Neumatocele en paciente pediátrico. ¿Cuándo debemos actuar? / Pneumatocele in a pediatric patient. When should we act?

El neumatocele es una lesión cavitada llena de aire de carácter adquirido que se encuentra en el interior del parénquima pulmonar. Aunque las causas pueden variar, el origen infeccioso bacteriano es lo más frecuente. Los cambios en los serotipos de neumococo y el aumento de las neumonías necrotizantes observado en las últimas décadas hacen de este tipo de lesiones algo cada vez más frecuente. Es importante conocer la evolución esperable, así como también saber qué paciente se beneficia de intervención para evitar secuelas a largo plazo y complicaciones graves. En este artículo se exponen las causas, epidemiología, orientación diagnóstica y una propuesta de manejo para el neumatocele.

A pneumatocele is an air-filled cavitary lesion of acquired nature located within the pulmonary parenchyma. Although causes can vary, bacterial infectious origin is the most common. Changes in pneumococcal serotypes and the increase in necrotizing pneumonia observed in recent decades have made these lesions increasingly frequent. It is important to know the expected evolution and to identify which patients would benefit from intervention to prevent long-term sequelae and severe complications. This article exposes the causes, epidemiology, diagnostic approach, and a management proposal for pneumatocele.

Eficacia del trabajo con familias en duelo complicado por COVID-19 en el primer nivel / Effectiveness of working with families in grief complicated by COVID-19 at the first level

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar la eficacia del trabajo con familias en fase de duelo complicado por COVID-19, para restablecer la homeostasis y dinámica familiar. Material y Métodos: Estudio con enfoque mixto, bajo un diseño cuasi experimental. Se desarrolló en tres etapas: diagnóstica, intervención y evaluación. En la primera se encuestaron 99 personas que perdieron a un familiar durante la pandemia con el test Inventario de duelo complicado (IDC) y el FF.SIL para estudiar la funcionalidad familiar. Se realizó intervención a cinco familias con duelo complicado y disfunción familiar, mediante trece sesiones presenciales y el empleo de técnicas de terapia narrativa y Gestalt, con la finalidad de recuperar la homeostasis familiar. Para evaluar el efecto de la intervención se aplicó un pos-test, así como los comentarios de las familias. Se realizó prueba t de Student para la diferencia pre y pos-test. Resultados: Se encontraron familias con duelo complicado y disfunción familiar en el 25.3%. En el pretest-postest del FF-SIL, la prueba T de Student observó diferencia de medias de Ⱦ=8.571, desviación estándar de s±7.387, intervalo de confianza de IC95% Li: 4.306; Ls: 12.837 y valor de t= 4.341, gl=13 y valor de p=0.0001, estadísticamente significativo. Conclusión: Con la intervención se logró restablecer la homeostasis, dinámica y salud familiar.

Abstract Objective: To determine the effectiveness of working with families in a phase of grief complicated by COVID-19 to restore homeostasis and family dynamics. Material and Methods: Study with a mixed approach, under a quasi-experimental design. It was developed in three stages: diagnosis, intervention and evaluation. In the first, 99 people who lost a family member during the pandemic were surveyed with the Complicated Grief Inventory (IDC) test and the FF.SIL to study family functionality. An intervention was carried out on five families with complicated grief and family dysfunction, through thirteen face-to-face sessions and the use of narrative and Gestalt therapy techniques, with the aim of recovering family homeostasis. To evaluate the effect of the intervention, a post-test was applied, as well as the families' comments. Student's t test was performed for the pre- and post-test difference. Results: Families with complicated grief and family dysfunction were found in 25.3%. In the pretest-posttest of the FF-SIL, the Student's T test observed a mean difference of Ⱦ=8.571, standard deviation of s±7.387, 95% CI confidence interval Li: 4.306; Ls: 12.837 and t value= 4.341, df=13 and p value=.0001, statistically significant. Conclusion: With the intervention, homeostasis, dynamics and family health were restored.

Application of bioactive ceramics iRoot BP Plus? in pulpotomy for complicated crown fracture of immature permanent anterior teeth in children / 北京大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To analyze the clinical and radiographic effectiveness of a calcium silicate-based bioactive ceramic iRoot BP Plus? pulpotomy of immature permanent teeth with complicated crown fracture and to evaluate the factors influencing its long-term success rate.Methods:The digital medical records of patients under 13 years old who had undergone iRoot BP Plus? pulpotomy in the Department of Oral Emergency or the First Clinical Division,Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from March 2017 to September 2022 due to complicated crown fracture of anterior teeth,and had taken at least one post-operation apical radiograph were reviewed.The clinical and radiographic information at the initial examination and follow-up period were obtained,including crown color,mobility,percussion,cold test(partial pulpotomy teeth),dental restoration,fistula,swelling or inflammation of the gingival tissue,the formation of apical foramen,pathologic radiolucency and calcification of pulp chamber or root canal obliteration.Data were tested by Fisher exact test and a multiple comparison.Results:In the study,64 patients including 37 males(57.8％)and 27 females(42.2％)with a mean age of 9.1 years were finally enrolled.The total number of permanent teeth that received pulpotomy was 75,and the average follow-up time was 19.3 months.The success rate was 93.1％with the time interval between dental injury and treatment in 24 h,while the success rate dropped to 88.2％with the time intervals beyond 24 h.The time intervals did not significantly affect the pulp survival rate(P=0.61)after pulpotomy(partial or co-ronal).The success rate 6 months after pulpotomy was 96.0％,and one-year success rate was 94.7％.A total of 23 cases were reviewed for more than 2 years after pulpotomy,and 6 cases failed.The mobility had no significant effect on the success rate(P=0.28).Pulp chamber calcification and pulp canal obli-teration were not observed in all the post-operative radiographs.Conclusion:The one year clinical and radiographic success rates obtained in this study indicate that iRoot BP Plus? is an appropriate pulp cap-ping material option for pulpotomy treatment of complicated crown fracture in immature permanent teeth without displacement injuries.This technique has broad promotional value.

