Application and evaluation of the best practice guideline: Breastfeeding. / Aplicación y evaluación de la Guía de buenas prácticas: lactancia materna.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the progress of care in the promotion of breastfeeding and describe breastfeeding results following the implementation of the RNAO guideline in various types of national health centres. METHOD: Quantitative descriptive longitudinal study of the results of implementing the recommendations of the RNAO-Breastfeeding guideline in 9 national health centres following the implementation methodology of the programme of the Best Practice Spotlight Organization®. Process and result variables are collected at hospital level and in primary care by registering on the CAREVID platform. The weighted mean was calculated as a summary statistic. RESULTS: The implementation of the recommendations of the Breastfeeding guideline was associated with a relative increase in: skin-to-skin contact 57,7% (p < 0,000), exclusive breastfeeding in the 1st intake 47,8% (p < 0,000), exclusive breastfeeding on hospital discharge 18,4% (p < 0,000) and prenatal education 63,95% (p < 0,00). CONCLUSION: The implementation of the RNAO-Breastfeeding guideline in different national health centres has increased the application of the recommendations based on scientific evidence, generalising appropriate breastfeeding care (such as prenatal education, application of skin-to-skin contact and exclusive breastfeeding in the first intake) and is consequently significantly approaching the international recommendations on breastfeeding.

Riesgo nutricional e inseguridad alimentaria en una población infantil del municipio de Soacha / Nutritional risk and food insecurity in a young group in Soacha municipality / Risco nutricional e insegurança alimentar em uma população infantil do município de Soacha

Este es un estudio descriptivo transversal para analizar las características nutricionales de una población de niños menores de \r\ncinco años de un hogar comunitario del Municipio de Soacha. Se aplicaron encuestas descriptivas a una muestra de 74 niños y sus \r\nrespectivos cuidadores para conocer el imaginario colectivo acerca de los hábitos alimenticios y el acceso a la canasta básica de \r\nalimentos, y se analizaron los datos antropométricos de los niños.\r\nEn la evaluación antropométrica, se encontró desnutrición crónica en 30,2% de la muestra y riesgo de desnutrición aguda dada \r\npor una media a -1 desviación estándar (DE) en el indicador de perímetro braquial para la edad. También se evidenció una dife\r\n-\r\nrencia en el concepto de alimentación sana entre los niños y sus cuidadores, además de un bajo presupuesto destinado para la \r\ncanasta básica de alimentos saludables.

A descriptive transversal study of 74 children and their \r\ncaregivers was conducted to analyze nutritional characteristics. \r\nDescriptive surveys were given to the caregivers to determine \r\nthe collective eating habits and access to basic healthy meals, \r\nand anthropometric data from children was analyzed.\r\nAn appropriate weight/age ratio was found; however, chronic \r\nmalnutrition of 30.2% was seen in the data. It was also found \r\nthat the population is at risk of acute malnutrition by an average \r\nof -1 standard deviation. An alternative concept was identified \r\nfor healthy eating of children and their caregivers, as well as a \r\nlow budget for healthy basic food meals.

Este é um estudo descritivo transversal para analisar as carac\r\n-\r\nterísticas nutricionais de uma população de crianças menores \r\nde cinco anos de um lar comunitário do Município de Soacha. \r\nForam aplicadas perguntas descritivas a uma amostra de \r\n74 crianças e seus respectivos cuidadores para conhecer o \r\nimaginário coletivo sobre os hábitos alimentares e o acesso a \r\ncesta básica de alimentos, e foram analisados os dados antro\r\n-\r\npométricos das crianças.\r\nNa avaliação antropométrica, foi descoberta desnutrição \r\ncrônica em 30,2% da amostra e risco de desnutrição aguda \r\ndada por uma média de -1 desvio padrão (DP) no indicador \r\nde perímetro braquial para a idade. Também foi evidenciada \r\numa diferença no conceito de alimentação saudável entre as \r\ncrianças e seus cuidadores, além de um baixo orçamento desti\r\n-\r\nnado à cesta básica de alimentos saudáveis.

Hernia inguinal recidivada: tratamiento ambulatorio con anestesia local por la vía abierta anterior / Ambulatory repair of recurrent hernias: experience in 70 cases

Background: Recurrence is the most common long term complication of inguinal hernia repair. aim: To report the experience of ambulatory treatment of hernia recurrence. Patients and Methods: Seventy patients aged 56 +/- 14 years (59 men), with a low surgical risk and a body mass index below 40 kg/m² were admitted to the program. The surgical repair of the hernia was performed under local anesthesia on an ambulatory basis. All patients received antibiotic and prophylaxis for venous thrombosis. Results: The surgical procedure lasted 54 +/- 25 minutes. A tissue repair was performed in 12 cases and a prosthetic one in 48. The ductus deferens was accidentally sectioned in one case. The postoperative complications were one hematoma which did not require surgery and two superficial infections that healed in an ambulatory basis. A long term follow up, for 9.3 +/- 1.9 years after surgery was possible in 79 percent of cases. Two recurrences (3.5 percent) were observed and one patient complained of a light, intermittent pain in the inguinal region. There were two recurrences after tissue repair, both occurring after a Lichtenstein repair (4.2 percent). Ninety two percent of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the procedure. Conclusion: Ambulatory treatment of recurrent hernias is feasible and safe.

