Seis meses de entrenamiento en Colangiografía Endoscópica Retrograda en centro formador de alto volumen ¿es suficiente? Experiencia inicial en un hospital de la Araucanía

Introducción: La colangiopancreatografía endoscópica retrógrada (CPRE) es un procedimiento terapéutico para diversas patologías biliopancreáticas. Existen diversos centros de formación con una variedad de tiempos de práctica para la realización de CPRE. Objetivo: Evaluar resultados iniciales post entrenamiento en endoscopia terapéutica en el Instituto Chileno-Japonés del Hospital San Borja Arriarán, analizando 150 CPRE consecutivas, describiendo aspectos técnicos, morbilidad y mortalidad, realizadas entre noviembre de 2017 a enero de 2019 por un único operador en un hospital de la Araucanía. Método: Análisis retrospectivo del registro prospectivo de los 150 primeros casos consecutivos de CPRE realizados en el hospital San José de Victoria (HSJV). Se midieron variables clínicas, técnicas y de laboratorio. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva con medidas de tendencia central, dispersión y tendencia extrema. Resultados: Serie de 150 pacientes sometidos a CPRE: Edad promedio 60,1 años, mediana de 65 y edades extremas 16-98 años. Sexo femenino 69,3%. Indicaciones CPRE: 67,3% coledocolitiasis sin colangitis, 16,7% colangitis aguda, 6% estenosis de vía biliar benigna, 3.3% tumor periampular. Todos apoyados por anestesista, 50,7% propofol y 49.3% anestesia general. Tasa de canulación biliar 96,7%. Precorte 19,3%. Complicaciones reportadas alcanzaron el 4,67%, sin mortalidad por el procedimiento en la serie. Conclusiones: Los resultados de esta serie muestran que la formación obtenida por el profesional logró los estándares sugeridos para un procedimiento efectivo y seguro, destacando una tasa de canulación del 96,7%, siendo superior a lo que las guías internacionales describen como exitosa. La morbilidad asociada a CPER es comparable a cifras nacionales e internacionales.

Introduction: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a therapeutic procedure for various biliopancreatic pathologies. There are different training centers with a variety of practice times for performing ERCP. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the initial post-training results in therapeutic endoscopy at the Chilean-Japanese Institute of San Borja Arriarán Hospital, analyzing 150 consecutive ERCP procedures performed between November 2017 and January 2019 by a single operator at a hospital in La Araucanía, describing technical aspects, morbidity, and mortality. Method: Retrospective analysis of the prospective registry of the first 150 consecutive ERCP cases performed at the San José de Victoria Hospital (HSJV). Clinical, technical and laboratory variables were measured. Descriptive statistics were produced with measures of central tendency, dispersion and extreme tendency. Results: Series of 150 patients undergoing ERCP: mean age 60.1 years, median 65 and extreme ages 16-98 years. Female sex 69.3%. ERCP indications: 67.3% choledocholithiasis without cholangitis, 16.7% acute cholangitis, 6% benign bile duct stenosis, 3.3% periampullary tumor. All supported by an anesthetist, 50.7% propofol and 49.3% general anesthesia. Biliary cannulation rate 96.7%. Precut 19.3%. Reported complications reached 4.67%, with no mortality from the procedure in the series. Conclusions: The results of this series show that the training obtained by the professional improves the standards proposed for an effective and safe procedure, highlighting a cannulation rate of 96.7%, higher than what international guidelines describe as successful. The morbidity associated with ERCP in our series is comparable to national and international figures.

Photoswitching/back-switching assessment of biobased cellulose acetate/azobenzene handleable films under visible-light LED irradiation.

The light-induced processes performed by photofunctional polymer films are crucial aspects of developing integrated energy storage devices properly. Herein, we report the preparation, characterization, and study of the optical properties of a series of biobased cellulose acetate/azobenzene (CA/Az1) handleable films at different compositions. The photoswitching/back-switching behavior of the samples was investigated using varied LED irradiation sources. Additionally, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was deposited onto cellulose acetate/azobenzene films to study the back-switching process's effect and nature in the fabricated films. Interestingly, the melting enthalpies of PEG before and after being irradiated with blue LED light were 2.5 mJ and 0.8 mJ, respectively. Conveniently, FTIR and UV-visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetry (TGA), contact angle, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized light microscopy (PLM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used for the characterization of the sample films. Complementarily, theoretical electronic calculations provided a consistent approach to the energetic change in the dihedral angles and non-covalent interaction for the trans and cis isomer in the presence of cellulose acetate monomer. The results of this study revealed that CA/Az1 films are viable photoactive materials displaying handleability attributes with potential uses in harvesting, converting, and storing light energy.

