Asociación del signo de Moore con la presencia de absceso profundo de cuello de espacio retrofaríngeo.

BACKGROUND: Deep neck abscesses can cause life-threatening complications. They are diagnosed by physical examination, and contrasted tomography as the gold standard. There are no studies about the association of Moore's sign with infections of the retropharyngeal space. OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of Moore's sign in the diagnosis of deep retropharyngeal abscess. METHOD: Observational, analytical, cross-sectional, study of patients with deep neck abscess, from May 1, 2019, to August 30, 2021, with report of Moore's sign. RESULTS: 87 patients were included, 49 (56.3%) males (p = 0.45). Of those who developed complications, 77.8% had a negative Moore's sign (p = 0.001). Of those admitted to the ICU, 72% had a negative Moore's sign (p = 0.001). The sensitivity of the absence of the sign with retropharyngeal involvement was 95.4%, and the specificity was 86.3%. By logistic regression, it was found that those with retropharyngeal involvement are 467 times more likely to present a negative sign (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of abscess in the retropharynx is associated with complications and a worse prognosis. The evaluation of Moore's sign can be a useful tool to suspect compromise of this space.

ANTECEDENTES: Los abscesos profundos de cuello pueden ocasionar complicaciones letales. Se diagnostican por exploración física, y la tomografía contrastada es el método de referencia. No existen estudios de asociación del signo de Moore con infecciones del espacio retrofaríngeo. OBJETIVO: Determinar la utilidad del signo de Moore en el diagnóstico de absceso profundo en el espacio retrofaríngeo. MÉTODO: Estudio observacional, transversal y analítico, de pacientes con absceso profundo de cuello, del 1 de mayo de 2019 al 30 de agosto de 2021, con reporte de signo de Moore. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 87 pacientes, de los cuales 49 (56.3%) eran de sexo masculino (p = 0.45). De los que desarrollaron complicaciones, el 77.8%, tenían el signo de Moore negativo (p = 0.001). De los que ingresaron a la unidad de cuidados intensivos, el 72% tenían negativo el signo de Moore (p = 0.001). La sensibilidad de la ausencia del signo con afección del espacio retrofaríngeo fue del 95.4%, y la especificidad del 86.3%. Por regresión logística se encontró que aquellos con afección del espacio retrofaríngeo tienen 467 veces más posibilidades de presentar signo negativo (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONES: La presencia de un absceso en el espacio retrofaríngeo se asocia a complicaciones y peor pronóstico. La evaluación del signo de Moore puede ser una herramienta útil para sospechar compromiso de ese espacio.

Kidney graft functionality 1 year after kidney transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the evolution, associated factors and the outcomes of transplanted people one year after the evolution of a cohort in Mexico. METHOD: Kidney transplant cohort from 2013 to 2017 in Mexico. 1118 patients were analyzed. Five outcomes were studied: overall survival, kidney graft, patient survival, delayed function, and acute dysfunction. Kaplan-Meier was used for kidney graft survival. For risk, bivariate and multivariate analyzes were performed with a significant value of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 1118 kidney transplant patients, 57 (5.09%) had kidney graft loss, 52 (4.65%) died during the one-year follow-up; survival of the patient of 95.35% and of the graft 90.25%. CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors for the outcomes were transplantation from a deceased donor, recipient over 50 years of age and use of polyclonal agents. Infections and age are related to the death of the patient.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la funcionalidad del injerto renal a 1 año en una cohorte retrospectiva en México. MÉTODO: Cohorte de trasplante renal de 2013 a 2017 en México. Se analizaron 1118 pacientes. Se estudiaron cinco desenlaces: supervivencia global, supervivencia del injerto renal, supervivencia del paciente, función retardada y disfunción aguda. Para la supervivencia del injerto renal se usó Kaplan-Meier. Para el riesgo se realizó análisis bivariado y multivariado con valor significativo p < 0.05. RESULTADOS: De los 1118 pacientes con trasplante renal, 57 (5.09%) tuvieron pérdida del injerto, 52 (4.65 %) fallecieron durante el año de seguimiento; la supervivencia del paciente fue del 95.35% y la supervivencia del injerto fue del 90.25%. CONCLUSIONES: Los factores de riesgo para los desenlaces fueron trasplante de donante fallecido, receptor mayor de 50 años y uso de agentes policlonales. Las infecciones y la edad están relacionadas con la muerte del paciente.

