDF3 is able to bind to these inhibitors in vitro in a concentration-dependant manner. In parallel, the overexpression of a mutated version of TcBDF3 negatively affects growth of epimastigotes. Recent results, including the ones presented here, suggest that bromodomain inhibitors can be conceived as a new type of anti-parasitic drug against trypanosomiasis.

Anemia and Outcome in Outpatients With Peripheral Artery Disease.

The influence of anemia on outcome in stable outpatients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) has not been consistently investigated. We used data from the Factores de Riesgo y ENfermedad Arterial (FRENA) Registry to compare ischemic events and mortality rates in stable outpatients with symptomatic PAD and anemia. Of 1663 patients with PAD, 208 (12.5%) had anemia. Over 18 months, patients with anemia had a higher rate of myocardial infarction (MI; rate ratio [RR]: 2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-3.99), limb amputation (RR: 2.98; 95%CI: 1.70-5.05), and higher mortality (RR: 3.58; 95%CI: 2.39-5.28) than those without anemia. The rates of ischemic stroke (RR: 0.75; 95%CI: 0.23-1.93) and major bleeding (RR: 0.93; 95%CI: 0.15-3.51) were similar. On multivariable analysis, anemia was associated with an increased risk to die (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.32; 95%CI: 1.53-3.50) but not to develop MI (HR: 1.49; 95%CI: 0.73-3.05) or to have limb amputation (HR: 1.49; 95%CI: 0.86-2.59). In stable outpatients with PAD, anemia was associated with increased mortality but not with an increased rate of subsequent ischemic events or major bleeding.

Glycosomal bromodomain factor 1 from Trypanosoma cruzi enhances trypomastigote cell infection and intracellular amastigote growth.

Acetylation is a ubiquitous protein modification present in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells that participates in the regulation of many cellular processes. The bromodomain is the only domain known to bind acetylated lysine residues. In the last few years, many bromodomain inhibitors have been developed in order to treat diseases caused by aberrant acetylation of lysine residues and have been tested as anti-parasitic drugs. In the present paper, we report the first characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi bromodomain factor 1 (TcBDF1). TcBDF1 is expressed in all life cycle stages, but it is developmentally regulated. It localizes in the glycosomes directed by a PTS2 (peroxisome-targeting signal 2) sequence. The overexpression of wild-type TcBDF1 is detrimental for epimastigotes, but it enhances the infectivity rate of trypomastigotes and the replication of amastigotes. On the other hand, the overexpression of a mutated version of TcBDF1 has no effect on epimastigotes, but it does negatively affect trypomastigotes' infection and amastigotes' replication.

Accuracy of GastroPanel for the diagnosis of atrophic gastritis.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that GastroPanel might be a useful tool for the diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) measuring four biomarkers in blood: basal gastrin-17 (G17), pepsinogen I and II (PGI and PGII), and Helicobacter pylori antibodies. AIM: To determine the accuracy of GastroPanel for the diagnosis of CAG. METHODS: This was a prospective, blinded, multicenter study that included dyspeptic patients. G17, PGI, and PGII were determined by enzyme immunoassays. Three antrum and two corpus biopsies were obtained for standard histological analysis and rapid urease test. Biopsies were analyzed by a single blinded expert pathologist. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients were included (77% women, mean age 44 years, 51% H. pylori positive, 17% with CAG). G17 was reduced in patients with antrum CAG (5.4 vs. 13.4 pmol/l; P<0.01) and increased in patients with corpus CAG (11 vs. 24 pmol/l; P<0.05), but its accuracy was only acceptable in the case of corpus localization [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), 74%]; PGII difference was almost statistically significant only when testing for corpus atrophy (33 vs. 21 µg/l; P=0.05; AUC=72%). The PGI and PGI/PGII ratio showed no significant differences (AUCs were all unacceptably low). Helicobacter pylori antibody levels were higher in H. pylori-infected patients (251 vs. 109 EIU, P=0.01; AUC=70). The accuracy of GastroPanel for the diagnosis of CAG was as follows: sensitivity 50%; specificity 80%; positive 25% and negative 92% predictive values; and positive 2.4 and negative 0.6 likelihood ratios. CONCLUSION: GastroPanel is not accurate enough for the diagnosis of CAG; thus, its systematic use in clinical practice cannot be recommended.

