The role of nurses in implementation of public policy on adolescent health in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

BACKGROUND: In Latin America, interventions aimed at adolescents' health suffer from a shortfall of investment and lack of sustainability. Nurses, as an integral part of health services and systems, can lead the implementation and development of public health policies to improve adolescent health. OBJECTIVE: To identify and analyze the role of nurses in the development and implementation of public policies and in the provision of health care to adolescents in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. METHODS: The research was carried out in three phases: a documentary analysis, an online survey, and semi-structured focus groups. A total of 48 documents were analyzed, 288 nurses participated in the survey, and 29 nurses participated in the focus groups. RESULTS: State policies aim to guarantee rights, with special protection for children and adolescents. It is an incremental process, with greater involvement of civil society and governments. Participants reported a lack of synergy between law and practice, as well as differences in regulatory compliance in rural areas and in populations of different ethnicities and cultures. Their perception was that the protection of adolescents is not specifically enshrined in the legal bases and regulatory structures of the countries, meaning that there are both protective factors and tensions in the regulatory framework. While nurses are highly committed to different actions aimed at adolescents, their participation in policy development and implementation is low, with barriers related to a lack of specialized training and working conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Given nurses' involvement in different actions aimed at adolescents, they could play a fundamental role in the development of policies for adolescents and ensure their effective implementation. Policymakers should consider revising the budget to make compliance viable, incorporating and using monitoring indicators, and increasing the involvement of educational institutions and the community.

[The role of nursing professionals in the development and care of adolescent health in HondurasPapel dos profissionais de enfermagem no desenvolvimento e na atenção à saúde de adolescentes em Honduras]. / El papel de los profesionales de enfermería en el desarrollo y atención de la salud adolescente en Honduras.

Objective: Identify and analyze the role of nursing professionals in the development and care of adolescent health in Honduras, by analyzing the curricular content of the training provided to nursing students with respect to adolescent health, and by studying policies on adolescent health. Methods: Mixed methods study, with a sequential explanatory approach, carried out from May to July 2023 through surveys of nursing schools, analysis of policy documents, a survey with nursing professionals, and a focus group. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data, applying the theoretical framework of Walt and Gilson. Results: During the research, 18 documents were analyzed and seven nursing schools, 141 nurses, and 10 key actors in leadership positions participated. The results point to the need to update and disseminate the regulatory framework, ensure the necessary resources and structure to implement sustainable intersectoral programs, and train professionals. Schools are an important space for the implementation of actions; in this context, the adoption of school nursing programs could be beneficial. Nurses were identified as key figures in program implementation and should be taken into consideration when developing policies aimed at adolescents. Conclusions: Nurses participate in various stages of the policy implementation process and can make important contributions to school health at the first level of care. To this end, it is necessary to increase the capacities of nurses and nursing educators in relation to current and relevant issues in adolescent care.

Objetivo: Identificar e analisar o papel dos profissionais de enfermagem no desenvolvimento e na atenção à saúde de adolescentes em Honduras por meio de análise do conteúdo da formação dos estudantes de enfermagem em saúde de adolescentes e das políticas relacionadas aos adolescentes. Métodos: Estudo de métodos mistos, com abordagem sequencial explanatória, realizado de maio a julho de 2023 por meio de um questionário aplicado a escolas de enfermagem, análise de documentos de política, um questionário aplicado a profissionais de enfermagem e um grupo focal. Os dados quantitativos foram analisados mediante estatísticas descritivas, e os qualitativos, usando o modelo teórico de Walt e Gilson. Resultados: Durante a pesquisa, foram analisados 18 documentos. Sete escolas de enfermagem, 141 profissionais de enfermagem e 10 atores-chave em cargos de liderança participaram do estudo. Os resultados apontam para a necessidade de atualizar e divulgar o marco normativo, garantir recursos e estrutura para a implementação de programas intersetoriais e sustentáveis e capacitar os profissionais. A escola representa um espaço importante para a implementação de ações, contexto no qual a adoção da enfermagem escolar pode ser proveitosa. Os profissionais de enfermagem foram identificados como atores-chave na implementação dos programas e devem ser levados em consideração no desenvolvimento de políticas voltadas para esse público. Conclusões: Os profissionais de enfermagem estão envolvidos em vários estágios do processo de implementação de políticas e podem fazer aportes importantes para a saúde escolar no nível da atenção primária. Para isso, é necessário aumentar a capacitação dos profissionais e docentes de enfermagem em tópicos atuais e relevantes da atenção a adolescentes.

