Vaginal Microbiota and Proinflammatory Status in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Exploratory Study.

Background/Purpose: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine-metabolic disease most common in patients of childbearing age. This pathology is associated with clinical, metabolic, and reproductive complications. We evaluated the diversity of the vaginal microbiota (VM), the vaginal inflammatory reaction (VIR), the proinflammatory state, and the activation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) with the production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Methods: Thirty-three patients who attended a consultation at the Hospital UTPL-Santa Inés, Loja, Ecuador, from May to August 2023 who were diagnosed with PCOS participated in this study. Blood samples, vaginal discharge, and a survey were obtained. Results: A high number of patients, 23/33 (69.7%), presented altered microbiota in clinical variables associated with PCOS phenotypes A and B, sexual partners (>2), and oligomenorrhoea. A significant statistical association was only observed for sexually transmitted infections at sampling (p = 0.023) and insulin (p = 0.002). All eight cases studied with VIR had PMN/NETotic activity. A high frequency of proinflammatory states was observed in all vaginal microbiota states. Conclusions: These results suggest that the PCOS could trigger a proinflammatory state in the vaginal epithelium independently of the state of the vaginal microbiota. Furthermore, the presence of NETs observed in the cases studied could decrease fertility in these PCOS patients.

Phenotypic Characterization of Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Population from the Ecuadorian Andes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent endocrine-metabolic disorder in women of reproductive age. Diagnosis is based on the evidence-based international guideline 2018 and the Rotterdam Consensus to classify PCOS phenotypes. This study aims to characterize the biodemographic, clinical, metabolic, and reproductive variables and their relationship with PCOS phenotypes in a population from the Ecuadorian Andes. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a non-random consecutive sample of 92 women who attended the outpatient gynecology and endocrinology clinic at the Hospital of the Technical University of Loja (UTPL)-Santa Inés, Loja, Ecuador, between January 2022 and July 2023. Descriptive statistics, mean calculations, standard deviation, parametric and nonparametric tests, odds ratios (OR), confidence intervals (CI), and p-values were employed. Results: The average age was 22 ± 3.4 years, with a predominantly mestizo, urban, single, highly educated, and medium-high socioeconomic level population. It was identified that phenotypes A + B are at a higher risk of developing oligomenorrhea and hypertriglyceridemia compared to phenotypes C + D, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in terms of reproductive variables, phenotypes A + B exhibit a significantly higher frequency of elevated anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) compared to phenotypes C + D, also with statistical significance (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The classical phenotypes A and B of PCOS are the most common in Ecuadorian Andean women and carry a higher risk of insulin resistance, anovulation, metabolic disorders, and elevated triglyceride levels compared to phenotypes C and D. Ethnic diversity and sociocultural habits influence the prevalence and clinical manifestations of these phenotypes.

Improving the Management of Children with Fevers by Healers in Native Rural Areas in the South of Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous populations are represented among the poor and disadvantaged in rural areas. High rates of infectious diseases are observed in indigenous child populations, and fever as a general symptom is common. OBJECTIVE: We aim to improve the skills of healers in rural indigenous areas in the South of Ecuador for managing children with fevers. METHOD: We performed participatory action research (PAR) for this study with 65 healers. RESULTS: The PAR focused on the following four phases: (1) 'observation,' eight focus groups were used. (2) 'planning' phase was developed, and with culturally reflective peer group sessions, a culturally adapted flowchart was constructed titled "Management of children with fever." In phase (3): 'action', the healers were trained to manage children with fever. Phase (4): 'evaluation', 50% of the healers used the flowchart. CONCLUSIONS: Explicit recognition of the need for traditional healers and health professionals in indigenous communities to work together to improve health indicators such as infant mortality exists. Additionally, strengthening the transfer system in rural areas is based on knowledge and cooperation between the community and the biomedical system.

