Extraction of bioactive compounds from pecan nutshell: An added-value and low-cost alternative for an industrial waste.

The pecan nutshell [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh) C. Koch] (PNS) is a source of bioactives with important beneficial properties for the human health. PNS represents between 40-50 % of total mass of the nut, resulting as waste without any added value for the food industry. Even though a variety of methods were already developed for bioactive extraction from this waste, unconventional methodologies, or those which apart from green chemistry principles, were discarded considering the cost of production, the sustainable development goals of United Nations and the feasibility of real inclusion of the technology in the food chain. Then, to add-value to this waste, a low-cost, green and easy-scalable extraction methodology was developed based on the determination of seven relevant factors by means of a factorial design and a Response Surface Methodology, allowing the extraction of bioactives with antioxidant capacity. The pecan nutshell extract had a high concentration of phenolic compounds (166 mg gallic acid equivalents-GAE/g dry weight-dw), flavonoids (90 mg catechin equivalent-CE/g dw) and condensed tannins (189 mg CE/g dw) -related also to the polymeric color (74.6 %)-, with high antioxidant capacities of ABTS+. radical inhibition (3665 µmol Trolox Equivalent-TE/g dw) and of iron reduction (1305 µmol TE/g dw). Several compounds associated with these determinations were identified by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS, such as [Epi]catechin-[Epi]catechin-[Epi]gallocatechin, myricetin, dihydroquercetins, dimers A and B of protoanthocyanidins, ellagitannins and ellagic acid derivatives. Hence, through the methodology developed here, we obtained a phenolic rich extract with possible benefits for human health, and of high industrial scalability for this co-product transformation.

Chronological pattern of venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurrence impacts in survival of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist on the prognostic significance of the chronology of VTE in patients with PDAC. METHODS: Medical data and survival characteristics of patients treated for PDAC from 2019 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Early VTE was defined as occurring within the three months of PDAC diagnosis. RESULTS: 197 patients were included, 54 (27.4%) developed a VTE. Early appearance of VTE was associated with worse prognosis: median overall survival (mOS) VTE < 3 months 8.5 months (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.11-2.46; p = 0.014), mOS VTE > 3 months 12.8 months (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.39-1.54; p = 0.5) and mOS patients without VTE 11.4 months (95% CI 10.1-15.4). There was no significant association between the patient's VTE risk according to the Khorana risk score (KRS) (chi2 test p-value = 0.9). CONCLUSION: Early VTE is a prognostic factor in PDAC, which may identify a more aggressive subtype.

An updated examination of the perception of barriers for pharmacogenomics implementation and the usefulness of drug/gene pairs in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is considered an emergent field in developing countries. Research on PGx in the Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) region remains scarce, with limited information in some populations. Thus, extrapolations are complicated, especially in mixed populations. In this paper, we reviewed and analyzed pharmacogenomic knowledge among the LAC scientific and clinical community and examined barriers to clinical application. We performed a search for publications and clinical trials in the field worldwide and evaluated the contribution of LAC. Next, we conducted a regional structured survey that evaluated a list of 14 potential barriers to the clinical implementation of biomarkers based on their importance. In addition, a paired list of 54 genes/drugs was analyzed to determine an association between biomarkers and response to genomic medicine. This survey was compared to a previous survey performed in 2014 to assess progress in the region. The search results indicated that Latin American and Caribbean countries have contributed 3.44% of the total publications and 2.45% of the PGx-related clinical trials worldwide thus far. A total of 106 professionals from 17 countries answered the survey. Six major groups of barriers were identified. Despite the region's continuous efforts in the last decade, the primary barrier to PGx implementation in LAC remains the same, the "need for guidelines, processes, and protocols for the clinical application of pharmacogenetics/pharmacogenomics". Cost-effectiveness issues are considered critical factors in the region. Items related to the reluctance of clinicians are currently less relevant. Based on the survey results, the highest ranked (96%-99%) gene/drug pairs perceived as important were CYP2D6/tamoxifen, CYP3A5/tacrolimus, CYP2D6/opioids, DPYD/fluoropyrimidines, TMPT/thiopurines, CYP2D6/tricyclic antidepressants, CYP2C19/tricyclic antidepressants, NUDT15/thiopurines, CYP2B6/efavirenz, and CYP2C19/clopidogrel. In conclusion, although the global contribution of LAC countries remains low in the PGx field, a relevant improvement has been observed in the region. The perception of the usefulness of PGx tests in biomedical community has drastically changed, raising awareness among physicians, which suggests a promising future in the clinical applications of PGx in LAC.

