One-stage or two-stage elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery and abdominal aortic aneurysm open repair in low and moderate cardiac surgical risk patients.

OBJECTIVES: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are common arterial pathologies that might occur simultaneously; however, there is not enough evidence about the optimal strategy for patients with concomitant indications of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and open repair of the AAA (AAOR). This study aims to present the outcomes in low and moderate cardiac surgical risk patients who underwent one-stage or two-stage elective CABG and AAOR in a middle-income country. METHODS: An observational, retrospective case series study was conducted. Patients who had low and moderate cardiac surgical risk (less than 8% mortality risk on the STS score) and had the concomitant indication for CABG and AAOR between December 2005 and August 2021 were included. Patients were assigned to one of three strategies: Group 1 underwent one-stage surgery for CABG and AAOR, Group 2 underwent two-stage surgery within the same in-patient stay, and Group 3 underwent two-stage surgery in a new in-patient stay within 6 months. RESULTS: Twenty seven, patients with simultaneous requirements of CABG and AAOR were identified, with a mean age of 69.5 ± 6.1 years and 92.6% were male. The most common comorbidities were hypertension at 77.8% and dyslipidemia at 55.6%. The average mortality risk calculated by the STS score was 2.09% ± 1.53%. In Group 1 (n = 9), 1/9 had in-hospital mortality and no reinterventions were needed. In Group 2 (n = 10), 1/10 had in-hospital mortality, and the most common postoperative complication was acute kidney injury 2/10. Furthermore, 2/10 required a reintervention. In Group 3 (n = 8), no in-hospital mortality was present, however, complications such as sepsis, atrial fibrillation, and acute kidney injury occurred in 2/8 patients each, and 2/8 required a reintervention. CONCLUSION: Patients with CAD and AAA that need a concomitant surgical correction with CABG and an AAOR are uncommon in contemporary practice, given the advances in endovascular therapy. When indicated, one-stage surgery can be performed in patients with low cardiac surgical risk, proper patient selection plays a fundamental role and might be performed in experienced centers. However, two-staged surgeries at the same or different inpatient stay may be considered for asymptomatic AAA with close monitoring during the postoperative period. These findings can hold significance for addressing sociodemographic barriers in low and middle-income countries. More robust and extensive studies are needed to make clear comparisons between the different strategies.

Iterative Patient Testing of a Stimuli-Responsive Swallowing Activity Sensor to Promote Extended User Engagement During the First Year After Radiation: Multiphase Remote and In-Person Observational Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Frequent sensor-assisted monitoring of changes in swallowing function may help improve detection of radiation-associated dysphagia before it becomes permanent. While our group has prototyped an epidermal strain/surface electromyography sensor that can detect minute changes in swallowing muscle movement, it is unknown whether patients with head and neck cancer would be willing to wear such a device at home after radiation for several months. OBJECTIVE: We iteratively assessed patients' design preferences and perceived barriers to long-term use of the prototype sensor. METHODS: In study 1 (questionnaire only), survivors of pharyngeal cancer who were 3-5 years post treatment and part of a larger prospective study were asked their design preferences for a hypothetical throat sensor and rated their willingness to use the sensor at home during the first year after radiation. In studies 2 and 3 (iterative user testing), patients with and survivors of head and neck cancer attending visits at MD Anderson's Head and Neck Cancer Center were recruited for two rounds of on-throat testing with prototype sensors while completing a series of swallowing tasks. Afterward, participants were asked about their willingness to use the sensor during the first year post radiation. In study 2, patients also rated the sensor's ease of use and comfort, whereas in study 3, preferences were elicited regarding haptic feedback. RESULTS: The majority of respondents in study 1 (116/138, 84%) were willing to wear the sensor 9 months after radiation, and participant willingness rates were similar in studies 2 (10/14, 71.4%) and 3 (12/14, 85.7%). The most prevalent reasons for participants' unwillingness to wear the sensor were 9 months being excessive, unwanted increase in responsibility, and feeling self-conscious. Across all three studies, the sensor's ability to detect developing dysphagia increased willingness the most compared to its appearance and ability to increase adherence to preventive speech pathology exercises. Direct haptic signaling was also rated highly, especially to indicate correct sensor placement and swallowing exercise performance. CONCLUSIONS: Patients and survivors were receptive to the idea of wearing a personalized risk sensor for an extended period during the first year after radiation, although this may have been limited to well-educated non-Hispanic participants. A significant minority of patients expressed concern with various aspects of the sensor's burden and its appearance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03010150; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03010150.

