Inspection of Aircraft Wing Panels Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

In large civil aircraft manufacturing, a time-consuming post-production process is the non-destructive inspection of wing panels. This work aims to address this challenge and improve the defects' detection by performing automated aerial inspection using a small off-the-shelf multirotor. The UAV is equipped with a wide field-of-view camera and an ultraviolet torch for implementing non-invasive imaging inspection. In particular, the UAV is programmed to perform the complete mission and stream video, in real-time, to the ground control station where the defects' detection algorithm is executed. The proposed platform was mathematically modelled in MATLAB/SIMULINK in order to assess the behaviour of the system using a path following method during the aircraft wing inspection. In addition, two defect detection algorithms were implemented and tested on a dataset containing images obtained during inspection at Airbus facilities. The results show that for the current dataset the proposed methods can identify all the images containing defects.

Optimization of Thurston's Core Entropy Algorithm for Polynomials with a Critical Point of Maximal Order.

This paper discusses some properties of the topological entropy systems generated by polynomials of degree d in their Hubbard tree. An optimization of Thurston's core entropy algorithm is developed for a family of polynomials of degree d.

Outer membrane vesicles extracted from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup X for prevention of meningococcal disease in Africa.

Meningococcal disease is caused mainly by serogroups A, B, C, Y, W of N. meningitidis. However, numerous cases of meningitis caused by serogroup X N. meningitidis (MenX) have recently been reported in several African countries. Currently, there are no licensed vaccines against this pathogen and most of the MenX cases have been caused by meningococci from clonal complex (c.c) 181. Detergent extracted meningococcal outer membrane vesicle (dOMV) vaccines have previously shown to be safe and effective against epidemics of serogroup B meningococcal disease in all age groups. The aim of this work is therefore to obtain, characterize and evaluate the vaccine potential of dOMVs derived from a MenX strain (OMVx). Three experimental lots of OMVx were prepared by deoxycholate extraction from the MenX strain BF 2/97. Size and morphology of the vesicles was determined by Dynamic Light Scattering and electron microscopy, whereas the antigenic composition was characterized by gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. OMVx were thereafter adsorbed to aluminium hydroxide (OMVx/AL) and two doses of OMVx were administered s.c. to groups of Balb/c mice three weeks apart. The immunogenicity and functional antibody activities in sera were evaluated by ELISA (anti-OMVx specific IgG responses) and serum bactericidal activity (SBA) assay. The size range of OMVx was shown to be between 90 and 120nm, whereas some of the antigens detected were the outer membrane proteins PorA, OpcA and RmpM. The OMVx/AL elicited high anti-OMVx antibody responses with bactericidal activity and no bactericidal activity was observed in the control group of no immunised mice. The results demonstrate that OMVx are immunogenic and could form part of a future vaccine to prevent the majority of meningococcal disease in the African meningitis belt.

Hospital stay in patients admitted for acute bipolar manic episodes prescribed quetiapine immediate or extended release: a retrospective non-interventional cohort study (HOME).

