Not all that glitters is COVID-19: a case series demonstrating the need for histopathology when skin findings accompany SARS-CoV-2 infection.

BACKGROUND: Descriptions of cutaneous findings associated with COVID-19 have not been consistently accompanied by histopathology or confirmatory testing for SARS-CoV-2. OBJECTIVE: To describe and classify the cutaneous findings with supporting histopathology of confirmed COVID-19 inpatients. METHODS: We included consecutive inpatients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 for whom a dermatology consult was requested. A skin biopsy was performed in all cases. Skin findings were classified as being compatible with a cutaneous manifestation of COVID-19 or as representing a distinct clinical entity. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were studied in whom thirty-one dermatologic diagnoses were made. Twenty-two of the dermatoses were compatible with a cutaneous manifestation of COVID-19; nine entities were not associated with infection by SARS-CoV-2. The most common COVID-19-associated pattern was an exanthematous presentation. In four patients, a new pattern was observed, characterized by discrete papules with varied histopathological findings including a case of neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis. No cases of pernio-like lesions were identified. Skin findings not associated with COVID-19 represented 29% of diagnoses and included Malassezia folliculitis, tinea, miliaria and contact dermatitis. LIMITATIONS: There is no gold-standard test to distinguish between viral exanthems and drug reactions. CONCLUSION: A histopathological study is critical before attributing skin findings to a manifestation of COVID-19.

Previous Exposure to Anesthesia and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Puerto Rican Population-Based Sibling Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior, that begins usually before a child is three years old.(1) Researchers have shown that prevalence rates in the U.S. may be as high as 1 in 68.(52) A number of studies have examined the effects of early exposure to anesthesia on brain development and subsequent impairment in neurocognitive function; yet, little is known about the possible effects of anesthetic agents on social-behavioral functioning. The association between exposure to anesthesia either in uterus, during the first years of life, or later and development of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or its severity was determined in a retrospective population based cohort study. OBJECTIVES: Identify if children who had previous exposure to anesthesia either in uterus, first years of life during their developing brain years, or later, are at risk of developing ASD and its severe form of the disease. METHODS: Data was obtained from structured interviews administered to a sample of 515 parents/guardians distributed in two groups: ASD = 262 children diagnosed with this condition and Non-ASD: 253 children (siblings of ASD group) without diagnosis (95% confidence interval) that freely decided to participate and agreed to a consent form. Variables studied include: demographics, diagnosis and severity of ASD, exposure to anesthesia, method of childbirth, and age of exposure Children less than 2 years of age were considered into have developing brain period. Data was analyzed using Chi-square or Fisher exact test. RESULTS: In contrast to non-ASD group, most of the children within ASD group were male, 76% (p=0.0001). With regards to methods of childbirth, 64% of the ASD population were vaginal delivery (VD; Non-anesthesia exposure group) and 36% cesarean delivery (CD) compared to non-autistic population with 71% VD and 29% CD, which demonstrates no statistical difference between both groups (p=0.1113). Out of the 36% of ASD population that underwent CD, 7% were performed using general anesthesia and 93% regional anesthesia, while the 29% of the CD of non-ASD, 5% were performed using general anesthesia and 95% regional anesthesia. This reveals no statistical significance (p=0.7569) with the development of ASD and the type of anesthesia used when comparing ASD with non-ASD patients. In view of severity of autism, in VD, 56% of ASD population had mild form of the disorder, 34% moderate, and 10% severe; while CD had a 54% mild form of the disorder, 33% moderate, and 13% severe. This shows no statistical association (p=0.8069) when comparing exposure to anesthesia in uterus to subsequent severe form of ASD. Of the 262 ASD patients, 99 had exposure to anesthetics before their diagnosis, while in Non-ASD population, 110 had exposure to anesthesia, demonstrating no statistically significant association between both groups (p=0.2091). Out of 99 ASD patients exposed to anesthesia prior to their diagnosis, 72 were exposed before age 2. When compared to the 110 Non-ASD patients exposed to anesthesia, 86 had exposure during this developing brain period, which indicates no statistically significant association (p=0.4207). In addition, most of the ASD children exposed to anesthesia during developing brain were diagnosed with mild degree of the disorder when compared to ASD children without any previous exposure to anesthesia (p=0.9700) during the same period. When the exposure occurred after age 2, ASD children developed mild form of the disorder as compared with ASD children without any previous exposure to anesthesia (p=0.1699) in that period. CONCLUSIONS: Children under early exposure to anesthesia in uterus, first 2 years of life, or later are not more likely to develop neither ASD nor severe form of the disorder.

