Characterization of the oral microbiota and the relationship of the oral microbiota with the dental and periodontal status in children and adolescents with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate. Systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the characteristics of the oral microbiota and the relationship of the dental caries and periodontal status in patients aged 0 to 18 years with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (CLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was carried out. Five databases were consulted, including publications in English, Spanish and Portuguese. The evaluations of the quality of the observational studies and the experimental studies were carried out with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and CONSORT guidelines, respectively. The risk of bias of the studies was determined using Rev Manager 5.4, and 5 publications were meta-analyzed. RESULTS: The cariogenic microbiota of children and adolescents with cleft lip and palate was similar to that of children without clefts, although with higher counts of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. The periodontopathogenic microbiota was related to the presence of Campylobacter spp, Fusobacterium spp, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia/nigrescens, Parvimonas micra and Porphyromonas gingivalis, considered microorganisms with high pathogenic capacity. Heterogeneity was shown in relation to the microbiota and the type of fissure, presenting numerous microorganisms associated with the pre- and post-surgical condition (cheilorrhaphy and palatorrhaphy) such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus beta hemolyticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca, Moraxella catarrhalis, Candida spp, Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis. The meta-analysis revealed that patients with cleft lip and palate were 2.03 times more likely to have caries than the control group (p<0.005). CONCLUSION: In the microbiota, there was a great diversity of microorganisms that can vary according to the type of fissure and surgical interventions predisposing patients to a greater probability of dental caries, it is important to take into account the technique used to describe the oral microbiota in order to be able to compare the different studies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Studying the microbiota and the relationship of dental caries and periodontal status in children and adolescents with cleft lip and palate can facilitate the comprehensive care of patients with these conditions.

Institutionalizing Community-engaged Translational Science in an Academic Institution: A Community Stakeholder-Driven Process.

BACKGROUND: Although studies have described the power imbalance in academic-community partnerships, little has been published describing how community-based participatory research-informed practitioners can change academic institutions to promote more effective community-engaged research. OBJECTIVES: This paper describes a university-funded community-based participatory project in which academic researchers and their community partners worked together to articulate, develop and advocate for institutionalizing best practices for equitable partnerships throughout the university. METHODS: Findings derive from a collaborative ethnographic process evaluation. RESULTS: The study describes the integral steps proposed to promote equitable community-university research collaboration, the process by which these principles and best practice recommendations were developed, and the institutional change outcomes of this process. CONCLUSIONS: When universities make even small investments toward promoting and nurturing community-engaged research, the quality of the science can be enhanced to advance health equity and community-university relationships can improve, particularly if based on trust, mutual respect, and openness to accomplish a shared vision.

Exclusionary School Discipline and School Achievement for Middle and High School Students, by Race and Ethnicity.

Importance: There are racial and ethnic inequities in exclusionary school discipline (ESD) (ie, a disciplinary action that removes students from their classroom or school environment, eg, referrals, suspensions, and/or expulsions) practices in the US. Exclusionary school discipline has been associated with negative education, health, and criminal justice outcomes. Objectives: To investigate whether experiencing an ESD event was associated with decreased grade point average (GPA) and whether minoritized students (eg, Black or Latine [description used in database]) are disproportionately affected compared with White students. Design, Setting, and Participants: In a cohort study using retrospective administrative longitudinal data of children in the 6th to 10th grades (August 18, 2014, to May 26, 2017) in a large, single urban school district in California, linear mixed models were applied to compare the timing of the first exclusionary event and the average change in GPA and evaluate the relative variation among minoritized students experiencing an exclusionary event. Data analysis was conducted from August 18, 2018, to August 21, 2023. Exposure: Year at which students experienced first ESD events over the study period. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome of interest was change in average grade point average (GPA); students' GPA averaged across courses was averaged across each year. Results: Of the 16 849 students (8756 [52.0%] male), 21.4% experienced at least 1 ESD event. The mean (SD) age was 14.3 (1.6) years, and 7.5% identified as Black, 25.6% Latine, and 10.0% White. Black and Latine students experienced exclusionary events at nearly 10 and 3 times more than White students (mean [SD]: Black, 6.69 [12.80] events; Latine, 2.01 [6.18] events; White, 0.71 [4.46] events; P < .001). When controlling for gender, maternal educational level, race and ethnicity, and school year, having experienced an ESD event in the first year was associated with an average decrease in GPA by 0.88 (95% CI, -0.91 to -0.84) points compared with no ESD events; experiencing ESD events also had significant differences in the second (-0.63 [95% CI, -0.67 to -0.59]) and third (-0.52 [95% CI, -0.57 to -0.47]) years. Black and Latine race and ethnicity was associated with the greatest decrease in GPA compared with White students (Black, -0.56 [95% CI, -0.61 to -0.51]; Latine, -0.51 [95% CI, -0.54 to -0.47]; P < .001). Conclusion and Relevance: This study observed racial and ethnic inequities in ESD prevalence and its association with educational attainment. The findings suggest that it may be beneficial for pediatricians and other health care professionals to screen for exclusion, as experiencing ESD events may affect health across the life course. In addition, it may be useful to categorize ESD events as an adverse childhood experience and abolish the practice from schools as a disciplinary measure.

