Fungal-associated pneumonia in patients with hematological malignancies.

PURPOSE: Patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) are at high risk of invasive lung fungal infections (ILFI). To describe the main characteristics, treatment, and outcomes for five years in adult patients with HM and fungal pneumonia. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study at Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), a referral tertiary care oncology hospital with 135 beds in Mexico City, Mexico. We included all cases of fungal pneumonia in patients with HM from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2022. Cases were classified as proven, probable, and possible according to EORTC/MSG criteria 2021. RESULTS: Two hundred ten patients were included; the mean age was 40 years. The most frequent HM was acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 74) and acute myeloid leukemia (n = 68). One hundred forty patients (66.7%) had severe neutropenia for a median of 16 days. All patients had a CT thorax scan; in 132 (62.9%), multiple nodules were documented. Serum galactomannan (GM) was positive in 21/192 (10.9%) and bronchoalveolar lavage in 9/36 (25%). Fifty-three patients (25.2%) died in the first month. In the multivariate analysis for mortality in the first 30 days, hypoalbuminemia, shock, possible ILFI, and inappropriate antifungal treatment were statistically associated. CONCLUSIONS: In high-risk HM patients, CT thorax scan and GM help diagnose ILFI. An appropriate antifungal improves mortality.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients in Mexico City.

BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients are among patients with highest risk of adverse coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes. OBJECTIVE: We compared clinical outcomes in post-HSCT patients with COVID-19 before and during the Omicron period. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study including patients post-HSCT with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection from April 2020 to March 2023 at Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City. We describe their clinical characteristics and report the variables associated with severe clinical disease, hospitalization, and death. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were included; 31 (58.5%) from the pre-Omicron period and 22 (41.5%) from the Omicron period. Median age was 42-years old (interquartile range 26-53), and 31 patients (59%) were men. Only four patients (16%) had received a vaccine prior to COVID-19 diagnosis in the pre-Omicron period versus 20 (91%) in the Omicron period (p < 0.001). COVID-19 severe cases were more common before Omicron: seven patients (23%) versus two patients (9%). Only one patient (3%) received an antiviral in the pre-Omicron period compared to 11 patients (50%) during the Omicron period (p < 0.01). COVID-19-associated mortality was almost double in the pre-Omicron period (16% vs. 9%, p = 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: This study reports patients with a high proportion of severe outcomes during the first 2 years of the pandemic. Outcomes improved during Omicron with better access to vaccines and antivirals and no in-hospital cases. Variables associated with worse outcomes were similar to other reports. Strengthening infection control measures in the hospital and better access to preventive strategies and therapeutic options are mandatory in these high-risk patients.

Evaluation of an Oral Fluid Collection Device and a Solid-Phase Extraction Method for the Determination of Coca Leaf Alkaloids by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Some South American countries have ancient traditions that may pose legal problems, such as the consumption of coca leaves, as this can provide positive results for cocaine use after the analysis of biological samples. For this reason, it is necessary to find specific markers that help differentiate legal from illegal consumption, such as tropacocaine, cinnamoylcocaine, and especially hygrine and cuscohygrine. In this work, two techniques for collecting biological samples are compared: the Quantisal® Oral Fluid collection device and passive drooling. Once the samples were collected, they were subjected to solid-phase extraction for subsequent injection into GC-MS. Different validation parameters included in international guides have been studied to evaluate whether the proposed method is valid for the defined purpose, placing special emphasis on the study of the matrix effect and little value on GC-MS analyses. With respect to this parameter, an increase in the signal was found for CUS and t-CIN, but it was not significant for the rest of the substances studied. The recoveries have varied significantly depending on the way of working, being higher when working with standardized areas. After carrying out work with the oral fluid samples collected from laboratory volunteers, the method was applied to two real samples. The results obtained support the need for further research to overcome certain limitations presented by the device.

Cross-cultural nursing care for immigrant women during pregnancy and childbirth: experiences and vulnerabilities / Cuidado transcultural de enfermería para la mujer inmigrante durante el embarazo y el parto: experiencias y vulnerabilidades / Cuidado transcultural de enfermagem à mulher imigrante na gestação e parto: experiências e vulnerabilidades