El papel de los profesionales de enfermería en el desarrollo y atención de la salud adolescente en Honduras / The role of nursing professionals in the development and care of adolescent health in Honduras / Papel dos profissionais de enfermagem no desenvolvimento e na atenção à saúde de adolescentes em Honduras

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Identificar y analizar el papel de los profesionales de enfermería en el desarrollo y la atención de la salud adolescente en Honduras, por medio del análisis de los contenidos de la formación de los estudiantes de enfermería y de las políticas relacionadas con la salud de los adolescentes. Métodos. Estudio de métodos mixtos, con enfoque explicativo secuencial, desarrollado de mayo a julio del 2023 por medio de encuesta con escuelas de enfermería, análisis de los documentos políticos, encuesta con profesionales de enfermería y grupo focal. Datos cuantitativos analizados mediante estadística descriptiva y datos cualitativos analizados mediante el marco teórico de Walt y Gilson. Resultados. Durante la investigación, se analizaron 18 documentos y participaron siete escuelas de enfer- mería, 141 enfermeras y 10 actores clave en posición de liderazgo. Los resultados apuntan a la necesidad de actualizar y difundir el marco normativo, garantizar recursos y estructura para implementar programas intersectoriales y sostenibles, y capacitar a los profesionales. La escuela representa un espacio importante para la implementación de acciones, contexto en el que la adopción de la enfermera escolar puede ser pro- vechosa. Las enfermeras fueron identificadas como protagonistas en la aplicación de los programas y deben ser consideradas en el desarrollo de políticas dirigidas a este público. Conclusiones. Las enfermeras participan en diversas etapas del proceso de implementación de políticas y pueden hacer importantes contribuciones a la salud escolar en el primer nivel de salud. Para ello, es necesa- rio aumentar la capacidad de las enfermeras y docentes de enfermería en temas actuales y relevantes en la atención a los adolescentes.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. Identify and analyze the role of nursing professionals in the development and care of adolescent health in Honduras, by analyzing the curricular content of the training provided to nursing students with res- pect to adolescent health, and by studying policies on adolescent health. Methods. Mixed methods study, with a sequential explanatory approach, carried out from May to July 2023 through surveys of nursing schools, analysis of policy documents, a survey with nursing professionals, and a focus group. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data, applying the theoretical framework of Walt and Gilson. Results. During the research, 18 documents were analyzed and seven nursing schools, 141 nurses, and 10 key actors in leadership positions participated. The results point to the need to update and disseminate the regulatory framework, ensure the necessary resources and structure to implement sustainable intersectoral programs, and train professionals. Schools are an important space for the implementation of actions; in this context, the adoption of school nursing programs could be beneficial. Nurses were identified as key figu- res in program implementation and should be taken into consideration when developing policies aimed at adolescents. Conclusions. Nurses participate in various stages of the policy implementation process and can make impor- tant contributions to school health at the first level of care. To this end, it is necessary to increase the capacities of nurses and nursing educators in relation to current and relevant issues in adolescent care.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Identificar e analisar o papel dos profissionais de enfermagem no desenvolvimento e na atenção à saúde de adolescentes em Honduras por meio de análise do conteúdo da formação dos estudantes de enfermagem em saúde de adolescentes e das políticas relacionadas aos adolescentes. Métodos. Estudo de métodos mistos, com abordagem sequencial explanatória, realizado de maio a julho de 2023 por meio de um questionário aplicado a escolas de enfermagem, análise de documentos de política, um questionário aplicado a profissionais de enfermagem e um grupo focal. Os dados quantitativos foram analisados mediante estatísticas descritivas, e os qualitativos, usando o modelo teórico de Walt e Gilson. Resultados. Durante a pesquisa, foram analisados 18 documentos. Sete escolas de enfermagem, 141 pro- fissionais de enfermagem e 10 atores-chave em cargos de liderança participaram do estudo. Os resultados apontam para a necessidade de atualizar e divulgar o marco normativo, garantir recursos e estrutura para a implementação de programas intersetoriais e sustentáveis e capacitar os profissionais. A escola representa um espaço importante para a implementação de ações, contexto no qual a adoção da enfermagem escolar pode ser proveitosa. Os profissionais de enfermagem foram identificados como atores-chave na implemen- tação dos programas e devem ser levados em consideração no desenvolvimento de políticas voltadas para esse público. Conclusões. Os profissionais de enfermagem estão envolvidos em vários estágios do processo de imple- mentação de políticas e podem fazer aportes importantes para a saúde escolar no nível da atenção primária. Para isso, é necessário aumentar a capacitação dos profissionais e docentes de enfermagem em tópicos atuais e relevantes da atenção a adolescentes.

Assessment of buccal mucosa genotoxicity in insecticide-exposed urban fumigators in Cali, Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate cytogenetic damage in the buccal mucosa of non-exposed subjects (N = 33) and insecticide-exposed fumigators (N = 31) in the urban area of Cali, Colombia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Through a questionnaire sociodemographic data, anthropometric measurements, state of health, and lifestyle were collected. Buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay was using for evaluate cytogenetic damage. RESULTS: The study showed that all fumigators used adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and had low alcohol consumption. The authors did not find significant differences in BMCyt biomarkers between the groups (p > 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed a 13% increase in micronucleus (MN) frequency for every year of increasing age (OR = 1.13, p = 0.029), and higher MN with the decrease in daily fruit consumption (OR = 4.71, p = 0.084), without statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The results between groups could be related to healthy habits and PPE use among the subjects. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(1):128-37.