BACKGROUND: Bipolar manic episodes often require hospital admission to ensure patient safety. The antipsychotic quetiapine is a common treatment for bipolar mania and is available in immediate release (IR) and extended release (XR) formulations; however, outcomes in patients receiving these different formulations have not been directly compared in an acute hospital setting. METHODS: We conducted a multinational, observational, retrospective cohort study to describe and compare hospital stay in patients admitted for an acute bipolar manic episode treated with quetiapine IR or XR from 1 October 2009-1 October 2010. The primary outcome measure was comparison of length of stay (LOS) using zero-truncated negative binomial regression. RESULTS: In total, 1230 patients were included (659 in the IR cohort; 571 in the XR cohort). The median LOS (interquartile range) was 18.0 days (12.0, 28.0) in the IR cohort and 20.0 days (12.0, 34.0) in the XR cohort, respectively. LOS was not significantly associated with quetiapine formulation irrespective of whether or not clinical characteristics were taken into account (p = 0.820 and p = 0.386, respectively). Overall, 84.2% and 84.4% of patients in the IR and XR cohorts, respectively, had not previously used quetiapine; of these patients, 78.7% and 68.9% received one total daily dose, and 14.4% and 23.9% received dose titration. Over half of patients received antipsychotic monotherapy (53.1% and 58.3% in the IR and XR cohorts, respectively) and most received a daily quetiapine dose ≥ 400 mg (64.9% and 71.8%, respectively, for quetiapine monotherapy and 59.9% and 80.3%, respectively, for combination treatment). As a secondary outcome, multivariate analysis was used to identify other factors that affect LOS. Factors associated with a longer hospital stay included public funding versus private, maximum number of new medications administered, did not receive lithium and did not receive anxiolytics, sedatives/hypnotics (all p < 0.0001). Factors associated with a shorter hospital stay included presence of drug/alcohol abuse, living accompanied and having a psychiatric medical history (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: LOS was not found to be associated with quetiapine formulation. However, most patients received only one total daily dose of quetiapine without dose titration, which was unexpected and contrary to current recommendations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01239589.

Pilot scale production of the vaccine adjuvant Proteoliposome derived Cochleates (AFCo1) from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B.

The use of new adjuvants in vaccine formulations is a subject of current research. Only few parenteral adjuvants have been licensed. We have developed a mucosal and parenteral adjuvant known as AFCo1 (Adjuvant Finlay Cochleate 1, derived from proteoliposomes of N. meningitidis B) using a dialysis procedure to produce them on lab scale. The immunogenicity of the AFCo1 produced by dialysis has been already evaluated, but it was necessary to demonstrate the feasibility of a larger-scale manufacturing process. Therefore, we used a crossflow diafiltration system (CFS) that allows easy scale up to obtain large batches in an aseptic environment. The aim of this work was to produce AFCo1 on pilot scale, while conserving the adjuvant properties. The proteoliposomes (raw material) were resuspended in a buffer containing sodium deoxycholate and were transformed into AFCo1 under the action of a calcium forming buffer. The detergent was removed from the protein solution by diafiltration to a constant volume. In this CFS, we used a hollow fiber cartridge from Amicon (polysulfona cartridge of 10 kDa porosity, 1mm channel diameter of fiber and 0.45 m² area of filtration), allowing production of a batch of up to 20 L. AFCo1 were successfully produced by tangential filtration to pilot scale. The batch passed preliminary stability tests. Nasal immunization of BALB/c mice, induced specific saliva IgA and serum IgG. The induction of Th1 responses were demonstrated by the induction of IgG2a, IFNγ and not IL-5. The adjuvant action over Neisseria (self) antigens and with co-administered (heterologous) antigens such as ovalbumin and a synthetic peptide from haemolytic Streptococcus B was also demonstrated.

Penile cancer: are there currently indications for radiotherapy?.

Penile cancer is a radiocurable disease. The different types of radiotherapy (RT)-brachytherapy, plesiotherapy, external beam radiation therapy-have proven valid in the treatment of the primary tumor allowing preservation of the penis and sexual function. RT is even an option in candidates for surgery who reject surgery for clinical or personal reasons. A high nodal recurrence rate has been observed after inguinal lymphadenectomy, specially in patients at high risk of relapse. Technological advances in the field of RT, new imaging techniques, and more modern equipment enable RT to enhance local control and improve survival in patients with this condition. Palliative RT can exercise a decompressive effect that makes possible tumor size reduction in cases of inguinal-pelvic recurrence in patients with lymphedema and thus improve quality of life. In this article, we review the current role of RT in the treatment of penile cancer. We also present two cases that illustrate the main indications.

Impact of lymph nodal stage on gallbladder cancer survival after extended cholecystectomy and adjuvant radiochemotherapy: long-term results from an oncology institute, Chile.