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the experiences and vulnerabilities for cross-cultural nursing care for immigrant women during pregnancy and delivery. Method: Exploratory, qualitative research, in the light of the Theory of Diversity and Universality of Cultural Care, in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, through interviews with eight postpartum woman and 18 nurses, between February and September 2022. The interpretation of meanings was adopted for analysis. Results: The categories of analysis emerged: Experiences, vulnerabilities and acculturation of immigrant women during pregnancy and delivery; Cross-cultural care and vulnerabilities experienced by immigrants in Brazilian health services. Vulnerabilities were identified in Cultural and Social Structure Dimensions expressed in access to work, low socioeconomic conditions, lack of family and social support and specific services for this population. The potentialities experienced included good care provided by health services, quality of the multidisciplinary team and appreciation of professional knowledge, however, the understanding of expectations and cultural aspects needs to be deepened. Final considerations: Understand that immigrant women experience situations of vulnerability in pregnancy and childbirth, in the Brazilian context, mainly related to social and programmatic dimensions. However, potentialities were also experienced, evidenced by positive aspects in cross-cultural nursing care in Brazil.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender las experiencias y vulnerabilidades de la atención de enfermería transcultural a mujeres inmigrantes durante el embarazo y parto. Método: Investigación cualitativa, exploratoria, basada en la Teoría de la Diversidad y Universalidad del Cuidado Cultural, realizada en Foz do Iguazú, Brasil, a través de entrevistas con ocho madres y 18 enfermeras, entre febrero/septiembre de 2022. Se adoptó la interpretación de significados para el análisis. Resultados: Emergieron las categorías de análisis: Experiencias, vulnerabilidades y aculturación de mujeres inmigrantes durante el embarazo y parto; Atención transcultural y vulnerabilidades vividas por inmigrantes en los servicios de salud brasileños. Se identificaron vulnerabilidades en las Dimensiones de Estructura Cultural y Social expresadas en acceso al trabajo, bajas condiciones socioeconómicas, falta de apoyo familiar y social y de servicios específicos para esta población. Las potencialidades vividas incluyeron: buena atención en los servicios de salud, calidad del equipo multidisciplinario y valoración del conocimiento profesional, sin embargo, es necesario profundizar la comprensión de las expectativas y los aspectos culturales. Consideraciones finales: Se entendió que las mujeres inmigrantes vivieron situaciones de vulnerabilidad durante el embarazo y el parto, en el contexto brasileño, principalmente relacionadas con dimensiones sociales y programáticas. Sin embargo, también se experimentaron potencialidades, evidenciadas por aspectos positivos en la atención de enfermería transcultural en Brasil.

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender as experiências e as vulnerabilidades para o cuidado transcultural de enfermagem à mulher imigrante na gestação e parto. Método: Pesquisa exploratória, qualitativa, à luz da Teoria da Diversidade e Universalidade do Cuidado Cultural, realizada em Foz do Iguaçu, Brasil, mediante entrevistas com oito puérperas e 18 enfermeiros,entre fevereiro e setembro de 2022. Adotou-se, para análise, a interpretação de sentidos. Resultados: Emergiram as categorias: Experiências, vulnerabilidades e aculturação da mulher imigrante na gestação e parto; Cuidado transcultural e vulnerabilidades experienciadas pela imigrante em serviços de saúde brasileiros. Vulnerabilidades foram identificadas nas Dimensões Culturais e de Estrutura Social expressas no acesso ao trabalho, baixas condições socioeconômicas, falta de suporte familiar, social e serviços específicos para essa população. As potencialidades experienciadas incluíram: bom atendimento nos serviços de saúde, qualidade da equipe multiprofissional e valorização do saber profissional; entretanto a compreensão das expectativas e dos aspectos culturais precisam ser aprofundados. Considerações finais: Compreendeu-se que as mulheres imigrantes experienciaram situações de vulnerabilidade na gestação e parto, no contexto brasileiro, principalmente relacionadas às dimensões sociais e programáticas. Contudo, potencialidades também foram experienciadas, evidenciadas pelos aspectos positivos no cuidado transcultural de enfermagem no Brasil.

[Experience in COVID-19 in hospitalized patients in pediatric critical units during pandemic period]. / Experiencia en COVID-19 en pacientes hospitalizados en unidades de paciente crítico pediátrico durante el periodo pandémico.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the COVID-19 disease profile in Chilean children hospitalized in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) and to evaluate risk factors associated with severe COVID-19. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A multicenter prospective cohort study with patients 0-18 years of age with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 hospitalized in PICU. Clinical, laboratory, imaging, and therapeutic variables were recorded. We compared "mild/moderate COVID-19" with ''severe COVID-19" using median with interquartile range (IQR), Mann-Whitney U test, two-tailed Fisher's test, and forward binary multivariate analysis to adjust variables for "severe COVID-19". A p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: From 16 PICUs, 219 patients were recruited, 55.3% were male, with a median age of 86 months (IQR: 13.5-156). The most frequent comorbidities were obesity and respiratory diseases. Overall mortality was 3.6%. "Severe COVID-19" (26.5%) showed more leukopenia, lymphopenia, increased inflammatory parameters, and altered organ function (p < 0.05). It also developed more sepsis/shock, ARDS, and organ dysfunction, requiring more hemodynamic, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulation, and antibiotic therapy, with a longer stay in the PICU/hospital (p < 0.05), and 13.8% of mortality. Risk factors associated with "severe COVID-19" were shock on admission to the PICU [aOR 28.44 (95%CI 10.45-77.4)], obesity [aOR 3.55 (95%CI 1.3-9.6)], consolidation [aOR 3.1 (95%CI 1.1 -8.7)], atelectasis [aOR: 8.7 (95%CI 1.17-64.3)], stress dose of corticosteroids [aOR 7.7 (95%CI 1.9-30.6)], early antibiotic therapy [aOR: 12.02 (95%CI 1.11-130.02)], acquired/congenital immunodeficiency [aOR: 19.2 (95%CI: 1.19-321)], and oncological pathology [aOR 10.7 (95%CI 2.14-47.8)]. CONCLUSION: In this Chilean pediatric cohort, most patients with COVID-19 admitted to de PICU were male, of school age, with associated comorbidity. Risk factors for developing severe COVID-19 were the presence of comorbidities such as acquired/congenital immunodeficiency, oncological pathology, and obesity, in addition to shock on admission and consolidations on X-rays.

