BACKGROUND : Currently, hypertension is one of the diseases with greater risk of mortality in the... more BACKGROUND : Currently, hypertension is one of the diseases with greater risk of mortality in the world. Particularly in Chile, 90% of the population with this disease has idiopathic or essential hypertension. Essential hypertension is characterized by high blood pressure rates and it´s cause is unknown, which means that every patient might requires a different treatment, depending on their history and symptoms. Different data, such as history, symptoms, exams, etc., are generated for each patient suffering from the disease. This data is presented in the patient’s medical record, in no order, making it difficult to search for relevant information. Therefore, there is a need for a common, unified vocabulary of the terms that adequately represent the diseased, making searching within the domain more effective. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to develop a domain ontology for essential hypertension , therefore arranging the more significant data within the domain as tool for me...
Background Red cell microparticles (RMP) have come to recent attention as putative mediators of h... more Background Red cell microparticles (RMP) have come to recent attention as putative mediators of hemostasis. We reported that RMP improve hemostatic defect of blood samples of thrombocytopenia and thrombocytopathy and augment platelet function. To investigate possible mechanisms of this activity, we measured the effect of RMP on shear-dependent platelet adhesion and aggregation in whole blood. Methods RMP were produced by high-pressure extrusion of washed, packed RBC. The RMP produced in this way are similar to natural circulating RMP in phenotype and most functional assays. Blood was collected in citrate Vacutainers from normal healthy staff volunteers, and first 3 mL discarded to minimize artifact of platelet activation due to tissue factor. It was tested within 2 hours of drawing. Variable shearing rates were applied by a cone-and-plate device, the DiaMed Impact-R, which yields photomicrographs of objects adhering to the plate, and data including percent surface coverage (SC), num...
Purpose Stuttering is multifaceted in that the frequency and types of behaviors vary across speak... more Purpose Stuttering is multifaceted in that the frequency and types of behaviors vary across speakers, contexts, and languages. Similarly, bilingualism varies in language history, levels of proficiency, and languages spoken. The variations in bilingualism make it difficult to investigate and result in knowledge gaps about the bilingual stuttering experience. The purpose of this exploratory, qualitative study is to identify and examine fluency-inducing strategies used by Spanish–English bilingual adults who stutter. Method Twenty Spanish–English bilingual adults who stutter, ages 18–61 years, answered open-ended questions about their stuttering and language history via an online survey. Thematic analysis procedures were used to explore participants' narrative responses to 2 survey items regarding fluency-inducing strategies. Result Three major themes emerged from participants' responses regarding self-reported strategies: (a) clinical techniques, (b) focused breathing, and (c)...
Minimal change disease (MCD) and primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are glomerular... more Minimal change disease (MCD) and primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are glomerular diseases characterized by nephrotic syndrome. Their diagnosis requires a renal biopsy, but it is an invasive procedure with potential complications. In a small biopsy sample, where only normal glomeruli are observed, FSGS cannot be differentiated from MCD. The correct diagnosis is crucial to an effective treatment, as MCD is normally responsive to steroid therapy, whereas FSGS is usually resistant. The purpose of our study was to discover and validate novel early urinary biomarkers capable to differentiate between MCD and FSGS. Forty-nine patients biopsy-diagnosed of MCD and primary FSGS were randomly subdivided into a training set (10 MCD, 11 FSGS) and a validation set (14 MCD, 14 FSGS). The urinary proteome of the training set was analyzed by two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry. The proteins identified were quantified by enzyme-linked immuno...
Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research, 2016
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is strongly associated with poor work-related outcomes. Cognitive... more Major depressive disorder (MDD) is strongly associated with poor work-related outcomes. Cognitive dysfunction is prevalent in MDD, and research supports a correlation between greater depression severity and more pronounced cognitive deficits, which frequently persist after remission. Given the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction, and the humanistic and economic impact of occupational impairments in individuals with MDD, the relationship between cognitive dysfunction in MDD and work-related outcomes requires characterization. A selective review of the literature was conducted to better understand and further highlight this relationship. Expert commentary: Although current evidence is limited, MDD-related cognitive dysfunction may have a direct negative impact on work productivity. Presenteeism is the key outcome impacted by cognitive deficits in MDD. Additional well-designed prospective observational research may clarify how cognitive dysfunction influences the MDD-work productivity relationship. Use of reliable, valid, and sensitive measures of cognitive functioning and work productivity in MDD is warranted.
Replacement of caloric sweeteners with lower- or no-calorie alternatives may facilitate weight lo... more Replacement of caloric sweeteners with lower- or no-calorie alternatives may facilitate weight loss or weight maintenance by helping to reduce energy intake; however, past research examining low-calorie sweeteners (LCSs) and body weight has produced mixed results. The objective was to systematically review and quantitatively evaluate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies, separately, that examined the relation between LCSs and body weight and composition. A systematic literature search identified 15 RCTs and 9 prospective cohort studies that examined LCSs from foods or beverages or LCSs consumed as tabletop sweeteners. Meta-analyses generated weighted mean differences in body weight and composition values between the LCS and control groups among RCTs and weighted mean correlations for LCS intake and these parameters among prospective cohort studies. In RCTs, LCSs modestly but significantly reduced all outcomes examined, including body weight (-0.80 kg; 95% CI: -1.17, -0.43), body mass index [BMI (in kg/m²): -0.24; 95% CI: -0.41, -0.07], fat mass (-1.10 kg; 95% CI: -1.77, -0.44), and waist circumference (-0.83 cm; 95% CI: -1.29, -0.37). Among prospective cohort studies, LCS intake was not associated with body weight or fat mass, but was significantly associated with slightly higher BMI (0.03; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.06). The current meta-analysis provides a rigorous evaluation of the scientific evidence on LCSs and body weight and composition. Findings from observational studies showed no association between LCS intake and body weight or fat mass and a small positive association with BMI; however, data from RCTs, which provide the highest quality of evidence for examining the potentially causal effects of LCS intake, indicate that substituting LCS options for their regular-calorie versions results in a modest weight loss and may be a useful dietary tool to improve compliance with weight loss or weight maintenance plans.
The objective of the present meta-analysis was to examine the effect of whey protein (WP), with o... more The objective of the present meta-analysis was to examine the effect of whey protein (WP), with or without resistance exercise, on body weight and body composition in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in generally healthy adult study populations. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify RCTs that investigated WP (concentrate, isolate, or hydrolystate) and body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat, lean body mass (LBM), fat-free mass (FFM), and waist circumference. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted to generate weighted group mean differences (WGMD) for between-group comparisons (WP vs other protein sources or carbohydrates) and within-WP group comparisons (i.e., differences from baseline to trial end). Studies were classified into 2 distinct groups-WP as a supplement without dietary modification (WPS) and WP as a replacement for other sources of calories (WPR)-and were meta-analyzed separately. Subgroup analyses included examining the effect of resistance exercise and type of WP on the relationship between WP and body composition. Fourteen RCTs were included, with a total of 626 adult study completers. Five studies examined the effects of WPR and the remaining 9 studies examined the effects of WPS. Body weight (WGMD: -4.20 kg, 95% confidence interval [CI], -7.67, -0.73) and body fat (WGMD: -3.74 kg, 95% CI, -5.98, -1.50) were significantly decreased from baseline in the WPR within-group analyses. In the between-group analyses, the effects of WP were more favorable when compared with carbohydrates than protein sources other than whey, although findings did not reach statistical significance. Results from the subgroup analyses indicated a statistically significant increase in LBM (WGMD: 2.24 kg, 95% CI, 0.66, 3.81) among studies that included a resistance exercise component along with WP provision. The current body of literature supports the use of WP, either as a supplement combined with resistance exercise or as part of a weight loss or weight maintenance diet, to improve body composition parameters.
