Can We Do Anything Else before Removing a Button Battery from the Esophagus?-Hyaluronic Acid.

OBJECTIVE: This article tests the protective effect of a commercially available mixture of hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and poloxamer 407 on the damage caused by the exposure of esophageal mucosa to button batteries in an animal model. METHODS: Experimental study. Sixty porcine esophageal samples were distributed in three groups: control (CG), exposure (EG), and exposure-protection (EPG). In EG and EPG, one CR2032 button battery per sample was inserted, both were subdivided into 2-, 4-, 6-, and 24-hour exposure subgroups, with subsequent battery removal. EPG samples were irrigated with the solution 1 hour after battery exposure. Esophageal pH and final voltage of the battery were measured. RESULTS: pH in CG remained stable. No significant differences in pH at 1 hour were found between EG and EPG. In EPG, the pH of the mucosa exposed to the anode was lower than in GE at 2 hours (12.44 vs. 11.89, p = 0.203) and 4 hours (13.78 vs. 11.77, p < 0.0001). In the cathode pH was significantly higher in EG at 2 hours (2.5 vs. 4.11, p < 0.0001), 4 hours (2.33 vs. 4.78, p < 0.0001), and 6 hours (2.17 vs. 2.91, p < 0.0001). Significant voltage reduction at 1 hour was found in EG compared to EPG (0.48 vs. 1.08 V, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Exposure to hyaluronic acid solution buffers the acidification on the side exposed to the cathode and basification on the anode. This effect can be maintained up to 3 to 5 hours, even after stopping its application. Our results suggest that a solution containing hyaluronic acid could be used as an esophageal protector after accidental ingestion of button batteries.

Impact of digestive-surgical cross-disciplinary management in patients with esophageal atresia. / Impacto del manejo multidisciplinar digestivo-quirúrgico en los pacientes con atresia de esófago.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze whether patients undergoing esophageal atresia (EA) surgery benefit from a cross-disciplinary follow-up program, based on current clinical guidelines, implemented in our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, analytical, retrospective study of patients undergoing EA surgery from 2012 to 2022 was carried out. The results of a joint pediatric surgery and gastroenterology consultation program -which was implemented in 2018 and applies a protocol based on the new ESPGHAN-NASPGHAN guidelines- were analyzed. Patients were divided according to whether they had been treated before or after 2018. Quantitative variables -follow-up losses, anti-reflux treatment initiation and duration, and enteral nutrition initiation- and qualitative variables -prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux, anti-reflux surgery, respiratory infections, anastomotic stenosis, re-fistulizations, dysphagia, impaction episodes, need for gastrostomy, and endoscopic results- were compared. RESULTS: 38 patients were included. 63.2% had gastroesophageal reflux. 97.4% received anti-reflux treatment in the first year of life, with treatment being subsequently discontinued in 47.4%. Discontinuation time decreased by a mean of 24 months following program implementation (p< 0.05). A 4.6-fold increase in the frequency of pH-metries was noted following program implementation. The protocol standardized endoscopies in asymptomatic patients when they turn 5 and 10 years old. 25 endoscopies with biopsy were carried out after 2018, with histological disorders being detected in 28% of them. The number of follow-up losses significantly decreased following protocol implementation (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Digestive-surgical cross-disciplinary follow-up of EA patients has a positive impact on patient progression. Applying the guidelines helps optimize treatment and early diagnosis of complications.

OBJETIVOS: El objetivo de este estudio es analizar si los pacientes intervenidos de atresia de esófago (AE) se benefician de un programa de seguimiento multidisciplinar, basado en las guías clínicas actuales, implantado en nuestro centro. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional y analítico incluyendo los pacientes intervenidos de AE entre 2012 y 2022. Se analizaron los resultados de la implantación en 2018 de un programa de consultas conjuntas de gastroenterología y cirugía pediátrica aplicando un protocolo basado en las nuevas guías ESPGHAN-NASPGHAN. Se dividieron a los pacientes tratados antes y después de 2018 y se compararon las variables cuantitativas: pérdidas de seguimiento, inicio y duración del tratamiento antirreflujo e inicio de nutrición enteral, y cualitativas: prevalencia de reflujo gastroesfoágico, realización de cirugía antirreflujo, infecciones respiratorias, estenosis de la anastomosis, refistulizaciones, disfagia, episodios de impactación, necesidad de gastrostomía y resultados de las endoscopias. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 38 pacientes. Un 63,2% presentaron reflujo gastroesofágico. El 97,4% tomaron tratamiento antirreflujo el primer año de vida que posteriormente se retiró en el 47,4%. El tiempo de retirada se redujo una media de 24 meses tras la aplicación del programa (p< 0,05). Se realizaron 4,6 veces más pHmetrías tras la implantación del programa. El protocolo estandarizó la realización de endoscopias en pacientes asintomáticos al cumplir 5 y 10 años. Se realizaron 25 endoscopias con tomas de biopsia después de 2018, detectando alteraciones histológicas en un 28%. El número de pérdidas de seguimiento se redujo de forma significativa tras la implantación del protocolo (p< 0,05). CONCLUSIONES: El seguimiento multidisciplinar digestivo-quirúrgico de los pacientes con AE genera un impacto positivo en su evolución. La aplicación de las guías facilita la optimización del tratamiento y el diagnóstico precoz de las complicaciones.

