Enhanced optical vector bottle beams with obscured nodal surfaces.

Optical bottle beams, characterized by their unique three-dimensional dark core, have garnered substantial interest due to their potential applications across multiple domains of science and technology. This paper delves into the current methods used to create these beams and provides a method to obscure their nodal planes through coaxial non-interfering orthogonally polarized beams to generate bottle beams with enhanced uniformity. Experimental and theoretical results show the enhanced vector bottle beam maintains a smaller, more spherically uniform potential well and interesting quasi-particle polarization characteristics.

A maternal dorsoventral prepattern revealed by an asymmetric distribution of ventralizing molecules before fertilization in Xenopus laevis.

The establishment of the embryonic dorsoventral axis in Xenopus occurs when the radial symmetry around the egg's animal-vegetal axis is broken to give rise to the typical symmetry of Bilaterians. We have previously shown that the Notch1 protein is ventrally enriched during early embryogenesis in Xenopus laevis and zebrafish and exerts ventralizing activity through ß-Catenin destabilization and the positive regulation of ventral center genes in X. laevis. These findings led us to further investigate when these asymmetries arise. In this work, we show that the asymmetrical distribution of Notch1 protein and mRNA precedes cortical rotation and even fertilization in X. laevis. Moreover, we found that in unfertilized eggs transcripts encoded by the ventralizing gene bmp4 are also asymmetrically distributed in the animal hemisphere and notch1 transcripts accumulate consistently on the same side of the eccentric maturation point. Strikingly, a Notch1 asymmetry orthogonal to the animal-vegetal axis appears during X. laevis oogenesis. Thus, we show for the first time a maternal bias in the distribution of molecules that are later involved in ventral patterning during embryonic axialization, strongly supporting the hypothesis of a dorsoventral prepattern or intrinsic bilaterality of Xenopus eggs before fertilization.

On-Chip Micro Temperature Controllers Based on Freestanding Thermoelectric Nano Films for Low-Power Electronics.

Multidimensional integration and multifunctional component assembly have been greatly explored in recent years to extend Moore's Law of modern microelectronics. However, this inevitably exacerbates the inhomogeneity of temperature distribution in microsystems, making precise temperature control for electronic components extremely challenging. Herein, we report an on-chip micro temperature controller including a pair of thermoelectric legs with a total area of 50 × 50 µm2, which are fabricated from dense and flat freestanding Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric nano films deposited on a newly developed nano graphene oxide membrane substrate. Its tunable equivalent thermal resistance is controlled by electrical currents to achieve energy-efficient temperature control for low-power electronics. A large cooling temperature difference of 44.5 K at 380 K is achieved with a power consumption of only 445 µW, resulting in an ultrahigh temperature control capability over 100 K mW-1. Moreover, an ultra-fast cooling rate exceeding 2000 K s-1 and excellent reliability of up to 1 million cycles are observed. Our proposed on-chip temperature controller is expected to enable further miniaturization and multifunctional integration on a single chip for microelectronics.

Error analysis of self-compensated ultrasound measurements of the thickness loss due to corrosion in pipe walls.

The ultrasonic pulse-echo technique is widely employed to measure the wall thickness reduction due to corrosion in pipelines. Ultrasonic monitoring is noninvasive and can be performed online to evaluate the structural health of pipelines. Although ultrasound is a robust technique, it presents two main difficulties arising from the temperature variation in the medium being monitored: the mechanical assembly must have high stability and the ultrasonic propagation velocity must take into account the temperature variation. In this paper, a detailed strategy is presented to compensate for changes in the propagation velocity whenever the temperature changes. The method is considered self-compensated because the calibration data is obtained from the ultrasonic signals captured using the pipe under evaluation. The analysis of systematic errors in the temperature compensation is presented, first considering that a reference initial pipe thickness is given, and second when a reference sound velocity is given. The technique was evaluated under laboratory conditions using a closed loop with accelerated corrosion through the use of continuous flow saline water containing sand. In this test, the ultrasonic results were compared with the traditional coupon method used to determine corrosion loss. The results show that the self-compensated method was able to compensate for temperature fluctuations, and the total thickness loss measured by the ultrasound technique was close to the value measured by the coupons. Finally, the measurement system was tested in a production pipeline exposed to sunlight. The results show that the self-compensated method can reduce the oscillations in the thickness loss readings, caused by temperature swings, but large temperature variations cannot be completely compensated for. This experiment also shows the effects of low mechanical stability, which caused completely invalid results.

Angiographic and clinical outcomes from 396 aneurysms treated with the pipeline flex embolization device with shield technology.