INTRODUCTION: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is one of the most important causes of cancer death in Chile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 103 patients with a diagnosis of GBC who were treated with surgery and adjuvant radiochemotherapy (RT-CT) was carried out at the Oncological Institute of Viña del Mar, Chile. Of these, 56 underwent surgery with oncological criteria, in which the impact of lymph node involvement and prognostic factors for survival were analysed. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 47.5 months. The 5-year survival of the patients operated on with oncological surgery was 55%, and for those resected without oncological criteria, it was 32% (p = 0.02). Regarding the impact of lymph node involvement, 5-year overall survival (OS) in patients with compromised lymph nodes was 32% versus 68% for patients without compromised lymph nodes (p = 0.006). Five-year OS in patients without involved nodes, with 1 involved node or with>1 involved node was 68%, 44% and 12%, respectively (p = 0.0002). The N ratio was grouped in 0, <10% and ≥10%. Five-year OS was 71%, 0% and 24%, respectively (p = 0.003). There was no evidence of differences in survival with respect to the number of lymph nodes studied. CONCLUSION: Our data provide information regarding the importance of lymph node involvement in patients with GBC undergoing surgery with oncological criteria and adjuvant RT-CT. In the absence of randomised studies, it is suggested to have a more aggressive therapeutic approach in those patients with two or more involved nodes or with a lymph node ratio >10%.

Adjuvant radiochemotherapy in locally advanced gastric cancer: from evidence to daily clinical practice in a single institution.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is one of the main important causes of cancer death in Chile. OBJECTIVE: To report the results of adjuvant radiochemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2000 and 2018, 214 subjects aged 23-85 (median, 62) years with lymph node and/or serosa involvement were treated with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy after curative resection. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 41 months, overall 3- and 5-year survival was 54.9% and 40.85%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, the factors associated with lower survival were aged >65 years, stage group and number of lymph nodes involved. CONCLUSION: In patients with locoregionally advanced gastric cancer treated with curative intent with surgery and adjuvant radiochemotherapy, the overall 5-year survival reported from local clinical practice is similar to that reported in randomised series and supports its use as an effective treatment for this type of patients in our country.

Prevalencia de tratamientos alternativos en pacientes del área de oncología en el noreste de México / Prevalence of alternative treatments in patients in the oncology area in northeastern Mexico

Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia del uso complementario de la herbolaria en pacientes de oncología. Materiales y Métodos: El presente estudio fue de tipo observacional, transversal, descriptivo y prolectivo. Se llevó a cabo un muestreo no probabilístico. En el estudio se incluyeron a 100 pacientes que acudieron al área de oncología del Hospital de Alta Especialidad de Ciudad Victoria "Bicentenario 2010" (HRAEV) durante el periodo del estudio y que cumplieron con los criterios de selección señalados para esta investigación. Resultados: Se realizaron 100 encuestas a pacientes oncológicos, de los cuales el 55% fue de sexo femenino. Dicha población presenta una edad promedio de 48.2 años. Respecto al origen de los pacientes, el 67% radica en Cd. Victoria. El rango de nivel educativo entre los entrevistados osciló entre preparatoria y secundaria. Los cuales pertenecen a clase media. Existe una prevalencia del 82% en el uso de tratamientos alternativos para tratar la patología, de los cuales el 76% emplea el uso de la herbolaria como coadyuvante en las diferentes enfermedades que se tratan en el hospital. Las principales plantas empleadas son: la Mariguana (Cannabis sativa) en un 45%, el 23% Noni (Morinda citrifolia) y el 12% Bardana (Arctium lappa). Conclusión: El uso de la medicina alternativa complementaria es frecuente en pacientes oncológicos, destacando la herbolaria. Por lo anterior, el comprender la dinámica de la implementación de terapias alternativas como lo es la herbolaria, permitirá comprender y guiar al paciente en su proceso de ciclos oncológicos y minimizar los efectos secundarios.

