Discerning the Metal Doping Effect on Surface Redox and Acidic Properties in a MoVTeNbO x for Propa(e)ne Oxidation.

Adding a small quantity of K or Bi to a MoVTeNbO x via impregnation with inorganic solutions modifies its surface acid and redox properties and its catalytic performance in propa(e)ne partial oxidation to acrylic acid (AA) without detriment to its pristine crystalline structure. Bi-doping encourages propane oxydehydrogenation to propene, thus enlarging the net production rate of AA up to 35% more. The easier propane activation/higher AA production over the Bi-doped catalyst is ascribed to its higher content of surface V leading to a larger amount of total V5+ species, the isolation site effect of NbO x species on V, and its higher Lewis acidity. K-doping does not affect propane oxydehydrogenation to propene but mainly acts over propene once formed, also increasing AA to a similar extent as Bi-doping. Although K-doping lowers propene conversion, it is converted more selectively to acrylic acid owing to its reduced Brønsted acidity and the presence of more Mo6+ species, thereby favoring propene transformation via the π-allylic species route producing acrylic acid over that forming acetic acid and CO x via acetone oxidation and that yielding directly CO x .

Sun protection for preventing basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers.

BACKGROUND: 'Keratinocyte cancer' is now the preferred term for the most commonly identified skin cancers basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), which were previously commonly categorised as non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC). Keratinocyte cancer (KC) represents about 95% of malignant skin tumours. Lifestyle changes have led to increased exposure to the sun, which has, in turn, led to a significant increase of new cases of KC, with a worldwide annual incidence of between 3% and 8%. The successful use of preventive measures could mean a significant reduction in the resources used by health systems, compared with the high cost of the treatment of these conditions. At present, there is no information about the quality of the evidence for the use of these sun protection strategies with an assessment of their benefits and risks. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of sun protection strategies (i.e. sunscreen and barrier methods) for preventing keratinocyte cancer (that is, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) of the skin) in the general population. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following databases up to May 2016: the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and LILACS. We also searched five trial registries and the bibliographies of included studies for further references to relevant trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) of preventive strategies for keratinocyte cancer, such as physical barriers and sunscreens, in the general population (children and adults), which may provide information about benefits and adverse events related to the use of solar protection measures. We did not include trials focused on educational strategies to prevent KC or preventive strategies in high-risk groups. Our prespecified primary outcomes were BCC or cSCC confirmed clinically or by histopathology at any follow-up and adverse events. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected studies for eligibility using Early Review Organizing Software (EROS). Similarly, two review authors independently used predesigned data collection forms to extract information from the original study reports about the participants, methods of randomisation, blinding, comparisons of interest, number of participants originally randomised by arm, follow-up losses, and outcomes, and they assessed the risk of bias. We resolved any disagreement by consulting a third author and contacted trial investigators of identified trials to obtain additional information. We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS: We included one RCT (factorial design) that randomised 1621 participants.This study compared the daily application of sunscreen compared with discretionary use of sunscreen, with or without beta-carotene administration, in the general population. The study was undertaken in Australia; 55.2% of participants had fair skin, and they were monitored for 4.5 years for new cases of BCC or cSCC assessed by histopathology. We found this study to be at low risk of bias for domains such as allocation, blinding, and incomplete outcome data. However, we found multiple unclear risks related to other biases, including an unclear assessment of possible interactions between the effects of the different interventions evaluated (that is, sunscreen and beta-carotene). We found no difference in terms of the number of participants developing BCC (n = 1621; risk ratio (RR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74 to 1.43) or cSCC (n = 1621; RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.54) when comparing daily application of sunscreen with discretionary use, even when analyses were restricted to groups without beta-carotene supplementation. This evidence was of low quality, which means that there is some certainty that future studies may alter our confidence in this evidence.We reported adverse events in a narrative way and included skin irritation or contact allergy.We identified no studies that evaluated other sun protection measures, such as the use of sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, or hats, or seeking the shade when outdoors. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In this review, we assessed the effect of solar protection in preventing the occurrence of new cases of keratinocyte cancer. We only found one study that was suitable for inclusion. This was a study of sunscreens, so we were unable to assess any other forms of sun protection. The study addressed our prespecified primary outcomes, but not most of our secondary outcomes. We were unable to demonstrate from the available evidence whether sunscreen was effective for the prevention of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).Our certainty in the evidence was low because there was a lack of histopathological confirmation of BCC or cSCC in a significant percentage of cases. Amongst other sources of bias, it was not clear whether the study authors had assessed any interaction effects between the sunscreen and beta-carotene interventions. We think that further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.

