Relationship between body weight and hip width in dairy buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between body weight (BW) and hip width (HW) in dairy buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). HW was measured in 215 Murrah buffaloes with a BW of 341 ± 161.6 kg, aged between three months and five years, and raised in southeastern Mexico. Linear and non-linear regressions were used to construct the prediction models. The goodness of fit of the models was evaluated using the Akaike information criterion (AIC), Bayesian information criterion (BIC), coefficient of determination (R2), mean squared error (MSE), and root MSE (RMSE). Additionally, the developed models were evaluated through internal and external cross-validation (k-folds) using independent data. The ability of the fitted models to predict the observed values was assessed based on the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP), R2, and mean absolute error (MAE). The relationship between BW and HW showed a high correlation coefficient (r = 0.96, P < 0.001). The chosen fitted model to predict BW was: -176.33 (± 40.83***) + 8.74 (± 1.79***) × HW + 0.04 (± 0.01*) × HW2, because it presented the lowest MSE, RMSE, and AIC values, which were 1228.64, 35.05 and 1532.41, respectively. Therefore, with reasonable accuracy, the quadratic model using hip width may be suitable for predicting body weight in buffaloes.

Remediation therapy in patients with alcohol use disorders and neurocognitive disorders: A Pilot Study. / Terapia de rehabilitación cognitiva en pacientes con trastorno por consumo de alcohol y trastorno neurocognitivo. Estudio piloto.

Many alcohol-dependent patients suffer from cognitive impairment of variable severity, manifested by alterations in retrograde and anterograde memory, visuospatial processing, cognitive abilities and attention, some of which are reversible. In this context, cognitive remediation therapies could significantly improve patients' performance; therefore, these are considered a valuable alternative. The aim of this study was to implement cognitive remediation therapy in patients with alcohol dependence and cognitive impairment and evaluate its viability and effectiveness. The participants were sixteen abstinent, alcohol-dependent patients (mean age of 59 years, 63% males) from the Addictive Behaviours Unit of a tertiary hospital. Over 6 months, a nurse led 1-hour weekly sessions (24 sessions in total) during which exercises for improving functional, social and cognitive performance were completed. Patients were assessed at baseline, at the end of the study and 6 months later, using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Memory Alteration Test (M@T). Their respective scores were 26.4 (SD 3.16), 29 (SD 1.67) and 27 (SD 3.1) for the MMSE and 38.7 (SD 6.81), 45.7 (SD 5.6) and 41.1 (SD 7.86) for the M@T. Changes were assessed with both Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, with mostly statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Assistance and satisfaction were high. Therefore, the therapy was viable, widely accepted and effective.

El deterioro cognitivo es común en los pacientes alcohólicos. Éste se manifiesta por alteraciones en la memoria anterógrada y retrógrada, el procesamiento visual-espacial, y en las habilidades cognitivas y la atención, siendo algunas reversibles. Las terapias de rehabilitación cognitiva podrían mejorar el rendimiento de los pacientes, siendo una alternativa terapéutica de interés. El objetivo de este estudio piloto fue evaluar la implementación, viabilidad y efectividad de la terapia de rehabilitación cognitiva en pacientes con dependencia al alcohol y deterioro cognitivo asociado. Se trata de un estudio piloto con 16 pacientes (63% hombres, edad media de 59 años) seguidos en la Unidad de Conductas Adictivas de un hospital de tercer nivel. Siendo la abstinencia un requisito para la inclusión, durante 6 meses una enfermera realizó sesiones semanales de una hora (24 sesiones), realizándose ejercicios de psico-estimulación para la mejora del rendimiento cognitivo, funcional y social. Se evaluó a los pacientes al inicio, al final y pasados 6 meses, mediante las escalas MMSE (test Mini-mental de Lobo) y T@M (test de Alteración de Memoria). Sus puntuaciones medias respectivas fueron 26.4 (DE 3,16), 29 (DE 1,67) y 27 (DE 3,1) para MMSE y 38,7 (DE 6,81), 45,7 (DE 5,6) y 41,1 (DE 7,86) para T@M. Los datos se analizaron mediante la prueba de Friedman y se comparon los distintos periodos temporales mediante la prueba de rangos con signo de Wilcoxon, siendo la mayoría de comparaciones significativas (p < 0,05). La asistencia y la satisfacción fueron elevadas. Así pues, la terapia fue viable, ampliamente aceptada y mostró ser efectiva.