Examining Mechanisms of Pyrethroid Resistance in Eggs of Two Populations of the Chagas' Disease Vector Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae).

Chagas disease is a zoonosis transmitted to man by blood-sucking triatomine bugs found in the Americas. Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834) is the main vector of Chagas' disease in Argentina. The control of this illness relies heavily on vector control through the use of insecticide. However, resistance to pyrethroid insecticides associated with ineffective field treatments has been increasingly reported in T. infestans from Argentina and Bolivia. There are few reports on the expression and causes of resistance in eggs of resistant populations, and even fewer studies on insecticide resistance throughout embryonic development. In this study, we explore the biochemical and molecular mechanisms potentially associated with the deltamethrin resistance assessed in the developing eggs of the Argentinean (Campo Largo) and Bolivian (Entre Ríos) T. infestans populations.We found measurable activity of monooxigenases and pyrethroid esterases throughout embryonic development. The pyrethroid esterase activity grew steadily throughout development in all the studied populations and was highest in eggs 12 d old. Mean enzyme activity increased from 13.6 to 16.3 and 22.2 picomol 7-hydroxycoumarin/min (7-OHC) in eggs of 4-, 7-, and 12 d old from the susceptible reference bug colony. Mean activity of resistant populations increased from 16.0 to 25.9 picomol 7-OHC/min in eggs of 4- to 12 d old in Entre Ríos population, and from 15.9 to 28.9 picomol 7-OHC/min in Campo Largo population. Molecular analysis of susceptible and resistant developing eggs detected L1014F mutation in both resistant populations, but no L925I mutation was found in any of the studied populations.Higher esterase activity and L1014F presence justify the resistance to pyrethroid throughout developing eggs of both studied T. infestans populations. The description of resistance profiles including resistance mechanisms involved will allow a rational design of campaigns for the control of Chagas disease transmission.

Effect of Environmental Conditions and Toxic Compounds on the Locomotor Activity of Pediculus humanus capitis (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae).

In this work, we evaluated the effect of environmental variables such as temperature, humidity, and light on the locomotor activity of Pediculus humanus capitis. In addition, we used selected conditions of temperature, humidity, and light to study the effects of cypermethrin and N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) on the locomotor activity of head lice. Head lice increased their locomotor activity in an arena at 30°C compared with activity at 20°C. When we tested the influence of the humidity level, the locomotor activity of head lice showed no significant differences related to humidity level, both at 30°C and 20°C. Concerning light influence, we observed that the higher the intensity of light, the slower the movement of head lice. We also demonstrated that sublethal doses of toxics may alter locomotor activity in adults of head lice. Sublethal doses of cypermethrin induced hyperactivated responses in adult head lice. Sublethal doses of DEET evocated hypoactivated responses in head lice. The observation of stereotyped behavior in head lice elicited by toxic compounds proved that measuring locomotor activity in an experimental set-up where environmental conditions are controlled would be appropriate to evaluate compounds of biological importance, such as molecules involved in the host-parasite interaction and intraspecific relationships.

