[Thoracic insufficiency syndrome]. / Síndrome de insuficiencia torácica.

The compendium of disorders that affect the normal growth or function of the thorax will cause Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome (TIS). TIS is defined as the inability of the chest to sustain normal breathing and/or lung growth. The etiology of the syndrome may be secondary to spinal deformities, global deformities of the chest, neuromuscular dysfunction or the combination of any these. Its manifestation is based on a history that highlights respiratory symptoms, a physical examination that demonstrates chest deformity, abnormal radiographic findings and/or computed tomography of the chest, accompanied by alterations in lung function or other studies of respiratory function. This syndrome must be treated with haste since it progressively worsens with the aggravation of the underlying condition(s) which is unfavorable to the irreversible physiological changes of the lung that occur during development, and are directly related to the respiratory insufficiencies. The vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) was developed as a treatment procedure that aims to restore the volume and function of the thorax with the purpose of enabling thoracic growth during the development of the child or adolescent. The treatment targets the components of the rib cage as a unit, in order to prevent or treat respiratory insufficiencies. Its indications include children with early development scoliosis who are prone to develop SIT. The proposed procedure entails a high incidence of complications and conflicting results that limit its efficacy as a treatment, which is why it is a subject of great controversy in the medical literature.

Los procesos que afecten el crecimiento normal o la función del tórax causarán el síndrome de insuficiencia torácica (SIT). Éste se define como la incapacidad del tórax de sostener una respiración normal y/o crecimiento pulmonar. La etiología del síndrome puede ser secundaria a deformidades de la columna, deformidades globales del tórax, disfunción neuromuscular o la combinación de éstas. Su manifestación se basa en un historial que resalta síntomas respiratorios, un examen físico que demuestra deformidad del tórax, hallazgos anormales radiográficos y/o tomografía computarizada del pecho, acompañados de alteración en la función pulmonar o de otros estudios de la función respiratoria. Este síndrome debe ser tratado con premura debido a que progresivamente empeora con el agravamiento de la condición subyacente, lo que resulta irreversiblemente desfavorable en los cambios fisiológicos del pulmón y se relaciona con insuficiencia respiratoria durante el desarrollo. El tratamiento expansor de costilla conocido en inglés como vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) propone restaurar el volumen y la función torácica con el propósito de permitir el crecimiento del tórax a través del desarrollo del paciente. El tratamiento se dirige a los componentes de la caja torácica como una unidad, con el fin de prevenir o tratar la insuficiencia respiratoria. Sus indicaciones incluyen niños con escoliosis de desarrollo temprano que sean propensos a desarrollar el SIT. El procedimiento propuesto conlleva una alta incidencia de complicaciones y resultados conflictivos que limitan su eficacia como tratamiento, por lo que es un tema de gran controversia en la literatura médica.

Effects of radiotherapy on plasma energy metabolites in patients with breast cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is employed in patients with breast cancer (BC) with the aim of reducing tumor burden and improving surgical outcomes. We evaluated the levels of energy metabolites pre- and post-radiotherapy (RT) in breast cancer (BC) patients who previously received NACT and investigated the alterations of these metabolites in relation to the patient achieving a pathologic complete response to NACT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 37 BC patients who were treated with NACT following surgery and analyzed the concentrations of energy balance-related metabolites using targeted metabolomics before and one month after the end of RT. The control group was composed of 44 healthy women. RESULTS: Pre-radiotherapy, patients had significant decreases in the plasma levels of 12 metabolites. RT corrected these alterations and the improvement was superior in patients with a pathologic complete response. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the importance of metabolism in the outcomes of patients with BC.

Current situation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in PM2.5 in a receptor site in Mexico City and estimation of carcinogenic PAH by combining non-real-time and real-time measurement techniques.