Excess degassing drives long-term volcanic unrest at Nevado del Ruiz.

This study combines volcanic gas compositions, SO2 flux and satellite thermal data collected at Nevado del Ruiz between 2018 and 2021. We find the Nevado del Ruiz plume to have exhibited relatively steady, high CO2 compositions (avg. CO2/ST ratios of 5.4 ± 1.9) throughout. Our degassing models support that the CO2/ST ratio variability derives from volatile exsolution from andesitic magma stored in the 1-4 km depth range. Separate ascent of CO2-rich gas bubbles through shallow (< 1 km depth), viscous, conduit resident magma causes the observed excess degassing. We infer that degassing of ~ 974 mm3 of shallow (1-4 km) stored magma has sourced the elevated SO2 degassing recorded during 2018-2021 (average flux ~ 1548 t/d). Of this, only < 1 mm3 of magma have been erupted through dome extrusion, highlighting a large imbalance between erupted and degassed magma. Escalating deep CO2 gas flushing, combined with the disruption of passive degassing, through sudden accumulation and pressurization of bubbles due to lithostatic pressure, may accelerate volcanic unrest and eventually lead to a major eruption.

Early-in-life isoflurane exposure alters resting-state functional connectivity in juvenile non-human primates.

BACKGROUND: Clinical studies suggest that anaesthesia exposure early in life affects neurobehavioural development. We designed a non-human primate (NHP) study to evaluate cognitive, behavioural, and brain functional and structural alterations after isoflurane exposure during infancy. These NHPs displayed decreased close social behaviour and increased astrogliosis in specific brain regions, most notably in the amygdala. Here we hypothesise that resting-state functional connectivity MRI can detect alterations in connectivity of brain areas that relate to these social behaviours and astrogliosis. METHODS: Imaging was performed in 2-yr-old NHPs under light anaesthesia, after early-in-life (postnatal days 6-12) exposure to 5 h of isoflurane either one or three times, or to room air. Brain images were segmented into 82 regions of interest; the amygdala and the posterior cingulate cortex were chosen for a seed-based resting-state functional connectivity MRI analysis. RESULTS: We found differences between groups in resting-state functional connectivity of the amygdala and the auditory cortices, medial premotor cortex, and posterior cingulate cortex. There were also alterations in resting-state functional connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex and secondary auditory, polar prefrontal, and temporal cortices, and the anterior insula. Relationships were identified between resting-state functional connectivity alterations and the decrease in close social behaviour and increased astrogliosis. CONCLUSIONS: Early-in-life anaesthesia exposure in NHPs is associated with resting-state functional connectivity alterations of the amygdala and the posterior cingulate cortex with other brain regions, evident at the juvenile age of 2 yr. These changes in resting-state functional connectivity correlate with the decrease in close social behaviour and increased astrogliosis. Using resting-state functional connectivity MRI to study the neuronal underpinnings of early-in-life anaesthesia-induced behavioural alterations could facilitate development of a biomarker for anaesthesia-induced developmental neurotoxicity.

Asociación entre las variantes anatómicas del complejo osteomeatal y patología inflamatoria sinusal: estudio de casos y controles / Association between anatomical variants of the osteomeatal complex and inflammatory sinus pathology: case-control study

