Risk profiles and one-year outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation in India: Insights from the GARFIELD-AF Registry.

BACKGROUND: The Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD-Atrial Fibrillation (GARFIELD-AF) is an ongoing prospective noninterventional registry, which is providing important information on the baseline characteristics, treatment patterns, and 1-year outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). This report describes data from Indian patients recruited in this registry. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 52,014 patients with newly diagnosed AF were enrolled globally; of these, 1388 patients were recruited from 26 sites within India (2012-2016). In India, the mean age was 65.8 years at diagnosis of NVAF. Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor for AF, present in 68.5% of patients from India and in 76.3% of patients globally (P < 0.001). Diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD) were prevalent in 36.2% and 28.1% of patients as compared with global prevalence of 22.2% and 21.6%, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). Antiplatelet therapy was the most common antithrombotic treatment in India. With increasing stroke risk, however, patients were more likely to receive oral anticoagulant therapy [mainly vitamin K antagonist (VKA)], but average international normalized ratio (INR) was lower among Indian patients [median INR value 1.6 (interquartile range {IQR}: 1.3-2.3) versus 2.3 (IQR 1.8-2.8) (P < 0.001)]. Compared with other countries, patients from India had markedly higher rates of all-cause mortality [7.68 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval 6.32-9.35) vs 4.34 (4.16-4.53), P < 0.0001], while rates of stroke/systemic embolism and major bleeding were lower after 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Compared to previously published registries from India, the GARFIELD-AF registry describes clinical profiles and outcomes in Indian patients with AF of a different etiology. The registry data show that compared to the rest of the world, Indian AF patients are younger in age and have more diabetes and CAD. Patients with a higher stroke risk are more likely to receive anticoagulation therapy with VKA but are underdosed compared with the global average in the GARFIELD-AF. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01090362

Prognostic value of the lethal triad among patients with multiple trauma [Triada mortal en pacientes politraumatizados, relación con mortalidad y severidad]

Background: Patients who have suffered multiple traumatic injuries, have a serious risk for death. Hypothermia, acidosis and coagulopathy are three complications in these patients, whose presence is known as lethal triad and indicates bad prognosis. Aim: To determine if the lethal triad in multiple trauma patients is associated with higher mortality and Injury Score Severity (ISS). Material and Methods: One hundred multiple trauma patients aged 26 to 56 years (90 males), admitted to an emergency room, were studied. Body temperature, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, platelet count and blood gases were determined on admission. Results: Twenty six patients had the lethal triad and 15% died in the emergency room within the first 6 hours. No death was recorded among the 74 patients without the lethal triad. The mean ISS among patients with and without the lethal triad was 31.7 and 25.6, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The presence of the lethal triad among patients with multiple trauma is associated with a higher mortality and ISS

[Association of hyperinsulinemia with left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in patients with hypertension]

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is the main independent cardiovascular risk factor. However, there are additional factors that induce organic damage. AIM: To assess the association between hyperinsulinemia, ventricular hypertrophy and left ventricular diastolic function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-four patients aged 30 to 65 years, with mild or moderate systemic hypertension, with overweight or mild obesity and normal glucose tolerance curve (GTC), were studied. Serum insulin was measured during GTC. The maximum levels of insulin and glucose were observed 60 minutes after the oral glucose load and they were expressed as rG/1. Patients were stratified in three groups according to their glucose and insulin fasting levels (I0) and post-glucose challenge levels (rG/I): Group 1 (normoinsulinemic patients) I0 2 (2.45+0.4). Group 2 (post-prandial hyperinsulinemic patients) I0 2 (2.45+0.4). Group 2 (post-prandial hyperinsulinemic patients) I0 1 (1.34+0.3). Group 3 (persistently hyperinsulinemic patients) I0 >17 mU/mL and <1 (0.7+0.3). Left ventricular mass and its diastolic function were measured by Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: No differences in blood pressure or age were observed between groups. There was a negative correlation between ventricular mass and rG/1 (r =-0.282, p =0.015). Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was significantly more deteriorated in group 3, as compared with group 1 (p <0.001 ANOVA). There was a significant correlation between g/GI and diastolic dysfunction (r =0.232 p =0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Fasting, post challenge hyperinsulinemia and a rG/I <1 are associated with higher ventricular mass and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, independent of blood pressure and age

[Association of hyperinsulinemia with left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in patients with hypertension]