Clinical Study on Dingxuan Decoction Combined with Vestibular Function Rehabilitation Training in the Treatment of Meniere's Disease / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the efficacy of Dingxuan Decoction combined with vestibular function rehabilitation training in the treatment of Meniere's disease and to observe its effect on clinical symptoms and blood flow of vertebral artery.Methods A total of 100 patients with Meniere's disease of liver-kidney yin deficiency complicated with wind-water upward stirring type were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 50 patients in each group.The control group was given conventional treatment and vestibular function rehabilitation training,and the observation group was treated with Dingxuan Decoction on the basis of treatment for the control group.The two groups were treated for 4 weeks and then were followed up for 6 months.The changes of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome score,Dizziness Handicap Inventory(DHI)score,Tinnitus Handicap Inventory(THI)score,hearing visual analogue scale(VAS)score and vertebral artery blood flow in the two groups were observed before and after the treatment.After treatment,the TCM syndrome efficacy,hearing improvement and follow-up results were compared between the two groups.Results(1)After 4 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate for TCM syndrome efficacy of the observation group was 86.00%(43/50),and that of the control group was 62.00%(31/50),and the intergroup comparison showed that the TCM syndrome efficacy in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(2)After 4 weeks of treatment,the hearing of patients in both groups was improved,and the total effective rate for the efficacy of hearing improvement in the observation group was 76.00%(38/50),while that in the control group was 46.00%(23/50).The intergroup comparison showed that the efficacy of hearing improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(3)After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores,DHI score,THI score and hearing VAS scores in the two groups were all decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and the decrease in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(4)After treatment,the average blood flow velocity of the left vertebral artery(LVA)and the right vertebral artery(RVA)in the two groups were both increased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the increase in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(5)The results of 6-month follow-up after treatment showed that the incidence of Meniere's disease and the frequency of attack in the observation group were significantly reduced compared with those in the control group,and the episode duration in the observation group was significantly shorter than that in the control group,the differences being all statistically significant(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Conclusion Dingxuan Decoction combined with vestibular function rehabilitation training exert certain effect in treating patients with Meniere's disease of liver-kidney yin deficiency complicated with wind-water upward stirring type,and the therapy is effective on improving patients'clinical symptoms and vertebral artery blood flow,reducing the risk of recurrence and improving the quality of life of the patients.

Clinical Observation on Yiqi Yangyin Jiangtang Prescription Combined with Acupoint Injection in the Treatment of Newly-diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Yiqi Yangyin Jiangtang Prescription(mainly composed of Astragali Radix,Rehmanniae Radix,Imperatae Rhizoma,Ophiopogonis Radix,and Puerariae Lobatae Radix)combined with acupoint injection in the treatment of newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods One hundred patients with newly-diagnosed T2DM of qi-yin deficiency complicated with blood stasis type were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group,with 50 patients in each group.The control group was given oral use of Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets,and the treatment group was given the granules of Yiqi Yangyin Jiangtang Prescription orally combined with acupoint injection at unilateral points of Zusanli(ST36),Shenshu(BL23)and Qihai(CV6)on the basis of treatment for the control group.The course of treatment lasted for 4 weeks.Before and after the treatment,the two groups were observed in the changes of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,fasting plasma glucose(FPG),2-hour postprandial blood glucose(2hPG),glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c),total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),and serum levels of inflammatory factors of interleukin 6(IL-6),C-reactive protein(CRP),tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),as well as the hemorheology indicators of whole blood low-shear viscosity and whole blood high-shear viscosity.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)During the trial,5 cases fell off from the treatment group and 4 cases fell off from the control group,and a total of 91 patients were eventually included in the efficacy statistics,of which 45 cases were in the treatment group and 46 cases were in the control group.(2)After 4 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the treatment group was 93.33%(42/45),and that of the control group was 71.74%(33/46).The intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the therapeutic effect of the treatment group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.01).(3)After treatment,the scores of TCM symptoms of dry mouth and throat,frequent nocturia,shortness of breath and fatigue,hot flushes and night sweating as well as the total TCM syndrome scores in the two groups were significantly lower than those before the treatment(P＜0.05),and the reduction of the scores in the treatment group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.01).(4)After treatment,the levels of blood glucose and lipid indicators of FPG,2hPG,HbA1c,TC and TG of patients in the two groups were decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(5)After treatment,the serum levels of inflammatory factors of IL-6,CRP,and TNF-α in the two groups were all lower than those before treatment(P＜0.01),and the reduction in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(6)After treatment,the levels of hemorheology indicators such as whole blood low-shear viscosity and high-shear viscosity in the two groups were all lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the reduction in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).(7)The incidence of adverse reactions in the treatment group was 8.89%(4/45),which was significantly lower than that of the control group(21.74%,10/46),and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.01).Conclusion Yiqi Yangyin Jiangtang Prescription combined with acupoint injection exerts certain effect in treating patients with newly-diagnosed T2DM of qi-yin deficiency complicated with blood stasis syndrome type.The combined therapy can effectively alleviate the early clinical manifestations,decrease the levels of blood glucose,blood lipids,and inflammatory factors,and improve the hematological indicators and the quality of life of the patients.

