The script clinical reasoning test An internal medicine educational practice perspective

One of the main skills in internal medicine is clinical decision making. To make clinical decisions, physicians in training reorganize their knowledge in order to optimally perform their clinical functions (diagnosis, research methods and treatment), which are organized according to disease scripts. This ability develops with experience and is acquired during their academic training. The script concordance test has been described as an innovative evaluation tool, designed to evaluate clinical decision making (clinical reasoning) in addition to the degree of knowledge. The script theory, understood as the organization of knowledge, is the basis for decision making. Disease scripts play a key role in supporting and developing clinical reasoning skills, which should be acquired in order to produce differential diagnoses and interpret clinical data. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2569).

Laboratory protocol for the digital multiplexed gene expression analysis of nasopharyngeal swab samples using the NanoString nCounter system.

This paper describes a laboratory protocol to perform the NanoString nCounter Gene Expression Assay from nasopharyngeal swab samples.  It is urgently necessary to identify factors related to severe symptoms of respiratory infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, in order to assess the possibility of establishing preventive or preliminary therapeutic measures and to plan the services to be provided on hospital admission. At present, the samples recommended for microbiological diagnosis are those taken from the upper and/or the lower respiratory tract.  The NanoString nCounter Gene Expression Assay is a method based on the direct digital detection of mRNA molecules by means of target-specific, colour-coded probe pairs, without the need for mRNA conversion to cDNA by reverse transcription or the amplification of the resulting cDNA by PCR. This platform includes advanced analysis tools that reduce the need for bioinformatics support and also offers reliable sensitivity, reproducibility, technical robustness and utility for clinical application, even in RNA samples of low RNA quality or concentration, such as paraffin-embedded samples. Although the protocols for the analysis of blood or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples are provided by the manufacturer, no corresponding protocol for the analysis of nasopharyngeal swab samples has yet been established. Therefore, the approach we describe could be adopted to determine the expression of target genes in samples obtained from nasopharyngeal swabs using the nCOUNTER technology.

Isquemia inducida por fluoropirimidinas en un paciente con cáncer de esófago y enfermedad coronaria / Fluoropyrimidine-induced ischemia in a patient with oesophageal cancer

Resumen Los grandes avances terapéuticos de las últimas décadas han prolongado la sobrevida de muchos pacientes con cáncer. Sin embargo, esta mejoría se ha logrado a expensas de un aumento en las complicaciones cardiovasculares secundarias a la quimioterapia y a la radioterapia. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con cáncer esofágico que manifiesta angina inestable como complicación de su enfermedad coronaria multivaso tras iniciar la quimioterapia (capecitabina/oxaliplatino/epirubicina), se discuten los posibles mecanismos que subyacen al evento y se subraya la necesidad de individualizar la estratificación de riesgo previa a la quimioterapia.

Abstract The great therapeutic advances of the last decades have prolonged the survival of many cancer patients. However, these advances have been made at the expense of an increase in cardiovascular complications secondary to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. It is presented a patient with oesophageal cancer who manifests unstable angina as a complication of multivessel coronary artery disease after starting chemotherapy with capecitabine/oxaliplatin/epirubicin, discussing the possible mechanisms underlying the event and emphasizing the need to personalize the risk stratification before chemotherapy.

Resultados del tratamiento del hepatoblastoma en los Andes Ecuatorianos / Results of the treatment of hepatoblastoma in the Ecuadorian Andes

RESUMEN: El hepatoblastoma (HB), es una neoplasia maligna, que se origina en el hígado. La supervivencia (SV) depende de la extensión de avance de la enfermedad. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar diferencias en la SV actuarial global (SVAG) y libre de enfermedad (SVLE) en pacientes con HB, según la extensión de su enfermedad. Serie de casos con seguimiento. Se incluyeron pacientes de entre 4 y 160 meses de edad tratados en un centro oncológico de Los Andes ecuatorianos (2000-2019). Las variables resultado fueron: lóbulo afectado, metástasis pulmonar, infiltración vascular, estadio PRETEXT, riesgo, histología, niveles de alfafetoproteína (AFP), remisión completa (RC), SVAG y SVLE. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva y analítica (Chi2, exacto de Fisher y corrección por continuidad). Se realizaron análisis de SV con curvas de Kaplan Meier y log-rank. Fueron estudiados 28 pacientes (53,6 % hombres), con una mediana de edad de 40 meses. Se verificaron metástasis pulmonares e infiltración vascular en el 25,0 % y 35,7 % de los casos respectivamente. La histología, estadio clínico y riesgo alto fueron mayoritariamente tipo epitelial (42,8 %), PRETEXT II (50,0 %) y riesgo alto (67,8 %) respectivamente. La media de AFP al diagnóstico fue 1055712ng/ml y 9 pacientes alcanzaron RC. La SVAG y SVLE general a 19 años fue 33,1 % y 26,0 % respectivamente. Según su extensión, la SVAG y la SVLE para los pacientes de riesgo estándar y alto fueron 50,0 % y 25,4 % (p=0,148); y 50,0 % y 14,7 % (p=0,037) respectivamente. La SVAG y SVLE verificadas son menores a las reportadas en otros estudios. La SVLE según su extensión, presentó diferencia significativa, sin embargo, este resultado debe ser tomado con cautela debido al número pequeño de pacientes.

