Readmission Rates Among Acute Reperfusion Treatment Modalities for Patients With Ischemic Stroke.

Background and purpose: Understanding various aspects associated with readmission after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is an important priority. Our study aims to examine whether 60-day readmission rates differed among patients with AIS who were treated with different acute reperfusion treatment modalities along with associated clinical factors. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of a continuous cohort of patient with AIS, who received either intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV rtPA), endovascular treatment (EVT) or both, and were discharged alive. Patients readmitted within 60 days were identified as the readmission group. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify all-cause readmission post-stroke between treatment groups. Results: The final cohort comprised of 358 patients with AIS receiving IV rtPA only (N = 160), EVT only (N = 106), or both (N = 92). Fifty-six patients were readmitted to the hospital within 60-day follow-up period. The adjusted logistic regression model indicated that compared to patients who received IV tPA only, patients receiving both IV rtPA and EVT had significantly lower odds (OR = .27; 95% CI = .10, .75)) of getting readmitted within 60-day post-discharge from stroke admission. Conclusion: In this sample of AIS hospitalizations, treatment-type was positively associated with 60-day readmission. Future studies are necessary to understand whether treatment-related adverse events, and readmission are avoidable.

Non-pharmaceutical interventions to reduce COVID-19 transmission in the UK: a rapid mapping review and interactive evidence gap map.

BACKGROUND: Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were crucial in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, although uncertainties about their effectiveness remain. This work aimed to better understand the evidence generated during the pandemic on the effectiveness of NPIs implemented in the UK. METHODS: We conducted a rapid mapping review (search date: 1 March 2023) to identify primary studies reporting on the effectiveness of NPIs to reduce COVID-19 transmission. Included studies were displayed in an interactive evidence gap map. RESULTS: After removal of duplicates, 11 752 records were screened. Of these, 151 were included, including 100 modelling studies but only 2 randomized controlled trials and 10 longitudinal observational studies.Most studies reported on NPIs to identify and isolate those who are or may become infectious, and on NPIs to reduce the number of contacts. There was an evidence gap for hand and respiratory hygiene, ventilation and cleaning. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that despite the large number of studies published, there is still a lack of robust evaluations of the NPIs implemented in the UK. There is a need to build evaluation into the design and implementation of public health interventions and policies from the start of any future pandemic or other public health emergency.

Impact of aromatic residues on the intrinsic disorder and transitional behaviour of model IDPs.

Understanding the interplay between order and disorder in intrinsically disorder proteins (IDPs), and its impact on the properties and features of materials manufactured from them, is a major challenge in the design of protein-based synthetic polymers intended for advanced functions. In this paper an elastin-like diblock co-recombinamer amphiphile (Phe-ELR) based on a hydrophobic block containing five phenylalanine (Phe) residues proximal to the carboxyl function of a glutamic acid (Glu) residue upon folding, and with Glu as the guest residue in the hydrophilic part, was engineered and its assembly behaviour compared with another amphiphilic ELR used as control. Phe-ELR was tailored in order to clarify the impact of the presence of aromatic residues in the amino acid sequence, which even in early studies by Urry's group already demonstrated a certain out-of-trend behaviour compared with other apolar amino acids, especially non-aromatic ones, on ELR behaviour. The combination of several experimental techniques indicates strong molecular interactions associated with the Phe residue, thus resulting in limited reversible character of the temperature-induced transitions during sequential thermal cycles, a lower than expected transition enthalpy, and clear differences in its supramolecular assembly with respect to the control ELR. A distinctive pre-aggregated state for the Phe-ELR under any condition of pH and temperature is found. Eventually, this state gives rise to Phe-core micelles or a solid jelly-like material, depending on the concentration, pH and presence of salts. In conclusion, it appears that the presence of aromatic residues and their ability to promote strong inter- and intramolecular interactions at any temperature and pH causes a complete modification of the order-disorder interplay present in other, non-aromatic ELRs. These molecular events have a profound impact on the physical properties of the resulting polymer when compared with other ELRs. This work helps to shed light on the limits that govern intrinsic disorder in ELRs beyond its inverse temperature transition.

