Invasive dynamic electrical impedance myography during 100 s of moderate contraction in rats' gastrocnemius muscle.

GOAL: The present study aimed to investigate the behavior of dynamic electrical impedance myography (dEIM) signals during a 100-s period of the dynamic contraction of Wistar rats' gastrocnemius evoked by electrical stimulation and to link the variations in bioimpedance with muscular energy systems. METHODS: Muscle contraction used 30% of the maximum muscular force and persisted for 100 s, along which dynamic bioimpedance signals were acquired. Based on the bioimpedance signals, two parameters, ΔZc and ΔZpc, were calculated to allow the analysis of their changes with the energy systems that supplied adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to the muscle. ΔZc indicated the variation of impedance of a twitch cycle compared to the values observed during the rest period preceding the cycle, and ΔZpc indicated slow bioimpedance variations compared to the values obtained during the rest period. RESULTS: The results indicated that ΔZc followed the force behavior, achieving a change rate of ∼14%. This parameter was associated with instantaneous impedance changes owing to the occurrence of each twitch. CONCLUSION: Although the findings of this study were linked to energy system processes, future studies are required for improving the understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in dEIM. SIGNIFICANCE: The results contributed to understanding the relation of energy systems that supply ATP to the muscles with dEIM variations that occurred during muscle activity.

Iron oxide/hydroxide-nitrogen doped graphene-like visible-light active photocatalytic layers for antibiotics removal from wastewater.

Hybrid layers consisting of Fe oxide, Fe hydroxide, and nitrogen doped graphene-like platelets have been synthesized by an eco-friendly laser-based method for photocatalytic applications. The complex composite layers show high photodecomposition efficiency towards degradation of antibiotic molecules under visible light irradiation. The photodecomposition efficiency was investigated as a function of relative concentrations of base materials, Fe oxide nanoparticles and graphene oxide platelets used for the preparation of target dispersions submitted to laser irradiation. Although reference pure Fe oxide/Fe hydroxide layers have high absorption in the visible spectral region, their photodecomposition efficiency is negligible under the same irradiation conditions. The high photocatalytic decomposition efficiency of the nanohybrid layer, up to 80% of the initial antibiotic molecules was assigned to synergistic effects between the constituent materials, efficient separation of the electron-hole pairs generated by visible light irradiation on the surface of Fe oxide and Fe hydroxide nanoparticles, in the presence of conducting graphene-like platelets. Nitrogen doped graphene-like platelets contribute also to the generation of electron-hole pairs under visible light irradiation, as demonstrated by the photocatalytic activity of pure, reference nitrogen doped graphene-like layers. The results also showed that adsorption processes do not contribute significantly to the removal of antibiotic molecules from the test solutions. The decrease of the antibiotic concentration under visible light irradiation was assigned primarily to photocatalytic decomposition mechanisms.

Portomesenteric vein thrombosis following sleeve gastrectomy: Case report focusing on the role of pathogenetic factors.