Características operativas del diagnóstico clínico con y sin pruebas de consultorio (ph y pruebas de aminas) para el diagnóstico de vaginosis bacteriana, en pacientes sintomáticas en Bogotá, Colombia / Operational characteristics of the clinical diagnosis in the office, with and without tests (pH and amine test), for diagnosing bacterial vaginosis in symptomatic patients in Bogotá, Colombia

Evaluar las características operativas del diagnóstico clínico (síntomas y signos) solo y con pruebas de diagnóstico en el consultorio (pH y prueba de aminas), teniendo como patrón de oro el puntaje de Nugent, para el diagnóstico de vaginosis bacteriana.Materiales y métodos: estudio de validez diagnóstica, ensamblado en un estudio de corte transversal en pacientes con síntomas de infección del tracto genital inferior, quienes consultaron a tres centros de Bogotá en 2010. Se calculó un tamaño de muestra de 1400 participantes. Se realizó un muestreo secuencial. Se tomaron muestras de la pared vaginal para medición de pH, prueba de aminas y tinción de Gram para puntaje de para puntaje de Nugent, considerado como patrón de oro de la entidad. Las bacteriólogas estaban enmascaradas con respecto al diagnóstico clínico y a las pruebas de consultorio. Se midieron la sensibilidad y especificidad, razón de probabilidades RP (+) y RP (-). Se presentan como proporciones con su respectivo intervalo de confianza del 95%.Resultados: la prevalencia de VB fue de 39.6 %, las características operativas de las pruebas con sus respectivos IC 95 %, con el puntaje de Nugent como patrón de oro, fueron: diagnóstico clínico, sensibilidad 75 % (71-78), especificidad 54 % (51-57), pH≥ 5 sensibilidad 99,3 % (98,2-99.8), especificidad 0,57 % (0,2-1,3); prueba de aminas, sensibilidad 99,3 % (98,2-99,8 %), especificidad 99,8 % (99,2-100 %); diagnóstico clínico, más prueba de aminas,más pH ≥ 5,0, sensibilidad 74 % (71-78), especificidad 100 % (99-100).Conclusiones: el diagnóstico clínico es una estrategia sensible para el diagnóstico de VB; la especificidad mejora cuando se combina con la prueba de aminas y el pH vaginal. La prueba de aminas presentó excelente sensibilidad y especificidad, y es útil para mejorar el diagnóstico de VB...

To assess the operational characteristics of the clinical diagnosis (signs and symptoms) alone and with diagnostic tests in the office (pH and amine test), using the Nugent score as the gold standard for diagnosing bacterial vaginosis.Materials and methods: Diagnostic validity study assembled in a cross sectional study in patients with symptoms of lower genitourinary tract infection seen in 3 centres in Bogota in 2010. The calculated sample size was 1400 participants, and a sequential sampling was used. Samples were taken from the vaginal wall for pH measurement, amine test and Gram staining in order to derive the Nugent score, considered the gold standard in this disease. The lab technicians were blinded to the clinical diagnosis and to the office tests. Sensitivity, specificity ad odds ratio OR (+) and OR (-) were measured, and they are presented as proportions with their respective 95% confidence intervals.Results: The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 39.6 %, and the operational characteristics of the tests with their respective 95 % CI were as follows: sensitivity and specificity of the clinical diagnosis were 75 % (71-78) and 54 % (51-57), respectively; sensitivity and specificity of pH ≥ 5 were 99.3 % (98.2-99.8), and 0.57 % (0.2-1.3); amine test sensitivity 99.3 % (98.2-99.8 %) and specificity 99.8 % (99.2-100 %); clinical diagnosis plus amine test and pH ≥ 5.0, sensitivity 74 % (71-78), specificity 100 % (99-100).Conclusions: Clinical diagnosis showed a good sensitivity for diagnosing strategy for diagnosing bacterial vaginosis; specificity is improved when clinical findings are combined with amine test and vaginal pH. The amine test was shown to have excellent sensitivity and specificity, and it is useful to improve the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis...

