Dilemas bioéticos en el desempeño del médico de la familia en la pesquisa del cáncer colorrectal

Introducción: La calidad del desempeño profesional determina la resolución de problemas de salud pública como el cáncer colorrectal a través de su pesquisa poblacional, en cuya realización, como en toda práctica médica, surgen dilemas bioéticos. Objetivo: Caracterizar los principales dilemas bioéticos en la realización de la pesquisa poblacional del cáncer colorrectal en la atención primaria. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal en 19 médicos de la familia, seleccionados por muestreo simple aleatorio mediante la aplicación de un cuestionario en proceso de validación a través de criterio de expertos y coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. La variable estudiada fue "dilemas bioéticos en la realización de la pesquisa poblacional del cáncer colorrectal", parametrizada en dos dimensiones: valorativa y cognitiva, con cinco y tres indicadores respectivamente. Resultados: El "dilema por temor a realizarse la colonoscopia" fue considerado el de mayor peso, al ser evaluado por 13 médicos (68,4 %) como Muy Importante. El indicador "conocimiento profesional sobre bioética" fue evaluado por la mayoría de los profesionales dentro de los dos niveles superiores de la escala de Likert: cinco médicos (26,3 %) eligieron la categoría Importante, e igual número la de Muy Importante. Conclusiones: Los principales dilemas bioéticos a que se enfrentan los médicos de la familia en su desempeño profesional durante la realización de la pesquisa poblacional del cáncer colorrectal, están caracterizados por las actitudes que asumen los pacientes en relación con la disyuntiva que presupone la realización de la colonoscopia, con sus potenciales riesgos ante un resultado positivo.

Introduction: The quality of professional performance determines the resolution of public health problems such as colorectal cancer through population screening, in whose implementation, as in every medical practice, bioethical dilemmas arise. Objective: To characterize the main bioethical dilemma in carrying out population screening for colorectal cancer in primary care. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive study in 19 family physicians, selected by simple random sampling, by application of a questionnaire in the process of validation through expert criteria and Cronbach alpha coefficient. The variable studied was "bioethical dilemmas in carrying out population screening for colorectal cancer" parameterized in two dimensions: evaluative and cognitive, with 5 and 3 indicators respectively. Results: The "dilemma for fear of having a colonoscopy" was considered the most important, being evaluated by 13 doctors/68.4% as Very Important; The indicator "professional knowledge about bioethics" was evaluated by the majority of professionals within the two upper levels of the Likert scale, 5 doctors (26.3%) chose the category of Important and an equal number the category of Very Important. Conclusions: The main bioethical dilemmas that family doctors face in their professional performance during population screening for colorectal cancer are characterized by the attitudes that patients assume in relation to the dilemma that presupposes performing colonoscopy with its potential risks to a positive result.

Terapia antiviral de acción directa para infección del virus de hepatitis C en pacientes en hemodiálisis

Introducción: La infección por el virus C de la hepatitis resulta común en pacientes en hemodiálisis y se considera endémica en estas unidades. El tratamiento utilizado lo componían el interferón pegilado y la ribavirina, combinación que presentaba niveles de toxicidad y baja respuesta. Las drogas actuales aportan mejores resultados. Objetivos: Determinar la eficacia y seguridad de la terapia antiviral de acción directa para la infección del virus de la hepatitis C en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica en hemodiálisis. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo en 19 pacientes en régimen de hemodiálisis y con infección por virus C, pertenecientes al Hospital General Docente "Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy", desde diciembre de 2020 hasta septiembre de 2021," A todos se les prescribió durante 12 semanas Sofosbuvir® 400 mg más Daclatasvir® 60 mg diarios. Se caracterizaron las variables edad, sexo, fibrosis hepática por el índice aspartato-aminotransferasa/plaquetas, reacciones adversas y respuesta viral 12 semanas después del tratamiento. Resultados: La infección predominó en el grupo de 51 a 60 años (36,84 %). La mayoría de los pacientes mostró un índice aspartato-aminotransferasa/plaquetas ≤ 0,5, lo que correspondió con ausencia de fibrosis hepática significativa (14 pacientes). Una minoría de pacientes registró reacciones adversas. No se demostró toxicidad cardiovascular ni hepática. La totalidad de los pacientes manifestaron carga viral no detectable 12 semanas después del tratamiento. Conclusiones: La combinación de Sofosbuvir® con Daclatasvir® para el tratamiento de la infección por virus de la hepatitis C en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica en tratamiento de hemodiálisis resultó eficaz, bien tolerada y segura.