Enfermedad de Fox-Fordyce: reporte de un caso / Fox-Fordyce disease: a case report

Resumen La enfermedad de Fox-Fordyce (EFF) es un trastorno inflamatorio crónicopoco frecuente de las glándulas apocrinas. Afecta comúnmente a mujeres entre los 13-35 años. Su etiopatogenia es multifactorial. Se caracteriza por pápulas foliculares pruriginosas dispuestas en zonas que contienen las glándulas mencionadas. Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente de 30 años, con pápulas foliculares en axilas compatibles con enfermedad de Fox-Fordyce. El propósito deeste trabajo es presentar una entidad infrecuente y brindar una revisión bibliográfica repasando los diagnósticos diferenciales y las opciones terapéuticas disponibles.

Abstract Fox-Fordyce disease (FFD) is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder of the apocrine glands. It commonly affects women between 13-35 years. Its etiopathogenesis is multifactorial. This disorder is characterized by pruritic follicular papules arranged in areas containing the aforementioned glands. We reporta clinical case of a 30-year-old female patient, with follicular papules on armpits compatible with Fox-Fordyce disease. The purpose of this paper is to report a uncommon entity while providing a bibliographical revision highlighting the differential diagnoses and their available therapeutic options.

Carcinoma escamoso híbrido de la planta del pie / Squamous hybrid carcinoma of the sole of the foot

Resumen El carcinoma escamoso (CEC) es un tumor maligno de la epidermis y sus anexos. Es el segundo en frecuencia después del carcinoma basocelular y presenta distintas variantes clinicopatológicas. El subtipo carcinoma verrucoso (CV) es una variante poco frecuente de CEC con características histopatológicas y comportamiento específico. Ocasionalmente, se pueden observar componentes carcinomatosos de células escamosas convencionales en el CV, denominándose a esta entidad tumores "híbridos", los cuales representan el 20% de los casos observados. Reportamos el caso de un paciente varón de 72 años con una gran lesión exofítica que compromete 5to dedo y planta de pie derecho con diagnóstico de carcinoma escamoso híbrido. El objetivo de la presentación es mostrar una asociación infrecuente, haciendo énfasis en su seguimiento cercano ya que puede manifestar cambios en su comportamiento clínico diseminándose a los ganglios linfáticos regionales.

Abstract Squamous carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant tumor of the epidermis and its appendages. It is the second most common after basal cell carcinoma and has different clinicopathological variants. The verrucous carcinoma (VC) subtype is a rare variant of SCC with histopathological characteristics and specific behavior. Occasionally, carcinomatous components of conventional squamous cells can be observed in the VC, this entity being called "hybridized" tumors, which represent 20% of cases.We report the case of a 72-year-old male with a large exophytic lesion involving the 5th right toe and foot with a diagnosis of squamous hybrid carcinoma. The objective of the presentation is to show an infrequent association, emphasizing its close follow-up as it can modify its clinical behavior by spreading to regional lymphnodes.

Granuloma actínico: reporte de un caso / Actinic granuloma: a case report

Resumen El granuloma actínico es una dermatosis granulomatosa poco frecuente, que se observa en adultos de mediana edad con antecedentes de fotoexposición. Su patogénesis no es clara; siendo la teoría más aceptada la radiación solar como factor disparador. Se caracteriza por placas anulares con atrofia central y bordes eritematosos elevados que son similares a los observados en el granuloma anular. Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente de 71 años, con placas anulares en antebrazos compatibles con granuloma actínico. Se comunica el caso por lo infrecuente de esta entidad y se realiza una revisión bibliográfica.