BACKGROUND: The PEDESTRIAN registry demonstrated high rates of complete long-term occlusion and good clinical outcomes among patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with the pipeline embolization device. The pipeline flex embolization device with shield technology was introduced to minimize thromboembolic complications. In this study, we investigated the safety and effectiveness of pipeline embolization device with shield technology among all patients treated for intracranial aneurysms at our center. METHODS: This was a single-arm retrospective study of prospectively collected data of patients treated with pipeline embolization device with shield technology at our high-volume center between January 2018-January 2021. The primary efficacy endpoint was complete occlusion as measured by a class 1 Raymond-Roy score at 1-year and 2-year follow-up. The primary safety endpoint was major morbidity and neurological mortality up to 1 year following intervention. RESULTS: A total of 328 patients (mean age 56.1 ± 14.7 years; 81.1% female), 80 of whom were previously included in PEDESTRIAN, with 396 aneurysms, were analyzed. A total of 378 devices were deployed, with 93.9% (372/396) of aneurysms requiring only one device. Follow-up angiography was available for 90.2% (296/328) of the procedures after a mean time of 14.0 ± 8.2 months. Complete occlusion was demonstrated for 78.5% (132/168) of aneurysms at 12 months and 90.7% (98/108) at 24 months. The overall rates of major morbidity and neurological mortality after 2 years were 1.5% (5/328) and 0.6% (2/328), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate high rates of complete long-term occlusion among patients treated with pipeline embolization device with shield technology. We also observed low rates of mortality and morbidity consistent with fewer thromboembolic complications with pipeline embolization devices with shield technology.

Elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis receives less aggressive therapies than young-onset rheumatoid arthritis in an Argentinian cohort.

OBJECTIVES: When rheumatoid arthritis (RA) starts after the age of 60 it is called elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (EORA) and when it starts earlier, young-onset rheumatoid arthritis. (YORA). There are few Latin American studies that compared both groups. The objective of the study was to evaluate differences in the clinical characteristics, evolution and treatment among patients with RA with onset before or after 60 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational study of patients with RA attended consecutively in four centers in Argentina. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, clinical manifestations at diagnosis, presence of rheumatoid factor and/or anti-CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide) and treatments received were collected. At the last visit, swollen and tender joints, assessment of disease activity by the patient and physician, the presence of radiographic erosions, and functional status using the HAQ-DI were recorded. RESULTS: 51 patients from each group were analyzed. The EORA group had a significantly higher proportion of smokers (58.8% vs. 35.3%, p = 0.029), cardiovascular history (54.9% vs. 21.6%, p = 0.001), abrupt onset (49% vs. 29.4%, p = 0.034) or with symptoms similar to PMR (19.6% vs. 0%, p = 0.001). Lower methotrexate doses were used in the EORA group: 19 mg (15-25) vs. 21.9 mg (20-25) (p = 0.0036) and more frequently did not receive bDMARDs or tsDMARDs. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of intensive treatment in patients with RA have been described. In this study, the use of DMARDs in the EORA group was less intensive, suggesting that advanced age constitutes a barrier in the therapeutic choice.

Amorphous-Like Ultralow Thermal Transport in Crystalline Argyrodite Cu7PS6.

Due to their amorphous-like ultralow lattice thermal conductivity both below and above the superionic phase transition, crystalline Cu- and Ag-based superionic argyrodites have garnered widespread attention as promising thermoelectric materials. However, despite their intriguing properties, quantifying their lattice thermal conductivities and a comprehensive understanding of the microscopic dynamics that drive these extraordinary properties are still lacking. Here, an integrated experimental and theoretical approach is adopted to reveal the presence of Cu-dominated low-energy optical phonons in the Cu-based argyrodite Cu7PS6. These phonons yield strong acoustic-optical phonon scattering through avoided crossing, enabling ultralow lattice thermal conductivity. The Unified Theory of thermal transport is employed to analyze heat conduction and successfully reproduce the experimental amorphous-like ultralow lattice thermal conductivities, ranging from 0.43 to 0.58 W m-1 K-1, in the temperature range of 100-400 K. The study reveals that the amorphous-like ultralow thermal conductivity of Cu7PS6 stems from a significantly dominant wave-like conduction mechanism. Moreover, the simulations elucidate the wave-like thermal transport mainly results from the contribution of Cu-associated low-energy overlapping optical phonons. This study highlights the crucial role of low-energy and overlapping optical modes in facilitating amorphous-like ultralow thermal transport, providing a thorough understanding of the underlying complex dynamics of argyrodites.

Proyecto de investigación y tesis. Guía para su elaboración

La investigación final que deben realizar los residentes para culminar la especialización es el instrumento creado en el proceso formativo de posgrado, para que aprenda y aplique los aspectos básicos de la metodología de la investigación médica. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo brindar una guía de consulta a estudiantes y docentes, sobre la estructura y presentación de los proyectos de investigación e informe final de los trabajos de terminación de la especialidad. Para ello se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica para la recopilación y clasificación de la bibliografía actualizada. Se brindan consideraciones de cómo elaborar el proyecto de investigación y el informe final y se especifica la información que deben tener ambos documentos. Se exponen elementos fundamentales sobre la estructura y presentación de los proyectos de investigación e informe final que podrán ser utilizados como guía de consulta para estudiantes y docentes.

The final research that residents must carry out to complete the specialization is the instrument created in the postgraduate training process, so that they learn and apply the basic aspects of medical research methodology. This work aims to provide a reference guide for students and teachers, on the structure and presentation of research projects and final report of completion of the specialty. For this, a bibliographic search was carried out for the compilation and classification of the updated bibliography. Considerations of how to prepare the research project and the final report are provided, and the information that both documents must have is specified. Fundamental elements on the structure and presentation of research projects and final report that can be used as a reference guide for students and teachers are exposed.