Depressive Symptoms during Pregnancy: Prevalence and Correlates with Affective Temperaments and Psychosocial Factors.

Pregnancy is a unique experience in women's life, requiring a great ability of adaptation and self-reorganization; vulnerable women may be at increased risk of developing depressive symptoms. This study aimed to examine the incidence of depressive symptomatology during pregnancy and to evaluate the role of affective temperament traits and psychosocial risk factors in predicting them. We recruited 193 pregnant women, collected data regarding sociodemographic, family and personal clinical variables, social support and stressful life events and administered the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego-Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A). In our sample, prevalence of depressive symptomatology was 41.45% and prevalence of depression was 9.85% (6.75% mild and 3.10% moderate depression). We have chosen a cutoff >4 on PHQ-9 to identify mild depressive symptoms which may predict subsequent depression. Statistically significant differences between the two groups were found in the following factors: gestational age, occupation, partner, medical conditions, psychiatric disorders, family psychiatric history, stressful life events, and TEMPS-A mean scores. In our sample mean scores on all affective temperaments but the hyperthymic, were significantly lower in the control group. Only depressive and hyperthymic temperaments were found to be, respectively, risk and protective factors for depressive symptomatology. The current study confirms the high prevalence and complex aetiology of depressive symptomatology during pregnancy and suggests that affective temperament assessment seems to be a useful adjunctive instrument to predict depressive symptomatology during pregnancy and postpartum.

COVID-19 Vaccination Perceptions Among Young Adults of Color in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Background: COVID-19 vaccination rates among U.S. young adults, particularly in communities of color, remain lower than other age groups. We conducted a qualitative, community-based participatory study to explore beliefs and attitudes about COVID-19 vaccines among young adults in Black/African American, Latinx, and Asian American or Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Methods: We conducted six focus groups between June and August 2021. Participants were recruited by partnering with community-based organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Focus groups included Black/African American (N=13), Latinx (N=20), and AAPI (N=12) participants between 18 and 30 years of age. Emerging themes were identified using a modified Grounded Theory approach. Results: Prominent themes among all three racial-ethnic groups included mistrust in medical and government institutions, strong conviction about self-agency in health decision-making, and exposure to a thicket of contradictory information and misinformation in social media. Social benefit and a sense of familial and societal responsibility were often mentioned as reasons to get vaccinated. Young adult mistrust had a generational flavor fueled by anger about increasing inequity, the profit-orientation of pharmaceutical companies and health institutions, society's failure to rectify injustice, and pessimism about life prospects. Conclusion: Factors influencing vaccine readiness among Black/African American, Latinx, and AAPI young adults have a distinct generational and life-course texture. Outreach efforts should appeal to young adults' interest in family and social responsibility and the social benefits of vaccination, while being cognizant of the friction mandates pose for young adults' sense of self-agency. Efforts will be most effective coming from trusted messengers with a proven commitment to communities of color and health equity.

Depressive Symptoms in Expecting Fathers: Is Paternal Perinatal Depression a Valid Concept? A Systematic Review of Evidence.

BACKGROUND: Since the identification of Couvade syndrome in the late 1950s, little attention has been dedicated to the issue of depression in expecting fathers. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the extent of depression in expecting fathers and find out if they match their pregnant partners' depression. METHODS: We conducted a PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov search using paternal depression and all its variants as terms. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement to include eligible studies. RESULTS: We identified a grand total of 1443 articles, of which 204 were eligible. The total number of fathers/expecting fathers involved was 849,913. Longitudinal studies represented more than half of the included studies; more than three-quarters of the studies used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The average occurrence of paternal depression was around 5%, which confers the entity some clinical dignity. Depression tends to occur more in expecting women and new mothers than in expecting partners or new fathers, while the co-occurrence in the same couple is quite low. LIMITATIONS: The methodological heterogeneity of the included studies prevents us from meta-analyzing the obtained data. The validity of the instruments used is another issue. CONCLUSIONS: Paternal depression is distinct from maternal depression and occurs at lower rates (about half). The very existence of a paternal depression clinical entity is beyond any doubt. Future research should address methodological heterogeneity.

