Prevalencia de infección por Chlamydia trachomatis y relación con el perfil de conductas sexuales en adolescentes y mujeres jóvenes de la Provincia de Osorno, Chile / Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and relationship with the profile of sexual behaviors in adolescents and young women in the Province of Osorno, Chile

INTRODUCCIÓN: La infección por Chlamydia trachomatis es la ITS bacteriana más frecuente del mundo. En el cervix se presenta mayormente de forma asintomática y afecta especialmente a mujeres jóvenes y adolescentes. Puede producir daño permanente en el tracto reproductor femenino, se asocia a parto prematuro, infecciones neonatales transmitidas vía vertical y mayor riesgo de adquirir otras ITS como VIH Y VPH. Por estos motivos se han establecido estrategias de tamizaje para detectar y tratar precozmente la infección asintomática por C. trachomatis en diferentes países. En nuestro país no contamos con un programa nacional de tamizaje. OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de infección asintomática por Chlamydia trachomatis en mujeres entre 12 y 21 años de la Provincia de Osorno, Región de Los Lagos, Chile. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Se desarrolló un estudio de diseño transversal con una cohorte única de mujeres adolescentes y jóvenes consultantes en el Policlínico de Alto Riesgo Obstétrico y de Ginecología Infantil y Adolescente, del Hospital Base de Osorno, entre enero de 2019 y enero 2020. Se determinó el estado de infección asintomática mediante RPC en tiempo real para C. trachomatis. Se realizó una encuesta a fin de determinar características demográficas, hábitos y conductas sexuales de las pacientes estudiadas. RESULTADOS: Fueron reclutadas 124 mujeres entre 12 a 21 años de edad, de las cuales, 36 (29,3%) se encontraban embarazadas al momento del estudio. La prevalencia de infección asintomática por C. trachomatis fue de 14/124 (11,3%). En las mujeres gestantes se encontraron 6/36 (16,7%) casos positivos de infección por C. trachomatis y 8/88 (9,1%) en las no gestantes. Existe una mayor frecuencia de infección asintomática a menor edad de inicio de actividad sexual (33,3% en aquellas que inician entre 11-12 años vs. 16,2% en las que inician entre 1314 años, 7,4% entre 15-16 y 8% entre 17-21 años; p < 0,05). Esta tendencia no fue observada al comparar el estado de infección con el tiempo de vida sexual activa. Sólo 15,7% de las pacientes utilizó preservativo en todas sus relaciones sexuales. DISCUSIÓN: La infección asintomática por C. trachomatis es frecuente en las mujeres adolescentes y jóvenes sexualmente activas. Las pacientes con inicio más temprano de la actividad sexual coital (bajo 13 años de edad) podrían estar en mayor riesgo. Se requiere con urgencia establecer la frecuencia nacional de infección para desarrollar una estrategia sanitaria para su pesquisa y manejo oportuno en nuestro país.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the world most common bacterial STI. At uterine cervix it presents mostly asymptomatically and especially affects young women and adolescents. It can cause permanent damage to the female reproductive tract and is associated with premature birth, connatal infections and increased risk of acquiring other STIs such as HIV and HPV. For these reasons, other countries have established screening strategies to detect and treat asymptomatic C. trachomatis infection. Our country don't have a national screening program. AIM: To determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis asymptomatic infection in adolescent and young women in Osorno province, Los Lagos Region, Chile. METHODS: A crosssectional study was performed in adolescent and young women who consult at Hospital Base Osorno in the MaternoFetal and PediatricAdolescent Gynecology ambulatory clinics, between January 2019 and January 2020. The status of asymptomatic infection was determined by PCR for C. trachomatis. A survey was carried out to determine the demographic characteristics, habits and sexual behaviors. RESULTS: 124 women between 12 and 21 years of age were recruited, of which 36 (29,3%) were pregnant at the time of the study. The prevalence of asymptomatic infection by C. trachomatis was 11.3.%. In pregnant women, there were 6/36 (16.7%) positive cases for C. trachomatis and 8/88 (9.1%) in nonpregnant women. We found a higher frequency of asymptomatic infection at younger age of first sexual intercourse (33% in adolescents at 11-12 years old vs. 16.2% at 13-14, 7.4% at 15-16 and 8% at 17-21; p<0.05). Only 15.7% of the patients utilized condoms in all their intercourses. DISCUSSION: Asymptomatic C. trachomatis infection is common in adolescent and young women, with a higher risk in those who onset sexual activity at an early age (less than 13 years old). It is urgently required to determine the national frequency of asymptomatic C. trachomatis infection to develop a national strategy for screening and timely treatment.

