RESUMEN
We report two studies that tested the effects of caffeine, the world's most widely used psychoactive drug, on temporal perception. We trained Wistar rats using the Bisection Procedure (Experiment 1) or the Stubbs' Procedure (Experiment 2) to discriminate between short and long light stimuli. Once training finished, we administered caffeine orally (0, 9.6, and 96.0 mg/kg for Experiment 1 and 0, 9.6, 19.2, and 38.4 mg/kg for Experiment 2) 15 minutes prior to testing. Relative to the control condition, the 9.6 mg/kg condition (Experiments 1 and 2) and the 19.2 mg/kg condition (Experiment 2) resulted in an increase in proportion of choosing the long response. Meanwhile, overall accuracy was not affected by any condition in both experiments. Taken together, these results are consistent with the notion that caffeine, at some doses, speeds up temporal perception. However, it is not clear why the effect disappears at higher doses.
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Cafeína , Ratas Wistar , Percepción del Tiempo , Cafeína/farmacología , Animales , Ratas , Percepción del Tiempo/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Estimulantes del Sistema Nervioso Central/farmacología , Estimulantes del Sistema Nervioso Central/administración & dosificación , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a DrogaRESUMEN
Objetivo En caso de sospecha de progresión del mesotelioma pleural maligno (MPM), la imagen juega un papel importante. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar la eficacia de la PET/TC con [18F]FDG en el seguimiento de la progresión de la enfermedad, comparándola con la TC, y estimar la mediana de supervivencia global (OS, del inglés Overall Survival) según el estado de progresión en función de la TC y la PET/TC con [18F]FDG. Materiales y métodos Se trata de un estudio observacional, retrospectivo y unicéntrico con pacientes con MPM a los que se les realizó tanto la PET/TC con [18F]FDG como la TC para controlar la progresión de la enfermedad desde marzo de 2009 hasta febrero de 2020. Se registraron las características clínicas, los hallazgos radiológicos y el estado de progresión según la TC (progresión radiológica negativa [PRN], progresión radiológica positiva [PRP]) y la PET/TC con [18F]FDG (progresión metabólica negativa [PMN], progresión metabólica positiva [PMP]). Se evaluaron las discrepancias y la concordancia entre ambos métodos. La OS se estimó mediante el método de Kaplan-Meier. Resultados Se incluyeron un total de 56 pacientes. Había 31 (55,3%) PRN y 25 (44,7%) PRP, mientras que había 26 (46,5%) PMN y 30 (53,5%) PMP. También todos los pacientes con PRP resultaron ser PMP, sin embargo, entre los PRN, 5 pacientes (8,9% de todos los pacientes) fueron evaluados como PMP. La concordancia entre los 2 métodos en el seguimiento de la progresión de la enfermedad fue muy buena (K=0,423; p<0,01). La OS fue de 26±2,6 meses en todos los pacientes. Las curvas de Kaplan-Meier entre PRN y PRP, y entre PMN y PMP no mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p=0,56 y 0,25, respectivamente). Conclusiones Ambos métodos son igualmente aceptables en el seguimiento de la progresión de la enfermedad en el MPM, aunque la PET/TC con [18F]FDG detectó más progresión que la TC (AU)
Objective In the event of suspicion of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) progression, imaging plays an important role. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of [18F]FDG PET/CT in monitoring disease progression by comparing it with CT, and estimate median overall survival (OS) according to progression status with CT and [18F]FDG PET/CT. Materials and Methods This was an observational, retrospective, single-institution study with MPM patients who had both [18F]FDG PET/CT and CT for monitoring disease progression from March 2009 to February 2020. Clinical features, radiological findings, and progression status according to CT [radiologic progression negative (RPN), radiologic progression positive (RPP)] and [18F]FDG PET/CT [metabolic progression negative (MPN), metabolic progression positive (MPP)] were recorded. The discrepancies and concordance between two methods were evaluated. The OS was estimated using the KaplanMeier method. Results A total of 56 patients were included. There were thirty-one (55.3%) RPN and 25 (44.7%) RPP, while there were 26 (46.5%) MPN and 30 (53.5%) MPP. All RPP patients were also found to be MPP, however, among RPN, 5 patients (8.9% of all patients) were evaluated as MPP. The concordance between two methods in monitoring disease progression was very good (K=.423; P<.01). The OS was 26 ± 2.6 months in all patients. Kaplan-Meier curves between RPN and RPP, and between MPN and MPP did not show statistically significant differences (P=.56 and P=.25, respectively). Conclusions Both methods are equally acceptable in monitoring disease progression in MPM, even though [18F]FDG PET/CT detected more progression than CT did (AU)
