Cemeteries as sources of Aedes aegypti and other mosquito species in southeastern Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence and abundance of mosquito species in containers found in different types of cemeteries in Puerto Rico to assess their importance and make control recommendations. METHODS: We conducted surveys of containers with water in 16 cemeteries in southeastern Puerto Rico to detect the presence of larvae and pupae of Aedes aegypti and other mosquitoes; to identify the most common and productive containers and to study their variation in relation to the type of cemetery. RESULTS: The most common containers with water were flowerpots, followed in abundance by a variety of discarded containers and open tombs. We found a positive relationship between density of containers with water and rainfall. There was a rich community of mosquito species developing in containers of the inspected cemeteries: nine mosquito species belonging to four genera with Ae. aegypti and Ae. mediovittatus being the most frequent and abundant. We sampled 13 cement-type cemeteries, 2 mixed and only 1 lawn cemetery, consequently, we could not draw any conclusion regarding container productivity and cemetery type. CONCLUSIONS: Surveyed cemeteries were important sources of Ae. aegypti and other mosquitoes in flowerpots, discarded containers and open tombs. We recommend conducting further studies to establish how frequently inspections should occur; and mosquito control by emptying aquatic habitats and larviciding to reduce mosquito productivity and protect workers and visitors from mosquito bites and possible transmission of arboviruses.

Decarboxylative Allylic Alkylation of Phthalides: Stabilized Benzylic Nucleophiles for sp3-sp3 Coupling.

A new family of stabilized benzylic nucleophiles for the palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative allylic alkylation reaction has been developed. Allyl esters derived from 3-carboxyphthalides were found to undergo palladium-catalyzed deallylation and decarboxylation under mild reaction conditions, a process facilitated by the formation of a stabilized aromatic anion. The regioselective allylic coupling of this intermediate afforded a variety of functionalized phthalides in 73-96% yields.

COVID-19 Outbreak in an Amish Community - Ohio, May 2020.

In the United States, outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), were initially reported in densely populated urban areas (1); however, outbreaks have since been reported in rural communities (2,3). Rural residents might be at higher risk for severe COVID-19-associated illness because, on average, they are older, have higher prevalences of underlying medical conditions, and have more limited access to health care services.* In May, after a cluster of seven COVID-19 cases was identified in a rural Ohio Amish community, access to testing was increased. Among 30 additional residents tested by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR; TaqPath COVID-19 Combo Kit),† 23 (77%) received positive test results for SARS-CoV-2. Rapid and sustained transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was associated with multiple social gatherings. Informant interviews revealed that community members were concerned about having to follow critical mitigation strategies, including social distancing§ and mask wearing.¶ To help reduce the ongoing transmission risk in a community, state and county health department staff members and community leaders need to work together to develop, deliver, and promote culturally responsive health education messages to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission and ensure that access to testing services is timely and convenient. Understanding the dynamics of close-knit communities is crucial to reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Zinc deficiency: A global problem that affect the health and cognitive development.

The zinc deficiency affects approximately a third of the world population, principally in the developing countries, the rural areas and in the poorest communities, where this micronutrient deficiency is one of the most prevalent risk factor for nutrientrelated diseases. This paper compiles scientific advances about the key role of the essential trace element zinc in the neurogenesis control, brain function and cognitive development. The aim of this work is to generate in health professionals, interest about the zinc deficiency effects in neuro-intellectual development and its negative impact in the cultural, economic and social development of the countries.

"Cotton nail cast": a simple solution for mild and painful lateral and distal nail embedding.

BACKGROUND: Onychocryptosis is one of the most common painful nail conditions. Conservative treatment may take a long time to obtain effective results. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to show the effectiveness of a conservative treatment of ingrown nails that shows rapid results. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with painful Stage 1 to 2 onychocryptosis who were not candidates or refused surgery were treated with the cotton cast. The severity and cause of onychocryptosis was clinically evaluated during a 2-month period. A questionnaire was applied to all patients to evaluate pain, final treatment, and possible complications. RESULTS: All patients noticed results in less than 72 hours. Pain subsided in less than 24 hours in half of the patients and before 72 hours in 100% of the patients without the need of other treatments. The use of the cast prevented surgery and the accompanying morbidities in most of the patients (80%). CONCLUSION: The "cotton nail cast" is an effective conservative method for mild nail embedding. It is easy to apply, inexpensive, relieves pain rapidly, and avoids surgery in most patients.

