Molecular basis for transposase activation by a dedicated AAA+ ATPase.

Transposases drive chromosomal rearrangements and the dissemination of drug-resistance genes and toxins1-3. Although some transposases act alone, many rely on dedicated AAA+ ATPase subunits that regulate site selectivity and catalytic function through poorly understood mechanisms. Using IS21 as a model transposase system, we show how an ATPase regulator uses nucleotide-controlled assembly and DNA deformation to enable structure-based site selectivity, transposase recruitment, and activation and integration. Solution and cryogenic electron microscopy studies show that the IstB ATPase self-assembles into an autoinhibited pentamer of dimers that tightly curves target DNA into a half-coil. Two of these decamers dimerize, which stabilizes the target nucleic acid into a kinked S-shaped configuration that engages the IstA transposase at the interface between the two IstB oligomers to form an approximately 1 MDa transpososome complex. Specific interactions stimulate regulator ATPase activity and trigger a large conformational change on the transposase that positions the catalytic site to perform DNA strand transfer. These studies help explain how AAA+ ATPase regulators-which are used by classical transposition systems such as Tn7, Mu and CRISPR-associated elements-can remodel their substrate DNA and cognate transposases to promote function.

Industry 5.0 concepts and enabling technologies, towards an enhanced conservation practice: systematic literature review protocol.

Industry 4.0 has led to digitalization and an increase in industrial activity. However, it has recently been recognized as inadequate for achieving European goals by 2030. Therefore, a novel Industry 5.0 paradigm has emerged in response to the unexpected negative effects caused by its predecessor. Industry 5.0 is mainly based on three foundational ideas: i) human-centrism, ii) resilience, and iii) sustainability. Human-centric solutions and human-machine-interaction; bio-inspired technologies and smart materials; real time-based digital twins and simulation; cyber safe data transmission, storage, and analysis; artificial intelligence; and energy efficiency and trustworthy autonomy have been recognized as the enabling technologies of this transformative vision. This paper outlines the protocol adopted to conduct a systematic literature review with the aim of exploring how the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Management, Operation, and Conservation (AECMO&C) industry can adapt and be better prepared to embrace novel Industry 5.0 principles and enabling technologies, ultimately resulting in enhanced conservation practices for the built cultural heritage environment. Registration: The protocol has been registered on Open Science Framework (24/02/2024) and follows the PRISMA-P guidelines.

The arrival of "Industry 4.0" has brought a lot of changes to the way industries work, making them more digital. However, it hasn't been enough to meet Europe's targets for 2030. As a result, a new concept called "Industry 5.0" has been created to fix some of the problems caused by Industry 4.0. Industry 5.0 is based on three main ideas. First, it focuses on people and how they interact with machines. Second, it aims to create systems that can recover from disruptions. Finally, it emphasizes the need to protect our environment while creating economic and social benefits. This new concept makes use of different technologies. These include solutions that focus on people and their interaction with machines, technologies inspired by nature, smart materials, virtual copies of physical systems that work in real time, secure data handling, artificial intelligence, and energy-saving measures. This paper outlines the method used to review a bunch of studies on how the industries of architecture, construction, engineering, management, operation, and conservation can adapt to Industry 5.0. The goal is to help these industries better preserve our cultural heritage buildings. The method used for this review has been officially registered and follows a set of guidelines called the PRISMA-P.

Do intangible factors enhance sociocultural productivity and economy in world heritage sites?

Measuring the sociocultural productivity of heritage sites remains an ongoing issue for international organizations concerned with the conservation and promotion of traditional sites. The productivity of these locations is not only affected by tangible elements but also by intangible factors, such as the emotions generated by the experiences. For this purpose, 597 employees of hotels in these historical locations who had visited one of the 14 heritage sites in Spain assessed what role emotions play in this contribution. The methodology used was the application of structural equations. Several conclusions have been drawn utilizing the SmartPLS 4 software. The first is that the generation of positive emotions comes exclusively from cultural and historical dynamization and not from technological advances or an eagerness to learn. The second is that both the application of technological advances and cultural dynamization have a direct impact on productivity.

A proposed modification to the Kellgren and Lawrence classification for knee osteoarthritis using a compartment-specific approach.

