In vitro effect of fluoride gels supplemented with nano-sized sodium trimetaphosphate on enamel erosive wear.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the protective effect of fluoride (F) gels supplemented with micrometric or nano-sized sodium trimetaphosphate (TMPmicro and TMPnano, respectively) against enamel erosion in vitro. METHODS: Bovine enamel blocks (n=140) were selected according to their surface hardness, and randomly divided into seven groups (n=20/group), according to the gels tested: Placebo (without F/TMP), 4,500 µg F/g (4500F), 9,000 µg F/g (9000F), 4500F plus 2.5% TMPnano (2.5% Nano), 4500F plus 5% TMPnano (5% Nano), 4500F plus 5% TMPnano (Micro 5%) and 12,300 µg F/g (Acid gel). Blocks were treated once during one minute with the gels, and submitted to erosive (ERO, n=10/group) or erosive plus abrasive (ERO+ABR, n=10/group) challenges 4 times/day, for 90 seconds for each challenge (under reciprocating agitation), during consecutive 5 days. Blocks were analyzed by profilometry, and by surface (SH) and cross-sectional hardness (∆KHN). Data were submitted to two-way ANOVA, and Fisher's LSD test (p<0.05). RESULTS: For ERO, both TMPnano-containing gels promoted enamel wear significantly lower than Placebo and 4500F, reaching levels similar to both positive controls (9000F and acid gel); significantly lower softening was observed for enamel treated with 4500F+5% Micro and 4500F+2.5% Nano. Also, the lowest ∆KHN values were observed for 4500F+2.5% TMPnano among the TMP-containing gels. For ERO+ABR, the lowest enamel wear was achieved by the use of 4500F+5% Nano among all gels, including both positive controls; lower softening was observed for Placebo and 9000F groups. CONCLUSION: The addition of 5% nano-sized TMP to a low-fluoride gel produced superior protective effects for enamel under both challenges conditions, when compared with micrometric TMP, reaching values similar to or superior than both positive controls, respectively for ERO and ERO+ABR. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The supplementation of low-F gels with TMP was shown to significantly improve their effects on enamel erosive wear, and the use of nano-sized TMP further enhances this protective action.

Interevaluator reliability of a tool for measuring body height in adult intensive care patients.

BACKGROUND: The calculation of body height in the intensive care unit is essential for obtaining the ideal body weight, which is used to program the tidal volume and establish objective and effective pulmonary ventilation. The objective of the study was to determine the interrater reliability of a tool for measuring body height in adult patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) in southwestern Colombia. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted between January and May 2021, following the recommendations of the COSMIN protocol. Two physiotherapists in the roles of observer/evaluator measured the heights of 106 patients upon admission to the ICU with a previously designed. The sample size was calculated based on Pearson's correlation coefficient. For interrater reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used, and Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess concordance. The 95% confidence interval was established, and a P value <0.05 indicated statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 106 individuals with a mean age of 59.3 years were included; the mean body height was 158.5 cm for women. The interrater reliability of the measurement of height was excellent (global ICC of 0.99, P = 0.000), and an almost perfect positive correlation was obtained between the raters for both women and men (R = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Excellent interrater/interobserver reliability was obtained for the measurement of body height in the ICU. This research highlights the importance of protocolizing the measurement of height in critical patients with valid and reliable instruments.

Prognosis of patients with severe cerebral venous thrombosis treated with decompressive craniectomy / Pronóstico en pacientes con trombosis venosa cerebral severa tratada con craniectomía descompresiva

Introduction: Despite the highly favorable prognosis, mortality occurs in nearly 2% of patients with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), in which decompressive craniectomy (DC) may be the only way to save the patient's life. The aim of this report is to describe the risk factors, neuroimaging features, in-hospital complications and functional outcome of severe CVT in patients treated with DC. Materials and methods: Consecutive malignant CVT cases treated with DC from a retrospective third-level hospital database were analyzed. Demographic, clinical, and functional outcomes were analyzed. Results: Twenty-six patients were included (20 female, age 35.4 ± 12.1 years); 53.8% of the patients had acute CVT, with neurological focalization as the most common symptom in 92.3% of the patients. Superior sagittal sinus thromboses were found in 84.6% of cases. Bilateral lesions were present in 10 patients (38.5%). Imaging on admission showed a parenchymal lesion (venous infarction ± hemorrhagic lesion) > 6 cm measured along the longest diameter in 25 patients (96.2%). Mean duration of clinical neurological deterioration was 3.5 days; eleven patients (42.3%) died during hospitalization. Conclusion: In patients with severe forms of CVT, we found higher mortality than previously reported. DC is an effective life-saving treatment with acceptable functional prognosis for survivors.(AU)