INTRODUCTION: Sleeve gastrectomy has currently become the most commonly performed bariatric. procedure worldwide according to the last IFSO survey, overtaking gastric bypass with. a share of more than 50% of all primary bariatric-metabolic surgery. Gastric leak, intraluminal bleeding, bleeding from the staple-line and strictures are the most common complications. Portomesenteric vein thrombosis (PMVT)after sleeve gastrectomy is. another complication that has been increasingly reported in case-series in recent.years, although it remains uncommon. In this case report is described an extended portomesenteric vein thrombosis after. sleeve gastrectomy interesting splenic vein too with a favorable course and an. uneventful follow-up. We try to search in this case for pathogenetic factors involved in. this complication. CASE REPORT: A 42-year old man, with a body mass index (BMI) of 45 kg/m2, with a medical history of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Sindrome (OSAS) underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Early postoperative course was uneventful. Six days after discharge he complained abdominal pain and was admitted at the Emergency Department. A CT scan with intravenous contrast showed an occlusion of the portal vein, of the intrahepatic major branches and an extension to the superior mesenteric vein and the splenic vein. The patient received heparin and oral anticoagulation together with intravenous hydration and proton pump inhibitors. Considering the favourable course the patient was discharged after six days with long-term oral anticoagulation therapy. Anticoagulation with acenocumarol was continued for six months after a CT scan showed resolution of the PMVT without cavernoma. He had no recurrence of symptoms. DISCUSSION: Porto-mesenteric thrombosis after sleeve gastrectomy is a rare complication but it has been increasingly reported over the last 10 years along with the extensive use of sleeve gastrectomy. Because PMVT is closely associated with sleeve gastrectomy in comparison with other bariatric procedures, we need to investigate what pathogenetic factors are involved in sleeve gastrectomy. Thrombophylic state, prolonged duration of surgery, high levels of pneumoperitoneum, thermal injury of the gastroepiploic vessels during greater curvature dissection, high intragastric pressure, inadequate antithrombotic prophylaxis and delayed mobilization of the patient after surgery have been reported as pathogenetic factors of portmesenteric vein thrombosis. Most of the cases presented in the literature such as our clinical case resolve with medical therapy, although portal vein thrombus extends into the superior mesenteric vein and the splenic vein. CONCLUSION: Portomesenteric venous thrombosis is a rare but serious complication of bariatric surgery, especially associated with sleeve gastrectomy. Diagnosis is based on CT examination with intravenous contrast, and initial therapy is anticoagulation. Etiologic factors reported in the literature include a long duration of surgery, a high degree of pneumoperitoneum, high intragastric pressure after sleeve gastrectomy and thermal injury to the short gastric vessels and gastroepiploic arcade. Limited operative time, controlled values of pneumoperitoneum, careful dissection with energy device of gastric greater curvature, appropriate prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin may be useful tools to prevent and limit this complication. Nonetheless we have to search which factors may condition the evolution of an extended PMVT as that described in this case towards resolution or to a further worsening clinical state. Early diagnosis? Correct treatment? Undiscovered patientrelated factors?

Smoking and diabetes: dangerous liaisons and confusing relationships.

The combined harmful effects of cigarette smoking and hyperglycemia can accelerate vascular damage in patients with diabetes who smoke, as is well known. Can smoking cause diabetes? What are the effects of smoking on macro and microvascular complications? Now growing evidence indicates that regular smokers are at risk of developing incident diabetes. Since the prevalence rates of smoking in patients with diabetes are relatively similar to those of the general population, it is essential to address the main modifiable risk factor of smoking to prevent the onset of diabetes and delay the development of its complications. Quitting smoking shows clear benefits in terms of reducing or slowing the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in people with diabetes. Does quitting smoking decrease the incidence of diabetes and its progression? What are the effects of quitting smoking on complications? The current evidence does not seem to unequivocally suggest a positive role for quitting in patients with diabetes. Quitting smoking has also been shown to have a negative impact on body weight, glycemic control and subsequent increased risk of new-onset diabetes. Moreover, its role on microvascular complications of the disease is unclear. What are the current smoking cessation treatments, and which ones are better for patients with diabetes? Stopping smoking may be of value for diabetes prevention and management of the disease and its macrovascular and microvascular complications. Unfortunately, achieving long-lasting abstinence is not easy and novel approaches for managing these patients are needed. This narrative review examines the evidence on the impact of smoking and smoking cessation in patients with diabetes and particularly in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. In addition, management options and potential future directions will be discussed.

Determination of mercury in hair of children.

Although high or repeated exposure to different forms of Hg can have serious health consequences, the most important toxicity risk for humans is as methylmercury (MeHg) which exposure is mainly through consumption of fish. Generally, more than the 80% of Hg in hair is as MeHg, which is taken up by hair follicles as MeHg-cysteine complexes. In this context, hair samples were collected from 200 children (7 years) living in a coastal site in the North-East (A) of Italy and from 299 children (6-11 years) living in a urban area of South of Italy (B) to determine the levels of MeHg. Considering the neurotoxicity of MeHg, children were subjected to cognitive and neuropsychological tests. The hair values of Hg in the children population groups were comparable with data reported in other international surveys. On the other hand, combining results of the neurological tests with Hg levels, a possible relationship between Hg and an increase of the errors average reported in some neurological tests has been noted. Although the Hg levels were not elevated, a possible neurological influence in children, a population more susceptible than adults, might not be excluded, but the influence on neurological performances of the children could be also due to the family environment (socio economic status, educational level, etc.).

