Actitud de los fisioterapeutas acerca del acceso directo y su implementación a través de un cambio en la política pública en Puerto Rico / Attitude of physiotherapists about direct access and its implementation through a change in public policy in Puerto Rico

Objetivos: Explorar las actitudes de los fisioterapeutas de Puerto Rico: 1) hacia el acceso directo (AD), 2) las implicaciones para la profesión, la práctica y los servicios de salud, y 3) la implementación del AD a través de un cambio en política pública. Métodos: El diseño fue exploratorio transversal, no experimental y con un enfoque cuantitativo. Los participantes eran fisioterapeutas con licencia vigente, mayores de 21 años de edad, con cualquier grado académico en fisioterapia y que actualmente ejercen la práctica en Puerto Rico. Fueron excluidos fisioterapeutas sin experiencia clínica, que estaban completando un grado doctoral transicional o con experiencia ejerciendo con AD. Para abordar los objetivos de investigación, se construyó un cuestionario, cuyo contenido fue validado por 4 fisioterapeutas expertos utilizando el modelo de Lawshe modificado por Tristán. Resultados: Participaron de este estudio 100 fisioterapeutas. El 96% de los participantes estuvo de acuerdo con la implementación del AD en Puerto Rico. El 83% indicó estar preparado para ejercer la profesión por AD. El 55% entienden que fisioterapeutas con grado doctoral están más preparados para ejercer por AD. El 59% indicó que el AD debe estar restringido por nivel educativo y/o experiencia. Conclusión: La actitud de los fisioterapeutas en Puerto Rico respecto al AD resultó ser favorable, independientemente del grado académico, ya que están a favor con incorporar el AD a la fisioterapia, se sienten preparados para ejercer por AD y consideran el AD beneficioso para los pacientes, la práctica y la profesión. (AU)

Objectives: To explore the attitudes of physiotherapists in Puerto Rico: (1) towards direct access (DA), (2) the implications for the profession, practice, and health services, and (3) the implementation of DA through a change in public policy. Methods: The design was cross-sectional exploratory, non-experimental, and quantitative in nature. Participants were licensed physiotherapists, over 21 years old, with any academic degree in physiotherapy, currently practicing in Puerto Rico. Physiotherapists without clinical experience, those completing a transitional doctoral degree, or with experience practicing with DA were excluded. To address the research objectives, a questionnaire was constructed, whose content was validated by 4 expert physiotherapists using the Lawshe model modified by Tristán. Results: One hundred physiotherapists participated in this study. 96% of participants agreed with the implementation of DA in Puerto Rico. However, only 83% indicated being prepared to practice the profession through DA. 55% understood that physiotherapists with doctoral degrees were better prepared to practice through DA. 59% indicated that DA should be restricted based on educational level and/or experience. Conclusion: The attitude of physiotherapists in Puerto Rico towards DA was favorable regardless of academic degree. They are in favor of incorporating DA into physiotherapy, feel prepared to practice through DA, and consider it beneficial for patients, practice, and the profession. (AU)

Enfoque del tromboembolismo pulmonar agudo desde el momento inicial en el servicio de urgencias / Initial Approach to Acute Pulmonary Embolism since the Initial Moment in the Emergency Department / Abordagem para tromboembolismo pulmonar agudo desde o momento inicial no departamento de emergência

El tromboembolismo pulmonar es la manifestación más grave de la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa y la tercera causa de mortalidad cardiovascular. Su sintomatología puede ir desde un cuadro asintomático o con síntomas leves, hasta el paro cardiaco. Dentro del enfoque de esta patología es importante tener en cuenta escalas que permiten estimar la probabilidad de que determinado paciente con ciertos signos, síntomas y factores de riesgo presente un tromboembolismo pulmonar, así como escalas diseñadas para valorar el riesgo de morir, en pacientes en los que ya se estableció este diagnóstico. Los pilares del tratamiento son la anticoagulación y la trombólisis, sin embargo, esta última está indicada únicamente en algunos casos. La presente revisión tiene como objetivo presentar una actualización de la evidencia sobre el enfoque diagnóstico y terapéutico del tromboembolismo pulmonar agudo, desde el ingreso del paciente al servicio de urgencias.

Pulmonary embolism is the most severe manifestation of venous thromboembolic disease and the third cause of cardiovascular mortality. Its symptoms can range from asymp-tomatic or mild symptoms to cardiac arrest. The approach to patients with suspected pulmonary embolism includes scores that allow estimating the clinical probability that a certain patient with certain signs, symptoms and risk factors will present a pulmonary thromboembolism, as well as scores that classify patients by severity and risk of hemody-namic decompensation. Treatment is based on anticoagulation and thrombolysis, which is used only in certain patients. The goal of this review is to present updated evidence regarding diagnosis and treatment of acute pulmonary embolism from the moment the patient arrives at the emergency room.