COVID-19 vaccines reduce mortality in hospitalized patients with oxygen requirements: Differences between vaccine subtypes. A multicontinental cohort study.

The aim of this study was to analyze whether the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine reduces mortality in patients with moderate or severe COVID-19 disease requiring oxygen therapy. A retrospective cohort study, with data from 148 hospitals in both Spain (111 hospitals) and Argentina (37 hospitals), was conducted. We evaluated hospitalized patients for COVID-19 older than 18 years with oxygen requirements. Vaccine protection against death was assessed through a multivariable logistic regression and propensity score matching. We also performed a subgroup analysis according to vaccine type. The adjusted model was used to determine the population attributable risk. Between January 2020 and May 2022, we evaluated 21,479 COVID-19 hospitalized patients with oxygen requirements. Of these, 338 (1.5%) patients received a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 379 (1.8%) were fully vaccinated. In vaccinated patients, mortality was 20.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.9-24), compared to 19.5% (95% CI: 19-20) in unvaccinated patients, resulting in a crude odds ratio (OR) of 1.07 (95% CI: 0.89-1.29; p = 0.41). However, after considering the multiple comorbidities in the vaccinated group, the adjusted OR was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.56-0.95; p = 0.02) with a population attributable risk reduction of 4.3% (95% CI: 1-5). The higher risk reduction for mortality was with messenger RNA (mRNA) BNT162b2 (Pfizer) (OR 0.37; 95% CI: 0.23-0.59; p < 0.01), ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AstraZeneca) (OR 0.42; 95% CI: 0.20-0.86; p = 0.02), and mRNA-1273 (Moderna) (OR 0.68; 95% CI: 0.41-1.12; p = 0.13), and lower with Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik) (OR 0.93; 95% CI: 0.6-1.45; p = 0.76). COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce the probability of death in patients suffering from a moderate or severe disease (oxygen therapy).

Integrating data types to estimate spatial patterns of avian migration across the Western Hemisphere.

For many avian species, spatial migration patterns remain largely undescribed, especially across hemispheric extents. Recent advancements in tracking technologies and high-resolution species distribution models (i.e., eBird Status and Trends products) provide new insights into migratory bird movements and offer a promising opportunity for integrating independent data sources to describe avian migration. Here, we present a three-stage modeling framework for estimating spatial patterns of avian migration. First, we integrate tracking and band re-encounter data to quantify migratory connectivity, defined as the relative proportions of individuals migrating between breeding and nonbreeding regions. Next, we use estimated connectivity proportions along with eBird occurrence probabilities to produce probabilistic least-cost path (LCP) indices. In a final step, we use generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs) both to evaluate the ability of LCP indices to accurately predict (i.e., as a covariate) observed locations derived from tracking and band re-encounter data sets versus pseudo-absence locations during migratory periods and to create a fully integrated (i.e., eBird occurrence, LCP, and tracking/band re-encounter data) spatial prediction index for mapping species-specific seasonal migrations. To illustrate this approach, we apply this framework to describe seasonal migrations of 12 bird species across the Western Hemisphere during pre- and postbreeding migratory periods (i.e., spring and fall, respectively). We found that including LCP indices with eBird occurrence in GAMMs generally improved the ability to accurately predict observed migratory locations compared to models with eBird occurrence alone. Using three performance metrics, the eBird + LCP model demonstrated equivalent or superior fit relative to the eBird-only model for 22 of 24 species-season GAMMs. In particular, the integrated index filled in spatial gaps for species with over-water movements and those that migrated over land where there were few eBird sightings and, thus, low predictive ability of eBird occurrence probabilities (e.g., Amazonian rainforest in South America). This methodology of combining individual-based seasonal movement data with temporally dynamic species distribution models provides a comprehensive approach to integrating multiple data types to describe broad-scale spatial patterns of animal movement. Further development and customization of this approach will continue to advance knowledge about the full annual cycle and conservation of migratory birds.