Abstract: Objective: To determine the prevalence of the complementary use of herbal medicine in oncology patients. Materials and methods: This study was observational, cross-sectional, descriptive and prolective. A non-probabilistic sampling was carried out. The study included 100 patients who attended the oncology area of the Hospital de Alta Especialidad de Ciudad Victoria "Bicentenario 2010" (HRAEV) during the study period and who met the selection criteria indicated for this research. Results: 100 surveys were carried out on cancer patients, of which 55% were female. This population has an average age of 48.2 years. Regarding the origin of the patients, 67% reside in Cd. Victoria. The range of educational level among the interviewees oscillated between high school and middle school. who belong to the middle class. There is a prevalence of 82% in the use of alternative treatments to treat the pathology, of which 76% employ the use of herbal medicine as an adjuvant in the different diseases that are treated in the hospital. The main plants used are: 45% Marijuana (Cannabis sativa), 23% Noni (Morinda citrifolia) and 12% Burdock (Arctium lappa). Conclusion: The use of complementary alternative medicine is common in cancer patients, highlighting herbal medicine. Due to the above, understanding the dynamics of the implementation of alternative therapies such as herbalism, will allow understanding and guiding the patient in their oncological cycle process and minimizing side effects. KEY WORDS: naturopathy; oncology; alternative medicine.

Prevalencia de infección de herida quirúrgica en pacientes con profilaxis antimicrobiana en cesárea programada / Prevalence of surgical wound infection in patients with antimicrobial prophylaxis in planned cesarean section

Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de infecciones en la herida quirúrgica en cesáreas programadas del HRAEV. Materiales y método: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, observacional tipo corte transversal para determinar la prevalencia de IHQ en pacientes llevadas a cesárea programada con profilaxis antibiótica en HRAEV. Resultados: Se evaluaron 185 expedientes de pacientes sometidas a cesárea programada, con edad entre 28 a 37 años (48.1%) con un peso promedio 81 kg (DE=10.1) con un índice de masa corporal (IMC) promedio de 30 (DE=4.24) es decir un IMC entre 25.76 a 34.24. De ellas, 4 pacientes (2.16%) presentaron infección de herida quirúrgica durante cesárea programada, las cuales recibieron ceftriaxona como PA mayor a 120 minutos previo a la incisión de la piel, estos pacientes se clasifican como ASA II y tenían un IMC superior a 30 kg/m2 y sin comorbilidades registradas. El tiempo de profilaxis antibiótica más frecuente en las pacientes llevadas a cesárea programada fue >120 minutos (34.08%) y se administró ceftriaxona en el 84.86% de la población que en su mayoría es ASA II (97.83%). El 100% de las heridas fueron superficiales. Conclusiones: En el presente estudio se encontró que la prevalencia de IHQ en cesáreas programadas en HRAEV fue de 2.16%, cifra que se encuentra por debajo de la prevalencia a nivel mundial, dado a que las pacientes seleccionadas no contaban con algunos de los factores de riesgo añadidos que aumentaran el riesgo de IHQ en comparación con otros estudios.

Abstract: Objective: To determine the prevalence of surgical wound infections in scheduled HRAEV cesarean sections. Materials and method: Retrospective, descriptive, observational cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of IHC in patients undergoing scheduled cesarean section with antibiotic prophylaxis in HRAEV. Results: 185 records of patients undergoing scheduled cesarean section were evaluated, aged between 28 to 37 years (48.1%) with an average weight of 81 kg (SD = 10.1) with an average body mass index (BMI) of 30 (SD = 4.24) that is, a BMI between 25.76 and 34.24. Of these, 4 patients (2.16%) presented surgical wound infection during scheduled cesarean section, who received ceftriaxone as PA greater than 120 minutes prior to skin incision, these patients are classified as ASA II and had a BMI greater than 30 kg/m2 and without recorded comorbidities. The most frequent antibiotic prophylaxis time in patients undergoing scheduled cesarean section was >120 minutes (34.08%) and ceftriaxone was administered in 84.86% of the population, which is mostly ASA II (97.83%). 100% of the wounds were superficial. Conclusions: In the present study, it was found that the prevalence of IHC in cesarean sections scheduled in HRAEV was 2.16%, a figure that is below the worldwide prevalence, given that the selected patients did not have some of the risk factors. added risk that increased the risk of SSI compared to other studies.

