University Dropout Model for Developing Countries: A Colombian Context Approach.

University dropout is a problem that has raised great concern in institutions of higher education. For this reason, academic institutions need to study the phenomenon and come up with alternatives that contribute to the improvement of students' individual commitments. The aim is to examine the dimensions influencing the decision of university students to drop out. A quantitative approach study was carried out, based on a cross-sectional exploratory-descriptive field design, in which 372 students participated. According to the participants, one of the dimensions that influence the decision to leave the university is the support of the institutions to the continuity of the motivation processes to the student body, since the easy access to the credits is greater than the scholarships granted, which coincides with the financing restrictions of university students in developing countries. In conclusion, it is observed that the communication between managers, teachers, and students is a key factor in the processes of academic retention as a strategy to combat the phenomenon of university desertion.

Ontological Model in the Identification of Emotional Aspects in Alzheimer Patients.

The present work describes the development of a conceptual representation model of the domain of the theory of formal grammars and abstract machines through ontological modeling. The main goal is to develop an ontology capable of deriving new knowledge about the mood of an Alzheimer's patient in the categories of wandering, nervous, depressed, disoriented or bored. The patients are from elderly care centers in Ambato Canton-Ecuador. The population consists of 147 individuals of both sexes, diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, with ages ranging from 75 to 89 years. The methods used are the taxonomic levels, the semantic categories and the ontological primitives. All these aspects allow the computational generation of an ontological structure, in addition to the use of the proprietary tool Pellet Reasoner as well as Apache NetBeans from Java for process completion. As a result, an ontological model is generated using its instances and Pellet Reasoner to identify the expected effect. It is noted that the ontologies come from the artificial intelligence domain. In this case, they are represented by aspects of real-world context that relate to common vocabularies for humans and applications working in a domain or area of interest.

Factors associated with scientific production citations in dentistry: Zero-inflated negative binomial regression and hurdle modelling.

Background: The global scientific literature in dentistry has shown important advances in the field, with major contributions ranging from the analysis of the basic epidemiological aspects of prevention to specialised results in the field of dental treatments. The present investigation aimed to analyse the current state of the scientific literature on dentistry hosted in the Web of Science database. Methods: The methodology included two phases in the analysis of articles and indexed reviews in all thematic areas. During the first phase, the following variables were analysed: scientific production by the publisher, the evolution of scientific output published by publishers, the factors associated with the impact of scientific production, and the modelling of the impact of scientific production on dentistry. During the second phase, associations, evolutions, and trends in the use of keywords in the scientific literature in dentistry were analysed. Results: The first phase shows that scientific production in dentistry will increase between 2010 and 2021, reaching 12,126 articles in 2021. Publishers such as Wiley and Elsevier stand out, but Quintessence Publishing has the most citations. Factors such as pages, authors, and references influence the number of citations. Phase 2 analyzes trends in the dental literature using the WoS database. Topics such as "dental education", "pediatric dentistry", and "pandemic" stand out. The intersection of technology and dentistry and the importance of evidence-based education are highlighted. Conclusions: In conclusion, the study shows that the most studied topics include the association of dental education and the curriculum, the association of pediatric dentistry with oral health, and dental care. The findings show that more recently emphasised topics also stand out, such as evidence-based dentistry, the COVID-19 pandemic, infection control, and endodontics, as well as the need for future research to expand current knowledge based on emerging topics in the scientific literature on dentistry.

A systematic review of trends in photobiomodulation in dentistry between 2018 and 2022: advances and investigative agenda.

Background: Photobiomodulation (PBM) involves laser therapy utilized in medical sciences to modulate biological processes acting as a palliative and immune response-enhancing treatment. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to explore current trends in PBM-related scientific production, encompassing publications, citations, impact, keywords and clusters. Additionally, it aims to predict future research trends in this domain. Methods: The data for this quantitative and qualitative bibliometric analysis were obtained from 608 scientific documents retrieved in November 2022, with 123 sourced from Web of Science and 485 from Scopus, Utilizing Excel, the data was processed in Excel to extract essencial information. Productivity and impact were evaluated for eligibility, and VOSviewer aided in determining associativity for the bibliometric analysis. Results: The findings of this study demostrate that the scientific production related to PBM adheres to a growth power law, exhibiting characteristics of both exponential and linear phases. Notably, recent research trends emphasize critical concepts such as laser therapy, orthodontics, and dental pulp stem cells. Particularly significant is the burgeoning interest in utilizing PBM within dentistry as a complementary alternative to existing protocols. Conclusions: PBM stands as a promising laser therapy within medical applications. Through a detailed bibliometric analysis, this study underscores the increasing significance of PBM, especially within the realm of dental treatments. These insights offer a glimpse into the evolving landscape of PBM research and provide valuable guidance for potential future directions of study.

