Artículos Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud

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  • Publication
    How to Avoid and Handle Problems in the Placement of Cement-Augmented Fenestrated Percutaneous Pedicle Screws?
    (2024) Padilla, Fernando; Landriel, Federico; Guiroy, Alfredo; Casimiro, Miguel; Silva, Alvaro; Hem, Santiago
    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pedicle screws with a central cannula and fenestrations allow cement augmentation, providing lower risk for screw loosening and pullout, especially in these patients with poor bone quality. This study aims to offer suggestions for resolving issues and reducing complications associated with the use of cement-augmented fenestrated pedicle screws. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted across multiple centers on patients who received fenestrated pedicle screws with cement augmentation (CAFPS). Using 2-dimensional fluoroscopy guidance, we placed over 800 screws in 137 patients. Based on our analysis of common challenges and complications, 10 tips were compiled, that we believe are crucial for successfully implementing this technique, regardless of the brand or instrument used. RESULTS: The 10 tips included the following: (1) Indications of cement-augmented fenestrated pedicle screws; (2) use the K-wire blunt end in osteoporotic vertebrae; (3) know the longitude and diameter of the screw, by the measurement of the vertebrae to treat; (4) do not go bicortical; (5) clean the way of the screws fenestrae with saline; (6) protecting screw extensors with gauze; (7) measuring time and volume; (8) gently and smoothly introduce the cement; (9) do not panic. The presence of cement in the posterosuperior area adjacent to the pedicle does not necessarily indicate a leakage into the canal; and (10) fenestrated screw removal. CONCLUSION: The implementation of these tips could enhance technique performance and minimize complications in cement-augmented fenestrated pedicle screw placement.
  • Publication
    Clinical Characteristics Associated with the PLP-PLS Index, a New Potential Metric to Phenotype Phantom Limb Pain
    (2024) Ortega, Jorge; Garnier, Justyna; Mena, Lucas; Palagi, Ana; Boschetti, Eleonora; Vallejos, Gabriel; Cost, Valton; Martinez, Daniela; Vaz de Macedo, Antonio; Neiva de Paula-Garcia, Waynice; Saretta, Denise; Fregni, Felipe; Pacheco, Kevin
    Background: Phantom limb pain (PLP) is highly prevalent after amputation. However, the influence of non-painful sensations (PLS) remains unclear. This study examines the PLP-PLS index as a novel tool to differentiate PLP from PLS and explores the association of clinical factors with the index. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from 112 participants in a previous factorial trial in patients with unilateral traumatic lower limb amputation. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations between the index and various demographic, psychological and clinical factors. Logistic and Poisson regression, and e-value calculation were utilized for sensitivity analyses. Results: Adjusted multivariable linear regression models demonstrated significant associations of phantom movement sensation (β: -1.532; 95% CI: -2.615 to -0.449; p = 0.006) and time since amputation (β: 0.005; 95% CI: 0.0006 to 0.0101; p = 0.026) with the PLP-PLS index. These findings were confirmed by multivariable logistic regression (phantom movement sensation OR: 0.469; 95% CI: 0.200 to 1.099, p = 0.082; time since amputation OR: 1.003; 95% CI: 1.00003 to 1.007; p = 0.048) and sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: Time since amputation and phantom movement sensation likely reflect distinct phenotypes and potential mechanisms for PLP and PLS. The PLP-PLS index is a promising clinical tool for selecting therapies to prevent/treat PLP and for measuring treatment effects to modulate phantom pain. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the mechanisms underlying PLP and PLS for improving clinical management and guiding future research.
  • Publication
    Impact of the Pandemic Time on the Mental Health of People with Dementia and Their Family Caregivers in Brazil and Chile: One-Year Follow-Up
    (2024) Olavarría, Loreto; Caramelli, Paulo; Lema, José; Bezerra, Caíssa; Pinto, Alejandra; Dos Santos, Lílian; Thumala, Daniela; Santos, Maria; Peredo, Adriana; Barroso, Alana; Carvalho, Karoline; Sepúlveda, Walter; Cardoso, Ludmilla; Tonidandel, Maira; Slachevsky Chonchol, Andrea
    Background: Previous studies reported the negative impact of social isolation on mental health in people with dementia (PwD) and their caregivers, butlongitudinal studies seem scarcer. Objective: To describe a one-year follow-up impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on PwD and their caregivers in both Brazil and Chile. Methods: This study analyzed the impact of the pandemic on the psychological and physical health of PwD and their family caregivers after one year of follow-up in three outpatient clinics in Brazil (n = 68) and Chile (n = 61). Results: In both countries, PwD reduced their functional capacity after one year of follow-up (p = 0.017 and p = 0.009; respectively) and caregivers reported worse physical and mental health (p = 0.028 and p = 0.039). Only in Chile, caregivers reported more sadness associated with care (p = 0.001), and reduced time sleeping (p = 0.07). Conclusions: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have had a long-lasting impact on PwD and their caregivers. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the inherent progression of dementia itself may also influence changes observed over a year.