Purpose: Since Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) originally classified knee osteoarthritis, several authors have reported varying levels of reliability and a lack of uniformity in the use of this classification system. We propose several modifications to the KL classification including the use of a compartment-specific approach that we hypothesize will lead to a better understanding of knee OA while maintaining an adequate interobserver and intraobserver reliability. Methods: We propose the addition of the lateral and skyline-view radiographs to the standard anteroposterior (AP) and lateral projections in the evaluation. Also suggest a more precise definition of the evaluated parameters; the addition of the subchondral cancellous bone as parameter of evaluation; and the assessment of medial tibiofemoral compartment (MTFC), lateral tibiofemoral compartment (LTFC) and patellofemoral compartment (PFC) separately resulting in a compartment-specific KL staging score rather than a single overall KL score. Six evaluators (two knee surgeons, two radiologists and two knee fellows) used the modified KL classification to classify 230 randomly selected knees on two separate occasions. Reliabilities were assessed by calculating Krippendorff's ⍺ coefficients. Results: Two hundred and ten knees were included for final evaluation and analyses (53% left knees; 65% females; mean age 56 years old). Average interobserver reliability was moderate for all compartments (0.51 for the MTFC; 0.51 for the LTFC; and 0.56 for the PFC). Average intraobserver reliability was substantial for all compartments (0.63 for the MTFC; 0.65 for the LTFC; and 0.7 for the PFC). Experienced evaluators showed a higher intraobserver reliability than less-experienced evaluators. Conclusions: A modified compartment-specific KL classification enables a practical and detailed description of knee OA involvement and demonstrates acceptable interobserver and intraobserver reliability. Level of Evidence: Level III.

Proteomic analysis of endothelial cells and extracellular vesicles in response to indoxyl sulfate: Mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in chronic kidney disease.

AIMS: Cardiovascular pathology is the main cause of death in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. CKD is associated with the accumulation of uremic toxins in the bloodstream, and indoxyl sulfate (IS) is one of the most abundant uremic toxins found in the blood of CKD patients. We conducted an in vitro study to assess the mechanisms underlying the IS-induced endothelial dysfunction that could lead to cardiovascular diseases. We also studied their extracellular vesicles (EVs) owing to their capacity to act as messengers that transmit signals through their cargo. MAIN METHODS: EVs were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and tetraspanin expression. Cell lysates and isolated EVs were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, followed by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis to identify the altered pathways. KEY FINDINGS: Proteomic analysis of endothelial cells revealed that IS causes an increase in proteins related to adipogenesis, inflammation, and xenobiotic metabolism and a decrease in proliferation. Extracellular matrix elements, as well as proteins associated with myogenesis, response to UV irradiation, and inflammation, were found to be downregulated in IS-treated EVs. Fatty acid metabolism was also found to be increased along with adipogenesis and inflammation observed in cells. SIGNIFICANCE: The treatment of endothelial cells with IS increased the expression of proteins related to adipogenesis, inflammation, and xenobiotic metabolism and was less associated with proliferation. Furthermore, EVs from cells treated with IS may mediate endothelial dysfunction, since they present fewer extracellular matrix elements, myogenesis, inflammatory factors, and proteins downregulated in response to UV radiation.

Nuevos mecanismos implicados en el desarrollo de la enfermedad cardiovascular en la enfermedad renal crónica / New mechanisms involved in the development of cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease

La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) tiene una alta incidencia mundial y una tendencia ascendente que afecta principalmente a personas de edad avanzada. Cuando la ERC está muy avanzada se requiere el uso de terapias renales sustitutivas para prolongar la vida (diálisis o trasplante renal) y, pese a que la diálisis mejora muchas complicaciones de la ERC, la enfermedad no revierte de manera completa. Estos pacientes presentan un aumento del estrés oxidativo, inflamación crónica y aumento de la liberación de vesículas extracelulares (VE), que provocan daño endotelial y el desarrollo de distintas enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV). De hecho, los pacientes con ERC desarrollan de forma prematura enfermedades asociadas a una edad avanzada, como es el caso de las ECV. Las VE desempeñan un papel muy importante en el desarrollo de ECV en pacientes con ERC, ya que su número aumenta en el plasma y su contenido se modifica. Las VE de pacientes con ERC generan disfunción endotelial, senescencia y calcificación vascular. Además, los miRNA libres o transportados en las VE junto a otros componentes vehiculados en estas VE promueven disfunción endotelial, eventos trombóticos y calcificación vascular en los pacientes con ERC, entre otros efectos. En esta revisión se describen los factores clásicos y el papel de nuevos mecanismos que intervienen en el desarrollo de la ECV asociada a la ERC, con especial hincapié en el papel de las VE en el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares en un contexto de ERC. Además, se expone el papel de las VE como herramienta diagnóstica y como diana terapéutica, actuando sobre su liberación o contenido para intentar evitar el desarrollo de ECV en enfermos renales crónicos. (AU)

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a pathology with a high worldwide incidence and an upward trend affecting the elderly. When CKD is very advanced, the use of renal replacement therapies is required to prolong its life (dialysis or kidney transplantation). Although dialysis improves many complications of CKD, the disease does not reverse completely. These patients present an increase in oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which cause endothelial damage and the development of different cardiovascular diseases (CVD). CKD patients develop premature diseases associated with advanced age, such as CVD. EVs play an essential role in developing CVD in patients with CKD since their number increases in plasma and their content is modified. The EVs of patients with CKD cause endothelial dysfunction, senescence and vascular calcification. In addition, miRNAs free or transported in EVs together with other components carried in these EVs promote endothelial dysfunction, thrombotic and vascular calcification in CKD, among other effects. This review describes the classic factors and focuses on the role of new mechanisms involved in the development of CVD associated with CKD, emphasizing the role of EVs in the development of cardiovascular pathologies in the context of CKD. Moreover, the review summarized the EVs’ role as diagnostic and therapeutic tools, acting on EV release or content to avoid the development of CVD in CKD patients. (AU)

