Prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants as a risk factor of offspring metabolic syndrome development during childhood.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are exogenous, artificially made chemicals that can disrupt the biological system of individuals and animals. POPs encompass a variety of chemicals including, dioxins, organochlorines (OCs), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) that contain a long half-life and highly resistant to biodegradation. These environmental pollutants accumulate over time in adipose tissues of living organisms and alter various insulin function-related genes. Childhood Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) consists of multiple cardiovascular risk factors, insulin function being one of them. Over the years, the incidence of the syndrome has increased dramatically. It is imperative to explore the role of persistent organic pollutants in the development of Childhood Metabolic Syndrome. Some epidemiological studies have reported an association between prenatal exposure to POPs and offspring MetS development throughout childhood. These findings have been replicated in animal studies in which these pollutants exercise negative health outcomes such as obesity and increased waist circumference. This review discusses the role of prenatal exposure to POPs among offspring who develop MetS in childhood, the latest research on the MetS concept, epidemiological and experimental findings on MetS, and the POPs modes of action. This literature review identified consistent research results on this topic. Even though the studies in this review had many strengths, one major weakness was the usage of different combinations of MetS criteria to measure the outcomes. These findings elucidate the urgent need to solidify the pediatric MetS definition. An accurate definition will permit scientists to measure the MetS as a health outcome properly and allow clinicians to diagnose pediatric MetS and provide individualized treatment appropriately.

Novel 'main-part' isostructuralism in metal complexes with 1-methylimidazole: crystal structures, energy calculations and magnetic properties.

Two new transition metal complexes with 1-methylimidazole (1-MeIm) and azide as ligands, namely, [Co(1-MeIm)4(N3)2] (1) and [Ni(1-MeIm)4(N3)2] (2), have been synthesized and characterized by IR, Raman, UV-Vis and XPS spectroscopy. Their crystal structures were solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The supramolecular self-assembly of the two complexes is governed by non-classical C-H⋯N hydrogen bonds and C-H⋯π interactions. Lattice energies and intermolecular interaction energies for various molecular pairs are quantified using the PIXEL method. DFT computational studies to assess the binding energy through modern tools like non-covalent interaction (NCI plots) analysis and reduced density gradient (RDG) analysis have also been carried out. A detailed analysis of geometric descriptors revealed the existence of quasi-isostructural pairs or 'main-part' isostructuralism in a series formed by 1, 2, and a related cadmium complex, being more evident in the 1/2 pair. DFT studies using theoretical models have been used to disclose the relative importance of the H-bond and C-H⋯π noncovalent interactions. Magnetic measurements for compound 1 show weak ferrimagnetic coupling between adjacent M(II) centers, mediated by H-bonding and C-H⋯π non-covalent interactions.

Genetic Characterization of an Endangered Chilean Endemic Species, Prosopis burkartii Muñoz, Reveals its Hybrids Parentage.

The hybridization of Prosopis burkartii, a critically endangered endemic species, and the identification of its paternal species has not been genetically studied before. In this study we aimed to genetically confirm the origin of this species. To resolve the parental status of P. burkartii, inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR), simple sequence repeats (SSR) and intron trnL molecular markers were used, and compared with Chilean species from the Algarobia and Strombocarpa sections. Out of seven ISSRs, a total of 70 polymorphic bands were produced in four species of the Strombocarpa section. An Multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) and Bayasian (STRUCTURE) analysis showed signs of introgression of genetic material in P. burkartii. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA) cluster analysis showed three clusters, and placed the P. burkartii cluster nested within the P. tamarugo group. Sequencing of the trnL intron showed a fragment of 535 bp and 529 bp in the species of the Algarobia and Strombocarpa sections, respectively. Using maximum parsimony (MP) and maximum likelihood (ML) trees with the trnL intron, revealed four clusters. A species-specific diagnostic method was performed, using the trnL intron Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP). This method identified if individuals of P. burkartii inherited their maternal DNA from P. tamarugo or from P. strombulifera. We deduced that P. tamarugo and P. strombulifera are involved in the formation of P. burkartii.