An open-source low-cost wireless sensor system for acquisition of human movement data.

Several fields of research such as medicine, robotics, sports, informatics, etc., require the analysis of human movement. Traditional systems for acquisition and analysis of human movement data are based on video cameras or active sensors. However, those systems are limited to high-resource settings. Wearable devices allow monitoring subjects outside typical clinical or research environments. Here, we present an open source low-cost wireless sensor system for acquisition of human movement data. Our system consists of two main parts: a server that stores data and, one or more wearable sensor modules that collect movement data through Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) and transmit them wirelessly to the server. As a proof of concept, we measured human gait activity. Our results show that our system with IMUs can acquire quantifiable movement data. Characteristics such as open source code and its low-cost, make our system a viable alternative for clinical or research.

Design, Fabrication, and Characterisation of a Label-Free Nanosensor for Bioapplications.

In this paper, we present a hybrid semiconductor structure for biosensing applications that features the co-integration of nanoelectromechanical systems with the well-known metal oxide semiconductor technology. The proposed structure features an MOSFET as a readout element, and a doubly clamped beam that is isolated from the substrate by a thin air gap, as well as by a tunnel oxide layer. The beam structure is functionalised by a thin layer of biotargets, and the main aim is to detect a particular set of biomolecules, such as enzymes, bacteria, viruses, and DNA/RNA chains, among others. In here, a three-dimensional finite element analysis is performed in order to study the behaviour of the functionalised, doubly clamped beam. Preliminary results for the fabrication and characterisation processes show good agreement between the simulated and measured characteristics.

COVID-19-associated mucormycosis, diabetes and steroid therapy: Experience in a single centre in Western Mexico.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) has emerged as a challenging complication as the current pandemic has increased the population requiring treatment with corticosteroids. CAM has caused a massive outbreak in India, reported to be causing cases in Iran, Egypt and The Netherlands. OBJECTIVES: To describe CAM cases occurring in a single centre in Western Mexico. METHODS: Our group carried out a retrospective study from May 2020 to May 2021 to identify CAM cases in patients with previous COVID-19 diagnosis. RESULTS: Six CAM cases occurred in a single centre in Western Mexico during the study period, most of them with diabetes (n = 5/6) and all received corticosteroid therapy even when only three had severe COVID-19. After analysing local COVID-19 burden, it was estimated that in this region, CAM was 300 times more frequent among COVID individuals than the estimates for general population. CONCLUSION: Similar to large reports in India and other countries, CAM cases reported in this study were diagnosed in individuals with diabetes, hyperglycaemic status and with history of previous use of corticosteroids. Identifying these individuals at risk can help the early identification of CAM. In addition, strict glycaemic control and avoidance of unnecessary corticosteroid in non-severe COVID-19 cases could help in preventing this complicated fungal infection.

Analixity: An open source, low-cost analysis system for the elevated plus maze test, based on computer vision techniques.

Manual analysis of behavioral tests in rodents involves inspection of video recordings by a researcher that assesses rodent movements to quantify parameters related with a behavior of interest. The assessment of the researcher during the quantification of such parameters can introduce variability among experimental conditions or among sessions of analysis. Here, we introduce Analixity, a video processing software for the elevated plus maze test (EPM), in which quantification of behavioral parameters is automatic, reducing the time spent in analysis and solving the variability problem. Analixity is an adaptable multiplatform open-source system. Analixity generates an Excel file with the quantified behavioral variables, such as time spent in open and closed arms and in the center zone, number of entries to each zone and total distance traveled during the test. For validation, we compared results obtained by Analixity with results obtained by manual analysis. We did not find statistically significant differences. In addition, we compared the results obtained by Analixity with results obtained by the commercial software ANY-maze. We did not find statistically significant differences in the quantification of parameters such as time spent in open arms, time spent in closed arms, time spent in center zone, number of closed arms, open arms entries, and anxiety index. We concluded that Analixity is an open-source software as reliable and effective as a commercial software.