Previous Exposure to Anesthesia and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Puerto Rican Population-Based Sibling Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior, that begins usually before a child is three years old.1 Researchers have shown that prevalence rates in the U.S. may be as high as 1 in 68.52 A number of studies have examined the effects of early exposure to anesthesia on brain development and subsequent impairment in neurocognitive function; yet, little is known about the possible effects of anesthetic agents on social-behavioral functioning. The association between exposure to anesthesia either in uterus, during the first years of life, or later and development of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or its severity was determined in a retrospective population based cohort study. OBJECTIVES: Identify if children who had previous exposure to anesthesia either in uterus, first years of life during their developing brain years, or later, are at risk of developing ASD and its severe form of the disease. METHODS: Data was obtained from structured interviews administered to a sample of 515 parents/guardians distributed in two groups: ASD = 262 children diagnosed with this condition and Non-ASD: 253 children (siblings of ASD group) without diagnosis (p = 0.8069) when comparing exposure to anesthesia in uterus to subsequent severe form of ASD. Of the 262 ASD patients, 99 had exposure to anesthetics before their diagnosis, while in Non-ASD population, 110 had exposure to anesthesia, demonstrating no statistically significant association between both groups (p = 0.2091). Out of 99 ASD patients exposed to anesthesia prior to their diagnosis, 72 were exposed before age 2. When compared to the 110 Non-ASD patients exposed to anesthesia, 86 had exposure during this developing brain period, which indicates no statistically significant association (p = 0.4207). In addition, most of the ASD children exposed to anesthesia during developing brain were diagnosed with mild degree of the disorder when compared to ASD children without any previous exposure to anesthesia (p = 0.9700) during the same period. When the exposure occurred after age 2, ASD children developed mild form of the disorder as compared with ASD children without any previous exposure to anesthesia (p = 0.1699) in that period. CONCLUSIONS: Children under early exposure to anesthesia in uterus, first 2 years of life, or later are not more likely to develop neither ASD nor severe form of the disorder. INDEX WORDS: Anesthesia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Puerto Rico. (95% confidence interval) that freely decided to participate and agreed to a consent form. Variables studied, include: demographics, diagnosis and severity of ASD, exposure to anesthesia, method of childbirth, and age of exposure. Children less than 2 years of age were considered into have developing brain period. Data was analyzed using Chi-square or Fisher exact test. RESULTS: In contrast to non-ASD group, most of the children within ASD group were male, 76% (p = 0.0001). With regards to methods of childbirth, 64% of the ASD population were vaginal delivery (VD; Non-anesthesia exposure group) and 36% cesarean delivery (CD) compared to non-autistic population with 71% VD and 29% CD, which demonstrates no statistical difference between both groups (p = 0.1113). Out of the 36% of ASD population that underwent CD, 7% were performed using general anesthesia and 93% regional anesthesia, while the 29% of the CD of non-ASD, 5% were performed using general anesthesia and 95% regional anesthesia. This reveals no statistical significance (p = 0.7569) with the development of ASD and the type of anesthesia used when comparing ASD with non-ASD patients. In view of severity of autism, in VD, 56% of ASD population had mild form of the disorder, 34% moderate, and 10% severe; while CD had a 54% mild form of the disorder, 33% moderate, and 13% severe. This shows no statistical association.

Efficacy and safety of a hyperoxygenated fatty acid compound in improving the microcirculation of purpura fulminans in paediatric patients with sepsis: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Purpura fulminans (PF) is a serious complication of sepsis resulting from a set of alterations characterised by the development of ecchymotic haemorrhagic lesions and skin necrosis. AIM: To analyse the efficacy and safety of the topical application of HOFA compound, in the cutaneous microcirculation of PF lesions in paediatric patients affected by sepsis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test single-group conducted in a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of a third level hospital was performed. Paediatric patients aged 0-18 years with sepsis were included. Somatic oximetry values were measured before and after application of HOFAs every 4h over the first three days of the patients' hospitalisation. Patient's socio-demographic and clinical variables and somatic oximetry by placing a sensor for measuring tissue perfusion on the area with PF were determined. RESULTS: Four patients were recruited, with a median age of 98 months. The purpuric lesions measured were mainly located on both feet and hands and, in two patients, also on the lateral malleoli and calves of both lower extremities. A total of 225 measurements were obtained, with mean pre-intervention scores of 71.17±15.65% versus 73.68±14.83% post-intervention. Statistical significance (p<0.001) was observed upon comparison of the pre- and post-intervention measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Early and continued application of HOFAs in the management of sepsis-induced PF is an effective and safe practice in the cases analysed. In more than half of the episodes analysed, an increase in tissue microcirculation was observed after the application of HOFAs, with no adverse events.