Study on Serum FOXM1 and IGF2 Expression Levels and Prognostic Value in Elderly Patients with Heart Failure Complicated with Pneumonia / 现代检验医学杂志

Objective To explore the predictive value of the expression of serum forkhead box protein M1(FOXM1)and insulin-like growth factor 2(IGF2)on the prognosis of elderly patients with heart failure complicated with pneumonia.Methods A total of 126 elderly patients with heart failure complicated with pneumonia admitted to Handan Central Hospital from March 2021 to June 2022 were included in case group.According to the follow-up results,the 122 patients were grouped into poor prognosis group(n=33)and good prognosis group(n=89).Meanwhile,126 healthy people in the same period were included as the control group.The levels of serum FOXM1 and IGF2,forced vital capacity(FVC)and forced expiratory volume in the first second(FEV1)in the two groups(case group and control group)were measured.Spearman method was used to analyze the correlation between serum levels of FOXM1 and IGF2 and heart function classification in elderly patients with heart failure complicated with pneumonia.The predictive value of serum FOXM1 and IGF2 levels in elderly patients with heart failure complicated with pneumonia was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results Compared with the control group,the levels of FOXM1(2.39±0.55 vs 1.06±0.21)and IGF2(71.33±7.96pg/ml vs 47.82±5.14pg/ml)in the case group were significantly higher(t=25.358,27.581,all P<0.05).Compared with the good prognosis group,the levels of serum FOXM1(3.87±1.06 vs 1.95±0.51)and IGF2(85.88±9.54pg/ml vs 69.14±8.73pg/ml)in the poor prognosis group were significantly higher,and the differences were statistically significant(t=13.453,9.174,all P<0.05).There were significant differences in heart function classification between the good prognosis group and the poor prognosis group,and the differences were statistically significant(χ2=7.120,P<0.05).Compared with the poor prognosis group,FEV1(1.24±0.32 L vs 1.08±0.25 L)and FEV1/FVC(55.46%±5.77%vs 52.30%±5.38%)in good prognosis group were significantly higher,and the differences were statistically significant(t=2.592,2.735,all P<0.05).The levels of serum FOXM1 and IGF2(r=0.496,0.517,all P<0.05)in elderly patients with heart failure complicated with pneumonia were positively correlated with heart function classification.ROC curve results showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of serum FOXM1 alone in predicting the prognosis of elderly patients with heart failure complicated with pneumonia was 0.854(95CI%:0.779～0.912),with sensitivity and specificity of 75.76%and 86.52%,respectively,and the optimal cut-off value of 2.75.The AUC of IGF2 alone in predicting the prognosis of elderly patients with heart failure complicated with pneumonia was 0.874(95CI%:0.802～0.927),with sensitivity and specificity of 72.73%and 85.39%,respectively,and the optimal cut-off value of 78.30 pg/ml.The AUC of the combination of the two in predicting the prognosis of elderly patients with heart failure complicated with pneumonia was greater than the AUC diagnosed by serum FOXM1 alone and IGF2 alone(Z=2.737,2.413,P=0.006,0.016).Conclusion The serum levels of FOXM1 and IGF2 were increased in elderly patients with heart failure complicated with pneumonia,indicating the combined detection of the two may have a high predictive value for the prognosis of patients.

Effect of Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Perscription on Polarization of Hippocampal Microglia in Hypertensive Rats Complicated with Depression by Inhibiting TLR4/NF-кB Signaling Pathway / 中药新药与临床药理

Objective To investigate the effect of Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Perscription(Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis,Gastrodiae Rhizoma,Pheretima,Puerariae Lobatae Radix,etc.)modulating the TLR4/NF-кB signaling pathway on the polarization of hippocampal microglia in rats with hypertension complicated with depression(HD)Methods Forty primary hypertensive rats were randomly divided into five groups:the model group,the positive drug group,and the high-,medium-,and low-dose groups of Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Perscription,with 8 rats in each group;and another 8 SD rats were taken as the control group.The HD model was replicated using 42 days of continuous chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)combined with solitary rearing.The modeling was accompanied by the administration of drugs,including 29.61,14.81,and 7.40 g·kg-1 of Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Perscription in the high-,medium-,and low-dose groups of Chinese herbal medicine,respectively,and 0.45 mg·kg-1 of Levamlodipine Besylate+1.8 mg·kg-1 of Fluoxetine in the positive group;the volume of the gavage was 10 mL·kg-1,once a day,for 42 consecutive days.The systolic blood pressure of rat tail artery was measured by non-invasive sphygmomanometer before drug administration and in the morning of the last day of each week;the behavioural test of Sucrose Preference Test(SPT)was carried out once in the second week and once in the last week after the start of the modelling;the water maze experiment was carried out after the end of the modelling;the levels of serum inflammatory factor tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)1β and IL-10 were determined by ELISA;the pathological changes of rat hippocampal tissue neurons were observed by HE staining and Nissl stain were used to observe the neuronal pathological changes in rat hippocampal tissue;immunofluorescence double staining was used to detect the expressions of microglia M1(CD16)and M2(CD206)types in the hippocampal region;and Western Blot was used to detect the protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-кB p65 in the hippocampal tissue.Results Compared with the control group,the systolic blood pressure in the tail artery of rats in the model group from week 1 to week 6 were all significantly increased(P＜0.01);sucrose preference rate was significantly decreased(P＜0.01);evasion latency was significantly prolonged(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),the number of times of traversing the plateau and the percentage of time spent in the target quadrant were significantly decreased(P＜0.01);the contents of serum TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly increased(P＜0.01),IL-10 content was significantly decreased(P＜0.01);cytosolic nuclei were deeply stained,cytoplasmic solidification and apoptosis were obvious;the fluorescence intensity ratio of CD206/CD16 in hippocampal microglial cells were significantly decreased(P＜0.05);the protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-кB p65 in hippocampal tissues were significantly up-regulated(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the systolic blood pressure in the tail artery of rats in the first to sixth weeks of the drug administration group were all significantly reduced(P＜0.01);the sucrose preference rates were all significantly increased(P＜0.05);the contents of serum TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly decreased(P＜0.01),and the content of IL-10 was significantly increased(P＜0.01);the Nissl substances are abundant and apoptosis is significantly reduced,and apoptosis were significantly reduced.The escape latency of rats in the positive drug group and the high-dose group of Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Perscription was significantly shortened(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and the number of times of crossing the plateau and the percentage of time spent in the target quadrant were significantly increased(P＜0.05);the ratio of fluorescence intensity of hippocampal microglial cells,CD206/CD16 was significantly increased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and the hippocampal tissues,protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 were significantly down-regulated(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Conclusion Gouteng Jiangya Jieyu Perscription may regulate the polarisation state of hippocampal microglial cells,modulate the secretion of inflammatory factors,and attenuate the damage of hippocampal neurons in HD rats by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-кB pathway.