Impacto de la inteligencia artificial en las métricas terapéuticas del ataque cerebrovascular durante la pandemia COVID-19 / Impact of artificial intelligence on therapeutic metrics of cerebrovascular attack during the COVID-19 pandemic

Resumen Introducción : El inicio de la pandemia COVID-19, obligó a implementar cambios en el sistema de aten ción de los servicios de emergencia. Coincidentemente, en nuestra institución, implementamos el software de inteligencia artificial (IA), RAPID.AI, para el análisis de imágenes en el ataque cerebrovascular isquémico (ACVi). Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el impacto del uso de la IA junto a los cambios en el triage durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en pacientes con ACVi por oclusión de gran vaso cerebral (OGVC). Métodos : Se crearon 2 grupos de pacientes con ACVi por OGVC tratados con terapia de reperfusión endovenosa más endovascular o terapia endovascu lar directa. Grupo 1: pacientes de enero 2019 a junio 2020; Grupo 2: pacientes de julio 2020 a diciembre de 2021, estudiados con RAPID.AI. Se analizaron datos clínicos, y métricas temporales. Se compararon según hora de arribo de 08:00 a 20:00 h (diurno) vs. 20:01 a 7:59 h (nocturno). Resultados : El grupo 1 comprendió 153 pacientes y el grupo 2 133. En el grupo 2 la métrica puerta-imagen y adquisición de la imagen fueron menores, con menor tiempo puerta-inicio de imagen y puerta-recanalización; los pacientes en horario nocturno presentaron mayor NIHSS y tiempos inicio-ingreso con menor proporción de independencia funcional a 90 días. Conclusiones : El uso de la IA para el análisis de imá genes junto a un menor tiempo puerta-fin de imagen, permitió acortar el intervalo hasta la punción inguinal. En el análisis por horarios durante la pandemia, los pacientes ingresados en horario diurno presentaron métricas puerta-imagen, tiempo de imagen y puerta-recanalización significativamente menores.

Abstract Introduction : The start of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the implementation of changes in the emergency services care system. Concomitantly, at our institution, we implemented the artificial intelligence (AI) software, RAPID.AI, for image analysis in ischemic stroke (IS). Our objective was to evaluate the impact of the use of AI together with the changes in the triage during the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). Methods : We included patients with IS due to LVO treated with intravenous reperfusion therapy plus en dovascular or direct endovascular therapy. Results : Two groups were created. Group 1: patients from January 2019 to June 2020; Group 2: patients from July 2020 to December 2021, studied with RAPID.AI. Clini cal data and temporal metrics were analyzed. They were compared according to arrival time from 08:00 to 20:00 (daytime) vs 20:01 to 7:59 (night). Results: We included 286 patients, 153 in group 1 and 133 in group 2. In group 2, door-image metric and image duration were lower, with shorter door-image onset and door-recanalization times; patients who arrived at night had higher NIHSS and longer time from onset-to-door with lower propor tion of functional independence at 90 days (mRS ≤ 2). Conclusions : The use of AI for image analysis along with a shorter door to end of image time allowed to reduce the interval to groin puncture. In the analysis by hours during the pandemic, patients admitted in daytime hours had significantly lower door to image, image time acquisition, and door to recanalization metrics.

Quiste hidático esplénico, una rara topografía de una rara enfermedad / Splenic hydatid cyst, a rare topography of a rare disease / Cisto hidatico esplénico, uma topografia rara de uma doença rara

Primary splenic hydatid cyst is a rare entity even in endemic areas. In most cases it presents asymptomatically being diagnosed by imaging findings. Treatment is multimodal and individualized, being surgical treatment the one that allows an integral solution of the disease. Conventional surgery continues to be the "Gold standard" in its approach. We present the case of a patient with this condition and the resolution approached by the surgical team.

O cisto hidatides esplénico primário é uma entidade rara mesmo em áreas endémicas. Na maioria dos casos apresenta-se de forma assintomática, sendo diagnosticada através de resultados de imagem. O tratamento é multimodal e individualizado, com um tratamento cirúrgico que proporciona uma solução abrangente para a condição. A cirurgia convencional continua a ser a abordagem "padrão de ouro". Apresentamos o caso de um paciente com esta condição e a resolução abordada pela equipa cirúrgica.

El quiste hidático primario esplénico es una entidad poco frecuente aún en áreas endémicas. Se presenta en la mayoría de los casos de forma asintomática, siendo diagnosticado por hallazgo imagenológico. El tratamiento es multimodal e individualizado, siendo el tratamiento quirúrgico el que permite una solución integral de la dolencia. La cirugía convencional sigue siendo el "Gold estándar" en su abordaje. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con esta afección y la resolución abordada por el equipo de cirugía.