A embolia pulmonar é a manifestação mais grave da doença tromboembólica venosa e a terceira principal causa de mortalidade cardiovascular. Seus sintomas podem variar de sintomas assintomáticos ou leves a parada cardíaca. No enfoque desta patologia, é importante levar em consideração escalas que permitem estimar a probabilidade de um determinado paciente com determinados sinais, sintomas e fatores de risco apresentar tromboembolismo pulmonar, bem como escalas destinadas a avaliar o risco de morrer, em pacientes nos quais esse diagnóstico já foi estabelecido. Os pilares do tratamento são a anticoagulação e a trombólise, porém, esta última está indicada apenas em alguns casos. A presente revisão tem como objetivo apresentar uma atualização das evidências sobre a abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica do tromboembolismo pulmonar agudo, desde a admissão do paciente no pronto-socorro.

Assessment of the quality of patient information sheets and informed consent forms for clinical trials at a hospital neurology service.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Clinical trials (CTs) aimed at vulnerable groups, such as patients with mental disorders, create ethical complexity. The patient information sheet (PIS) should provide all of the information about the CT that is relevant to the subject's decision to participate. After being informed, the subject will decide freely whether to take part in the CT and will read and sign the informed consent form (ICF). The objective was to assess the quality of PISs/ICFs from a hospital neurology service. The assessment was made using validated and reliable checklists of the information included in the PISs/ICFs of CTs with medicinal products. METHODS: The study comprised analyses of compliance with the checklists of 21 PISs and ICFs reviewed/approved during 2016-2017 by a medicinal research ethics committee. RESULTS: All PISs/ICFs were from multicenter CTs sponsored by pharmaceutical companies in different therapeutic areas, mainly Parkinson's (52.4%) and Alzheimer's (38.1%) diseases. The PISs from the neurology service demonstrated good compliance (≥80%) with the checklist, whereas ICFs should be improved. Sponsors omitted some relevant information, such as the study title or that the participant be informed of any information arising from the research that may be relevant to the subject's health, although this information may be in the PIS. CONCLUSIONS: The PISs/ICFs of CTs of medicinal products that are currently used need improvement. PISs and ICFs should be separate documents for each CT. In particular, the PISs/ICFs should consider the criteria related to the decision of participants, protect their rights and ensure that the information received is complete.

Validación del método de cuantificación del área corporal afectada por la psoriasis mediante lápiz óptico / Validation of an Optical Pencil Method to Estimate the Affected Body Surface Area in Psoriasis

INTRODUCCIÓN: La determinación de la superficie corporal afectada, Body Surface Area (BSA), es una de las escalas de medida más empleadas en la evaluación de la gravedad de la psoriasis, pero no está exenta de inconvenientes. OBJETIVO: Validación de un nuevo sistema de medida del BSA. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio multicéntrico, prospectivo, que incluyó 56 pacientes con psoriasis. Cada paciente fue evaluado en 2 visitas por 2 dermatólogos del mismo Centro que valoraron BSA mediante 2 procedimientos: método visual «tradicional» (MT), palma mano=1%; y el método «lápiz óptico» (LO), lápiz capacitivo puntero sobre pantalla táctil con medición de la superficie mediante software específico. RESULTADOS: Se observó una concordancia aceptable entre ambos métodos, con coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI) de 0,87, pero con unos límites de acuerdo excesivamente grandes y un sesgo sistemático consistente en mayores medidas de BSA con MT que con LO. La concordancia entre métodos fue superior en el tronco y las extremidades inferiores (CCI > 0,8). La fiabilidad intraobservador fue excelente con ambos métodos (CCI: MT, 0,97; LO, 0,98). La fiabilidad interobservador fue elevada (CCI: MT, 0,91; LO, 0,94), pero el BSA medio difirió significativamente entre observadores. Además, el CCI se redujo drásticamente cuando se consideró la cabeza exclusivamente. CONCLUSIONES: El presente estudio valida el método LO para la medición de la superficie corporal afectada en pacientes con psoriasis. Muestra una buena concordancia con el MT, presentando menos variabilidad y mayor fiabilidad interobservador

INTRODUCTION: Body surface area (BSA) affected by psoriasis is one of the most often used measures for assessing severity, but this method has shortcomings. OBJECTIVE: To validate a new way to estimate BSA. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Prospective, multicenter study in 56 patients with psoriasis. Each patient was evaluated by 2 dermatologists in 2 visits to the same hospital. Each dermatologist used 2 methods for estimating BSA: the traditional visual estimation in which the area of the palm equals 1% of the total body surface and an optical pencil (OP) method in which the affected area is drawn on a touch screen. Software in the application then calculates the BSA. RESULTS: Overall concordance between the 2 methods was acceptable according to an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.87. However, the limits of agreement were unacceptably large and there was systematic bias: traditional estimates were consistently greater than OP calculations. Concordance between the methods was better (ICC > 0.8) on the trunk and lower extremities. Intraobserver reliability was excellent with both methods (ICCs, 0.97 and 0.98 for the traditional and OP estimates, respectively). Interobserver reliability was also high (ICCs, 0.91 and 0.94 for the traditional and OP methods), although the mean BSA differed significantly between observers. The ICCs were much lower for BSA estimates on the head. CONCLUSIONS: This study to validate the OP method for estimating the affected BSA in patients with psoriasis shows good agreement between the OP and traditional approaches. The OP calculations also showed less variance and better interobserver reliability