High prevalence of end-stage renal disease of unknown origin in Aguascalientes Mexico: role of the registry of chronic kidney disease and renal biopsy in its approach and future directions.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the pathologies with the greatest impact on the public health system. Over the last few decades, the relevance of CKD in Mexico has increased, with associated overwhelming costs for care of renal disease. There are no reliable CKD statistics in Mexico. METHODOLOGY: In June 2018, the government of Aguascalientes called on all Health Institutions to create a state registry of treated end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In the same system, a renal biopsy result registry included all the native kidney biopsies obtained in the state of Aguascalientes since 2012. We herein describe the prevalence, incidence and characteristics of the patients included in the CKD and renal biopsy registry in the state of Aguascalientes. RESULTS: As of April 2020, the state has documented 2827 patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT), 1877 on dialysis and 950 that have been transplanted. The prevalence of patients on dialysis is 1326 per million population (p.m.p.), and if transplanted individuals are included, it is 1997 p.m.p. The incidence of treated ESRD in 2019 was 336 p.m.p. (n = 474) in individuals with an average age of 45.6 years (standard deviation ±18), and in a higher proportion of men (61%). There is a bimodal distribution of the age at which RRT was initiated. The first and the most significant peaks are between the ages of 20 and 40 years and are usually the result of CKD of unknown cause (73%). The second peak is between 50 and 70 years of age, and CKD is usually the result of diabetes mellitus and systemic arterial hypertension (59.6%). Since January 2012, 423 biopsies have been recorded. The patient's ages were between 20 and 30 years (n = 112), and the most frequent diagnosis was focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) (54%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of treated ESRD in the state of Aguascalientes is high. The disease mostly afflicts young people between 20 and 40 years of age, and there is a clear male predominance. In this age group, the main clinical diagnosis is CKD of unknown origin, and the most frequent biopsy diagnosis was FSGS.

Efecto epitelizante y analgésico del sevoflurano tópico en el tratamiento de las úlceras por presión grado I-III no infectadas Hospital Obrero N°1 de La Paz Bolivia / Epithelializing and analgesic effect of topical sevoflurane in the treatment by pressure of uninfected grade I-III ulcers Hospital Obrero (workers´ Hospital) N°1 of La Paz Bolivia

INTRODUCCIÓN: las úlceras por presión constituyen un importante problema de salud por su frecuencia, carácter crónico, costes económicos y una merma en la calidad de vida en pacientes internados en las unidades de cuidados especiales. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: el objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el efecto epitelizante y analgésico del sevoflurano aplicado tópicamente en úlceras por presión grado I-III no infectadas de pacientes internados. El tipo de estudio fue Ensayo clínico aleatorizado. Un total de 16 pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio y fueron divididos aleatoriamente en 2 grupos: grupo A (8 pacientes), en los que se realizó la curación con sevoflurano tópico más povidona yodada y, grupo B (8 pacientes) curación solo con yodopovidona. La valoración de la evolución de la úlcera se realizó mediante la Escala PUSH, que valora superficie, cantidad de exudado y tipo de tejido del lecho. RESULTADOS: durante la realización de la curación, el dolor manifestado por los integrantes del Grupo A (1.6 ± 0.7), fue mucho menor que el observado el Grupo B (7.2 ± 1). No se encontró diferencias significativas en la superficie de la úlcera y en la cantidad de exudado; si se encontró una diferencia significativa en el tipo de tejido existente en el lecho ulceroso, en los pacientes del Grupo A se evidenció la presencia de tejido de granulación y epitelial a partir de la tercera semana de tratamiento, lo cual, en los pacientes del Grupo B, se observó a partir de la cuarta semana.