Perfil neuropsicológico en pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico atendidos en un hospital de alta complejidad de Medellín, Colombia / Neuropsychological profile of patients with traumatic brain injury evaluated in a high complexity hospital in Medellin, Colombia

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: El trauma craneoencefálico (TCE) es una de las principales causas de daño cerebral y discapacidad en personas menores de 40 años. Según su severidad, se puede clasificar en leve, moderado o grave, en función de la escala de coma de Glasgow. Muchos pacientes quedan con secuelas neuropsicológicas y comportamentales que pueden afectar en mayor o menor grado su funcionalidad. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar las diferencias en el perfil neuropsicológico, las características clínicas y el compromiso funcional en pacientes con TCE según la clasificación de la severidad. METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, de corte transversal. Se revisaron las historias clínicas y los reportes neuropsicológicos de adultos con TCE evaluados por neuropsicología entre los años 2014 y 2019. Se compararon los resultados de pruebas neuropsicológicas, síndromes neuropsicológicos y funcionalidad según la severidad del TCE. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 48 pacientes, 38 de ellos hombres (73 %), con una mediana de edad de 35 años (RI: 25-51). En 14 casos el TCE fue leve, en 18 moderado y en 16 severo. El síndrome neuropsicológico más frente fue el amnésico (100 %), seguido del disejecutivo (79 %) y el compromiso en la atención (77 %). No se encontraron diferencias según severidad del TCE. Cuarenta y un pacientes (85 %) presentaron cambios comportamentales, 14 (29 %) experimentaron alteración en las actividades básicas de la vida diaria y 32 (68 %) en las actividades instrumentales. CONCLUSIONES: Las alteraciones neuropsicológicas, comportamentales y funcionales posteriores a un TCE son frecuentes, sin embargo, no se encontraron diferencias significativas según severidad del trauma.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the main causes of brain damage and disability in people under 40 years of age. The severity of TBI can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the Glasgow coma scale. Many patients are left with neuropsychological and behavioral sequelae that can affect functionality to a greater or lesser degree. The objective of the study was to determine the differences in the neuropsychological profile, clinical characteristics and functional impairment in patients with TBI according to severity. METHODOLOGY: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out. The clinical records and neuropsychological reports of adults with TBI evaluated between 2014 and 2019 were reviewed. The results of neuropsychological tests, neuropsychological syndromes, and functionality according to severity of TBI were compared. RESULTS: 48 patients were studied, 35 were males (73 %), the median age was 35 years (IR: 25-51). In 14 TBI was mild, in 18 moderate and 16 severe. The most common neuropsychological syndrome was amnesic (100 %) followed by dysexecutive (79 %) and attentional commitment (77 %). No differences were found according to severity of TBI. 41 patients (85 %) presented behavioral changes, 14 (29 %) presented alteration in basic activities of daily life and 32 (68 %) in instrumental activities. CONCLUSIONS: Neuropsychological, behavioral and functional alterations are frequent after TBI; however, no significant differences were found according to the severity of the trauma.

Asociación entre el síndrome metabólico y los niveles de transaminasas / Association between metabolic syndrome and transaminase levels

