Upper extremity infection: imaging features with focus on magnetic resonance imaging.

Upper extremity infections are frequently seen, especially in individuals with weakened immune system, posttraumatic events, and after surgery procedures. If not properly treated, such conditions can lead to serious consequences, such as movement impairment, amputation, and even mortality. These infections have the potential to spread extensively from their initial site of entry, traversing interconnected spaces either intra or extra-compartmental. Understanding the relevant anatomy is crucial to assess location and stage of infection, since surgical intervention and intravenous antibiotics are usually required. In this article, the authors provide a comprehensive review of the imaging findings of upper extremity infection, focusing on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Furthermore, this article sheds light on the pivotal role of radiology in managing hand, elbow, and shoulder infections offering an overview of available treatment options. KEY FINDINGS: Various types of infections affecting the upper extremity will be discussed, including infectious tenosynovitis, deep space infections, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis. Authors also highlight anatomical spaces, common pathogens, spread routes, and key radiological features of these conditions.

Análisis de las Variaciones Anatómicas y Dimensionales del Canal Nasopalatino Mediante Tomografía Computarizada de Haz Cónico / Analysis of the Anatomical and Dimensional Variations of the Nasopalatine Canal by Cone Beam Computed Tomography

El conocimiento anatómico del canal nasopalatino (CNP) es fundamental para la realización de cirugías en el sector anterior del maxilar y así prever posibles complicaciones. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar y determinar las variaciones anatómicas y dimensionales del CNP según sexo, edad y estado dental. Este estudio transversal analizó un total de 251 imágenes de TCHC obtenidas de la base de datos del Servicio de Imagenología Oral y Maxilofacial de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Andrés Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile. Para evaluar la asociación estadística entre variaciones del CNP con sexo, edad y estado dentario se realizó la prueba T de Student, chi-cuadrado y ANOVA (p0,05). Además, se detectó diferencia significativa entre el estado dentario y la dimensión de la tabla vestibular en relación con el CNP (p<0,01). Se deben considerar las variaciones de CNP para evitar posibles complicaciones durante los procedimientos quirúrgicos.

SUMMARY: Anatomical knowledge of the nasopalatine canal (PNC) is essential for performing surgeries in the anterior sector of the maxilla and thus anticipating possible complications. The objective of this work is to evaluate and determine the anatomical and dimensional variations of the CNP according to sex, age and dental status. This cross-sectional study analyzed a total of 251 CBCT images obtained from the database of the Oral and Maxillofacial Imaging Service of the Faculty of Dentistry of the Andrés Bello University, Viña del Mar, Chile. To evaluate the statistical association between CNP variations with sex, age and dental status, the Student's T test, chi-square and ANOVA (p0.05). In addition, a significant difference was detected between the dental state and the dimension of the vestibular table in relation to the CNP (p<0.01). CNP variations should be considered to avoid potential complications during surgical procedures.

Bilateral upper extremity myositis after COVID-19 vaccination.

Vaccination adverse reactions are common and usually are represented by transitory pain and edema. We present a case of bilateral muscle edema involving shoulders and arms due to myositis following COVID-19 vaccination, and focus on the imaging findings to differentiate with other diagnosis such as infection and tumors.

Sonographically guided botulinum toxin injections in patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome: correlation with surgical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the role of botulinum toxin (BTX) injections of anterior scalene (AS) and pectoralis minor (PM) muscles in patients undergoing surgery for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS). We hypothesized that symptomatic improvement from BTX injections correlates with favorable long-term response to surgery for NTOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant study was approved by the institutional review board and prior informed consent requirement was waived. We retrospectively analyzed prospectively acquired data in NTOS patients who underwent sonographically guided chemodenervation of AS and PM using BTX type A followed by scalenectomy and first rib resection. Overall responses to BTX injections and surgery were recorded after each procedure. Statistical analyses were performed to determine correlation between responses to BTX injections and surgery. RESULTS: In 157 patients, 178 BTX injections followed by surgery were identified (114 females; mean age 38 ± 13 years). Responders and non-responders to BTX injections and surgery had similar preoperative symptom duration and age (P > 0.14). Better response to BTX injections correlated positively with better response to surgery (P = 0.003), persisting after adjustment for age, gender, and symptom duration (P = 0.03). A high proportion of responders to BTX injections also responded to surgery (positive predictive value of 99%), and BTX injections showed high specificity (90%). BTX injections were moderately sensitive (66%) and accurate (67%) to determine surgical response and had low negative predictive value (14%). CONCLUSION: Response to BTX injections correlates positively with long-term surgical outcome in subjects with NTOS, potentially playing an important role in patient management.