Air pollution is a public health concern. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are ubiquitous atmospheric pollutants contained in the atmospheric aerosol. PAH in particulate matter with diameters ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5) represent a human health risk due to their toxic properties. In this study, PAH in PM2.5 at a receptor site of Mexico City during the dry cold season were determined. The most abundant PAH (median, 10-90th percentile, pg m-3) were benzo[ghi]perylene (467, 291-697), followed by pyrene (427, 218-642). A decrease around 40% in the carcinogenic PAH onto PM2.5 was calculated with respect to the same PAH measured a decade ago, at the same receptor site, despite of increase in vehicle fleet. The PAH decrease trend agrees with the decrease trend of CO, NO and NO2, released into the air by similar emission sources than PAH. Control emissions strategies implemented by local and federal authorities are discussed. PAH analyses were carried out by non-real-time and real-time methods. The PAH non-real-time method involved PM2.5 sampling, sample treatment and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The PAH real-time method involved the use of a photoelectric aerosol sensor (PAS). The PAH determination by non-real time method was selective and efficient, with recoveries between 75 ±â€¯14% and 98 ±â€¯26%. By combining non-real-time and real-time methodologies, multivariate regression models were obtained based on PAS response, NO2 and wind speed to estimate PAH in PM2.5 at low-cost (r2 = 0.59 to r2 = 0.89). Fossil fuel combustion from vehicles was the major source around the sampling site. Diagnostic ratios (DR) based on retene, chrysene, and triphenylene, suggested biomass burning emission sources. Photo-oxidation in sunny months was observed based on benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[ghi]perylene, benz[a]anthracene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene and black carbon. The correlation analyses suggested transport of PM2.5, O3, BC and SO2 to the sampling site, and local emissions of PAH, NO and CO.

[Thyroid abscess due to Salmonella enteritidis in an immunocompetent patient]. / Le cas clinique du mois. Abcès thyroïdien à Salmonella enteritidis chez un patient immunocompétent.

The thyroid gland is usually resistant to infections due to its anatomy. However, suppurative thyroiditis could be found in immunocompromised patients or those with previous thyroid diseases. We report a case of thyroid abscess secondary to Salmonella enteritidis infection in an immunocompetent patient. We were not able to establish the source of infection. Clinical improvement was achieved under antibiotic treatment without complications. Early diagnosis is important as thyroid abcess may be a life threatening condition.

La thyroïde est une glande endocrine généralement résistante aux infections en raison de sa localisation et présentation anatomique. Cependant, une thyroïdite suppurée est susceptible de survenir chez des patients immunodéprimés ou ayant déjà présenté un dysfonctionnement thyroïdien. Nous rapportons un cas d'abcès thyroïdien consécutif à une infection à Salmonella enteritidis chez un patient immunocompétent. Nous n'avons pas pu établir la source de l'infection. Une amélioration clinique a été obtenue sous traitement antibiotique sans complications. Un diagnostic précoce est essentiel afin d'éviter toutes complications graves mettant en jeu le pronostic vital.

Búsqueda manual y electrónica de ensayos clínicos en revistas médicas cubanas: análisis de la terminología utilizada en su descripción / Manual and electronic search of clinical trials in Cuban medical journals: analysis of terminology

INTRODUCCIÓN Los ensayos clínicos se consideran la regla de oro para evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de las intervenciones. De manera independiente, pueden no ser suficientes para generalizar resultados, pero constituyen la base de revisiones sistemáticas que sintetizan sus resultados y suelen aportar evidencias de mayor calidad. Pero una vez publicados, la pobre descripción del método científico y el uso insuficiente de palabras clave, dificultan su recuperación por búsqueda electrónica y se requiere de la búsqueda manual. OBJETIVOS Comparar la capacidad de recuperación entre la búsqueda manual y estrategias múltiples de búsqueda electrónica para localizar ensayos clínicos en revistas médicas cubanas, y determinar la terminología utilizada para describir el ensayo clínico. Métodos Se combinó la búsqueda electrónica en la biblioteca virtual Scientific Electronic Library Online de Cuba (SciELO Cuba), y la base de datos de bibliografía médica cubana Cumed con la búsqueda manual utilizando la guía de búsqueda de Cochrane, para localizar los ensayos en tres revistas cubanas en el período 2000 a 2012. Se identificaron los términos significativos incluidos en título, resumen, palabras clave y métodos de cada artículo según la guía Cochrane, CONSORT y el tesauro de ciencias de la salud. RESULTADOS Se identificaron 50 ensayos en la búsqueda manual, de ellos cuatro coincidieron en la búsqueda electrónica; todos a través de SciELO Cuba (8%) y ninguno en Cumed. Las secciones menos descriptivas fueron el título y las palabras clave. Se utilizaron más palabras clave que descriptores autorizados; los únicos conceptos empleados en más de la mitad de los estudios fueron: "controlado" (60%) y "grupos de estudio" (52%); "aleatorizado" fue usado en el 50% de los artículos. Aunque son más específicos, no fueron muy usados los términos "ensayo clínico", "fase" y "código del ensayo". CONCLUSIONES La búsqueda electrónica es insuficiente para la identificación de ensayos clínicos respecto de la búsqueda manual. Por lo tanto, se precisa la combinación de ambos métodos para lograr un mayor índice de recobrado. La terminología usada para describir los ensayos clínicos en las revistas seleccionadas fue deficiente, debido a la subutilización del tesauro de ciencias de la salud.