SUMMARY: Hepatoblastoma (HB), is a malignant neoplasm, which originates in the liver. Survival (SV) depends on the extent of disease progression. The objective of this study was to determine differences in overall SV (OS) and disease-free (DFS) in patients with HB, according to the extent of their disease. Case series with follow-up. Patients between 4 and 160 months of age treated at an oncology center in the Ecuadorian Andes (2000-2019) were included. The result variables were affected lobe, lung metastasis, vascular infiltration, PRETEXT stage, risk, histology, alpha-fetoprotein levels (AFP), complete remission (RC), OS and DFS. Descriptive and analytical statistics (Chi2, Fisher's exact and continuity correction) were used. SV analyzes were performed with Kaplan Meier and log-rank curves. In this analysis 28 patients (53.6 % men), with a median age of 40 months, were studied. Lung metastases and vascular infiltration were verified in 25.0 % and 35.7 % of the cases, respectively. Histology, clinical stage, and high risk were mainly epithelial type (42.8 %), PRETEXT II (50.0 %), and high risk (67.8 %), respectively. The mean AFP at diagnosis was 1055712 ng / ml and 9 patients achieved CR. OS and DFS at 19 years were 33.1 % and 26.0 % respectively. According to their extension, the OS and DFS for standard and high risk patients were 50.0 % and 25.4 % (p = 0.148); and 50.0 % and 14.7 % (p = 0.037) respectively. The verified OS and DFS are lower than those reported in other studies. DFS according to its extension, presented a significant difference, however, this result should be considered with caution due to the small number of patients.

Introducción de estudios de manometría anorrectal de alta resolución en Cuba. Primeros resultados / Introduction of high-resolution anorectal manometry in Cuba. First outcomes

Introducción: La manometría anorrectal de alta resolución ha permitido una mayor comprensión de la fisiopatología del daño motor y sensorial, que suelen tener los pacientes con disfunción del suelo pélvico. Objetivo: Ofrecer los resultados de la introducción de la técnica en Cuba, en un primer grupo de pacientes, la caracterización del mismo, los valores obtenidos para los parámetros de estudio y los diagnósticos más frecuentes. Material y Métodos: Se revisaron los registros de manometría anorrectal de alta resolución, realizados en el Laboratorio de Motilidad del CNCMA, entre septiembre de 2017 y junio de 2019. Se analiza el registro de los datos generales de los pacientes y los parámetros específicos de alta resolución. Se estudiaron 159 pacientes que constituyeron el universo de estudio, la mayoría fueron pacientes por encima de los 60 años. Se aplica la Clasificación de Londres para el diagnóstico del tipo de disfunción anorrectal resultante. Resultados: Predominio de sexo femenino. La indicación más frecuente para la prueba fue la incontinencia fecal, seguida en menor medida por el estreñimiento. En las mujeres fue frecuente el antecedente obstétrico o de intervención quirúrgica relacionada. La disinergia defecatoria más frecuente fue el tipo III. El diagnóstico de disfunción anorrectal más frecuente fueron los desórdenes del tono anal y la contractilidad. Conclusiones: La introducción de la técnica fue exitosa. Se introdujeron en Cuba los estudios de manometría anorrectal de alta resolución, lo que permitió mayor conocimiento del daño establecido en los pacientes a quienes se les realiza la prueba, siendo la IF la disfunción que resultó más frecuente en el estudio. Se obtuvieron por primera vez parámetros específicos de alta resolución en pacientes cubanos, lo que permitirá estandarizar la técnica a otros servicios y tendrá como consecuencia mayor calidad en el diagnóstico de estos pacientes(AU)