Case report: A combination of nitroglycerin and adenosine proves effective in repairing a cerebral arteriovenous malformation.

Hemorrhage secondary to rupture of a brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) is one of the initial manifestations, and the main cause of, morbidity and mortality in patients with this condition. Current treatment strategies include endovascular embolization with the goal of AVM obliteration and neurological preservation. In the transvenous endovascular embolization procedure, adenosine is the preferred agent to induce temporary hypotension and allow adequate AVM embolization. We describe the intraoperative management of an adenosine-resistant 38 year-old male who underwent a successful intracranial AVM embolization after concomitant administration of gradually increasing doses of nitroglycerin. This report suggests that nitroglycerin infusion can be combined with adenosine boluses to create a pronounced and dose-dependent hypotension in patients partially unresponsive to adenosine alone.

Simple Method for the Determination of THC and THC-COOH in Human Postmortem Blood Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

A simple and sensitive analytical method was developed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and its metabolite 11-nor-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-carboxylic acid (Δ9-THC-COOH) in human postmortem blood using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. The method involved a liquid-liquid extraction in two steps, one for Δ9-THC and a second one for Δ9-THC-COOH. The first extract was analyzed using Δ9-THC-D3 as internal standard. The second extract was derivatized and analyzed using Δ9-THC-COOH-D3 as internal standard. The method was shown to be very simple, rapid, and sensitive. The method was validated for the two compounds, including linearity (range 0.05-1.5 µg/mL for Δ9-THC and 0.08-1.5 µg/mL for Δ9-THC-COOH), and the main precision parameters. It was linear for both analytes, with quadratic regression of calibration curves always higher than 0.99. The coefficients of variation were less than 15%. Extraction recoveries were superior to 80% for both compounds. The developed method was used to analyze 41 real plasma samples obtained from the Forensic Toxicology Service of the Institute of Forensic Sciences of Santiago de Compostela (Spain) from cases in which the use of cannabis was involved, demonstrating the usefulness of the proposed method.

Sarcoma de Kaposi del tracto gastrointestinal. Reporte de presentación en colon / Kaposi's sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract. Report of presentation in colon

El sarcoma de Kaposi (SK) es una neoplasia maligna angioproliferativa de bajo grado, causada por la infección por virus herpes humano tipo 8 (HHV-8). El tracto gastrointestinal está involucrado en el 40% de los casos y constituye la neoplasia maligna gastrointestinal más común en pacientes con sida. Se presenta el caso de un paciente 32 años con antecedente de VIH de larga data, sin tratamiento, que relató episodios de proctorragia intermitente y pérdida de peso en los últimos dos meses. Presentaba lesiones cutáneas elevadas en forma de placas violáceas que predominaban en tronco y miembros superiores. Se realizó videocolonoscopía, la que evidenció en el área próxima a la válvula ileocecal y en el colon ascendente, lesiones sobreelevadas, eritematosas, friables y sangrantes, las cuales se biopsiaron. El estudio anatomopatológico reportó un perfil inmunohistoquímico compatible con SK. Al momento de la escritura de este artículo el paciente se encontraba bajo tratamiento quimioterápico (doxorrubicina liposomal, seis ciclos) e iniciando tratamiento antirretroviral (lamivudina ­ tenofovir ­ dolutegravir). Se presenta el siguiente caso para destacar la importancia del enfoque multidisciplinario del paciente con VIH/sida y fundamentalmente el rol de la endoscopía digestiva tanto alta como baja en pacientes con dolor abdominal, sangrado digestivo u otros síntomas abdominales, con el fin de descartar patologías del tracto gastrointestinal y, particularmente, el SK

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a low-grade angioproliferative malignancy caused by infection with human herpes virus -8. The gastrointestinal tract is involved in 40% of cases, being the most common gastrointestinal malignancy in patients with AIDS. We present the case of a 32-year-old patient with a long-standing history of HIV without treatment, who reported episodes of intermittent proctorrhagia and weight loss in the last two months. He presented raised skin lesions in the form of violaceous plaques that predominate on the trunk and upper limbs. A videocolonoscopy was performed, revealing raised, erythematous, friable, bleeding lesions near the ileocecal valve and in the ascending colon, which were biopsied. The anatomopathological study shows an immunohistochemical profile compatible with KS. At the time of writing this article, the patient was under chemotherapy treatment (liposomal doxorubicin, 6 cycles) and starting antiretroviral treatment (lamivudine - tenofovir - dolutegravir). The following case is presented to highlight the importance of the multidisciplinary approach of the patient with HIV / AIDS and fundamentally the role of both upper and lower digestive endoscopy in those cases that present with abdominal pain, digestive bleeding and other abdominal symptoms, in order to rule out gastrointestinal tract pathologies and particularly KS

Use of remdesivir for COVID-19 in patients with hematologic cancer.