Estudios de corte transversal: un diseño de investigación a considerar en ciencias morfológicas / Cross section studies: a research design to consider in morphological sciences

Los estudios de corte transversal (ECT) inician en la década de los 40 en países Europeos. Los ECT corresponden a investigaciones de tipo observacional que permiten estudiar prevalencia de enfermedad, determinar asociación entre variables y el desarrollo de un efecto de interés, conocer propiedades de una prueba diagnóstica, y censar poblaciones; describiendo las características de una población en un momento y lugar determinado. Esto implica, que no se requieren periodos de seguimiento, que no son prospectivos ni retrospectivos; características que permiten que sean más baratos y fáciles de realizar en relación a los estudios longitudinales. Por otro lado, al ser de carácter descriptivo sirven como insumo y evidencia preliminar para estudios de mayor complejidad metodológica, como estudios de cohortes. Sin embargo, tienen limitantes y sesgos que deben ser considerados por los investigadores. El objetivo de este manuscrito fue generar un documento de estudio para revisar características esenciales, fortalezas y debilidades; discutir cuestiones metodológicas de los ECT en ciencias de la salud; y proporcionar algunos ejemplos obtenidos de la literatura, para mejor comprensión del diseño.

SUMMARY: Cross-sectional studies (CSS) began European countries in the 1940s in. The CSSs correspond to observational-type investigations that allow studying the prevalence of disease, determining the association between variables and the development of an effect of interest, discovering the properties of a diagnostic test, and censusing populations, describing the characteristics of a population at a given time and place. This implies that follow-up periods are not required, and that they are neither prospective nor retrospective. These characteristics allow them to be cheaper and easier to perform in relation to longitudinal studies. On the other hand, being descriptive in nature, they serve as input and preliminary evidence for studies of greater methodological complexity, such as cohort studies. However, they have limitations and biases that must be considered by researchers. The aim of this manuscript was to generate a study document to review essential characteristics, strengths and weaknesses; discuss methodological issues of ECT in health sciences; and provide some examples obtained from the literature, for a better understanding of the design.

Culturally adapted flowcharts in obstetric emergencies: a participatory action research study.

INTRODUCTION: Maternal mortality is a health problem in developing countries and is the result of several factors such as sociodemographic and economic inequalities and difficulties in accessing the health services. In addition, training strategies in obstetric emergencies targeting the non-medical personnel such as traditional midwives are scarce. The focus of this study is to develop learning and communication bridges on the management of obstetric emergencies and on policies of patients' referral to the biomedical health system in rural areas. METHODOLOGY: A Participant Action Research (PAR) study with a mixed methods approach was set up to elaborate culturally adapted flowcharts. The project lasted approximately 3,5 years, from September 2016 to January 2021. RESULTS: The study was conducted with 94 traditional midwives from southern Ecuador and is divided into 4 phases, namely: 1) Exploration: focus groups and interviews were conducted to document the management of obstetric emergencies through the presentation of "clinical case" scenarios in three important topics, namely: pre-eclampsia, shoulder dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage, 2) Planning: a number of reflective sessions were conducted between the researchers and the healers/midwives to elaborate flowcharts. 3) Action: the training was conducted in rooms dedicated to proficiency in the aforementioned topics and using the flowcharts, 4) Evaluation: 90% of the participants reported having used the flowcharts during the first year after the training. The most frequently used flowchart was that of pre-eclampsia for the recognition of warning signs during pregnancy control. CONCLUSION: This study documents common practices of pregnancy and delivery management by traditional midwives. Furthermore, cultural flowcharts were developed for and together with midwives to improve the clinical response to obstetric emergencies. The preliminary evaluation was favorable; the most frequently used flowchart concerned preeclampsia. In this process, establishing a partnership was crucial for successful intercultural collaboration.

Knowledge and Perceptions about Cervical Cancer and HPV Screening in Women in Rural Areas of Ecuador: A Qualitative Research Study.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer continues to be a major health problem in developing countries. Educational programs, as well as Pap and HPV screening and vaccination, are important tools to reduce the morbidity and mortality rates associated with this disease. The objective of this study is to explore the diverse knowledge and perceptions about cervical cancer and the different diagnostic tests for HPV of populations living in the rural parish "El Valle". METHOD: A qualitative study was conducted through eight focus groups, which included 46 participants from mixed ethnic groups. A phenomenological analysis was performed. RESULTS: Four topics and seven sub-topics were identified. By analyzing all the narratives, it was possible to identify that the perception of cervical cancer was focused on its severity, secondary to its infectious process and screening periodicity. However, despite the diverse knowledge, indigenous people do not relate it to the human papilloma virus; in addition, there is also certain resistance to undergo the Pap smear test, for reasons such as inaccessibility and its sampling process. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to develop educational programs for the prevention of cervical cancer and to implement diagnostic alternatives to reach populations with precarious accessibility, as well as women who refuse to undergo the Pap smear test.