In vitro amoebicidal effects of arabinogalactan-based ophthalmic solution.

The main corneal infections reported worldwide are caused by bacteria and viruses but, recently, the number of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) cases has increased. Acanthamoeba genus is an opportunistic free living protozoa widely distributed in environmental and clinical sources, with two life-cycle stages: the trophozoite and the cyst. AK presents as primary symptoms eye redness, epithelial defects, photophobia and intense pain. An early diagnosis and an effective treatment are crucial to avoid blindness or eye removal but, so far, there is no established treatment to this corneal infection. Diverse research studies have reported the efficacy of commercialized eye drops and ophthalmic solutions against the two life cycle stages of Acanthamoeba strains, that usually present preservatives such as Propylene Glycol of Benzalkonium chloride (BAK). These compounds present toxic effects in corneal cells, favouring the inflammatory response in the so sensitive eye tissue. In the present work we have evaluated the efficacy of nine proprietary ophthalmic solutions with and without preservatives (ASDA Dry Eyes Eyedrops, Miren®, ODM5®, Ectodol®, Systane® Complete, Ocudox®, Matrix Ocular®, Alins® and Coqun®) against the two life cycle stages of three Acanthamoeba strains. Our work has demonstrated the high anti-Acanthamoeba activity of Matrix Ocular®, which induces the programmed cell death mechanisms in Acanthamoeba spp. trophozoites. The high efficacy and the absence of ocular toxic effects of Matrix Ocular®, evidences the use of the Arabinogalactan derivatives as a new source of anti-AK compounds.

Effect of intravenous lidocaine on ischemia-reperfusion injury in DIEP microsurgical breast reconstruction. A prospective double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion injury in free flaps is associated with tissue damage and is one of the main factors causing flap failure in reconstructive microsurgery. The aim of this study is to assess whether any ischemia-reperfusion injury takes place during a microsurgical flap reconstruction as seen through the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and to analyze the effect of lidocaine in this process. METHODS: Twenty-four patients operated for immediate breast reconstruction using the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator free flap technique were divided into two groups: one group was treated with a lidocaine intravenous perfusion and the other group with a saline perfusion. MDA and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured at several points before, during, and after surgery. RESULTS: There was an increase in MDA levels in both groups, but the lidocaine group experienced a decrease during reperfusion. On the other hand, we observed a rise in SOD levels in both groups, but a decrease during reperfusion in the placebo group. However, these differences between groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The decreased SOD activity and increased MDA content in our research prove a redox imbalance and high reactive oxygen species levels in flaps, indicating that tissues experience ischemia-reperfusion injury during microsurgical reconstruction. Lidocaine may have a protective effect in free flap surgery, but our results were not statistically significant, so further studies will be required.