BACKGROUND : Currently, hypertension is one of the diseases with greater risk of mortality in the... more BACKGROUND : Currently, hypertension is one of the diseases with greater risk of mortality in the world. Particularly in Chile, 90% of the population with this disease has idiopathic or essential hypertension. Essential hypertension is characterized by high blood pressure rates and it´s cause is unknown, which means that every patient might requires a different treatment, depending on their history and symptoms. Different data, such as history, symptoms, exams, etc., are generated for each patient suffering from the disease. This data is presented in the patient’s medical record, in no order, making it difficult to search for relevant information. Therefore, there is a need for a common, unified vocabulary of the terms that adequately represent the diseased, making searching within the domain more effective. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to develop a domain ontology for essential hypertension , therefore arranging the more significant data within the domain as tool for me...
Background Red cell microparticles (RMP) have come to recent attention as putative mediators of h... more Background Red cell microparticles (RMP) have come to recent attention as putative mediators of hemostasis. We reported that RMP improve hemostatic defect of blood samples of thrombocytopenia and thrombocytopathy and augment platelet function. To investigate possible mechanisms of this activity, we measured the effect of RMP on shear-dependent platelet adhesion and aggregation in whole blood. Methods RMP were produced by high-pressure extrusion of washed, packed RBC. The RMP produced in this way are similar to natural circulating RMP in phenotype and most functional assays. Blood was collected in citrate Vacutainers from normal healthy staff volunteers, and first 3 mL discarded to minimize artifact of platelet activation due to tissue factor. It was tested within 2 hours of drawing. Variable shearing rates were applied by a cone-and-plate device, the DiaMed Impact-R, which yields photomicrographs of objects adhering to the plate, and data including percent surface coverage (SC), num...
Purpose Stuttering is multifaceted in that the frequency and types of behaviors vary across speak... more Purpose Stuttering is multifaceted in that the frequency and types of behaviors vary across speakers, contexts, and languages. Similarly, bilingualism varies in language history, levels of proficiency, and languages spoken. The variations in bilingualism make it difficult to investigate and result in knowledge gaps about the bilingual stuttering experience. The purpose of this exploratory, qualitative study is to identify and examine fluency-inducing strategies used by Spanish–English bilingual adults who stutter. Method Twenty Spanish–English bilingual adults who stutter, ages 18–61 years, answered open-ended questions about their stuttering and language history via an online survey. Thematic analysis procedures were used to explore participants' narrative responses to 2 survey items regarding fluency-inducing strategies. Result Three major themes emerged from participants' responses regarding self-reported strategies: (a) clinical techniques, (b) focused breathing, and (c)...
Minimal change disease (MCD) and primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are glomerular... more Minimal change disease (MCD) and primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are glomerular diseases characterized by nephrotic syndrome. Their diagnosis requires a renal biopsy, but it is an invasive procedure with potential complications. In a small biopsy sample, where only normal glomeruli are observed, FSGS cannot be differentiated from MCD. The correct diagnosis is crucial to an effective treatment, as MCD is normally responsive to steroid therapy, whereas FSGS is usually resistant. The purpose of our study was to discover and validate novel early urinary biomarkers capable to differentiate between MCD and FSGS. Forty-nine patients biopsy-diagnosed of MCD and primary FSGS were randomly subdivided into a training set (10 MCD, 11 FSGS) and a validation set (14 MCD, 14 FSGS). The urinary proteome of the training set was analyzed by two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry. The proteins identified were quantified by enzyme-linked immuno...
Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research, 2016
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is strongly associated with poor work-related outcomes. Cognitive... more Major depressive disorder (MDD) is strongly associated with poor work-related outcomes. Cognitive dysfunction is prevalent in MDD, and research supports a correlation between greater depression severity and more pronounced cognitive deficits, which frequently persist after remission. Given the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction, and the humanistic and economic impact of occupational impairments in individuals with MDD, the relationship between cognitive dysfunction in MDD and work-related outcomes requires characterization. A selective review of the literature was conducted to better understand and further highlight this relationship. Expert commentary: Although current evidence is limited, MDD-related cognitive dysfunction may have a direct negative impact on work productivity. Presenteeism is the key outcome impacted by cognitive deficits in MDD. Additional well-designed prospective observational research may clarify how cognitive dysfunction influences the MDD-work productivity relationship. Use of reliable, valid, and sensitive measures of cognitive functioning and work productivity in MDD is warranted.
Replacement of caloric sweeteners with lower- or no-calorie alternatives may facilitate weight lo... more Replacement of caloric sweeteners with lower- or no-calorie alternatives may facilitate weight loss or weight maintenance by helping to reduce energy intake; however, past research examining low-calorie sweeteners (LCSs) and body weight has produced mixed results. The objective was to systematically review and quantitatively evaluate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies, separately, that examined the relation between LCSs and body weight and composition. A systematic literature search identified 15 RCTs and 9 prospective cohort studies that examined LCSs from foods or beverages or LCSs consumed as tabletop sweeteners. Meta-analyses generated weighted mean differences in body weight and composition values between the LCS and control groups among RCTs and weighted mean correlations for LCS intake and these parameters among prospective cohort studies. In RCTs, LCSs modestly but significantly reduced all outcomes examined, including body weight (-0.80 kg; 95% CI: -1.17, -0.43), body mass index [BMI (in kg/m²): -0.24; 95% CI: -0.41, -0.07], fat mass (-1.10 kg; 95% CI: -1.77, -0.44), and waist circumference (-0.83 cm; 95% CI: -1.29, -0.37). Among prospective cohort studies, LCS intake was not associated with body weight or fat mass, but was significantly associated with slightly higher BMI (0.03; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.06). The current meta-analysis provides a rigorous evaluation of the scientific evidence on LCSs and body weight and composition. Findings from observational studies showed no association between LCS intake and body weight or fat mass and a small positive association with BMI; however, data from RCTs, which provide the highest quality of evidence for examining the potentially causal effects of LCS intake, indicate that substituting LCS options for their regular-calorie versions results in a modest weight loss and may be a useful dietary tool to improve compliance with weight loss or weight maintenance plans.
The objective of the present meta-analysis was to examine the effect of whey protein (WP), with o... more The objective of the present meta-analysis was to examine the effect of whey protein (WP), with or without resistance exercise, on body weight and body composition in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in generally healthy adult study populations. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify RCTs that investigated WP (concentrate, isolate, or hydrolystate) and body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat, lean body mass (LBM), fat-free mass (FFM), and waist circumference. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted to generate weighted group mean differences (WGMD) for between-group comparisons (WP vs other protein sources or carbohydrates) and within-WP group comparisons (i.e., differences from baseline to trial end). Studies were classified into 2 distinct groups-WP as a supplement without dietary modification (WPS) and WP as a replacement for other sources of calories (WPR)-and were meta-analyzed separately. Subgroup analyses included examining the effect of resistance exercise and type of WP on the relationship between WP and body composition. Fourteen RCTs were included, with a total of 626 adult study completers. Five studies examined the effects of WPR and the remaining 9 studies examined the effects of WPS. Body weight (WGMD: -4.20 kg, 95% confidence interval [CI], -7.67, -0.73) and body fat (WGMD: -3.74 kg, 95% CI, -5.98, -1.50) were significantly decreased from baseline in the WPR within-group analyses. In the between-group analyses, the effects of WP were more favorable when compared with carbohydrates than protein sources other than whey, although findings did not reach statistical significance. Results from the subgroup analyses indicated a statistically significant increase in LBM (WGMD: 2.24 kg, 95% CI, 0.66, 3.81) among studies that included a resistance exercise component along with WP provision. The current body of literature supports the use of WP, either as a supplement combined with resistance exercise or as part of a weight loss or weight maintenance diet, to improve body composition parameters.
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