Prognostic Model of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Middle-aged and Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Complicated with Stable Angina Pectoris / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore risk factors for the development of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events （MACCEs） in middle-aged and elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with stable angina pectoris （T2DM-SAP） based on real-world clinical data in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， so as to develop a COX proportional risk prediction model and visualize the predicted results using a nomogram. MethodBased on the clinical scientific research information sharing system， the medical records of 586 T2DM-SAP patients （45-94 years old） were collected from January 2012 to December 2019， including age， gender， course of disease， major medical history， laboratory examination， tongue image， pulse image， TCM syndrome， and major treatment drugs. MACCE outcome indicators of patients were obtained by telephone follow-up and re-hospitalization records. The data was divided into a training set and a validation set according to 7∶3. In the training set， COX univariate analysis was used to determine the risk factors for MACCE in T2DM-SAP patients， and then variables were screened by forward-backward stepwise regression method， so as to establish a MACCE risk prediction model and construct a nomogram. The predictive efficacy of the model was reflected by the C-index， receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve， calibration map， and clinical decision curve. ResultThe history of cerebrovascular disease ［Hazard ratio （HR）=1.983， 95% confidence interval （CI，1.314-2.993）］， low-density lipoprotein （LDL-C/mmol·L-1）≥4.1［HR=2.683， 95%CI（1.461-4.925）］， dull red tongue ［HR=1.955， 95%CI（1.273-3.002）］， dull purple tongue ［HR=4.214， 95%CI（2.017-8.803）］， white thick coating ［HR=3.030， 95%CI（1.634-9.293）］， thin and weak pulse ［HR=2.233， 95%CI（1.283-3.888）］， and syndrome of wind-phlegm blocking collaterals ［HR=2.007， 95%CI（1.179-3.418）］ were found to be risk factors in middle-aged and elderly T2DM-SAP patients. Insulin ［HR=0.604， 95%CI（0.399-0.914）］， glycosidase inhibitor ［HR=0.627， 95%CI（0.409-0.962）］， and TCM treatment ［HR=0.328， 95%CI（0.214-0.503）］ were protective factors in middle-aged and elderly T2DM-SAP patients. The prediction model was constructed based on the above risk factors. The C-index of the model was 0.818 （95% CI 0.777 -0.859） in the training set and 0.814 （95% CI 0.773-0.855） in the validation set， and the change of C-index over time was plotted. The AUC of patients for 5， 10， 15 years in the training set was 0.71， 0.67， and 0.61. The AUC of patients for 5， 10， and 15 years in the validation set was 0.60， 0.68， and 0.63， respectively. The calibration map and clinical decision curves of 5， 10， 15 years were drawn in the training set and the validation set， respectively. The model was well calibrated and clinically effective. ConclusionThe history of cerebrovascular disease， LDL， dull red tongue， dull purple tongue， white thick coating， thin and weak pulse， and syndrome of wind-phlegm blocking collaterals are risk factors for MACCE in middle-aged and elderly T2DM-SAP patients， and insulin， glycosidase inhibitors， TCM treatment are protective factors for MACCE in middle-aged and elderly T2DM-SAP patients. A clinical prediction model is established accordingly. This model has good discrimination， calibration degree， and clinical effectiveness and provides a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of MACCE in middle-aged and elderly T2DM-SAP patients.

Real-world study on piperacillin-tazobactam in the treatment of complicated urinary tract infection in adults / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and safety of piperacillin-tazobactam in the treatment of complicated urinary tract infection （cUTI） in adults. METHODS Retrospective analysis was performed on the data of 352 cUTI adult patients in our hospital from January 1， 2021 to December 31， 2023. All patients received piperacillin-tazobactam. The detection of pathogens in patients， the clinical efficacy and microbial clearance rate after treatment， the occurrence of adverse drug reactions and treatment cost were observed in all patients. RESULTS Of the 352 patients， pathogen culture results of 54 patients were detected， mainly Escherichia coli producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. The clinical effective rate was 94.3%， the microbial clearance rate was 81.5%， and the incidence of adverse reactions was 1.4%. The percentage of male effective patients in urinary surgery department was significantly higher than invalid patients， while the proportion of transplant treatment and the proportion of patients with concomitant kidney transplantation were significantly lower than invalid patients （P＜0.05）. There was no significant difference in clinical effective rate between the two groups after those patients were divided into target treatment group and empirical treatment group according to the sensitivity of pathogen to piperacillin-tazobactam （P＝0.902 5）. CONCLUSIONS Piperacillin-tazobactam is effective and safe in the treatment of cUTI.

