Have acute appendicitis complications increased in children as a result of SARS-CoV-2? / ¿Han aumentado las complicaciones de las apendicitis agudas en niños por el impacto del SARS-CoV-2?

INTRODUCTION: The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on healthcare has already been described, since it has caused an increase in diagnostic delay and morbidity. Our objective was to assess its influence on the development of complications in children with acute appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out. It included acute appendicitis patients under 15 years of age treated from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020. They were classified according to diagnosis date as before the pandemic (B) (January 2019-February 2020) and during the pandemic (D) (March 2020-December 2020). According to operative findings, they were classified as complicated appendicitis (perforated/abscess/plastron/peritonitis) and non-complicated appendicitis (catarrhal/phlegmonous/gangrenous). Demographic data, progression time, and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 309 patients were included, 193 (62.5%) in Group B, and 116 (37.5%) in Group D, with an age of 9.2 ± 0.4 and 9.4 ± 0.6 years, respectively (CI = 95%). Diagnostic time was 1.35 and 1.43 days (p>0.05) in Groups B and D, respectively, with ≥ 3 days representing 15.5% of cases in Group B, and 16.4% of cases in Group D (p = 0.84). The proportion of complicated appendicitis was 23.3% in Group B vs. 21.6% in Group D (p>0.05). Postoperative complications were observed in 11.4% of patients in Group B, and in 13.8% of patients in Group D (p>0.05), with intra-abdominal abscess being the most frequent complication in both groups (54.5% of the total complications in Group B vs. 65.5% in Group D; p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The management of acute appendicitis and its complications in pediatric patients has not been impacted by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic or the safety measures enforced.

INTRODUCCION: Se ha descrito el impacto de la pandemia del SARS-CoV-2 en la atención sanitaria, al suponer un aumento del retraso diagnóstico y morbilidad. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar su influencia en el desarrollo de complicaciones en las apendicitis agudas en niños. METODOLOGIA: Estudio retrospectivo de cohortes, incluyendo los pacientes menores de 15 años tratados por apendicitis aguda desde 01/01/2019 hasta 31/12/2020. Se distribuyeron según su fecha de diagnóstico en: antes de la pandemia (A) (enero/2019-febrero/2020) y durante la pandemia (P) (marzo-diciembre/2020). Según los hallazgos quirúrgicos se clasificaron en: apendicitis complicadas (perforadas/abscesos/plastrones/peritonitis) y no complicadas (catarrales/flemonosas/gangrenosas). Se analizaron datos demográficos, tiempo de evolución y complicaciones postoperatorias. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un total de 309 pacientes, 193 pacientes (62,5%) en el grupo A y 116 (37,5%) en el P, con edades de 9,2 ± 0,4 y 9,4 ± 0,6 años respectivamente (IC = 95%). Los días al diagnóstico fueron 1,35 y 1,43 (p>0,05) en A y P respectivamente, siendo ≥ 3 días en 15,5% de A y 16,4% en P (p = 0,84). La proporción de apendicitis complicada fue un 23,3% en A vs. 21,6% en P; con p>0,05. Se observaron complicaciones postoperatorias en 11,4% de A y 13,8% de P (p>0,05), siendo la más frecuente el absceso intraabdominal en ambos grupos (54,5% del total de complicaciones vs 65,5%; en A y P respectivamente; p>0,05). CONCLUSIONES: La atención sanitaria de la apendicitis aguda y sus complicaciones en pacientes pediátricos no se ha visto modificada por la pandemia del SARS-CoV-2 o las medidas de seguridad adoptadas durante la misma.

Presence of SARS-CoV-2 on food surfaces and public space surfaces in three districts of Lima, Peru.

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on food surfaces and surfaces in public spaces in 3 districts of Lima, Peru. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in three districts of the Lima metropolitan area. Surfaces that were most exposed to users were selected. Samples were swabbed for 4 weeks and transported to the laboratory to determine the presence of the virus. One thousand ninety-five inert surface samples and 960 food surface samples were evaluated for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 by the real time-PCR molecular test, whereby only one sample from an automated teller machine was positive. Most of the inert and food surfaces evaluated did not show the presence of SARS-CoV-2 during the time of sample collection. Despite the negative results, the frequency of disinfection and hygiene measures on high-contact surfaces should be maintained and increased to prevent other highly contagious infectious diseases.

