Clinical differences in a multidisciplinary pediatric pain unit between primary and secondary chronic pain.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic pain affects an important part of the pediatric population in developed countries. secondary chronic pain (SCP) can have a well-defined medical cause, but primary chronic pain (PCP) can have an unknown etiology. In Spain, there is as yet no information on the clinical differences between patients treated in multidisciplinary units. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the clinical records of patients seen in 2018 at the Children's Chronic Pain Unit in University La Paz Hospital. RESULTS: A total of 92 patients were included, (age between 3 and 19 years), with a mean age of 12.4 (SD = 4.1) years, mostly female (55%), with a mean duration of pain of 11.3 (SD = 10.4) months. A comparison of patients with PCP (n = 31) and SCP (n = 61) showed that both groups, on average, presented intense pain (X = 5.9; SD = 2.2; range = 0-10), with similar duration and functional repercussions, although PCP was less likely to be associated with neuropathic descriptors than SCP (p = 0.040), and was more extensive (p < 0.001). Both groups received similar treatment, based on rehabilitation, psychotherapy, invasive techniques and analgesic medication, although patients in the PCP group received less analgesic medication (gabapentinoids and opioids) than the SCP (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Patients treated in a multidisciplinary Child Pain Unit for PCP or SCP present a very similar clinical profile, though with differences in the number and type of analgesic drugs used. This shows the importance of etiologic diagnosis for adequate pharmacological treatment.

Arthrodilation: a treatment algorithm as a conservative management option for adhesive capsulitis.

INTRODUCTION: the management of adhesive capsulitis (AC) remains a topic of debate among orthopedic surgeons, with a wide variation in the literature. Conservative treatment relies as the first-line option as clinical studies report positive outcomes. However, there is variability in the effectiveness of different treatment modalities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: this study aimed to analyzed functional and clinical outcomes of patients with AC who underwent the arthrodilation protocol, including three ultrasound-guided injections administered on a weekly basis: two corticosteroid injections and one injection of hyaluronic acid combined with corticosteroids. Additionally, patients received a specific rehabilitation therapy. Visual analogue scale (VAS), the university of California-Los Angeles shoulder score (UCLA) and Constant-Murley score were assessed before treatment and after 3-month follow-up period. RESULTS: 23 patients were included, receiving the same treatment protocol with a mean onset of symptoms of 4.9 ± 1.7 months. Among these patients, there was a clear predominance of females (65.2%). Age distribution ranged from 39 to 74 years (mean = 56) indicating that individuals in their mid-50s were more susceptible to developing this condition. Furthermore, a slight majority (52.2%) exhibited AC in their right shoulder. VAS significantly decreased (-6.09 ± 1.9 [p 0.05]). Similarly, UCLA score (10.9 ± 2.9 to 31.7 ± 2.2) and Constant-Murley score (22.3 ± 6.1 to 62.0 ± 6.2) improved significantly. Pre-to-post treatment evaluation showed improvement in both UCLA (mean = 20.8 ± 2.9 [p 0.05]) and Constant-Murley (mean = 39.7 ± 9 [p 0.05]). CONCLUSION: arthrodilation protocol demonstrated promising results, with patients achieving good to excellent outcomes and safely resuming their regular daily activities within a short-term follow-up period. These findings provide support for arthrodilation as a viable conservative management option and contribute valuable insights to the ongoing research aimed at identifying optimal treatment approaches for adhesive capsulitis.

INTRODUCCIÓN: el tratamiento de la capsulitis adhesiva (CA) sigue siendo un tema de debate entre los cirujanos ortopedistas, con una variación amplia en la literatura. El tratamiento conservador se considera la opción de primera línea, ya que los estudios clínicos muestran resultados positivos. Sin embargo, existe variabilidad en la efectividad de las diferentes modalidades de tratamiento. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar los resultados funcionales y clínicos de pacientes con CA que se sometieron al protocolo de artrodilatación, incluyendo tres inyecciones guiadas por ultrasonido administradas semanalmente: dos inyecciones de corticosteroides y una inyección de ácido hialurónico combinado con corticosteroides. Además, los pacientes recibieron una terapia de rehabilitación específica. La escala analógica visual (EVA), la puntuación del hombro de la Universidad de California-Los Ángeles (UCLA) y la puntuación de Constant-Murley se evaluaron antes del tratamiento y después de un período de seguimiento de tres meses. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron 23 pacientes que recibieron el mismo protocolo de tratamiento con un inicio medio de síntomas de 4.9 ± 1.7 meses. Entre estos pacientes hubo un claro predominio del sexo femenino (65.2%). La distribución por edades osciló entre 39 y 74 años (media = 56), lo que indica que las personas de alrededor de 55 años eran más susceptibles a desarrollar esta afección. Además, una ligera mayoría (52.2%) presentaba CA en el hombro derecho. La EVA disminuyó significativamente (-6.09 ± 1.9 [p 0.05]). De manera similar, la puntuación de UCLA (10.9 ± 2.9 a 31.7 ± 2.2) y la puntuación de Constant-Murley (22.3 ± 6.1 a 62.0 ± 6.2) mejoraron significativamente. La evaluación previa y posterior al tratamiento mostró una mejoría tanto en UCLA (media = 20.8 ± 2.9 [p 0.05]) como en Constant-Murley (media = 39.7 ± 9 [p 0.05]). CONCLUSIÓN: el protocolo de artrodilatación demostró resultados prometedores, los pacientes lograron resultados de buenos a excelentes y reanudaron de manera segura sus actividades diarias regulares dentro de un período de seguimiento a corto plazo. Estos hallazgos respaldan la artrodilatación como una opción de tratamiento conservador viable y aportan conocimientos valiosos a la continua investigación destinada a identificar tratamientos óptimos para la capsulitis adhesiva.