RESUMEN Introducción: En la patología del síndrome metabólico, de acuerdo con distintas investigaciones y la práctica clínica se han visto manifestaciones de daño hepático. Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de transaminasas elevadas (alanina aminotransaminasa y aspartato aminotransaminasa) y determinar su asociación con síndrome metabólico. Métodos: Estudio transversal con procedimientos analíticos. Análisis secundario de los datos generados por el registro electrónico en salud de un policlínico ocupacional. La variable principal fue el diagnóstico del síndrome metabólico. Para definir aspartato aminotransaminasa elevada se consideraron valores > 30 U/L en mujeres y valores > 36 U/L en hombres. Para alanina aminotransaminasa, se consideraron valores > 30 U/L en mujeres y valores > 40 U/L en hombres. Resultados: La prevalencia de síndrome metabólico fue de 21,82 %, de aspartato aminotransaminasa elevada fue del 10,30 % y alanina aminotransaminasa elevada del 16,67 %. En la regresión múltiple, se ajustó por las covariables confusoras sexo, edad, ocupación, índice de masa corporal, fumar, alcohol y actividad física. Se observó que los pacientes con aspartato aminotransaminasa elevada tenían 128 % mayor frecuencia de síndrome metabólico, respecto a quienes no presentaban valores elevados (razón prevalencia= 2,28; IC95 %: 1,64 - 3,17; p< 0,001). Se encontró que los pacientes con alanina aminotransaminasa elevada tenían 148 % mayor frecuencia de presentar síndrome metabólico respecto a quienes no presentaban valores elevados (razón prevalencia= 2,48; IC95 %: 1,77 - 3,47; p< 0,001). Conclusiones: Existe asociación entre las transaminasas hepáticas elevadas y la presencia de síndrome metabólico.

ABSTRACT Introduction: In the pathology of metabolic syndrome, manifestations of liver damage have been seen in different investigations and in clinical practice. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of elevated transaminases (alanine aminotransaminase and aspartate aminotransaminase), and to determine their association with metabolic syndrome. Methods: Cross-sectional with analytical procedure study. Secondary analysis of data generated by the electronic health record of an occupational polyclinic. The main variable was the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. To define elevated aspartate aminotransaminase, values > 30 U/L in women and values > 36 U/L in men were considered. For alanine aminotransaminase, values > 30 U/L in women and values > 40 U/L in men were considered. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 21.82%, elevated aspartate aminotransaminase was 10.30% and elevated alanine aminotransaminase was 16.67%. In multiple regression, we adjusted for the confounding covariates of sex, age, occupation, body mass index, smoking, alcohol and physical activity. It was observed that patients with elevated aspartate aminotransaminase had a 128% higher frequency of presenting metabolic syndrome, compared to those without elevated values (reason prevalence= 2.28; 95% CI: 1.64-3.17; p< 0.001). On the other hand, it was found that patients with elevated alanine aminotransaminase had a 148% higher frequency of presenting metabolic syndrome compared to those without elevated values (reason prevalence= 2.48; 95% CI: 1.77 - 3.47; p< 0.001). Conclusions: There is an association between elevated hepatic transaminases and the presence of metabolic syndrome.

Rheumatic Myocarditis: A Poorly Recognized Etiology of Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Valvular Heart Disease Patients.

Background: Heart failure occurs in ~10% of patients with acute rheumatic fever (RF), and several studies have shown that cardiac decompensation in RF results primarily from valvular disease and is not due to primary myocarditis. However, the literature on this topic is scarce, and a recent case series has shown that recurrent RF can cause ventricular dysfunction even in the absence of valvular heart disease. Methods: The present study evaluated the clinical, laboratory and imaging characteristics of 25 consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of myocarditis confirmed by 18F-FDG PET/CT or gallium-67 cardiac scintigraphy and RF reactivation according to the revised Jones Criteria. Patients underwent three sequential echocardiograms at (1) baseline, (2) during myocarditis and (3) post corticosteroid treatment. Patients were divided according to the presence (Group 1) or absence (Group 2) of reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during myocarditis episodes. Results: The median age was 42 (17-51) years, 64% of patients were older than 40 years, and 64% were women. Between Group 1 (n = 16) and in Group 2 (n = 9), there were no demographic, echocardiographic or laboratory differences except for NYHA III/IV heart failure (Group 1: 100.0% vs. Group 2: 50.0%; p = 0.012) and LVEF (30 [25-37] vs. 56 [49-62]%, respectively; p < 0.001), as expected. Group 1 patients showed a significant reduction in LVEF during carditis with further improvement after treatment. There was no correlation between LVEF and valvular dysfunction during myocarditis. Among all patients, 19 (76%) underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT, with a positive scan in 68.4%, and 21 (84%) underwent gallium-67 cardiac scintigraphy, with positive uptake in 95.2%, there was no difference between these groups. Conclusion: Myocarditis due to rheumatic fever reactivation can cause left ventricular dysfunction despite valvular disease, and it is reversible after corticosteroid treatment.

