Comparative response to PDT with methyl-aminolevulinate and temoporfin in cutaneous and oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.

Cutaneous and Head and Neck squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC, HNSCC) are among the most prevalent cancers. Both types of cancer can be treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) by using the photosensitizer Temoporfin in HNSCC and the prodrug methyl-aminolevulinate (MAL) in CSCC. However, PDT is not always effective. Therefore, it is mandatory to correctly approach the therapy according to the characteristics of the tumour cells. For this reason, we have used cell lines of CSCC (A431 and SCC13) and HNSCC (HN5 and SCC9). The results obtained indicated that the better response to MAL-PDT was related to its localization in the plasma membrane (A431 and HN5 cells). However, with Temoporfin all cell lines showed lysosome localization, even the most sensitive ones (HN5). The expression of mesenchymal markers and migratory capacity was greater in HNSCC lines compared to CSCC, but no correlation with PDT response was observed. The translocation to the nucleus of ß-catenin and GSK3ß and the activation of NF-κß is related to the poor response to PDT in the HNSCC lines. Therefore, we propose that intracellular localization of GSK3ß could be a good marker of response to PDT in HNSCC. Although the molecular mechanism of response to PDT needs further elucidation, this work shows that the most MAL-resistant line of CSCC is more sensitive to Temoporfin.

Operational characteristics of ultrasound in the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine the operational characteristics of salivary gland ultrasound (SGU) in the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in a population of colombian patients with dry symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study of diagnostic tests in patients with dry symptoms who consecutively attended the rheumatology consultation (2018-2020). Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained through a survey, paraclinical and ophthalmological tests, minor salivary gland biopsy, unstimulated salivary flow and SGU (score 0-6 based on De Vita) were done. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values (Stata 15®) were calculated. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was developed. RESULTS: 102 patients were included (34 SS and 68 non-SS), mean age 55.69 (±11.93) years, 94% women. Positive ultrasound (score of 2 or more) was more frequent in the SS group, (70.6% vs. 22.1%, P<0.0001). The sensitivity was the same for grade 2 and 3 (70.59%), with a higher specificity (89.71%) for grade 3 (PPV 77.42% NPV 85.92). The ROC curve from the sum of the glands by means of ultrasound was better than those of the independent glands. The ROC curve of the ultrasound presented a greater area under the curve (0.72 [0.61-0.82]) than that of the histological analysis (focus score) (0.68 [0.59-0.78]), P=0.0252. CONCLUSION: Salivary gland ultrasound is a useful and reliable method for the classification of SS. Its use could be considered in the future within the SS classification criteria.

Neumatización detenida del seno esfenoidal: una condición benigna que simula lesiones patológicas / Arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus: a benign condition that simulates pathological lesions

Resumen La neumatización detenida de los senos paranasales es una condición benigna poco conocida, que consiste en una variación de la neumatización normal, permaneciendo médula ósea grasa dentro de la cavidad, siendo más frecuente en el seno esfenoidal. Es generalmente asintomática y su diagnóstico suele ser incidental en el contexto de la realización de imágenes por otras causas, existiendo criterios imagenológicos definidos para esta condición. Su manejo es expectante y es esencial su distinción de otros diagnósticos diferenciales, con objeto de evitar procedimientos y tratamientos invasivos que solo aporten morbilidad. Presentamos dos casos de pacientes, de 15 y 16 años que, en estudio imagenológico por otra causa, se observan lesiones esfenoidales heterogéneas con focos de baja señal sugerentes de calcificaciones, con características compatibles con neumatización detenida del seno esfenoidal.

Abstract Arrested pneumatization of the paranasal sinuses is an under-recognized benign condition, which consists of a variation of the normal pneumatization, with fatty bone marrow remaining within the cavity, more frequent in the sphenoid sinus. It is generally asymptomatic, and its diagnosis is usually incidental in the context of imaging for other causes, with defined imaging criteria for this condition. Its management is expectant and its distinction from other differential diagnoses is essential, in order to avoid invasive procedures and treatments that only contribute morbidity. We present two cases of 15- and 16-year-old patients who, on imaging for another reason, show heterogeneous sphenoid lesions with low-signal foci suggestive of calcifications, with characteristics compatible with arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus.