  • Publication
    Need estimates of psychiatric beds: a systematic review and meta-analysis
    (2024) Mundt, Adrian; Rozas, Enzo; Delhey, Sabine; Siebenförcher, Mathias; Priebe, Stefan
    This study aimed to review and synthesize the need estimates for psychiatric beds, explore how they changed over time and compare them against the prevalence of actually existing beds. We searched PubMed, Embase classic and Embase, PsycINFO and PsycIndex, Open Grey, Google Scholar, Global Health EBSCO and Proquest Dissertations, from inception to September 13, 2022. Publications providing estimates for the required number of psychiatric inpatient beds were included. Need estimates, length of stay, and year of the estimate were extracted. Need estimates were synthesized using medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs). We also computed prevalence ratios of the need estimates and the existing bed capacities at the same time and place. Sixty-five publications with 98 estimates were identified. Estimates for bed needs were trending lower until 2000, after which they stabilized. The twenty-six most recent estimates after 2000 were submitted to data synthesis (n = 15 for beds with unspecified length of stay, n = 7 for short-stay, and n = 4 for long-stay beds). Median estimates per 100 000 population were 47 (IQR: 39 to 50) beds with unspecified length of stay, 28 (IQR: 23 to 31) beds for short-stay, and 10 (IQR: 8 to 11) for long-stay beds. The median prevalence ratio of need estimates and the actual bed prevalence was 1.8 (IQR: 1.3 to 2.3) from 2000 onwards. Historically, the need estimates for psychiatric beds have decreased until about 2000. In the past two decades, they were stable over time and consistently higher than the actual bed numbers provided.
  • Publication
    Brain clocks capture diversity and disparities in aging and dementia across geographically diverse populations
    (2024) Moguilner, Sebastian; Baez, Sandra; Hernandez, Hernan; Migeot, Joaquín; Legaz, Agustina; Gonzalez, Raul; Farina, Francesca; Prado, Pavel; Cuadros, Jhosmary; Tagliazucchi, Enzo; Altschuler, Florencia; Maito, Marcelo; Godoy, María; Cruzat, Josefina; Valdes, Pedro; Lopera, Francisco; Ochoa, John; González, Alfredis; Bonilla, Jazmín; Gonzalez, Rodrigo; Anghinah, Renato; d'Almeida, Luis; Fittipaldi, Sol; Medel, Vicente; Olivares, Daniela; Yener, Görsev; Escudero, Javier; Babiloni, Claudio; Whelan, Robert; Guntekin, Bahar; Yırıkoğulları, Harun; Santamaria, Hernando; Fernández, Alberto; Huepe, David; Di Caterina, Gaetano; Soto, Marcio; Birba, Agustina; Sainz, Agustin; Coronel, Carlos; Yigezu, Amanuel; Behrens, Maria Isabel
    Brain clocks, which quantify discrepancies between brain age and chronological age, hold promise for understanding brain health and disease. However, the impact of diversity (including geographical, socioeconomic, sociodemographic, sex and neurodegeneration) on the brain-age gap is unknown. We analyzed datasets from 5,306 participants across 15 countries (7 Latin American and Caribbean countries (LAC) and 8 non-LAC countries). Based on higher-order interactions, we developed a brain-age gap deep learning architecture for functional magnetic resonance imaging (2,953) and electroencephalography (2,353). The datasets comprised healthy controls and individuals with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer disease and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. LAC models evidenced older brain ages (functional magnetic resonance imaging: mean directional error = 5.60, root mean square error (r.m.s.e.) = 11.91; electroencephalography: mean directional error = 5.34, r.m.s.e. = 9.82) associated with frontoposterior networks compared with non-LAC models. Structural socioeconomic inequality, pollution and health disparities were influential predictors of increased brain-age gaps, especially in LAC (R² = 0.37, F² = 0.59, r.m.s.e. = 6.9). An ascending brain-age gap from healthy controls to mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer disease was found. In LAC, we observed larger brain-age gaps in females in control and Alzheimer disease groups compared with the respective males. The results were not explained by variations in signal quality, demographics or acquisition methods. These findings provide a quantitative framework capturing the diversity of accelerated brain aging. Los relojes cerebrales, que cuantifican las discrepancias entre la edad cerebral y la edad cronológica, son prometedores para comprender la salud y la enfermedad cerebral. Sin embargo, se desconoce el impacto de