Relación de la presión sistólica de la arteria pulmonar medida por ecocardiograma con el tiempo y el tipo de terapia de reemplazo renal / The relationship between systolic pressure of the pulmonary artery measured by echocardiogram and the duration and type of renal replacement therapy

Resumen Introducción: Las alteraciones secundarias a la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), como inflamación sistémica, anemia y sobrecarga hídrica, son un sustrato importante para el desarrollo de hipertensión arterial pulmonar. Objetivo: Valorar la relación de la presión sistólica de la arteria pulmonar (PSAP) por ecocardiograma con el tiempo y el tipo de terapia de reemplazo renal (TRR) en pacientes con ERC. Método: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, llevado a cabo en el Hospital de Especialidades del Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, en el que se analizaron medidas de tendencia central y medidas de dispersión. Para comparar porcentajes se utilizó la prueba de χ2 con el programa estadístico SPSS 25. Resultados: Se incluyeron 141 pacientes con ERC en TRR con diálisis peritoneal o hemodiálisis. Se clasificaron de acuerdo con la PSAP en normal (30 pacientes, 21.28%), leve (43 pacientes, 30.5%), moderada (16 pacientes, 12%) y grave (52 pacientes, 36.88%). El tiempo de TRR está relacionado con una PSAP mayor, con 3.53 años en caso de PSAP normal, 5.51 años en caso de PSAP leve, 6.00 años para la PSAP moderada y 6.38 años para la PSAP grave. La PSAP grave se presentó en 13 de 56 pacientes en diálisis peritoneal y en 39 de 85 en hemodiálisis (p = 0.034). Conclusiones: Se encontró que existe relación entre la PSAP con el tiempo y el tipo de sustitución renal en pacientes con ERC.

Abstract Introduction: The disorders secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD), such as systemic inflammation, anemia, and fluid overload are an important substrate for the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Objective: To assess the relationship between pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) on echocardiogram and the duration and type of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in patients with CKD. Method: A retrospective observational study at Hospital de Especialidades del Centro Médico Nacional La Raza. The analysis was performed using measures of central tendency and dispersion. Chi square was used to compare percentages through the SPSS 25 statistical program. Results: A total of 141 patients with CKD on RRT with peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis were included. They were classified according to PASP as normal (30 patients, 21.28%), mild (43 patients, 30.5%), moderate (16 patients, 12%) and severe (52 patients, 36.88%). The duration of RRT is related to a higher PASP, with 3.53 years for a normal PASP, 5.51 years for mild PASP, 6.00 years for moderate PASP, and 6.38 for those with severe PASP. Severe PASP occurred in 13 of 56 patients on peritoneal dialysis and 39 of 85 patients on hemodialysis (p = 0.034). Conclusions: This study found a relationship between PASP and the duration and type of renal replacement in patients with CKD.