Scientific evidence of three different insecticide-resistant profiles in Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) populations from Argentina and Bolivia.

Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) is the main vector of Chagas disease in the southern cone South America. Chemical control to the vectors appears to be the best option to reduce the incidence of the disease. However, since 2002, high resistance to insecticides that correlated with field control failures was detected in T. infestans from Argentina and Bolivia. In this paper, we analyzed three T. infestans populations whose pyrethroid-resistance had been recently detected, and we defined at least three resistant profiles according to the toxicological and biochemical characteristics of the studied resistant populations. The resistance profiles were identified as Ti-R1, Ti-R2, and Ti-R3, corresponding to the Argentinean Acambuco, and the Bolivians Entre Ríos and Mataral. Ti-R1 exhibited nymphs and eggs with medium resistance level to deltamethrin (RR = 32.5 and 28.6; respectively). Pyrethroid-esterases played a relevant role in deltamethrin resistance. Ti-R2 exhibited nymphs with high resistance to deltamethrin (RR = 173.8) and low resistance to fipronil (RR = 12.4). Pyrethroid-esterases were involved in resistance. Moreover, eggs showed medium resistance level to deltamethrin (RR = 39.1). Ti-R3 had nymphs with low resistance to deltamethrin (RR = 17.4), and medium resistance to fipronil (RR = 66.8). Pyrethroid-esterases showed increased activity, and eggs possessed low resistance to deltamethrin (RR = 8.4). The characterization of the resistance to pyrethroid in these T. infestans populations from Argentina and Bolivia do not permit the generalization of three forms of resistance profile. So far as we appear to know, the forms of mechanisms and their frequencies reported here are selected independently, so additional sites might well show additional combinations of resistance mechanisms and their frequencies.

New findings of insecticide resistance in Triatoma infestans (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from the Gran Chaco.

Chagas disease is a major health concern in Latin America, and Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834) is responsible for the majority of cases of Chagas disease in the continent. After the discovery of deltamethrin highly resistant populations in the neighboring areas to Yacuiba (Bolivia) and Salvador Mazza (Argentina), we studied T. infestans populations north and southward, with the aim of describing the range of the resistant area. In addition, tests were conducted to describe the susceptibility to fipronil in deltamethrin-resistant populations. Tarija populations were highly resistant to deltamethrin, showing that the resistant area is greater than previously reported. Argentinean and Paraguayan populations were susceptible or presented moderate to low levels of deltamethrin resistance. Resistance to fipronil was found in Bolivian populations, although this insecticide was effective against Argentinean populations. This study shows that the Argentinean and Paraguayan populations are currently under successful control with deltamethrin. However, continuous resistance monitoring is necessary. We found that fipronil is a viable option for Argentina, whereas the resistance found in Bolivia implies that new formulations are needed to control T. infestans in Bolivia. Further research is required to find new alternatives of control in those areas that are currently suffering from high infestation rates.

Intraocular pressure fluctuations in patients implanted with an implantable collamer lens (ICL V4c). Three-month follow-up. / Fluctuaciones de presión intraocular en pacientes operados con implante de implantable collamer lens (ICL V4c). Seguimiento a 3 meses.

INTRODUCTION: Fluctuating elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is one of the complications of an implantable collamer lens (ICL), and its alteration is a predictive factor for the development of glaucoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional analytic study was conducted on patients suitable for ICL implantation. Complete clinical and biometric work-ups were performed, as well as night-time IOP curve, in supine position, with 4 determinations, in order to assess fluctuation, considering abnormal with a value higher than 5 mmHg. Patients underwent surgery with conventional technique and three months after the work-ups were repeated, including a night-time IOP curve to assess any changes in IOP fluctuations. RESULTS: A total of 31 eyes of 16 patients were studied. Mean IOP fluctuation in the preoperative assessment was 3.35 ± 2 mmHg, whereas the postoperative mean was 3.0 ± 2.2 mmHg, with the difference not being statistically significant. Visual acuity and capacity, as well as spheric equivalent did show a statistically significant improvement. There were 6 cases of complications, which were related to a higher vault and a greater ICL size. There was no relationship between these findings and the angle grade, pigment, and the level of training of the surgeon. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of an ICL on IOP fluctuations, has been studied for the first time, which was found to be not statistically significant. As in previous publications, the procedure was safe and reproducible, adding the fact that the level of training of the surgeon is not a determining factor in these findings.