Whole-Exome Sequencing in Patients Affected by Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Reveals New Variants Potentially Contributing to the Phenotype.

BACKGROUND: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are frequent occurring events that can essentially be defined as harmful or unpleasant symptoms secondary to the use of a medicinal product. ADRs involve a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from minor itching and rash to life-threatening reactions. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare ADRs. SJS-TEN may be considered a polygenic pathology due to additive/epistatic effects caused by sequence variants in numerous genes. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) represents a potentially interesting exploration tool in such scenario as it facilitates the simultaneous analysis of large genomic regions and genes at affordable cost. METHODS: The present study has involved using whole-exome sequencing (WES) for the first time on SJS-TEN patients. It involved robust and innovative multistep bioinformatics analysis focusing on 313 candidate genes potentially participating in the disease's aetiology, specific drugs' metabolism and gene regulation. RESULTS: We identified combinations of frequently occurring and rare variants that may contribute to the disease's pathogenesis. Depending on the specific drug being taken, different variants (and alleles) in NAT2, CYP2D8, CYP2B6, ABCC2, UGT2B7 and TCF3 were identified as coherent candidates representing potential future markers for SJS-TEN. CONCLUSION: The present study proposed and has described (for the first time) a large-scale genomic analysis of patients affected by SJS-TEN. The genes and variants identified represent relevant candidates potentially participating in the disease's pathogenesis. Corroborating that proposed by others, we found that complex combinations of frequently occurring and rare variants participating in particular drug metabolism molecular cascades could be associated with the phenotype. TCF3 TF may be considered a coherent candidate for SJS-TEN that should be analysed in new cohorts of patients having ADRs.

Identifying new potential genetic biomarkers for HELLP syndrome using massive parallel sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia (PE) is a frequently occurring multisystemic disease affecting ~5% of pregnancies. PE patients may develop HELLP syndrome (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet), a mother and foetus life-threatening condition. Research into HELLP's genetic origin has been relatively unsuccessful, mainly because normal placental function and blood pressure regulation involve the fine-regulation of hundreds of genes. OBJECTIVE: To identify new genes and mutations constituting potential biomarkers for HELLP syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: The present case-control study involved whole-exome sequencing of 79 unrelated HELLP women. Candidate variants were screened in a control population constituted by 176 individuals. Stringent bioinformatics filters were used for selecting potentially etiological sequence variants in a subset of 487 genes. We used robust in silico mutation modelling for predicting the potential effect on protein structure. RESULTS: We identified numerous sequence variants in genes related to angiogenesis/coagulation/blood pressure regulation, cell differentiation/communication/adhesion, cell cycle and transcriptional gene regulation, extracellular matrix biology, lipid metabolism and immunological response. Five sequence variants generated premature stop codons in genes playing an essential role in placental physiology (STOX1, PDGFD, IGF2, MMP1 and DNAH11). Six variants (ERAP1- p.Ile915Thr, ERAP2- p.Leu837Ser, COMT-p.His192Gln, CSAD-p.Pro418Ser, CDH1- p.Ala298Thr and CCR2-p.Met249Lys) led to destabilisation of protein structure as they had significant energy and residue interaction-related changes. We identified at least two mutations in 57% of patients, arguing in favour of a polygenic origin for the HELLP syndrome. CONCLUSION: Our results provide novel evidence regarding PE/HELLP's genetic origin, leading to new biomarkers, having potential clinical usefulness, being proposed.

Acanthosis nigricans as a composite marker of cardiometabolic risk and its complex association with obesity and insulin resistance in Mexican American children.

