Real-world effectiveness of omalizumab for severe allergic asthma treatment in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: The allergic phenotype is responsible for more than 50% of severe asthma cases. In a stepwise approach, add-on treatments such as anti-IgE are used for severe allergic asthma (SAA). This study was aimed to describe the real-world effectiveness of omalizumab in adult and pediatric patients with SAA in Colombia. METHODS: This was an observational, non-interventional, retrospective study. Data from patients with SAA that received at least one month of treatment with omalizumab was obtained from medical records at eight sites in Colombia. Time-zero (t - 0) was defined as the date of initiation of omalizumab, and data was gathered for a 12-month period before t - 0 and a 12-month period after t - 0. Clinical outcomes, including exacerbations, were assessed at 6 and 12 months. Effectiveness of omalizumab was evaluated in terms of the reduction of the risk of exacerbations (annualized rate). RESULTS: We included 143 patients with SAA. There was a decrease of 72.4% of the annualized rate of clinically significant asthma exacerbations during the year after omalizumab (from 1.74 before to 0.48 after) with a substantial reduction of the risk of exacerbations by 56.7% (RR [95% CI] 0.43 [0.30-0.63] p < 0,001). CONCLUSION: The use of omalizumab in Colombia as a treatment for SAA notably reduced the risk of clinically significant exacerbations. This study is the first to evaluate omalizumab real-life effectiveness in pediatric and adult patients in the country.

Thinking in paracoccidioidomycosis: a delayed diagnosis of a neglected tropical disease, case report and review of clinical reports and eco-epidemiologic data from Colombia since the 2000.

BACKGROUND: Paracoccidioidomycosis is a neglected tropical disease, endemic in several countries of South America including Colombia. We report a case of a patient with Chronic Multifocal Paracoccidioidomycosis with long-standing symptoms and a delayed diagnosis caused by several barriers to achieve it. We did a review of the papers published in Colombia about this disease, focusing in clinical data and eco-epidemiology with the finding of a lack of new information on this topic since the 2000 in our region. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 54-year-old man, farmer in his youth, with a chronic ulcerated lesion in the lower lip similar to a lip carcinoma, a deforming lesion in the nose, and respiratory symptoms with emphysematous lung. Lip biopsy with silver methenamine stain revealed small and large budding yeasts that resembles a "mariner's wheel" confirming Chronic Multifocal Paracoccidioidomycosis. He was treated successfully but subsequently lost to follow up. CONCLUSIONS: It is very important to focus attention, reinforce the search and create networks for the study of neglected tropical diseases. The presented case illustrates a usual clinical presentation, but with a delayed diagnosis due to the difficulties that still occur in some regions like ours for the early recognition of a case of chronic multifocal paracoccidioidomycosis.

Quantifying Information without Entropy: Identifying Intermittent Disturbances in Dynamical Systems.

A system's response to disturbances in an internal or external driving signal can be characterized as performing an implicit computation, where the dynamics of the system are a manifestation of its new state holding some memory about those disturbances. Identifying small disturbances in the response signal requires detailed information about the dynamics of the inputs, which can be challenging. This paper presents a new method called the Information Impulse Function (IIF) for detecting and time-localizing small disturbances in system response data. The novelty of IIF is its ability to measure relative information content without using Boltzmann's equation by modeling signal transmission as a series of dissipative steps. Since a detailed expression of the informational structure in the signal is achieved with IIF, it is ideal for detecting disturbances in the response signal, i.e., the system dynamics. Those findings are based on numerical studies of the topological structure of the dynamics of a nonlinear system due to perturbated driving signals. The IIF is compared to both the Permutation entropy and Shannon entropy to demonstrate its entropy-like relationship with system state and its degree of sensitivity to perturbations in a driving signal.

Septic Return Flow Pathlines, Endpoints, and Flows Based on the Urban Miami-Dade Groundwater Model.