Introduction: High-resolution anorectal manometry has allowed a better understanding of the pathophysiology of motor and sensory damage in patients with pelvic floor dysfunction. Objective: To offer the outcomes of the introduction of the technique applied in a first group of patients in Cuba, as well as its characterization, the values obtained for the study parameters and the most frequent diagnoses. Material and Methods: The high-resolution anorectal manometry records, which were performed at the CNCMA Motility Laboratory between September 2017 and June 2019, were reviewed. The record of the patients´ general data and specific discharge parameters were analyzed. The London Classification was applied for the diagnosis of the resulting type of anorectal dysfunction. Results: A total of 159 patients were studied. There was a predominance of females over 60 years of age. The most common indication for the test was fecal incontinence, followed by constipation. Obstetric history or history of surgical intervention were frequent in women. Type III dyssynergia was the most frequent type of dyssynergic defection. The most frequent diagnoses of anorectal dysfunction were disorders of anal tone and contractility. Conclusions: The introduction of the technique was successful. It allowed the identification of the damaged structures, which led to a faster and more timely therapeutic decision-making for the patient. The London Classification was used in the diagnosis of dysfunction(AU)

Manometría de alta resolución en la acalasia de esófago / High-resolution manometry in achalasia of esophagus

Introducción: La manometría esofágica de alta resolución es la prueba ideal para el diagnóstico de la acalasia y muestra la presencia de ondas terciarias o aperistalsis y el aumento de presión, con ausencia de relajación, del esfínter esofágico inferior. Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad de la manometría esofágica de alta resolución en el diagnóstico y clasificación de la acalasia esofágica. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva, trasversal, en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso entre octubre del 2018 y diciembre del 2019, en 46 pacientes con diagnóstico de acalasia esofágica. Se excluyeron aquellos con cirugía previa del esófago. Las variables incluidas fueron: edad, sexo, tiempo de evolución, síntomas y hallazgos manométricos. Para el análisis de las variables cuantitativas se emplearon medidas de tendencia central, media y de dispersión, la desviación estándar. Las frecuencias y proporciones fueron utilizadas para describir las variables cualitativas. Resultados: Predominó la acalasia tipo II, en el sexo femenino (57 por ciento). La disfagia fue el síntoma más frecuente (84, 76 y 100 por ciento en los tipos I, II y III, respectivamente). El 70 por ciento de los casos presentó más de un año de evolución de los síntomas. La media de la presión de relajación integrada estuvo por encima de 21 mmHg independientemente del tipo. No se encontraron pacientes con subtipos de la acalasia tipo III. Conclusiones: La manometría esofágica de alta resolución es útil para el diagnóstico y clasificación de la acalasia esofágica(AU)

Introduction: High-resolution esophageal manometry is the ideal test for the diagnosis of achalasia and shows the presence of tertiary waves or aperistalsis and increased pressure, in the absence of relaxation, of the lower esophageal sphincter. Objective: To assess the usefulness of high-resolution esophageal manometry in the diagnosis and classification of esophageal achalasia. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional investigation was carried out at the National Center for Minimal Access Surgery, between October 2018 and December 2019, in 46 patients with a diagnosis of esophageal achalasia. Those with previous esophageal surgery were excluded. The variables included were: age, sex, time of evolution, symptoms and manometric findings. For the analysis of the results, the percentage and measures of central tendency (arithmetic mean and standard deviation) were used. Results: Type II achalasia predominated in females (57 percent). Dysphagia was the most frequent symptom (84, 76, and 100 percent in types I, II, and III, respectively). 70 percent of the cases presented more than one year of evolution of the symptoms. Regarding the high-resolution manometry parameters, it was observed that regardless of the type, the mean integrated relaxation pressure was above 21 mmHg. No patients with type III achalasia subtypes were found. Conclusions: High-resolution esophageal manometry is useful for the diagnosis and classification of esophageal acalasia(AU)

Colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica en un paciente con gran aneurisma de la aorta abdominal / Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in a patient with a large abdominal aortic aneurysm