¿Han aumentado las complicaciones de las apendicitisagudas en niños por el impacto del SARS-CoV-2? / Have acute appendicitis complications increased in children as a result of SARS-CoV-2?

Introducción: Se ha descrito el impacto de la pandemia del SARS-CoV-2 en la atención sanitaria, al suponer un aumento del retraso diagnóstico y de la morbilidad. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar su influenciaen el desarrollo de complicaciones en las apendicitis agudas en niños. Metodología: Estudio retrospectivo de cohortes, incluyendo lospacientes menores de 15 años tratados por apendicitis aguda desde01/01/2019 hasta 31/12/2020. Se distribuyeron según su fecha dediagnóstico en: antes de la pandemia (A) (enero/2019-febrero/2020) ydurante la pandemia (P) (marzo-diciembre/2020). Según los hallazgosquirúrgicos se clasificaron en: apendicitis complicadas (perforadas/abscesos/plastrones/peritonitis) y no complicadas (catarrales/flemonosas/gangrenosas). Se analizaron datos demográficos, tiempo de evolucióny complicaciones postoperatorias. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 309 pacientes, 193 pacientes(62,5%) en el grupo A y 116 (37,5%) en el P, con edades de 9,2 ± 0,4y 9,4 ± 0,6 años respectivamente (IC = 95%). Los días al diagnósticofueron 1,35 y 1,43 (p > 0,05) en A y P respectivamente, siendo ≥ 3 díasen el 15,5% de A y el 16,4% en P (p = 0,84). La proporción de apendicitis complicada fue un 23,3% en A vs. un 21,6% en P; con p > 0,05.Se observaron complicaciones postoperatorias en un 11,4% de A y un 13,8% de P (p > 0,05), siendo la más frecuente el absceso intraabdominalen ambos grupos (54,5% del total de complicaciones vs. 65,5%, en Ay P respectivamente; p > 0,05). Conclusiones: La atención sanitaria de la apendicitis aguda y suscomplicaciones en pacientes pediátricos no se ha visto modificada por la pandemia del SARS-CoV-2 o las medidas de seguridad adoptadasdurante la misma.(AU)

Introduction: The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on health-care has already been described, since it has caused an increase in diagnostic delay and morbidity. Our objective was to assess its influence on the development of complications in children with acute appendicitis. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study was carriedout. It included acute appendicitis patients under 15 years of age treatedfrom January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020. They were classified according to diagnosis date as before the pandemic (B) (January 2019-February2020) and during the pandemic (D) (March 2020-December 2020). According to operative findings, they were classified as complicated appendicitis (perforated/abscess/plastron/peritonitis) and non-complicatedappendicitis (catarrhal/phlegmonous/gangrenous). Demographic data,progression time, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: A total of 309 patients were included, 193 (62.5%) inGroup B, and 116 (37.5%) in Group D, with an age of 9.2 ± 0.4 and9.4 ± 0.6 years, respectively (CI = 95%). Diagnostic time was 1.35 and1.43 days (p > 0.05) in Groups B and D, respectively, with ≥ 3 daysrepresenting 15.5% of cases in Group B, and 16.4% of cases in GroupD (p = 0.84). The proportion of complicated appendicitis was 23.3% inGroup B vs. 21.6% in Group D (p > 0.05). Postoperative complicationswere observed in 11.4% of patients in Group B, and in 13.8% of patientsin Group D (p > 0.05), with intrabdominal abscess being the mostfrequent complication in both groups (54.5% of the total complicationsin Group B vs. 65.5% in Group D; p > 0.05). Conclusions: The management of acute appendicitis and its complications in pediatric patients has not been impacted by the SARS-CoV-2pandemic or the safety measures enforced.(AU)

Pandemic's impact on inguinal hernia management in infants. / Impacto de la pandemia en el manejo de la hernia inguinal en lactantes.