Association and Contribution of Patient and Bereaved Family Background to Outcomes of Survivor Surveys

A secondary analysis of data from national bereavement surveys conducted in 2014, 2016, and 2018 was conducted with the aim of identifying the contribution of various patient and bereavement backgrounds to the outcomes of the Bereavement Survey. The data were evaluated in terms of structure and process of care (CES), achievement of a desirable death (GDI), complexity grief (BGQ), and depression (PHQ-9). The large data set and comprehensive analysis of bereavement survey outcomes clarified the need for adjustment of confounding variables and which variables should be adjusted for in future analyses. Overall, the contribution of the background factors examined in this study to the CES (Adj-R2=0.014) and overall satisfaction (Adj-R2=0.055) was low. The contribution of the GDI (Adj-R2=0.105) was relatively high, and that of the PHQ-9 (Max-rescaled R2=0.200) and BGQ (Max-rescaled R2=0.207) was non-negligible.

Aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos en pacientes con malaria grave del Hospital Municipal de Cuimba, Angola / Clinical-epidemiological aspects of severe malaria in patients at the Municipal Hospital of Cuimba, Angola / Aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos da malária grave em pacientes do Hospital Municipal do Cuimba, Angola

Introducción: El Plasmodium falciparum es el causante de más del 90 porciento de los casos de malaria en el mundo. Objetivo: Describir aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos de pacientes con malaria grave, atendidos en el Hospital Municipal de Cuimba, provincia de Zaire, República de Angola. Método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal y retrospectivo, durante el periodo comprendido entre enero-junio de 2023, en pacientes con diagnóstico de malaria grave. El universo fue conformado por 452 pacientes positivos de malaria, la muestra quedó conformada por 97 pacientes que desarrollaron malaria grave. Se estudiaron variables asociadas como: anemia severa, convulsiones, hiperparasitemia, entre otras. Resultados: La media de edad fue de 14,8 años, el 43,3 porciento menor de cinco años, con predominio del sexo masculino (53,9 porciento). El Plasmodium falciparum estuvo presente en 59 casos (60,8 porciento), con elevadas tasas de parasitemia. Las manifestaciones de disfunción cerebral en asociación con la anemia severa resultaron estar en el cuadro clínico del 31 porciento de los pacientes. El 40,2 porciento de los enfermos no presentó complicaciones en su estadía hospitalaria. El síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda (18,6 porciento) fue la complicación más frecuente que sobrellevó al fallecimiento del 12,4 porciento de los pacientes. El artesunato fue usado en 77,3 porciento de los pacientes. Conclusiones: El paludismo representa un problema de salud en el Hospital Municipal de Cuimba, con mayor frecuencia en los menores de cinco años. Prevalece la infección por Plasmodium falciparum en pacientes con anemia severa.(AU)

Introduction: Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for more than 90 percent of malaria worldwide. Objective: Characterization of Clinical-epidemiological aspects of severe malaria in patients treated at the Municipal Hospital of Cuimba, Zaire, Angola. Method: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted, during the period January - June 2023, in patients reported with severe malaria. The study involved a total of 452 patients with positive malaria but only 97 of them, who presented a complication of severe malaria, were selected as sample. The variables used were as follow: severe anemia, convulsions, hyperparasitemia, among others. Results: Male sex was predominant, with an average age of 14.8 percent and 43.3 percent of patients under five years of age. Plasmodium falciparum was found in 59 patients (60.8 percent) with a high parasitaemia prevalence. Manifestations of cerebral dysfunction in association with severe anemia were found in the clinical picture of 31 percent of patients. The 40.2 percent of patients had no complications in admission period. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome was the most frequent complication (18.6 percent), and it was the leading cause of death in 12.4 percent of patients. Artesunate was used in 77.3 percent of patients. Conclusions: Malaria is a health problem in Municipal Hospital of Cuimba, with a higher incidence in children under five years of age; Plasmodium falciparum infection prevailed in patients with severe anemia.(AU)

Introdução: O Plasmodium falciparum é responsável por mais de 90 porcento da malária em todo o mundo. Objetivo: Caracterização dos aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos da malária grave em pacientes atendidos no Hospital Municipal de Cuimba, Zaire, Angola. Método: Foi realizado um estudo observacional, descritivo, transversal e retrospetivo, durante o período de janeiro a junho de 2023, em doentes notificados com malária grave. O estudo envolveu um total de 452 doentes com malária positiva, mas apenas 97 deles, que apresentavam uma complicação de malária grave, foram seleccionados como amostra. As variáveis utilizadas foram as seguintes: anemia grave, convulsões, hiperparasitemia, entre outras. Resultados: O sexo masculino foi predominante, com uma idade média de 14,8 anos e 43,3 porcento dos doentes com menos de cinco anos de idade. O Plasmodium falciparum foi encontrado em 59 doentes (60,8 porcento) com uma elevada prevalência de parasitemia. Manifestações de disfunção cerebral em associação com anemia grave foram encontradas no quadro clínico de 31 porcento dos doentes. Os 40,2 porcento dos doentes não tiveram complicações no período de admissão. A Síndrome de Angústia Respiratória Aguda foi a complicação mais frequente (18,6 porcento) e foi a principal causa de morte em 12,4 porcento dos doentes. O artesunato foi utilizado em 77,3 porcento dos doentes. Conclusões: A malária é um problema de saúde em Hospital Municipal de Cuimba, com uma maior incidência em crianças com menos de cinco anos de idade; a infeção por Plasmodium falciparum prevaleceu em pacientes com anemia grave.(AU)