Introducción: El aneurisma de la aorta abdominal es una enfermedad que cursa, por lo general, de forma asintomática, asociado a una elevada mortalidad cuando se rompe. Se describen factores de riesgo asociados a la historia natural de esta afección. La realización de procederes terapéuticos endoscópicos, como la colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica ha sido polémica; aunque no se establece como contraindicación, presupone un alto riesgo. Objetivo: Presentar un paciente con aneurisma de la aorta abdominal, con elevado riesgo quirúrgico para realizar una colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica. Caso clínico: Se presenta un paciente con un gran aneurisma de la aorta abdominal y sospecha clínica de un ampuloma. Se le realizó terapéutica endoscópica mediante la colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica, con algunas variaciones en el procedimiento. Se logró el drenaje exitoso de la vía biliar principal, sin complicaciones. Conclusiones: La terapéutica realizada fue una opción, pero con muy alto riesgo(AU)

Introduction: The abdominal aortic aneurysm is a disease that usually occurs asymptomatically, associated with high mortality when it ruptures. Risk factors associated with the natural history of this condition are described. The performance of endoscopic therapeutic procedures, such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, has been controversial; although it is not established as a contraindication, it presupposes a high risk. Objective: To present a patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, with high surgical risk to perform an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Clinical case: A patient with a large abdominal aortic aneurysm and clinical suspicion of an ampuloma is presented. Endoscopic therapy was performed using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, with some variations in the procedure. Successful drainage of the main bile duct was achieved without complications. Conclusions: The therapy carried out was an option, but with a very high risk(AU)

Criptococosis y linfocitopenia T CD4 idiopática: Reporte de un caso / Cryptococcosis and idiopathic CD4 T lymphocytopenia: A case report

Resumen La linfocitopenia T CD4 idiopática (LCI) es un síndrome clínico inusual que se caracteriza por un déficit de células T CD4+ circulantes en ausencia de infección por VIH u otra condición de inmunosupresión. Los pacientes con dicha enfermedad pueden presentarse asintomáticos o con infecciones oportunistas, las más frecuentes son por criptococo, micobacterias o virales como herpes zoster. Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 32 años, sin antecedentes, en quien se descartó infección por retrovirus, con recuento de linfocitos T CD4+ menor a 300 células/m3; se diagnosticó LCI posterior al diagnóstico de criptococomas cerebrales mediante hallazgos imagenológicos los cuales fueron congruentes con estudios microbiológicos.

Summary Idiopathic CD4 T lymphocytopenia (ICL) is an unusual clinical syndrome characterized by a deficit of circulating CD4 + T cells in the absence of HIV infection or another immunosuppression condition. Patients with this disease may present asymptomatic or with opportunistic infections, the most frequent are cryptococcus, mycobacteria or viral such as herpes zoster. We present a case of a 32-year-old man with no prior disease, in whom retrovirus infection was discarded, with CD4 + T lymphocyte count less than 300 cells/m3; ICL was diagnosed after the diagnosis of brain cryptococomas by imaging findings which were consistent with microbiological studies.

La manometría de alta resolución en los trastornos motores del esófago Introducción en Cuba / High-resolution manometry for diagnosis of esophageal motor disorders. Introduction in Cuba