Intra and extramedullary fat globules as an MRI marker for osteomyelitis.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of acute osteomyelitis vary from non-specific bone marrow edema to more reliable signs such as bone destruction, periosteal reaction, and sequestrum. In some cases, imaging features could overlap with other conditions such as trauma and bone tumors. Intra and extramedullary fat globules are a helpful MRI marker for osteomyelitis, as shown in the following case report. We report the MRI findings of a 15-year-old young man with distal femur osteomyelitis, associated with intra and extramedullary fat globules.We present the MRI features of the case and emphasize the importance of noting additional signs of osteomyelitis to make a precise diagnosis.

La articulación de las ciencias sociales en la obra de la Salas Edwards: Balmaceda y el Parlamentarismo en Chile, un Estudio de Psicología Política Chilena / The articulation of social sciences in thework of the Salas Edwards: Balmaceda y el Parlamentarismo en Chile, un Estudio de Psicología Política Chilena / A articulação das ciencias sociais na obra de Salas Edwards: Balmaceda y el Parlamentarismo en Chile, un Estudio de Psicología Política Chilena / L'articulation des sciences sociales dans les travaux de Salas Edwards: Balmaceda y el Parlamentarismo en Chile, un Estudio de Psicología Política Chilena"

La obra Balmaceda y el Parlamentarismo en Chile, un Estudio de Psicología Política Chilena de Ricardo Salas Edwards de 1914, es considerado como un texto fundacional de la psicología política en Chile. Una de las premisas de este planteamiento hace referencia a la interdisciplinariedad de las ciencias sociales como carácter epistemológico de la psicología política. En este sentido, se plantea que Salas desarrolló una articulación entre las disciplinas de las ciencias sociales de inicios del siglo XX, para narrar sobre uno de los episodios más importantes de la historia de Chile: el Conflicto Político - Militar de 1891. Este artículo aborda una de las perspectivas del origen de la psicología política chilena: la interdisciplinariedad de las ciencias sociales.

The work Balmaceda y el Parlamentarismo en Chile, un Estudio de Psicología Política Chilena by Ricardo Salas Edwards of 1914, is considered as a founding text of political psychology in Chile. One of the premises of this approach refers to the interdisciplinarity of the social sciences as an epistemological character of political psychology. In this sense, it is stated that Salas developed an articulation between the disciplines of the social sciences of the early twentieth century, to narrate about one of the most important episodes in the history of Chile: the Political - Military Conflict of 1891. This article addresses one of the perspectives of the origin of Chilean political psychology: the inter-disciplinarity of the social sciences.

O trabalho Balmaceda y el Parlamentarismo en Chile, un Estudio de Psicología Política Chilena, de Ricardo Salas Edwards, de 1914, é considerado um texto fundador da psicologia política no Chile. Uma das premissas dessa abordagem refere-se à interdisciplinaridade das ciências sociais como um caráter epistemológico da psicologia política. Nesse sentido, afirma-se que Salas desenvolveu uma articulação entre as disciplinas das ciências sociais do início do século XX, para narrar um dos mais importantes episódios da história do Chile: o Conflito Político-Militar de 1891. Este artigo trata de uma das perspectivas da origem da psicologia política chilena: a interdisciplinaridade das ciências sociais.

L'ouvrage Balmaceda y el Parlamentarismo en Chile, un Estudio de Psicología Política Chilena de Ricardo Salas Edwards de 1914, est considéré comme un texte fondateur de la psychologie politique au Chili. L'une des prémisses de cette aproche faitréférence à l'interdisciplinarité des sciences sociales en tant que caractère épistémologique de la psychologie politique. En ce sens, ilest indiqué que Salas a développé une articulation entre les disciplines des sciences sociales du début du XX esiècle, afin de raconterl'un des épisodes les plus importants de l'histoire du Chili: le conflit politico-militaire de 1891. Une des perspectives de l'origine de la psychologie politique chilienne: l'interdisciplinarité des sciences sociales.