la diversidad (incluida la geográfica, socioeconómica, sociodemográfica, sexual y neurodegenerativa) en la brecha de edad cerebral. Analizamos conjuntos de datos de 5306 participantes en 15 países (7 países de América Latina y el Caribe (ALC) y 8 países no pertenecientes a ALC). Con base en interacciones de orden superior, desarrollamos una arquitectura de aprendizaje profundo de brecha de edad cerebral para imágenes de resonancia magnética funcional (2953) y electroencefalografía (2353). Los conjuntos de datos comprendían controles sanos e individuos con deterioro cognitivo leve, enfermedad de Alzheimer y demencia frontotemporal variante conductual. Los modelos LAC evidenciaron edades cerebrales más avanzadas (imágenes por resonancia magnética funcional: error direccional medio = 5,60, error cuadrático medio (rmse) = 11,91; electroencefalografía: error direccional medio = 5,34, rmse = 9,82) asociadas con redes frontoposteriores en comparación con los modelos no LAC. La desigualdad socioeconómica estructural, la contaminación y las disparidades en la salud fueron predictores influyentes de mayores brechas de edad cerebral, especialmente en LAC (R² = 0,37, F² = 0,59, rmse = 6,9). Se encontró una brecha ascendente de edad cerebral desde controles sanos hasta deterioro cognitivo leve y enfermedad de Alzheimer. En LAC, observamos brechas de edad cerebral más grandes en mujeres en los grupos de control y enfermedad de Alzheimer en comparación con los respectivos hombres. Los resultados no se explicaron por variaciones en la calidad de la señal, la demografía o los métodos de adquisición. Estos hallazgos proporcionan un marco cuantitativo que captura la diversidad del envejecimiento cerebral acelerado.
  • Publication
    Author Correction: Brain clocks capture diversity and disparities in aging and dementia across geographically diverse populations
    (2024) Moguilner, Sebastian; Baez, Sandra; Hernandez, Hernan; Migeot, Joaquín; Legaz, Agustina; Gonzalez, Raul; Farina, Francesca; Prado, Pavel; Cuadros, Jhosmary; Tagliazucchi, Enzo; Altschuler, Florencia; Maito, Marcelo; Godoy, María; Cruzat, Josefina; Valdes, Pedro; Lopera, Francisco; Ochoa, John; Gonzalez, Alfredis; Bonilla, Jasmin; Gonzalez, Rodrigo; Anghinah, Renato; d'Almeida, Luís; Fittipaldi, Sol; Medel, Vicente; Olivares, Daniela; Yener, Görsev; Escudero, Javier; Babiloni, Claudio; Whelan, Robert; Güntekin, Bahar; Yırıkoğulları, Harun; Santamaria, Hernando; Fernández, Alberto; Huepe, David; Di Caterina, Gaetano; Soto, Marcio; Birba, Agustina; Sainz, Agustin; Coronel, Carlos; Yigezu, Amanuel; Behrens, Maria Isabel
    Los relojes cerebrales capturan la diversidad y las disparidades en el envejecimiento y la demencia en poblaciones geográficamente diversas. Brain clocks capture diversity and disparities in aging and dementia across geographically diverse populations. Brain clocks, which quantify discrepancies between brain age and chronological age, hold promise for understanding brain health and disease. However, the impact of diversity (including geographical, socioeconomic, sociodemographic, sex and neurodegeneration) on the brain-age gap is unknown. We analyzed datasets from 5,306 participants across 15 countries (7 Latin American and Caribbean countries (LAC) and 8 non-LAC countries). Based on higher-order interactions, we developed a brain-age gap deep learning architecture for functional magnetic resonance imaging (2,953) and electroencephalography (2,353). The datasets comprised healthy controls and individuals with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer disease and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. LAC models evidenced older brain ages (functional magnetic resonance imaging: mean directional error = 5.60, root mean square error (r.m.s.e.) = 11.91; electroencephalography: mean directional error = 5.34, r.m.s.e. = 9.82) associated with frontoposterior networks compared with non-LAC models. Structural socioeconomic inequality, pollution and health disparities were influential predictors of increased brain-age gaps, especially in LAC (R² = 0.37, F² = 0.59, r.m.s.e. = 6.9). An ascending brain-age gap from healthy controls to mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer disease was found. In LAC, we observed larger brain-age gaps in females in control and Alzheimer disease groups compared with the respective males. The results were not explained by variations in signal quality, demographics or acquisition methods. These findings provide a quantitative framework capturing the diversity of accelerated brain aging.