PURPOSES: Patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) are among the individuals with highest risk of COVID-19 complications. We report the impact of remdesivir in patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) during Omicron in Mexico City. METHODS: All patients with HM and COVID-19 during December 2021-March 2022 were included. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected. The primary outcome was COVID-19 progression. Variables associated with progression were analyzed. RESULTS: 115 patients were included. Median age was 50 years (IQR 35-63); 36% (N = 41) had at least one comorbidity. Fifty-two percent had non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Fifty patients (44%) had at least two doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. COVID-19 was classified as mild (52.6%), moderate (9.7%), and severe/critical (28%). Twenty-eight patients (24%) received remdesivir. Nine patients received remdesivir at the ambulatory clinic (33%), the rest during hospital admission. Overall, 22(19%) patients progressed to severe/critical COVID-19; nine died due to COVID-19(8%). Hospital admission for non-COVID-19 causes was associated with higher odds of progression. Remdesivir did not reduce the risk of progression in hospitalized patients; none of the patients who received remdesivir in the ambulatory clinic progressed to severe COVID-19 or died. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HM and COVID-19 continue to present with high risk of complications. More prospective studies are needed to define the impact of antivirals in this high-risk group, including the best duration of treatment. Also, better vaccine coverage and access to treatment are mandatory.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the care of people living with HIV and cancer at an oncologic center in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: People living with HIV(PLWH) and cancer are among the most vulnerable patients and require constant access to medical services. We compared the characteristics of PLWH and cancer in Mexico, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Patients admitted 1 year before (pre-pandemic) and 1 year after the start of the pandemic (pandemic) were included. Clinical characteristics, HIV-related variables, and 90-day mortality were compared. Data are described a proportions (N,%) and central tendency measures. A multiple regression model for variables associated with 90-day mortality was performed. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients were seen in the pre-pandemic period; 92 during the pandemic. Main diagnoses were Kaposi Sarcoma and lymphoma. CD4+ cell count at diagnosis was lower during the pandemic: 81 cells/mm3 vs. 128 cells/mm3, p = .035. CD4+<100 cells/mm3 at first consultation increased from 41% to 58% during the pandemic (p = .041). Only BMI <20 kg/m2 was associated to death (aOR 8.27, 95%CI 1.74-39.25) (p = .008). The pandemic period was not associated with a higher 90-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: PLWH and cancer presented to care with advanced disease overall. This was more pronounced during the pandemic period. Mortality was associated with AIDS-related variables regardless of study period. This underscores the need for strategies to maintain in-person access to health-care services for PLWH.

Influencia de las emociones en la conducta alimentaria en trabajadores de la Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos, Argentina / Influence of emotions on eating behavior in workers at the Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos, Argentina, ARGENTINA

Introducción: Las emociones son reacciones automáticas ante diversos estímulos ambientales que tienen como finalidad adaptar al individuo a su entorno1,2. Son parte integral de la vida diaria de las personas e influyen en la alimentación y, por ende, afectan los estilos de ingesta. El estilo de vida actual ha generado que las emociones tengan mayor influencia en la alimentación y es por ello que este estudio tuvo como propósito analizar la alimentación emocional y el patrón de ingesta del personal administrativo de la Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos (UNER), de la ciudad de Paraná en 2021. Materiales y Métodos: estudio cuantitativo, observacional, descriptivo y correlacional de corte transversal en 58 personas adultas. Para evaluar la alimentación emocional y el patrón de ingesta se aplicó una encuesta virtual autoadministrada, previamente validada. Resultados: 40% de la muestra categorizó como comedor "emocional" (puntaje 9,36 ± 4,77), observándose en las mujeres puntajes más altos (10,87 ± 5,30) que en los hombres (7,75 ± 3,56). Respecto del patrón de ingesta, las categorías "salteo de comidas" (53%) e "hiperfagia" (52%) fueron las más prevalentes. En cuanto a los alimentos, los más elegidos fueron los incluidos dentro de "dulces y grasos", tanto para emociones negativas (62%) como positivas (47%). Al estudiar la relación entre comedor emocional y estado nutricional (IMC), se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre comedor "emocional" y exceso de peso (p=0,0461). Conclusiones: La mayor parte de la muestra presentó alimentación emocional, siendo las mujeres las más influenciadas por las emociones al momento de la ingesta. El comer emocional se asoció a la elección de alimentos "dulces y grasos" y, además, se correlacionó con la presencia de "hiperfagia", "atracón" y exceso de peso

Introduction: Emotions are automatic reactions to various environmental stimuli whose purpose is to adapt the individual to his environment 1,2. They are an integral part of people's daily lives and influence their diet and, therefore, eating styles disappear. The current lifestyle has generated that emotions have a greater influence on eating and that is why this study aimed to analyze the emotional eating and intake pattern of the administrative staff of the National University of Entre Ríos (UNER) of the city of Parana in 2021. Materials and Methods: quantitative, observational, descriptive and correlational cross-sectional study in 58 adults. To evaluate emotional eating and intake pattern, a previously validated self-administered virtual survey was applied.Results: 40% of the sample categorized as "emotional" eater (score 9.36 ± 4.77), observing higher scores in women (10.87 ± 5.30) than in men (7.75 ± 3.56). Regarding the eating pattern, the categories "skipping meals" (53%) and "hyperphagia" (52%) were the most prevalent. As for foods, the most chosen were those included within "sweet and fatty", both for negative (62%) and positive (47%) emotions. When studying the relationship between emotional eating and nutritional status (BMI), a statistically significant association was found between "emotional" eating and excess weight (p=0.0461). Conclusions: Most of the sample presented emotional eating, with women being the most influenced by emotions at the time of eating. Emotional eating was associated with the choice of "sweet and fatty" foods and, in addition, was correlated with presenting "hyperphagia", "binge eating" and excess weight

