Arylesterase activity of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) on HDL3 and HDL2: Relationship with Q192R, C-108T, and L55M polymorphisms.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding the role of the subfractions of high-density lipoproteins (HDL2 and HDL3) in cardiovascular disease. The functionality of these particles, and their protective role, is due in part to the paraoxonase 1 (PON1) presence in them. The polymorphisms rs662 (Q192R, A/G), rs854560 (L55 M, T/A), and rs705379 (C-108T) of the PON1 gene have been related to enzyme activity and, with the anti-oxidative capacity of the HDL. The objective was to determine the arylesterase PON1 activity in HDL3 and HDL2 and its relationship with the polymorphisms mentioned, in a young population. METHODS: The polymorphisms were determined through mini-sequencing (SnaPshot). The HDL subpopulations were separated via ionic precipitation, cholesterol was measured with enzymatic methods, and PON1 activity was measured through spectrophotometry. RESULTS: The results show that the PON1 polymorphisms do not influence the cholesterol in the HDL. A variation between 40.02 and 43.9 mg/dL was in all the polymorphisms without significant differences. Additionally, PON1 activity in the HDL3 subfractions was greater (62.83 ± 20 kU/L) than with HDL2 (35.8 ± 20.8 kU/L) in the whole population and in all the polymorphisms (p < 0.001), and it was independent of the polymorphism and differential arylesterase activity in the Q192R polymorphism (QQ > QR > RR). Thus, 115.90 ± 30.7, 88.78 ± 21.3, 65.29 ± 10.2, respectively, for total HDL, with identical behavior for HDL3 and HDL2. CONCLUSIONS: PON1 polymorphisms do not influence the HDL-c, and the PON activity is greater in the HDL3 than in the HDL2, independent of the polymorphism, but it is necessary to delve into the functionality of these findings in different populations.

Hidradenocarcinoma en miembro inferior: reporte de caso y revision de literatura / Hydradenocarcinoma in lower member: case report and review of literature

RESUMEN Objetivo : Presentación de un caso, consistente en una lesión tumoral, compatible con hidradenocarcinoma, desarrollado en un paciente joven, y revisión de la literatura referida a la entidad mencionada. Métodos : Se valora en el servicio de dermatología un paciente de 17 años con una lesión de crecimiento progresivo, localizada en tercio medio de la pierna derecha, la cual a la inspección muestra secreción hialina y sangrado, manifestando prurito como síntoma ocasional, al inicio de la lesión. Se decide tomar biopsia de la lesión para confirmar diagnóstico. Resultados : Se hace diagnóstico clínico e histopatológico de hidradenocarcinoma siendo este un tumor raro maligno, originado en glándulas sudoríparas que se localiza cualquier parte del cuerpo, el cual en la mayoría de los casos se ha descrito como de origen ecrino. Conclusiones : Aunque no es una patología frecuente tiene altas tasas de recurrencia y riesgo de metástasis. Por lo tanto, es importante considerarla siempre como uno de los diagnósticos diferenciales, y de esa manera ofrecer un oportuno tratamiento quirúrgico, con márgenes amplios de resección.

SUMMARY Objective : Presentation of a case report, consisting of a tumor lesion, compatible with hydradenocarcinoma, developed in a young patient, and review of the literature referring to the mentioned entity. Methods : A 17-year-old patient with a progressive growth lesion, located in the middle third of the right leg, was evaluated in the dermatology service, which upon inspection showed hyaline secretion and bleeding, manifesting pruritus as an occasional symptom. A skin biopsy was performed to confirm the diagnosis. Results : A clinical and histopathological diagnosis of hydradenocarcinoma is made, this being a rare and malignant tumor originating in sweat glands that is located anywhere in the body, which in most cases has been described as of eccrine origin. Conclusions : Although it is not a frequent pathology, it has high recurrence rates and risk of metastasis. Therefore, it is important to always consider it as one of the differential diagnoses, and thus offer timely surgical treatment, with wide resection margins.

Development of the place-based Adelante social marketing campaign for prevention of substance use, sexual risk and violence among Latino immigrant youth.