Prescripción de antibióticos en niños hospitalizados. Cienfuegos 2020

RESUMEN Fundamento: los antimicrobianos forman parte de la familia de fármacos que más se prescriben en el mundo. Sus altos niveles de disponibilidad y consumo han conducido a un uso desproporcionado e inapropiado de estos fármacos. Objetivo: evaluar la prescripción de antimicrobianos en niños hospitalizados en cuatro servicios clínicos del Hospital Pediátrico Universitario Paquito González Cueto de Cienfuegos. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, correlacional, de corte transversal sobre la prescripción de antimicrobianos a pacientes en edad pediátrica. Se analizaron como variables: antimicrobiano indicado, dosis, subdosis, tiempo del tratamiento y diagnóstico al egreso. Resultados: se estudiaron 504 pacientes, a los que se les realizó 641 prescripciones, para una razón de 1,27 prescripciones por paciente. Se prescribió incorrectamente en el 32,3 % (n = 207) y no tenían indicación de tratamiento antimicrobiano 109 (17 %). El error más frecuente se produjo en el cálculo de la dosis a administrar y el tiempo de tratamiento en ambas categorías de estudio. El uso inadecuado de antimicrobiano fue mayor en las penicilinas (27 %), cefalosporinas (36 %) y las quinolonas (77 %). Mostraron mayor error de prescripción las enfermedades infecciosas 78 (32,6 %) y digestivas (62,5 %). Conclusiones: en los servicios clínicos estudiados se identificaron prácticas inadecuadas en la prescripción de antimicrobianos.

ABSTRACT Background: antimicrobials are part of the drugs family that are most prescribed in the world. Their high levels of availability and consumption have led to a disproportionate increase and inappropriate use of these drugs. Objective: to evaluate the prescription of antimicrobials in children hospitalized in four clinical services of the Paquito González Cueto Pediatric University Hospital in Cienfuegos. Methods: descriptive, correlational cross-sectional study on the prescription of antimicrobials to pediatric patients. The following variables were analyzed: indicated antimicrobial, dose, subdose, treatment time and diagnosis at discharge. Results: 504 patients were studied, who received 641 prescriptions, for a ratio of 1.27 prescriptions per patient. It was incorrectly prescribed in 32.3% (n = 207) and there was no indication for antimicrobial treatment in 109 (17%). The most frequent error occurred in the calculation of the dose to be administered and the treatment time in both study categories. Inappropriate antimicrobial use was higher for penicillins (27%), cephalosporins (36%), and quinolones (77%). Infectious diseases 78 (32.6%) and digestive diseases (62.5%) showed a greater prescription error Conclusions: inadequate practices in the prescription of antimicrobials were identified in the clinical services studied.

Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Argentina de Reumatología en el manejo de la arteritis de células gigantes / Recommendations of the Argentine Society of Rheumatology in the management of giant cell arteritis

La arteritis de células gigantes (ACG) es una vasculitis sistémica que afecta a personas adultas; compromete vasos arteriales de mediano y gran calibre, con potenciales complicaciones de gravedad, como la ceguera, y es considerada una emergencia médica. El objetivo de estas guías fue desarrollar las primeras recomendaciones argentinas para su tratamiento, basadas en la revisión de la literatura mediante metodología GRADE. Un panel de expertos en vasculitis elaboró las preguntas en formato PICO (población, intervención, comparador y outcomes), y luego un panel de expertos en metodología efectuó la revisión de la bibliografía con la extracción de la evidencia para cada una de las preguntas. Se realizó un focus group de pacientes para conocer sus preferencias y experiencias. Finalmente, con la información recabada, el panel de expertos en vasculitis procedió a la votación de las recomendaciones que a continuación se presentan.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis affecting adult patients and involving large and medium vessels. Potential serious complications as blindness may occur and it is considered a medical emergency. The objective of elaborating this guideline was to develop first Argentinian GCA treatment recommendations using GRADE methodology. An expert panel generated clinically meaningful questions addressing aspects of the treatment of GCA in the Population, Intervention, Comparator and Outcome (PICO) format and then a group of methodology experts reviewed and extracted data from literature summarizing available evidence. A patient's focus group discussion took place gathering information on their preferences and experiences. Finally, the vasculitis expert panel, with all the information obtained, voted recommendations here presented.

Guías Argentinas de Vasculitis Suplemento. Tablas arteritis de células gigantes / Argentine Vasculitis Guidelines Supplement. Giant cell arteritis tables

La arteritis de células gigantes (ACG) es una vasculitis sistémica que afecta a personas adultas; compromete vasos arteriales de mediano y gran calibre, con potenciales complicaciones de gravedad, como la ceguera, y es considerada una emergencia médica. El objetivo de estas guías fue desarrollar las primeras recomendaciones argentinas para su tratamiento, basadas en la revisión de la literatura mediante metodología GRADE. Un panel de expertos en vasculitis elaboró las preguntas en formato PICO (población, intervención, comparador y outcomes), y luego un panel de expertos en metodología efectuó la revisión de la bibliografía con la extracción de la evidencia para cada una de las preguntas. Se realizó un focus group de pacientes para conocer sus preferencias y experiencias. Finalmente, con la información recabada, el panel de expertos en vasculitis procedió a la votación de las recomendaciones que a continuación se presentan.