Hemophagocytic syndrome in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus: A study of 15 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVE: Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is characterized by various clinical and biological data derived from cytokine hyperproduction and cell proliferation. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the epidemiological, etiological, clinical and evolutionary characteristics of patients diagnosed with hemophagocytic syndrome and HIV infection, as well as their comparison with data from the literature. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive observational study was performed, including all adult patients with a diagnosis of HPS and HIV infection treated in the Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Unit of the Hospital Universitario Insular, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria from June 1, 1998 to December 31, 2018. RESULTS: An analysis of this series of case reports of 15 patients showed a higher percentage of males than females, with a mean age of 42 years. With respect to the diagnostic criteria for HPS, presence of fever, cytopenias and hyperferritinemia were a constant in all patients. Clinical neurological manifestations were frequent and clinical respiratory signs and symptoms absent. HPS was confirmed in some patients who were not severely immune-depressed and had undetectable viral loads. Furthermore, 40% of cases were not receiving ART. The most frequent triggering causes of HPS were viral, especially HHV-8. In addition, two new HPS triggers were identified: Blastocystis dermatitidis and Mycobacterium chelonae. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of treatment in HPS is arbitrary. This, together with the high mortality rate and the fact that it is underdiagnosed, indicates the importance of conducting future studies.

Efecto del estado nutricional en la mortalidad y recuperación funcional en adultos mayores con fractura de cadera / Effect of nutritional status on mortality and functional recovery in older adults with hip fracture

Resumen: Introducción: La malnutrición es una problemática frecuente en la población anciana, pero no ha sido completamente estudiado en ancianos con fractura de cadera. El objetivo es estimar mortalidad anual según nutrición en ancianos con fractura de cadera y comparar la funcionalidad motora. Material y métodos: Cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes mayores de 65 años con fractura de cadera incluidos en el Registro Institucional de Ancianos con Fractura de Cadera de un Hospital Universitario, entre Julio de 2014 y Julio de 2018. Se evaluó el estado nutricional con Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF) al ingreso hospitalario. La capacidad funcional motora fue evaluada con escala de Parker (EP) basal, a los tres y 12 meses. Resultados: Se incluyeron 1,253 pacientes. 49.92% (IC95% 47.12-52.72) estaba malnutrido. La mortalidad anual de los bien nutridos (BN) fue de 9.45% (IC95% 7.23-12.30) contra 21.52% (IC95% 18.12-25.45; p ≤ 0.001) de los malnutridos (MN). El riesgo de muerte se asoció a la malnutrición HR 2.45 (IC95% 1.75-3.43; p ≤ 0.001). Luego de ajustarlo por edad, sexo, fragilidad, AVD, índice de comorbilidades de Charlson y demencia, el riesgo se mantuvo HR 1.71 (IC95% 17-2.49; p = 0.005). Con respecto a la funcionalidad, la mediana de la escala de Parker (EP) basal para el grupo BN fue 9 (RIC6-9) y para MN fue 5 (RIC3-9) p < 0.001, a los tres meses 6 (RIC3-6) y 4 (RIC2-6) p ≤ 0.001 y a los 12 meses 6 (RIC4-7) y 3 (RIC2-6) p < 0.001. Conclusiones: Existe asociación entre la malnutrición del anciano con fractura de cadera y su mortalidad al año, asimismo una diferencia en la funcionalidad motora.

Abstract: Introduction: Malnutrition is a common problem in the elderly population but has not been fully studied in elderly people with hip fractures. The goal is to estimate annual mortality based on nutrition in the elderly with hip fracture and compare motor functionality. Material and methods: Retrospective cohort of patients over 65 years of age with hip fracture included in the Institutional Register of The Elderly with Hip Fracture of a University Hospital, between July 2014 and July 2018. Nutritional status with Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF) was assessed at hospital admission. Motor functional capacity was evaluated with Parker Scale (PS) basal, at three and 12 months. Results: 1,253 patients were included. 49.92% (CI95% 47.12-52.72) were malnourished. The annual mortality of the well-nourished (WN) was 9.45% (CI95% 7.23-12.30) against 21.52% (CI95% 18.12-25.45; p ≤ 0.001) of the malnourished (MN). The risk of death was associated with malnutrition HR 2.45 (CI95% 1.75-3.43; p ≤ 0.001). After adjusting it by age, sex, fragility, AVD, Charlson comorbility index and dementia, the risk remained HR 1.71 (CI95% 17-2.49; p = 0.005). With respect to functionality, the basal Parker Scale median (EP) for the WN group was 9 (RIC6-9) and for MN was 5 (RIC3-9) p < 0.001, 6 months (RIC3-6) and 4 (RIC2-6) p ≤ 0.001 and 12 months 6 (RIC4-7) and 3 (RIC2-6) p < 0.001. Conclusions: There is an association between the malnutrition of the elderly with hip fracture and its mortality with a year of evaluation; we also find a difference in motor functionality.