Analysis of outcomes of emergency general and gastrointestinal surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Few surgical studies have provided adjusted comparative postoperative outcome data among contemporary patients with and without COVID-19 infection and patients treated before the pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of performing emergency surgery in patients with concomitant COVID-19 infection. METHODS: Patients who underwent emergency general and gastrointestinal surgery from March to June 2020, and from March to June 2019 in 25 Spanish hospitals were included in a retrospective study (COVID-CIR). The main outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications and failure to rescue (mortality among patients who developed complications). Propensity score-matched comparisons were performed between patients who were positive and those who were negative for COVID-19; and between COVID-19-negative cohorts before and during the pandemic. RESULTS: Some 5307 patients were included in the study (183 COVID-19-positive and 2132 COVID-19-negative during pandemic; 2992 treated before pandemic). During the pandemic, patients with COVID-19 infection had greater 30-day mortality than those without (12.6 versus 4.6 per cent), but this difference was not statistically significant after propensity score matching (odds ratio (OR) 1.58, 95 per cent c.i. 0.88 to 2.74). Those positive for COVID-19 had more complications (41.5 versus 23.9 per cent; OR 1.61, 1.11 to 2.33) and a higher likelihood of failure to rescue (30.3 versus 19.3 per cent; OR 1.10, 0.57 to 2.12). Patients who were negative for COVID-19 during the pandemic had similar rates of 30-day mortality (4.6 versus 3.2 per cent; OR 1.35, 0.98 to 1.86) and complications (23.9 versus 25.2 per cent; OR 0.89, 0.77 to 1.02), but a greater likelihood of failure to rescue (19.3 versus 12.9 per cent; OR 1.56, 95 per cent 1.10 to 2.19) than prepandemic controls. CONCLUSION: Patients with COVID-19 infection undergoing emergency general and gastrointestinal surgery had worse postoperative outcomes than contemporary patients without COVID-19. COVID-19-negative patients operated on during the COVID-19 pandemic had a likelihood of greater failure-to-rescue than prepandemic controls.

Variabilidad estacional de la presión arterial: diferencias verano-invierno detectadas por monitorización ambulatoria / Seasonal variability of blood pressure: Summer-winter differences detected by ambulatory monitoring

No disponible

Self-assembly in elastin-like recombinamers: a mechanism to mimic natural complexity.

The topic of self-assembled structures based on elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs, i.e., elastin-like polymers recombinantly bio-produced) has released a noticeable amount of references in the last few years. Most of them are intended for biomedical applications. In this review, a complete revision of the bibliography is carried out. Initially, the self-assembly (SA) concept is considered from a general point of view, and then ELRs are described and characterized based on their intrinsic disorder. A classification of the different self-assembled ELR-based structures is proposed based on their morphologies, paying special attention to their tentative modeling. The impact of the mechanism of SA on these biomaterials is analyzed. Finally, the implications of ELR SA in biological systems are considered.

A GHEP-ISFG collaborative study on the genetic variation of 38 autosomal indels for human identification in different continental populations.

A collaborative effort was carried out by the Spanish and Portuguese Speaking Working Group of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (GHEP-ISFG) to promote knowledge exchange between associate laboratories interested in the implementation of indel-based methodologies and build allele frequency databases of 38 indels for forensic applications. These databases include populations from different countries that are relevant for identification and kinship investigations undertaken by the participating laboratories. Before compiling population data, participants were asked to type the 38 indels in blind samples from annual GHEP-ISFG proficiency tests, using an amplification protocol previously described. Only laboratories that reported correct results contributed with population data to this study. A total of 5839 samples were genotyped from 45 different populations from Africa, America, East Asia, Europe and Middle East. Population differentiation analysis showed significant differences between most populations studied from Africa and America, as well as between two Asian populations from China and East Timor. Low FST values were detected among most European populations. Overall diversities and parameters of forensic efficiency were high in populations from all continents.