INTRODUCTION: pressure ulcers constitute an important health problem due to their frequency, chronic nature, economic costs and a reduction in the quality of life in patients hospitalized in special care units. MATERIAL AND METHODS: the aim of the study was to evaluate the epithelializing and analgesic effect of sevoflurane applied topically in uninfected grade I-III pressure ulcers of hospitalized patients. The type of study was Randomized Clinical Trial. A total of 16 patients were included in the study and were randomly divided into 2 groups: group A (8 patients), in which the cure was performed with topical sevoflurane plus povidone iodine, and group B (8 patients) only with povidone iodine. The evaluation of the evolution of the ulcer was performed using the PUSH Scale, which assesses surface area, amount of exudate and type of bed tissue. RESULTS: during the healing, the pain manifested by the members of Group A (1.6 ± 0.7), was much lower than that observed in Group B (7.2 ± 1). No significant differences were found on the surface of the ulcer and in the amount of exudate; If a significant difference was found in the type of tissue existing in the ulcer bed, in Group A patients the presence of epithelial and granulation tissue was evidenced starting the third week of treatment, which, in Group A patients B, was observed starting the fourth week.

Antibody Immobilization in Zinc Oxide Thin Films as an Easy-Handle Strategy for Escherichia coli Detection.

The antibody immobilization compatible with low-cost materials and label-free strategies is a challenge for biosensor device fabrication. In this study, ZnO thin film deposition was carried out on corning glass substrates by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis at 200 °C. The thin films were analyzed as platforms for enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli EPEC) antibody immobilization. The modification of thin films from the functionalization and antibody immobilization steps was visualized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, and surface changes were observed by atomic force microscopy. The obtained FTIR spectra after functionalization showed a contribution of the amino group (NH2) derived from silane (3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane). The antibody immobilization showed an amide I conserved signal corresponding to the C=O stretching vibrations and the amide II signal related to the N-H scissor vibration mode. In this way, the signals observed are correlated with the presence of antibody immobilized on the film. The ZnO film morphology changes after every stage of the process and allows observing the antibody distribution on the immobilized surface. In order to validate the antibody recognition capability as well as the E. coli EPEC detection in situ, polymerase chain reaction was used.

Influenza challenging the diagnosis and management of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis.

Lower respiratory infections are the most important cause of death due to a transmissible disease. We present a case of severe influenza and coccidioidomycosis lung coinfection in a 65-year-old Mexican migrant. This case highlights the challenges that respiratory viruses impose on the diagnosis of fungal infections and on the multidisciplinary management of these infections. In addition, this case shows how medical complications and superinfections could be potentially prevented if flu vaccination is provided.

Outpatient management of incidental pulmonary embolism in cancer patient.

PURPOSE: Incidentally discovered pulmonary embolism is a prevalent clinical problem for cancer patients and contributes significantly to the burden of cancer-associated thrombosis. The aim of this study was to explore if outpatient management of incidental pulmonary embolism (iPE) in cancer patients is effective and can be conducted safely. METHODS/PATIENTS: We performed a prospective observational cohort study in a single Spanish tertiary hospital. Patients diagnosed with iPE and active cancer were enrolled. Between May 2016 and May 2017, 25 consecutive patients were included in the study. RESULTS: All patients were assessed in the emergency room (ER) and started treatment with low-molecular weight heparins (LMWH) being discharged in the following 24 h. Congestive heart failure and right ventricular dysfunction were ruled out, and none of them presented massive PE, active bleeding or any disease-related reason that required hospitalization. The 90-day follow-up visit showed no venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence and the major bleeding rate was 4%. Mortality rate at 30 and 90 days was 0%. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient management for iPE in cancer patients appears to be feasible and safe in selected cancer patients.