Validation of an Optical Pencil Method to Estimate the Affected Body Surface Area in Psoriasis. / Validación del método de cuantificación del área corporal afectada por la psoriasis mediante lápiz óptico.

INTRODUCTION: Body surface area (BSA) affected by psoriasis is one of the most often used measures for assessing severity, but this method has shortcomings. OBJECTIVE: To validate a new way to estimate BSA. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Prospective, multicenter study in 56 patients with psoriasis. Each patient was evaluated by 2 dermatologists in 2 visits to the same hospital. Each dermatologist used 2 methods for estimating BSA: the traditional visual estimation in which the area of the palm equals 1% of the total body surface and an optical pencil (OP) method in which the affected area is drawn on a touch screen. Software in the application then calculates the BSA. RESULTS: Overall concordance between the 2 methods was acceptable according to an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.87. However, the limits of agreement were unacceptably large and there was systematic bias: traditional estimates were consistently greater than OP calculations. Concordance between the methods was better (ICC>0.8) on the trunk and lower extremities. Intraobserver reliability was excellent with both methods (ICCs, 0.97 and 0.98 for the traditional and OP estimates, respectively). Interobserver reliability was also high (ICCs, 0.91 and 0.94 for the traditional and OP methods), although the mean BSA differed significantly between observers. The ICCs were much lower for BSA estimates on the head. CONCLUSIONS: This study to validate the OP method for estimating the affected BSA in patients with psoriasis shows good agreement between the OP and traditional approaches. The OP calculations also showed less variance and better interobserver reliability.

Combined daylight and conventional photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolaevulinic acid nanoemulsion (BF-200 ALA) for actinic keratosis of the face and scalp: a new and efficient approach.

Conventional photodynamic therapy (cPDT) using red light is considered one of the most effective therapy option for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK). The main disadvantage of cPDT is the pain experienced by the patients during illumination. Daylight PDT (dPDT) represents an effective and painless alternative. It can be speculated that a combination of both regimes combines their benefits. To compare the combination of cPDT and dPDT (combPDT) to dPDT alone in terms of effectiveness and safety. The study was developed as a single-centre, intraindividual, retrospective study. Each patient received one dPDT and a combPDT session with BF-200 ALA. Primary effectiveness endpoints included the reduction in the number of basal AK, percentage of patients with complete response (CR) and partial response (PR). Safety parameters evaluated were local skin response (LSR) and visual analogue scale (VAS). A total of 19 patients with 264 AK were evaluated 12 weeks after both PDT modalities. The area treated with combPDT showed a reduction in the number of AK lesions (82.7%) when compared to the dPDT-treated area (56.8%). Higher rates of CR (31.6% vs 15.8) and PR (63.2% vs 26.3%) were achieved in combPDT fields. Areas treated with combPDT showed enhanced local skin reactions (LSR) in comparison with dPDT-treated areas (6.4 vs.4.4, respectively). In combPDT-treated patients a moderate increase of the pain during illumination was observed when compared to dPDT (VAS: 3.4 vs 0.6). This study reports the first data set on the benefit of a direct combination of daylight and subsequent conventional red light illumination (combPDT) with BF-200 ALA. The combination approach achieved a significant increase in clearance rates of AK lesions, while pain was perceived as mild to moderate during red light illumination.

Egg Albumin as a Protein Marker to Study Dispersal of Noctuidae in the Agroecosystem.

Knowledge of dispersal and spatial dynamics of pest populations is fundamental for implementation of integrated pest management and integrated resistance management. This study evaluated 1) the effectiveness of egg white albumin protein to mark larvae and adults of two polyphagous and highly mobile pests, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (fall armyworm) and Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (corn earworm) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and 2) the sensitivity of polyvinylidene difluoride membrane (dot blot) in detecting albumin on marked insects. Laboratory and field experiments tested egg albumin as a protein marker, which was detected using two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), microplate, and dot blot. In the laboratory, 100% of the moths sprayed with 20% egg white solution acquired the albumin marker, which was detected through the last time point tested (5 d) after application. Egg albumin was not effective at long-term marking of larvae, detected only prior the molting to the next instar. Albumin application in field cages resulted in a high percentage of moths detected as marked at 24 h and 5 d for both species. Egg albumin applied in the open field resulted in 15% of the recaptured corn earworm moths marked with most of them collected 150 m from the application area, although some were captured as far as 1,600 m within approximately 6 d after adult emergence. The results indicated egg albumin is a suitable marker to study the dispersion of fall armyworm and corn earworm in the agroecosystem and dot blot was as effective to detect egg albumin as was indirect ELISA.