Dislipidemia en niños y adolescentes con historia familiar de enfermedad cardiovascular precoz / Dyslipidemia in children and adolescents with a family history of early cardiovascular disease

INTRODUCTION: In Chile, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent the first cause of mortality. The risk of CVD is greater if other factors are associated, among which the family history of CVD acquires special relevance due it represents an independent risk factor of atherogenesis. Aim: To evaluate cardiovascular risk markers: lipid profile, hsCRP and nutritional status in children and adolescents with positive family history of early cardiovascular disease. SUBJECTS AND MATERIALS: Descriptive-transversal study. 138 children and adolescents with a mean age of 13,1 +/- 5,4 years were studied. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, lipid profile and hsCRP were evaluated. RESULTS: Dyslipidemia was found in 55,1 percent of the studied population, that was mainly characterized by hypertryglyceridemia and decreased levels of HDL-chol (39,1 percent). In the total of dyslipidemic subjects, 10,5 percent showed 3 altered lipid parameters (total chol, tryglicerides and HDL-chol), 22,4 percent presented 2 parameters that were out the reference range (tryglicerides and HDL-chol) and the 34,2 percent had only one lipid parameter altered (low levels of HDL-chol or hypertriglyceridemia). Dyslipidemia was observed in 69,1 percent, of the overweight and obese population and it was 40,6 percent in the normal weight subjects. hsCRP concentrations were higher in dyslipidemic and overweight and obese individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Dyslipidemia was highly frequent in children and adolescents with positive family history of early CVD and even higher in those overweight and obese subjects. These findings support the screening of dyslipidemia in children and adolescents with positive family history of early CVD.

Impact of severe hematological abnormalities in the outcome of hospitalized patients with influenza virus infection.

Although hematological abnormalities have been described among patients with influenza virus infection, little is known about their impact on the outcome of the patients. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and clinical impact of severe hematological abnormalities in patients with confirmed influenza virus infection. This was an observational retrospective study including all adult patients with diagnosis of influenza virus infection hospitalized from January to May 2016 in our institution. Influenza virus infection was diagnosed by means of rRT-PCR assay performed on respiratory samples. Poor outcome was defined as a composite endpoint in which at least one of the following criteria had to be fulfilled: (a) respiratory failure, (b) SOFA ≥2, or (c) death. Two hundred thirty-nine patients were included. Applying the HLH-04 criteria for the diagnosis of hemophagocytic syndrome, cytopenias (hemoglobin ≤9 g/dl, platelets <100,000/µl or neutrophils <1,000/µl) were present in 51 patients (21%). Patients with hematological abnormalities showed higher SOFA scores, respiratory failure, septic shock and in-hospital mortality than the remaining patients. The composite endpoint was present in 33.3% in the cytopenias group vs. 13.3% in the group without cytopenias (p=0.001). In a multivariate analysis, variables associated with the composite endpoint were: use of steroids prior to present admission (OR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.015-0.96, p=0.046), presence of any hematological abnormality (OR: 3.54; 95% CI:1.66-7.51, p= 0.001), and LDH>225 U/l (OR:4.45; CI:1-19.71, p=0.049). Hematological abnormalities are not uncommon among hospitalized patients with influenza virus infection, and they are associated with a poorer outcome.

Caracterización del acto homicida según los informes de autopsias realizados por el servicio médico legal de Concepción, periodo 2011-2015 / Characterization of the homicidal act according to the autopsy reports released by the Legal Medical Service of Concepción, 2011-2015