Endourological treatment of ectopic ureterocele. Our experience in the last 15 years. / Tratamiento endourológico del ureterocele ectópico. Experiencia en los últimos 15 años.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of the endourological treatment of ectopic ureterocele in children in a large series and with a long-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive study of patients with ectopic ureterocele who had undergone surgery in our institution in the last 15 years was carried out. All patients were treated using an endourological approach, both for ureterocele and postoperative vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). RESULTS: 40 patients were treated -55% with left involvement and 5% with bilateral involvement. Mean age at diagnosis was 4.97 months, with diagnosis being established prenatally in 54.1% of cases. In all patients but one, endourological puncture of the ureterocele was conducted. Mean age at surgery was 6.96 months (0-1.11). Surgery was performed on an outpatient basis in 94.9% of patients. No perioperative complications were recorded. In the last 30 patients, preoperative voiding cystourethrography was not carried out. 72.5% of patients had postoperative VUR (44.8% into the upper pyelon, 10.3% into the lower pyelon, 17.2% into both, 6.9% into the contralateral system, and 20.7% into the bilateral system), but it was resolved with a single endoscopic procedure in 48.1% of cases (65% of patients were healed with two procedures). VUR was not endoscopically resolved in 3 patients who required ureteral re-implantation. 6 patients required heminephrectomy (n=3) or nephrectomy (n=3) as a result of functional impairment and infections. CONCLUSION: The endourological treatment of ectopic ureterocele is a little aggressive and little invasive technique that allows the obstruction to be resolved on an outpatient basis, which means bladder surgery -if required- can be performed outside the neonatal period.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia del tratamiento endourológico del ureterocele ectópico en niños en una serie amplia y con seguimiento a largo plazo. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo de los pacientes con ureterocele ectópico intervenidos en nuestro centro en los últimos 15 años. Todos los pacientes se tratan por vía endourológica, tanto el ureterocele como el reflujo vesicoureteral (RVU) postoperatorio. RESULTADOS: Se trataron 40 pacientes, 55% eran izquierdos y 5% bilaterales. La edad media al diagnóstico fue de 4,97 meses siendo de diagnóstico prenatal el 54,1%. En todos los pacientes menos uno se realizó una punción endourológica del ureterocele. La edad media en el momento de la cirugía era de 6,96 meses (0-1,11). La cirugía fue ambulante en un 94,9% de los pacientes. No se registraron complicaciones perioperatorias. En los últimos 30 pacientes no se realizó cistouretrografía miccional preoperatoria. Un 72,5% de los pacientes presentaron RVU postoperatorio (44,8% a pielón superior, 10,3% a pielón inferior, 17,2% a ambos, 6,9% al sistema contralateral y 20,7% bilateral), pero este se resolvió con un único procedimiento endoscópico en un 48,1% de los casos (curación del 65% de los pacientes con dos procedimientos). El RVU no se resolvió de forma endoscópica en 3 pacientes que requirieron un reimplante ureteral. Seis pacientes precisaron heminefrectomía (n= 3) o nefrectomía (n= 3) por anulación funcional e infecciones. CONCLUSION: El tratamiento endourológico del ureterocele ectópico es una técnica poco agresiva invasiva que consigue la resolución de la obstrucción de forma ambulante permitiendo diferir la cirugía vesical (si fuera necesaria) fuera del periodo neonatal.

Prevalencia de parasitosis intestinal en la población infantil de una zona rural del Ecuador / Prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in the child population of a rural area of Ecuador

En la actualidad las investigaciones entorno a la calidad de vida desde la salud, son de vital importancia a nivel mundial, puesto que la identificación de los factores que desencadenan ciertas patologías prevalentes sirven para actuar y mejorar las condiciones de vida; en específico en este trabajo nos referiremos al grupo infantil y la parasitosis pediátrica, la misma que genera índices de anemia, peso bajo, entre otros. El propósito fue identificar la prevalencia de parásitos intestinales en escolares de 6 a 12 años en poblaciones rurales, de la ciudad de Paute, Ecuador. Se realizó una investigación de tipo cuantitativa, descriptiva y transversal, se trabajó con 608 niños pertenecientes a zonas rurales de Paute, el análisis coprológico fue mediante el método convencional, se reportó número de parásitos por campo. Esta investigación fue desarrollada bajo el permiso de un Comité de Bioética. Se analizaron 608 muestras coproparasitarias, obteniéndose una significancia estadística con respecto al sexo, los varones presentaron una prevalencia de parasitismo (14,63%) sobre las mujeres (8,88%), el parásito con mayor prevalencia es la Entamoeba histolytica. La prevalencia de parasitosis infantil en el sector rural de Paute, Ecuador es de 23,52%, siendo mayor en varones, el parásito más frecuente es la E. histolytica(AU)

Currently, the research about life's quality from a health's point of view has received tremendous attention around the world, because the identification of the facts that start a variety of prevalent pathologies are being used to improve life conditions. In this work we try the child group and its pediatric parasitosis, that produce anemia, low weight, and others. The purpose was to recognize the prevalence of intestinal parasites in scholar children from 6 to 12 years old in marginal populations of the city Paute, Ecuador. A quantity type of investigation was made, descriptive and transversal, using a population of 608 children from the rural population of Paute, the coprological analysis was using conventional methods, number of parasites were reported. This research was developed under the permission of the Bioethics Committee. 608 coproparasites samples were analyzed, getting a significative statistic in reference to sex. Boy's samples show a prevalence of parasitism (14,63%) in girls' samples (8,88%), the more prevalent parasite is Entamoeba Histolytica. The prevalence of children's parasitosis in the rural sector of Paute, Ecuador is 23,52% being more affected boys than girls. The most frequent parasite is E. Histolytica(AU)

