Do Diabetic Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes Have a Higher Threshold for Ischemic Pain?

Background: Data from over 4 decades have reported a higher incidence of silent infarction among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), but recent publications have shown conflicting results regarding the correlation between DM and presence of pain in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Objective: Our primary objective was to analyze the association between DM and precordial pain at hospital arrival. Secondary analyses evaluated the association between hyperglycemia and precordial pain at presentation, and the subgroup of patients presenting within 6 hours of symptom onset. Methods: We analyzed a prospectively designed registry of 3,544 patients with ACS admitted to a Coronary Care Unit of a tertiary hospital. We developed multivariable models to adjust for potential confounders. Results: Patients with precordial pain were less likely to have DM (30.3%) than those without pain (34.0%; unadjusted p = 0.029), but this difference was not significant after multivariable adjustment, for the global population (p = 0.84), and for subset of patients that presented within 6 hours from symptom onset (p = 0.51). In contrast, precordial pain was more likely among patients with hyperglycemia (41.2% vs 37.0% without hyperglycemia, p = 0.035) in the overall population and also among those who presented within 6 hours (41.6% vs. 32.3%, p = 0.001). Adjusted models showed an independent association between hyperglycemia and pain at presentation, especially among patients who presented within 6 hours (OR = 1.41, p = 0.008). Conclusion: In this non-selected ACS population, there was no correlation between DM and hospital presentation without precordial pain. Moreover, hyperglycemia correlated significantly with pain at presentation, especially in the population that arrived within 6 hours from symptom onset

Platelet function, coagulation and fibrinolysis in patients with previous coronary and cerebrovascular ischemic events

OBJECTIVES: Ischemic stroke (IS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) history is present in 4-17% of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This subgroup of patients is at high risk for both ischemic and bleeding events. The aim of this study was to determine the role of platelet aggregability, coagulation and endogenous fibrinolysis in patients with CAD and previous IS or TIA. METHODS: A prospective case-control study that included 140 stable CAD patients divided into two groups: the CASE group (those with a previous IS/TIA, n=70) and the CONTROL group (those without a previous IS/TIA, n=70). Platelet aggregability (VerifyNow Aspirins and VerifyNow P2Y12s), coagulation (fibrinogen and thromboelastography by Reoroxs) and endogenous fibrinolysis (D dimer and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients in the CASE group presented significantly higher systolic blood pressure levels (135.84±16.09 vs 123.68±16.11, po0.01), significantly more previous CABG (25.71% vs 10%, p=0.015) and significantly higher calcium channel blocker usage (42.86% vs 24.29%, p=0.02) than those in the control group. In the adjusted models, low triglyceride values, low hemoglobin values and higher systolic blood pressure were significantly associated with previous IS/TIA (CASE group). Most importantly, platelet aggregability, coagulation and fibrinolysis tests were not independently associated with previous cerebrovascular ischemic events (CASE group). CONCLUSION: Platelet aggregability, coagulation and endogenous fibrinolysis showed similar results among CAD patients with and without previous IS/TIA. Therefore, it remains necessary to identify other targets to explain the higher bleeding risk presented by these patients

Toxoplasmose disseminada sepse símile em dois pacientes com AIDS

O presente relato descreve dois pacientes que apresentaram toxoplasmose aguda, disseminada e grave como primeira manifestação oportunista da síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida. Os achados clínicos e laboratoriais foram similares aos de sepse ou choque séptico e, em ambos os casos houve evolução rápida para óbito. À necropsia, foi observada reação inflamatória e presença de taquizoítos e cistos de Toxoplasma gondii na maioria dos órgãos examinados.This report describes two patients who presented acute disseminated and severe toxoplasmosis as the first opportunistic disease related to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. At admission, clinical and laboratory findings were similar to sepsis or septic shock and a fast evolutive course to death occurred in both cases. At necropsy, an inflammatory reaction and presence of a great number of Toxoplasma gondii cysts and tachyzoites were observed in most organs examined

Mechanisms involved in increasing the risk of bleeding in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack using antiplatelet agent

