[Chagas' disease epidemiology in the province of General Paz, Argentina].

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate triatomine colonization in domestic and peridomestic ecotopes and to assess the seroprevalence of Chagas' disease in rural areas.

Methods: The study was carried out in the province of General Paz, Corrientes, Argentina. Human dwellings and peridomestic ecotopes were randomly selected.

Second-line chemotherapy with a hybrid-alternating regimen of bolus 5FU modulated by methotrexate and infusional 5FU modulated by folinic acid in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer pretreated with 5FU. A phase 2 study.

Background And Aim: In vitro, methotrexate (MTX) is the best modulator for bolus 5-fluorouracil (5FU), whereas folinic acid (FA) is the best for continuous infusion. We evaluated the effect of 5FU modulated by both MTX (bolus administration) and FA (continuous infusion) as second-line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Patients And Methods: Entry criteria were: at least one 5FU-based chemotherapy regimen as first-line treatment for metastatic disease, or progression within twelve months after 5FU-containing adjuvant therapy.

Heterologous expression, purification, and enzymatic activity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis NAD(+) synthetase.

The enzyme NAD(+) synthetase (NadE) catalyzes the last step of NAD biosynthesis. Given NAD vital role in cell metabolism, the enzyme represents a valid target for the development of new antimycobacterial agents. In the present study we expressed and purified two putative forms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis NAD(+) synthetase, differing in the polypeptide chain length (NadE-738 and NadE-679).

Colorectal neoplasms: prospective comparison of thin-section low-dose multi-detector row CT colonography and conventional colonoscopy for detection.

Purpose: To prospectively compare thin-section low-dose multi-detector row computed tomographic (CT) colonography with conventional colonoscopy for the detection of colorectal neoplasms.

Materials And Methods: One hundred five patients underwent CT colonography immediately before colonoscopy. Supine and prone CT colonographic acquisitions to image the region during a 30-second breath hold were performed.

Synovial cyst in a posterior lumbar joint associated with sacralization at L5. Description of a case.

Synovial cysts may occasionally be localized in the facet joints of the lumbar spine. These lesions are usually secondary to interapophyseal arthritis or trauma, that may cause hypermobility of the facet joints. Given the frequent association with arthrosis, synovial cysts are more often observed at L4-L5, which represents the level of greater mobility in the lumbar spine, in subjects aged over 50 years.

Triatomines involved in domestic and wild Trypanosoma cruzi transmission in Concepción, Corrientes, Argentina.

An entomological and serological survey was performed in three localities of the Department of Concepción, Province of Corrientes, Argentina in 1998 and 1999, to identify triatomines species involved in domestic and wild transmission of Chagas disease. Triatomines were collected by man/hour capture in 32 houses randomly selected and 44 nearby outdoor ecotopes. Trypanosoma cruzi infection in triatomines was assessed by direct microscopic observation (400x) of feces and polymerase chain reaction.

Intravascular hemolysis in patients with new-generation prosthetic heart valves: a prospective study.

Objective: A prospective clinical study was designed to assess the frequency and severity of intravascular hemolysis in patients with new-generation, normally functioning prosthetic heart valves.

Methods: Hemolysis was evaluated in 172 patients with a mechanical prosthesis (53 CarboMedics and 119 Sorin Bicarbon) and in 106 patients with a bioprosthesis (15 St Jude Medical Toronto, 19 Baxter Perimount, and 72 Medtronic Mosaic) in the aortic position, mitral position, or both. Aortic valve replacement was performed in 206 patients, mitral valve replacement in 59 patients, and double valve replacement in 13 patients.

Clinical outcome in patients with 19-mm and 21-mm St. Jude aortic prostheses: comparison at long-term follow-up.

Background: Small-sized prostheses for aortic valve replacement may result in residual left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Aim of the study was to verify whether implantation of 19-mm versus 21-mm St. Jude Medical standard prostheses (St.

Evaluation of valve-related complications in patients with Sorin Bicarbon prosthesis: a seven-year experience.

Background And Aim Of The Study: The study aim was to evaluate the medium-term results of aortic valve replacement (AVR), mitral valve replacement (MVR) and double valve replacement (DVR) with the Sorin Bicarbon prosthesis.

Methods: A total of 990 patients (568 men, 422 women; mean age 60+/-10 years; range: 20-86 years) was reviewed who received 1,108 Sorin Bicarbon prostheses between 1992 and 1998 at three institutions. AVR was performed in 541 patients (55%), MVR in 330 (33%) and DVR in 119 (12%).

Transcriptional regulation of furA and katG upon oxidative stress in Mycobacterium smegmatis.