Cilostazol and outcome in outpatients with peripheral artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Cilostazol increases the walking distance in patients with intermittent claudication, but there is scarce evidence of any effect on the risk for subsequent ischemic events, bleeding or death. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used data from the FRENA Registry to compare the clinical outcome in stable outpatients with intermittent claudication, according to the use of cilostazol. RESULTS: As of January 2013, 1,317 patients with intermittent claudication were recruited in FRENA, of whom 191 (14.5%) received cilostazol. Over a mean follow-up of 18months, 39 patients developed myocardial infarction, 23 ischemic stroke, 20 underwent limb amputation, 15 had major bleeding and 70 died. There were no significant differences in the rate of subsequent ischemic events, major bleeding or death between patients receiving or not receiving cilostazol. On multivariate analysis, the use of cilostazol had no influence on the risk for subsequent myocardial infarction (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.33-20.8), ischemic stroke (HR: 1.46; 95% CI: 0.48-4.43), limb amputation (HR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.04-20.6), major bleeding (HR: 1.52; 95% CI: 0.33-7.09) or death (HR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.40-20.0). CONCLUSIONS: In stable outpatients with intermittent claudication, the use of cilostazol was not associated with increased rates of subsequent ischemic events, major bleeding or death.

Trypanosoma cruzi bromodomain factor 3 binds acetylated α-tubulin and concentrates in the flagellum during metacyclogenesis.

Bromodomains are highly conserved acetyl-lysine binding domains found mainly in proteins associated with chromatin and nuclear acetyltransferases. The Trypanosoma cruzi genome encodes at least four bromodomain factors (TcBDFs). We describe here bromodomain factor 3 (TcBDF3), a bromodomain-containing protein localized in the cytoplasm. TcBDF3 cytolocalization was determined, using purified antibodies, by Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses in all life cycle stages of T. cruzi. In epimastigotes and amastigotes, it was detected in the cytoplasm, the flagellum, and the flagellar pocket, and in trypomastigotes only in the flagellum. Subcellular localization of TcBDF3 was also determined by digitonin extraction, ultrastructural immunocytochemistry, and expression of TcBDF3 fused to cyan fluorescent protein (CFP). Tubulin can acquire different posttranslational modifications, which modulate microtubule functions. Acetylated α-tubulin has been found in the axonemes of flagella and cilia, as well as in the subpellicular microtubules of trypanosomatids. TcBDF3 and acetylated α-tubulin partially colocalized in isolated cytoskeletons and flagella from T. cruzi epimastigotes and trypomastigotes. Interaction between the two proteins was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation and far-Western blot assays with synthetic acetylated α-tubulin peptides and recombinant TcBDF3.

Treatment of a complicated penetrating ulcer of the descending thoracic aorta using a scalloped stent graft.

We show the use of a proximal scalloped stent graft for an pseudoaneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta to avoid occlusion of the left subclavian artery. A 63-year-old man with sudden onset dysphonia was diagnosed with left vocal fold paralysis and the presence of a lung mass. A computed tomography scan revealed saccular dilatation of the aortic arch (proximal neck: <10 mm) with suggestive images of a penetrating ulcer and degenerative pseudoaneurysm. A RELAY Plus thoracic stent graft (Bolton Medical, Sunrise, FL) with proximal scallop was implanted to preserve the left subclavian artery. A custom made prosthesis with proximal scallop provides a good alternative to a carotid-subclavian bypass because it is less aggressive and can be used in nonurgent cases.

Endovascular repair of traumatic thoracic aortic injury: final results from the relay endovascular registry for thoracic disease.

BACKGROUND: In blunt thoracic aortic injury, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) offers a less invasive alternative to open chest surgery. New reliable and accurate stent grafts have widened the endovascular treatment options. We report our experience with the Relay stent graft Bolton Medical, Sunrise, FL; Barcelona, Spain) for treatment of this injury. METHODS: Relay Endovascular Registry for Thoracic Disease (RESTORE) is a multicenter, prospective European registry, which enrolled patients treated with the Relay stent graft for thoracic aortic diseases from April 2005 to January 2009. Regular follow-up examinations were conducted for up to 24 months. This paper analyzes the cohort of patients treated for traumatic aortic injury. RESULTS: Forty adult trauma patients from 12 European centers underwent TEVAR. Mean age was 40 years and 34 patients were male. The proximal landing zone involved aortic arch zones 1 to 2 in 40% and zone 3 in 55% of procedures. Technical success was achieved in all cases. One (2.5%) patient suffered a rupture of the iliac artery. No patient developed procedure-related paraplegia or required conversion to open surgery. Follow-up imaging demonstrated complete exclusion of the traumatic tear and regression of the false aneurysms without endoleak or graft infolding. One late device-related complication was reported; penetration of the distal end of the stent graft treated by stent-graft extension. Thirty-day mortality was 2.5 % (n = 1), and late mortality 2.5% due to a secondary accident. Actuarial 2-year survival was 93.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair with the Relay stent graft is a safe and effective treatment for patients with traumatic aortic injury.

Usefulness of applying lidocaine in esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed under sedation with propofol.