Introdução: O antecedente de AVCI e/ou AIT está presente em 5% dos pacientes com coronariopatia aguda e em até 17% dos pacientes com coronariopatia crônica. Esta população apresenta elevado risco para eventos cardiovasculares, assim como para desfechos hemorrágicos maiores (principalmente quando em uso de tratamento antitrombótico). A agregabilidade plaquetária apresenta papel fundamental no balanço isquêmico/hemorrágico; entretanto, esse mecanismo é pouco estudado em pacientes com evento cérebro vascular isquêmico prévio. O principal objetivo desse estudo é avaliar se pacientes com DAC e AVCI/ AIT prévio exibem alterações na agregabilidade plaquetária que justifiquem o risco aumentado para sangramento nesses indivíduos. Casuística e Métodos: Entre janeiro de 2013 e abril de 2015, 140 pacientes foram selecionados nos bancos de dados da unidade coronária e do serviço de cirurgia cardíaca do InCor- HCFMUSP. Critérios de inclusão: coronariopatia aguda prévia (há mais de 12 meses), antecedente de AVCI/AIT (anterior ao episódio de coronariopatia aguda), uso crônico de AAS e assinatura do Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Critérios de exclusão: AVCH prévio, uso de antiagregação plaquetária dupla ou anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais, trombofilia ou coagulopatia conhecida, trombocitopenia ou trombocitose, angioplastia ou cirurgia cardíaca nos últimos 6 meses, disfunção renal grave ou qualquer doença terminal. Desenho do estudo: Estudo de caso e controle (1:1), com os grupos caso (AVCI/AIT prévio) e controle (sem AVCI/AIT prévio) pareados por sexo, idade, tipo de coronariopatia aguda e tempo entre a coronariopatia aguda e a inclusão no estudo. A agregabilidade plaquetária foi mensurada pelo VerifyNow Aspirin®, VerifyNow P2Y12®, Agregometria óptica com agonista ADP, Agregometria óptica com agonista adrenalina e tromboelastrografia (Reorox®). Resultados: Os grupos controle (n=70) e caso (n=70), estavam bem pareados em relação à maioria das variáveis analisadas. A idade média da população global foi de 66 anos, 73% apresentavam IAM prévio, e o tempo médio entre o episódio de coronariopatia aguda e a inclusão no presente estudo foi de 5,31 anos. No momento da avaliação os pacientes do grupo caso apresentavam valores mais elevados de pressão arterial sistólica (135,84 ± 16,09 vs 123,68 ± 16,11mmHg, p < 0,001), embora esse grupo utilizasse maior número de antihipertensivos (2,37 ± 1,09 vs 3,0 ± 1,23, p=0,006). Em relação a variáveis metabólicas, o perfil lipídico não presentou diferença significativa entre os grupos, entretanto o grupo caso apresentou maiores valores de creatinina (1,24 ± 0,35 vs 1,11 ± 0,27 mg/dL, p=0,037) e também de glicemia de jejum (116,16 ± 32,03 vs 134,88 ± 57,58 mg/dL, p=0,031). No que se refere à meta principal do estudo, a agregabilidade plaquetária foi similar nos dois grupos por todos os métodos utilizados: VerifyNow Aspirin® (525,00 ± 79,78 vs 530,35 ± 83,81 ARU nos grupos caso e controle, respectivamente, p=0,7), VerifyNow P2Y12® (262,14 ± 43,03 vs 251,74 ± 43,72 PRU, p=0,21), Agregometria óptica com agonista ADP (78,34 ± 9,02 vs 77,55 ± 9,70%, p=0,82), Agregometria óptica com agonista adrenalina (49,01± 23,93% vs 49,34 ± 21,7, p=0,77), e tromboelastografia (Firmeza máxima do coágulo: 2,136,00 ± 569,97 vs 2.001,27 ± 635,68 Pa, p=0,19). Conclusão: Em pacientes com doença arterial coronária crônica a agregabilidade plaquetária foi similar nos indivíduos com ou sem AVCI/AIT. Esses resultados apontam para que outros mecanismos sejam responsáveis pelo elevado risco hemorrágico dessa populaçãoBackground: Ischemic stroke (IS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) history is present in 5% of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and in 17% of patients with stable atherosclerotic disease (CAD). This population has a higher risk for major cardiovascular events and an increased incidence of major hemorrhagic outcomes when subjected to modern antithrombotic regimens, Platelet aggregability have key role in \"ischemic-hemorrhagic\" balance, however, these factors are little known in the population with prior cerebrovascular event. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether patients with coronary artery disease and previous IS/ TIA exhibit alterations in platelet aggregation, justifying the increased bleeding risk of these individuals. Methods: Between January 2013 and April 2015, 140 participants were selected in the coronary care unit and cardiac surgery service databank. Inclusion criteria: prior ACS (over 12 months), history of IS/ TIA previous to ACS, chronic use of aspirin since ACS and agreement to the consent form. Exclusion criteria: prior hemorrhagic stroke, current dual antiplatelet therapy or anti-inflammatory non-steroidal, any thrombophilia or coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis, PCI or CABG in the last 6 months, severe renal impairment and any terminal illness. Study design: Case-control study (1:1), case group (previous IS/TIA) and control group (without previous IS/TIA) matched for sex, age, type of previous ACS, time between ACS and inclusion in the study. Platelet aggregation was assessed by VerifyNow Aspirin®, VerifyNow P2Y12®, Light transmission aggregometry aggonist with agonists adrenaline, Light transmission aggregometry aggonist with ADP, and thromboelastography (Reorox®). Results: The control group (n=70) and case group (n=70), were well matched. The mean age was 63 years, about 73% presented previous AMI and the index ACS occurred 5,31 years before study inclusion. At the evaluation day patients in the case group presented higher SBP levels (135.84 ± 16.09 vs 123.68 ± 16.11 mmHg, p < 0,001), although this group were using more antihypertensive medications (2.37 ± 1.09 vs 3.0 ± 1.23, p=0,006). In relation to metabolic profile, lipid profile did not presented diferences, however, case group presented higher values for creatinine (1.24 ± 0.35 vs 1.11 ± 0.27 mg/dL, p=0.037) and also presented higher values for fasting glucose.(116.16 ± 32.03 vs 134.88 ± 57.58 mg/dL, p=0.031) Platelet aggregation was statistically similar in both groups: VerifyNow Aspirin® (525.00 ± 79.78 vs 530.35 ± 83.81 ARU, p=0.7), VerifyNow P2Y12® (262.14 ± 43.03 vs 251.74 ± 43.72 PRU, p=0.21), Light transmission aggregometry aggonist with agonists ADP (78,34 ± 9,02 vs 77,55 ± 9,70%, p=0,82), Light transmission aggregometry aggonist with adrenaline (49,01 ± 23,93% vs 49,34 ± 21,7, p=0,77) and thromboelastography (maximum clot firmness: 2.136,00 ± 569,97 vs 2.001,27 ± 635,68 Pa, p=0,19). Conclusion: Platlet aggregability is similar in CAD patients with or without previous IS/TIA and this results point at other reasons to justify the high risk for bleeding in this patient

NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans—anteaters, sloths, and armadillos—have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, 10 anteaters, and 6 sloths. Our data set includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the southern United States, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to the austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n = 5,941), and Cyclopes sp. have the fewest (n = 240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n = 11,588), and the fewest data are recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n = 33). With regard to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n = 962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n = 12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other data sets of Neotropical Series that will become available very soon (i.e., Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans data set. Please cite this data paper when using its data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using these data

NEOTROPICAL ALIEN MAMMALS: a data set of occurrence and abundance of alien mammals in the Neotropics

Biological invasion is one of the main threats to native biodiversity. For a species to become invasive, it must be voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into a nonnative habitat. Mammals were among first taxa to be introduced worldwide for game, meat, and labor, yet the number of species introduced in the Neotropics remains unknown. In this data set, we make available occurrence and abundance data on mammal species that (1) transposed a geographical barrier and (2) were voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into the Neotropics. Our data set is composed of 73,738 historical and current georeferenced records on alien mammal species of which around 96% correspond to occurrence data on 77 species belonging to eight orders and 26 families. Data cover 26 continental countries in the Neotropics, ranging from Mexico and its frontier regions (southern Florida and coastal-central Florida in the southeast United States) to Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay, and the 13 countries of Caribbean islands. Our data set also includes neotropical species (e.g., Callithrix sp., Myocastor coypus, Nasua nasua) considered alien in particular areas of Neotropics. The most numerous species in terms of records are from Bos sp. (n = 37,782), Sus scrofa (n = 6,730), and Canis familiaris (n = 10,084); 17 species were represented by only one record (e.g., Syncerus caffer, Cervus timorensis, Cervus unicolor, Canis latrans). Primates have the highest number of species in the data set (n = 20 species), partly because of uncertainties regarding taxonomic identification of the genera Callithrix, which includes the species Callithrix aurita, Callithrix flaviceps, Callithrix geoffroyi, Callithrix jacchus, Callithrix kuhlii, Callithrix penicillata, and their hybrids. This unique data set will be a valuable source of information on invasion risk assessments, biodiversity redistribution and conservation-related research. There are no copyright restrictions. Please cite this data paper when using the data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us on how they are using the data