Immigrant Latino youth represent a high-risk subgroup that should be targeted with health promotion efforts. However, there are considerable barriers to engagement in health-related programming. Little is known about the engagement possibilities of social marketing campaigns and digital strategies for traditionally 'hard-to-reach' immigrants, underscoring the importance of testing these techniques with immigrant Latino adolescents. We developed and piloted a place-based social marketing campaign in coordination with the branded, Positive Youth Development-based (PYD) Adelante intervention targeting risk factors for co-occurring youth substance abuse, sexual risk and violence. Building on prior research, we conducted a four-phase formative research process, and planned the Adelante social marketing campaign based on findings from one group interview and ongoing consultation with Adelante staff (n=8) and four focus groups with youth (n=35). Participants identified four overarching campaign themes, and suggested portrayal of resilient, proud youth who achieved goals despite adversity. Youth guided selection of campaign features and engagement strategies, including message/visual content, stylistic elements, and a mixed language approach. We developed a 12-month campaign to be delivered via print ads, multi-platform social media promotion, contests, youth-generated videos, blog posts, and text messaging. We describe the process and outcome of campaign development and make recommendations for future campaigns.

Frequent Shifts in Aspergillus flavus Populations Associated with Maize Production in Sonora, Mexico.

Aspergillus flavus frequently contaminates maize, a critical staple for billions of people, with aflatoxins. Diversity among A. flavus L morphotype populations associated with maize in Sonora, Mexico was assessed and, in total, 869 isolates from 83 fields were placed into 136 vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) using nitrate-nonutilizing mutants. VCG diversity indices did not differ in four agroecosystems (AES) but diversity significantly differed among years. Frequencies of certain VCGs changed manyfold over single years in both multiple fields and multiple AES. Certain VCGs were highly frequent (>1%) in 2006 but frequencies declined repeatedly in each of the two subsequent years. Other VCGs that had low frequencies in 2006 increased in 2007 and subsequently declined. None of the VCGs were consistently associated with any AES. Fourteen VCGs were considered dominant in at least a single year. However, frequencies often varied significantly among years. Only 9% of VCGs were detected all 3 years whereas 66% were detected in only 1 year. Results suggest that the most realistic measurements of both genetic diversity and the frequency of A. flavus VCGs are obtained by sampling multiple locations in multiple years. Single-season sampling in many locations should not be substituted for sampling over multiple years.

Prevalence and Penetrance of BRCA1 and BRCA2 Germline Mutations in Colombian Breast Cancer Patients.

Pathogenic BRCA1/2 germline mutations confer high risks of breast and ovarian cancer to women of European ancestry. Characterization of BRCA1/2 mutations in other ethnic groups is also medically important. We comprehensively screened 68 Colombian breast/ovarian cancer families for small-range mutations, 221 families for large-genomic rearrangements, and 1,022 unselected breast cancer cases for Colombian founder mutations in BRCA1/2. The risk of cancer among relatives of mutation carriers and the mutation penetrance were estimated by survival analysis. Identified BRCA2 mutations included 6310delGA and the recurrent 1991del4 mutations. A novel large BRCA2 deletion was found in 0.9% of the screened families. Among unselected breast cancer cases, 3.3% tested positive for BRCA1/3450del4, 2.2% for BRCA1/A1708E, 1.1% for BRCA2/3034del4, and 0.4% for BRCA2/1991del4. Female relatives of carriers of BRCA1/2 founder mutations showed a 5.90 times higher risk of breast cancer, when the woman herself carried a BRCA1 mutation compared to a non-carrier (95% CI 2.01-17.3). The estimated cumulative risk of breast cancer by age 70 years for BRCA1 mutations carriers was 14% (95% CI 5-38) compared to 3% for the general Colombian population (relative risk of breast cancer 4.05). Together with known founder mutations, reported novel variants may ease a cost-effective BRCA1/2 screening in women with Colombian ancestry.

Prevalencia de rinitis asociada al uso de C-PAP nasal y su impacto en la adherencia al tratamiento en pacientes con síndrome de apnea hipopnea obstructiva del sueño / Prevalence of rhinitis associated to nasal C-PAP and its impact on adherence to treatment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea síndrome