Metástasis hepáticas en cáncer colorrectal: Situación en el Hospital Central de la Defensa "Gómez Ulla" entre los años 2012 y 2017 / Colorectal cancer liver metastases: Current state at "Gómez Ulla" military hospital between 2012 and 2017

Antecedentes: El carcinoma colorrectal es la afectación maligna más común del tubo digestivo. Las metástasis hepáticas más frecuentes son las del cáncer colorrectal, siendo un importante condicionante de la supervivencia de estos pacientes. Alrededor del 25% de los pacientes con cáncer colorrectal presentan metástasis al diagnóstico (metástasis sincrónicas). Más del 30% las desarrollará durante la evolución de su enfermedad (metástasis metacrónicas). Es decir, entre el 55-60% desarrollarán metástasis en algún momento de su vida, generalmente en un periodo de tres años. Objetivo: Revisar la frecuencia de metástasis hepáticas en pacientes diagnosticados de cáncer colorrectal en el Hospital Central de la Defensa "Gómez Ulla" durante los años 2012, 2013 y 2014, realizando su seguimiento hasta 2017. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional transversal longitudinal retrospectivo. Se tomaron datos de pacientes del Servicio de Cirugía General y del Aparato Digestivo diagnosticados de neoplasia colorrectal durante los años 2012, 2013 y 2014, realizando su seguimiento hasta 2017, teniendo en cuenta las revisiones realizadas posteriormente. Resultados: Se recogieron datos de 210 pacientes. De ellos, 27 pacientes presentaron metástasis hepáticas sincrónicas (13%) y 25 presentaron metástasis hepáticas metacrónicas (12%). Conclusiones: En nuestro hospital el porcentaje de pacientes que presenta metástasis hepática sincrónica (12%) es menor que el indicado en la literatura (25%), aun siendo el tamaño muestral inicial pequeño. La evidencia científica indica que más del 30% de los pacientes las desarrollarán metástasis metacrónicas, siendo en nuestro centro únicamente descritas el 12%. Estudios posteriores determinarán la reducción de estas cifras en nuestro centro

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the most common malignant affection of the intestine. Liver metastases due to colorrectal cancer are the most frequent, being decisive for the survival of these patients. Nearly 25% of the patients have metastases at the time of the diagnosis (synchronous metastases). More than 30% will develop them during their follow-up (metachronous metastases). Ergo, between 55-60% will manifest metastases during the progression of their disease, usually in three years. Purpose: Review the frequency of liver metastases in patients with colorectal cancer who had been diagnosed at the "Gómez Ulla" military hospital during 2012, 2013 and 2014, tracking them until 2017. Methods: A retrospective longitudinal transversal observational study has been conducted. Patients from General and Digestive Surgery Department diagnosed of colorectal cancer during 2012, 2013 and 2014 have been analyzed, tracking them until 2017 considering the follows-up realized after their surgery. Results: 210 patients have been analyzed. 27 had synchronous liver metastases (13%) and 25 had metachronous liver metastases (12%). Conclusions: Despite the non-significant sample size, results show that the percentage of synchronous liver metastases at our hospital (12%) is smaller than the percentage reflected by the scientific knowledge (25%). The bibliography shows that more than 30% of the patients develop metachronous liver metastases. At our hospital, results showed than only 12% develop metachronous liver metastases. That means we have a smaller amount of liver metastasis

[Functional results of bipolar hemiarthroplasty in patients over 65 years of age with intracapsular hip fractures]. / Resultados funcionales de hemiartroplastía bipolar en pacientes mayores de 65 años con fracturas intracapsulares de cadera.