Incidencia de la endoftalmitis posqueratoplastia en la población y los posibles factores de riesgo / Incidence of post-keratoplasty endophthalmitis in the population and possible risk factors

RESUMEN La endoftalmitis es considerada una forma grave de inflamación intraocular, generalmente de etiología infecciosa. Objetivo: Identificar la incidencia de la endoftalmitis posqueratoplastia en la población y los posibles factores de riesgo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en el Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer" del año 2010 al 2015. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, diagnóstico preoperatorio, procedimientos asociados a la queratoplastia, tiempo de inicio de los síntomas, gérmenes aislados en cultivos y alternativas terapéuticas realizadas. Resultados: Se realizaron 1 442 queratoplastias; 0,41 por ciento de los casos (6 casos, 6 ojos) presentaron endoftalmitis posqueratoplastia. La causa más frecuente de la queratoplastia en estos pacientes fue la queratopatía bulosa pseudofáquica y fáquica, y al 33,3 por ciento se le había realizado cirugía combinada de queratoplastia y catarata. El 66,7 por ciento de los pacientes con endoftalmitis posqueratoplastia tenía más de 60 años de edad y correspondió al sexo masculino. El 50,0 por ciento de los gérmenes aislados eran gram postivos. El 100,0 por ciento de los pacientes recibió intravítreas de antibióticos y solo al 33,3 por ciento de ellos se les realizó vitrectomía precoz. Conclusiones: Es indispensable una estrecha comunicación entre el banco de ojos, los microbiólogos y los oftalmólogos para contribuir a la identificación y a la eliminación de los factores de riesgo, así como a la temprana detección y a una acertada elección terapéutica que favorezca tanto a su prevención como al mejor resultado funcional visual en pacientes portadores de esta devastadora complicación(AU)

ABSTRACT Endophthalmitis is considered to be a severe form of intraocular inflammation of frequent infectious etiology. Objective: Identify the incidence of post-keratoplasty endophthalmitis in the population and its possible risk factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology in the period 2010-2015. The variables analyzed were age, sex, preoperative diagnosis, keratoplasty-related procedures, time of symptom onset, germs isolated in cultures and therapeutic alternatives implemented. Results: A total 1 442 keratoplasties were performed; 0.41 percent of the cases (6 cases, 6 eyes) presented post-keratoplasty endophthalmitis. The most common reason for keratoplasty among these patients was pseudophakic bullous and phakic keratopathy. 33.3 percent had undergone combined keratoplasty-cataract surgery. Of the patients with post-keratoplasty endophthalmitis, 66.7 percent were aged over 60 years and male. Of the germs isolated, 50.0 percent were gram-positive. 100.0 percent of the patients received intravitreal antibiotics, and only 33.3 percent of them underwent early vitrectomy. Conclusions: Close communication is indispensable between the eye bank, microbiologists and ophthalmologists to contribute to identification and elimination of risk factors, as well as early detection and appropriate therapeutic selection to facilitate prevention and obtain the best visual functional result in sufferers of this devastating complication(AU)

From 3D to 2D Transition Metal Nitroprussides by Selective Rupture of Axial Bonds.

1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (1m2p) is a solvent with proven abilities for 2D-solid exfoliation due to its extremely high surface tension. In principle, such a feature could be used also to induce the selective breaking of certain bonds in solids to obtain new materials. Such a hypothesis is demonstrated in this study for transition metal nitroprussides, where 2D solids are obtained from 3D frameworks by selective rupture of axial bonds. This contribution discusses the mechanism involved in such molecular manufacture. The crystal structure for the formed 2D solids was solved and refined from XRD powder patterns recorded using synchrotron radiation. Mössbauer, IR and Raman spectra provided fine details on the electronic structure of the resulting new series of layered materials. The experimental information was complemented with calculations for the molecule configuration in its non-activated and activated forms. In the obtained 2D solids, neighboring layers of about 1 nm of thickness remain separated by activated 1m2p molecules. The interaction between neighboring layers is of a physical nature, without the presence of a chemical bond between them, as corresponds to a 2D material.

Chagas screening and treatment among Bolivians living in Madrid, Spain: The need for an official protocol.