Introducción: El síndrome de apnea y hipopnea del sueño es frecuente en la población general, y es la segunda enfermedad relacionada con problemas del sistema respiratorio solo superada por el asma. Objetivos: Estimar la prevalencia de abandono del tratamiento con CPAP por rinitis secundaria al uso del dispositivo en pacientes mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico de SAHOS atendidos en el servicio de consulta externa de somnología del Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael. Diseño: Estudio observacional de corte transversal. Materiales y métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico clínico de SAHOS y en tratamiento con CPAP durante 2013-2015 de acuerdo al muestreo y criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo previa determinación de la normalidad de las variables. Posteriormente se realizó un análisis bivariado, donde aquellas variables cuantitativas de distribución normal se analizan con una t-student y para las no normales con Mann-Whitney. Resultados: Se encontraron un total de 105 pacientes con diagnóstico de SAHOS y 56 en tratamiento con CPAP, con una prevalencia de 0.53/100.000. El 53.6% eran de género masculino y el 46.6% femenino; la edad media fue de 58.11±11.90. Se identificó que la rinitis afecta la adherencia, el porcentaje de días sin CPAP (p<0.001), y el promedio de horas de uso del CPAP/días (p<0.001). Conclusiones: Es de vital importancia evaluar la presencia de estos síntomas en todos los pacientes que utilicen CPAP e intervenir de manera temprana para asegurar la adherencia a largo plazo en estos pacientes. Se requiere realizar estudios adicionales con una metodología más robusta para lograr obtener resultados más consistentes.

Introduction: Sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome is frequent in the general population, and is the second disease related to respiratory system problems after asthma. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of cessation of CPAP treatment due to rhinitis secondary to use of this device in patients older than 18 years with diagnosis of OSAHS who were being treated at the department of somnology of the Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael. Design: Observational cross-sectional study. Materials and methods: Patients older than 18 years with clinical diagnosis of OSAHS treated with CPAP during 2013-2015 were included according to the sampling as well as the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A descriptive analysis was performed prior to determination of the normality of the variables. Subsequently, a bivariate analysis was performed; quantitative variables of normal distribution were analyzed with T-student and non-normal variables with Mann-Whitney. Results: A total of 105 patients diagnosed with OSAHS and 56 with CPAP, were found with a prevalence of 0.53/100,000. 53.6% were male and 46.6% female; the mean age was 58.11 ± 11.90. It was identified that rhinitis affects adherence, the percentage of days without CPAP (p<0.001), , and the average hours of use of CPAP/days (p<0.001) Conclusions: The evaluation and early intervention of these symptoms in all patients using CPAP lead to long-term adherence in these patients. Further studies with a more robust methodology are required to achieve more consistent results.

The vegetative compatibility group to which the US biocontrol agent Aspergillus flavus AF36 belongs is also endemic to Mexico.

AIMS: To assess frequencies of the Aspergillus flavus atoxigenic vegetative compatibility group (VCG) YV36, to which the biocontrol agent AF36 belongs, in maize-growing regions of Mexico. METHODS AND RESULTS: Over 3500 A. flavus isolates recovered from maize agroecosystems in four states of Mexico during 2005 through 2008 were subjected to vegetative compatibility analyses based on nitrate nonutilizing mutants. Results revealed that 59 (1·6%) isolates belong to VCG YV36. All 59 isolates had the MAT1-2 idiomorph at the mating-type locus and the single nucleotide polymorphism in the polyketide synthase gene that confers atoxigenicity. Additional degradation of the aflatoxin gene cluster was detected in three isolates. Microsatellite loci analyses revealed low levels of genetic diversity and no linkage disequilibrium within VCG YV36. CONCLUSIONS: The VCG to which the biocontrol agent AF36 belongs, YV36, is also native to Mexico. The North American Free Trade Agreement should facilitate adoption of AF36 for use by Mexico in aflatoxin prevention programs. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: An USEPA registered biocontrol agent effective at preventing aflatoxin contamination of crops in the US, is also native to Mexico. This should facilitate the path to registration of AF36 as the first biopesticide for aflatoxin mitigation of maize in Mexico. Economic and health benefits to the population of Mexico should result once aflatoxin mitigation programs based on AF36 applications are implemented.

Modulation of intracellular pH in human ovarian cancer.