INTRODUCTION: Bipolar hemiarthroplasty is an alternative for the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients with low functional demand and associated comorbidities. The goal was to describe functionality in patients over 65 years of age with intracapsular fractures of the hip. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of patients over 65 years of age between January 2012 and May 2017. It was evaluated with the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Oxford scale at six months and the year after surgery. Complications and mortality were documented during the first post-surgical year. RESULTS: 48 cases (12 men; 36 women), average age of 80.8 ± 7.7 years. Most common diseases: high blood pressure (77.1%), osteoporosis (37.5%), diabetes (33.3%) hypothyroidism (29.2%). The percentage of associated postoperative complications was 8.3% (four cases). The median HHS at six and 12 months was: 90.5 (DE: 77.5-96.0) and 96 (DE: 92-98), respectively. The Oxford scale was 45.5 (DE: 38.5-48.0) at six months and 47.0 (DE: 43.5-48.0) per postoperative year. 4.2% (two cases) died during the first post-surgical year and none were associated with the procedure. DISCUSSION: HA provides good functional outcomes in patients over 65 years of age, with a low rate of complications. No mortality associated with the surgical procedure was observed in our series and in the short term.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hemiartroplastía bipolar (HA) es una alternativa para el tratamiento de las fracturas desplazadas de cuello femoral en pacientes de edad avanzada con baja demanda funcional y comorbilidades asociadas. El objetivo fue describir la funcionalidad en pacientes mayores de 65 años con fracturas intracapsulares de cadera tratados con HA. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Revisión retrospectiva de pacientes mayores de 65 años entre Enero de 2012 y Mayo de 2017. Se evaluó con la escala de Harris (HHS) y Oxford a los seis meses y al año posterior a la cirugía. Se documentaron las complicaciones y la mortalidad durante el primer año postquirúrgico. RESULTADOS: 48 casos (12 hombres; 36 mujeres), edad promedio de 80.8 ± 7.7 años. Comorbilidades más frecuentes: hipertensión arterial (77.1%), osteoporosis (37.5%), diabetes (33.3%) e hipotiroidismo (29.2%). El porcentaje de complicaciones postoperatorias asociadas fue de 8.3% (cuatro casos). La mediana del HHS a los seis y 12 meses fue de: 90.5 (DE: 77.5-96.0) y 96 (DE: 92-98), respectivamente. La escala de Oxford fue de 45.5 (DE: 38.5-48.0) a los seis meses y de 47.0 (DE: 43.5-48) al año postoperatorio. El 4.2% (dos casos) fallecieron durante el primer año postquirúrgico y ninguno estuvo asociado al procedimiento. DISCUSIÓN: La HA ofrece buenos resultados funcionales en pacientes mayores de 65 años, con una tasa baja de complicaciones. En nuestra serie y en el corto plazo no se observó mortalidad asociada al procedimiento quirúrgico.

Patients affected by a new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus have autoantibodies colocalizing with MYZAP, p0071, desmoplakins 1-2 and ARVCF, causing renal damage.

BACKGROUND: We have previously reported that about 30% of patients affected by a new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus (EPF) in El Bagre, Colombia (termed El Bagre-EPF or pemphigus Abreu-Manu) have systemic compromise. In the current study, we focused on studying autoreactivity to the kidney and its pathological correlations. AIM: To investigate patients with El Bagre-EPF for renal compromise. METHODS: We performed a case-control study, enrolling 57 patients with El Bagre-EPF and 57 controls from the endemic area, matched by age, sex, race, work activity, demographics and comorbidities. We took skin and renal biopsies; performed direct and indirect immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry (IHC), confocal microscopy, immunoblotting, direct and indirect immune electron microscopy; and tested kidney function in all living patients. We also used IHC to study seven kidney autopsy samples. RESULTS: Of the 57 patients, 19 had autoantibodies to kidney, with polyclonal reactivity (P < 0.01). Most cases were positive along the basement membrane of the proximal tubules, but in some cases there was also positivity against the glomeruli and/or mixed patterns. Fifteen patients had increases in serum urea and creatinine compared with controls (P < 0.01). The autoantibodies colocalized with commercial antibodies to desmoplakins I and II, p0071, armadillo repeat gene deleted in velo-cardio-facial syndrome (ARCVF) and myocardium-enriched zonula occludens-1-associated protein (MYZAP) (P < 0.01). All of the kidney disease autopsies showed alterations, mostly in the vessels. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate for the first time that one-third of patients with El Bagre-EPF have polyclonal autoantibodies to kidney. The kidneys showed a mixed histological pattern resembling lupus nephritis, with a diffuse proliferative Class IV (G) global diffuse pattern in active lesions, and additional interposition of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.

Toxicidad asociada a vapores de mercurio en una lactante: a propósito de un caso / Mercury steam toxicity in a nursling: case report

La exposición a metales pesados como el mercurio genera toxicidad para los seres humanos, ocasionando riesgos neurológicos, respiratorios, hematológicos y renales, los cuales están directamente relacionados con el estado químico del metal, que está a su vez influenciado por la ruta de entrada al organismo, el tiempo de exposición, biotransformación y eliminación. Hay pocos informes de casos de toxicidad relacionada con vapores de mercurio, en los cuales hay compromiso neurológico y pulmonar. Presentamos el caso de una lactante expuesta de forma aguda a vapores de mercurio, quien presentó compromiso pulmonar como principal manifestación de toxicidad y respondió adecuadamente al tratamiento con Ácido Dimercapto Succínico (DMSA)

The exposition to heavy metals like mercury generates toxicity to humans, producing neurologic, pulmonary, hematologic and renal risks, which are directly related to the chemical state of the metal, also influenced by the route of access to the organism, time of exposition, biotransformation and elimination.There are few reports of toxicity related to mercury steam, with neurologic and pulmonary injury. Here we present the case of a nursling girl with acute exposition to mercury vapors, who presented with pulmonary injury as the main manifestation of toxicity, with a good recovery after Dimercapto Succinic Acid (DMSA) treatment

Patients with a new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus have autoantibodies against arrector pili muscle, colocalizing with MYZAP, p0071, desmoplakins 1 and 2 and ARVCF.