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that around 52,000 people live with Chagas in Spain, but only 10% have been diagnosed. Migrants from Bolivia bear the burden of Chagas infection in Spain. However, little is known about their current management of Chagas diagnosis and treatment patterns. This study aimed to assess the Chagas related disease perception and health behaviour of Bolivians living in Madrid. METHODS AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: For a first time, a cross-sectional survey about Chagas' knowledges and practices was carried out in Madrid, Spain. A total of 376 Bolivians were interviewed about their Chagas health-seeking behaviour. Differences between men and women were assessed Most of Bolivians living in Madrid have access to the public health services. 44% of Bolivians included in the survey had a Chagas screening test done. However, while women did their test for Chagas mostly at hospital (59.2%), men also used the community campaigns (17.5%) and blood banks (14.3%). The prevalence reported among Bolivians tested was 27.7%. Unfortunately, more than half of those reporting a positive test for Chagas did not begin or completed treatment. Only 45.7% of positives reported having had their children tested for Chagas. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increase in the number of Chagas diagnoses done in Madrid, the number of Bolivians who tested positive and then started or completed treatment remains very low. The fact that most Bolivians' access to the health system is through the primary healthcare services should be considered for improving management of cases and follow-up of treatment adherence. Local and national protocol establishing guidelines for the screening and treatment of Chagas disease would help improving case detection and management at all levels of the healthcare system.

Aplicación de un factor de corrección para el cálculo del lente intraocular en pacientes con cámara anterior / Application of a correction factor for intraocular lens power calculation in patients with a narrow anterior chamber and augmented crystalline lens thickness

Objetivo: evaluar la aplicación de un factor corrección en el cálculo del lente intraocular en pacientes con cámara anterior estrecha y grosor del cristalino aumentado. Métodos: se realizó un estudio experimental donde se aplicó un factor de corrección y se comparó con dos grupos de control. Resultados: predominó el sexo femenino con el 71 por ciento de los casos. La edad fue de 70 años y más. El 48,4 por ciento de los pacientes presentó una esfera posoperatoria entre ± 0,50 dioptrías; el 19,4 por ciento estuvo por debajo de -0,50 dioptrías y el 32,3 por ciento de los pacientes por encima de + 0,50 dioptrías. El grupo 3 (grosor del cristalino mayor que 4,60 mm si factor de corrección) tuvo el mayor porcentaje de esfera posoperatoria ± 0,50 dioptrías (58,3 por ciento). El grupo 2 tuvo el mayor porcentaje de pacientes con esfera obtenida mayor de 0,50 dioptrías (38,2 por ciento). Conclusiones: los pacientes a quienes se les aplica el factor de corrección obtienen una esfera posoperatoria cercana a la emetropía a pesar de que la muestra no es homogénea y no se obtienen esferas por encima de 1 dioptría(AU)

Objective: Evaluate the application of a correction factor for intraocular lens power calculation in patients with a narrow anterior chamber and augmented crystalline lens thickness. Methods: An experimental study was conducted in which a correction factor was applied and compared with two control groups. Results: Female sex prevailed with 71 percent of the cases. Age was 70 years and over. 48.4 percent of the patients had a postoperative sphere between ± 0.50 diopters; 19.4 percent were below - 0.50 diopters and 32.3 percent were above + 0.50 diopters. Group 3 (crystalline lens thickness above 4.60 mm without correction factor) had the highest postoperative sphere percentage of ± 0.50 diopters (58.3 percent). Group 2 had the highest percentage of patients with an achieved sphere above 0.50 diopters (38.2 percent). Conclusions: Patients to whom the correction factor was applied achieved a postoperative sphere close to emmetropia, despite the fact that the sample was not homogeneous and spheres above 1 diopter were not obtained(AU)

Modificaciones corneales posqueratoplastia penetrante óptica / Corneal changes after penetrating optical keratoplasty