Clinical characteristics and outcomes in a cohort of oncologic patients with COVID-19 during the first year of the pandemic in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Literature on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in cancer patients is scarce in Latin America. This population seems to have a higher risk for adverse outcomes. This study aims to correlate clinical characteristics with outcomes in patients with cancer. METHODS: We included all patients with cancer and confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from April 19 to December 31, 2020, at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia, Mexico. Clinical information was obtained from medical and epidemiological records. For the association between variables and hospitalization, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), and mortality, univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed; odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: Four hundred thirty-three patients were included; 268 (62%) were female, the median age was 55 years. One hundred thirty-five (31%), 131 (30%), and 93 (21%) patients had obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus (DM), respectively. Three hundred forty-one (79%) had solid cancer. One hundred seventy (39%) had advanced cancer. Two hundred (46%) patients were hospitalized. Age (p < 0.01), male gender (p = 0.03), hematological malignancies (HM) (p = 0.04) and advanced cancer (p = 0.03) increased the risk for hospital admission. Forty-five (10%) patients required IMV. Age (p = 0.02); DM (p = 0.04); high C-reactive protein (p < 0.01), and lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.03) were associated with IMV. Mortality within 30 days after diagnosis was 18% (76 cases). Associated characteristics were age (p = 0.04) and low albumin (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, patients with cancer showed higher mortality, need for hospitalization, and IMV compared with other non-cancer cohorts. We did not find an increased risk in mortality for HM. Although our cohort was younger than others previously reported, age was a strong predictor of adverse outcomes. Variables associated with IMV and death were similar to those previously described in cancer patients with COVID-19.

Cellulitis in patients with chronic lower-limb lymphedema due to HIV-related Kaposi sarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic Lower Limb Lymphedema (CL-LL) secondary to Kaposi sarcoma (KS) has not been recognized as a risk factor for cellulitis. The aim was to describe the clinical spectrum and use of antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients with cellulitis and CL-LL due to KS. METHODS: HIV patients with KS, CL-LL, and at least one episode of cellulitis seen at the AIDS Cancer Clinic at INCan in Mexico from 2004 to 2019 were included. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: Thirty-nine men all with CL-LL were included. Clinical factors associated with cellulitis were groin and/or lymph-node KS infiltration (69.2%), onychomycosis and/or tinea pedis (44.7%), ulcerated lesions (38.4%), and obesity (2.5%). Eighteen (46.1%) were hospitalized in the first episode and eight (20.5%) in recurrence. Six (25.3%) died, two of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), and one of septic shock. Fourteen (35.8%) had at least one recurrent episode of cellulitis. Twenty-five (64.1%) received prophylaxis. Patients without prophylaxis had significantly more unfavorable outcomes (hospitalization and recurrences) than those with prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: CL-LL due to KS is a risk factor for cellulitis and severe complications in patients with a long life expectancy. Antimicrobial prophylaxis needs to be explored as it could prevent complications.

Interventions to Reduce Stigma Toward People with Severe Mental Disorders in Ibero-America: A Systematic Review / Intervenciones para reducir el estigma hacia personas con trastornos mentales graves en Iberoamérica: una revisión sistemática / Intervenções para reduzir o estigma em relação às pessoas com transtornos mentais graves na América Latina: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Introduction: The main goal of the present review was to systematically compile data on interventions to reduce stigma in Ibero-America. Aim: To describe the characteristics and determine the main results of interventions required for reducing stigma toward people with severe mental disorders that have developed in the Latin America during 2007-2017. Materials and methods: A systematic review of articles from electronic databases such as Medline, EBscohost, Embase, LILACS, and SciELO, as well as gray literature from Google Scholar, published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese covering the period during January 2007 and December 2017 was performed. In order to evaluate the quality of the quantitative studies, the Robins criteria were used for quasi-experimental and experimental studies, and the cASpe criteria were used for qualitative studies. Results: A total of 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected; 75% of the studies were quantitative in nature, of which, one-quarter did not meet the quality criteria. Conclusions: Currently, there are only a few interventions established to reduce stigma in Ibero-America and they are mainly short-term. Our evaluation of the available literature facilitates the identification of the aspects that should be included in future research in order to reduce the possible biases that could arise when developing these types of studies.

Resumen Introducción: el objetivo principal de la presente revisión fue compilar sistemáticamente datos sobre intervenciones para reducir el estigma en Iberoamérica. Objetivo: describir las características y determinar los principales resultados de las intervenciones para reducir el estigma hacia las personas con trastornos mentales graves que se han desarrollado en América Latina entre 2007 y 2017. Materiales y métodos: revisión sistemática de artículos de bases de datos electrónicas, como Medline, EBscohost, Embase, LILACS y SciELO, y literatura gris obtenida de Google Scholar, publicada en inglés, español y portugués que abarca el periodo comprendido entre enero de 2007 y diciembre de 2017. Para evaluar la calidad de los estudios cuantitativos, se utilizaron los criterios de Robins para los estudios cuasiexperimentales y experimentales, y los criterios caspe para los estudios cualitativos. Resultados: se seleccionaron 18 estudios que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión; el 75 % fueron cuantitativos, y de estos, una cuarta parte no cumplió con los criterios de calidad. Conclusiones: actualmente, existen pocas intervenciones para reducir el estigma en Iberoamérica y son principalmente a corto plazo. Nuestra evaluación de la literatura disponible ayuda a identificar aspectos que deberían incluirse en investigaciones futuras para reducir los posibles sesgos que podrían surgir al desarrollar este tipo de estudios.