Objetivos: La recidiva continúa siendo la más frecuente complicación tardía de las herniorrafias inguinales primarias; estas tasas son aún mayores cuando se actúa sobre las hernias recidivadas. En el presente estudio prospectivo, observacional, descriptivo, damos cuenta de nuestros resultados en una serie de pacientes intervenidos en forma electiva, en el Centro de Hernias del CRS Cordillera, entre los años 1998 y 2009 por hernias inguinales recidivadas. Material y Métodos: La cirugía se efectuó, con anestesia local asistida, en forma ambulatoria, tras una adecuada selección de los pacientes y firma de un consentimiento informado. Se intervinieron 70 pacientes, 59 varones y 11 mujeres con una edad promedio de 56,2 +/- 13,9 años. Se usó profilaxis antibiótica y de la trombosis venosa profunda. Resultados: La duración promedio de la cirugía fue de 54 +/- 25,3 min. Se efectuó reparación tisular en 12 y protésica en 48 casos. El conducto deferente se seccionó en forma accidental en un caso. En el postoperatorio hubo un hematoma y 2 infecciones superficiales que se trataron ambulatoriamente. El seguimiento alejado a un promedio de 9 (4-14) años se efectuó en el 79 por ciento de la serie, detectándose 2 recidivas (3,5 por ciento) y un caso de inguinodinia leve. Las 2 recurrencias se apreciaron en las reparaciones con técnica de Lichtenstein (4,2 por ciento). El 92 por ciento de los enfermos refirió estar satisfecho o muy satisfecho con el procedimiento. Conclusiones: La reparación ambulatoria con anestesia local, en manos expertas, es una alternativa a ser considerada en el tratamiento de las hernias inguinales recidivadas.

Post-operative complications following adenotonsillectomy in children with severe sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. Do they need to be admitted to an intensive care unit?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: In recent years, with the rise of sleep-disordered breathing, we have been seeing more articles related to post-operative complications after adenotonsillectomy in children with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAS), especially in those with severe sleep apnea. The objective of this study was to evaluate post-operative complications in children with severe OSAS compared to children who had adenotonsillectomy for a different reason, and establish whether they needed admission to an intensive care unit or not. METHODS: All children undergoing adenotonsillectomy in our hospital in the last 5 years were initially included in this study. Complications were analysed with a retrospective review. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty nine children admitted for adenotonsillectomy were finally included. In the whole group, complications occurred in 3.5% of children, 2.2% corresponding to respiratory complications. Children with sleep apnea (3.23% vs 1.47%, P=.39) or severe sleep apnea (3.77% vs 1.70%, P=.32) presented a higher incidence of respiratory complications, which was not statistically significant and was far below those published by other authors. All respiratory complications took place in the immediate post-operative period (operating theatre or anaesthesia recovery), with none in the paediatric ward. CONCLUSIONS: In our population, children who undergo adenotonsillectomy, without any other comorbidities, malformation syndrome or neuromuscular disease, are more than 2 years old and have an immediate postoperative period without incidence, do not need to be systematically admitted to an intensive care unit, even if they present with severe OSAS.

Técnica de rives-stoppa en las eventraciones de la línea media: prescindencia de la fijación perimetral de la malla / Rives-Stoppa repair without mesh fixation for midline incisional hernias: long term follow up

Objetivo: La Técnica de Rives-Stoppa para las eventraciones de la línea media instala una malla retro rectal fijada en sus bordes con puntos percutáneos. Se han propuesto otras formas de fijación y en este estudio prescindimos de ella. Material y Método: El presente estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo, se realizó en pacientes intervenidos consecutivamente entre los años 1995 y 2002. Se usó anestesia epidural con sedación profunda. Se usó la técnica estándar de Rives-Stoppa prescindiendo de la fijación perimetral. Los pacientes deambularon y se dieron de alta precozmente. Resultados: Se da cuenta de la evolución postoperatoria de 64 pacientes, 48 mujeres y 16 varones con una edad promedio de 58,9 (26-85) años. El 25 por ciento era hipertenso, el 9,3 por ciento diabético y el 80,2 por ciento obeso con un IMC > 30. La hospitalización promedio fue de 3,9 (2-16) días. Hubo 4 infecciones superficiales, un trombo embolismo pulmonar, un íleo abdominal prolongado y dos infecciones pulmonares. El seguimiento a largo plazo pudo realizarse en 48 pacientes (75 por ciento) comprobándose 5 recidivas (10,4 por ciento), ubicadas en el borde dista o proximal de la reparación herniaria, y 13,2 por ciento de dolor crónico moderado. A pesar de la recurrencia, el 97 por ciento de los pacientes se manifestó satisfecho o muy satisfecho con el tratamiento. Discusión: Los resultados son comparables con los dados a conocer con fijación de la malla. La modificación técnica propuesta disminuye el tiempo quirúrgico y el riego de infección y de neuralgia post operatoria. Para una ulterior disminución de las recidivas debe aumentarse el solapamiento cefálico y caudal de la malla.

