Side-effects of pesticides on non-target insects in agriculture: a mini-review.

Climate change mediated by anthropogenic activity induces significant alterations on pest abundance and behavior and a potential increase in the use of agrochemicals for crop protection. Pesticides have been a tool in the control of pests, diseases, and weeds of agricultural systems. However, little attention has been given to their toxic effects on beneficial insect communities that contribute to the maintenance and sustainability of agroecosystems. In addition to pesticide-induced direct mortality, their sublethal effects on arthropod physiology and behavior must be considered for a complete analysis of their impact. This review describes the sublethal effects of pesticides on agriculturally beneficial insects and provides new information about the impacts on the behavior and physiology of these insects. The different types of sublethal effects of pesticides used in agriculture on pollinators, predators, parasitoids, and coprophagous insects were detailed.

Insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva en el embarazo, secundaria a miocardiopatía periparto. Reporte de caso / Congestive heart failure in pregnancy secondary to peripartum cardiomyopathy. Case report

Resumen INTRODUCCIÓN: En Estados Unidos, las cardiopatías periparto se registran en 1 de cada 4000 pacientes. Se consideran idiopáticas y se asocian con enfermedades genéticas, problemas inmunológicos y malformaciones cardiacas, sin que se tenga certeza del origen real de este tipo de enfermedades. La miocardiopatía periparto se asocia con el embarazo y el puerperio; los criterios diagnósticos incluyen: a) insuficiencia cardiaca en las últimas cuatro semanas del embarazo o en los cinco meses siguientes al parto, b) ausencia de causas identificables de insuficiencia cardiaca, c) ausencia de enfermedad cardiaca demostrable antes de las últimas cuatro semanas del embarazo y alteración de la función del ventrículo izquierdo (fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo, menor del 45%). La presentación del caso ayudará a que se tenga conocimiento de este problema. CASO CLINICO: Paciente de 26 años, en curso de las 35.4 semanas de embarazo, con inicio abrupto de signos de cardiopatía congestiva: tos, edema, taquicardia e hipertensión arterial. El embarazo finalizó por cesárea, con traslado inmediato a la unidad de cuidados intensivos. La ecocardiografía reportó una valvulopatía no conocida, insuficiencia ventricular izquierda y disminución de la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo; con lo anterior se integró el diagnóstico de miocardiopatía periparto. CONCLUSIONES: Las cardiopatías periperiparto son alteraciones excepcionales, con cuadros clínicos debidamente definidos y diagnóstico complejo. Las valvulopatías son el último diagnóstico diferencial de cardiopatía congestiva peripuerperal y se han descrito pocos casos asociados con miocardiopatía periparto.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Peripartum heart disease occurs in 1 out of 4000 cases in the United States; currently, its exact origin is unknown, which is why they are called idiopathic. Genetic diseases, immunological problems and heart malformations have been associated, without being certain about the real origin of these pathologies. Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare pathology associated with pregnancy and the puerperium, the diagnosis criteria includes: a) Development of heart failure in the last month of pregnancy or in the 5 months after delivery, b) absence of identifiable causes of heart failure, c) absence of demonstrable heart disease prior to the last month of pregnancy and impaired left ventricular function (FEVI less than 45%). The presentation of the case will help to raise awareness about this problem. CLINICAL CASE: A 26-year-old female patient coursing second gestation in the 35.4 pregnancy week, who debuts abruptly with signs of congestive heart disease such as cough, edema, tachycardia and arterial hypertension. The pregnancy was solved by cesarean section with a subsequent stay in Intensive Care Unit, an unknown valvular disease was identified by echocardiography, as well as left ventricular failure and decreased FEVI. Finally, a definitive diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy was integrated. CONCLUSIONS: Peripartum heart disease is a rare occurrence, with well-defined clinical pictures, but difficult to approach and diagnose. Where valvular heart disease is the last differential diagnosis for peripuerperal congestive heart disease, and few cases associated with peripartum cardiomyopathy have been described.

Origanum vulgare Essential Oil against Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae): Composition, Insecticidal Activity, and Behavioral Response.