The DNA region upstream of katG in Mycobacterium smegmatis was cloned and sequenced. The furA gene, highly homologous to Mycobacterium tuberculosis furA, mapped in this region. The furA-katG organization appears to be conserved among several mycobacteria.

Evidence-based risk assessment.

A knowledge framework for medical manual revision, competitive underwriting, accurate risk assessment, and precision decision making.

Hemodynamic performance of stented and stentless aortic bioprostheses.

Background: This study compares the hemodynamic performance of stented and stentless bioprostheses used for aortic valve replacement in patients with aortic stenosis and small aortic root.

Methods: Between 1995 and 1998, 37 patients with a 21-mm aortic annulus (group 1) underwent aortic valve replacement with either a 21-mm Edwards Perimount or a 23-mm St. Jude Toronto bioprosthesis whereas 47 patients with a 23-mm aortic annulus (group 2) received either a 23-mm Medtronic Mosaic or a 25-mm Edwards Prima bioprosthesis.

Dissection of atrial septum after mitral valve replacement.

We report a patient who presented with paraprosthetic leak complicated by dissection of the interatrial septum after mitral valve replacement. A review of the literature provides confirmation that only 3 cases have been previously reported of this potential, albeit extremely rare, complication of prosthetic mitral valve replacement. Prosthesis oversizing and improper mitral annular handling appeared to be the predisposing factors of this complication.

Diabetes mellitus and life insurance.

A comprehensive review of the literature of diabetes mellitus, its progression and complications is written with respect to the life insurance industry.

Hemodynamic assessment of the Medtronic Mosaic bioprosthesis in the aortic position.

Background And Aim Of The Study: The Medtronic Mosaic bioprosthesis (MMB) is a newly developed tissue valve which incorporates several features such as a low-profile semi-flexible stent, zero-pressure tissue fixation, and anti-mineralization pretreatment with alpha-amino oleic acid aimed to improve hemodynamics and prevent structural deterioration.

Methods: Between November 1995 to June 1999, 62 patients underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the MMB; 41 of these who reached the one-year follow up interval and who had isolated AVR without any concomitant procedure with size 23 mm and 25 mm MMB were evaluated by serial echocardiography after three, six and 12 months.

Results: For size 23 mm valves, mean and peak gradients were 12+/-3 and 21+/-6 mmHg at 3 months, 12+/-3 and 20+/-5 mmHg at 6 months, and 12+/-4 and 20+/-6 mmHg at 12 months.

Effect of different bowel preparations on residual fluid at CT colonography.

The effect of different bowel preparations on residual fluid during computed tomographic (CT) colonography was evaluated. Forty-two patients received either a polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution preparation or a phospho-soda preparation the day prior to CT colonography. The amount of residual fluid was calculated for each patient.

Improving hemostasis during replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve with a composite graft.

The use of a composite graft is an established treatment for patients with aortic valve disease and ascending aortic aneurysms. Since bleeding from suture lines is a potential complication of this procedure, we modified the technique and evaluated the effect on hemostasis. From January 1994 through December 1998, 35 patients underwent composite aortic graft replacement for chronic aortic disease.

Concomitant aortic valve replacement and surgical angioplasty of left main coronary ostium.

The association of calcific aortic valve disease and isolated coronary ostial stenosis is rare. A 80-year-old woman was found to have severe aortic stenosis with critical narrowing of the ostium of the left main coronary artery. She was successfully managed by simultaneous aortic valve replacement and patch angioplasty of the left main coronary artery, using a patch of autologous pericardium fixed in glutaraldehyde.

Symptomatic improvement after transmyocardial laser revascularization: how long does it last?

Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether short-term clinical improvement after isolated transmyocardial holmium laser revascularization (TMLR) in patients with coronary artery disease not amenable to traditional treatment is maintained through a longer follow-up.

Methods: Between November 1995 and June 1999 34 patients underwent TMLR (mean age, 67+/-7 years); previous revascularization procedures had been performed in 76%. Preoperatively, mean angina class was 3.

Mitral valve annuloplasty for degenerative disease: assessment of four different techniques.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Mitral valve repair (MVR) is the treatment of choice in patients with degenerative valve disease. However, controversy persists as to whether mitral valve annuloplasty should always be included as part of the reconstructive procedure.

Methods: The records of 62 consecutive patients undergoing MVR for degenerative disease between January 1994 and December 1996 were reviewed.

Comparison of time-efficient CT colonography with two- and three-dimensional colonic evaluation for detecting colorectal polyps.

Objective: We compared the findings of time-efficient CT colonography with complete two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) CT colonography and conventional colonoscopy in detecting colorectal polyps.

Subjects And Methods: Forty-two patients undergoing colonoscopy screening were examined with CT colonography before endoscopy. Data were examined following one of two methods.