Introducción: A pesar del pronóstico favorable en pacientes con trombosis venosa cerebral (TVC), cerca de un 2% de estos pacientes fallecen, para los cuales la craniectomía descompresiva (CD) puede ser una opción terapéutica. El objetivo de este artículo es describir los factores de riesgo, las características de las neuroimágenes, complicaciones hospitalarias y evolución funcional, de pacientes con TVC severa tratados con CD. Materiales y métodos: Se analizaron características demográficas, clínicas y funcionales de casos consecutivos de TVC severa tratados con CD, a partir de una base de datos retrospectiva de un hospital de tercer nivel. Resultados: Veintiséis pacientes fueron incluidos (20 mujeres, media de edad 35,4 ±12,1 años); un 53,8% de los pacientes presentaron una TVC aguda, con manifestaciones neurológicas focales como el síntoma más frecuente en el 92,3% de los casos. La trombosis del seno sagital superior estuvo presente en el 84,6% y se presentaron lesiones bilaterales parenquimatosas en 10 pacientes (38,5%). La imagen al ingreso demostró lesiones parenquimatosas (infarto venoso ± lesión hemorrágica) > 6 cm (medida en el mayor diámetro de la misma), en 25 pacientes (96,2%). La duración media del deterioro neurológico fue de 3,5 días; 11 pacientes (42,3%) murieron durante la hospitalización. Conclusión: En pacientes con formas severas de TVC encontramos una mayor mortalidad que la publicada previamente; la CD podría ser una opción terapéutica en ese grupo de pacientes.(AU)

Prognosis of patients with severe cerebral venous thrombosis treated with decompressive craniectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the highly favorable prognosis, mortality occurs in nearly 2% of patients with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), in which decompressive craniectomy (DC) may be the only way to save the patient's life. The aim of this report is to describe the risk factors, neuroimaging features, in-hospital complications and functional outcome of severe CVT in patients treated with DC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive malignant CVT cases treated with DC from a retrospective third-level hospital database were analyzed. Demographic, clinical, and functional outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were included (20 female, age 35.4±12.1 years); 53.8% of the patients had acute CVT, with neurological focalization as the most common symptom in 92.3% of the patients. Superior sagittal sinus thromboses were found in 84.6% of cases. Bilateral lesions were present in 10 patients (38.5%). Imaging on admission showed a parenchymal lesion (venous infarction±hemorrhagic lesion)>6cm measured along the longest diameter in 25 patients (96.2%). Mean duration of clinical neurological deterioration was 3.5 days; eleven patients (42.3%) died during hospitalization. CONCLUSION: In patients with severe forms of CVT, we found higher mortality than previously reported. DC is an effective life-saving treatment with acceptable functional prognosis for survivors.

Attitudes scale toward cancer-related cognitive changes - an initial Colombian validation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop an initial valid tool to measure attitudes toward cancer-related cognitive changes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: After revising the literature, three main dimensions were hypothesized. Eight judges were contacted to obtain content validity evidence. A robust Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was performed via a parallel analysis with an Unweighted Least Squares (ULS) estimator and polychoric correlations. The results were crossed with sociodemographic variables to find possible statistical differences and estimate the size effect. Analysis was performed in the software Factor and the statistical package R. RESULTS: A sample of 374 participants was obtained, involving oncology patients, their caregivers, and people from the general community. A statistical fit was found in two dimensions: Awareness and Judgments [root mean squared error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.042, standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.02, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.99, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.98] with a moderate correlation between them (r = 0.612). Optimal reliability indices were obtained for the total scale and its dimensions. No real statistical difference was found between sociodemographic variables; the interpretation norms were established via the quartiles. CONCLUSIONS: The first attempt to measure the construct of interest was developed with two primary validity evidence based on the content and its internal structure. This instrument could help strengthen the prevention of cancer-related cognitive changes. More research is needed to adhere more valid evidence to the scale.