  • Publication
    LINC00662 Promotes Aggressive Traits by Modulating OCT4 Expression through miR-335-5p in Gallbladder Cancer Cells
    (2024) Perez Moreno, Pablo; Riquelme, Ismael; Bizama, Carolina; Vergara, Luis; Tapia, Julio; Brebi, Priscilla; García, Patricia; Roa, Juan
  • Publication
    Correction: Obesity and brain structure in schizophrenia - ENIGMA study in 3021 individuals
    (2022) McWhinney, Sean; Brosch, Katharina; Calhoun, Vince; Crespo, Benedicto; Crossley, Nicolas; Dannlowski, Udo; Dickie, Erin; Dietze, Lorielle; Donohoe, Gary; Du Plessis, Stefan; Ehrlich, Stefan; Emsley, Robin; Furstova, Petra; Glahn, David; Gonzalez, Alfonso; Grotegerd, Dominik; Holleran, Laurena; Kircher, Tilo; Knytl, Pavel; Kolenic, Marian; Lencer, Rebekka; Nenadić, Igor; Opel, Nils; Pfarr, Julia; Rodrigue, Amanda; Rootes, Kelly; Ross, Alex; Sim, Kang; Škoch, Antonín; Spaniel, Filip; Stein, Frederike; Švancer, Patrik; Tordesillas, Diana; Undurraga, Juan; Vázquez, Javier; Voineskos, Aristotle; Walton, Esther; Weickert, Thomas; Weickert, Cynthia; Thompson, Paul; M Van Erp, Theo; Turner, Jessica; Hajek, Tomas
    Corrección de: Molecular Psychiatry https://doi-org.udd.idm.oclc.org/10.1038/s41380-022-01616-5 , publicado en línea el 14 de junio de 2022 El nombre de uno de los coautores (Javier Vázquez-Bourgon) había sido escrito incorrectamente en el pasado, lo que ya ha sido corregido. The article “Obesity and brain structure in schizophrenia – ENIGMA study in 3021 individuals”, written by Sean R. McWhinney, Katharina Brosch, Vince D. Calhoun, Benedicto Crespo-Facorro, Nicolas A. Crossley, Udo Dannlowski, Erin Dickie, Lorielle M. F. Dietze, Gary Donohoe, Stefan Plessis, Stefan Ehrlich, Robin Emsley, Petra Furstova, David C. Glahn, Alfonso Gonzalez- Valderrama, Dominik Grotegerd, Laurena Holleran, Tilo T. J. Kircher, Pavel Knytl, Marian Kolenic, Rebekka Lencer, Igor Nenadić, Nils Opel, JuliaKatharina Pfarr, Amanda L. Rodrigue, Kelly Rootes-Murdy, Alex J. Ross, Kang Sim, Antonín Škoch, Filip Spaniel, Frederike Stein, Patrik Švancer, Diana Tordesillas-Gutiérrez, Juan Undurraga, Javier Váquez-Bourgon, Aristotle Voineskos, Esther Walton, Thomas W. Weickert, Cynthia Shannon Weickert, Paul M. Thompson, Theo G. M. Erp, Jessica A. Turner, Tomas Hajek, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 14 June 2022 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 20 May 2022 to © The Author(s) 2022 and the article is forthwith distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/4.0/.
  • Publication
    Sacral neuromodulation therapy for urinary and defecatory disorders: experience in a Latin American public hospital
    (2024) Mass, Marcelo; Arévalo, Diego; Aleuanlli, Isidora; Santis, Fernanda; Maluenda, Andrea; Dines, Eitan; Cohen, Miriam; Saavedra, Álvaro; Raby, Trinidad; Blumel, Bernardita; Cuevas, Rodrigo; Pohlhammer, Simone; Alarcon, Gabriela; Arellano, Marco; Pizarro, Javier
    Objective: To show the experience of a Latin American public hospital, with SNM in the management of either OAB, NOUR or FI, reporting feasibility, short to medium-term success rates, and complications. Methods: A retrospective cohort was conducted using data collected prospectively from patients with urogynecological conditions and referred from colorectal surgery and urology services between 2015 and 2022. Results: Advanced or basic trial phases were performed on 35 patients, 33 (94%) of which were successful and opted to move on Implantable Pulse Generator (GG) implantation. The average follow-up time after definitive implantation was 82 months (SD 59). Of the 33 patients undergoing, 27 (81%)reported an improvement of 50% or more in their symptoms at last follow-up. Moreover, 30 patients (90%) with a definitive implant reported subjective improvement, with an average PGI-I "much better" and 9 of them reporting to be "excellent" on PGI-I. Conclusion: SNM is a feasible and effective treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. Its implementation requires highly trained groups and innovative leadership. At a nation-wide level, greater diffusion of this therapy among professionals is needed to achieve timely referral of patients who require it.