Cobalamin cbiP mutant shows decreased tolerance to low temperature and copper stress in Listeria monocytogenes.

BACKGROUND: Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis in humans. This pathogen activates multiple regulatory mechanisms in response to stress, and cobalamin biosynthesis might have a potential role in bacterial protection. Low temperature is a strategy used in the food industry to control bacteria proliferation; however, L. monocytogenes can grow in cold temperatures and overcome different stress conditions. In this study we selected L. monocytogenes List2-2, a strain with high tolerance to the combination of low temperature + copper, to understand whether the cobalamin biosynthesis pathway is part of the tolerance mechanism to this stress condition. For this, we characterized the transcription level of three cobalamin biosynthesis-related genes (cbiP, cbiB, and cysG) and the eutV gene, a transcriptional regulator encoding gene involved in ethanolamine metabolism, in L. monocytogenes strain List2-2 growing simultaneously under two environmental stressors: low temperature (8 °C) + copper (0.5 mM of CuSO4 × 5H2O). In addition, the gene cbiP, which encodes an essential cobyric acid synthase required in the cobalamin pathway, was deleted by homologous recombination to evaluate the impact of this gene in L. monocytogenes tolerance to a low temperature (8 °C) + different copper concentrations. RESULTS: By analyzing the KEGG pathway database, twenty-two genes were involved in the cobalamin biosynthesis pathway in L. monocytogenes List2-2. The expression of genes cbiP, cbiB, and cysG, and eutV increased 6 h after the exposure to low temperature + copper. The cobalamin cbiP mutant strain List2-2ΔcbiP showed less tolerance to low temperature + copper (3 mM) than the wild-type L. monocytogenes List2-2. The addition of cyanocobalamin (5 nM) to the medium reverted the phenotype observed in List2-2ΔcbiP. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that cobalamin biosynthesis is necessary for L. monocytogenes growth under stress and that the cbiP gene may play a role in the survival and growth of L. monocytogenes List2-2 at low temperature + copper.

Cobalamin cbiP mutant shows decreased tolerance to low temperature and copper stress in Listeria monocytogenes

BACKGROUND: Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis in humans. This pathogen activates multiple regulatory mechanisms in response to stress, and cobalamin biosynthesis might have a potential role in bacterial protection. Low temperature is a strategy used in the food industry to control bacteria proliferation; however, L. monocytogenes can grow in cold temperatures and overcome different stress conditions. In this study we selected L. monocytogenes List2-2, a strain with high tolerance to the combination of low temperature +copper, to understand whether the cobalamin biosynthesis pathway is part of the tolerance mechanism to this stress condition. For this, we characterized the transcription level of three cobalamin biosynthesis related genes ( cbiP , cbiB, and cysG ) and the eutV gene, a transcriptional regulator encoding gene involved in ethanolamine metabolism, in L. monocytogenes strain List2-2 growing simultaneously under two environmental stressors: low temperature (8 °C) +copper (0.5 mM of CuSO4 ×5H2O). In addition, the gene cbiP , which encodes an essential cobyric acid synthase required in the cobalamin pathway, was deleted by homologous recombination to evaluate the impact of this gene in L. monocytogenes tolerance to a low temperature (8 °C) +different copper concentrations. RESULTS: By analyzing the KEGG pathway database, twenty-two genes were involved in the cobalamin biosynthesis pathway in L. monocytogenes List2-2. The expression of genes cbiP , cbiB, and cysG, and eutV increased 6 h after the exposure to low temperature +copper. The cobalamin cbiP mutant strain List2-2Δ cbiP showed less tolerance to low temperature +copper (3 mM) than the wild type L. monocytogenes List2-2. The addition of cyanocobalamin (5 nM) to the medium reverted the phenotype observed in List2-2Δ cbiP . CONCLUSION: These results indicate that cobalamin biosynthesis is necessary for L. monocytogenes growth under stress and that the cbiP gene may play a role in the survival and growth of L. monocytogenes List2-2 at low temperature +copper.