Introducción: las variantes anatómicas nasosinusales pueden ser una causa frecuente de infecciones crónicas, y resulta importante identificarlas en la práctica diaria. Objetivo: determinar la asociación entre las variantes anatómicas del complejo osteomeatal (COM) y el desarrollo de patologías inflamatorias nasosinusales. Materiales y métodos: estudio de casos y controles, muestra de 226 pacientes identificando las variantes anatómicas del COM en la tomografía computada (TAC) de senos paranasales (SPN) y su correlación clínica. Resultados: el 51,9 % presentaron hallazgos imagenológicos indicativos de patología inflamatoria nasosinusal y el 19,8 % reportaron sintomatología sugestiva de sinusitis en la historia clínica. Los SPN más afectados fueron: maxilares (46,9 %) y etmoidales (23 %). Las variantes anatómicas más frecuentes fueron las celdillas de Agger Nasi (50,2 %) y la desviación septal (46,2 %). Se encontró como variable estadísticamente significativa la inserción lateral de la apófisis unciforme (p = 0,015) más frecuente del lado izquierdo (p = 0.018, odds ratio [OR] = 4,078, intervalo de confianza [IC] 95 % = 1,3-12,6). Discusión: Se confirmó la incidencia de las variantes anatómicas más frecuentes en la literatura, sin embargo, no se correlacionan con los hallazgos clínicos para la serie de pacientes estudiada en comparación con otros estudios. Existe una alta relación entre la inserción lateral de apófisis unciforme y hallazgos de rinosinusitis escasamente documentados en la literatura médica. Conclusión: se requieren más estudios sobre modelos predictivos en muestras poblacionales mayores y protocolos de lectura TAC enfocados sobre diferentes variantes anatómicas de la apófisis unciforme.

Introduction: Sinonasal anatomical variants can be a frequent cause of chronic in- fections, so it is important to identify them in daily practice. Objective: To determine the association between the anatomical variants of the osteomeatal complex (OCM) and the development of sinonasal inflammatory pathologies. Materials and methods: Case-control study, a sample of 226 patients is analyzed identifying the anatomical variants of OCM in computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses and their clinical correlation. Results: 51.9% presented imaging findings indicative of sinonasal in- flammatory disease, 19.8% reported symptoms suggestive of sinusitis in the clinical history. The most affected paranasal sinuses were: maxillary (46.9%) and ethmoid (23%). The most frequent anatomical variants were Agger Nasi cells (50.2%) and septal deviation (46.2%). The lateral insertion of the uncinate process (p=0.015) was a statistically significant variable, more frequent on the left side (p=0.018, odds ratio [OR]=4.078, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.3-12.6). Discussion: The incidence of the most frequent anatomical variants in the literature was confirmed, however not correlated with the clinical findings for the series of patients studied in comparison with other studies. There is a high relationship between the lateral insertion of the uncinate process and rhinosinusitis findings that are scarcely documented in the medical literature. Conclusion: More studies are required on predictive models in larger population samples and tomographic reading protocols focused on different anatomical variants of the uncinate process

Genomic variability and population structure of six Colombian cattle breeds.

Analyses of the genetic diversity of indigenous cattle are essential for implementing conservation programs, promoting their sustainable use and maintaining productive advantages offered by these breeds in local conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of six Colombian cattle breeds: Blanco Orejinegro (BON), Costeño con Cuernos (CCC), Romosinuano (ROM), Sanmartinero (SAM), Casanareño (CAS), and Hartón del Valle (HDV). Two additional breed groups were included for comparison: Zebu (CEB) and a crossbreed of Colombian cattle breeds × Zebu. Genetic diversity within breeds was analyzed using expected heterozygosity (He), inbreeding coefficient (f), and runs of homozygosity (ROH). Population structure was assessed using model-based clustering (ADMIXTURE) and principal components analysis (PCA). Zebu cattle showed the lowest genetic diversity (He = 0.240). Breeds with the highest genetic diversity level were HDV and BON (He = 0.350 and 0.340, respectively). Inbreeding was lower for Colombian cattle breeds ranging between 0.005 and 0.045. Overall, the largest average genetic distance was found among the group of Colombian cattle breeds and Zebu, while the smallest was found between ROM and CCC. Model-based clustering revealed some level of admixture among HDV and CAS cattle which is consistent with their recent history. The results of the present study provide a useful insight on the genetic structure of Colombian cattle breeds.

Mortalidad perioperatoria en Tolima, perspectivas del cuarto indicador de The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery: Un análisis preliminar de la cohorte prospectiva del estudio Colombian Surgical Outcomes Study (ColSOS) / Perioperative mortality in Tolima and perspectives of the fourth indicator of The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery: A preliminary analysis of the prospective cohort of the Colombian Surgical Outcomes Study (ColSOS)

