The Patient's Guide to Psoriasis Treatment. Part 2: PUVA Phototherapy.

BackgroundPUVA treatment is photochemotherapy for psoriasis that combines psoralen with UVA radiation. Although PUVA is a very effective treatment option for psoriasis, there is an absence of patient resources explaining and demonstrating the process of PUVA. Studies have shown that patients who viewed videos explaining the treatment procedures for various medical conditions had a greater understanding of their treatment and were more active participants in their health.ObjectiveTo present a freely available online guide and video on PUVA treatment designed for patient education on PUVA.MethodsThe PUVA treatment protocol used at the University of California-San Francisco Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center as well as available information from the literature was reviewed to design a comprehensive guide for patients receiving PUVA treatment.ResultsWe created a printable guide and video resource that reviews the benefits and risks of PUVA, discusses the three types of PUVA (hand-foot soak, full body soak, and systemic), demonstrates the PUVA process, and provides practical tips for safe use.ConclusionOnline media and video delivers material in a way that is flexible and often familiar to patients. This new format is beneficial for prospective patients planning to undergo PUVA treatment, health-care providers, and trainees who want to learn more about this treatment

Bicycle Choice Modeling: A Study Of University Trips In A Small Colombian City

Bicycles and public transportation are modes of sustainable transport that reduce both the increasing levels of pollution and traffic congestion and the worrying statistics concerning obesity and physical inactivity. This article shows results of the application of a stated preferences survey in the city of Ocaña, Colombia, to identify factors that influence the modal choice, introducing the bicycle as an alternative for the trips to and from the University Francisco de Paula Santander Ocaña, using discrete choice models. These results show that the infrastructure availability is a key variable for modal shift and that giving incentives such as meals do not influence modal choice. These results were shared with the local authorities as an argument towards cycle lanes investment and public transportation grants for students

Implementation of an Ultraviolet Phototherapy Service at a National Referral Hospital in Western Kenya: Reflections on Challenges and Lessons Learned.

IntroductionIn order to manage skin conditions at a national referral hospital level in Kenya, specialized dermatology services, such as dermatologic surgery, dermatopathology, phototherapy, and sub-specialty care, should be offered, as is typically available in referral hospitals around the world. A Kenyan patient with prurigo nodularis, whose severe itch remitted after phototherapy treatment at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), inspired the development of a phototherapy service at Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), a partnership in Western Kenya between Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Moi University College of Health Sciences, and a consortium of North American academic medical centers.MethodsInitial project funds were raised through a crowdfunding campaign and fundraising events. A new narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy unit and replacement bulbs were donated and air shipped to Eldoret, Kenya. A team of dermatologists and phototherapy nurses from UCSF conducted a 2-day training session. US-based dermatologists affiliated with AMPATH provide ongoing support through regular communication and on-site visits.ResultsEarly in implementation, challenges faced included training clinical staff with limited experience in phototherapy and improving communication between nurses and clinicians. More recent challenges include frequent rotation of specialty clinic nurses in the dermatology clinic, adaptation of phototherapy guidelines to balance patient volume with service delivery capacity, and training assessment of disease activity in darkly pigmented skin.ConclusionStrategies that have been helpful in addressing implementation challenges include: increasing on-site and remote training opportunities for clinicians and nurses, developing a tiered payment schema, educating patients to combat misconceptions about phototherapy, dynamic phototherapy referral guidelines to accommodate service delivery capacity, and prioritizing the engagement of a multidisciplinary team

INTERSEPT study: we still need more clarity

Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Hosp São Paulo, Anesthesiol & Crit Care Dept, BR-04024900 São Paulo, BrazilHosp Dona Helena, BR-89204205 Joinville, SC, BrazilHosp Procardiaco, BR-22280000 Rio de Janeiro, BrazilUniv Fed Paraiba, Univ Hosp, BR-58000000 Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, BrazilHosp Base, Intens Care Div, Dept Internal Med, Fac Med Sao Jose Rio Preto, BR-15090000 Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP, BrazilHosp Copa DOr, BR-22031011 Rio de Janeiro, BrazilHosp Santo Amaro, BR-40210320 Salvador, BA, BrazilHosp Portugues, Salvador, BA, BrazilHosp Salvador, Salvador, BA, BrazilCtr Hosp UNIMED, BR-89204060 Joinville, SC, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Hosp São Paulo, Anesthesiol & Crit Care Dept, BR-04024900 São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Potent Antiretroviral Therapy for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Increases Aortic Stiffness