[Detection and prevalence of alcohol use disorders in primary health care in Catalonia]. / Detección y prevalencia del trastorno por uso de alcohol en los centros de atención primaria de Cataluña.

AIM: To describe the detection by general practitioners (GP) of alcohol use disorders (AUD) and alcohol dependence, and their prevalence in primary health settings. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: Twenty Catalan primary health care centres (Spain). PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS: Twenty three randomly selected GP were surveyed about alcohol and other diseases of their patients. A total of 1,372 patient interviews were collected. Patients and GPs were asked about AUD and other mental and health conditions. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) as the gold standard was used, as well as other structured interviews (K10 screening and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0). RESULTS: The CIDI diagnosed 9.6% of the total sample with an AUD, and 4.8% diagnosed by GPs. CIDI could detect more AUD in young adults, while GPs diagnosed more AUD and alcohol dependence in elderly people, who also had more health conditions. GPs recognised AUD in 28.8% of patients diagnosed with CIDI, but 42.4% of patients diagnosed by GPs were not detected with CIDI. Taking both into consideration, the gold standard and the GP clinical impression, 11.7% of patients had an AUD and 8.6% an AD. CONCLUSIONS: GP recognise AUD better in the elderly with worst health conditions than CIDI. AUD and alcohol dependence prevalence is high in primary health care centres.

Alcohol in Primary Care. Differential characteristics between alcohol-dependent patients who are receiving or not receiving treatment. / El Alcohol en Atención Primaria. Características diferenciales entre los pacientes dependientes del alcohol que han solicitado o no tratamiento.

primary health care services for other reasons. The aim of the present study is to describe the differential characteristics of AD patients in primary care, distinguishing between those who receive treatment and those who do not, and their reasons for not seeking it. In a cross-sectional study patients were evaluated by their general practitioner (GP) and interviewed by a member of the research team. Sociodemographic, diagnostic and clinical data were collected. From 1,372 patients interviewed in Catalonia, 118 (8.6%) were diagnosed as AD. These patients showed a lower socioeconomic status (48.3% vs 33.3%, odds ratio 2.02), higher unemployment rates (32.2% vs 19.2 %, odds ratio 2.11), and greater psychological distress and disability. Patients with AD receiving treatment (16.9%), were older (44 vs 36 years of age), reported higher unemployment rates (66% vs 25.5%, odds ratio 6.32) and higher daily alcohol consumption (61.5 vs 23.7 grams), suggesting a more advanced disease. Patients with AD in general showed a higher degree of comorbidity compared to other patients, with patients in treatment showing the most elevated level. The main reasons given for not seeking treatment were shame, fear of giving up drinking and barriers to treatment. Taken together, the data suggest the need to implement earlier strategies for the detection and treatment of AD.

A pesar de la elevada morbi-mortalidad de la dependencia del alcohol (DA), pocos pacientes afectos reciben tratamiento. Sin embargo, muchos de ellos son visitados en atención primaria por otras razones. El objetivo del presente estudio es describir las características diferenciales de los pacientes dependientes del alcohol atendidos en Atención Primaria, distinguiendo también entre aquellos que realizan tratamiento o no, y los motivos por los que no lo solicitan.Se trata de un estudio transversal en el que los pacientes fueron entrevistados tanto por sus médicos de atención primaria (MAP) como por un investigador del estudio. Se recabaron datos sociodemográficos, diagnósticos y clínicos.De 1372 entrevistados, 118 (8,6%) fueron diagnosticados de DA. Éstos presentaron un nivel socioeconómico más bajo (48.3% vs 33.3%, odds ratio 2.02), más desempleo (32.2% vs 19.2 %, odds ratio 2.11), y mayores niveles de malestar psicológico y de incapacidad. Los que recibían tratamiento (16,9%), tenían más edad (44 vs 36 años), mayores tasas de desempleo (66% vs 25.5%, odds ratio 6.18) y mayor consumo diario de alcohol (61.5 vs 23.7 gramos), sugiriendo una mayor evolución de la enfermedad. La mayoría de variables clínicas analizadas mostraron una mayor comorbilidad en los pacientes afectos de dependencia del alcohol, y dentro de éstos, una mayor gravedad en los que recibían tratamiento respecto a los que no lo hacían. Las principales razones esgrimidas para no acudir a tratamiento fueron la vergüenza, el miedo a dejar de beber y las barreras para acceder al tratamiento. Estos datos sugieren pues la necesidad de implementar estrategias de detección y tratamiento precoces de la DA.