AIM: Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a strong correlate of obesity and is considered a marker of insulin resistance (IR). AN is associated with various other cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs). However, the direct causal relationship of IR with AN in obesity has been debated. Therefore, we aimed to examine the complex causal relationships among the troika of AN, obesity, and IR in Mexican Americans (MAs). METHODS: We used data from 670 non-diabetic MA children, aged 6-17 years (49% girls). AN (prevalence 33%) severity scores (range 0-5) were used as a quasi-quantitative trait (AN-q) for analysis. We used the program SOLAR for determining phenotypic, genetic, and environmental correlations between AN-q and CMRFs (e.g., BMI, HOMA-IR, lipids, blood pressure, hs-C-reactive protein (CRP), and Harvard physical fitness score (PFS)). The genetic and environmental correlations were subsequently used in mediation analysis (AMOS program). Model comparisons were made using goodness-of-fit indexes. RESULTS: Heritability of AN-q was 0.75 (p<0.0001). It was positively/significantly (p<0.05) correlated with traits such as BMI, HOMA-IR, and CRP, and negatively with HDL-C and PFS. Of the models tested, indirect mediation analysis of BMI→HOMA-IR→AN-q yielded lower goodness-of-fit than a partial mediation model where BMI explained the relationship with both HOMA-IR and AN-q simultaneously. Using complex models, BMI was associated with AN-q and IR mediating most of the CMRFs; but no relationship between IR and AN-q. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that obesity explains the association of IR with AN, but no causal relationship between IR and AN in Mexican American children.

Determination of Aflatoxin M1 in Raw Milk from Different Provinces of Ecuador.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a mycotoxin from Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, classified as carcinogenic and hepatotoxic. The objective of the present investigation was to determine its presence in raw milk from north-central Ecuador, constituted by the provinces of Pichincha, Manabí, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. These areas represent approximately 30% of Ecuadorian milk production. By the end of the investigation, a total of 209 raw milk samples were collected, obtained both during the dry (June and August) and rainy seasons (April and November) of 2019. AFM1 concentrations were measured with lateral flow immunochromatographic assays, and 100% of the samples were positive for this mycotoxin, presenting a mean value of 0.0774 µg/kg with a range of 0.023 to 0.751 µg/kg. These AFM1 levels exceeded the European Union regulatory limit of 0.05 µg/kg in 59.3% (124/209) of samples, while only 1.9% (4/209) exceeded the Ecuadorian legal limit of 0.5 µg/kg. By using non-parametric tests, significant differences were determined (p ≤ 0.05) between the provinces for months of study, climatic season (being higher in the dry season), and climatic region (greater in the coast region). On the other hand, there were no significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) between the types of producers or between production systems. Therefore, AFM1 contamination in raw milk does not present a serious public health problem in Ecuador, but a monitoring and surveillance program for this mycotoxin in milk should be developed to prevent consumer health problems.

Hospital Outcomes of Adult Diabetic Patients by Glycated Hemoglobin Level in Nonsurgical Pathology in a High-Complexity Institution.

Recent evidence supports the relationship between in-hospital hyperglycemia and inpatient complications. Besides, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) can predict the clinical course of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) during hospital stays. This study aimed to assess the relationship between HbA1c levels and inpatient outcomes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with age greater than 18 years, hospital length of stay greater than 24 hours, and one HbA1c report during their in-hospital management were included. All the electronic care records of patients admitted at the Clinical Versalles, a high-volume institution, in Manizales-Colombia were revised. The following variables were considered: hospital length of stay, diagnoses at the arrival, complications, capillary glucose levels, and treatment at discharge. Variables were categorized by HbA1c levels: group 1 = ⩽ 7%, group 2 = 7.01% to 8.5%, group 3 = 8.51% to ⩽10% and group 4 = >10%. There were a total of 232 patients. Average age was 69.7 years, mean HbA1c was 7.19 ± 2.03, average body mass index (BMI) was 28.8 ± 5.6. About HbA1c, 146 (62.9%) had ⩽7.5%. The most frequent admission diagnosis was by cardiovascular diseases. Average hospitalization was 7.5 ± 5.7 days. There was no relationship between the levels of HbA1c with hospital stays, inpatient complications, or readmissions. Infections and respiratory diseases were more common conditions related to higher HbA1c levels, especially when these were 8.5%. In diabetic patients with nonsurgical diseases and high HbA1c levels, there was no association with clinical complications, length of stay, readmissions, or in-hospital mortality, but changes in treatment at discharge were observed.