Coinfección VIH-Sida ­ Malaria. Características epidemiológicas, clínicas y laboratorio. Servicios de medicina. Hospital Ruiz y Páez / HIV/AIDS Coinfection ­ Malaria. Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics. Medical services. Ruiz y Páez Hospital

Dentro de los problemas de salud pública se encuentran las infecciones por Malaria y por el Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana (VIH). Dado el considerable solapamiento epidemiológico entre estas infecciones, puede producirse un número considerable de coinfecciones. Objetivo: Señalar las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y de laboratorio en pacientes con coinfección por VIH - Malaria en servicios de Medicina, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Ruiz y Páez, Ciudad Bolívar - Estado Bolívar; 2011 - 2021. Metodología: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, correlacional, de corte transversal, no experimental. Se aplicó estadística descriptiva e inferencial según el requerimiento, haciendo uso del software estadístico Rstudio 4.1.1, además, para comparar y correlacionar las variables se aplicó Test exacto de Fisher (bilateral). Resultados: La muestra estuvo conformada por 63 individuos. La edad promedio 34,5 años; predominó el sexo masculino 50,79 % (n=32). La ocupación más frecuente fue amas de casa 46,02 % (n=29), procediendo la mayoría del Estado Bolívar. Educación primaria culminada en 61,90 % (n=39) y heterosexuales 88,89 % (n=56). Plasmodium vivax fue la especie principalmente involucrada con 61,91 % (n=39). La infección oportunista predominante fue candidiasis orofaríngea 26,23 % (n=16). El 39,68 % (n=25) presentaron malaria complicada; 43,14 % (n=22) tuvieron anemia moderada, el 33,33 % (n=17) leve y el 23,53 % (n=12) grave. En 72,09 % (n=31) de todos los pacientes coinfectados se encontró contaje de linfocitos T CD4+ <200 cél/µL. El 96,82 % (n=61) respondieron satisfactoriamente al tratamiento de la malaria y tuvieron una curación sin complicaciones. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con VIH en nuestro medio se coinfectan con malaria principalmente ocasionada por P. vivax, un alto porcentaje puede presentar malaria complicada, la anemia era frecuente.

Among the public health problems are Malaria and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections. Given the considerable epidemiological overlap between these infections, a considerable number of coinfections may occur. Objective: To point out the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics in patients with HIV - Malaria co-infection in Medicine services, Ruiz y Páez University Hospital Complex, Ciudad Bolívar - Bolívar State; 2011 - 2021. Methodology: Retrospective, descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional, non-experimental study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied according to the requirement, using the Rstudio 4.1.1 statistical software. In addition, to compare and correlate the variables, Fisher's exact test (bilateral) was applied. Results: The sample was made up of 63 individuals. The average age 34.5 years. The male sex predominated 50.79 % (n=32). The most frequent occupation was housewives 46.02 % (n=29), the majority coming from the state of Bolívar. Primary education completed by 61.90 % (n=39) and heterosexuals by 88.89 % (n=56). Plasmodium vivax was the species mainly involved with 61.91 % (n=39). The predominant opportunistic infection was oropharyngeal candidiasis 26.23 % (n=16). 39.68 % (n=25) had complicated malaria; 43.14 % (n=22) had moderate anemia, 33.33 % (n=17) mild, and 23.53 % (n=12) severe. A CD4+ T lymphocyte count <200 cells/µL was found in 72.09 % (n=31) of all coinfected patients. 96.82 % (n=61) responded satisfactorily to malaria treatment and had an uncomplicated cure. Conclusions: Patients with HIV in our environment are coinfected with malaria mainly caused by P. vivax, a high percentage may present complicated malaria, anemia was common.

Malaria relapse with brain involvement / Recaída en malaria con compromiso cerebral

Abastract Malaria is an endemic parasitosis in more than 80 countries, with more than 200 million cases recorded in 2020. Recent literature has shown the economic impact and severity of the disease caused by the vivax variant, a species which has been underestimated. We describe the case of a 19-year-old adult male who was a previously healthy active-duty soldier who had been living in the city of Bogotá for the last six months. He presented with a four-day history of fever coupled with headache, arthralgias and several diarrheal episodes, as well as a three-minute generalized tonic-clonic seizure without sphincter relaxation. He had total amnesia of the event. The only relevant point in the interview was a history of malaria treated seven months prior to admission, while he was in Amazonas Department. A thick blood smear taken during his stay confirmed the presence of Plasmodium vivax. The patient was treated with intravenous artesu-nate and diagnosed with cerebral malaria secondary to a relapse. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2678).