Efecto antibacteriano in vitro de extractos de Caesalpinia spinosa sobre cepas de Staphylococcus aureus resistentes a antibióticos betalactámicos / In vitro antimicrobial effect of Caesalpinia spinosa extracts against betalactam antibiotics resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains

Objetivo. Determinar el efecto antimicrobiano de extractos etanólicos de Caesalpinia spinosa sobre cepas de Staphylococcus aureus penicilino y meticilino resistentes. Métodos. Se utilizaron las cepas de S. aureus ATCC 11632 y 33592, los extractos etanólicos de hojas, vainas y semillas de C. spinosa, se obtuvieron por maceración en concentraciones de 25%, 50%, 75% y 100%. Se utilizó el método de Kirby-Bauer, los discos de papel filtro se cargaron con los extractos y se depositaron sobre el medio, inoculado con una suspensión de S. aureus a 0,5 McFarland. El control positivo fueron discos de ampicilina y el control negativo discos impregnados con etanol. Después de 24 horas se midieron los diámetros de los halos con un calibrador Vernier. Resultados. Se registraron halos de hasta 18 mm de diámetro con los extractos de hojas al 100%, 17 mm con extractos de vainas y 14 mm con extractos de semillas sobre S. aureus ATCC 33592. En el caso de la cepa ATCC 11632, se registraron halos de hasta 14 mm con extractos de hojas y vainas al 100%, y de hasta 8 mm con extractos de semillas. La prueba de ANOVA indicó que existieron diferencias significativas entre los halos obtenidos con los diferentes tipos de extractos, a diferentes concentraciones. Conclusión. Se determinó que todos los extrac- tos de C. spinosa poseen actividad antimicrobiana sobre las dos cepas estudiadas, con un patrón directamente proporcional entre el efecto y la concentración.

Objective. To determine the antimicrobial effect of ethanolic extracts from Caesalpinia spinosa against penicillin and methicillin resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus penicillin and methicillin. Methods. S. aureus ATCC 11632 and 33592 strains were used, ethanolic extracts from C. spinosa leaves and pods were obtained by maceration at concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. The Kirby-Bauer method was used, where filter paper discs were loaded with leaf, pod and seed extracts and deposited on the medium, inoculated with a 0.5 McFarland suspension of S. aureus. Ampicillin discs were used as positive con- trol and ethanol-impregnated discs as negative control. After 24 hours, the diameters of the halos were measured with a Vernier caliper. Results. Haloes up to 18 mm in diameter with 100% leaf extracts, 17 mm with pod extracts and 14 mm with seed extracts were recorded against S. aureus ATCC 33592; for ATCC strain 11632, haloes up to 14 mm with 100% leaf and pod extracts and up to 8 mm with seed extracts were recorded. The ANOVA test indicated significant differences between the inhibition halos obtained with the different types of extracts, at different concentrations. Conclusion. It was determined that all C. spinosa extracts possess antimicrobial activity against the two strains studied, with a pattern directly proportional between the effect and concentration.

Pediatric surgical activity during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: experience at a tertiary hospital. / Cirugía pediátrica durante la pandemia de SARS-CoV-2. Experiencia en un hospital de tercer nivel.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to describe the characteristics and demographics of the surgical procedures carried out at a tertiary hospital during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The secondary objective was to study the impact of the pandemic on the acute appendicitis cases treated at our healthcare facility and to compare them with a pre- SARS-CoV-2 period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients undergoing surgery at the pediatric surgery department in the pandemic period, from the beginning of the state of emergency in Spain until the first restrictions were removed, was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients underwent surgery in 58 days vs. 406 patients in the same 2019 period (p < 0.00001). 59.01% of surgeries were urgent. 5.1% of patients had a positive SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test. 30 different procedures were carried out, with appendectomy being the most frequent one (n = 13, 19.6% of patients). 61.5% of appendicitis cases were complicated vs. 42.4% in the non-COVID period (p = 0.17). Surgical approach was open in 46.1% of patients vs. 6.1% in the non-COVID period (p = 0.004). No statistically significant differences were found in terms of complication rate or hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a significant decrease in the number of daily procedures was noted, with more than half being urgent. Appendicular pathologies were in a more advanced stage than usual, with a clear trend towards open surgery vs. laparoscopy.

OBJETIVOS: Describir las características y demografía de los procedimientos quirúrgicos realizados en un hospital de tercer nivel durante la pandemia del SARS-CoV-2. Como objetivo secundario se estudia el impacto de la pandemia en las apendicitis agudas tratadas en nuestro centro y su comparación con un periodo previo al SARS-CoV-2. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo incluyendo a todos los pacientes intervenidos por parte del Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica durante el periodo de pandemia. Abarca desde el primer día del estado de alarma hasta la desescalada de las restricciones. RESULTADOS: Se intervinieron un total de 61 pacientes en 58 días frente a 406 pacientes durante el mismo periodo de 2019 (p < 0,00001). El 59,01% de las intervenciones eran de carácter urgente. Un 5,1% de los pacientes tuvieron un test diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2 positivo. Se realizaron 30 procedimientos distintos, siendo el más frecuente la apendicectomía (n = 13, 19,6% de los pacientes). El 61,5% de las apendicitis fueron complicadas frente a un 42,4% en periodo no COVID (p = 0,17). El abordaje quirúrgico fue abierto en un 46,1% de los pacientes frente al 6,1% no COVID (p = 0,004). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la tasa de complicaciones o la estancia hospitalaria. CONCLUSIONES: Durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 se ha producido una importante disminución del número de procedimientos diarios, pasando a ser más de la mitad de carácter urgente. La patología apendicular se ha presentado más evolucionada de lo habitual, habiendo una clara tendencia a la cirugía abierta frente a la laparoscopia.