Is There a Place for Family-centered Cesarean Delivery during Placenta Accreta Spectrum Treatment? / Existe um lugar para cesariana centrada na família durante o tratamento do espectro da placenta acreta?

ABSTRACT Objective Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a cause of massive obstetric hemorrhage and maternal mortality. The application of family-centered delivery techniques (FCDTs) during surgery to treat this disease is infrequent. We evaluate the implementation of FCDTs during PAS surgeries. Methods This was a prospective, descriptive study that included PAS patients undergoing surgical management over a 12-month period. The patients were divided according to whether FCDTs were applied (group 1) or not (group 2), and the clinical outcomes were measured. In addition, hospital anesthesiologists were surveyed to evaluate their opinions regarding the implementation of FCDTs during the surgical management of PAS. Results Thirteen patients with PAS were included. The implementation of FCDTs during birth was possible in 53.8% of the patients. The presence of a companion during surgery and skin-to-skin contact did not hinder interdisciplinary management in any case. Conclusion Implementation of FCDTs during PAS care is possible in selected patients at centers with experience in managing this disease.

Resumo Objetivo O espectro da placenta acreta (do inglês placenta accreta spectrum - PAS) é causa de hemorragia obstétrica maciça e mortalidade materna. A aplicação de técnicas de parto centrado na família (do inglês family-centered delivery techniques - FCDTs) durante a cirurgia para tratar esta doença é pouco frequente. Avaliamos a implementação das FCDTs durante as cirurgias do PAS. Métodos Estudo prospectivo e descritivo que incluiu pacientes com PAS submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico durante um período de 12 meses. Os pacientes foram divididos de acordo com a aplicação de FCDTs (grupo 1) ou não (grupo 2), e os resultados clínicos foram medidos. Além disso, anestesiologistas hospitalares foram entrevistados para avaliar suas opiniões sobre a implementação das FCDTs durante o manejo cirúrgico do PAS. Resultados Foram incluídos 13 pacientes com PAS. A implementação de FCDTs durante o parto foi possível em 53,8% das pacientes. A presença do acompanhante durante a cirurgia e o contato pele a pele não prejudicou o manejo interdisciplinar em nenhum caso. Conclusão A implementação de FCDTs durante o atendimento do PAS é possível em pacientes selecionados em centros com experiência no manejo dessa doença.

Is There a Place for Family-centered Cesarean Delivery during Placenta Accreta Spectrum Treatment?

OBJECTIVE: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a cause of massive obstetric hemorrhage and maternal mortality. The application of family-centered delivery techniques (FCDTs) during surgery to treat this disease is infrequent. We evaluate the implementation of FCDTs during PAS surgeries. METHODS: This was a prospective, descriptive study that included PAS patients undergoing surgical management over a 12-month period. The patients were divided according to whether FCDTs were applied (group 1) or not (group 2), and the clinical outcomes were measured. In addition, hospital anesthesiologists were surveyed to evaluate their opinions regarding the implementation of FCDTs during the surgical management of PAS. RESULTS: Thirteen patients with PAS were included. The implementation of FCDTs during birth was possible in 53.8% of the patients. The presence of a companion during surgery and skin-to-skin contact did not hinder interdisciplinary management in any case. CONCLUSION: Implementation of FCDTs during PAS care is possible in selected patients at centers with experience in managing this disease.

OBJETIVO: O espectro da placenta acreta (do inglês placenta accreta spectrum - PAS) é causa de hemorragia obstétrica maciça e mortalidade materna. A aplicação de técnicas de parto centrado na família (do inglês family-centered delivery techniques - FCDTs) durante a cirurgia para tratar esta doença é pouco frequente. Avaliamos a implementação das FCDTs durante as cirurgias do PAS. MéTODOS: Estudo prospectivo e descritivo que incluiu pacientes com PAS submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico durante um período de 12 meses. Os pacientes foram divididos de acordo com a aplicação de FCDTs (grupo 1) ou não (grupo 2), e os resultados clínicos foram medidos. Além disso, anestesiologistas hospitalares foram entrevistados para avaliar suas opiniões sobre a implementação das FCDTs durante o manejo cirúrgico do PAS. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 13 pacientes com PAS. A implementação de FCDTs durante o parto foi possível em 53,8% das pacientes. A presença do acompanhante durante a cirurgia e o contato pele a pele não prejudicou o manejo interdisciplinar em nenhum caso. CONCLUSãO: A implementação de FCDTs durante o atendimento do PAS é possível em pacientes selecionados em centros com experiência no manejo dessa doença.