Introducción. La mortalidad perioperatoria en el mundo representa 4,2 millones de muertes anuales. El cuarto indicador de The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery permite estandarizar la mortalidad perioperatoria. En Colombia, existen aproximaciones por datos secundarios, limitando el análisis y las intervenciones aplicables a nuestra población. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la mortalidad perioperatoria a través de datos primarios que permitan sustentar políticas públicas. Métodos. Se hizo el análisis preliminar de un estudio observacional, de cohorte prospectiva, multicéntrico en 6 instituciones del departamento de Tolima. Se incluyeron los pacientes llevados a procedimientos quirúrgicos por una semana, con posterior seguimiento hasta el egreso, fallecimiento o 30 días de hospitalización. La mortalidad perioperatoria fue el desenlace primario. Resultados. Fueron incluidos 378 pacientes, con mediana de 49 años (RIC 32-66), buen estado funcional (ASA I-II 80 %) y baja complejidad quirúrgica (42 %). Las cirugías más comunes fueron por Ortopedia (25,4 %) y Cirugía plástica (23,3 %). El 29,7 % presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias, las más comunes fueron síndrome de dificultad respiratoria agudo e íleo postoperatorio. La mortalidad perioperatoria fue de 1,3 %. Discusión. La mortalidad perioperatoria discrepó de la reportada en otros estudios nacionales, aun cuando los pacientes tenían un bajo perfil de riesgo y baja complejidad de los procedimientos. Sin embargo, coincide con la reportada internacionalmente y nos acerca a la realidad del país. Conclusión. La determinación del cuarto indicador es de vital importancia para mejorar la atención quirúrgica en Colombia. Este es el primer acercamiento con datos primarios que nos permite tener información aplicable a nuestra población

Introduction. Perioperative mortality accounts for 4.2 million deaths annually. The fourth indicator of The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery allows standardizing perioperative mortality. In Colombia, there are approximations based on secondary data, limiting the analysis and interventions applicable to our population. The objective of this study is to describe perioperative mortality through primary data that allow supporting public policies. Methods. A preliminary analysis of an observational, prospective cohort, multicenter study was carried out at six institutions in the District of Tolima. Patients undergoing surgical procedures were included for one week, for subsequent follow-up until discharge, death, or 30 days of hospitalization. Perioperative mortality was the primary outcome and was presented as a proportion. Results. A total of 378 patients were included, with a median age of 49 years (RIC 32-66), low-risk profile (ASA I-II 80%), and low surgical complexity (42%). The most common surgeries were Orthopedic (25.4%) and Plastic Surgery (23.3%). Postoperative complications occurred in 29.7%, the most common were ARDS and postoperative ileus. Perioperative mortality was 1.3%. Discussion. Perioperative mortality differed from that reported in national studies, even when the patients had a low-risk profile and low complexity of the procedures. However, it coincides with that reported internationally and brings us closer to the reality of the country. Conclusion. The determination of the fourth indicator is of vital importance to improving surgical care in Colombia. This is the first approach with primary data that allows us to have applicable information for our population

A somato-cognitive action network alternates with effector regions in motor cortex.

Motor cortex (M1) has been thought to form a continuous somatotopic homunculus extending down the precentral gyrus from foot to face representations1,2, despite evidence for concentric functional zones3 and maps of complex actions4. Here, using precision functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) methods, we find that the classic homunculus is interrupted by regions with distinct connectivity, structure and function, alternating with effector-specific (foot, hand and mouth) areas. These inter-effector regions exhibit decreased cortical thickness and strong functional connectivity to each other, as well as to the cingulo-opercular network (CON), critical for action5 and physiological control6, arousal7, errors8 and pain9. This interdigitation of action control-linked and motor effector regions was verified in the three largest fMRI datasets. Macaque and pediatric (newborn, infant and child) precision fMRI suggested cross-species homologues and developmental precursors of the inter-effector system. A battery of motor and action fMRI tasks documented concentric effector somatotopies, separated by the CON-linked inter-effector regions. The inter-effectors lacked movement specificity and co-activated during action planning (coordination of hands and feet) and axial body movement (such as of the abdomen or eyebrows). These results, together with previous studies demonstrating stimulation-evoked complex actions4 and connectivity to internal organs10 such as the adrenal medulla, suggest that M1 is punctuated by a system for whole-body action planning, the somato-cognitive action network (SCAN). In M1, two parallel systems intertwine, forming an integrate-isolate pattern: effector-specific regions (foot, hand and mouth) for isolating fine motor control and the SCAN for integrating goals, physiology and body movement.