Monitorización ambulatoria de la presión arterial en pacientes con enfermedades oncohematológicas / Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in patients with onco-hematological diseases

La hipertensión arterial (HTA) es una dolencia frecuente en los pacientes con neoplasias oncohematológicas activas o supervivientes a estas. Se estima que la prevalencia de HTA en esta población oscila entre el 30 y el 70%. La relación entre cáncer e HTA es multifactorial: factores de riesgo comunes, neoplasias que producen HTA a través de la secreción hormonal y, especialmente, fármacos quimioterápicos que producen HTA. La monitorización ambulatoria de presión arterial (MAPA) es una herramienta fundamental en el diagnóstico y adecuado control de la presión arterial, evitando tener que suspender o disminuir la dosis de tratamiento quimioterápico. Además, puede ayudar en el diagnóstico de la disfunción autonómica relacionada con ciertas enfermedades neoplásicas. (AU)

Hypertension (HT) is a frequent pathology in patients with active or surviving onco-haematological malignancies. It is estimated that the prevalence of HT in this population ranges between 30 and 70%. The relationship between cancer and HT is multifactorial: common risk factors, neoplasia that cause HT through hormonal secretion, and, especially, chemotherapy drugs that cause HT. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is a fundamental tool in the diagnosis and adequate control of blood pressure, avoiding having to suspend or reduce the dose of chemotherapy treatment. In addition, it can help in the diagnosis of autonomic dysfunction related to certain neoplastic pathologies. (AU)

Toxicidad cardiovascular y metabólica secundaria a sorafenib / Cardiovascular and metabolic toxicity secondary to sorafenib

Los inhibidores de la tirosinacinasa son una familia de fármacos quimioterápicos utilizados en primera y segunda línea de muchas neoplasias sólidas y hematológicas. Su toxicidad es relativamente baja, ya que el mecanismo de acción se fundamenta en la inhibición de algunas tirosinacinasas involucradas en la proliferación de las células neoplásicas. Sin embargo, este bloqueo no es selectivo, por lo que pueden producir efectos secundarios. Sorafenib se ha relacionado con la aparición de hipertensión arterial, alteraciones tiroideas, dolor abdominal o hiperamilasemia, entre otros. Deben conocerse los efectos secundarios de estos fármacos para una adecuada monitorización de los pacientes que evite la suspensión de estos agentes quimioterápicos. (AU)

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are a family of chemotherapy drugs used in first and second line for many solid and hematological neoplasms. Its toxicity is relatively low, since the mechanism of action is based on the inhibition of some tyrosine kinases involved in the explosion of neoplastic cells. However, this blockade is not selective, so it can produce secondary effects. Sorafenib can produce arterial hypertension, thyroid disorders, abdominal pain or hyperamylasemia, among others. We must monitor these patients during treatment to avoid side effects. (AU)

[Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in patients with onco-hematological diseases]. / Monitorización ambulatoria de la presión arterial en pacientes con enfermedades oncohematológicas.

Hypertension (HT) is a frequent pathology in patients with active or surviving onco-haematological malignancies. It is estimated that the prevalence of HT in this population ranges between 30 and 70%. The relationship between cancer and HT is multifactorial: common risk factors, neoplasia that cause HT through hormonal secretion, and, especially, chemotherapy drugs that cause HT. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is a fundamental tool in the diagnosis and adequate control of blood pressure, avoiding having to suspend or reduce the dose of chemotherapy treatment. In addition, it can help in the diagnosis of autonomic dysfunction related to certain neoplastic pathologies.

[Cardiovascular and metabolic toxicity secondary to sorafenib]. / Toxicidad cardiovascular y metabólica secundaria a sorafenib.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are a family of chemotherapy drugs used in first and second line for many solid and hematological neoplasms. Its toxicity is relatively low, since the mechanism of action is based on the inhibition of some tyrosine kinases involved in the explosion of neoplastic cells. However, this blockade is not selective, so it can produce secondary effects. Sorafenib can produce arterial hypertension, thyroid disorders, abdominal pain or hyperamylasemia, among others. We must monitor these patients during treatment to avoid side effects.

Hypertension secondary to abdominal mass

Secondary arterial hypertension (HTN) can be caused by primary hyperaldosteronism, renovascular disease, sleep apnea syndrome, chronic kidney disease, drug use, etc. In addition, some urological disorders such as hydronephrosis can cause hypertension due to an increase in intraglomerular pressure that activates the renin angiotensin system.(AU)

La hipertensión arterial (HTA) secundaria engloba un amplio diagnóstico diferencial que incluye causas tan distintas como el hiperaldosteronismo primario, la enfermedad renovascular, el síndrome de apnea del sueño, la enfermedad renal crónica, el consumo de fármacos, etc. Existen, además, ciertos trastornos urológicos como la hidronefrosis que pueden producir HTA debido a un aumento de presión intraglomerular que active el sistema renina-angiotensina.(AU)

Hypertension secondary to abdominal mass.