BACKGROUND: We identified a new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia, South America, which we term El Bagre-EPF, and observed reactivity to arrector pili muscle (APM), thus we tested for autoimmunity to APM. METHODS: We took skin biopsies from 30 patients with El Bagre-EPF and 30 healthy controls (HCs) matched by age, sex and occupation, who were all from the endemic area, and tested these using direct immunofluorescence (DIF), confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting (IB). RESULTS: Of the 30 patients with El Bagre-EPF, 27 had autoantibodies to APM that colocalized with commercial antibodies to myocardium-enriched zonula occludens-1-associated protein (MYZAP), desmoplakin (DP)1 and DP2, plakophilin 4, and Armadillo repeat gene deleted in velo-cardio-facial syndrome (ARVCF) (P < 0.001, Fisher exact test). The positive staining also colocalized with Junctional Adhesion Molecule 1 (JAM-A), a control antibody for gap cell junctions. No HC samples were positive. In 27 of the 30 patients, serum that was APM-positive also displayed IB colocalization of their autoantibody molecular weights with the Progen antibodies (P < 0.001, Fisher exact test). CONCLUSIONS: Patients affected by El Bagre-EPF have autoantibodies to APM, colocalizing with the antibodies MYZAP, ARVCF, p0071, DP1 and DP2, suggesting that these molecules are El Bagre-EPF antigens. Further, all of these antigens represent components of cell junctions, indicating that the immune response is directed, at least partially, against cell junctions. The immune response in patients affected by El Bagre-EPF is polyclonal, and it includes B and T lymphocytes, mast cells, IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE, fibrinogen, albumin, complement/C1q, C3c and C4.

El uso de los teléfonos móviles en la rehabilitación de las lesiones cerebrales / No disponible

Las tecnologías de la información y comunicación (TIC) han experimentado un importante desarrollo en los últimos años. El uso de la telefonía móvil se ha generalizado a toda la población y ofrecen la posibilidad de que sea incorporada como una herramienta más en el ámbito de la rehabilitación de pacientes con lesiones cerebrales. Sus posibilidades abarcan desde la evaluación en contextos reales y cercanos al paciente, la utilización como herramienta de estimulación y restauración de los procesos cognitivos, a su uso como ayuda externa de carácter compensatorio. Es ésta última función la que resulta de más interés para la rehabilitación y que, previsiblemente, mostrará un mayor desarrollo en el ámbito de la rehabilitación. Si bien, para el éxito pleno de la implantación se hace necesario un cambio de actitud en los profesionales y que sea considerada de utilidad para el éxito de la rehabilitación, algo que ya está mostrando la literatura científica a lo largo de los últimos años

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have undergone a significant development in recent years. The use of mobile telephony has widely spread to the entire population and offers the possibility of incorporating it as a tool in the field of rehabilitation of patients with brain lesions. Its possibilities range from the assessment of patients in real contexts, its use as a tool of stimulation and restoration of the cognitive processes, or even its use as compensatory external aid. This latter function is of great interest for the rehabilitation and it will probably show a greater development in the rehabilitation area. However, a change of attitude is necessary among the therapists for the full success of the implantation of this technology. They must consider the usefulness of ICT for the success of the rehabilitation, something that has been already been shown by the scientific literature in recent years

Speciation analysis of organoarsenic compounds in livestock feed by microwave-assisted extraction and high performance liquid chromatography coupled to atomic fluorescence spectrometry.

The development of a new method to determine the presence of the organoarsenic additives p-arsanilic acid (ASA), roxarsone (ROX) and nitarsone (NIT) in livestock feeds by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to ultraviolet oxidation hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HPLC-UV/HG-AFS) after microwave assisted extraction (MAE) was proposed. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 column with 2% acetic acid/methanol (96:4, v/v) as the mobile phase. The limits of detection (LODs) were 0.13, 0.09 and 0.08mgL-1, and the limits of quantification (LOQs) were 0.44, 0.30 and 0.28mgL-1. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) for ASA, ROX and NIT determined from five measurements of the mixed calibration standard were 3.3, 5.3, and 5.4%, respectively. MAE extraction of phenylated arsenic compounds using 1.5M H3PO4 at 120°C for 45min allowed for maximum recoveries (%) of total arsenic (As) and organoarsenic species, with no degradation of these compounds. The extraction of total As was approximately 97%, and the As species recoveries were between 95.2 and 97.0%. The results of the analysis were validated using mass balance by comparing the sum of extracted As with the total concentration of As in the corresponding samples. The method was successfully applied to determine the presence of these compounds in feed samples. ASA was the only As species detected in chicken feed samples, with a concentration between 0.72 and 12.91mgkg-1.