Cetoacidosis diabética como debut de diabetes mellitus inmunomediada en paciente en tratamiento con inhibidores de checkpoint / Diabetic ketoacidosis as debut of immune-mediated diabetes mellitus in a patient in treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Los inhibidores de checkpoint (ICP) son anticuerpos usados en inmunoterapia contra el cáncer. Uno de sus blancos de acción es el receptor de muerte celular programada-1 (PD-1), el cual es importante para mantener la tolerancia inmunitaria. Sin embargo, este mecanismo se asocia a riesgo de eventos adversos relacionados a la inmunidad que pueden afectar a múltiples órganos incluyendo el sistema endocrino. Se describe el caso inhabitual de un paciente que a los 18 meses de terapia con ICP debutó con cetoacidosis diabética (CAD).

Immune checkpoint inhibitors consist in antibodies used in immunotherapy against cancer. One of their targets is the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) receptor, which is important in maintaining self-tolerance. However, this mechanism is associated with a risk for immune-related adverse events potentially affecting multiple organs, including the endocrine system. We describe the unusual case of a patient who, after 18 months of treatment with an immune checkpoint inhibitor, debuted with diabetic ketoacidosis

Tratamiento quirúrgico en estado epiléptico super refractario relacionado con malformación arterio venosa

Introducción: Las malformaciones arteriovenosas cerebrales (MAV) son un conjunto anormal de arterias y venas dilatadas del cerebro y caracterizadas por la pérdida de la organización vascular con una derivación arteriovenosa anormal. La probabilidad de ruptura de una MAV es baja, pudiendo causar déficit hasta en el 45% de los pacientes. La epilepsia puede asociarse con MAV siendo raro el estado epiléptico. La evolución a estado epiléptico refractario o estado epiléptico super refractario (EESR) es excepcional. Se presenta paciente con epilepsia asociada a MAV, con embolización y posterior complicación que evoluciona a EESR, donde se logró una resolución favorable con cirugía. Caso clínico: Paciente masculino de 70 años, con MAV temporal derecha no rota y epilepsia, libre de crisis desde el diagnóstico de ambas condiciones. Se realizó embolización logrando exclusión, pero con evolución a EESR. Tras estudio se realiza resección de MAV y resección parcial de zona de inicio de actividad epileptógena parieto-temporal. Además, se realizó una desconexión de región fronto-parietal central donde había evidencia de propagación de la actividad epiléptica. Paciente logra salir de estado crítico, con recuperación de conciencia y normalización de electroencefalogramas posquirúrgicos. A los 2 años evoluciona con epilepsia controlada (Engel IIa). Discusión y conclusiones: El abordaje quirúrgico es una opción en EESR y debe plantearse en un tiempo precoz de evolución (1-2 semanas). La cirugía se realizó para controlar EESR y fue una intervención exitosa. Esta estrategia puede lograr un cambio dramático en el pronóstico. La cirugía resectiva está indicada cuando hay evidencia etiológica en imágenes y focalidad eléctrica consistente en los estudios.