Background: The Rives-Stoppa technique for midline incisional hernias places a Mersilene mesh in the retro rectal space, which is kept in place with transcutaneous sutures. Other forms of fixation have been proposed. Aim: To assess the long term results of the surgical technique without fixation of the mesh. Material and Methods: An observational, descriptive, prospective study performed in 64 patients aged 26 to 85 years (48 women) consecutively operated between 1995 and 2002. The standard Rives-Stoppa technique was used, except for the usage of a Prolene mesh without fixation. Ambulation was started on the first postoperative day and patients were discharged after removal of drains. Results: Eighty percent of patients were obese, 25% had high blood pressure and 9% were diabetic. Patients were discharged at a median of four (range two-16) days after surgery. Four superficial infections, one case of thromboembolic disease, one case of prolonged ileus and two pulmonary infections were recorded as complications. A long term follow-up was carried out in 48 patients (75%). Five patients had small recurrences (10%), localized at the cephalic or caudal borders of the mesh, and six patients (13%) reported slight abdominal pain. In spite of recurrences, 97% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment. Conclusions: These results are similar to those obtained using mesh fixation. Increasing distal and proximal mesh overlap should enhance these results.

Enzymes as useful tools for environmental purposes.

In the environment enzymes may play important and different roles at least in three cases: as main agents (as isolated, cell-bound or immobilized enzymes) in charge of either the transformation and/or degradation of compounds polluting the environment and the restoration of the polluted environment; as reliable and sensitive tools to detect and measure the amount and concentration of pollutants before, during and after the restoration process; as reliable, easy and sensitive indicators of quality and health status of the environment subjected to the restoration process. To our knowledge papers or reviews integrating findings on these three functions of enzymes are missing in literature. Therefore the main scope of the present paper is to briefly encompass general and specific concepts about roles of enzymes as decontaminating agents, pollutant assaying agents and indicators of environment safety. Examples chosen among those published very recently, supporting and confirming peculiarities, features, and performance of enzymatic agents will be illustrated.

Detección de la expresión génica in vivo de Mycobacterium tuberculosis durante la tuberculosis pulmonar activa / Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vivo-expressed genes detection during active pulmonary tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis gene expression studies have involved "in vitro", "ex vivo" and "in vivo" experiments (animal models), but without the expected success. We propose that key features of human tuberculosis could be discovered by studying the M. tuberculosis gene expression within the human host. Therefore, we isolated totalM. tuberculosis mRNA from human clinical respiratory specimens of patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis; after this, we synthesized the dscDNA and tested it by qualitative RT-PCR assays. We detected the expression of IS6110 insertion sequence and of the "housekeeping" genes 16SrRNA andsigA in M. tuberculosis grown in vivo (pulmonary tuberculosis) as well as grown in vitro M. tuberculosis. mprA and mprB genes expression, which code the MprAB signal transduction system, were only detected in M. tuberculosis grown in vitro. Our results provide the first step towards a non invasive method for the study of the transcriptome of M. tuberculosis within its native host, to analyze "in vivo" regulation of the genetic determinants required for virulence and pathogenesis.

El estudio de la expresión génica de Mycobacterium tuberculosis ha involucrado la experimentación "in vitro ", "ex vivo " e "in vivo " (modelos animales), pero aún sin el éxito esperado. Proponemos que revelar los factores clave de la tuberculosis humana requiere investigar la expresión génica de M. tuberculosis dentro del ser humano ("in vivo "). Para ello, aislamos el mRNA total de M. tuberculosis, desde muestras clínicas respiratorias de pacientes con diagnóstico de tuberculosis pulmonar; posteriormente, sintetizamos el dscDNA y lo analizamos mediante RT-PCR cualitativo. Detectamos la expresión de la secuencia de inserción IS6110 y de los genes "housekeeping " 16SrRNA y sigA en M. tuberculosis creciendo in vivo (tuberculosis pulmonar) así como cultivado in vitro. La expresión de los genes mprA y mprB, que codifican el sistema de transducción de señales MprAB, sólo se detectó en M. tuberculosis crecido in vitro. Con nuestros resultados damos el primer paso hacia la implementación de un método no invasivo para el estudio del transcriptoma de M. tuberculosis, dentro de su único hospedero natural, con el fin de analizar la regulación "in vivo" de los determinantes genéticos requeridos para su virulencia y patogénesis.

Native black Michuñe potato variety: characterization, frying conditions and sensory evaluation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical and nutritional composition, to establish frying processing conditions and to determine the sensory profile and acceptability of Black Michuñe (BM) potato chips. BM had a higher protein content, half the ether extract content and nitrogen-free extract, a lower caloric intake (70 kcal/100g) and amylose content (17.5%) than Desirée (DES). To set the frying conditions, the Taguchi method was applied using a matrix design L9 (32,22). The variables studied were: temperature, time, potato variety (raw material) and pretreatment. The responses evaluated were: the color difference as well as the content of reducing sugars and total polyphenols. The best frying conditions were BM with a pretreatment at 160°C for 7 min for color, DES without pretreatment at 140°C for 7 min for reducing sugar content, and BM without pretreatment at 180°C for 4 min for polyphenol content. Then, sensory profiles of potato chips from BM, DES and a commercial package were determined by selecting the descriptors texture, firmness, color, salty taste and oiliness. Significant differences in color and oiliness were found. Finally, the acceptability test was applied to BM potato chips where color (64%) was the only attribute not as accepted as texture (95%), salty taste (87%) and product (97.3%). This study demonstrated that BM potato chips have a satisfactory acceptability by consumers.