MRI of pectoralis major tears: association between ancillary findings and tear severity.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the significance of biceps tendon (BT) displacement and peri-bicipital hematoma on MRI in subjects with pectoralis major (PM) tears. We hypothesized that these features might be associated with tear severity at surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified MRI cases with PM injury and reviewed clinical, imaging, and surgical records. MR images were reviewed independently by two musculoskeletal radiologists to determine anterior displacement of BT (BT-disp, in mm) and the presence of triangular-shaped peri-bicipital hematoma. Data were compared with an age- and sex-matched control group and correlated with surgical reports grouped by tear severity. RESULTS: We identified 46 subjects with PM injury (43 men, 3 women; mean age 34 ± 9 years), 26 of whom underwent surgical reconstruction, and 20 matched controls (P > 0.2). BT-disp was significantly higher in PM injury vs controls (P = 0.003), and in tendon vs myotendinous (MT) junction PM tears (P < 0.0001); however, MT junction tears vs controls were similar (P = 0.98). Higher BT-disp and presence of peri-bicipital hematoma correlated significantly with surgical reports describing full-thickness complete tears. BT-disp > 4.5 mm had 86% sensitivity and 75% specificity to detect the most severe tears on surgical reports, whereas the presence of peri-bicipital hematoma was the strongest predictor among both parameters. CONCLUSION: Anterior BT displacement and peri-bicipital hematoma are helpful indicators of full-thickness complete tears at the humeral insertion.

La inhibición de Rho quinasa post infarto mejora el remodelado y la función ventricular: mecanismos involucrados a nivel preclínico / Rho-kinase inhibition post myocardial infarction improves remodeling and systolic function: a preclinical study of intervening factors in a pre-clinical study

Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar algunos mecanismos moleculares por los cuales la activación de ROCK cardíaca post infarto del miocardio (IAM) participa en el remodelado y en deterioro de la función sistólica. Métodos: Determinación simultánea de niveles de proteínas blanco de ROCK cardíaca, de función sistólica in vivo del ventrículo izquierdo (VI) y de fibrosis e hipertrofia cardíaca en ratas con IAM en condiciones de inhibición de ROCK con fasudil. Resultados : Siete días post IAM la masa ventricular relativa aumentó significativamente en un 30% en el grupo MI y se redujo con fasudil. La disfunción sistólica VI mejoró significativamente con fasudil mientras que la activación de ROCK cardíaca se redujo a niveles del grupo control. El inhibidor de ROCK también redujo significativamente los niveles cardíacos elevados de las isoformas ROCK1 y ROCK2, de MHC-β y del colágeno miocárdico. En el grupo con IAM aumentaron significativamente los niveles de fosforilación de ERK 42 y ERK 44 (en 2 veces y en 63%, respectivamente), mientras que en el grupo IAM tratado con fasudil estos niveles fueron similares a los del grupo control. El IAM aumentó significativamente los niveles fosforilados del factor de transcripción GATA-4, que se normalizaron con el inhibidor de ROCK. Conclusiones: La disfunción sistólica post IAM se asoció fuertemente con la activación del ROCK cardíaca y con la fosforilación de proteínas río abajo de ROCK que promueven remodelado cardíaco como β-MHC y la vía ERK / GATA-4.

Abstracts: Objective: to determine some molecular mechanisms by which cardiac ROCK activation after myocardial infarction (MI) intervene in cardiac systolic function decline and remodeling. Methods: simultaneous measurement of different cardiac ROCK target proteins levels, in vivo left ventricular (LV) systolic function, myocardial fibrosis, and hypertrophy in rats with MI under ROCK inhibition with fasudil were performed. Results: seven days after MI the relative ventricular mass increased significantly by 30% in the MI groupand was reduced with fasudil. LV systolic dysfunction improved significantly with fasudil whereas at the same time cardiac ROCK activation was reduced to sham levels. The ROCK inhibitor also reduced increased cardiac levels of both ROCK1 and ROCK2 isoforms, β-MHC levels and myocardial collagen volume fraction decline. MI significantly increased phosphorylation levels of ERK 42 and ERK 44 by 2-fold and 63% respectively whereas in the fasudil-treated MI group these levels were similar to those in the sham group. MI significantly increased phosphorylated levels of the transcription factor GATA-4 which were normalyzed by the ROCK inhibitor. Conclusion: LV systolic dysfunction after MI was strongly associated to cardiac ROCK activation and subsequent phosphorylation of ROCK target proteins that promote ventricular remodeling, such as β-MHC and the ERK/GATA-4 pathway. ROCK inhibition with fasudil significantly improved systolic function, diminished myocardial fibrosis, and normalized β-MHC and ERK/GATA-4 phosphorylation levels.

Trasplante hepático por insuficiencia cardíaca secundaria a telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria o enfermedad de Rendu Osler Weber: caso clínico / Liver transplant as treatment for cardiac failure secondary to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: report of one case

Liver involvement by multiple arterio-venous shunts in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia can lead to severe heart failure. Total hepatectomy with liver transplantation has emerged as a therapeutic option for severe cases where other therapies have failed. We report a 51-year-old male who underwent a liver transplant for this condition, with full cardiac recovery within the first year after receiving the allograft. Nine years after transplantation, he remains with normal functional capacity and normal liver function tests.