Objetivo: determinar las modificaciones de la córnea donante en el primer año de la posqueratoplastia. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo de serie de casos en 45 pacientes. Para el procesamiento de las variables se utilizó la prueba de Chi cuadrado con corrección de Yates asociada a pruebas de rangos con signos de Wilcoxon y la prueba de probabilidades exactas de Fischer. Resultados: el diagnóstico más frecuente fue la queratopatía bullosa (35,5 por ciento). La pérdida celular anual fue de 22,8 por ciento; el astigmatismo oblicuo con 61,5 por ciento y la media del cilindro queratométrico de 5,96. En microscopia confocal encontramos ausencia de fibras nerviosas (86,7 por ciento), presencia de queratocitos activados (22,2 por ciento) y haze (11,1 por ciento). Los injertos transparentes correspondieron al 82,2 por ciento. Observamos queratocitos activados en 80 por ciento de córneas no transparentes. El 33,3 por ciento de los leucomas corneales se opacificaron. La complicación más frecuente fue el glaucoma secundario (33,3 por ciento). El 100 por ciento de las úlceras corneales bacterianas evolucionaron a fallo del injerto. Conclusiones: la córnea posqueratoplastia presenta una pérdida celular endotelial anual de 22,8 por ciento, astigmatismo oblicuo, cilindro queratométrico entre 3-6 dioptrías, presencia de queratocitos activados y haze corneal como factores pronósticos de pérdida de transparencia del injerto. El leucoma corneal posúlcera, la queratopatía bullosa como diagnóstico preoperatorio y la úlcera corneal bacteriana como complicaciones provocan pérdida de transparencia del injerto(AU)

Objective: to determine the changes in the donor cornea after one year of keratoplasty. Methods: prospective, longitudinal and descriptive case series study conducted in 45 patients. For variable processing, the study used Yate's corrected Chi-square test associated to Wilcoxon's range test and to Fisher's exact test. Results: the most common diagnosis was bullous keratopathy (35.5 percent). The annual cell loss was 22.8 percent; oblique astigmatism with 61.5 percent and the mean of the keratometric cylinder was 5.96 percent. Using the confocal microscopy, we found lack of nervous fibers (86.7 percent), presence of activated keratocytes (22.2 percent) and haze (11.1 percent). Transparent grafts represented 82.2 percent. Activated keratocytes were observed in 80 percent of non-transparent corneas. In the study, 33.3 percent of corneal leukomas showed opacification. The most common complication was secondary glaucoma (33.3 percent). All the bacterial corneal ulcers evolved into failed graft. Conclusions: after keratoplasty, the cornea showed annual endothelial cell loss of 22.8 percent, oblique astigmatism, 3-6 diopter keratometric cylinder, presence of activated keratocytes and corneal haze as prognostic factors of loss of graft transparency. The post-ulcer corneal leukoma, bullous keratopathy as preoperative diagnosis and bacterial corneal ulcer as main complication cause loss of graft transparency(AU)

Detection of anti-dsDNA antibodies by computer-aided automated immunofluorescence analysis.

INTRODUCTION: NOVA View is a computer aided fluorescence microscope that is used for the automated reading and interpretation of indirect immunofluorescent tests in diagnostic immunology. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the performance of the NOVA View® system for the measurement of anti-dsDNA antibodies using the Crithidia luciliae indirect immunofluorescence test (CLIFT) technology. METHODS: Analytical performance of NOVA View CLIFT was assessed in repeatability (within run) and reproducibility (between runs and instruments) studies. Two hundred-fifty patient samples (N=200 consecutive samples and N=50 samples from systemic lupus erythematosus patients) were tested to evaluate the agreement between results generated with NOVA View CLIFT, and those obtained with manual microscopic reading of the same slides. Positivity rate in SLE was assessed on the 50 SLE samples. RESULTS: The NOVA View system showed high level of repeatability and reproducibility within runs, between runs, and between instruments. Agreement of NOVA View software interpretation and digital image reading results with manual microscopic reading results was 96.0%, and the same positivity rate was obtained on SLE samples by NOVA View digital image reading as that of manual microscopic reading (36.0% vs. 38.0%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Results generated by NOVA View CLIFT were equivalent to those obtained by manual microscopic reading on a large routine sample set. NOVA View demonstrated consistency within and between runs, and between instruments. Automation of CLIFT provides reliability and is a suitable alternative for routine clinical laboratories.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the English version of the Senior Fitness Test to Spanish / Adaptación transcultural de la versión en inglés del Senior Fitness Test al español

Background. The physical condition of the elderly is related to health and functional independence. One specific and scientifically valid instrument measuring this parameter is the Senior Fitness Test, of which the original version is in English. Objective. To identify the face validity of the test for use in Spanish language based on the cultural adaptation of the English version. Materials and methods. Descriptive study, for which cross-cultural adaptation to Spanish was performed. This involved translation, evaluation of conceptual equivalence by three bilingual experts, synthesis of observations, calculation of values for the index of agreement and applicability. Results. The overall agreement rate is 0.9485. No disagreements arose between the judges for any of the items, and intelligibility is of 85.2%, according to subjects of different ages and levels of schooling. Conclusions. A version of the Senior Fitness Test adapted to Spanish was obtained. The test is backed up by face validity and comprehensibility, and conserves semantic, idiomatic, and conceptual equivalence to the original version.