Adolescentes con diabetes mellitus tipo I y sus conocimientos sobre la enfermedad / Adolescents with Type I Diabetes Mellitus and their Knowledge about the Disease

RESUMEN Fundamento: la diabetes mellitus es una enfermedad endocrino-metabólica que se caracteriza por elevados niveles de glucosa en sangre que se produce como consecuencia de una deficiente secreción o acción de la insulina. Constituye un problema creciente de salud. Objetivo: identificar qué conocimientos tienen los adolescentes que padecen de diabetes mellitus tipo I en el Hospital Pediátrico Universitario Paquito González Cueto de Cienfuegos. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal con una muestra de 42 adolescentes con diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo I que tienen seguimiento en consulta de endocrinología del Hospital Pediátrico Universitario de Cienfuegos. Las variables analizadas fueron: edad, nivel de escolaridad, tiempo de diagnóstico de la enfermedad y conocimientos relacionados con la diabetes mellitus. Para la obtención de la información fue diseñado un cuestionario el cual fue previamente validado. Resultados: el 71,4 % de los pacientes respondieron correctamente el concepto de la enfermedad. El grupo de 14 a 16 años de edad fue el más representado con 20 pacientes. En cuanto a los síntomas fueron señalados correctos más del 60 %. El nivel de escolaridad predominante fue secundaria básica y el 83,3 % fueron evaluados de bien. Los adolescentes de 1 a 2 años de diagnóstico obtuvieron una evaluación satisfactoria 7 (58,3 %). Conclusiones: el mayor número de pacientes estuvo entre los 14 y los 16 años. Existieron dificultades en la identificación de los síntomas de descompensación, así como en el tratamiento dietético. El mayor número de pacientes estudiados obtuvo una evaluación satisfactoria.

ABSTRACT Background: diabetes mellitus is an endocrine-metabolic disease characterized by high levels of glucose in blood that occurs due to a deficient secretion or action of insulin. It is a growing health problem. Objective: to identify what knowledge adolescents with type I diabetes mellitus have at the Paquito González Cueto Cienfuegos University Pediatric Hospital. Method: a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with 42 adolescents diagnosed with type I diabetes mellitus who are followed up in the endocrinology clinic of the Cienfuegos University Pediatric Hospital. The variables analyzed were: age, level of education, time of diagnosis of the disease and knowledge related to diabetes mellitus. A previously validated questionnaire was designed to obtain information. Results: the 30 (71.4 %) patient they answered the concept of the disease correctly. The group of 14 was 16 elderly years the most represented of 20 patients. They were marked as to the symptoms correct over the 60 %. The level of prevailing scholarship was secondary basic and they were the 83.3 % evaluated of good. The teens with 1 to 2 years of diagnosis obtained a satisfactory evaluation 7 (58.3 %). Conclusions: the largest number of patients was between 14 and 16 years old. There were difficulties in identifying decompensating symptoms, as well as in dietary treatment. The largest number of patients studied obtained a satisfactory evaluation.

Comportamiento de la sepsis en pacientes atendidos en el Hospital Pediátrico Paquito González (2009-2019) / Sepsis behavior in patients treated at the Paquito González Pediatric Hospital (2009-2019)

RESUMEN Fundamento La sepsis es un serio problema de salud pública. En Cuba, se mantiene como la cuarta causa de muerte en menores de un año. Conocer el comportamiento de esta grave afección en los pacientes, permitirá tener un respaldo científico para plantear estrategias de salud que garanticen una asistencia médica más integral. Objetivo describir el comportamiento de la sepsis en pacientes pediátricos atendidos en el hospital pediátrico de Cienfuegos. Métodos se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, en el Hospital Pediátrico Paquito González Cueto, de Cienfuegos. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de los niños que, al ingreso en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, se les diagnosticó sepsis, sepsis grave o shock séptico; entre enero de 2009 y diciembre de 2019. Un total de 175 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Las variables fueron: edad, año, estadio de la sepsis, factores de riesgo biológico y mortalidad. Resultados la incidencia de sepsis en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos en relación al total de ingresos fue del 3,6 %. La mortalidad general representó el 30,8 %; y las formas graves de sepsis, el 44,4 %. El grupo de edad más afectado fueron los menores de un año. Las comorbilidades y/o factores de riesgo biológicos más frecuentes fueron la parálisis cerebral infantil y la prematuridad. Conclusión la incidencia de sepsis no ha variado en los últimos años, y la mortalidad asociada a ella, aunque menor, sigue siendo elevada. Las comorbilidades estuvieron presentes en la mitad de los pacientes.