Introduction: Brain Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM) are an abnormal set of dilated arteries and veins within the brain and are characterized by loss of vascular organization with an abnormal arteriovenous shunt. The probability of AVM rupture is low, but it can cause deficits in up to 45% ofpatients. Epilepsy could be associated with AVM, and status epilepticus is rare. The evolution to refractory status epilepticus or super refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) is very rare. The objective is to present a patient with epilepsy associated with non-ruptured AVM, treated with embolization and a subsequent complication that evolves into SRSE, in which a favorable resolution was achieved after surgery Clinical case: 70-year-old male, with a diagnosis of non-ruptured right temporal AVM and epilepsy, who has been seizure free since the diagnosis, is reported. Embolization of the AVM was performed, achieving total exclusion, after the procedure presented seizures that evolved into SRSE. After investigation, an AVM resection and partial resection of the ictal onset zone on the right parieto-temporal region was performed, including a disconnection of the central fronto-parietal region, where there was evidence of propagation of ictal activity. Patient recovered from the critical condition after surgery, and also presented electrographic normalization. After 2 years, the epilepsy is well controlled (Engel IIa). Discussion and conclusions: The surgical approach is an option in SRSE, and it should be proposed early on, within a reasonable time of evolution (1-2 weeks). The active approach in this case, where the surgery was done for SRSE control, was a successful intervention. Especially when the features are consistent -there is etiological evidence in imaging and electrical focality in studies- there can be a dramatic change in the prognosis.

The small-molecule MERTK inhibitor UNC2025 decreases platelet activation and prevents thrombosis.

Essentials Signaling by Gas6 through Tyro3/Axl/Mer receptors is essential for stable platelet aggregation. UNC2025 is a small molecule inhibitor of the Mer tyrosine kinase. UNC2025 decreases platelet activation in vitro and thrombus formation in vivo. UNC2025's anti-platelet effect is synergistic with inhibition of the ADP receptor, P2Y12 . SUMMARY: Background Growth arrest-specific protein 6 signals through the TAM (TYRO-3-AXL-MERTK) receptor family, mediating platelet activation and thrombus formation via activation of the aggregate-stabilizing αIIb ß3 integrin. Objective To describe the antithrombotic effects mediated by UNC2025, a small-molecule MERTK tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Methods MERTK phosphorylation and downstream signaling were assessed by immunoblotting. Light transmission aggregometry, flow cytometry and microfluidic analysis were used to evaluate the impact of MERTK inhibition on platelet activation and stability of aggregates in vitro. The effects of MERTK inhibition on arterial and venous thrombosis, platelet accumulation at microvascular injury sites and tail bleeding times were determined with murine models. The effects of combined treatment with ADP-P2Y1&12 pathway antagonists and UNC2025 were also evaluated. Results and Conclusions Treatment with UNC2025 inhibited MERTK phosphorylation and downstream activation of AKT and SRC, decreased platelet activation, and protected animals from pulmonary embolism and arterial thrombosis without increasing bleeding times. The antiplatelet effect of UNC2025 was enhanced in combination with ADP-P2Y1&12 pathway antagonists, and a greater than additive effect was observed when these two agents with different mechanisms of inhibition were coadministered. TAM kinase signaling represents a potential therapeutic target, as inhibition of this axis, especially in combination with ADP-P2Y pathway antagonism, mediates decreased platelet activation, aggregate stability, and thrombus formation, with less hemorrhagic potential than current treatment strategies. The data presented here also demonstrate antithrombotic activity mediated by UNC2025, a novel translational agent, and support the development of TAM kinase inhibitors for clinical applications.

Psicosis secundaria a meningioma: revisión a propósito de un caso / Secondary psychosis due to meningioma: review about a case

Resumen Los meningiomas son los tumores primarios más frecuentes del sistema nervioso central, tienden a ser benignos y de lento crecimiento. Pueden ser asintomáticos o incluso manifestarse únicamente con síntomas psiquiátricos, incluyendo un cuadro psicótico. No existen estudios clínicos controlados randomizados que estudien la relación entre meningioma y cuadros psicóticos. La evidencia disponible se basa en series y reportes de casos. Existe una relación entre la magnitud del edema perilesional y la presencia de síntomas psicóticos. Por otra parte, el tamaño de la lesión o su localización neuroanatómica específica tendrían menor relevancia. La resección quirúrgica de la lesión, en conjunto con el manejo psiquiátrico adecuado, usualmente conduce al cese de la sintomatología psicótica. En la evaluación de pacientes con síntomas psicóticos se debe tener un elevado índice de sospecha, en particular en cuadros de reciente inicio, con manifestaciones atípicas o resistentes al tratamiento. En estos casos se recomienda un estudio con neuroimágenes. Este artículo presenta el caso de una paciente evaluada en nuestro hospital diagnosticada con un meningioma frontal izquierdo de gran tamaño, que presentó sintomatología psicótica secundaria, y se expone una revisión bibliográfica actualizada de esta asociación.