Antecedentes. La condición física del adulto mayor está relacionada con el estado de salud y su independencia funcional. Uno de los instrumentos específicos y científicamente validos que mide este parámetro es el Senior Fitness Test, cuya versión original es en inglés. Objetivo. Identificar la validez de apariencia del test para uso en español desde la adaptación transcultural de la versión en inglés. Materiales y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, donde se realizó la adaptación transcultural al español, así: traducción, valoración de la equivalencia conceptual por tres expertos bilingües, síntesis de las observaciones, obtención del índice de acuerdo y prueba de aplicabilidad. Resultados. El índice de acuerdo global es de 0,9485; en ninguno de los ítems se presentó desacuerdo entre los jueces y la comprensibilidad es de 85,2%, referida por sujetos de diversa escolaridad y edad. Conclusiones. Se obtuvo la versión adaptada al español del Senior Fitness Test, respaldada en la validez de apariencia y comprensibilidad, conservando la equivalencia semántica, idiomática y conceptual en relación a la versión original.

Algunos factores de riesgo en la adolescencia, hallazgos en un área de salud / Some risk factors in adolescence, findings in a health area

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal para identificar algunos factores de riesgo en adolescentes de un área de salud de la capital cubana en el año 2004. El universo estuvo constituido por los alumnos que asisten a 2 secundarias básicas ubicadas en el área y por los profesores generales integrales que imparten clases a estos estudiantes. Se aplicó una encuesta a 364 adolescentes, entre estudiantes y profesores. La selección se realizó mediante un muestreo estratificado y por conglomerado monoetápico. Se encontró que la edad media de comienzo del hábito de fumar y el inicio de las relaciones sexuales fue de 12 años para los estudiantes y 16 para los profesores; 46 por ciento ha ingerido bebidas alcohólicas en edades tempranas y más del 5 por ciento no está seguro de si en algún momento de su vida probarían las drogas. El inicio precoz de hábitos tóxicos son algunos de los principales riesgos encontrados.

A descriptive and cross-sectional study was made to identify risk factors in adolescents from a health area of the Cuban capital during 2004. The universe was composed of students attending two secondary schools located in the area, and of integral general professors teaching these students. 364 adolescents, among students and professors, were surveyed. The selection was made by a stratified sampling and monostage conglomerate. It was observed that mean age to start smoking and to begin sexual relations was 12 years old for students and 16 for professors; 46 percent had drunk alcohol at early ages, and more than 5 percent were not sure if they would use drugs at a certain moment of their lives. The early beginning of toxic habits was among the main risks found.

Concepciones culturales sobre el dengue en contextos urbanos de México / Cultural conceptions on dengue in urban contexts in Mexico

OBJETIVO: Explorar las dimensiones conceptuales del dengue en contexto urbano, a fin de generar hipótesis sobre actitudes comunitarias relacionadas a campañas preventivas. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal exploratorio realizado entre marzo y abril de 2003 con 130 personas seleccionadas por muestreo propositivo en tres municipios con distintas prevalencias de dengue en México. Se aplicaron entrevistas semiestructuradas mediante técnicas de listados libres, sorteo de montones y triadas. Se indagaron términos asociados al dengue y grupos de dimensiones conceptuales. Se aplicó análisis de consenso mediante factorización de componentes principales y análisis dimensional mediante conglomerados jerárquicos y escalas multidimensionales. RESULTADOS: El modelo de consenso mostró alta homogeneidad en las concepciones del dengue (valores de 14.5 y 13.5 en los contextos de más prevalencia y de 5.4 en el de menor prevalencia). Las dimensiones comunes en las concepciones fueron: medidas de prevención, síntomas, causas y reservorios de Aedes aegypti (valor de verosimilitud: stress<0.28). En los tres contextos, predominó una concepción de la prevención basada en acciones públicas de autoridades sanitarias, mientras que las acciones individuales y comunitarias casi no se mencionaron. En la concepción también apareció una dimensión moral basada en una noción de higiene como mecanismo diferenciador de la comunidad cercana (limpia) frente a personas y comunidades externas (sucias y enfermas). CONCLUSIONES: Las concepciones culturales del dengue desfavorecen la participación comunitaria autogestiva en las campañas preventivas verticales y generan barreras para la modificación de prácticas comunitarias e individuales de prevención y control.