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus infection is common in hemodialysis patients and is considered endemic in these units. The treatment used consisted of pegylated interferon and ribavirin, a combination that presented levels of toxicity and low response. Current drugs bring better results. Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus infection in patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis. Methods: Prospective descriptive study in 19 patients on hemodialysis and with virus C infection, belonging to "Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy" Teaching General Hospital, from December 2020 to September 2021. All were prescribed for 12 weeks with Sofosbuvir® 400 mg plus Daclatasvir® 60 mg daily. The variables age, sex, liver fibrosis were characterized by the aspartate aminotransferase/platelet index, adverse reactions and viral response 12 weeks after treatment. Results: Infection predominated in the group of 51 to 60 years (36.84%). Most patients showed an aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio ≤ 0.5, corresponding to the absence of significant liver fibrosis (14 patients). A minority of patients reported adverse reactions. No cardiovascular or hepatic toxicity was demonstrated. All patients had an undetectable viral load 12 weeks after treatment. Conclusions: The combination of Sofosbuvir® with Daclatasvir® for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis was effective, well tolerated and safe.

Mortalidad por diabetes mellitus en el municipio de Colón, Matanzas. 2011-2021 / Mortality due to diabetes mellitus in the municipality of Colon, province of Matanzas. 2011-2021

RESUMEN Introducción: la diabetes mellitus, considerada uno de los principales problemas de salud a nivel mundial, es de las enfermedades que más caras resultan a la sociedad, debido a su alta y temprana mortalidad. Objetivos: caracterizar el comportamiento de la mortalidad causada por la diabetes mellitus en el municipio de Colón, en los últimos once años. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de la base de datos de fallecidos de la Dirección Municipal de Salud del municipio de Colón, desde el 1 de enero de 2011 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2021. Fueron seleccionados 221 sujetos con diabetes mellitus como causa básica de muerte. Las variables independientes fueron: año de fallecimiento, sexo, edad y causa directa de muerte. Los resultados se analizaron con estadística descriptiva, a través del paquete SPSS. Resultados: tendencia creciente de la mortalidad, más acentuada en el año 2021, en el que fallecieron 38 diabéticos. Predominio en mujeres (134) con respecto a hombres (87), y en el grupo etario de 65 años y más (67,4 %). Se identificaron como más frecuentes causas de muerte las enfermedades del corazón (24 %), la bronconeumonía (20,4 %) y la insuficiencia renal crónica (14,9 %). Conclusiones: en el municipio de Colón, la mortalidad por diabetes mellitus ha mostrado una tendencia al alza durante los últimos once años; el predominio en mujeres, personas mayores de 65 años, y las enfermedades del corazón como causas directas de muerte, caracterizaron su comportamiento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: diabetes mellitus, considered one of the main health problems worldwide, is among the diseases resulting more expensive to society, because of its high and early mortality. Objective: to characterize the behavior of mortality caused by diabetes mellitus in the municipality of Colon, in the last eleven years. Materials and methods: descriptive, retrospective study of the database of deaths from the Municipal Health Department of the municipality of Colon, from January 1st 2011 to December 31st, 2021. 221 subjects with diabetes mellitus with diabetes mellitus main cause of death were chosen. The independent variables were: year of death, gender, age and direct cause of death. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, through SPSS package. Results: increasing tendency of mortality, more accentuated in 2021, when 38 diabetic patients died. Women (134) predominated over men (87) and predominated also the age group of 65 years and over (67.4 %). Hearth diseases (24 %), bronchopneumonia (20.4 %), and chronic renal failure (14.9 %) were identified as more frequent causes of death. Conclusions: mortality due to diabetes mellitus has showed an increasing tendency during the last eleven years; the predominance in women, people over 65 years, and hearth diseases as direct causes of death characterized its behavior.

Causas de muerte en pacientes con cáncer colorrectal en el quinquenio 2016-2020. Colón, Matanzas

RESUMEN Introducción: el cáncer colorrectal constituye la tercera causa de muerte por tumores malignos en Cuba. Su estadio en el momento del diagnóstico es el predictor más importante de supervivencia, por lo que al analizar las causas de muerte se puede conocer la precocidad en su detección. Objetivo: determinar las principales causas de muerte de los pacientes fallecidos por cáncer colorrectal. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de las causas de muerte en 149 pacientes con cáncer colorrectal como causa primaria de muerte en el municipio de Colón, entre el 1 de enero de 2016 y el 31 de diciembre de 2020, notificados en el Registro de Fallecidos de la Dirección Municipal de Salud. Las variables independientes utilizadas fueron: sexo, grupos etarios, edad, causa directa de muerte, causa de sepsis. Resultados: predominó el sexo femenino en los pacientes fallecidos por cáncer colorrectal (53 %). La mortalidad se incrementó a partir de los 60 años de edad (124 pacientes, para un 83,2 %). La causa directa de muerte predominante fue la toxemia cancerígena (61,1 %), seguida de la sepsis (28,1 %) y el tromboembolismo pulmonar (3,4 %). Conclusiones: las causas de muerte de los pacientes con cáncer colorrectal en el municipio Colón, en el quinquenio 2016-2020, fueron indicativas de enfermedad neoplásica en estadio avanzado y de diagnóstico tardío.