Resumen La malaria es una parasitosis endémica en más de 80 países con un registro superior a los 200 millones de casos en 2020. La literatura reciente ha demostrado el impacto económico y la severidad de la enfermedad causada por la variante vivax, una especie que ha sido subestimada. Describimos el caso de un adulto masculino de 19 años, soldado activo, previamente sano, resi dente por los últimos seis meses en la ciudad de Bogotá, con cuadro febril de cuatro días asociado a cefalea, artralgias y varios episodios diarréicos con un cuadro convulsivo de tres minutos tónico clónico generalizado sin relajación de esfínteres. Amnesia total del evento. El interrogatorio resalta como único antecedente relevante la historia de malaria tratada siete meses previos a su ingreso, mientras se encontraba en el Amazonas. Una gota gruesa tomada en su estancia confirma la presen cia de Plasmodium vivax. El paciente recibe manejo con artesunato endovenoso con el diagnóstico de malaria complicada por compromiso cerebral secundario a recaída. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2678).

Acute respiratory distress syndrome in Plasmodium vivax malaria. A case-control study of comparison between ARDS and non-ARDS patients in P. Vivax malaria

Background: Plasmodium vivax was conventionally considered to be a benign parasite for centuries but in the recent years have proved to be a virulent parasite causing severe malaria. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of such severe complications with a significant morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to find the prevalence of ARDS and identify the associated factors that could potentially lead to ARDS in patients with vivax malaria. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in New Delhi. 329 patients with an established diagnosis of Plasmodium vivax mono-infection were identified using hospital medical records, the associated factors were evaluated and compared to calculate the odds of developing ARDS. All patients were categorized into ARDS cases and non-ARDS controls. Results: The incidence of ARDS was 7% with a female sex predominance (60.86%). Mean urea (71.5 mg/dl), creatinine (2.7 mg/dl), and AST (97.8 units/l) elevation in addition to decreased hemoglobin (7.7 gm/dl) and platelets count (38,217 cells/µl) proved to be significantly associated with ARDS in our study. Conclusions: Plasmodium vivax is a virulent parasite and can cause severe malaria even in the setting of isolated infection. Cytokine mediated diffuse inflammatory response is a postulated pathophysiology causing ARDS.

The impact of smoking on the complications of acute appendicitis

Introduction: The pathophysiology of appendicitis likely stems from obstruction of the appendiceal orifice leading to an increase in intraluminal and intramural pressure, resulting in small vessel occlusion and lymphatic stasis. Organ supplied by an end artery, such as the appendix, are more prone to the deleterious effects of arterial occlusion. The continuous cigarette smoking might be associated with a greater risk for developing atherosclerosis. Objectives: The aim is to evaluate the effect of cigarette smoking on the incidence of complications of acute appendicitis. Methods: Patients suffered from symptoms and signs suggesting acute appendicitis were examined and investigated. a multiple items collecting data questionnaire including smoking status and exclusion of confounders were constructed. The complicated and non-complicated appendicitis were compared concerning their smoking status. Results: Seventy-two Patients were included in this study; the mean age of studied patients was 24.13 ± 9.1 years. The age of 57% of patients were below the mean age and considered as younger age group, while the remaining 43% of patients were equal or above the mean age which considered as older age group. Thirty-three percentage of patients had ≥ 36 hours prehospital delay and considered as delay group, while the remaining 67% of patients had < 36 hours prehospital delay which considered no delay group, males constitute 54% of studied patients. smokers constitute 29% while the remaining 71% of studied patients were nonsmokers, 61.9% of the smokers developed complications of appendicitis. Conclusion: Perforated acute appendicitis is higher among current tobacco smokers. (AU)

Pleural empyema after COVID-19: A delayed presentation

Globally, the number of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) cases and deaths shows a declining trend since a peak in January 2022. For now, the pandemic phase looks to be ended, until a severe new variant may trigger another wave. At present, in India, small pockets of COVID-19 cases and post-COVID complications are still being reported. Therefore, physicians should remain vigilant about the atypical presentations and potential delayed or long-term complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection, even in individuals who had a mild COVID-19 infection. Here, we present the case of a 52-year-old male patient with a history of hypertension, who is a non-smoker and developed culture-negative pleural empyema 7 months after a mild COVID-19 infection. The patient was successfully treated with antibiotics and early video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Tumor de Pott y absceso cerebral secundario a sinusitis aguda de foco dentario en paciente pediátrico / Pott's tumor and cerebral abscess secondary to acute sinusitis of dental focus in a pediatric patient

El tumor de Pott es una entidad rara, definida como un absceso subperióstico asociado a osteomielitis del hueso frontal. Suele presentarse como complicación de sinusitis aguda o crónica del seno frontal, y se describe con mayor incidencia en población pediátrica, siendo una complicación grave por su alta morbimortalidad. Se presenta a un paciente pediátrico con tumor de Pott y absceso cerebral posterior a una sinusitis aguda de foco odontogénico, en la que los pilares de tratamiento son drenaje quirúrgico precoz y antibioticoterapia prolongada. Se describe la clínica, manejo médico-quirúrgico y seguimiento posterior, ya que, en ausencia de antecedentes, se debe buscar dirigida- mente enfermedad periodontal y realizar un estudio de inmunodeficiencia primaria.

Pott's tumor is a rare entity, defined as a subperiosteal abscess associated with osteomyelitis of the frontal bone. It usually presents as a complication of acute or chronic sinusitis of the frontal sinus and it is described with a higher incidence in the pediatric population, being a serious complication due to its high morbidity and mortality. We present a pediatric patient with Pott's tumor and brain abscess after acute sinusitis of odontogenic focus, in which the pillars of treatment are an early surgical drainage and prolonged antibiotic therapy. The clinic, medical-surgical management and subsequent follow-up are described, since in the absence of antecedents, periodontal disease should be sought directly and a study of primary immunodeficiency performed.