Detecting familial hypercholesterolemia by serum lipid profile screening in a hospital setting: Clinical, genetic and atherosclerotic burden profile.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is underdiagnosed and public cholesterol screening may be useful to find new subjects. In this study, we aim to investigate the prevalence of FH patients in a hospital screening program and evaluate their atherosclerotic burden using intima-media thickness (IMT). METHODS AND RESULTS: We screened 1575 lipid profiles and included for genetic analysis adults with a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol >190 mg/dL and triglycerides <200 mg/dL and first-degree child relatives with LDL cholesterol >160 mg/dL and triglycerides <200 mg/dL. The diagnosis of FH was presumed by Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria and confirmed by the presence of the genetic variant. Mean common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was assessed using consensus criteria. After confirming LDL cholesterol value and excluding secondary hypercholesterolemia, 56 subjects with a DLCN ≥4 performed genetic analysis. Of these, 26 had an FH genetic variant. The proportion of patients with a mutation having a DLCN score of 6-8 was 75%; in individuals with a DLCN score >8 it was 100%. Mean IMT was higher in FH patients compared to non FH (0.73 [0.61-0.83] vs 0.71 [0.60-0.75] mm, p < 0.01). Moreover, we detected two mutations not previously described. Finally, simple regression analysis showed a correlation of IMT with LDL cholesterol >190 mg/dL and corneal arcus (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A hospital screening was useful to detect FH subjects with increased atherosclerosis. Also, next-generation sequencing was able to detect new FH mutations.

Plasma rich in growth factors promotes dermal fibroblast proliferation, migration and biosynthetic activity.

OBJECTIVE: The use of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) has gained importance in many medical fields due to its regenerative potential. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of PRGF on primary skin fibroblasts assessing cell proliferation, migration and secretion of growth factors. The age of the patients from who PRGF was prepared was also studied to determine whether it influenced the outcomes. METHOD: Human dermal fibroblasts were isolated from three healthy volunteers. Using PRGF-Endoret technology, PRGF was prepared from two groups of different ages (18-35 years and 50+ years). The effects of increasing concentration of PRGF (5%, 10% and 20%) on cell proliferation and migration was evaluated. Biosynthetic behaviour of cells was also analysed measuring vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor b1 (TGFb1) and pro-collagen type I secreted levels with or without PRGF treatment. RESULTS: Mean platelet enrichment reached 2.4X and 2X in 18-35 and 50+ groups respectively. A dose-dependent response was observed in proliferation assays achieving the highest levels with 20% PRGF. Migration was also promoted in cells but not in a dose-dependent manner. Cell proliferation and migration outcomes obtained with PRGF (from both groups) were significantly higher compared to non-stimulated groups (p<0.05), with no statistical significances were observed between the different age groups. Production of VEGF, TGFb and procollagen type I was significantly increased by cells treated with PRGF, however, with the exception of VEGF, no statistical significances were observed between the different age groups. CONCLUSION: Results from this study concluded that PRGF is safe and effective in stimulating skin regeneration by enhancing proliferation, migration and expression of pivotal bioactive molecules involved in wound healing and haemostasis.

