Intervention protocol to improve scabies control in enclosed communities: a case report.

OBJECTIVES: To describe patients with scabies in a prison setting. Document what type of treatment was carried out. Prepare an intervention protocol to improve scabies control in the Penitentiary Center. MATERIAL AND METHOD: All cases of scabies diagnosed in the Youth Detention Centre (La Roca del Vallès, Barcelona) between November 2018 and November 2019 were recorded. The treatment used was recorded. Bibliographical research on the protocols and treatment guidelines was carried out for community-acquired scabies. RESULTS: The study was performed with 762 inmates, of whom 61 patients were diagnosed with scabies. 39 patients' pathologies were detected at the time of admission to the center, 11 cases were diagnosed in the first 6 weeks after entering the prison, coinciding with the incubation period of the disease. Finally, 11 more were diagnosed when they had already been in prison for more than 6 weeks and therefore could be infected cases within the center. This parasitosis was detected mainly in inmates of North African origin, 14.7% of Algerian inmates and 14.2% of Moroccan inmates presented this pathology, compared to 1.6% among Spanish prisoners. All 61 patients were treated with permethrin and 8 cases had to repeat the treatment cycle due to apparent therapeutic failure. Research literature indicates that oral ivermectin should be the drug of first choice for the treatment of scabies in prison. DISCUSSION: The high incidence of scabies cases detected in prison led us to carry out a bibliographic review that brought about changes in the treatment protocol that may be of interest for the control of the disease in closed communities.

Inmate carrier of cutis verticis gyrata

The cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is a clinical stigma considered to be very rare that mostly affects males. It consists of characteristic folds in the scalp, similar to cerebral convolutions, which tend to affect the parietal and occipital areas. It is considered a pachyderma of the cranial skin, and can appear at different ages for different reasons. Images are shown of the first clinical case described in prisons, as well as the initial diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Treatment of Chronic Lower Extremity Ulcers with A New Er:Yag Laser Technology.

Chronic lower extremity ulcers (CLEUs) have a high prevalence and are difficult to treat due to their various aetiologies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results achieved in treating CLEUs using an Erbium: YAG (Er:YAG) laser with RecoSMA technology. This laser emits thousands of microbeams of energy causing superficial epidermal ablation and a separation of dermal fibres due to a mechanical-acoustic and resonance effect. The evaluation of the results achieved was carried out by questionnaires completed by 18 patients enrolled in the study. Histological studies and photographs taken before each session (16 sessions in total) were analysed to visually monitor the clinical progress. The analyses were carried out with the help of computer software. The results after 16 treatment sessions showed the complete healing of ulcers or a decrease in their initial area of at least 55% in over 65% of the patients treated. The Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. The Er:YAG laser and RecoSMA technology ablates few epidermal cell layers, producing a mechanical-acoustic effect with resonance action leading to tissue regeneration mechanisms. This technology offers an effective and safe alternative for treating CLEUs.

A novel method of facial rejuvenation using a 2940-nm erbium:YAG laser with spatially modulated ablation: a pilot study.

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of a novel method of facial rejuvenation using a 2940-nm erbium:YAG laser with Spatially Modulated Ablation™. A pilot study was performed in 16 women with moderate to severe signs of facial aging relative to chronological age, who underwent two treatment sessions with an Er:YAG laser coupled to the RecoSMA™ technology (Linline, Minsk, Belarus). The whole face was treated in all patients. Clinical efficacy, tolerance, adverse effects, complications, and histological changes due to the treatment were evaluated. Clinical photographs and biopsies were taken before treatment and 3 months after the second treatment session. All patients completed the study and presented no significant complications. Histological changes in the epidermis and dermis as a result of treatment were found. Fine lines, wrinkles, and overall facial aging improved significantly (p < 0.0001). The mean reduction of fine lines and wrinkles was 59 % (r = 40-75 %). The mean improvement of overall facial aging was 74 % (r = 55-90 %). After showing the patients the comparative photographs before and after treatment, 75 % of women stated that they were satisfied or very satisfied and would recommend the treatment. Preliminary results show an excellent safety/efficacy profile for this novel technology, which, based on observed results, can be considered to have advantages over other methods of facial rejuvenation with lasers.

Fractional carbon dioxide laser and acoustic-pressure ultrasound for transepidermal delivery of cosmeceuticals: a novel method of facial rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of a new facial rejuvenation procedure that combines a fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, an ultrasound emitter, and a cosmeceutical preparation to be applied intraoperatively. METHODS: A split-face, double-blind randomized prospective study of 14 patients was designed, in which one half of the face was treated with a fractional CO2 laser, with the other half receiving the same laser and acoustic pressure ultrasound for transepidermal delivery of cosmeceuticals. Two semiquantitative scales and two visual analog scales were completed to evaluate the efficacy of each treatment. The results were assessed on the basis of photographs taken before treatment and then after 1, 2, and 6 months afterward. Potential adverse effects and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Both treatments achieved significant improvements in all parameters evaluated (p < 0.001). The combined ultrasound and cosmeceutical treatment had better scores for reduced fine lines and wrinkles as well as for overall facial aging at 6 months (p < 0.01), with nearly 80 % overall improvement in facial aging. The treatment was well tolerated, and no unexpected adverse effects were observed. The majority of the patients (86 %) stated that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their results. CONCLUSION: One session of fractional ablative CO2 laser and acoustic pressure ultrasound technology for transepidermal delivery of cosmeceuticals is an effective method for treating facial rejuvenation.