Funcionalidad familiar y dimensiones afectivas en adolescentes escolarizados. caldas-colombia, 2013-2014

Las relaciones familiares representan un aspecto importante del apoyo social en la pre-adolescencia y adolescencia inicial, el objetivo del estudio fue determinar la funcionalidad familiar y su relación con las dimensiones afectivas de los estilos de vida en adolescentes escolarizados residentes en la zona urbana del municipio de Villamaría (Caldas-Colombia). Se diseñó un análisis descriptivo correlacional transversal con 809 estudiantes de instituciones públicas y privadas empleando el APGAR familiar ajustado para escolares colombianos y el instrumento FANTÁSTICO, versión chilena adaptada para la población de estudio. Los resultados mostraron 22,2 por ciento de disfunción familiar entre moderada y severa en los adolescentes participantes, se encontraron diferencias significativas entre la edad, el sexo con el funcionamiento familiar (p=0,003; y p=0,001 respectivamente) y una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el funcionamiento familiar y dimensiones afectivas de los estilos de vida (p<0,05). Los resultados permiten concluir que en la adolescencia el funcionamiento familiar se relaciona directamente con el puntaje de las dimensiones afectivas de los estilos de vida de los adolescentes.

Family relationships signify an important aspect of social support in pre-adolescence and early adolescence; the study objective was to determine the familiar functionality and its relationship with the affective dimensions of the lifestyles in adolescents enrolled in schools living in the urban area of the municipality of Villamaría (Caldas-Colombia). A cross-sectional descriptive correlational analysis with 809 students from public and private institutions was designed, using the familiar APGAR adjusted for Colombian schoolchildren and the instrument FANTÁSTICO, Chilean version adapted for the study of this population. The results showed 22.2 percent of family dysfunction, from moderate to severe in adolescent participants; significant differences were found between age, sex with family functioning (p = 0.003; p = 0.001 respectively) and a statistically significant association between family functioning and emotional dimensions of lifestyle was also found (p <0.05). The results show that in adolescence the family functioning is directly related to the score of the affective dimensions of the lifestyles of adolescents.

As relações familiares são um aspecto importante de apoio social na pré-adolescência e início da adolescência, o objetivo do estudo foi determinar a funcionalidade familiar e sua relação com as dimensões afetivas dos estilos de vida em adolescentes escolares que vivem na área urbana do município Villamaría (Caldas-Colômbia). Uma análise de correlação descritiva transversal com 809 estudantes de instituições públicas e privadas usando o APGAR familiar ajustado para escolares colombianos e o instrumento FANTÁSTICO, versão chilena adaptado para a população do estudo foi projetada. Os resultados mostraram 22,2 por cento de disfunção familiar moderada a grave nos adolescentes participantes, encontraram-se diferenças significativas entre a idade, sexo com o funcionamento familiar (p = 0,003 e p = 0,001, respectivamente) e uma associação estatisticamente significativa entre funcionamento familiar e dimensões afetivas dos estilos de vida (p <0,05). Os resultados permitem concluir que, durante a adolescência, o funcionamento familiar está diretamente relacionado com a contagem das dimensões afetivas dos estilos de vida dos adolescentes.

Proceso de atención al paciente con urticaria aguda y crónica. Documento de consenso de la sección territorial andaluza de la Academia Española de Dermatología y Venereología / Clinical Pathway for Patients with Acute or Chronic Urticaria: A Consensus Statement of the Andalusian Section of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV)

La incorporación de nuevos fármacos al arsenal terapéutico, la actualización de las guías de práctica clínica y los hallazgos fisiopatológicos recientemente comunicados hacen que el manejo y conocimiento de la urticaria sea un tema de candente actualidad. La Sección territorial andaluza de la AEDV ha desarrollado un proceso de atención en el que se describen el recorrido del paciente, las características de calidad de las actuaciones y las recomendaciones para la toma de decisiones en los pacientes con urticaria. Presentamos un enfoque centrado en el paciente, y en el que se muestra su devenir en el sistema sanitario y la interrelación entre la atención primaria y hospitalaria, garantizando un punto clave, su continuidad asistencial

Attention has been focused on new ways to understand and manage urticaria ever since the recent addition of novel drugs to the therapeutic arsenal, the updating of clinical practice guidelines, and the publication of pathophysiologic insights. The Andalusian Section of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) has developed a clinical pathway that defines quality-of-care characteristics and makes recommendations on decision-making affecting patients with urticaria. We present a patient-centered approach to care, in which the patient's clinical pathway through the health care system includes links between primary and hospital care to ensure continuity a key feature of quality