To sustain tumor growth, the cancer cells need to adapt to low levels of oxygen (i.e., hypoxia) in the tumor tissue and to the tumor-associated acidic microenvironment. In this phenomenon, the activation of the sodium/proton exchanger 1 (NHE1) at the plasma membrane and the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) are critical for the control of the intracellular pH (pHi) and for hypoxia adaptation, respectively. Interestingly, both of these mechanisms end in sustaining cancer cell proliferation. However, regulatory mechanisms of pHi in human ovary tissue and in malignant ascites are unknown. Additionally, a potential role of NHE1 in the modulation of H(+) efflux in human ovarian cancer cells is unknown. In this review, we discussed the characteristics of tumor microenvironment of primary human ovarian tumors and tumor ascites, in terms of pHi regulatory mechanisms and oxygen level. The findings described in the literature suggest that NHE1 may likely play a role in pHi regulation and cell proliferation in human ovarian cancer, potentially involving HIF2α activation. Since ovarian cancer is the fifth cause of prevalence of women cancer in Chile and is usually of late diagnosis, i.e., when the disease jeopardizes peritoneal cavity and other organs, resulting in reduced patient survival, new efforts are required to improve patient-life span and for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease. The potential advantage of the use of amiloride and amiloride-derivatives for cancer treatment in terms of NHE1 expression and activity is also discussed as a therapeutic approach in human ovarian cancer.

Effects of general, specific and combined warm-up on explosive muscular performance.

The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of general, specific and combined warm-up (WU) on explosive performance. Healthy male (n = 10) subjects participated in six WU protocols in a crossover randomized study design. Protocols were: passive rest (PR; 15 min of passive rest), running (Run; 5 min of running at 70% of maximum heart rate), stretching (STR; 5 min of static stretching exercise), jumping [Jump; 5 min of jumping exercises - 3x8 countermovement jumps (CMJ) and 3x8 drop jumps from 60 cm (DJ60)], and combined (COM; protocols Run+STR+Jump combined). Immediately before and after each WU, subjects were assessed for explosive concentric-only (i.e. squat jump - SJ), slow stretch-shortening cycle (i.e. CMJ), fast stretch-shortening cycle (i.e. DJ60) and contact time (CT) muscle performance. PR significantly reduced SJ performance (p =0.007). Run increased SJ (p =0.0001) and CMJ (p =0.002). STR increased CMJ (p =0.048). Specific WU (i.e. Jump) increased SJ (p =0.001), CMJ (p =0.028) and DJ60 (p =0.006) performance. COM increased CMJ performance (p =0.006). Jump was superior in SJ performance vs. PR (p =0.001). Jump reduced (p =0.03) CT in DJ60. In conclusion, general, specific and combined WU increase slow stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) muscle performance, but only specific WU increases fast SSC muscle performance. Therefore, to increase fast SSC performance, specific fast SSC muscle actions must be included during the WU.

Resultado perinatal de embarazos gemelares atendidos en dos instituciones de alta complejidad en Bogotá, Colombia / Perinatal outcome of twin pregnancies attended in two highly complex institutions in Bogotá, Colombia

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los embarazos múltiples presentan riesgos de diferente naturaleza, frecuencia y severidad, debido a su comportamiento fisiopatológico particular según las características placentarias, impactando directamente en los resultados perinatales. OBJETIVO: Evaluar los resultados perinatales en embarazos ge-melares teniendo en cuenta las características maternas, el resultado obstétrico, la morbilidad y mortalidad fetal y neonatal. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo de los resultados perinatales de embarazos gemelares en dos instituciones con presencia de grupo de medicina materno fetal, por medio de revisión de historias clínicas maternas y neonatales entre enero de 2009 y diciembre de 2012. RESULTADOS: El promedio de edad materna fue 28,6 ± 6 años, se incluyeron 438 gestantes y 885 gemelos de un total de 490 gestaciones múltiples, con nacimiento a las 34 ± 4,1 semanas de edad gestacional. Se presentó morbilidad neonatal severa en 127 casos (14,3%), mortalidad neonatal temprana en 18 casos (2%), admisión a la Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo Neonatal en 282 casos (31,8%), la causa de ingreso más frecuente fueron las complicaciones respiratorias en 275 casos (31%). CONCLUSIONES: Nuestros hallazgos sugieren que el embarazo múltiple en nuestro medio, está asociado a complicaciones maternas, fetales, y neonatales, similar a lo reportado en la literatura, siendo mayores en los embarazos monocoriales biamnióticos. Se enfatiza en los embarazos múltiples, el cuidado prenatal, durante el nacimiento y postnatal, con el fin de mejorar los resultados tanto maternos como perinatales.