Bronchoalveolar lavage usefulness in the pediatric population. / Rentabilidad del lavado broncoalveolar en la población pediátrica.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze bronchoalveolar lavage diagnostic effectiveness and impact on therapeutic management in pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients undergoing bronchoalveolar lavage at the pediatric surgery department from 2009 to 2019. The sample was divided into two groups: hemato-oncological patients and non-hemato-oncological patients. Demographic variables, bronchoalveolar lavage result, and subsequent therapeutic attitude were collected. RESULTS: 45 bronchoalveolar lavages were carried out in 38 patients. The hemato-oncological group consisted of 25 bronchoalveolar lavages. Patient mean age was 9.99 ± 2.34 years. 80% of patients had received anti-infective treatment prior to bronchoalveolar lavage. Bronchoalveolar lavage culture was positive in 52% of cases. Bronchoalveolar lavage results translated into therapeutic management change in 24% of cases (6/25). 3 postoperative complications were recorded, all mild. In the non-hemato-oncological group (n = 20), mean age was 6.70 ± 5.17 years. Bronchoalveolar lavage was positive in 25% of cases, and translated into management change in 5% of patients. Complication rate in this group was 30%. 2 patients required mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, bronchoalveolar lavage in hemato-oncological patients helps achieve microbiological diagnosis in infectious respiratory conditions and is relatively well-tolerated. In non-hemato-oncological patients, diagnostic and therapeutic usefulness is low, and complication rate is not negligible. The risk-benefit balance should be individually considered in each patient.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la eficacia diagnóstica del lavado broncoalveolar y su impacto en el manejo terapéutico en pacientes pediátricos. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo incluyendo a los pacientes a los que se les realizó un lavado broncoalveolar por parte del Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica entre 2009 y 2019. Se ha dividido la muestra en dos grupos: pacientes hemato-oncológicos y no hemato-oncológicos. Se han recogido variables demográficas, el resultado del lavado broncoalveolar y la actitud terapéutica posterior. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron 45 lavados broncoalveolares en 38 pacientes. El grupo hemato-oncológico constaba de 25 lavados broncoalveolares. Los pacientes tenían una edad media de 9,99 ± 2,34 años. El 80% de los pacientes tenían tratamiento antiinfeccioso previo al lavado broncoalveolar. El cultivo del lavado broncoalveolar fue positivo en el 52% de los casos. El resultado del lavado broncoalveolar influyó en un cambio de manejo terapéutico en un 24% (6/25). Se produjeron 3 complicaciones postoperatorias, todas leves. En el grupo no hemato-oncológico (n = 20) la edad media era de 6,70 ± 5,17 años. El lavado broncoalveolar fue positivo en el 25% y supuso un cambio de manejo en un 5% de los pacientes. Este grupo tuvo una tasa de complicación del 30%, 2 pacientes requirieron ventilación mecánica. CONCLUSIONES: Según nuestros resultados, el lavado broncoalveolar en los pacientes hemato-oncológicos ayuda al diagnóstico microbiológico en procesos respiratorios infecciosos y es relativamente bien tolerado. En los no hemato-oncológicos, tiene una baja rentabilidad diagnóstico-terapéutica con una tasa de complicaciones no desdeñable. Sería necesario individualizar el balance beneficio-riesgo en cada paciente.

Obesidad en adolescentes y criterios para el desarrollo de síndrome metabólico / Adolescent obesity and related metabolic syndrome development criteria / Obesidade em adolescentes e critérios para o desenvolvimento de síndrome metabólica

Objetivo El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar los criterios para síndrome metabólico (SM) de mayor influencia en adolescentes con obesidad. Método El estudio fue de tipo descriptivo y transversal, la muestra la conformaron 122 adolescentes de nivel preparatoria, seleccionados por un muestreo aleatorio simple. Se realizó somatometría (peso, talla y circunferencia de cintura), así como medición de la presión arterial y toma de muestra sanguínea. Resultados Predominó la obesidad grado I (68%), el principal criterio para el diagnóstico de síndrome metabólico fue la obesidad abdominal en el 98.4% de los participantes; el 25.4% de estos presentaron tres o más criterios alterados por lo que se consideran con SM, además se encontró asociación entre los niveles de glicemia con la obesidad (p < 0.01). Conclusiones Los hallazgos de esta investigación mostraron elevada prevalencia de SM en los participantes. La obesidad abdominal es un claro signo de problemas relacionados con el peso y se presenta muy frecuentemente en la población joven con obesidad. La adolescencia es una etapa temprana para educar a las personas y fomentar una vida más sana que permita mantenerlos lejos del desarrollo de enfermedades crónico degenerativas.

