Contribution of Candida biomarkers and DNA detection for the diagnosis of invasive candidiasis in ICU patients with severe abdominal conditions

Background: To assess the performance of Candida albicans germ tube antibody (CAGTA), (1???3)-ß-D-glucan (BDG), mannan antigen (mannan-Ag), anti-mannan antibodies (mannan-Ab), and Candida DNA for diagnosing invasive candidiasis (IC) in ICU patients with severe abdominal conditions (SAC). Methods: A prospective study of 233 non-neutropenic patients with SAC on ICU admission and expected stay?=?7 days. CAGTA (cutoff positivity?=?1/160), BDG (=80, 100 and 200 pg/mL), mannan-Ag (=60 pg/mL), mannan-Ab (=10 UA/mL) were measured twice a week, and Candida DNA only in patients treated with systemic antifungals. IC diagnosis required positivities of two biomarkers in a single sample or positivities of any biomarker in two consecutive samples. Patients were classified as neither colonized nor infected (n?=?48), Candida spp. colonization (n?=?154) (low-grade, n?=?130; high-grade, n?=?24), and IC (n?=?31) (intra-abdominal candidiasis, n?=?20; candidemia, n?=?11). Results: The combination of CAGTA and BDG positivities in a single sample or at least one of the two biomarkers positive in two consecutive samples showed 90.3 % (95 % CI 74.2–98.0) sensitivity, 42.1 % (95 % CI 35.2–98.8) specificity, and 96.6 % (95 % CI 90.5–98.8) negative predictive value. BDG positivities in two consecutive samples had 76.7 % (95 % CI 57.7–90.1) sensitivity and 57.2 % (95 % CI 49.9–64.3) specificity. Mannan-Ag, mannan-Ab, and Candida DNA individually or combined showed a low discriminating capacity. Conclusions: Positive Candida albicans germ tube antibody and (1???3)-ß-D-glucan in a single blood sample or (1???3)-ß-D-glucan positivity in two consecutive blood samples allowed discriminating invasive candidiasis from Candida spp. colonization in critically ill patients with severe abdominal conditions. These findings may be helpful to tailor empirical antifungal therapy in this patient population

Valoración de la capacidad predictiva de la calculadora Garvan del riesgo de fractura a 10 años en una población española

Introduction: Several calculation tools or scales have been developed in recent years to assess the risk of fracture due to long-term fragility. The Garvan calculator has not been validated in the Spanish population. This study aims to observe their predictive capacity in a population sample of the Canary Islands and, therefore, of the Spanish population. Material and Methods: We included 121 patients who were followed up for 10 years in our consultations. All were assessed the risk of fracture using the Garvan calculator and based on the data obtained in the first visit. Results: Of the 121 patients, 30 suffered at least one osteoporotic fracture over the 10-year follow-up period. The group of patients with fractures had on the Garvan scale an average risk value to suffer any fracturing fracture of 27%, compared to 13% of those who did not suffer fracture (p<0.001). The area under the corresponding ROC curve was 0.718 (CI-95% = 0.613 ; 0.824). Based on this, the estimated optimal cut-off point to consider a high risk fracture was 18.5%. This value corresponded to a sensitivity of 0.67 (CI-95% = 0.47 ; 0.83) and a specificity of 0.67 (CI-95% = 0.56 ; 0.77). Conclusions: Our results show that the Garvan scale adequately predicts the risk of 10-year osteoporotic fracture in our population. A value lower than 18.5% would allow us to establish a low fracture risk and could be used as a screening tool.Introducción: En los últimos años se han desarrollado varias herramientas de cálculo o escalas para valorar el riesgo de fractura por fragilidad a largo plazo. La calculadora Garvan no ha sido validada en la población española. El objetivo de este estudio fue observar su capacidad predictiva en una muestra de la población canaria y, por tanto, de la española. Material y métodos: Se incluyó a 121 pacientes a los que se les realizó un seguimiento de 10 años en nuestras consultas. A todos se les valoró el riesgo de fractura usando la calculadora Garvan y basándonos en los datos obtenidos en la primera visita realizada. Resultados: De los 121 pacientes, 30 sufrieron al menos una fractura osteoporótica a lo largo de los 10 años de seguimiento. El grupo de pacientes fracturados tenían en la escala Garvan un valor medio de riesgo de sufrir cualquier fractura por fragilidad de 27%, frente al 13% de aquellos que no sufrieron fractura (p<0,001). El área bajo la correspondiente curva ROC fue de 0,718 (IC-95% = 0,613 ; 0,824). En base a ella, se estimó que el punto de corte óptimo para considerar un alto riesgo de fractura por fragilidad fue 18,5%. A este valor le correspondió una sensibilidad de 0,67 (IC-95% = 0,47 ; 0,83) y una especificidad de 0,67 (IC-95% = 0,56 ; 0,77). Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados muestran que la escala Garvan predice adecuadamente el riesgo de fractura osteoporótica a 10 años en nuestra población. Un valor inferior a 18,5% permitiría establecer un riesgo de fractura bajo, pudiendo ser utilizada como herramienta de cribado