AIM: To determine whether topical lidocaine benefits esophagogastroduoduenoscopy (EGD) by decreasing propofol dose necessary for sedation or procedure-related complications. METHODS: The study was designed as a prospective, single centre, double blind, randomised clinical trial and was conducted in 2012 between January and May (NCT01489891). Consecutive patients undergoing EGD were randomly assigned to receive supplemental topical lidocaine (L; 50 mg in an excipient solution which was applied as a spray to the oropharynx) or placebo (P; taste excipients solution without active substance, similarly delivered) prior to the standard propofol sedation procedure. The propofol was administered as a bolus intravenous (iv) dose, with patients in the L and P groups receiving initial doses based on the patient's American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) classification (ASA I-II: 0.50-0.60 mg/kg; ASA III-IV: 0.25-0.35 mg/kg), followed by 10-20 mg iv dose every 30-60 s at the anaesthetist's discretion. Vital signs, anthropometric measurements, amount of propofol administered, sedation level reached, examination time, and the subjective assessments of the endoscopist's and anaesthetist's satisfaction (based upon a four point Likert scale) were recorded. All statistical tests were performed by the Stata statistical software suite (Release 11, 2009; StataCorp, LP, College Station, TX, United States). RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the groups treated with lidocaine or placebo in terms of total propofol dose (310.7 ± 139.2 mg/kg per minute vs 280.1 ± 87.7 mg/kg per minute, P = 0.15) or intraprocedural propofol dose (135.3 ± 151.7 mg/kg per minute vs 122.7 ± 96.5 mg/kg per minute, P = 0.58). Only when the L and P groups were analysed with the particular subgroups of female, < 65-year-old, and lower anaesthetic risk level (ASA I-II) was a statistically significant difference found (L: 336.5 ± 141.2 mg/kg per minute vs P: 284.6 ± 91.2 mg/kg per minute, P = 0.03) for greater total propofol requirements). The total incidence of complications was also similar between the two groups, with the L group showing a complication rate of 32.2% (95%CI: 21.6-45.0) and the P group showing a complication rate of 26.7% (95%CI: 17.0-39.0). In addition, the use of lidocaine had no effect on the anaesthetist's or endoscopist's satisfaction with the procedure. Thus, the endoscopist's satisfaction Likert assessments were equally distributed among the L and P groups: unsatisfactory, [L: 6.8% (95%CI: 2.2-15.5) vs P: 0% (95%CI: 0-4.8); neutral, L: 10.1% (95%CI: 4.2-19.9) vs P: 15% (95%CI: 7.6-25.7)]; satisfactory, [L: 25.4% (95%CI: 10-29.6) vs P: 18.3% (95%CI: 15.5-37.6); and very satisfactory, L: 57.6% (95%CI: 54-77.7) vs P: 66.6% (95%CI: 44.8-69.7)]. Likewise, the anaesthetist's satisfaction Likert assessments regarding the ease of maintaining a patient at an optimum sedation level without agitation or modification of the projected sedation protocol were not affected by the application of lidocaine, as evidenced by the lack of significant differences between the scores for the placebo group: unsatisfactory, L: 5.8% (95%CI: 1.3-13.2) vs P: 0% (95%CI: 0-4.8); neutral, L: 16.9% (95%CI: 8.9-28.4) vs P: 16.7% (95%CI: 8.8-27.7); satisfactory, L: 15.2% (95%CI: 7.7-26.1) vs P: 20.3% (95%CI: 11.3-31.6); and very satisfactory, L: 62.7% (95%CI: 49.9-74.3) vs P: 63.3% (95%CI: 50.6-74.7). CONCLUSION: Topical pharyngeal anaesthesia is safe in EGD but does not reduce the necessary dose of propofol or improve the anaesthetist's or endoscopist's satisfaction with the procedure.

Impact of extended course duration and stricter study organization on attrition and academic performance of medical students.

AIM: To assess whether extended medical school duration, block/modular structure of subjects, not allowing students to transfer exams into the higher course year, and curriculum implementation in line with the Bologna Accord are associated with lower attrition and better academic outcomes of medical students. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated curricula at the University of Split School of Medicine and academic outcomes of 2301 medical students during a 33-year period (1979-2011). The following data were obtained: grade point average (GPA) at the end of the studies, duration of studies, graduation on time, and whether the student graduated or not. RESULTS: After extension of medical curriculum from 5 to 6 years, students had significantly better grades (3.35 vs 3.68; P<0.001), shorter study duration (7.0 vs 6.0 years; P<0.001), and more students graduated on time (6.5% vs 57%; P<0.001). Changes in the 6-year curriculum, such as stricter study regulations and adoption of Bologna Accord, were associated with better indicators of students' academic success. The lowest attrition and the highest grades during the studied period were observed after the implementation of the Bologna Accord in 2005. CONCLUSION: Introduction of a longer medical curriculum, block/modular subject structure, stricter regulations of exam transfer, and curriculum in line with the Bologna Accord may contribute to better academic outcomes and lower attrition of medical students.