Perioperative mortality in Colombia: perspectives of the fourth indicator in The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery - Colombian Surgical Outcomes Study (ColSOS) - a protocol for a multicentre prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Death following surgical procedures is a global health problem, accounting for 4.2 million deaths annually within the first 30 postoperative days. The fourth indicator of The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery is essential as it seeks to standardise postoperative mortality. Consequently, it helps identify the strengths and weaknesses of each country's healthcare system. Accurate information on this indicator is not available in Colombia, limiting the possibility of interventions applied to our population. We aim to describe the in-hospital perioperative mortality of the surgical procedures performed in Colombia. The data obtained will help formulate public policies, improving the quality of the surgical departments. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: An observational, analytical, multicentre prospective cohort study will be conducted throughout Colombia. Patients over 18 years of age who have undergone a surgical procedure, excluding radiological/endoscopic procedures, will be included. A sample size of 1353 patients has been projected to achieve significance in our primary objective; however, convenience sampling will be used, as we aim to include all possible patients. Data collection will be carried out prospectively for 1 week. Follow-up will continue until hospital discharge, death or a maximum of 30 inpatient days. The primary outcome is perioperative mortality. A descriptive analysis of the data will be performed, along with a case mix analysis of mortality by procedure-related, patient-related and hospital-related conditions ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología Ethics Committee approved this study (No. 41-2021). The results are planned to be disseminated in three scenarios: the submission of an article for publication in a high-impact scientific journal and presentations at the Colombian Surgical Forum and the Congress of the American College of Surgeons. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05147623.

Carotenoids improve the development of cerebral cortical networks in formula-fed infant macaques.

Nutrition during the first years of life has a significant impact on brain development. This study characterized differences in brain maturation from birth to 6 months of life in infant macaques fed formulas differing in content of lutein, ß-carotene, and other carotenoids using Magnetic Resonance Imaging to measure functional connectivity. We observed differences in functional connectivity based on the interaction of diet, age and brain networks. Post hoc analysis revealed significant diet-specific differences between insular-opercular and somatomotor networks at 2 months of age, dorsal attention and somatomotor at 4 months of age, and within somatomotor and between somatomotor-visual and auditory-dorsal attention networks at 6 months of age. Overall, we found a larger divergence in connectivity from the breastfeeding group in infant macaques fed formula containing no supplemental carotenoids in comparison to those fed formula supplemented with carotenoids. These findings suggest that carotenoid formula supplementation influences functional brain development.

Lesión Pulmonar Aguda Relacionada a Transfusión (TRALI) y dos diagnósticos diferenciales para tener en cuenta: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI) and Two Differential Diagnoses to Consider: Case Report and Literature Review

Resumen Las complicaciones pulmonares asociadas a la transfusión de hemoderivados son reacciones adversas graves y potencialmente mor tales. La Lesión Pulmonar Aguda Relacionada a Transfusión (TRALI), es una de las más frecuentes y con mayor mortalidad asociada. Es una entidad infradiagnosticada debido a su sintomatología inespecífica, a la ausencia de biomarcadores séricos específicos para su diagnóstico y a que aún la evidencia acerca de sus causas es heterogénea. El objetivo del presente artículo es documentar un caso clínico de TRALI y posteriormente, basados en la literatura actual, consolidar los aspectos fundamentales para la identificación oportuna de esta entidad y de dos diagnósticos diferenciales en el contexto de transfusión de hemoderivados y trauma: la Sobrecarga Circulatoria Asociada a Transfusión (TACO) y el Embolismo graso (EG). Así pues, se expone el caso clínico de una paciente adulto joven quien en el contexto de un politraumatismo requiere transfusión de hemoderivados, desarrollo de cuadro clínico compatible con TRALI; de esta manera, la discusión incluye aspectos epidemiológicos, fisiopatología, hallazgos imagenológicos y diagnóstico. Se logra concluir que es preciso poner a disposición de los profesionales del área de la salud literatura científica que favorezca la identificación de estas patologías con base en criterios clínicos, paraclínicos e imagenológicos, para así mismo, disminuir el riesgo de presentación y la mortalidad asociada.