Introducción: Más de la tercera parte de los homicidios reportados a nivel mundial tienen lugar en el continente Americano, siendo Chile uno de los países con las tasas más bajas de Latinoamérica. Actualmente, son escasos los estudios que caracterizan el acto homicida en nuestro país. Se caracterizó el acto homicida según las autopsias realizadas por el Servicio Médico Legal (SML) de Concepción, durante el periodo 2011-2015. Materiales y método: Se realizó un estudio transversal de informes de autopsia con causa homicidio durante los años 2011 a 2015, realizadas por el SML de Concepción, utilizándose las variables: género, edad, procedencia, lugar de ocurrencia del homicidio, estado civil, ocupación, patologías asociadas, causa de muerte, tipo de arma utilizada, alcoholemia, examen toxicológico y atención en centro asistencial. El estudio fue aprobado por comité de ética. Resultados: Del total de autopsias en el periodo 2011-2015; 5.92% (241) correspondieron a homicidios, de los cuales un 89.6% fueron víctimas de sexo masculino. Del total de homicidios estudiados la edad promedio fue de 33 años, un 58.3% del total ocurrieron en vía pública y 42.1% fallecieron por trauma torácico complicado. Finalmente del total de homicidios, un 49,2% poseían alcoholemia negativa y 49.2% examen toxicológico negativo. Discusión: En Chile, el homicidio afecta a una pequeña porción de la población, acercándose a las bajas tasas que presentan diversos países de Europa. En su mayoría, los homicidios reportados fueron hombres entre los 18 y 29 años de edad, resultado similar a lo descrito a nivel mundial.

Introduction: More than a third part of the worldwide reported homicides takes place in the whole american continent, and Chile is one the countries with the lowest rates in latin america. Only a few are the studies that characterize the homicidal act in our country. Characterize the homicide act according to the autopsies reports performed by the Legal Medical Service (SML) of Concepción, during the period 2011-2015. Materials and methods: We made a transversal study with the autopsies reports classified as homicide, performed by the SML Concepción, between the years 2011 and 2015 using variables such as: gender, age, place of residence, place of homicidal act, marital state, occupation, comorbidities, death cause, weapon, blood alcohol concentration, toxicological results and medical assistance. An ethic committee approved the study. Results: From the total autopsies between 2011 and 2015; 5.92% (241) were homicides, of which 89.4% were men. The average age of homicides victims was 33 years old, 58.3% occurred on public areas and 42.1% were died because a complicated thoracic traumatism. And finally from the total homicides, 49.2% had none alcohol in blood such as the 49.2% as well had negative toxicological test. Discussion: In Chile, homicide affects a few number of its population, approaching the low rates that some european countries have. The most of the homicides reported were men between 18 to 29 years old, similar results comparing with the worldwide statistics.

Hypogonadism and Mortality in Aged Hospitalized Male Patients: A 5-Year Prospective Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between hypogonadism and mortality in aged hospitalized male patients. DESIGN: A 5-year prospective observational study was conducted. Gonadal function was assessed at hospital admission and mortality was registered in the follow-up period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied all patients≥65 years admitted for any reason during 2010 and 2011. Serum T concentrations were quantified in all patients. Hypogonadism was defined by the presence of serum T levels<200 ng/dl. Number of deaths and all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality were registered until December 31(st), 2014. RESULTS: During the study 150 patients were admitted and 103 (68.7%) of them died during follow-up. Hypogonadism was positively associated with mortality (P=0.036). The percentage of hypogonadal patients was significantly (P=0.02) higher in the group of patients who died in hospital compared with those who died after hospital discharge and those who survived. CV disease was the main cause of death in 52 patients (50.5%). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a median survival time for all-cause mortality of 2.0 (0-16.5) months and 21.0 (5.0-33.2) months for patients with and without hypogonadism, respectively (P<0.001). Similar findings were found when analyzing mortality due to CV disease (P=0.009). Hypogonadism was a strong independent predictor for all-cause (adjusted multivariate analysis, HR 3.35; 1.55-7.23, P=0.002) and CV mortality (HR 2.14; 1.18-3.86, P=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Hypogonadism discovered during hospitalization is associated with in-hospital and long-term mortality in elderly male patients and predicts both all-cause mortality and CV mortality in this population.

Natural course of hypogonadism diagnosed during hospitalization in aged male patients.