[Cultural conceptions on dengue in urban contexts in Mexico]. / Concepciones culturales sobre el dengue en contextos urbanos de México.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the conceptual dimensions of dengue in the urban context, aiming at creating hypotheses about community attitudes toward prevention campaigns. METHODS: An exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out between March and April 2003 comprising 130 people selected by proposition sampling in three municipalities with different dengue prevalences in Mexico. Semi-structured interviews were applied using free lists, pile sorts and triads. Dengue-related terms and groups of conceptual dimensions were investigated. A consensual analysis was performed by factorizing the major components as well as a dimensional analysis with hierarchical clustering and multidimensional scales. RESULTS: The consensual model showed high homogeneity in dengue conceptions (values of 14.5 and 13.5 in the most prevalent contexts, and 5.4 in the least prevalent one). The common dimensions of conceptions were: preventive measures, symptoms, causes and reservoirs of Aedes aegypti (goodness of fit test values: <0.28). In the three contexts studied, a conception of basic prevention based on public actions by health officials predominated while individual and community actions were almost never mentioned. A moral dimension also appeared in the conception based on a notion of hygiene as a differentiating mechanism between the nearby community (clean) and outside people and communities (dirty and sick). CONCLUSIONS: The cultural conceptions of dengue do not favor self-managed community involvement in vertical prevention campaigns, and create obstacles to modifying community and individual prevention and control practices.

[Alcoholism during pregnancy: an underestimated health problem]. / Alcoholismo durante el embarazo: un problema de salud subestimado.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the frequency of consumption of alcohol in pregnant women who went to a module of prenatal control; to describe the consumption habits and to identify the number of cases in those that the physician of first level identified the addiction, using the institutional instruments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive and prospective study was carried out, the study population was selected by means of non randomized sampling of the total of pregnant women who went to receive services of prenatal control, in two units of family medicine of the Mexican Institute of Social Security, of Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico. The instrument AUDIT (Alcoholism Disorders Identification Test) was used, to identify use-frequency, abuse, dependence and physical/mental damage conditioned by the alcohol. RESULTS: In 132 studied women, it found a frequency of 45.5% of pregnant women with positive consumption and a case of dependence, none of which was identified by the family doctor. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of alcohol in the studied population is high, even bigger than the frequency detected in populations of non pregnant women. The use of detection tests such as the AUDIT and the implementation of measures guided to the training and the personnel's of health sensitization about the magnitude and impact of this problem are recommended.

Rol del virus herpes simplex en la queratitis inmune estromal / Role of herpes simplex virus in the immune stromal keratitis

Background: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection of the cornea is a leading cause of blindness in occidental countries and a common recurrent manifestation of it is the immune stromal keratitis (ISK). However, it is not known whether active viral replication occurs during the acute phase of the disease, because isolation of the virus by conventional culture techniques has not been accomplished. Aim: To establish the presence of HSV in patients with ISK. Material and methods : Fourteen corneal swabbing samples, from active diseased eyes of patients with clinical diagnosis of ISK, were submitted to Herpchek© and PCR for the identification of HSV antigens and genome. Results: All ISK samples were negative by both techniques. Conclusions : It was not possible to identify HSV antigens nor their genome by the methodology used. It is likely that, they can't be detected in corneal superficial layers or probably there is no viral replication at this stage of the disease, so antiviral therapy should be reconsidered

Estudio inmunológico del humor acuoso normal / Immunological study of the normal aqueous humor