Perinatal morbidity and mortality of children born to mothers with chronic kidney disease.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with pregnancy increases the risk of maternal and fetal complications. OBJECTIVE: To determine perinatal morbidity and mortality of children born to mothers with mild and moderate CKD during pregnancy. METHODS: Retrospective study of medical records of women with mild and moderate CKD during pregnancy cared for at La Raza National Medical Center between 2010 and 2016. RESULTS: There were 142 patients, 99 (69.72%) with mild CKD and 43 (30.28%) with moderate CKD; 79 neonates (55.63%) reached full term, 28 (19.71%) had growth restriction; 44 (30.98%), low birth weight and 54 (38.02%) were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU); and four women (4.04%) had an abortion; in four (2.81%), their children had intrauterine death, and in 10 (7.04%), neonatal death. High blood pressure (odds ratio [OR] = 6.93) and hemoglobin < 11 g/dL (OR = 2.48) were risk factors for prematurity. CONCLUSION: A relationship was found between anemia and blood pressure levels and risk for prematurity, low Apgar, and NICU admission.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad renal (ER) crónica asociada al embarazo incrementa el riesgo de complicaciones maternas y fetales. OBJETIVO: Determinar la morbilidad y mortalidad perinatal del hijo de madre con enfermedad renal leve y moderada del embarazo. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de expedientes de mujeres con ER leve y moderada del embarazo atendidas en el Centro Médico Nacional La Raza entre 2010 y 2016. RESULTADOS: Se trató de 142 pacientes, 99 (69.72 %) con ER leve y 43 (30.28 %) con ER moderada; 79 (55.63 %) neonatos llegaron a término, 28 (19.71 %) presentaron restricción de crecimiento; 44 (30.98 %), peso bajo al nacimiento y 54 (38.02 %) ingresaron a la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales; cuatro (4.04 %) mujeres presentaron aborto, en cuatro (2.81 %) sus hijos presentaron muerte intrauterina y en 10 (7.04 %), muerte neonatal. La presión arterial alta (RM = 6.93) y la hemoglobina < 11g/dL (RM = 2.48) constituyeron factores de riesgo para prematurez. CONCLUSIÓN: Se encontró relación entre la anemia y las cifras de tensión arterial como riesgo para prematurez, Apgar bajo e ingreso a unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales.

RNA oxidation in chromatin modification and DNA-damage response following exposure to formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is an environmental and occupational chemical carcinogen implicated in the damage of proteins and nucleic acids. However, whether formaldehyde provokes modifications of RNAs such as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG) and the role that these modifications play on conferring long-term adverse health effects remains unexplored. Here, we profile 8-oxoG modifications using RNA-immunoprecipitation and RNA sequencing (8-oxoG RIP-seq) to identify 343 RNA transcripts heavily enriched in oxidations in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cell cultures exposed to 1 ppm formaldehyde for 2 h. RNA oxidation altered expression of many transcripts involved in chromatin modification and p53-mediated DNA-damage responses, two pathways that play key roles in sustaining genome integrity and typically deregulated in tumorigenesis. Given that these observations were identified in normal cells exhibiting minimal cell stress and death phenotypes (for example, lack of nuclear shrinkage, F-actin alterations or increased LDH activity); we hypothesize that oxidative modification of specific RNA transcripts following formaldehyde exposure denotes an early process occurring in carcinogenesis analogous to the oxidative events surfacing at early stages of neurodegenerative diseases. As such, we provide initial investigations of RNA oxidation as a potentially novel mechanism underlying formaldehyde-induced tumorigenesis.

Post-transcriptional air pollution oxidation to the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway promotes pulmonary stress phenotypes.

The impact of environmentally-induced chemical changes in RNA has been fairly unexplored. Air pollution induces oxidative modifications such as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG) in RNAs of lung cells, which could be associated with premature lung dysfunction. We develop a method for 8-oxoG profiling using immunocapturing and RNA sequencing. We find 42 oxidized transcripts in bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells exposed to two air pollution mixtures that recreate urban atmospheres. We show that the FDFT1 transcript in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway is susceptible to air pollution-induced oxidation. This process leads to decreased transcript and protein expression of FDFT1, and reduced cholesterol synthesis in cells exposed to air pollution. Knockdown of FDFT1 replicates alterations seen in air pollution exposure such as transformed cell size and suppressed cytoskeleton organization. Our results argue of a possible novel biomarker and of an unseen mechanism by which air pollution selectively modifies key metabolic-related transcripts facilitating cell phenotypes in bronchial dysfunction.