MEK Retinopathy. Clinical case reports. / Retinopatía MEK. Casos clínicos.

CASE REPORTS: Three clinical cases are presented of MEK retinopathy associated with the combination of cobimetinib and vemurafenib characterised by alteration of the retinal pigment epithelium and neurosensory detachment. Two of the cases conserved the vision of the unit, and the third developed a large bilateral neurosensory detachment with final visual acuity of 0.6 for the right eye and 0.1 for the left one. DISCUSSION: The new therapeutic strategies against metastatic cutaneous melanoma condition the appearance of alterations of the pigmentary epithelium of the retina with serous detachments, leading to close monitoring with macular optical coherence tomography.

Spironolactone, a therapeutic alternative in the treatment of diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy. / Espironolactona, alternativa terapéutica en el tratamiento de la epiteliopatía difusa crónica.

CASE REPORT: Two cases are presented of patients with chronic diffuse epitheliopathy (CDE) that showed a favourable response when treated with spironolactone. The first patient had regions of neurosensory detachment (DNS) and the second, multiple DNS, secondary intra-retinal cysts and retinal pigment epithelium detachment. DISCUSSION: After treatment with spironolactone, both patients showed a visual acuity improvement and structural changes (reduced neurosensory retinal detachment and cystoid degeneration). Aldosterone receptor agonists (ARA) used for persistent forms of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy show encouraging results and could represent a therapeutic alternative for CDE.

Sarcoidosis. Debut as orbital pseudotumour.

CASE REPORT: 78 year-old female patient being investigated for a left orbital pseudotumour of 17 days onset. She had proptosis, pain, with no limitation of eye movements, periorbital oedema, and upper eyelid ptosis, compatible with an orbital pseudotumour. The MRI showed an upper outer left orbital mass adjacent to the side of eyeball and an increase in soft tissue at the level of lacrimal gland. The histopathology study of an eyelid lesion demonstrated the presence of non-caseating granulomas. DISCUSSION: A definitive diagnosis of orbital sarcoidosis was made. Oral treatment with corticosteroids and methotrexate achieved gradual control of the disease.

A linear radio frequency plasma reactor for potential and current mapping in a magnetized plasma.

Langmuir probe measurements in front of high power ion cyclotron resonant frequency antennas are not possible or simply too noisy to be analyzed properly. A linear experiment is a radio frequency (RF) magnetized plasma discharge reactor designed to probe the rectified potential in front of such antennas but at low power level (1 kW) to next improve antenna design and mitigate sheath effects. The maximum magnetic field is 0.1 T, and the RF amplifier can work between 10 kHz and 250 MHz allowing ion cyclotron resonances for argon or helium. The first measurements with no magnetic field are presented here, especially 2D potential maps extracted from the RF compensated probe measurements yield ni ≈ 10(15) m(-3) and Te ≈ 2 eV for RF power lower than 100 W. Series resonances in the chamber are highlighted and allow to deduce the plasma parameters from a simple equivalent impedance model of the plasma in helium gas. Next studies will be focused on magnetized plasmas and especially magnetized RF sheaths.

The best option: Umbilical LESS radical nephrectomy with vaginal extraction.

