Neck Circumference and Its Relation with Body Fat Percentage in Children 5-10 Years Old.

BACKGROUND: Neck circumference (NC) has been proposed as an indicator of upper trunk adiposity and a potential indicator of metabolic risk. The objective was to evaluate NC and its correlation with body fat percentage (BF%) and other indicators of adiposity in children with normal weight, overweight, and obesity. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 112 children 5 to 10 years of age were included in the outpatient clinic from a public hospital. Measures of weight and height to calculate BMI (kg/m2), NC, mid-upper arm circumference, waist circumference, and tricipital skinfold thickness. Body composition measurements were performed using an electrical bioimpedance device (BIA). The relationship between anthropometric variables and BF% obtained by BIA was determined using Spearman correlation tests. Multivariate models were constructed with BF% as the dependent variable and anthropometric parameters as independent. RESULTS: In the entire group, there was a direct correlation between NC and BF% (r = 0.50, p < 0.001), but lost statistical significance in the case of normal weight. The relationship maintained its significance in subjects from the overweight and obesity groups. In multivariate models, BMI exhibited the highest correlation with BF%, followed by waist circumference and mid-upper arm circumference; for NC, the R2 value was 0.30 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Neck circumference is useful in the screening of population groups with the advantage of not requiring any specialized instruments for its measurement other than a tape measure. BMI and waist circumference were the best indicators of general and central adiposity, respectively.

Exoprotease exploitation and social cheating in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa environmental lysogenic strain with a noncanonical quorum sensing system.

Social cheating is the exploitation of public goods that are costly metabolites, like exoproteases. Exoprotease exploitation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been studied in reference strains. Experimental evolution with reference strains during continuous growth in casein has demonstrated that nonexoprotease producers that are lasR mutants are selected while they behave as social cheaters. However, noncanonical quorum-sensing systems exist in P. aeruginosa strains, which are diverse. In this work, the exploitation of exoproteases in the environmental strain ID4365 was evaluated; ID4365 has a nonsense mutation that precludes expression of LasR. ID4365 produces exoproteases under the control of RhlR, and harbors an inducible prophage. As expected, rhlR mutants of ID4365 behave as social cheaters, and exoprotease-deficient individuals accumulate upon continuous growth in casein. Moreover, in all continuous cultures, population collapses occur. However, this also sometimes happens before cheaters dominate. Interestingly, during growth in casein, ID4565's native prophage is induced, suggesting that the metabolic costs imposed by social cheating may increase its induction, promoting population collapses. Accordingly, lysogenization of the PAO1 lasR mutant with this prophage accelerated its collapse. These findings highlight the influence of temperate phages in social cheating.

Fenotipos hipertrigliceridemia e hipertensión-cintura abdominal alterada y su asociación con factores de riesgo cardiovascular en mujeres atendidas en Consulta Provincial de Climaterio

Fundamento: la presencia de fenotipos hipertensión- circunferencia abdominal aumentada se considera un índice pronóstico de deterioro cardiometabólico. Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia de mujeres con fenotipos cintura alterada y establecer la asociación entre estos y los principales factores de riesgo cardiovascular, así como estimar el riesgo cardiovascular global a los 10 años. Métodos estudio descriptivo, correlacional, transversal, que incluyó a 100 mujeres que asistieron a Consulta Provincial de Climaterio, del Hospital Gustavo Aldereguìa, de Cienfuegos, desde marzo 2016 a 2020. Variables analizadas: edad, color de piel, tabaquismo, hipertensión arterial, obesidad, actividad física, diabetes mellitus, índice de masa corporal, circunferencia abdominal, colesterol total, ácido úrico y triglicéridos. Se determinó la razón de prevalencia con un nivel de significación del 95 %. Resultados: la razón de probabilidad demostró mayor riesgo de presentar el fenotipo en mayores de 45 años (1,47), obesas (5,57), hipertensas (3,71) y diabéticas (1,67). Se evidenció asociación significativa entre hábito de fumar y actividad física con razón de probabilidad de 5,80 y 18 respectivamente. Conclusiones: existe una relación significativa entre fenotipos cintura abdominal alterada y los principales factores de riesgo cardiovasculares, como incremento de la edad, riesgo cardiovascular, diabetes mellitus, hipertensión arterial, tabaquismo, inactividad física y obesidad.