Lumbalgia mecánica crónica en pacientes con vértebras limbus anterior: revisión de la literatura y presentación de tres casos clínicos / Chronic mechanical low back pain in patients with anterior limbus vertebra: a review of the literature and a study of three cases

La vertebra limbus es un hallazgo radiológico de prevalencia desconocida y significado incierto. Se trata de un defecto óseo que afecta al margen de los cuerpos vertebrados, con un fragmento desprendido de morfología triangular y bordes escleróticos. Se produce como consecuencia de una herniación intraósea del núcleo pulposo a través del anillo apofisario vertebral, antes de la fusión completa del cuerpo vertebral. En este artículo se describe tres casos clínicos de pacientes jóvenes (de 19, 20 y 22 años), reclusos en el Centro Penitenciario de Jóvenes (Barcelona, España), diagnosticados de lumbalgía mecánica crónica, y portadores de vértebras limbus lumbar. Nuestros hallazgos, y la revisión sistemática de la escasa literatura disponible, ponen en duda algunas convicciones actuales sobre la vértebra limbus.

The limbus vertebra is a radiological finding of unknown prevalence and uncertain significance. This is a bone defect which affects themargin of the vertebral bodies, with a triangular-shaped detached fragment and sclerotic margins. This occurs as a result of an intraosseus herniation of the nucleus pulposus through the vertebral apophyseal ring before the complete fusion of the vertebral body. In this paper we describe the clinical cases of three young patients(aged 19, 20 and 22), in mates of the Young Offenders Institute of Barcelona, Spain, who were diagnosed with chronic mechanical lowback pain and suffered from lumbar limbus vertebrae. Our findings, and the systematic review of the limited literature available, question some of the current beliefs about limbus vertebrae.

[Diagnosis and treatment of bladder schistosomiasis from penitentiary primary care: case report]. / Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la esquistosomiasis vesical desde la atención primaria penitenciaria: a propósito de un caso.

We describe a case of a patient from Senegal with voiding symptoms and microscopic hematuria diagnosed and treated for bladder schistosomiasis in the medical services of the Youth Prison in Barcelona. According to our information in the Medline database no bladder schistosomiasis cases have been seen in primary care outside endemic areas. Patients can be diagnosed and treated before referral to specialized care for further study of possible complications.

Cutaneous epidermal growth factor receptor system following ultraviolet irradiation: exploring the role of molecular mechanisms.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway appears to be essential in many cutaneous disorders. It is well established that ultraviolet (UV) irradiation activates the EGFR in the animal and human skin; however, the molecular mechanisms involved in such activation remain unclear. Our aim is to review and analyse them. METHODS: Computerized search and selection of original papers in the MEDLINE database (PubMed) from 1988 to 2009 were performed. Systematic analysis and breakdown of the information selected were carried out. RESULTS: Full manuscripts were retrieved for 32 citations. It was proven that UV light acts directly and indirectly on EGFR (ErbB1/ErbB2) and on numerous intermediaries of extracellular and intracellular signalling. The most closely observed changes imply concentrations and/or molecular activity of the reactive oxygen species group, hydrogen peroxide, matrix metalloproteinases, p38MAPKinase, p21WAF1, p53, signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 and telomerase. CONCLUSION: Our results help to clarify the working and importance of the UV-EGFR system in the human skin.

[Relation between cholesterol levels and neuropsychiatric disorders]. / Relacion entre los niveles circulatorios de colesterol y los trastornos neuropsiquiatricos.

INTRODUCTION: A recent survey raised doubts about most of the associations between hypocholesterolemia and neuropsychiatric diseases. Nevertheless, there is scientific evidence (some very recent) that demonstrates a link between possible brain disorders and reduced levels of cholesterol. AIM: To conduct a systematic study of the literature that addresses the relation between low cholesterol levels in serum and neuropsychiatric disorders. DEVELOPMENT: Relevant papers were identified by means of a systematic search and selection of the literature on Medline (August 2008). The selected papers were reviewed using statistical analysis and critical-deductive reasoning. CONCLUSIONS: It is shown that low cholesterol levels in serum are associated and related to different neuropsychiatric disorders. Lowered cholesterol levels seem likely to be linked to higher rates of early death, suicide, aggressive and violent behaviour, personality disorders, and possibly depression, dementia and penal confinement among young males. Further studies are needed to confirm the evidence currently available and to relate more accurate diagnoses with hypocholesterolemia.