Multiple Small RNAs Interact to Co-regulate Ethanol Tolerance in Zymomonas mobilis.

sRNAs represent a powerful class of regulators that influences multiple mRNA targets in response to environmental changes. However, very few direct sRNA-sRNA interactions have been deeply studied in any organism. Zymomonas mobilis is a bacterium with unique ethanol-producing metabolic pathways in which multiple small RNAs (sRNAs) have recently been identified, some of which show differential expression in ethanol stress. In this study, we show that two sRNAs (Zms4 and Zms6) are upregulated under ethanol stress and have significant impacts on ethanol tolerance and production in Z. mobilis. We conducted multi-omics analysis (combining transcriptomics and sRNA-immunoprecipitation) to map gene networks under the influence of their regulation. We confirmed that Zms4 and Zms6 bind multiple RNA targets and regulate their expressions, influencing many downstream pathways important to ethanol tolerance and production. In particular, Zms4 and Zms6 interact with each other as well as many other sRNAs, forming a novel sRNA-sRNA direct interaction network. This study thus uncovers a sRNA network that co-orchestrates multiple ethanol related pathways through a diverse set of mRNA targets and a large number of sRNAs. To our knowledge, this study represents one of the largest sRNA-sRNA direct interactions uncovered so far.

Computational evolution of an RNA-binding protein towards enhanced oxidized-RNA binding.

The oxidation of RNA has been implicated in the development of many diseases. Among the four ribonucleotides, guanosine is the most susceptible to oxidation, resulting in the formation of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoG). Despite the limited knowledge about how cells regulate the detrimental effects of oxidized RNA, cellular factors involved in its regulation have begun to be identified. One of these factors is polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase), a multifunctional enzyme implicated in RNA turnover. In the present study, we have examined the interaction of PNPase with 8-oxoG in atomic detail to provide insights into the mechanism of 8-oxoG discrimination. We hypothesized that PNPase subunits cooperate to form a binding site using the dynamic SFF loop within the central channel of the PNPase homotrimer. We evolved this site using a novel approach that initially screened mutants from a library of beneficial mutations and assessed their interactions using multi-nanosecond Molecular Dynamics simulations. We found that evolving this single site resulted in a fold change increase in 8-oxoG affinity between 1.2 and 1.5 and/or selectivity between 1.5 and 1.9. In addition to the improvement in 8-oxoG binding, complementation of K12 Δpnp with plasmids expressing mutant PNPases caused increased cell tolerance to H2O2. This observation provides a clear link between molecular discrimination of RNA oxidation and cell survival. Moreover, this study provides a framework for the manipulation of modified-RNA protein readers, which has potential application in synthetic biology and epitranscriptomics.

A high-throughput and rapid computational method for screening of RNA post-transcriptional modifications that can be recognized by target proteins.

There are over 150 currently known, highly diverse chemically modified RNAs, which are dynamic, reversible, and can modulate RNA-protein interactions. Yet, little is known about the wealth of such interactions. This can be attributed to the lack of tools that allow the rapid study of all the potential RNA modifications that might mediate RNA-protein interactions. As a promising step toward this direction, here we present a computational protocol for the characterization of interactions between proteins and RNA containing post-transcriptional modifications. Given an RNA-protein complex structure, potential RNA modified ribonucleoside positions, and molecular mechanics parameters for capturing energetics of RNA modifications, our protocol operates in two stages. In the first stage, a decision-making tool, comprising short simulations and interaction energy calculations, performs a fast and efficient search in a high-throughput fashion, through a list of different types of RNA modifications categorized into trees according to their structural and physicochemical properties, and selects a subset of RNA modifications prone to interact with the target protein. In the second stage, RNA modifications that are selected as recognized by the protein are examined in-detail using all-atom simulations and free energy calculations. We implement and experimentally validate this protocol in a test case involving the study of RNA modifications in complex with Escherichia coli (E. coli) protein Polynucleotide Phosphorylase (PNPase), depicting the favorable interaction between 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoG) RNA modification and PNPase. Further advancement of the protocol can broaden our understanding of protein interactions with all known RNA modifications in several systems.

Defective Ribonucleoproteins, Mistakes in RNA Processing, and Diseases.

Ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) are vital to many cellular events. To this end, many neurodegenerative diseases and cancers have been linked to RNP malfunction, particularly as this relates to defective processing of cellular RNA. The connection of RNPs and diseases has also propagated a shift of focus onto RNA targeting from traditional protein targeting treatments. However, therapeutic development in this area has been limited by incomplete molecular insight into the specific contributions of RNPs to disease. This review outlines the role of several RNPs in diseases, focusing on molecular defects in processes that affect proper RNA handling in the cell. This work also evaluates the contributions of recently developed methods to understanding RNP association and function. We review progress in this area by focusing on molecular malfunctions of RNPs associated with the onset and progression of several neurodegenerative diseases and cancer and conclude with a brief discussion of RNA-based therapeutic efforts.

Skeletal muscle wasting: new role of nonclassical renin-angiotensin system.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Skeletal muscle can be affected by many physiological and pathological conditions that contribute to the development of muscle weakness, including skeletal muscle loss, inflammatory processes, or fibrosis. Therefore, research into therapeutic treatment alternatives or alleviation of these effects on skeletal muscle is of great importance. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have shown that angiotensin (1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] - a vasoactive peptide of the nonclassical axis in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) - and its Mas receptor are expressed in skeletal muscle. Ang-(1-7), through its Mas receptor, prevents or diminishes deleterious effects induced by skeletal muscle disease or injury. Specifically, the Ang-(1-7)-Mas receptor axis modulates molecular mechanisms involved in muscle mass regulation, such as the ubiquitin proteasome pathway, the insulin-like growth factor type 1/Akt (protein kinase B) pathway, or myonuclear apoptosis, and also inflammation and fibrosis pathways. SUMMARY: Although further research into this topic and the possible side effects of Ang-(1-7) is necessary, these findings are promising, and suggest that the Ang-(1-7)-Mas axis can be considered a possible therapeutic target for treating patients with muscular disorders.

Molecular method for the detection of Andes hantavirus infection: validation for clinical diagnostics.

Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome is a severe disease caused by exposure to New World hantaviruses. Early diagnosis is difficult due to the lack of specific initial symptoms. Antihantavirus antibodies are usually negative until late in the febrile prodrome or the beginning of cardiopulmonary phase, while Andes hantavirus (ANDV) RNA genome can be detected before symptoms onset. We analyzed the effectiveness of quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) as a diagnostic tool detecting ANDV-Sout genome in peripheral blood cells from 78 confirmed hantavirus patients and 166 negative controls. Our results indicate that RT-qPCR had a low detection limit (~10 copies), with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 94.9%. This suggests the potential for establishing RT-qPCR as the assay of choice for early diagnosis, promoting early effective care of patients, and improving other important aspects of ANDV infection management, such as compliance of biosafety recommendations for health personnel in order to avoid nosocomial transmission.

Fabrication of an Amperometric Flow-Injection Microfluidic Biosensor Based on Laccase for In Situ Determination of Phenolic Compounds.

We aim to develop an in situ microfluidic biosensor based on laccase from Trametes pubescens with flow-injection and amperometry as the transducer method. The enzyme was directly immobilized by potential step chronoamperometry, and the immobilization was studied using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrode response by amperometry was probed using ABTS and syringaldazine. A shift of interfacial electron transfer resistance and the electron transfer rate constant from 18.1 kΩ to 3.9 MΩ and 4.6 × 10(-2) cm s(-1) to 2.1 × 10(-4) cm s(-1), respectively, evidenced that laccase was immobilized on the electrode by the proposed method. We established the optimum operating conditions of temperature (55°C), pH (4.5), injection flow rate (200 µL min(-1)), and applied potential (0.4 V). Finally, the microfluidic biosensor showed better lower limit of detection (0.149 µM) and sensitivity (0.2341 nA µM(-1)) for ABTS than previous laccase-based biosensors and the in situ operation capacity.