El papel de los profesionales de enfermería en el desarrollo y atención de la salud adolescente en Honduras / The role of nursing professionals in the development and care of adolescent health in Honduras / Papel dos profissionais de enfermagem no desenvolvimento e na atenção à saúde de adolescentes em Honduras

RESUMEN Objetivo. Identificar y analizar el papel de los profesionales de enfermería en el desarrollo y la atención de la salud adolescente en Honduras, por medio del análisis de los contenidos de la formación de los estudiantes de enfermería y de las políticas relacionadas con la salud de los adolescentes. Métodos. Estudio de métodos mixtos, con enfoque explicativo secuencial, desarrollado de mayo a julio del 2023 por medio de encuesta con escuelas de enfermería, análisis de los documentos políticos, encuesta con profesionales de enfermería y grupo focal. Datos cuantitativos analizados mediante estadística descriptiva y datos cualitativos analizados mediante el marco teórico de Walt y Gilson. Resultados. Durante la investigación, se analizaron 18 documentos y participaron siete escuelas de enfermería, 141 enfermeras y 10 actores clave en posición de liderazgo. Los resultados apuntan a la necesidad de actualizar y difundir el marco normativo, garantizar recursos y estructura para implementar programas intersectoriales y sostenibles, y capacitar a los profesionales. La escuela representa un espacio importante para la implementación de acciones, contexto en el que la adopción de la enfermera escolar puede ser provechosa. Las enfermeras fueron identificadas como protagonistas en la aplicación de los programas y deben ser consideradas en el desarrollo de políticas dirigidas a este público. Conclusiones. Las enfermeras participan en diversas etapas del proceso de implementación de políticas y pueden hacer importantes contribuciones a la salud escolar en el primer nivel de salud. Para ello, es necesario aumentar la capacidad de las enfermeras y docentes de enfermería en temas actuales y relevantes en la atención a los adolescentes.

ABSTRACT Objective. Identify and analyze the role of nursing professionals in the development and care of adolescent health in Honduras, by analyzing the curricular content of the training provided to nursing students with respect to adolescent health, and by studying policies on adolescent health. Methods. Mixed methods study, with a sequential explanatory approach, carried out from May to July 2023 through surveys of nursing schools, analysis of policy documents, a survey with nursing professionals, and a focus group. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data, applying the theoretical framework of Walt and Gilson. Results. During the research, 18 documents were analyzed and seven nursing schools, 141 nurses, and 10 key actors in leadership positions participated. The results point to the need to update and disseminate the regulatory framework, ensure the necessary resources and structure to implement sustainable intersectoral programs, and train professionals. Schools are an important space for the implementation of actions; in this context, the adoption of school nursing programs could be beneficial. Nurses were identified as key figures in program implementation and should be taken into consideration when developing policies aimed at adolescents. Conclusions. Nurses participate in various stages of the policy implementation process and can make important contributions to school health at the first level of care. To this end, it is necessary to increase the capacities of nurses and nursing educators in relation to current and relevant issues in adolescent care.

RESUMO Objetivo. Identificar e analisar o papel dos profissionais de enfermagem no desenvolvimento e na atenção à saúde de adolescentes em Honduras por meio de análise do conteúdo da formação dos estudantes de enfermagem em saúde de adolescentes e das políticas relacionadas aos adolescentes. Métodos. Estudo de métodos mistos, com abordagem sequencial explanatória, realizado de maio a julho de 2023 por meio de um questionário aplicado a escolas de enfermagem, análise de documentos de política, um questionário aplicado a profissionais de enfermagem e um grupo focal. Os dados quantitativos foram analisados mediante estatísticas descritivas, e os qualitativos, usando o modelo teórico de Walt e Gilson. Resultados. Durante a pesquisa, foram analisados 18 documentos. Sete escolas de enfermagem, 141 profissionais de enfermagem e 10 atores-chave em cargos de liderança participaram do estudo. Os resultados apontam para a necessidade de atualizar e divulgar o marco normativo, garantir recursos e estrutura para a implementação de programas intersetoriais e sustentáveis e capacitar os profissionais. A escola representa um espaço importante para a implementação de ações, contexto no qual a adoção da enfermagem escolar pode ser proveitosa. Os profissionais de enfermagem foram identificados como atores-chave na implementação dos programas e devem ser levados em consideração no desenvolvimento de políticas voltadas para esse público. Conclusões. Os profissionais de enfermagem estão envolvidos em vários estágios do processo de implementação de políticas e podem fazer aportes importantes para a saúde escolar no nível da atenção primária. Para isso, é necessário aumentar a capacitação dos profissionais e docentes de enfermagem em tópicos atuais e relevantes da atenção a adolescentes.

Association Between Serum Lactate and Unsatisfactory Outcomes in Critically Ill Children in the Immediate Post-operative Period of Liver Transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Serum lactate is a useful biomarker of tissue perfusion in critically ill patients. We evaluated the behavior of serum lactate in children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) immediately after liver transplantation and its association with surgical complications, graft dysfunction and 90-day mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study carried out between November 2009 and December 2019. Multidisciplinary PICU at the University Children's Hospital, Fundación Cardioinfantil-IC, Bogotá, Colombia. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients between 1 month and 18 years of age who were in the immediate post-operative period following living-donor or cadaveric liver transplantation were included. A total of 145 patients with a median age of 14 months (IQR 8-60) met the inclusion criteria. Biliary atresia was the main diagnosis in 56.5% of the cases. A serum lactate level > 3.0 mmol/L on admission to the PICU was associated with biliary complications (AUC 0.73 95% CI 0.54-0.93; p = 0.05) and mortality (AUC 0.72 95% CI 0.63-0.8; p = 0.01). A lactate level > 2 mmol/L after 6 h in the PICU was associated with mortality (AUC 0.70 95% CI 0.54-0.83; p = 0.02). Higher lactate levels and lack of clearance were associated with the presence of tardus et parvus waveforms (p = 0.001) on liver Doppler, primary dysfunction (p < 0.001), arterial thrombosis (p < 0.001) and neurological complications (p = 0.04). There was an inverse correlation between admission lactate and the volume of fluids administered during surgery (rho = 0.36; p < 0.001). A total procedure time > 350 min, along with a vasopressor score > 7 and elevated lactate, were associated with worse outcomes (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In post-operative pediatric liver transplant patients, the level of serum lactate is associated with post-operative surgical complications and mortality.