RESUMEN: Introducción: La manometría esofágica de alta resolución se considera a nivel internacional como un método óptimo para el diagnóstico de los trastornos motores del esófago, de alta especificidad y sensibilidad. Dada la reciente introducción de la técnica en Cuba, se necesita demostrar su utilidad en nuestro país, donde no existe grado de conocimiento previo sobre cuáles son los parámetros de normalidad, así como los diagnósticos de alta resolución más frecuentes. Objetivo: Determinar la utilidad de la manometría esofágica de alta resolución como estudio diagnóstico para los trastornos motores del esófago en Cuba. Métodos: Se diseñó una investigación aplicada, de desarrollo, realizada en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso, en La Habana, entre junio de 2017 y junio de 2019, en pacientes a los que se les realizó una manometría esofágica. El universo de pacientes fue 611, a quienes se les registraron las variables en estudio. Resultados: De las 611 manometrías esofágicas, 356 correspondían a mujeres (58,3 por ciento) y 255 a hombres (42,7 por ciento), con un promedio de edad de 47, 44 años respectivamente. La motilidad inefectiva fue el trastorno motor más frecuente (32,73 por ciento). En los pacientes con Enfermedad por Reflujo Gastroesofágico, el principal daño de la barrera antirreflujo fue la presencia de relajaciones transitorias del esfínter esofágico inferior. Predominó la Acalasia tipo II (5,23 por ciento). En estos pacientes se registraron valores de Presión de relajación integrada (IRP) por encima de 21. Conclusiones: Se establecieron valores aplicables a pacientes cubanos, que permiten establecer el diagnóstico por alta resolución(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: High-resolution esophageal manometry is considered internationally as an optimal method for diagnosis of esophageal motor disorders. Given the recent introduction of the technique in Cuba, it is necessary to demonstrate its usefulness in our country where there is no prior knowledge about the most frequent parameters of normality and high resolution diagnoses. Objective: To determine the usefulness of high-resolution esophageal manometry as a method for the diagnosis of esophageal motor disorders in Cuba. Material and methods: An applied developmental research was designed and carried out at the National Center for Minimal Access Surgery in Havana between June 2017 and June 2019. The study included patients in whom esophageal manometry was performed. The universe consisted of 611 patients and the variables used in the study were recorded. Results: Of the 611 patients who underwent esophageal manometry, 356 were women (58.26 percent) and 255 were men (42.73 percent), with an average age of 47 and 44 years, respectively. Ineffective motility was the most frequent motor disorder (32,73 percent). In patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, the main damage of the antireflux barrier was the presence of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations. Type II achalasia predominated (5,23 percent). In these patients, integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) values above 21 were recorded. Conclusions: Values applicable to Cuban patients that allow to establish a high-resolution diagnosis were established(AU)

Septic emboli from pyomyositis.

Pyomyositis commonly presents with fever, muscle pain and abscess formation involving deep soft-tissue compartments. Staphylococcus aureus is the main causative organism and diagnosis is usually established clinically, supported by imaging, but confirmation may be achieved by histopathological examination. Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement are the cornerstone of treatment. Its prognosis is good but, as in all soft-tissue infections, it depends on early intervention, directed antibiotics and, if indicated, prompt surgery. In this paper, we describe a case of pelvic pyomyositis complicated with bacteraemia and bilateral septic pulmonary emboli in a young man in Colombia.

On the Use of Buffy or Whole Blood for Obtaining DNA of High Quality and Functionality: What Is the Best Option?

Human biobanks are collections of biological samples and health information that allow the organization of biomedical research for upgrading the knowledge of human disorders from different diseases (cancer, allergies, rare diseases, etc.), and reach real answers for diagnosis and treatment. A wide range of samples can be stored in these biorepositories such as hair, nails, urine, tissue, whole blood, red blood cells, buffy coat, plasma, serum, DNA, and RNA. Among these, buffy coat and whole blood are widely used by researchers because they can obtain DNA and RNA from these matrices. Some preliminary studies have been performed on animals to evaluate the quality and functionality of the nucleic acids obtained from some of these matrices, although more in-depth studies are needed in this area. In this study, blood samples extracted by venipuncture from 30 healthy volunteers were used to obtain DNA from buffy coat and whole blood. The purity and integrity of the nucleic acids obtained were assessed by spectrophotometry, fluorimetry, and agarose electrophoresis, and functionality was assessed by PCR and real-time PCR. Another aspect tested in this study was based on the comparison between short-term and long-term storage at -80°C and fresh samples from both matrices to evaluate the storage conditions at the biobank. Results showed differences in the yield obtained from both matrices as a function of the storage time, although the functionality of all the obtained DNA remained intact.

Tecnología y globalización en el pronóstico de pacientes con cáncer rectal / Technology and globalization on the prognosis of patients with rectal cancer

Desde el siglo XX hasta la fecha, el proceso de globalización ha caracterizado el desarrollo de la economía mundial. En este contexto los países desarrollados son los que tienen directamente el manejo y dominio tecnológico, mientras que los subdesarrollados han sido afectados con la introducción acelerada de las nuevas tecnologías y su alto costo. El desarrollo tecnológico en la sociedad actual es un factor importante en el manejo de enfermedades como el cáncer. El tumor de localización rectal constituye el tercer tipo de cáncer más comúnmente diagnosticado y la tercera causa de muerte por cáncer para ambos sexos. Para su estadificación se han desarrollado varios medios diagnósticos, dentro de estos, la elastografía por ultrasonido endoscópico es una técnica de elevado impacto. En Cuba se cuenta con esta tecnología de avanzada, a disposición de todos los pacientes, lo cual demuestra que es posible enfrentar los desafíos que la globalización impone al desarrollo tecnológico. En este trabajo se exponen las opiniones de los autores, relacionadas con la influencia que tiene la política de globalización en el desarrollo tecnológico y su repercusión en el pronóstico de los pacientes con cáncer de recto(AU)