ABSTRACT Introduction: colorectal cancer is the third cause of death due to malignant cancer in Cuba. Its stage at the time of diagnosis is the most important predictor of survival, so when analyzing the causes of death it is possible to know the precocity in its detection. Objective: to determine the main causes of death in patients who died of colorectal cancer. Materials and methods: a retrospective descriptive study of the causes of death was carried out in 149 patients with colorectal cancer as the primary cause of death in the municipality of Colon, between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020, recorded in the Death Registry of the Municipal Health Directorate. The independent variables used were: gender, age groups, age, direct cause of death, cause of sepsis. Results: female sex predominated in patients who died due to colorectal cancer (53 %). Mortality increased after the age of 60 years (124 patients, for 83.2 %). The predominant direct cause of death was carcinogenic toxemia (61.1 %), followed by sepsis (28.1 %) and pulmonary thromboembolism (3.4 %). Conclusions: the causes of death of patients with colorectal cancer in the municipality of Colón in the five-year period 2016-2020 period were indicative of advanced stage neoplastic disease and late diagnosis.

Asociación entre mortalidad por Covid-19 y contaminación atmosférica en ciudades mexicanas / Association between Covid-19 mortality and atmospheric pollution in Mexican cities

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre la exposición crónica a contaminantes atmosféricos y la tasa de mortalidad por Covid-19 en ciudades mexicanas. Material y métodos: Estudio ecológico en 25 ciudades mexicanas utilizando el reporte de casos diarios de muertes por Covid-19 (febrero a junio 2020) y datos validados de contaminantes atmosféricos, considerando concentraciones promedio en cada ciudad en el último año. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión Poisson, con modelos aditivos generalizados y variables de ajuste. Resultados: Se encontró un incremento significativo de 3.5% (IC95% 2.3-4.7) en la tasa de mortalidad por Covid-19 por incremento de 1µg/m3 de NO2. La asociación con PM2.5 fue no significativa, con un incremento de 1.8% por cada µg/m3. Conclusiones: Los resultados sugieren una asociación entre la mortalidad por Covid-19 y la exposición a NO2. Esta primera aproximación del riesgo asociado con la contaminación del aire requiere de análisis más precisos, pero es consistente con estudios de otras regiones.

Abstract Objective: To analyze the relationship between chronic exposures to air pollution with Covid-19 death rate in Mexican cities. Materials and methods: Ecological study in 25 Mexican cities using the report of daily Covid-19 deaths (from February to June 2020) and validated data of air pollutants, considering average concentrations in each city for the last year. Poisson regression models using generalized additive models with adjustment variables (GAM) were used. Results: A significant increase of 3.5% (95% CI 2.3-4.7) was found in Covid-19 death rate for each 1µg/m3 in annual concentration of NO2. The association with PM2.5 was not significant, with an increase of 1.8% for each 1µg/m3. Conclusions: Results suggest an association between Covid-19 mortality and chronic exposure to NO2. This first approximation of the risk associated with air pollution requires a more precise analysis, but is consistent with what was observed in other studies.

Asociación entre mortalidad por Covid-19 y contaminación atmosférica en ciudades mexicanas.

Objetivo. Analizar la asociación entre la exposición crónica a contaminantes atmosféricos y la tasa de mortalidad por Covid-19 en ciudades mexicanas. Material y métodos. Estudio ecológico en 25 ciudades mexicanas utilizando el reporte de casos diarios de muertes por Covid-19 (febrero a junio 2020) y datos validados de contaminantes atmosféricos, considerando concentraciones promedio en cada ciudad en el último año. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión Poisson, con modelos aditivos generalizados y variables de ajuste. Resultados. Se encontró un incremento significativo de 3.5% (IC95% 2.3-4.7) en la tasa de mortalidad por Covid-19 por incremento de 1µg/m3 de NO2. La asociación con PM2.5 fue no significativa, con un incremento de 1.8% por cada µg/ m3. Conclusiones. Los resultados sugieren una asociación entre la mortalidad por Covid-19 y la exposición a NO2. Esta primera aproximación del riesgo asociado con la contami-nación del aire requiere de análisis más precisos, pero es consistente con estudios de otras regiones.

Infección comunitaria por Clostridium difficile asociada a colitis ulcerativa idiopática / Community Clostridium difficile infection associated to idiopathic ulcerative colitis

RESUMEN Clostridium difficile es una bacteria relacionada con la colitis, asociada a antibióticos y a la diarrea adquirida en pacientes hospitalizados. Sin embargo, su comportamiento ha cambiado en los últimos años, hasta el punto de ser considerada un problema de salud mundial. Su curso clínico varía desde casos asintomáticos, colitis, hasta complicaciones que ponen en peligro la vida del paciente. Dentro de los factores de riesgo descritos se encuentra la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, especialmente la colitis ulcerativa idiopática. El caso reportado versa sobre la presentación de esta infección asociada a un brote de colitis ulcerativa en un paciente joven, sin antecedentes de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, consumo de antibióticos ni hospitalización (AU).