Tenebrio molitor is one of the main stored product pests. This study characterized oregano essential oil (OEO) by gas chromatography (GC/FID and GC/MS) and assessed its insecticidal properties against T. molitor. Mortality, survival, respiration, and behavioral response in larva, pupa, and adult of this insect were determined. The major components of OEO were carvacrol (25.6%), p-cymene (12.3%), linalool (8.71%), thymol (7.22%), γ-terpinene (7.21%), caryophyllene oxide (4.67%), α-pinene (2.71%), and eucalyptol (2.69%). OEO caused high contact toxicity in larvae (LD50 = 3.03 µg insect-1), pupae (LD50 = 5.01 µg insect-1), and adults (LD50 = 5.12 µg insect-1) of T. molitor. Survival rates were 100% in larvae, pupae, and adults of T. molitor not treated with OEO, declining to 65-54%, 38-44%, 30-23%, and 6-2% in insects treated with LD25, LD50, LD75, and LD90, respectively. Low respiration rates of T. molitor at different developmental stages was observed after OEO exposure. Additionally, OEO exposure affects behavioral avoidance response and causes repellency in larvae and adults. These findings show that OEO exerts insecticidal and repellent effects against T. molitor, suggesting a potent alternative to synthetic insecticides for controlling the beetle.

Biological aspects of Caligo teucer (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) with banana tree leaves

ABSTRACT Caligo teucer (Linnaeus, 1758) is widely distributed in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Ecuador. The objective was to study biological aspects of Caligo teucer japetus Stichel, 1903 with banana leaves, Musa sapientium L. (Zingiberales: Musaceae), in the butterfly garden, under environmental conditions, and in the laboratory of biological control of insects at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa in Viçosa, Minas Gerais state, Brazil at 24 ± 2 oC, 68 ± 10% relative humidity and 12 hours photophase. The duration of the egg incubation, larvae, pupa and egg to adult periods of C. teucer japetus were, respectively, 11.8 ± 0.1; 53.9 ± 0.9; 17.9 ± 0.3 and 82.6 ± 1.0 days for females, and 11.8 ± 0.1; 50.3 ± 0.6; 18.4 ± 0.3 and 79.4 ± 0.6 days for males in cages in the laboratory. The longevity of C. teucer japetus adults was 26.0 ± 10.4 and 47.5 ± 8.7 for females and 24.7 ± 3.5 and 35.4 ± 15.7 for males in the butterfly garden and in laboratory cages, respectively. The high survival and the relatively short period of development of its immature stages confirm that banana leaves are an adequate food substrate for the development and survival of Caligo teucer japetus.

Acute Toxicity and Sublethal Effects of Lemongrass Essential Oil and Their Components against the Granary Weevil, Sitophilus granarius.

In the present work, we evaluate the toxic and repellent properties of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC. ex Nees) Stapf.) essential oil and its components against Sitophilus granarius Linnaeus as an alternative to insecticide use. The lethal dose (LD50 and LD90), survivorship, respiration rate, and repellency on adults of S. granarius exposed to different doses of lemongrass oil and some of its components were evaluated. The chemical composition of the essential oil was found to have the major components of neral (24.6%), citral (18.7%), geranyl acetate (12.4%), geranial (12.3%), and limonene (7.55%). Lemongrass essential oil (LD50 = 4.03 µg·insect-1), citral (LD50 = 6.92 µg·insect-1), and geranyl acetate (LD50 = 3.93 µg·insect-1) were toxic to S. granarius adults. Survivorship was 99.9% in insects not exposed to lemongrass essential oil, decreasing to 57.6%, 43.1%, and 25.9% in insects exposed to LD50 of essential oil, citral, and geranyl acetate, respectively. The insects had low respiratory rates and locomotion after exposure to the essential oil, geranyl acetate, and citral. Our data show that lemongrass essential oils and their components have insecticidal and repellent activity against S. granarius and, therefore, have the potential for application in stored grain pest management schemes.