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic brought about a reduction in surgical activity. The objective of this work was to analyze its impact on inguinal hernia morbidity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of cases and controls was carried out. Patients under 18 months of age undergoing inguinal hernia surgery from January 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020 were included. They were divided into two groups: patients undergoing surgery before (group A) or after (group D) the state of alarm was declared in Spain. Primary variables: episodes of incarceration and postoperative complications. Secondary variable: urgent or scheduled surgery. Demographic variables: sex, gestational age (GA), previous pathologies, age at diagnosis (AD), and age at surgery (AS) (months). RESULTS: 64 patients were included - 43 in group A and 21 in group D. In group A, median GA was 37+3, 90.5% of patients were male, median AD was 2.33, and median AS was 3.27. In group D, median GA was 31+2, 72.1% of patients were male, median AD was 3, and median AS was 3.63. There were no statistically significant differences. However, differences in terms of previous pathologies were significant (16.3% for Group A vs. 38.1% for group D) (p = 0.05). Regarding the primary variable, 25.6% of patients in group A had incarcerations vs. 33.3% of patients in group D (p = 0.51), whereas 9.3% of patients in group A had postoperative morbidity vs. 14.3% of patients in group D (p = 0.41). Regarding the secondary variable, 88.4% of surgeries in group A were scheduled vs. 90.5% of surgeries in group D (p = 0.583). CONCLUSION: In spite of reduced surgical activity, inguinal hernia morbidity did not surge in our environment. An increase in patients with previous pathologies was noted, which means severe patients should be prioritized.

INTRODUCCION: La pandemia del SARS-CoV-2 supuso una reducción de las jornadas quirúrgicas. Analizamos el efecto en la morbilidad de la hernia inguinal. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles. Incluimos menores de 18 meses intervenidos de hernia inguinal desde 01/01/2019 hasta 31/08/2020, divididos en 2 grupos: intervenidos antes (grupo A) o después (grupo D) de la declaración del estado de alarma. Variables principales: episodios de incarceraciones y complicaciones postoperatorias. Variable secundaria: intervención urgente o programada. Variables poblacionales: sexo, edad gestacional (EG), patología previa, edad al diagnóstico(ED) y a la intervención (EI) (meses). RESULTADOS: Incluimos 64 pacientes, 43 grupo A y 21 grupo D. En el grupo A la mediana de EG fue 37+3, el 90,5% fueron varones, la mediana ED fue 2,33 y EI 3,27. En el grupo B la mediana de EG fue 31+2, el 72,1% fueron varones, la mediana ED fue 3 y EI 3,63. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Si fueron significativas las diferencias en patología previa 16,3% A y 38,1% D (p = 0,05). Sobre la variable principal: 25,6% del A sufrieron incarceraciones frente a 33,3% del D (p = 0,51) y un 9,3% tuvieron morbilidad postoperatoria en A frente a 14,3% en D (p = 0,41). Respecto a la variable secundaria un 88,4% se realizaron de forma programada en el grupo A y un 90,5% en el grupo D (p = 0,583). CONCLUSION: Pese a la reducción de jornadas quirúrgicas no ha aumentado la morbilidad de la hernia inguinal en nuestro medio. Hemos observado un aumento de pacientes con patología previa, implicando la priorización de los pacientes más graves.

Presence of SARS-CoV-2 on food surfaces and public space surfaces in three districts of Lima, Peru

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on food surfaces and surfaces in public spaces in 3 districts of Lima, Peru. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in three districts of the Lima metropolitan area. Surfaces that were most exposed to users were selected. Samples were swabbed for 4 weeks and transported to the laboratory to determine the presence of the virus. One thousand ninety-five inert surface samples and 960 food surface samples were evaluated for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 by the real time-PCR molecular test, whereby only one sample from an automated teller machine was positive. Most of the inert and food surfaces evaluated did not show the presence of SARS-CoV-2 during the time of sample collection. Despite the negative results, the frequency of disinfection and hygiene measures on high-contact surfaces should be maintained and increased to prevent other highly contagious infectious diseases.

Impacto de la pandemia en el manejo de la hernia inguinal en lactantes / Pandemic’s impact on inguinal hernia management in infants