Our aim was to assess short-term natural course of hypogonadism diagnosed during hospitalization for acute disease in aged male patients after discharge. A group of 43 hypogonadal males, aged 86.7±5.7 year, was studied. Serum concentrations of testosterone (T) and gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone, FSH, and luteinizing hormone, LH) were measured in every patient both at admission and one month after discharge. Mean serum T at entry was 115.4±48.0 ng/dl. Hypogonadism was hyper-, hypo-, and normogonadotropic in 20 (46.5%), 20 (46.5%), and 3 (7.0%) patients, respectively. One month after discharge serum T concentrations increased significantly (230.9±135.6 ng/dl, p<0.001). At this point, more than half of the patients (n=27, 62.8%) showed normal serum T concentrations. Both gonadotropins, FSH (p<0.001), and LH (p=0.04) also increased one month after discharge. Approximately, half of the patients (13, 48.1%) who normalized serum T concentrations also showed normal serum gonadotropin concentrations. Patients who normalized their serum T concentrations one month after discharge showed significantly higher baseline values of T (134.7±33.9 ng/dl) than those who persisted with hypogonadism (n=16, 32.7%; 82.8±51.6 ng/dl, p<0.001). Lastly, serum T was the only independent predictor for achieving eugonadal status (OR 1.030; CI 95%, 1.010-1.050; p<0.001). In conclusion, about 63% of aged patients hospitalized for acute illness with hypogonadism discovered during hospitalization spontaneously normalize their serum T concentrations one month after discharge. Serum gonadotropin concentrations also increased after discharge. Serum T levels at admission was an independent predictor for the normalization of serum T concentrations.

Xantoma intraóseo pelviano: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Pelvic intraosseous xanthoma: a case report and literature review

El xantoma intraóseo (XIO) es un tumor óseo benigno extremadamente raro. En la histología se caracteriza por presentar macrófagos mononucleares, abundantes células espumosas y células gigantes multinucleadas. Puede aparecer asociado a otras enfermedades (XIO secundario), principalmente a desórdenes lipídicos, o en forma aislada (XIO primario). Los XIO son lesiones líticas expansivas que a menudo se encuentran en pacientes con condiciones hiperlipidémicas. En la mayoría de los casos la evaluación inicial se realiza con radiografía, aunque otros procedimientos pueden ser necesarios para confirmar el diagnóstico. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 48 años que consultó por lumbalgia con irradiación al miembro inferior derecho e impotencia funcional de 3 meses de evolución. Tenía hallazgos imagenológicos de XIO en el hueso ilíaco derecho, sin hiperlipidemia o lesiones preexistentes. Se llevó a cabo la extirpación total del tumor y el posterior estudio histopatológico de la pieza operatoria confirmó el diagnóstico. El tratamiento resultó exitoso. El objetivo de este artículo es describir los hallazgos clínicos e imagenológicos (radiografía, resonancia magnética, tomografía computada y medicina nuclear) de un XIO primario y su tratamiento. Además, realizamos una breve revisión de la literatura.

Abstract Intraosseous xanthoma is an extremely rare benign bone tumor. Histology shows mononuclear macrophages, abundant foam cells and multinucleated giant cells. The intraosseous xanthoma may appear associated with other diseases (secondary intraosseous xanthoma), mainly lipid disorders or without an underlying lipid disorder (primary intraosseous xanthoma). The intraosseous xanthoma is a lytic, expansive tumor, often seen in patients with hyperlipidemic conditions. In most cases, the initial evaluation is performed with X-ray, although other procedures may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. We report the case of a man aged 48, who consulted for back pain radiating to the right leg and functional disability 3 months duration, with imaging findings in the right iliac XIO in the absence of pre-existing injuries or hyperlipidemic conditions, so surgery for total removal of the tumor was performed with histological examination of the surgical specimen, confirming the preoperative diagnosis of XIO. Such treatment resulted curative. The aim of this article is to describe the clinical, imaging findings (RX, MRI, CT, nuclear medicine) and the course of treatment of a committing the iliac primary intraosseous xanthoma a and a normolipidemic patient brief review of the literature.