Miami-Dade County (MDC) has over 112,000 septic systems, some of which are at risk of compromise due to water table rise associated with sea level rise. MDC is surrounded by protected water bodies, including Biscayne Bay, with environmentally sensitive ecosystems and is underlain by highly transmissive karstic limestone. The main objective of the study is to provide first estimates of the locations and magnitudes of septic return flows to discharge endpoints. This is accomplished by leveraging MDC's county-scale surface-groundwater model using pathline analysis to estimate the transport and discharge fate of septic system flows under the complex time history of groundwater flow response to pumping, canal management, storms, and other environmental factors. The model covers an area of 4772 km2 in Southeast Florida. Outputs from the model were used to create a 30-year (2010 to 2040) simulation of the spatial-temporal pathlines from septic input locations to their termination points, allowing us to map flow paths and the spatial distribution of the septic flow discharge endpoints under the simulated conditions. Most septic return flows were discharged to surface water, primarily canals 52,830 m3/d and Biscayne Bay (5696 m3/d), and well fields (14,066 m3/d). Results allow us to identify "hotspots" to guide water quality sampling efforts and to provide recommendations for septic-to-sewer conversion areas that should provide most benefit by reducing nutrient loading to water bodies.

Sputum Biomarkers in Wood and Tobacco Smoke Etiotypes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Introduction: There is a need to better understand the etiotypes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) beyond the tobacco-smoke (TS-COPD). Wood smoke COPD (WS-COPD) is characterized by greater airway compromise, milder emphysema, and slower rate of lung function decline than TS-COPD. However, it is unclear if these two etiotypes of COPD have differences in sputum biomarker concentrations. Objective was to compare sputum levels of selected sputum biomarkers between WS-COPD and TS-COPD, and healthy controls. Methods: Eighty-eight women (69±12 years) were recruited and classified into: WS-COPD (n=31), TS-COPD (n=29) and controls (n=28). Using ELISA, we determined induced sputum levels of metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5), interleukin-8 (IL-8), chemokine ligand 16 (CCL16/HCC-4) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-1). Differences were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney-U tests and correlation between airflow limitation and biomarkers by Spearman's test. Results: At similar degree of airflow obstruction, anthropometrics and medications use, the level of sputum CCL5 was higher in TS-COPD than WS-COPD (p=0.03) without differences in MMP-9, IL-8, CCL16/HCC-4, and VEGF-1. Women with WS-COPD and TS-COPD showed significantly higher sputum levels of MMP-9, IL-8 and CCL5 compared with controls (p<0.001). FEV1% predicted correlated negatively with levels of MMP-9 (rho:-0.26; P=0.016), CCL5 (rho:-0.37; P=0.001), IL-8 (rho:-0.42; P<0.001) and VEGF (rho:-0.22; P=0.04). Conclusion: While sputum concentrations of MMP-9, IL-8, and CCL5 were higher in COPD women compared with controls, women with TS-COPD had higher levels of CCL5 compared with those with WS-COPD. Whether this finding relates to differences in pathobiological pathways remains to be determined.

[Mechanical ventilator test protocol for care of patients with COVID-19 in porcine model]. / Protocolo de prueba de ventilador mecánico para atención de pacientes con COVID-19 en modelo porcino.

As a result of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, health systems globally have seen a dramatic increase in the occupancy of intensive care units, with mechanical ventilators being a resource in high demand in the care of these patients. This article proposes a protocol for testing low-cost mechanical ventilators in pig models, as part of the development of locally manufactured biomedical equipment that can support the health crisis caused by the pandemic. The protocol addresses aspects that include the pre-test phase, anesthetic and airway management, laboratory monitoring, recovery and monitoring of the animal. This document presents to the academic community a validation protocol of a mechanical ventilator prototype in a pig specimen that can be a reference for its application and revalidation by other groups interested in the development of local and low-cost technologies.

A raíz de la pandemia generada por el SARS-CoV-2, los sistemas de salud de los distintos países han experimentado un dramático aumento en la ocupación de las unidades de cuidado intensivo y, por ende, una alta demanda de ventiladores mecánicos. En este artículo se propone un protocolo de pruebas de ventiladores mecánicos de bajo costo en modelos porcinos, como parte del desarrollo de equipos biomédicos que pueden apoyar la crisis sanitaria suscitada por la pandemia. El protocolo aborda aspectos que incluyen la fase previa a la prueba, el manejo anestésico, de vía aérea, seguimiento de laboratorio, recuperación y seguimiento del animal. Como resultado, se presenta a la comunidad académica un protocolo de validación de prototipo de ventilador mecánico en espécimen porcino como un referente para su aplicación y revalidación por parte de grupos interesados en el desarrollo de tecnologías locales de bajo costo.