General practitioners recognizing alcohol dependence: a large cross-sectional study in 6 European countries.

PURPOSE: Although alcohol dependence causes marked mortality and disease burden in Europe, the treatment rate is low. Primary care could play a key role in reducing alcohol-attributable harm by screening, brief interventions, and initiating or referral to treatment. This study investigates identification of alcohol dependence in European primary care settings. METHODS: Assessments from 13,003 general practitioners, and 9,098 interviews (8,476 joint number of interviewed patients with a physician's assessment) were collected in 6 European countries. Alcohol dependence, comorbidities, and health service utilization were assessed by the general practitioner and independently using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) and other structured interviews. Weighted regression analyses were used to compare the impact of influencing variables on both types of diagnoses. RESULTS: The rate of patients being identified as alcohol dependent by the CIDI or a general practitioner was about equally high, but there was not a lot of overlap between cases identified. Alcohol-dependent patients identified by a physician were older, had higher rates of physicial comorbidity (liver disease, hypertension), and were socially more marginalized, whereas average consumption of alcohol and mental comorbidity were equally high in both groups. CONCLUSION: General practitioners were able to identify alcohol dependence, but the cases they identified differed from cases identified using the CIDI. The role of the CIDI as the reference standard should be reexamined, as older alcohol-dependent patients with severe comorbidities seemed to be missed in this assessment.

Bioaccessibility of condensed tannins and their effect on the physico-chemical characteristics of lamb meat.

The bioaccessibility of tannins as antioxidants in meat is essential to maximise their effectiveness in protecting the product. This property determines the amount of tannins available to interact with meat components, inhibiting lipid and protein oxidation and, consequently, prolonging shelf life and preserving the sensory quality of the product. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioaccessibility of condensed tannins (CT) from Acacia mearnsii extract (AME) and their effect on the physico-chemical characteristics of fattened lamb meat. Thirty-six Dorset × Hampshire lambs (3 months old and 20.8 ± 3.3 kg live weight) were used. The lambs were distributed equally (n = 9) into four treatments: T1, T2, T3 and T4, which included a basal diet plus 0%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75% of CT from AME, respectively. At the end of the fattening period, bioaccessibility was evaluated, the animals were slaughtered and a sample of the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle was collected to assess colour, lipid oxidation, cooking weight loss and shear force on days 1, 4, 7 and 14 of shelf-life, in samples preserved at -20 °C. In addition, the long chain fatty acid profile was analysed. A completely randomised design was used, and the means were compared with Tukey's test (P < 0.05). The mean lightness (L*), yellowness (b*) and hue (H*) values were higher for T3 and T4. The addition of CT did not affect (P > 0.05) redness (a*), cooking weight loss (CWL) or shear force (SF). T4 decreased (P < 0.05) stearic acid and increased cis-9 trans-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Bioaccessibility was higher in the supplemented groups (T1 < T2, T3 and T4). In conclusion, supplementing CT from AME in the diet of lambs did not reduce lipid oxidation, but T3 or T4 improved some aspects of meat colour and CLA deposition.

Wild Ungulates Constitute the Basis of the Diet of the Iberian Wolf in a Recently Recolonized Area: Wild Boar and Roe Deer as Key Species for Its Conservation.

The Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) is recolonizing historical distribution areas after decades of absence. As in other human-dominated landscapes, finding a balance to protect this species by favoring recolonization and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts is a challenge. Since wolves are often generalist opportunistic predators, we studied their diet composition in central Spain to evaluate the consumption of domestic ungulates and provide reliable data that could help local authorities to deal with the current wolf-cattle ranchers conflict and coexistence. Diet composition (% prey occurrence, % prey ingested biomass) was analyzed through the identification of prey hairs present in 671 scats collected between 2017 and 2021. The wolves fed more on wild ungulates (82% occurrence) than domestic ones (18%). Wild boar (Sus scrofa, 44% occurrence) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus, 35%) were the most consumed prey. The wolves positively selected these two species. The wolves' diets varied between seasons, years, and forest regions, but a diet based on wild ungulates predominated over domestic ones. Food niche breadth showed variations depending on seasons and years. Preserving the availability and diversity of wild ungulates may favor reducing livestock attacks and would be an achievable goal that would help to conserve this species and reduce conservation conflicts.

Role of Connexins 30, 36, and 43 in Brain Tumors, Neurodegenerative Diseases, and Neuroprotection.

Gap junction (GJ) channels and their connexins (Cxs) are complex proteins that have essential functions in cell communication processes in the central nervous system (CNS). Neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglial cells express an extraordinary repertory of Cxs that are important for cell to cell communication and diffusion of metabolites, ions, neurotransmitters, and gliotransmitters. GJs and Cxs not only contribute to the normal function of the CNS but also the pathological progress of several diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Besides, they have important roles in mediating neuroprotection by internal or external molecules. However, regulation of Cx expression by epigenetic mechanisms has not been fully elucidated. In this review, we provide an overview of the known mechanisms that regulate the expression of the most abundant Cxs in the central nervous system, Cx30, Cx36, and Cx43, and their role in brain cancer, CNS disorders, and neuroprotection. Initially, we focus on describing the Cx gene structure and how this is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. Then, the posttranslational modifications that mediate the activity and stability of Cxs are reviewed. Finally, the role of GJs and Cxs in glioblastoma, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, and neuroprotection are analyzed with the aim of shedding light in the possibility of using Cx regulators as potential therapeutic molecules.

[Caregivers and health workers' perceptions of neonatal disease alarm signals in Guapi, Colombia]. / Percepciones de Signos de Alarma en Enfermedad Neonatal de los Cuidadores y Trabajadores de la Salud en Guapi, Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: Exploring caregivers (CG) and health workers' (HW) perceptions of danger signals in the newborn and establishing the type of medical attention they require in rural and urban areas of Guapi on Colombia's Pacific coast. METHODS: A descriptive design was used combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Three focus groups, three semi-structured interviews and two case-studies were employed. Some signals obtained from these data were used for constructing a structured interview. A survey was carried out with 200 CGs (mothers with newborn, grandmothers, community mothers, housewives) and 40 HWs (general practitioners, health promoters, nursing auxiliaries, traditional medicine healers, midwifes and FAMI-mothers). The data was analysed using MaxQDA 2.0 qualitative data software and ethnographic analysis. RESULTS: The first 5 signs of illness (in order of importance) perceived by CGs and HWs were: diarrhoea, dehydration, fever, vomiting and breathing problems. They coincided in their perceptions of the need for emergency consultation for convulsions, tetanus and dehydration. Significant differences were found between HW and CG perceptions regarding "type of consultation" for dehydration, fever, convulsions, breathing problems and tetanus (p<0.05). Cultural illnesses (i.e. the evil eye and ghosts) also emerged. CONCLUSIONS: CGs and HWs in Guapi were good at recognising danger signals for neonatal illness; however, there were differences regarding the search for attention. The finding of cultural illnesses must be taken into account in newborn attention strategies. This acceptable level of recognition was hindered by the lack of quality medical care services for the newborn encountering health problems.

Cytokine-induced depression: current status and novel targets for depression therapy.