Reliability of 30-s Chair Stand Test with and without Cognitive Task in People with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Reliability refers to the precision of an assessment, so it is a critical topic to take the right decisions related to health management. People usually perform several tasks at the same time in their daily life. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability of the 30-s chair stand test in people with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) with test-retest, with and without dual-task (motor + cognitive task). METHODS: Twenty-six subjects with T2DM and 30 subjects without T2DM performed the 30-s Chair Stand Test (30sCST) in which they must sit and stand as many times as possible in 30 s. They performed the test in the usual way (30sCST) and also with an additional cognitive task (30sCST-DT). A retest was conducted 7-14 days later. RESULTS: Relative reliability was excellent in both groups (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9). In 30sCST-DT, relative reliability was high in the T2DM group (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.7) and excellent in subjects without T2DM (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: The 30sCST and the 30sCST-DT tests are reliable tools for people with T2DM to measure changes after an intervention. The smallest real difference was 15% and 20% upper in the T2DM group in the 30sCST and 30sCST-DT tests, respectively.

Abordaje toraco-abdominal de la fístula broncobiliar / Thoraco-abdominal approach in bronchobiliary fistula

La fístula broncobiliar es una entidad poco usual en nuestro medio y poco descrita en la literatura científica. Se caracteriza por una comunicación anómala entre el árbol bronquial y la vía biliar, y se asocia a la presencia de bilis en el esputo (bilioptisis). Según su etiología, puede ser secundaria a la obstrucción distal de la vía biliar por patología benigna, maligna, infecciosa o iatrogénica. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 33 años, que cursó con una fístula broncobiliar secundaria a la derivación de la vía biliar percutánea por una lesión estenótica del confluente biliar, en quien ­por medio de un abordaje torácico y abdominal­ se practicó una lobectomía inferior por videotoracoscopia (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy Surgery, VATS) y hepatectomía con reconstrucción de la vía biliar por laparotomía. Teniendo en cuenta lo inusual del caso, con pocos reportes en la literatura, se concluye la dificultad para establecer la posible etiología de las estenosis de la vía biliar en un paciente joven, sin poderse descartar la enfermedad maligna. Al hacer el diagnóstico, se debe tratar y corregir la causa; la cirugía sigue siendo el pilar del tratamiento y, con el advenimiento de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva, se puede hacer un manejo combinado para aprovechar los beneficios de la técnica, como se hizo en este caso

Bronchobiliary fistula is a rare entity in our environment and it is poorly described in the scientific literature. It is characterized by an abnormal communication between the bronchial tree and the biliary tract, and is associated with the presence of bile in the sputum (bilioptysis). According to its etiology, it may be secondary to a distal obstruction of the bile duct due to a benign, malignant, infectious, or iatrogenic pathology. We present the case of a 33-year-old patient who had a bronchobiliary fistula secondary to a percutaneous biliary tract bypass due to a stenotic lesion of the biliary confluent in whom an inferior lobectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS) was performed with hepatectomy with biliary tract reconstruction by laparotomy, a combined thoracic and abdominal approach. Given the low incidence of this type of cases and the scarce literature reports, our conclusion is that it is difficult to define the possible etiology of the bile duct stenosis in young patients, and that a malignant pathology cannot be ruled out. Once the diagnosis is established, the cause should be treated. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment, and with the advent of minimally invasive surgery a combined type of management can be performed so as to take advantage of the benefits of this technology

Risk factors and surgical management of anastomotic biliary complications after pediatric liver transplantation.

Biliary complications (BCs) still remain the Achilles heel of liver transplantation (LT) with an overall incidence of 10% to 35% in pediatric series. We hypothesized that (1) the use of alternative techniques (reduced size, split, and living donor grafts) in pediatric LT may contribute to an increased incidence of BCs, and (2) surgery as a first treatment option for anastomotic BCs could allow a definitive cure for the majority of these patients. Four hundred twenty-nine primary pediatric LT procedures, including 88, 91, 47, and 203 whole, reduced size, split, and living donor grafts, respectively, that were performed between July 1993 and November 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and surgical variables were analyzed, and their respective impact on BCs was studied with univariate and multivariate analyses. The modalities of BC management were also reviewed. The 1- and 5-year patient survival rates were 94% and 90%, 89% and 85%, 94% and 89%, and 98% and 94% for whole, reduced size, split, and living donor liver grafts, respectively. The overall incidence of BCs was 23% (n = 98). Sixty were anastomotic complications [47 strictures (78%) and 13 fistulas (22%)]. The graft type was not found to be an independent risk factor for the development of BCs. According to a multivariate analysis, only hepatic artery thrombosis and acute rejection increased the risk of anastomotic BCs (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). Anastomotic BCs were managed primarily with surgical repair in 59 of 60 cases with a primary patency rate of 80% (n = 47). These results suggest that (1) most of the BCs were anastomotic complications not influenced by the type of graft, and (2) the surgical management of anastomotic BCs may constitute the first and best therapeutic option.