Mutant GNLY is linked to Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare severe cutaneous adverse reactions to drugs. Granulysin (GNLY) plays a key role in keratinocyte apoptosis during SJS/TEN pathophysiology. To determine if GNLY-encoding mutations might be related to the protein's functional disturbances, contributing to SJS/TEN pathogenesis, we performed direct sequencing of GNLY's coding region in a group of 19 Colombian SJS/TEN patients. A GNLY genetic screening was implemented in a group of 249 healthy individuals. We identified the c.11G > A heterozygous sequence variant in a TEN case, which creates a premature termination codon (PTC) (p.Trp4Ter). We show that a mutant protein is synthesised, possibly due to a PTC-readthrough mechanism. Functional assays demonstrated that the mutant protein was abnormally located in the nuclear compartment, potentially leading to a toxic effect. Our results argue in favour of GNLY non-synonymous sequence variants contributing to SJS/TEN pathophysiology, thereby constituting a promising, clinically useful molecular biomarker.

Duodenal injury in blunt abdominal trauma. Case report and literature review.

There are few reported cases of small bowel injury due to blunt abdominal trauma. We describe the clinical presentation and surgical management of these lesions. This is the clinical case of a polytraumatized male with a duodenal injury IIID3 according to AAST, who underwent resection of the intestinal segment with duodeno-duodenum anastomosis with favorable results. The infrequent presentation of injuries to the small intestine due to blunt trauma may lead the clinician to overlook the need for intentional interrogation about the kinematics of the trauma, while at the same time neglecting the taking of complementary diagnostic imaging studies, this because of a lack of clinical suspicion. It is important to analyze the patient's context, which will allow us to assess the need to delve into diagnostic studies in order to optimize their treatment.

Existen pocos casos notificados de lesión de intestino delgado por traumatismo contuso abdominal. Se describen la presentación clínica y el tratamiento quirúrgico de dichas lesiones, un caso clínico de un paciente masculino politraumatizado con lesión duodenal IIID3 según la AAST, objeto de resección de segmento intestinal con anastomosis duodenoduodenal terminoterminal con resultados favorables. La presentación infrecuente de lesiones de intestino delgado por traumatismo contuso puede llevar al clínico a soslayar la necesidad de un interrogatorio intencionado acerca de la cinemática del traumatismo y también de los estudios de imagen complementarios diagnósticos debido a la falta de sospecha clínica. Es importante analizar el contexto del paciente para valorar la necesidad de profundizar en estudios diagnósticos y optimizar el tratamiento.

Dysentery by CTX-M Type ESBL Producing Shigella flexneri / Disentería por Shigella flexneri productora de BLEE tipo CTX-M

According to the World Health Organization, diarrheal infections cause 525 000 deaths of children under five years of age every year, and shigellosis. Shigellosis is a relevant cause of dysentery, which increases the morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients. Therefore, emergingthe emergence of antimicrobial resistant strains of Shigella is a concerningworrisome problem worldwide. We report the case of a 7-year-old patient with acute dysentery caused by CTX-M Type ESBL Producing Shigella flexneri, being. This was the first case treated in the Specialties Hospital of Specialties of the Armed Forces N°1, in Quito, Ecuador. The antibiogram demonstrated sensibilityshowed sensitivity to ampicillin-sulbactam. As a result, after five days of microbiologically directed treatment, the patient improved his condition without relapse. Proper clinical diagnoses and accurate laboratory studies like stool culture and antibiogram are crucial to givingindicate an appropriate therapy in infections caused by Shigella and other enteric bacilli(AU)

Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud, las infecciones diarreicas provocan 525 000 muertes de niños menores de cinco años de edad cada año. La shigelosis es una causa importante de disentería que aumenta la morbilidad y mortalidad de los pacientes pediátricos. Es por eso que el surgimiento de cepas de Shigella resistentes a los antibióticos es un preocupante problema a nivel mundial. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 7 años de edad con disentería aguda provocada por Shigella flexneri productora de BLEE tipo CTX-M. Se trata del primer caso tratado en el Hospital de Especialidades de las Fuerzas Armadas Nº 1, en Quito, Ecuador. El antibiograma mostró sensibilidad a la combinación ampicilina/sulbactam. Al cabo de cinco días de tratamiento microbiológico, el paciente mejoró su estado y no se produjeron recaídas. Un diagnóstico clínico correcto, así como estudios precisos de laboratorio como los cultivos de heces y los antibiogramas, son vitales para indicar una terapia apropiada en las infecciones causadas por Shigella y otros bacilos entéricos(AU)

Bridging the Gaps Through Nurse-Led Nutrition Education to Underserved Children.