Current treatments of depression include psychological, pharmacological and physical approaches. Pharmacological interventions to treat depression have previously focused on modifying dysfunctional neurotransmitter systems. Overall, these treatments have demonstrated an ability to manage major depression but otucomes continue to be poor in many patients, especially those with long term illness or with previous multiple relapses. This may be due to the fact that depression is a systemic and neuroprogressive illness involving multiple biological pathways such as immunological factors. There is substantial evidence that cytokine therapies induce depressive symptoms in clinical populations. The model of cytokine-induced depression has provided important information relative to the risk factors and biological pathways involved in the etiology of depressive symptoms and, most importantly, the identification and knowledge of these factors has allowed new treatment targets to be explored. When an exogenous cytokine such as interferon-alpha is administered, proinflammatory cytokines are activated, leading to alterations in neurotransmission and endocrine pathways and producing neurotoxicity. Several new treatments for depression acting through pathways other than amine neurotransmission have emerged in recent years. The regulation of the inflammatory response, the decrease in the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the prevention of neurotoxicity are potential targets for new drugs. Though these drugs are mostly at the proof-of-concept stage, some of them have already shown promising results for the treatment of depression.

Serotonin and interleukin-6: the role of genetic polymorphisms in IFN-induced neuropsychiatric symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Cytokines and serotonin neurotransmission may play an important role on the development of psychopathological symptoms during interferon (IFN) treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between IFN-induced depression, anxiety and fatigue and functional genetic variants at the interleukin-6 gene (IL-6) and serotonin transporter gene (SERT). METHODS: 385 consecutive Caucasian outpatients with chronic hepatitis C initiating treatment with IFN-alpha and ribavirin were included. All patients were interviewed at baseline using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I) and those with a current major depressive disorder or anxiety disorder before starting treatment were excluded. Depression and anxiety were assessed at baseline during the treatment (at 4, 12, 24 and 48 weeks) using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and fatigue was evaluated using a visual analogue scale. The 5-HTTLPR region of SERT gene and the functional polymorphism located at the promoter region of IL-6 gene (rs1800795) were genotyped. RESULTS: Genotypic distribution was in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for SERT (p=0.41) and for IL-6 (p=0.72) polymorphisms. At baseline we found only a significant effect of IL-6 polymorphism on fatigue symptoms. During antiviral treatment we reported that subjects with CC genotype (IL-6) presented significantly lower changes from baseline in IFN-induced depression (p=0.005) and IFN-induced anxiety (p=0.004). We did not find statistically significant differences on depression (p=0.21) or anxiety (p=0.15) between SS/SL and LL genotypes of SERT. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic variations in the IL-6 gene increase the risk of IFN-induced depression and anxiety. The IL-6 polymorphism was associated with fatigue rates in patients with chronic hepatitis C before treatment. Our study confirms the role of inflammatory mechanisms in IFN-induced psychopathological symptoms.

Long-term and bizarre self-injurious behavior: an approach to underlying psychological mechanisms and management.

Repeated self-harm usually presents with associated psychopathology, mostly in the form of obsessive-compulsive disorder, malingering, or personality disorders, and may persist for many years. This case presentation focuses on self-harm involving the deliberate ingestion of foreign bodies. This behavior remains poorly understood, and the relevant literature focuses almost entirely on gastroenterological and surgical management, with little or no discussion of underlying psychological mechanisms, psychopathology, or psychotherapeutic intervention. The goal of this article is to begin to fill that gap by presenting the case of a young woman who was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and followed for 20 years, who repeatedly swallowed objects as a form of self-harming behavior. The nosological status and possible functions of this behavior are discussed, as are the difficulties of caring for patients with such long-standing, repeated selfinjury. This case illustrates how the boundaries between different self-injurious behaviors are blurred and also how different self-injurious behaviors are likely to share common patterns, functional integrity, and meanings. It should also serve to remind us how far we have to go in terms of understanding, classifying, and successfully treating certain patients who present with longterm and bizarre self-injurious behavior.