Correlación entre las pruebas de antígeno prostático específico rápida y sérica / Correlation between rapid and serum prostate-specific antigen tests

Introducción: Al día de hoy no se ha alcanzado un consenso sobre el mejor enfoque para realizar el tamizaje y la detección precoz del Cáncer de Próstata (CaP), en la población. No obstante, hay programas que recomiendan la utilización de la prueba de antígeno prostático específico rápida para la detección de CaP sin un análisis de correlación frente a la prueba sérica. Objetivo: Identificar la correlación entre las pruebas de antígeno prostático específico rápida y sérica, en la población mexicana. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo, bajo un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia. En el período comprendido entre el 25 de mayo al 13 de julio de 2017. Se calcularon los coeficientes de correlación punto biserial (r pb ) y phi (r phi ). Resultados: Se incluyeron 1 635 registros, principalmente de la Ciudad de México y del Estado de México (n= 1 398; 85,5 por ciento, IC95 por ciento 81-89,9). La edad promedio fue de 51 años (DE= 7,68). El valor promedio de antígeno prostático sérico fue de 1,49 ng/mL (DE= 1,91). La proporción de hombres con una prueba rápida positiva (n=60; 3,7 por ciento; IC95 por ciento 2,9-4,6) fue menor (p= 0,0415) en comparación con la proporción de pacientes con una prueba sérica ≥ 4 ng/mL (n=85; 5,2 por ciento; IC95 por ciento 4,1-6,3). El número de casos dobles negativos fue de 1 530 (93,6 por ciento; IC95 por ciento 92,3-94,6) y de dobles positivos fue de 40 (2,4 por ciento; IC95 por ciento1,7-3,2). Los coeficientes de correlación punto biserial y phi mostraron una correlación baja entre la prueba rápida y la prueba sérica de antígeno prostático (rpb= 0,469; p < 0,001; r2= 0,2199 y r ph i= 0,540; p < 0,001; r2= 0,2916). Conclusiones: La prueba de antígeno prostático específico rápida es una herramienta conveniente para los programas de detección de alteración prostática en unidades médicas del primer nivel de atención, donde la prueba sérica no se puede realizar, al ser una prueba con una baja sensibilidad y con un bajo coeficiente de correlación respecto de la prueba de antígeno prostático específico sérica, esto es un punto importante que debe considerarse al diseñar programas de detección oportuna de cáncer de próstata(AU)

Introduction: To date, no consensus has been reached on the best approach for screening and early detection of Prostate Cancer (PCa) in the population. However, there are programs recommending the use of the rapid prostate-specific antigen test for the detection of PCa without a correlation analysis versus the serum test. Objective: To identify the correlation between rapid and serum prostate specific antigen tests in the Mexican population. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study was carried out, under a non-probabilistic convenience sampling from May 25 to July 13, 2017. The correlation coefficients of point biserial (rpb) and phi (rphi) were calculated. Results: One thousand six hundred thirty five (1,635) records were included, mainly from Mexico City and the State of Mexico (n= 1,398; 85.5 percent, 95 percent CI 81-89.9). The average age was 51 years (SD= 7.68). The mean value of serum prostate antigen was 1.49 ng/ml (SD= 1.91). The proportion of men with positive rapid test (n=60; 3.7 percent; 95 percent CI 2.9-4.6) was lower (p= 0.0415) compared to the proportion of patients with a serum test ≥ 4 ng/ml (n= 85; 5.2 percent; 95 percent CI 4.1-6.3). The number of double negative cases was 1,530 (93.6 percent; CI95 percent 92.3-94.6) and of double positives was 40 (2.4 percent; CI95 percent 1.7-3.2). The point biserial and phi correlation coefficients showed low correlation between the rapid test and the serum prostate antigen test (rpb= 0.469; p < 0.001; r2= 0.2199 and rphi= 0.540; p < 0.001; r2= 0. 2916). Conclusions: The rapid prostate-specific antigen test is a convenient tool for prostatic alteration detection programs in primary care medical units, where the serum test cannot be performed, however, as it is a test with low sensitivity and with low correlation coefficient with respect to serum prostate-specific antigen testing, this is an important point to consider when designing prostate cancer early detection programs(AU)