Background: the presence of hypertension-increased abdominal circumference phenotypes is considered a cardiometabolic deterioration prognostic index. Objective: to determine the frequency of women with altered waist phenotypes and to establish the association between these and the main cardiovascular risk factors, as well as to estimate the global cardiovascular risk at 10 years. Methods: descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study, which included 100 women who attended the Provincial Climacteric Consultation, at the Gustavo Aldereguía Lima Cienfuegos Hospital, from March 2016 to 2020. The analyzed variables were: age, skin color, smoking, arterial hypertension, obesity, physical activity, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, abdominal circumference, total cholesterol, uric acid, and triglycerides. The prevalence ratio was determined with a significance level of 95%. Results: the likelihood ratio showed a higher risk of presenting the phenotype in people over 45 years of age (1.47), obese (5.57), hypertensive (3.71) and diabetic (1.67). A significant association was found between smoking and physical activity with a probability ratio of 5.80 and 18, respectively. Conclusions: there is a significant relationship between altered abdominal waist phenotypes and the main cardiovascular risk factors, such as increased age, cardiovascular risk, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, smoking, physical inactivity and obesity.

Factores predictores de mortalidad en pacientes con enfermedad coronaria y compromiso del tronco principal izquierdo / Predictors of mortality in patients with coronary artery disease and involvement of the left main artery

Resumen: Introducción: el compromiso del tronco principal izquierdo no protegido (TPInp) en pacientes con enfermedad arterial coronaria (EAC) conlleva alto riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares. La cirugía de revascularización coronaria (CABG) ha sido el estándar de tratamiento; sin embargo, estudios recientes proponen la intervención coronaria percutánea (PCI) como alternativa. Objetivo: evaluar los desenlaces intrahospitalarios y durante el seguimiento del tratamiento de pacientes con compromiso del TPInp. Método: estudio observacional multicéntrico de cohorte retrospectivo, se evaluaron pacientes con EAC y afección del TPI. Muerte de cualquier causa, infarto de miocardio no fatal, accidente cerebrovascular, reintervención y/o readmisión hospitalaria fueron valorados como un desenlace compuesto e individualmente durante la hospitalizacioì n y el tiempo de seguimiento. Resultados: se incluyeron 82 pacientes, con edad promedio 71 ± 9.9 años; 35 recibieron PCI, 31 CABG y 16 manejo meìdico (MM). La mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue del 16%. En el seguimiento medio de 12.3 meses la tasa de mortalidad fue del 20%, la de reinfarto del 6% y la de readmisioìn hospitalaria del 4%. La tasa de incidencia de muerte para MM fue 5.19 por 10.000 personas/diìa, para PCI de 2.3 por 10.000 personas/diìa y para CABG de 1.06 por 10.000 personas/diìa; en el seguimiento la mortalidad fue mayor en el grupo de PCI (HR: 3.6; IC 95% 1.13-11.9; p = 0.02). La frecuencia cardiaca elevada al ingreso se asocioì con mayor mortalidad (0.05). Conclusión: el compromiso del TPI se asocia con alto riesgo de muerte y se presenta con anatomiìa coronaria compleja.

Abstract: Introduction: involvement of the unprotected left main coronary artery (TPInp) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) leads to a high risk of cardiovascular events. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been the standard of management; however, recent studies propose percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as an alternative treatment. Objective: to evaluate the in-hospital and follow-up outcomes of patients with compromised TPInp. Method: retrospective multicenter observational cohort study, we evaluated patients with CAD and TPI involvement. Death from any cause, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, reoperation, and/or hospital readmission were assessed as a composite endpoint and individually during hospitaliza- tion and follow-up time. Results: 82 patients were included, mean age 71 ± 9.9 years; 35 received PCI, 31 CABG, and 16 medical management (MM). In-hospital mortality was 16%. In the mean follow-up of 12.3 months, mortality was 20%, rein- farction 6% and hospital readmission 4%. The incidence rate of death was 5.19 per 10,000 people/day for MM, 2.3 per 10,000 people/day for PCI, and 1.06 per 10,000 people/day for CABG; at follow-up, mortality was higher in the PCI group (HR 3.6; 95%CI 1.13-11.9; p = 0.02). Elevated heart rate on admission was associated with higher mortality (p < 0.05). Conclusion: TPInp involvement is associated with a high risk of death and presents with complex coronary anatomy.

Aplicación de la técnica manual craneosacral en mujeres que laboran en la Educación Superior / Application of the craniosacral manual technique in women working in Higher Education / Aplicação da técnica manual craniossacral em mulheres que trabalham no Ensino Superior

En la actualidad la mayoría de las personas por lo menos una vez en el año presenta una molestia en la estructura del cuello, considerado como cervicalgia o dolor cervical, el mismo que está ocasionando un impacto considerable en la vida de las personas dentro del ámbito familiar, laboral y en la comunidad, provocando efectos negativos en la calidad de vida y en casos severos puede llegar a ocasionar discapacidad y limitación funcional de los movimientos. Por lo que este estudio presentó como objetivo determinar la efectividad de la aplicación de la técnica manual craneosacral en mujeres que laboran en la Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil. La metodología que se utilizó fue un enfoque cuantitativo- descriptivo con un diseño experimental del tipo pre experimental, con un corte longitudinal, se utilizó como muestra a 31 mujeres que laboran en diversas áreas de la Universidad Católica Santiago de Guayaquil, a su vez, se utilizó como técnica la encuesta, y el instrumento aplicado para la valoración del dolor cervical fue la escala visual analógica del dolor (EVA). Los resultados de esta técnica respecto a la escala visual analógica (EVA) mediante una valoración inicial y final, reflejaron mejoría en el dolor cervical donde el 68% de las pacientes no presentaron dolor, y el 32% reflejan un dolor leve. Se concluyó, que por medio de la técnica manual craneosacral el dolor disminuyo en un gran porcentaje restableciendo los procesos naturales del equilibrio del cuerpo a través de la terapia manual.