Adaptación de Tareas para Detectar el Talento Matemático en Personas con Discapacidad Visual Basada en el Análisis de las Habilidades de Visualización y la Generalización / Adaptation of Tasks to Detect Mathematical Talent in People with Visual Impairment Based on the Analysis of Visualization and Generalization Skills

RESUMEN: En este trabajo se analizan las habilidades de visualización y la generalización en la resolución por una persona ciega de dos tareas propuestas para la identificación del talento matemático. A partir de este análisis, se establecen algunas pautas para adaptar las tareas y se contrastan con las habilidades requeridas en la prueba original, especialmente en las relativas a las características del talento asociadas a la generalización. Se evidencia que las personas con discapacidad visual requieren la manifestación de otras habilidades, como por ejemplo la memoria visual y la percepción de las relaciones espaciales que no son imprescindibles en el planteamiento original.

RESUMO: Neste trabalho, analisamos as capacidades de visualização e de generalização na resolução por uma pessoa cega de duas tarefas propostas para a identificação de talentos matemáticos. A partir dessa análise, foram estabelecidas algumas diretrizes para a adaptação das tarefas e contrastadas com as competências exigidas no teste original, especialmente as relacionadas às características do talento associadas à generalização. Verificamos que as pessoas com deficiência visual requerem a manifestação de outras capacidades, tais como a memória visual e a percepção de relações espaciais, que não são essenciais na abordagem original.

ABSTRACT: In this work, we analyze the visualization skills and generalization in the resolution by a blind person of two tasks proposed for the identification of mathematical talent. From this analysis, some guidelines were established to adapt the tasks and contrasted with the skills required in the original test, especially those related to the characteristics of talent associated with generalization. We verifed that people with visual impairment require the manifestation of other skills, such as visual memory and perception of spatial relationships, which are not essential in the original statement.

Variabilidad climática y su influencia en la aparición del dengue en provincia Guantánamo

Introducción: El dengue es considerada una de las enfermedades más devastadoras a nivel mundial con un 40 % de la población viviendo en zonas de transmisión y de las más relacionadas con el clima. Objetivo: Determinar la incidencia de la variabilidad climática sobre la infestación por mosquito Aedes aegypti y la aparición del dengue en provincia Guantánamo en el periodo 2017-2019. Método: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva longitudinal, retrospectiva, donde el universo estuvo conformado por 9 municipios y 10 221 casos sospechosos de dengue. Se estudiaron las variables: infestación en depósitos por mosquitos Aedes aegypti según temporada climática, tasa de riesgo de arbovirosis según estratos, casos de dengue, temperatura y precipitación. Los datos fueron obtenidos de los registros meteorológicos mensuales y del departamento de Estadística del Centro Provincial de Higiene, Epidemiología y Microbiología. Se utilizaron frecuencias absolutas y relativas, la media, desviación estándar y coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. Resultados: La temperatura media anual varió 1 °C, los valores medios de humedad relativa y precipitación disminuyeron e impactaron en todos los estratos. La infestación ascendió con la mayor tasa de riesgo de dengue en el estrato de clima tropical de sabana, razón de tasa 0,63 (IC 95 %: 0,59-0,67) P=0,000. La temperatura y precipitación guardaron la mayor relación de asociación lineal con infestación y tasa de riesgo de dengue con coeficiente de correlación lineal R2=0,9 y R2=0,8. Conclusiones: La variabilidad climática ejerce efectos favorecedores sobre la infestación por Aedes aegypti y la transmisión de dengue durante la temporada climática húmeda, con correlación significativa en todos los estratos.

Introduction: Dengue virus is considered one of the most devastating diseases worldwide with 40% of the population living in transmission areas and one of the most climate-related diseases. Objective: To determine the incidence rate of climate variability on Aedes aegypti mosquito infestation and dengue virus appearing in Guantanamo province, period time 2017-2019. Method: A retrospective, longitudinal, descriptive research was carried out, in which 9 municipalities and 10,221 suspected cases of dengue fever were selected (as universe). The variables studied were as follows: infestation in reservoirs by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes according to climatic season, arboviroses risk rate according to stratum, dengue cases, temperature and precipitation. Data were obtained from monthly meteorological records and from the Statistics Department of Centro Provincial de Higiene, Epidemiología y Microbiología. It was used the absolute and relative frequencies, mean frequency, the standard deviation and the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: Mean annual temperature varied by 1 °C, mean values of relative humidity and precipitation decreased and impacted all stratums. Infestation ascended with the highest dengue risk rate in the tropical savanna climate stratum, rate ratio 0.63 (95 % CI: 0.59-0.67) P=0.000. Temperature and precipitation had the strongest linear association with Aedes aegypti mosquito infestation and dengue risk rate with the linear correlation coefficient of R2=0.9 and R2=0.8. Conclusions: Climatic variability has a favorable effect on Aedes aegypti infestation and dengue transmission during the wet season, with a significant correlation in all stratums.