ABSTRACT Clostridium difficile is a bacterium related to antibiotic-associated colitis and to diarrhea acquired in hospitalized patients. However, its behavior has changed in recent years to the point of being considered as a global health problem. Its clinical course ranges from asymptomatic cases, colitis, to complications with risk for the patient's life. The inflammatory bowel disease, especially idiopathic ulcerative colitis is found among the described risk factors. The case reported deals with the presentation of this infection associated to an outbreak of ulcerative colitis in a young patient, with no previous history of inflammatory bowel disease, consumption of antibiotics or hospitalization (AU).

Páncreas ectópico en antro gástrico asociado a síntomas de reflujo. Reporte de un caso / Ectopic pancreas in gastric antrum associated to reflux symptoms. Report of a case

RESUMEN El páncreas ectópico es una entidad poco común. Como tumor submucoso de origen congénito, frecuentemente presenta un curso asintomático, aunque con posibles complicaciones. Su diagnóstico de certeza se basa en la endoscopia, el ultrasonido endoscópico y la histología, que permiten adoptar una conducta expectante o quirúrgica. El paciente estudiado presentó un páncreas ectópico localizado en antro gástrico asociado a síntomas de reflujo gastroesofágico rebeldes a tratamiento, los cuales motivaron el estudio endoscópico, con el consecuente hallazgo de dicha entidad (AU).

ABSTRACT Ectopic pancreas is a little common entity. As congenital-originated sub mucous tumor, it frequently presents an asymptomatic course, though with possible complications. Its definitive diagnosis is based in the endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound and histology, allowing to adopt an expectant or surgical behavior. The current patient presented an unresponsive-to-treatment ectopic pancreas located in the gastric antrum associated to gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms. This motivated the endoscopic study consequently leading to finding this entity (AU).

[Association between Covid-19 mortality and atmospheric pollution in Mexican cities]. / Asociación entre mortalidad por Covid-19 y contaminación atmosférica en ciudades mexicanas.

Objective. To analyze the relationship between chronic exposures to air pollution with Covid-19 death rate in Mexican cities. Materials and methods. Ecological study in 25 Mexican cities using the report of daily Covid-19 deaths (from February to June 2020) and validated data of air pollutants, considering average concentrations in each city for the last year. Poisson regression models using generalized additive models with adjustment variables (GAM) were used. Results. A significant increase of 3.5% (95% CI 2.3-4.7) was found in Covid-19 death rate for each 1µg/m3 in annual concentration of NO2. The association with PM2.5 was not significant, with an increase of 1.8% for each 1µg/m3. Conclusions. Results suggest an association between Covid-19 mortality and chronic exposure to NO2. This first approximation of the risk associated with air pollution requires a more precise analysis, but is consistent with what was observed in other studies.

Mortalidad aguda asociada con partículas suspendidas finas y gruesas en habitantes de la Zona Metropolitana de Monterrey / Mortality associated with fine and coarse suspended particles, in inhabitants of Monterrey Metropolitan Area

Resumen Objetivo: Estimar el riesgo de mortalidad asociado con la exposición a partículas finas (PM2.5) y gruesas (PM2.5-10) en la Zona Metropolitana de Monterrey (ZMM). Material y métodos: Estudio ecológico con análisis retrospectivo de series de tiempo (2004-2014) de mortalidad total y específica diaria, y promedio de PM2.5y PM2.5-10. Modelos aditivos generalizados Poisson con rezagos distribuidos ajustados por tendencia, estacionalidad, día de la semana, condiciones meteorológicas y contaminantes gaseosos. Resultados: El promedio (DE) de PM2.5y PM2.5-10fue 26.59 (11.06) y 48.83 (21.15) μg/m3. Cada 10 μg/m3de aumento de PM2.5(lag 0) incrementó el riesgo de mortalidad respiratoria en menores de cinco años 11.16٪ (IC95% 1.03-21.39) y de neumonía e influenza en mayores de cinco años 11.16٪ (IC95% 3.91-9.37). El riesgo de mortalidad asociado con las PM2.5-10fue menor. Conclusiones: Se observaron asociaciones positivas y significativas entre exposición a material particulado y la mortalidad diaria en población de la ZMM.