Contribution of Candida biomarkers and DNA detection for the diagnosis of invasive candidiasis in ICU patients with severe abdominal conditions

BACKGROUND: To assess the performance of Candida albicans germ tube antibody (CAGTA), (1 → 3)-ß-D-glucan (BDG), mannan antigen (mannan-Ag), anti-mannan antibodies (mannan-Ab), and Candida DNA for diagnosing invasive candidiasis (IC) in ICU patients with severe abdominal conditions (SAC). METHODS: A prospective study of 233 non-neutropenic patients with SAC on ICU admission and expected stay ≥ 7 days. CAGTA (cutoff positivity ≥ 1/160), BDG (≥80, 100 and 200 pg/mL), mannan-Ag (≥60 pg/mL), mannan-Ab (≥10 UA/mL) were measured twice a week, and Candida DNA only in patients treated with systemic antifungals. IC diagnosis required positivities of two biomarkers in a single sample or positivities of any biomarker in two consecutive samples. Patients were classified as neither colonized nor infected (n = 48), Candida spp. colonization (n = 154) (low-grade, n = 130; high-grade, n = 24), and IC (n = 31) (intra-abdominal candidiasis, n = 20; candidemia, n = 11). RESULTS: The combination of CAGTA and BDG positivities in a single sample or at least one of the two biomarkers positive in two consecutive samples showed 90.3 % (95 % CI 74.2–98.0) sensitivity, 42.1 % (95 % CI 35.2–98.8) specificity, and 96.6 % (95 % CI 90.5–98.8) negative predictive value. BDG positivities in two consecutive samples had 76.7 % (95 % CI 57.7–90.1) sensitivity and 57.2 % (95 % CI 49.9–64.3) specificity. Mannan-Ag, mannan-Ab, and Candida DNA individually or combined showed a low discriminating capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Positive Candida albicans germ tube antibody and (1 → 3)-ß-D-glucan in a single blood sample or (1 → 3)-ß-D-glucan positivity in two consecutive blood samples allowed discriminating invasive candidiasis from Candida spp. colonization in critically ill patients with severe abdominal conditions. These findings may be helpful to tailor empirical antifungal therapy in this patient population

Design and baseline characteristics of the finerenone in reducing cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in diabetic kidney disease trial

Background: Among people with diabetes, those with kidney disease have exceptionally high rates of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality and progression of their underlying kidney disease. Finerenone is a novel, nonsteroidal, selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist that has shown to reduce albuminuria in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) while revealing only a low risk of hyperkalemia. However, the effect of finerenone on CV and renal outcomes has not yet been investigated in long-term trials. Patients and Methods: The Finerenone in Reducing CV Mortality and Morbidity in Diabetic Kidney Disease (FIGARO-DKD) trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of finerenone compared to placebo at reducing clinically important CV and renal outcomes in T2D patients with CKD. FIGARO-DKD is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, event-driven trial running in 47 countries with an expected duration of approximately 6 years. FIGARO-DKD randomized 7,437 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate >= 25 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and albuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio >= 30 to <= 5,000 mg/g). The study has at least 90% power to detect a 20% reduction in the risk of the primary outcome (overall two-sided significance level alpha = 0.05), the composite of time to first occurrence of CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure. Conclusions: FIGARO-DKD will determine whether an optimally treated cohort of T2D patients with CKD at high risk of CV and renal events will experience cardiorenal benefits with the addition of finerenone to their treatment regimen. Trial Registration: EudraCT number: 2015-000950-39; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02545049

Canagliflozin and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes and nephropathy