Currently, most people at least once a year have a discomfort in the structure of the neck, considered cervicalgia or cervical pain, which is causing a considerable impact on the lives of people within the family, work and in the community, causing negative effects on the quality of life and in severe cases can lead to disability and functional limitation of movements. Therefore, this study presented the objective of determining the effectiveness of the application of the craniosacral manual technique in women who work at the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil. The methodology used was a quantitative-descriptive approach with an experimental design of the pre-experimental type, with a longitudinal cut, 31 women who work in various areas of the Santiago de Guayaquil Catholic University were used as a sample, in turn, used the survey as a technique, and the instrument applied for the assessment of neck pain was the visual analogue pain scale (VAS). The results of this technique with respect to the visual analog scale (VAS) through an initial and final evaluation, reflected improvement in cervical pain where 68% of the patients did not present pain, and 32% reflected mild pain. It was concluded that through the craniosacral manual technique, the pain decreased by a large percentage, restoring the natural processes of the body's balance through manual therapy.

Atualmente, a maioria das pessoas pelo menos uma vez ao ano apresenta um desconforto na estrutura do pescoço, considerado cervicalgia ou dor cervical, que está causando um impacto considerável na vida das pessoas dentro da família, no trabalho e na comunidade, causando efeitos negativos na qualidade de vida e em casos graves pode levar à incapacidade e limitação funcional dos movimentos. Portanto, este estudo apresentou o objetivo de determinar a eficácia da aplicação da técnica manual craniossacral em mulheres que trabalham na Universidade Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil. A metodologia utilizada foi uma abordagem quantitativo-descritiva com um desenho experimental do tipo pré-experimental, com corte longitudinal, 31 mulheres que trabalham em várias áreas da Universidade Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil foram usadas como amostra, por sua vez, utilizaram a pesquisa como técnica, e o instrumento aplicado para avaliação da cervicalgia foi a escala visual analógica de dor (EVA). Os resultados desta técnica com relação à escala visual analógica (EVA) através de uma avaliação inicial e final, refletiram melhora da dor cervical onde 68% dos pacientes não apresentavam dor, e 32% refletiam dor leve. Concluiu-se que através da técnica manual craniossacral, a dor diminuiu em grande porcentagem, restabelecendo os processos naturais de equilíbrio do corpo através da terapia manual.

The role of pre-treatment paraaortic surgical staging for cervical cancer in the EMBRACE criteria.

Background: The State-of-the-Art Treatment for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer (LACC) is Definite Radio-Chemotherapy based on the Image-guided intensity modulated External beam radiochemotherapy and MRI-based adaptive BRAchytherapy (EMBRACE) trial, according to the FIGO staging. This staging is based on clinical examination and imaging studies; however, there are limitations of imaging techniques which may result in adverse events or death due to insufficient or overtreatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of surgical staging in LACC prior to radiotherapy (RT) to personalise target volumes for radiotherapy. Methods: From 2008 to 2018, 138 patients with FIGO 2018 stages IB3-IIIC2 cervical cancer underwent a pretherapeutic laparoscopic staging procedure. The pathological diagnosis was compared with the results of preoperative CT scan. Patients were treated with chemoradiotherapy tailored according to the staging results. Results: The mean patient age was 43 years, the mean body mass index was 27 kg/m2; most lesions were squamous cervical cancer (92%). Staging CT scan had a 77% concordance with the histological findings. Sensitivity was 29%, specificity 85%, positive predictive value 21% and negative predictive value 89%. Surgical staging led to change of stage in 24% of cases. Para -aortic dissection led to change the initially planned radiotherapy fields in 47% of the cases. Major complications included involuntary section of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) without clinical repercussion, an infected retroperitoneal haematoma and a symptomatic lymphocele requiring laparoscopic drainage. Conclusion: Laparoscopic staging before primary chemoradiation in patients with LACC was feasible, safe and reproducible, allowing reduction of the radiotherapy treatment volumes of patients.