Abstract Objective: To estimate the mortality risk of fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM2.5-10) particles in the Metropolitan Area of Monterrey (MAM). Materials and methods: A retrospective ecological time-series analysis (2000-2014) was conducted using total and specific causes of mortality, and daily mean PM2.5and PM2.5-10. Generalized additive distributed lag models controlling for trend, seasonality, day of the week, meteorological conditions and gaseous pollutants. Results: Mean (SD) PM2.5and PM2.5-10concentrations were 26.59 μg/m3 (11.06 μg/m3) and 48.83 μg/m3(21.15 μg/m3). An increase of 10 μg/m3 of PM2.5 (lag 0) was associated with 11.16% (95%CI:1.03-21.39) increased risk of respiratory mortality in children <=5 years old and 6.6% (95%CI 3.31-9.37) increased risk of pneumonia-influenza in adults >=65 years old. The risk of mortality associated with the concentration of coarse particles was lower. Conclusions: Positive and significant associations were observed between exposure to particulate matter and daily mortality in the MAM´s population.

[Mortality associated with fine and coarse suspended particles, in inhabitants of Monterrey Metropolitan Area]. / Mortalidad aguda asociada con partículas suspendidas finas y gruesas en habitantes de la Zona Metropolitana de Monterrey.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the mortality risk of fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM2.5-10) particles in the Metropolitan Area of Mon-terrey (MAM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective ecological time-series analysis (2000-2014) was conducted using total and specific causes of mortality, and daily mean PM2.5 and PM2.5-10. Generalized additive distributed lag models controlling for trend, seasonality, day of the week, meteoro-logical conditions and gaseous pollutants. RESULTS: Mean (SD) PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 concentrations were 26.59 µg/m3(11.06 µg/m3) and 48.83 µg/m3 (21.15 µg/m3). An increase of 10 µg/m3 of PM2.5 (lag 0) was associated with 11.16% (95%CI:1.03-21.39) increased risk of respiratory mortality in children <=5 years old and 6.6% (95%CI 3.31-9.37) increased risk of pneumonia-influenza in adults >=65 years old. The risk of mortality associated with the concentration of coarse particles was lower. CONCLUSIONS: Positive and significant associations were observed between exposure to particulate matter and daily mortality in the MAM ́s population.

OBJETIVO: Estimar el riesgo de mortalidad asociado con la exposición a partículas finas (PM2.5) y gruesas (PM2.5-10) en la Zona Metropolitana de Monterrey (ZMM). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio ecológico con análisis retrospectivo de series de tiempo (2004-2014) de mortalidad total y especí-fica diaria, y promedio de PM2.5 y PM2.5-10. Modelos aditivos generalizados Poisson con rezagos distribuidos ajustados por tendencia, estacionalidad, día de la semana, condiciones meteorológicas y contaminantes gaseosos. RESULTADOS: 83 (21.15) µg/m3. Cada 10 µg/m3 de aumento de PM2.5 (lag 0) incrementó el riesgo de mortalidad respiratoria en menores de cinco años 11.16% (IC95% 1.03-21.39) y de neumonía e influenza en mayores de 65 años 6.60% (IC95% 3.91-9.37). El riesgo de mortalidad asociado con las PM2.5-10 fue meno. CONCLUSIONES: Se observaron asociaciones positivas y significativas entre exposición a material particulado y la mortalidad diaria en población de la ZMM.

Evolutionary and developmental considerations of the diet and gut morphology in ceratophryid tadpoles (Anura).

BACKGROUND: Before metamorphosis, almost all anuran tadpoles are omnivores. Larval carnivory occurs in some species and, it is associated with distinctive morphotypes. Obligatory carnivorous tadpoles exhibit structural changes in the gastrointestinal tract compared to larvae that are predominately omnivores. The most distinctive feature of the anuran family Ceratophyridae (three genera) overall is the enormous gape of adults. This feature increases their ability to capture extremely large and active prey. The larvae of Ceratophyrid genera are remarkably distinct from each other and carnivory has diversified in a manner unseen in other anurans. The larvae of one genus, Lepidobatrachus, has a massive gape like the adult. Herein, we report on larval developmental variation, diet, gross morphology of the gastrointestinal tract, and histology of the cranial segment of the gut before, during and after metamorphosis in larval series for the following ceratophryid species: Chacophrys pierottii, Ceratophrys cranwelli, Lepidobatrachus laevis and Lepidobatrachus llanensis. RESULTS: We described patterns of larval development with variation in growth with consequence to the final size at the end of metamorphosis. These patterns seem to be influenced by food quantity/quality, and most predominant by animal protein. Prey items found in pre and post-metamorphic Lepidobatrachus spp. are similar. Tadpoles of Ceratophrys and Chacophrys (and other anurans) share a short cranial segment of the gut with an internal glandular, mucous secreting epithelium, a double coiled intestine and the sequence of metamorphic changes (tract is empty, the stomach differentiates and the intestine shortens abruptly). In contrast, Lepidobatrachus tadpoles have a true stomach that acquires thickness and increased glandular complexity through development. As larvae they have a short intestine without double coils, and the absence of intestine shortening during metamorphosis. CONCLUSIONS: The larval development of the gastrointestinal tract of Lepidobatrachus is unique compared with that of other free-living anuran larvae. An abrupt metamorphic transformation is missing and most of the adult structural features start to differentiate gradually at the beginning of larval stages.