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Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , Neoplasias Pleurales/diagnóstico por imagen , Mesotelioma/diagnóstico por imagen , Estudios Retrospectivos , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Fluorodesoxiglucosa F18 , Tomografía Computarizada por Tomografía de Emisión de Positrones , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Análisis de SupervivenciaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis C virus infection has been reported in association with several extrahepatic manifestations. Included in this list is interstitial lung involvement. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to evaluate pulmonary alterations in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. PATIENTS: Twenty-one patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection were enrolled into a prospective study. One patient has been excluded because of underlying tuberculosis. METHODS: All patients underwent pulmonary function tests, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide and high-resolution computed tomography of the chest. RESULTS: Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in first second/forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in first second values were reduced to less than 80% of predicted values in 3, 11 and 5 patients, respectively. Diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide was low in 12 patients (60%), 8 of whom had simultaneous decrease in diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide/VA values. Thorax high-resolution computed tomography revealed abnormal findings in eight patients (40%). Fifteen patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection (75%) had at least one pulmonary alteration as evidenced by abnormal pulmonary function tests, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide and/or high-resolution computed tomography results. CONCLUSION: In spite of a limited study population, these findings may implicate that pulmonary manifestations of chronic hepatitis C virus infection are frequently underdiagnosed.
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Hepatitis C Crónica/complicaciones , Enfermedades Respiratorias/complicaciones , Adulto , Anciano , Monóxido de Carbono/metabolismo , Femenino , Humanos , Pulmón/diagnóstico por imagen , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Prospectivos , Pruebas de Función Respiratoria , Enfermedades Respiratorias/diagnóstico por imagen , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos XRESUMEN
Attempts for right and left subclavian vein catheterizations were unsuccessful in a patient followed for pre-eclampsia. Meanwhile, the patient developed chest pain and dyspnea. Chest radiography revealed mediastinal widening. Later, mediastinal haematoma was diagnosed by thoracic computed tomography. At 28 days follow-up, the mediastinal haematoma was resorbed. A review of literature revealed very few cases of mediastinal haematoma secondary to subclavian vein catheterization. In all these cases the haematoma was resorbed, usually within one week. Mediastinal haematoma is a rare complication and its resolution after several weeks adds to its rarity.
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Cateterismo Periférico/efectos adversos , Hematoma/etiología , Enfermedades del Mediastino/etiología , Vena Subclavia , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Preeclampsia/terapia , EmbarazoRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To compare systemic arterial blood pressure (BP) and nocturnal hypotension in patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), high-tension glaucoma (HTG), and ocular hypertension. METHODS: Systemic BP was recorded by a portable automated BP monitoring device every 20 min during the day and every 30 min at night in patients with NTG (n=18), HTG (n=22), and ocular hypertension (n=19). Mean systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BPs were calculated for 24 h, during the day and at night. The mean and maximum nocturnal dip rates were determined for each patient. The number of readings that declined below 90 mmHg for systolic BP and below 60 and 50 mm Hg for diastolic BP was recorded for each group. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: Minimum, maximum, and mean values of the systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BPs were not significantly different among groups. There was no difference among groups in the nocturnal dip percentages of systolic and diastolic BPs. The number of systolic BP readings below 90 mmHg was significantly higher in the NTG group compared with the other groups (P<0.001, chi(2) test). CONCLUSION: There may not be any difference among NTG, HTG, and ocular hypertension patients in terms of mean ambulatory BP values. On the other hand, when each individual's ambulatory reading is reviewed, readings may reveal that excessive and repetitive nocturnal drops occur more frequently in some patients with NTG. These hypotensive episodes may be related to the development of glaucomatous damage.