Anatomy, Histology, and Ultrastructure of Salivary Glands of the Burrower Bug, Scaptocoris castanea (Hemiptera: Cydnidae).

The burrower bug Scaptocoris castanea Perty, 1830 (Hemiptera: Cydnidae) is an agricultural pest feeding on roots of several crops. The histology and ultrastructure of the salivary glands of S. castanea were described. The salivary system has a pair of principal salivary glands and a pair of accessory salivary glands. The principal salivary gland is bilobed with anterior and posterior lobes joined by a hilus where an excretory duct occurs. The accessory salivary gland is tubular with a narrow lumen that opens into the hilus near the excretory duct, suggesting that its secretion is stored in the lumen of the principal gland. The cytoplasm of the secretory cells is rich in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, secretory vesicles with different electron densities and mitochondria. At the base of the accessory gland epithelium, there were scattered cells that do not reach the gland lumen, with the cytoplasm rich in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, indicating a role in protein production. Data show that principal and accessory salivary glands of S. castanea produce proteinaceous saliva. This is the first morphological description of the S. castanea salivary system that is similar to other Hemiptera Pentatomomorpha, but with occurrence of basal cells in the accessory salivary gland.

Bioactivity of the Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) essential oil and its terpenoid constituents on the predatory bug, Podisus nigrispinus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae).

Podisus nigrispinus Dallas (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), released in biological control programs, is a predator of Lepidopteran and Coleopteran species. Lemongrass essential oil and its constituents can be toxic to this natural enemy. The major constituents of lemongrass essential oil are neral (31.5%), citral (26.1%), and geranyl acetate (2.27%). Six concentrations of lemongrass essential oil and of its citral and geranyl acetate constituents were applied to the thorax of P. nigrispinus nymphs and adults. The walking and respiratory behavior of the P. nigrispinus third-instar nymphs, treated with citral and geranyl acetate at the LD50 and LD90 doses, were analyzed with video and respirometer. The lemongrass essential oil toxicity increased from first- to fifth-instar P. nigrispinus nymphs. The P. nigrispinus respiration rates (µL de CO2 h-1/insect) with citral and geranyl acetate in the LD50 and LD90 differed. Nymphs exposed to the lemongrass essential oil and its constituents on treated surfaces presented irritability or were repelled. Podisus nigrispinus adults were tolerant to the lemongrass essential oil and its constituents, geranyl acetate and citral. The altered respiratory activity with geranyl acetate and the fact that they were irritated and repelled by citral suggest caution with regard to the use of the lemongrass essential oil and its constituents in integrated pest management incorporating this predator, in order to avoid diminishing its efficiency against the pests.

Exposure to Insecticides Reduces Populations of Rhynchophorus palmarum in Oil Palm Plantations with Bud Rot Disease.

The South American palm weevil (SAPW), Rhynchophorus palmarum Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is the main pest of Elaeis guineensis and damages palm trees with bud rot disease in the Americas. The effects of six neurotoxic insecticides (abamectin, carbaryl, deltamethrin, fipronil, imidacloprid and spinosad) were evaluated against SAPW for toxicity, survival, reproduction, and mortality. Abamectin (LC50 = 0.33 mg mL-1), Carbaryl (LC50 = 0.24 mg mL-1), deltamethrin (LC50 = 0.17 mg mL-1), and fipronil (LC50 = 0.42 mg mL-1) were the most toxic to SAPW. Adult survival was 95% without exposure to insecticides, decreasing to 78-65% in insects treated with the LC25 and 49-35% in insects exposed to LC50. Sublethal doses of carbaryl, fipronil and imidacloprid showed significant effect on the reproduction of this insect. Mortality of SAPW populations caused by insecticides had similar effects in the laboratory and field conditions. The results suggest that carbaryl, deltamethrin, fipronil, and imidacloprid caused significantly higher mortality as compared to the control in SAPW and may be used to control its populations in oil palm trees where bud rot appears as the key disease for SAPW attraction and infestation.

Radiochromic EBT2 and EBT3 sensitometry based on growth of two color phases of the polymer.