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, but few effective long-term treatments are available. In cardiovascular trials of inhibitors of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), exploratory results have suggested that such drugs may improve renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease to receive canagliflozin, an oral SGLT2 inhibitor, at a dose of 100 mg daily or placebo. All the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 to &lt;90 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area and albuminuria (ratio of albumin [mg] to creatinine [g], &gt;300 to 5000) and were treated with renin–angiotensin system blockade. The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, transplantation, or a sustained estimated GFR of &lt;15 ml per minute per 1.73 m2), a doubling of the serum creatinine level, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes. Prespecified secondary outcomes were tested hierarchically. RESULTS The trial was stopped early after a planned interim analysis on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring committee. At that time, 4401 patients had undergone randomization, with a median follow-up of 2.62 years. The relative risk of the primary outcome was 30% lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group, with event rates of 43.2 and 61.2 per 1000 patient-years, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.82; P=0.00001). The relative risk of the renal-specific composite of end-stage kidney disease, a doubling of the creatinine level, or death from renal causes was lower by 34% (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81; P&lt;0.001), and the relative risk of end-stage kidney disease was lower by 32% (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.86; P=0.002). The canagliflozin group also had a lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95; P=0.01) and hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80; P&lt;0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of amputation or fracture. CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events was lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group at a median follow-up of 2.62 years

A ausência de civismo como mediador na relação. Entre a liderança tóxica e o bem-estar.

Dissertação de Mestrado apresentada no ISPA - Instituto UniversitárioEste trabalho tem o grande objectivo de analisar a relação entre a Liderança Tóxica e o Bem-estar, tendo igualmente em consideração a Ausência de Civismo como possível papel mediador entre ambas as variáveis. Dessa forma recorreu-se a uma amostra de 124 participantes a trabalhar há, pelo menos, um ano por conta de outrem. Os resultados indiciam que a Liderança Tóxica não tem um impacto estatisticamente significativo nem no Bem-estar nem na Saúde, mas tem um impacto significativo e positivo nas Emoções Negativas. Também se observa que Liderança Tóxica tem um impacto significativo e positivo na Ausência de Civismo. Quanto à Ausência de Civismo, esta não tem um impacto estatisticamente significativo nem no Bem-estar nem na Saúde, mas tem um impacto significativo e positivo nas Emoções Negativas. Por fim, constata-se que não há um efeito mediador da Ausência de Civismo na relação entre a Liderança Tóxica e as Emoções Negativas.ABSTRACT: This study is built on its main objective, analysing the relationship between Well-Being and a Toxic Leadership, factoring in the Incivility as a possible mediator between these two variables. As such, a sample of 124 participants who have been working for at least one year for third-party entities was collected. The results indicate that a Toxic Leadership doesn’t possess a positive or statistically significant effect on Well-being and in Health; however, it does possess a positive and statistically significant effect on Negative Emotions. It has also been noticed that a Toxic Leadership has a positive and significant effect on the Incivility. As to the Incivility, it doesn’t possess a statistically significant impact on the Well-being or in Health, but it does possess a positive and significant impact on Negative Emotions. In conclusion, there is no mediating effect from the Incivility as it pertains to the relationship between a Toxic Leadership and Negative Emotions

Evolución de la mortalidad atribuible al tabaco en las Islas Canarias (1975-1994)