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Presión Sanguínea/fisiología , Hipertensión Ocular/fisiopatología , Adulto , Monitoreo Ambulatorio de la Presión Arterial , Ritmo Circadiano/fisiología , Femenino , Glaucoma/fisiopatología , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of anterior chamber continuous infusion maintainer system on the contamination of anterior chamber in phacoemulsification surgery. METHODS: Clear corneal phacoemulsification surgery was performed in 132 eyes of 132 randomly selected patients with cataract who were divided into two groups of 66 eyes according to the use of an anterior chamber maintainer (ACM) system. The fluid specimens were taken from anterior chamber in the beginning and at the end of the surgery. They were transferred under anaerobic conditions and investigated by culturing onto blood agar and thiogluconate broth media. Differences between the two groups with respect to contamination of the specimens were investigated. RESULTS: The mean age of the group undergoing surgery without a maintainer system (Group A) was 63 +/- 10 years (min = 41, max = 80) versus 59 +/- 10 years (min = 33, max = 80) in the other group (Group B) in which the maintainer was used during surgery. In the postoperative specimen, Micrococcus species were isolated from one eye (1.5%) in Group A and S. pyogenes in one eye (1.5%) from Group B. Mean follow-up interval was 12 +/- 6 (min = 4, max = 28) months. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ACM system in clear corneal phacoemulsification surgery carries no additional risks as far as contamination is concerned.
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Cámara Anterior/microbiología , Infecciones Bacterianas del Ojo/microbiología , Facoemulsificación/métodos , Infección de la Herida Quirúrgica/microbiología , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Cámara Anterior/cirugía , Bacterias/aislamiento & purificación , Femenino , Humanos , Implantación de Lentes Intraoculares , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Procedimientos Quirúrgicos Mínimamente Invasivos , Facoemulsificación/instrumentación , Estudios Prospectivos , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
The aim of this study was to establish whether quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters could identify patients classified as osteoporotic and osteopenic on the basis of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). One hundred and twenty-three patients (39 male, 84 female) with osteoporosis and suspected of having osteoporosis were included in this study. Broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and speed of sound (SOS) were measured and bone mineral densities (BMD) of the lumbar spine and left hip was measured by DEXA. Subjects were classified into three groups (normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic) on the basis of BMD T-scores measured by DEXA. QUS parameters of the osteoporotic group were significantly lower than those of osteopenic and normal groups; there was no difference in QUS parameters between the normal and osteopenic groups. Correlations of both right and left SOS and BUA with the spine and femoral neck BMD were moderate (r = 0.343-0.539, P < 0.001). There was also reasonable correlation between DEXA and QUS T-scores (r = 0.364-0.510, P < 0.001). QUS had a sensitivity of 21% and a specificity of 95% for diagnosing osteoporosis. We concluded that, although DEXA and QUS parameters were significantly correlated, QUS parameters can not predict osteopenia as defined by DEXA, and sensitivities and specificities of QUS parameters were not sufficiently high for QUS to be used as an alternative to DEXA.