ABSTRACT Background Sepsis is a serious public health problem. In Cuba, it remains the fourth leading cause of death in children under one year of age. Knowing the behavior of this serious condition in patients will allow scientific support to propose health strategies that guarantee a more comprehensive medical care. Objective to describe the behavior of sepsis in pediatric patients treated at the pediatric hospital of Cienfuegos. Methods a descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out at the Paquito González Cueto Pediatric Hospital in Cienfuegos. The clinical records of the children who, upon admission to the Intensive Care Unit, were diagnosed with sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock were reviewed; between January 2009 and December 2019. A total of 175 patients met the inclusion criteria. The variables were: age, year, stage of sepsis, biological risk factors and mortality. Results the incidence of sepsis in the Intensive Care Unit in relation to the total admissions was 3.6%. The general mortality represented the 30.8%; and severe forms of sepsis, the 44.4%. The age group most affected was those under one year of age. The most frequent comorbidities and / or biological risk factors were infantile cerebral paralysis and prematurity. Conclusion the incidence of sepsis has not changed in the last years, and the mortality associated with it, although lower, remains high. Comorbidities were in half of the patients.

Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in an argentinian cohort with ANCA-associated vasculitis / Características clínicas y factores pronósticos en una cohorte argentina de vasculitis asociada a ANCA

Abstract ANCA-associated vasculitis is a heterogeneous group of rare autoimmune conditions of unknown cause. Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors were analyzed in 47 patients: 20 (42.5%) with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, 17 (36.2%) with microscopic polyangiitis, 6 (12.8%) with renal-limited vasculitis, and 4 (8.5%) with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Mean age at diagnosis was 53.5 ± 16.5 years and the median of BVAS (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score) was 14 (4-42). The most frequent clinical manifesta tions were: general in 44 (93.6%), renal in 30 (63.8%) and respiratory in 28 (59.6%). All received corticosteroids at the beginning of treatment. Intravenous cyclophosphamide was associated in 20 (42.5%) and oral route in 14 (29.8%); azathioprine in 3 (6.4%) and rituximab in 2 (4.2%). At a median follow-up of 35.5 months (range 0.14- 234), 21 relapses were recorded in 14 patients. Overall mortality was 3.5 deaths per 100 patient-year in the whole group. Those over 55 years old, the presence of alveolar hemorrhage, those with FFS (Five Factor Score) of 2, and patients with MPA had poor prognosis. Renal involvement, ANCA pattern and BVAS were not associated to a poorer prognosis.

Resumen Las vasculitis asociadas a ANCA son un grupo heterogéneo de entidades autoinmunes, poco frecuentes, de etiología desconocida. Analizamos las características clínicas y factores pronóstico en 47 pacientes: 20 (42.5%) granulomatosis con poliangeítis, 17 (36.2%) poliangeítis microscópica, 6 (12.8%) vasculitis limitada al riñón y 4 (8.5%) granulomatosis eosinofílica con poliangeítis. La edad promedio al diagnóstico fue 53.5 ± 16.5 años y la mediana de BVAS (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score) 14 (4-42). Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron: generales en 44 (93.6%), renales 30 (63.8%) y respiratorias en 28 (59.6%). Todos recibieron corticoides al inicio del tratamiento. Se asoció ciclofosfamida endovenosa en 20 (42.5%) y oral en 14 (29.8%); azatioprina en 3 (6.4%) y rituximab en 2 (4.2%). En una mediana de seguimiento de 35.5 meses (rango 0.14-234), se registraron 21 recaídas en 14 pacientes. La mortalidad fue 3.5 por cien pacientes-año en todo el grupo. Los mayores de 55 años, con presencia de hemorragia alveolar, FFS (Five Factor Score) de 2, y los casos con poliangeítis microscópica tuvieron peor pronóstico. El compromiso renal, el patrón de ANCA y el BVAS no se asociaron a peor pronóstico.

Mirada clínico epidemiológica a pacientes con cardiopatías congénitas: un estudiodevenido en prioridad / Clinical Epidemiological Look at Patients with Congenital Heart Disease: aStudy that has Become a Priority

RESUMEN Fundamento: las cardiopatías congénitas son las más graves anomalías congénitas en el recién nacido, con gran impacto en la morbilidad y mortalidad pediátrica. Las cardiopatías congénitas más frecuentes son la comunicación interventricular e interauricular. Objetivo: caracterizar los pacientes con comunicación interventricular einterauricular en el Hospital Pediátrico Universitario Paquito González Cueto de Cienfuegos. Métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal realizado en la consulta de cardiología del Hospital Pediátrico Universitario Paquito González Cueto de Cienfuegos en el período de enero de 2008 a diciembre del 2018. El universo estuvo representado por 120 pacientes con comunicación interventricular ointerauricularque fueron atendidos en el Servicio de Cardiología en la consulta ambulatoria del centro.Las variables analizadas fueron: edad, sexo, edad del diagnóstico, tipo de cardiopatía, tipo de defecto de las cardiopatías interventricular e interauricular, factores de riesgo maternos, factores de riesgo fetales, malformaciones extracardiovasculares, forma de presentación clínica, formas de resolución del defecto. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante el programa SSPS 15.0 y los resultados se muestran en tablas. Resultados: la comunicación interventricular resultó ser la más frecuente. El sexo masculino y el grupo etáreo de 1-4 años de edad fue el más representativo, se diagnosticaron la mayoría de los casos entre la segunda semana después del nacimiento y los tres meses de nacidos. El factor de riesgo materno de mayor incidencia fue la hipertensión arterial, la herencia y presentación más frecuente fue el soplo. La cirugía constituyó la forma de resolución predominante,enfermedades genéticas resultaron ser los riesgos fetales más frecuentes. La repercusión hemodinámica estuvo presente en la mayoría de los pacientes. Conclusiones: la comunicación interventricular, el sexo masculino y el grupo etáreo de 1-4 años fueron los más representativos, el factor de riesgo materno de mayor incidencia fue la hipertensión arterial, la cirugía fue la forma de resolución predominante y las enfermedades genéticas resultaron ser los riesgos fetales.