Although children residing in impoverished rural communities located along the Texas-Mexico border are at disproportionately high risk of unhealthy eating, limited resources may prevent devoting sufficient attention to school-based nutrition education. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the teaching effectiveness of graduate nursing students on fourth-grade student learning about healthy eating. Purposive sampling was used to select 213 predominately Hispanic fourth-grade students enrolled in one of three low-socioeconomic status underserved elementary schools located in rural South Texas. Ten graduate nursing students implemented the Creating Healthy Eating Choices for Kids Nutrition Curriculum to approximately 40 fourth-graders per group who attended weekly 45- to 50-minute sessions for 6 weeks. The MyPlate standardized tests were administered before and following the intervention. Results showed a significant improvement in learning on all program modules for fourth-graders from each school ( p = .000). Results support the value of creating a strategic partnership between a university school of nursing and key community leaders as a feasible method of providing nutrition education for fourth-graders enrolled in schools with limited resources.

Diagnosis and management of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus. Case report / Diagnóstico y manejo de síndrome de encefalopatía posterior reversible asociado a lupus eritematoso sistémico. Reporte de caso clínico

ABSTRACT Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical-radiological disorder that may include encephalopathy, seizures, headache, and visual disturbances. It is associated with conditions that induce endothelial damage, causing vasogenic cerebral edema that can be observed in magnetic resonance scans. It occurs in <1% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is usually resolved with timely treatment, but delays may lead to neurological sequelae or death. A case of PRES is presented in a patient with SLE with severe activity, a hypertensive emergency, and lupus glomerulonephritis debuting with epileptic status. The outcome was satisfactory with anticonvulsants, as well as treatment for her cerebral edema and hypertension, along with control of other causal factors.

RESUMEN El síndrome de encefalopatía posterior reversible (PRES) es un trastorno clínico-radiológico caracterizado por encefalopatía, convulsiones, cefalea y alteraciones visuales. Se asocia a entidades que ocasionan daño endotelial, causando edema cerebral vasogénico evidente en resonancia magnética. En pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) se presenta en < 1%. Con tratamiento oportuno usualmente resuelve; caso contrario puede producir secuelas neurológicas o muerte. Se reporta el caso de PRES en una paciente con LES con actividad severa, emergencia hipertensiva y glomerulonefritis lúpica que comienza con estatus epiléptico. Evolucionó satisfactoriamente con tratamiento anticonvulsivante, antiedema cerebral, antihipertensivo y control de los demás factores causales.

Executive Functions and High Intellectual Capacity in School-Age: Completely Overlap?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between the dimensions of the executive function and intellectual capacity in children with high academic performance. METHOD: an analytical, observational, prospective study with a non-random sample of 104 children between 7 and 11 years of age, belonging to educational institutions in Medellín, Colombia, divided into groups according to the measure of Total Intellectual Capacity (TIC): 1. Those with an average TIC of between 85-115. 2. Children with higher IC or those with scores ranging from 116-129 and 3. Children with TIC of > 130, known as exceptional talents. They are provided executive function tests that are in compliance with bioethical conditions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The Intellectual Capacity is not a concept analogous or synonymous to executive function. This study demonstrates that the common element among all participants is high academic performance and an absence of alteration of the executive function. Finally, an adequate executive functioning makes high academic performance possible.

Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre las dimensiones de la función ejecutiva y capacidad intelectual en niños escolarizados con alto rendimiento académico. Método: investigación de tipo analítica, observacional, prospectiva, con muestra no aleatoria de 104 niños entre los 7 y 11 años de edad pertenecientes a instituciones educativas de Medellín-Colombia, dividida en tres grupos de acuerdo con la medida de Capacidad Intelectual Total (CIT). 1. Aquellos con CIT promedio entre 85-115. 2. Niños con CI superior; puntuaciones entre 116-129 y 3. Niños con un CIT > 130; talentos excepcionales. Se les suministro pruebas de función ejecutiva con cumplimiento de condiciones bioéticas. Resultados y conclusiones: La Capacidad Intelectual no es concepto análogo ni sinónimo de función ejecutiva. Este estudio demostró que el elemento común entre todos los participantes es un alto rendimiento académico y una ausencia de alteración de la función ejecutiva. Finalmente, un adecuado funcionamiento ejecutivo posibilita un alto rendimiento académico.