Intracellular and extracellular miRNome deregulation in cellular models of NAFLD or NASH: Clinical implications.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the most common chronic liver disease in industrialized countries. NAFLD has the potential to progress through the inflammatory phase of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Identifying patients at risk for this transition is a relevant clinical challenge. The complexity of these phenotypes in vivo made necessary the development of in vitro models in order to dissect the molecular signalling affected in NAFLD and NASH, but also to identify potential circulating biomarkers. METHODS AND RESULTS: We profiled the expression of 754 cellular and medium-secreted human miRNAs in HepG2 cells after lipotoxic (Palmitate, model of NASH) or not-lipotoxic stimuli (Oleate-Palmitate, model of NAFLD). Results were validated through Single TaqMan assays. We performed computational analysis of miRNA targets and pathways. Oleate-palmitate treatment induced a variation of 2.8% and 10% of total miRNAs in cells and medium, respectively; palmitate treatment caused 10% and 19% intracellular and extracellular miRNA deregulation, respectively. We validated miR-126, miR-150, miR-223, miR-483-3p, miR-1226*, and miR-1290 deregulation. Through computational analysis, we observed that targets of both intracellular and extracellular DE miRNAs were involved in processes associated with the onset and progression of NAFLD and NASH, such as fatty acid metabolism, apoptosis and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: These data would be useful to elucidate the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis and progression of the NAFLD spectrum, but they also allow the identification of novel potential biomarkers for differential diagnosis to be tested in vivo.

Intra- and extra-capsular hip fractures in the elderly: Two different pathologies?

OBJECTIVES: To compare intracapsular (IC) and extracapsular (EC) hip fractures (HIF) in elderly patients in order to determine if they are different pathologies. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Longitudinal, observational, descriptive, analytical prospective design, using a non-probabilistic sample from a full sample collection with 647 subjects (male and female), of 60 or more years old, admitted with HIF to the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of the Hospital, between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2012. Follow-up was for 1 year post HIF. Socio-demographic, etiological, developmental, therapeutic and prognostic variables are compared. RESULTS: This is the first study on this subject with Latin American population. EC HIF incidence was superior to IC, contrary to that published in European/American populations. There are significant differences in etiological variables (χ(2)=6.34, p<0.042), with traumatic etiology in EC and non-traumatic in IC. There are also differences in therapeutic interventions performed (osteosynthesis for EC, arthroplasty for IC), with the decision on not to operate being lower in IC (both p<0.0000). The variables associated with the decision on not to perform surgery are age, etiology and postoperative mortality. DISCUSSION: The results are similar to other studies, adding the IC association with non-traumatic origin, in particular the trend of statistical association between IC and non-primary osteoporotic pathology (neoplasms, renal osteodystrophy, primary hyperparathyroidism). A further analysis was performed on the differences between Latin American and European/American populations in the incidence of either type of HIF. There are important etiological and therapeutic differences between IC and EC HIF; therefore it would be advisable to consider them as distinct disease entities.

Probiotic supplementation in systemic nickel allergy syndrome patients: study of its effects on lactic acid bacteria population and on clinical symptoms.

AIMS: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 strain supplementation in patients suffering from systemic nickel allergy syndrome, in terms of modulation of faecal LAB population linked to a reduction of GI and cutaneous symptoms and to an increase of patient's quality of life. METHODS AND RESULTS: A preliminary double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study was planned and a culture-independent method based on denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis coupled to the 16S rRNA gene sequencing was applied to investigate on the dynamics of faecal LAB communities before and during a low-Ni diet, supplemented with the probiotic strain. Moreover, the severity and the frequency of GI and cutaneous reactions as well as patient's clinical condition perception (VAS scores) were estimated by statistical analysis. PCR-DGGE fingerprinting obtained using LAB-specific primers revealed significant shift in faecal community with an increase in biodiversity in patients supplemented with probiotic Lact. reuteri strain. In addition, GI reactions such as symptoms related to meals and type of stools significantly improved only in patients treated with Lact. reuteri, while severity and frequency of cutaneous symptoms (urticaria, itch and eczema) and recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) as well as VAS scores statistically decreased in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary findings suggest that probiotic Lact. reuteri could be a useful supplementation during a low-Ni diet of patients with SNAS, to increase LAB population diversity, which could contribute to restore the intestinal homoeostasis conditions. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: To date, no information is available on probiotics application and on their effects, in terms of intestinal microbiota modulation, on patients suffering from SNAS. Therefore, the identification of dominant LAB community and the study of its shift during the probiotic supplementation could enhance the knowledge of the SNAS syndrome.