Papa nativa variedad Michuñe negra: caracterización, condiciones de fritura y evaluación sensorial.. El presente trabajo tiene por objetivo evaluar la composición química y nutricional de papa Michuñe negro (BM), establecer condiciones de proceso de fritura, determinar el perfil sensorial y aceptabilidad de papas fritas chips. BM presentó un mayor contenido proteico, la mitad de extracto etéreo y extracto libre de nitrógeno, una menor ingesta calórica (70 kcal/100g) y un menor contenido de amilosa (17,5%) comparada con la variedad Desirée (DES). Para establecer condiciones de fritura se utilizó metodología Taguchi empleando una matriz de diseño L9 (32,22). Las variables seleccionadas fueron: temperatura, tiempo, variedad de papa (materia prima) y pretratamiento. Las respuestas evaluadas fueron: diferencia de color, contenido de azúcares reductores y polifenoles totales. Las mejores condiciones de fritura fueron: BM con pretratamiento a 160ºC por 7 min para color, DES sin pretratamiento a 140ºC por 7 min para azúcares reductores y BM sin pretratamiento a 180ºC por 4 min para polifenoles totales. Luego, los perfiles sensoriales de las papas chips de BM, DES y comercial fueron determinados seleccionando los descriptores textura, firmeza, sasbor salado y aceitoso. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en los descriptores color y aceitoso. El color (64%) fue el único atributo que obtuvo un nivel de aceptación más bajo entre los otros como textura (95%), sabor salado (87%) y producto (97.3%). Este estudio demostró que los chips de BM fueron satisfactoriamente aceptados por los consumidores.

Native black Michuñe potato variety: characterization, frying conditions and sensory evaluation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical and nutritional composition, to establish frying processing conditions and to determine the sensory profile and acceptability of Black Michuñe (BM) potato chips. BM had a higher protein content, half the ether extract content and nitrogen-free extract, a lower caloric intake (70 kcal/100g) and amylose content (17.5%) than Desirée (DES). To set the frying conditions, the Taguchi method was applied using a matrix design L9 (3(2),2(2)). The variables studied were: temperature, time, potato variety (raw material) and pretreatment. The responses evaluated were: the color difference as well as the content of reducing sugars and total polyphenols. The best frying conditions were BM with a pretreatment at 160 degrees C for 7 min for color, DES without pretreatment at 140 degrees C for 7 min for reducing sugar content, and BM without pretreatment at 180 degrees C for 4 min for polyphenol content. Then, sensory profiles of potato chips from BM, DES and a commercial package were determined by selecting the descriptors texture, firmness, color, salty taste and oiliness. Significant differences in color and oiliness were found. Finally, the acceptability test was applied to BM potato chips where color (64%) was the only attribute not as accepted as texture (95%), salty taste (87%) and product (97.3%). This study demonstrated that BM potato chips have a satisfactory acceptability by consumers.

Complicaciones postoperatorias en la herniorrafia ambulatoria con malla: estudio comparativo de la tasa de infección del sitio operatorio con y sin profilaxis antibiótica / Antibiotic prophylaxis in mesh inguinal herniorrhapy

The use of antibiotic prophylaxis has been questioned in the inguinal herniorrhaphy with mesh. The aim of this paper is to give account of the efficiency of antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) in the prevention of wound infection in the elective inguinal herniorrhaphy with mesh under local anaesthesia in an ambulatory basis. In the present observacional analytic study, 955 patients were operated upon with a mesh technique during a 10 year period, .in the CRS Hernia Centre in Santiago. In the first group of 250 patients, lgr Cefazolin® was administered iv one hour before the operation, in the second group of 710 patients no antibiotics were used. Demographic variables, associated diseases, the length of surgery were comparable in both groups. The same team of surgeons work in both groups. Wound infection was defined as the presence of pus in the surgical wound associated with a positive bacterial culture. The rate of wound infections was 1.05 percent of the first and 0.35 percent of the second group. This difference was no significant (p < 0.08). The isolated germ was a Staphylo-coccus aureus in all cases. The treatment was ambulatory in all cases. The rate of haematoma and funiculo-testicular fluxion were low. We conclude that the rate of wound infection in mesh herniorrhaphies is low and that the antibiotic prophylaxis does not improve these results. Its routine use in these patients is not justified.