Costo-efectividad del diagnóstico etiológico de la cervicitis por c. trachomatis basado en pruebas rápidas comparado con el abordaje sindrómico, en mujeres no gestantes con síntomas de infección del tracto genital inferior / Cost-effectiveness of etiologic diagnosis for C. trachomatis infection based on rapid tests versus syndromic approach in non-pregnant women with symptoms of lower genital tract infection

Objetivo: estimar la razón costo-efectividad del diagnóstico etiológico con pruebas rápidas para la cervicitis por C. trachomatis frente al diagnóstico sindrómico, en mujeres no gestantes con síntomas de infección del tracto genital inferior en Colombia. Materiales y métodos: se construyó un árbol de decisión para determinar la razón de costo-efectividad de la aproximación etiológica con las pruebas rápidas Acon®Plate, Acon®Duo y QuickVue® para la detección de C. trachomatis comparada con el diagnóstico sindrómico. La perspectiva fue la del sistema de salud colombiano incluyendo todos los costos médicos directos. El horizonte de tiempo fue de 15 días, ya que la unidad de resultado fue el número de casos correctamente identificados (número de verdaderos positivos y verdaderos negativos). Las características operativas de las pruebas se obtuvieron en un estudio de corte transversal diseñado y conducido para este propósito. Resultados: la alternativa más costosa y más efectiva fue QuickVue® seguida de Acon®Plate y del abordaje sindrómico. Acon®Duo fue una estrategia dominada. La razón de costo-efectividad incremental de QuickVue®, comparada con Acon®Plate, fue de $ 430.671; la de Acon®Plate, comparada con el abordaje sindrómico, fue de $ 79.747. Conclusión: si la disponibilidad a pagar (DAP) por un caso correctamente identificado adicional es mayor que $ 430.671, QuickVue® sería la mejor alternativa en términos de costo-efectividad; de otro lado, si la DAP está entre $ 79.747 y $ 430.671, Acon®Plate sería la alternativa costo-efectiva. Finalmente, si la DAP es menor que $ 79.747, el abordaje sindrómico sería la mejor alternativa en términos de costo-efectividad.

Objective: To estimate the cost-effectiveness of etiological approach with rapid tests for C. trachomatis cervicitis versus syndromic diagnosis, in non-pregnant women with symptoms of lower genital tract infection in Colombia. Materials and methods: A decision tree was developed for determining the cost-effectiveness ratio of the aetiological approach using the Acon®Plate, Acon®Duo and QuickVue® quick tests for the detection of C. trachomatis, compared with the syndromic diagnosis. The perspective was that of the Colombian healthcare system, including medical direct costs. The time period was 15 days, considering that the outcome unit was the number of cases identified correctly (number of true positives and true negatives). The operational characteristics of the tests were derived from a cross-sectional study designed and conducted for that specific purpose. Results: The more costly and effective option was QuickVue®, followed by Acon®Plate and the syndromic approach. Acon®Duo was a dominated strategy. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for QuickVue® compared with Acon®Plate was $430.671, and that of Acon®Plate compared with the syndromic approach was $79.747. Conclusion: If the willingness to pay (WTP) for an additional case that is correctly identified is greater than $430.671, QuickVue® would be the best option in cost-effectiveness terms. On the other hand, if the WTP is between $79.747 and $430.671, Acon®Plate would be the cost-effective strategy. Finally, if the WTP is less than $79.747, the syndromic approach would be the best option in cost-effectiveness terms.