El ojo funciona como un compartimiento aislado del resto del organismo desde el punto de vista inmunológico, lo que explica que. ante la presencia de enfermedades inflamatorias y/o infecciosas dentro del globo ocular, muchas veces no se encuentra evidencia de estas a nivel plamático. Es necesario conocer entonces las características inmunológicas normales en los fluidos intraoculares para un mejor entendimiento y manejo de las enfermedades oculares inflamatorias y/o infecciosas. En este trabajo se logró evaluar y comprobar la idemnidad de la barrera hematoocular a través de la determinación de la relación IgG/albúmina tanto en humor acuoso como en plasma cuyo coeficiente resultó ser 0,59. Además, ante la presencia de títulos positivos en sangre para toxocariasis y toxoplasmosis, no se encontró presencia de anticuerpos contra estas en los fluidos intraoculares. Finalmente los títulos de anticuerpos para lúes fueron negativos en ambos compartimentos

Factores relacionados con el abandono del tratamiento en pacientes con tuberculosis pulmonar / Factors related to the abandonment of treatment in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal comparativo durante el periodo comprendido del 10 de abril al 30 de septiembre de 1995, en el Hospital General de Zona con Unidad de Medicina Familiar Núm. 1 y Unidad de Medicina Familiar Núm. 11, del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social en Tapachula, Chiapas, con la finalidad de identificar los factores relacionados con el abandono del tratamiento en pacientes con tuberculosis pulmonar. Se determinó que había abandono de tratamiento antituberculoso después de 15 días de ausencia a partir de la última cita programada a control clínico (bacteriológico y/o radiológico). A través de los registros de los Departamentos de Medicina Preventiva se identificaron 41 pacientes con abandono de tratamiento y 41 con cumplimiento regular del mismo. Finalmente fueron analizados 37 con abandono y 41 con cumplimiento. Los factores relacionados con el abandono fueron: ser trabajador del campo, aseguramiento al régimen eventual, más de un año de evolución de la enfermedad, antecedentes de alcoholismo, desconocimiento de la enfermedad y sus repercusiones. En lo que se refiere a los servicios de salud, se encontró abastecimiento insuficiente de medicamentos en ambas unidades y una información incorrecta a los pacientes por parte del personal. Con base en estos resultados, se propone el reforzamiento de la supervisión del programa, así como la capacitación del personal responsable.

It was carried out a transversal comparative study during the period from April to September 1995 at the Hospital General de Zona con Medicina Familiar number 1 and Unidad de Medicina Familiar number 11 of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social in Tapachula, Chiapas, with the purpose of identifying the factors related with the abandon of the treatment in patient with lung tuberculosis (TBP). The subjects of study were patients with lung tuberculosis diagnosis. It was taken as abandon the interruption of the treatment for fifteen days and more, according to the established in the technical norm for the prevention and control of lung tuberculosis. At the services of Preventive Medicine were identified 41 patient with abandon of treatment and 41 with regular treatment with the is diagnosis. The analysis was carried out on 37 and 41 patients with abandon and fulfillment treatment, respectively of the studied population. The related factors of abandon of treatment were: being land worker, with a incidental insurance regime, with more than one year of evolution of the illness, with a positive alcoholic background, ignorance about the disease and its complications. To that who refers to the service factors, it was found an insufficient supply of medicine specially antifimics in both units as wells as incorrect information being given by the health personnel, it in base to these outputs we propose, the reinforcement of the supervision of the program, and capacitation to the responsible personnel.

Queratomileusis asistida por excimer láser (LASIK) para miopía y astigmatismo miópico: experiencia de 2 años en 177 casos / Excimer laser keratomileusis in myopia and myopic astigmatism: experience of 2 years in 177 cases

