The aim of the SINERGE study was to assess the impact of nocturnal heartburn on quality of life, sleep, and productivity. Ambulatory patients >/=18 years old and classified as defined cases of nocturnal heartburn (n=337), nonnocturnal heartburn (n=139), uncontrolled hypertension (n=198), and symptomatic depression (n=104) were included in this cross-sectional study. Information on age, gender, body mass index, and comorbidity was collected and the following validated questionnaires were applied: SF-12, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire. The prevalence of primary care consultation for heartburn and nocturnal heartburn was 4.7% and 1.9%, respectively. Health-related quality of life, sleep, and productivity were significantly impaired in patients with frequent nocturnal heartburn symptoms as compared with those of the patients without nocturnal symptoms or patients with hypertension. Nocturnal heartburn poses a considerable burden for the sufferer because of the impact on quality of life, sleep, and daily activities.
We studied the prevalence of liver disease and the carrier state for hepatitis B (HBV), delta virus (HDV) and HIV-1 infection in two Valencian penitentiaries, one for males and the other for females. Serological results were correlated with history of intravenous drug addiction, alcohol abuse, homosexuality or prostitution (high-risk groups), and duration and number of internments. A high prevalence of increased transaminase levels (52.2%) and serological markers for HBV infection (66.5%) was observed amongst the inmates, figures being higher amongst high-risk individuals and inmates confined for more than 6 months. No signs of HDV or HIV-1 infection were found amongst the prison staff. Anti-HIV-1 positivity was observed most frequently amongst individuals combining both drug abuse and homosexuality/and prostitution.
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