Resumo Introdução: o objetivo principal desta revisão foi compilar sistematicamente dados sobre intervenções para reduzir o estigma na América Latina. Objetivo: descrever as características e determinar os principais resultados das intervenções para redução do estigma em relação a pessoas com transtornos mentais graves que se desenvolveram na América Latina no período de 2007-2017. Materiais e métodos: realizou-se uma revisão sistemática de artigos de bases de dados eletrônicas como Medline, EBscohost, Embase, LILACS e SciELO, e literatura cinza obtida no Google Scholar, publicada em inglês, espanhol e português cobrindo o período de janeiro de 2007 e dezembro de 2017. Para avaliar a qualidade dos estudos quantitativos, foram utilizados os critérios de Robins para estudos quase experimentais e experimentais e os critérios cAspe para estudos qualitativos. Resultados: foram selecionados um total de 18 estudos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão; o 75% eram quantitativos e destes, um quarto não atendia aos critérios de qualidade. Conclusões: atualmente, existem poucas intervenções para reduzir o estigma na América Latina e são principalmente de curto prazo. Nossa avaliação da literatura disponível ajuda a identificar aspectos que devem ser incluídos em pesquisas futuras para reduzir os possíveis vieses que podem surgir no desenvolvimento deste tipo de estudos.

Antimicrobial resistance profiles of microorganisms isolated from hospitalized patients in Dominican Republic.

OBJECTIVE: To define the antimicrobial resistance profiles of the microorganisms most commonly isolated from hospitalized adult patients in Dominican Republic (DR). METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional study of phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility patterns was conducted using data from 3 802 clinical microbiology reports specifying positive bacterial cultures in samples collected from patients admitted to the clinical, surgery, and intensive care units (ICU) at three tertiary-level care hospitals in the city of Santiago de los Caballeros from 1 January 2016 - 31 December 2017. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test (P ≤ 0.05) were used to analyze the qualitative variables. RESULTS: At the three hospitals, there were 932, 1 090, and 1 780 microbiology reports analyzed. Of the total, 1274 were from the ICU, 1 042 from the surgery unit, and 1 486 from the clinical unit. Methicillin resistance was found in 57.3% of the Staphylococcus aureus isolates and 75.3% of the coagulase-negative staphylococci. Third-generation cephalosporin resistance was detected in 54.4% of isolates identified as members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, 67.3% of the Acinetobacter spp., and 91.7% of the Pseudomonas, while carbapenem resistance was shown by 8.0%, 23.8%, and 51.0% of these, respectively. Most of the resistant Acinetobacter spp. isolates were found in just one hospital and the prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae resistant to carbapenems was highest in the ICU. CONCLUSION: Antimicrobial resistance levels are high among hospitalized patients in Dominican Republic and may cause enhanced risk factors that impact clinical outcomes. Urgent measures are needed to address antimicrobial resistance in DR.

Effectiveness of behavioral family therapy in people with schizophrenia: a randomized, controlled clinical trial / Efectividad de la terapia familiar conductual en personas con esquizofrenia. Un ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of FBT in comparison with usual care in people with schizophrenia treated at an outpatient psychiatric department of a public hospital in Chile. Method Quantitative study, with a randomized, controlled clinical trial design (CTCT) and pre-post measurements, with two arms. Fifty-four people with schizophrenia and their primary caregivers, randomly assigned to experimental and control groups, were studied. The main outcome variable was social functioning. As secondary outcomes, clinical symptoms and treatment adherence in people with schizophrenia were evaluated. Expressed emotion was evaluated in the primary caregiver. Results FBT was effective in improving the social functioning of people with schizophrenia and decreasing expressed emotion in the primary caregiver, with a large effect size (d > 0.80). Conclusions The implementation of FBT as a protocolized intervention, complementing usual care, helps to improve psychosocial outcomes in people with schizophrenia and their caregivers.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la efectividad de la TFC, respecto de los cuidados usuales, en personas con esquizofrenia atendidas en un servicio de psiquiatría ambulatorio de un hospital público de Chile. Método Estudio cuantitativo, longitudinal, con diseño de ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado (ECCA) y mediciones pre-post, a dos brazos. Se estudiaron 54 personas con esquizofrenia y sus cuidadores principales, asignados aleatoriamente a grupo control y experimental. La variable de resultado primaria fue el funcionamiento social; como resultados secundarios se evaluaron la sintomatología clínica y la adherencia a tratamiento del paciente y la emoción expresada en el cuidador principal. Resultados La TFC fue efectiva en el mejoramiento del funcionamiento social de la persona con esquizofrenia y en la disminución de la emocionalidad expresada en el cuidador principal, con un tamaño de efecto grande (d > 0.80). Conclusiones La implementación de la TFC, como intervención protocolizada y complementaria a los cuidados usuales, contribuye a mejorar resultados psicosociales en personas con esquizofrenia y en sus cuidadores.