Xantoma intraóseo pelviano: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura

El xantoma intraóseo (XIO) es un tumor óseo benigno extremadamente raro. En la histología se caracteriza por presentar macrófagos mononucleares, abundantes células espumosas y células gigantes multinucleadas. Puede aparecer asociado a otras enfermedades (XIO secundario), principalmente a desórdenes lipídicos, o en forma aislada (XIO primario). Los XIO son lesiones líticas expansivas que a menudo se encuentran en pacientes con condiciones hiperlipidémicas. En la mayoría de los casos la evaluación inicial se realiza con radiografía, aunque otros procedimientos pueden ser necesarios para confirmar el diagnóstico. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 48 años que consultó por lumbalgia con irradiación al miembro inferior derecho e impotencia funcional de 3 meses de evolución. Tenía hallazgos imagenológicos de XIO en el hueso ilíaco derecho, sin hiperlipidemia o lesiones preexistentes. Se llevó a cabo la extirpación total del tumor y el posterior estudio histopatológico de la pieza operatoria confirmó el diagnóstico. El tratamiento resultó exitoso. El objetivo de este artículo es describir los hallazgos clínicos e imagenológicos (radiografía, resonancia magnética, tomografía computada y medicina nuclear) de un XIO primario y su tratamiento. Además, realizamos una breve revisión de la literatura.(AU)

Abstract Intraosseous xanthoma is an extremely rare benign bone tumor. Histology shows mononuclear macrophages, abundant foam cells and multinucleated giant cells. The intraosseous xanthoma may appear associated with other diseases (secondary intraosseous xanthoma), mainly lipid disorders or without an underlying lipid disorder (primary intraosseous xanthoma). The intraosseous xanthoma is a lytic, expansive tumor, often seen in patients with hyperlipidemic conditions. In most cases, the initial evaluation is performed with X-ray, although other procedures may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. We report the case of a man aged 48, who consulted for back pain radiating to the right leg and functional disability 3 months duration, with imaging findings in the right iliac XIO in the absence of pre-existing injuries or hyperlipidemic conditions, so surgery for total removal of the tumor was performed with histological examination of the surgical specimen, confirming the preoperative diagnosis of XIO. Such treatment resulted curative. The aim of this article is to describe the clinical, imaging findings (RX, MRI, CT, nuclear medicine) and the course of treatment of a committing the iliac primary intraosseous xanthoma a and a normolipidemic patient brief review of the literature.(AU)

DIAGNÓSTICO DEL USO Y MANEJO DE PLAGUICIDAS EN FINCAS PRODUCTORAS DE CEBOLLA JUNCA Allium fistulosum EN EL MUNICIPIO DE PASTO / DIAGNOSTICS OF PESTICIDES USE AND MANAGEMENT IN PRODUCTIVE GREEN ONION Allium fistulosum FARMS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PASTO

El control de plagas y enfermedades en el cultivo de la cebolla en Nariño, se caracteriza por el uso del control químico. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar las condiciones de uso y manejo de plaguicidas de este cultivo en el corregimiento Buesaquillo, del municipio de Pasto. Para determinar el tipo de productos utilizados se realizó recolección y clasificación de envases vacíos de agroquímicos durante 6 meses. En la zona de estudio se realizaron 200 encuestas con 38 preguntas relacionadas con aspectos socioeconómicos, manejo de cultivo, uso y manejo de plaguicidas y sus riesgos potenciales. Los datos fueron sometidos a análisis de correspondencia múltiple. Se recolectaron 4710 envases vacíos, de los cuales el 46,3% correspondieron a fungicidas, el 12,4% a fertilizantes y el 9,3% a insecticidas. El principal criterio para aplicación fue el recomendado por los almacenes de expendio de agroquímicos (72%), la frecuencia de aplicación depende de las condiciones ambientales que va entre 8 y 15 días, el periodo de carencia en el 80% de los encuestados es de 15 días antes de la cosecha. El 74% de los agricultores expuestos a los plaguicidas son hombres y la mayoría (85,5%) tiene estudios primarios, el 53,5% no entiende la etiqueta del producto y algunos de los encuestados (19%) dicen haber sufrido síntomas de intoxicación, y la mayoría (70%) de los productores queman los envases de los plaguicidas. Bajo las condiciones del presente estudio se concluye que el uso de los plaguicidas es similar entre los encuestados, caracterizándose por su manejo inadecuado, el cual pone en riesgo la salud de los agricultores y amenazan con el equilibrio de este agroecosistema.