From the 20th century to the present, the process of globalization has characterized the development of the world economy. In this context, the developed countries are those that have direct management and technological control, while the underdeveloped countries have been affected by the accelerated introduction of new technologies and their high cost. The technological development in today's society is an important factor in the management of diseases such as cancer. The rectal tumor is the third most commonly diagnosed type of cancer and the third cause of cancer death for both sexes. For its staging, several diagnostic means have been developed, within these, endoscopic ultrasound elastography is a high impact technique. In Cuba, this advanced technology is available to all patients, which shows that it is possible to face the challenges that globalization imposes on technological development. This paper presents the opinions of the authors, related to the influence of the globalization policy on technological development and its impact on the prognosis of patients with rectal cancer(AU)

Use of live yeast and mannan-oligosaccharides in grain-based diets for cattle: Ruminal parameters, nutrient digestibility, and inflammatory response.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of diet supplementation with live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) on ruminal parameters, nutrient digestibility, and the inflammatory response in cattle fed grain-based diets. Three Holstein steers (body weight of 497±3 kg) with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were assigned to a 3 × 3 Latin square design. The animals were kept in individual pens and fed a diet containing 5% sugarcane bagasse and 95% concentrate (906.5 g/kg ground corn). Diet treatments were Control (without additive), Yeast (1.5 g/kg DM live yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, NCYC 996) and MOS (1.5 g/kg DM MOS, ß-glucans and mannan). Dry matter intake, ruminal, intestinal, and total digestibility of nutrients were not affected by the treatments. The ruminal concentration of isobutyric acid increased in animals fed on diets supplemented with Yeast and MOS, whereas isovaleric acid increased with Yeast and decreased with MOS supplementation. Dietary supplementation with Yeast and MOS increased pH and decreased ammonia concentration in the rumen. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations in the rumen and duodenal fluid were not influenced by the additives. However, both Yeast and MOS decreased the plasma levels of LPS and serum amyloid A (SAA). In conclusion, when high-concentrate diets fed to beef cattle are supplemented with either Yeast or MOS, ruminal pH is increased, LPS translocation into the blood stream is decreased, and blood SAA concentration is decreased. These factors reduce the inflammation caused by consumption of grain-based diets, and either supplement could be used to improve the rumen environment in beef cattle susceptible to ruminal subacute acidosis.

Correction: Inclusion of live yeast and mannan-oligosaccharides in high grain-based diets for sheep: Ruminal parameters, inflammatory response and rumen morphology.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193313.].

Inclusion of live yeast and mannan-oligosaccharides in high grain-based diets for sheep: Ruminal parameters, inflammatory response and rumen morphology.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), mannan-oligosaccharides and the combination of these additives on the inflammatory response, ruminal parameters and rumen morphology of sheep fed a high grain-based diet. Thirty-Two Dorper x Santa Ines crossbred lambs with an average weight of 24±2 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design. The animals were housed in individual stalls and fed ad libitum. Diet treatments were: Control (without additive); LY (2 g/kg DM of live yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae), MOS (2 g/kg DM of mannan-oligosaccharides) and LY+MOS (2 g/kg DM of LY + 2 g/kg DM of MOS). The experiment lasted 42 days. The supplementation with MOS alone and the additives combination resulted in increased ruminal pH (P<0.01), while the total concentrations of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the rumen were higher (P<0.05) only in the diets with LY and MOS. Ammonia (NH3) concentration in the rumen decreased (P<0.04) with the additives usage. Diets with LY, MOS and with additives combination reduced (P<0.01) the levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the plasma with values of 0.46; 0.44 and 0.04 EU/mL, respectively when compared to the control (0.93 EU/mL). MOS and LY+MOS treatments had reduced stratum corneum thickness (P<0.01) in comparison to the control treatment. The total thickness of ruminal epithelium was lower with the addition of MOS in the diet (P<0.03) than with LY additive. The incidence and severity of hepatic abscesses in animals whose diet was supplemented with LY and LY+MOS was lower (P<0.05) than in animals fed the control diet. The use of LY, MOS and LY+MOS in the high-concentrate diets for sheep reduced NH3 concentrations and LPS translocation into the bloodstream. Diets containing MOS and LY+MOS enhanced the health of the ruminal epithelium by reducing the thickness of the stratum corneum, and diets containing LY and LY+MOS decreased the incidence and severity of hepatic abscesses.