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Absorciometría de Fotón , Osteoporosis/diagnóstico por imagen , Adulto , Densidad Ósea/fisiología , Enfermedades Óseas Metabólicas/diagnóstico por imagen , Enfermedades Óseas Metabólicas/metabolismo , Calcáneo/diagnóstico por imagen , Femenino , Cuello Femoral/diagnóstico por imagen , Humanos , Vértebras Lumbares/diagnóstico por imagen , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Osteoporosis/metabolismo , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Curva ROC , UltrasonografíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of bone is a relatively new technique that appears to assess 'bone quality' in addition to bone mineral density. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of QUS of calcaneum and to correlate it with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in chronic haemodialysis patients. METHODS: Broad-band ultrasound attenuation (BUA; dB/MHz) and speed of sound (SOS; m/s) of calcaneum and DEXA (g/cm(2)) measurements of the lumbar spine and hip were made in 39 patients. The indices obtained by either method were compared with age-and sex-matched controls. Calcaneal measurements were correlated to DEXA and relevant clinical and biochemical data of patients. RESULTS: BUA and SOS values were markedly reduced in dialysis patients compared to controls (59.1+/-13.8 vs 73.0+/-16.2 dB/MHz, P:<0.001 and 1533+/-28 vs 1560+/-29 m/s, P:=0.014 respectively). There was a moderate, but significant association between calcaneal parameters and DEXA (r=0.32-0.53, P:<0.05). Both BUA and SOS scores were inversely correlated with age (r=-0.69, P:<0.001) and duration of menopause (r=-0.74, P:<0.01). Additionally, BUA values showed a moderate negative association with serum intact parathyroid values (r=-0.38, P:=0.018). CONCLUSION: Chronic haemodialysis patients have reduced calcaneal BUA and SOS scores. QUS of the calcaneum is an easy-to-apply and radiation-free technique. It could be a useful substitute for assessment of bone density in such patients. However, further studies in large patient groups and comparisons with plasma markers of bone turnover and bone biopsy findings are needed to assess its potential place in the management of renal osteodystrophy.
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Densidad Ósea , Huesos/diagnóstico por imagen , Diálisis Renal , Absorciometría de Fotón/métodos , Adulto , Biomarcadores/sangre , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Hormona Paratiroidea/sangre , Valores de Referencia , Análisis de Regresión , Ultrasonografía/métodosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To investigate circulating thrombopoietin (TPO) concentrations in systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: TPO concentrations were measured by ELISA in serum samples of 13 patients (11 female, 2 male) with diffuse SSc, 15 healthy controls (13 female, 2 male), and 15 patients (13 female, 2 male) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Thrombocyte counts of patients with SSc and RA and controls were recorded. RESULTS: Median TPO concentrations were 115 (164) in SSc, 76 (32) in RA, and 62 (34) pg/ml in controls. Median serum TPO concentration in the SSc group was significantly higher than other groups; there was no difference between controls and patients with RA (p<0.001 for both comparisons). Median platelet counts of SSc, RA, and controls were 224+/-58x10(9)/l, 238+/-44x10(9)/l, and 272+/-35x10(9)/l, respectively. There was no correlation between thrombocyte counts and TPO levels in any group. CONCLUSION: We show that patients with SSc have higher serum TPO concentrations compared to healthy controls and patients with RA. It can be hypothesized that TPO mediated release of particular growth factors may participate in the pathogenesis of the fibrotic process of SSc.
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Artritis Reumatoide/sangre , Esclerodermia Sistémica/sangre , Trombopoyetina/sangre , Adulto , Biomarcadores/sangre , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Recuento de Plaquetas , Valores de Referencia , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Estadísticas no Paramétricas , Trombopoyetina/análisisRESUMEN
AIMS: To determine the efficacy of dacryocystoplasty with balloon dilatation in the treatment of complete and partial obstruction of the lacrimal drainage system. METHODS: The procedure was performed on 26 patients with epiphora due to complete (n=16) or partial (n=10) obstruction of the lacrimal drainage system. A flexible tipped guide wire was introduced through the superior canaliculus into the inferior meatus and manipulated out of the nasal cavity. A 3 mm balloon was then introduced in a retrograde direction over the guide wire and dilated at the obstruction site. RESULTS: The procedure was technically successful in all patients with partial obstruction, but unsuccessful in four of 16 cases with complete obstruction. Reobstruction occurred in eight of 12 patients with complete obstruction, and in five of 10 patients with partial obstruction. The overall success rate was 25% for complete and 50% for partial obstructions. The mean follow up was 14 months (8-37 months). CONCLUSION: Although the balloon dacryocystoplasty is a simple and minimally invasive technique, the outcome from our study indicates that it is not advisable for treatment of complete obstruction of the lacrimal drainage system. Balloon dilatation may prove suitable for the treatment of patients with partial obstruction below the level of the lacrimal sac, especially in those who are poor candidates for surgery, or who do not wish to undertake dacryocystorhinostomy. Even in the partial obstruction group the success rate was only 50%, so that further modification to the technique and controlled studies are likely to be required before it could be recommended for general use.