Tratamiento quirúrgico / Surgical treatment

El tratamiento quirúrgico ha sido tradicionalmente el primer tratamiento en mente cuando se enfrenta a un paciente con CHC; sin embargo, el advenimiento de nuevas técnicas no quirúrgicas ha replanteado su uso, y en la actualidad el éxito en el tratamiento depende básicamente de una adecuada selección del paciente para este tipo de terapia. El tratamiento quirúrgico del CHC varía cuando se trata de un tumor en un paciente con hígado cirrótico y no cirrótico, y esto debe tenerse en cuenta al momento de decidir el tipo de tratamiento.

Although surgical treatment has traditionally been the first treatment considered for patients with HCC, the advent of new non-surgical techniques has led to a rethinking of its use. Today, successful surgery basically depends on proper selection of the patient. Surgical treatment of HCC varies for tumors in patients with non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic livers which must be taken into account when deciding on the type of treatment.

Comparison of results of combined liver-kidney transplantation vs. isolated liver transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Combined liver-kidney transplantation (LKT) is the best therapeutic option for patients with end-stage liver and kidney disease. OBJECTIVES: To analyze baseline characteristics and clinical outcome of LKT compared to isolated liver transplantation (LT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 16 LKT performed between 1998 and 2006 and 32 LT matched by age, sex, date and indication for transplantation. Demographic, pretransplant, post-transplant and survival variables were analyzed. RESULTS: As planned by the study design, mean age, distribution by sex and indication for LT were similar between groups. The most common indication for LT was HCV- and/or alcohol-induced cirrhosis. The most common indication for KT was renal failure, in most cases secondary to glomerulonephritis. Twelve patients (69%) were on dialysis before LKT. Hepatocellular carcinoma and diabetes mellitus pre-transplantation were similar between groups. However pretransplant arterial hypertension (AHT) was higher in LKT than LT (50% vs. 19%; p = 0.02). In the post-transplant: reoperation due to bleeding, bacterial infections, liver rejection, AHT and median creatinine levels at 1st and 3rd years were similar in LKT and LT. In contrast, early post-transplant dialysis was higher in LKT than LT (31% vs. 3%; p = 0.01). Survival rates at 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th years were similar in both groups (87.5%, 74%, 74% and 66% vs. 81%, 75%, 75% and 75% in LT and LKT, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: LKT is an effective therapeutic option in patients with end-stage liver and kidney disease. Most early and late complications and long-term survival are similar to those observed with LT.

Meso-Rex shunt for immediate portal revascularization in pediatric liver transplantation: first report.

We describe the case of a 13-month-old girl transplanted for biliary atresia with PV hypoplasia. She received the left liver lobe of her mother and presented intraoperative portal thrombosis. Because of technical reasons, the opportunity to have conventional PV reconstruction using the donor left PV stump was lost. Immediate conversion to a meso-Rex shunt, using the recipient jugular vein as a bridge between the superior mesenteric vein and the graft Rex recessus, allowed excellent portal revascularization of the transplant. We suggest that synchronous meso-Rex shunt may constitute a valid alternative to truncal PV anastomosis during pediatric LT.

Osteoconductive and osseointegration properties of a commercial hydroxyapatite compared to a synthetic product / Comparación de las propiedades de osteoconducción y osteointegración de una hidroxiapatita reabsorbible comercial con una hidroxiapatita reabsorbible sintetizada / Comparação das propriedades da osteocondução e osteointegração de uma hidroxiapatita reabsorvivel comercial sintetizada

The effects of two types of hydroxylapatite on bone synthesis and properties were evaluated. An osteoconductive resorbable hydroxyapatite (OseoU), synthesized at two different temperatures of calcination (Type A and Type B) was compared with a commercial mixture of hydroxyapatite (Osteogen®), commonly used in several surgical procedures involving bone loss. The synthesis was performed in the laboratories of the University of Antioquia by precipitating a mixture of calcium nitrate and ammonium phosphate. The products obtained and the commercial hydroxyapatite were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X- ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Osteoconductive and osseointegration characteristics were measured according to the products ability to induce local cell differentiation into bone forming cells. These characteristics were evaluated in hydroxyapatite implants performed in 70 New Zealand breed rabbits distributed into seven groups of 10 animals each, tested at 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 60 and 90 days after the surgical procedure.