Interferon-induced depression in chronic hepatitis C: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To carry out a systematic review of the risk factors for, and incidence of, major depressive episode (MDE) related to antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C. DATA SOURCES: The MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases were searched to locate articles published from the earliest available online year until June 2011 using the keywords hepatitis C, interferon-alpha, peginterferon, pegylated interferon, depression, and mood and Boolean operators. Articles written in English, Spanish, and French were included. STUDY SELECTION: Prospective studies reporting incidence of interferon-alpha-induced MDE were included. At baseline, patients did not present a DSM-IV/ICD depressive episode, and evaluation was performed by a trained clinician. Twenty-six observational studies met the inclusion criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: Extracted data included authors, year of publication, design, characteristics of the population, viral coinfection, adjunctive psychopharmacology, instruments to assess depression, dose and type of interferon-alpha, adjunctive ribavirin treatment, and follow-up time. Outcome of incidence of MDE (primary outcome measure) was abstracted, as were potential predictive variables. DATA SYNTHESIS: A full review was performed. Meta-analysis of the cumulative incidence of induced MDE as a function of time was carried out. Odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences were used to estimate the strength of association of variables. RESULTS: Overall cumulative incidence of depression was 0.25 (95% CI, 0.16 to 0.35) and 0.28 (95% CI, 0.17 to 0.42) at 24 and 48 weeks of treatment, respectively. According to our analysis, high baseline levels of interleukin 6 (mean difference = 1.81; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.52), female gender (OR = 1.40; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.91), history of MDE (OR = 3.96; 95% CI, 2.52 to 6.21), history of psychiatric disorder (OR = 3.18; 95% CI, 1.60 to 6.32), subthreshold depressive symptoms (mean difference = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.31 to 1.61), and low educational level (mean difference = -0.99; 95% CI, -1.59 to -0.39) were predictive variables of MDE during antiviral treatment. CONCLUSIONS: One in 4 chronic hepatitis C patients who start interferon and ribavirin treatment will develop an induced major depressive episode. Clinicians should attempt a full evaluation of patients before starting antiviral treatment in order to identify those at risk of developing interferon-induced depression.

Coadjuvant analgesics for cancer pain: using the clinical queries PubMed tool.

Coadjuvants for cancer pain are medications that, when added to opioids, can potentially decrease narcotic request and opioid-related side effects. Our goal was to review not only the evidence that supports the effectiveness, but also the mechanisms of action of these drugs. We performed a qualitative review using the PubMed database applying the clinical queries tool to identify therapeutic clinical trials or systematic reviews evaluating cancer pain--oral or transdermal--analgesia. We excluded studies using anti-inflammatories, steroids or narcotics as primary analgesia and studies focused on perioperative cancer pain. We supplemented the information describing the mechanisms of action and suggested dosage schemes. We found a qualitative systematic review evaluating ketamine, and randomized trials supporting the use of amitriptyline, gabapentin and transdermal nitroglycerin. We also found some negative trials using gabapentin and lamotrigine for neuropathic pain secondary to chemotherapy. Weak evidence supports intravenous magnesium and lidocaine for breakthrough cancer pain. Further primary research based on clinical trials is required to support some adjuvant analgesics for cancer pain.

Coadyuvantes analgésicos en dolor por cáncer: utilización de la herramienta de preguntas clínicas de PubMed / Coadjuvant analgesics for cancer pain: using the clinical queries PubMed tool

Los coadyuvantes en cáncer son medicamentos que adicionados a la terapia opioide pueden disminuir el requerimiento de ésta y los efectos adversos relacionados con su uso. El objetivo de este artículo es revisar no solo la evidencia, sino también los mecanismos de acción y esquemas de tratamiento de estas drogas. Realizamos una revisión cualitativa de la literatura utilizando la herramienta de preguntas clínicas de PubMed, seleccionando los ensayos clínicos y las revisiones sistemáticas que evaluaran analgesia oral o transdérmica en cáncer. Excluimos los artículos que analizaron la efectividad primaria de opioides, antiinflamatorios y esteroides, además de intervenciones perioperatorias. Suplementamos la información con revisión de los mecanismos de acción de estos medicamentos y esquemas de dosificación. Identificamos una revisión sistemática que evaluaba ketamina y ensayos clínicos que apoyan el uso de gabapentina, amitriptilina y nitroglicerina transdérmica. Encontramos, además, ensayos negativos de gabapentina y lamotrigina en dolor por quimioterapia. Evidencia muy débil soporta el uso de magnesio y lidocaína intravenosa en crisis dolorosas. Se requieren más estudios para justificar el uso de algunos coadyuvantes en dolor por cáncer.