  • Publication
    Chemo-small extracellular vesicles released in cisplatin-resistance ovarian cancer cells are regulated by the lysosomal function
    (2024) Cerda-Troncoso, Cristóbal; Grünenwald, Felipe; Arias-Muñoz, Eloísa; Cavieres, Viviana A.; Caceres-Verschae, Albano; Hernández, Sergio; Gaete-Ramírez, Belén; Álvarez-Astudillo, Francisca; Acuña, Rodrigo; Ostrowski, Matías; Patricia V Burgos, Patricia V.; Varas-Godoy, Manuel
    Chemoresistance is a common problem in ovarian cancer (OvCa) treatment, where resistant cells, in response to chemotherapy, secrete small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), known as chemo-sEVs, that transfer resistance to recipient cells. sEVs are formed as intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) within multivesicular endosomes (MVEs), whosetraffickingisregulatedbyRas-associatedbinding(RAB)GTPasesthatmediate sEVs secretion or lysosomal degradation. A decrease in lysosomal function can promote sEVs secretion, but the relationship between MVEs trafficking pathways and sEVs secretion in OvCa chemoresistance is unclear. Here, we show that A2780cis cisplatin (CCDP) resistant OvCa cells had an increased number of MVEs and ILVs structures, higher levels of Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRTs)machinerycomponents,andRAB27AcomparedtoA2780CDDP-sensitive OvCacells.CDDPpromotedthesecretionofchemo-sEVsinA2780ciscells,enriched in DNA damage response proteins. A2780cis cells exhibited poor lysosomal function with reduced levels of RAB7, essential in MVEs-Lysosomal trafficking. The silencing of RAB27A in A2780cis cells prevents the Chemo-EVs secretion, reduces its chemoresistance and restores lysosomal function and levels of RAB7, switching them into an A2780-like cellular phenotype. Enhancing lysosomal function with rapamycinreducedchemo-sEVssecretion.Ourresults suggest that adjusting the balance between secretory MVEs and lysosomal MVEs trafficking could be a promising strategy for overcoming CDDP chemoresistance in OvCa.
  • Publication
    Are local public expenditure reductions associated with increases in inequality in emergency hospitalisation? Time-series analysis of English local authorities from 2010 to 2017
    (2024) Castro-Avila, Ana Cristina; Cookson, Richard; Doran, Tim; Shaw, Robert; Brittain, John; Sowden, Sarah
    Background Reductions in local government funding implemented in 2010 due to austerity policies have been associated with worsening socioeconomic inequalities in mortality. Less is known about the relationship of these reductions with healthcare inequalities; therefore, we investigated whether areas with greater reductions in local government funding had greater increases in socioeconomic inequalities in emergency admissions. Methods We examined inequalities between English local authority districts (LADs) using a fixed- effects linear regression to estimate the association between LAD expenditure reductions, their level of deprivation using the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and average rates of (all and avoidable) emergency admissions for the years 2010–2017. We also examined changes in inequalities in emergency admissions using the Absolute Gradient Index (AGI), which is the modelled gap between the most and least deprived neighbourhoods in an area. Results LADs within the most deprived IMD quintile had larger pounds per capita expenditure reductions, higher rates of all and avoidable emergency admissions, and greater between- neighbourhood inequalities in admissions. However, expenditure reductions were only associated with increasing average rates of all and avoidable emergency admissions and inequalities between neighbourhoods in local authorities in England’s three least deprived IMD quintiles. For a LAD in the least deprived IMD quintile, a yearly reduction of £100 per capita in total expenditure was associated with a yearly increase of 47 (95% CI 22 to 73) avoidable admissions, 142 (95% CI 70 to 213) all- cause emergency admissions and a yearly increase in inequalities between neighbourhoods of 48 (95% CI 14 to 81) avoidable and 140 (95% CI 60 to 220) all- cause emergency admissions. In 2017, a LAD average population was ~170 000. Conclusion Austerity policies implemented in 2010 impacted less deprived local authorities, where emergency admissions and inequalities between neighbourhoods increased, while in the most deprived areas, emergency admissions were unchanged, remaining high and persistent
  • Publication
    Towards an explanation for 'unexplained' dizziness in older people
    (2024) Castro, Patricia; Ibitoye, Richard; Ellmers, Toby; Kaski, Diego; Arshad, Qadeer; Bronstein, Adolfo M.