Correlación entre biotipo gingival, ancho y grosor de encía adherida en zona estética del maxilar superior / Correlation between gingival biotype, width and thickness of attached gingiva in an aesthetic of the upper jaw

Actualmente, para realizar distintos procedimientos odontológicos se hace necesaria una correcta evaluación del biotipo periodontal utilizando las herramientas adecuadas que nos permitan medir de manera certera su grosor. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar distintos métodos diagnósticos, correlacionándolos con la medición directa de ancho y grosor de encía adherida en la zona anterosuperior del maxilar. Se reclutaron 30 pacientes periodontalmente sanos, y en los dientes 1.1, 1.2 y 1.3 se realizó: identificación del biotipo según parámetros visuales, medición directa del ancho, grosor de encía adherida y transparencia de la sonda periodontal como método indirecto. Mediante la transparencia de la sonda, el biotipo grueso fue el más prevalente (53,3 por ciento), observándose más en hombres (62,5 por ciento) versus mujeres (37,50 por ciento). Según parámetros visuales, el biotipo fino fue más prevalente (56,7 por ciento) que el grueso (43,3 por ciento), y al comparar ambos métodos no existieron diferencias significativas. Se observó un ancho promedio de la encía adherida de 2,79 mm y un grosor de 1,06 mm, presentándose valores más elevados en el biotipo grueso (ancho 2,94 mm y grosor 1,10 mm) versus el fino (ancho 2,67 mm y grosor 1,01 mm). Según los resultados obtenidos podemos concluir que tanto el diagnóstico visual como la transparencia de la sonda son válidos para identificar el biotipo gingival. Sin embargo, la inspección visual mostró menor reproducibilidad y mayor porcentaje de error al definir biotipo fino.

To perform different dental procedures it is currently necessary to make a correct assessment of periodontal biotype, using the right tools that allow its thickness to be accurately measured. The objective of this study was to evaluate different diagnostic methods and correlating them with direct measurement of width and thickness of attached gingiva in the front upper jaw area. The study included 30 periodontally healthy patients, in whom biotype identification was performed on teeth 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3, using visual parameters, direct measurement of the width and attached gingiva thickness, and transparency of the periodontal probe as an indirect method. According to the transparency of the probe, the thick biotype was the most frequent (53.3 percent) was observed more in men (62.5 percent) than women (37.50 percent). According to the visual parameters, thin biotype was more prevalent (56.7 percent) than the thick biotype (43.3 percent). There were no significant differences on comparing the 2 methods. The mean width of attached gingiva was 2.79 mm and a thickness of 1.06 mm, being greater in the thick biotype (width 2.94 mm and thickness 1.10) than in the thin biotype (width 2.67 mm and thickness 1.01 mm). According to the results, it can be concluded that both the visual diagnosis and transparency of the probe are valid to identify the gingival biotype. However, a lower reproducibility by visual inspection was observed, and the thin biotype showed a higher error rate.

Detección Temprana Mediante PCR de Patógenos Periodontales en Relación a Implantes Oseointegrados / Early Detection of Periodontal Pathogens by PCR in Relation to Osseointegrated Implants

El objetivo de este trabajo fue valuar la presencia temprana en sitios dentarios e implantarios de cuatro bacterias periodontopatógenas (A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, T. forsythensis y T. denticola) luego de dos semanas de la cirugía de segunda fase, además se propone comparar la presencia de estas 4 bacterias en sitios subgingivales dentarios e implantarios. Se estudiaron mediante reacción en cadena de polimerasa muestras de placa subgingival de implantes y de dientes vecinos a ellos, dos semanas luego de la cirugía de segunda fase. Dieciséis implantes y trece dientes en diez pacientes fueron seleccionados. Luego de dos semanas se encontró presencia de bacterias periodontopatógenas en sitios tanto periodontales como peri-implantarios, no se encontró relación entre diente e implante para P. gingivalis, T. forsythensis y T. denticola. Se encontró una relación significativa para A. actinomycetemcomitans (P<0,005). La bacteria detectada con mayor frecuencia fue P. gingivalis y la menos encontrada fue T. denticola. La dependencia para A. actinomycetemcomitans estuvo relacionada a pacientes con historia de periodontitis. Dentro de los límites de este estudio, los resultados muestran la presencia temprana de los cuatro patógenos periodontales alrededor de los sitios implantarios, y una relación estadísticamente significativa (P<0,005) entre implante y diente para A. actinomycetemcomitans.