Introducción: La pandemia del SARS-CoV-2 supuso una reducciónde las jornadas quirúrgicas. Analizamos el efecto en la morbilidad dela hernia inguinal.Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles.Incluimos menores de 18 meses intervenidos de hernia inguinal desde01/01/2019 hasta 31/08/2020, divididos en dos grupos: intervenidos an-tes (grupo A) o después (grupo D) de la declaración del estado de alarma.Variables principales: episodios de incarceraciones y complicacionespostoperatorias. Variable secundaria: intervención urgente o programada.Variables poblacionales: sexo, edad gestacional (EG), patología previa,edad al diagnóstico (ED) y a la intervención (EI) (meses).Resultados: Incluimos 64 pacientes, 43 grupo A y 21 grupo D. En el grupo A la mediana de EG fue 37+3, el 90,5% fueron varones, la mediana ED fue 2,33 y EI 3,27. En el grupo B la mediana de EG fue 31+2, el 72,1% fueron varones, la mediana ED fue 3 y EI 3,63. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Sí fueron significativas las diferencias en patología previa: 16,3% A y 38,1% D (p = 0,05). Sobre la variable principal, 25,6%, del A sufrieron incarceraciones frente a 33,3% del D (p = 0,51) y un 9,3% tuvieron morbilidad postoperatoriaen A frente al 14,3% en D (p = 0,41). Respecto a la variable secundaria, un 88,4% se realizaron de forma programada en el grupo A y un 90,5% en el grupo D (p = 0,583). Conclusión: Pese a la reducción de jornadas quirúrgicas, no ha aumentado la morbilidad de la hernia inguinal en nuestro medio. Hemos observado un aumento de pacientes con patología previa, implicando la priorización de los pacientes más graves.

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic brought about a reduction in surgical activity. The objective of this work was to analyze its impact on inguinal hernia morbidity.Materials and methods: A retrospective study of cases and controls was carried out. Patients under 18 months of age undergoing inguinal hernia surgery from January 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020 were included. They were divided into two groups: patients undergoing surgery before (group A) or after (group D) the state of alarm was declared in Spain.Primary variables: episodes of incarceration and postoperative complications. Secondary variable: urgent or scheduled surgery. Demographic variables: sex, gestational age (GA), previous pathologies, age at diagnosis (AD), and age at surgery (AS) (months).Results: 64 patients were included – 43 in group A and 21 in group D. In group A, median GA was 37+3, 90.5% of patients were male, median AD was 2.33, and median AS was 3.27. In group D, median GA was 31+2, 72.1% of patients were male, median AD was 3, and medianAS was 3.63. There were no statistically significant differences. However, differences in terms of previous pathologies were significant (16.3% for Group A vs. 38.1% for group D) (p = 0.05). Regarding the primary variable, 25.6% of patients in group A had incarcerations vs. 33.3% ofpatients in group D (p = 0.51), whereas 9.3% of patients in group A had postoperative morbidity vs. 14.3% of patients in group D (p = 0.41). Regarding the secondary variable, 88.4% of surgeries in group A were scheduled vs. 90.5% of surgeries in group D (p = 0.583).Conclusion. In spite of reduced surgical activity, inguinal hernia morbidity did not surge in our environment. An increase in patients with previous pathologies was noted, which means severe patients should be prioritized.

Amebic liver abscess in rat: morphological evidence of innate immune modulation by the sympathetic nervous system / Absceso hepático amebiano en rata: evidencia morfológica de la modulación de la respuesta inmune innata por el sistema nervioso simpático

All organs of the immune system are innervated and almost all neurotransmitter receptors are present on immune cells. We studied the effects of sympathetic innervation in the development of amebic liver abscess (ALA) in rats. Our results showed that lack of sympathetic innervation promote a decrease in size of ALA. We found scarce amoebas, increased the number of neutrophils and a few collagen fibers surrounding the abscess, meanwhile in control group, we observed abscesses areas with typical necrosis including trophozoites and neutrophils. Macrophages were differentially distributed surrounding abscess area in control and vehicle groups, but equally located in and outside of the abscesses in sympathectomized rat. No significant differences were observed on NK cells in analysed groups. In cytokines quantification studies, we observed down-expression of IFN-g and TNF-a, moreover, we found overexpression of IL-10 in sympathectomized and ALA group. In conclusion, our results suggest that elimination of sympathetic nerve fibers in a model rat of amebic liver abscess induces reduction of the innate immune response and presence of amebas through the liver at seven days post-inoculation.

Todos los órganos del sistema inmune están inervados y casi todos los receptores para neurotransmisores están presentes en las células de la respuesta inmune. Nosotros estudiamos el efecto de la inervación simpática en el desarrollo del Absceso Hepático Amebiano (AHA) en ratas. Nuestros resultados muestran que la inervación simpática promueve una disminución en el tamaño del AHA. Nosotros encontramos áreas fibróticas bien definidas con algunas amibas, mayor número de neutrófilos y pocas fibras de colágena rodeando el área de daño, mientras que en el grupo control, nosotros observamos áreas con necrosis, trofozoítos y pocos neutrófilos en el área fibrótica. Los macrófagos se observaron distribuidos en el área fibrótica en los animales simpatectomizados, mientras que en los controles encontramos a los macrófagos distribuidos en la periferia del absceso. No se encontró diferencia significativa en la distribución y cantidad de células NK. En el estudio de citocinas nosotros observamos una disminución de IFN-g y TNF-a y un incremento de IL-10 en animales simpatectomizados. En conclusión, nuestros resultados sugieren que la eliminación de las fibras del sistema nervioso simpático en el modelo de AHA en rata, reduce la respuesta inmune innata y persisten amebas en el tejido dañados a los 7 días post-inoculación.