Hospitalización por Intento de Suicidio en Adolescentes: Mirada retrospectiva de la experiencia y los cambios asociados / Hospitalization for Attempted Suicide in Adolescents: Retrospective look at the experience and associated changes

Resumen: Antecedentes: El principal factor de riesgo para suicidio consumado es el Intento Suicida (IS) previo. La hospitalización psiquiátrica es un recurso terapéutico utilizado en adolescentes para proteger su integridad. Objetivo: Describir y comprender la experiencia de hospitalización psiquiátrica por intento de suicidio y los cambios asociados a ésta, desde la perspectiva de lo/as adolescentes implicados. Método: Estudio cualitativo descriptivo que entrevista a 10 adolescentes que fueron hospitalizados por IS en un centro psiquiátrico. Las entrevistas semiestructuradas fueron codificadas según los criterios de codificación abierta y axial de la Teoría Fundamentada. Resultados: Se presentan dos categorías descriptivas: a) Hospitalización: "lo peor que me ha pasado en la vida… pero tuvo cosas buenas", y b) "Una vez afuera, pienso que me sirvió para cambiar". Luego, se presenta un esquema relacional que articula ambos fenómenos, "de la conmoción a la contención reflexiva". Conclusiones: La experiencia de hospitalización psiquiátrica por IS constituye una experiencia de alto impacto existencial, que brinda posibilidades de movilizar cambios personales y familiares. Sólo post-hospitalización lo/as adolescentes visualizan y desarrollan estos cambios, adhiriendo a los tratamientos indicados y apoyo familiar. Sin embargo, la indicación y gestión de este recurso terapéutico debe ponderarse, para evitar riesgos asociados.

Abstract: Background: Previous suicide attempt (SA) is the main risk factor for completed suicide. Psychiatric hospitalization is a therapeutic resource used in adolescents to protect their integrity. Aim: To describe and understand the experience of psychiatric hospitalization due to SA and the changes associated with it, from the perspective of adolescents involved. Method: Descriptive qualitative study that interviews 10 adolescents who were hospitalized for SA in a psychiatric center. Semi-structured interviews were coded according to Grounded Theory's open and axial coding criteria. Results: Two descriptive categories are presented: a) Hospitalization: "the worst thing that has happened to me in my life… but it had something positive", and b) "Once outside, I think it helped me to change". Then, a relational scheme that articulates both phenomena is presented, "from shock to reflective containment". Conclusions: The experience of psychiatric hospitalization for SA constitutes an experience with a high existential impact, which offers possibilities to mobilize personal and family changes. Only after hospitalization adolescents visualize and develop these changes, adhering to the indicated treatments and family support. However, the indication and management of this therapeutic resource must be considered, to avoid associated risks.

Nesidioblastosis del adulto. Informe de un caso / Adult's Nesidioblastosis. Case report

Resumen La nesidioblastosis del adulto es rara. Se define como cambios en el páncreas endocrino caracterizado por la proliferación anormal de las células de los islotes pancreáticos, que afecta en forma difusa a la glándula, y que causa hipoglucemia hiperinsulinémica persistente en ausencia de un insulinoma. Se presenta el caso de un paciente que ingresa en el servicio de medicina interna del Hospital "Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima" de Cienfuegos con un síndrome hipoglucémico para estudio. Se le realizó prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa oral de 6 h con hipoglucemia (1.9mmol/L) a la hora 5. Prueba de ayuno de 72h: con hipoglucemia a las 2 h con respuesta paradójica de la insulina, glicemia e insulinemia con los síntomas. En la tomografía axial computarizada abdominal multicorte no se evidenció lesión en el páncreas. Se realiza pancreatectomía distal de ± 85% de la glándula con conservación esplénica. La anatomía patología confirmó nesidioblastosis. La nesidioblastosis del adulto es una entidad muy poco frecuente, pero debe ser tenida en cuenta como diagnóstico diferencial de los insulinomas ante la ausencia de lesión evidente en los estudios convencionales de imágenes.

ABSTRACT Adult nesidioblastosis is rare, defined as changes in the endocrine pancreas characterized by abnormal proliferation of pancreatic islet cells, diffusely affecting the gland, and causing persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in the absence of an insulinoma. A case of a patient who is admitted to the internal medicine service at the "Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima" Cienfuegos Hospital with a hypoglycemic syndrome for study. A 6-hour oral glucose tolerance test was performed with hypoglycemia (1.9mmol / L) at hour 5. 72-hour fasting test: with hypoglycemia at 2 hours with a paradoxical response to insulin, Glycemia and Insulinemia with the symptom. In the multislice abdominal computerized axial tomography, no lesion in the pancreas was evidenced. A distal pancreatectomy of ± 85% of the gland is performed with splenic preservation. The pathology anatomy confirmed nesidioblastosis. Nesidioblastosis in adults is a very rare entity, but it should be taken into account as a differential diagnosis of insulinomas in the absence of an evident lesion in conventional imaging studies.

Multifocal skeletal tuberculosis with mycobacteremia after kidney transplantation: A case report.