Objective To identify the main metabolic syndrome (MS) criteria in adolescents with obesity. Methods This is a descriptive and transversal study. The sample was constituted by 122 high school level adolescents selected by simple aleatory sampling. Weight, size, waist circumference, artery pressure, and a blood sample were taken. Results Obesity of degree I was prevalent (68%). The main criterion for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was the abdominal obesity, which was found in 98.4% of the sample. 25.4% of these participants also showed 3 or more metabolic syndrome related criteria. An association between the levels of glycaemia and obesity was also found (p < 0.01). Conclusions The findings revealed a high metabolic syndrome prevalence among the participants. Having abdominal obesity is a clear sign of problems related to weight which, frequently, is present among young populations with obesity. The adolescence is an early stage when people can be educated to live a healthy life and prevent chronic-degenerative illnesses.

Objetivo O objetivo deste trabalho é determinar os critérios para síndrome metabólica (SM) de maior influência em adolescentes com obesidade. Método El estudo foi de tipo descritivo e transversal, a amostra a conformaram 122 adolescentes de ensino médio, selecionados por uma amostra aleatória simples. Realizou-se somatometria (peso, tamanho e circunferência de cinto), assim como medição da pressão arterial e tomada de amostra sanguínea. Resultados Predominou a obesidade grau I (68%), o principal critério para o diagnóstico de síndrome metabólica foi a obesidade abdominal no 98.4% dos participantes; o 25.4% destes apresentaram três ou mais critérios alterados pelo que se consideram com SM, além disso encontrou-se associação entre os níveis de glicemia com a obesidade (p < 0.01). Conclusões Os achados desta pesquisa mostraram elevada prevalência de SM nos participantes. A obesidade abdominal é um claro signo de problemas relacionados com o peso e se apresenta muito frequentemente na população jovem com obesidade. A adolescência é uma fase inicial para educar às personas e fomentar uma vida mais saudável que permita mantê-los longe do desenvolvimento de doenças crónico degenerativas.

Does a glucose-based hydrogen and methane breath test detect bacterial overgrowth in the jejunum?

BACKGROUND: Direct diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) requires the collection and culture of fluid from the jejunal lumen, with a finding of over 105 viable bacteria per mL. More often, SIBO is diagnosed indirectly, using a non-invasive test of the exhaled hydrogen and methane generated by microbial fermentation when ingested glucose reaches the jejunum. Our objective was to determine how well this breath test detects chronic overgrowth of jejunal bacteria that is unrelated to gastrointestinal surgery. METHODS: Eighteen patients reporting symptoms consistent with SIBO received a glucose breath test. On a later day, the jejunal lumen was sampled via aspiration during enteroscopy. Jejunal aspirates were cultured on aerobic and anaerobic media. DNA was extracted from the same samples and analyzed by quantitative pan-bacterial PCR amplification of 16S ribosomal rRNA genes, which provided a culture-independent bacterial cell count. KEY RESULTS: Combined bacterial colony counts ranged from 5.7 x 103 to 7.9 x 106 CFU/mL. DNA-based yields ranged from 1.5 x 105 to 3.1 x 107 bacterial genomes per mL. Microbial viability ranged from 0.3% to near 100%. We found no significant correlation of glucose breath test results with either the number of bacterial colonies or with the DNA-based bacterial cell counts. Instead, higher signals in the hydrogen-methane breath test were significantly correlated with a lower viability of jejunal bacteria, at a P-value of .014. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: The glucose-based hydrogen and methane breath test is not sensitive to the overgrowth of jejunal bacteria. However, a positive breath test may indicate altered jejunal function and microbial dysbiosis.

A phase II study of feasibility and toxicity of bevacizumab in combination with temozolomide in patients with recurrent glioblastoma.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective and multicentric phase II study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of temozolomide (TMZ) and bevacizumab (BV) in patients (pts) with recurrent glioblastoma (GB), previously treated with chemoradiotherapy and at least three cycles of adjuvant TMZ. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with GB at first relapse received BV 10 mg/kg day every 2 weeks and TMZ 150 mg/m(2) days 1-7 and 15-21, every 28 days. Patients underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging every 8 weeks. RESULTS: Thirty-two evaluable pts were recruited in 8 sites. Fourteen pts (44%) had gross total resection. O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter was methylated in 12 pts, unmethylated in 6 pts, and missing in 14 pts. The estimated 6-month progression free survival (PFS) rate was 21.9% (95% CI 9.3-40.0%). The median PFS and overall survival (OS) were 4.2 months (95% CI 3.6-5.4 months) and 7.3 months (95% CI 5.8-8.8 months), respectively. No significant association with MGMT status was found in terms of OS or PFS. Six of 32 pts (19%; 95% CI 7.2-36.4) were long-term survivors, with a median PFS and OS (50% events) of 9.5 months (95% CI 7.9-23.6) and 15.4 (95% CI 8.9-NA), respectively: no differences in baseline characteristics were identified in comparison with total population. No unexpected toxicities or treatment-related deaths were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This regimen showed to be feasible and well tolerated in pts with recurrent GB pretreated with TMZ. Further investigation is warranted to identify subpopulations that are more likely to benefit from addition of BV to GB therapy.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of CCND3 gene as marker of progression in bladder carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to assess patterns of CCND3 gene amplification in bladder cancer and correlate gene status with recurrence-free and progression-free survival. A sequential cohort series of 102 primary bladder tumor samples in which there was enough tissue material to assess CCND3 gene status by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) was the study group. CCND3 gene FISH amplification present in 31.4 percent of bladder carcinomas, was related to tumor progression (p=0.021) and lower time to progression (mean+-SD; 25.75+-15.25 months) as compared to 33.29+-11.0 months in the CCND3 not amplified group (p=0.05). By immunohistochemistry, Cyclin D3 labeling index was higher in the CCND3 amplified group (mean+-SD, 76.69+-27.51) than in not amplified (mean+-SD, 21.57+-7.02) (p less than 0.0001). The univariate survival analysis showed CCND3 gene amplification to be associated to a shorter progression-free survival (p=0.020) together with WHO histological grade (p=0.001) and pT stage category (p less than 0.0001). Cox’s regression analysis selected CCND3 amplification as an independent predictor of progression-free survival (p= 0.030, RR3.561, 95 percent CI 1.128-11.236) together with pT category (p less than 0.0001, RR5.834, 95 percent CI 2.364-14.395). Our FISH analysis suggests that CCND3 gene amplification is a marker of aggressiveness and might be a predictor of tumor progression in bladder urothelial carcinoma.