Prevención de caídas mediante la práctica del Tai Chi en adultos mayores - Lima, Mayo 2010 - Febrero 2011 / Prevention of falls through the practice of Tai Chi in older adults - Lima, May 2010 - February 2011

Introducción: Las intervenciones para prevenir y reducir las caídas en adultos mayores se han desarrollado en forma constante y dentro de ellas la práctica del Tai chi tiene antecedentes favorables para dicha prevención. Objetivo: Determinar si la práctica del Tai Chi, previene y disminuye la incidencia de caídas en los pacientes adultos mayores que acuden al Hospital Arzobispo Loayza y centros del adulto mayor del Cercado de Lima. Material y métodos: un estudio experimental aleatorizado, prospectivo, longitudinal, en el que se formó dos grupos de pacientes adultos mayores que presentaron caídas o tuvieron riesgo de caídas determinado a través del Test de Tinetti, el SPPB y alcance funcional, el primero fue el grupo intervenido con la práctica de Tai Chi dos veces por semana durante seis meses; al segundo grupo, se les impartió un programa de educación para la prevención de caídas una vez por mes durante tres meses denominados controles, a todos los pacientes se les realizó seguimiento a través de evaluaciones con los test anteriormente citados a los seis meses de iniciado la intervención, se seleccionaron un total de 54 pacientes que cumplieron los siguientes criterios: que presentaron caídas en los últimos seis meses o que tuvieron riesgo de caídas, quienes fueron asignados aleatoriamente previa aceptación de participar en la investigación, en cualquiera de los dos grupos señalados anteriormente, en numero de 27 para cada uno de los grupos. Resultados: en el grupo experimental, como el valor p es de 0,00.1 se demostró que la práctica del Tai chi previene y disminuye la incidencia de las caídas de los adultos mayores, el valor p es de 0,5 para debilidad muscular por lo que no se encuentra beneficio para este ítem, el valor p es de 0,063 para trastornos de marcha y equilibrio por lo que no se encuentra efectos positivos. Conclusiones: La práctica del Tai Chi en forma continua durante seis meses, dos veces por semana, disminuye la incidencia de las caídas en...

Introduction: Interventions to prevent and reduce falls in older adults have developed steadily and within the practice of Tai chi has favorable background for such prevention. Objective: To determine whether the practice of Tai Chi, prevents and reduces the incidence of falls in elderly patients attending the Hospital Loayza and elderly centers of Cercado de Lima. Methods: An experimental study randomized, prospective, longitudinal, which was formed two groups of elderly patients who had falls or tall risk were determined through the Tinetti test, the SPPB and functional scope, the first being the group involved with the practice of Tai Chi twice a week for six months, the second group were given a program of education for the prevention of falls once a month for three months called controls, all patients were followed assessments through the aforementioned test at six months into the intervention, we selected a total of 54 patients who met the following criteria: they had fallen in the past six months or who had risk of falls, who were randomly assigned upon acceptance of participation in the research, either above groups, in number of 27 for each of the groups. Results: In the experimental group, and the p-value of 0.001 was demonstrated that the practice of Tai chi prevents and reduces the incidence of falls in the elderly, the p-value is 0.5 for muscle weakness so no benefit is for this item, the p value is 0.063 for gait and balance disorders therefore is not positive effects. Conclusions: The practice of Tai Chi continuously for six months, twice a week, decreases the incidence of falls in older adults, but it has positive effects on muscle weakness, and is not shown to improve motion disorders and balance.

Lysine acetylation: elucidating the components of an emerging global signaling pathway in trypanosomes.

In the past ten years the number of acetylated proteins reported in literature grew exponentially. Several authors have proposed that acetylation might be a key component in most eukaryotic signaling pathways, as important as phosphorylation. The enzymes involved in this process are starting to emerge; acetyltransferases and deacetylases are found inside and outside the nuclear compartment and have different regulatory functions. In trypanosomatids several of these enzymes have been described and are postulated to be novel antiparasitic targets for the rational design of drugs. In this paper we overview the most important known acetylated proteins and the advances made in the identification of new acetylated proteins using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Also, we summarize what is known so far about the acetyltransferases and deacetylases in eukaryotes, focusing on trypanosomes and their potential use as chemotherapeutic targets.

Rubeosis iridis as a sign of underlying carotid stenosis.

Severe carotid stenosis may be associated with uncommon clinical symptoms. We report a case of ocular ischemic syndrome and subsequent rubeosis iridis due to a high-grade carotid stenosis. The patient recovered visual acuity and his normal iris coloring after carotid endarterectomy. Rubeosis iridis may be the only clinical sign associated with severe carotid stenosis, making it mandatory to rule out the presence of carotid narrowing when it is detected. Establishing an early diagnosis is essential to improve quality of life, prognosis, and patients' outcome.