INTRODUCTION: Umbilical laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery represents an excellent alternative to laparoscopic or robotic multiport surgery. LESS surgery offers faster recovery, less postoperative pain and optimal cosmetic results. The reusable nature of its instruments also has significant economic advantages. PATIENT AND METHOD: We present a 34-year-old patient with a solid mesorenal lesion measuring 8 cm in the left kidney treated with pure LESS radical nephrectomy assisted by vaginal extraction of the specimen. The umbilical approach using a single-site multichannel KeyPort (Richard Wolf GmbH, Knittlingen, Germany) with DuoRotate curved instruments allows for minimum crushing and fewer spatial conflicts. Its perfect umbilical adaptation provides a hermetic system. The instrument's double rotation provides considerable movement precision. Vaginal extraction avoids damage to the abdominal wall and the need for widening the umbilical incision. RESULTS: After the placement of the device and triangulation of the clips, we proceeded to operate on posterior parietal peritoneum. The descending colon was mobilized to access the retroperitoneum and dissect the renal hilum. Hem-o-lok clips were placed on the artery and vein, which were subsequently sectioned. The specimen was inserted into a laparoscopic bag. Under direct vision, we placed a 15-mm trocar through the bottom of the vaginal posterior fornix to facilitate the extraction of the bag's thread. The incision was widened with the fingers, and the specimen was extracted, closing the vagina from the perineum with visualization from the navel. Abdominal drainage was not employed. The surgical time was 180 min. The patient was discharged the following day without needing analgesia. A year later, the patient was disease-free and had no complications. CONCLUSIONS: Umbilical LESS radical nephrectomy with vaginal extraction is feasible in selected cases. The procedure is oncologically safe, avoids scars and facilitates early recovery. From a practical point of view, this approach greatly simplifies natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and enables a minimally invasive equivalent result.

Experimental analysis of the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis technique applied with non-locking screws and screw locking elements.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) is an effective surgical technique in the repair of humeral and tibial shaft fractures. There is some controversy as to the minimum number of screws required to ensure correct stability to promote healing, especially when dealing with low quality bones. This work compared different systems assembled on synthetic models simulating a comminuted fracture. Group 1 comprised a locking compression plate with four non-locking screws placed at the holes furthest from the fracture. Group 2 differed from group 1 only in the additional use of two screw locking elements (SLE). Group 3 had four rather than two SLE and, finally, Group 4 used 4 locking screws. The compression and torsion tests with static and cyclic loads showed that, in MIPO, two locking screws or two non-locking screws with SLE could be used per segment without any significant loss in stiffness after 1000 cycles, with system stability guaranteed in both cases. However, lower strength and significant loss of stiffness were observed when non-locking screws were used alone.

Effects of resveratrol and other wine polyphenols on the proliferation, apoptosis and androgen receptor expression in LNCaP cells.

PURPOSE: To address the effect of resveratrol and other red wine polyphenols on cell proliferation, apoptosis and androgen receptor (AR) expression in human prostate cancer LNCaP cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: LNCaP cells (5 × 102) were cultured in microtiter plate modules and treated with gallic acid, tannic acid and quercetin (1, 5 and 10 µM), rutin and morin (25, 50 and 75 µM) and resveratrol (5, 10 and 25 µM). To address the extent of proliferation at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, a colorimetric immunoassay method was used. An activity caspase 3/7 detection assay was used to disclose apoptosis at 24, 48 and 72 hours. AR mARN levels were determined by real time RT-PCR. RESULTS: All polyphenols studied significantly inhibited (P<.05) cell proliferation compared to control. However, there were moderate differences between them. Resveratrol was the strongest inhibitor at different times and doses. Also, caspase-3 and caspase-7 activity was significantly higher (P<.05) than control in the presence of all the compounds, but the earlier response was achieved by resveratrol. Resveratrol, quercetin and morin were the only nutrients that significantly inhibited AR mRNA expression. Again resveratrol produced the highest inhibition (90-250 times less than control), followed by morin (67-100 times) and quercetin (55-91 times). CONCLUSIONS: All polyphenols studied showed important antiproliferative effects and induced apoptosis when added to LNCaP cells culture. We confirm that resveratrol, morin and quercetin may achieve such effect through reduced expression of AR. The synergistic effects of these compounds and their potential to prevent progression of hormone-dependent prostate cancer merit further study.