Long-term surgical outcomes in patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy and no histological abnormalities.

INTRODUCTION: Reports on surgical outcomes in patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy without histological abnormalities are scarce. METHODS: Retrospective review of data from patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy and no histopathological alterations who underwent anterior mesial temporal lobectomy. We analysed the following variables: age, sex, age at seizure onset, age at surgery, time elapsed between diagnosis and the date of the surgery, follow-up time, and classification according to the Engel rating scale. RESULTS: From a database of 256 temporal lobectomies, 21 were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. The average age upon diagnosis of epilepsy was 8.3 years and average age at time of surgery was 28.6 years. The mean time elapsed between diagnosis and surgery was 20.2 years. After a mean follow-up of 6.5 years, 90.5% of the patients showed favourable outcomes (classes i and ii) and 42.9% were seizure-free (class IA). Comparative analysis of the variables revealed that average age at seizure onset was the only statistically significant difference between groups, with age at onset being lower in patients with favourable outcomes. CONCLUSION: Although long-term surgical outcomes were favourable for a large majority of patients, the percentage of seizure-free patients is lower than in patients with lesional epilepsy and comparable to that previously reported in the literature.

WEE1 accumulation and deregulation of S-phase proteins mediate MLN4924 potent inhibitory effect on Ewing sarcoma cells.

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive bone and soft tissue tumor of children and young adults in which finding effective new targeted therapies is imperative. Here, we report an in-depth preclinical study of the investigational cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase (CRL) inhibitor MLN4924 in ES, as we have recently demonstrated the implication of a CRL component in the ES pathogenesis. First, our results support a high sensitivity of ES cells to MLN4924 growth inhibition both in vitro (14 ES cell lines tested, median IC50=81 nM) and in tumor xenografts (tumor regression achieved with 60 mg/kg BID, subcutaneously, n=9). Second, we report a dual mechanism of action of MLN4924 in ES cells: while a wide range of MLN4924 concentrations (∼30-300 nM) trigger a G2 arrest that can only be rescued by WEE1 kinase inhibition or depletion, saturating doses of the drug (>300 nM) cause a delay in S-phase progression concomitant with unbalanced CDK2-Cyclin E and CDK2-Cyclin A relative levels (accumulation of the first and depletion of the latter). The aberrant presence of CDC6 in the nucleus at late S-phase cell cycle stage confirmed the loss of CDK2-Cyclin A-specific functions. Remarkably, other mechanisms explored (P27 accumulation and DNA damage signaling pathways) were found unable to explain MLN4924 effects, strengthening the specificity of our findings and suggesting the absence of functionality of some CRL substrates accumulated in response to MLN4924. This study renders a rationale for clinical trials and contributes molecular mechanisms for a better understanding of this promising antitumoral agent.

1q gain and CDT2 overexpression underlie an aggressive and highly proliferative form of Ewing sarcoma.

Despite extensive characterization of the role of the EWS-ETS fusions, little is known about secondary genetic alterations and their clinical contribution to Ewing sarcoma (ES). It has been demonstrated that the molecular structure of EWS-ETS lacks prognostic value. Moreover, CDKN2A deletion and TP53 mutation, despite carrying a poor prognosis, are infrequent. In this scenario identifying secondary genetic alterations with a significant prevalence could contribute to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the most aggressive forms of ES.We screened a 67 ES tumor set for copy number alterations by array comparative genomic hybridization. 1q gain (1qG), detected in 31% of tumor samples, was found markedly associated with relapse and poor overall and disease-free survival and demonstrated a prognostic value independent of classical clinical parameters. Reanalysis of an expression dataset belonging to an independent tumor set (n=37) not only validated this finding but also led us to identify a transcriptomic profile of severe cell cycle deregulation in 1qG ES tumors. Consistently, a higher proliferation rate was detected in this tumor subset by Ki-67 immunohistochemistry. CDT2, a 1q-located candidate gene encoding a protein involved in ubiquitin ligase activity and significantly overexpressed in 1qG ES tumors, was validated in vitro and in vivo proving its major contribution to this molecular and clinical phenotype. This integrative genomic study of 105 ES tumors in overall renders the potential value of 1qG and CDT2 overexpression as prognostic biomarkers and also affords a rationale for the application of already available new therapeutic compounds selectively targeting the protein-ubiquitin machinery.

[Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) registry in Spain for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 (NADYA-SENPE Group)]. / Registro de la Nutrición Parenteral Domiciliaria (NPD) en España de los años 2007, 2008 y 2009 (Grupo NADYA-SENPE).