First-order insulator-to-metal Mott transition in the paramagnetic 3D system GaTa4Se8.

The nature of the Mott transition in the absence of any symmetry breaking remains a matter of debate. We study the correlation-driven insulator-to-metal transition in the prototypical 3D Mott system GaTa(4)Se(8), as a function of temperature and applied pressure. We report novel experiments on single crystals, which demonstrate that the transition is of first order and follows from the coexistence of two states, one insulating and one metallic, that we toggle with a small bias current. We provide support for our findings by contrasting the experimental data with calculations that combine local density approximation with dynamical mean-field theory, which are in very good agreement.

[Effect of subglottic air insufflation on subglottic pressure during swallowing]. / Efecto de la insuflación de aire subglótico sobre la presión subglótica durante la deglución.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there are differences between subglottic pressure during swallowing with and without air insufflation via a subglottic catheter in tracheostomized patients. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized cross-over study was made. SETTING: Adult Intensive Care Units. PARTICIPANTS: Patients requiring mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy with a subglottic catheter, and with tolerance to deflation of the balloon and a speaking valve placed over the opening of the tracheostomy tube. INTERVENTIONS: Subglottic pressure was measured during swallowing of a thickened solution with and without the delivery of airflow through the subglottic catheter. MAIN VARIABLE: Subglottic pressure during swallowing. RESULTS: Twelve out of 14 patients showed higher subglottic pressure values during swallowing with air insufflation. Two patients showed no differences between both conditions. Median (Med) values of subglottic pressure for the first, second and third swallow were 5, 4 and 4.5 cmH2O (Med 4.5 cmH2O) without air insufflation, and 8, 5.5 and 7.5 cmH2O (Med 5.5 cmH2O) with air insufflation, respectively (Wilcoxon, Z=-3.078; p=.002). CONCLUSION: In a group of tracheostomized patients, air insufflation via a subglottic catheter increased subglottic pressure levels measured during swallowing.

Modulation of amoebic hepatic abscess by the parasympathetic system.

The neuro-immune network, in which the vagus nerve is involved, provides feedback between its afferent branches for signalling central nervous system from sites of injury through cytokines and its efferent branches, which release acetylcholine, an anti-inflammatory neurotransmitter. For gain insight into the parasympathetic mechanisms participating in the inflammatory response in the liver, we studied the effects of a vagotomy on the innate immune response in hamsters with amoebic liver abscess. At 7 days post-infection, compared to the control, liver parasympathectomy resulted in a larger abscess size, a greater production of collagen fibres, fewer trophozoites, increased serum levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ and increased numbers of IL-10 and IFN-γ-positive cells in situ, with no change in the number of macrophages and NK cells. Data indicate that the vagotomy disrupted the inflammatory response, causing an increase in the response against infection, then could favour the innervation of the liver by the sympathetic nervous system and would then take the control of the immune response by stimulating the conversion of macrophages to epithelioid cells; and through increased IL-10 production would induce the hepatic stellar cells to become myofibroblast collagen producer cells, thus forming a barrier of collagen and blocking trophozoite migration.

Expression of immune modulator cytokines in human fulminant amoebic colitis.

Human fulminant amoebic colitis (FAC) is characterized by ulceration and inflammation of the colon. The specific mixture of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines may participate in either the host defense or in the pathogenesis of amoebic colitis. Therefore, we studied the expression of IL-8, IL-10, IL-4, TGF-beta and IFN-gamma in human FAC patients and controls through immunohistochemistry analysis. The number of cells expressing IL-8, IL-4 and IL-10 was significantly enhanced in all FAC samples compared to the control samples. However, the expression of TGF- beta in patients was low in the colonic mucosa and high in the lamina propria compared with the control. No expression of IFN-gamma was found in the controls or FAC samples. The production of IL-8 by intestinal epithelial cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of amoebic infection, because this cytokine attracts neutrophils, which lead to an inflammatory reaction that results in tissue damage. The predominant expression of the macrophage down-regulating cytokines, IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-beta, or the Th2-type immune response could inhibit a cell-mediated immune response, which in turn would facilitate parasite invasion in these tissues.

