[Prognostic value of the absolute decrease of the N-terminal portion of B-type natriuretic propeptide in decompensated heart failure: secondary analysis of the CLUSTER-HF study].

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the prognostic value of the absolute decrease in the N-terminal portion of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) to prevent fewer clinical events, in the population of CLUSTER-HF (efficacy of ultrasound lung to guide therapy and prevent readmissions in heart failure).

Materials And Methods: This study was conducted in a subgroup of ninety-four patients with available NT-proBNP information at hospital discharge and prior to randomization in the CLUSTER-HF study. The primary objective of the study was to determine the prognostic value of absolute NT-proBNP decline below which fewer events of all-cause death, emergency room visits, and rehospitalization for heart failure at 180 days.

Effect of Fodder Tree Species with Condensed Tannin Contents on In vitro Methane Production.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of fodder tree species (FTS) with condensed tannin contents: Cordia elaeagnoides, Platymiscium lasiocarpum, Vitex mollis, and Haematoxylon brasiletto, on in vitro methane (CH4) production at 24 h post incubation. The analysis was performed using the in vitro gas production technique, with three levels of inclusion/species: 600, 800, and 1,000 mg and with 4 replicates/species/level of inclusion. The substrate was incubated at 39°C, and the gas and CH4 production were recorded at 4, 8, 12, and 24 h post incubation.

Determination of the antioxidant status of plasma from type 2 diabetic patients.

An increase in oxidizing response above a certain threshold produces, in the absence of a concomitant rise in antioxidant/reducing response, oxidative stress that is associated with complications in diabetes. A simple technique involving reduction of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) dye has been developed in order to determine quantitatively the antioxidant status of plasma. MTT (50microL; 5.

Errors in medical interpretation and their potential clinical consequences in pediatric encounters.

Background: About 19 million people in the United States are limited in English proficiency, but little is known about the frequency and potential clinical consequences of errors in medical interpretation.

Objectives: To determine the frequency, categories, and potential clinical consequences of errors in medical interpretation.

Methods: During a 7-month period, we audiotaped and transcribed pediatric encounters in a hospital outpatient clinic in which a Spanish interpreter was used.