Chromosomal microarrays testing in children with developmental disabilities and congenital anomalies / Análise cromossômica por microarray em crianças com deficiências de desenvolvimento e anomalias congênitas

OBJECTIVES: Clinical use of microarray-based techniques for the analysis of many developmental disorders has emerged during the last decade. Thus, chromosomal microarray has been positioned as a first-tier test. This study reports the first experience in a Chilean cohort. METHODS: Chilean patients with developmental disabilities and congenital anomalies were studied with a high-density microarray (CytoScan(tm) HD Array, Affymetrix, Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA). Patients had previous cytogenetic studies with either a normal result or a poorly characterized anomaly. RESULTS: This study tested 40 patients selected by two or more criteria, including: major congenital anomalies, facial dysmorphism, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. Copy number variants (CNVs) were found in 72.5% of patients, while a pathogenic CNV was found in 25% of patients and a CNV of uncertain clinical significance was found in 2.5% of patients. CONCLUSION: Chromosomal microarray analysis is a useful and powerful tool for diagnosis of developmental diseases, by allowing accurate diagnosis, improving the diagnosis rate, and discovering new etiologies. The higher cost is a limitation for widespread use in this setting. .

OBJETIVO: O uso clínico de técnicas baseadas em microarrays para a análise de transtornos de desenvolvimento tem surgido durante a última década. Assim, o microarray cromossômico tem sido posicionado como um teste de primeiro nível clínico. Relatamos a primeira experiência em uma coorte chilena. MÉTODOS: Pacientes chilenos com atraso de desenvolvimento e anomalias congênitas foram estudados com um microarray de alta densidade (CytoScan(tm) HD Array, Affymetrix, Inc., Santa Clara, CA, EUA). Pacientes tiveram estudos citogenéticos anteriores, ou um resultado normal ou de uma anomalia não bem caracterizada. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 40 pacientes selecionados por dois ou mais critérios, incluindo: anomalias congênitas maiores, dismorfismo facial, atraso de desenvolvimento e deficiência intelectual. Uma variante do número de cópia (CNV) foi encontrada em 72,5% dos pacientes, enquanto que uma CNV patogênica foi encontrada em 25% dos pacientes e uma CNV de significado clínico incerto foi encontrada em 2,5% dos pacientes. CONCLUSÕES: A análise cromossômica microarray é uma ferramenta útil e poderosa em transtornos de desenvolvimento, permite um diagnóstico preciso, melhora a taxa de diagnóstico e descobre novas etiologias. O custo mais elevado é uma limitação para um uso difundido em nossa realidade. .

Chromosomal microarrays testing in children with developmental disabilities and congenital anomalies.

OBJECTIVES: Clinical use of microarray-based techniques for the analysis of many developmental disorders has emerged during the last decade. Thus, chromosomal microarray has been positioned as a first-tier test. This study reports the first experience in a Chilean cohort. METHODS: Chilean patients with developmental disabilities and congenital anomalies were studied with a high-density microarray (CytoScan™ HD Array, Affymetrix, Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA). Patients had previous cytogenetic studies with either a normal result or a poorly characterized anomaly. RESULTS: This study tested 40 patients selected by two or more criteria, including: major congenital anomalies, facial dysmorphism, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. Copy number variants (CNVs) were found in 72.5% of patients, while a pathogenic CNV was found in 25% of patients and a CNV of uncertain clinical significance was found in 2.5% of patients. CONCLUSION: Chromosomal microarray analysis is a useful and powerful tool for diagnosis of developmental diseases, by allowing accurate diagnosis, improving the diagnosis rate, and discovering new etiologies. The higher cost is a limitation for widespread use in this setting.

A non-randomized multicentre trial of human immune plasma for treatment of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome caused by Andes virus.