Solid organ transplant recipients have a higher risk of active Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (TB) compared to the general population. Recognized risk factors are immunosuppressant use, graft dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus, and co-infections by other opportunists. Most of the active TB cases reported in solid organ transplant recipients occur in kidney transplant patients, especially if they come from M tuberculosis-endemic areas. Extrapulmonary and disseminated TB are among the wide spectrum of clinical presentations found, but the lungs are the most common organ affected. Disseminated disease occurs in up to a third of the affected population, however, multifocal osteoarticular TB with mycobacteremia is unusual. We report the case of a kidney transplant patient with disseminated M tuberculosis infection, who presented with multifocal skeletal TB.

Free ferulic acid supplementation of heat-stressed hair ewe lambs: Oxidative status, feedlot performance, carcass traits and meat quality.

Twenty-two Katahdin × Dorper ewe lambs (average weight = 23.5 ± 2.8 kg) were individually housed during a 40-d feeding study and then slaughtered to evaluate effects of free ferulic acid (FA; 0 and 250 mg/kg of feed) on oxidative status, feedlot growth, carcass and non-carcass traits, wholesale cut yields and meat quality under heat stress conditions. Overall feeding FA decreased protein oxidation without affecting oxidative stress index, while growth rate and feed efficiency increased only in the hottest period (i.e., 28 to 45 °C). The FA supplementation increased kidney-pelvic-heart and mesenteric fat deposition, as well as yields of forequarter, shoulder, ribs, loin, and breast and flank, but decreased yields of hindquarter, neck, plain loin and leg. Carcass characteristics and meat quality were unaffected by FA. Overall, FA supplementation of heat-stressed hair ewe lambs enhanced feedlot performance under extreme heat stress and increased internal fat reserves, while changing muscle mass deposition, possibly because it prevented protein oxidation.

Revisión del impacto del estigma en la salud mental de jóvenes lesbianas, homosexuales, bisexuales y transgénero / Review of the impact of stigma on the mental health of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth

OBJETIVOS: Revisar la literatura existente respecto del impacto que genera el estigma en la salud mental de los jóvenes lesbianas, gays, bisexuales y transgénero (LGBT). MÉTODOS: Búsqueda bibliográfica en la base de datos Pubmed de los artículos atingentes al tema de los últimos 5 años en población juvenil, complementado con artículos de importancia histórica y algunos pertenecientes a las referencias de los resultados de la búsqueda. RESULTADOS: La evidencia demuestra que los jóvenes LGBT expuestos a estigma tienen una mayor prevalencia de trastornos depresivos, ansiosos, trastornos por uso de sustancias y suicidalidad que la población general. Este fenómeno no corresponde a una característica intrínseca de esta población, sino más bien, responde a factores tanto individuales como interpersonales que se dan en un contexto sociocultural predominante en donde las minorías son estigmatizadas. CONCLUSIONES: Los equipos sanitarios deben orientar sus esfuerzos a la promoción, prevención y pesquisa de patologías de salud mental en los jóvenes LGBT y deben constituirse como agentes activos en la lucha contra la desestigmatización en sus comunidades.

OBJECTIVES: To review the existing literature regarding the impact of stigma on the mental health of sexual minorities such as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. METHODS: Bibliographic search in the Pubmed database of the articles relevant to the topic of the last 5 years in the youth population, supplemented with articles of historical importance and some belonging to the references of the search results. RESULTS: Evidence shows that LGBT youth exposed to stigma have a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, substance use disorders and suicidality than the general population. This phenomenon does not correspond to an intrinsic characteristic of this population, but rather, responds to both individual and interpersonal factors that occur in a predominant sociocultural context where minorities are stigmatized. CONCLUSIONS: The health teams should direct their efforts to the promotion, prevention and detection of mental health pathologies in LGBT youth and should become active agents in the fight against destigmatization in their communities.

Analysis by Monte Carlo of thermal neutron flux from a 241Am/9Be source for a system of trace analysis in materials.

Neutron techniques to characterize materials have a wide range of applications, one of the major developments being the identification of terrorist threats with chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives (CBRNE) materials. In this work, a thermal neutron irradiation system, using a241Am/9Be source of 111 GBq inside polyethylene cylindrical moderators, has been designed, built and tested. The geometry of moderator and the neutron source position were fixed trying to maximize the thermal neutrons flux emitted from the system. Therefore, the system is in fact a thermalized neutron source taking advantage of the backscattered neutrons, achieving thermal fluence rates of up to 5.3x102 cm-2 s-1, with dominantly thermal spectra. Samples can be placed there for several hours and thereafter be measured to identify their component elements by NAA (Neutron Activation Analysis). Through Monte Carlo techniques employing the MCNP6 code (Pelowitz et al., 2014), four different configurations with polyethylene cylinders were simulated to choose the most adequate geometry. The theoretical model was then replicated in the neutronics hall of the Neutron Measurements Laboratory of the Energy Engineering Department of Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (LMN-UPM), carrying out experimental measurements using a BF3 neutron detector. A high agreement between MCNP6 results and the experimental values measured was observed. Consequently, the system developed could be employed in future laboratory experiments, both for the identification of trace substances by NAA and for the calibration of neutron detection equipment.