Manifestaciones clínicas y radiológicas de la Aspergilosis Pulmonar: Informe de tres casos / Pulmonary aspergillosis, an approach to clinical and radiological manifestations. Report of three cases

RESUMEN La aspergilosis pulmonar, causada por el hongo oportunista Aspergillus, afecta principalmente a individuos inmunocomprometidos. Este reporte presenta tres casos: Una mujer de 18 años con leucemia aguda desarrolló dificultad respiratoria y patrones bilaterales de "árbol en brote" en la tomografía computarizada (TC). A pesar del tratamiento con voriconazol, falleció debido a insuficiencia respiratoria. Una mujer de 58 años con diabetes y EPOC presentó disnea y hemoptisis. Las imágenes revelaron una lesión cavitada, confirmando un aspergiloma. Se consideró la cirugía debido a la hemoptisis activa. Una mujer de 41 años con antecedentes de tuberculosis presentó fiebre y síntomas respiratorios. La TC mostró lesiones cavitadas y bronquiectasias, confirmando aspergilosis crónica. Respondió bien al voriconazol. Estos casos destacan la variabilidad en la aspergilosis pulmonar y subrayan la importancia de un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos para mejorar los resultados en los pacientes.

ABSTRACT Pulmonary aspergillosis, caused by the opportunistic fungus Aspergillus, primarily affects immunocompromised individuals. This report presents three cases: An 18-year-old female with acute leukemia developed respiratory distress and bilateral "tree-in-bud" patterns on CT. Despite voriconazole treatment, she succumbed to respiratory failure. A 58-year-old female with diabetes and COPD had dyspnea and hemoptysis. Imaging revealed a cavitated lesion, confirming aspergilloma. Surgery was considered due to active hemoptysis. A 41-year-old female with a history of tuberculosis presented with fever and respiratory symptoms. CT showed cavitated lesions and bronchiectasis, confirming chronic aspergillosis. She responded well to voriconazole. These cases highlight the variability in pulmonary aspergillosis and underscore the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment to improve patient outcomes.

Surveillance of adverse events in the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis: A global feasibility study.

The World Health Organization launched a global initiative, known as aDSM (active TB drug safety monitoring and management) to better describe the safety profile of new treatment regimens for drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in real-world settings. However, comprehensive surveillance is difficult to implement in several countries. The aim of the aDSM project is to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing national aDSM registers and to describe the type and the frequency of adverse events (AEs) associated with exposure to the new anti-TB drugs. Following a pilot study carried out in 2016, official involvement of TB reference centres/countries into the project was sought and cases treated with bedaquiline- and/or delamanid-containing regimens were consecutively recruited. AEs were prospectively collected ensuring potential attribution of the AE to a specific drug based on its known safety profile. A total of 309 cases were fully reported from 41 centres in 27 countries (65% males; 268 treated with bedaquiline, 20 with delamanid, and 21 with both drugs) out of an estimated 781 cases the participating countries had committed to report by the first quarter of 2019.

Rasmussen aneurysm: A rare but not gone complication of tuberculosis.

This report describes the case of a 30-year-old homeless man from Pereira, Colombia with tuberculosis, who presented with massive hemoptysis and associated aneurysm of the left upper lobe (Rasmussen aneurysm). Computed tomography angiography with three-dimensional reconstruction confirmed the aneurysm, and embolization was performed successfully.

Pelvic floor symptom changes in pessary users.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare pelvic floor symptom changes in patients who continue vs discontinue pessary use, and determine whether changes predict pessary continuation. STUDY DESIGN: Women fitted with pessaries completed the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) before and after initiating pessary use. Scores were compared in women who continued vs discontinued pessaries. Analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline differences in scores. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to find a score predicting pessary continuation. RESULTS: Sixty-four women had complete follow up data; at 6-12 months, 36 of 64 (56%) continued pessary use, and 28 of 64 (44%) discontinued use. The continuation group's final PFDI-20 total, bladder, and prolapse scale scores were better than the discontinuation group's. A 2-month prolapse score that fell to 50% of baseline best predicted pessary continuation. CONCLUSION: PFDI-20 scores improved most in women continuing pessary use. Pessaries effectively treated urinary symptoms, and most effectively treated prolapse symptoms. Prolapse score improvement best predicted continued pessary use.