Pregnancy-related psychopathology: A comparison between pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19-related social restriction periods.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted in a still undefined way pregnant women's mental health. There are reports of mood and affect changes in the general population and the suggestion that similar changes occur also in the pregnant population. The greater vulnerability of women during the COVID-19 restriction period may translate into a greater risk for mental disorders in the gestational period. We hypothesised that pregnant women in the pre-pandemic period would have less psychopathology and more psychological support than pregnant women during the pandemic restriction period. AIM: To compare pregnant women for anxiety, prenatal depression, psychopathology, and social support before and after the awareness of the pandemic. METHODS: We administered to women willing to participate in their 2nd-3rd trimesters of pregnancy the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y (STAI-Y), and the Symptom CheckList-90-Revised (SCL-90R); we further collected sociodemographic variables and explored women's social support. The comparison was cross-sectional. The first sample was termed nonCOVID-19 because data were gathered before the COVID-19 outbreak (January 2020-February 2020) was declared, and the second sample termed COVID-19 because participants were already subjected to the COVID-19-related restrictive measures (January 2021-February 2021). Since normal distribution was not met (Shapiro-Wilk test applied), we applied nonparametric Mann-Whitney's U-test to compare psychometric tests. Ethical standards were met. RESULTS: The nonCOVID-19 group reported higher support from partners only, while the COVID-19 group reported multiple support (χ 2 = 9.7181; P = 0.021); the nonCOVID-19 group scored higher than the COVID-19 group only on state anxiety among psychometric scales [STAI-Y1, nonCOVID-19 median = 39 (95%CI: 39.19-51.10) vs COVID-19 median= 32 (95%CI: 30.83-38.90); Mann-Whitney's U=117.5, P = 0.00596]. Other measures did not differ meaningfully between the two groups. Scores on the EPDS, the state and trait subscales of the STAI-Y, and most SCL-90R subscales inter-correlated with one another. The anxiety component of the EPDS, EPDS-3A, correlated poorly with other measures, while it was the Global Symptom Index of the SCL-90-R that correlated most strongly with most measures. Our results are at odds with most literature and do not confirm increased depression and anxiety rates in pregnant women during the pandemic. CONCLUSION: The ability of pregnant women to deal with novel generalised threats involves mobilization of inner resources. Increasing sources of social support may have produced anxiolysis in the COVID-19 sample.

COVID-19 vaccination readiness among multiple racial and ethnic groups in the San Francisco Bay Area: A qualitative analysis.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 vaccination rates are lower among historically marginalized populations, including Black/African American and Latinx populations, threatening to contribute to already high COVID-19 morbidity and mortality disparities for these groups. We conducted a community-based participatory research study using qualitative methods to explore knowledge and beliefs about COVID-19 vaccination among Black/African American, Latinx, and Chinese American residents of the San Francisco Bay Area and assess their views on vaccination outreach and delivery strategies. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Data were collected from January 14, 2021, to February 24, 2021, with adult residents (N = 109 [Female: N = 76; 70%]) in San Francisco. Focus groups (N = 10) and in-depth interviews (N = 25) were conducted among Black/African Americans (N = 35), Latinx (N = 40), and Chinese Americans (n = 34) in English, Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Themes were identified using grounded field theory, and included misinformation, mistrust of government and health institutions, and linguistic and other barriers to vaccine access. All three racial/ethnic groups had experiences with vaccine misinformation and information overload. Many African American and Latinx participants cited structural and interpersonal racism, and anti-immigrant discrimination, as factors reducing their trust in government and public health disseminated information and their willingness to be vaccinated. Participants expressed trust in community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations and community-run clinics. Participants often experienced barriers to vaccine access, such as transportation to drive-in sites, with Latinx and Chinese American groups also frequently citing language barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccine outreach strategies must acknowledge how longstanding systemic, institutional, and structural racism contributes to mistrust in government and health institutions and engage with and support trusted messengers from the community to eliminate cultural, linguistic, and other barriers to vaccine access.