Se reportan los resultados de queratectomía laminar asistida por excimer láser (LASIK) para miopía y astigmatismos miópicos realizados en Instituto Oftalmológico Puerta del Sol. El reclutamiento de pacientes comenzó en agosto de 1996. El seguimiento medio fue de 7,1 meses con un intervalo de 1 a 18 meses. Se analizaron los resultados obtenidos en el tiempo para los grupos de miopía (leves, moderadas, severas) y para el grupo completo. Se describió la técnica en detalle que incluyó la técnica del retratamiento. Este se realizó en los casos de regresión con espesor corneal residual suficiente. Se hizo especial hincapié en los casos que perdieron dos o más líneas de mejor agudeza visual corregida, y se analizaron las posibles causas. Se realizó además una clasificación de los patrones topográficos postoperatorios según criterios de Hersch. Los resultados según grupos de miopía fueron: hasta 6 D (leves), el 99 por ciento logró agudeza visual sin corrección de 20/40 o mejor, y el 76 por ciento llegó a 20/25; en el grupo de 6-10 D (moderadas) el 79 por ciento alcanzó a 20/40 sin corrección, y el 33 por ciento llegó a 20/25. El grupo de miopías severas fue el de más difícil manejo (10 D y más), logrando AV no corregida de 20/40 el 8,7 por ciento de los pacientes. Ninguno de estos casos logró ver 20/25 sin corrección. Al término del seguimiento se concluyó que la corrección fue muy estable en las miopías bajas y moderadas, siendo menos estable en las severas

Rol del estudio inmunológico de la muestra vítrea y de humor acuoso en el diagnóstico etiológico de las panuveítis y uveítis posteriores de probable causa infecciosa / Role of the immnunologic study of vitreous sample and aquous humor in etiologic diagnosis of panuveitis and posterior uveitis by probable infectious cause

En las uveítis en un porcentaje importante de casos no logra determinarse su etiología a pesar de ser sometidos a un exhaustivo estudio sistémico. Las uveítis posteriores están asociadas en forma considerable a agentes etiológicos de tipo infeccioso. No existe en nuestro medio experiencia en el estudio de fluidos intraoculares como ayuda diagnóstica en estos casos. Esta serie que consta de 13 pacientes pone de manifiesto que el conocimiento del resultado de exámenes de laboratorio de fluidos intraoculares puede ser de gran utilidad en aproximarse al diagnóstico etiológico en más del 60 por ciento de ellos, y con elllo llevar a cabo una terapia más racional. Es importante conocer las dificultades técnicas económicas, y otras que se presentan frente a estas nuevas alternativas de evaluación diagnóstica. Sin embargo, el beneficio que puede significar para los pacientes nos obliga al desarrollo de estas técnicas basadas en la utilización de micrométodos que permiten aprovechar de forma racional las muestras de fluidos intraoculares

Secuelas oculares debidas a infección herpética en un grupo de niños chilenos / Ocular sequels caused by herpetic infection in chilean children

Estudio prospectivo, multicéntrico, en el cual investigadores entrenados seleccionaron y siguieron clínica y virológicamente (aislamiento viral, anticuerpos monoclonales y PCR) pacientes de 0 a 18 años de edad con diagnóstico clínico de infección ocular por HSV. Se efectuó determinación de la agudeza visual (AV) por el Test de Mirada Preferencial, HOTV, E Snellen u optotipos de Snellen, con la mejor corrección óptica, examen refractivo bajo cicloplegia, estudio completo de estrabismo, topografía, paquimetría y fotografía. Se enrolaron entre 1993 a 1997 16 niños, dos de ellos con compromiso bilateral (18 ojos). En todos salvo un niño, se identificó HSV tipo I. Mediana de edad 5 años. El diagnóstico de ingreso fue el edema disciforme en 45 por ciento y en 33 por ciento de los casos una queratitis epitelial dendrítica. El 87,5 por ciento de los pacientes con edema disciforme presentó al menos una recurrencia por año. Los pacientes con compromiso epiteliar presentaron en todos los casos AV > 20/40, a diferencia de los pacientes con edema disciforme en que 71,4 por ciento presentaron AV final < de 20/50. El leucoma corneal fue severo en 62,5 por ciento de los ojos con edema disciforme y desarrollaron estrabismo 50 por ciento de los casos. En tres casos se requiere trasplante corneal. La enfermedad ocular herpética afecta principalmente a población joven y sana. El diagnóstico más frecuente fue el edema disciforme que presentó evolución crónica, requirió un gran número de consultas médicas y de tratamiento prolongado (entre 3 y 6 meses) y presentaron la mayor frecuencia de secualas. En general, el 78 por ciento de los pacientes estudiados desarrolló algún tipo de secuela visual