PURPOSE: The aim of this work is to develop a sensitometry model of EBT2 and EBT3 radiochromic films based on the observation that radiation induces growth of two polymer color phases. METHODS: Previously published data of the active layer absorption spectrum have been used to characterize the contribution to the total absorbance of each polymer color phase. Through a prior proposed external beam therapy absorption spectrum model the total absorbance has been deconvolved into two polymer phase contributions. The integral absorbance in the visible spectrum of each color phase has been calculated and parametrized as an absorbed dose function. A sensitometry model employing linear relationships with the color phase integral absorbances has been investigated. The phase linear coefficient ratio for each color channel is proposed to be a constant. Films belonging to six different production batches, three EBT2 and three EBT3, have been used to verify this model. RESULTS: Each polymer color phase integral absorbance in the visible spectrum has been expressed as a simple saturation function of the absorbed dose to the film. The data coming from the six production batches have been fitted to the proposed sensitometry model. This model predicts the measured dose variation in the active layer light attenuation up to fluctuations attributable to uncertainties. CONCLUSIONS: The calibration curve can be written as a linear combination of simple functions describing the dose dependence of the integral absorbance of each polymer color phase. These functions are characteristics of the active layer material, and not dependent on the model and production batch. According to the proposed model, to calibrate a batch in terms of the active layer light attenuation consists of determining just one linear coefficient.

Aspergillus in liquid-based cervicovaginal cytology in a postmenopausal patient: A case report.

Aspergillus is an opportunistic fungus present in humid environments, whose natural environment is in soil, hay and compost. It is a frequent contaminant in the clinical laboratory. Because of this, the fungus is often inhaled, affecting those with an underlying pulmonary disease or immune deficiency. Fungal genitourinary tract infections are relatively common. A rare Aspergillus spp cervical infection diagnosed via liquid-based cytology is presented in the current study. The 57-year-old woman attended her annual check-up without any relevant medical history. The result of a gynecological examination by Papanicolaou smear was normal and routine liquid-based cytology was performed. The specimen exhibited fungal organisms characterized by septate hyphae branching at acute angles, most consistent with the Aspergillus species. Subsequent cytology demonstrated the same results. Antifungal treatment was initiated and a second post-treatment smear only exhibited atrophy. The cytomorphological features of Aspergillus spp. are discussed in the current study and a brief review of the few reported cases of a primary cervical infection in the literature is provided. In addition, the liquid-based cytology was established as a tool to diagnose the rare Aspergillus infection.

Insecticidal activity of garlic essential oil and their constituents against the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

This study evaluated the insecticidal activity of garlic, Allium sativum Linnaeus (Amaryllidaceae) essential oil and their principal constituents on Tenebrio molitor. Garlic essential oil, diallyl disulfide, and diallyl sulfide oil were used to compare the lethal and repellent effects on larvae, pupae and adults of T. molitor. Six concentrations of garlic essential oil and their principal constituents were topically applied onto larvae, pupae and adults of this insect. Repellent effect and respiration rate of each constituent was evaluated. The chemical composition of garlic essential oil was also determined and primary compounds were dimethyl trisulfide (19.86%), diallyl disulfide (18.62%), diallyl sulfide (12.67%), diallyl tetrasulfide (11.34%), and 3-vinyl-[4H]-1,2-dithiin (10.11%). Garlic essential oil was toxic to T. molitor larva, followed by pupa and adult. In toxic compounds, diallyl disulfide was the most toxic than diallyl sulfide for pupa > larva > adult respectively and showing lethal effects at different time points. Garlic essential oil, diallyl disulfide and diallyl sulfide induced symptoms of intoxication and necrosis in larva, pupa, and adult of T. molitor between 20-40 h after exposure. Garlic essential oil and their compounds caused lethal and sublethal effects on T. molitor and, therefore, have the potential for pest control.

Toxic effects of the neem oil (Azadirachta indica) formulation on the stink bug predator, Podisus nigrispinus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae).