Comparing the activPAL software's Primary Time in Bed Algorithm against Self-Report and van der Berg's Algorithm.

The purpose of this study was to compare activPAL algorithm-estimated values for time in bed (TIB), wake time (WT) and bedtime (BT) against self-report and an algorithm developed by van der Berg and colleagues. Secondary analyses of baseline data from the Community Activity for Prevention Study (CAPS) were used in which adults ≥ 18 years wore the activPAL for seven days. Mixed-effects models compared differences between TIB, WT, and BT for all three methods. Bland-Altman plots examined agreement and the two-one-sided test examined equivalence. activPAL was not equivalent to self-report or van der Berg in estimating TIB, but was equivalent to self-report for estimating BT, and was equivalent to van der Berg for estimating WT. The activPAL algorithm requires adjustments before researchers can use it to estimate TIB. However, researchers can use activPAL's option to manually enter self-reported BT and WT to estimate TIB and better understand 24-hour movement patterns.

[Fixation of acetabulum posterior column fracture, arthroscopy assisted]. / Fijación de fractura de columna posterior de acetábulo, asistida por artroscopía.

Arthroscopic surgery of the hip has evolved significantly over the last years, offering an opportunity of treatment in several intra-articular pathologies. Recent methods and instrumental advances have allowed more frequent use of this procedure, with various indications such as: hip pain, acetabular labrum lesions, extraction of foreign bodies, debridement in septic arthritis, pincer impingement, and some extra-articular injuries. Another intra-articular hip pathology that benefits from arthroscopic assistance could be found in the management of simple acetabular fractures. Therefore, this report presents the case of a patient with a posterior column fracture treated with an arthroscopic approach. Arthroscopic techniques for the fixation of intra-articular fractures offer the advantage of a direct visualization of the articular surface, which results in an anatomical reduction. In addition, arthroscopic techniques also present a benefit for intra-articular injuries such as the posterior labral lesion in this case. In simple fractures of the posterior acetabular column with minimum displacement, where percutaneous screw fixation is useful as a definitive fixation method, hip arthroscopy is useful for the reduction process and verifies the extra-articular screw trajectory.

La cirugía artroscópica de la cadera ha evolucionado considerablemente en los últimos años, ofreciendo oportunidad de tratamiento a muchas patologías intraarticulares no reconocidas previamente. Con avances recientes en métodos e instrumentos quirúrgicos, se realiza cada vez más frecuentemente, con indicaciones que incluyen: diagnóstico de pacientes con dolor de cadera, lesiones del labrum acetabular, extracción de cuerpos extraños, desbridamiento en artritis séptica, pinzamiento femoroacetabular y algunos daños extraarticulares. Otra patología intraarticular de la cadera que se beneficia de la asistencia por artroscopía se podría encontrar en el manejo de fracturas acetabulares simples. Reportamos el caso de un paciente con fractura de columna posterior acetabular, tratado vía artroscópica, y los resultados obtenidos. Las técnicas artroscópicas para la fijación de fracturas intraarticulares ofrecen la ventaja de una visualización y reducción superiores de la superficie articular, ya que se hacen mediante observación del foco de fractura, permitiendo una reducción anatómica. Además, las técnicas de reducción artroscópica ofrecen otro beneficio para las lesiones intraarticulares, como en este caso la lesión de labrum posterior. En los trazos simples con poco desplazamiento de las fracturas de columna posterior acetabular, donde la fijación percutánea con tornillos es útil como método de fijación definitiva, la artroscopía de cadera es de utilidad con el fin de asistir durante el proceso de reducción y verificar que el trayecto del tornillo no se encuentre intraarticular.

CAPS on the move: Crafting an approach to recruitment for a randomized controlled trial of community gardening.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate recruitment approaches for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of community gardening in Denver, Colorado. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03089177). METHODS: We used community and staff feedback to adapt our recruitment approach from year 1 to year 2 of a multi-year RCT to address health behaviors related to cancer prevention. In year 2, we added a full-time recruitment coordinator, designed and implemented a tracking spreadsheet, and engaged advisory committee members, local garden leaders, and health partners in planning and outreach. Screening and consent rates, staff time and costs for years 1 and 2 are compared. RESULTS: In year 1, recruitment methods yielded 136 initial contacts, 106 screenings and 64 consented participants. In year 2, enhanced staffing and outreach yielded 257 initial contacts, 193 screenings, and 123 consented participants. Personal referrals, health fairs, NextDoor, and fliers yielded the highest percentage of consented participants. School and community meetings yielded the lowest yield for potential participants. Spanish-speaking participants were mostly recruited by direct methods. Compared to year 1 recruitment, which required 707 h of staff time and cost $14,446, year 2 recruitment required 1224 h of staff time and cost $22,992. Average cost for retained participants was $226 (year 1) and $186 (year 2). DISCUSSION: Those planning pragmatic clinical trials with recruitment in multi-ethnic communities can use the results from this study to understand the efficacy of techniques, and to budget costs for recruitment. While our culturally-tailored recruitment methods cost more, they provided more effective and efficient ways to reach recruitment goals.