Introducción: El uso de la profilaxis antibiótica en la cirugía hemiaria con malla es controversial. El propósito del presente estudio es establecer la efectividad de la profilaxis antibiótica (PA) en la prevención de la infección del sitio operatorio (ISO) en la herniorrafía con malla efectuada en forma ambulatoria con anestesia local. Material y Método: El estudio observacional analítico se realizó dentro del Programa de Cirugía Ambulatoria del CRS Cordillera, en dos grupos consecutivos de pacientes, el primero que se sometió a PA mediante lgr de Cefazolina® intravenosa, inmediatamente antes del procedimiento quirúrgico, y el segundo en el que se prescindió de ella. Los controles postoperatorios se efectuaron al 7º y 30º día por un cirujano del grupo. Se diagnosticó ISO con la presencia de exudado purulento, con cultivo bacteriano positivo. Resultados: El estudio se efectuó en 955 pacientes operados entre 1998 y 2008. En el primer grupo, constituido por 245 pacientes se usó PA, en el segundo grupo de 710 pacientes se prescindió de ella. Las variables demográficas, antecedentes mórbidos y la duración del acto quirúrgico fueron comparables en ambos grupos. Se registraron 2 casos de infección en el primer grupo (1,05 por ciento) y dos en el segundo (0,35). Esta diferencia no fue significativa. El germen aislado fue en todos los casos el estafilococo dorado. Conclusiones: La tasa ISO en la hemiorrafia inguinal electiva ambulatoria con malla es baja y no se modificó con el uso de PA. Su empleo indiscriminado no aparece justificado en estos pacientes.

Bioremediation of a Chilean Andisol contaminated with pentachlorophenol (PCP) by solid substrate cultures of white-rot fungi.

This study provides a first attempt investigation of a serie of studies on the ability of Anthracophyllum discolor, a recently isolated white-rot fungus from forest of southern Chile, for the treatment of soil contaminated with pentachlorophenol (PCP) to future research on potential applications in bioremediation process. Bioremediation of soil contaminated with PCP (250 and 350 mg kg⁻¹ soil) was investigated with A. discolor and compared with the reference strain Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Both strains were incorporated as free and immobilized in wheat grains, a lignocellulosic material previously selected among wheat straw, wheat grains and wood chips through the growth and colonization of A. discolor. Wheat grains showed a higher growth and colonization of A. discolor, increasing the production of manganese peroxidase (MnP) activity. Moreover, the application of white-rot fungi immobilized in wheat grains to the contaminated soil favored the fungus spread. In turn, with both fungal strains and at the two PCP concentrations a high PCP removal (70-85%) occurred as respect to that measured with the fungus as free mycelium (30-45%). Additionally, the use of wheat grains in soil allowed the proliferation of microorganisms PCP decomposers, showing a synergistic effect with A. discolor and P. chrysosporium and increasing the PCP removal in the soil.

Degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by free and nanoclay-immobilized manganese peroxidase from Anthracophyllum discolor.

Manganese peroxidase (MnP) produced by Anthracophyllum discolor, a Chilean white rot fungus, was immobilized on nanoclay obtained from volcanic soil and its ability to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) compared with the free enzyme was evaluated. At the same time, nanoclay characterization was performed. Nanoclay characterization by transmission electronic microscopy showed a particle average size smaller than 100 nm. The isoelectric points (IEP) of nanoclay and MnP from A. discolor were 7.0 and 3.7, respectively, as determined by micro electrophoresis migration and preparative isoelectric focusing. Results indicated that 75% of the enzyme was immobilized on the nanoclay through physical adsorption. As compared to the free enzyme, immobilized MnP from A. discolor achieved an improved stability to temperature and pH. The activation energy (Ea) value for immobilized MnP (51.9 kJ mol(-1)) was higher than that of the free MnP (34.4 kJ mol(-1)). The immobilized enzyme was able to degrade pyrene (>86%), anthracene (>65%), alone or in mixture, and to a less extent fluoranthene (<15.2%) and phenanthrene (<8.6%). Compared to free MnP from A. discolor, the enzyme immobilized on nanoclay enhanced the enzymatic transformation of anthracene in soil. Overall results indicate that nanoclay, a carrier of natural origin, is a suitable support material for MnP immobilization. In addition, immobilized MnP shows an increased stability to high temperature, pH and time storage, as well as an enhanced PAHs degradation efficiency in soil. All these characteristics may suggest the possible use of nanoclay-immobilized MnP from A. discolor as a valuable option for in situ bioremediation purposes.

Eventraciones: reconstitución plástica de la línea alba mediante doble sutura invaginante isotensional (DSII) / Reconstruction of midline incisional hernias using a double isotensional suture

Background: Incisional hernias of the midline are frequently multisacular and its treatment without a mesh is followed by a high rate of recurrences. Aim: To report a new technique for the treatment of midline incisional hernias, performing an isotensional suture of the midline with Vycril® 2-0, followed by a double invaginant suture of the rectus aponeurosis with Ethybond® 2-0. Material and Methods: Observational prospective study of 90 women and 26 men, aged 54 +/- 13 and 59 +/- 13 years respectively, with a hernia sac smaller than 15 cm and with an aponeurotic defect smaller than 3 cm, operated between January 2002 and December 2005. Results: Surgery was performed under local anesthesia on an ambulatory basis. The surgical procedure consisted in the excision of a skin lozenge which included the scar, dissection and reduction of all sacs and isotensional suture of the midline with Vycryl #1®. This suture was followed by a double invaginating suture of the rectus sheath in the midline with Ethylon® 0. Five superficial infections and two hematomas were observed. Seven recurrences (7 percent) in 99 patients (85 percent of the sample), were found during a mean follow up of 4.6 years (range 2-6). Conclusions: The double invaginating isotensional suture (DIIS) is an acceptable alternative for the treatment of small and middle size incisional hernias of the midline.