Background: Highly active antiretroviral therapy for AIDS is known to increase cardiovascular risk, but the effects of potent antiretroviral agents according to gender are unknown. Objective: The present study evaluated the impact of HIV infection treatment on aortic stiffness according to gender. Methods: From university-affiliated hospitals, we recruited 28 AIDS patients undergoing highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART), 28 treatment-naive HIV-infected patients, 44 patients with type 2 diabetes, and 30 controls. Aortic stiffness was determined by measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV) using a validated and non-invasive automatic device. Results: The crude mean PWV values and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for HAART, diabetics, and controls were 9.77 m/s (95% CI 9.17-10.36),, 9.00 m/s (95% CI 8.37-9.63), 9.90 m/s (95% CI 9.32-10.49), and 9.28 m/s (95% CI 8.61-9.95), respectively, for men (P-value for trend = 0.14), and 9.61 m/s (95% CI 8.56-10.66), 8.45 m/s (95% CI 7.51-9.39), 9.83 (95% CI 9.21-10.44), and 7.79 m/s (95% CI 6.99-8.58), respectively, for women (P-value for trend &lt;0.001). Post-hoc analysis revealed a significant difference between the mean PWV values in the HAART group and controls in women (P-value &lt;0.01). After adjusting for other potential covariates, including systolic blood pressure and diabetes, these results did not change. The findings indicate that the impact of HAART treatment on aortic stiffness was amplified in women with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: Potent anti-retroviral agents used in the treatment of HIV infection increases aortic stiffness, mainly among women with higher cardiovascular risk. (Arq Bras Cardiol 2012;99(6):1100-1107)Fundamento: Sabe-se que a terapia antirretroviral altamente potente para Aids reconhecida aumenta o risco cardiovascular, mas os efeitos dos agentes antirretrovirais de acordo com o gênero ainda são desconhecidos. Objetivo: O presente estudo avaliou o impacto do tratamento para o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) na rigidez\ud aórtica de acordo com o gênero. Métodos: Foram recrutados 28 pacientes com Aids submetidos à terapia antirretroviral altamente potente (HAART), 28 pacientes\ud infectados pelo HIV virgens de tratamento, 44 pacientes com diabetes tipo 2, e 30 controles. A rigidez aórtica foi determinada pela medição da Velocidade da Onda de Pulso (VOP), utilizando um equipamento automático validado e não invasivo. Resultados: Os resultados médios brutos da VOP (e intervalo de confiança de 95%) para participantes nos grupos terapia antirretroviral potente, HIV virgem de tratamento, diabéticos, e controles foram 9,77 m/s (9,17-10,36), 9,00 m/s (8,37-9,63), 9,90 m/s (9,32-10,49) e 9,28 m/s (8,61-9,95), respectivamente, para os homens (p de tendência = 0,14) e 9,61 m/s\ud (8,56-10,66), 8,45 m/s (7,51-9,39), 9,83 (9,21-10,44) e 7,79 m/s (6,99-8,58), respectivamente, para as mulheres (p valor de tendência < 0,001). Análises post-hoc revelaram uma diferença significativa entre os valores médios de VOP no grupo com HAART e controles em mulheres (p < 0,01). Ajustes para as demais covariáveis potenciais, incluindo pressão arterial sistólica e diabetes, não alteraram esses resultados. Os achados indicam que o impacto do tratamento com HAART na rigidez aórtica foi amplificado nas mulheres com hipertensão, dislipidemia e síndrome metabólica. Conclusão: Agentes antirretrovirais potentes utilizados no tratamento da infecção pelo HIV aumentam a rigidez da aorta, especialmente em mulheres com maior risco cardiovascular. (Arq Bras Cardiol 2012;99(6):1100-1107)FAPESPFAPES