Abstract Actinic granuloma is a rare granulomatous dermatosis, seen in middle-aged adults with a history of photoexposure. Its pathogenesis is not clear; the most accepted theory being solar radiation as a triggering factor. It is characterized by annular plaques with central atrophy and raised erythematous borders that are similar to those seen in granuloma annulare. The clinical case of a 71-year-old patient with annular plaques on the forearms compatible with actinic granuloma is presented. The case is reported due to the infrequent nature of this entity and a bibliographical review is carried out.

n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the regulation of adipose tissue browning and thermogenesis in obesity: Potential relationship with gut microbiota.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a worldwide public health problem characterized by fat tissue accumulation, favouring adipose tissue and metabolic alterations. Increasing energy expenditure (EE) through brown adipose tissue activation and white adipose tissue (WAT) browning has gained relevance as a therapeutic approach. Different bioactive compounds, such as n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), have been shown to induce those thermogenic effects. This process is regulated by the gut microbiota as well. Nevertheless, obesity is characterized by gut microbiota dysbiosis, which can be restored by weight loss and n-3 PUFA intake, among other factors. Knowledge gap: However, the role of the gut microbiota on the n-3 PUFA effect in inducing thermogenesis in obesity has not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to elucidate the potential implications of this interrelation on WAT browning adiposw sittue (BAT), BAT activity, and EE regulation in obesity models.

Inverse relationship between diffusion coefficient and mass for a free particle system: Approach by using maximum caliber principle and Monte Carlo simulations.

A derivation of the diffusion equation is presented using the maximum caliber principle and the continuity equation for a system composed of paths traveled by a free particle in a time interval. By identifying the diffusion coefficient in the obtained diffusion equation, it is shown that there is an inverse proportionality relationship concerning the particle's mass so that a higher mass is related to lower diffusion, and the lower mass is connected to the higher diffusion. This relationship is also shown using Monte Carlo simulations to sample the path space for a free particle system and then using the time slicing equation to obtain the probability of the particle position for each time showing the diffusion behavior for different masses.

Subduction zone fluids and arc magmas conducted by lithospheric deformed regions beneath the central Andes.

Dehydration of the oceanic subducting slab promotes the formation of magmatic arcs, intra-slab intermediate-depth seismicity, and hydration of the overlying mantle wedge. However, the complex permeability structure of the overriding plate controls the magma and fluid migration and their accumulation at shallower depths. In this regard, mapping the inner structure of the overriding crust and mantle is crucial to understand the magmatic and hydrological processes in subduction zones. We integrate 3-D P-wave, [Formula: see text], and electrical resistivity tomographic models of the northern Chilean subduction zone to map the magmatic and fluids derived from the subducting oceanic Nazca plate. Results show a continental crust relatively thick (50-65 km) characterized by a lower zone of high [Formula: see text] values (7.2-7.6 km/s), which is interpreted as the presence of plutonic rocks. The mantle lithospheric wedge is weakly hydrated ([Formula: see text] = 1.75-1.8) while the forearc continental crust is traversed by regions of reduced electrical resistivity values ([Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]) interpreted as zones of relatively high permeability/fracturing and fluid content. These regions spatially correlate with upper plate trans-lithospheric deformation zones. Ascending melts accumulate preferentially in the back-arc, whereas hydrothermal systems form trenchward of the volcanic arc. The results highlight the complex permeability structure of the upper South American plate.

A facile approach for tuning optical and surface properties of novel biobased Alginate/POTE handleable films via solvent vapor exposure.

Novel biobased films consisting of alginate blends with poly (octanoic acid 2-thiophen-3-yl-ethyl ester) (POTE), a conducting polymer, were prepared by solution casting, and their optical, morphological, thermal, and surface properties were studied. Using UV-visible spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the effects of tetrahydrofuran solvent vapors on the optical properties and surface morphology of biobased films with different POTE contents were studied. Results indicate that morphological rearrangements of POTE take place during the process of solvent exposure. Specifically, the solvent vapor induced the formation of POTE small crystalline domains, which allows envisioning the potential of tuning UV-visible absorbance and wettability behavior of biobased films. Finally, theoretical electronic calculations (specifically frontier molecular orbitals analysis) provided consistent evidence on POTE's preferential orientation and selectivity toward the THF-vapor medium.