INTRODUCTION Clinical trials are the gold standard for testing the efficacy and safety of interventions. On their own they may not be enough to reach definitive conclusions, but they are the basis for systematic reviews that synthesize the results of several studies. However, once clinical trials have been published, a poor description of the study design and lack of specific key words and descriptors make it difficult to retrieve them by electronic searches, thus requiring hand searching. OBJECTIVES To compare the retrieving capacity between hand search and the multiple strategies of electronic searches for identifying clinical trials in Cuban medical journals, and to determine the terminology used for describing these studies. METHODS We combined electronic searches in the Scientific Electronic Library Online of Cuba (SciELO Cuba) and Cuban database Cumed with hand search using the Cochrane guide to locate trials in three Cuban journals in the period 2000-2012. We identified the significant terms included in the title, summary, keywords and methods of each article according to Cochrane, CONSORT, and the health sciences thesaurus. RESULTS We identified 50 trials by hand search; four of them were retrieved by electronic search through SciELO Cuba (8%) while none was found through Cumed. The less descriptive sections were the title and the keywords. More keywords than authorized descriptors were used; the only specific concepts used in over half of the retrieved trials were "controlled" (60%), and "study groups" (52%); "randomized" was used in 50% of the retrieved documents. While more specific, the terms "clinical trial", "phase", and "clinical trial registration" were not used. CONCLUSIONS Compared to hand searching, electronic searches are insufficient to identify clinical trials. Therefore, the combination of the two meth-ods is necessary to reach higher retrieval rates. The terminology used to describe clinical trials in the selected journals was deficient due to underutilization of the health sciences thesaurus.

Técnica de embalsamiento de cadáver según Thiel: un método valioso para entrenar y mejorar las destrezas quirúrgicas en el campo de la otorrinolaringología / Thiel embalming technique for cadáver preservation: an overview of a valuable method for training and improvement of the surgical skills in otolaryngology

RESUMEN Los tiempos modernos nos obligan a que la formación de un médico cirujano no se base sólo en conocimientos teóricos, sino que adquiera las mayores habilidades quirúrgicas para así evitar riesgos innecesarios en una sociedad altamente exigente. La disección y el entrenamiento de los procedimientos quirúrgicos juegan un papel primordial para cumplir este objetivo, por lo que recientemente se ha promovido una forma de preservación cadavérica que permite realizar mediante situaciones bastantes realistas dichos adiestramientos. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica electrónica, restringida al idioma inglés en Pubmed, Scopus y WOS donde se pretende describir y analizar las aplicaciones de esta técnica. La revisión ofreció artículos de relevancia que demuestran la aplicación de esta técnica novedosa en la preservación de cadáveres y sus posibles aplicaciones en el campo de otorrinolaringología.