Asociación entre tuberculosis y diabetes mellitus en el primer nivel de atención / Association between tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus in primary health

Introducción. En octubre 2018 inició la estrategia de atención integral de pacientes con tuberculosis y diabetes mellitus en seis unidades comunitarias de salud familiar de la región metropolitana. Dicha estrategia brinda atención integral a pacientes con estas enfermedades. Objetivo. Establecer la asociación entre tuberculosis y diabetes mellitus en establecimientos que han implementado el plan de atención integral para tuberculosis y diabetes mellitus. Metodología. Estudio transversal analítico donde se estudiaron 12 casos nuevos con tuberculosis y diabetes mellitus, mayores de 10 años, sin otro factor de riesgo. Resultados. La prevalencia de diabetes mellitus en los casos de tuberculosis en los establecimientos donde se ha implementado el plan, es mayor que en la población general de El Salvador (p = 0.02). No existe diferencia significativa entre la prevalencia obtenida en los establecimientos donde se ha implementado el plan y los resultados a nivel nacional para ambos sexos (femenino 0.09 y masculino 0.07). La probabilidad de padecer tuberculosis es 11.4 veces mayor entre los diabéticos. Conclusiones. Existe una asociación significativa entre la diabetes mellitus y tuberculosis en los establecimientos donde se ha implementado el plan de atención integral para tuberculosis y diabetes mellitus. La probabilidad de enfermar de tuberculosis en los diabéticos es mayor que en los no diabéticos.

Introduction. In October 2018, the strategy of comprehensive care for patients with tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus began in 6 community family health units in the metropolitan region, a strategy that provides comprehensive care for patients with these diseases. Objective. Establish the association between tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus, in establishments that have implemented the comprehensive care plan for tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus. Methodology. This study is an analytical cross-section where 12 new cases with tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus, older than 10 years, with no other risk factor were studied. Results. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in cases of tuberculosis in the establishments where the plan has been implemented is higher than in the general population of El Salvador (p = 0.02). There is no significant difference between the prevalence obtained in the establishments where the plan has been implemented and the results at the national level for both sexes (female 0.09 and male 0.07). The probability of suffering from tuberculosis among diabetics is 11.4. Conclusions. The association of diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis is greater in the establishments where the comprehensive care plan for tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus has been implemented in comparison to the general population. The probability of getting tuberculosis in diabetics is higher than in non-diabetics.

Histology and microscopic anatomy of the thyroid gland during the larval development of Pseudis platensis (Anura, Hylidae).

Several hormones regulate anuran larval development, most notably thyroid hormones (THs). In anurans, metamorphosis fails when the thyroid gland is absent or inactivated, resulting in giant tadpoles. Larval gigantism occurs naturally in neotropical frogs of the genus Pseudis as a result of a prolonged larval period. Its thyroid function is poorly investigated and the focus of this study. We describe qualitative and quantitative variations in larval development for field-captured specimens of Pseudis platensis and compare those to the development of two sympatric species, Phyllomedusa sauvagii and Pithecopus azureus, which have small tadpoles and a shorter larval period. We describe morphological changes in the thyroid glands of larval and adult specimens. In contrast to other species with similar ecological requirements, P. platensis exhibits distinct glandular activity. During premetamorphosis, there was little or no thyroid activity, a period in which the tadpole reached 70% of its maximum size. Development and degree of activity of the thyroid gland determine the duration of the early stages of the larval period. Thyroid gland histology in tadpoles appears to correlate with the TH activity, and in turn with the diversity in anuran life history transitions.

Differences in responsiveness and sensitivity to exogenous disruptors of the thyroid gland in three anuran species.

Anuran larval development comprises tissues/organs/systems that are: exclusively of larvae, able to be remodelled, and those of postmetamorphic stages. Also, the anuran larval development is characterized by inter-related parameters: time, size and shape forming part of growth and differentiation. The anuran metamorphosis starts when growth and differentiation achieve a threshold that differs among species since it is regulated by a number of external (environmental) and internal (hormonal) processes. Here we explore the consequences of exogenous disruptors on the thyroid gland (e.g., methimazole and thyroxine as T4) of three species by immersing premetamorphic tadpoles in predetermined concentrations of the disruptors for short periods (10 or 16 days). The species were Pleurodema borellii, Leptodactylus chaquensis, and Dermatonotus muelleri, which all breed in small temporary ponds during the summer, but differ in their ecomorphology. The experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of these substances on larval development (based in Gosner larval stages), morphometric variation in body parameters (snout-vent and total length by larval stages), and thyroid gland histopathology at the end of the assays. In P. borelli and L. chaquensis, methimazole produces significant increment of size measurements (nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis, p < .05) during stages of digit differentiation and induced thyroid gland hypertrophy. In the three species, T4 exposure accelerated limb development and caused atrophy of thyroid gland. Prolonged T4 exposure in L. chaquensis and D. muelleri triggered metamorphic transformation in the gut and skull cartilages. Discussion about interspecific differences in responsiveness and sensitivity elucidates the importance of hormonal signals to morphological evolution.