Pests and diseases control in green onion cultivation in the department of Nariño is characterized by the use of chemical control. Therefore, the objective of the investigation was to identify the use and management conditions of pesticides on this crop in the small township of Buesaquillo, municipality of Pasto. To determine the type of products used, an empty agrochemical containers collection was carried out during six months. Two hundred surveys, with 38 questions related to socio-economic aspects, crop management, pesticide use and management and its potential risks, were carried out in the study zone. The data were submitted to multiple correspondence analyses. A total of 4710 empty containers were recollected, of which 46.3% corresponded to fungicides, 12.4% to fertilizers, and 9.3% to insecticides. The main criterion of application was the one recommended by the agrochemicals warehouse sale (72%); frequency of application depends on environmental conditions ranging between 8 and 15 days, and the grace period in 80% of the surveys is 15 days prior to the harvest. 74% of farmers exposed to pesticides are men and most of them (85.5%) have completed their primary school studies; 53.5% do not understand the product's label, some of them (19%) claim to have suffered intoxication symptoms and most producers (70%) burn the pesticide containers. Under the conditions of this study it can be concluded that the use of pesticides is similar among the surveyed farmers, and is characterized by inadequate management, which puts farmers' health at risk and threatens this agro ecosystem equilibrium.

Hypogonadism in aged hospitalized male patients: prevalence and clinical outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Male hypogonadism is common in the elderly and has been associated with increased risk of mortality. Our objective has been to assess the prevalence of primary and central hypogonadism in elderly male patients admitted to the hospital because of acute illness. We also evaluated the relationships between gonadal dysfunction and in-hospital mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 150 patients, aged ≥65 years, admitted during 2010 and 2011 in our geriatric unit, were studied. Serum concentrations total, bioavailable and free testosterone, as well as of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were quantified in every patient. Hypogonadism was defined by the presence of serum testosterone levels lower than 200 ng/dl. RESULTS: Hypogonadism was found in 80 patients (53.3 %). Serum gonadotropin concentrations were elevated in 43.7 % of these patients, whereas 41.3 % of hypogonadic patients showed normal and 15 % low gonadotropin concentrations. Respiratory tract infection and congestive heart failure were the main causes of hospitalization in hypogonadal men, whereas acute cerebrovascular disease was the main reason for admission in eugonadal patients. Of the 13 patients who died during hospitalization, 12 were hypogonadic. Patients who died showed significantly lower serum levels of total, free and bioavailable testosterone than those found in patients who survived. CONCLUSION: Our results show that about half of patients admitted for acute illness have hypogonadism, mainly of non-hypergonadotropic type. Gonadal hypofunction is significantly related with in-hospital mortality. A low value of serum testosterone may be a predictor for mortality in elderly male patients.

Diferencias histomorfológicas entre tejido gingival clínicamente sano de niños y adultos jóvenes / Differences between histomorphologic clinically healthy gingival tissue of children and young adults