Meningiomas are the most frequent central nervous primary tumors, which tend to be benign and present a slow growth. They may be asymptomatic or present clinically just with psychiatric symptoms including a psychotic state. There are no clinical randomized controlled trials that study the relationship between meningioma and a psychotic episode. Available evidence is based on case reports and series. There is a relationship between the magnitude of perilesional edema and the presence of psychotic symptoms. On the other hand, the size of the tumor or its specific neuroanatomic location would have less relevance. Surgical resection of the tumor associated with psychiatric management usually leads to the cessation of psychotic symptoms. In the assessment of patients with psychotic symptoms, there must be a high index of suspicion, particularly in first psychotic episodes, atypical manifestations and resistance to treatment. In these cases, a neuroimaging study is recommended. This article presents the case of a patient evaluated in our hospital and diagnosed with a large left frontal meningioma with secondary psychotic symptoms, and an updated bibliographic review of this association is presented.

Antimicrobial Activity of Alternanthera caracasana.

The antimicrobial activity of different extracts of Alternanthera caracasana. HBK against 11 bacterial strains and 1 yeast strain was evaluated. The ethyl acetate extract showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus., Staphylococcus epidermidis., Bacillus subtilis., Sarcina lutea., and one strain of Vibrio cholerae.. There was no antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans.. As a bioactive compound, 7-methoxycoumarin was identified.

Treatment of experimental carotid aneurysms by endoprosthesis implantation: preliminary report.

Four experimental aneurysms were treated by implantation of an endoprosthetic stent. The aneurysms were surgically created by grafting a venous pouch on the carotid artery of mongrel dogs. Aneurysm patency was assessed angiographically. Under systemic heparinization and via a transfemoral approach, the stent measuring 20 mm in length and 5 mm in diameter, was implanted in the lumen of the parent artery at the level of the aneurysmal neck. Good angiographic results were obtained immediately following implantation, showing exclusion of the aneurysm from the circulation. Patency of the parent vessel was preserved in all the experimental aneurysms treated. In one case an angiogram performed 30 days later showed the same findings with excellent tolerance of the device. The technique of endovascular treatment of experimental aneurysms by stent implantation appears feasible and safe in vivo. Further investigations are still necessary before clinical applications.

[An experimental study of the treatment of aneurysms using an intravascular prosthesis]. / Etude expérimentale du traitement des anévrysmes par endoprothèse vasculaire.

Intracranial aneurysms occur frequently with the risk of major damage. Neurosurgery or endovascular techniques can be used for treatment. Current techniques are not well adapted for aneurysms with a wide implantation (or neck). The aim of this experimental work was to study a technique for treating aneurysms which can be used for wide neck aneurysms. A metal stent is implanted facing the neck of the aneurysm to allow occlusion. In the first part of the study, the stent was inserted alone. Ten aneurysms were created surgically in five dogs. The stents were positioned facing seven of the ten aneurysms. The stent led to immediate occlusion of the aneurysm in six of the cases. One aneurysm remained patent despite the correct position of the stent. One dog developed secondary thrombosis of the carotid. Three dogs have been followed for sixty days after insertion of the stent. Two aneurysms thrombosed and one was patent. Since these results were less than satisfactory, a second part of the study was undertaken to cover the stent with a fragment of the autologous vein. Results in five aneurysms, evaluated three and eight weeks after treatment, showed partial or total repermeabilization of the aneurysms. In the third part of the study, we associated stents and detachable coils. Twelve aneurysms of the carotid artery in pigs were thrombosed and two aneurysms were completely occluded after stent implantation. In the nine other cases, the aneurysms were completely occluded after stent implantation. In the nine other cases, the aneurysms remained patent despite the stent and treatment was then completed with a coil. Six of the animals have been followed for thirteen weeks. One carotid artery thrombosed. In the five other cases, the carotid arteries were patent and the aneurysms were occluded at the control angiogram. Histology results showed the presence of a fibromuscular endothelialized neointima at the neck of the aneurysm in four of the five cases. The technique described here could be proposed for the treatment of wide-neck aneurysms implanted low on the carotid artery in man. Improvements should render the system more flexible.