Isolation Methods of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Spanish Biobanks: An Overview.

The Spanish Hematic Derivatives Group, consisting of 26 biobanks, was established in 2011. We describe here the viability results of our publically available standard operating procedure to freeze and thaw peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Our protocol maximizes PBMC viability while avoiding where possible interbiobank and intrabiobank assay variability.

Caracterización de pacientes con acalasia en Cuba (2006-2015) / Characterization of achalasia patients in Cuba (2006-2015)

Introducción: la acalasia es una enfermedad motora primaria del esófago con daño de la función del esfínter esofágico inferior y aperistalsis del cuerpo esofágico. Su etiología es desconocida. Objetivo: observar el comportamiento de la epidemiología y características de pacientes con acalasia, atendidos en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso. Métodos: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y observacional en pacientes con acalasia, diagnosticados por manometría esofágica convencional, atendidos en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso desde enero del 2006 hasta diciembre de 2015. Resultados: se diagnosticaron 322 pacientes con acalasia a través de la manometría. La enfermedad fue más frecuente en mujeres que se encontraban en la cuarta década de la vida, con más de 4 años de evolución y sin una asociación con otras enfermedades. En la manometría esofágica se registró la pobre relajación del esfínter esofágico inferior y ausencia de peristalsis. Conclusiones: fueron identificados los rasgos típicos de la enfermedad, al ser importante el seguimiento clínico del paciente con disfagia para lograr el diagnóstico definitivo de la enfermedad(AU)

Introduction: Achalasia is a primary esophageal motor disease with lower esophageal sphincter impairment and esophageal aperistalsis. Its etiology is unknown. Objective: To observe the epidemiological behavior and characteristic of achalasia patients treated at the National Center for Minimal Invasive Surgery. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive and observational study was performed with achalasia patients, diagnosed through conventional esophageal manometry and treated at the National Center for Minimal Invasive Surgery from January 2006 to December 2015. Results: 332 patients were diagnosed with achalasia through manometry. The disease was more frequent in women at the forth decade of life, with more than 4 years of natural history, and without any association to other diseases. The esophageal manometry registered the poor relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and no peristalsis. Conclusions: The disease typical features were identified, on being important the dysphagia patient's clinical follow-up in order to have a final diagnosis of the disease(AU)

Caracterización de pacientes con acalasia en Cuba (2006-2015) / Characterization of achalasia patients in Cuba (2006-2015)

Introducción: la acalasia es una enfermedad motora primaria del esófago con daño de la función del esfínter esofágico inferior y aperistalsis del cuerpo esofágico. Su etiología es desconocida. Objetivo: observar el comportamiento de la epidemiología y características de pacientes con acalasia, atendidos en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso. Métodos: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y observacional en pacientes con acalasia, diagnosticados por manometría esofágica convencional, atendidos en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso desde enero del 2006 hasta diciembre de 2015. Resultados: se diagnosticaron 322 pacientes con acalasia a través de la manometría. La enfermedad fue más frecuente en mujeres que se encontraban en la cuarta década de la vida, con más de 4 años de evolución y sin una asociación con otras enfermedades. En la manometría esofágica se registró la pobre relajación del esfínter esofágico inferior y ausencia de peristalsis. Conclusiones: fueron identificados los rasgos típicos de la enfermedad, al ser importante el seguimiento clínico del paciente con disfagia para lograr el diagnóstico definitivo de la enfermedad(AU)

Introduction: Achalasia is a primary esophageal motor disease with lower esophageal sphincter impairment and esophageal aperistalsis. Its etiology is unknown. Objective: To observe the epidemiological behavior and characteristic of achalasia patients treated at the National Center for Minimal Invasive Surgery. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive and observational study was performed with achalasia patients, diagnosed through conventional esophageal manometry and treated at the National Center for Minimal Invasive Surgery from January 2006 to December 2015. Results: 332 patients were diagnosed with achalasia through manometry. The disease was more frequent in women at the forth decade of life, with more than 4 years of natural history, and without any association to other diseases. The esophageal manometry registered the poor relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and no peristalsis. Conclusions: The disease typical features were identified, on being important the dysphagia patient's clinical follow-up in order to have a final diagnosis of the disease(AU)