Nanoparticles in melanoma.

Malignant melanoma is one of the most common causes of cancer and cancer deaths in young people. Until few years ago, scarce drugs have proven efficacy in metastatic setting. However, in the recent years, the treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma has undergone the incorporation of effective treatment such as immunotherapy, the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and the emergence of other cytostatic compounds, like the nanoparticles. This review aims to propose a standardization to classify the different types of nanoparticles, according to chemical aspects, and update the clinical research with nanoparticles and their use in melanoma field.

Estrés en padres de niños operados de cardiopatías congénitas / Parental stress in children undergoing congenital heart surgery

Los padres de niños con cardiopatías congénitas sometidos a cirugía cardíaca presentan estrés provocado por la incertidumbre y la preocupación por el resultado quirúrgico, sumado al estrés propio de la hospitalización en una unidad de cuidados intensivos. La presente revisión bibliográfica tiene por objetivo describir los factores de estrés parental de niños con cardiopatías congénitas sometidos a cirugía cardíaca. Los factores de estrés parental se agruparon en factores derivados del paciente, de los padres, del ambiente y del equipo clínico. La pérdida del rol parental, la apariencia física y el comportamiento del hijo fueron identificados como los más estresantes. Un programa de intervención para ser entregado a los padres antes de la cirugía debería contener estos factores como aspectos centrales, lo que contribuiría a disminuir significativamente el estrés parental y es necesario incluirlo durante el proceso de hospitalización.

The caregivers of children with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery are under stress due to the uncertainty of the surgical outcome and the stressful experience of being admitted in an intensive care unit. The current review describes the factors associated with parental stress in patients with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery. These factors can be grouped into factors related to the patient, the parents, the environment and the clinical team. The loss of the parental role, the physical appearance and the child’s behavior during their stay in the intensive care unit are identified as the most powerful sources of stress. An information program to be given to the caregivers before cardiac surgery should include all these factors as a central part of its contents, should significantly reduce the levels of parental stress and must be included in the process of admitting a patient for congenital heart surgery.

[Parental stress in children undergoing congenital heart surgery]. / Estrés en padres de niños operados de cardiopatías congénitas.

The caregivers of children with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery are under stress due to the uncertainty of the surgical outcome and the stressful experience of being admitted in an intensive care unit. The current review describes the factors associated with parental stress in patients with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery. These factors can be grouped into factors related to the patient, the parents, the environment and the clinical team. The loss of the parental role, the physical appearance and the child's behavior during their stay in the intensive care unit are identified as the most powerful sources of stress. An information program to be given to the caregivers before cardiac surgery should include all these factors as a central part of its contents, should significantly reduce the levels of parental stress and must be included in the process of admitting a patient for congenital heart surgery.

Catéter subcutáneo para la administración de heparina de bajo peso molecular en pediatría / Subcutaneous catheter used for administration of low-molecular-weight-heparin in pediatrics

Introduction: Subcutaneous catheter is a device easy to assemble, which was created for the administration of insulin in diabetic patients, especially in children, aiming to reduce the number of punctures, pain and anxiety of patients and their parents. Objective: To describe the experience using the catheter for subcutaneous administration of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in hospitalized pediatric patients. Patients and Method: A prospective descriptive study in 28 patients who used 87 subcutaneous catheters for the administration of LMWH in the Pediatric Service of the Universidad Catolica de Chile between July, 2010 and November, 2011. Results: Complications associated with the catheter had an incidence of 33 percentin total catheters evaluated; the most frequent complication was the presence of hematoma at the site of insertion (26 percent). These complications occurred more frequently in male (38 percent versus 31 percent in females) and younger patients (9 months versus 12 months), who received dalteparin (54 percent versus 30 percent of other types of heparin) administered every 24 hours (41percent versus 30 percent, administered every 12 hours), and when the catheter was located on both thighs (36 percent versus 32 percent in both arms); however, these differences were not statistically confirmed. Conclusion: The subcutaneous catheter is a good technique to be considered for LMWH in children as it presents minor complications for drug administration.