Optimización de neumoperitoneo preoperatorio en hernia ventral: Uso de un dispositivo de compresión externa

La hernia incisional compleja es un desafío para el cirujano. Son ampliamente conocidos los factores que han permitido mejorar los resultados de la reparación herniaria, entre ellos el neumoperitoneo preoperatorio. Durante la insuflación preoperatoria, el aire difunde tanto en la cavidad abdominal como en el saco herniario. Sin embargo, gran porcentaje del contenido administrado, se distribuye mayormente en el saco herniario y no en la cavidad abdominal. En Latinoamérica, diversos equipos de cirujanos de pared abdominal han compartido experiencias en lo que respecta a la optimización de esta técnica como adyuvancia para el manejo de las hernias complejas. En este contexto, y para optimizar la distribución del aire insuflado hacia la cavidad abdominal, se comenzó a utilizar un dispositivo externo de compresión. Este trabajo busca estandarizar por primera vez esta técnica durante el neumoperitoneo preoperatorio buscando disminuir el volumen de aire insuflado, los días de neumoperitoneo y, por lo tanto, los días de hospitalización previo a la cirugía.

Complicated incisional hernia is challenging for surgeons. The factors that have improved the results of hernia repair are widely known, including preoperative pneumoperitoneum. During preoperative insufflation, air diffuses into both the abdominal cavity and the hernia sac. However, a large percentage of the administered content is distributed mainly in the hernia sac and not in the abdominal cavity. Latin-American teams of abdominal wall surgeons have shared experiences regarding the optimization of this technique as an adjuvant for the management of complicated hernias. In this context and to optimize the distribution of the insufflated air into the abdominal cavity, an external compression device began to be used. This article aims to standardize this technique for the first time during preoperative pneumoperitoneum. The target is to reduce the volume of air insufflated, the days of pneumoperitoneum and, therefore, the days of hospitalization prior to surgery.

Clinical efficacy of super-mini-percutaneous nephroscope combined with flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy in oblique supine lithotomy position in the treatment of 2.0-3.0 cm renal calculi / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To compare the clinical safety and effectiveness of super-mini-percutaneous nephroscope (SMP) combined with flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (FURL) in oblique supine lithotomy position and FURL alone in the treatment of 2.0-3.0 cm renal calculi. 【Methods】 Clinical data of 55 patients treated during Jan.2018 and May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 47 cases complicated renal calculi, and 14 cases of lower calyceal calculi with infundibulopelvic angle ≤30°. SMP combined with FURL was performed in 23 cases (combined group), and FURL alone was performed in 32 cases (FURL group). The operation time, hemoglobin reduction, postoperative hospital stay, hospitalization expenses, stone-clearance rate and complications were compared. 【Results】 All operations were successful. Compared with the FRUL group, the combined group had significantly more hemoglobin reduction [(16.30±10.17) g/L vs. (6.94±6.61) g/L], longer postoperative hospital stay [(5.35±1.61) d vs. (3.19±1.26) d], and higher hospitalization expenses [(22 481±2 234) yuan vs. (18 209±2 584) yuan] (P0.05]. One month after surgery, CT results showed that the combined group had higher stone-clearance rate (91.30% vs. 65.63%, P=0.027). There was no difference in the complication rate (21.74% vs. 21.88%, P>0.05). One case (4.35%) in the combined group and 5 cases (15.63%) in the FURL group received retreatment (P>0.05). 【Conclusion】 SMP combined with FURL in oblique supine lithotomy position is safe and effective in the treatment of 2.0-3.0 cm renal calculi, with high stone-clearance rate and low complication rate.

Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Decoction promotes neural stem cell self-renewal and activates Shh signaling in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of diabetic rats with depression / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Decoction (ZJJ) on Shh signaling and self-renewal of neural stem cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of diabetic rats with depression.@*METHODS@#Diabetic rat models with depression were randomly divided into model group, positive drug (metformin + fluoxetine) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose ZJJ groups (n=16), with normal SD rats as the control group. The positive drugs and ZJJ were administered by gavage, and the rats in the control and model groups were given distilled water. After the treatment, blood glucose level was detected using test strips, and behavioral changes of the rats were assessed by forced swimming test and water maze test. ELISA was used to examine the serum level of leptin; The expressions of nestin and Brdu proteins in the dentate gyrus of the rats were detected using immunofluorescence assay, and the expressions of self-renewal marker proteins and Shh signaling proteins were detected using Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#The diabetic rats with depression showed significantly increased levels of blood glucose and leptin (P < 0.01) and prolonged immobility time in forced swimming test (P < 0.01) and increased stage climbing time with reduced stage seeking time and stage crossings in water maze test (P < 0.01). The expressions of nestin and Brdu in the dentate gyrus, the expressions of cyclin D1, SOX2, Shh, Ptch1, Smo in the hippocampus and the nuclear expression of Gli-1 were decreased (P < 0.01) while hippocampal Gli-3 expression was increased significantly (P < 0.01) in the rat models. Treatment of rat models with high-dose ZJJ significantly reduced the blood glucose (P < 0.01) and leptin level (P < 0.05) and improved their performance in behavioral tests (P < 0.01). The treatment also obviously increased the expressions of nestin, Brdu, cyclin D1, SOX2, Shh, Ptch1, and Smo and the nuclear expression of Gli-1 in the dentate gyrus (P < 0.01) and reduced hippocampal expression of Gli-3 (P < 0.05) in the rat models.@*CONCLUSION@#ZJJ can significantly improve the self-renewal ability of neural stem cells and activate Shh signaling in dentate gyrus of diabetic rats with depression.