ABSTRACT Background: congenital heart diseases are the most serious congenital anomalies in the newborn, with a great impact on pediatric morbidity and mortality. The most frequent are the interventricular and interatrial communication. Objective: to characterize the patients with ventricular septal defect and atrial septal defect at the Paquito González Cueto University Pediatric Hospital in Cienfuegos. Method: descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in the cardiology clinic of the Paquito González Cueto University Pediatric Hospital in Cienfuegos from January 2008 to December 2018. The universe was represented by 120 patients with interventricular or interatrial communication who were treated in the Cardiology Service in the outpatient clinic of the center. The variables analyzed were: age, sex, age at diagnosis, type of heart disease, type of interventricular and interatrial heart disease defect, maternal risk factors, fetal risk factors, extra cardiovascular malformations, clinical presentation, forms of defect resolution. Statistical analysis was performed using the SSPS 15.0 program and the results are shown in tables. Results: ventricular septal defect was the most frequent. The male sex and the age group 1-4 years of age was the most representative, most of the cases were diagnosed between the second week after birth and three months after birth. The maternal risk factor with the highest incidence was arterial hypertension, the most frequent inheritance and presentation was the murmur. Surgery was the predominant form of resolution, genetic diseases were the most frequent fetal risks. The hemodynamic repercussion was present in most of the patients. Conclusions: ventricular septal defect, male sex, and age group 1-4 years were the most representative, the maternal risk factor with the highest incidence was arterial hypertension, surgery was the predominant form of resolution, and genetic diseases were found to be fetal risks.

Caracterización clínico epidemiológica de pacientes en edad pediátrica ingresados en centros de aislamiento de Cienfuegos / Clinical-epidemiological characterization of pediatric patients admitted to isolation centers of Cienfuegos province

Introducción: La población pediátrica no ha sido las más vulnerable a laCOVID-19. La vigilancia epidemiológica estricta y las estrategias tomadas, permiten identificar y realizar análisis clínico epidemiológico en esta población. Objetivo: Caracterizar desde la óptica clínica y epidemiológica a pacientes pediátricos ingresados en centros de aislamiento. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y transversal en 316 infantes sospechosos de contactos de personas con COVID-19, edades entre 1 y 18 años e ingresados en los centros de aislamiento de Cienfuegos, desde el 11 de marzo al 30 de junio de 2020.Las variables: edad, sexo, casos sospechosos o contactos, mes de ingreso, sintomatología clínica y casos confirmados. Los datos se expresaron en valores absolutos y relativos. Resultados: Fueron sospechosos 36,7 por ciento niños, 63,3 por ciento contactos; 96,9 por ciento fueron remitidos desde sus áreas de salud. Solo 5 (1,6 por ciento) niños fueron confirmados con la enfermedad y todos tuvieron evolución favorable. Predominaron las edades de 5 a 9 años y de 15 a 18 años con 24,4 y 24,7 por ciento, respectivamente, sin diferencia de género;64,9 por ciento fueron asintomáticos. Los síntomas clínicos más frecuentes fueron: tos (56,8 por ciento) y fiebre (55,9 por ciento). Solo 9 (8,1 por ciento)con dificultad respiratoria. Conclusiones: La enfermedad en la población pediátrica de la provincia Cienfuegos no constituye un problema de salud por el bajo porcentaje de niños confirmados con la enfermedad en los centros de aislamiento. Se reafirma que una de las formas de transmisión es de hombre a hombre y es el aislamiento fundamental para el control y diagnóstico(AU)

Introduction: The pediatric population has not been the most vulnerable to COVID-19. Strict epidemiological surveillance and the strategies taken, allow to identify and perform a clinical-epidemiological analysis in this population. Objective: Characterize from the clinical and epidemiological points of view pediatric patients admitted to isolation centers. Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study of 316 infants who were suspected cases or contacts of people with COVID-19, in ages from 1 to 18 years and who were admitted to the isolation centers of Cienfuegos province, from March 11 to June 30, 2020. The variables used were: age, sex, suspected cases or contacts, month of admission, clinical symptomatology, and confirmed cases. The data were expressed in absolute and relative values. Results: 36.7 percent children, and 63.3 percent contacts were suspected; 96.9 percent were referred from their health areas. Only 5 (1.6 percent) children were confirmed with the disease and all had favorable evolution. The ages from 5 to 9 and from 15 to 18 years predominated with 24.4 percent and 24.7 percent, respectively, without gender difference; 64.9 percent were asymptomatic. The most common clinical symptoms were: cough (56.8 percent) and fever (55.9 percent). Only 9 patients (8.1 percent) had respiratory distress. Conclusions: This disease in the pediatric population of Cienfuegos province is not a health problem because of the low percentage of children confirmed with the COVID-19 in isolation centers. It is confirmed that one of the forms of transmission is person-to-person and isolation is vital for control and diagnosis(AU)