Synthesis, optical and thermoluminescence properties of thulium-doped KMgF3 fluoroperovskite.

KMgF3 fluoroperovskite doped with thulium at different concentrations were synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. The phase composition and the thermal stability up to 600 °C of the polycrystals were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The KMgF3 at 1.0 mol% of Tm polycrystals showed the best thermal stability and did not present another phase. The gamma radiation (0.1-10 kGy) effect in thulium-doped KMgF3 produced the F color centers, and their aggregates such as F2, and F3 centers. The F centers, and the potassium vacancies (VK-) in the fluoroperosvkites were analyzed by the optical absorption and emission measurements. Optical absorption at 275 nm and 443 nm were assigned to F and F2, respectively, in undoped KMgF3. Tm-doped fluoroperovskite shows the optical absorption bands at 277, 393, 432, and 577 nm, which were ascribed to the F, F3, F2 and VK- centers, respectively. When the F band for undoped polycrystals was excited at 275 nm, a clear emission associated with F2 and F3 centers was observed. In the case of Tm-doped, an enhancement of the blue emission at 457 nm occurred and a UV band (354 nm) was observed upon exciting the F band. The blue emission of thulium was overlapped with the F3 color center band. The emission bands at 457 and 354 nm were ascribed to 1D2 - 3F4 and 1D2 - 3H6 transitions of Tm in KMgF3. The optical absorption and glow curves were investigated too. The glow curves were assisted by the color centers, vacancies, and thulium impurity. Thermal bleaching shows that the F center was the main participant to give rise to the TL intensity of the glow curves. Thulium acts as a deep electron trap in the bandgap of the KMgF3 fluoroperovskites forming TL peak at the higher temperature, from 430 to 408 °C. The absorption, emission, and thermoluminescence glow peaks of the undoped and Tm-doped KMgF3 were compared.

Anatomical variations of the mandibular canal and their clinical implications in dental practice: a literature review.

INTRODUCTION: The anatomical variations of the mandibular canal have been described according to the number of additional branches it presents, bifid and trifid. Within the bifids we can also find subtypes of variations such as the retromolar mandibular canal. These anatomical variations can have important clinical implications for the work of dental professionals. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was carried out in different databases that met the following criteria: articles published between 2000 and 2020, and articles that established a clinical correlation with variations in the mandibular canal. RESULTS: After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 32 articles were obtained, in which the variations of the mandibular canal were identified, their prevalence and incidence, which was very varied between the different articles, it was also found that the CBCT was the main technique to identify the anatomical variations of the mandibular canal. Lastly, the anatomical variations of the mandibular canal have a direct clinical correlation with pre-surgical, intra-surgical and postsurgical complications in pathologies that require surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomical variations of the mandibular canal have a high incidence, so knowing them is of vital importance both for clinicians and anatomy professors who provide morphological training. We believe that research should focus on describing and diagnosing the causes of these anatomical variations. That said, there is also a continuous challenge for all health professionals to learn about the different anatomical variations that the human body presents and how these can affect clinical practice.

[Cardiovascular risk and associated factors in university teachers]. / Riesgo cardiovascular y factores asociados en docentes de una institución universitaria.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with cardiovascular risk in teachers in a private university in Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a descriptive cross-sectional study with an analytical phase. Probabilistic sampling was performed by proportional fixation with 104 full-time teachers who met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: There were 55 women (52.9%) and 49 men (47.1%). A statistically significant relationship was found with age (p=.001) with an OR 0.351, and with body mass index (p=.000) with an OR 6.071, establishing that altered body mass index conferred a 6-fold increased risk of cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: Body mass index is a constant variable in terms of the relationship with the occurrence of cardiovascular disease, which reflects individuals' lifestyle.

Multidisciplinary consensus on cancer management during pregnancy.