    Background: Subjective unsteadiness or dizziness, usually without increase in body sway, is common in older people. The absence of mechanistic understanding of such symptoms renders clinical management difficult. Here, we explore the mechanisms behind such idiopathic dizziness (ID), focusing on postural control abnormalities. Methods: Thirty patients with ID and 30 age-matched controls stood on a moving platform. Platform oscillations were randomly delivered at different velocities (from 0 to 0.2 m/s). Markers of postural control, including objective sway (trunk sway path, recorded via a sensor attached to vertebrae C7), stepping responses, subjective instability and anxiety ratings were obtained. MRI scans were available for correlations with levels of cerebral small vessel disease in 28 patients and 24 controls. Results: We observed a significant relationship between objective and subjective instability in all groups. The slope of this fit was significantly steeper for patients than controls, indicating greater perceived instability for the same body sway. Stepwise linear regression showed that the slopes of this objective–subjective instability relationship were best explained by concerns about falling (Falls Efficacy Scale-International), clinical physical functioning (Short Physical Performance Battery) and, to some degree, by neuroimaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease. In addition, patients had a reduced stepping threshold, suggesting an overly cautious postural response. Conclusion: The distorted perception of instability and subtle impairments in balance control, including abnormal and overly cautious stepping responses, underlies the emergence of ID. It appears to relate to changes in postural performance, psychological functioning and disruption of postural brain networks associated with cerebral small vessel disease.
  • Publication
    Experiencia de parto instrumental con vacuum en Hospital Público de Santiago de Chile
    (2024) Lopéz, Marcia; Espinosa, María; Guzmán, Rodrigo
    Introducción: El vacuum es el instrumento de elección para asistir el parto instrumental en países desarrollados. Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio es exponer los resultados maternos y fetales del uso del vacuum en población chilena y promover su disponibilidad y uso en nuestro país y Latinoamérica. Método: El estudio se realizó entre octubre de 2017 y diciembre de 2021, incluyendo a pacientes que tuvieron parto instrumental con vacuum en el Hospital San Juan de Dios de Chile. Se compararon los partos exitosos con vacuum y los partos en los que se requirió el uso de otro instrumento o una cesárea posterior al uso del instrumento. Resultados: Se realizaron 153 vacuum, correspondientes al 28,59% del total de partos instrumentales. El 79,74% tuvo éxito. El 5,88% no recibió anestesia o se aplicó anestesia local. Solo el 3,27% presentó desgarro perineal con compromiso del esfínter anal. El 91,5% de los recién nacidos no tuvieron complicaciones fetales. Un 20,3% requirió reanimación neonatal. Conclusiones: El estudio muestra que el vacuum es una opción segura y efectiva de parto instrumental en nuestra población. La correcta capacitación y protocolos adecuados son necesarios para garantizar resultados exitosos. Introduction: Vacuum extraction is the instrument of choice for assisting instrumental delivery in developed countries. Objective: The aim of the study is to present the maternal and fetal outcomes of vacuum use in the Chilean population and promote its availability and usage in our country and Latin America. Method: The study was performed between October 2017 and December 2021, including patients who underwent instrumental delivery with a vacuum extraction at the Hospital San Juan de Dios in Chile. Successful vacuum deliveries were compared with deliveries where another instrument was required, or a cesarean section was performed after instrument use. Results: A total of 153 vacuum deliveries were carried out, accounting for 28.59% of all instrumental deliveries. 79.74% were successful. 5.88% did not receive anesthesia or received local anesthesia. Only 3.27% experienced perineal tear with involvement of the anal sphincter. 91.5% of newborns had no fetal complications. 20.3% required neonatal resuscitation. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that the vacuum is a safe and effective option for instrumental delivery in our population. Proper training and appropriate protocols are necessary to ensure successful outcomes
  • Publication
    Access to medicines for the treatment of chronic diseases in Chile: qualitative analysis of perceived patient barriers and facilitators in five regions of the country
    (2024) Castillo-Laborde, Carla; Matute, María Isabel; Sgombich, Ximena; Jofré, Daniel
    Background Access to medicines is one of the most serious public health problems globally, and Chile is not an exception. The aim of this study was to explore patients’ perceptions, beneficiaries of both public and private health sectors, of barriers and facilitators in access to medicines in general, and those associated with the treatment of diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Methods Ten focus groups of patients with these diseases, diagnosed for at least six months and with prescribed medication, were carried out in five regions of Chile: Arica (north), Aysén (south), and Valparaíso, Metropolitan, and Maule (center). Results The experience of access to medicines is determined by the insurance system, the experience of care with public or private providers, and geographical-administrative difference between capital and other regions. Beneficiaries of public sector value territorial coverage of primary care, which guarantees access in isolated areas and, despite their greater socioeconomic vulnerability, perceive greater protection in access (access conditions, delivery reliability and adherence to pharmacological treatment). The main problem observed is the financing of treatments not covered by the system. Beneficiaries of private sector perceive that they have access to medicines of better qual ity than those provided free of charge by public sector, but raise fears associated with the inability to afford them and distrust in the market process. Regarding the type of provider, public sector shows greater capacity for user loyalty, which is expressed in regular visits and follow-up, unlike discontinuous examinations among private sector beneficiaries. Conclusions Different access conditions both at the territorial level and in the health subsystems are evident. It s necessary to make progress in addressing the problem of access to medicines in a comprehensive manner.