Subproduto do biodiesel na alimentação de ruminantes: o caso da glicerina / By-product of biodiesel in ruminant feeding: the case of glycerin / Subproduto de biodiesel en la alimentación de rumiantes: el caso de la glicerina

O Brasil, devido à sua expansão territorial e variação climática, apresenta uma grande diversidade de grãos oleaginosos, o que possibilita a produção de biocombustíveis. O biodiesel é obtido a partir de matérias-primas vegetais ou animais e vem ganhando destaque devido à instabilidade dos preços do petróleo e principalmente, em consequência às pressões ambientais. Durante a produção do biodiesel, há a geração de subprodutos, e dentre eles destaca-se a glicerina, que vem sendo amplamente estudada na cadeia de produção animal, mostrando-se como uma excelente fonte energética alternativa, podendo substituir ingredientes mais onerosos na produção de rações, como o milho. No entanto, seu uso deve ser feito com cautela, sendo necessário conhecer sua composição visando à correta aplicação, uma vez que a qualidade da glicerina produzida industrialmente pode ser muito variável, influenciando dessa forma os resultados a serem obtidos.

Brazil due to its territorial expansion and climate change, presents a wide variety of oilseeds, which enables the production of biofuels. Biodiesel is obtained from vegetable or animals raw materials and is gaining prominence due to the instability in oil prices and mainly due to environmental pressures. During the production of biodiesel, there is the generation of by-products, and among them there is the glycerin, which has been widely studied in animal production chain, showing up as a great alternative energy source that can replace more expensive ingredients in feed production, such as corn. However, its use should be done with caution being necessary to know its composition with a view to correct application, since the quality of industrially produced glycerin can be very variable, thus influencing the results to be obtained.

Debido a su expansión territorial y el cambio climático, Brasil presenta una amplia variedad de semillas oleaginosas, lo que permite la producción de biocombustibles. El biodiesel es obtenido a partir de materias primas vegetales o animales, por lo que está ganando importancia debido a la inestabilidad de los precios del petróleo y principalmente, a las presiones ambientales. Durante la producción de biodiesel, son generados subproductos, entre ellos la glicerina, la cual, ha sido ampliamente estudiada en la cadena de producción animal, apareciendo como una gran fuente energética alternativa, pudiendo sustituir los ingredientes más caros en la producción de raciones, como el maíz. Sin embargo, su uso debe hacerse con precaución, siendo necesario conocer su composición, con el fin de utilizarla correctamente, ya que la calidad de la glicerina producida industrialmente puede ser muy variable, influyendo así en los resultados a ser obtenidos.

Estudio de la motilidad esofágica en pacientes con esofagitis erosiva / Esophageal motility study in patients with erosive esophagitis

Introducción: el fallo de la barrera antirreflujo permite el desarrollo de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico. La manometría esofágica permite estudiar los factores de motilidad que conforman la barrera antirreflujo. Objetivo: caracterizar los factores de motilidad en pacientes con esofagitis erosiva, a partir de la tecnología y los programas desarrollados. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 210 pacientes con esofagitis erosiva, en los cuales se estudiaron los factores de motilidad a través de la manometría esofágica. Resultados: el patrón de motilidad obtenido demostró hipotonía en el esfínter esofágico inferior, inestabilidad de este, con una frecuencia importante de hernia hiatal y trastornos motores esofágicos de tipo severo. Conclusiones: el principal daño en la barrera antirreflujo se desarrolla desde los grados más leves de la enfermedad, sin una correspondencia real entre este y el grado de esofagitis erosiva. La importante afectación de la peristalsis puede constituir uno de los elementos que interviene en el inicio de la enfermedad(AU)

Introduction: failed anti-reflux barrier allows the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The motility factors making up the anti-reflux barrier may be studied through the esophageal manometry. Objective: to characterize motility factors in patients with erosive esophagitis by means of developed software and technologies. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with erosive esophagitis by analyzing the motility factors through esophageal manometry. Results: the resulting pattern showed unstable and hypotonic lower esophageal sphincter, significant frequency of hiatal hernia and severe esophageal motor disorders. Conclusions: the main damage observed in the anti-reflux barrier occurs from the mildest degrees of the disease, without real association between this one and the degree of erosive esophagitis. The significant effect on peristalsis may be one of the elements leading to the onset of the disease(AU)