Introducción: El catéter subcutáneo es un dispositivo de fácil instalación, el cual fue ideado para la administración de insulinas en pacientes diabéticos, especialmente en pediatría, con el fin de disminuir el número de punciones, el dolor y la ansiedad de los pacientes y sus padres. Objetivo: Describir la experiencia del uso del catéter subcutáneo para la administración de heparina de bajo peso molecular (HBPM) en pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados. Pacientes y Método: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo en 28 pacientes que utilizaron 87 catéteres subcutáneos instalados para la administración de HBPM, en el Servicio de Pediatría de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile en el período comprendido entre los meses de julio de 2010 y noviembre de 2011. Resultados: Las complicaciones asociadas al catéter presentaron una incidencia de 33 por ciento en el total de catéteres evaluados, siendo la más frecuente la presencia de hematoma en el sitio de inserción (26 por ciento). Estas complicaciones se presentaron con mayor frecuencia en pacientes de sexo masculino (38 por ciento versus 31 por ciento en sexo femenino) de menor edad (9 meses versus 12 meses), con indicación de dalteparina (54 por ciento versus 30 por ciento con otros tipos de heparina) administrada cada 24 h (41 por ciento versus 30 por ciento cuando fue administrada cada 12 h), y cuando el catéter estuvo ubicado en ambos muslos (36 por ciento versus 32 por ciento en ambos brazos); sin embargo, estas diferencias no fueron confirmadas estadísticamente. Conclusión: El catéter subcutáneo es una buena técnica a considerar para la administración de HBPM en la edad pediátrica, ya que permite la administración del medicamento con complicaciones leves asociadas a su uso.

Diseño de un espacio de acogida como estrategia de cuidados avanzados en enfermería en un servicio de pediatría / Designing a hosting area as an advanced nursing care strategy in a pediatric nursing ward

Antecedentes: las necesidades de confort más relevantes para los cuidadores tienen relación con mejorar las condiciones de permanencia, a través de salas de espera más cómodas, un lugar donde dormir, un baño con ducha, alimentación para el acompañante y un lugar seguro para guardar sus pertenencias. Objetivo: implementar un modelo de cuidado a través de un espacio de acogida, para satisfacer las necesidades de confort de los padres que no cuentan con alojamiento durante la hospitalización de sus hijos. Metodología: estrategia innovadora en la entrega de cuidados avanzados en enfermería, basados en el modelo teórico de Kolcaba el que nos permite llevar la disciplina de enfermería a la práctica asistencial en directo beneficio de los pacientes. Resultados: con la implementación de un espacio de acogida, se espera un aumento en la percepción de confort de los padres durante hospitalización, lo que conllevará a un incremento en el estado de alerta de los padres, participación efectiva en los cuidados de su hijo, mejoría en la respuesta frente a las intervenciones educativas y vinculación efectiva con el equipo de salud. Conclusiones: un espacio de acogida para padres de niños hospitalizados, diseñada para satisfacer las necesidades de confort más relevantes identificadas en la literatura y contextualizadas en la teoría de Kolcaba, contribuiría a implementar el cuidado avanzado en enfermería, rescatando la esencia de la enfermería en el Servicio de Pediatría del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica.

Background: The most important comfort needs for caregivers are related to improving their hospital stay conditions, with more comfortable waiting rooms, a place to sleep, a toilette with shower, food and a safe place where to leave their belongings. Objective: To implement a hosting area that meets the comfort needs of parents who do not have their own accommodations during the hospitalization of their children. Methodology: Innovative strategies in providing advanced nursing care based on the theoretical model of Kolcaba, which allows us to bring the discipline of nursing care into practice, in direct benefit of patients. Results: We expect an increase in comfort perception of parents during hospitalization, which will lead to increased alertness of parents, effective participation in child care, improved response to educational interventions and effective linkages with the caring team. Conclusions: A hosting area for parents of hospitalized children, designed to meet the most important comfort needs reported in the literature and contextualized according to Kolcaba’s theory, can contribute to implement advanced nursing care, recovering the essence of nursing at the Pediatrics Service of the UC Hospital.