BACKGROUND: In Chile, Andes virus (ANDV) is the sole aetiological agent of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) with mean annual incidence of 55 cases, 32% case fatality rate (CFR) and no specific treatment. Neutralizing antibody (NAb) titres at hospital admission correlate inversely with HCPS severity. We designed an open trial to explore safety and efficacy and evaluate pharmacokinetics of immune plasma as a treatment strategy for this disease. METHODS: We performed plasmapheresis on donors at least 6 months after HCPS and measured NAb titres through a focus-reduction neutralization test. Subjects admitted to 10 study sites with suspected/confirmed HCPS were eligible for treatment with immune plasma by intravenous infusion at an ANDV NAb dose of 5,000 U/kg. HCPS was confirmed through immunoglobulin M serology or reverse transcriptase-PCR. The main outcome was mortality within 30 days. RESULTS: From 2008-2012, we enrolled and treated 32 cases and confirmed HCPS in 29. CFR of hantavirus plasma-treated cases was 4/29 (14%); CFR of non-treated cases in the same period in Chile was 63/199 (32%; P=0.049, OR=0.35, CI=0.12, 0.99); CFR of non-treated cases at the same study sites between 2005-2012 was 18/66 (27%; (P=0.15, OR=0.43, CI=0.14, 1.34) and CFR in a previous methylprednisolone treatment study was 20/60 (33%; P=0.052, OR=0.32, CI=0.10, 1.00). We detected no serious adverse events associated to plasma infusion. Plasma NAb titres reached in recipients were variable and viral load remained stable. CONCLUSIONS: Human ANDV immune plasma infusion appears safe for HCPS. We observed a decrease in CFR in treated cases with borderline significance that will require further studies for confirmation.

An uncommon presentation of follicular thyroid carcinoma: when chronic back pain should raise a flag.

Follicular thyroid carcinoma is the second most common type of thyroid cancer, and its incidence has increased dramatically in recent years. Although it typically presents as a thyroid nodule, it can spread to distant sites via hematogenous dissemination. Bone metastasis is diagnosed clinically in 2%-13% of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer; nevertheless spinal cord compression complicating thyroid carcinoma is rare and only few cases has been reported in the literature. This case illustrates a strange case of a minimally invasive follicular carcinoma that showed an aggressive behavior, and thus the importance of considering metastatic thyroid carcinoma in the differential diagnosis of chronic back pain progressing to spinal cord compression carrying a severe morbidity.

Use of 3D cartilage scaffolds for the stabilization of implants and bone regeneration with the fit-lock technique.

The surgical procedures for implant applications on the lateral-upper areas depend on sinus pneumatization and availability of the residual bone. In these cases, autologous bone grafting remains the gold standard. Nevertheless, because of the morbidity associated to the donor site and the post-surgical complications, several alternative bone substitutes have been introduced, which, however, imply additional costs and show limited osteoinductive properties. Such limitations can be compensated with new regeneration strategies for biological and mechanical tissue restoration, a subject which has been addressed by tissue engineering in recent years. The authors present a new therapeutic option for implant application in the upper maxilla with bone availability less than 4 mm by using 3D scaffolds obtained from antigen-free porcine cartilage in the fit-lock technique. A longitudinal study on 18 consecutive cases was performed, with a 95.2% success rate one year after the implant. The advantages of this new technique are: 1) Functional and anatomical recovery of the maxillary antrum, 2) Immediate application of the implants; 3) Reduction of surgical times; 4) Absence of patient morbidity; 5) Local anesthesia; 6) Use of implants with a diameter > 4 mm.

Pautas generales para la prescripción de la actividad física en pacientes con enfermedades cardiovasculares / General guidelines for the prescription of exercise in patients with cardiovascular diseases

Se hace una revisión sobre las pautas generales para la prescripción de la actividad física en pacientes con enfermedades cadiovasculares. Inicialmente se resaltan los beneficios comprobados de la actividad física y se hace una descripción breve sobre la evaluación de la capacidad funcional de un individuo mediante la prueba de esfuerzo, y de los equipos y los diferentes protocolos utilizados para ello. Luego se aborda la clasificación de los individuos y del riesgo que para ellos representan las actividades físicas, según recomendaciones de la Asociación Americana del Corazón y la asociación Neoyorquina del Corazón (AHA y NYHA, por sus siglas en inglés).Posteriormente se incluye la prescripción de las actividades físicas, haciendo énfasis en la intensidad, la duración, la frecuencia y el tipo de ejercicios recomendado. Por último, se hace referencia a la prescripción de las actividades físicas en pacientes con las enfermedades de mayor prevalencia en nuestro medio.