Inducción de membrana y trasposición de peroné ipsolateral no vascularizado en neoformación ósea postraumática. Reporte de caso / Membrane induction and transposition of non-vascularized ipsilateral fibula in posttraumatic bone neoformation. Case report

Resumen: Objetivo: Demostrar los resultados en la neoformación ósea de tibia utilizando la técnica de inducción de membrana más la transposición de peroné ipsolateral no vascularizado. Caso clínico: Masculino de 25 años, antecedente de sufrir impacto por arma de fuego en pierna izquierda dos años antes, presentó un diagnóstico inicial de fractura expuesta Gustilo IIIB AO 42C3 IO4NV1MT2 con pérdida ósea de 7 cm de diáfisis tibial. Durante su evolución se realizaron múltiples aseos quirúrgicos y colocación de injertos cutáneos con resultados no favorables, por lo que se emplea la técnica de membrana inducida más colocación de peroné ipsolateral no vascularizado, teniendo una evolución a los cuatro meses posterior a su última intervención con deambulación dependiente de bastón. Conclusión: La técnica de inducción de membrana con transposición de peroné ipsolateral no vascularizado podría ser una alternativa adecuada para el manejo de pérdidas óseas en los pacientes.

Abstract: Objective: To demonstrate the outcome of tibial bone neo formation, using induced-membrane technique and non-vascularized ipsolateral fibular graft transposition. Case report: A 25 years old male with a 2 years ago firearm injury in left leg, presenting an initial diagnosis of open fracture Gustilo IIIB AO 42C3 IO4NV1MT2 with a 7cm tibial diaphyseal bone defect. During his hospital evolution multiple interventions were made including surgical debridement and skin grafts placement, with unfavorable results. Therefore, we decided to use the induced-membrane technique and non-vascularized ipsolateral fibular graft transposition, resulting in a cane dependent ambulation, in 4 months evolution after last intervention. Conclusion: Induced-membrane technique and non-vascularized ipsolateral fibular graft transposition could be a successful alternative for the management of patients with severe bone loss.

Rationale and design for the community activation for prevention study (CAPs): A randomized controlled trial of community gardening.

BACKGROUND: Engaging in health-promoting behaviors (e.g., healthy fruit- and vegetable-rich diet, physical activity) and living in supportive social and built environments are consistently and significantly associated with reductions in cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Interventions to change diet and physical activity behaviors should aim to educate individuals, change the environments in which people live, work and recreate, improve access, availability, and affordability of healthy foods, and create safe places the facilitate active lifestyles. This trial will assess whether community gardening increases fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity, improves social support and mental health, and reduces age-associated weight gain and sedentary time among a multi-ethnic, mixed-income population. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial of community gardening began in Denver, Colorado in January 2017. Over 3 years, we will recruit 312 consenting participants on Denver Urban Gardens' waitlists and randomize them to garden or remain on the waitlist. At baseline (pre-gardening), harvest time, and post-intervention, study participants will complete three 24-hour dietary recalls, a 7-day activity monitoring period using accelerometry, a health interview and physical anthropometry. DISCUSSION: This project addresses health-promoting behaviors among a multi-ethnic, mixed-income adult population in a large metropolitan area. If successful, this trial will provide evidence that community gardening supports and sustains healthy and active lifestyles, which can reduce risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03089177: Registered on 03/17/17.

Consequences of multiple mating-system shifts for population and range-wide genetic structure in a coastal dune plant.

Evolutionary transitions from outcrossing to selfing can strongly affect the genetic diversity and structure of species at multiple spatial scales. We investigated the genetic consequences of mating-system shifts in the North American, Pacific coast dune endemic plant Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia (Onagraceae) by assaying variation at 13 nuclear (n) and six chloroplast (cp) microsatellite (SSR) loci for 38 populations across the species range. As predicted from the expected reduction in effective population size (Ne ) caused by selfing, small-flowered, predominantly selfing (SF) populations had much lower nSSR diversity (but not cpSSR) than large-flowered, predominantly outcrossing (LF) populations. The reduction in nSSR diversity was greater than expected from the effects of selfing on Ne alone, but could not be accounted for by indirect effects of selfing on population density. Although selfing should reduce gene flow, SF populations were not more genetically differentiated than LF populations. We detected five clusters of nSSR genotypes and three groups of cpSSR haplotypes across the species range consisting of parapatric groups of populations that usually (but not always) differed in mating system, suggesting that selfing may often initiate ecogeographic isolation. However, lineage-wide genetic variation was not lower for selfing clusters, failing to support the hypothesis that selection for reproductive assurance spurred the evolution of selfing in this species. Within three populations where LF and SF plants coexist, we detected genetic differentiation among diverged floral phenotypes suggesting that reproductive isolation (probably postzygotic) may help maintain the striking mating-system differentiation observed across the range of this species.