Protocolo de prueba de ventilador mecánico para atención de pacientes con COVID-19 en modelo porcino / Mechanical ventilator test protocol for care of patients with COVID-19 in porcine model

RESUMEN A raíz de la pandemia generada por el SARS-CoV-2, los sistemas de salud de los distintos países han experimentado un dramático aumento en la ocupación de las unidades de cuidado intensivo y, por ende, una alta demanda de ventiladores mecánicos. En este artículo se propone un protocolo de pruebas de ventiladores mecánicos de bajo costo en modelos porcinos, como parte del desarrollo de equipos biomédicos que pueden apoyar la crisis sanitaria suscitada por la pandemia. El protocolo aborda aspectos que incluyen la fase previa a la prueba, el manejo anestésico, de vía aérea, seguimiento de laboratorio, recuperación y seguimiento del animal. Como resultado, se presenta a la comunidad académica un protocolo de validación de prototipo de ventilador mecánico en espécimen porcino como un referente para su aplicación y revalidación por parte de grupos interesados en el desarrollo de tecnologías locales de bajo costo.

ABSTRACT As a result of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, health systems globally have seen a dramatic increase in the occupancy of intensive care units, with mechanical ventilators being a resource in high demand in the care of these patients. This article proposes a protocol for testing low-cost mechanical ventilators in pig models, as part of the development of locally manufactured biomedical equipment that can support the health crisis caused by the pandemic. The protocol addresses aspects that include the pre-test phase, anesthetic and airway management, laboratory monitoring, recovery and monitoring of the animal. This document presents to the academic community a validation protocol of a mechanical ventilator prototype in a pig specimen that can be a reference for its application and revalidation by other groups interested in the development of local and low-cost technologies.

Verificación del desempeño de la prueba rápida "AMP Rapid Test SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM- Cassettes" / Quick test performance verification "AMP Rapid Test SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM- Cassettes"

Resumen Objetivo: Verificación del desempeño de las pruebas serológicas rápidas utilizadas en el departamento de Risaralda, Colombia. Métodos: Estudio analitico, de corte transversal. Incluyó muestras de sueros de trabajadores de la salud de la ciudad de Pereira, quienes tuvieron sospecha clínica y epidemiológica por SARS-CoV-2. El procesamiento y validación de las pruebas fue realizado en las instalaciones de la Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira. Se calculó sensibilidad y especificidad de las pruebas rápidas serológicas IgM/IgG usando como prueba de oro la RT-PCR. Resultados: Se incluyeron las muestras de 144 profesionales de la salud. Las pruebas serológicas rápidas evidenciaron ser útiles para identificar o descartar la presencia de anticuerpos IgM e IgG, especialmente en pacientes sintomáticos, en quienes el inicio de los síntomas es superior a 11 días. Discusión: El uso de pruebas rápidas se encuentra en aumento, no solo por la rapidez de sus resultados, sino también por los bajos costos asociados y la necesidad de identificar pacientes no susceptibles, quienes deben priorizar su retorno a actividades laborales en comunidad como parte de la reactivación económica de Colombia. Es necesario confirmar el desempeño de la prueba para aumentar la probabilidad de una adecuada clasificación antes de proceder a su uso rutinario.

Abstract Objective: We aimed to realize a verification of the performance of the rapid serological tests used in Risaralda department. Methods: Analytical, cross-sectional study. Serum samples from health workers in Pereira city, who had a clinical and epidemiological suspicion for SARS-CoV-2 were included. The processing and validation of the tests was carried out at Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira. Sensitivity and specificity of rapid IgM / IgG sero logical tests were calculated using RT-PCR as the gold standard test. Results: 144 samples of health professionals were included. Rapid serological tests useful to identify or rule out the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies, especially in symptomatic patients, in whom the onset of symptoms is longer than 11 days. Discussion: The use of rapid tests is increasing, not only due to the speed of their results, but also due to the low associated costs and the need to identify non-susceptible patients, who must prioritize their return to work activities in the community as part of the economic reactivation of Colombia. It is necessary to confirm the adequate performance of the test to increase the probability of an adequate classification before proceeding with the routine use of this test.