En el presente artículo se evalúan las propiedades de osteoconducción y osteointegración de una hidroxiapatita reabsorbible (OseoU), procesada a dos temperaturas diferentes de calcinación (Tipo A y Tipo B), con el propósito de compararlas con un preparado comercial de hidroxiapatita (Osteogen®), utilizado para múltiples procedimientos quirúrgicos en los cuales se involucra la pérdida de tejido óseo. La síntesis se realizó en los laboratorios de la Universidad de Antioquia por el método de precipitación acuosa de la mezcla de nitrato de calcio y de fosfato de amonio. Los productos obtenidos y la hidroxiapatita comercial fueron caracterizados por microscopia electrónica de barrido (SEM), difracción de rayos X (DRX), espectroscopia de infrarrojo transformada de Fourier (FTIR) y espectrometría por energía dispersiva (EDS). Las características de osteoconducción y osteointegración fueron medidas de acuerdo a la capacidad de los productos para inducir la diferenciación de células locales a células formadoras de hueso. Dichas características, se evaluaron en implantes de hidroxiapatita realizados en 70 conejos de la raza Nueva Zelanda distribuidos en siete grupos de 10 animales cada uno, evaluados a los 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 60 y 90 días de efectuado el procedimiento quirúrgico. Los resultados obtenidos demostraron que el OseoU y el Osteogen®, presentaron características similares en cuanto a la estructura cristalina, la composición química y la adsorción, con apreciables diferencias morfológicas con respecto a la forma de las partículas. Al realizar el análisis de varianza no se encontraron diferencias estadísticas significativas para las variables histopatológicas evaluadas en las dos hidroxiapatitas (p>0.05), indicando que las hidroxiapatitas sintetizadas en la Universidad de Antioquia (OseoU) tuvieron el mismo resultado que la hidroxiapatita comercial (Osteogen®) en la osteoconducción y la osteointegración del tejido óseo.

No presente estudo foram avaliadas as propriedades de ostecondução e osteointegração de uma hidroxiapatita reabsorvivel (OseoU), processada a duas temperaturas de calcinaçao (Tipo A e B), com o propósito de serem comparadas com um produto comercial (Osteogen®), utilizado para múltiples procedimentos cirúrgicos nos quais se envolve a perda do tecido osso. Asíntese foi realizada nos laboratorios da Universidad de Antioquia pelo método de precipitação aquosa da mistura de nitrato de cálcio e fosfato de amônio. Os produtos obtidos e a hidroxiapatita comercial foram caracterizados por microscopia eletrônica de barrido (SEM), difração raios X (DRX), espectroscopia de infravermelho transformada de Fourier (FTIR) e espectrometria por energia dispersiva (EDS). As características de osteocondução e osteointegração foram mensuradas de acordo à capacidade dos produtos para induzir a diferenciação das células locais formadoras do osso. Estas características foram avaliadas em implantações de hidroxiapatita realizadas em 70 coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia distribuídos em sete grupos de 10 animais cada um, avaliados aos 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 60 e 90 dias de efetuado o procedimento cirúrgico. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que o OseoU e o Osteogen® apresentaram características similares em quanto à estrutura cristalina, a comparação química e à absorção, com apreciáveis diferenças morfológicas com respeito à forma das partículas. Ao realizar as análises de variâncias não foram encontradas diferencias estatísticas significativas para as variáveis histopatológicas avaliadas nas duas hidroxiapatitas (p>0.05), indicando que as hidroxiapatitas sintetizadas na Universidad de Antioquia (OseoU) tiveram o mesmo resultado que a hidroxiapatita comercial (Osteogen®) em osteocondução e osteointegração do tecido ósseo.

Indicaciones y resultados de retrasplante hepático: experiencia del hospital universitario La Fe (1.181 pacientes) / Indications and results of liver retransplantation: experience with 1181 patients in the hospital universitario La Fe

Resumen El retrasplante hepático (ReTH) constituye la única opción terapéutica para el fracaso irreversible de un injerto hepático y corresponde a un 2,9–24,0% de todos los trasplantes hepáticos (TH). Técnicamente es difícil y conlleva un elevado índice de morbilidad inmediata y una menor supervivencia que el TH primario. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la tasa de ReTH y las indicaciones, morbilidad, mortalidad postoperatoria y supervivencia actuarial del paciente retrasplantado. Pacientes y método Estudio de cohorte histórica de 1.181 pacientes trasplantados entre los años 1991 y 2006.ResultadosDe los 1.260 TH realizados, 79 fueron ReTH. Al momento del primer TH, no hubo diferencias con aquellos pacientes que no necesitaron ReTH. La tasa de ReTH fue del 6,3% y las causas más frecuentes fueron: trombosis de la arteria hepática (31,6%), recidiva de la cirrosis por VHC (30,4%) y fallo primario del injerto (21,5%). Los tiempos de isquemia, síndrome de reperfusión y congestión hepática no difieren entre el TH primario y el ReTH. Por el contrario, la transfusión de hematíes fue mayor en el ReTH (6,3±4,9 vs 3,5±3,0 unidades, p<0,001). La morbilidad y mortalidad postoperatoria (hasta los 30 días posterior al TH) fue mayor en los pacientes retrasplantados (68,4 vs 57,0%, p=0,04 y 25,3 vs 10,9%, p<0,001; respectivamente). La supervivencia actuarial a 1 y 5 años fue 83% y 69% en aquellos sin ReTH, 71% y 61% en ReTH precoz y 64% y 34% en ReTH tardío (p<0,001).Conclusiones Pese a una elevada morbilidad y mortalidad del ReTH, parece que esta alternativa terapéutica continúa siendo válida en aquellos pacientes con una pérdida precoz del injerto hepático. Por el contrario, cuando la pérdida del injerto es tardía, se hace necesario definir, cuales serían los resultados mínimos aceptables para indicar el ReTH y qué pacientes se pueden beneficiar con este tratamiento (AU)