This research investigated the effects of neem oil on mortality, survival and malformations of the non-target stink bug predator, Podisus nigrispinus. Neurotoxic and growth inhibitor insecticides were used to compare the lethal and sublethal effects from neem oil on this predator. Six concentrations of neem oil were topically applied onto nymphs and adults of this predator. The mortality rates of third, fourth, and fifth instar nymphs increased with increasing neem oil concentrations, suggesting low toxicity to P. nigrispinus nymphs. Mortality of adults was low, but with sublethal effects of neem products on this predator. The developmental rate of P. nigrispinus decreased with increasing neem oil concentrations. Longevity of fourth instar nymphs varied from 3.74 to 3.05 d, fifth instar from 5.94 to 4.07 d and adult from 16.5 and 15.7 d with 0.5 and 50% neem doses. Podisus nigrispinus presented malformations and increase with neem oil concentrations. The main malformations occur in wings, scutellum and legs of this predator. The neem oil at high and sub lethal doses cause mortality, inhibits growth and survival and results in anomalies on wings and legs of the non-traget predator P. nigrispinus indicating that its use associated with biological control should be carefully evaluated.

Interactions Between the Bud Rot Disease of Oil Palm and Rhynchophorus palmarum (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Rhynchophorus palmarum (L.) causes great losses to the oil palm plantations, and therefore, the spatial and temporal distribution of this insect should be studied, to manage its populations. Insect sampling was done for 2 yr in an oil palm plantation from Colombia. In total, 60 pheromone traps were used in healthy palm trees and infected ones with the Bud Rot disease. On the other hand, developmental stages of this insect were quantified on healthy and diseased palms for two consecutive years. Number of adult R. palmarum per sampling was higher in the plantation with diseased palm trees, 3.85 and 74.7 insects per trap, than in those with healthy ones, 1.91 and 9.48 insects per trap, in the first and second years, respectively. After the integration of pheromone traps, there was a significant increase in the infestation level at all stages of development of the insect. For the first time, the presence of R. palmarum attracted to diseased palms is reported. The association between R. palmarum and the Bud Rot disease is a cause of death and great loss to the oil palm plantations.

Pediatric Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma in a Horseshoe Kidney: A Case Report with Review of the Literature.

Renal cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the kidney in adults. In children, however, it only accounts for an estimated 1.8 to 6.3% of all pediatric malignant renal tumors. Papillary renal cell carcinoma is the second most common type of renal cell carcinoma in children. We present the case of a 12-year-old boy with a 2-month history of abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and gross hematuria. Computed tomography revealed a horseshoe kidney and a well-defined mass of 4 cm arising from the lower pole of the right kidney. Microscopically the tumor was composed of papillae covered with cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and high-grade nuclei with prominent nucleoli. Immunohistochemistry was performed; EMA, Vimentin, and AMACR were strongly positive while CK7, CD10, RCC antigen, TFE3, HMB-45, and WT-1 were negative. Currently, 10 months after the surgical procedure, the patient remains clinically and radiologically disease-free.

[Idiopathic scrotal elephantiasis. A case report]. / Elefantiasis escrotal idiopática. Reporte de un caso.

BACKGROUND: Penoscrotal lymphedema (scrotal elephantiasis) is a condition that has been described in areas in which filariasis is endemic. CASE REPORT: This paper presents a case of a 45-year-old man with idiopathic lymphedema isolated to the scrotum. After acquired causes of lymphedema were ruled out, the patient was treated with scrotectomy and penoscrotal reconstruction. Currently, the patient is receiving follow-up care without evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Penoscrotal lymphedema may cause symptoms of weakness, immobility and emotional disturbance. Surgery procedure provides a satisfactory cosmetical and functional outcome.

Introducción: el linfedema penoescrotal (también conocido como elefantiasis penoescrotal) es una condición que históricamente se ha descrito en áreas en las que la filariasis es endémica. Caso clínico: presentamos el caso de un hombre de 45 años de edad con linfedema escrotal. Después de descartar las causas adquiridas de linfedema, el paciente fue sometido a escrotectomía, prepuciectomía y reconstrucción escrotal y peneana. Actualmente el paciente se encuentra en seguimiento, sin datos de recidiva. Conclusión: el linfedema penoescrotal puede causar síntomas de debilidad e inmovilidad, así como problemas psicológicos. La cirugía otorga resultados cosméticos y funcionales aceptables.