Abordaje prelagrimal del seno maxilar: experiencia del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile

Resumen Introducción: La patología del seno maxilar es frecuente en la práctica del otorrinolaringólogo. El abordaje prelagrimal permite un amplio acceso al seno maxilar, preservando el cornete inferior y ducto nasolagrimal. Objetivo: describir y analizar las características de los pacientes sometidos a abordaje prelagrimal del seno maxilar, en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile (HCUCh). Material y Método: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, incluyendo los pacientes con patología otorrinolaringológica sometidos a abordaje prelagrimal del seno maxilar, entre los años 2015 y 2019 en HCUCh. Se analizaron variables epidemiológicas, clínicas, resultados y complicaciones. Resultados: La serie está constituida por 11 pacientes, con edad promedio de 46,8 años; 6 hombres y 5 mujeres. Los diagnósticos más frecuentes que motivaron esta intervención fueron papiloma invertido y pólipo antrocoanal recidivado. Todos los pacientes fueron estudiados con endoscopía nasal e imágenes, siendo de elección la tomografía computada. No se reportaron complicaciones postoperatorias mayores. En el período de seguimiento, ningún paciente ha requerido reintervención del seno maxilar. Conclusión: El abordaje prelagrimal del seno maxilar es una alternativa para abordar esta cavidad, en pacientes adecuadamente seleccionados. En nuestra experiencia, la tasa de complicaciones es baja y no hemos presentado casos de recidiva.

Abstract Introduction: Maxillary sinus disease is frequent in otorhinolaryngology clinical practice. The pre-lacrimal approach allows a wide access to the maxillary sinus, preserving the inferior turbinate and the nasolacrimal duct. Aim: To describe and analyze the characte- ristics of patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) with pre-lacrimal approach to the maxillary sinus at University of Chile Clinical Hospital. Material and Method: Retrospective, descriptive study of all patients who underwent ESS for the treatment of any otorhinolaryngological pathology with pre-lacrimal approach, between 2015 and 2019. Variables analyzed include demographics, signs and symptoms and surgical complications. Results: This series includes 11 patients, with a mean age of 46.8 years at the time of sur- gery; 6 men and 5 women. The main diagnoses included inverted papilloma and recurrent antrochoanal polyp. All the patients were studied with nasal endoscopy and images, with computed tomography being the modality of choice. No major complications were observed at follow-up. Conclusion: The pre-lacrimal approach to the maxillary sinus is an alterna- tive to access this cavity, especially in well-selected patients. In our experience, the compli- cation rate is low. We report no recurrences so far.

Tumores fibroóseos de cavidades paranasales: experiencia en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile y revisión de la literatura / Fibro-osseous tumors of paranasal cavities: experience in the Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile and review of the literature

Los tumores de cavidades paranasales presentan una baja frecuencia. Dentro de éstos, entre los benignos destacan las lesiones fibroóseas que se caracterizan por el reemplazo de hueso normal por estroma celular fibroso. Dentro de estas lesiones se describen osteoma, displasia fibrosa y fibroma osificante. Se revisan 3 casos de pacientes del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile y se presenta una revisión bibliográfica en cuanto a las lesiones fibroóseas, su clínica, diagnóstico, imagenología y tratamiento.

The tumors of paranasal cavities present a low frequency. Among the benign tumors are fibro-osseous lesions characterized by the replacement of normal bone by fibrous cell stroma. Osteoma, fibrous dysplasia, and ossifying fibroma are described within these lesions. Three cases of patients from the Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile are reviewed and a bibliographic review is presented regarding the fibro-osseous lesions, their clinical features, diagnosis, imaging and treatment.

Trauma laríngeo externo y fractura de cartílago tiroides: revisión de la literatura / External laryngeal trauma and thyroid cartilage fracture: a literature review

RESUMEN El trauma laríngeo constituye un grupo de lesiones infrecuentes, pero de gran importancia clínica dada su alta morbimortalidad. Requiere un alto nivel de sospecha, puesto que muchas de estas lesiones pueden pasar desapercibidas en la evaluación inicial. Se debe sospechar en todo paciente que se presenta con traumatismo cervical y síntomas que van desde la disfonía y el dolor cervical anterior, a la disnea e incluso el compromiso respiratorio severo por obstrucción de la vía aérea. El abordaje de estos pacientes debe iniciar con la evaluación de la vía aérea y asegurar su estabilidad, para luego enfocarse en el diagnóstico y manejo específico de las lesiones. Presentamos a continuación una revisión bibliográfica en cuanto a los mecanismos de trauma, presentación clínica, diagnóstico, clasificación y manejo.

ABSTRACT The laryngeal trauma constitutes a group of infrequent lesions, but with great clinical importance, given its high morbidity and mortality. It requires a high level of suspicion, since many of these injuries may go unnoticed at the initial evaluation. It should be suspected in every patient presenting with cervical trauma and symptoms ranging from dysphonia and anterior cervical pain, to dyspnea or even severe respiratory distress, due to obstruction of the airway. The approach of these patients should begin with the evaluation of the airway and ensure its stability, to then focus on the diagnosis and specific management of the lesions. We present an updated literature review regarding the mechanisms of trauma, clinical presentation, diagnosis, classification and management.