Las eventrorrafias sin malla de la línea media se asocian con una elevada tasa de recidivas. En esta publicación damos cuenta de una técnica fascial utihzable en eventraciones peque±as y medianas de la línea media que hemos llamado doble sutura invaginante isotensional (DSII). El estudio observacional descriptivo es una serie clínica constituida por 90 mujeres con una edad promedio de 54 +/- 12,9 años y 26 varones con una edad promedio de 59 +/- 13,7 años, intervenidos entre el Iº de Enero de 2002 y el 31 de Diciembre de 2005. En 14 casos se trató de una eventración recidivada. Se intervinieron pacientes con un saco de hasta 15 cm, único o múltiple, con un anillo inferior a 3 cm, con una edad fisiológica inferior a los 70 años y ASA 1 y 2. La obesidad y la diabetes mellitus no constituyeron una contraindicación. La operación se efectuó con anestesia local, en forma ambulatoria en 98 y con anestesia raquídea en 18 casos. La técnica incluyó resección de un losanjo de piel, manejo de los sacos y rrafia mediante sutura de la línea alba con Vycryl® 2-0, seguida de doble sutura invaginante del plano aponeurótico con Ethybond® 0. Apreciamos 5 infecciones y 2 hematomas de la herida. Un seguimiento promedio de 4,6 (2 - 6) años se efectuó en 99 pacientes (85 por ciento) de la muestra, apreciándose 7 recidivas (7 por ciento). La DSII es una técnica alternativa en las eventraciones pequeñas y medianas de la línea media.

Síndrome de dolor inguinal crónico (SDIC) / Chronic inguinal pain syndrome

Background: Chronic inguinal pain syndrome (CIPS) is a frequent complaint in patents attending to a public ambulatory surgical service. Aim: To report a descriptive observational study of CIPS. Material and Methods: Retrospective review of medical records of patients presenting with CIPS between 1999 and 2006. The symptoms and physical examination of the groin, the spine and the coxofemoral joint of these patients was evaluated. Results: CIPS was diagnosed in 150 patients aged 17 to 71 years, 87 men. They represented 14 percent of groin problems diagnosed in the study period. Median duration of pain was 13 (3-150) months, with remissions that lasted from weeks to months. The charactenstics of pain remained constant in each remission. Pain was present during the daily activities, but it was even worse during resting periods and during night sleep, leading the patient to assume pain reducing positions. Hernia was present in 29 patients and occupied inguinal channel in three. Five patients had a history of previous hernia repair. One hundred twenty patients had spine diseases. An anesthetic blockade of the ilioinguinal nerve was performed in 37 patients with a positive response in seven. Twenty nine of 47 groin ultrasound examinations were informed as abnormal and suggestive of inguinal hernia. Surgical treatment was performed in these patients and was associated with pain abolition in 12, reduction in seven and persistence in the rest. Remaining patients were treated with spine rehabilitation. The short time follow-up of both groups was encouraging. Conclusions: Inguinal hernia and radicular pain due to spine problems are the main causes of CIPS in this series of patients.

El Síndrome de Dolor Inguinal Crónico (SDIC) ha sido un hallazgo frecuente en el Centro de Cirugía Mayor Ambulatoria de las Hernias del CRS Cordillera. Presentamos un estudio observacional descriptivo del SDIC, basado en la información contenida en las fichas clínicas en un período de 7 años. Se estudiaron los síntomas, el examen físico de la región inguinal, de la columna vertebral, de la inervación de la zona y de la articulación coxofemoral. El cuadro clínico afectó a 150 pacientes, 87 varones y 63 mujeres, con una edad promedio de 42 años (17-71). La antigüedad de los síntomas fue en promedio de 13 (3-150) meses apreciándose remisiones de duración variable, de semanas o meses, sin variación de las características neuropáticas del dolor. Si bien éste se presentó durante la actividad, estuvo presente también en el reposo sentado y el nocturno aliviándose con posición antálgica. Se detectó una hernia inguinal en 29, un canal inguinal ocupado en 3 y antecedente de herniorrafia en 5 pacientes. En los restantes 129 pacientes se detectó patología de columna vertebral, apreciándose en todos un examen neurológico alterado. El bloqueo del nervio ilioinguinal se efectuó en 37 pacientes siendo positivo en 7. La ecotomografía de partes blandas de la región inguinal adquiere valor sólo en manos experimentadas. Una operación se realizó ante evidencia de patología inguinal, los demás pacientes fueron sometidos a rehabilitación de la columna vertebral. Los resultados a corto plazo han sido satisfactorios en ambos grupos.

Alginate molecular mass produced by Azotobacter vinelandii in response to changes of the O2 transfer rate in chemostat cultures.

