Visualization Technologies for Learning and Teaching Veterinary Acarology and Entomology.

Educational technologies are tools and resources used for improving teaching, learning, and creative inquiry. Visualization technologies (VTs) fall within this category and comprise a high diversity of strategies from simple infographics to complex forms of visual data analysis. Traditionally, parasitology has been a challenging subject in medical and veterinary degree courses due to the high number of scientific names, morphological characters, and complex life cycles, among other factors. This has been reinforced by conventional teaching methods with limited innovation strategies. Here we present the design and evaluation of an interactive album of veterinary acarology and entomology, "Álbum Interactivo de Acarología y Entomología Veterinaria" (AIAEV). This tool was assessed through three strategies: (1) a mean grade comparison between veterinary parasitology classes before and after VT implementation, (2) a system usability scale (SUS), and (3) a student/user satisfaction index. The grade value was higher in the class after implementation, the SUS total score was 80.05 (excellent), and 93.75% considered it a useful tool. This is the first study aimed at investigating the use of VTs to teach veterinary acarology and entomology and shows promising results to develop and implement digital technologies in this and other veterinary curricula disciplines.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy For Penetrating Cardiac Box Injury in Stable Patients

Abstract Introduction: In high-volume trauma centers, especially in developing countries, penetrating cardiac box injuries are frequent. Although many aspects of penetrating chest injuries have been well established, video-assisted thoracoscopy is still finding its place in cardiac box trauma and algorithmic approaches are still lacking. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a streamlined recommendation for penetrating cardiac box injury in stable patients. Methods: Literature review was carried out using PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases to identify articles describing the characteristics and concepts of penetrating cardiac box trauma, including the characteristics of tamponade, cardiac ultrasound, indications and techniques of pericardial windows and, especially, the role of video-assisted thoracoscopy in stable patients. Results: Penetrating cardiac box injuries, whether by stab or gunshot wounds, require rapid surgical consultation. Unstable patients require immediate open surgery, however, determining which stable patients should be taken to thoracoscopic surgery is still controversial. Here, the classification of penetrating cardiac box injury used in Colombia is detailed, as well as the algorithmic approach to these types of trauma. Conclusion: Although open surgery is mandatory in unstable patients with penetrating cardiac box injuries, a more conservative and minimally invasive approach may be undertaken in stable patients. As rapid decision-making is critical in the trauma bay, surgeons working in high-volume trauma centers should expose themselves to thoracoscopy and always consider this possibility in the setting of penetrating cardiac box injuries in stable patients, always in the context of an experienced trauma team.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy For Penetrating Cardiac Box Injury in Stable Patients.

INTRODUCTION: In high-volume trauma centers, especially in developing countries, penetrating cardiac box injuries are frequent. Although many aspects of penetrating chest injuries have been well established, video-assisted thoracoscopy is still finding its place in cardiac box trauma and algorithmic approaches are still lacking. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a streamlined recommendation for penetrating cardiac box injury in stable patients. METHODS: Literature review was carried out using PubMed/ MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases to identify articles describing the characteristics and concepts of penetrating cardiac box trauma, including the characteristics of tamponade, cardiac ultrasound, indications and techniques of pericardial windows and, especially, the role of video-assisted thoracoscopy in stable patients. RESULTS: Penetrating cardiac box injuries, whether by stab or gunshot wounds, require rapid surgical consultation. Unstable patients require immediate open surgery, however, determining which stable patients should be taken to thoracoscopic surgery is still controversial. Here, the classification of penetrating cardiac box injury used in Colombia is detailed, as well as the algorithmic approach to these types of trauma. CONCLUSION: Although open surgery is mandatory in unstable patients with penetrating cardiac box injuries, a more conservative and minimally invasive approach may be undertaken in stable patients. As rapid decision-making is critical in the trauma bay, surgeons working in high-volume trauma centers should expose themselves to thoracoscopy and always consider this possibility in the setting of penetrating cardiac box injuries in stable patients, always in the context of an experienced trauma team.

Comparison of two protective lung ventilatory regimes on oxygenation during one-lung ventilation: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of protective ventilation in acute lung injury has validated its use in the operating room for patients undergoing thoracic surgery with one-lung ventilation (OLV). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two different modes of ventilation using low tidal volumes: pressure controlled ventilation (PCV) vs. volume controlled ventilation (VCV) on oxygenation and airway pressures during OLV. METHODS: We studied 41 patients scheduled for thoracoscopy surgery. After initial two-lung ventilation with VCV patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In one group OLV was started with VCV (tidal volume 6 mL/kg, PEEP 5) and after 30 minutes ventilation was switched to PCV (inspiratory pressure to provide a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg, PEEP 5) for the same time period. In the second group, ventilation modes were performed in reverse order. Airway pressures and blood gases were obtained at the end of each ventilatory mode. RESULTS: PaO2, PaCO2 and alveolar-arterial oxygen difference did not differ between PCV and VCV. Peak airway pressure was significantly lower in PCV compared with VCV (19.9 ± 3.8 cmH2O vs 23.1 ± 4.3 cmH2O; p < 0.001) without any significant differences in mean and plateau pressures. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with good preoperative pulmonary function undergoing thoracoscopy surgery, the use of a protective lung ventilation strategy with VCV or PCV does not affect the oxygenation. PCV was associated with lower peak airway pressures.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery for pneumothorax in LAM.