Field Performance of Cryopreserved Seed-derived Maize Plants.

BACKGROUND: Cryo-preservation of plant materials in liquid nitrogen (LN) has been described as a suitable technology to conserve genetic resources of several species. However, the potential effects of LN in the subsequent plant growth in the field should be studied before large-scale implementation of cryopreserved germplasm banks. OBJECTIVE: To describe the field performance of cryopreserved seed-derived maize adult plants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Germination percentage and numbers of leaves and ears per plant, internodes in stems, middle - aged leaf length, plant height, ear traits and weight of 100 seeds were recorded. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between adult plants derived from cryopreserved seeds and the control treatment were not observed (t-test, p=0.05). CONCLUSION: The results presented confirm at the phenotype level the effectiveness of maize seed cryostorage to preserve and regenerate true-to-type plants.

[Membrane induction and transposition of non-vascularized ipsilateral fibula in posttraumatic bone neoformation. Case report]. / Inducción de membrana y trasposición de peroné ipsolateral no vascularizado en neoformación ósea postraumática. Reporte de caso.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the outcome of tibial bone neo formation, using induced-membrane technique and non-vascularized ipsolateral fibular graft transposition. CASE REPORT: A 25 years old male with a 2 years ago firearm injury in left leg, presenting an initial diagnosis of open fracture Gustilo IIIB AO 42C3 IO4NV1MT2 with a 7cm tibial diaphyseal bone defect. During his hospital evolution multiple interventions were made including surgical debridement and skin grafts placement, with unfavorable results. Therefore, we decided to use the induced-membrane technique and non-vascularized ipsolateral fibular graft transposition, resulting in a cane dependent ambulation, in 4 months evolution after last intervention. CONCLUSION: Induced-membrane technique and non-vascularized ipsolateral fibular graft transposition could be a successful alternative for the management of patients with severe bone loss.

OBJETIVO: Demostrar los resultados en la neoformación ósea de tibia utilizando la técnica de inducción de membrana más la transposición de peroné ipsolateral no vascularizado. CASO CLÍNICO: Masculino de 25 años, antecedente de sufrir impacto por arma de fuego en pierna izquierda dos años antes, presentó un diagnóstico inicial de fractura expuesta Gustilo IIIB AO 42C3 IO4NV1MT2 con pérdida ósea de 7 cm de diáfisis tibial. Durante su evolución se realizaron múltiples aseos quirúrgicos y colocación de injertos cutáneos con resultados no favorables, por lo que se emplea la técnica de membrana inducida más colocación de peroné ipsolateral no vascularizado, teniendo una evolución a los cuatro meses posterior a su última intervención con deambulación dependiente de bastón. CONCLUSIÓN: La técnica de inducción de membrana con transposición de peroné ipsolateral no vascularizado podría ser una alternativa adecuada para el manejo de pérdidas óseas en los pacientes.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines involvement in the hesperidin antihyperalgesic effects at peripheral and central levels in a neuropathic pain model.

Emerging evidence proposes a link between immune changes and pain, which is consistent with the inflammation theory and the increased incidence of neurodegenerative diseases. Flavonoids have long been used because of their anti-inflammatory potential activity and they are considered a promising alternative to alleviate neuropathic pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the antihyperalgesic effect of hesperidin and the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines evaluated at peripheral and central levels in the chronic constriction injury as model of neuropathic pain in rats. Mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were assessed in the aesthesiometer and plantar tests, respectively, as related to the presence of cytokines concentrations (TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6) in sciatic nerve and segments of the spinal cord after 15 days chronic constriction injury model in rats receiving vehicle or hesperidin. Antihyperalgesic response of hesperidin (100 mg/kg) was associated to the presence of cytokines mainly at several sections of the spinal cord suggesting not only peripheral but also its involvement in central sensitization in the experimental neuropathic pain.

Trend and seasonality in hospitalizations for pulmonary embolism: a time-series analysis.

BACKGROUND: The existence of seasonal variability in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) has been debated for years, with contradictory results. The aim of this study was to identify the trend and possible existence of a seasonal pattern in hospitalizations for PE in Spain. METHODS: We analyzed the hospital discharge database of the Spanish National Health System from 2001 to 2010. Patients aged > 14 years diagnosed with PE were selected and a time series was constructed considering mean daily admissions for PE by month. The trend and seasonality factor of the series were determined using time-series analysis, and time-series modeling was used for analysis. Exponential smoothing models and the autoregressive integrated moving average test were used to generate a predictive model. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2010, there were 162,032 diagnoses of PE (5.07 per 1000 hospitalizations). In 105,168 cases, PE was the reason for admission. The PE diagnosis rate ranged from 4.14 per 1000 in 2001 to 6.56 per 1000 in 2010; and hospital admissions due to PE ranged from 2.67 to 4.28 per 1000 hospital discharges. Time-series analysis showed a linear increase in the incidence and a significant seasonal pattern with 17% more admissions in February and 12% fewer in June-July with respect to the central tendency (difference from February to June, 29%). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of hospitalizations for PE showed a linear increase and a seasonal pattern, with the highest number of admissions in winter and the lowest number in summer.