ABSTRACT Nowadays, it is not possible to train a healthcare professional only based on theoretical knowledge, but acquiring the highest surgical skills to avoid unnecessary risks in a highly demanding society, therefore dissection and training of surgical procedures play a key role in fulfilling this objective, which is why a form of cadaveric preservation has recently been promoted, which allows realizing such training through realistic situations. An electronic literature search was carried out, restricted to the English language in MEDLINE, where it is intended to describe and analyze the applications of this technique. The review offered articles of relevance that demonstrate the application of this novel technique in the preservation of corpses and their possible applications in the field of otorhinolaryngology.

[Multiple myeloma in systemic lupus erythematosus. Report of two cases]. / Mieloma múltiple en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico: presentación de dos casos.

There is an increased incidence of hematological malignancies, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In contrast, the concurrence with Multiple Myeloma (MM) is very rare, and the possible pathogenetic mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. We report two patients who developed MM 15 and four years after being diagnosed as having SLE.

Mieloma múltiple en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico: presentación de dos casos / Multiple myeloma in systemic lupus erythematosus: report of two cases

There is an increased incidence of hematological malignancies, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In contrast, the concurrence with Multiple Myeloma (MM) is very rare, and the possible pathogenetic mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. We report two patients who developed MM 15 and four years after being diagnosed as having SLE.

Metformin regulates global DNA methylation via mitochondrial one-carbon metabolism.

The anti-diabetic biguanide metformin may exert health-promoting effects via metabolic regulation of the epigenome. Here we show that metformin promotes global DNA methylation in non-cancerous, cancer-prone and metastatic cancer cells by decreasing S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), a strong feedback inhibitor of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent DNA methyltransferases, while promoting the accumulation of SAM, the universal methyl donor for cellular methylation. Using metformin and a mitochondria/complex I (mCI)-targeted analog of metformin (norMitoMet) in experimental pairs of wild-type and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-, serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2)- and mCI-null cells, we provide evidence that metformin increases the SAM:SAH ratio-related methylation capacity by targeting the coupling between serine mitochondrial one-carbon flux and CI activity. By increasing the contribution of one-carbon units to the SAM from folate stores while decreasing SAH in response to AMPK-sensed energetic crisis, metformin can operate as a metabolo-epigenetic regulator capable of reprogramming one of the key conduits linking cellular metabolism to the DNA methylation machinery.

An innovative ultrasound assisted extraction micro-scale cell combined with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in negative chemical ionization to determine persistent organic pollutants in air particulate matter.

New clean technologies are needed to determine concentration of organic pollutants without generating more pollution. A method to extract Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) from airborne particulate matter was developed using a novel technology recently patented called ultrasound assisted extraction micro-scale cell (UAE-MSC). This technology extracts, filters, collects the sample, and evaporates the solvent, on-line. No sample transfer is needed. The cell minimizes sample manipulation, solvent consumption, waste generation, time, and energy; fulfilling most of the analytical green chemistry protocol. The methodology was optimized applying a centred 23 factorial experimental design. Optimum conditions were used to validate and determine concentration of 16 organochlorine pesticides (OCls) and 6 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The best conditions achieved were 2 extractions with 5mL (each) of dichloromethane over 5min (each) at 60°C and 80% ultrasound potency. POPs were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in negative chemical ionization (GC/MS-NCI). Analytical method validation was carried out on airborne particles spiked with POPs at seven concentration levels between 0.5 and 26.9pgm-3. This procedure was done by triplicate (N=21). Recovery, ranged between 65.5±2.3% and 107.5±3.0% for OCls and between 79.1±6.5% and 105.2±3.8% for PBDEs. Linearity (r2) was ≥0.94 for all compounds. Method detection limits, ranged from 0.5 to 2.7pgm-3, while limits of quantification (LOQ), ranged from 1.7 to 9.0pgm-3. A Bias from -18.6% to 9% for PBDEs was observed in the Standard Reference Material (SRM) 2787. SRM 2787 did not contain OCls. OCls recoveries were equivalent by UAE-MSC and Soxhlet methods UAE-MSC optimized extraction conditions reduced 30 times less solvent and decreased the extraction time from several hours to ten minutes, respect to Soxhlet. UAE-MSC was applied to 15 samples of particles less than 2.5µm (PM2.5) from three seasons (warm dry, rainy, and cold dry) collected in five sites around Mexico City. OCls (4,4'-DDE and endrin aldehyde) concentrations ranged from