Design by Monte Carlo method of a thermal neutron device using a 241Am/9Be source and high-density polyethylene moderator.

A thermal neutron system intended to be used in neutron activation analysis has been designed by Monte Carlo methods. The device is based on a241Am/9Be neutron source of 111 GBq, placed inside a cylindrical cavity open inside a parallelepiped of moderator material. Three different moderator materials, water, graphite and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), were simulated to check what is the most suitable for the detection system, concluding that HDPE reach the better performance. The device achieves an increased thermal neutron flux by taking advantage of neutron moderation in the polyethylene and the neutron scattering in the irradiation chamber walls. The thermal fluence rates obtained were 904 cm-2  s-1, i.e. 8.144 cm-2 s-1 GBq-1, with a fraction of thermal neutrons at the best point of 83% of pristine fast neutrons emitted by the source. The device has been designed by Monte Carlo techniques using the MCNP6 code, and the main tasks developed were to select the moderator material and to maximize the thermal neutrons flux in the irradiation chamber.

Los sistemas biofloc: una estrategia eficiente en la producción acuícola / The biofloc systems: an efficient strategy in the aquaculture production / Os sistemas biofloc: uma estratégia eficiente na produção de aquacultura

Resumen La piscicultura en Colombia es la actividad pecuaria que ha reportado mayor crecimiento en la última década mejorando los indicadores de desarrollo del sector agropecuario nacional. Para hacer más eficiente su producción, se propone la implementación de los Sistemas Biofloc (SB), agregados de comunidades microbianas en forma de flóculos integrados por bacterias, fitoplancton, materia orgánica e inorgánica, generados fácilmente en los estanques; bajo condiciones de recirculación constante de agua, alta oxigenación y suplementación con fuentes ricas en carbono; brindándole condiciones para ejercer control de la calidad del agua, mediante procesos naturales (metabolismo de oxígeno y nitrógeno), realizados por bacterias, fitoplancton y algunas microalgas; que captan e inmovilizan el amoniaco producido en el estaque, (procesos de nitrificación), para producir proteína bacteriana de excelente calidad, fácilmente aprovechable por los peces, que reincorporada a la cadena alimenticia del estanque maximiza la producción de carne de pescado por unidad de área; con utilización mínima del recurso agua (Sistemas de mínimo recambio de agua) por lo que disminuye la posibilidad de la entrada de patógenos y enfermedades al estanque, mejorando la bioseguridad por su actividad como controlador de poblaciones de bacterias patógenas. Asimismo, se ha encontrado un efecto positivo en el desarrollo y la estimulación de algunos mecanismos de defensa del sistema inmunológico innato de peces y camarones, confirmando su papel como compuestos inmunoestimulantes. También presentan otras ventajas nutricionales como mejora en la tasa de ingestión, digestión, absorción, conversión alimenticia, crecimiento, efectos positivos sobre la actividad enzimática digestiva entre otras; incluso optimando el rendimiento reproductivo, los indicadores de fecundidad, desove y composición bioquímica de los huevos en algunas especies acuícolas.

Abstract Fish farming in Colombia is the livestock activity that has reported the highest growth in the last decade, improving the development indicators of the agricultural sector. To make its production more efficient, the implementation of the Biofloc Systems (SB) is proposed, aggregates of microbial communities in the form of flocs integrated by bacteria, phytoplankton, organic and inorganic matter, easily generated in the ponds, under conditions of constant recirculation of water, high oxygenation and supplementation with carbon rich sources; provided conditions to exercise control of water quality, by natural processes (metabolism of oxygen and nitrogen), made by bacteria, phytoplankton and some algae; that capture and immobilize the ammonia produced in the pond (nitrification processes), to produce bacterial protein of excellent quality, easily exploitable by fish, which is reincorporated into the trophic system of the pond maximizing the production of fish meat per unit area; with a minimum use of water resources (Minimum water exchange systems), so it decreases the possibility of entry of pathogens and diseases to the pond having a relevant role in the biosecurity of the pond, in addition to its activity as controller of populations of pathogenic bacteria. Likewise, a positive effect has been found in the development and estimation of some defense mechanisms of the immune system of fish and shrimp, supporting their role as immunostimulant compounds. These also present other nutritional advantages such as the increase rate of ingestion, digestion, absorption, food conversion, growth, positive effects on digestive enzymatic activity and others; even improving reproductive performance, indicators of fecundity, spawning and biochemical composition of eggs in some aquaculture species.