Evidence of mechanism of action of anti-inflammatory/antinociceptive activities of acacetin.

BACKGROUND: Acacetin is a bioflavonoid with pharmacological properties such as antinociceptive/anti-inflammatory activities. However, scientific evidence of its spectrum activity and mechanisms of action is unknown. METHODS: Acacetin administered via i.p. was assessed using several nociceptive experimental models such as the writhing test, the formalin test and carrageenan paw oedema in the thermal plantar tests (Hargreaves method) in mice, as well as the pain-induced functional impairment model in rat (PIFIR model). RESULTS: Acacetin produced a significant and dose-dependent inhibition of the writhes with an ED50 = 20 mg/kg. Furthermore, acacetin inhibited licking and shaking associated with nociceptive behaviour mainly in the inflammatory phase of the formalin test. No significant differences were observed in the plantar test in mice, but a minor response was obtained in the PIFIR model. Animals receiving pre-treatment of WAY100635 (0.1 mg/kg, s.c.), flumazenil (3 mg/kg, i.p.) or naloxone (1 mg/kg, i.p.) partially reduced the antinociceptive response of acacetin in the writhing test. Presence of the inhibitors in the NO-cGMP-K(+) channel pathway did not modify the antinociceptive effect of acacetin in the writhing or the formalin test. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that systemic administration of acacetin decreased visceral and inflammatory nociception and prevented the formalin-induced oedema. In the mechanism of the acacetin antinociceptive effect, 5-HT1A, GABA/BDZs and opioid receptors but not the NO-cGMP-K(+) channel pathway seem to be involved. The data presented prove acacetin to be potentially useful in the therapy of pain-related diseases.

Morphological characteristics of the temporomandibular joint articular surfaces in patients with temporomandibular deisorders / Características morfológicas de las superficies articulares de la articulación temporomandibular de pacientes con trastornos temporomandibulares

The knowledge of the anatomical characteristics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articular surfaces is essentital to enable physicians and dentists to recognize the morphological changes that occur in this articulation in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Several researchers associate the TMD with changes of TMJ articular surfaces. The careful identification of bone changes related to TMJ is critical, since these abnormalities are associated with signs and symptoms of TMD and the knowledge of TMD signs and symptoms is fundamental for correctly diagnosing and for adequate treatment planning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological characteristics of the TMJ articular surfaces in patients with TMD diagnosed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). In addition, therelationship between increasing age-osteoarthrosis was evaluated. For the sample we selected 19 patients, 17 female and 2 male, referred to the "Unidad de Trastornos Cráneo Cérvico Mandibulares (UCRACEM) - Universidad de Talca, Chile". The imaging assessment was carried out by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). In the imaging analysis of the articular surfaces 11 joints (28.94 percent) showed normal morphology. The bone changes found were: sclerosis, flattening, erosion, osteoarthrosis, osteophytes, subcondral cysts. We found statistically significant difference between increasing age-osteoarthrosis (p=0.00). Considering our results we concluded that bone changes of the TMJ articular surfaces in patients with TMD are very common, with sclerosis as the most frequent finding. It was also possible to conclude that there was a significant association between increasing age-osteoarthrosis.

El conocimiento de las características anatómicas de las superficies articulares de la articulación temporomandibular (ATM) es fundamental para que clínicos y odontólogos reconozcan las alteraciones morfológicas que ocurren en la articulación de pacientes con trastornos temporomandibulares (TTM). Diversos investigadores asocian los TTMs con alteraciones en las superficies articulares de la ATM. La identificación de los cambios óseos relacionados con la ATM es crítica, ya que estos se asocian a signos y síntomas de TTM, y el conocimiento de estos es fundamental para el correcto diagnóstico y adecuada planificación de tratamiento. El objetivo fue analizar las características morfológicas de las superficies articulares de la ATM en pacientes con diagnóstico de TTM, diagnosticado de acuerdo a los Criterios Diagnósticos para Investigación de los Trastornos Temporomandibulares (CDI/TTM), junto con analizar la relación existente entre incremento de edad-osteoartrosis. Fueron seleccionados 19 pacientes, 17 mujeres y 2 hombres, de la Unidad de Trastornos Cráneo Cérvico Mandibulares (UCRACEM) - Universidad de Talca, Chile. La evaluación imagenológica se realizó mediante el examen de Tomografía Computarizada Cone-Beam (TCCB). En el análisis de las superficies articulares, 11 (28,94 por ciento) presentaron morfología normal. Los cambios óseos encontrados fueron: esclerosis, aplanamiento de la cabeza de la mandíbula, erosión, osteoartrosis, osteofitos y quiste subcondral. Hubo relación estadística significativa entre incremento de edad-osteoartrosis (p=0,00). Nuestros hallazgos nos permiten concluir que los cambios óseos en las caras articulares de la ATM en pacientes con TTM son frecuentes, y la esclerosis el hallazgo más común. También se encontró asociación entre incremento de edad y osteoartrosis.