[Incidence of suicide in Catalan prisons: a descriptive and comparative study]. / Incidencia del suicidio en las prisiones de Cataluña: análisis descriptivo y comparado.

INTRODUCTION: The prevention of suicide in prison is one of the most important challenges facing prison health care services in developed countries. The aim of this study is to analyse the incidence of suicide in Catalan prisons and accumulate data about a number of variables that have also been studied in other prison populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of suicide cases in prisons administrated by the Catalan Regional Government (Generalitat de Catalunya) between 1990 and 2005 (n=65). Comparative study of incidence with European countries using published data. RESULTS: The average annual incidence for the period is of 59/100.000, multiplying by eight the level corresponding to the general population. CONCLUSIONS: Entry into prison is the most important event trigger for suicide. Other data open the way to new research.

[Efficacy and safety of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma: systematic review]. / Eficacia y seguridad de la inyección intravítrea de bevacizumab en el tratamiento del glaucoma neovascular: revisión sistemática.

PURPOSE: Systematic review on efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma (NVG). All original papers published in Medline (prior to August 2008) were included. METHODS: Search and selection of information on the internet and in Medline, validated by Kappa Index (K). Statistical and clinical study of the results in the selected articles on a one by one basis. RESULTS: 26 original papers analyzed the efficacy and safety of the procedure in case reports and short series of cases (127 eyes). The efficacy calculated in the sample was 68.7% and the recurrence rate was 18.6% in 4.2 months of follow-up. All studies were after 2006 and none of them was a clinical randomized controlled assay. Ophthalmic complications were under 0.78% and no systemic complications were found. CONCLUSIONS: The use of bevacizumab demonstrates that intravitreal injections may be effective and useful to manipulate growth factors in the anterior chamber. IVB could serve as a first line treatment for NVG. Clinical trials are needed to confirm these results before its use is authorized.

Relation between leptin and body fat distribution in menopausal status.

We examined the serum concentrations of leptin in a homogeneous group of 52 postmenopausal Mediterranean women, calculating body fat mass distribution by waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR) and other anthropometric measurements. Significant correlations were found between leptin and weight (r=0.59), Body Mass Index (BMI) (r=0.56), Conicity Index (CI) (r=0.49) and all circumferences measured: chest (r=0.55), waist (0.61) and hip (r=0.65), but not between leptin and WHR. Leptin levels does not seem to be influenced by fat mass distribution (android or gynoid type) while weight gain over life appears to be related with the hormone concentration when menopausal status is well established.

Constitutive and regulated secretion of epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta1 in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line in 11-day cultures.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor type beta1 (TGF-beta1) exert opposite effects in most cells. A potential regulation between the two factors has been studied at a transcriptional level, but never at a protein level. MDA-MB-231 is a breast carcinoma cell line which possesses large quantities of membrane receptors and expresses high activities for both factors. In this study, conditioned mediums (CM) of 11-day cultures of these cells were collected to measure EGF and TGF-beta1 by immunochemical assays. Four types of cultures were tested: (1) controls; (2) after treatment with 17-beta-estradiol; (3) treated with EGF; and (4) treated with TGF-beta1. These cells secreted constitutively quantifiable concentrations of both factors to the CM. EGF treatment inhibited TGF-beta1 levels in CM throughout the study period (P = 0.002), while EGF levels diminished after TGF-beta1 treatment (P = 0.05). This finding suggests a dual regulation between EGF and TGF-beta1, at a protein level, in this cell line.

Secretion and dual regulation between epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta1 in MDA-MB-231 cell line in 42-hour-long cultures.

MDA-MB-231 is a breast cancer cell line which possesses large quantities of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors and specific high-affinity transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) receptors. We have established that these cells secrete constitutively measurable levels of EGF and TGF-beta1 in conditioned medium. The constitutive secretion of EGF decreased over time in culture (42 h), while the constitutive secretion of TGF-beta1 remained constant. TGF-beta1 secretion in EGF-treated cells was lower than in controls (P < 0.0001), but EGF concentrations were not modified after TGF-beta1 supplement. We postulate that in MDA-MB-231 cell line there is a dual regulation between both growth factors.

Growth of MDA-MB-231 cell line: different effects of TGF-beta(1), EGF and estradiol depending on the length of exposure.

The human cell line MDA-MB-231 is a prototype for the study of hormone-independent breast cancer. Modification of cell growth behaviour has been observed after treating these cells with growth factors. EGF is a typical stimulatory growth factor for many cell types, whereas transforming growth factor beta(1)(TGF-beta(1)) acts with inhibitory character. Here we observed cell growth inhibition after EGF as well as after TGF-beta(1)treatments. Nevertheless, in the 42-h experiments, EGF-treated cultures grew before (18 hours) respect to the TGF-beta(1)and E(2)-treated cultures (24 h), and in the 11-day experiments, EGF-treated cultures started growing (7 days) after TGF-beta(1)-treated cultures (5 days). Estradiol inhibited the proliferation of these cells only after several days of treatment.