Autofluorescence as a tool to study mucus secretion in Eisenia foetida.

Autofluorescence in living cells is due to the presence of endogenous substances that emit fluorescence upon excitation by incidental light. A type of fluorescence, bioluminescence, has been suggested to be linked to mucus secretion in earthworms; however, the origin and the physiological function of this fluorescence are not clear. The aims of this work were to describe autofluorescence in the earthworm Eisenia foetida by SEM, CLSM, and fluorescence microscopy and to examine the possible mechanism of mucus secretion by video microscopy. Earthworms were stimulated either chemically or electrically to induce the secretion of yellow mucus, which was subsequently studied by video microscopy. Mucus was released from the body wall and near the mouth. This phenomenon was associated with autofluorescence and involved at least four distinct stages: release of vesicles, formation of granules, muscular contraction, and organization of strands. The fluorescent molecules were stored in vesicles bound to the membranes. These vesicles were intact when shed from the body. The vesicles were stable but also changed to a granular material or formed strands. Video analyses demonstrated that secretion was dependent on the type of stimulus.

Cleaner production and methodological proposal of eco-efficiency measurement in a Mexican petrochemical complex.

Abstract In the frame of the Petróleos Mexicanos Institutional Program for Sustainable Development, processes were evaluated in the manufacture operation of the petrochemical industry, with the purpose of reducing their ecological fingerprint. Thirteen cleaner production opportunities were registered in six process plants: ethylene oxide and glycols, acetaldehyde, ethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene switch and acrylonitrile, and 45 recommendations in the waste water treatment plant. Morelos is the second most important petrochemical complex in the Mexican and Latin American petrochemical industry. A tool was developed to obtain eco-efficiency indicators in operation processes, and as a result, potential savings were obtained based on best performance, as well as the integrated distribution of Sankey diagrams. Likewise, a mechanism of calculation to obtain economic savings based on the reduction of residues during the whole productive process is proposed. These improvement opportunities and recommendations will result in economic and environmental benefits minimising the use of water, efficient use of energy, raw materials and reducing residues from source, generating less environmental impacts during the process.

[Development of children in socially depressed areas of the state of Jalisco]. / Desarrollo del niño en zonas socialmente deprimidas del estado de Jalisco.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the overall development level in children ages 0 to 4 who live in very depressed socioeconomic and cultural conditions. DESIGN: This study is observational, cross-sectional, and prospective. SETTING: The study was carried out in four types of communities in the state of Jalisco, Mexico: migrant, indigenous, rural, and irregular urban communities on the outskirts of cities. PARTICIPANTS: 1277 children under the age of 4 years, who live in the communities selected for the study. PRINCIPAL MEASUREMENTS: Evaluation of the overall development level was based on the Jalisco Scale for Evaluation of Overall Development, which is designed especially for socioeconomically and culturally depressed groups in Mexico. RESULTS: The average development score found in the children was 71.7, which is considered moderately low according to the 3 classification levels of adequate, moderately low, and low. Only 30.4% of the children achieved scores in the adequate category. All the children are considered to live in a high-risk psychosocial environment, which explains the low scores in overall development as evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Differences were observed in some variables within the uniformly low social level of the subjects studied. These differences could be considered as an indication of greater risk within a group that is already high-risk. In cases of overall development that is very low, mothers do not perceive that children have any problems at the time the study is being conducted. This could imply that these mothers do not respond proactively to community education and/or health programs that focus on early intervention.

Trends in mechanical ventilation and immediate extubation after liver transplantation in a single center in Chile.

INTRODUCTION: Some groups have reported early extubation post-liver transplantation in patients with previously defined criteria, in an attempt to shorten the ICU stay and decrease costs. We review our experience with trends in mechanical ventilation and resource utilization. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the length of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, hospital stay, transfusions, and costs of liver transplants performed since the program's inception in 1993 and 2002 including 82 OLT in 71 patients. We also report our experience with immediate postoperative extubation, which we have done from October to December of 2002. We compare different periods: the early days (1993 to 1997), namely, fewer than 10 OLT per year, with the subsequent years assessed individually. RESULTS: There has been a progressive decrease over time in the length of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, hospital stay, and costs. Since the program's inception actuarial adult patient 1- and 5-year survival rates were 88.7% and 78%, respectively. The 1-year survival rate increased to 97% during the period of 2000 to 2002 (n = 30). From October to the present, we extubated four of seven adult patients who met criteria with none of them requiring reintubation. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate improved results, decreased length of mechanical ventilation, ICU, and hospital stay, and costs. The immediate postoperative extubation may be feasible for patients who meet previously defined criteria.