Abstract Liver retransplantation (LrT) is the only therapeutic option for irreversible failure of a hepatic graft and accounts for 2.9&%#x02013;24.0% of all liver transplantations (LT). It is technically difficult and has a high level of immediate morbidity and a lower survival than primary LT. Our aim was to determine the rate of LrT and its indications, morbidity, post-operative mortality and actuarial survival in the retransplanted patient.Patients and method A historical cohort study of 1181 patients transplanted between 1991 and 2006.ResultsOf the 1260 LT performed, 79 were LrT. At the time of the first LT there were no differences between those patients and those that did not require an LrT. The LrT rate was 6.3% and the most frequent causes were: hepatic artery thrombosis (31.6%), recurrence of cirrhosis due the HVC (30.4%) and primary graft (21.5%). The ischemia times, perfusion syndrome and hepatic congestion were no different between the primary LT and the LrT. On the other hand, red cell transfusions were higher in LrT (6.3±4.9 vs. 3.5±3.0 units, P<0.001). The post-operative morbidity and morbidity (up to 30 days after the LT) was higher in retransplanted patients (68.4% vs. 57.0%, P=0.04 and 25.3% vs. 10.9%, P<0.001; respectively). The actuarial survival at 1 and 5 years was 83% and 69% in those without LrT, 71% and 61% in early LrT and 64% and 34% in delayed LrT (P<0.001).Conclusions Despite the increased morbidity and mortality of LrT, it appears that this treatment alternative is still valid in those patients with an early loss of the liver graft. On the other hand, when the graft loss is delayed, it needs to be defined, what would be the minimum acceptable results to indicate LrT and which patients could benefit from this treatment (AU)

[Indications and results of liver retransplantation: experience with 1181 patients at the University Hospital La Fe]. / Indicaciones y resultados de retrasplante hepático: experiencia del hospital universitario La Fe (1.181 pacientes).

UNLABELLED: Liver retransplantation (LrT) is the only therapeutic option for irreversible failure of a hepatic graft and accounts for 2.9%-24.0% of all liver transplantations (LT). It is technically difficult and has a high level of immediate morbidity and a lower survival than primary LT. Our aim was to determine the rate of LrT and its indications, morbidity, post-operative mortality and actuarial survival in the retransplanted patient. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A historical cohort study of 1181 patients transplanted between 1991 and 2006. RESULTS: Of the 1260 LT performed, 79 were LrT. At the time of the first LT there were no differences between those patients and those that did not require an LrT. The LrT rate was 6.3% and the most frequent causes were: hepatic artery thrombosis (31.6%), recurrence of cirrhosis due the HVC (30.4%) and primary graft (21.5%). The ischemia times, perfusion syndrome and hepatic congestion were no different between the primary LT and the LrT. On the other hand, red cell transfusions were higher in LrT (6.3+/-4.9 vs. 3.5+/-3.0 units, P<0.001). The post-operative morbidity and morbidity (up to 30 days after the LT) was higher in retransplanted patients (68.4% vs. 57.0%, P=0.04 and 25.3% vs. 10.9%, P<0.001; respectively). The actuarial survival at 1 and 5 years was 83% and 69% in those without LrT, 71% and 61% in early LrT and 64% and 34% in delayed LrT (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increased morbidity and mortality of LrT, it appears that this treatment alternative is still valid in those patients with an early loss of the liver graft. On the other hand, when the graft loss is delayed, it needs to be defined, what would be the minimum acceptable results to indicate LrT and which patients could benefit from this treatment.

Effects of amantadine on circulating neurotransmitters in healthy subjects.

Considering that glutamatergic axons innervate the C1(Ad) medullary nuclei, which are responsible for the excitation of the peripheral adrenal glands, we decided to investigate catecholamines (noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine) plus indolamines (plasma serotonin and platelet serotonin) at the blood level, before and after a small oral dose of amantadine, a selective NMDA antagonist. We found that the drug provoked a selective enhancement of noradrenaline plus a minimization of adrenaline, dopamine, plasma serotonin and platelet serotonin circulating levels. Significant enhancement of diastolic blood pressure plus reduction of systolic blood pressure and heart rate paralleled the circulating parameter changes. The above findings allow us to postulate that the drug was able to enhance the peripheral neural sympathetic activity. Minimization of both adrenal sympathetic and parasympathetic activities was also registered after the amantadine challenge. The above findings supported the postulation that this drug should be a powerful therapeutic tool for treating diseases affected by adrenal sympathetic hyperactivity.