OBJECTIVE: To report the data of the Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) registry of the NADYA-SENPE working group for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009. METHODOLOGY: We compiled the data from the on-line registry introduced by the responsible Units for the monitoring of HPN from January 1st 2007 to December 31st 2009. Included fields were: age, sex, diagnosis and reason for HPN, access path, complications, beginning and end dates, complementary oral or enteral nutrition, activity level, autonomy degree, product and fungible material supply, withdrawal reason and intestinal transplant indication. RESULTS: 2007: 133 patients with HPN were registered (61 males and 72 females), belonging to 21 hospitals. Average age for the 119 patients older than 13 years old was 53.7 ± 14.9 years, and 3.6 ± 3.6 y. for the 14 patients under 14 years old. Most frequent pathology was neoplasm (24%), followed by intestinal motility disorders and actinic enteritis (14% both). The reason for HPN provision was short bowel syndrome (43%), malabsorption (27%), and intestinal obstruction (23%). Tunnelled catheters were mostly used (69%), followed by implanted port-catheters (27%). Catheter related infections were the most frequent complications, with a rate of 0.92 episodes/103 HPN days. HPN was provided for more than two years in 50% of the cases. By the end of 2007, 71.4% of the patients remained active; exitus was the most frequent reason to end HPN (57.5%). 26% of the patients were eligible for intestinal transplant. 2008: 143 patients with HPN were registered (62 males and 81 females), belonging to 24 hospitals. Average age for the 133 patients older than 13 years old was 54.7 ± 13.9 years, and 3.7 ± 0.6 y. for the 10 patients under 14 years old. Most frequent pathology was neoplasm (20%), followed by actinic enteritis (14%) and intestinal motility disorders (13% ). The reason for HPN provision was short bowel syndrome (44%), malabsorption (28%), and intestinal obstruction (20%). Tunnelled catheters were mostly used (60%), followed by implanted port-catheters (29%). Catheter related infections were the most frequent complications, with a rate of 0.50 episodes/10³ HPN days. HPN was provided for more than two years in 67% of the cases. By the end of 2008, 71.6% of the patients remained active; exitus was the most frequent reason to end HPN (52.4%). 29% of the patients were eligible for intestinal transplant. 2009: 158 patients with HPN were registered (62 males and 96 females), belonging to 24 hospitals. Average age for the 149 patients older than 13 years old was 55.2 ± 13.0 years. Most frequent pathology was neoplasm (25%), followed by actinic enteritis (12%) and intestinal motility disorders (11%). The reason for HPN provision was short bowel syndrome (42%), malabsorption, and intestinal obstruction (23% both). Tunnelled catheters were mostly used (60%), followed by implanted port-catheters (36%). Catheter related infections were the most frequent complications, with a rate of 0.67 episodes/10³ HPN days. HPN was provided for more than two years in 58% of the cases. By the end of 2009, 79.2% of the patients remained active; full oral nutrition was the most frequent reason to end HPN (48%). 23% of the patients were eligible for intestinal transplant. CONCLUSIONS: We observe an increase in registered patients with respect to previous years, with a very different prevalence among regions. Neoplasia remains as the main pathology since 2003. We observe a decrease in catheter-related infections in the last two years, being the 2008 rate the smallest since the register's beginning.

[Spanish home enteral nutrition (HEN) registry of the year 2008 from the NADYA-SENPE group]. / Registro del Grupo NADYA-SENPE de Nutrición Enteral Domiciliaria en España en el año 2008.

AIM: To present the results of the Spanish home enteral nutrition (HEN) registry of the year 2008 from the NADYA-SENPE group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We recorded the HEN registry data from January 1st to December 31st 2008. RESULTS: The number of patients registered in this period was 6206 (51% male) with up to 6,279 episodes of HEN, from 31 Spanish hospitals. Most of the patients (95%) were older than 14 yr. Mean age was 4.83±3.29 yr in the children group, and 70.75±18.14 yr in the adult group (older than 14 yr). Neurological disorders (39%) and cancer (27%) were the two most prevalent diagnoses. The oral route was the most frequently used (43,4%), followed by nasogastric tube (40,4%), and gastrostomy tube (14,7%). Mean length of treatment was 305,36 days (10 months). The principal reasons for discontinuing treatment were death (43%) and progress to oral diet (40%). Only 33% of the patients had a normal activity level, being limited in different grades in the rest of the patients. Most of the patients required partial (25%) or total help (38%). The enteral formula was provided by the hospital in 65% of the cases and by private pharmacies in 32%. The disposables were provided by the hospital (82,4%) and primary care services (17,2%). CONCLUSIONS: The number and the age of the patients registered have increased comparing to previous years, with little variations in the rest of analyzed variables. The increase in the length of treatment could reflect misreporting of the weaning process in the registry.