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Cateterismo/métodos , Obstrucción del Conducto Lagrimal/terapia , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Recurrencia , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
A pseudoaneurysm of the abdominal aorta is rare, accounting for only 1% of all abdominal aneurysms. More than 1 imaging method may be needed to demonstrate an abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm. We report a case in which the presence of continuous bidirectional flow in the neck of a pseudoaneurysm on color duplex Doppler sonography confirmed the diagnosis.
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Aneurisma Falso/diagnóstico por imagen , Aneurisma de la Aorta Abdominal/diagnóstico por imagen , Ultrasonografía Doppler en Color , Adolescente , Aneurisma Falso/fisiopatología , Aneurisma Falso/cirugía , Aneurisma de la Aorta Abdominal/fisiopatología , Aneurisma de la Aorta Abdominal/cirugía , Velocidad del Flujo Sanguíneo , Implantación de Prótesis Vascular , Femenino , HumanosRESUMEN
PURPOSE: The efficacy and adverse effects of 0.25% apraclonidine on intraocular pressure (IOP) after Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy were investigated, and the results were compared with placebo, 0.50% timolol maleate and 1% apraclonidine. METHODS: Eighty eyes were randomly assigned to four groups of 20 eyes. In a double-masked design, the groups were treated with placebo (group 1), 0.50% timolol maleate (group 2), 1% apraclonidine (group 3), 0.25% apraclonidine (group 4) one hour before and five minutes after Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. IOP was measured by applanation tonometry 1 hour before (baseline IOP) and 1, 3, 24 hours after capsulotomy. RESULTS: The average baseline IOP increased respectively 3.90 +/- 5.35, 5.95 +/- 5.32, 1.15 +/- 3.20 mmHg in the first group 1, 3 and 24 hours post-treatment. There were significant differences between baseline IOP and 1 and 3 hours but not at 24 hours (p = 0.004, p = 0.001, p = 0.13). IOP increased 0.40 +/- 4.08, 0.75 +/- 5.33, 0.80 +/- 6.03 mmHg in the second group at the same times. The differences between the average baseline IOP and the 1, 3 and 24 h measurement were not significant (p = 0.83, p = 0.65, p = 0.93). In the third group, IOP decreased 3.70 +/- 2.40, 3.30 +/- 2.47, 2.65 +/- 1.56 mmHg at the measurement times, with significant differences between the average baseline IOP and the 1, 3 and 24 hour measurements (p = 0.001, p = 0.0001, p = 0.01). In the fourth group IOP increased 0.35 +/- 3.32 mmHg at 1 hour, but decreased 1.25 +/- 3.41, 0.90 +/- 2.07 mmHg at 3 and 24 hours. The differences were not significant (p = 0.94, p = 0.16, p = 0.08). When the 0.25% and 1% apraclonidine groups were compared, there were significant differences between the average IOP at 1 hour in both groups but not at 3 and 24 hours (p = 0.01, p = 0.17, p = 0.21). Similarly, there were no significant differences between the average IOP at the same times when the 0.25% apraclonidine group was compared with the timolol group (p = 0.30, p = 0.08, p = 0.16). Some systemic and local side effects were seen in the timolol and 1% apraclonidine groups, but none with 0.25% apraclonidine. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that 0.25% apraclonidine is effective in preventing the early elevation of IOP after Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy and may offer an alternative to 0.50% timolol maleate and 1% apraclonidine.