[Rosai-Dorfman disease presented with involvement of the adrenal gland. A clinical case reported]. / Enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman en glándula suprarrenal. Informe de un caso clínico.

BACKGROUND: Adrenal gland involvement is a very rare extranodal presentation of sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (Rosai-Dorfman disease). Its pathogenesis still remains unknown with many theories about its probable cause. Symptoms and signs of adrenal involvement presentation are uncertain. Although, it is a disease with a good prognosis and a favorable clinical course in most cases, the low index of suspicion and difficulty in radiological differential diagnosis lead to radical treatment. CLINICAL CASE: We present a case of Rosai-Dorfman disease with right adrenal plus left infrahiliar nodal involvement. It was treated with adrenalectomy and node exeresis. The infrahilial involvement evolution was appropriate. CONCLUSIONS: Rosai-Dorfman disease is a rare disease and the extra-nodal presentation is even more rare. The incidence and evolution of this disease in the adrenal gland is unknown. The presence of this pathology should be considered if the patient shows adrenal gland affected and lymph node growth, in order to consider the individualized treatment, which may vary (treatment with corticosteroids, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy).

INTRODUCCIÓN: la afectación extranodal de la glándula suprarrenal es una forma infrecuente de la histiocitosis sinusal con linfadenopatía masiva o enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman. Aún se desconoce la etiopatogenia de esta enfermedad. Los síntomas y signos de presentación en la afectación adrenal son inciertos. Aunque es una enfermedad de buen pronóstico y curso clínico favorable, el bajo índice de sospecha y el difícil diagnóstico radiológico diferencial llevan a tratamiento radical en la mayoría de los casos. CASO CLÍNICO: se describe el caso de una paciente con enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman en quien se identificó tumor adrenal derecho de 97 × 99 × 68 mm y tumor nodal infrahiliar izquierdo de 61 × 58 × 57 mm. El tratamiento incluyó adrenalectomía y vigilancia activa del tumor infrahilial mediante tomografía y gammagrama renal. La evolución de la paciente fue adecuada. CONCLUSIONES: la enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman es una patología poco común y su presentación extranodal es todavía más extraña. La incidencia y evolución de la enfermedad en glándula suprarrenal se desconocen. Esta patología debe ser considerada en glándula suprarrenal cuando hay afección adrenal y crecimiento nodal, para plantear el tratamiento individualizado que puede variar entre vigilancia activa, tratamiento con corticosteroides, quimioterapia y radioterapia.

[Clinical practice guideline. Traumatic urethral stenosis in males]. / Guía de práctica clínica. La estenosis de uretra postraumática en el hombre.

The incidence of urethral stenosis in Mexico had not been documented. At the Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, during the year 2010, 629 patients with urethral stenosis were attended as outpatient consultation: 85 % with previous urethral stenosis and 15 % with urethral treatment complication. Urethral stenosis is a chronic illness, with multiple etiological origins and the handling is controversial. It has a great negative impact for the patients and the recurrence reaches 85 %. The treatment consisted of an invasive approach (urethral dilations, endoscopy procedure) and open surgery (urethroplasty). The World Health Organization and World Alliance take the world challenge about the urinary tract infections associated with the attention of patients, focused on urethral stenosis. The objective of the following clinical guide is to offer to the health professional a clinical tool for making decisions in the handling of the hardship or masculine urethral stenosis, based on the best available evidence, carrying out in systematized form with bibliographical research using validated terms of the MeSH: urethral structures, in the databases Trip database, PubMed, Guideline Clearinghouse, Cochrane Library and Ovid.