Resultados de un programa de seguimiento de las prótesis mamarias pip (poly-implant-prothese) / Results of a program to monitor the pip breast prostheses (poly-implant-prothese)

Objective: The rupture of mammary protheses PIP (poly-implant-prothese) caused an alarm, settling in Spain a protocol for the management of patients. As hospital unit of reference for the management, monitoring and treatment of patients carrying PIP breast implants, we propose objective to make a descriptive study of the current situation in our country and compare it to the hitherto described in the literature. Method: We conducted a transversal study of all patients who came during the years 2012 and 2013, to the Unit of Mammary Pathology of the Universitary General Hospital of Elche. Results: With a total of 285 women, we observed a high rate of implant rupture (50.2 percent) asymptomatic most (84.6 percent). Fact that the year 2006 had the highest percentage of breakage and the appearance of siliconomas. Conclusions: Our series confirms rupture rate similar to that described in the literature for PIP breast implants. We observed a higher percentage of breakage from the year 2006, coinciding with the period of manufacture described poorer quality of these implants. Axillary siliconomas were evident in 35.1 percent of patients, the only locally axillary symptoms.

Objetivo: La rotura de las prótesis mamarias PIP (poly-implant-prothese) ha supuesto una alarma, estableciéndose en España un protocolo para el manejo y seguimiento de las pacientes. Como unidad hospitalaria de referencia para el manejo, seguimiento y tratamiento de las pacientes portadoras de prótesis mamarias PIP, nos proponemos como objetivo realizar un estudio descriptivo de la situación actual en nuestro medio y compararlo con lo hasta ahora descrito en la literatura. Método: Realizamos un estudio transversal de todas las pacientes que acudieron durante los años 2012 y 2013, a la Consulta de la Unidad de Patología Mamaria del Hospital General Universitario de Elche. Resultados: Con un total de 285 mujeres, observamos la elevada tasa de ruptura de los implantes (50,2 por ciento) la mayoría asintomáticos (84,6 por ciento). Siendo el año 2006 el de mayor porcentaje de rotura y la aparición de siliconomas. Conclusiones: Se confirma una tasa de ruptura similar a la descrita en la literatura para los implantes mamarios PIP. Observamos un mayor porcentaje de rotura a partir del año 2006, coincidiendo con el período de fabricación descrito de peor calidad de estos implantes. Se evidenciaron siliconomas axilares en el 35,1 por ciento de las pacientes, siendo la única sintomatología a nivel local axilar.

Mapping of the circulating metabolome reveals α-ketoglutarate as a predictor of morbid obesity-associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Obesity severely affects human health, and the accompanying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Rapid and non-invasive methods to detect this condition may substantially improve clinical care. METHODS: We used liquid and gas chromatography-quadruple time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC/GC-QTOF-MS) analysis in a non-targeted metabolomics approach on the plasma from morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery to gain a comprehensive measure of metabolite levels. On the basis of these findings, we developed a method (GC-QTOF-MS) for the accurate quantification of plasma α-ketoglutarate to explore its potential as a novel biomarker for the detection of NAFLD. RESULTS: Plasma biochemical differences were observed between patients with and without NAFLD indicating that the accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes decreased ß-oxidation energy production, reduced liver function and altered glucose metabolism. The results obtained from the plasma analysis suggest pathophysiological insights that link lipid and glucose disturbances with α-ketoglutarate. Plasma α-ketoglutarate levels are significantly increased in obese patients compared with lean controls. Among obese patients, the measurement of this metabolite differentiates between those with or without NAFLD. Data from the liver were consistent with data from plasma. Clinical utility was assessed, and the results revealed that plasma α-ketoglutarate is a fair-to-good biomarker in patients (n=230). Other common laboratory liver tests used in routine application did not favourably compare. CONCLUSION: Plasma α-ketoglutarate is superior to common liver function tests in obese patients as a surrogate biomarker of NAFLD. The measurement of this biomarker may potentiate the search for a therapeutic approach, may decrease the need for liver biopsy and may be useful in the assessment of disease progression.