Aislación y caracterización de células madre mesenquimales provenientes de pulpa y folículo dentario humano / Isolation and characterization of mesenchymal stem cells from human dental pulp and follicle

Recientemente se ha descubierto que diversos tejidos dentales son fuente importante de Células Madre Mesenquimales (CMM). En la cavidad oral podemos encontrar CMM en la pulpa, en el folículo dental, papila y en la encía entre otros lugares. Varios estudios avalan el extenso potencial terapéutico de las CMM en terapias de regeneración. El objetivo de este estudio es aislar, cultivar células madres mesenquimales de pulpa y folículo dental humano, caracterizar su inmunofenotipo y su potencial de diferenciación a linaje osteogénico, condrogénico y osteogénico. Se cultivaron células de pulpa y folículo dental de terceros molares de dientes permanentes jóvenes humanos. Los cultivos de CMM fueron monitoreados por microscopia óptica, las células se inmunotipificaron por citometría de flujo. Posteriormente se evaluó su capacidad de diferenciaron a los tres linajes mencionados. En estas condiciones experimentales se comprobó que las células aisladas y cultivadas de pulpa y folículo dental correspondían a células madre mesenquimales humanas, siendo éstas últimas más fáciles de obtener y proliferar. Las CMM de folículo dental poseen mayor potencial de crecimiento y capacidad de diferenciación en comparación a las CMM de pulpa dental, probablemente debido a su estado evolutivo más inmaduro.

It was recently discovered that dental tissues are important sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In the oral cavity MSCs can be found in the pulp, dental follicle, apical papilla and gingival tissue, among others. Many studies support the therapeutic potential of MSCs in regenerative therapies. The objective of this study was to isolate and culture mesenchymal stem cells from human dental pulp and follicle, and to characterize their immunophenotype and differentiation potential to adipogenic, chondrogenic and osteogenic lineages. Oral cavity stem cells were cultured from pulp and dental follicle of wisdom teeth from young permanent teeth. Immunotypification of MSCs was performed by flow cytometry and cultures were evaluated for their ability to differentiate into the three lineages mentioned. Our results corroborate that cultured oral MSC cells isolated from pulp and dental follicle were mesenchymal in origin, being the latter more easy to obtain. Dental follicle MSCs have greater growth potential and differentiation capacity compared to dental pulp MSCs, probably due to their more immature developmental state.

[Current state of single-port transumbilical surgery in urology: challenges and applications]. / Estado actual de la cirugía transumbilical por puerto único en urología: retos y aplicaciones.

CONTEXT: Laparoscopic surgery in urology is considered to be an important advance, although it is not exempt from some morbidity associated to the use of multiple trocars and specifically to the extraction of the specimen. In order to decrease this morbidity and improve esthetics, other techniques are being developed, such as natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). It is aimed to review the current status of laparoendoscopic single site surgery in urology. ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE: A nonsystematic review has been carried out by means of the bibliographic search using the terms LESS and Urology from 2007 to 2012. The current LESS experience in urology is described, and its principal indications and the different single site devices and instruments available on the market are described. SYNTHESIS OF EVIDENCE: LESS surgery arose as one more step in the constant evolution of minimally invasive surgery in an attempt to improve esthetics, reduce surgical trauma and decrease pain and the post-operative complications associated to the conventional laparoscopy with multiple trocars. Since it was first described in 2007, the experience has been increasing exponentially and the LESS technique, whether assisted or not by robot, is becoming consolidated for a large spectrum of urological indications (both in oncological and reconstructive surgery) on a much greater scale than the NOTES technique. Even though most of the existing data are not randomized and very rarely comparative, with the selection bias that this represents, it seems clear that the esthetic benefit and analgesic control associated to the LESS surgery is real and reproducible. The complications associated to it are greater in cases of major oncology surgery and are due more to the technique itself then to the approach. CONCLUSIONS: Although the real benefit of the LESS surgery in urology cannot be appropriately quantified, the cosmetic improvement, less pain and greater patient satisfaction with their wound are clear. Appropriate training in this type of procedures in centers having large volumes and the continuous technical improvements in the instrumental development by the biomedical industry has resulted in the fact that the transumbilical LESS technique in urology has been born to stay.