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome associated with Kaposi sarcoma: higher incidence and mortality in Africa than in the UK.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of Kaposi sarcoma-associated paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (KS-IRIS) in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive HIV-infected patients with Kaposi sarcoma initiating ART in both well resourced and limited-resourced settings. DESIGN: Pooled analysis of three prospective cohorts of ART-naive HIV-infected patients with Kaposi sarcoma from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and one from the UK. METHODS: KS-IRIS case definition was standardized across sites. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to identify the incidence and predictors of KS-IRIS and Kaposi sarcoma-associated mortality. RESULTS: Fifty-eight of 417 (13.9%) eligible individuals experienced KS-IRIS with an incidence 2.5 times higher in the African vs. European cohorts (P=0.001). ART alone as initial Kaposi sarcoma treatment (hazard ratio 2.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-8.69); T1 Kaposi sarcoma stage (hazard ratio 2.96, 95% CI 1.26-6.94); and plasma HIV-1 RNA more than 5 log₁₀ copies/ml (hazard ratio 2.14, 95% CI 1.25-3.67) independently predicted KS-IRIS at baseline. Detectable plasma Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) DNA additionally predicted KS-IRIS among the 259 patients with KSHV DNA assessed (hazard ratio 2.98, 95% CI 1.23-7.19). Nineteen KS-IRIS patients died, all in SSA. Kaposi sarcoma mortality was 3.3-fold higher in Africa, and was predicted by KS-IRIS (hazard ratio 19.24, CI 7.62-48.58), lack of chemotherapy (hazard ratio 2.35, 95% CI 1.09-5.05), pre-ART CD4 cell count less than 200 cells/μl (hazard ratio 2.04, 95% CI 0.99-4.2), and detectable baseline KSHV DNA (hazard ratio 2.12, 95% CI 0.94-4.77). CONCLUSION: KS-IRIS incidence and mortality are higher in SSA than in the UK. This is largely explained by the more advanced Kaposi sarcoma disease and lower chemotherapy availability. KS-IRIS is a major contributor to Kaposi sarcoma-associated mortality in Africa. Our results support the need to increase awareness on KS-IRIS, encourage earlier presentation, referral and diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma, and advocate on access to systemic chemotherapy in Africa

Evaluation of the effects of Quercetin and Kaempherol on the surface of MT-2 cells visualized by atomic force microscopy

AbstractThis study investigated the anti-viral effects of the polyphenolic compounds Quercetin and Kaempherol on the release of HTLV-1 from the surface of MT-2 cells. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to scan the surface of the MT-2 cells. MT-2 cells were fixed with 100% methanol on round glass lamina or cleaved mica and dried under UV light and laminar flow. The images were captured on a Multimode equipment monitored by a NanoScope IIId controller from Veeco Instruments Inc operated in tapping mode and equipped with phase-imaging hardware. The images demonstrated viral budding structures 131±57nm in size, indicating profuse viral budding. Interestingly, cell-free viruses and budding structures visualized on the surface of cells were less common when MT-2 was incubated with Quercetin, and no particles were seen on the surface of cells incubated with Kaempherol. In summary, these data indicate that HTLV-1 is budding constantly from the MT-2 cell surface and that polyphenolic compounds were able to reduce this viral release. Biological samples were analyzed with crude cell preparations just after cultivation in the presence of Quercetin and Kaempherol, showing that the AFM technique is a rapid and powerful tool for analysis of antiviral activity of new biological compounds