Complicaciones durante la neuromodulación de raíces sacras en el tratamiento de la incontinencia fecal grave / Complications during sacral nerve stimulation in the treatment of severe fecal incontinence

Objective: to evaluate the complications of sacral nerve stimulation for the treatment of fecal incontinence. Background: sacral nerve stimulation is considered to be nowadays an effective treatment for fecal incontinence in selected patients. Many authors have reported excellent results and indication for his use have increased. Nevertheless, even being a simple technique, not it exempts this from complications. Methods: fifty-two patients with severe faecal incontinence, treated with sacral nerve stimulation between january 2002 and december 2010, were analysed. All adverse events during follow-up were recorded. Results: there was not surgical complication during peripheral neural evaluation test. In our series, with an average follow-up to 55.52 +/- 31.84 months (range: 12-121), we had a rate of adverse effects of 14 percent, infection of surgical wound in two patients, break of electrode in two patients and the presence of pain in the place of the implant, with episodes of extremity pain and paresthesias in low members in 3 patients. Conclusions: sacral nerve stimulation in severe fecal incontinence is a safe treatment, with a low index of complications.

Objetivo: evaluar las complicaciones de la neuromodulación de raíces sacras en el tratamiento de la incontinencia fecal. Introducción: la neuromodulación de raíces sacras ha sido descrita como un tratamiento quirúrgico eficaz en pacientes con incontinencia fecal grave. Muchos autores han comunicado excelentes resultados y las indicaciones en su uso han aumentado. Sin embargo, a pesar de ser una técnica quirúrgica sencilla, no está exenta de complicaciones. Material y Método: 52 pacientes con incontinencia fecal grave, tratados mediante neuromodulación de raíces sacras entre enero de 2002 y diciembre de 2010, fueron analizados. Todas las complicaciones, tanto durante la implantación del dispositivo como durante el seguimiento, fueron registradas. Resultados: no se registraron complicaciones durante la prueba de estimulación. En nuestra serie, con un seguimiento de 55,52 +/- 31,84 meses, observamos un 14 por ciento de efectos adversos, infección de la herida quirúrgica en dos pacientes, rotura o movilización del electrodo en 2 pacientes y dolor y parestesias en 3 pacientes. Discusión: la neuroestimulación de raíces sacras en el tratamiento de la incontinencia fecal es un tratamiento seguro, con un bajo índice de complicaciones.

Parasites and hepatic histopathological lesions in lisa (Mugil incilis) from Totumo mash, North of Colombia / Parásitos y lesiones histopatológicas en lisa (Mugil incilis) de la Ciénaga del Totumo, norte de Colombia

Objective. To assess the levels of parasitism by nematodes and trematodes, as well as the hepatic histopathological alterations present in Mugil incilis (Lisa) from Totumo marsh, North of Colombia. Materials and methods. Between July 2004 and June 2005, 500 fish were collected at Totumo Marsh (75°16’W and 10°44´N), North of Colombia. Morphometric and parasitic parameters were determined for each specimen, and the hepatic histopathological status of the liver was assessed by analyzing liver slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Results. Nematode larvae isolated from Mugil incilis corresponded to Contracaecum spp. Parasite prevalence was 60.49%. Parasitic mean abundance and mean intensity were 4.8±1.05 and 7.02±1.49, nematodes per fish, respectively. The correlation between nematode mean abundance and fish length was significant and positive (r=0.525, p<0.0001), but negative for condition factor (r=-0.109, p=0.014). Hepatic histopathological analysis revealed the presence of encapsulated trematode larvae as the main finding. However, the presence of inflammation, granulomas, steatosis and necrosis, were also registered as secondary alterations. Conclusions. Lisas collected at Totumo Marsh are parasitized with nematodes and trematodes. These fish have different histopathological lesions in the liver tissue, being the most important the presence of trematode encapsulated cyst that generate inflammatory reactions, and negatively correlate with morphometric markers of fish health.