Evaluación clínica del uso de nutrición enteral domiciliaria en pacientes pediátricos / Clinical evaluation in pediatric patients with home enteral nutrition

Introducción: La nutrición enteral (NE) es la entrega de nutrientes al tracto gastrointestinal mediante una sonda nasogástrica (SNG), nasoyeyunal (SNY) o de gastrostomía (GTT); siendo la ruta preferida para satisfacer las necesidades nutricionales cuando la vía oral está contraindicada o es insuficiente. Objetivo: Describir el perfil de pacientes pediátricos que requirieron NE domiciliaria y su efecto en el estado nutritivo. Sujetos y Método: Estudio analítico retrospectivo, en 37niños hospitalizados en el Servicio de Pediatría del Hospital Clínico Universidad Católica (UC) que fueron dados de alta con soporte nutricional enteral durante el período de Abril 2010 a Abril 2011. Resultados: La indicación principal para iniciar soporte nutricional fue trastorno de deglución (n=27), siendo la mayoría de los pacientes menores de 1 año al momento de recibir la indicación (n=27). El tipo de dispositivo más utilizado fue GTT (n=20). No hubo complicaciones asociadas al uso de SNG. Las complicaciones asociadas al uso de GTT fueron: granuloma periostomal (n=7), neumonía por aspiración (n=3) y retiro accidental (n=1). Del total de pacientes evaluados, un 62% presentaba desnutrición calórico-proteica al inicio de la NE versus 30% al último control (p<0,001). Conclusión: El uso de soporte nutricional enteral permite recuperar y/o mantener el estado nutricional de losniños con trastornos de la deglución y alteraciones en la curva del crecimiento, mejora la calidad de vida, y presenta una tasa baja de complicaciones mayores.

Enteral nutrition (EN) is the delivery ofnutrients to the gastrointestinal tract by nasogastric (SNG), nasojejunal (SNY) or gastrostomy (GTT), being the preferred route to fulfill nutritional needs when the oral route is contraindicated or inadequate. Objective: To describe the clinical profile of pediatric patients with home EN and to assess their nutritional status. Subjects and methods: A retrospective analytic study in 37 children from the Pediatric Service Hospital Clinico UC, discharged with enteral nutrition support from April 2010 to April 2011. Results: The main indication to use EN was swallowing disorder (n=27). 73% began EN before one year of life. GTT was the principal route to EN (n=20). There were no complications associated to NGT or OGT. The reported complications associated with GTT were periosteal granuloma (n=7), aspiration pneumonia (n=3) and accidental removal (n=1). 62% ofpatients had protein-calorie malnutrition (z-score W/H) at baseline vs. 30% at the last control (p<0,001). Conclusion: The use of enteral nutrition allows to restore and/ or to maintain nutritional status in children with swallowing disorder or undernutrition. This feeding procedure also improves the quality of life and promotes a proper development without major complications.

Sedation and analgesia in children undergoing invasive procedures / Sedación y analgesia para procedimientos invasivos en los niños

Introduction. As a result of the increased number of both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in pediatric outpatients, sedation and analgesia have gained relevance in this context. Objective. To characterize the type of sedation and analgesia used by pediatric sedation teams in procedures done outside the operating room, as well as its safety and outcome. Population and Methods. All procedures performed in 1 month to 5 year old patients under intravenous sedation with midazolam, ketamine, propofol or lidocaine were analyzed over a 14-month period. The Ramsay sedation scale and the CHEOPS pain scale were used to determine the response to the sedation and analgesia administered. Results. A total of 186 procedures were analyzed. The results of the evaluation of response to sedation and analgesia indicated that an adequate deep sedation was obtained in 98% of cases, and that an adequate analgesia was achieved in 92% of patients. Around 12% of the procedures were associated with adverse events, all related to the airways, and none was serious. The only statistically significant endpoint associated with adverse events were procedures which involved airway interventions, i.e., fibrobronchoscopy, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or transesophageal echocardiogram, with an OR of 6.27 (95% CI: 1.28-30.63; p = 0.023). Conclusions. In this group of patients, intravenous outpatient sedation and analgesia administered by a specialized team were safe and effective.