Using Genetic and Epigenetic Markers to Improve Differential Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Noninvasive Methods in Mexican Patients.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy in Mexican men. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the usual noninvasive biomarker used for its detection. Its low specificity can increase the number of unnecessary prostate biopsies and the incidence of unpleasant complications for patients. The androgen-receptor gene (AR-CAG) repeat length and the percentage of promoter methylation (PPM) of genes glutathione-S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) and Ras association domain family 1 isoform A (RASSF1A) improve PCa detection. As an option for noninvasive assessment, we evaluated a combined analysis of all these biomarkers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 186 patients scheduled for biopsy were included in the present study. PSA and AR-CAG repeats were analyzed in blood samples. The PPM of GSTP1 and RASSF1A genes was estimated in prostate tissue and urinary sediment cells (USCs) and plasma DNA using quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. The predictive values for PCa and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve, and decision curve analysis were used to assess the differential diagnosis. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between PCa and BPH patients were observed for all biomarkers, with higher positive and negative predictive values when all biomarkers were included in the analysis, attaining USC values of 89.2% and 78.0%, respectively. The differential diagnosis accuracy of PSA (area under the curve, 0.59) increased to 0.70 and 0.68, respectively, when the combined analysis of PPM of RASSF1Aplasma or GSTP1AUSC and AR-CAG repeats was performed. Decision curve analysis showed the utility of the combined analysis to decrease the number of unnecessary biopsies. CONCLUSION: The results showed that combined analysis of the proposed biomarkers in plasma and USCs significantly increased the confidence for the differential diagnosis for PCa and BPH. This noninvasive practice might help in the early detection of PCa and patient follow-up, avoiding to some extent unnecessary prostate biopsies.

Comportamiento de la mortalidad por enfermedades crónicas en población menor de 70 años de edad residente en Bogotá, 2005-2016

El documento sobre el comportamiento de la mortalidad por enfermedades crónicas en población menor de 70 años de edad residente en Bogotá entre los años 2005 a 2016 muestra los resultados estadísticos frente a la mortalidad atribuible a enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en personas menores de 70 años, el comportamiento según localidad, el número promedio anual de muertes por enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en menores de 70 años y finalmente el comportamiento para los últimos dos años de las variables sociodemográficas.

Coma mixedematoso y síndrome de Ogilvie asociado a aripiprazol, memantina y venlafaxina. Reporte de caso / Myxedema and syndrome Ogilvie associated at aripiprazole, memantine and venlafaxine. Case report / Coma mixedematoso e síndrome de ogilvie associada à aripropazol, memantina e venlafaxina. Relato de caso

Resumen: El coma mixedematoso es la complicación más severa del hipotiroidismo que puede manifestarse en diversos aparatos y sistemas. La etiología más frecuente se asocia a deficiencias nutricionales, inmunológicas, infecciones o fármacos, las claves del diagnóstico son el déficit neurológico y un perfil tiroideo con elevación de la hormona estimulante de la tiroides, en algunas ocasiones es necesaria la intubación orotraqueal por insuficiencia respiratoria. El tratamiento consiste en corregir el déficit hormonal y proporcionar medidas de sostén cuando el paciente se encuentre intubado. Reportamos el caso de un paciente con antecedentes psiquiátricos tratado con antipsicóticos por largo tiempo, el cual inició con un cuadro de oclusión intestinal que fue manejado de manera conservadora; durante su estancia hospitalaria se reinició tratamiento antipsicótico y se presentaron datos de insuficiencia respiratoria, lo que indujo a intubarlo e ingresarlo a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Durante su estancia se solicitaron enzimas tiroideas, las cuales mostraron elevación de hormona estimulante de tiroides, por lo que se manejó con hormonas tiroideas y esteroides según la literatura actual, con evolución neurológica favorable y protocolo de Weaning exitoso, egresando a las dos semanas posteriores a su ingreso.