Smart pooling: AI-powered COVID-19 informative group testing.

Massive molecular testing for COVID-19 has been pointed out as fundamental to moderate the spread of the pandemic. Pooling methods can enhance testing efficiency, but they are viable only at low incidences of the disease. We propose Smart Pooling, a machine learning method that uses clinical and sociodemographic data from patients to increase the efficiency of informed Dorfman testing for COVID-19 by arranging samples into all-negative pools. To do this, we ran an automated method to train numerous machine learning models on a retrospective dataset from more than 8000 patients tested for SARS-CoV-2 from April to July 2020 in Bogotá, Colombia. We estimated the efficiency gains of using the predictor to support Dorfman testing by simulating the outcome of tests. We also computed the attainable efficiency gains of non-adaptive pooling schemes mathematically. Moreover, we measured the false-negative error rates in detecting the ORF1ab and N genes of the virus in RT-qPCR dilutions. Finally, we presented the efficiency gains of using our proposed pooling scheme on proof-of-concept pooled tests. We believe Smart Pooling will be efficient for optimizing massive testing of SARS-CoV-2.

Interpersonal violence: Serious sequelae for heart disease in women.

Experiencing various forms of violence in either childhood or adulthood has been associated with cardiovascular disease, both shortly after the event and during follow-up, particularly in women. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has heightened the risk of domestic violence with serious sequelae for mental and cardiovascular health in women, possibly due to several contributing factors, ranging from lockdown, stay at home regulations, job losses, anxiety, and stress. Accordingly, it remains paramount to enforce proactive preventive strategies, at both the family and individual level, maintain a high level of attention to recognize all forms of violence or abuse, and guarantee a multidisciplinary team approach for victims of interpersonal or domestic violence in order to address physical, sexual, and emotional domains and offer a personalized care.

Intimate partner violence: A loop of abuse, depression and victimization.

Intimate partner violence has been recognized as a serious public health issue. Exposure to violence contributes to the genesis of, and exacerbates, mental health conditions, and existing mental health problems increase vulnerability to partner violence, a loop that imprisons victims and perpetuates the abuse. A recently described phenomenon is when male violence against females occurs within intimate relationships during youth, and it is termed adolescent or teen dating violence. In this narrative review, factors associated with intimate partner violence and consequences of exposure of children to parental domestic violence are discussed, along with possible intensification of violence against women with the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and subsequent lockdown. Intervention programs with a multicomponent approach involving many health care settings and research have a pivotal role in developing additional strategies for addressing violence and to provide tailored interventions to victims. Prevention policy with a particular attention on healthy child and adolescent development is mandatory in the struggle against all forms of violence.

Miringoplastia con cartílago en alas de mariposa. Nuestra experiencia / Inlay butterfly miringoplasty. Our experience

Introducción: Se han propuesto múltiples técnicas quirúrgicas para cerrar perforaciones timpánicas. Eavey, hace dos décadas, describió una técnica destinada a cerrar perforaciones centrales en niños. Para ello diseñó un injerto de cartílago con forma de alas de mariposa que se colocaba entre la membrana timpánica. Dicha técnica demostró gran efectividad para el cierre de perforaciones así como baja morbilidad, rapidez y gran diferencia económica. Métodos: Se realiza un estudio descriptivo de serie de casos analizando 32 intervenciones en niños y adultos con la técnica de Eavey modificada, durante el periodo de enero de 2012 a noviembre de 2016. Se evaluaron los resultados quirúrgicos y los resultados funcionales audiométricos. Resultados: El éxito quirúrgico se logró en el 93% de los casos, incluyendo los cierres completos en 27 pacientes (84%) y 3 casos en los que se presentaron dehiscencias mínimas asintomáticas. Se presentó un rechazo del injerto y persistencia de la perforación y en un caso una perforación residual. No se describen complicaciones quirúrgicas o posquirúrgicas mayores asociadas al procedimiento. La mejoría de la media del gap audiométrico fue de 17 dB preoperatorio a 7dB posterior a la intervención. Conclusiones: La técnica de Eavey modificada es un procedimiento con baja morbilidad, costo-efectiva, con facilidad técnica que demuestra ser eficaz para el cierre de perforaciones timpánicas en adultos y niños (AU)