Air Pollution and Suicide in Mexico City: A Time Series Analysis, 2000-2016.

The association between air pollution and suicide has recently been under examination, and the findings continue to be contradictory. In order to contribute evidence to this still unresolved question, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between air quality and daily suicides registered in Mexico City (MC) between 2000 and 2016. Air quality was measured based on exposure to particulate matter under 2.5 and 10 micrometers (µm) (PM2.5 and PM10, respectively), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), adjusting for weather variables (air temperature and relative humidity), and holidays. To this end, an ecologic time series analysis was performed using a Poisson regression model conditioned by time and stratified by gender and age groups. Models were also generated to explore the lagged and accumulative effects of air pollutants, adjusted by weather variables. The effects of the pollutants were very close to the null value in the majority of the models, and no accumulative effects were identified. We believe these results, in this case, no evidence of a statistical association, contribute to the current debate about whether the association between air pollution and suicide reported in the scientific literature reflects an actual effect or an uncontrolled confounding effect.

Microsurgical Anatomy and Approaches to the Cerebral Central Core.

OBJECTIVE: Through a cadaveric study, we divided the cerebral central core (CCC) into different areas and have proposed a corresponding neurosurgical approach for each sector. As a secondary objective, we analyzed the cortical and subcortical microsurgical anatomy of the CCC. The CCC includes the insula, extreme capsule, claustrum, external capsule, lenticular nucleus, internal capsule, caudate nucleus, and thalamus. METHODS: Twelve adult human brain hemispheres and one cadaveric head specimen were dissected and studied at the Laboratory of Neuroanatomic Microsurgical of the University of Buenos Aires. Nine cases of CCC neurosurgical pathologies were included in the present study and analyzed. Digital drawings were created of the approaches proposed for each sector of the CCC showing the most relevant surgical details. Photographs of each dissection and measurements obtained were taken. RESULTS: We divided the CCC into a medial, intermediate, and lateral sector, with specific subdivisions for the lateral and medial sectors. The lateral projection of the foramen of Monro was found deep to the third short gyri of the insula with the following distances: anterior insular limen margin, 23.95 mm; posterior insular limen margin, 22.92 mm; superior limiting sulcus, 14.99 mm, and inferior limiting sulcus, 13.76 mm. We have proposed the following approaches: an ipsilateral transcallosal approach, a contralateral transcallosal approach, a choroidal transfissure approach, a trans-splenial approach, transparietal access entering the intraparietal sulcus, and trans-sylvian approach. The preoperative imaging studies should be analyzed using our method to select the most accurate and safe approach. CONCLUSIONS: We have provided a description of the limits and anatomy of the CCC using brain dissection, an analysis of operated cases, and useful measurements for the neurosurgeon.

How urban characteristics affect vulnerability to heat and cold: a multi-country analysis.

BACKGROUND: The health burden associated with temperature is expected to increase due to a warming climate. Populations living in cities are likely to be particularly at risk, but the role of urban characteristics in modifying the direct effects of temperature on health is still unclear. In this contribution, we used a multi-country dataset to study effect modification of temperature-mortality relationships by a range of city-specific indicators. METHODS: We collected ambient temperature and mortality daily time-series data for 340 cities in 22 countries, in periods between 1985 and 2014. Standardized measures of demographic, socio-economic, infrastructural and environmental indicators were derived from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Regional and Metropolitan Database. We used distributed lag non-linear and multivariate meta-regression models to estimate fractions of mortality attributable to heat and cold (AF%) in each city, and to evaluate the effect modification of each indicator across cities. RESULTS: Heat- and cold-related deaths amounted to 0.54% (95% confidence interval: 0.49 to 0.58%) and 6.05% (5.59 to 6.36%) of total deaths, respectively. Several city indicators modify the effect of heat, with a higher mortality impact associated with increases in population density, fine particles (PM2.5), gross domestic product (GDP) and Gini index (a measure of income inequality), whereas higher levels of green spaces were linked with a decreased effect of heat. CONCLUSIONS: This represents the largest study to date assessing the effect modification of temperature-mortality relationships. Evidence from this study can inform public-health interventions and urban planning under various climate-change and urban-development scenarios.

Intraspecific developmental variation in the life cycle of the Andean Treefrog (Boana riojana): A temporal analysis.