INTRODUCTION: The risk of multiple pregnancies experience different nature, frequency, and severity, given its particular pathophysiological behavior as placental characteristics, directly impacting perinatal outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies taking into account maternal characteristics, obstetric outcome, morbidity and fetal and neonatal mortality. METHODS: Descriptive study of perinatal outcome of twin pregnancies in two institutions with presence of maternal fetal medicine group, through review of maternal and neonatal medical records between January 2009 and December 2012. RESULTS: The mean maternal age was 28.6 ± 6 years, 438 pregnant women and 885 twins of a total of 490 multiple pregnancies were included, with birth at 34 ± 4.1 weeks gestational age. Severe neonatal morbidity in 127 cases (14.3 %), early neonatal mortality in 18 cases (2%), admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in 282 cases (31.8%), the cause was submitted admission were more frequent respiratory complications in 275 cases (31%). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that multiple pregnancies in our environment, is associated with maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications, similar to that reported in the literature, being higher in monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies. So should emphasize prenatal care, during childbirth and postnatal care in multiple pregnancies, in order to improve both maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Upregulation of voltage-gated calcium channel cav1.3 in bovine somatotropes treated with ghrelin.

Activation of the growth hormone (GH) secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) by synthetic GH releasing peptides (GHRP) or its endogenous ligand (Ghrelin) stimulates GH release. Though much is known about the signal transduction underlying short-term regulation, there is far less information on the mechanisms that produce long-term effects. In the current report, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for GH detection and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, we assessed the long-term actions of such regulatory factors on voltage-activated Ca(2+) currents in bovine somatotropes (BS) separated on a Percoll gradient and detected by immunohistochemistry. After 24 h of treatment with Ghrelin (10 nM) or GHRP-6 (100 nM) enhanced BS secretory activity; GH secretion stimulated by GHS through the activation of GHS-R because treatment with the antagonist of GHS-R (D-Lys3-GHRP-6, 10 µM) blocked the GH secretion, and the effect was dose and time dependent (24, 48, and 72 h). GH secretion stimulated by GHRP-6 was abolished by nifedipine (0.5 µM), a blocker of L-type HVA Ca(2+) channels, and KN-62 (10 µM), an inhibitor of Ca(2+)/CaM-KII. After 72 h in culture, all recorded BS exhibited two main Ca(2+) currents: a low voltage-activated (LVA; T-type) and a high voltage-activated (HVA; mostly dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type) current. Interestingly, HVA and LVA channels were differentially upregulated by Ghrelin. Chronic treatment with the GHS induced a significant selective increase on the Ba(2+) current through HVA Ca(2+) channels, and caused only a small increase of currents through LVA channels. The stimulatory effect on HVA current density was accompanied by an augment in maximal conductance with no apparent changes in the kinetics and the voltage dependence of the Ca(2+) currents, suggesting an increase in the number of functional channels in the cell membrane. Lastly, in consistency with the functional data, quantitative real-time RT-PCR revealed transcripts encoding for the Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 pore-forming subunits of L-type channels. The treatment with Ghrelin significantly increased the Cav1.3 subunit expression, suggeting that the chronic stimulation of the GHS receptor with Ghrelin or GHRP-6 increases the number of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels at the cell surface of BS.

Indice de captación de 99mTc-MIBI en el ventrículo derecho como marcador indirecto de isquemia en los estudios de perfusión miocárdica / Right ventricular uptake index of 99mTc-MIBI in myocardial perfusion studies

Se describe un nuevo método para cuantificar la captación relativa del ventrículo derecho en los estudios de perfusión miocárdica. Se demuestra que el índice de captación propuesto está en relación con el grado de isquemia miocárdica en el ventrículo izquierdo.

A new method for quantification of relative right ventricular uptake in myocardial perfusion Studies is described. A direct relationship between the proposed uptake index and the degree of left ventricular myocardial ischemia is demonstrated.

Do individuals in better condition survive for longer? Field survival estimates according to male alternative reproductive tactics and sex.

There is a gap in terms of the supposed survival differences recorded in the field according to individual condition. This is partly due to our inability to assess survival in the wild. Here we applied modern statistical techniques to field-gathered data in two damselfly species whose males practice alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) and whose indicators of condition in both sexes are known. In Paraphlebia zoe, there are two ART: a larger black-winged (BW) male which defends mating territories and a smaller hyaline-winged (HW) male that usually acts as a satellite. In this species, condition in both morphs is correlated with body size. In Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis, males follow tactics according to their condition with males in better condition practicing a territorial ART. In addition, in this species, condition correlates positively with wing pigmentation in both sexes. Our prediction for both species was that males practicing the territorial tactic will survive less longer than males using a nonterritorial tactic, and larger or more pigmented animals will survive for longer. In P. zoe, BW males survived less than females but did not differ from HW males, and not necessarily larger individuals survived for longer. In fact, size affected survival but only when group identity was analysed, showing a positive relationship in females and a slightly negative relationship in both male morphs. For C. haemorrhoidalis, survival was larger for more pigmented males and females, but size was not a good survival predictor. Our results partially confirm assumptions based on the maintenance of ARTs. Our results also indicate that female pigmentation, correlates with a fitness component - survival - as proposed by recent sexual selection ideas applied to females.