Abstract: The myxedema is the most severe complication of hypothyroidism that can be manifested in various organs and systems. The most common cause is associated with nutritional deficiencies, immune, infection or drugs, diagnostic keys are neurological deficit and a thyroid profile with elevated thyroid stimulating hormone, sometimes endotracheal intubation for respiratory failure is necessary. The treatment involves correcting the hormonal deficit and give supportive care when the patient is intubated. We report a patient with a psychiatric history treated with anti-psychotic drugs, which debuts with an intestinal occlusion was managed conservatively, while staying anti-psychotic treatment is restarted and presents data of respiratory insufficiency leading to intubate thus entering at Intensive Care Unit. Thyroid enzymes were processed had high titles of Stimulating Hormone Thyroid gave manage thyroid and steroid hormones according to the current literature, evolving favorably neurologically and accomplished Protocol of Weaning succesful, go out two weeks of their income.

Resumo: O coma mixedematoso é a complicação mais grave do hipotireoidismo que pode manifestar-se em vários orgão e sistemas. A etiologia mais frequente está associada com deficiências nutricionais, imunológica, infecções ou drogas, o diagnóstico é fortemente determinado pelo déficit neurológico e um perfil de tireóide com elevação do Hormônio Estimulante da Tireóide, em algumas ocasiões é necessário intubação orotraqueal por insuficiência respiratória. O tratamento consiste na correção do défice hormonal e outorgar medidas de apoio quando o paciente está entubado. Relatamos o caso de um paciente com um histórico psiquiátrico tratado com anti-psicóticos por um longo tempo, que debuta com um quadro de obstrução intestinal tratado de manera conservadora, durante sua estadia no hospital se reinicia tratamento anti-psicótico, apresenta dados de insuficiência respiratória que nos leva a entubá-lo, ingresando na unidade de terapia intensiva. Durante sua internação se solicitaram enzimas de tireoidianas que apresentaram elevação do Hormônio Estimulante da Tireóide, pelo que se começa tratamento com hormônios tireoidianos e esteróides de acordo com a literatura atual, evoluindo neurologicamente de manera favorável e protocolo de Weaning bem sucedido, dando-se de alta 2 semanas depois de seu ingresso.

Treatment of non-resectable and metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors: experience with the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in a third level hospital in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Stromal tumors of the digestive tract are uncommon malignant diseases, are subclassified as leiomyosarcomas and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) depending on the molecular expression of tyrosine kinase receptor KIT (CD117). GISTs represent 1% of malignant tumors affecting this anatomical site. Localized tumours diseases are reasonably well controlled by surgical resection and several criteria define the need for adjuvant therapy. In the case of metastatic disease a poor prognosis has been reported with systemic treatment based on chemotherapy. Recently, significant advances have been shown since tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) were introduced, with median overall survival close to 5 years. Unfortunately in Mexico, even though the therapy has been long used there are no published data of the experience in the treatment of these tumors. METHODS: We used an electronic data base to obtain clinical, radiological and histological data of patients diagnosed with GIST and treated in the oncological center of the Mexican Institute of Social Security, patients were subclassified by stage, symptoms at diagnosis as well as the initial and subsequent systemic treatment. Finally we made an analysis for progression free survival and overall survival identifying prognostic factors. RESULTS: We obtained information of 71 patients with metastatic, non-resectable or recurrent GIST, treated with a TKI, we observed a predominant relation for women (60.4%) with median age of 58 years. Stage at diagnosis was predominantly metastatic (46.5%), most frequently affected sites were lung, liver and retroperitoneum. Median progression free survival was 30.6 months and overall survival was 81.3 months. All patients were initially treated with imatinib at a dose of 400 mg per day. Treatment was well-tolerated in most cases. CONCLUSIONS: Metastatic GIST evaluated in our center shows a different affection in gender and age, and our population shows a different response to TKIs, compared to those reported in other series with superior overall survival. Poor prognosis is associated with lung affection. Biological studies will be started for the molecular evaluation of these tumors.

[Stability of mortality from thyroid cancer in a developing country]. / Estabilidad de la mortalidad por cáncer de tiroides en un país emergente.