Anorexia nervosa depends on adrenal sympathetic hyperactivity: opposite neuroautonomic profile of hyperinsulinism syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to determine the central and peripheral autonomic nervous system profiles underlying anorexia nervosa (AN) syndrome, given that affected patients present with the opposite clinical profile to that seen in the hyperinsulinism syndrome. DESIGN: We measured blood pressure and heart rate, as well as circulating neurotransmitters (noradrenaline, adrenaline, dopamine, plasma serotonin, and platelet serotonin), using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection, during supine resting, one minute of orthostasis, and after five minutes of exercise. In total, 22 AN patients (12 binge-eating/purging type and 10 restricting type) and age-, gender-, and race-matched controls (70 ± 10.1% versus 98 ± 3.0% of ideal body weight) were recruited. RESULTS: We found that patients with AN had adrenal sympathetic overactivity and neural sympathetic underactivity, demonstrated by a predominance of circulating adrenaline over noradrenaline levels, not only during the supine resting state (52 ± 2 versus 29 ± 1 pg/mL) but also during orthostasis (67 ± 3 versus 32 ± 2 pg/mL, P < 0.05) and after exercise challenge (84 ± 4 versus 30 ± 3 pg/mL, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Considering that this peripheral autonomic nervous system disorder depends on the absolute predominance of adrenomedullary C1 adrenergic nuclei over A5 noradrenergic pontine nucleus, let us ratify the abovementioned findings. The AN syndrome depends on the predominance of overwhelming adrenal sympathetic activity over neural sympathetic activity. This combined central and autonomic nervous system profile contrasts with that registered in patients affected by hyperinsulinism, hypoglycemia, and bulimia syndrome which depends on the absolute predominance of neural sympathetic activity.

Effects of an oral dose of l-glutamic acid on circulating neurotransmitters: Possible roles of the C1(Ad) and the A5(NA) pontomedullary nuclei.

OBJECTIVE: Investigation of the effects of an oral administration of a small dose of l-glutamic acid on the two peripheral sympathetic branches (neural and adrenal) of the autonomic nervous system. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Circulating neurotransmitters and cardiovascular parameters were assessed in 28 healthy volunteers before and after the administration of 500 mg of l-glutamic acid or placebo. RESULTS: The drug triggered a significant and sustained enhancement of the noradrenaline and dopamine circulating levels which were paralleled and positively correlated with the diastolic blood pressure increases. Conversely, both platelet and plasma serotonin showed significant falls throughout the test. Significant positive correlations were registered between noradrenaline, dopamine, and noradrenaline/dopamine ratio versus diastolic blood pressure but not versus systolic blood pressure or heart rate. CONCLUSION: The above results allowed us to postulate that the drug provoked a significant enhancement of peripheral neural sympathetic activity and the reduction of adrenal sympathetic and parasympathetic drives. Both sympathetic branches are positively correlated with the A5 noradrenergic and the C1 adrenergic pontomedullary nuclei, which interchange inhibitory axons that act at post-synaptic α2 inhibitory autoreceptors. In addition, we discussed the mechanisms able to explain why the drug acted preferentially at the A5 noradrenergic rather than the C1 adrenergic nuclei.

Amantadine reduces glucagon and enhances insulin secretion throughout the oral glucose tolerance test: central plus peripheral nervous system mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the trial was to examine the effects of amantadine, a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, on the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) plus insulin, glucagon and neurotransmitters circulating levels. Previous findings showed that hyperinsulinism and type 2 diabetes are positively associated with neural sympathetic and adrenal sympathetic activities, respectively. These peripheral sympathetic branches depend on the pontine (A(5)-noradrenergic) and the rostral ventrolateral (C(1)-adrenergic) medullary nuclei. They are excited by glutamate axons which act at NMDA postsynaptic receptors. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: One OGTT plus placebo and one OGTT plus oral amantadine test were carried out two weeks apart in 15 caucasic normal voluntary humans. Noradrenaline, adrenaline, dopamine, plasma-free serotonin, platelet serotonin, glucose, glucagon, and insulin were measured throughout the 180-minute testing period. RESULTS: Maximal reductions of plasma glucose and glucagon plus exacerbated insulin rises were significantly greater throughout the oral glucose plus amantadine test than those registered throughout the oral glucose plus placebo challenge. The above findings were paralleled by greater than normal noradrenaline/adrenaline plasma ratio increases. In addition, maximal reductions of the platelet serotonin and plasma serotonin circulating values contrasted with the normal rises of these parameters, always registered during the glucose load plus placebo challenge. CONCLUSION: This study supports the theory that amantadine might be a powerful antidiabetic tool and could be added to the therapeutic arsenal against type 2 diabetes.

[Indications and results of liver retransplantations]. / Indicaciones y resultados del retrasplante hepático.

Liver retransplantation (re-LT) is the only therapeutic option for irreversible failure of the graft. It currently makes up 2.9% to 24.0% of all liver transplants. It is technically very difficult and has a high index of immediate complications, underlined by the fact that 50% of the deaths after this procedure occur in the first three months; and that in general, the results of re-LT are worse than those of primary LT. Re-LT can be early (when it is performed during the first 30 days) or delayed. The reasons for early re-LT are: loss of primary function of the graft, complications for technical reasons, acute resistant rejection and infection problems of biliary origin. Those of delayed are: chronic rejection, liver arterial thrombosis, biliary complications and recurrence of the primary disease. In general, when a patient has an irreversible rejection of the graft, the indication for a re-LT is indisputable, but there are discrepancies on whether or not the aetiology of the basic disease has to have a bearing on this. If we take into account the MELD scoring system, when considering the indications for re-LT, this only allows us to predict mortality, but not to give priority on a waiting list. Patients must be retransplanted early, in good physical condition, with a low bilirubin and creatine level; and the donors must be young. Taking into account the continuing increase in mortality as a direct result of the imbalance between the growing number of potential candidates and the number of donors, it seems necessary to define what are the minimally accepted results to indicate a re-LT and thus arrive at a consensus that will help us decide which subject is a candidate to receive it.