Abstract Pulmonary complications associated with the transfusion of blood products are severe, potentially mortal adverse reactions. The transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is one of the most common and with higher associated mortality. It is an underdiagnosed entity due to its unspecified symptoms, the absence of diagnosis-specific serum biomarkers and the fact that the evidence about its causes is still heterogeneous. The objective of this article is to document a clinical case of TRALI and then, basing on the current literature, consolidate key aspects for the timely identification of this disease and of two differential diagnoses within the context of transfusion of blood products and trauma: the transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) and fat embolism (FE). So, we pres ent the clinical case of a female young adult patient requiring a transfusion of blood products due to a polytraumatism whose clinical condition is compatible with TRALI; thus, the discussion includes epidemiological aspects, physiopathology, imaging findings and diagnosis. We conclude that it is necessary to provide healthcare professionals with scientific literature that favors the identification of these diseases basing on clinical, paraclinical and imaging criteria so as to reduce the risk of presentation and associated mortality.

Immune-Mediated Cutaneous Paraneoplastic Syndromes Associated With Hematologic Malignancies: Skin as a Mirror of Hematologic Neoplasms.

Malignant neoplasms may present as paraneoplastic syndromes with mucocutaneous manifestations, which may or may not be chronologically associated. The pathophysiological mechanism is complex and not completely understood; therefore, definitive diagnosis may be achieved with a precise differential diagnosis based on the morphology of skin lesions, clinical picture, and histological pattern. The complexities, and low frequency, make the therapeutic approach quite challenging; consequently, the cornerstone of therapy is the eradication of the underlying neoplasms. Corticosteroids are the therapy of choice for most of these immune-mediated manifestations, but for the most part, the successful resolution requires the eradication of the underlying malignancy.

Genetic and Molecular Aspects of Drug-Induced QT Interval Prolongation.

Long QT syndromes can be either acquired or congenital. Drugs are one of the many etiologies that may induce acquired long QT syndrome. In fact, many drugs frequently used in the clinical setting are a known risk factor for a prolonged QT interval, thus increasing the chances of developing torsade de pointes. The molecular mechanisms involved in the prolongation of the QT interval are common to most medications. However, there is considerable inter-individual variability in drug response, thus making the application of personalized medicine a relevant aspect in long QT syndrome, in order to evaluate the risk of every individual from a pharmacogenetic standpoint.

Bazo accesorio secundario a trombocitopenia autoinmune primaria refractaria - Un reto diagnóstico / Accessory spleen resection in refractory primary autoimmune thrombocytopenia - a diagnostic challenge

Resumen En la trombocitopenia autoinmune primaria hay formación de autoanticuerpos contra las membranas plaquetarias causando destrucción plaquetaria esplénica y compromiso clínico consistente en petequias, hemorragias y trombocitopenia. Cuando falla el manejo médico con corticoides e inmunoglobulinas está indicada la realización de esplenectomía, que funciona para remisión parcial de la enfermedad persistente. Realizar la esplenectomía hace necesario el estudio de un bazo accesorio o material esplénico recurrente, que comúnmente se asocia con la pobre respuesta a tratamiento y recaídas de la enfermedad. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 27 años y antecedentes de trombocitopenia autoinmune primaria quien requirió esplenectomía, con adecuada evolución postoperatoria y remisión de los síntomas por dos años. Posteriormente, presentó recaída clínica y paraclínica, con plaquetas en 11 000 cel/uL, en contexto de trombocitopenia severa sintomática, presencia de gingivorragia, petequias en los miembros inferiores y el abdomen. Se realizó búsqueda activa de bazo supernumerario por medio de estudios complementarios, los cuales evidenciaron bazo accesorio localizado en el ligamento gastro cólico, que fue resecado por vía laparoscópica, con adecuada respuesta y remisión sintomática de la trombocitopenia autoinmune primaria refractaria. En pacientes esplenectomizados con púrpura trombocitopénica idiopática que tengan recaída de su enfermedad se requiere búsqueda activa de bazos supernumerarios, puesto que es una causa frecuente de su reaparición.