Introdução: A dengue é considerada uma das doenças mais devastadoras em todo o mundo com 40% da população vivendo em áreas de transmissão e uma das mais relacionadas ao clima. Objetivo: Determinar a incidência da variabilidade climática na infestação pelo mosquito Aedes aegypti e o aparecimento da dengue na província de Guantánamo no período 2017-2019. Método: Realizou-se uma investigação descritiva retrospectiva longitudinal, onde o universo foi constituído por 9 municípios e 10.221 casos suspeitos de dengue. As variáveis estudadas foram: infestação em armazéns por mosquitos Aedes aegypti de acordo com a estação climática, taxa de risco de arbovirose de acordo com estratos, casos de dengue, temperatura e precipitação. Os dados foram obtidos dos registos meteorológicos mensais e do Departamento de Estatística do Centro Provincial de Higiene, Epidemiología y Microbiología. Foram utilizadas frequências absolutas e relativas, média, desvio padrão e coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Resultados: A temperatura média anual variou 1°C, os valores médios de umidade relativa e precipitação diminuíram e impactaram todos os estratos. A infestação aumentou com a maior taxa de risco de dengue no estrato climático de savana tropical, razão de taxa 0,63 (IC 95%: 0,59-0,67) P=0,000. Temperatura e precipitação tiveram a maior relação de associação linear com infestação de dengue e taxa de risco com coeficiente de correlação linear R2=0,9 e R2=0,8. Conclusões: A variabilidade climática exerce efeitos favoráveis na infestação por Aedes aegypti e na transmissão da dengue durante a estação chuvosa, com correlação significativa em todos os estratos.

Nanotecnología aplicada a conservar la matriz extracelular como herramienta teranóstica en el infarto agudo de miocardio / Nanotechnology applied to preserve extracelular matrix as teranostic tool in acute myocardial infarction

No disponible

Miocardiopatía diabética: un punto de vista retrospectivo / Diabetic cardiomyopathy: a retrospective point of view

Resumen Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de pacientes con probable miocardiopatía diabética (sin exigir biopsia endomiocárdica), analizando sus características y comparándolas con pacientes no diabéticos con insuficiencia cardiaca idiopática. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo sobre una cohorte de 270 pacientes que ingresaron de manera consecutiva por insuficiencia cardiaca. De estos se excluyeron del estudio todos aquellos que tuvieran una causa conocida de insuficiencia cardiaca (cardiopatía isquémica, hipertensiva, hipertrófica, valvular u otras). En total 58 pacientes, 18 de los cuales eran diabéticos (la causa de la insuficiencia cardiaca pudo ser la miocardiopatía diabética) y 40 sin diabetes (insuficiencia cardiaca idiopática). Se procedió a comparar las características entre ambos grupos. El análisis estadístico y la comparación de las distintas variables se realizó mediante el programa SPSS versión 20.0. Resultados: De 270 pacientes estudiados, 18 podrían haber sido diagnosticados con miocardiopatía diabética, lo que supone hasta un 6% de la insuficiencia cardiaca en esta serie. Conclusiones: Se considera que este estudio puede hacer reflexionar sobre la prevalencia global de la miocardiopatía diabética, sus características y sus dificultades diagnósticas.

Abstract Objective: To determine the prevalence of patients with probable diabetic cardiomyopathy (without requesting an endomyocardial biopsy), as well as to analyse its characteristics and comparing them with non-diabetic patients with idiopathic heart failure. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on a cohort of 270 patients consecutively admitted to hospital due to heart failure. Excluded from the study were those who had a known cause of heart failure (ischaemic, hypertensive, hypertrophic, valvular, or other causes of heart disease). This left a total of 58 patients, 18 of whom were diabetics (the cause of heart failure could be due to diabetic cardiomyopathy) and 40 non-diabetics (idiopathic heart failure). A comparison was made between the characteristics of both groups. The statistical analysis and the comparison of the different variables were performed using Version 20.0 of the SPSS program. Results: Of the 270 patients studied, 18 could have been diagnosed with diabetic cardiomyopathy, which would be 6% of the cardiac failures in this series. Conclusions: It is believed that this study can lead to reflecting on the overall prevalence of diabetic cardiomyopathy, its characteristics, and the difficulties in its diagnosis.