Coadjuvants for cancer pain are medications that, when added to opioids, can potentially decrease narcotic request and opioid-related side effects. Our goal was to review not only the evidence that supports the effectiveness, but also the mechanisms of action of these drugs. We performed a qualitative review using the PubMed database applying the clinical queries tool to identify therapeutic clinical trials or systematic reviews evaluating cancer pain--oral or transdermal--analgesia. We excluded studies using anti-inflammatories, steroids or narcotics as primary analgesia and studies focused on perioperative cancer pain. We supplemented the information describing the mechanisms of action and suggested dosage schemes. We found a qualitative systematic review evaluating ketamine, and randomized trials supporting the use of amitriptyline, gabapentin and transdermal nitroglycerin. We also found some negative trials using gabapentin and lamotrigine for neuropathic pain secondary to chemotherapy. Weak evidence supports intravenous magnesium and lidocaine for breakthrough cancer pain. Further primary research based on clinical trials is required to support some adjuvant analgesics for cancer pain.

Percepciones de Signos de Alarma en Enfermedad Neonatal de los Cuidadores y Trabajadores de la Salud en Guapi, Colombia / Caregivers and health workers' perceptions of neonatal disease alarm signals in Guapi, Colombia

Objetivos Explorar la percepción de signos de peligro de los neonatos entre cuidadores y trabajadores de la salud y establecer el tipo de atención médica que requieren. Métodos Lugar: Areas rurales y urbanas de Guapi, Región Pacífica Caucana, Colombia. Diseño: Descriptivo. Combinación de métodos cualitativos y cuantitativos; Medición: Se realizaron tres grupos focales, tres entrevistas semiestructuradas y dos estudios de caso. Con estos datos se obtuvieron signos para construir una entrevista estructurada. La encuesta se aplico a 200 cuidadores (madres con recién nacidos, abuelas, madres comunitarias y amas de casa) (CP) y 40 trabajadores de salud (médicos generales, auxiliares de enfermería, promotores de la salud, médicos tradicionales, parteras y madres FAMI) (TS) El análisis por medio de software cualitativo MaxQDA 2.0 y análisis etnográfico. Resultados Los 5 primeros signos percibidos por CP y TS fueron: Diarrea, Deshidratación, Fiebre, Vómito y Problemas respiratorios. Hubo coincidencia en la percepción para consulta de emergencia en Convulsiones, Tétanos, y Deshidratación. Para tipo de consulta, diferencias significativas en la percepción de TS y CP en Deshidratación, Fiebre, Convulsiones, Problemas respiratorios y Tétanos (p<0.05). Emergieron enfermedades culturales como el Ojo y Espanto. Conclusiones Existe un buen reconocimiento de signos de peligro de enfermedad neonatal por CP y TS. Sin embargo existen diferencias en cuanto al tipo de búsqueda de atención. El hallazgo de enfermedades culturales es importante en la implementación de estrategias de atención neonatal. Este reconocimiento aceptable se obstaculiza por la ausencia de servicios para atender con calidad al neonato enfermo.