Abstract In primary autoimmune thrombocytopenia there is formation of autoantibodies against the splenic platelet membranes causing platelet destruction with clinical deterioration consisting of petechiae, haemorrhages and thrombocytopenia. When the medical management with corticoids and immunoglobulins fails, it is indicated the accomplishment of splenectomy that works for partial remission of the persistent disease. Performing splenectomy requires the study of an accessory spleen or the recurrent splenic material, that is commonly associated with poor response to treatment and frequent relapses of primary autoimmune thrombocytopenia. A case is presented in a 27-year-old patient with a history of primary autoimmune thrombocytopenia requiring splenectomy, with adequate postoperative evolution and remission of symptoms for two years who later presents clinical and paraclinical relapse with platelets at 11,000 cells/uL in the context of severe symptomatic thrombocytopenia, with the presence of gingivorrhagia, petechiae in the lower limbs and abdomen. Active search of supernumerary spleen was performed by means of complementary studies that showed an accessory spleen located in the gastrocolic ligament, which was resected by laparoscopy with adequate symptomatic remission response of the refractory primary autoimmune thrombocytopenia. In splenectomized patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura who have relapsed their disease, they require an active search for supernumerary spleens since it is a frequent cause of their reappearance.

Individual Variability in Functional Organization of the Human and Monkey Auditory Cortex.

Accumulating evidence shows that auditory cortex (AC) of humans, and other primates, is involved in more complex cognitive processes than feature segregation only, which are shaped by experience-dependent plasticity and thus likely show substantial individual variability. However, thus far, individual variability of ACs has been considered a methodological impediment rather than a phenomenon of theoretical importance. Here, we examined the variability of ACs using intrinsic functional connectivity patterns in humans and macaques. Our results demonstrate that in humans, interindividual variability is greater near the nonprimary than primary ACs, indicating that variability dramatically increases across the processing hierarchy. ACs are also more variable than comparable visual areas and show higher variability in the left than in the right hemisphere, which may be related to the left lateralization of auditory-related functions such as language. Intriguingly, remarkably similar modality differences and lateralization of variability were also observed in macaques. These connectivity-based findings are consistent with a confirmatory task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis. The quantification of variability in auditory function, and the similar findings in both humans and macaques, will have strong implications for understanding the evolution of advanced auditory functions in humans.

Electropneumotactile Stimulation: Multimodal Haptic Actuators Enabled by a Stretchable Conductive Polymer on Inflatable Pockets.

This paper describes a type of haptic device that delivers two modes of stimulation simultaneously and at the same locations on the skin. The two modes of stimulation are mechanical (delivered pneumatically by inflatable air pockets embedded within a silicone elastomer) and electrical (delivered by a conductive polymer). The key enabling aspect of this work is the use of a highly plasticized conductive polymer based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiphene) (PEDOT) blended with elastomeric polyurethane (PU). To fabricate the "electropneumotactile" device, the polymeric electrodes are overlaid directly on top of the elastomeric pneumatic actuator pockets. Co-placement of the pneumatic actuators and the electrotactile electrodes is enabled by the stretchability of the PEDOT:OTs/PU blend, allowing the electrotactiles to conform to underlying pneumatic pockets under deformation. The blend of PEDOT and PU has a Young's modulus of ~150 MPa with little degradation in conductivity following repeated inflation of the air pockets. The ability to perceive simultaneous delivery of two sensations to the same location on the skin are supported by experiments using human subjects. These results show that participants can successfully detect the location of pneumatic stimulation and whether electrotactile stimulation is delivered (yes/no) at a rate significantly above chance (mean accuracy = 94%).

Metallic Nanoislands on Graphene for Biomechanical Sensing.

This minireview describes a nanomaterial-based multimodal sensor for performing biomechanical measurements. The sensor consists of ultrathin metallic films on single-layer graphene. This composite material exhibits physical properties that neither material possesses alone. For example, the metal, deposited by evaporation at low (≤10 nm) nominal thicknesses, renders the film highly sensitive to mechanical stimuli, which can be detected using electrical (i.e., resistance) and optical (i.e., plasmonic) modalities. The electrical modality, in particular, is capable of resolving deformations as small as 0.0001% engineering strain, or 1 ppm. The electrical and optical responses of the composite films can be tailored by controlling the morphology of the metallic film. This morphology (granular or island-like when deposited onto the graphene) can be tuned using the conditions of deposition, the identity of the substrate beneath the graphene, or even the replacement of the graphene for hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). This material responds to forces produced by a range of physiological structures, from the contractions of heart muscle cells, to the beating of the heart through the skin, to stretching of the skin due to the expansion of the lungs and movement of limbs. Here, we provide an update on recent applications of this material in fields ranging from cardiovascular medicine (by measuring the contractions of 2D monolayers of cardiomyocytes), regenerative medicine (optical measurements of the forces produced by myoblasts), speech pathology and physical therapy (measuring swallowing function in head and neck cancer survivors), lab-on-a-chip devices (using deformation of sidewalls of microfluidic channels to detect transiting objects), and sleep medicine (measuring pulse and respiration with a wearable, unobtrusive device). We also discuss the mechanisms by which these films detect strain.