The aim of this study was to assess the early colonization of four periodontopathogenic bacteria (A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, T. forsythensis and T. denticola) on titanium implants immediately after two weeks following second stage surgery; to compare the presence of these four periodontopathogenic bacteria at subgingival implant and adjacent tooth sites. Subgingival plaque samples from implant and neighboring teeth were studied by PCR after two weeks following second stage surgery. Sixteen implants and thirteen teeth, in ten patients were selected. At two weeks, pathogenic bacteria presence was found in both peri-implant and periodontal sites, there was no relation found between tooth and implant for P. gingivalis, T. forsythensis and T. denticola. A significant relation was found for A. actinomycetemcomitans (P<0.005). The more frequently detected bacteria were P. gingivalis, and the less was T. denticola. The dependence for A. actinomycetemcomitans was related to patients with a history of periodontitis. Within the limits of this study, the findings showed the early presence of the four periodontopathogenic bacteria around implant sites and a statistically significant (P<0.005) relation between implants and teeth sites for A. actinomycetemcomitans.

Venous insufficiency and thromboembolic disease in bariatric surgery patients.

CONTEXT: Morbid obesity is associated with various co-morbidities, including chronic venous insufficiency. Bariatric surgery is the only effective treatment for morbid obesity, but with potential risks and possible complications, including venous thromboembolism. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of clinical and ultrasonographic signs of chronic venous insufficiency in morbid obese patients in preparation for bariatric surgery and the incidence of post-operative venous thromboembolic disease. METHODS: Patients on work-up for bariatric surgery of Centro Terapêutico Especializado em Fígado (CETEFI) and Pro-Gastro surgical teams of the Hospital Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo were included. The analysed data were pre-operative findings for venous insufficiency (CEAP - clinical, etiological, anatomical, physiopathologic - classification and venous ultrasonographic findings), type of surgery (open or laparoscopic), abdominal circumference, body mass index (BMI) and post-operative ultrasonography search for venous insufficiency and deep venous thrombosis. RESULTS: Between March 2007 and December 2009, 95 patient candidates for bariatric surgery had clinical and duplex scan evaluation of the lower limbs venous system. Of the 95 patients, 53 were submitted to the surgical procedure. There was a predominance of women (77.9%), the average age was 38.5 years, average preoperative weight 124.6 kg and average BMI of 45.5 kg/m2. Regarding obesity, 16.8% were obese, and 83.1% were morbidly obese. In relation to the venous findings, 86.3% of the patients did fit CEAP classification less than 3 and 13.7% greater than or equal to 3. Among the post-operative complications, there were four cases of wound infection. Three patients developed post-operative distal venous thrombosis (7.5%), but no one had clinically manifested pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION: No relation between BMI, CEAP classification and venous ultrasonographic findings were found. Although prophylaxis was used in all patients, the incidence of post-operative distal venous thrombosis was considerably high.

Rehabilitación cardiovascular y ejercicio en prevención secundaria / Exercise and cardiac rehabilitation in secondary cardiovascular prevention

Exercise and cardiac rehabilitation are indications with type I A evidence in most secondary cardiovascular prevention guidelines. Rehabilitation programs not only include exercise but also provide integral care and education about cardiovascular risk factors. However there is a paucity of such programs in Chile. Moreover there is a lack of awareness about the benefits of exercise and there is lack of knowledge about the details of exercise prescription in secondary prevention. Therefore, the divulgation of this knowledge is of utmost importance.

Venous insufficeency and thromboembolic disease in bariatric surgery patients / Insuficiencia venosa e doenca tromboembolica em pacientes submetidos a cirurgia bariatrica

Context Morbid obesity is associated with various co-morbidities, including chronic venous insufficiency. Bariatric surgery is the only effective treatment for morbid obesity, but with potential risks and possible complications, including venous thromboembolism. Objective To determine the prevalence of clinical and ultrasonographic signs of chronic venous insufficiency in morbid obese patients in preparation for bariatric surgery and the incidence of post-operative venous thromboembolic disease. Methods Patients on work-up for bariatric surgery of Centro Terapêutico Especializado em Fígado (CETEFI) and Pro-Gastro surgical teams of the Hospital Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo were included. The analysed data were pre-operative findings for venous insufficiency (CEAP - clinical, etiological, anatomical, physiopathologic - classification and venous ultrassonographic findings), type of surgery (open or laparoscopic), abdominal circumference, body mass index (BMI) and post-operative ultrassonography search for venous insufficiency and deep venous thrombosis. Results Between March 2007 and December 2009, 95 patients candidates for bariatric surgery had clinical and duplex scan evaluation of the lower limbs venous system. Of the 95 patients, 53 were submitted to the surgical procedure. There was a predominance of women (77.9%), the average age was 38.5 years, average preoperative weight 124.6 kg and average BMI of 45.5 kg/m2. Regarding obesity, 16.8% were obese, and 83.1% were morbidly obese. In relation to the venous findings, 86.3% of the patients did fit CEAP classification less than 3 and 13.7% greater than or equal to 3. Among the post-operative complications, there were four cases of wound infection. Three patients developed post-operative distal venous thrombosis (7.5%), but no one had clinically manifested pulmonary embolism. Conclusion ...