Protocolo de prueba de ventilador mecánico para atención de pacientes con COVID-19 en modelo porcino / Mechanical ventilator test protocol for care of patients with COVID-19 in porcine model

RESUMEN A raíz de la pandemia generada por el SARS-CoV-2, los sistemas de salud de los distintos países han experimentado un dramático aumento en la ocupación de las unidades de cuidado intensivo y, por ende, una alta demanda de ventiladores mecánicos. En este artículo se propone un protocolo de pruebas de ventiladores mecánicos de bajo costo en modelos porcinos, como parte del desarrollo de equipos biomédicos que pueden apoyar la crisis sanitaria suscitada por la pandemia. El protocolo aborda aspectos que incluyen la fase previa a la prueba, el manejo anestésico, de vía aérea, seguimiento de laboratorio, recuperación y seguimiento del animal. Como resultado, se presenta a la comunidad académica un protocolo de validación de prototipo de ventilador mecánico en espécimen porcino como un referente para su aplicación y revalidación por parte de grupos interesados en el desarrollo de tecnologías locales de bajo costo.

ABSTRACT As a result of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, health systems globally have seen a dramatic increase in the occupancy of intensive care units, with mechanical ventilators being a resource in high demand in the care of these patients. This article proposes a protocol for testing low-cost mechanical ventilators in pig models, as part of the development of locally manufactured biomedical equipment that can support the health crisis caused by the pandemic. The protocol addresses aspects that include the pre-test phase, anesthetic and airway management, laboratory monitoring, recovery and monitoring of the animal. This document presents to the academic community a validation protocol of a mechanical ventilator prototype in a pig specimen that can be a reference for its application and revalidation by other groups interested in the development of local and low-cost technologies.

Neumonía intersticial con características autoinmunes: reporte de caso / Interstitial Pneumonia with Autoimmune Features: case report

La neumonía intersticial con características autoinmunes por sus siglas en inglés, es una entidad en la que existe un compromiso pulmonar intersticial y hallazgos clínicos y paraclínicos que sugieren una enfermedad del tejido conectivo, aunque no cumplen criterios diagnósticos para ninguna de estas. Con fines de investigación, en el 2015 se describieron criterios para esta entidad, en los que se incluyeron características de los dominios clínicos, serológicos y morfológicos, con diversos patrones de compromiso pulmonar. En la actualidad, hay un aumento en el interés de esta entidad, pues algunos autores sugieren que se pueda tratar de una enfermedad autoinmune per se, cuyo órgano blanco principal sería el pulmón. Dado su reciente reconocimiento, son pocos los casos descritos en la literatura. Con el propósito de contribuir a la mejor identificación de esa entidad, presentamos el caso de una paciente de 68 años con afectación pulmonar en quien después de descartar otras causas se llegó al diagnóstico de neumonía intersticial con características autoinmunes al cumplir los criterios de cada dominio requerido. Se inició tratamiento con micofenolato mofetilo a dosis de 2,5 mg/día. En su evolución clínica, la paciente presentó mejoría y fue dada de alta con tratamiento ambulatorio(AU)

Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features is a condition in which patients can have clinical and serological findings suggesting of a connective tissue disease associated with an interstitial lung disease, nonetheless no criteria for an specific connective tissue disease are meeting. In 2015 classification criteria where proposed, the diagnosis is made in the presence of a combination of features from clinical, serological and morphological domain with various patterns of pulmonary involvement. Currently there is an increase in the interest of this condition, as some authors suggest that it can be an autoimmune pathology per se, whose main target organ would be the lung. Given its recent recognition, there are few cases described in the literature and therefore in order to contribute to the better identification of that entity, we present the case of a 65 year old patient with lung involvement in whom after ruling out other etiological causes reached the diagnosis of I Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune by meeting criteria of each required domain(AU)

Cambio conceptual sobre infarto agudo del miocardio en estudiantes de ciencias de la salud / Conceptual change on acute myocardial infarction among health sciences students

Resumen Objetivo: caracterizar de los modelos explicativos sobre infarto agudo del miocardio (IAM) en estudiantes de ciencias de la salud e identificar los cambios que ocurren en éstos al implementar el aprendizaje basado en problemas (ABP). Marco de referencia: las nuevas tendencias de enseñanza- aprendizaje en ciencias privilegian la construcción de actividades participativas que propicien el razonamiento científico, la argumentación y la apropiación de los conceptos específicos, dirigidos a la comprensión de la racionalidad de la ciencia y su aplicación en el contexto cotidiano. Diseño: estudio descriptivo con análisis comprensivo cualitativo en estudiantes de tercer semestre de pregrado de la Facultad de Salud de la Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira. Intervenciones: inicialmente se caracterizaron los modelos explicativos de los estudiantes acerca del concepto IAM, clasificándolos según cuatro categorías: sentido común (SC), anatómico/tisular (AT), celular/ funcional (CF), biológico/metabólico (BM). En el segundo momento se implementó el ABP como estrategia didáctica de intervención de los modelos explicativos. Luego se conformó un grupo focal con el cual se llevó a cabo un análisis comprensivo y en profundidad del cambio en los modelos explicativos. Resultados: en la primera fase del análisis se encontró que la mayoría de estudiantes se encontraba en el modelo SC, posteriormente, se nota una progresión a los modelos superiores, siendo el AT el más frecuente; finalmente, se logra identificar que los estudiantes demuestran tener elementos de varios modelos. Conclusiones: se logró evidenciar un cambio sustancial en los modelos explicativos iniciales; lo que permite vincular al ABP como estrategia didáctica para promover el cambio conceptual.

Abstract Objective: to characterize the explanatory models of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in health sciences students and to identify the changes that occur in them when implementing problem-based learning (PBL). Frame of reference: the new teaching-learning trends in science benefit the construction of participatory activities that propitiate scientific reasoning, argumentation and the appropriation of specific concepts, aimed at understanding the rationality of science and its application in the everyday context. Design: descriptive study with comprehensive qualitative analysis in undergraduate third-semester students of the Faculty of Health of the Technological University of Pereira. Interventions: the students' explanatory models about the IAM concept were initially characterized, classifying them according to four categories: common sense (CS), anatomical / tissue (AT), cellular / functional (CF), biological / metabolic (BM). In the second time, the PBL was implemented as a didactic strategy for the intervention of explanatory models. Then a focus group was formed with which a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the change in the explanatory models was carried out. Results: in the first phase of the analysis it was found that the majority of students were in the CS model; later, a progression to the higher models was observed, being the AT the most frequent. Finally, it is possible to identify that the students demonstrate having elements of several models. Conclusions: a substantial change in the initial explanatory models was evidenced, thus allowing to link the PBL as a didactic strategy to promote conceptual change.

Caracterización epidemiológica de pacientes con cirrosis en una consulta de gastroenterologia en Pereira, Colombia, 2009-2012 / Epidemiologic characterization of the patients with cirrhosis treated in an outpatient clinic of gastroenterology in Pereira, Colombia, 2009-2012

Este estudio soporta sus bases en la necesidad de obtener datos claros que correspondan a la realidad de la población de la zona centro occidental de nuestro país, con el fin de aclarar el panorama con respecto a la cirrosis, condición asociada a múltiples factores que influyen, tanto en su origen y evolución, como en su pronóstico. Para ello realizamos un estudio descriptivo de cien pacientes con diagnóstico de cirrosis que consultaron al servicio de gastroenterología durante el período comprendido entre enero de 2009 hasta julio de 2012. Para un mejor análisis, el estudio se desarrolló conformando categorías epidemiológicas, etiológicas, de descompensación, de pronóstico y de muerte. La información se recolectó directamente de las historias clínicas de los pacientes y se completó con entrevistas, diligenciando un instrumento en el cual se reunían las variables necesarias para el análisis. A los pacientes que carecían de algunos datos imagenológicos se les realizaron estudios de extensión como ecografía hepática y doppler portal. Luego de la recolección de los datos, se realizó una descripción detallada de las variables propuestas encontrando algunas con mayor significancia estadística, las cuales se llevaron a análisis bivariado y multivariado. Se encontró una gran diversidad en esta población; la mayoría de los pacientes procedían de áreas urbanas; la relación de género fue 1:1. El alcohol fue el principal factor etiológico para el desarrollo de esta patología, lo cual concuerda con otros países Latinoamericanos. La causa autoinmune viene en incremento, acá ocupó un segundo puesto, seguida de la etiología viral.