OBJECTIVE: To establish characteristics and the trend of mortality from thyroid cancer in Colombia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a study of mortality from thyroid cancer in Colombia using official national mortality databases (1998-2010). Year of death, sex, age and department of residence were analyzed. Proportions, arithmetic mean and median were used. The p-value for statistical significance was 0.05. Crude, specific and age-adjusted rates were calculated. RESULTS: Overall, 2 570 people died of thyroid cancer; 1 827 (71.1 %) deaths occurred in women. Median age at death was 68 years for men and 70 years for women. The age-adjusted average annual mortality rate (2006-2010) for thyroid cancer was 0.52 cancer deaths per 100 000 (both sexes), 0.32 deaths per 100 000 men and 0.70 per 100 000 women. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies showing potential factors associated with earlier age at death among Colombian women should be made.

Aproximación a la semiología clínica prediagnóstica, advertida por la madre, de la leucemia linfoide aguda pediátrica / Approach to prediagnostic clinical semiology, noticed by mothers, of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Introducción. El reconocimiento de la sintomatología inicial de la leucemia linfoblástica aguda (LLA) podría contribuir a su diagnóstico temprano. Este estudio busca identificar las manifestaciones clínicas que anteceden al diagnóstico de la LLA pediátrica desde la perspectiva materna y determinar el tiempo transcurrido desde la primera manifestación hasta el diagnóstico. Métodos. Estudio de casos. Seis hospitales ubicados en Bogotá y Bucaramanga (Colombia) participaron. Los casos fueron menores de 15 años con diagnóstico incidente de LLA entre enero de 2000 y marzo de2005. Una entrevista realizada a la madre recolectó información sobre características sociodemográficas, manifestaciones clínicas prediagnósticas, primer síntoma y tiempo hasta el diagnóstico. Se calcularon medianas, rangos y proporciones. Los valores p menores de 0,05 fueron considerados significativos. Resultados. Se analizaron 128 casos. La palidez (83,6%), la pérdida del apetito (72,6%), la pérdida de peso (62,5%) y el sangrado en piel (39,1%) fueron los síntomas más frecuentes antes del diagnóstico. La demora entre la aparición del primer síntoma y el diagnóstico de la LLA depende de cuál es la primera manifestación y ella es menor cuando hay evidencia de hemorragia (mediana= 14 días). La presencia de ganglios palpables en las axilas fue más significativa en niñas que en niños (p= 0,04). Conclusión. La sintomatología de la LLA pediátrica en su etapa prediagnóstica no es específica de esta enfermedad; no obstante, el signo clínico y el tiempo desde su aparición podrían llegar a ser orientadores en la fase temprana de la enfermedad.

Introduction. Recognizing early symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) may help to make an early diagnosis. The objective of this study is to identify clinical manifestations preceding the diagnosis of childhood ALL from the maternal perspective and to establish the time elapsed from the first manifestation to the diagnosis. Methods. Case study. Six hospitals located in Bogotá and Bucaramanga (Colombia) participated. Cases consisted of children under 15 years old with incidental diagnosis of ALL between January 2000 and March 2005. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, pre diagnostic clinical manifestations, first symptom, and time to diagnosis were collected during interviews with mothers. Medians, ranges and proportions were estimated. P values below 0.05 were considered significant. Results. One hundred and twenty-eight cases were analyzed. Pallor (83.6%), loss of appetite (72.6%), weight loss (62.5%), andbleeding into the skin (39.1%) were the most common symptoms preceding diagnosis. The delay between the occurrence of the first symptom and the diagnosis of ALL depends on what the first manifestation is, and it maybe shorter when there is evidence of hemorrhage (median= 14 days). The presence of palpable lymph nodes in the armpits was more significant in girls than in boys (p= 0.04). Conclusion. Childhood ALL symptomatology in the prediagnostic stage is not specific to this disease; however, the clinical sign and time since its occurrence may serve as a guide in the early stage of this disease.