Secondary arterial hypertension (HTN) can be caused by primary hyperaldosteronism, renovascular disease, sleep apnea syndrome, chronic kidney disease, drug use, etc. In addition, some urological disorders such as hydronephrosis can cause hypertension due to an increase in intraglomerular pressure that activates the renin angiotensin system.

Hipertensión arterial en el paciente oncológico con tratamiento con anti-angiogénicos / Arterial hypertension in cancer patients treated with antiangiogenic agents

La mejora de la supervivencia de los pacientes con cáncer ha llevado consigo un incremento en la aparición de enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV). Esto es debido al aumento de la edad de los sujetos y a los efectos secundarios de los agentes antineoplásicos. La aparición de hipertensión arterial (HTA) en los pacientes tratados con fármacos anti-angiogénicos es un efecto adverso común, que puede obligar a reducir la dosis de quimioterapia o incluso a suspenderla. Presentamos los casos de tres personas tratadas con distintos anti-angiogénicos, y que desarrollaron HTA secundaria. (AU)

Survival of neoplasms has improved significantly in recent years. An increase in the incidence of cardiovascular disease has been observed. This is due to increasing age of patients and the side effects of chemotherapy. Anti-angiogenic drugs frequently cause hypertension. This may force the reduction or suspension of chemotherapy treatment. We present the cases of three patients treated with different anti-angiogenic drugs. All three developed secondary arterial hypertension. (AU)

Prognosis of patients with severe cerebral venous thrombosis treated with decompressive craniectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the highly favorable prognosis, mortality occurs in nearly 2% of patients with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), in which decompressive craniectomy (DC) may be the only way to save the patient's life. The aim of this report is to describe the risk factors, neuroimaging features, in-hospital complications and functional outcome of severe CVT in patients treated with DC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive malignant CVT cases treated with DC from a retrospective third-level hospital database were analyzed. Demographic, clinical, and functional outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were included (20 female, age 35.4±12.1 years); 53.8% of the patients had acute CVT, with neurological focalization as the most common symptom in 92.3% of the patients. Superior sagittal sinus thromboses were found in 84.6% of cases. Bilateral lesions were present in 10 patients (38.5%). Imaging on admission showed a parenchymal lesion (venous infarction±hemorrhagic lesion)>6cm measured along the longest diameter in 25 patients (96.2%). Mean duration of clinical neurological deterioration was 3.5 days; eleven patients (42.3%) died during hospitalization. CONCLUSION: In patients with severe forms of CVT, we found higher mortality than previously reported. DC is an effective life-saving treatment with acceptable functional prognosis for survivors.

[Arterial hypertension in cancer patients treated with antiangiogenic agents]. / Hipertensión arterial en el paciente oncológico con tratamiento con anti-angiogénicos.

Survival of neoplasms has improved significantly in recent years. An increase in the incidence of cardiovascular disease has been observed. This is due to increasing age of patients and the side effects of chemotherapy. Anti-angiogenic drugs frequently cause hypertension. This may force the reduction or suspension of chemotherapy treatment. We present the cases of three patients treated with different anti-angiogenic drugs. All three developed secondary arterial hypertension.

El cuidado de enfermería generador de confianza de la mujer durante el trabajo de parto / Nursing care: women's confidence-building during labor and delivery / Gerador de cuidados de enfermagem de confiança das mulheres durante o trabalho de parto