Introduction: Multiple surgical techniques have been proposed to close tympanic perforations. Eavey, two decades ago, described a technique aimed at closing central perforations in children. For this, he designed a butterfly-shaped cartilage graft that was placed between the tympanic membrane in an inlay manner. This technique showed great effectiveness for the closure of perforations as well as low morbidity, rapidity and great economic difference. Methods: We performed a descriptive study of a series of cases analysing 32 interventions in children and adults with the modified Eavey technique, during the period from January 2012 to November 2016. We evaluated the surgical and audiometric functional results. Results: Surgical success was achieved in 93% of cases, including complete closures in 27 patients (84%) and 3 cases in which minimal asymptomatic dehiscences occurred. There was rejection of the graft and persistence of the perforation in only one case. No major surgical or postoperative complications associated with the procedure were described. The mean improvement in the audiometric gap was from 17 dB preoperatively to 7 dB after the intervention. Conclusions: The modified Eavey technique is a low morbidity, cost-effective procedure with a technical facility that proves effective for the closure of tympanic perforations in adults and children (AU)

Inlay butterfly miringoplasty. Our experience. / Miringoplastia con cartílago en alas de mariposa. Nuestra experiencia.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple surgical techniques have been proposed to close tympanic perforations. Eavey, two decades ago, described a technique aimed at closing central perforations in children. For this, he designed a butterfly-shaped cartilage graft that was placed between the tympanic membrane in an inlay manner. This technique showed great effectiveness for the closure of perforations as well as low morbidity, rapidity and great economic difference. METHODS: We performed a descriptive study of a series of cases analysing 32 interventions in children and adults with the modified Eavey technique, during the period from January 2012 to November 2016. We evaluated the surgical and audiometric functional results. RESULTS: Surgical success was achieved in 93% of cases, including complete closures in 27 patients (84%) and 3 cases in which minimal asymptomatic dehiscences occurred. There was rejection of the graft and persistence of the perforation in only one case. No major surgical or postoperative complications associated with the procedure were described. The mean improvement in the audiometric gap was from 17dB preoperatively to 7dB after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Eavey technique is a low morbidity, cost-effective procedure with a technical facility that proves effective for the closure of tympanic perforations in adults and children.

Food allergy: Children's symptom levels are associated with mothers' psycho-socio-economic variables.

BACKGROUND: Allergies affect children's health as well as their quality of life, stress levels, and family budget. The available literature suggests that family, social and psychological factors are affected by allergic pathologies such as rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis. However, few studies have focused on quantifying such association in child food allergy. This study aims to enhance the understanding of the associations between caregiver variables and children's Food Allergy (FA). METHODS: The study involved 206 participants: 103 mothers plus 103 children with IgE mediated FA. The analyses excluded two outliers comprising 101 subjects. For statistical analyses, each dyad -mother/child- was considered to be one subject unity. A between-subjects one-way ANOVA determined the association of children's cutaneous, gastric and respiratory symptoms with anxiety, depression, perceived social support and socioeconomic factors in the mothers. RESULTS: There are significant associations between children's allergic symptoms (gastric and cutaneous) and mothers' psychological state (anxiety and depression); family budget; social interactions (with friends, family and partner); understanding of health care required by their child; and sleep disorders. Respiratory symptoms did not show any significant associations with the dependent variables. CONCLUSION: FA is a process in which children's symptoms are significantly associated with socioeconomic and psychological variables of the mothers. The presence or absence of some specific symptoms is directly associated with specific impacts on the mothers. An understanding of such dynamics supports the consideration of a comprehensive and multidisciplinary therapeutic approach to offer more ecological healthcare for "families living with FA."

Corneal Power Determination with Corneal Tomography after Refractive Surgery with Excimer Laser / Determinación del poder corneal con un tomógrafo corneal luego de cirugía refractiva con láser excimer / Determinação da potência corneana com uma topografia de córnea após cirurgia refrativa com excimer láser