Brain derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-4 employ different intracellular pathways to modulate norepinephrine uptake and release in rat hypothalamus.

Classical actions of the neurotrophin family are related to cellular survival and differentiation. Moreover, acute effects of neurotrophins have been reported. Although neurotrophins effects on synaptic transmission at central nervous system level have been largely studied, acute effects of neurotrophins on hypothalamic noradrenergic transmission are still poorly understood. Thus, we have studied the effects of the neurotrophin family members nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) on norepinephrine (NE) neuronal uptake and its evoked release, as well as the receptor and the intracellular pathways involved in these processes in rat hypothalamus. Present results indicate that BDNF increased NE uptake and decreased its evoked release through a mechanism that involve Trk B receptor and phospholipase C. Moreover, NT-4, also through the Trk B receptor, decreased NE uptake and its evoked release by activating phosphatidylinositol 3-OH-kinase. These effects were observed in whole hypothalamus as well as in the anterior hypothalamic zone. On the other hand, NGF did not modify noradrenergic transmission. In conclusion, we showed for the first time that BDNF and NT-4 activate two different intracellular signalling pathways through a Trk B receptor dependent mechanism. Furthermore, present findings support the hypothesis that BDNF and NT-4 acutely applied, could be considered as modulators of noradrenergic transmission and thus may regulate hypothalamic physiological as well as pathophysiological responses.

Articulos del cono sur: puntuación diagnostica de apendicitis aguda en niños realizada por pediatrias de la unidades de emergencia / Articles in the Southern Cone: score diagnosed acute appendicitis in children by pediatric emergency units of

Las puntuaciones diagnósticas constituyen métodos sistemáticos para evaluar pacientes con sospecha de apendicitis, ayudan a ordenar el cuadro clínico y buscan los elementos que lo componen para llegar al diagnóstico acertado y oportuno.

Puntuación diagnóstica de apendicitis aguda en niños realizada por pediatras de las Unidades de Emergencia / Diagnostic score for appendicitis in children by Emergency Unit paediatricians

Background: Diagnostic scores are systematic methods that evaluate patients with suspected appendicitis. These scores help to structure the clinical evaluation, in order to reach an accurate and early diagnosis. Objective: Evaluate and validate a diagnostic score for appendicitis in paediatric patients. Method: Prospective study of 121 patients, ages 5 to 14 years-old, with suspected appendicitis, from October to December 2005. A previously published diagnostic score was modified, replacing the neutrophil differential count for C - reactive protein. The cut-off value in the score considered for surgery in any patient was established at 7 points. Results: All non-surgical patients scored 0 to 6 points, while most of the patients submitted to surgery had 9 and 10 points. The score demonstrated high sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions: This score will be useful for an organized evaluation of paediatric patients with suspected appendicitis; however, it should not replace the surgeon clinical judgement.

Introducción: Las puntuaciones diagnósticas constituyen métodos sistemáticos para evaluar pacientes con sospecha de apendicitis, ayudan a ordenar el cuadro clínico y buscan los elementos que lo componen para llegar al diagnóstico acertado y oportuno. Objetivo: Evaluación y validación de una puntuación diagnóstica para apendicitis en pacientes pediátricos. Métodos: Entre octubre y diciembre 2005 se estudiaron prospectivamente 121 pacientes consecutivos con un rango de edad entre 5 y 14 años, en quienes se evaluó la sospecha de apendicitis. Modificamos una puntuación previamente publicada, eliminando la variable del recuento diferencial de neutrofilos y reemplazándola por los niveles de proteína c reactiva. El punto de corte para considerar cirugía en un paciente fue establecido en 7 puntos. Resultados: Todos los pacientes no operados obtuvieron puntajes entre 0y6 puntos. La mayoría de los pacientes operados obtuvieron puntajes entre 9 y 10 puntos. La puntuación demostró una elevada sensibilidad, especificidad y exactitud diagnóstica. Conclusiones: La aplicación y utilidad de la puntuación diagnóstica de apendicitis en niños se encuentra en la evaluación estructurada de los pacientes con sospecha de apendicitis pero no debe reemplazar el juicio clínico del examinador.