Spontaneous pneumothorax is one of the more common presentations of lymphangioleiomyomatosis; however, recurrences are common which can be challenging to manage particularly in bilateral pneumothorax. We present a case of recurrent bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax associated with lymphangioleiomyomatosis, diagnosed intra-operatively, and confirmed by the resected lung specimen. Video-assisted thoracic surgery bullectomy and mechanical as well as talc pleurodesis was required to prevent further recurrences. The case discusses the unusual clinical course, radiological, operative and pathologic findings of the disease, and management difficulties that are distinct from other causes of spontaneous pneumothorax.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery pulmonary resection for lung cancer in patients with poor lung function.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the early outcome of patients with poor lung function who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) pulmonary resection for primary non-small cell lung carcinoma. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the records of patients with lung cancer undergoing VATS lung resection over a period of 5 years. Twenty-five patients with preoperative poor lung function defined as forced expiratory volume in 1 second less than 0.8 L or the percentage predicted value for forced expiratory volume in 1 second less than 50% were identified. Thirteen patients underwent VATS lobectomies and 12 VATS wedge resections. Data were analyzed with respect to demographics, risk factors, and early postoperative outcome and survival. RESULTS: There were 8 cases of morbidities (29%) and no surgical mortality. Five of these 8 patients had respiratory-related complications after surgery. A deterioration in pulmonary performance as indicated by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score was seen in 7 patients (28%), with only 1 patient having an ECOG score greater than 2. No patient required home oxygen supplementation beyond the third month postoperatively. After a median follow-up period of 15.1 months (range, 1 to 24), 5 patients died. Only 1 patient (4%) died of a respiratory complication (pneumonia 6 weeks after surgery). The other 4 deaths were due to recurrent or metastatic disease. The actuarial survival rates at 1 and 2 years were 80% and 69%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Video-assisted thoracic surgery pulmonary resection for cancer in patients with poor lung function can achieve acceptable functional and oncologic outcome.

Uso de los colgajos musculares en la enfermedad pleuropulmonar infecciosa complicada / Use of muscular flaps in complicated infectious pleuropulmonary disease

Objetivo: describir los resultados de la aplicación de los colgajos musculares en el tratamiento de las enfermedades pleuropulmonares infecciosas complicadas. Materiales y métodos: de agosto 1 del 2002 a julio 31 del 2003, 70 pacientes han requerido tratamiento quirúrgico para el manejo de enfermedades pleuropulmonares infecciosas complicadas en el Hospital Santa Clara, Bogotá, D.C. Durante su evolución, 10 pacientes han requerido rotación intratorácica de colgajos musculares y han sido seguidos prospectivamente. Resultados: la muestra está compuesta de ocho pacientes hombres y dos mujeres; edad media de 57 años (35 a 79 años). Dos pacientes fueron intervenidos previamente en otra institución y llegaron con una Ventana de Eloesser sobreinfectada. En nueve de 10 pacientes había presencia de pus en la cavidad torácica al momento de rotar el colgajo. La indicación para el colgajo muscular terapéutico fue cierre de fístulas broncopleurales en cuatro pacientes, cierre fístula parenquimatosas pulmonares múltiples y manejo del espacio pleural infectado en dos pacientes y cierre de fístula esofágica en un paciente. En tres pacientes se realizó cubrimiento del muñón bronquial profiláctico. El serrato fue rotado en cinco pacientes, el serrato con la mitad superior del dorsal en tres, y el serrato con dorsal y el octavo intercostal en un paciente respectivamente; y se requirieron ocho procedimientos promedios para el control de la infección (rango 1 a 22 procedimientos por paciente). El tiempo de hospitalización medio fue 25 días (14 a 60), todos los pacientes requirieron ventilación mecánica en el postoperatorio. La mortalidad fue del 20/100 (2 de 10 pacientes). Al seguimiento dos pacientes han fallecido, uno de ellos con el tórax abierto sin control de la infección. Seis pacientes (60/100) han evolucionado satisfactoriamente, sin evidencia de fístula o infección al seguimiento. Conclusión: los colgajos musculares son un método efectivo en el manejo de enfermedades...

Emissöes otoacústicas no diagnóstico precoce de lesäo coclear na doença de Ménière / Otoacoustic emissions in early diagnosis of cochlear lesions in Ménière's disease

Na Doença de Ménière em fase inicial, pode ocorrer surdez flutuante predominante em baixas frequências e também alteraçöes nas otoemissöes acústicas (EOA) nas freqüências correspondentes àquelas da flutuaçäo, que näo säo correlacionadas aos limiares auditivos encontrados na audiometria tonal. Estas alteraçöes, experimentalmente, näo estäo relacionadas à perda de células ciliadas externas (CCE) no ápice coclear, sendo que suas causas ainda näo säo muito claras podendo ser atribuídas às alteraçöes do micromecanismo hidrodinâmico e biomecânico coclear. Assim, as EOA mostraram, neste caso apresentado, alteraçöes cocleares na Doença de Ménière compensada em fase inicial que ainda näo säo detectadas no audiometria tonal e exames convencionais, sendo portanto um exame que pode mostrar lesäo precoce por alteraçäo apenas do micromecanismo coclear