Contexto A obesidade mórbida está associada a várias comorbidades, dentre elas a estase venosa crônica. A cirurgia bariátrica é a única modalidade efetiva de tratamento, porém com riscos e possibilidade de complicações, inclusive o tromboembolismo venoso. Objetivos Determinar a prevalência de sinais clínicos e ultrassonográficos de insuficiência venosa crônica no paciente obeso mórbido candidato a cirurgia bariátrica e a incidência de trombose venosa profunda. Métodos Foram selecionados para este estudo os pacientes candidatos a cirurgia bariátrica das equipes Centro Terapêutico Especializado em Fígado (CETEFI) e Pró-Gastro do Hospital Real e Benemérita Sociedade Portuguesa de Beneficência de São Paulo no período de março de 2007 a dezembro de 2009. Os dados analisados foram os achados clínicos (classificação CEAP - clínica, etiologia, anatomia e patofisiologia - classificação da estase venosa crônica) e sinais ultrassonográficos, o tipo de cirurgia (aberta ou laparoscópica), a circunferência abdominal, o índice de massa corpórea (IMC), o tempo de internação hospitalar e presença de comorbidades. A avaliação foi realizada para encontrar fatores independentes relacionados com a estase venosa. Resultados Entre março de 2007 e dezembro de 2009, 95 pacientes candidatos a cirurgia bariátrica foram avaliados clinicamente e por ultrassonografia duplex scan de sistema venoso de membros inferiores. Dos 95 pacientes, 53 acabaram sendo submetidos à cirurgia. Houve predominância de mulheres (77,9%), a idade média foi de 38,5 anos, a média de peso pré-operatório 124,6 kg e IMC médio de 45,5 kg/m2. Quanto à obesidade, ...

Hormonal receptors in skeletal muscles of dystrophic mdx mice.

INTRODUCTION: Several evidences show that muscles have an endocrine function. Glucocorticoid, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone receptors have already been found in normal skeletal muscles, but not in dystrophic muscles. METHODS: The gene expression of hormone receptors was compared between dystrophic and healthy muscles in mdx and C57BL6 mice strains. RESULTS: The mdx mice showed a significant increase in the steroid receptors mRNA when compared to the C57BL6 mice: levels of androgen(s) receptors in the heart, estrogen receptors alpha in the EDL, and estrogen receptors beta in the quadriceps were increased. In addition, significant lowered levels of some other hormone receptors were found: corticosteroid receptors in the EDL and estrogen receptors alpha in the quadriceps. CONCLUSION: Dystrophic muscles bear significant differences in the expression of hormone receptors when compared to the C57BL6 mice strain. The importance of such differences is yet to be better understood.

La presión arterial es un importante marcador de ateroesclerosis subclínica en niños / Association of carotid intima media thickness with blood pressure and HDL cholesterol in children

Background: Cardiovascular risk factors must be controlled since childhood. Aim: To assess the association of carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) with the components of the metabolic syndrome in Children. Material and Methods: Cross sectional assessment of 299 children aged 11.5 ± 0.9years (58% women) with and without metabolic syndrome components. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were measured and a blood sample was obtained to measure blood glucose and lipids. CIMT was measured using high resolution ultrasound. Results: Ninety three percent of children were post puberal, 64% were overweight and 25% had metabolic syndrome. Mean and maximum CIMT correlated with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.21 and 0.21 respectively p < 0.01). Children with a CIMTover the 75th percentile had higher blood pressure and lower HDL cholesterol. A stepwise logistic regression accepted both variables as predictors of CIMT with odds ratios for mean CIMT of 1.46 (1.19-1-79) and 0.81 (0.7-0.94) perfive units of change, respectively. Conclusions: In this group of children systolic blood pressure and HDL cholesterol are associated to CIMT.

Mayores niveles de ECA y angiotensina II determinados genéticamente, se asocian a menor actividad del eje ECA2/angiotensina-(1-9) y mayor remodelamiento de la pared aórtica de ratas hipertensas / Increased levels of ACE and angiotensin II genetilaccy determined, are associated with lower ACE2/Angiotensin-(1-9) activity axis and aortic wall increased remodeling in hypertensive rats

Introducción: El polimorfismo del gen de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina I (ECA) determina mayor actividad de la ECA y mayores niveles de angioten-sina (Ang) II. Un polimorfismo similar ha sido descrito en humanos. La ECA2, a través de Ang-(1-9) más que Ang-(1-7), contrarresta los efectos deletéreos de Ang II. Se desconoce si el polimorfismo de la ECA frente a un estímulo hipertensivo modifica el eje ECA2/Ang-(1-9) y determina mayor remodelamiento de la pared aórtica de ratas hipertensas. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto del polimorfismo del gen de la ECA en la actividad del eje ECA2/Ang-(1-9) y su efecto en el remodelamiento de la pared aórtica secundaria a la hipertensión arterial (HTA) experimental. Métodos: Se usaron ratas macho homocigotas de 150 gr BN y LL. Se indujo HTA por el procedimiento Goldblatt (GB, 2 K-1clip). Ratas pseudo-operadas se usaron como controles (Sham). A las 6 semanas post cirugía se determinaron en la aorta las actividades de ECA y ECA2, los niveles de Ang II/Ang-(1-9), colágeno tipo I, células positivas para el marcador de inflamación ED-1, área y grosor de la túnica media (ATM, GTM). Resultados: El polimorfismo de la ECA con mayores niveles de ECA y Ang II determinó una mayor disminución de la actividad de ECA2, menores niveles de Ang-(1-9) y mayor remodelamiento de la pared aórtica tanto en animales normotensos como hipertensos. Conclusión: El polimorfismo de la ECA con mayor actividad de ECA y AngII determina una interregu-lación de los ejes ECA/AngII y ECA2/Ang-(1-9) lo que se asocia a mayor remodelamiento de la pared aórtica. Fondecyt 1100874.

background: The angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism determines increased ACE activity and angiotensin (Ang) II levels in Brown Norway rats (BN), compared to Lewis rats (LL). Similar polymorphism has been described in humans. ACE2 through Ang-(1-9) rather than Ang-(1-7) counteracts the deleterious effects of Ang II. It is unknown whether the ACE polymorphism counteracts the ECA2/Ang1-9 axis and determines increased remodeling of the aortic wall in hypertensive rats. Objective: To determine the effects of ACE gene polymorphism in the ECA2/Ang1-9 axis activity and its impact on the aortic wall remodeling secondary to hypertension (HT). Methods: Male homozygous rats BN and LL were used. Hypertension was induced by the Goldblatt procedure (GB, 2 K-1clip). Pseudo-operated rats were used as controls (Sham). At 6 weeks after surgery, we determined the body weight (BW) and systolic blood pressure (SBP). In aorta, we determined the ACE and ACE2 activities, Ang II/Ang1-9 levels, protein expression of collagen type I, positive cells for ED-1 inflammatory cells and medial thickness (MT) and area (MA) of aortic wall. Results: ACE polymorphism with higher levels of ACE and Ang II determined a significant decrease of ACE2 activity, Ang-(1-9) levels and aortic wall remodeling in normotensives and hypertensives rats. Conclusion: ACE polymorphism with increased ACE activity and AngII levels determines a significant inter-regulation between ACE/AngII and ACE2/Ang-(1-9) axis which is associated with increased remodeling of the aortic wall. Fondecyt 1100874.

Angiotensina-(1-9) disminuye el remodelamiento cardiovascular hipertensivo independiente de los niveles de ECA y de angiotensina II / Angiotensin-(1-) reduces hypertensive cardiovascular remodeling independent of ACE and Ang II levels

Resumen: La enzima convertidora de angiotensina I (ECA2) a través de Angiotensina (Ang)-(1-9) más que Ang-(1-7) contrarresta los efectos deletéreos de ECA y Ang II. Se desconoce si Ang-(1-9) es efectiva en el tratamiento del remodelamiento cardiovascular (RMCV) hipertensivo, en ratas con polimorfismo del gen de la ECA. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto de Ang-(1-9) en el tratamiento del RMCV hipertensivo en ratas con niveles genéticamente determinados de ECA y Ang II. Métodos: Ratas normotensas homocigotas, Lewis (LL) y Brown Norway (BN), se les indujo HTA a través del modelo Goldblatt (GB, 2 riñones-1 pinzado). Después de 4 semanas, las ratas hipertensas se rando-mizaron para recibir Ang-(1-9) (602 ng/Kg min) o una coadministración de Ang-(1-9)+A779 (100 ng/Kg min, antagonista del receptor MAS de Ang-(1-7)) durante 14 días mediante una minibomba. Como controles se usaron ratas sometidas a operación ficticia (Sham). Se determinó masa corporal (MC), presión arterial sistólica (PAS), masa ventricular (MV), área de cardiomiocitos (AC), área y grosor de la túnica media (ATM, GTM), fracción volumétrica de colágeno total (FVCT) en el ventrículo izquierdo (VI), niveles proteicos de colágeno tipo I (Col I) en la aorta (Ao) y la infiltración de macrófagos en Ao y VI, por medio de su molécula especifica ED1 (ED1-Ao, ED1-VI). Resultados: La administración de Ang-(1-9) disminuyó significativamente PAS, MV, AC, FVCT, Col I, ATM, GTM, ED1-Ao (-) y ED1-VI, en las ratas hipertensas LL y BN respecto a las ratas GB sin tratamiento, respectivamente. Este efecto no fue inhibido por el antagonista A779. El polimorfismo de la ECA no modificó la respuesta al tratamiento. Conclusión: Ang-(1-9) redujo eficazmente la HTA y el RMCV secundario, independiente al polimorfismo en el gen de la ECA. Este efecto posiblemente es directo ya que no fue mediado por Ang-(1-7). Fondecyt 1100874.

Background: The angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) counteracts the deleterious effects of ACE and Ang II through angiotensin (Ang) -(1-9) rather than Ang-(1-7). In addition, it is not clear whether Ang-(1-9) is effective in the reversal of hypertensive cardiovascular remodeling (CVRM) in rats with ACE gene polymorphism. Objective: To determine the effect of Ang-(1-9) in the prevention of hypertensive CVRM in rats with genetically determined levels of ACE and Ang II. Methods: In normotensive homozygous Lewis (LL) and Brown Norway (BN) rats hypertension was induced by the Goldblatt 2 kidney-1 pinch model. After 4 weeks, rats were randomized to receive Ang- (1-9) (602 ng / Kg min) or the co administration of Ang- (19) + A779 (100 ng / kg min, a MAS receptor antagonist of Ang- (1-7)) for 14 days. Sham operated rats were used as controls. We determined body mass (BM), systolic blood pressure (SBP), ventricular mass (VM), cardiomyocyte area (CA), area and thickness of the aortic media (ATM, TTM), LV total collagen volume fraction (FVCT), type I collagen protein levels (Col I) in the aorta (Ao) and macrophage infiltration in LV and Ao, through its specific molecule ED1 (ED1-Ao, ED1-VI). Results: Continuous administration of Ang- (1-9) significantly decreased SBP, VM, CA, TCVF, Col I, TTM, and ED1 in the aorta and left ventricle of hypertensive rats. This effect was not inhibited by the antagonist A779. ACE polymorphism did not modify the response to treatment. Conclusion: Ang- (1-9) effectively reduced hypertension induced CVRM independent of ACE gene polymorphism. This effect was not mediated by Ang- (1-7).

Left atrial dysfunction is a predictor of postcoronary artery bypass atrial fibrillation: association of left atrial strain and strain rate assessed by speckle tracking.

BACKGROUND: Even though atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), its etiology remains poorly understood. Several factors are linked to postoperative AF (POAF), including advanced age and systemic inflammation. However, left atrial (LA) contractile dysfunction has not been evaluated in the perioperative scenario. AIM: To evaluate LA function through strain and strain rate in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing CABG and its correlation with POAF. METHODS: We studied 70 patients undergoing CABG in sinus rhythm at the time of surgery. Preoperative echocardiography with evaluation of LA strain and strain rate by speckle tracking was performed. The occurrence of POAF was evaluated by continuous monitoring. Baseline and postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured to evaluate systemic inflammation. RESULTS: After 1-week follow-up 26% of subjects developed AF. LA strain s wave (LASs) and LA strain rate s (LASRs) and a wave (LASRa) were significantly decreased in patients who developed POAF: LASs (10 ± 1% vs. 24 ± 1%, P < 0.001), LASRs (0.6 ± 0.1 sec(-1) vs. 1.2 ± 0.1 sec(-1) , P < 0.001), LASRa (-0.6 ± 0.1 sec(-1) vs. -1.8 ± 0.1 sec(-1) , P < 0.001). LASRs, LASRa, age, and LA volume were independent predictors of POAF. CRP at baseline was similar irrespective of POAF development. CONCLUSIONS: LA dysfunction, evaluated by strain and strain rate is an independent predictor of POAF and contributes to classic risk factors like age and atrial volume.