An optimization design proposal of automated guided vehicles for mixed type transportation in hospital environments.

AIM: The aim of this paper is to present an optimization proposal in the automated guided vehicles design used in hospital logistics, as well as to analyze the impact of its implementation in a real environment. METHOD: This proposal is based on the design of those elements that would allow the vehicles to deliver an extra cart by the towing method. So, the proposal intention is to improve the productivity and the performance of the current vehicles by using a transportation method of combined carts. RESULTS: The study has been developed following concurrent engineering premises from three different viewpoints. First, the sequence of operations has been described, and second, a proposal of design of the equipment has been undertaken. Finally, the impact of the proposal has been analyzed according to real data from the Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega in Valladolid (Spain). In this particular case, by the implementation of the analyzed proposal in the hospital a reduction of over 35% of the current time of use can be achieved. This result may allow adding new tasks to the vehicles, and according to this, both a new kind of vehicle and a specific module can be developed in order to get a better performance.

Immune responses of a meningococcal A + W outer membrane vesicle (OMV) vaccine with and without aluminium hydroxide adjuvant in two different mouse strains.

Meningococci (Neisseria meningiditis) of serogroups A and W have caused large epidemics of meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa for decades, and affordable and multivalent vaccines, effective in all age groups, are needed. A bivalent serogroup A and W (A + W) meningococcal vaccine candidate consisting of deoxycholate-extracted outer membrane vesicles (OMV) from representative African disease isolates was previously found to be highly immunogenic in outbred mice when formulated with the adjuvant aluminium hydroxide (AH). OMV has been shown to have inherent adjuvant properties. In order to study the importance of AH and genetical differences between mice strains on immune responses, we compared the immunogenicity of the A + W OMV vaccine when formulated with or without AH in inbred C57BL/6J and BALB/cJ mice (Th1 and Th2 dominant strains, respectively). The immunogenicity of the vaccine was found to be comparable in the two mice strains despite their different immune profiles. Adsorption to AH increased anti-OMV IgG levels and serum bactericidal activity (SBA). The immune responses were increased by each dose for the adsorbed vaccine, but the third dose did not significantly improve the immunogenicity further. Thus, a vaccine formulation with the A and W OMV will likely benefit from including AH as adjuvant.

A review of recent data in the treatment of gallbladder cancer: what we know, what we do, and what should be done.

Gallbladder cancer is now considered a distinct clinical entity, allowing for a separate analysis from that of other malignancies of the biliary tree. Symptoms related to a malignant tumor of the gallbladder include jaundice and abdominal pain, or a palpable abdominal mass that occurs in a late stage of the disease. The majority of patients with operable gallbladder cancer are diagnosed by cholecystectomy performed for presumed benign disease, mostly cholelithiasis, a clinical entity known as incidental gallbladder cancer. Given the poor prognosis if tumor invasion beyond the muscular layer and/or nodal metastasis is found, adjuvant treatments have been implemented, but few data are available to guide treatment decisions in this setting. For advanced disease, a multidisciplinary treatment approach including biliary drainage procedures and palliative support is needed in the management of this aggressive disease. Palliative chemotherapy with a combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin or oxaliplatin is the standard treatment based on the findings of two phase III trials that showed improved overall survival compared to single-agent chemotherapy and best supportive care. Several phase II studies have been reported investigating the role of targeted agents against EGFR, VEGF, HER2, and MEK. International collaboration to enhance our knowledge of gallbladder cancer should be encouraged.