Cancer during pregnancy is a challenge for multi- and interdisciplinary collaboration due to the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic implications, the need for an integrated harmonization of medical action for the pregnant patient and the embryo or foetus and the characteristics of each gestational period, which will determine the protocol to be proposed and its limitations. For this reason, a group of experts appointed by participating scientific societies, which includes the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica-SEOM), the Spanish Association of Surgeons (Asociación Española de Cirujanos-AEC), the Spanish Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (Sociedad Española de Ginecología y Obstetricia-SEGO), the Spanish Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (Sociedad Española de Medicina Nuclear e Imagen Molecular-SEMNIM), the Spanish Society of Oncological Radiotherapy (Sociedad Española de Oncología Radioterápica-SEOR) and the Spanish Society of Medical Radiology (Sociedad Española de Radiología Médica-SERAM), have worked together to establish consensus recommendations that allow the harmonization of management and ultimately the optimization of the healthcare of pregnant patients with cancer. When cancer is detected in a pregnant woman, the week of gestation in which the diagnosis is made must be considered, as well as the characteristics of the tumour. It is strongly recommended that a multidisciplinary team assesses the situation and guides the patient and her family during the informing, diagnosis and treatment process. Likewise, the foetus should be monitored and managed by specialized obstetricians who are part of a multidisciplinary cancer committee.

Microbial mortality behavior promoted by silver (Ag+/Ago)-modified zeolite-rich tuffs for water disinfection.

BACKGROUND: In developing countries, death due to diseases caused by fecal-oral ingestion can be avoided by taking action on drinking water issues. Adequate access to water treatment systems to reduce infections is a critical cause. Silver has been used as an antibacterial product, including biomedical applications. Therefore, in this paper, the effect of the chemical speciation of silver from silver-modified zeolite-rich tuffs on the mortality of Escherichia coli (E. coli), Streptococcus faecalis (S. faecalis) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) suspended in aqueous solution was investigated for disinfection purposes. METHODS: The following aspects were considered to develop the investigation: a) the technique to prepare the modified zeolitic materials, either with ionic silver or silver nanoparticles, which were obtained in two ways: one, with grapefruit extract and the second, by using non-thermal plasma generated in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor of parallel plates; b) the response of the prokaryotes (bacteria) and eukaryote (yeast) microorganisms to disinfectant agents in batch systems; c) the disinfection processes as a function of time to obtain kinetics parameters; and d) the kinetics of the silver release from the silver-modified zeolite-rich tuffs, considering the models of Higuchi and Korsmeyer. The zeolitic materials were characterized by low-vacuum scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). RESULTS: The non-thermal plasma reduced ionic silver is more efficient at generating silver compounds with several oxidation states, which are essential during the microbial inhibition process. For the bacterial (E. coli and S. faecalis), the materials with nanoparticles were efficient to inactivate them. However, the yeast (C. albicans) reaches the total inactivation when the zeolitic material contains ionic silver in the crystalline network. CONCLUSION: The E. coli, S. faecalis and C. albicans survival behavior suspended in aqueous solutions after contact with Ag-modified natural zeolites depends on the chemical speciation of the silver present in these materials, Ag+1 in the case of OAgiZ or nanoparticles of Ago promoted by the grapefruit extract (OAgnpTZ), as well as by non-thermal plasma generated in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor of parallel plates (OAgnpPZ). In general, the concentration of silver in the aqueous solution after the disinfection process cannot exceed the recommended levels established for international organizations. The OAgnpPZ is a potential microbicide agent against E. coli and C. albicans, and the OAgn pTZ for F. faecalis.Graphical abstractARTWORK.

Optical, morphological and photocatalytic properties of biobased tractable films of chitosan/donor-acceptor polymer blends.

Biobased tractable films consisting of blends of chitosan (CS) with polymer bearing carbazole derivatives as pendant groups and fluorene-thiophene as donor-acceptor units (referred to as DA) were prepared, and their optical, morphological and photocatalytic properties were studied. DA was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and mixed with an acidified aqueous solution containing chitosan to obtain chitosan/DA (CS/DA) films by solution casting. The fabricated biobased films were characterized using spectroscopic techniques (FT-IR and UV-vis), thermogravimetry, mechanical assays, contact angle analysis, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The effects of varying DA compositions and the results of exposure to visible-light irradiation of the films were also analyzed. The results indicated the existence of interactions between chitosan and DA and a potentially profitable light-driven response of these biobased films. This behavior was reflected in the optical, topographical, and contact angle properties of the films, which exhibited different characteristics before and after visible-light exposure. Finally, the photocatalytic performance of the biobased films was tested via the decomposition of methyl orange (MO), as a reaction model system. Our results revealed a significant photocatalytic activity (according to biobased film composition, approximately 64 % and 87 % of methyl orange were degraded under continuous visible-light irradiation for 120 min) of the films which is attributed to the combined presence and synergetic effects of the film-forming ability of chitosan and the photoproperties of DA.