Background: The objective of this study is that of describing the death rate attributable to tobacco on the Canary Islands throughout the 1975-1994 period. Method: Deaths by age, sex and cause from 1975 to 1994 were obtained from the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (Natural Movement of Population). Based on the Spanish and Canary Island Health Surveys, the percentages of those who had never smoked, smokers and ex-smokers for the Canary Island population were taken by age and sex. The relative risks of death were taken from the Cancer Prevention Study II carried out in the United States. The percentages of deaths attributable to smoking were calculated for each year, sex and age group based on the attributable fraction of the population. Likewise, the trend in the death rate attributable for the time period in question was calculated and given in the form of the annual mean percentage change in the age-adjusted death rates by way of a log-linear model. Results: During the 1975-1994 period, the number of deaths attributed to smoking rose by 64%. For major causes, a 108% increase in neoplasias, a 32% drop in cardiovascular diseases and a 15.5% increase in respiratory diseases were found for the period under study. The number of deaths was also found to increase with age, the 65 and over age group having been found to be that in which the most deaths caused by smoking occurred. Conclusions: On the Canary Islands, over 20% of all deaths in 1994 can be attributed to smoking. This suggests that the measures implemented to control the smoking habit are insufficient.Fundamento: El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la mortalidad atribuible al consumo de tabaco en las Islas Canarias durante el período 1975-1994. Método: Las defunciones por edad, sexo y causa desde 1975 a 1994 se obtuvieron del Instituto Nacional de Estadística (Movimiento Natural Población). A partir de las Encuestas de Salud de España y Canarias se tomaron los porcentajes de nunca fumadores, fumadores y ex-fumadores de la población canaria por edad y sexo. Los riesgos relativos de muerte se obtuvieron del Cancer Prevention Study II, llevado a cabo en Estados Unidos de América. Se calculó la proporción de muertes atribuibles al tabaco para cada año, sexo y grupo de edad a partir de la fracción atribuible poblacional. Así mismo, se calculó la tendencia de la mortalidad atribuible para dicho período expresada como el cambio porcentual medio anual de las tasas de la mortalidad ajustadas por edad, mediante un modelo log-lineal. Resultados: Durante el período 1975-1994, el número de fallecimientos atribuidos al tabaco aumentó un 64%. Por grandes causas, se observó en el período de estudio, un aumento de las neoplasias del 108%, una disminución de las enfermedades cardiovasculares del 32% y un incremento de las enfermedades respiratorias del 15,5%. Se observó también que el número de fallecidos aumenta con la edad, siendo el grupo de edad de 65 años y más en el que se presentan más muertes por el tabaco. Conclusiones: En las Islas Canarias, más del 20% de todas las muertes en 1994 se pueden atribuir al tabaco. Esto sugiere que las medidas introducidas para controlar el tabaquismo son insuficientes

EVOLUCIÓN DE LA MORTALIDAD ATRIBUIBLE AL TABACO EN LAS ISLAS CANARIAS (1975-1994)

Fundamento: El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la mortalidad atribuible al consumo de tabaco en las Islas Canarias durante el período 1975-1994. Método: Las defunciones por edad, sexo y causa desde 1975 a 1994 se obtuvieron del Instituto Nacional de Estadística (Movimiento Natural Población). A partir de las Encuestas de Salud de España y Canarias se tomaron los porcentajes de nunca fumadores, fumadores y ex-fumadores de la población canaria por edad y sexo. Los riesgos relativos de muerte se obtuvieron del Cancer Prevention Study II, llevado a cabo en Estados Unidos de América. Se calculó la proporción de muertes atribuibles al tabaco para cada año, sexo y grupo de edad a partir de la fracción atribuible poblacional. Así mismo, se calculó la tendencia de la mortalidad atribuible para dicho período expresada como el cambio porcentual medio anual de las tasas de la mortalidad ajustadas por edad, mediante un modelo log-lineal. Resultados: Durante el período 1975-1994, el número de fallecimientos atribuidos al tabaco aumentó un 64%. Por grandes causas, se observó en el período de estudio, un aumento de las neoplasias del 108%, una disminución de las enfermedades cardiovasculares del 32% y un incremento de las enfermedades respiratorias del 15,5%. Se observó también que el número de fallecidos aumenta con la edad, siendo el grupo de edad de 65 años y más en el que se presentan más muertes por el tabaco. Conclusiones: En las Islas Canarias, más del 20% de todas las muertes en 1994 se pueden atribuir al tabaco. Esto sugiere que las medidas introducidas para controlar el tabaquismo son insuficientes

Assessment of Muscle Wasting in Long-Stay ICU Patients Using a New Ultrasound Protocol

There is currently no standardized procedure to assess sarcopenia in long-stay catabolic patients. Our aim is to analyze a novel ultrasound muscle assessment protocol in these patients versus healthy controls, by carrying out a prospective observational study. We designed a new ultrasound protocol that assesses quadriceps rectus femoris (QRF) muscle quality in real-time B-mode, color-Doppler, and M-mode ultrasound, and evaluates QRF intramuscular central tendon thickness, cross-sectional area, and muscle thickness in ultrasound B-mode. Logistic regression was performed as a multivariable analysis on 29 cases and 19 controls. The QRF muscle area and thickness were shown to significantly decrease (p &#8804; 0.001), and the central tendon thickness significantly increased (p = 0.047) in cases versus controls. The QRF muscle echogenicity and angiogenic activity fasciculations, subcutaneous edema, and intramuscular fluid were also significantly different between the two groups (p &lt; 0.001). The selected variables in the multivariate logit analysis were the muscle area (OR per cm2 = 0.07; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.012&#8315;0.41) and the central tendon thickness (OR per mm 1.887; 95% CI = 2.66&#8315;13.38)