Introducción. Producto del aumento de los procedimientos pediátricos, tanto diagnósticos como terapéuticos fuera del quirófano, la sedación y analgesia en este contexto ha cobrado importancia. Objetivo. Caracterizar el tipo de sedoanalgesia utilizada por un equipo de sedación pediátrico en procedimientos fuera del quirófano, así como sus resultados y su seguridad. Pacientes y métodos. Se analizaron todos los procedimientos realizados bajo sedación intravenosa con midazolam, ketamina, propofol o lidocaína, en pacientes de entre 1 mes y 5 años, en un período de 14 meses. Para determinar la respuesta a la sedoanalgesia administrada, se aplicó la escala de sedación de Ramsay y la escala de dolor de CHEOPS. Resultados. Se analizaron 186 procedimientos. Al evaluar la respuesta a la sedoanalgesia, se obtuvo una sedación profunda adecuada en un 98% de los casos y una analgesia adecuada en un 92% de los pacientes. Un 12% de los procedimientos se asociaron a efectos adversos, todos relacionados con la vía aérea, ninguno grave. La única variable vinculada de forma estadísticamente significativa a la ocurrencia de eventos adversos fue el procedimiento con intervención de la vía aérea, es decir, fibrobroncoscopia, endoscopia digestiva alta o ecocardiograma transesofágico, con un OR de 6,27 (IC 95% 1,28 a 30,63; p= 0,023). Conclusiones. En este grupo de pacientes la sedación y analgesia intravenosa para procedimientos fuera del quirófano, otorgada por un equipo especializado, resultó segura y eficaz.

Processing and immobilization of chondroitin-4-sulphate by UV laser radiation.

Chondroitin-4-sulphate (ChS A) was immobilized by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) with the aid of a UV KrF* excimer laser source. Distilled water was used as solvent for the preparation of the frozen composite MAPLE targets. The surface morphology, chemical structure and functional properties of laser transferred ChS A were investigated as a function of laser processing conditions. The results indicate that the amount of laser immobilized material, structure, and functional properties can be controlled by the laser fluence value used for the irradiation of the MAPLE targets. Under selected irradiation conditions besides the molecular structure, the functional properties of the laser processed ChS A molecules can be maintained.

Usefulness of x-ray in the detection of complications and side effects after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a surgical procedure which reduces the gastric volume causing a feeling of early fullness while decreasing hunger due to a reduced secretion of ghrelin. This leads to a considerable loss of body weight. The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of early x-ray examination and subsequent x-ray follow-up in the detection of postoperative complications and long-term functional recovery. METHODS: From March 2010 to April 2011, 101 consecutive patients underwent LSG for morbid obesity and were subsequently included in this retrospective study. All patients were submitted to early x-ray examination 1-3 days after surgery and x-ray follow-up 3-6 months after surgery to detect the presence and persistence of surgical and functional complications. RESULTS: Early postoperative x-ray examination detected one case of suture leakage 1 day after surgery as well as one abscess and one gastric fistula in two patients who had become symptomatic 9 and 10 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Early x-ray examination showed that complications were mainly functional and rarely surgical. Subsequent follow-up showed that functional disturbances were significantly reduced over time. X-ray is an easy and reliable method for detecting complications and side effects of LSG. However, in view of the extremely low incidence of surgical complications revealed at the early x-ray examination, this procedure may not be required as a routine examination in all operated patients and should be performed only in patients who become symptomatic and those considered at risk of developing more serious complications.