Consensus statement on the use of intramuscular aripiprazole for the rapid control of agitation in bipolar mania and schizophrenia.

As much as the ideal treatment goal for severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia is to prevent or delay the recurrence or relapse of acute episodes, when the patient presents with an acute episode, the goal should be to manage behavioural symptoms, and return to prior levels of symptomatic control. In a serious mental illness, the management of the acutely agitated state may require rapid tranquillisation (RT) to control violent and/or disturbed behaviour when all other methods of de-escalation have failed. Current clinical practice guidelines for emergency interventions in the case of acutely disturbed behaviours favour calming the patient by reducing agitation with mild sedation, but not sleep, to allow continued interaction with the patient, to ensure an accurate diagnosis, and to enable patients to be actively engaged in treatment decisions. Pharmacotherapy is an essential element in RT and the available agents used may be unique and separate from the patient's regular course of treatment, primarily because agents used in RT may not be suitable for long-term treatment due to an unfavourable efficacy and safety profile. Therefore, the choice of pharmacotherapy is essential to achieve an effective RT and a smooth transition to standard care and routine daily life for the patient. Of the available agents for RT, aripiprazole demonstrated a favourable efficacy and safety profile both over the short-term - including in its intramuscular form (IM) - and in the long-term treatment of bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia. The objective of this article is to assess the available clinical data on IM aripiprazole as a treatment option for the rapid control of agitation and disturbed behaviours in these conditions and to provide a consensus statement based on the expertise of UK healthcare practitioners in acute treatment units.

Resultados del uso de la esplenectomía videolaparoscópica en el Hospital Docente Clínico Quirúrgico "Hermanos Ameijeiras" / Outcomes of videolaparascopic splenectomy at Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital

Introducción: la esplenectomía laparoscópica apareció con el desarrollo de la cirugía de mínimo acceso, se conviertió en la técnica preferida para la exéresis del bazo actualmente. Objetivo: evaluar los resultados de la esplenectomía videolaparoscópica en el tratamiento de las enfermedades hematológicas funcionales benignas. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo en 86 pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedades hematológicas funcionales benignas, atendidos en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras desde octubre de 1996 hasta diciembre de 2011. Resultados: en la serie predominó el sexo femenino con 70,9 por ciento y la edad media fue de 40 años (37,8 por ciento). Las enfermedades más frecuentes fueron la púrpura trombocitopénica inmunológica (68,6 por ciento), la anemia hemolítica autoinmune con 23,3 por ciento y la esferocitosis hereditaria con 5,8 por ciento. Requirieron preparación preoperatoria 59,3 por ciento de los pacientes con 50,9 por ciento de respuesta efectiva a esta. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue 129 minutos. Como accidentes transoperatorios prevalecieron: la ruptura de la bolsa extractora con 12,8 pr ciento y el sangrado del hilio esplénico con 5,8 por ciento. Esto motivó la conversión a cirugía convencional y la exclusión del seguimiento de 6 pacientes. La complicación posoperatoria más frecuente fue el vómito persistente. El seguimiento de los pacientes se realizó desde los 7 días hasta los 2 años en 78 por ciento de los casos, con un tiempo promedio de 518 días. Hubo remisión total de su enfermedad en 82,7 por ciento de los pacientes, remisión parcial en 15,4 por ciento y solamente 1,9 por ciento no presentó remisión. Conclusiones: la esplenectomía videolaparoscópica es una técnica segura y efectiva en el tratamiento de las enfermedades hematológicas autoinmunes en cirujanos con experiencia en Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso de Avanzada(AU)