[Fever, asthenia, myalgia and murmur due to cardiac myxoma]. / Fiebre, astenia, mialgia y soplo por mixoma cardíaco.

Cardiac tumours are rare, especially in children, and most of them are benign. Myxomas are unusual in children, being more common among adults. They are usually located in the left atrium, with 25% appearing in the right. The clinical signs and symptoms depend mainly on where the tumour is located. A feature of these tumours is that they can be accompanied by constitutional symptoms and laboratory abnormalities. Echocardiography is the study of choice, and a prompt resection is required to prevent serious complications. We present a case of a 10 year-old girl diagnosed with right atrial myxoma who presented with a fever, myalgia, asthenia and laboratory abnormalities. Diagnosis was made by echocardiography, and the early surgical resection of the tumour ran smoothly and showed a good postoperative recovery.

Rendimiento de la evaluación clínica en el diagnóstico de fractura de huesos propios nasales / Clinical assessment in the diagnosis of bone fractures in patients with nasal trauma

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of clinical assessment in the diagnosis of bone fractures in patients with nasal trauma. Methods: Retrospective review of medical records of 220 patients with nasal trauma treated at the Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Hospital Workers in Santiago was performed. Eight clinical criteria were evaluated: epistaxis, ecchymosis, swelling, nasal injury, airway obstruction, nasal deviation, irregular nasal dorsum, and acute septal injury. The gold standard for diagnosis of nasal fracture was the radiological evaluation. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative predictive value (PPV/NPV) were calculated for each separate clinical criteria (8), for all possible combinations of 2 clinical criteria (28) and 3 clinical criteria (56). Results: For any of the 8 criteria, the average sensitivity and negative predictive values for nasal fracture was very low (< 35 percent). However, the specificity and positive predictive values were relatively high (> 90 percent) and increased, respectively, when at least one criterion was present (92 percent and 94 percent respectively), when 2 clinical criteria were present (98 percent and 96 percent, respectively), and when at least 3 clinical criteria were present (100 percent for both). Conclusion: The presentation of the clinical criteria can be a valuable method for diagnosis of nasal fracture, however, when these clinical criteria are absent, the possibility of nasal fracture cannot be excluded, although the possibility is remote.

Introducción: El objetivo del presente trabajo fue conocer el rendimiento de la evaluación clínica en el diagnóstico de fractura de huesos propios en pacientes con trauma nasal. Material y Método: Revisión retrospectiva de fichas clínicas de 220 pacientes con trauma nasal atendidos en el Servicio de Cirugía Maxilofacial del Hospital del Trabajador de Santiago. Ocho criterios clínicos fueron evaluados: epistaxis, equimosis, inflamación, herida nasal, obstrucción de vía aérea, laterorrinia, dorso nasal irregular, y lesión aguda del tabique nasal. El estándar de oro para el diagnóstico de fractura nasal fue el estudio radiológico. La sensibilidad, especificidad, y positivo/valor predictivo negativo (VPP/VPN) se calcularon para cada criterio clínico por separado (8), para todas las combinaciones posibles de 2 criterios clínicos (28) y 3 criterios clínicos (56). Resultados: Para cualquiera de los 8 criterios, el promedio de sensibilidad y valor predictivo negativo para la fractura nasal fue muy baja (< 35 por ciento). Sin embargo, la especificidad y valores predictivos positivos fueron relativamente altas (> 90 por ciento) y aumentó, respectivamente, cuando al menos un criterio estuvo presente (92 por ciento y 94 por ciento, respectivamente), cuando 2 criterios clínicos estaban presentes (98 por ciento y 96 por ciento, respectivamente), y cuando al menos 3 criterios clínicos estaban presentes (100 por ciento para ambos). Conclusiones: La presentación de los criterios clínicos puede ser un método valioso para el diagnóstico de fractura nasal, sin embargo, cuando estos criterios clínicos están ausentes, la posibilidad de la fractura nasal no se puede descartar, aunque la posibilidad es remota.