Cardiopatías congénitas diagnosticadas prenatalmente en Cienfuegos. Estudio de 10 años / Congenital Heart Disease Diagnosed Prenatally in Cienfuegos. 10 Year Study

RESUMEN Fundamento: cardiopatía congénita es todo defecto cardíaco presente en el momento del nacimiento y se producen como consecuencia de alteraciones en la organogénesis. Constituyen la malformación estructural severa de mayor prevalencia y de mayor impacto en la morbimortalidad neonatal. Objetivo: determinar las características de las cardiopatías congénitas diagnosticadas prenatalmente en la provincia Cienfuegos en un estudio de 10 años. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo de corte transversal. El universo estuvo conformado por 93 embarazadas con diagnóstico prenatal de cardiopatía congénita. Las variables analizadas fueron: asociación de la edad materna con la aparición de las cardiopatías, edad gestacional al momento del diagnóstico, año del diagnóstico prenatal y su relación con la evolución del embarazo, antecedentes patológicos, factores de riesgo, tipos de cardiopatías congénitas y su relación con la continuidad del embarazo, resultados de anatomía patológica de los fetos, relación entre el diagnóstico de cardiopatías congénitas y los resultados de anatomía patológica con la continuidad del embarazo, comportamiento del diagnóstico prenatal y el posible incremento anual de la tasa de mortalidad. Resultados: la edad materna más frecuente fue la comprendida entre 19-35 años, que se encontraban entre la 13-26 semana gestacional. El 78,4 % de las parejas decidieron la interrupción. La cardiopatía congénita más diagnosticada prenatalmente fue la comunicación interventricular seguida de la hipoplasia de cavidades izquierdas la cual ocupó el primer lugar en el diagnóstico anatomopatológico. Conclusiones: las cardiopatías congénitas actualmente siguen siendo una de las principales causas de muerte en el primer año de vida.

ABSTRACT Foundation: congenital heart disease is any heart defect present at birth and occurs as a result of alterations in organogenesis. They constitute the severe structural malformation of greater prevalence and greater impact on neonatal morbidity and mortality. Objective: to determine the characteristics of congenital heart diseases diagnosed prenatally in the province of Cienfuegos in a 10-year study. Method: a descriptive, retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out. The universe consisted of 93 pregnant women with a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease. The variables analyzed were: association of maternal age with the appearance of heart disease, gestational age at diagnosis, year of prenatal diagnosis and its relationship with the evolution of pregnancy, pathological history, risk factors, types of congenital heart disease and its relationship with the pregnancy continuity, results of pathological anatomy of the fetuses, relationship between the diagnosis of congenital heart diseases and the results of pathological anatomy with the pregnancy continuity, behavior of the prenatal diagnosis and the possible annual increase in the mortality rate. Results: the most frequent maternal age was between 19-35 years, which were between 13 and 26 gestational weeks. A 78,4 % of couples decided pregnancy interruption. The most prenatally diagnosed congenital heart disease was inter-ventricular communication followed by hypoplasia of the left cavities, which was the most frequent anatomic-pathological diagnosis. Conclusions: congenital heart disease currently continues to be one of the main causes of death in the first year of life.

Dermatomiositis asociada al autoanticuerpo anti-MDA5 / Dermatomyositis associated with anti-MDA5 autoantibody

La dematomiositis es una miopatía inflamatoria idiopática con espectro clínico variable. En los últimos años se ha identificado un número de autoanticuerpos específicos de miositis útiles para el diagnóstico, la clasificación y el pronóstico de las diversas formas de la enfermedad, entre los que se encuentra el anti-MDA5. Este anticuerpo se asocia al desarrollo de úlceras cutáneas, enfermedad intersticial pulmonar rápidamente progresiva, mortalidad temprana y mal pronóstico por lo que la detección del mismo, en un contexto clínico adecuado, plantea la necesidad de un tratamiento inmunosupresor agresivo. Describimos un caso de dermatomiositis hipomiopática, (es decir, con afección muscular leve) que presentaba compromiso cutáneo específico, enfermedad pulmonar intersticial y anticuerpo anti-MDA5 que respondió favorablemente al tratamiento combinado con ciclofosfamida, gamaglobulina y corticoides.

Dematomyositis is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy with a variable clinical spectrum. In recent years, a number of myositis-specific antibodies have been identified including anti-MDA5, which is us eful for diagnosis, prognosis and classification of the diverse clinical forms of the disease. This antibody is associated with cutaneous ulcers, rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease, early mortality and poor prognosis, so the detection of this antibody in a suitable clinical context, raises the need for an aggressive immunosuppressive treatment. We describe a case of dermatomyositis classified as hypomyopathic (i.e. involving mild muscle weakness), presenting specific skin lesions, interstitial lung disease, and presence of anti-MDA5 antibody that had a favorable response to combined treatment with cyclophosphamide, gamma globulin and corticosteroids.