Design and Implementation of a Federal Program to Engage Community Partners to Reduce Disparities in Adult COVID-19 Immunization Uptake, United States, 2021-2022.

Vaccination disparities are part of a larger system of health inequities among racial and ethnic groups in the United States. To increase vaccine equity of racial and ethnic populations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) designed the Partnering for Vaccine Equity program in January 2021, which funded and supported national, state, local, and community organizations in 50 states-which include Indian Health Service Tribal Areas; Washington, DC; and Puerto Rico-to implement culturally tailored activities to improve access to, availability of, and confidence in COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. To increase vaccine uptake at the local level, CDC partnered with national organizations such as the National Urban League and Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum to engage community-based organizations to take action. Lessons learned from the program include the importance of directly supporting and engaging with the community, providing tailored messages and access to vaccines to reach communities where they are, training messengers who are trusted by those in the community, and providing support to funded partners through trainings on program design and implementation that can be institutionalized and sustained beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on these lessons will ensure CDC and other public health partners can continue to advance vaccine equity, increase vaccine uptake, improve health outcomes, and build trust with communities as part of a comprehensive adult immunization infrastructure.

The role of funded partnerships in working towards decreasing COVID-19 vaccination disparities, United States, March 2021-December 2022.

During the COVID-19 vaccination rollout from March 2021- December 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funded 110 primary and 1051 subrecipient partners at the national, state, local, and community-based level to improve COVID-19 vaccination access, confidence, demand, delivery, and equity in the United States. The partners implemented evidence-based strategies among racial and ethnic minority populations, rural populations, older adults, people with disabilities, people with chronic illness, people experiencing homelessness, and other groups disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. CDC also expanded existing partnerships with healthcare professional societies and other core public health partners, as well as developed innovative partnerships with organizations new to vaccination, including museums and libraries. Partners brought COVID-19 vaccine education into farm fields, local fairs, churches, community centers, barber and beauty shops, and, when possible, partnered with local healthcare providers to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Inclusive, hyper-localized outreach through partnerships with community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, vaccination providers, and local health departments was critical to increasing COVID-19 vaccine access and building a broad network of trusted messengers that promoted vaccine confidence. Data from monthly and quarterly REDCap reports and monthly partner calls showed that through these partnerships, more than 295,000 community-level spokespersons were trained as trusted messengers and more than 2.1 million COVID-19 vaccinations were administered at new or existing vaccination sites. More than 535,035 healthcare personnel were reached through outreach strategies. Quality improvement interventions were implemented in healthcare systems, long-term care settings, and community health centers resulting in changes to the clinical workflow to incorporate COVID-19 vaccine assessments, recommendations, and administration or referrals into routine office visits. Funded partners' activities improved COVID-19 vaccine access and addressed community concerns among racial and ethnic minority groups, as well as among people with barriers to vaccination due to chronic illness or disability, older age, lower income, or other factors.

Variability in HIV-1 partial genomic sequences in Costa Rican patients: analysis with different bioinformatics tools.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate subtype and genomic variability in the HIV pol gene of Costa Rican patients by using different bioinformatics tools and to use this information to establish new policies to better manage these patients. METHODS: A total of 113 pol sequences available from Costa Rican patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy were analyzed by using the Genotyping, REGA, Stanford, and MEGA programs. The pol sequences came from 77 virologic failures (VF) and 36 basal samples (BS). Of the 77 VF, 22 also were sequenced in the env region. RESULTS: No major differences were found among the variables studied. However, there was a tendency for more variability in VF patients with a high baseline viral load. In the pol gene, 75%-83% of BS and 66%-75% of VF samples were pure B subtype by Genotyping and REGA, respectively. The other samples presented variations related mainly to circulating recombinant form CRF12 by genotyping or to CRF17 or -29 by phylogenetic analysis or a new possible BD recombinant with all programs. In the Stanford program, all variable samples showed a subtype B with high polymorphism. The variability in the env sequences was lower than that in the pol region. CONCLUSION: The B subtype is predominant in Costa Rican HIV-positive patients. There is high variability within sequences with potential recombination between B and F or D subtypes. The BD recombinant has not been previously reported. This high variability is likely the result of possible recombinant events, nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy, sexual intercourse without protection, and many sexual partners. Similar studies should be done in other countries in the Region, in particular in those places with extensive immigration, in order to decrease the possibility of virus variability as well as the cost of antiretroviral therapy.