Alginate production by Azotobacter vinelandii growing in chemostat cultures was evaluated under different O(2) transfer rates (OTR). As a result of modifying the culture's agitation rate from 300 to 500 rpm, the OTR increased from 9 to 15.1 mmol l(-1) h(-1) and a slight variation in the alginate production (1.7-2.2 g l(-1)) was observed. At a constant growth rate (0.1 h(-1)), the mean molecular mass of the alginate was strongly influenced by changes in the OTR, varying from 860 to 1,690 kDa. These results support a possible relationship between alginate polymerization-depolymerization process and the O(2) uptake rate.

Prescindencia del drenaje en la eventrorrafia ambulatoria / Ambulatory surgical treatment of incisional hernias avoiding the use of drainages

Se incorporó al programa de cirugía ambulatoria con anestesia local a las eventraciones clasificadas como pequeñas o medianas (anillo hemiario menor de 3 cm). Se intervinieron pacientes ASA I y II con condiciones sociales y psicológicas compatibles. El propósito de esta presentación es dar a conocer el resultado de una serie de medidas, en especial de la sutura anclada a la aponeurosis del celular subcutáneo, que han hecho posible prescindir del avenamiento de la herida quirúrgica. El estudio comprende 94 mujeres y 21 varones con una edad promedio de 64,1 (27-85) años. Se premedicó a los enfermos con una mezcla de Amidona® y Midazolan iv y se utilizó anestesia local monitorizada, con 200 mi de Lidocaina® al 0,4 por ciento alcalinizada y adicionada de 0,1 mg de adrenalina. Empleamos una rafia sin malla en los anillos de un diámetro menor a 3 cm. Se ancló la sutura del tejido celular subcutáneo a la aponeurosis, se efectuó quimioprofilaxis irrigando la herida con una solución de Gentamicina.y se indicó el uso de una faja elástica en el postoperatorio. Los controles se efectuaron durante 30 días por un cirujano del equipo consignando las complicaciones. Hubo 3 infecciones superficiales y no se apreciaron hematomas ni seromas. Este resultado permite recomendar esta técnica sin drenaje en las eventrorrafias ambulatoria de tamaño pequeño y mediano.

Background: An ambulatory surgical program using local anesthesia for hernias with a sac smaller as 15 cm and a separation of the aponeurotic borders not wider as 3 cm, was started. Patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) stages I and II, with social and psychological conditions compatible with postoperative care at home were accepted for this type of treatment. Aim: To report the experience with ambulatory treatment of incisional hernias. Material and methods: Prospective observational study of 94 women and 21 men aged 27 to 85 years subjected to ambulatory surgery. Results: Amidone® and Midazolan were administered intravenously immediately before surgery and repeated during the operation when necessary. Local anesthesia was carried out with 200 mi alkalinized Lidocaine® 0,4 percent with 0.2 mg adrenalin. An incision was made extirpating the scar and a skin lozenge of proper length and width, exposing the aponeurosis and the hernia sacs. After reduction of the hernia sac, the hernia repair was performed by means of an iso-tensional double invaginating suture or placing prosthetic material in the preperitoneal space, depending in the size of the defect. We avoided stretching, compressing and shearing the tissues and excessive hemostasis with ligature and electrocautery. To reduce dead spaces to a minimum, the subcutaneous suture was anchored to the aponeurosis in all the length of the wound. The wound was bathed with a Gentamycin solution. The patient was discharged after a short observation period wearing an elastic girdle. Controls were done during 30 days by a staff surgeon. Three superficial infections, no hematomas or seromas were observed during this time. Conclusions: This method of wound closure was successful for ambulatory repair of small and middle sized incisional hernias.

Manifestaciones clínicas de la hernia inguinal: ¿qué motiva al paciente a buscar una resolución quirúrgica? / Clinical manifestations of groin hernia: what drives the patient to seek for a surgical solution?

Los síntomas clínicos de la hernia inguinal no complicada no aparecen suficientemente destacados en la literatura especializada. La mayoría de los autores se inclinan a considerar a las hernias como indoloras o escasamente dolorosas. En nuestra experiencia en el Programa de Cirugía Mayor Ambulatoria (PCMA) de las hernias, el dolor es una manifestación frecuente y nuestro objetivo es establecer su frecuencia en estos pacientes. Se diseñó una ficha que reunió la información obtenida en la primera consulta. Se introdujo a la base de datos del PCMA lo que permitió relacionar el dolor y sus características con diversos parámetros clínicos y técnicos. Se estudiaron 102 mujeres y 591 varones. El dolor estuvo presente en el 82,4% de los casos y fue el motivo de consulta en el 75%, seguido por la incomodidad en el 17%. El síntoma se presentó en una proporción similar en las hernias inguinales directas, indirectas y recidivadas, y en las hernias de tamaño pequeño, mediano o grande. Fue moderado o intenso en el 79,1% de los casos, predominando el dolor cansado y de tipo subagudo. El factor desencadenante fue el ejercicio físico en el 88,7%. Limitación para los movimientos, acentuada o muy acentuada estuvo presente 59,5% de la muestra. Concluimos que el dolor y la limitación funcional fueron el motivo para la búsqueda de una solución quirúrgica en una elevada proporción de pacientes portadores de hernia inguinal.