Introduction. Corneal power determination after refractive surgery with excimer laser is complex. Different alternatives with the use of corneal tomography have been used for this measurement. Objective. To evaluate various methods of determination of corneal power in patients undergoing photorefractive surgery, including diagnostic tests with quantitative measurements. Methodology. This is a retrospective observational study. We included patients undergoing photorefractive surgery with refractive results and post-operative corneal tomography taken at least ten weeks after surgery. Results. In myopic eyes, significant differences were found in the value determined by the keratometry derived from the clinical history when compared with the average post-operative manual keratometry, the simulated 32keratometry and the Mean Pupil Power of the Sirius®tomograph. On another note, when averaging the mean post-operative manual keratometry with the post-operative Mean Pupil Power (value called Kpopaverage 1) and comparing it with the keratometry derived from the clinical history method, no statistically significant differences were observed in myopic patients. Likewise, when averaging the simulated post-operative keratometry of the Sirius® equipment with the post-operative Mean Pupil Power (value called "Kpop average 2") and comparing it with the keratometry derived by the method of the clinical history, no statistically significant differences were observed in myopic patients. On the other hand, in hyperopic eyes and those with mixed astigmatism, mean errors from post-operative Mean Pupil Power, in comparison to the keratometry derived by clinical history method, were not significantly different from the errors when comparing the "Kpop average 1" and the "Kpop average 2"with keratometry derived by the clinical history method. Conclusions. In myopic eyes the post-operative corneal power determinations with the "Kpop average 1" and "Kpop average 2" are closer to the keratometry derived by clinical history method than to measurements from the average post-operative manual keratometry, the post-operative simulated keratometry or the Mean Pupil Power of the Sirius® equipment.

Introducción. La determinación del poder corneal, después de la cirugía refractiva con láser excimer, es difícil. Diferentes alternativas con el uso de tomógrafos corneales se han utilizado para esta medición. Objetivo. Evaluar diversos métodos de determinación del poder corneal en pacientes operados de cirugía fotorrefractiva, incluyendo pruebas diagnósticas con medidas cuantitativas. Metodología. Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes operados de cirugía fotorrefractiva que tuvieran resultados refractivos y tomografía corneal post-operatoria al menos diez semanas luego de cirugía. Resultados. En los ojos miopes se encontraron diferencias significativas en el valor determinado por la queratometría derivada de la historia clínica al compararla con la queratometría manual promedio postoperatoria, la queratometría simulada y el Mean Pupil Power del tomógrafo Sirius®. Por otra parte, al promediar la queratometría manual promedio postoperatoria con el Mean Pupil Power postoperatorio (valor denominado Kpop promedio 1) y compararla con la queratometría derivada por el método de la historia clínica, no se observaron en los pacientes miopes diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Asimismo, al promediar la queratometría simulada postoperatoria del equipo Sirius® con el Mean Pupil Power postoperatorio (valor denominado Kpop promedio 2) y compararla con la queratometría derivada por el método de la historia clínica tampoco se observaron en los pacientes miopes diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Por otro lado, en los ojos hipermétropes y con astigmatismo mixto, los promedios de los errores del Mean Pupil Power postoperatorio, con respecto a la queratometría derivada por el método de la historia clínica, no fueron significativamente diferentes de los errores al comparar la Kpop promedio 1 y la Kpop promedio 2 con la queratometría derivada por el método de la historia clínica. Conclusiones. En ojos miopes las determinaciones del poder corneal postoperatorio con las Kpop promedio 1 y Kpop promedio 2 se aproximan más a la queratometría derivada por el método de la historia clínica que a las mediciones de la queratometría manual promedio postoperatoria, la queratometría simulada postoperatoria o el Mean Pupil Power del equipo Sirius®. [Jaramillo LC, Galvis V, Tello A, Camacho PA, Castillo A, Pareja LA. Determinación del poder corneal con un tomógrafo corneal luego de cirugía refractiva con láser excimer. MedUNAB. 2018;21(1):16-30. doi:1029375/01237047.2397].