Plasmocitosis cutánea: a propósito de un caso / Cutaneous Plasmacytosis: about a case

RESUMEN La plasmocitosis cutánea es una enfermedad poco frecuente, de curso crónico y benigno, que predomina en hombres entre los 20 y 62 años, particularmente en poblaciones asiáticas. Presentamos un caso de un hombre colombianoquien presentabamáculas y placas pardo-violáceas de bordes definidos, ligeramente infiltradas en tórax posterior y dorso de pies, sin otroshallazgos. Debido a que es una enfermedad que puede tener manifestaciones extracutáneaso transformación maligna por infiltración de células plasmáticas en otros órganos, se realizaron estudios de extensión que determinaron en este paciente que el compromiso era exclusivamente cutáneo. No existe un tratamiento estándar para esta enfermedad, se han usado antibióticos, corticosteroides tópicos y sistémicos, tacrolimus tópico, quimioterapia, talidomida, fototerapia UVB de banda estrecha y azatioprina, con resultados variables.

SUMMARY Cutaneous plasmacytosis is a rare disease of chronic and benign course, which occurs more frequently in men between 20 and 62 years, particularly in Asian populations. We present the case of a Colombian man who presents macules and violet-brown patches with defined edges, slightly infiltrated in the posterior thorax and feet, without any other manifestation. Because it is a disease that can have extracutaneous manifestations or malignant transformation due to the infiltration of plasma cells in other organs, extension studies were carried out, which determinedwhich determined exclusive cutaneous involvement. There is no standard treatment for this disease, antibiotics, topical and systemic corticosteroids, topical tacrolimus, chemotherapy, thalidomide, narrow-band UVB treatment and azathioprine have been used with variable results.

The Male Warrior Hypothesis: Testosterone-related Cooperation and Aggression in the Context of Intergroup Conflict.

The Male Warrior Hypothesis (MWH) establishes that men's psychology has been shaped by inter-group competition to acquire and protect reproductive resources. In this context, sex-specific selective pressures would have favored cooperation with the members of one's group in combination with hostility towards outsiders. We investigate the role of developmental testosterone, as measured indirectly through static markers of prenatal testosterone (2D:4D digit ratio) and pubertal testosterone (body musculature and facial masculinity), on both cooperation and aggressive behavior in the context of intergroup conflict among men. Supporting the MWH, our results show that the intergroup conflict scenario promotes cooperation within group members and aggression toward outgroup members. Regarding the hormonal underpinnings of this phenomenon, we find that body musculature is positively associated with aggression and cooperation, but only for cooperation when context (inter-group competition) is taken into account. Finally, we did not find evidence that the formidability of the group affected individual rates of aggression or cooperation, controlling for individual characteristics.

Disponibilidad de técnicas moleculares para niños con tumores de difícil caracterización. Un problema en la Oncopatología pediátrica. Aplicación y difusión de técnicas de diagnóstico complementarias en el ámbito público / Availability of molecular techniques for children with difficult-to-characterize tumors. A problem in pediatric oncopathology. Application and diffusion of complementary diagnostic techniques in the public setting

La revolución de la biología molecular y el desarrollo de la investigación biomédica básica para el diagnóstico y posterior manejo del cáncer infantil han llevado a la necesidad de organización de grupos interdisciplinarios de profesionales, los cuales se encargan de afrontar los nuevos desafíos diagnósticos y terapéuticos. Los sarcomas indiferenciados pediátricos constituyen un grupo heterogéneo de neoplasias malignas de aspecto primitivo y polifenotípico. La categorización de gran parte de este tipo de tumores es posible gracias a la aplicación de técnicas moleculares complementarias al estudio histopatológico. El objetivo del presente estudio fue recategorizar sarcomas indiferenciados mediante la implementación de una nueva metodología diagnóstica. Se efectuaron técnicas de inmunohistoquimica (IHQ), FISH de interfase y RT-PCR a partir de tejido fijado en formol e incluido en parafina en 144 casos de sarcomas indiferenciados. Se logró la recategorización del 95.1% de los casos, arribando a 24 diagnósticos diferentes. Sólo un 4.9% permanece aún como sarcoma indiferenciado o inclasificable. Los resultados alcanzados por este estudio demuestran la importancia de contar con nuevas herramientas diagnósticas a nivel molecular y recursos humanos especializados que posibiliten su correcta implementación para el diagnóstico de neoplasias de difícil caracterización (AU)