Eficacia de Resecciones Hepáticas por Metástasis de Origen Colorrectal / Efficacy of Hepatic Resections for Metastases of Colorectal Origin

Introducción: El cáncer colorrectal (CCR) es la segunda neoplasia más común después del cáncer gástrico, y con frecuencia desarrolla metástasis hepática. Se presenta un estudio unicéntrico del abordaje quirúrgico, resultados y sobrevida pacientes sometidos a cirugía más tratamiento sistémico de metástasis hepáticas de CCR. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo en el Instituto Oncológico del Ecuador de Solca- Guayaquil desde enero del 2015 a diciembre del 2018. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes del Servicio de Laparoscopía operados por cáncer colorrectal, como diagnóstico inicial, que durante sus controles periódicos presentaron metástasis hepáticas y fueron candidatos para tratamiento quirúrgico de metastasectomias, previa valoración con comités de tumores de tubo digestivo. Resultados: La muestra final incluyó 6 pacientes a quienes se les pudo realizar metastasectomías hepáticas anatómicas y no anatómicas. La edad media fue 60 años, con predominio del sexo femenino (n=4, 66.6%). Las lesiones hepáticas se presentaron en un solo segmento hepático en el 66% a las que se les realizo resección total, y cuyas complicaciones presentadas fueron del 33 %, que se resolvieron durante la estancia hospitalaria. Un paciente recibió neoadyuvancia, y solo un paciente presentó metástasis metacrónica. La sobrevida es del 100% hasta la finalización del estudio. Conclusión: Las decisiones multidisciplinarias sobre una oportuna indicación de metastasectomía hepática, disminuyen la morbimortalidad e incrementan la sobrevida de los pacientes con metástasis hepáticas de cáncer colorrectal.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common neoplasm after gastric cancer, and with the frequency of liver metastases. We present a unicentric study of the surgical approach, results and survival, patients, surgery and systemic treatment of hepatic metastases of CRC. Methods: A retrospective and descriptive study was carried out at the Oncology Institute of Ecuador in Solca- Guayaquil from January 2015 to December 2018. All patients of the Laparoscopic Service operated by colorectal cancer were included as initial diagnosis, which during their controls newspapers presented liver metastases and were candidates for surgical treatment of metastasectomies, previous valuation with digestive tract tumors committees. Results: The final sample included 6 patients who could undergo anatomical and non-anatomical hepatic metastasectomies. The average age was 60 years, with a predominance of females (n = 4, 66.6%). Hepatic lesions were present in a single hepatic segment in 66% of those who underwent total resection, and whose complications were 33%, which were resolved during the hospital stay. One patient received neoadjuvant therapy, and only one patient presented metachronous metastasis. Survival is 100% until the end of the study. Conclusion: Multidisciplinary decisions on a timely indication of hepatic metastasectomy reduce morbidity and mortality and increase the survival of patients with hepatic metastases of colorectal cancer.

Distribución Topográfica y Manejo de Tumores Neuroendocrinos del Tubo Digestivo / Topographic Distribution and Management of Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Digestive Tube

Introducción: Los tumores neuroendocrinos (TNE) son un grupo de neoplasias que se originan a partir de células enterocromafínicas, especialmente ubicadas en el tubo digestivo. El objetivo del presente estudio es escribir la distribución topográfica, el manejo multidisciplinario y diagnóstico patológico según la OMS de los tumores neuroendocrinos del tubo digestivo. Métodos: El presente es un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo de los casos con diagnóstico anatomopatológico confirmado de tumor neuroendocrino localizados en el tubo digestivo entre enero del 2011 a diciembre del 2018 en el Instituto Oncológico Nacional del Ecuador- SOLCA de Guayaquil. Se describe topografía y tipo de tratamiento establecido con frecuencias y porcentajes. Resultados: Ingresaron al estudio 21 casos. La localización más frecuente fue el apéndice cecal n = 8 (38 %), en estómago n=4 (19 %), intestino delgado n=3 (14 %). El diagnóstico patológico en estadio G1 (65 %); G2 (24%) y G3 (12%). La primera línea de tratamiento fue la cirugía con intención curativa n=19 (90.5 %) y tratamiento endoscópico n=2 (9.5 %). Los pacientes sometidos a cirugía, n=16/19; (84 %) obtuvieron niveles de resección 0 (R0) y permanecieron en observación clínica, los demás sujetos en el estudio recibieron tratamiento adyuvante con somatostatina sola n=1 (4.8 %) o combinación de somatostatina y radioterapia n=2 (9.5 %). Conclusión: El diagnóstico de tumor neuroendocrino de tubo digestivo es una etiología oncológica poco frecuente. El tratamiento quirúrgico en esta serie de casos está enfocada en una acción curativa de tipo quirúrgico.