Introducción: el proceso de parto representa una de las experiencias más importantes para la mujer, puede ser una de las mejores vivencias o el evento más traumático y doloroso que podría tener durante la vida; implica una experiencia psicosocial profunda que pone a prueba su feminidad y competencias personales. Objetivo: describir la percepción de la gestante acerca del cuidado brindado por el profesional en enfermería durante el trabajo de parto en un hospital de nivel III-IV de la ciudad de Neiva, Colombia desde las cinco dimensiones propuestas en la teoría de los cuidados de Kristen Swanson. Métodos: se utilizó la fenomenología interpretativa, y como técnica de recolección de datos la entrevista en profundidad. La muestra se determinó por saturación de la información. Se entrevistaron seis mujeres que tuvieron trabajo de parto, a cada una se le realizaron tres entrevistas, transcritas por las investigadoras. Resultados: se identificaron cinco categorías: 1) El acompañamiento marca la diferencia en el cuidado de enfermería; 2) Lo que necesita la parturienta: confianza, seguridad y tranquilidad; 3) Encontrar un ángel; 4) La enfermera me animaba para seguir adelante; 5) El conocimiento de la enfermera produce seguridad en la gestante. Fue posible determinar que cuando la gestante se sintió acompañada, estableció empatía con la enfermera y, logró sentir confianza, tranquilidad y seguridad. Esto permitió tener una relación de reciprocidad. Además las participantes destacaron que la enfermera se esforzó para otorgar un cuidado más cercano y centrado en la persona. Conclusiones: el cuidado que brinda la enfermera significa algo más que intervenciones asistenciales competentes; implica crear empatía, generar confianza, tranquilidad, seguridad, todo lo cual es propiciado por el acompañamiento que se da a la gestante. (AU)

Introduction: The childbirth process represents one of the most important experiences for a woman. It can be one of the best experiences or the most traumatic and painful event a woman could undergo during her life; it is a deep psychosocial experience that tests her femininity and personal competencies. Objective: To describe pregnant women's perception of the care provided during labor by professional nurses in a Level III-IV hospital in the city of Neiva, Colombia, based on the five processes proposed in Kristen Swanson's theory of caring. Methods: An interpretative phenomenological analysis was used. In-depth interviews were employed as the method of data collection. The sample was determined by data saturation. Six women who were in labor were interviewed; three interviews were conducted with each woman and transcribed by the researchers. Results: Five categories were identified: 1) assistance makes the difference in nursing care, 2) what a woman in labor needs: confidence, security, and peace of mind, 3) finding an angel, 4) the nurse encouraged me to keep going, and 5) nurse's knowledge provides pregnant women with security. It was possible to determine that when the pregnant woman felt assisted, she empathized with the nurse and was able to feel confidence, peace of mind, and security; this allowed for a reciprocal relationship. In addition, the participants highlighted that the nurse made an effort to provide closer and more person-centered care. Conclusions: Nurse-delivered care means something more than competent assistance interventions; it implies developing empathy and building confidence, peace of mind, security, all of which are propitiated by the assistance given to pregnant women. (AU)

Introdução: O processo de parto representa uma das experiências mais importantes nas mulheres e pode ser uma das melhores experiências ou o evento mais traumático e doloroso que poderia ter durante a vida; implicando uma profunda experiência psicossocial que testa sua feminilidade e habilidades pessoais. Esta pesquisa é guiada pela teoria de médio alcance proposta por Kristen Swanson, com seus cinco processos que se sobrepõem e são melhor compreendidos como dimensões de um fenômeno que não são excluídos um do outro, mas podem ser organizados hierarquicamente, conservando a Ideia de uma totalidade. Objetivo: Descrever a percepção da gestante sobre os cuidados prestados pelo profissional de enfermagem durante o trabalho de parto em um hospital do nível III-IV da cidade de Neiva, a partir das cinco dimensões propostas na Teoria do Cuidado de Kristen Swanson. Métodos: Fo i utilizada a fenomenologia interpretativa e, como técnica de coleta de dados em profundidade, a amostra foi determinada pela saturação das informações, foram entrevistadas 6 mulheres que tiveram trabalho de parto, cada uma com três entrevistas, que foram transcritas pela pesquisadora. Resultados: fo r a m identificadas cinco categorias: 1. O acompanhamento faz a diferença na assistência de enfermagem, 2. O que a parturiente precisa: confiança, segurança e tranquilidade, 3. Encontrar um anjo, 4. A enfermeira me incentivou a seguir em frente, 5. O conhecimento do enfermeiro produz segurança na gestante. Foi possível determinar que, quando a gestante se sentia acompanhada, estabeleceu empatia com a enfermeira, conseguindo sentir confiança, tranquilidade e segurança, isso permitiu ter um relacionamento recíproco; Eles também enfatizam que a enfermeira fez um esforço para oferecer um cuidado mais próximo e centrado na pessoa. Conclusões: O cuidado prestado pelo enfermeiro significa mais do que intervenções assistenciais competentes, implica criar empatia, criar confiança, tranquilidade, segurança, fomentada pelo apoio prestado à gestante. (AU)

La disfunción autonómica en el paciente con enfermedad neurodegenerativa / Autonomic dysfunction in the patient with neurodegenerative disease