Efectividad y seguridad de la combinación fluconazol más secnidazol para el tratamiento de flujo vaginal sintomático: Bogotá, Colombia / Effectiveness and safety of the combination of fluconazole and secnidazole for the treatment of symptomatic vaginal discharge: Bogotá, Colombia

Objectives: To describe the safety and the clinical and microbiological efficacy of a single oral dose of a combined treatment with secnidazole plus fluconazole for the syndromic management of symptomatic vaginal discharge.Materials and methods: A clinical trial without control group study was conducted including women with symptomatic vaginal discharge who assisted to a secondary level hospital in Bogota, Colombia. 118 women were included in a consecutive convenience sample who received the study treatment according to syndromic diagnosis approach. Microbiological diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) was confirmed by Nugent score, yeast infection by candida culture and trichomoniasis by wet mount. Prevalence, clinical and microbioogical efficacy and safety of the secnidazole and fluconazole combination pill was determined and a sensitivity analysis for treatment efficacy was performed.Results: The following infections were found: BV in 57.1%, candidiasis in 28.8%, and mixed infections in 10.8%. In 8.5% of the patients, the microbiology tests were negative. No trichomonas were found. The clinical cure rate was 90.4%, and the microbiological cure rate was 94.1% with the study medication. Twelve cases (12.90%) presented drug-related non serious adverse events.Conclusion: The most prevalent infection was BV, followed by candidiasis and mixed infection. The combination of a single dose of secnidazole plus fluconazole combined pill had an efficacy rate over 90% and was safe for the treatment of symptomatic women with vaginal discharge.

Objetivos: describir la seguridad y la eficacia clínica y microbiológica del tratamiento combinado de secnidazol mas fluconazol oral, dosis única, para el manejo del flujo vaginal sintomático.Materiales y métodos: ensayo clínico sin grupo control, realizado en mujeres sintomáticas con flujo vaginal en un hospital de mediana complejidad localizado en la ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia. Se incluyeron 118 mujeres por muestreo consecutivo por conveniencia quienes recibieron el tratamiento de acuerdo con el diagnóstico sindrómico. El diagnóstico microbiológico se estableció usando el puntaje de Nugent para vaginosis bacteriana (VB), el cultivo para cándida y el frotis directo en fresco para tricomonas. Se estimaron la prevalencia, la efectividad clínica y microbiológica, y la seguridad del tratamiento combinado de secnidazol con fluconazol en mono dosis, y se realizó un análisis de sensibilidad para la eficacia del tratamiento.Resultados: la prevalencia de VB fue del 57,1%, de candidiasis fue del 28,8% y de la infección mixta 10,8%. No se encontró infección por tricomonas. En 8,5% de las pacientes los resultados microbiológicos fueron negativos. La tasa de curación clínica con secnidazol más fluconazol fue de 90,4%, y la tasa de curación microbiológica fue de 94,1%. Doce pacientes (12,90%) presentaron eventos adversos no serios relacionados con el medicamento.Conclusión: la VB fue la infección más común en este estudio, seguida por la candidiasis y las infecciones mixtas. La combinación secnidazol más fluconazol es una intervención efectiva para alcanzar la cura clínica y microbiológica en las pacientes con síndrome de flujo vaginal, con una baja frecuencia de eventos adversos no serios.