Intraspecific variation during the anuran larval period has been analyzed mainly in relation to the timing of metamorphosis and body size at metamorphosis. However, other traits may vary as well. We examined two developmental series of Boana riojana from the same population in two consecutive years and describe intraspecific variation in larvae of this species. We discuss how variation, if present, may influence its life cycle. We found that both larval series differed in the larval period length, one twice as long as the other. This variation primarily depended on when breeding occurred, metamorphosis was achieved during late spring in both generations and at similar sizes, and only the rate of larval development during premetamorphosis varied extensively between years. This is consistent with thyroid gland activity because when it became active the developmental trajectory became more canalized. No variation of staging sequence occurred in relation to the different durations of the larval period. However, in the long-lasting series we found two different morphs. Also, integument, thyroid gland, skeleton, and testis differentiation events occurred at the same developing stages. In contrast, ovarian differentiation proceeded at the same absolute age in both series. Sexual dimorphism becomes evident within the year after metamorphosis. The intraspecific heterochrony that we describe for the larval development of B. riojana does not lead to phenotypic variation at the end of metamorphosis. We discuss the importance of analyzing growth and development independently. Each proceeds differently in time, but with an interdependence at some point, because size and shape do not vary at the end of metamorphosis.

Anatomia Microquirúrgica y Abordajes al Central Core Cerebral / Microsurgical Anatomy and Approaches to the Central Core Cerebral

Objetivos: A través del estudio cadavérico dividir al central core cerebral (CCC) en diferentes áreas y proponer para cada sector el abordaje neuroquirurgico correspondiente. Como objetivo secundario analizaremos la anatomía neuroquirúrgico cortical y subcortical del CCC. Introducción : El CCC es descripto como un bloque que descansa sobre el tronco del encéfalo. Incluye la ínsula, capsula extrema, claustro, capsula externa, núcleo lenticular, capsula interna, núcleo caudado y el tálamo. Material y Métodos: Se estudiaron 12 hemisferios cerebrales humanos adultos y una cabeza en el ­LaNeMic- de la Universidad de Buenos Aires, analizamos 9 casos de patologías neuroquirúrgicas del CCC y dibujos digitales de los abordajes propuestos para cada sector del CCC. Se tomaron fotografías de cada disección y las mediciones obtenidas con calibre digital. Resultados: Dividimos al CCC en un sector medial, intermedio y lateral; con subdivisiones específicas para el lateral y medial. La proyección lateral del foramen de Monro se encontró en el tercer giro corto de la ínsula con las distancias: MILA: 23,95 mm; MILP: 22,92 mm; SLS: 14,99 mm y SLI: 13,76 mm. Proponemos los siguientes abordajes: abordaje transcalloso homolateral, abordaje transcalloso contralateral, abordaje trans-fisura coroidea, abordaje trans-esplenial, acceso trans-parietal ingresando al surco intraparietal y abordaje trans-silviano. Discusión: Se deben analizar los estudios preoperatorios del paciente, comprendiendo las lesiones según la ubicación y de ese modo seleccionar el abordaje más preciso y seguro. Conclusiones: Se provee a través de este trabajo una descripción de los límites y anatomía del CCC, empleando disecciones cerebrales, análisis de casos operados y de medidas útiles para el neurocirujano.

Objectives: Through the cadaveric study, we divide the cerebral central core (CCC) in different areas and propose the corresponding neurosurgical approach for each sector. As a secondary objective, we will analyze the cortical and subcortical microsurgical anatomy of the CCC. Introduction: The CCC is described as a block that rests on the trunk of the brain. It includes the insula, extreme capsule, claustro, external capsule, lenticular nucleus, internal capsule, caudate nucleusand thalamus. Material and Methods: We studied 12 adult human brain hemispheres and one head in the -LaNeMic- of the University of Buenos Aires, analyzed 9 cases of CCC neurosurgical pathologies and digital drawings of the approaches proposed for each sector of the CCC. Photographs of each dissection and measurements obtained with digital caliber were taken. Results: We divide the CCC into a medial, intermediate and lateral sector; with specific subdivisions for the lateral and medial. The lateral projection of the foramen of Monro was found in the third short gyri of the insula with the distances: MILA: 23.95mm; MILP: 22.92mm; SLS: 14.99mm and SLI: 13.76mm. We propose the following approaches: ipsilateral transcallosal approach, contralateral transcallosal approach, choroidal trans-fissure approach, trans-splennial approach, trans-parietal access entering the intraparietal sulcus, and trans-silvian approach. Discussion: The preoperative studies of the patient should be analyzed, understanding the lesions according to the location and in this way selecting the most accurate and safe approach. Conclusions: A description of the limits and anatomy of the CCC is provided through this work, using brain dissections, analysis of operated cases and useful measurements for the neurosurgeon.