Hemorragia incoercible por trauma maxilofacial: experiencia del Hospital del Trabajador / Management of intractable bleeding facial trauma

Introduction: The aim of this paper is to show our experience in the management of intractable bleeding facial trauma during the past 10 years to determine its impact on our environment and outline the basic principles of treatment. Methods: A retrospective study of all patients with maxillofacial trauma and uncontrollable bleeding from 1999 to 2009. Inclusion criteria were oro-nasal bleeding secondary to maxi-llofacial trauma requiring emergency treatment by a specialist, without other associated lesions that could be a source of bleeding. We obtained demographic information, mechanism of injury, diagnosis of injury, hemodynamic status, type and timing of tamponade, definitive surgical treatment, results and evolution. Results: 21 patients in the study period, a true incidence of 0.002 percent. 7 patients (33.3 percent) with trauma naso-septal; 5 (23.8 percent) with panfacial fractures, and 7 (33.3 percent) with variable involvement of the upper and middle face. Nine patients (42.9 percent) had isolated facial injuries. Only 5 patients (23.8 percent) had hemodynamic compromise. Thirteen patients (61.9 percent) required posterior nasal packing with or without another procedure to control bleeding. Eight patients (38.1 percent) required early reduction and internal fixation as definitive treatment. Conclusions: Maxillofacial trauma uncontrollable bleeding is uncommon and rarely is the primary cause of hypovolemic shock. It should be suspected in patients with facial injuries from hours bleeding. The packing, suturing of wounds and reduce/OTS are the mainstays of early treatment.

Introducción: El objetivo del presente trabajo es mostrar nuestra experiencia en el manejo de la hemorragia incoercible por trauma facial durante los últimos 10 años, para determinar su incidencia y delinear los principios básicos del tratamiento. Material y Método: Estudio retrospectivo de todos los pacientes con hemorragia incoercible por trauma maxilofacial entre 1999 y 2009. Criterios de inclusión fueron hemorragia oro-nasal secundaria a traumatismo maxilofacial, sin otras lesiones asociadas que pudieran ser fuente de hemorragia, que requirió de tratamiento de urgencia por un especialista. Se obtuvo información demográfica, mecanismo de injuria, diagnóstico del traumatismo, estado hemodinámico, tipo y momento del tratamiento especializado, tratamiento quirúrgico definitivo, resultados y evolución. Resultados: 21 pacientes en el período de estudio, con incidencia real de 0,002 por ciento. Destacan 7 pacientes (33,3 por ciento) con trauma nasoseptal, con o sin heridas faciales; 5 (23,8 por ciento) con fracturas panfaciales; 7 (33,3 por ciento) con compromiso variable del tercio superior y medio de la cara. Nueve pacientes (42,9 por ciento) presentaron lesiones faciales aisladas. 5 pacientes (23,8 por ciento) presentaron compromiso hemodinámico. Trece pacientes (61,9 por ciento) necesitaron un taponamiento nasal posterior, asociado o no a otro procedimiento para el control de la hemorragia. Ocho pacientes (38,1 por ciento) necesitaron reducción y osteosíntesis precoz como tratamiento definitivo. Conclusiones: La hemorragia incoercible por trauma maxilofacial es poco frecuente y rara vez es la causa primaria de shock hipovolémi-co. Se la debe sospechar especialmente en pacientes con lesiones faciales que llevan horas con sangrado, aún de poca cuantía, pero persistente. El taponamiento, sutura de heridas y reducción/OTS precoz son los pilares de su tratamiento.

Serologic diagnosis of NMO: a multicenter comparison of aquaporin-4-IgG assays.

OBJECTIVES: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) immunoglobulin G (IgG) (aquaporin-4 [AQP4] IgG) is highly specific for NMO and related disorders, and autoantibody detection has become an essential investigation in patients with demyelinating disease. However, although different techniques are now used, no multicenter comparisons have been performed. This study compares the sensitivity and specificity of different assays, including an in-house flow cytometric assay and 2 commercial assays (ELISA and transfected cell-based assay [CBA]). METHODS: Six assay methods (in-house or commercial) were performed in 2 international centers using coded serum from patients with NMO (35 patients), NMO spectrum disorders (25 patients), relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (39 patients), miscellaneous autoimmune diseases (25 patients), and healthy subjects (22 subjects). RESULTS: The highest sensitivities were yielded by assays detecting IgG binding to cells expressing recombinant AQP4 with quantitative flow cytometry (77; 46 of 60) or visual observation (CBA, 73%; 44 of 60). The fluorescence immunoprecipitation assay and tissue-based immunofluorescence assay were least sensitive (48%-53%). The CBA and ELISA commercial assays (100% specific) yielded sensitivities of 68% (41 of 60) and 60% (36 of 60), respectively, and sensitivity of 72% (43 of 60) when used in combination. CONCLUSIONS: The greater sensitivity and excellent specificity of second-generation recombinant antigen-based assays for detection of NMO-IgG in a clinical setting should enable earlier diagnosis of NMO spectrum disorders and prompt initiation of disease-appropriate therapies.