  • Publication
    Effects of climate change on migration in Latin America and Caribbean: a scoping review
    (2024) Cabieses, Báltica; Huerta, Catalina
    Climate change-induced natural disasters such as hurricanes, landslides, forest fires, and changes in precipitation directly affect rural sectors that depend on field production and other dimensions of everyday life. This generates the mobilization of people from their homes to safer places within the same country or across borders. There is a lack of information on the impacts of climate change on environmental migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This scoping review aims to describe the scientific evidence of the health effects of climate change on migrant in LAC. The review was conducted using databases from PubMed, Web of Science (WoS), and Google Scholar in English, Spanish and Portuguese. After screening the title, abstract, and full text of identified hits (n = 726), 31 records were finally included. Evidence indicates that climate change relates to health and healthcare, psychosocial and infrastructure dimensions among migrants in LAC. Health effects refer to limited access to healthcare, underdiagnosis, increased susceptibility to diseases and mental health conditions like stress and anxiety. Psychosocial dimensions refer to a heightened risk of sexual and gender-based violence, social marginalization, family separation, and loss of identity and culture. Infrastructure refers to environmental degradation and agricultural and urban infrastructure destruction. Multiple adaptations to these conditions are described among migrant populations in the region. Recommendations for improvements are presented. This scoping review suggests climate change’s significant health, psychosocial, and infrastructural associations with migrants in Latin America.
  • Publication
    Características clínicas y radiográficas de reabsorciones radiculares externas
    (2024) Buchi-Velazquez, Agustina; Escobar-Torres, Daniela; Veloso, Valent; NiFerraro, Nicolás
    INTRODUCCIÓN La siguiente revisión bibliográfica se realizó con el propósito de reconocer las características clínicas y radiográficas que deben ser evaluadas para el diagnóstico de las reabsorciones radiculares externas incluyendo también sus tratamientos. METODOLOGÍA Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda en las bases de datos MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library y Google Scholar bajo el término external root resorption, incluyendo estudios experimentales y revisiones bibliográficas desde 2010 a 2022 en español e inglés, incluyendo finalmente 17 artículos. RESULTADOS Los resultados obtenidos señalaron que cada tipo de reabsorción radicular externa presenta características clínicas específicas que las diferencian. Estas diferencias son: para la reabsorción externa inflamatoria la vitalidad pulpar negativa; para la reabsorción externa de reemplazo la ausencia de movilidad y percusión metálica; para la reabsorción externa cervical una coloración rosada de la corona; la reabsorción externa superficial no presenta ningún tipo de sintomatología clínica y la reabsorción de colapso apical transitorio presenta un cambio de coloración transitorio. CONCLUSIÓN Las reabsorciones radiculares externas requieren un diagnóstico preciso y temprano. Se debe realizar un examen clínico con énfasis en sondaje, coloración, movilidad y pruebas de vitalidad
  • Publication
    Validation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder Scale (PSQ-SRBD) to spanish language
    (2024) Bertrán S., Katalina; Deck, Barbara; Vargas, Maria; Cavada Ch., Gabriel; Corrales V., Raúl; Iranzo, Alex; Cox M., Nicolás; Ovalle D., Bárbara; Santelices, Pilar
    In the Chilean pediatric population, to date, there is no validated screening instrument for sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD). Objective: to develop and validate a cross-cultural adaptation of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire - sleep-related breathing disorder scale (PSQ-SRBD), by creating the Chilean Spanish version (PSQ-CL). Patients and Method: The PSQ-SRBD was translated from English into Chilean Spanish, obtaining the PSQ-CL, which was subsequently validated. Internal consistency was determined through Cronbach’s alpha coefficient in 26 children with obstructive sleep apnea confirmed by polysomnography and in 112 controls. Reliability was obtained through the test-retest method. Results: In the pilot group, the overall internal consistency of the PSQ CL through Cronbach’s alpha was 0.71 and the internal consistency was 0.653, 0.566, and 0.808 in subscales A, B, and C, respectively. The discrimination capacity of the PSQ-CL questionnaire established through ROC analysis was 81%, determining a cut-off score of 0.227 with a sensitivity of 73.08% and a specificity of 77.68%. Conclusions: The PSQ-CL is a suitable instrument for screening sleep-disordered breathing in Chilean children. This instrument may be useful in clinical practice and epidemiological research in the Chilean pediatric population and could be used for multicenter studies.