Rinosinusitis fúngica invasiva aguda: actualización en pacientes adultos y pediátricos / Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis: update in adults and pediatric patients

RESUMEN La rinosinusitis fúngica invasiva aguda (RSFIA) es una enfermedad poco frecuente caracterizada por una infiltración fúngica de la submucosa y vasos sanguíneos de las cavidades nasal y paranasal. Afecta a pacientes con grados variables de inmunosupresión, destacando entre estas patologías subyacentes la diabetes mellitus y las neoplasias malignas hematológicas. Presenta una alta tasa de mortalidad, pudiendo reducirse significativamente si el diagnóstico y el tratamiento se realizan precozmente. Este artículo tiene por objetivo presentar una revisión actualizada de la literatura respecto a la presentación clínica, microbiología, factores de riesgos, métodos diagnósticos, tratamiento y pronóstico de la RSFIA, tanto en adultos como en niños.

ABSTRACT Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFS) is a rare disease characterized by fungal infiltration of the submucosa and blood vessels of the nasal y paranasal cavities. It affects almost exclusively patients with different degrees of immunosuppression, with underlying pathologies such as diabetes mellitus and hematological malignancies. AIFS has a high mortality rate, but it can be significantly reduced if the diagnosis and treatment are carried out early in the course of disease. This article aims to present an updated literature review regarding clinical presentation, microbiology, risk factors, diagnostic methods, treatment and prognosis of AIFS, both in adults and children.

Rinosinusitis crónica: una revisión de su etiopatogenia / Chronic rhinosinusitis: a review of its etiopathogenesis

RESUMEN La rinosinusitis crónica (RSC) se define como una inflamación sintomática de las cavidades nasales y paranasales. Es una enfermedad altamente prevalente, que conlleva una gran carga económica asociada y cuyo tratamiento médico actual consigue un alivio sintomático en aproximadamente 50% de los pacientes. Tradicionalmente se ha clasificado de acuerdo a la presencia o ausencia de pólipos nasales, sin embargo, no se conoce con total claridad los mecanismos que llevan a la diferenciación de ambos fenotipos. Se estima que existirían tanto factores exógenos como endógenos involucrados que configurarían un origen multifactorial de la enfermedad. La RSC es motivo de intensa investigación científica actual dado su impacto y prevalencia, de manera de determinar con mejor precisión los objetivos de un eventual tratamiento de mayor efectividad. Es por ello que presentamos una revisión actualizada en relación a los mecanismos fisiopatológicos subyacentes en RSC.

ABSTRACT Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is defined as a symptomatic inflammation of the nasal and paranasal cavities. It is a highly prevalent disease carrying a large associated economic burden, and its current medical treatment achieves symptomatic relief in approximately 50% of patients. Traditionally, it has been classified according to the presence or absence of nasal polyps. However, the mechanisms that lead to the differentiation of both phenotypes are not fully understood. It has been estimated that there are both exogenous and endogenous factors involved that would configure a multifactorial origin of the disease. Given its impact and prevalence, CRS is currently a subject of intense scientific research, in order to accurately determine the targets for a more effective treatment. For this reason, we present an updated review in relation to the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms in CRS.

Tumour VEGF/non tumour VEGF protein expression ratio as a biomarker for survival in colorectal cancer patients.

AIMS: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) over-expression is frequently considered as a marker of both, a poor prognosis and of an aggressive tumour phenotype. Colorectal carcinoma is still one of the most lethal malignancies. Thus, our purpose was to study the expression of VEGF in tumour tissue (VEGF(t)) and in the tissue surrounding tumours (VEGF(nt)) and analyse its correlation with clinico-pathological features and overall survival. METHODS: The study was designed to determine the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor in tumour (n = 87) and non-tumour tissue (n = 230) obtained form the colorectal cancer patients. Accordingly, VEGF expression was studied in tissue homogenates by a quantitative sandwich ELISA method. RESULTS: The study was performed on 317 colorectal samples from 87 colorectal cancer patients. VEGF expression was higher in the tumour than in the non-tumour area (P < 0.0005). In areas of 5-10 cm around the tumours, VEGF expression was higher than the expression obtained in proximal or distal edge of the resection. VEGF(t) expression was lower in patients with stage I than in patients with stage II, III, or IV. However, a shorter overall survival time was evident when the ratio obtained between VEGF expression in the tumour and mean VEGF expression in the non-tumour areas of the same patient (VEGF(t)/VEGF(nt) ratio) was ≤2 (P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: VEGF expression in colorectal cancer tissue was higher in tumour than in non-tumour areas. VEGF(t) expression was lower in initial clinical stages. Indeed, patients who presented a VEGF(t)/VEGF(nt) ratio >2 survived longer. This is the first report showing that the clinical outcome could be related to the VEGF(nt) over-expression in colorectal cancer patients.