Alteraciones en las ejecuciones viso-perceptuales en pacientes con síndromes electro-clínicos de epilepsias del lóbulo temporal y frontal / Visuoperceptual performances impairments in patients with electro-clinical syndromes of temporal lobe and frontal lobe epilepsies

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: Según el modelo de actividad modular encapsulada del foco epiléptico (FE), las epilepsias del lóbulo temporal (ELI) y del frontal (ELF) se asocian con alteraciones cognitivas de memoria, atención, lenguaje y función ejecutiva. Por eso la mayoría de los protocolos neuropsicológicos se centran en la evaluación de estas funciones. Las habilidades viso-perceptuales se evaluarían en los pacientes con epilepsias del cuadrante posterior (ECP). OBJETIVO: Establecer las alteraciones viso-perceptuales en pacientes adultos con síndrome electro-clínico compatible con ELT y ELF de Medellín, Colombia, al compararse con un grupo de personas sin epilepsia. Pacientes y métodos: la muestra estuvo conformada por 19 pacientes, 10 (52,6 %) mujeres, edad de 43,0±12,3 (IC 95 %:37,1-48,9) años, con síndromes electro-clínicos por video-telemetría compatibles con ELT o ELF, con capacidad intelectual total estimada 107,2±14,1 (IC95 %:100,3-114,0). Se compararon con 16 personas sin epilepsia, 9(56,2 %) mujeres, edad 41,8±12,7 (IC95 %:35,1-48,6) y capacidad intelectual de 117±17,5 (IC95 %:108,6-127,2). Se les aplicó un protocolo para evaluación de procesos viso-perceptuales. RESULTADOS: Los pacientes presentaron un rendimiento significativamente inferior (p<0,05) en discriminación de figura-fondo, orientación viso-espacial de líneas y en el reconocimiento diferido de la memoria visual de puntos. Estas dificultades fueron mayores en los pacientes con ELF. CONCLUSIONES: Se observan alteraciones en ejecuciones viso-perceptuales y de almacenamiento de memoria visual más severas en pacientes con ELF. Esto apoya el modelo de redes complejas (no modulares y no encapsuladas), tanto para la actividad epiléptica como para la cognitiva. Por esto, los procesos viso-perceptuales deben ser evaluados en los pacientes con síndromes de ELT o ELF.

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: According to modular encapsulated activity model of the epileptic focus (EF), Temporal lobe epilepsies (TLE) and Frontal lobe epilepsies (FLE) are associated to memory, attention, language and executive function impairments. For this reason most of the neuropsychological protocols are focused in the assessment of these functions. Visuoperceptual skills only would be assessed in patients with posterior quadrant epilepsies (PQE). OBJECTIVE: To establish visuoperceptual impairment in a sample of electro-clinical syndromes compatibles with TLE and FLE from Medellín-Colombia, compared with a group of healthy people without epilepsy. Patients and methods: sample was constituted by 19 patients, 10 women (52,6%), aged 43,0±12,3 (CI95%:37,1-48,9), with electro-clinical syndromes compatible with TLE or FLE, median estimated IQ 107,2±14,1 (CI95%:100,3-114,0). They were compared with 16 healthy people without epilepsy, 9(56,2%) women, median age 41,8±12,7 (CI95%:35,1-48,6) and 117±17,5 (IC95%:108,6-127,2). A visuoperceptual protocol was administered to both groups. RESULTS: Patients presented significant lower (p<0,05) on figure-background discrimination, visuospatial line orientations, and delayed recall by recognition of dots visual memory. These impairments were significant worst in FLE patients. CONCLUSIONS: TLE and FLE patients have visuoperceptual and delayed visual memory store impairments, which were significant worst in FLE patients. These findings support the complex network (non-modular and non-encapsulated) model to explain EF and cognitive functioning in patient with TLE and FLE. Visuoper-ceptual processes should be always assessed in these patients.