Resumo A piscicultura na Colômbia é a atividade pecuária que registrou o maior crescimento na última década, melhorando os indicadores de desenvolvimento do setor agrícola. Para tornar a produção mais eficiente, propõe-se a implementação de sistemas Biofloc (SB), são agregados de comunidades microbianas, na forma de flocos, composto por bactérias, fitoplâncton, matéria orgânica e inorgânica, facilmente gerados em lagoas sob condições de recirculação constante proposto água, alta oxigenação e suplementação com fontes ricas em carbono; proporcionar condições para controle da qualidade da água, através de processos naturais (metabolismo de oxigênio e nitrogênio), realizados por bactérias, fitoplâncton e algumas microalgas; que captura e imobilizar o amoníaco produzido no estaque, (nitrificação), para produzir a proteína bacteriana da qualidade, facilmente utilizável por peixe reincorporado ao sistema trófico da lagoa, maximização da produção de carne de peixes por unidade de área; com uso mínimo de recursos hídricos (sistemas mínimos de troca de água), o que reduz a possibilidade de patógenos e doenças entrarem na lagoa; tendo papel relevante na biossegurança da lagoa, além de sua atividade como controladora de populações de bactérias patogênicas. Da mesma forma, um efeito positivo foi encontrado no desenvolvimento e estimulação de alguns mecanismos de defesa do sistema imune inato de peixes e camarões, confirmando seu papel como compostos imunoestimulantes. Eles também apresentam outras vantagens nutricionais, como melhora na taxa de ingestão, digestão, absorção, conversão alimentar, crescimento, efeitos positivos na atividade enzimática digestiva entre outros; inclusive melhorando o desempenho reprodutivo, indicadores de fecundidade, desova e composição bio química dos ovos em algumas espécies de aquicultura.

Unusual manifestations of visceral leishmaniasis in children: a case series and its spatial dispersion in the western region of São Paulo state, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is becoming endemic in São Paulo state, in the southeastern region of Brazil. Unusual manifestations with non-specific signs and symptoms may make diagnosis difficult and delay treatment, increasing the risk of severity and death, particularly in new endemic areas. There are few studies on patients with these characteristics in Brazil. We describe a case series of unusual manifestations of VL in children and its spatial dispersion in the western region of São Paulo state. CASES PRESENTATION: From 2009 to 2014, five clinical cases involving children treated in the Regional Hospital of Presidente Prudente (RH) were selected. Two patients had multiple relapses requiring liposomal amphotericin B; one patient had VL-cytomegalovirus-dengue co-infection and liver injury; one patient was diagnosed with X-linked agammaglobulinemia, a primary immunodeficiency; and one patient was diagnosed with VL-human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (VL-HIV/AIDS) co-infection. Primary or secondary immunodeficiencies were found in four children, and associated viral infections were found in three children. Three patients were referred from other hospitals to RH. With regard to the geographic spread of VL, more cases were found in the northern area, in the epicenter of the infection where the first cases were registered, flowing south; a spatial-temporal occurrence was found. CONCLUSIONS: Primary and secondary immunodeficiencies and viral co-infectious should be considered among unusual manifestations of VL, especially in those with multiple relapses. Spatial-temporal occurrence was found. Thus, integrated actions and effective monitoring of the disease are needed to complement curative practices to stem the tide of the epidemic.

Frequency of Acute Otitis Media in Children Under 24 Months of Age Before and After the Introduction of the 10-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Into the National Immunization Program in Chile.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of acute otitis media (AOM). Ten-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine (PCV-10) was introduced to the Chilean National Immunization Program (NIP) in 2011. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of AOM in children <24 months of age attending the emergency department (ED) of Hospital Sótero del Río (HSR) 4 years before and 4 years after the introduction of PCV-10 in the Chilean NIP. METHODS: Register-based nested case-control study. Cases (n = 1907) were all children <24 months of age with a clinical diagnosis discharge of AOM at the ED of HSR, and controls (n = 244,334) were all other children <24 months of age attended at the same ED in the same time period, with any other discharge diagnosis. The data were obtained through HSR Statistical Service. RESULTS: In the study period, there was a mean of 30,695 children <24 months managed each year at the ED of HSR. The percentage with AOM in the prevaccine period was 0.94% and in the postvaccine period was 0.62%, respectively (P = 0.026). Exposure to the PCV-10 was associated with a decreased risk to develop AOM in children <24 months, with an odds ratio of 0.659 (95% confidence interval: 0.60-0.72). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a significant decrease in the percentage and risk of AOM in children <24 months of age who visited the ED of HSR after implementation of PCV-10 in the NIP in Chile.

Parálisis de cuerda vocal secundaria a intubación endotraqueal y su manejo: revisión en relación a dos casos clínicos / Vocal cord paralysis secondary to endotracheal intubation and its management: review in relation to two clinical cases

La parálisis de cuerda vocal secundaria a intubación endotraqueal es una complicación poco frecuente de la anestesia general. Se manifiesta con disfonía precoz luego de la extubación, y en ocasiones se asocia a aspiración. A continuación se presenta el reporte de dos pacientes sometidos a cirugía abdominal con anestesia general e intubación endotraqueal, que presentan una parálisis cordal unilateral en el posoperatorio inmediato. En ambos pacientes se realiza una laringoplastía de inyección con ácido hialurónico (Restylane®), con buenos resultados vocales. Uno de los casos tiene seguimiento a lo largo de dos años. Se describe esta patología y su manejo mediante una revisión bibliográfica.