Guía de práctica clínica para el manejo sindrómico de los pacientes con infecciones de transmisión sexual y otras infecciones del tracto genital - 2013 / Clinical practice guideline for syndromic management of patients with sexually transmitted infections and other genital tract infections - 2013

Objetivo: reducir la variabilidad de la práctica en el manejo de las infecciones del tracto genital y de las infecciones de transmisión sexual; apoyar a los profesionales de la salud que atienden pacientes con ITG/ITS, con la más reciente evidencia respecto a la efectividad y seguridad de las intervenciones para la prevención primaria, secundaria y terciaria, y generar indicadores de implementación de la guía y de su impacto en la salud pública.Materiales y métodos: se constituyó un equipo desarrollador en el que participaron diferentes profesionales de la salud y representantes de pacientes. Se formularon preguntas clínicas relevantes y se realizó una búsqueda en repositorios nacionales e internacionales de Guías. Se evaluaron las Guías disponibles en cuanto a su calidad y aplicabilidad. Dado que ninguna guía cumplió con los criterios de adaptación, se decidió el desarrollo de una Guía de Novo. Se realizó una búsqueda de revisiones sistemáticas y metaanálisis, ensayos clínicos y estudios observacionales en las bases de datos pubmed, ovid, embase, cochrane y lilacs. Se elaboraron las tablas de evidencia y las recomendaciones con la aproximación grade por metodología de consenso formal e informal.Resultados: se presenta la “Guía de práctica clínica” con las recomendaciones y la evidencia de soporte para la prevención, el diagnóstico, tratamiento en cuanto a efectividad y seguridad, y seguimiento de los síndromes de: cervicitis, uretritis, úlcera genital, flujo vaginal, inflamación escrotal y bubón inguinal. Conclusiones: como recomendación central de implementación se plantea el manejo del paciente por medio de la dosis única y tratamiento expedito del compañero cuando sea posible. La Guía deberá actualizarse en tres años.

Objective: To reduce practice variability in the management of genital tract infections and sexually transmitted infections, and provide healthcare practitioners that care for patients with GTIs/STDs with the most recent evidence on the effectiveness and safety of the interventions for primary, secondary and tertiary prevention; and to create indicators to track the implementation of the guideline and its impact on public health. Materials and methods: A development team was set up with the participation of different healthcare professionals and patient representatives. Relevant clinical questions were asked and a search was conducted in the national and international guideline repositories. The existing guidelines were evaluated for quality and applicability. Considering that none of the guidelines met the criteria for adoption, it was decided to develop a de novo guideline. A search of systematic reviews and meta-analysis, clinical trials and observational studies was conducted in the pubmed, ovid, embase, cochrane and lilacs databases. Evidence tables and recommendations were prepared using the grade approach on the basis of the informal and formal consensus methodology. Results: The “Clinical Practice Guideline” is presented, including the recommendations and support evidence for prevention, diagnosis and treatment in terms of effectiveness and safety, and follow-up of cervicitis, urethritis, genital ulcer, vaginal discharge, scrotal inflammation and inguinal bubo. Conclusions: The core recommendation for implementation is patient management using a single dose and expedite treatment of the partner whenever possible. The Guideline must be updated in three years.

Anatomía y variantes de los tendones del primer compartimiento extensor de la mano / Anatomy and varying of the tendons from first extensor compartment of the hand

Se estudiaron 74 piezas provenientes de cadáveres frescos de adultos jóvenes para analizar la anatomía de los tendones extensores del primer compartimiento, sus inserciones y funciones y determinar la frecuencia de sus variantes en nuestro medio (Colombia). en 94.6/100 de los casos, el abductor pollicis longus presentaba dos o más tendones, y en 90.5/100 contaba con dos o más inserciones. Apreciamos que algunas inserciones determinaban más movimientos de flexión que de abducción. Por otra parte, se encontró un compartimiento diferente para el extensor pollicis brevis en 50/100 de los casos; este mismo tendón se insertaba únicamente en la base de la falange proximal en 83.7/100 de las piezas examinadas, y en 16.3/100 presentó inserciones combinadas en la base de las falanges proximal y distal del pulgar. En conclusión, se encontraron múltiples variantes en cuanto al número de tendones, inserciones, compartimentos y función. Este conocimiento es de suma importancia para el médico que trata patologías de la mano como la enfermedad de DeQuervain y para el cirujano en la reconstrucción funcional de la mano.