La disfunción autonómica es una enfermedad muy frecuente en las alfa-sinucleoinopatías (enfermedad de Parkinson, demencia por cuerpos de Lewy, atrofia multisistémica). A nivel cardiovascular puede producir síntomas como hipotensión ortostática, hipertensión supina o disminución de la respuesta de la frecuencia cardiaca a estímulos. Para el diagnóstico es fundamental una sospecha clínica y una exploración física minuciosa, tomando la presión arterial tanto en posición de decúbito supino como en bipedestación. El electrocardiograma puede mostrar un alargamiento de los intervalos PR y QT, mientras que la monitorización ambulatoria de presión arterial de 24 h aporta información sobre los patrones de presión arterial. La confirmación de la disfunción simpática cardiaca puede realizarse con una gammagrafía miocárdica de inervación con 123-I-metilbencilguanidina (123-I-MIBG), ya que refleja la captación noradrenérgica neuronal específica. A continuación presentamos el caso de un varón con enfermedad de Parkinson que tras un completo estudio fue diagnosticado de disfunción autonómica cardiovascular

Autonomic dysfunction is a common condition in the alpha-synucleinopathies (Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy). Cardiovascular symptoms may include orthostatic hypotension, supine hypertension or decreased heart rate response. A clinical suspicion and physical examination are essential for diagnosis, taking blood pressure in supine and standing positions. The electrocardiogram may show a prolongation of the PR and QT intervals, while 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring provides information on blood pressure patterns. Cardiac sympathetic dysfunction can be confirmed by an innervation myocardial scintigraphy with 123-I-methylbenzylguanidine (123-I-MIBG). This can reflect specific neuronal noradrenergic uptake.We present the case of a man with Parkinson's disease who was diagnosed with cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction after a complete study

"Universal Warming" protocol for vitrified oocytes to streamline cell exchange for transnational donation programs: a multi-center study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of a "Universal Warming" protocol, based on subsequent steps with 1 M and 0.5 M concentration of extracellular cryoprotectant (ECCP), on shipped oocytes. Oocytes are vitrified using different brands of ready-to-use kits which recommend that the use of their own warming kit and combining different vitrification/warming kits may have legal consequences for assisted reproductive (AR) centers, until this practice has been validated with clinical studies. METHODS: Retrospective multi-center transnational observational study. Number of oocytes warmed 1.898. Vitrification performed with vitrification kit (Kitazato, Japan); warming carried out randomly with two different kits: Kitazato warming kit and Vit Kit®-Thaw (FujiFilm Irvine, USA). Warmed oocytes were assigned to 2 groups: KK (Kitazato/Kitazato) 939, and KI (Kitazato/Irvine) 959. Primary endpoint: survival rate. Secondary endpoints: fertilization rate; blastulation rate; implantation rate; live birth rate. RESULTS: Survival was comparable between the groups: 84.6% (795/939) in group KK vs 82.1% (787/959) in group KI. Fertilization rate was lower (P = 0.027) in group KK (75.7%-602/795) than in group KI (80.4%-633/787). Blastulation and implantation and live birth rates were all statistically comparable between the study groups: blastulation rate was 58.5% (352/602) vs 57.8% (366/633); implantation rate was 41.5% (80/193) vs 45.9% (84/183); live birth rate was 52.5% (62/118) in KK and 45.0% (54/120) in KI. CONCLUSION: The use of this "Universal Warming" protocol simplifies vitrified oocyte exchange between AR centers in different countries, and overcomes potential regulatory/commercial/availability differences affecting clinical practice.

[Autonomic dysfunction in the patient with neurodegenerative disease]. / La disfunción autonómica en el paciente con enfermedad neurodegenerativa.

Autonomic dysfunction is a common condition in the alpha-synucleinopathies (Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy). Cardiovascular symptoms may include orthostatic hypotension, supine hypertension or decreased heart rate response. A clinical suspicion and physical examination are essential for diagnosis, taking blood pressure in supine and standing positions. The electrocardiogram may show a prolongation of the PR and QT intervals, while 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring provides information on blood pressure patterns. Cardiac sympathetic dysfunction can be confirmed by an innervation myocardial scintigraphy with 123-I-methylbenzylguanidine (123-I-MIBG). This can reflect specific neuronal noradrenergic uptake. We present the case of a man with Parkinson's disease who was diagnosed with cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction after a complete study.