Lectin from Phaseolus acutifolius var. escumite: chemical characterization, sugar specificity, and effect on human T-lymphocytes.

Purification of the lectin from Phaseolus acutifolius var. escumite was achieved by affinity chromatography on a column containing glutaraldehyzed membranes from blood group O erythrocytes. The lectin is a tetrameric glycoprotein of 121 kDa with 10% of sugar by weight composed by four subunits of 30 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE. The lectin is composed of four isolectins as determined by ion-exchange chromatography on a mono-S column. The lectin and its isolectins showed identical NH2 terminal residues (ANDLSFNFQR FNETN) with homology to the PHA leucoagglutinin-precursor. Peptide mass fingerprint from each lectin isoform determined from tryptic peptides by MALDI-TOF (matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight) showed differences among subunits, thus suggesting microheterogeneity in their amino acid sequences or different glycosylation patterns. The lectin and its four isolectins agglutinated erythrocytes without serological specificity and showed mitogenic activity on human leukocytes; moreover, the main effect was rather toward CD8+ than to CD4+ human peripheral lymphocytes. The lectin from escumite was not inhibitable by simple sugars; however, the specificity of the lectin and its isoforms was mainly addressed toward galactose residues present in bi- or triantennary N-acetyllactosamine-type glycans.

Isolation of the receptor for the Amaranthus leucocarpus lectin from human T lymphocytes.

Amaranthus leucocarpus lectin (ALL) is specific for GalNAc, and recognizes human T cells. The receptor for ALL was purified from T cells using biotin-labeled lectin and avidin-agarose as affinity matrix. It is a 70-kDa glycoprotein, constituted mainly by serine, glycine, and glutamic acid; its glycosidic portion contains mainly GalNAc; galactose, sialic acid, mannose, and GlcNAc were identified at a lower proportion. By ionic strength chromatography, as well as double dimension electrophoresis, we identified four isoforms of the ALL-receptor. N-terminal amino acid was blocked both in the ALL-receptor and its isoforms, therefore, tryptic peptides of ALL-receptor, analyzed through MALDI-TOF, were compared with the relative values obtained from the NCBInr (ProFound 2004/06/01) database. Our results indicated that the tryptic peptides obtained showed 54% homology with a DnaK-core molecular chaperone, 47% with human KIAA protein, and 44% with heat shock protein 8. The most frequent phenotype of the CD4 or CD8 ALL+ T cells was CD45RA+ CD27+; 26% of ALL+ T cells were CD25+ and 13% were CD69+, indicating that the glycoprotein recognized by ALL is present mainly on naive or quiescent T cells.

Reacción de hipersensibilidad secundaria al uso de bloqueadores neuromusculares / Hypersensitivity reaction secondary to the use of neuromuscular blockers

Resumen: Introducción: La anafilaxia perioperatoria constituye una condición clínica potencialmente letal. La causa más frecuente se atribuye a los bloqueadores neuromusculares. Objetivo: Identificar la incidencia de reacciones anafilácticas secundarias al uso de bloqueadores neuromusculares. Material y métodos: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva, observacional, de corte transversal para evaluar la incidencia de reacciones anafilácticas secundarias al uso de bloqueantes neuromusculares. El estudio se realizó en el Hospital «Hermanos Ameijeiras¼ en el período comprendido entre enero de 2016 y diciembre de 2018. Resultados: Del total de intervenciones quirúrgicas electivas, 3,431 requirieron anestesia general y el uso de bloqueadores neuromusculares. Predominó el sexo femenino en 75% de los casos, el grupo etario de 60 años y más con 68 pacientes (32.7%), el estado físico ASA II, 98 pacientes (41.1%). La media del IMC fue de 22.7 ± 1.14. La media del tiempo quirúrgico fue de 190 ± 42.5 min. De todos los fármacos el más utilizado fue el atracurio en 90 pacientes (43.3%) seguido del vecuronio 79 (38.0%) y el rocuronio 39 (18.8%). El número de eventos adversos fue escaso. Sólo se encontraron cuatro, dos con atracurio (50%), uno con rocuronio y uno con vecuronio 25% respectivamente. Conclusiones: Se constató la presencia de reacciones anafilácticas por el uso de bloqueadores neuromusculares, mismas que se manifestaron en un corto período al inicio de la inducción. El atracurio presentó la mayor frecuencia y todas fueron de intensidad leve.