Desarrollo del niño en zonas socialmente deprimidas del estado de Jalisco / Development of children in socially depressed areas of the state of Jalisco

Objetivo. Determinar el nivel de desarrollo madurativo en niños de 0 a 4 años que viven en condiciones socioeconómicas y culturales muy deprimidas. Diseño. Se trata de un estudio observacional, transversal y prospectivo. Emplazamiento. El trabajo se llevó a cabo en comunidades de migrantes, indígenas, rurales y urbanas marginales de Jalisco. Participantes. Un total de 1.277 niños menores de 4 años que habitaban en las comunidades determinadas para el estudio. Mediciones principales. Se evaluó el desarrollo madurativo según la Escala Jalisco de Evaluación del Desarrollo Madurativo, que está diseña especialmente para grupos socioeconómicamente y culturalmente deprimidos de México. Resultados. El promedio de desarrollo madurativo encontrado en los niños fue de 71,7, lo que se considera moderadamente bajo, de acuerdo con los 3 niveles de clasificación construidos: adecuado, moderadamente bajo y bajo. Sólo el 30,4 por ciento de los niños logró una clasificación de desarrollo madurativo adecuado. Todos los niños están considerados como pertenecientes a un ambiente psicosocial de alto riesgo, lo que explica las bajas calificaciones en el desarrollo madurativo evaluado. Conclusiones. Dentro de la homogeneidad del bajo nivel social de los sujetos estudiados se observaron diferencias en algunas variables que pueden ser consideradas como de mayor riesgo dentro de un grupo ya de alto riesgo. En los casos con un desarrollo madurativo muy bajo, las madres de familia no perciben que el niño tenga algún problema en el momento del estudio. Esto podría implicar una respuesta no proactiva de estas madres ante programas comunitarios de educación y/o de salud destinados a la intervención temprana (AU)

Removal of chromium hexavalent from rinsing chromating waters electrochemical reduction in a laboratory pilot plant.

In this work, experiments in a 16 L operating volume laboratory pilot plant with ring iron rotary electrodes were performed, obtaining an overall kinetic equation rate of hexavalent chromium reduction concentration and current density-dependent. Other scale-up criteria such as Reynolds' number were also evaluated to ensure a completely stirred reactor at low energy expenditure. A dimensionless N(E) is a relationship between liquid properties and the electric charge supplied to the system. The number, which depends on the rotation iron ring electrode speed number and the current density, is proposed to be used as scale-up criterion. It was found that at N(Re) = 42,179 (130 rpm rotation electrodes rate) and at N(E) = 9.8 x 10(5) (current density of 113 A/m2), complete mixing was reached at minimum energy spent and the process becomes more efficient. In addition, it was found that the higher the current density, the less treatment time and less energy spent on agitation. After the electrochemical treatment the Cr(VI) concentration in the rinsing wastewater was less than 0.5 mg/L.

Recurrence of desmoid tumor in a multivisceral transplant patient with Gardner's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Desmoid tumors are locally invasive fibromatous tumors, which, in patients with Gardner's syndrome, usually occur in the abdominal wall or intra-abdominally. After excision, they tend to recur, often leading to multiple bowel resections. METHODS: This is a report of the clinical course of a patient with Gardner's syndrome and desmoid tumor who had multiple enterectomies and gradually developed short-gut syndrome. He required prolonged parenteral nutrition, which damaged the liver. The patient underwent a multivisceral transplantation as a life-saving procedure. RESULTS: After the transplant, the desmoid tumor recurred in the thoracic wall twice and was successfully resected. It also recurred in the abdominal cavity, compressing the intestinal loops; the tumor was excised uneventfully, leaving the graft intact. The recurrent tumors were all of recipient origin. CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal and multivisceral transplantation could be considered in patients with short-gut syndrome caused by recurrent desmoid tumor. In the case of posttransplant tumor recurrence, resection is the only option recommended.