Objetivo. Evaluar los niveles de parasitismo por nemátodos y tremátodos, así como las alteraciones histopatológicas hepáticas presentes en Mugil incilis (Lisa) de la Ciénaga del Totumo, Norte de Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Entre Julio de 2004 y Junio de 2005, 500 peces fueron recolectados en la ciénaga del Totumo (75°16'W y 10°44'N), norte de Colombia. Índices morfométricos y parasitarios fueron determinados para cada espécimen, y el estatus histopatológico hepático fue evaluado analizando cortes de hígado teñidos con hematoxilina y eosina. Resultados. Los nemátodos aislados de Mugil incilis correspondieron a Contracaecum spp. La prevalencia del parásito fue 60.49%. La abundancia media y la intensidad media parasitaria fueron 4.8±1.05 y 7.02±1.49, larvas por pez, respectivamente. La correlación entre la abundancia media de nemátodos y la longitud de las lisas fue significativa y positiva (r=0.525, p<0.0001), pero negativa para el factor de condición (r=-0.109, p=0.014). El análisis de la histopatología hepática reveló la presencia de larvas encapsuladas de tremátodos, como el hallazgo principal. Sin embargo, la presencia de inflamación, granulomas, esteatosis y necrosis, también fueron registradas como alteraciones secundarias. Conclusiones. Las Lisas colectadas en la ciénaga del Totumo están parasitadas con nemátodos y tremátodos. Estos peces poseen diversas lesiones histopatológicas en el tejido hepático, siendo la de mayor importancia la presencia de quistes encapsulados de tremátodos los cuales generan reacciones inflamatorias, y correlacionan negativamente con marcadores morfométricos de salud en estos peces.

Evaluation of different extraction approaches for the determination of phenolic compounds and their metabolites in plasma by nanoLC-ESI-TOF-MS.

Sample preparation is an important step for the determination of phenolic compounds in biological samples. Different extraction methods have been tested to determine phenolic compounds and their metabolites in plasma by nano-liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionisation-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (nanoLC-ESI-TOF-MS). The sample treatment optimisation was performed using commercial foetal bovine serum spiked with representative phenolic standards, namely naringenin, luteolin, verbascoside, apigenin, rutin, syringic acid and catechin. Different protein-precipitation conditions were evaluated as well as enzymatic digestion with trypsin and solid-phase extraction using different phases such as C-18, ABN and ENV+, working at different pH values. The optimum extraction procedure consisted of a previous protein-precipitation step using HCl 200 mmol/L in methanol for 2.5 h at 50 °C followed by a solid-phase extraction using C-18 cartridges at pH 2.5. This procedure was finally applied to the plasma of rats overfed with a phenolic-rich Lippia citriodora extract. These samples were analysed by nanoLC-ESI-TOF-MS, enabling the identification of five compounds previously found in the administered L. citriodora extract and one metabolite.

Ileitis tras ileostomía / Bleeding ileitis following ileostomy

Background: The incidence of ileitis following ileostomy is 5 percent. Material and Method: We report a 79 years old male with a sigmoid cancer presenting with an intestinal obstruction. Results: Patient required a subtotal colectomy, leaving a terminal ileostomy in the right lower flank. Three days after the intervention, the patient had a profuse bleeding through the ileostomy. An emergency endoscopy showed multiple bleeding ulcers in the ileostomy. The patient did not respond to medical treatment and required a new intervention, excising 20 cm of distal ileum and performing a new ileostomy. The pathological study of the excised segment showed multiple superficial ulcers with abundant inflammatory cells.

Introducción: La ileitis tras ileostomía es una entidad poco frecuente, pero que conlleva una importante morbilidad. Objetivo: Describir un caso de ileitis postileostomía sin respuesta al tratamiento médico y revisar la literatura sobre el tema. Material y Método: Presentamos el caso de un varón de 79 años con sangrado agudo por ileostoma tras colectomía subtotal. Resultados: Tras fracaso de la terapia médica fue necesario realizar resección de segmento de íleon terminal afecto. Conclusiones: Se debe pensar en ileitis postileostomía en caso de ileostomías muy productivas o ileorragias y comenzar tratamiento esteroideo temprano y realizar ileoscopia precoz. La cirugía se reserva para aquellos casos en los que no es eficaz el tratamiento médico.