[The Spanish Home Enteral Nutrition registry of the year 2009: from the NADYA-SENPE group]. / Registro español de Nutrición Enteral Domiciliaria del año 2009: Grupo NADYA-SENPE.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the Home Enteral Nutrition Characteristics (HEN) recorded by the group NADYA-SENPE during 2009. MATERIAL AND METHOD: collection and analysis of the data voluntary recorded in the HEN registry from the NADYA-SENPE group from January 1st to December 31st. RESULTS: 6.540 HEN patients were registered, 5.11% more than the previous year and 6,649 episodes (3,135 in women, 47,93%) from 32 different hospitals. 6,238 of them (95,38%) were over 14 years. The mean age of the patients under 14 yr was 3,67 ± 2,86 and it was 72,10 ± 16,89 in those over 14 yr group. The base illness registered more frequently was the neurological disorders in 2,732 (41,77%) patients, followed by cancer patients in 1,838; 28,10%. The enteral access route was registered in 1,123 (17,17%) of the episodes, being more frequent the administration by nasogastric tube 562 (50,04%). The mean length of nutritional treatment by episode was 323 days (10,77 months). 606 episodes of HEN ended, being the principal reasons for discontinuing treatment the patient death in 295 (48,68%) occasions. The transition to oral feeding occurred in 219 (36,14%) cases. Patients maintained normal activity in 2162 (32,55%) HEN episodes and 2,468 (37,13%) cases were living "bed-couch". The level of dependence was "total" in 2,598 (39,07%) of the episodes recorded. The nutritional formula was provided by the hospital in 4,183 (62,91%) cases and by the reference pharmacy in 2,262 (el 34,02%). Consumables were provided by the hospital in 3,531 (53,11%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: The number of HEN patients recorded increased from the year 2008, continuing the gradual growth increase since the start of registration. The characteristics of the patients remain in the same profile as in previous years.

Intoxicación con etilenglicol. Presentación de casos y revisión de la literatura / Intoxication with ethylene glycol. Presentation of cases and review of literature

El etilénglicol es un producto utilizado en la industria química. La ingesta o aspiración de esta sustancia es una emergencia médica que se debe diagnos� ticar y tratar de inmediato. Inicialmente produce un cuadro conocido como "embriaguez sin aliento alcohólico", seguido de toxicidad cardiopulmonar y renal con grave acidosis metabólica con brecha aniónica aumentada. En la mayoría de los Centros, no es posible determinar la concentración de eti� lénglicol en sangre, por lo que el diagnóstico inicial se basa en la anamnesis y en la presencia de acidosis metabólica grave con brecha aniónica elevada. El tratamiento consiste en soporte vital, adecuada infusión de fluidos y bicar� bonato de sodio, administración de etanol o fomepizol para antagonizar la enzima alcohol deshidrogenasa y, en algunos casos, hemodiálisis.(AU)

The ethylene glycol is a product used in the chemical industry. The intake or inhalation of this substance is a medical emergency that should be diagnosed and treated early. Initially it causes a condition known as "drunkenness with� out alcoholic breath", followed by cardiopulmonary and renal dysfunctions with severe metabolic acidosis and increased anion gap. Determination of blood levels is not available in most health care centers, so initial diagnosis should be based on history and the presence of metabolic acidosis with el� evated anion gap. Treatment consists of vital support, adequate fluid and bicarbonate infusion, administration of ethanol o fomepizole to antagonize the � genase and, in some cases, hemodialysis.(AU)

Stable interference of EWS-FLI1 in an Ewing sarcoma cell line impairs IGF-1/IGF-1R signalling and reveals TOPK as a new target.

BACKGROUND: Ewing sarcoma is a paradigm of solid tumour -bearing chromosomal translocations resulting in fusion proteins that act as deregulated transcription factors. Ewing sarcoma translocations fuse the EWS gene with an ETS transcription factor, mainly FLI1. Most of the EWS-FLI1 target genes still remain unknown and many have been identified in heterologous model systems. METHODS: We have developed a stable RNA interference model knocking down EWS-FLI1 in the Ewing sarcoma cell line TC71. Gene expression analyses were performed to study the effect of RNA interference on the genetic signature of EWS-FLI1 and to identify genes that could contribute to tumourigenesis. RESULTS: EWS-FLI1 inhibition induced apoptosis, reduced cell migratory and tumourigenic capacities, and caused reduction in tumour growth. IGF-1 was downregulated and the IGF-1/IGF-1R signalling pathway was impaired. PBK/TOPK (T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase) expression was decreased because of EWS-FLI1 inhibition. We showed that TOPK is a new target gene of EWS-FLI1. TOPK inhibition prompted a decrease in the proliferation rate and a dramatic change in the cell's ability to grow in coalescence. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of TOPK activity in Ewing sarcoma and suggests a significant role of this MAPKK-like protein kinase in the Ewing sarcoma biology.

[Decision on the time for post-operative extubation of maxillofacial surgery patient in the intensive care unit]. / Decisión del momento de extubación del postoperado de cirugía maxilofacial en la unidad de cuidados intensivos.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate moment of extubation in maxillofacial post-operative patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and analyze early complications during their stay. DESIGN: An observational and prospective study. SETTING: Third level hospital ICU. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients we underwent maxillofacial surgery and admitted to the ICU for immediate post-operative care from February 2007 to March 2008 were studied. Demographic and clinical data variables of the patients, anesthesic variables prior to surgery and mechanical ventilation and postoperative complications during their stay in the ICU were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients were collected during the study. Of these, 58 (55.8%) patients were extubated early (within the first 4 hours of admission). Global rate of complications was 12.5%. Length of mechanical ventilation was longer in patients who required cervical lymph node extraction (p = 0.0031). We found an association between complications and late extubation (p = 0.034; OR = 3.78; 95% CI, 1.16-12.31). The multivariant study showed that late extubation and surgery that required lymph node extraction are predictors of complications. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, late extubation and the need for cervical lymph node extraction were independent risk factors for complications in ICU. Although early extubation may be hazardous in some cases in the first hours, we have no consistent data to maintain mechanical ventilation longer than needed to recover from the anesthesia.