[Laparoendoscopic radical cystectomy with orthotopic ileal neobladder through umbilical single port]. / Cistectomía radical laparoendoscópica con neovejiga íleal ortotópica a través de puerto único umbilical.

CONTEXT: Radical cystectomy with orthotopic derivation is one of the most complex urological techniques, although laparoscopic surgery has made this procedure increasingly less invasive. OBJECTIVE: To provide an up-dated review of the single port approach to carry out radical surgery due to bladder cancer. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed using Medline and Embase to discover the accumulated experience of the viability of carrying out laparoendoscopic radical cystectomy, pelvic lymphadenectomy and orthotopic neobladder using the laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS) approach. Our experience with this approach is also presented and the technique used with the reusable KeyPort(®) system developed by Richard Wolf is described. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Radical treatment of bladder cancer is possible in men and women using a single port and even performance of ileal neobladder, as reconstructive procedure in these patients. The surgical technique, post-operative cares and result obtained in our center are described. The accumulated experience worldwide describes 25 cases of radical cystectomy performed using different single port systems, 14 of them with orthotopic intestinal neobladder. CONCLUSION: The KeyPort(®) umbilical cystectomy constitutes in our setting the least possible invasive alternative to efficiently treat muscle-invasive bladder cancer, with excellent esthetic result, minimum post-operative pain and short hospital stay. The umbilical scar decreases the analgesic requirements and it ends up being practically invisible. This supposes an important step in the development of the minimally invasive surgery for bladder cancer.

[Onset of a training program for single-port laparoscopic urology]. / Puesta en marcha de un programa de entrenamiento para laparoscopia urológica por puerto único.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the onset of a single port laparoendoscopic program to carry out oncology surgery in a Urology Service. We present the initial experience in the laboratory and in the Animal Facility with rigid precurved instruments and KeyPort reusable access element (Richard Wolf). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two surgeons experienced in laparoscopic surgery and with the help of four assistants performed a training program based on predetermined tasks performed in simulation boxes (pelvitrainer) and porcine model following the requirements of the Regional Community of Madrid to handle experimental animals. RESULTS: The participants in this program were initially divided into pairs made up of an experienced surgery and assistant for the predetermined multiple tasks in simulator box in order to become familiarized with the instruments. After, 20 animal sessions were conducted in which the following were performed: (retroperitoneal or pelvic) lymph node dissections (n = 20), nephrectomies (n = 40), cystorrhaphy with suture (n = 20) and uterine-vesical anastomosis (n = 20). Times needed to perform the exercises and the principal errors perceived during the performance of each one of the tasks were recorded. The tasks, of growing complexity, were performed with the instruments described in increasingly less time and with less difficulty. An accessory trocar of 3.5 mm was required to perform the in vivo sutures. CONCLUSIONS: The KeyPort approach has potential application in different urological applications. Standardized training allows the acquirement of skills and makes the successful implementation possible of a laparoendoscopic surgery program in humans.