Papel de las microvesículas como biomarcadores y futuras dianas farmacológicas de enfermedades cardiovasculares / Role of microvesicles as biomarkers and future pharmacology targets of cardiovascular diseases

En la década de los 90 se descubrió un nuevo sistema de comunicación célula-célula a través de vesículas con moléculas bioactivas liberadas al espacio extracelular. Estas vesículas, conocidas como vesículas extracelulares (VE), actúan como reguladores de procesos fisiológicos, pero también participan en el desarrollo y progresión de múltiples patologías. Las microvesículas (MVs) son un tipo de VE que se producen como resultado del daño celular, y están implicadas en la etiopatogenia de un gran número de enfermedades cardiovasculares porque intervienen en el inicio de la aterosclerosis. Diferentes fármacos cardioprotectores han demostrado tener un efecto sobre las MVs; por otro lado, desde que se conoce su capacidad para transferir información biológica, el uso de las éstas como vehículos de suministro molecular ha adquirido interés científico. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la implicación de las MVs en la etiopatogenia de la aterosclerosis estableciendo su importancia como biomarcadores de diagnóstico y de seguimiento. Se revisará el efecto farmacológico de las terapias actuales sobre las MVs y se discutirá su papel como herramienta terapéutica

In the 1990's, it was discovered a new cell-cell communication system based on the action of vesicles that cargo bioactive molecules, on neighboring cells. These vesicles, known as extracellular vesicles (EVs) act as regulators of several physiological processes but also participate in the development and progression of multiple diseases. Microvesicles (MVs) are types of EVs that are implicated in the etiopathogenesis of a large number of cardiovascular diseases due to they take part in the onset of atherosclerosis. Different cardioprotective drugs have shown to have an effect on MVs. In addition, since the discovery that MVs are capable of transferring biological information, the use of them as drug delivery vehicles has gained scientific interest. The aim of this work is to analyze the involvement of MVs in the origin of atherosclerosis to demonstrate their role as diagnostic biomarkers, as well as to review the pharmacological effect of current therapies on MVs and their role as therapeutic tool

Hipocalcemia sintomática como manifestación de enfermedad celíaca en el adulto. Presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Symptomatic hypocalcemia as a rare celiac disease manifestation in adulthood. A case presetation and literature review

Resumen La enfermedad celíaca (EC) es un padecimiento sistémico con base inmunológica caracterizado por la intolerancia al gluten. La prevalencia mundial se ha reportado aproximadamente en 1%. El diagnóstico depende de la sintomatología, pruebas serológicas y resultado de la biopsia de intestino delgado. El cuadro clínico típico se caracteriza por diarrea, malabsorción y pérdida de peso. La enfermedad celiaca fue clásicamente descrita como una enfermedad de presentación en la infancia, sin embargo, su diagnóstico en la etapa adulta se ha vuelto más común. Existe una transición en la presentación de esta entidad, desde pacientes con síntomas típicos hasta pacientes asintomáticos. La identificación de estos últimos ha sido posible por la detección de anticuerpos séricos y los hallazgos de biopsias de intestino realizadas por otro motivo. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 57 años de edad que acude al servicio de urgencias por síntomas gastrointestinales y clínica neuropática. A la exploración física destacó la presencia de los signos de Chvostek y Trousseau. Se solicitaron estudios de laboratorio generales en los que destacó la presencia de hipocalcemia, por lo que requirió manejo con infusión de calcio intravenoso. Se complementó el abordaje con estudios que sugirieron malabsorción. Se realizó panendoscopía y colonoscopia con toma de biopsias, en las que se reportaron hallazgos sugestivos de enfermedad celiaca Marsh 3B. Finalmente, se solicitaron anticuerpos antitransglutaminasa, los cuales se reportaron postivos. Fue así que se integró el diagnóstico de EC. Se inició manejo con dieta libre de gluten con posterior mejoría.

Abstract Celiac disease (CD) is a systemic process with an immunological basis characterized by gluten intolerance. The worldwide prevalence that has been reported is of approximately 1%. The diagnosis depends on the symptomatology, serological tests and the results of a small bowel biopsy. The typical clinical presentation is characterized by diarrhea, malabsorption and weight loss. Reports describe that the celiac disease is typically found in childhood, however, its diagnosis in adulthood has become a lot more common. A transition exists in the presentation of this nosological entity, from patients with typical symptoms to patients with an asymptomatic type. The identification of the latter has been possible with the detection of serum antibodies and the findings of bowel biopsies performed for other reasons. We present the case of a 57-year old male patient who arrived to the emergency room due to gastrointestinal and neuropathic symptoms. The physical examination highlighted the presence of Chvostek and Trousseau signs. General laboratory studies were requested, and hypocalcemia was identified; hence, a treatment with intravenous calcium infusion was required. The approach was complemented with other studies that suggested malabsorption. A panendoscopy and a colonoscopy with biopsies were performed. The findings suggested a Marsh 3B celiac disease. Finally, antitransglutaminase antibodies were requested and were reported as positive; therefore, a celiac disease diagnosis was made. The treatment started with a gluten-free diet, showing a subsecuent improvement.