Teste rápido para o HIV como estratégia de prevenção da transmissão vertical no Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of HIV rapid testing for pregnant women at maternity hospital admission and of subsequent interventions to reduce perinatal HIV transmission. METHODS: Study based on a convenience sample of women unaware of their HIV serostatus when they were admitted to delivery in public maternity hospitals in Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, Brazil, between March 2000 and April 2002. Women were counseled and tested using the Determine HIV1/2 Rapid Test. HIV infection was confirmed using the Brazilian algorithm for HIV infection diagnosis. In utero transmission of HIV was determined using HIV-DNA-PCR. There were performed descriptive analyses of sociodemographic data, number of previous pregnancies and abortions, number of prenatal care visits, timing of HIV testing, HIV rapid test result, neonatal and mother-to-child transmission interventions, by city studied. RESULTS: HIV prevalence in women was 6.5% (N=1,439) in Porto Alegre and 1.3% (N=3.778) in Rio de Janeiro. In Porto Alegre most of women were tested during labor (88.7%), while in Rio de Janeiro most were tested in the postpartum (67.5%). One hundred and forty-four infants were born to 143 HIV-infected women. All newborns but one in each city received at least prophylaxis with oral zidovudine. It was possible to completely avoid newborn exposure to breast milk in 96.8% and 51.1% of the cases in Porto Alegre and Rio de Janeiro, respectively. Injectable intravenous zidovudine was administered during labor to 68.8% and 27.7% newborns in Porto Alegre and Rio de Janeiro, respectively. Among those from whom blood samples were collected within 48 hours of birth, in utero transmission of HIV was confirmed in 4 cases in Rio de Janeiro (4/47) and 6 cases in Porto Alegre (6/79). CONCLUSIONS: The strategy proved feasible in maternity hospitals in Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre. Efforts must be taken to maximize HIV testing during labor. There is a need of strong social support to provide this population access to health care services after hospital discharge.OBJETIVO: Analizar la viabilidad de evaluación rápida del HIV entre gestantes en la admisión en la maternidad y de intervenciones para reducir la transmisión perinatal del HIV. MÉTODOS: Muestra de conveniencia de mujeres que desconocían su situación serológica para el HIV al ser admitidas para el parto en maternidades públicas de Rio de Janeiro (Sureste) y de Porto alegre (Sur de Brasil), entre marzo de 2000 y abril de 2002. Las mujeres fueron aconsejadas y evaluadas con prueba rápida Determine HIV1/2 en la maternidad. Infección por el HIV fue confirmada por el algoritmo brasilero para el diagnóstico de la infección por el HIV. La transmisión intra- útero fue determinada por el PCR-DNA-HIV. Fueron realizados análisis descriptivos de los datos sociodemográficos, número de gestaciones y de abortos previos, número de visitas de prenatal, momento de la evaluación para el HIV, resultado de la prueba rápida para el HIV, intervenciones recibidas por los recién nacidos y de transmisión vertical del HIV, de acuerdo con cada ciudad. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de HIV entre las mujeres fue de 6,5% (N=1.439) en Porto Alegre y 1,3% (N=3,778) en Rio de Janeiro. La mayoría fue evaluada durante el trabajo de parto en Porto Alegre y en el postparto, en Rio de Janeiro. Ciento y cuarenta y cuatro niños nacieron de 143 mujeres infectadas por el HIV. Todos los recién nacidos recibieron al menos la profilaxia con zidovudina oral, excepto uno en cada ciudad. Fue posible evitar cualquier exposición a la leche materna en 96,8% y 51,1% de los recién nacidos en Porto Alegre y en Rio de Janeiro, respectivamente. La zidovudina inyectable fue administrada durante el trabajo de parto a 68,8% de los recién nacidos en Porto Alegre y 27,7% en Rio de Janeiro. Entre aquellos con muestras de sangre colectadas hasta 48 horas de nacimiento, la transmisión intra-útero fue confirmada en cuatro casos en Rio de Janeiro (4/47) y en seis casos en Porto Alegre (6/79). CONCLUSIONES: La estrategia se mostró factible en las maternidades de Rio de Janeiro y de Porto Alegre. Esfuerzos deben ser emprendidos para maximizar la evaluación durante el trabajo de parto. Fuerte soporte social precisa ser acoplado a esa estrategia para garantizar el acceso de dicha población al sistema de salud posterior a ser dado de alta de la maternidad.OBJETIVO: Analisar a viabilidade da testagem rápida para o HIV entre gestantes na admissão à maternidade e de intervenções para reduzir a transmissão perinatal do HIV. MÉTODOS: Amostra de conveniência de mulheres que desconheciam sua situação sorológica para o HIV quando admitidas para o parto em maternidades públicas do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, e de Porto Alegre, RS, entre março de 2000 e abril de 2002. As mulheres foram aconselhadas e testadas com teste rápido Determine HIV1/2 na maternidade. Infecção pelo HIV foi confirmada pelo algoritmo brasileiro para o diagnóstico da infecção pelo HIV. A transmissão intra-útero foi determinada pelo PCR-DNA-HIV. Foram realizadas análises descritivas dos dados sociodemográficos, número de gestações e de abortos prévios, número de visitas de pré-natal, momento da testagem para o HIV, resultado do teste rápido para o HIV, intervenções recebidas pelos recém-natos e de transmissão vertical do HIV, de acordo com cada cidade. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de HIV entre as mulheres foi 6,5% (N=1.439) em Porto Alegre e 1,3% (N=3.778) no Rio de Janeiro. A maioria foi testada durante o trabalho de parto em Porto Alegre e no pós-parto, no Rio de Janeiro. Cento e quarenta e quatro crianças nasceram de 143 mulheres infectadas pelo HIV. Todos os recém-natos receberam ao menos a profilaxia com zidovudina oral, exceto um em cada cidade. Foi possível evitar qualquer exposição ao leite materno em 96,8% e 51,1% dos recém-natos em Porto Alegre e no Rio de Janeiro, respectivamente. A zidovudina injetável foi administrada durante o trabalho de parto para 68,8% dos recém-natos em Porto Alegre e 27,7% no Rio de Janeiro. Entre aqueles com amostras de sangue coletadas até 48 horas do nascimento, a transmissão intra-útero foi confirmada em quatro casos no Rio de Janeiro (4/47) e em seis casos em Porto Alegre (6/79). CONCLUSÕES: A estratégia mostrou-se factível nas maternidades do Rio de Janeiro e de Porto Alegre. Esforços devem ser empreendidos para maximizar a testagem durante o trabalho de parto. Forte suporte social precisa ser acoplado a essa estratégia para garantir o acesso dessa população ao sistema de saúde após a alta da maternidade