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    Routes of importation and spatial dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 variants during localized interventions in Chile
    (2024) Gutierrez, Bernardo; L -H Tsui, Joseph; Pullano, Giulia; Mazzoli, Mattia; Inward, Rhys P D; Bajaj, Sumali; Evans Pena, Rosario; Busch-Moreno, Simon; Suchard, Marc A.; Pybus, Oliver G.; Dunner, Alejandra; Puentes, Rodrigo; Fernandez, Jorge; Araos Bralic, Rafael Ignacio; Ferres, Leo; Colizza, Vittoria; Kraemer, Moritz U.G.
    Human mobility is strongly associated with the spread of SARS-CoV-2 via air travel on an international scale and with population mixing and the number of people moving between locations on a local scale. However, these conclusions are drawn mostly from observations in the context of the global north where international and domestic connectivity is heavily influenced by the air travel network; scenarios where land-based mobility can also dominate viral spread remain understudied. Furthermore, research on the effects of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) has mostly focused on national- or regional-scale implementations, leaving gaps in our understanding of the potential benefits of implementing NPIs at higher granularity. Here, we use Chile as a model to explore the role of human mobility on disease spread within the global south; the country implemented a systematic genomic surveillance program and NPIs at a very high spatial granularity. We combine viral genomic data, anonymized human mobility data from mobile phones and official records of international travelers entering the country to characterize the routes of importation of different variants, the relative contributions of airport and land border importations, and the real-time impact of the country’s mobility network on the diffusion of SARS-CoV-2. The introduction of variants which are dominant in neighboring countries (and not detected through airport genomic surveillance) is predicted by land border crossings and not by air travelers, and the strength of connectivity between comunas (Chile’s lowest administrative divisions) predicts the time of arrival of imported lineages to new locations. A higher stringency of local NPIs was also associated with fewer domestic viral importations. Our analysis sheds light on the drivers of emerging respiratory infectious disease spread outside of air travel and on the consequences of disrupting regular movement patterns at lower spatial scales.
  • Publication
    The Janus of a disease: Diabetes and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
    (2024) Barrera, Francisco; Uribe, Javier; Olivares, Nixa; Huerta, Paula; Cabrera, Daniel; Romero-Gómez, Manuel
    Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Diabetes Mellitus are two prevalent metabolic disorders that often coexist and synergistically contribute to the progression of each other. Several pathophysiological pathways are involved in the association, including insulin resistance, inflammation, and lipotoxicity, providing a foundation for understanding the complex interrelationships between these conditions. The presence of MASLD has a significant impact on diabetes risk and the development of microvascular and macrovascular complications, and diabetes significantly contributes to an increased risk of liver fibrosis progression in MASLD and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Moreover, both pathologies have a synergistic effect on cardiovascular events and mortality. Therapeutic interventions targeting MASLD and diabetes are discussed, considering lifestyle modifications, pharmacological agents, and emerging treatment modalities. The review also addresses the challenges in managing these comorbidities, such as the need for personalized approaches and the potential impact on cardiovascular health. The insights gleaned from this analysis can inform clinicians, researchers, and policymakers in developing integrated strategies for preventing, diagnosing, and managing these metabolic disorders.
  • Publication
    Targeted therapy for immune mediated skin diseases. What should a dermatologist know?
    (2024) López, Edinson; Cabrera, Raúl; Lecaros, Cristóbal
    Background: Molecularly targeted therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and Janus Kinase inhibitors (JAKis), have emerged as essential tools in the treatment of dermatological diseases. These therapies modulate the immune system through specific signaling pathways, providing effective alternatives to traditional systemic immunosuppressive agents. This review aims to provide an updated summary of targeted immune therapies for inflammatory skin diseases, considering their pathophysiology, efficacy, dosage, and safety profiles. Methods: The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed over the past 10 years, focusing on randomized clinical trials, case reports, and case series related to targeted immune therapies in dermatology. Eligibility criteria were applied, and data were extracted from each study, including citation data, study design, and results. Results: We identified 1360 non-duplicate articles with the initial search strategy. Title and abstract review excluded 1150, while a full-text review excluded an additional 50 articles. The review included 143 studies published between 2012 and 2022, highlighting 39 drugs currently under investigation or in use for managing inflammatory skin diseases. Study limitations: The heterogeneity of summarized information limits this review. Some recommendations originated from data from clinical trials, while others relied on retrospective analyses and small case series. Recommendations will likely be updated as new results emerge. Conclusion: Targeted therapies have revolutionized the treatment of chronic skin diseases, offering new options for patients unresponsive to standard treatments. Paradoxical reactions are rarely observed. Further studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms and nature of these therapies. Overall, targeted immune therapies in dermatology represent a promising development, significantly improving the quality of life for patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases.