Prevalencia de desórdenes musculoesqueléticos y riesgo ergonómico en cirujanos de cabeza y cuello: Revisión sistemática y metaanálisis / Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic risk in head and neck surgeons: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Introducción. Las lesiones musculoesqueléticas traen consecuencias en los profesionales quirúrgicos, y más aún en cirujanos de cabeza y cuello, que conllevan gran carga de discapacidad y ausentismo laboral, ocasionando retiro temprano, restricciones o modificaciones en la práctica quirúrgica. Métodos. Se seleccionaron publicaciones de las bases de datos Pubmed, Embase y LILACS. Se incluyeron todos los estudios que midieron la prevalencia de lesiones musculoesqueléticas y la presencia de riesgo ergonómico, síntomas asociados, uso de escalas de medición y estrategias de prevención. Los efectos estimados de los estudios se mostraron con intervalo de confianza del 95 %. Resultados. Se encontraron 438 estudios. Después de la revisión, se incluyeron 7 estudios, con un total de 868 pacientes. Se estimó mediante un metaanálisis de efectos aleatorios una prevalencia del 81 %. Conclusiones. Los problemas posturales en cirujanos de cabeza y cuello tienen una prevalencia de 81 %. Esto genera un gran impacto en su salud física y mental, aumentando las incapacidades y pérdida de años laborales. Las herramientas utilizadas para la evaluación son heterogéneas y algunos estudios no incluyen datos como los años de práctica y el nivel de entrenamiento.

Introduction. Musculoskeletal injuries have consequences for surgical professionals, and even more so for head and neck surgeons, which entail a large burden of disability and absenteeism from work, causing early retirement, restrictions or modifications in surgical practice. Methods. Publications were selected from the Pubmed, Embase and LILACS databases. All studies that measured the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries and the presence of ergonomic risk, associated symptoms, use of measurement scales and prevention strategies were included. The estimated effects of the studies were shown with a 95% confidence interval. Results. 438 studies were found. After the review, seven studies were included, with a total of 868 patients. A prevalence of 81% was estimated through a random effects meta-analysis. Conclusions. Postural problems in head and neck surgeons have a prevalence of 81%. This generates a great impact on their physical and mental health, increasing disabilities and loss of working years. The tools used for evaluation are heterogeneous and some studies do not include data such as years of practice and level of training.

Challenges in prompt identification and surgical correction of Marfan Syndrome aortic disease in a middle-income country: a case series study.

BACKGROUND: Marfan Syndrome is an autosomal dominant disease caused by pathogenetic variants in the FBN1 gene. The progressive dilatation of the aorta and the potential risk of acute aortic syndromes influence the prognosis of these patients. We aim to describe population characteristics, long-term survival, and re-intervention patterns in patients who underwent aortic surgery with a previously confirmed clinical diagnosis of Marfan Syndrome in a middle-income country. METHODS: A retrospective single-center case series study was conducted. All Marfan Syndrome patients who underwent aortic procedures from 2004 until 2021 were included. Qualitative variables were frequency-presented, while quantitative ones adopted mean ± standard deviation. A subgroup analysis between elective and emergent procedures was conducted. Kaplan-Meier plots depicted cumulative survival and re-intervention-free. Control appointments and government data tracked out-of-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Fifty patients were identified. The mean age was 38.79 ± 14.41 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. Common comorbidities included aortic valve regurgitation (66%) and hypertension (50%). Aortic aneurysms were observed in 64% without dissection and 36% with dissection. Surgical procedures comprised elective (52%) and emergent cases (48%). The most common surgery performed was the David procedure (64%), and the Bentall procedure (14%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 4%. Complications included stroke (10%), and acute kidney injury (6%). The average follow-up was 8.88 ± 5.78 years. Survival rates at 5, 10, and 15 years were 89%, 73%, and 68%, respectively. Reintervention rates at 1, 2.5, and 5 years were 10%, 14%, and 17%, respectively. The emergent subgroup was younger (37.58 ± 14.49 years), had the largest number of Stanford A aortic dissections, presented hemodynamic instability (41.67%), and had a higher requirement of reinterventions in the first 5 years of follow-up (p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: In our study, surveillance programs played a pivotal role in sustaining high survival rates and identifying re-intervention requirements. However, challenges persist, as 48% of the patients required emergent surgery. Despite not affecting survival rates, a greater requirement for reinterventions was observed, emphasizing the necessity of timely diagnosis. Enhanced educational initiatives for healthcare providers and increased patient involvement in follow-up programs are imperative to address these concerns.

Quality of life, functional and radiological outcomes of treatment of three-part and four-part proximal humerus fractures with locking plates and comparison in young versus older than 70 years: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Verify if the use of locking plates in displaced three- and four-part proximal humerus fractures has meant an improvement even in patients over 70 years of age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed surgery with locking plate fixation in 56 consecutive patients with three- and four-part proximal humerus fractures according to Neer's classification between 1/1/15 and 12/31/20 at our Hospital. Patient satisfaction, quality of life, functionality and radiological variables, as well as the comparison between patients older and younger than 70 years were the main outcomes. Likewise, factors and complications that may have influenced these variables were analyzed as secondary outcomes. The analysis of all these variables was performed after a minimum follow-up time of 24 months after surgery. RESULTS: 51 patients (92%) ended up satisfied or very satisfied according to the SF-36 test and with no disability or mild disability according to the DASH Score questionnaire. 46 patients (82%) obtained a satisfactory or excellent result according to the Neer scale modified by Cofield and 38 (68%) a good or excellent function according to the Constant Murley questionnaire. In 47 cases (84%) good radiological alignment was observed. Complications occurred in 20 patients (36%). The complications and the results of the SF-36, DASH Score, Neer scale modified by Cofield and Constant Murley tests depended on the radiological alignment (p = 0.009, p = 0.006, p = 0.025, p = 0.0008 and p = 0.0004). There were 37 patients younger than 70 years and 19 older than 70 years with no statistically significant differences when comparing the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that satisfactory results can be obtained with osteosynthesis with locking plates in displaced proximal humerus fractures even in patients older than 70 years of age. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: Retrospective Cohort, Treatment Study.

Impacto del PET/CT en el diagnóstico de insulinoma / Impact of PET/CT in the Diagnosis of Insulinoma

Introducción: La tomografía de emisión de positrones es una técnica diagnóstica no invasiva que permite tomar imágenes del organismo que muestra el metabolismo de los órganos del cuerpo. Objetivo: Destacar el valor de la PET/CT en el diagnóstico imagenológico prequirúrgico del enfermo. Presentación de caso: Se presentó un paciente masculino de 39 años sin antecedentes de importancia, con un cuadro de hipoglucemias severas de 5 años de evolución, a pesar de los múltiples estudios imagenológicos se incluyó la ecoendoscopía digestiva, lo que no fue posible evidenciar la lesión tumoral. Se le realiza PET/CT cuyo resultado fue crucial para localizar el tumor, se le dio al paciente la oportunidad de un tratamiento quirúrgico y la demostración anatomopatológica de insulinoma. Conclusiones: Los insulinomas son tumores pancreáticos poco frecuentes que provocan hiperinsulinismo endógeno y son difíciles de visualizar debido a su tamaño por las técnicas de imágenes convencionales, por lo que el PET/CT es un estudio bastante efectivo para localizar la lesión tumoral, y así realizar un procedimiento quirúrgico(AU)

Introduction: Positron emission tomography is a non-invasive diagnostic technique, allowing images of the body to be taken that show the metabolism of the body's organs. Objective: To highlight the value of PET/CT in the pre-surgical imaging diagnosis of the patient. Case presentation: We report the case of a 39-year-old male patient with no significant medical history, but a 5-year history of severe hypoglycemia. Despite multiple imaging studies, digestive ultrasound endoscopy was included, which was not possible to demonstrate the tumor lesion. PET/CT was performed, the result of which was crucial in locating the tumor. The patient was given the opportunity for surgical treatment and the pathological demonstration of insulinoma. Conclusions: Insulinomas are rare pancreatic tumors that cause endogenous hyperinsulinism and are difficult to visualize due to their size using conventional imaging techniques, therefore PET/CT is a fairly effective study to locate the tumor lesion, and thus perform a surgical procedure(AU)

Insuficiencia hepática secundaria a enfermedad poliquística renal-hepática / Hepatic Failure Secondary to Polycystic Renal-Hepatic Disease

La enfermedad poliquística renal autosómica dominante es considerada la enfermedad renal genética más frecuente y es la cuarta causa de enfermedad renal crónica a nivel mundial. Afecta a cerca de 1 por cada 1000 nacidos vivos. La enfermedad poliquística hepática es la manifestación extrarrenal más frecuente de la enfermedad poliquística renal. La cirrosis hepática constituye un hallazgo tardío en esta enfermedad y su presentación es más común en el anciano, y la descompensación de la enfermedad con insuficiencia hepática como causa de muerte. Presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 60 años con antecedentes patológicos personales de la enfermedad poliquística renal con ascitis a tensión, y edemas en ambos miembros inferiores con datos de insuficiencia hepática y evolución desfavorable hasta su fallecimiento. Aunque la presencia de la falla hepática se asocia a un pronóstico precario, la detección precoz puede suponer el inicio de un tratamiento oportuno y apropiado que puede ser beneficioso(AU)

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is considered the most common genetic kidney disease and the fourth leading cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide. It affects about 1 in 1,000 live births. Polycystic liver disease is the most common extrarenal manifestation of polycystic kidney disease. Liver cirrhosis is a late finding in this disease and its presentation is more common in the elderly. Decompensation of the disease, with liver failure as the cause of death, is rare in polycystic liver disease. We report the case of a 60-year-old male patient with a personal pathological history of polycystic kidney disease with tense ascites and edema in both lower limbs, with evidence of liver failure and unfavorable evolution until his death. Although the presence of liver failure is associated with poor prognosis, its early detection may mean the initiation of timely and appropriate treatment that may be beneficial(AU)

Emergent hybrid surgical approaches for non-dissecting ruptured Kommerell's aneurysm: a case report series.

BACKGROUND: Kommerell's aneurysm is a saccular or fusiform dilatation found in 3-8% of Kommerell's diverticulum cases. A non-dissecting rupture rate of 6% has been reported. If ruptured, emergent surgical correction is usually granted. However, evidence regarding the optimal surgical approach in this acute setting is scarce. In this case report series, we aim to describe our experience managing type-1 non-dissecting ruptured Kommerell's aneurysm with hybrid emergent surgical approaches. CASES PRESENTATION: From January 2005 to December 2020, three cases of type-1 non-dissecting ruptured Kommerell's aneurysm requiring emergent surgical repair were identified. The mean age was 66.67 ± 7.76 years, and 3/3 were male. The most common symptoms were atypical chest pain, dyspnoea, and headache (2/3). The mean aneurysm's diameter was 63.67 ± 5.69 mm. Frozen Elephant Trunk was the preferred surgical approach (2/3). The Non-Frozen Elephant Trunk patient underwent a hybrid procedure consisting of a supra-aortic debranching and a zone-2 stent-graft deployment. We found a mean clamp time of 140 ± 60.75 min, cardiac arrest time of 51.33 ± 3.06 min, and a hospital stay of 13.67 ± 5.51 days. The most common complications were surgical-site infection and shock (2/3). Only one patient died (1/3). CONCLUSION: Evidence of management for non-dissecting ruptured Kommerell's aneurysms is scarce. Additional, robust, and more extensive studies are required. The selection of the appropriate surgical approach is challenging, and each patient should be individualized. Frozen Elephant Trunk was feasible for patients requiring emergent surgical repair in our centre. However, other hybrid or open procedures can be performed.

Ti3C2 MXene Membranes for Gas Separation: Influence of Heat Treatment Conditions on D-Spacing and Surface Functionalization.

Two-dimensional (2D) MXene materials have recently been the focus of membrane research due to their unique properties, such as their single-atomic-layer thickness, flexibility, molecular filtration abilities and microstructural similarities with graphene, which is currently the most efficient precursor material for gas separation applications. In addition, the potential to process nanoscale channels has motivated investigations of parameters which can improve membrane permeability and selectivity. Interlayer spacing and defects, which are still challenging to control, are among the most crucial parameters for membrane performance. Herein, the effect of heat treatment on the d-spacing of MXene nanosheets and the surface functionalization of nanolayers was shown regarding its impact on the gas diffusion mechanism. The distance of the layers was reduced by a factor of over 10 from 0.345 nm to 0.024 nm, the defects were reduced, and the surface functionalization was maintained upon treatment of the Ti3C2 membrane at 500 °C under an Ar/H2 atmosphere as compared to 80 °C under vacuum. This led to a change from Knudsen diffusion to molecular sieving, as demonstrated by single-gas permeation tests at room temperature. Overall, this work shows a simple and promising way to improve H2/CO2 selectivity via temperature treatment under a controlled atmosphere.

Causas infrecuentes de ascitis: Reporte de 5 casos / Uncommon causes of ascites: Report of 5 cases

Introducción: La ascitis se define como la presencia de líquido en la cavidad peritoneal. La etiología más común la constituyen las enfermedades hepáticas que cursan con hipertensión portal, dentro de ellas la cirrosis hepática reportada en un 40 por ciento, a 5 años de seguimiento de los casos. Estudios previos muestran que la ascitis por enfermedad cirrótica hepática es entre un 80-85 por ciento, también la carcinomatosis se presenta en un 10 por ciento, y dentro de las causas más raras están la insuficiencia cardiaca y la tuberculosis peritoneal en un 3 por ciento, junto con la trombosis de la vena porta, sarcoidosis, tumores intraperitoneales, ascitis pancreática y la enteritis eosinofílica. Objetivo: Describir presentaciones clínicas infrecuentes como causa de ascitis en pacientes hospitalizados en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras. Presentación de casos: Se presentan cinco casos que ingresaron en el Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras con diagnóstico de Ascitis: quilosa, hemorrágica, eosinofílica y coloide, con las patologías que los llevaron a esa manifestación clínica y una breve descripción de la misma. Conclusión: El análisis de las presentaciones clínicas de los casos, los hallazgos en los estudios imagenológicos y en los exámenes de laboratorio, así como los resultados anatomopatológicos permitieron el diagnóstico de las entidades causantes de ascitis atípicas en estos pacientes(AU)

Introduction: Ascites is defined as the presence of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. The most common etiology is liver diseases with portal hypertension; among them liver cirrhosis is reported in 40 percent of cases with 5-year follow-up. Previous studies demonstrate that ascites due to cirrhotic liver disease occurs in 80-85 percent of the cases, that carcinomatosis is also present in 10 percent, and also that among the rarest causes, heart failure and peritoneal tuberculosis are present in 3 percent of cases along with portal vein thrombosis, sarcoidosis, intraperitoneal tumors, pancreatic ascites and eosinophilic enteritis. Objective: To describe uncommon clinical presentations as cause of ascites in patients admitted to Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital. Case presentation: Five cases of patients admitted to Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital with the diagnosis of ascites: chylous, hemorrhagic, eosinophilic and colloid as well as the pathologies that led them to this clinical manifestation and a brief description of it are presented. Conclusion: The analysis of the clinical presentation of the cases, the findings in the imaging studies and laboratory tests and the anatomopathological results allowed the diagnosis of the entities causing atypical ascites in these patients(AU)

Magneto-Transport Properties of Co-Cu Thin Films Obtained by Co-Sputtering and Sputter Gas Aggregation.

Cu100-xCox thin films have been obtained by sputtering (x = 3, 9) and sputter gas aggregation (x = 2.5, 7.5) and subsequent annealing at 400 °C for 1 h. We have studied their structural, magnetic, and magnetotransport properties, both for the as-deposited and annealed samples, confirming the important role of the fabrication method in the properties. The magnetic measurements and the fitting of the hysteresis loops evidence that as-deposited samples consist of superparamagnetic (SPM) and/or ferromagnetic clusters, but in the samples obtained by gas aggregation the clusters are greater (with ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature) whereas in the samples obtained by sputtering, the clusters are smaller and there are also diluted Co atoms in the Cu matrix. The annealing affects negligibly the samples obtained by gas aggregation, but the ones obtained by sputtering are more affected, appearing greater clusters. This behavior is also reflected in the magnetoresistance (MR) measurements of the samples, with different shapes of the MR curves depending on the preparation method: more lineal in the whole range for sputtering, saturation at low fields (about 10 kOe) for gas aggregation. Finally, a Kondo-like minimum in the resistance versus temperature is found in the samples obtained by sputtering, affected by the magnetic field and the annealing. The observed Kondo-like behavior and the influence of annealing on a Kondo-like minimum in sputtered thin films have been attributed to the presence of diluted Co atoms in the Cu matrix and the Co precipitations from the Co-Cu solid solution upon annealing respectively.

Coercivity and Magnetic Anisotropy of (Fe0.76Si0.09B0.10P0.05)97.5Nb2.0Cu0.5 Amorphous and Nanocrystalline Alloy Produced by Gas Atomization Process.

We present the evolution of magnetic anisotropy obtained from the magnetization curve of (Fe0.76Si0.09B0.10P0.05)97.5Nb2.0Cu0.5 amorphous and nanocrystalline alloy produced by a gas atomization process. The material obtained by this process is a powder exhibiting amorphous character in the as-atomized state. Heat treatment at 480 °C provokes structural relaxation, while annealing the powder at 530 °C for 30 and 60 min develops a fine nanocrystalline structure. Magnetic anisotropy distribution is explained by considering dipolar effects and the modified random anisotropy model.

Transferencia de autonomía quirúrgica en apendicectomía abierta y laparoscópica: Un estudio de métodos mixtos desde la perspectiva de residentes y supervisores / Surgical autonomy transfer in open and laparoscopic appendectomy: A study of mixed methods from the perspective of residents and supervisors

Introducción. Existe información limitada sobre el desarrollo apropiado de curvas quirúrgicas de aprendizaje, con altos niveles de autonomía, en residentes de cirugía general en Colombia. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar los niveles de autonomía, para la realización de apendicectomía laparoscópica o abierta en un programa de especialización, desde la perspectiva de médicos residentes y supervisores. Métodos. Estudio de métodos mixtos que se realizó en dos fases. La primera fase incluyó la recolección prospectiva de la información de cada procedimiento (apendicectomía abierta o laparoscópica), realizado entre agosto de 2015 y diciembre de 2018, en la que participaron 29 médicos residentes. Cada residente evaluó su función (cirujano, ayudante), el nivel de supervisión y el nivel de autonomía intraoperatoria mediante la Escala de Zwisch (EZ). En la segunda fase (cualitativa), se realizaron entrevistas a un total de 15 cirujanos generales que supervisaron la práctica de los residentes con preguntas que buscaban explicar los hallazgos cuantitativos. Resultados. Se analizaron 1732 intervenciones: 629 (36 %) se realizaron por vía abierta y 1103 (63 %) por vía laparoscópica. El 81,4 % (n=1411) de los procedimientos fueron realizados en hospitales privados. La percepción global de autonomía reportada por los residentes de acuerdo con la Escala de Zwisch tuvo nivel A 28,9 % (n=500), nivel B 18,1 % (n=313), nivel C 30,4 % (n=526) y nivel D 22,7 % (n=393). El 35,2 % (n=388) de apendicectomías laparoscópicas y el 17,8 % (n=112) por vía abierta fueron realizadas con un nivel A, mientras el 19,5 % (n=215) de apendicectomías laparoscópicas y el 28,2 % (n=178) por vía abierta fueron realizadas con un nivel D. La explicación dada de los hallazgos cuantitativos fue la frecuencia de apendicectomías abiertas en hospitales públicos, aspectos relacionados con la transferencia de autonomía hacia el residente y el aumento progresivo en el nivel de autonomía avanzada entre 2015-2018. Discusión. Se encontró un mayor nivel de autonomía en la realización de apendicectomía por vía abierta compa-rada con la vía laparoscópica, y los niveles de autonomía fueron mayores en hospitales públicos. La explicación a estos hallazgos estuvo relacionada con el contexto clínico y profesional de los residentes

Introduction. There is limited information on the appropriate development of surgical learning curves, with high levels of autonomy, in general surgery residents in Colombia. The objective of this study was to characterize the levels of autonomy for performing laparoscopic or open appendectomy in a specialization program, from the perspective of resident physicians and supervisors. Methods. Study carried out in two phases. The first phase included the prospective collection of information on each procedure (open or laparoscopic appendectomy), performed between August 2015 and December 2018, in which 29 resident physicians participated. Each resident evaluated his/her function (surgeon, assistant), the level of supervision and the level of intraoperative autonomy using the Zwisch Scale (EZ). In the second phase (qualitative), a total of 15 general surgeons were interviewed who supervised the residents' practice with questions that sought to explain the quantitative findings.Results. 1732 interventions were analyzed: 629 (36%) were performed open and 1103 (63%) were performed la-paroscopically. 81.4% (n = 1411) of the procedures were performed in private hospitals. The global perception of autonomy reported by residents according to the Zwisch Scale had level A 28.9% (n = 500), level B 18.1% (n = 313), level C 30.4% (n = 526) and level D 22.7% (n = 393). 35.2% (n = 388) of laparoscopic appendectomies and 17.8% (n = 112) by open approach were performed with a level A, while 19.5% (n = 215) of laparoscopic appendectomies and 28.2% (n = 178) by open approach were performed with a level D. The explanation of the quantitative findings was the frequency of open appendectomies in public hospitals, aspects related to the transfer of autonomy to the resident and the patient. progressive increase in the level of advanced autonomy between 2015-2018.Discusion. A higher level of autonomy was found in performing open appendectomy compared with the lapa-roscopic approach, and levels of autonomy were higher in public hospitals. The explanation for these findings was related to the clinical and professional context of the residents

Beneficial Effect of Moderate Exercise in Kidney of Rat after Chronic Consumption of Cola Drinks.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of moderate intensity exercise on kidney in an animal model of high consumption of cola soft drinks. METHODS: Forty-eight Wistar Kyoto rats (age: 16 weeks; weight: 350-400 g) were assigned to the following groups: WR (water runners) drank water and submitted to aerobic exercise; CR (cola runners) drank cola and submitted to aerobic exercise; WS (water sedentary) and CS (cola sedentary), not exercised groups. The aerobic exercise was performed for 5 days per week throughout the study (24 weeks) and the exercise intensity was gradually increased during the first 8 weeks until it reached 20 meters / minute for 30 minutes. Body weight, lipid profile, glycemia, plasma creatinine levels, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were determined. After 6 months all rats were sacrificed. A kidney histopathological score was obtained using a semiquantitative scale. Glomerular size and glomerulosclerosis were estimated by point-counting. The oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory status were explored by immunohistochemistry. A one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test or the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-hoc test was used for statistics. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: At 6 months, an increased consumption of cola soft drink was shown in CS and CR compared with water consumers (p<0.0001). Chronic cola consumption was associated with increased plasma triglycerides, AIP, heart rate, histopathological score, glomerulosclerosis, oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory status. On the other hand, moderate exercise prevented these findings. No difference was observed in the body weight, SBP, glycemia, cholesterol and plasma creatinine levels across experimental groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study warns about the consequences of chronic consumption of cola drinks on lipid metabolism, especially regarding renal health. Additionally, these findings emphasize the protective role of exercise training on renal damage.

Characterisation of exposure to non-ionising electromagnetic fields in the Spanish INMA birth cohort: study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of the association between exposure to electromagnetic fields of non-ionising radiation (EMF-NIR) and health in children and adolescents is hindered by the limited availability of data, mainly due to the difficulties on the exposure assessment. This study protocol describes the methodologies used for characterising exposure of children to EMF-NIR in the INMA (INfancia y Medio Ambiente- Environment and Childhood) Project, a prospective cohort study. METHODS/DESIGN: Indirect (proximity to emission sources, questionnaires on sources use and geospatial propagation models) and direct methods (spot and fixed longer-term measurements and personal measurements) were conducted in order to assess exposure levels of study participants aged between 7 and 18 years old. The methodology used varies depending on the frequency of the EMF-NIR and the environment (homes, schools and parks). Questionnaires assessed the use of sources contributing both to Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) and Radiofrequency (RF) exposure levels. Geospatial propagation models (NISMap) are implemented and validated for environmental outdoor sources of RFs using spot measurements. Spot and fixed longer-term ELF and RF measurements were done in the environments where children spend most of the time. Moreover, personal measurements were taken in order to assess individual exposure to RF. The exposure data are used to explore their relationships with proximity and/or use of EMF-NIR sources. DISCUSSION: Characterisation of the EMF-NIR exposure by this combination of methods is intended to overcome problems encountered in other research. The assessment of exposure of INMA cohort children and adolescents living in different regions of Spain to the full frequency range of EMF-NIR extends the characterisation of environmental exposures in this cohort. Together with other data obtained in the project, on socioeconomic and family characteristics and development of the children and adolescents, this will enable to evaluate the complex interaction between health outcomes in children and adolescents and the various environmental factors that surround them.

Optimising the preoperative planning of deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps for breast reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: Preoperative planning of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps has become increasingly important in radiology services as multidetector CT angiography (CTA) has been proven to be the technique of choice. We aim to optimise the process, checking the value of the "Navarra criteria," assessing radiological and surgical concordance. METHODS: Preoperative CTA was obtained in 105 DIEP flaps involving 101 women (mean age 49.1 years). A main perforator pedicle and an alternative were chosen, applying a modification of the "Navarra criteria," assessing the correlation between the main perforator chosen by the radiologist and the one that was ultimately used to perform the flap using the Kappa index. RESULTS: In 100 of the 105 DIEP flaps (95.2%), the perforator pedicles chosen were ultimately used to raise the flap. Four of the perforator pedicles that were not used were dismissed due to avoidable errors in the radiological approach. Concordance was very high, with a Kappa index of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.87-0.99). CT room time was less than 12 minutes, and reading time was 10 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the "Navarra criteria" in preoperative planning of DIEP flaps improves radiological and surgical concordance as well as the reading process. KEY POINTS: DIEP flap is one of the best techniques for breast reconstruction. Preoperative planning is essential in DIEP flaps. CTA is the best option for the preoperative planning of DIEP flaps. "Navarra criteria" allow radiologists to choose the best perforator to form flaps. Modified "Navarra criteria" improves radiological and surgical concordance.

Frecuencia de grupos sanguíneos ABO y Rh en donantes del banco de sangre del Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, entre 2000 y 2009, 50 años después del primer trabajo realizado en Medellín / Frequency of ABO and Rh blood group in blood bank donors of Hospital Pablo Tobon Uribe between 2000 and 2009, 50 years after the first report in Medellin

En 1964 se publicó en la revista Antioquia Médica el primer trabajo original sobre la frecuencia de grupos sanguíneos en Medellín, dirigido por el Dr. Alberto Restrepo Mesa, uno de los pioneros de la Hematología en Colombia; posteriormente se realizaron dos importantes trabajos en los años 1999 y 2006, sin embargo, no se cuenta con reportes actuales. Objetivo: Establecer la frecuencia de los grupos sanguíneos en Medellín y el Valle de Aburrá, después de 50 años de publicada la primera investigación. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo con una muestra de 87.000 personas adultas, de ambos sexos, sin discriminación racial, que donaron hemoderivados en el banco de sangre del Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe de la ciudad de Medellín (Colombia), entre 2000 y 2009, y se calculó la frecuencia de los grupos sanguíneos ABO y Rh...

At 1964, Antioquia Medica journal published the first original work of blood type frequencies in Medellin led by Dr. Alberto Restrepo Mesa, one of Hematology pioneers in Colombia; later there have been two important investigations in 1999 and 2006, however, there are not current reports. Objective: Establish the blood type frequencies in Medellin and the Valle de Aburrá after 50 years of the first published investigation. Methods: An observational descriptive study was made, with a sample of 87.000 adult people of both sexes, without racial discrimination, who donated blood at the Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe blood bank of Medellin (Colombia) between 2000 and 2009; and frequency of ABO and Rh blood groups was calculated...

La muerte súbita es infrecuente en la forma indeterminada de la enfermedad de Chagas: una revisión sistemática / Sudden Death in Indeterminate Chagas disease is Uncommon: A Systematic Review / Sudden Death in Indeterminate Chagas' Disease is Uncommon: A Systematic Review

La enfermedad de Chagas es un problema sanitario de gran magnitud en América Latina debido a su alta prevalencia, morbilidad y mortalidad. A su vez, las migraciones desde los países latinoamericanos hacia los Estados Unidos y Europa han dispersado a una cantidad significativa de personas portadoras de la enfermedad. Es importante tener en cuenta que la mayoría de los pacientes permanecen en la forma indeterminada de la enfermedad por décadas, sin manifestar ningún síntoma ni signo de su afección. A pesar de ello, hay quienes sostienen que la forma indeterminada conlleva un aumento del riesgo de padecer muerte súbita, aunque no hay estudios que se hayan diseñado específicamente a fin de esclarecer esta cuestión. En una revisión sistemática de los estudios con seguimiento de pacientes chagásicos asintomáticos con ECG normal y de causa conocida de muerte encontramos 15 artículos que incluyen el seguimiento de 9.382 pacientes. La mortalidad entre los asintomáticos con ECG normal fue muy baja (0,92%), que no resultó estadísticamente diferente de la de los controles no chagásicos (p = 0,38). Esta revisión sistemática muestra que la muerte súbita es infrecuente en la forma indeterminada. Estos pacientes tienen el mismo riesgo que la población general y por lo tanto se les debe permitir que lleven una vida normal tanto en el aspecto laboral como en lo relativo a su actividad física, sin alarmarlos innecesariamente sobre su condición clínica ni abrumarlos con estudios sofisticados y costosos. Es necesario, sin embargo, el control periódico, ya que si el paciente progresa a la forma cardíaca el riesgo de muerte aumenta notablemente.

Chagas disease is a serious health care problem in Latin America due to its high prevalence, morbidity and mortality. The migration from Latin American countries to the United States and Europe has disseminated a significant number of infected subjects. Most patients present the indeterminate form of the disease and remain without symptoms for decades. However, some groups believe that patients with the indeterminate form are at high risk for developing sudden death although no studies have been designed to investigate this issue. We conducted a systematic review of follow-up studies in patients with asymptomatic Chagas disease, normal ECG and known cause of death. We found 15 articles including 9382 patients. Mortality rate in asymptomatic patients with normal ECG was very low (0.92%) and similar to that of controls without Chagas disease (p=0.38). This systematic review shows that sudden death is uncommon in the indeterminate form of the disease and that the risk of death is similar to that of the general population. Thus, these patients should be allowed to lead a normal working life and to practice physical activity, without alarming them unnecessarily about their condition or indicating sophisticated and expensive studies. Regular follow-up is necessary as the death risk increases considerably when the disease progresses to the cardiac form.

Depresión en pacientes con enfermedades autoinmunes más frecuentes en reumatología / Depression in patients with the most frequent autoimmune diseases in rheumatology

Actualmente las enfermedades autoinmunes tienen una alta prevalencia. Éstas son enfermedades que, por su sintomatología, pueden generar alteraciones del estado de ánimo en quienes las padecen. La depresión es uno de los trastornos más comunes y, por ello, la necesidad de reconocer la frecuencia con que se presenta el trastorno depresivo en pacientes con estas enfermedades y sus repercusiones.

Autoimmune diseases are highly prevalent today. These are diseases that sometimes, for their symptoms, can cause mood disturbances in the patient, with depression being one the most common disorders. Hence the importance of recognizing the frequency of depressive disorder occurring in patients with these diseases and the impact this simultaneous presentation can have on the individual

Induction of cyclin D1 by arsenite and UVB-irradiation in human keratinocytes.

Arsenic is an environmental pollutant with carcinogenic properties that is found in many regions of the world but that poses a health risk primarily in economically disadvantaged areas. In these areas, arsenic ingestion affects various tissues, especially skin in which it acts as a comutagen with the ultraviolet component of solar radiation. Both epidemiological and experimental evidence indicates that arsenic and ultraviolet radiation act on signaling pathways that effect the expression of cyclin D1. We have previously employed an in vitro model system of human epidermal keratinocytes to study the effects of submicromolar concentrations of sodium arsenite on cyclin D1 expression. Here, we employed this system to demonstrate concordant cyclin D1-related induction profiles of ultraviolet B radiation and arsenite using cDNA microarray analysis. We also show that both of these agents act epigenetically to bring about demethylation of the cyclin D1 promoter.

Resultados clínicos en pacientes con anastomosis intestinal primaria en cirugía de control de daños / Clinical results in patients with primary intestinal anastomosis in the damage control operative technique

Objetivo: Describir la experiencia en la aplicación de la técnica de control de daños en pacientes exanguinados con trauma abdominal severo. Evaluar en la cirugía por etapas del control de daños la utilización de la ligadura transitoria del intestino delgado y del colon con hiladilla, y la anastomosis primaria diferida como una técnica viable. Material y métodos: Entre 1999-2004 se estudiaron los pacientes consecutivos que fueron sometidos a la técnica de control de daños. Se analizaron parámetros de morbi-mortalidad, estancia en UCI y complicaciones...