Estatinas en la insuficiencia cardiaca. Respuesta / Statins in heart failure. Response

No disponible

Estatinas lipófilas en la insuficiencia cardiaca / Lipophylic Statins in Heart Failure

No disponible

Cirugía mayor ambulatoria en pacientes operados de urgencia / Outpatient major surgery in patients operated through an emergency

Se realizó una investigación descriptiva, prospectiva y longitudinal de los 1 067 pacientes con afecciones agudas intraabdominales, operados de urgencia por cirugía mayor ambulatoria en el Hospital Clinicoquirúrgico Docente "Dr. Joaquín Castillo Duany" de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero de 2007 hasta mayo de 2010, con vistas a caracterizarles según algunas variables de interés. En la casuística predominaron el grupo etario de 31-45 años (47,7 %), el sexo masculino (50,8 %), la apendicitis aguda como diagnóstico preoperatorio (52,9 %), que además presentó complicaciones en 78,1 % del total, la operación por mínimo acceso (57,2 %), con solo 15,6 % de pacientes complicados, y la anestesia general orotraqueal (97,6 %). De acuerdo con la clasificación de la Sociedad Americana de Anestesiología, 83,8 % de los afectados perteneció al grupo I, mientras que al analizar las enfermedades asociadas, 42,8 % padecía hipertensión arterial. La modalidad quirúrgica empleada permitió incorporar nuevos diagnósticos preoperatorios, basados en adecuados criterios de selección del paciente; también se logró la satisfacción general de los operados, por lo que se recomendó extenderla a otros centros hospitalarios.

A descriptive, prospective and longitudinal investigation of the 1 067 patients with acute intraabdominal disorders, operated through an outpatient major emergent surgery in "Dr. Joaquín Castillo Duany" Teaching Clinical-Surgical Hospital in Santiago de Cuba was carried out from January, 2007 to May, 2010, with the aim of characterizing them according to some variables of interest. The age group 31-45 year old (47.7%), the male sex (50.8%), acute appendicitis as preoperative diagnosis (52.9%), which besides presented complications in 78.1% of the total, the minimal access surgery (57.2%), with only 15.6% of complicated patients, and the general orotracheal anesthesia (97.6%) prevailed in the case material. According to the classification of the American Society of Anesthesiology, 83.8% of the patients affected belonged to group I, while when analyzing the associated diseases, 42.8% suffered from hypertension. The used surgical modality allowed to incorporate new preoperative diagnoses, based on appropriate selection criteria of the patient; the general satisfaction of those patients operated was also achieved, so that it was recommended to extend it to other hospitals.

Cirugía de corta estancia en sábados, domingos y días festivos, experiencia en el Servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital General de México, O.D / Short stay surgery on weekends and holidays, experience at the General Surgery Service of the General Hospital of Mexico, O.D

Objetivo: Demostrar las bondades del impacto, tiempo y costo-eficacia de la cirugía de corta estancia en sábados, domingos y días festivos. Sede: Hospital General de México. Diseño: Estudio prospectivo, transversal, observacional, comparativo. Análisis estadístico: Prueba t de Student, chi cuadrada y análisis costo-eficacia. Material y método: Durante 4 años se realizaron 1,200 cirugías dentro de este programa piloto, utilizando la capacidad hospitalaria instalada y al mismo personal contratado para la atención médica de dichos días, sin contar con una unidad de cirugía de corta estancia como tal. Los procedimientos realizados fueron: plastía inguinal, resección de enfermedad pilonidal, plastía umbilical, resección de tumor benigno de partes blandas, plastía de pared, mastectomía subcutánea, hemorroidectomía, fistulectomía y excisión de tumores benignos mamarios y se comparó con los mismos procedimientos, pero realizados en forma de cirugía programada, evaluando y comparando las siguientes variables: edad, género, procedimiento realizado, tiempo de estancia hospitalaria y costo-beneficio del procedimiento. También se evaluó necesidad de hospitalización, reingreso en menos de 24 h, morbilidad y mortalidad. Resultados: Los diagnósticos incluyeron: hernias inguinales con 486 casos, tumores de partes blandas en 359 casos, hernia umbilical en 185 casos, eventración en 88 casos, enfermedad anorrectal en 27 casos, enfermedad pilonidal en 17 casos, ginecomastia en 17 casos, fimosis en 10 y otros en 11. Se realizaron plastía inguinal, resección de enfermedad pilonidal, plastía umbilical, excisión de tumor benigno de partes blandas, plastía de pared, mastectomía subcutánea, hemorroidectomía y/o fistulectomía, circuncisión y otros. El tiempo empleado para el manejo quirúrgico se redujo de 36 horas en promedio a doce horas (p < 0.05). El costo-eficacia fue del 40% menor en comparación con los pacientes que se operaron con el método tradicional. El promedio de tiempo quirúrgico y anestésico no fue diferente entre cirugía ambulatoria y el método tradicional. Conclusión: Se puede realizar con gran eficiencia cirugía de corta estancia en sábados domingos y días festivos con un ahorro de 40%.