Application of nanoLC-ESI-TOF-MS for the metabolomic analysis of phenolic compounds from extra-virgin olive oil in treated colon-cancer cells.

Crude phenolic extracts (PE) have been obtained from naturally bearing Spanish extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) showing different polyphenol families such as secoiridoids, phenolic alcohols, lignans, and flavones. EVOO-derived complex phenols (especially from the Arbequina variety olive) have been shown to suppress cell growth of SW480 and HT29 human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines. Inhibition of proliferation by EVOO-PE Arbequina variety extract was accompanied by apoptosis in both colon-cancer-cell lines and a limited G2M cell-cycle arrest in the case of SW480 cells. The metabolized compounds from EVOO-PE in culture medium and cytoplasm of both cell lines were analyzed using nano-liquid chromatography (nanoLC) coupled with electrospray ionization-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS). The results showed many phenolic compounds and their metabolites both in the culture medium as well as in the cytoplasm. The main compounds identified from EVOO-PE were hydroxylated luteolin and decarboxymethyl oleuropein aglycone.

Organochlorine pesticide residue levels in blood serum of inhabitants from Veracruz, Mexico.

The objective of the present study was to monitor the levels of organochlorine pesticides HCB; α-, ß-, γ-HCH; pp'DDE; op'DDT; and pp'DDT in blood serum of Veracruz, Mexico inhabitants. Organochlorine pesticides were analyzed in 150 blood serum samples that constituted that which remained after clinical analyses, using gas chromatography-electron-capture detection (GC-ECD). The results were expressed as milligrams per kilogram on fat basis and micrograms per liter on wet weight. Only the following pesticides were detected: p,p'-DDE was the major organochlorine component, detected in 100% of samples at mean 15.8 mg/kg and 8.4 µg/L; p,p'-DDT was presented in 41.3.% of monitored samples at mean 3.1 mg/kg and 1.4 µg/L; ß-HCH was found in 48.6% of the samples at mean 4.9 mg/kg and 2.7 µg/L; op'DDT was determined to be in only 3.3% of monitored samples at mean 2.7 mg/kg and 1.4 µg/L. The pooled samples divided according to sex showed significant differences of ß-HCH and pp'DDE concentrations in females. The samples grouped according to age presented the third tertile as more contaminated in both sexes, indicating age as a positively associated factor with serum organochlorine pesticide levels in Veracruz inhabitants.

Organochlorine pesticide gradient levels among maternal adipose tissue, maternal blood serum and umbilical blood serum.

The objective of the present study was to determine levels and calculate ratios of copartition coefficients among organochlorine pesticides ß-HCH, pp'DDE, op'DDT and pp'DDT in maternal adipose tissue, maternal blood serum and umbilical blood serum of mother-infant pairs from Veracruz, Mexico. Organochlorine pesticides were analyzed in 70 binomials: maternal adipose tissue, maternal serum and umbilical cord serum samples, using gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD). The results were expressed as mg/kg on fat basis. p,p'-DDE was the major organochlorine component, detected in every maternal adipose tissue (0.770 mg/kg), maternal serum sample (5.8 mg/kg on fat basis) and umbilical cord blood sample (6.9 mg/kg on fat basis). p,p'-DDT was detected at 0.101 mg/kg, 2.2 mg/kg and 5.9 mg/kg respectively, according to the order given above. ß-HCH was detected at 0.027 mg/kg, 4.2 mg/kg and 28.0 mg/kg respectively. op'DDT was detected only in maternal adipose tissue at 0.011 mg/kg. The copartition coefficients among samples identify significant increases in concentrations from adipose tissue to maternal blood serum and to umbilical blood serum. The increase indicated that maternal adipose tissue released organochlorine pesticides to blood serum and that they are carried over to umbilical cord blood.