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is the main independent cardiovascular risk factor. However, there are additional factors that induce organic damage. AIM: To assess the association between hyperinsulinemia, ventricular hypertrophy and left ventricular diastolic function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-four patients aged 30 to 65 years, with mild or moderate systemic hypertension, with overweight or mild obesity and normal glucose tolerance curve (GTC), were studied. Serum insulin was measured during GTC. The maximum levels of insulin and glucose were observed 60 minutes after the oral glucose load and they were expressed as rG/1. Patients were stratified in three groups according to their glucose and insulin fasting levels (I0) and post-glucose challenge levels (rG/I): Group 1 (normoinsulinemic patients) I0 2 (2.45+0.4). Group 2 (post-prandial hyperinsulinemic patients) I0 2 (2.45+0.4). Group 2 (post-prandial hyperinsulinemic patients) I0 1 (1.34+0.3). Group 3 (persistently hyperinsulinemic patients) I0 >17 mU/mL and <1 (0.7+0.3). Left ventricular mass and its diastolic function were measured by Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: No differences in blood pressure or age were observed between groups. There was a negative correlation between ventricular mass and rG/1 (r =-0.282, p =0.015). Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was significantly more deteriorated in group 3, as compared with group 1 (p <0.001 ANOVA). There was a significant correlation between g/GI and diastolic dysfunction (r =0.232 p =0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Fasting, post challenge hyperinsulinemia and a rG/I <1 are associated with higher ventricular mass and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, independent of blood pressure and age

Serum oxidative stress is increased in patients with post cholecystectomy bile duct injury

Background: post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries are identified by the onset of jaundice as well as elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels during the peri-operative period. It is unknown how serum oxidative stress markers are modified in patients with post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries. Objective: to determine serum oxidative stress marker levels (lipid peroxidation by-products, nitrites/nitrates and total antioxidant capacity) in patients with post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries. Patients and methods: a prospective, transversal and analytical study was designed with two groups. Group 1: 5 healthy volunteer subjects. Group 2: 52 patients with post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries (43 female and 9 male). An elective bilio-digestive reconstruction was performed at week 8. The serum oxidative stress marker levels were quantified by colorimetric method. Results: patients with bile duct injuries had a significant increased serum lipid peroxides (malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenals) and nitric oxide metabolites (nitrites/nitrates) levels compared to the control group. In contrast, total antioxidant capacity in patients with bile duct injuries remained similar compared to healthy controls. Conclusions: the results show that oxidative stress is usually associated to bile duct injury. � 2010 AR�N EDICIONES, S. L

Serum oxidative stress is increased in patients with post cholecystectomy bile duct injury

Background: post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries are identified by the onset of jaundice as well as elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels during the peri-operative period. It is unknown how serum oxidative stress markers are modified in patients with post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries. Objective: to determine serum oxidative stress marker levels (lipid peroxidation by-products, nitrites/nitrates and total antioxidant capacity) in patients with post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries. Patients and methods: a prospective, transversal and analytical study was designed with two groups. Group 1: 5 healthy volunteer subjects. Group 2: 52 patients with post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries (43 female and 9 male). An elective bilio-digestive reconstruction was performed at week 8. The serum oxidative stress marker levels were quantified by colorimetric method. Results: patients with bile duct injuries had a significant increased serum lipid peroxides (malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenals) and nitric oxide metabolites (nitrites/nitrates) levels compared to the control group. In contrast, total antioxidant capacity in patients with bile duct injuries remained similar compared to healthy controls. Conclusions: the results show that oxidative stress is usually associated to bile duct injury. © 2010 ARÁN EDICIONES, S. L

Isosorbide dinitrate spray as therapeutic strategy for treatment of chronic venous ulcers

Venous ulcers are the most common form of leg ulcers, which induce lesion because of the loss of substances deposited on the damaged skin. Isosorbide dinitrate is a vasodilator with effects on both arteries and veins and induces opening of vascular layers. The objective is to study the effects of isosorbide dinitrate-spray in patients with chronic venous ulcers. Forty-five patients of both sexes with chronic venous ulcers were randomized to receive isosorbide dinitrate or placebo sprays daily for 3 months. The ulcers were measured and clinical characteristics were taken every 15 days during the treatment. Patients treated with isosorbide dinitrate showed an improvement of the ulcerated area (71.29%) compared with patients treated with placebo (54.35%). The histopathological study indicated an increment in the number of hypertrophic and hyperplasic capillaries. Macroscopically, the isosorbide dinitrate-treatment showed the best results, but it was only during the first 6 weeks of treatment. Patients with chronic venous ulcer receiving isosorbide dinitrate spray showed improvement. � 2008 Sage Publications