[Hepatic adenoma and focal nodular hyperplasia: difficult differential diagnosis. Presentation of a case of focal nodular hyperplasia]. / Adenoma hepático e hiperplasia nodular focal: difícil diagnóstico diferencial. Presentación de un caso de hiperplasia nodular focal.

Hepatic adenoma and focal nodular hyperplasia are unfrequent benign lesions of the liver with individual histologic characteristics, but not always clinically distinguishable. The main difference is the intratumoral or intraperitoneal bleeding risk (high in adenoma and virtually zero in focal nodular hyperplasia). Surgery is the elective treatment for the first, while a more conservative attitude is allowed for the second. We present the case of a woman with an hepatic mass that clinically and radiologically seemed to be an adenoma. An atypical hepatectomy was done uneventfully. The examination of the specimen showed shaw focal nodular hyperplasia. We review the diagnostic and therapeutic controversy between these entities, because only the histologic examination of the entire surgical specimen could demonstrate the real nature of the lesion.

[Small cell anaplastic carcinoma of the colon]. / Carcinoma anaplásico de células pequeñas de localización colónica.

Small-cell anaplastic carcinoma of the colon is a very infrequent tumour (less than 1% of all colorectal neoplasms). Thirty-two cases have been described in the international literature up to 1992. A case, in a 54 year-old patient who underwent successful resection is presented. The importance of this tumour is due to its great aggressivity, and its great tendency to produce early hematogenous and lymph node metastases. It implies a bad prognosis and a survival of around 0% at one year. Because of these facts, treatment must include, beside surgical resection, an aggressive systemic protocol.

[Congenital hypertrophy of retinal pigment epithelium in familial colonic polyposis. Study of a family]. / Hipertrofia congénita del epitelio pigmentario de la retina en la poliposis colónica familiar. Estudio de una familia.

In the last years the relationship between congenital hypertrophy of retinal pigment epithelium (CHPRE) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) has been described. It has been said that ophthalmoscopy would be a good screening method for following up the relatives of patients with FAP. We present an ophthalmoscopic study of 14 member of a family with FAP. Four members with FAP were operated on in our department. Only a six years-old child, to this date without FAP, presented CHPRE. We review the relationship between FAP and CHPRE, and emphasize the importance of follow-up in FAP specially when CHPRE is present.

[Cecal hernia through the Winslow's hiatus]. / Hernia de ciego a través del hiato de Winslow.

A new case of cecal herniation through the foramen of Winslow is reported in a 67 year-old woman, preoperatively diagnosed by water-soluble contrast enema. Herniation through Winslow's foramen is an uncommon variety of internal hernias. Of 144 cases reported up to 1991 in the world literature, the cecum was involved in only 25-30%; and less than 10% of these were radiologically diagnosed before surgery.

Plaguicidas / Pesticides

La Vigilancia epidemiológica tiene como propósito identificar el comportamiento de las enfermedades y de los factores que condicionan su presencia, magnitud, tendencia y variaciones en el tiempo, en el espacio y en los grupos de población afectados, para poder recomendar con bases científicas medidas correctivas a corto, mediano y largo plazo capaces de prevenir o controlar los problemas de salud en la población. En Panamá, desde 1949 hay esbozos de acciones de Vigilancia Epidemiológica con el reporte telegráfico, que a partir de la creación del Ministerio de Salud en 1969, fueron tomando forma de manera organizada las acciones de Vigilancia Epidemiológica dentro de los diferentes programas de salud. El proyecto PLAGSALUD refuerza el sistema de Vigilancia Epidemiológica en los aspectos inherentes al IAPïs, dando un apoyo directo a contrapartes nacionales de salud, a responsables de programa de nivel regional, a personal de salud en unidades de atención, a técnicos y principalmente a la comunidad. Este documento, es un curso que tiene como objetivo brindar las herramientas epidemiológicas a personal de salud que trabaja en actividades relacionadas con sistemas de vigilancia y epidemiología de plaguicidas. La temática del curso, enfatiza los aspectos básicos del Sistema de Vigilancia Epidemiológica, estrategias para desarrollar y fortalecer el programa de plaguicidas a nivel local y de país