Abstract: Introduction: Perioperative anaphylaxis is a potentially lethal clinical condition. The most frequent cause is attributed to neuromuscular blockers. Objective: To identify the incidence of anaphylactic reactions secondary to the use of neuromuscular blockers. Material and methods: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional investigation was conducted to assess the incidence of anaphylactic reactions secondary to the use of neuromuscular blockers. The study was carried out at the «Hermanos Ameijeiras¼ Hospital, in the period between january 2016 and december 2018. Results: Of the total elective surgical interventions, 3,431 required general anesthesia and the use of neuromuscular blockers. The female sex predominated with 75%, the age group of 60 years and over with 68 patients (32.7%), ASA II physical condition, 98 patients (41.1%). The average BMI was 22.7 ± 1.14. The mean surgical time was 190 ± 42.5 min. Of all the drugs the most used was atracurium in 90 patients (43.3%), followed by vecuronium 79 (38.0%) and rocuronium 39 (18.8%). The number of adverse events was low. Only four were found, two with atracurium (50%), one with rocuronium and one with 25% vecuronium respectively. Conclusions: The presence of anaphylactic reactions was observed with the use of neuromuscular blockers, which occurred in a short period at the beginning of induction. The atracurium presented the highest frequency and all were of mild intensity.

Participation of serum and membrane lectins on the oxidative burst regulation in Macrobrachium rosenbergii hemocytes.

Using a spectrophotometric NBT reduction assay and phagocytosis, we identified that production of superoxide anions and phagocytic activity of hemocytes from Macrobrachium rosenbergii were significantly higher in the presence of rat, rabbit, and chicken erythrocytes than with human, pig, or horse erythrocytes. Hemocytes stimulated with MrL, MrLMab, or PMA increased 4.7, 5.1, and 6.1 fold, respectively, the oxidative response as compared to non-stimulated hemocytes. MrLMab together with MrL increased 5.7 fold the oxidative capacity of hemocytes as compared to non-stimulated cells. These effects were inhibited with 100 mM GalNAc, GlcNAc, or Neu5Ac and 0.2 microM of sialylated submaxillary gland mucin and fetuin. Piroxicam inhibited (P < 0.05) the production of O(2)(-) induced by MrL, whereas iodoacetamide inhibited the effect of MrLMAb (P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Our results suggest that MrLMab might activate the oxidative burst through the metabolism of glucose as opposed to MrL which utilizes NADPH-independent mechanisms, very probably through pro-inflammatory metabolites.

Study of antiretroviral mutants in HIV patients with treatment failures and the effect of risk factors in the virological failures.

INTRODUCTION: Information about HIV phenotypes of resistant to available ART and the influence of different risk factors on virological failures (VF) in Costa Rican HIV positive patients prior or during HAART is unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty nine samples, 72 VF and 17 basal (before treatment) were analyzed by examining resistant mutants in reverse transcriptase (RT) and protease (PT) regions using Trugene or LIPA genotyping kits. Sixty eight control patients were selected and relevant information was collected in a questionnaire. RESULTS: Poor adherence, presence of resistant mutations and number of treatment's changes were the only significant factors found (p = 0.006, 0.04 and 0.01 respectively). From 66 sequenced samples, 78%, 50% and 50% showed resistance to NRTI (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors), NNRT (non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors) and PI (protease inhibitors), respectively. The most frequent mutations were M41L, M184V, and T215FY in RT and L62PI, L10FIRV and M36I in PT. DISCUSSION: The most important factor related to treatment response in this study was adherence to treatment. Mutations in RT were related to the treatment failure while the ones found in PT were secondary mutations which have been previously described to influence the selection of primary resistance mutations in these regions. The study reveals the urgency to detect resistant mutations in VF to be considered by physicians for selection of treatment schedule, to analyze basal HIV patients for monitoring of the spread of resistant mutations and the importance to reinforce the adherence in the patients for overall treatment outcome.