[Surgical treatment of stenosis-thrombosis of internal carotids by extra-intracranial arterial anastomosis and endarterectomy]. / Traitement chirurgical d'une sténose-thrombose des carotides internes par une anastomose artérielle extra-intracrânienne et une endartériectomie.

The surgery of the remaining carotid artery is a very difficult procedure considering the high risk related to the peroperative clamping. Extracranial to intracranial by pass of the thrombosed side permit to carry out in better conditions the contralateral endarterectomy without using intravascular shunt.

[Fortification of bread with bean flour (Phaseolus vulgaris). II. Nutritive value of the fortified bread]. / Fortificación del pan con harina de frejoles (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.). II. Valor nutritivo del pan fortificado.

The protein value of breads containing bean flour (BF) (Phaseolus vulgaris, cv Tórtola) was tested in rats. BF replaced wheat flour by 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 per cent. Protein content was 9.3 (N x 5.7) per cent and 24.4 (N x 6.25) per cent for wheat flour and bean flour, respectively. The protein content in the control bread was 11.6%, and increased to 12.6% at the 10% level of substitution. Parameters measured were protein efficiency ratio (PER), net protein ratio (NPR), and apparent and true digestibility of the protein. PER, in the control bread, was 1.44; a slight, non-significant increase occurred up to the 10% level of substitution. The control bread showed a NPR value of 2.78, figure which also remained practically unchanged at the higher levels of replacement. Nevertheless, both apparent and true protein digestibility decreased significantly with increasing levels of substitution of WF by BF (p less than 0.05). In conclusion, substitution of WF by BF in bread did not produce the expected increase in protein quality under our experimental conditions.

[Zinc nutrition in young Chilean adults]. / Nutrición de zinc en adultos jóvenes chilenos.

To evaluate the effect of dietary factors on plasma zinc levels, dietary zinc intake was estimated and plasma levels were measured in 37 healthy young adults of low and middle socioeconomic status. Our study included 16 males aged 29 +/- 7 and 21 females aged 26 +/- 6 years. Dietary intake of zinc and protein was determined from a 24-hour dietary recall survey. Plasma zinc was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) in plasma was also measured and the weight/height percentage for each subject calculated according to Jelliffe's standards. The average diet was composed of cereals, legumes, eggs, bread and noodles, caloric intake was 2051 +/- 154 kcal/day for men and 1767 +/- 158 (x +/- SD) kcal/day for women. The daily intake of zinc was 8.3 +/- 3.0 mg/day for males, and 9.7 +/- 2.0 mg/day for females. Cereals were the main source of zinc for men, while egg and dairy products were for women. Plasma zinc values were 82 +/- 22 micrograms/dl for men and 94 +/- 19 micrograms/dl for women (p less than 0.01). For the whole group plasma zinc concentration was 89 +/- 21 micrograms/dl. Seven males and two females had low plasma zinc values (70 micrograms/dl or less). Alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels were 110 +/- 10 IU for males and 71 +/- 4 IU for females (p less than 0.001). These values did not correlate with the zinc levels. Average weight/height was 99 +/- 18 for men, and 108 +/- 18 for females. Results indicate that on the average, in our study group plasma zinc levels were within the normal range, although they were significantly lower in men. Dietary intake of zinc was below the recommendations, being higher for women as related to values presented by men. The observed low plasma levels of zinc may be caused by a low intake, and/or poor bioavailability.