En México no está documentada la incidencia de la estenosis de uretra en forma consistente. En 2010, en el Centro Médico Nacional La Raza se reportaron 629 pacientes en consulta externa, 85 % de uretra anterior y 15 % de uretra posterior. La estenosis uretral es una enfermedad crónica, de etiología variada y manejo controvertido, con gran impacto negativo para los pacientes y recurrencia hasta de 85 %. El tratamiento puede ser instrumentado (dilataciones, cirugía endoscópica) y por cirugía abierta (uretroplastia). La Organización Mundial de la Salud y Alianza Mundial la consideran un reto de la atención de la salud. El objetivo de la siguiente guía es ofrecer al profesional de la salud, una herramienta clínica para la toma de decisiones en la atención de la estenosis uretral masculina, basada en la mejor evidencia identificada mediante la búsqueda bibliográfica sistematizada en las bases de datos Tripdatabase, PubMed, Guideline Clearinghouse, Cochrane Library y Ovid.

[Prostate-specific antigen. The role in the prostate cancer diagnosis]. / El antígeno prostático específico. Su papel en el diagnóstico del cáncer de próstata.

Prostate cancer (PC) is a common malignant neoplasia in males over 50 years. The serum level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a tool in the diagnosis of PC and benign prostatic hyperplasia patients that improves the efficiency obtained with the digital rectal examination. The use of PSA increases the detection rates of organ-confined PC. The PSA must be requested by the primary care physician in male population over 45 years and if the result is above the normal levels, the patient must be send to an urologist.

El cáncer de próstata es el tumor maligno más frecuente del varón mayor de 50 años. El nivel del antígeno prostático específico es una herramienta indispensable en el diagnóstico del cáncer de próstata y mejora sustancialmente la eficacia del tacto rectal. Si bien la elevación de este antígeno también sucede ante hiperplasia benigna, la cuantificación de sus niveles aumenta las tasas de detección del cáncer de próstata que tiene mayor probabilidad de estar limitado a la glándula.

Radiation dose and image quality for paediatric interventional cardiology systems. A national survey in Chile.

Radiation dose and image quality for paediatric protocols in all five X-ray fluoroscopy systems used for interventional cardiology procedures existing in Chile have been evaluated. Entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) and image quality using a test object (TO) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantoms have been measured for the typical paediatric patient thicknesses (4-16 cm of PMMA). Images from fluoroscopy (low (FL), medium and high) and cine (CI) modes have been archived in DICOM format. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), figure of merit (FOM) and high-contrast spatial resolution (HCSR) have been computed from the images. The ratio between the maximum and the minimum value of ESAK per frame for a given fluoroscopy mode between the five systems ranges from 2 to 5 and from 14 to 38 for CI mode. SNR, FOM and HCSR showed a great variability for the different acquisition modes (AMs) and PMMA thickness. In the near future, it is urgent to upgrade Chilean legislation on radiation protection to incorporate quality assurance programmes that will allow us to evaluate and optimise the X-ray systems used in medical applications. Increments in doses per frame when increasing phantom thickness and when used CI runs instead of FL runs can be considered by the cardiologist in the good management of patient dose and allow them to select the best imaging AM during clinical procedures.

Informe de un paciente con el síndrome de espondiloartropatía destructiva con insufiencia renal / Destructive spondyloarthropathy in a patient with renal insuficiency

Se informa la historia de un paciente con insuficiencia renal crónica sometido a hemodiálisis de mantenimiento, quien desarrolló una espondiloartropatía destructiva, de progresión rápida, con mucha semejanza desde el punto de vista radiológico a la espondilitis infecciosa. La enfermedad puede ocurrir con mayor frecuencia en pacientes con varios años en homodiálisis y puede presentarse en más de un sitio en el esqueleto. Los cambios erosivos, acompañados de cierre del espacio intervertebral con ausencia de osteofitos, son el conjunto del patrón radiográfico de espondilitis destructiva. El objetivo de este estudio es hacer notar la similitud radiológica que existe entre las lesiones destructivas de progresión rápida y las causadas por agentes infecciosos que obligan a ampliar el panorama en el diagnóstico diferencial de la espondiloartropatía. Así mismo, consideramos importante informar este caso ya que existen pocas revisiones del tema a nivel mundial y escasa literatura al respecto en nuestro medio