The revolution of molecular biology and the development of basic medical research for the diagnosis and subsequent management of childhood cancer have led to a need to organize interdisciplinary groups of professionals in charge of facing new diagnostic and treatment challenges. Childhood undifferentiated sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of malignant neoplasms that are primitive in appearance and have polyphenotypic features. Categorization of a large part of this type of tumor has become possible with molecular techniques as a complement to histopathological studies. The aim of this study was to categorize undifferentiated sarcomas using new diagnostic tools. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), interfase FISH, and RT-PCR techniques were used on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues of 144 cases of undifferentiated sarcomas. Overall, 95.1% of the cases could be recategorized resulting in 24 different diagnoses. In only 4.9% the diagnosis of undifferentiated or unclassifiable sarcoma was maintained. These results emphasize the importance of the availability of new diagnostic tools at the molecular level and specialized human resources enabling adequate implementation for the diagnosis of difficult-to-characterize neoplasms (AU)

Functional Connectivity Changes in Behavioral, Semantic, and Nonfluent Variants of Frontotemporal Dementia.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) affects behavior, language, and personality. This study aims to explore functional connectivity changes in three FTD variants: behavioral (bvFTD), semantic (svPPA), and nonfluent variant (nfvPPA). Seventy-six patients diagnosed with FTD by international criteria and thirty-two controls were investigated. Functional connectivity from resting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was estimated for the whole brain. Two types of analysis were done: network basic statistic and topological measures by graph theory. Several hubs in the limbic system and basal ganglia were compromised in the behavioral variant apart from frontal networks. Nonfluent variants showed a major disconnection with respect to the behavioral variant in operculum and parietal inferior. The global efficiency had lower coefficients in nonfluent variants than behavioral variants and controls. Our results support an extensive disconnection among frontal, limbic, basal ganglia, and parietal hubs.

Risk for interspecies transmission of zoonotic pathogens during poultry processing and pork production in Peru: A qualitative study.

Interspecies transmission of pathogens is an unfrequent but naturally occurring event and human activities may favour opportunities not previously reported. Reassortment of zoonotic pathogens like influenza A virus can result from these activities. Recently, swine and birds have played a central role as "mixing vessels" for epidemic and pandemic events related to strains like H1N1 and H5N1. Unsafe practices in poultry markets and swine farms can lead to interspecies transmission, favouring the emergence of novel strains. Thus, understanding practices that lead to interspecies interactions is crucial. This qualitative study aimed to evaluate poultry processing practices in formal and informal markets and the use of leftovers by swine farmers in three Peruvian cities: Lima (capital), Tumbes (coastal) and Tarapoto (jungle). We conducted 80 direct observations at formal and informal markets and interviewed 15 swine farmers. Processors slaughter and pluck chickens and vendors and/or processors eviscerate chickens. Food safety and hygiene practices were suboptimal or absent, although some heterogeneity was observed between cities and chicken vendors versus processors. Both vendors (76%) and processors (100%) sold the chicken viscera leftovers to swine farmers, representing the main source of chicken viscera for swine farms (53%). Swine farmers fed the chicken viscera to their swine. Chicken viscera cooking times varied widely and were insufficient in some cases. Non-abattoired poultry leads to the sale of poultry leftovers to small-scale swine farms, resulting in indirect but frequent interspecies contacts that can lead to interspecies transmission of bacterial pathogens or the reassortment of influenza A viruses. These interactions are exacerbated by suboptimal safety and hygiene conditions. People involved in these activities constitute an at-risk population who could play a central role in preventing the transmission of pathogens between species. Educational interventions on hygiene and food safety practices will be important for reducing the risk of interspecies influenza transmission.