Introdução. A determinação da potência corneana, após a cirurgia refrativa com excimer láser, é difícil. Foram usadas diferentes alternativas com o uso de tomógrafos de córnea para esta medição. Objetivo. Avaliar vários métodos de determinação da potência corneana em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia fotorrefrativa, incluindo testes diagnósticos com medidas quantitativas. Métodos. Este é um estudo observacional retrospectivo. Foram incluídos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia fotorrefrativa com resultados refrativos e topografía corneana pós-operatória pelo menos um mês após a cirurgia. Resultados. Nos olhos míopes foram encontradas diferenças significativas no valor determinado pela ceratectomia derivada da história clínica, quando comparada com a média da ceratectomia manual pós-operátoria, a ceratectomia simulada e o Mean Pupil Power do tomógrafo Sirius®. Por outro lado, ao calcularmos a média da ceratectomia manual pós-operatória com o Mean Pupil Power pós-operatório (valor denominado Kpop média 1) e compará-la com a ceratectomia pelo método da história clínica, não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes nos pacientes miopes. Da mesma forma, ao calcular a média da ceratectomia pós-operatória simulada do equipamento Sirius® com o Mean Pupil Power pósoperatório (valor denominado Kpop média 2) e comparála com a ceratectomia derivada do método de história clínica, não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes nos pacientes miopes. Por outro lado, em olhos hipermetrópicos e com astigmatismo mixto, as médias de erros do Mean Pupil Power pós-operatório, em relação à ceratectomia derivada pelo método da história clínica, não foram significativamente diferentes dos erros na comparação do Kpop média 1 y la Kpop média 2 com a ceratectomia derivada pelo método da história clínica. Conclusões. Nos olhos míopes, as determinações de potência corneana pósoperatória com Kpop média 1 e Kpop média 2 estão mais próximas da ceratectomia derivada pelo método da história clínica do que das medidas de ceratectomia manual média pós-operatória, da ceratectomia simulada pós-operatória ou Mean Pupil Power do equipamento Sirius®. [Jaramillo LC, Galvis V, Tello A, Camacho PA, Castillo A, Pareja LA. Determinação da potência corneana com uma topografia de córnea após cirurgia refrativa com excimer láser. MedUNAB. 2018;21(1):16-30. doi:1029375/01237047.2397].

Cambios corneales producidos por la cirugía refractiva con excimer láser: revisión de tema / Changes produced by corneal refractive surgery with excimer laser: a review

RESUMEN El auge de la cirugía refractiva con excimer láser en las últimas dos décadas se ha reflejado en que un grupo creciente de pacientes con antecedente de este procedimiento necesitan ahora cirugía de catarata. Debido a las modificaciones generadas en la córnea por la fotoablación con el láser, la determinación del poder corneal necesario para el cálculo del poder del lente intraocular a implantar en la cirugía de catarata, es difícil. Teniendo en cuenta estos aspectos se hace una revisión de las causas de estos errores de medición y los abordajes existentes para minimizar su impacto. MÉD.UIS. 2017;30(1):99-105.

ABSTRACT The rise of excimer laser refractive surgery in the last two decades has been reflected in a growing group of patients with a history of this procedure who now need cataract surgery. Because the generated modifications to the cornea with the laser photoablation, determining the corneal power, necessary for calculating the power of the intraocular lens to be implanted during the cataract surgery, is difficult. We review the causes of these errors of measurement and existing approaches to minimize its impact. MÉD.UIS. 2017;30(1):99-105.

Dispositivos intraorales utilizados para el tratamiento de la apnea obstructiva del sueño en pacientes edéntulos. Revisión de la literatura y bases de patentes / Intraoral Devices for OSA Treatment in Edentulous Patients. Literature and Patents Datebase Review

Introducción: la apnea obstructiva del sueño (AOS) se considera un problema de salud pública que afecta en gran medida a hombres y mujeres entre 50 y 70 años de edad, donde en ocasiones son, además, pacientes edéntulos, lo cual dificulta su tratamiento. Objetivo: identificar los aparatos intraorales existentes para tratar la AOS leve y moderada en pacientes edéntulos. Metodología: se buscó literatura sobre el tema en bases de datos y de patentes. Resultados: se encontraron cinco artículos y dos patentes. El objetivo terapéutico de todos los dispositivos es aumentar la vía aérea superior entre la bsise de la lengua y la pared posterior de la faringe, mediante el avance mandibular. Dentro de las principales desventajas que presentan estos dispositivos están falta de retención, dificultad para mantener la dimensión vertical, problemas musculares y trastornos en la articulación temporomandibular. Conclusión: existen pocos dispositivos intraorales efectivos en la literatura para el tratamiento de la AOS en pacientes edéntulos. Esto hace necesario diseñar futuras investigaciones en esta área.

Introduction: The Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is considerad a problem of World Public Health that greatly affects men and women between ¿0 and 70 years oíd, where some of them are edentulous patients which treatment difficulty. Objective: lo identiíy the existing devices for mild and modérate OSA treatment ¿n edentulous patients. Method: A comprehensiva review was conducted in the literatura and patent databases. Results: 5 articles and 2 patents were round. The main therapy objective ¿n all devices is to increase the upper airway space between the tongue base and the posterior pharyngeal wall trough mandibular advancement. Several problems with use of these devices inelude lack retention, difficult for maintain the vertical dimensión, muscular discomfort and Temporomandibular Disorders. Conclusión: There are limited effective ¿ntraoral devices in literatura for OSA treatment in edentulous patients. It is necessary to design futura investigations in this area.