Endometriosis de la pared abdominal en relación con cicatriz de operación cesárea: serie de casos / Abdominal wall endometriosis in relation to cesarean section scar: number of cases

RESUMEN: La endometriosis (E), se define como presencia de glándulas endometriales y estroma fuera del útero. Ocasionalmente se presenta como masa sensible en la pared abdominal (PA), en relación con una cicatriz quirúrgica (EPA). Aunque el tratamiento es quirúrgico, existe poca información respecto de la morbilidad postoperatoria (MPO) y la recurrencia de la EPA. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar MPO y recurrencia en pacientes resecadas quirúrgicamente por EPA. Serie de casos de pacientes con EPA, sometidos a cirugía de forma consecutiva, en Clínica RedSalud Mayor, entre 2011 y 2021. Las variables resultados MPO y recurrencia. Otras variables de interés fueron: tiempo quirúrgico, estancia hospitalaria y mortalidad. Las pacientes fueron seguidas de forma clínica. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva, con medidas de tendencia central y dispersión. Se intervinieron 14 pacientes, con una mediana de edad de 33 años. La medianas del tiempo quirúrgico y estancia hospitalaria; fueron 55 min y 2,5 días respectivamente. La MPO fue 14,2 % (2 casos). Con una mediana de seguimiento de 31 meses, no se verificó recurrencia. Aunque la EPA es poco común, estas lesiones deben sospecharse en mujeres en edad reproductiva con masa palpable en relación con una cicatriz de cirugía ginecológica u obstétrica. Los resultados obtenidos, en términos de MPO y recurrencia, fueron similares a series internacionales.

SUMMARY: Endometriosis (E) is defined as the presence of endometrial glands and endometrial stroma outside the uterus. Occasionally it presents as a sensitive mass in the abdominal wall (AW), in relation to a surgical scar (AWE). Although the treatment is surgical, there is scarce information regarding postoperative morbidity (POM) and recurrence of AWE. The aim of this study was to determine POM and recurrence in patients surgically resected by AWE. Case series of patients with AWE, consecutively submitted to surgery, at RedSalud Mayor Clinic, between 2011 and 2021. Outcome variables were POM and recurrence. Other variables of interest were surgical time, hospital stay and mortality. Patients were followed-up clinically. Descriptive statistics were used, applying central tendency and dispersion measures. 14 patients were intervened, with a median age of 33 years. Median of surgical time and hospital stay were 55 min and 2,5 days respectively. POM was 14.2 % (2 cases). With a median follow-up of 31 months no recurrence was verified. Although AWE is uncommon, these lesions should be suspected in women in fertile age with a palpable mass associated with a scar from gynecologic or obstetric surgery. The results obtained, in terms of POM and recurrence, were like international series.

Efectos nocivos del plomo para la salud del hombre / Harmful effects of lead on human health

El plomo es un metal pesado que se encuentra de forma natural en la corteza terrestre y ha sido distribuido en el ambiente, debido a fuentes fijas o móviles contaminantes antropogénica o naturales. Existen compuestos orgánicos e inorgánicos del plomo, que son liberados al aire durante la combustión del carbono y aceite. Este puede ingresar al organismo por tres vías: respiratoria, digestiva y dérmica o cutánea y causar efectos nocivos para la salud del hombre a nivel celular, sin que ni siquiera puedan ser percibidos a corto plazo. El objetivo de la revisión fue exponer las características del plomo y su influencia para la salud de la población. Dados los efectos nocivos del plomo y su influencia para la salud de la población, este es en la actualidad, un motivo de atención especial por constituir una parte importante de la contaminación ambiental presente en muchas ciudades en el mundo.

Lead is a heavy metal found in its natural form in Earth's crust, and distributed in the environment by anthropogenic or natural, fixed or mobile sources of pollutants. Organic and inorganic lead compounds are released to the air during carbon and oil combustion. Lead may enter the human body by three routes: respiratory, digestive, or dermal or cutaneous, but its damaging effects on human health at cell level can not be noticed in the short term. The purpose of the review was to characterize lead and determine its influence on the health of the population. Special attention is currently being given to this subject, due to the harmful effects of lead and its influence on the health of the population, and because lead constitutes a large part of the environmental pollution present in many cities worldwide.