Prognostic factors for overall survival in paediatric patients with Ewing sarcoma of bone treated according to multidisciplinary protocol.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to assess the outcome of patients with Ewing sarcoma (EWS) of the bone and to identify prognostic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven patients younger than 18 years old, diagnosed with EWS of the bone between 1979 and 2009, were analysed retrospectively. Four different protocols of chemotherapy were used successively. Local treatment consisted of surgery (N=32), radiotherapy (N=20) and a combination of both (N=19). RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 10 years old (range, 2-17) and the median follow-up for survivors 8.6 years (range, 1-18.8). Thirty-two relapses occurred (21 distant, 5 local and 6 both). The 2- and 5-year overall survival rates were 70% and 51%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed four significant independent predictors for death: age ≥14 years old (HR: 5.06; p=0.019), lack of complete response (HR: 8.04; p<0.001), tumour volume ≥150 ml (HR: 2.21; p=0.045) and distant recurrences (HR: 1.45; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Outcome of EWS of bone is influenced by many clinical and treatment-correlated variables. Criteria to stratify patients should include all the variables that have shown prognostic significance. The development of novel therapies should target these high-risk groups.

[Umbilical single-port pyelolithectomy on horseshoe kidney: a new indication]. / Pielolitectomía por puerto único umbilical sobre riñón en herradura: una nueva indicación.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic surgery through a single port is an evolution of laparoscopic surgery, possible after recent technological development of new access systems. It is an established minimally invasive technique, although its indications in the field of Urology are currently under development. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present the first case of incision-less pyelolithectomy, performed through a single-port placed in the umbilicus, performed in a 47 years-old male patient (38.2 BMI) with solitary 4 cm diameter lithiasis in a horseshoe kidney. An umbilical 2.5 cm incision was used for the introduction of a prototype of the reusable Richard Wolf single-port system, without any ancillary elements. RESULTS: After placement of left double-J stent proximal left ureter and renal pelvis, pyelolithectomy and pyelorraphy were performed with DuoRotate-Instruments© (Richard Wolf). Water-tightness was demostrated with methylene blue intravesical instillation and no drain was placed. The procedure lasted for 280 min and bleeding was 30 cc. The patient was discharged 24 hours later without pain. CONCLUSION: Incision-less pyelolithectomy is a feasible and resolutive option to treat pelvic lithiasis. It can be considered the most beneficial option in aesthetical terms in experienced centers, especially in peculiar cases like horseshoe kidney.

Soluble fatty acid synthase relates to bone biomarkers in prepubertal children.

SUMMARY: Circulating soluble fatty acid synthase (FASN, a key enzyme in de novo biosynthesis of fatty acids, expressed in both adipocytes and osteoblasts) is clinically related to a less favorable bone profile in healthy prepubertal children. Soluble FASN may participate in the reciprocal regulation between fat and bone metabolism. INTRODUCTION: Fatty acid synthase (FASN), a key enzyme in de novo biosynthesis of fatty acids, is expressed in adipocytes and osteoblasts. We hypothesized that FASN may participate in the crosstalk between fat and bone. To this aim, we studied the relation between circulating soluble FASN (an extracellular FASN that reflects previously intracellular enzymatic activity) and adipose tissue and bone biomarkers in prepubertal children. METHODS: Circulating soluble FASN, total and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin, bone biomarkers [osteocalcin (OC), uncarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP)], and a profile of energy metabolism [body fat, insulin resistance and secretion (HOMA), serum lipids] were assessed in 84 asymptomatic prepubertal children (44 girls, 40 boys, age 6.8 ± 0.1 year). Serum 25-OH Vitamin D (Vit D) was additionally measured. RESULTS: Circulating soluble FASN increased with increasing HMW adiponectin (r = 0.29, p = 0.01) and decreasing serum Vit D (r = -0.21, p < 0.05), and was related to a less favorable bone profile, showing negative associations with bone-derived metabolic parameters [total OC (r = -0.33, p = 0.002) and ucOC (r = -0.37, p < 0.0001)] and a positive association with the CTX-to-BSAP ratio (r = 0.31, p < 0.01). These correlations were not explained by age, gender, body fat, insulin resistance or secretion or serum lipids; however, they were predominant in those subjects with Vit D levels below the population median. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating soluble FASN relates to both adipose tissue and bone biomarkers in prepubertal children, with associations that are dependent on Vit D concentrations. These findings suggest that FASN may participate in the crosstalk between fat and bone metabolism.