Introduction: Laparoscopic splenectomy appeared with the development of minimal access surgery. At the moment, it has become the technique preferred for the spleen exeresis. Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of videolaparoscopic splenectomy in the treatment of benign functional hematological diseases. Method: A descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study was carried out with 86 patients diagnosed with benign functional hematological diseases, attended at Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital, from October 1996 to December 2011. Results: In the series, the female sex predominated (70.9 percent) and the average age was 40 years (37.8 percent). The most frequent diseases were immunological thrombocytopenic purpura (68.6 %), autoimmune hemolytic anemia (23.3 percent), and hereditary spherocytosis (5.8 percent). 59.3 percent of patients required a preoperative preparation, with 50.9 percent of effective response to it. The average surgical time was 129 minutes. The prevailing transoperative accidents were: the rupture of the extractor bag (12.8 percent) and the bleeding of the splenic hilum (5.8 percent). This motivated the change to conventional surgery and the exclusion of the follow-up of 6 patients. The most frequent postoperative complication was persistent vomiting. The follow-up of the patients was carried out from 7 days to 2 years in 78 percent of the cases, with an average time of 518 days. There was total remission of their disease in 82.7 percent of the patients, partial remission in 15.4 percent, and only 1.9 percent did not present any remission. Conclusions: Videolaparoscopic splenectomy is a safe and effective technique in the treatment of autoimmune hematological diseases for surgeons with experience in advanced minimal access surgery(AU)

Cirugía conservadora y tiroidectomía total en el cáncer tiroideo bien diferenciado / Conservative surgery and total thyroidectomy in well-differentiated thyroid cancer

Introducción: en la actualidad existe consenso en la importancia de categorizar a los pacientes por grupo de riesgo a la hora de determinar la selección del tratamiento quirúrgico adecuado en pacientes con carcinoma bien diferenciado. Objetivo: describir los resultados de la cirugía conservadora y la tiroidectomía total realizadas a los pacientes con cáncer tiroideo bien diferenciado. Método: se realizó una investigación descriptiva de corte longitudinal desde 1995 hasta 2016, en el servicio de cirugía general del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras. Las principales variables fueron demográficas, relativas al tumor, tipo de intervención quirúrgica y de resultados. Resultados: se estudiaron 183 pacientes. La tiroidectomía total fue la intervención quirúrgica más realizada (79,2 por ciento). El grupo etario que predominó fue el de 41 a 50 años (30,6 por ciento). En los grupos de edades de 19 a 40 años se realizaron más técnicas conservadoras, y en mayores de 40 años fue más frecuente la tiroidectomía total. El sexo predominante fue el femenino (82,5 por ciento). El tamaño del tumor que predominó fue de 1cm a 2,9 cm. En el grupo de bajo riesgo se realizaron 38 técnicas conservadoras y 62 tiroidectomías totales. La cirugía conservadora no presentó complicaciones, recurrencia, ni mortalidad. Mientras que, en la tiroidectomía total, 3,3 por ciento presentó disfonía transitoria, hipoparatiroidismo transitorio en 2,2 por ciento y permanente 0,5 por ciento. La mortalidad fue de 2,2 por ciento y 3,8 por ciento presentó recurrencia local. Conclusiones: la cirugía conservadora no presentó complicaciones, recurrencia, ni mortalidad, mientras que la tiroidectomía total si la tuvo(AU)

Introduction: Currently there is agreement regarding the importance of categorizing patients by risk groups in order to choose the most accurate treatment for well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Objective: To describe the results of conservative surgery as well as of total thyroidectomy performed on patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Methods: A descriptive research of longitudinal cohort was performed between 1995 and 2016 at the General Surgery Service of Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital. The main variables used were demographic, related with tumor, surgery type and type of results. Results: 183 patients were studied. The most used surgery type was the total thyroidectomy (79.2 percent). Individuals aged 41-50 years were predominant (30.6 percent). Conservative technics were more frequently performed in the group of patients aged 19-40. For patients older than 40 years, the total thyroidectomy was the most frequent. The female sex was the biggest group (82.5 percent). The predominant tumor size was in the range from 1 to 2.9 cm. In the low-risk group, 30 conservative surgeries and 62 total thyroidectomies were performed. Conservative surgeries had no complications, relapse or mortality. Regarding total thyroidectomy, 3.3 percent of the patients suffered transitory dysphonia, 2.2 percent presented transitory hypoparathyroidism, and 0.5 percent presented permanent hypoparathyroidism. Local relapse after total thyroidectomy was suffered by 3.8 percent of patients and mortality was 2.2 percent. Conclusions: The conservative surgery had no complications, relapse or mortality, while total thyroidectomy did present them(AU)

Quantitative proton nuclear magnetic resonance evaluation and total assignment of the capsular polysaccharide Neisseria meningitidis serogroup X.