Utilidad de la prueba de fuga peritubo para la seguridad de la extubación / Usefulness of the test of leak around the tube for patient safety

Introducción: La prueba de fuga de aire peritubo no es invasiva. Es relativamente fácil de realizar y proporciona una indicación de la permeabilidad de la vía respiratoria superior. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de la prueba de fuga peritubo, medidas de modo cualitativas y cuantitativa, para la seguridad de la extubación. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo de corte transversal de los pacientes de cualquier género, programados para intervención quirúrgica por: microcirugía laríngea, cirugía para bocio endotoraxico, cirugía maxilofacial y aquellos con antecedentes de intubación difícil que requirieron más de tres intentos de intubación y/o uso de conductores o guías. La muestra estuvo conformada por 52 pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de selección. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante el cálculo de medidas para variables cualitativas y para las cuantitativas el Chi-cuadrado de Pearson (x2). Resultados: El grupo con mayor frecuencia fueron los menores de 40 años. Predominó el sexo masculino. El tubo 7,5 fue el más utilizado (50 por ciento). Los resultados de la concordancia entre la prueba cualitativa y cuantitativa según presencia o no de fuga de aire peritubo fue de 90,4 por ciento respectivamente. Las complicaciones según pruebas fueron escasas. Conclusiones: Ambas pruebas constituyen herramientas útiles para el diagnóstico de obstrucción de la vía respiratoria durante la extubación. La modalidad cualitativa resultó ser tan eficaz como la cuantitativa y más fácil de reproducir para los operadores en el estudio(AU)

Introduction: The air leak test around the endotracheal tube is not invasive. It is relatively easy to perform and provides an indication of the permeability of the upper airway. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the air leak" test around the endotracheal tube, qualitatively and quantitatively measured, for the safety of extubation. Method: A descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional study was carried out with patients of any gender scheduled for surgical intervention by laryngeal microsurgery, surgery for endotoxic goiter, maxillofacial surgery, and those with a history of difficult intubation that required more than three attempts at intubation and/or the usage of drivers or guides. The sample consisted of 52 patients who met the selection criteria. Statistical analysis was performed by calculating measures for qualitative variables, while for quantitative variables, Pearson's chi-square (x2) was used. Results: The group with more frequency was represented by those under 40 years. The male sex prevailed. The 7.5 tube was the most used (50 percent). The results of the concordance between the qualitative and quantitative test according to the presence or absence of air leak around the tube was 90.4 percent, respectively. Complications based on the tests were scarce. Conclusions: Both tests are useful tools for the diagnosis of airway obstruction during extubation. The qualitative modality proved to be as effective as the quantitative and easier to reproduce for the operators in the study(AU)

Complicaciones anestésicas intraoperatorias y posoperatorias de la nefrolitotomía percutánea en pacientes con litiasis coraliforme / Intraoperative and postoperative anesthesia-related complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with coraliform lithiasis

Introducción: En la actualidad la litiasis renal constituye entre el 20 y el 30 por ciento de las consultas de urología en el mundo. Objetivos: Identificar las complicaciones intra- y posoperatorias de la nefrolitotomía percutánea en pacientes con litiasis coraliforme. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en pacientes con diagnóstico de litiasis coraliforme ingresados para nefrolitotomía percutánea electiva en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras entre octubre 2010 y entre octubre 2015. Resultados: Se identificaron 32 pacientes con complicaciones intra y posoperatorias. Del sexo masculino fueron 68,7 por ciento. La media de la edad fue 47,59 ± 12,2 años. La clasificación ASA más frecuente fue ASA II en 56,2 por ciento. Todos los pacientes recibieron anestesia general. El valor medio de pérdidas hemáticas intraoperatorias fue de 650,00 ± 413,09 mL. La reposición total de volumen fue de 10, 107,80 ± 2, 659,25 mL. Se administró cloro sodio al 0,9 por ciento 7743,75 ± 2007,39 mL y concentrado de hematíes a 18,8 por ciento del total. Las complicaciones intraoperatorias se presentaron en 24 pacientes 75,0 por ciento. De ellas las más frecuentes fueron las metabólicas, cardiovasculares, respiratorias y renales. La hipotermia estuvo presente en la tercera parte de los enfermos. Las complicaciones posoperatorio se presentaron en 23 pacientes 71,9 por ciento. De ellas, cardiovasculares, respiratorias, renales y sépticas fueron las más frecuentes. Conclusiones: Las complicaciones fueron frecuentes y graves; sin embargo, se logró un porcentaje importante de pacientes egresados curados(AU)