Lack of subclinical myocardial ischaemia in Mexican patients with systemic lupus erythematosus without traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease.

The objective of this study was to analyse whether patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) without traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) develop subclinical myocardial ischaemia in the first years after diagnosis. A cross-sectional analysis of a cohort of 200 female SLE patients was conducted. We selected those patients who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) SLE criteria and had no traditional risk factors for CAD, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and smoking. After an initial clinical and laboratory examination, patients were evaluated using a baseline echocardiogram and a dobutamine and atropine stress echocardiogram to search for subclinical myocardial ischaemia. Forty-one patients were included in the study. The mean age at the time of the study was 34.5 +/- 9.56 years (mean +/- SD). The mean age at diagnosis was 30.3 +/- 9.39 years. The mean time from diagnosis was 3.9 +/- 3.3 years. Baseline disease activity index (MEX-SLEDAI score) showed that 92.6% of patients had disease activity, although most patients had mild activity. A dobutamine and atropine stress echocardiogram was performed in 40 patients. All 40 patients had negative tests for subclinical myocardial ischaemia. Patients without traditional risk factors for CAD do not have an increased risk for subclinical myocardial ischaemia in the first years after diagnosis. A longitudinal follow-up study of these patients is needed to confirm our findings and assess if additional non-traditional risk factors for CAD increase the risk for myocardial ischaemia.

Diversidad de arañas (Arachnida: Araneae) en el Parque Nacional Natural Isla Gorgona, pacífico colombiano / x

Para poder establecer una aproximación a la araneofauna de la Isla Gorgona, ubicada en el Océano Pacifico a 60 km de la costa SO de Colombia, tomamos muestras durante el mes de julio del 2003, empleando métodos de captura directa (manual), barridos con red entomológica (sweeping), agitación de follaje (beating) y trampas de caída (pitfall). Los muestreos se realizaron en jornadas diurnas y nocturnas en cuatro niveles de estratificación vertical, los cuales fueron llevados a cabo en seis tipos de habitat contrastantes de acuerdo con su grado de intervención. Fueron tomadas 65 muestras, colectados 1398 individuos agrupados en 247 morfoespecies, pertenecientes a 34 familias. Los datos fueron analizados con 7 estimadores de riqueza: ACE, ICE, Chao 1, Chao 2, Jack-knife de primer orden, Jack-knife de segundo orden y Bootstrap. Los índices de riqueza variaron entre sí, con Bootstrap obteniendo el valor más bajo (302) e ICE obteniendo el más alto (504). La curva de acumulación de especies nunca llegó a una asíntota, demostrando que el muestreo fue insuficiente. El método de captura más efectivo fue la colecta manual, ya que con este método se registraron 33 de las 34 familias encontradas. El índice de Bray-Curtis indicó que la similitud entre los hábitat es muy pequeña. A pesar de comprender un área relativamente pequeña, la Isla Gorgona aloja una significativa diversidad de arañas, lo cual se refleja por que en cuanto a familias se pudo detectar el equivalente al 71 por ciento de las reportadas para el país.

In order to establish an approximation to the araneofauna in the Isla Gorgona, located in the Pacific Ocean at approximately 60 km from the SW coast of Colombia, we took samples in July 2003, using various methods such as capturing the spiders manually, pitfall traps, sweeping with an entomological net, and beating foliage. The samples were taken during the day and night, at four different levels of vertical stratification, in six different habitat which had different states of succession. Sixty-five samples were taken; 1398 spiders were collected and placed in 247 morphospecies, which belong to 34 families. The data were analyzed with 7 species richness estimators: ACE, ICE, Chao 1, Chao 2, first order Jack-knife, second-order Jack-knife, and Bootstrap. The richness estimators varied between each other, with bootstrap having the lowest value (302) and ICE having the highest (504). The failure of the observed species accumulation curve to find an asymptote, showed that more sampling is needed. The most effective method applied was manual collection, with which 33 of the 34 families were collected. The Bray-Curtis similarity index showed that similarity between habitat is very small. Even though Gorgona has a small extension, it presents a high diversity of spiders, which is reflected in the number of families, that is equivalent to 71 percent of those found in the whole country.