Existe controversia con respecto a la influencia del factor histomorfológico en la menor severidad en la respuesta inflamatoria del tejido gingival de la población infantil con respecto a la población adulta ante la biopelícula dental. El objetivo de ésta investigación fue identificar las diferencias histomorfológicas entre el tejido gingival clínicamente sano de niños y adultos jóvenes. Se realizaron exodoncias de dientes temporales y permanentes sanos con su tejido gingival adherido a niños de 6 a 10 y adultos de 18 a 25 años de edad, para posterior análisis histomorfológico bajo microscopía de luz. El área total del epitelio de unión fue mayor en los niños presentando mayor grosor y número de capas en la zona apical. Se observó además, infiltrado celular inflamatorio adyacente al epitelio de unión, mayor cantidad de vasos, predominio de densidad laxa en las fibras del tejido conectivo y paraqueratinización del epitelio bucal. No se encontraron diferencias en la amplitud de los tejidos ni en su espesor con respecto a los epitelios bucal y surcular, tampoco en las dimensiones del tejido conectivo ni en el grosor de la capa córnea. El presente estudio confirmó la existencia de diferencias histomorfológicas entre los tejidos gingivales de niños y adultos jóvenes en condiciones de salud clínica, resaltando la importancia del factor histomorfológico, como uno de los parámetros que podrían influir en la respuesta de los tejidos gingivales a la biopelícula dental a diferentes de edades

The effect of the histomorphologic features in the minor severity of the inflammatory response in gingival tissues against the dental biofilm in childhood is matter of controversy. The objective was to identify the differences between the histomorphologic characteristics in healthy gingival tissues of children and young adults. Extraction of healthy temporal and permanent teeth and its gingival tissues were carried out in children of 6 -10 years old and adults of 18 - 25 years old, the histological samples were processed and analyzed using light microscopy. Children showed a bigger area of the junctional epithelium, more thickness of the apical area as well as a high number of union layers; presence of inflammatory cell infiltrated around the junctional ephytelium, increased number of blood vessels, predominance of laxe density of the connective tissue and pharaqueratinization of the oral ephytelium. There were no differences in the width and thickness of the oral epithelium and surcular tissues, the width of the connective tissue and the thickness of the stratum corneum did not showed differences. The present study confirmed the occurrence of histomorphologic differences in healthy gingival tissues between children and young adults, highlighting the importance of this parameter as one of the characteristics that could influence the gingival response to the dental biofilm at different age

A survey of dental hygienists in the United Kingdom in 2011. Part 1--demographics and working patterns as dental hygienists.

AIMS: The aims of this survey were to establish the demographic profile of dental hygienists (DHs) and dental hygienist/therapists (DH/Ts) in the United Kingdom in 2011 and their patterns of practice as DHs. METHODS: A 10% sample of all those registered with the General Dental Council as DHs or DH/Ts in April 2011 were sent a pre-piloted questionnaire, explanatory letter and stamped addressed envelope. The questionnaire contained a total of 100 questions, 24 of which related to demographics and working patterns. All 100 questions were solely on tasks/work performed by DH, none related to other types of work performed by DH/Ts. Three mailings were distributed between May and July 2011. The resulting data were entered into an Excel spreadsheet. Where appropriate, differences between the responses from DHs and DH/Ts were statistically tested with the chi-squared test. RESULTS: Five hundred and sixty-one DHs and DH/Ts were sent the questionnaire, by the third mailing 371 (66.1%) had responded and returned completed questionnaires. The respondents were 288 DHs, 79 DH/Ts and 4 who did not specify which category they were. The mean year of qualification of the DHs was 1990 and for the DH/Ts 2005. One hundred and twenty-four (33%) reported that they worked full-time, 235 (63%) part-time and the remainder that they were not working as DHs or DH/Ts or had retired. The average number of clinical hours worked per week was reported as 24.6 hours for DHs and 25 hours for DH/Ts, but there were regional variations. For DHs the mean percentage of patients treated under NHS contract was 15.5% and for DH/Ts it was 40.2%. Again there were regional variations and in Scotland these figures were 45.5% for DHs and 70% for DH/Ts. Two hundred and forty-eight (69%) of all respondents were either fully or partly self-employed and 221 (62.7%) worked in two or more locations. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide a snapshot of the demographics and practice patterns of DHs and DH/Ts in the UK in the summer of 2011. They confirm the results of a survey that was conducted in England in early 2011 and of a survey that took place in Scotland in 2009.