Kommentar: Fejde eller fred - Kommentar til antologien "Feider og fred i nordisk middelalder"

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Objective Our aim was to assess renal function using as laboratory measurements serum creatinine and cystatin C concentrations before and after administration of low-osmolarity (nonionic) iodinated contrast medium in patients with cancer undergoing computed tomography (CT). Methods This prospective study included 400 oncologic outpatients. Serum creatinine and cystatin C concentrations were measured before and 72 h after contrast administration. Glomerular filtration rates (GFRs) were estimated using serum creatinine-based [Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Cockroft-Gault and cystatin C based (Larsson) equations. Exploratory data analysis was performed. The nonparametric Wilcoxon test was used to compare pre and post contrast of test results and estimated clearance. The confidence interval used in the analysis was 95%. Results Compared with the pre-contrast values, the mean serum creatinine concentration was significantly higher and average GFRs estimated using MDRD and Cockcroft-Gault equations were significantly lower after the administration of contrast (p < 0.001). It was also observed a significant increase after contrast in the concentration of Cystatin C (p = 0.015). In addition, a decrease in GFR estimated using the average Larsson (p = 0.021) was observed between time points. However, none of the patients presented clinically significant nephropathy. Conclusions Assessment using serum creatinine and cystatin C concentrations showed changes in renal function among patients with cancer undergoing contrast-enhanced CT examination in this study. No significant renal damage related to the use of low-osmolarity iodinated contrast medium of the type and dosage employed in this study was observed. This contrast medium is thus safe for use in patients with cancer.105Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)AC Camargo Cancer CenterFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Clinical Impact of the Line Probe Assay and Xpert® MTB/RIF Assay in the Presumptive Diagnosis of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Brazil: A Pragmatic Clinical Trial

Background: Rapid molecular methods such as the line probe assay (LPA) and Xpert® MTB/RIF assay (Xpert) have been recommended by the World Health Organization for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) diagnosis. We conducted an interventional trial in DR-TB reference centers in Brazil to evaluate the impact of the use of LPA and Xpert. Methods: Patients with DR-TB were eligible if their drug susceptibility testing results were available to the treating physician at the time of consultation. The standard reference MGITTM 960 was compared with Xpert (arm 1) and LPA (arm 2). Effectiveness was considered as the start of the appropriate TB regimen that matched drug susceptibility testing (DST) and the proportions of culture conversion and favorable treatment outcomes after 6 months. Results: A higher rate of empirical treatment was observed with MGIT alone than with the Xpert assay (97.0% vs. 45.0%) and LPA (98.2% vs. 67.5%). Patients started appropriate TB treatment more quickly than those in the MGIT group (median 15.0 vs. 40.5 days; p<0.01) in arm 1. Compared to the MGIT group, culture conversion after 6 months was higher for Xpert in arm 1 (90.9% vs. 79.3%, p=0.39) and LPA in arm 2 (80.0% vs. 83.0%, p=0.81). Conclusions: In the Xpert arm, there was a significant reduction in days to the start of appropriate anti-TB treatment and a trend towards greater culture conversion in the sixth month