Objective: To demonstrate the benefits of the impact, time, and cost-effectiveness of short stay surgery performed on weekends and holidays. Setting: General Hospital of Mexico (Third level health care hospital). Design: Prospective, cross-sectional, observational, and comparative study. Statistical analysis: Student's t test, chi square, and cost-effectiveness analysis. Material and method: During 4 years, 1,200 surgeries were performed within this pilot program, using the installed hospital infrastructure and the same personnel employed for medical care in those days, without having a special short stay surgery unit as such. Performed procedures were: inguinal plasty, resection of pilonidal disease, umbilical plasty, resection of benign soft tissue tumor, wall plasty, subcutaneous mastectomy, hemorrhoidectomy, fistulectomy, and excision of benign breast tumors, these were compared with the same procedures but performed as programmed surgeries. We assessed and compared the following variables: age, gender, performed procedure, time of hospital stay, and cost-benefit of the procedure. We also evaluated the need of hospitalization, re-admittance in less than 24 h, morbidity and mortality. Results: Diagnoses included: inguinal hernias with 486 cases, 359 cases of soft tissue tumors, 185 cases of umbilical hernia, 88 cases of eventration, 22 cases of anorectal disease, 17 cases of pilonidal disease, 17 cases of gynecomastia, 10 cases of phimosis, and 11 other diagnoses. We performed inguinal plasties, resection of pilonidal disease, umbilical plasty, excision of soft tissue tumor, wall plasty, subcutaneous mastectomy, hemorrhoidectomy and/or fistulectomy, circumcision and other procedures. The time used for surgical management was reduced from an average of 36 to 12 hours (p < 0.05). Cost-effectiveness was 40% lower as compared with the traditional method. Surgical and anesthetic times were not different between ambulatory and traditional surgeries. Conclusion: Short stay surgery can be performed efficiently on the weekends and holydays with a 40% savings.

Métodos alternativos para el tratamiento de pacientes con heridas infectadas: [revisión] / Alternative methods for treating patients with infected wounds: [review]

Se revisó la bibliografía médica disponible sobre el uso de algunas sustancias de origen natural, utilizadas desde la antigüedad para tratar a personas lesionadas, inicialmente por traumatismos. Con el transcurso del tiempo, los conocimientos trasmitidos de una generación a otra condujeron a emplearlas para desinfectar heridas quirúrgicas y curar o cicatrizar úlceras, escaras y quemaduras, entre otras lesiones. La miel, el azúcar y los peloides, específicamente el limo, han devenido eficaces medicamentos para eliminar infecciones y reparar heridas, con mejores resultados que los derivados de productos industriales y otros métodos alternativos, puesto que además de ser menos costosos y de fácil aplicación, ejercen su acción beneficiosa sin tener que combinarse con antibióticos o compuestos cicatrizantes.

The available literature on the use of some natural substances that were used since ancient times for treating injured people due to initial traumatisms was reviewed. Eventually, knowledge transmitted from one generation to another led to the employ of them in order to disinfect surgical wounds and cure or heal up ulcers, sloughs, and burns, among other injuries. Honey, sugar, and peloids, specifically mud, have become an effective therapy to avoid infections and restore wounds, achieving better results than those derived from using industrial products and other alternative methods, since they are less expensive and easy to apply, they provide a beneficial action without combining them with antibiotics or healing compounds.

Relación diagnóstico y supervivencia en el cáncer de colon / Relation between diagnosis and survival in the colon cancer

Introducción. La incidencia del cáncer de colon ha aumentado en las últimas décadas como resultado del envejecimiento de las poblaciones, tanto en países desarrollados como en desarrollo, por lo que se ha convertido en un problema de salud mundial. Objetivo. Determinar la relación entre los criterios diagnósticos anatomopatológicos del adenocarcinoma de colon y la supervivencia de los pacientes operados a causa de esta enfermedad. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 192 pacientes intervenidos en el Hospital Provincial Universitario Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba durante el quinquenio 2000-2004 por presentar cáncer de colon, los cuales tuvieron un seguimiento posoperatorio de un lustro. Resultados. Predominaron los pacientes mayores de 49 años, el sexo femenino y los tumores localizados en el colon derecho. Según la clasificación de Dukes, Astler y Coller, la mayoría correspondió al estadio B y la supervivencia más prolongada al B1. Los tumores moderadamente diferenciados fueron los más numerosos, aunque la supervivencia resultó superior en los bien diferenciados. Respecto a la clasificación TNM, aunque primó el estadio II, en el I se alcanzó la mayor sobrevida. La supervivencia global fue de 3 años. Conclusiones. La mayor supervivencia en el cáncer de colon se logra cuando los pacientes son operados en estadios evolutivos poco avanzados, tumores bien diferenciados y localizados en el colon derecho. Mediante un programa efectivo para la detección precoz de esta neoplasia en el nivel primario de atención, se podrían disminuir la morbilidad y mortalidad por esta causa.