Neisseria meningitidis constitutes the main cause of meningococcal disease in infants. Serogroups A, B, C, W135, Y, and X have the higher incidence in young children and teenagers. The use of polyvalent conjugate carbohydrate-based vaccines has decreased the meningococcal infection around the world. Recently, the serogroup X has been found to be responsible of different outbreaks of meningococcal diseases, mainly in "Meningitis Belt" of Africa and the structure of the repetitive unit of the capsular polysaccharide has been confirmed through a monodimensional (13)C NMR study. No further characterization studies have been carried out, especially with the use of other nuclei. In this paper a novel method for quantification of the N. meningitidis serogroup X by proton qNMR is reported. Deep characterization of the serogroup X polysaccharide was also carried out by combination of correlation experiments involving (13)C, (1)H, and (31)P nuclei.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of live oral cholera vaccine 638 in Cuban adults.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the safety, reactogenicity and the immunogenicity of a 2 x 10(9)CFU dose of the 638 lyophilized live attenuated cholera vaccine for oral administration, formulated and produced at Finlay Institute, City of Havana, Cuba. Thirty-six healthy female and male adult volunteers from 18 to 40 years old were involved, clinically examined and laboratory tested after the informed consent signature. Adverse events were monitored and seroconversion rates and geometrical mean titer (GMT) of vibriocidal antibodies were tested in volunteer's sera samples. Neither serious adverse events nor other damages to the volunteers due to vaccine or placebo feeding were reported during the clinical follow-up period of this study; none of the adverse events registered within the first 72 h after inoculation were life-threatening for volunteers. Neither severe nor moderate adverse events were reported. Sixty-one percent of subjects showed mild expected adverse events in an interval lower than 24h up to the first 72 h, 75% of these in the vaccinated group and 18% in the placebo group. Fourteen days after inoculation the GMT of vibriocidal antibodies in the vaccine group significantly increased in comparison to the placebo group. All subjects in the vaccine group (24) seroconverted (100%). Results show that this vaccine is safe, well tolerated and immunogenic in healthy female and male volunteers.

Insulinoma, a propósito de dos casos / Insulinoma, a propos of two cases

El Insulinoma es el tumor neuroendocrino pancreático más frecuente. Se manifiesta por signos adrenérgicos y de neuroglucopenia. Su diagnóstico se confirma documentando la existencia de hipoglucemia junto a una inapropiada secreción de insulina. Se desarrollan a partir de las células de los islotes de Langerhans. Tanto los funcionantes como los no funcionantes son embriológica e histológicamente muy similares y sólo difieren en su capacidad para producir o no hormonas. Presentamos 2 casos de insulinomas cuya localización tumoral no fue posible con técnicas de imagen convencionales, pero sí con ultrasonografía transoperatoria. La evolución fue favorable con remisión total de los síntomas(AU)

Insulinoma is the most common neuroendocrine pancreatic tumor. It manifests with adrenergic and neuroglycopenia signs. Its diagnosis is confirmed by documenting the existence of hypoglycemia together with inadequate insulin secretion. They developed from Langerhans islet cells and both functioning and non-functioning ones are embryologically and histologically very similar and just differ in their capacity to produce hormones or not. Here are two insulinoma cases where tumoral location was not possible with the conventional imaging techniques but with transoperative ultrasonography. The progression was favorable with total remission of symptoms(AU)