Introduction: Renal lithiasis currently accounts for 20-30 percent of urology consultations worldwide. Objectives: To identify the intra- and postoperative complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with staghorn lithiasis. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in patients with a diagnosis of staghorn lithiasis and admitted for elective percutaneous nephrolithotomy Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical-Surgical Hospital between October 2010 and October 2015. Results: We identified 32 patients with intra- and postoperative complications. The male sex was represented by the 68.7 percent. The mean age was 47.59±12.2 years. The most frequent ASA classification was ASA II, accounting for 56.2 percent. All patients received general anesthesia. The mean value of intraoperative hematic losses was 650.00±413.09 mL. Total volume replacement was 10, 107.80±2, 659.25 mL. Chloride sodium 0.9 percent was administered at doses 7743.75±2007.39 mL and packed red blood cells to 18.8 percent of the total. Intraoperative complications occurred in 24 patients, accounting for 75.0 percent. Of these, the most frequent were metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory and renal. Hypothermia was present in one third of the patients. Postoperative complications occurred in 23 patients, accounting for 71.9 percent. Of these, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and septic were the most frequent. Conclusions: The complications were frequent and serious. However, an important percentage number was achieved for cured discharge patients(AU)

La deficiencia de zinc: un problema global que afecta la salud y el desarrollo cognitivo / Zinc deficiency: a global problem that affect the health and cognitive development

La deficiencia de zinc afecta aproximadamente un tercio de la población mundial, principalmente en los países en vía de desarrollo, en las áreas rurales y en las comunidades más pobres, donde constituye un importante factor de riesgo asociado a enfermedad. En este trabajo se realiza una revisión de los avances científicos que han permitido conocer el papel fundamental del zinc en el control de la neurogénesis, el funcionamiento del cerebro y el desarrollo cognitivo. Con el fin de generar en los profesionales de salud, interés por la investigación de los efectos de la deficiencia de zinc en el desarrollo neurológico y cognitivo y su impacto negativo en el desarrollo cultural, social y económico de los pueblos(AU)

The zinc deficiency affects approximately a third of the world population, principally in the developing countries, the rural areas and in the poorest communities, where this micronutrient deficiency is one of the most prevalent risk factor for nutrientrelated diseases. This paper compiles scientific advances about the key role of the essential trace element zinc in the neurogenesis control, brain function and cognitive development. The aim of this work is to generate in health professionals, interest about the zinc deficiency effects in neuro-intellectual development and its negative impact in the cultural, economic and social development of the countries(AU)

Reversión del bloqueo neuromuscular inducido por vecuronio: sugammadex o neostigmina / Reversal of vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade: sugammadex vs. neostigmine

Introducción: se han descrito diferencias entre la reversión de los bloqueantes neuromusculares con sugammadex y neostigmina. La mayoría concuerda que los resultados con sugammadex son superiores. Objetivos: comparar la capacidad del sugammadex y la neostigmina para revertir el bloqueo neuromuscular con vecuronio. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de casos y controles, para evaluar la capacidad del recobro muscular con vecuronio, tras la reversión con sugammadex y neostigmina. Se evaluó el recobro muscular por exploración clínica. Resultados: se estudiaron un total de 405 pacientes, al Grupo S, correspondieron 135 pacientes y al Grupo N 270. El tiempo medio de duración de la intervención quirúrgica, fue para el grupo S de 32,21±1,2 min y para el Grupo N de 33,16 ±1,2 min. El promedio de tiempo de la reversión en el grupo S fue de 2.2 minutos y en el grupo N de 14.4 min. La calidad de la recuperación, en ambos grupos fue buena, no obstante las diferencias observadas en la frecuencia de los revertidos con sugammadex, resultó estadísticamente significativa (p = 0.00001). Las complicaciones fueron mas frecuentes en el grupo N. Conclusiones: se corroboró la capacidad del sugammadex para revertir el bloqueo neuromuscular con vecuronio. El tiempo de reversión del bloqueo fue 6,54 veces más prolongado con neostigmina. La calidad de la recuperación fue 1.34 veces mejor con de sugammmadex. Las reacciones adversas fueron 11,02 veces mas frecuentes con neostigmina que con sugammadex.