Introduction. The colon cancer incidence has increased in the last decades as a result of the populations aging in both developed and developing countries. That is why it has become a world health problem. Objective. To determine the relation between the pathological diagnosis criteria of the colon adenocarcinoma and survival of patients surgically treated due to this disease. Methods. A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 192 patients surgically treated due to colon cancer at Saturnino Lora Provincial University Hospital from Santiago de Cuba was carried out during the quinquennium 2000-2004. These subjects had a postoperative follow-up for five years. Results. Patients aged over 49, female sex, and malignancies located in the right colon were predominant. According to Dukes´, Astler´s, and Coller´s classification, most subjects belonged to B stage and the most long-term survival belonged to B1 stage. Moderately differentiated malignancies were most numerous, although survival was higher for those well-differentiated. Taking into account the Thyroid Node Metastasis´ classification, the higher survival was achieved at stage I, although stage II was predominant. Global survival was equivalent to 3 years. Conclusions. The higher colon cancer survival is achieved if patients are surgically treated when having less advanced evolutionary stages of the disease, well-differentiated malignancies, and tumors located in the right colon. Morbidity and mortality due to this cause could be decreased through an effective program for the early detection of this neoplasia at the primary health care level.

Prevención de quejas y demandas al aplicar las metas de seguridad en el paciente quirúrgico / Prevention of complaints and claims by applying the Safety Guidelines to the surgical patient

Objetivo: Demostrar si el cumplimiento de las ''metas internacionales de seguridad en el paciente'' pueden disminuir la frecuencia de quejas y/o demandas. Sede: Hospital General de México. Diseño: Observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, transversal. Análisis estadístico: Porcentaje como medida de resumen para variables cualitativas. Material y métodos: Se evaluaron las quejas y demandas relacionadas al Servicio de Cirugía General y manejada por el Departamento Jurídico de enero de 2008 a octubre de 2009, al requerir peritaje por tercero en discordia, previo a instrumentar la aplicación del programa de metas internacionales de seguridad en el paciente. Se evalúo la causa específica de la queja y si ésta hubiera sido o no prevenida al aplicar las metas internacionales de seguridad del paciente. Resultados: Durante el periodo de estudio se requirió de ocho peritajes relacionados a cirugía general, si se hubieran aplicado las metas internacionales de seguridad del paciente, el 50% de la quejas hubieran sido prevenidas. La cuarta meta internacional que garantiza cirugía en el lugar correcto, con el procedimiento correcto y al paciente correcto destaca sobre las demás en casos relacionados a cirugía general para prevenir quejas. Conclusión: La aplicación correcta de las metas internacionales de seguridad del paciente logra detectar fallas en la atención médica y, en consecuencia, previene en un 50% la frecuencia de quejas o demandas relacionadas con la atención médica.

Objective: To demonstrate whether complying with the ''International Safety Guidelines for the Patient'' can decrease the frequency of complaints and/or claims. Setting: General Hospital of Mexico. Design: Observational, descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study. Statistical analysis: Percentages as summary measure for qualitative variables. Material and methods: We evaluated the complaints and claims related to the general surgery service and handled by the legal department from January 2008 to October 2009 that required expert advice from a third arbitrator, and which occurred before applying the International Safety Guidelines for the Patient. We assessed the specific cause of the complaints and whether these could have or not been prevented by applying the Safety Guidelines. Results: During the studied period, eight third arbitrator revisions were required related to general surgery. If the Safety Guidelines had been applied, 50% of the complaints could have been avoided. The fourth guideline that warrants that surgery be performed in the right place, use of the correct procedure, and the correct patient stands out above the other guidelines in cases related to general surgery to avoid complaints. Conclusion: Adequate application of the International Safety Guidelines for the Patient is instrumental in detecting failures related to medical care.

Causas, tratamiento y complicaciones de la peritonitis difusa en un hospital de la periferia de Luanda / Causes, treatment and complications of the diffuse peritonitis in a hospital of Luanda periphery

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y retrospectivo de 34 pacientes con peritonitis difusa secundaria, extendida a los 4 cuadrantes de la cavidad peritoneal, intervenidos quirúrgicamente en el Hospital General de Luanda durante el período comprendido desde agosto del 2008 hasta julio del 2009. Las afecciones causales más frecuentes fueron las perforaciones tíficas (en las cuales se utilizó la enterorrafia) y la apendicitis aguda, en tanto la complicación posoperatoria más común resultó ser la dehiscencia de sutura. En la casuística, 6 de sus integrantes experimentaron reintervenciones y 5 fallecieron. La perforación intestinal es una complicación grave de la fiebre tifoidea, cuya frecuencia se incrementa en áreas endémicas y puede ser la primera causa de peritonitis generalizada o difusa aguda

A descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study of 34 patients with secondary diffuse peritonitis, extended to the 4 quadrants of the peritoneal cavity, surgically treated in the General Hospital of Luanda was carried out from August, 2008 to July, 2009. The most frequent causal affections were the typhic perforations (in which enterorrhaphy was used) and the acute appendicitis, the most common postoperative complication turned out to be the suture dehiscence. In the case material, 6 of its members experienced reinterventions and 5 died. The intestinal perforation is a serious complication of the typhoid fever whose frequency is increased in endemic areas and it can be the first cause of acute diffuse or sistemic peritonitis