Background: Clinical symptoms of uncomplicated groin hernia are not adequately emphasized in the specialized Hterature. Most authors consider hernias to be painless or slightly painful. Our experience at the Major Ambulatory Surgery Program (MASP) of the Health Reference Center Cordillera indicates that pain is a usual complaint among these patients. Aim: To analyze the clinical profile of patients with groin hernia. Material and methods: The information was gathered by the staff surgeons, during the first consultation, using a previously designed form. The obtained data was transcribed to the database of the MASP. Results: One hundred two females aged 15 to 85 years and 591 males aged 17 to 84 years, answered the survey. Pain was present in 82.4% of patients and it was moderate or intense in 79.1% of them. There was no relationship between pain intensity and the hernia type (direct, indirect or recurrent) or size (big, médium or small). The reason for consulting was pain in 75% of patients and discomfort in 17%. Restriction of the usual activities was referred by the 59% of patients, which was significant in 33% of them. Agreater restriction in the activities was observed in patients with recurrent hernias. Adull character of pain of a sub acute type was most frequently observed. Physical activity increased the discomfort in 89% of cases. The proportion of patients with pain was similar among patients consulting early or late in the course of the disease. Conclusions: Pain and functional limitations were the reason to seek a surgical solution in a high proportion of patients with groin hernia.

Classification of wines produced in specific regions by UV-visible spectroscopy combined with support vector machines.

Discriminating wines according to their denomination of origin using cost-effective techniques is something that attracts the attention of different industrial sectors. In search of simplicity, direct UV-visible spectrophotometric techniques and different multivariate statistical techniques are used with admissible results to characterize wine produced in specific regions. However, most of the reported classification methods do not exploit all of the statistical relations in the investigated dataset and are inherently affected by the presence of outliers. The aim of this paper is to test novel classification methods such as support vector machines as a means of improving the classification rate when UV-visible spectrophotometric methods are used to discriminate wines. The advantages of such a discrimination tool are demonstrated when classification rates are compared for a large number of Spanish red and white wines and classification rates above 96% are achieved. The proposed methodology also enables the selection of the most relevant wavelengths for sample discrimination. The proposed methodology also enables the selection of the most relevant wavelengths for sample discrimination.

Fluxión funiculotesticular, una complicación frecuente en la herniorrafia inguinal / Spermatic cord and testicular swelling as a complication of inguinal hernia repair

El presente estudio presenta a la fluxión funiculotesticular (FFT) como la complicación más frecuente de la herniorrafia inguinal, destacando que es poco mencionada en publicaciones sobre el tema a nivel internacional. El objetivo del presente estudio es dar a conocer la frecuencia de esta complicación en los pacientes intervenidos en el Centro de Referencia de Salud (CRS) Cordillera, analizar sus manifestaciones clínicas y su etiopatogenia. El estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo se realizó en 304 varones portadores de hernia inguinal derivados desde los consultorios de las comunas de Peñalolén y Macul al CRS Cordillera Oriente. Los pacientes fueron intervenidos consecutivamente con anestesia local y técnicas quirúrgicas estándar y en forma ambulatoria. El control postoperatorio lo realizó un miembro del equipo quirúrgico a la semana y al mes de la intervención buscando dirigidamente signos de FFT. Ésta se encontró en 22 por ciento siendo severa en el 2,5 por ciento de los casos. Esta frecuencia fue similar para hernias directas e indirectas. La FFT fue significativamente mayor en las hernias recidivadas, las inguinoescrotales y en los casos en los que se instaló una malla. Esta complicación pone en evidencia una cadena de hechos que se inician con el trauma quirúrgico producto de la disección necesaria en una herniorrafia inguinal que produce inflamación, congestión venosa y linfática. En casos más graves puede producirse trombosis venosa y eventualmente daño isquémico del testículo.

Background: A complication of inguinal hernia repair that is seldom mentioned is spermatic cord and testicular swelling. Aim: To study the frequency of this complication, its clinical manifestations and to analyze its pathogenesis. Material and Methods: A descriptive observational, prospective study in 304 men (aged 15 to 89 years), subjected to an inguinal hernia repair. Operation was performed under local anesthesia in an ambulatory basis, with standard surgical techniques. The postoperative assessment was done by a member of the surgical staff one week and one month after surgery. Results: A mild or moderate swelling occurred in 19.5 percent of patients and a large, severe spermatic cord and testicular swelling developed in 2.5 percent of the cases. The frequency was similar in patients with direct or indirect hernias. Those with recurrent hernias, with hernias growing into the scrotum or that required a mesh for hernia repair, had a significantly higher frequency of spermatic cord and testicular swelling. No patient developed testicular ischemia. Conclusions: Spermatic cord and testicular swelling is the consequence of the dissection required for hernia repair, that is followed by a variable grade of damage to the tissues, inflammation, venous and lymphatic congestion and edema. In seldom occasions venous thrombosis and testicular damage may take place.