Introduction: studies are available about the differences between reversal of neuromuscular blockers with sugammadex and neostigmine. Most studies agree that results are better when sugammadex is used. Objectives: compare the capacity of sugammadex and neostigmine to revert vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade. Methods: a case-control study was conducted to evaluate neuromuscular recovery with vecuronium after reversal with sugammadex and neostigmine. Muscular recovery was evaluated by clinical examination. Results: a total 405 patients were studied. Group S was composed of 135 patients and Group N of 270. Mean surgical duration was 32.21±1.2 min for Group S and 33.16 ±1.2 min for Group N. Average reversal time was 2.2 min in Group S and 14.4 min in Group N. The quality of recovery was good in both groups. However, the frequency differences found in patients reverted with sugammadex were statistically significant (p = 0.00001). Complications were more frequent in Group N. Conclusions: the capacity of sugammadex to revert vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade was confirmed. Reversal time was 6.54 longer with neostigmine. The quality of recovery was 1.34 times better with sugammadex. Adverse reactions were 11.02 times more frequent with neostigmine than with sugammadex.

Anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of plants used in Mexican traditional medicine for gastrointestinal disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Helicobacter pylori is the major etiological agent of chronic active gastritis and peptic ulcer disease and is linked to gastric carcinoma. Treatment to eradicate the bacteria failed in many cases, mainly due to antibiotic resistance, hence the necessity of developing better therapeutic regimens. Mexico has an enormous unexplored potential of medicinal plants. This work evaluates the in vitro anti-H. pylori activity of 53 plants used in Mexican traditional medicine for gastrointestinal disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To test the in vitro antibacterial activity, agar dilution and broth dilution methods were used for aqueous and methanolic extracts, respectively. RESULTS: Aqueous extracts of Artemisia ludoviciana subsp. mexicana, Cuphea aequipetala, Ludwigia repens,and Mentha x piperita (MIC 125 to <250 microg/ml) as well as methanolic extracts of Persea americana, Annona cherimola, Guaiacum coulteri, and Moussonia deppeana (MIC <7.5 to 15.6 microg/ml) showed the highest inhibitory effect. CONCLUSIONS: The results contribute to understanding the mode of action of the studied medicinal plants and for detecting plants with high anti-Helicobacter pylori activity.

Morfina intratecal como analgésico postoperatorio en la corrección quirúrgica de escoliosis / Intratecal morphine as a preoperative analgesic in the surgical correction of scoliosis

Introducción: la escoliosis, entidad frecuente en Cuba, es fuente de preocupación e investigación por su repercusión estética y afecciones funcionales que produce. Su tratamiento definitivo es quirúrgico y el dolor es una molestia significativa para estos pacientes en el postoperatorio. Objetivos: caracterizar el desempeño de la morfina intratecal como analgésico postoperatorio en la corrección quirúrgica de escoliosis. Métodos: análisis del dolor postoperatorio de 24 pacientes portadores de escoliosis idiopática con curvaturas mayores o iguales a 40 grados divididos en un grupo «Estudio¼ receptor de morfina intratecal y un grupo «Control¼ con tratamiento convencional. Análisis estadístico con la prueba t, ANOVA, Chi-cuadrado, Odds Ratio y Correlación Lineal de Spearman con un nivel de significación de 5 %. Resultados: ambos grupos no exhibieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas respecto a edad, sexo, peso corporal, estado físico ASA, grado de escoliosis y tiempo quirúrgico pero difirieron significativamente en la analgesia de rescate requerida en la totalidad de los controles y en menos de la mitad del grupo Estudio. Solo un paciente del grupo Estudio no presentó efectos adversos atribuibles a la morfina. Los dos grupos revelaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en relación al dolor postoperatorio a las 3, 6, 12 y 48 horas, no así a las 24 horas. Conclusiones la morfina intratecal fue altamente efectiva para disminuir el dolor postoperatorio con desempeño superior al tratamiento convencional. La incidencia y severidad de los efectos colaterales fueron aceptables y fácilmente controlables, no se presentó ninguna complicación.