Exploring the limits of sensitivity for strain gauges of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride decorated with metallic nanoislands.

The purpose of this work is to clarify the mechanism of piezoresistance in a class of ultra-sensitive strain gauges based on metallic films on 2D substrates ("2D/M" films). The metals used are gold or palladium deposited as ultrathin films (≤16 nm). These films transition from a regime of subcontiguous growth to a percolated morphology with increasing nominal thickness. The 2D substrates are either single-layer graphene or hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). By using either a conductor (graphene) or an insulator (hBN), it is possible to de-couple the relative contributions of the metal and the 2D substrate from the overall piezoresistance of the composite structure. Here, we use a combination of measurements including electron microscopy, automated image analysis, temperature-dependent conductivity, and measurements of gauge factor of the films as they are bent over a 1 µm step edge (0.0001% or 1 ppm). Our observations are enumerated as follows: (1) of the four permutations of metal and 2D substrate, all combinations except hBN/Au are able to resolve 1 ppm strain (considered extraordinary for strain gauges) at some threshold thickness of metal; (2) for non-contiguous (i.e., unpercolated) films of metal on hBN, changes in resistance for these small step strains cannot be detected; (3) for percolated films on hBN, changes in resistance upon strain can be resolved only for palladium and not for gold; (4) graphene does not exhibit detectable changes in resistance when subjected to step strains of either 1 or 10 ppm, but does so upon the deposition of any amount of gold or palladium, even for nominal thicknesses below the threshold for percolation. Our observations reveal unexpected complexity in the properties of these simple composite materials, and ways in which these materials might be combined to exhibit even greater sensitivity.

Maternal Interleukin-6 Is Associated With Macaque Offspring Amygdala Development and Behavior.

Human and animal cross-sectional studies have shown that maternal levels of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) may compromise brain phenotypes assessed at single time points. However, how maternal IL-6 associates with the trajectory of brain development remains unclear. We investigated whether maternal IL-6 levels during pregnancy relate to offspring amygdala volume development and anxiety-like behavior in Japanese macaques. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was administered to 39 Japanese macaque offspring (Female: 18), providing at least one or more time points at 4, 11, 21, and 36 months of age with a behavioral assessment at 11 months of age. Increased maternal third trimester plasma IL-6 levels were associated with offspring's smaller left amygdala volume at 4 months, but with more rapid amygdala growth from 4 to 36 months. Maternal IL-6 predicted offspring anxiety-like behavior at 11 months, which was mediated by reduced amygdala volumes in the model's intercept (i.e., 4 months). The results increase our understanding of the role of maternal inflammation in the development of neurobehavioral disorders by detailing the associations of a commonly examined inflammatory indicator, IL-6, on amygdala volume growth over time, and anxiety-like behavior.

Healable Thermoplastic for Kinesthetic Feedback in Wearable Haptic Devices.

The word "haptics" refers to technologies designed to stimulate the tactile and kinesthetic senses. Kinesthesia-the sense of motion-is triggered by imposing forces upon the joints, tendons, and muscles to recreate the geometry and stiffness of objects, as may be useful in physical therapy or virtual reality. Here, we introduce a form of kinesthetic feedback by manipulating the mechanical properties of spandex impregnated with a thermoplastic polymer. Heating or cooling this textile-thermoplastic composite just above or below its glass transition temperature (T g) dramatically changes its mechanical properties (corresponding to a decrease in storage modulus from 36 MPa to 0.55 MPa). In the form of a glove, the composite can also be healed after inadvertent overextension in its stiffened state by heating it above its T g. When fitted with thermoelectric devices for active heating and cooling, the flexible or stiffened state of a glove can be perceived by human subjects. As an example of a human-machine interface, the glove is used to control a robotic finger. When the robotic finger makes contact with a wall, a signal is sent to thermoelectric devices in the glove to cool (stiffen the finger) and thus provide kinesthetic feedback to the user.