Circulating leptin and bone mineral density in rheumatoid arthritis

Objective. To evaluate the association between circulating leptin and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. One-hundred thirty postmenopausal women with RA were assessed for body mass index (BMI), disease characteristics, history of drug use, rheumatoid factor, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). BMD (g/cm 2) was determined in the hip and spine by DEXA. Serum leptin concentrations were measured by ELISA. Spearman's correlation coefficients (rho) were determined between BMD and leptin and other variables. A multiple regression analysis was used to adjust for confounders. Results. Patients' serum leptin levels varied widely (range 2-128 ng/ml). Thirty-three patients (25%) had osteoporosis. Higher levels of leptin correlated significantly with BMD in the lumbar spine (rho = 0.17, p = 0.04) and total hip (rho = 0.21, p = 0.01). The variables that were negatively correlated with BMD were age, duration of menopause, and ESR. After adjustment for confounders, leptin was no longer associated with BMD. In the multivariate model, factors that remained associated with BMD in the total hip were age (p = 0.021) and BMI (p = 0.003); and the factors that remained associated with BMD in the lumbar spine were BMI (p = 0.03) and ESR (p = 0.01). Conclusion. No relevant association was found between circulating leptin levels and BMD in patients with RA in this cross-sectional study. Followup studies are needed to evaluate whether abnormal leptin levels confer a risk for fractures due to osteoporosis. Copyright © 2009. All rights reserved

Diagnosis of opportunistic parasites in liver transplantation

Epidemiological studies have suggested that the daily intake of flavonoids is associated with a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of the addition of dietary flavonoids (DF) to antihypertensive treatment (AHT), based on telmisartan (Tms) or captopril (Cpr), on blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio, leptin, lipid profile and inflammation in hypertensive young patients. An open-label, randomized, controlled trial was performed among 79 patients aged 20-55 years with grade I or grade II systemic arterial hypertension. The subjects were assigned to one of four groups for AHT plus DF during 6 months: Cpr (n = 14), Cpr + DF (n = 19), Tms (n = 25) and Tms + DF (n = 21). DF consisted of dark chocolate, dehydrated red apple and green tea in an infusion to obtain a daily dose of 425.8 ± 13.9 mg epicatechin equivalents. The BP and anthropometric parameters were measured every 2 weeks. Lipid profile, leptin and hsCRP were determined by standard methods. The combination AHT-DF produced an additional and significant reduction in (i) SBP/DBP of -5/-4 mmHg, being -7/-5 for Cpr + DF and -4/-3 for Tms + DF; (ii) triglyceride levels (-30.6%) versus AHT alone (-9.6%); and (iii) leptin: Cpr + DF versus Tms + DF (p < 0.005). Finally, C-reactive protein plasma levels were reduced significantly in all groups independently of the applied treatment. We conclude that the addition of flavonoids to pharmacological antihypertensive therapy shows additional benefits on BP, lipid profile, leptin, obesity and inflammation. " 2014 Nordic Association for the Publication of BCPT (former Nordic Pharmacological Society).",,,,,,"10.1111/bcpt.12360",,,"http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12104/40625","http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84920902156&partnerID=40&md5=bf3dad035398d6f419f372931b2fe14

Silver nanoparticles induce apoptosis in L5178Y lymphoma by lipoperoxide activity

The use of nanomaterials for cancer treatment is not a new concept, but the ability to kill the cells without harming surrounding healthy cells has significant potential. The field of nanomedicine is concerned with technology based on the development of materials at the nanometric scale. In this paper, apoptosis/proliferation and lipid peroxide activity were evaluated in L5178Y lymphoma cells after exposure of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) to different concentrations of nanomaterials. Ag-NPs showed absorption at 412 nm, with a diameter of 2�9 nm. The treatment of L5178Y lymphoma cells with Ag-NPs demonstrated a significant decrement in the cellular proliferation index at 9 ?g/mL; this result was supported with apoptosis determination, because at higher concentrations (>9 ?g/mL) of Ag-NPs we observed the maximum peaks. With regard to the apoptotic mechanism of the effects of Ag-NPs on cell viability, we evaluated the lipoperoxide activity, which showed an important increment at the same concentration of Ag-NPs (9�18 ?g/mL). We demonstrated that L5178Y lymphoma cells showed apoptosis induced by treatment with Ag-NPs; the possible mechanism of this effect could be the generation of lipoperoxides. Our study provides evidence for a molecular mechanism of Ag-NP-induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). � 2014 Inst Materials Physicss. All rights reserved