Introduction: scoliosis, a frequent entity in Cuba, is a source of concern and research due to the esthetic repercussion and functional affections that produces. Surgery is the definite treatment and the pain is a significant bother for patients in postoperative. Objective: to characterize the behavior of intratecal morphine as a postoperative analgesic in the surgical correction of scoliosis. . Methods: analysis of postoperative pain in 24 patients who suffer from idiopathic scoliosis with main curvatures or equal to 40 degrees divided into a study group as a receptor of intratecal morphine and a control group with a conventional treatment. Statistical analysis with the T test , ANOVA, Chi-squared, Odds Ratio and Linear Correlation of Spearman with a level of significance of 5 %. . Results: both groups did not show significant statistical differences as to age, sex. body weight, ASA physical conditions, degree of scoliosis and surgical time but they differed significantly in the rescue analgesia in all controls and in less than the half of the study group. Only one patient of the group study did not show side effects attributed to morphine. Both groups revealed statistical differences in relation to postoperative pain at 3, 6, 12 y 48 hours, but not at 24 hours. Conclusions: intratecal morphine was effective to reduce postoperative pain with a higher behavior to conventional treatment. Incidence and severity of side effects were acceptable and easily controllable, there was no complication.

Complicaciones hemodinámicas en el posoperatorio inmediato relacionadas con la reposición de volumen intraoperatorio / Hemodynamic complications related to intraoperative volume replacement in the immediate postoperative period

Introducción: la administración de fluidos durante el transoperatorio, tiene como premisa mantener un volumen intravascular adecuado para asegurar un equilibrio hidroelectrolítico y ácido-básico, y optimizar el transporte de oxígeno y la función de los factores de la coagulación. Objetivo: evaluar la relación entre la pauta de administración de fluidos como soluciones de reemplazo en el transoperatorio y la aparición de complicaciones hemodinámicas en el posoperatorio inmediato. Método: se realizó un estudio prospectivo, descriptivo, de corte transversal con una revisión exhaustiva de las historias clínicas a los pacientes que recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico en el Hospital Clínicoquirúrgico "Hermanos Ameijeiras", en el período de enero de 2009 a enero de 2011; y al día siguiente del acto quirúrgico se entrevistaron los anestesiólogos actuantes. Resultados: de una muestra de 42 pacientes, 15 presentaron comportamiento hemodinámico sugerente de demanda de volumen, en las primeras 24 horas de concluida la intervención. La demanda de volumen se relacionó con intervenciones quirúrgicas abdominales y espinales complejas, reposición del volumen con coloides en las pérdidas hemáticas y de volemia en menos del 100 %, y un tiempo quirúrgico mayor de 5 horas. No influyeron los valores de hematocrito, el peso y el por ciento de pérdidas hemáticas. Conclusiones: la estabilidad hemodinámica posoperatoria, en los pacientes a quienes se les realizaron intervenciones con pérdidas hemáticas mayores de 1 000 mL, estuvo influenciada por el porcentaje de sangre perdida y su reposición. Los mejores resultados se obtuvieron cuando la expansión superó las pérdidas y la reposición se realizó con coloides. El tiempo quirúrgico influyó significativamente en la estabilidad hemodinámica.

Introduction: fluid administration during the transoperative period is aimed at maintaining an adequate intravascular volume to ensure appropriate hydroelectrolytic and acid-base balance and optimize oxygen transport and the function of coagulation factors. Objective: evaluate the relationship between the fluid administration regimen based on replacement solutions in the transoperative period and the appearance of hemodynamic complications in the immediate postoperative period. Method: a prospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted based on an exhaustive review of the medical records of patients undergoing surgical treatment at Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital from January 2009 to January 2011. Additionally, the anesthesiologists involved were interviewed on the day after each operation. Results: in a sample of 42 patients, 15 showed hemodynamic behavior suggesting volume demand in the 24 hours following surgery. Volume demand was associated with abdominal and complex spinal surgery, colloidal volume replacement in blood losses or volemic losses under 100 %, and a surgical time greater than 5 hours. No influence was exerted by hematocrit values, weight or percentage of blood loss. Conclusions: the postoperative hemodynamic stability of patients undergoing surgical interventions with blood losses above 1 000 mL was influenced by the percentage of blood lost and its replacement. The best results were obtained when the expansion exceeded the losses and when the replacement was conducted with colloids. Surgical time had a significant influence on hemodynamic stability.