Vocal fold paralysis posterior to endotracheal intubation is a very uncommon complication of the general anestesia. The symptoms includes hoarseness posterior to the extubation, and some times aspiration occurs. In this paper we present the report of two cases of abdominal surgery with general anesteshia and endotraqueal intubation procedures. Both subjects developed unilateral vocal fold paralysis after the process. The patients were treated with wedilization injection with Restylane ®, satisfactory voice's results were achieved. One of them has an observational time of two years. We describe this infrequent pathology and the treatment through literature review.

Tos en otorrinolaringología: revisión actualizada del enfoque clínico / Cough in otolaryngology: an up to date of the diagnostic approach

La tos ocurre por la compleja acción del arco de la tos. En condiciones normales es esencial para proteger la vía aérea. Es un síntoma muy frecuente, con un gran número de etiologías posibles. El enfrentamiento diagnóstico de los pacientes con tos crónica, puede resultar un desafío diagnóstico. Deben considerarse las patologías más prevalentes, que incluyen el reflujo faringolaríngeo y la descarga posterior: ambas condiciones que son parte del área otorrinolaringológica. En el presente artículo de revisión se pretende entregar un enfoque actualizado de su enfrentamiento y manejo, con la finalidad de aportar información que resulte relevante para la práctica clínica diaria.

Cough occurs due to the complex action of the coughing arch. Under normal conditions it is essential to protect the airway. It is a very frequent symptom with a large of possible etiologies. The diagnosis process of patients with chronic cough can be a challenge. The most prevalent pathologies must be considered. Thus includes pharyngolaryngeal reflux and posterior discharge: both conditions that are part of the otorhinolaryngolocical area. In the present article review, we pretend to provide an updated approach and management to this condition, in order to asses relevant information to daily clinical practice.

Are cannabinoids effective in multiple sclerosis? / ¿Son efectivos los cannabinoides en la esclerosis múltiple?

Multiple beneficial effects have been proposed lately for cannabinoids in different clinical situations. Among them, it has been postulated they would control symptoms of multiple sclerosis. However, there is no consensus about their real clinical role. To answer this question, we searched in Epistemonikos database, which is maintained by screening multiple databases. We identified 25 systematic reviews including 35 studies overall, of which 26 were randomized trials. We extracted data, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. We concluded cannabinoids in multiple sclerosis do not reduce spasticity or pain, and are probably associated to frequent adverse effects.

En el último tiempo, se han descrito diversos beneficios con el uso de cannabinoides en diferentes situaciones clínicas. Dentro de ellas se ha planteado un posible efecto en el control de la esclerosis múltiple, pero la real utilidad clínica es tema de debate. Para responder a esta pregunta utilizamos la base de datos Epistemonikos, la cual es mantenida mediante búsquedas en múltiples bases de datos. Identificamos 25 revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyen 35 estudios que responden la pregunta de interés, entre ellos 26 estudios aleatorizados. Extrajimos los datos, realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. Concluimos que el uso de cannabinoides en esclerosis múltiple no reduce la espasticidad ni el dolor, y probablemente se asocia a efectos adversos frecuentes.

Diabetic concentrations of metformin inhibit platelet-mediated ovarian cancer cell progression.

Clinical studies have suggested a survival benefit in ovarian cancer patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus taking metformin, however the mechanism by which diabetic concentrations of metformin could deliver this effect is still poorly understood. Platelets not only represent an important reservoir of growth factors and angiogenic regulators, they are also known to participate in the tumor microenvironment implicated in tumor growth and dissemination. Herein, we investigated if diabetic concentrations of metformin could impinge upon the previously reported observation that platelet induces an increase in the tube forming capacity of endothelial cells (angiogenesis) and upon ovarian cancer cell aggressiveness. We demonstrate that metformin inhibits the increase in angiogenesis brought about by platelets in a mechanism that did not alter endothelial cell migration. In ovarian cancer cell lines and primary cultured cancer cells isolated from the ascitic fluid of ovarian cancer patients, we assessed the effect of combinations of platelets and metformin upon angiogenesis, migration, invasion and cancer sphere formation. The enhancement of each of these parameters by platelets was abrogated by the present of metformin in the vast majority of cancer cell cultures tested. Neither metformin nor platelets altered proliferation; however, metformin inhibited the increase in phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase induced by platelets. We present the first evidence suggesting that concentrations of metformin present in diabetic patients may reduce the actions of platelets upon both endothelial cells and cancer cell survival and dissemination.