The following research supports its bases in the necessity of dependable epidemiological data corresponding to population reality in the western center region of our country, in order to clarify the public health outlook for cirrhosis, understanding it as an associated condition with multiple influencing factors, both in its origin and its development, as well as in its prognosis. For this research we carry out a descriptive study with one hundred patients diagnosed with cirrhosis who consulted for a gastroenterology service in a period from January 2009 to July 2012. For a better analysis, the research was developed by creating the following categories: Epidemiological, etiological, by decompensation, by prognosis, and by death. The information was directly gathered from patient’s medical records and completed with interviews, in that way we earn an instrument which gathered the needed variables for analysis. Extension studies like hepatic ultrasound and portal Doppler were realized to patients without some imagenological information. After data garner, a detailed description of previously variables was performed, finding some of them with higher statistical significance, which were analyzed by a bivariate and multivariate system. A great variety was found in this population; most of patients came from urban areas; the relation in gender was 1:1. Consumption of alcohol was the main etiological factor to develop this pathology. Previous information matched with described data from other Latin-American countries. Autoimmune cause should be taken into account because is increasing and occupied a second place in the research, followed by infectious viral etiology.

Como un tatuaje: identidad y territorios en la cultura hip hop de Medellin / As a tattoo: identity and territories in the culture Medellin´s hip hop

El texto es una lectura descriptiva y reflexiva de la Cultura Hip Hop de la ciudad de Medellín, donde se indaga por el papel de los discursos de resistencia juvenil que logran los hoppers gracias a las diversas e imaginarias identidades narrativas, vinculadas a los cuatro elementos o expresiones constitutivas del Hip Hop: dee jay, graffiti, break dance, rap o mcing, entendidos como medios de comunicación que le permite a la Cultura Hip Hop confrontar los discursos hegemónicos, especialmente los discursos publicitarios que consideran a la juventud como población inclinada al consumo irracional y compulsivo.

This paper is a descriptive and reflective reading of the Hip Hop culture in Medellín, Colombia. The role of youthful resistance discourse is analyzed in connection to the basic components of Hip Hop practice: dee jay, graffitti, break dance and rap (or mcing). It is assumed that these components allow hoppers to confront hegemonic discourses such as advertising or any other discourse that see young people like irrational or compulsive consumers.

Investigación sobre patologías de labio y/o paladar hendidos en pacientes de la clínica Noel de Medellín. Estudio piloto (reporte de investigación) / Investigation on cleft lip and/or palate in patients of the Noel Clinic in Medellin. A pilot study (research report)

La presente investigación es un estudio epidemiológico de tipo descriptivo retrospectivo, realizado en pacientes de labio y/o paladar hendidos de la Clínica Noel de Medellín. Se revisaron 370 historias clínicas de los pacientes que fueron sometidos a cirugía para corregir labio y/o paladar, entre los años 1984 y 1987, con el fin de detectar factores de riesgo asociados a estas anomalías. Se encontró que la hendidura más frecuente fue la queilopalatosquisis bilateral de paladar primario y secundario, seguida por la del lado izquierdo. La queilopalatosquisis de paladar primario asilado de mayor incidencia también fue al lado izquierdo, seguida por la misma lesión al lado derecho. Las fisuras de labio y paladar, exceptuando la palatosquisis y úvula bífida, fueron en todos los casos más frecuentes en hombres que en mujeres. No hubo asociación entre aparición de hendiduras y edad avanzada de los padres, al contrario, la mayor parte de ellos eran menores de 28 años. Las patologías asociadas a ingestión de drogas durante el embarazo y antecedentes familiares no pudieron analizarse por escasés de datos en las historias

Meningitis por Streptococcus pneumoniae resistente a la Penicilina en un paciente con SIDA

Presentamos un caso de meningitis por S. pneumoniae resistente a la penicilina (SpRP) in vitro, en un adulto con tuberculosis e infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). El SpRP es un problema creciente en Colombia y en el resto del mundo, por lo cual es necesaria la observación estrecha y la determinación permanente de la sensibilidad de esta bacteria a los antimicrobianos.