Bases moleculares y aplicaciones farmacológicas de la vía de mTOR en dermatología / Elucidation of the mTOR Pathway and Therapeutic Applications in Dermatology

La molécula diana de la rapamicina en mamíferos es una cinasa perteneciente a la familia de fosfatidil-3-inositol que está involucrada en la regulación de diferentes procesos relacionados con el crecimiento y diferenciación celular, la angiogénesis y la modulación de la respuesta inflamatoria. En los últimos años hemos presenciado un profundo avance en el conocimiento de las bases moleculares de la vía de señalización de la molécula diana de la rapamicina en mamíferos y su implicación en multitud de enfermedades genéticas, inflamatorias o tumorales. El desarrollo de moléculas inhibidoras de esta vía ha propiciado una nueva posibilidad de abordaje terapéutico que ha permitido una mejora sustancial en muchas de estas enfermedades. En este artículo revisamos las implicaciones de la vía de la molécula diana de la rapamicina en mamíferos en las diferentes dermatosis con las que se ha relacionado, sus aplicaciones farmacológicas y las futuras direcciones que están tomando las diferentes líneas de investigación

The member of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase family, mammalian target of rapamycin, is involved in modulating inflammatory response and regulating cellular processes associated with growth, differentiation, and angiogenesis. Recent years have seen major advances in our understanding of the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway and the implication of this pathway in multiple genetic and inflammatory diseases and tumors. The development of the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors has given rise to new treatment approaches that have led to substantially improved outcomes in many diseases. In this article, we review the role of the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway in the different skin diseases with which it has been associated, examine the therapeutic applications of drugs targeting this pathway, and provide an overview of current trends and future directions in research

Proceso de atención a las personas con lesiones quísticas y tumorales benignas. Documento de consenso de la sección territorial andaluza de la Academia Española de Dermatología Médico-Quirúrgica y Venereología / Process of Care for Patients With Benign Cysts and Tumors: Consensus Document of the Andalusian Regional Section of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV)

Las lesiones cutáneas benignas representan un motivo de consulta frecuente, tanto en atención primaria como en las consultas de dermatología. Sin embargo, existe una amplia variabilidad en el acceso de los usuarios al diagnóstico y tratamiento de las lesiones cutáneas benignas, debido principalmente a que no se establecieron criterios explícitos y homogéneos para el abordaje de los pacientes con lesiones benignas. Con el objetivo principal de reducir la variabilidad en la atención a las personas con lesiones quísticas o tumorales benignas la Sección Territorial Andaluza de la AEDV ha desarrollado un proceso de atención en el que se describen el recorrido del paciente, las características de calidad de las actuaciones y las recomendaciones para la toma de decisiones en este tipo de lesiones

Benign skin lesions are a common reason for visits to primary care physicians and dermatologists. However, access to diagnosis and treatment for these lesions varies considerably between users, primarily because no explicit or standardized criteria for dealing with these patients have been defined. Principally with a view to reducing this variability in the care of patients with benign cysts or tumors, the Andalusian Regional Section of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) has created a Process of Care document that describes a clinical pathway and quality-of-care characteristics for each action. This report also makes recommendations for decision-making with respect to lesions of this type

The cost of infection in hip arthroplasty: a matched case-control study. / El coste de la infección en artroplastia de cadera: estudio de casos y controles emparejado.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical site infection (SSI) represents 30% of all causes of health care-associated infection (HAI) and is one of the most dreaded complications in surgical patients. We estimated the excess direct costs of SSI using a matched nested case-control study in acute-term care at Ramon y Cajal University Hospital in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Cases were patients who developed a first episode of SSI according to the criteria established by the CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network. Controls were matched to cases in 1:1 ratio taking into account the American Society of Anesthesiologists score, age, sex, surgery date, and principal diagnosis. RESULTS: This study found that infection in hip replacement increased direct costs by 134%. Likewise, the excess cost due to the infections caused by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus was 69% higher than the excess cost attributable to infections caused by other microorganisms. CONCLUSIONS: SSI after hip replacement continues to be a costly complication from the hospital perspective. Costs due to SSI can be used to prioritise preventive interventions to monitor and control HAI.

Process of Care for Patients With Benign Cysts and Tumors: Consensus Document of the Andalusian Regional Section of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV). / Proceso de atención a las personas con lesiones quísticas y tumorales benignas. Documento de consenso de la sección territorial andaluza de la Academia Española de Dermatología Médico-Quirúrgica y Venereología.

Benign skin lesions are a common reason for visits to primary care physicians and dermatologists. However, access to diagnosis and treatment for these lesions varies considerably between users, primarily because no explicit or standardized criteria for dealing with these patients have been defined. Principally with a view to reducing this variability in the care of patients with benign cysts or tumors, the Andalusian Regional Section of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) has created a Process of Care document that describes a clinical pathway and quality-of-care characteristics for each action. This report also makes recommendations for decision-making with respect to lesions of this type.