Introduction: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a group of neoplasms that originate from enterochromaffin cells, especially located in the digestive tract. The objective of the present study is to write the topographic distribution, the multidisciplinary management and pathological diagnosis according to the WHO of the neuroendocrine tumors of the digestive tract. Methods: This is a descriptive, retrospective study of the cases with a confirmed anatomopathological diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor located in the digestive tract between January 2011 to December 2018 at the National Oncology Institute of Ecuador- SOLCA of Guayaquil. The topography and type of treatment established with frequencies and percentages are described. Results: 21 cases were entered into the study. The most frequent location was the cecal appendix n = 8 (38%), stomach n = 4 (19%), small intestine n = 3 (14%). The pathological diagnosis in stage G1 (65%); G2 (24%) and G3 (12%). The first line of treatment was surgery with curative intent n = 19 (90.5%) and endoscopic treatment n = 2 (9.5%). Patients undergoing surgery, n = 16/19; (84%) obtained resection levels 0 (R0) and remained under clinical observation, the other subjects in the study received adjuvant treatment with somatostatin alone n = 1 (4.8%) or combination of somatostatin and radiotherapy n = 2 (9.5%). Conclusion: The diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor of the digestive tract is a rare oncological etiology. The surgical treatment in this series of cases is focused on a surgical action of a surgical type.

EFECTOS DE DIFERENTES FUENTES DE ÁCIDOS GRASOS N-3 (CHÍA, VEGETAL Y MARINA, ANIMAL) SOBRE COMPONENTES DEL SÍNDROME METABÓLICO EN MODELOS EXPERIMENTALES (RATAS/RATONES) / EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT SOURCES OF N-3 FATTY ACIDS (CHIA, VEGETAL AND MARINE, ANIMAL) ON METABOLIC SYNDROME COMPONENTS IN EXPERIMENTAL MODELS (RATS/MOUSES)

El síndrome metabólico (SM) constituye una constelación de factores interrelacionados que elevan el riesgo de padecer enfermedad cardiovascular y diabetes mellitus tipo 2. La composición de la dieta es crucial en la modificación de estos factores. Numerosos trabajos focalizaron su atención en fuentes de ácidos grasos n-3 de origen marino (animal) en el manejo de estos trastornos, pero más escasos y contemporáneos son aquellos de fuentes n-3 de origen vegetal.

Caso Clínico: Transformación Angiomatosa Nodular Esclerosante de Bazo / Clinical Case: Nodular Sclerosing Angiomatous Splenic Transformation

Introducción: La lesión benigna de nombre transformación nodular angiomatoidea esclerosante de bazo, es una rara lesión descrita por primera vez en el año 2004, hasta el año 2017 apenas hay descritos 100 casos. Esta entidad ha sido reconocida como una lesión vascular no neoplásica esplénica de evolución benigna localizada en pulpa roja y secundaria a una exagerada proliferación estromal. La mayoría de los pacientes son asintomáticos, de diagnóstico incidental, la misma que se establece por Tomografía o Resonancia. El diagnóstico definitivo de esta patología se realizó mediante estudio anatomopatológico e inmunhistoquímica posterior a esplenectomía. Caso Clínico: Se reporta el caso de una paciente de 78 años, con diagnóstico incidental que se realizó fuera del instituto, que presenta resonancia magnética, cuyo reporte indicó tumor de 8 por 9 cm en relación al bazo y trombocitopenia en laboratorio. Microscópicamente, se trataba de una lesión bien delimitada, no encapsulada, formada por múltiples nódulos angiomatoides. Evolución: Actualmente la paciente en controles sin signos ni evidencia de recidiva tumoral, en controles en el departamento de cirugía digestiva. Conclusión: El SANT es una entidad vascular rara de características histológicas e inmunológicas específicas; formada por nódulos angiomatoidea constituidos por capilares, vénulas y sinusoides. Actualmente se le considera una lesión vascular no neoplásica esplénica de evolución benigna localizada en pulpa roja y secundaria a una exagerada proliferación del estroma. El tratamiento de elección de esta entidad histológica es la esplenectomía.

Introduction: The benign lesion, called angiomatoid nodular sclerosing spleen transformation, is a rare lesion described for the first time in 2004, until the year 2017 there are only 100 cases reported. This entity has been recognized as a splenic non-neoplastic vascular lesion of benign evolution located in red pulp and secondary to an exaggerated stromal proliferation. The majority of the patients are asymptomatic, of incidental diagnosis, the same one that is established by Tomography or Resonance. The definitive diagnosis of this pathology was made by anatomopathological and immunhistochemical study after splenectomy. Clinical case: The case of a 78-year-old patient was reported, with an incidental diagnosis that was made outside the institute, which shows magnetic resonance, whose report indicated a tumor of 8 by 9 cm in relation to the spleen and thrombocytopenia in the laboratory. Microscopically, it was a well-defined lesion, not encapsulated, formed by multiple angiomatoid nodules. Evolution: Currently the patient in controls without signs or evidence of tumor recurrence, in controls in the department of digestive surgery. Conclusion: SANT is a rare vascular entity with specific histological and immunological characteristics; formed by angiomatoid nodules constituted by capillaries, venules and sinusoids. Currently, it is considered a splenic non-neoplastic vascular lesion of benign evolution located in the red pulp and secondary to an exaggerated proliferation of the stroma. The treatment of choice of this histological entity is splenectomy.