Objectives Exploring caregivers (CG) and health workers' (HW) perceptions of danger signals in the newborn and establishing the type of medical attention they require in rural and urban areas of Guapi on Colombia's Pacific coast. Methods A descriptive design was used combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Three focus groups, three semi-structured interviews and two case-studies were employed. Some signals obtained from these data were used for constructing a structured interview. A survey was carried out with 200 CGs (mothers with newborn, grandmothers, community mothers, housewives) and 40 HWs (general practitioners, health promoters, nursing auxiliaries, traditional medicine healers, midwifes and FAMI-mothers). The data was analysed using MaxQDA 2.0 qualitative data software and ethnographic analysis. Results The first 5 signs of illness (in order of importance) perceived by CGs and HWs were: diarrhoea, dehydration, fever, vomiting and breathing problems. They coincided in their perceptions of the need for emergency consultation for convulsions, tetanus and dehydration. Significant differences were found between HW and CG perceptions regarding "type of consultation" for dehydration, fever, convulsions, breathing problems and tetanus (p<0.05). Cultural illnesses (i.e. the evil eye and ghosts) also emerged. Conclusions CGs and HWs in Guapi were good at recognising danger signals for neonatal illness; however, there were differences regarding the search for attention. The finding of cultural illnesses must be taken into account in newborn attention strategies. This acceptable level of recognition was hindered by the lack of quality medical care services for the newborn encountering health problems.

Manejo intensivo de las crisis en miastenia gravis: experiencia con 50 pacientes / Intensive care management of the crisis in myasthenias gravis with 50 patients

Las crisis en Miastenia Gravis definida como un rápido deterioro de la función neuromuscular (miasténica o colinérgica) puede amenazar la vida del paciente si no es identificada a tiempo y tratada adecuadamente en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos por personal médico y de enfermería experimentado. Los médicos que asumen la responsabilidad para el manejo de estos pacientes deberán estar informados de la patogenia de la enfermedad incluyendo los grandes avances recientes en la fisiología, farmacología y la inmunología. El intensivista además debe asumir la responsabilidad de cuidado crítico de los pacientes miasténicos con insuficiencia respiratoria, así como el manejo pre y post-operatorio de la timectomía si se espera un buen pronóstico sin mortalidad. En el presente estudio se presenta la experiencia en el manejo intensivo de 50 pacientes miasténicos que presentaron crisis en sus formas miasténicas y colinérgicas en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Universitario de Caracas. En la presente serie no se registró mortalidad

Mortalidad en sepsis materna: factores predisponentes / Mortality in maternal sepsis: predisposing factors

En este trabajo se analiza, la mortalidad materna producida por sepsis. Las causas predisponentes a la infección materna así como todos aquellos factores que inciden en una mayor mortalidad de los pacientes sépticos de un modo general, tratando de puntualizar todos aquellos que puedan tener valor predictivo de mortalidad y que conduzcan a un mejor criterio administrativo de los recursos tan dispensiosos que se utilizan en el manejo del paciente crítico. Se analiza la falta de múltiples órganos en relación a la sepsis y las implicaciones que tienen en la mortalidad materna

Manejo intensivo del status asmaticus / Intensive management of the status asthmaticus

Las crisis de asma bronquial usualmente pueden ser moderadas o severas y ocasionalmente pueden amenazar la vida y ser fatales. Aunque los principios fisiopatológicos y terapéuticos son aplicables a las diferentes formas de presentación, debera realizarse una distinción importante en el manejo de las crisis severas y de las status asmaticus. En el presente trabajo se presenta la experiencia de los autoresw en el manejo del status asmaticus en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Universitario de Caracas y aportan elementos de discusión y estrategias que contribuyen al establecimiento de criterios uniformes en la definición y manejo del status asmaticus

Accidentes cerebrovasculares esquémicos en personas jovenes: presentación y discusión de casos / Accidents cerebrovascular ischemic in patients younges: presentation in discussion of case

En este trabajo se reportan tres pacientes menores de 45 años con isquemia cerebral. Nuestro principal objetivo es, destacar el hecho de que los eventos isquémicos que se presentan en ese grupo etario son consecuencias de patologías primarias subyacentes, por lo que es importante establecer el diagnóstico etiológico de la enfermedad de base, la cual generalmente es susceptible de tratamiento médico. La aplicación de una terapéutica adecuada reduciría la incidencia de los fenómenos isquémicos cerebrales y por lo tanto se evitaría una mayor incapacidad física y mental en este grupo de pacientes en plena edad productiva de la vida