Demand charges reduction with photovoltaics in industry.

Demand charges are widely used for commercial and industrial consumers. These costs are often not well known, let alone the effects that PV can have on them. This work proposes a methodology to assess the effect of PV on reducing these charges and to optimise the power to be contracted, using techniques taken from exploratory data analysis. This methodology is applied to five case studies of industrial consumers from different sectors in Spain, finding savings between 5 % and 11 % of demand charges in industries with continuous operation and up to 28 % in cases of discontinuous operation. These savings can be even greater if the maximum power that can be contracted is lower than the optimum. The demand charges in Spain consist of a fixed part proportional to the contracted power and a variable part depending on the power peaks exceeding it. Since for the variable part the coincident and non-coincident models coexist, a comparison is made between the two models, finding that in the general case PV users can achieve higher savings with the coincident model.

Microascus gracilis y otomicosis / Microascus gracilis and otomycosis

Microascus spp, teleomorfo de Scopulariopsis, es un hongo saprofito encontrado normalmente en suelo, alimentos, vegetales e incluso en ambientes interiores. Considerado un contaminante ambiental, se caracteriza por la resistencia intrínseca a los antifúngicos disponibles. Existen escasas referencias de infecciones por Microascus gracilis, asociándose como causa de eumicetoma o enfermedad diseminada en pacientes sometidos a trasplante pulmonar. Presentamos un caso de otomicosis por M. gracilis con el fin de considerar la búsqueda de hongos en los cultivos óticos y poner de relevancia el poder patógeno y colonizador de este agente.

Microascus spp, a teleomorph of Scopulariopsis, is a saprophytic fungus normally found in soil, food, vegetables, and even indoors. Considered an environmental pollutant, it is characterized by its intrinsic resistance to available antifungals. There are few references to infections by Microascus gracilis, associating it as a cause of eumycetoma or disseminated disease in lung transplant recipients. We present a case of otomycosis caused by M. gracilis, to consider the search for fungi in ear cultures and highlight the pathogenic and colonizing power of this agent.

Whole genome analysis of Gram-negative bacteria using the EPISEQ CS application and other bioinformatic platforms.

OBJECTIVES: To determine genomic characteristics and molecular epidemiology of carbapenem non-susceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from medical centres of Mexico using whole genome sequencing data analysed with the EPISEQⓇ CS application and other bioinformatic platforms. METHODS: Clinical isolates collected from 28 centres in Mexico included carbapenem-non-susceptible K. pneumoniae (n = 22), E. coli (n = 24), A. baumannii (n = 16), and P. aeruginosa (n = 13). Isolates were subjected to whole genome sequencing using the Illumina (MiSeq) platform. FASTQ files were uploaded to the EPISEQⓇ CS application for analysis. Additionally, the tools Kleborate v2.0.4 and Pathogenwatch were used as comparators for Klebsiella genomes, and the bacterial whole genome sequence typing database was used for E. coli and A. baumannii. RESULTS: For K. pneumoniae, both bioinformatic approaches detected multiple genes encoding aminoglycoside, quinolone, and phenicol resistance, and the presence of blaNDM-1 explained carbapenem non-susceptibility in 18 strains and blaKPC-3 in four strains. Regarding E. coli, both EPISEQⓇ CS and bacterial whole genome sequence typing database analyses detected multiple virulence and resistance genes: 20 of 24 (83.3%) strains carried blaNDM, 3 of 24 (12.4%) carried blaOXA-232, and 1 carried blaOXA-181. Genes that confer resistance to aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, phenicols, trimethoprim, and macrolides were also detected by both platforms. Regarding A. baumannii, the most frequent carbapenemase-encoding gene detected by both platforms was blaOXA-72, followed by blaOXA-66. Both approaches detected similar genes for aminoglycosides, carbapenems, tetracyclines, phenicols, and sulfonamides. Regarding P. aeruginosa, blaVIM, blaIMP, and blaGES were the more frequently detected. Multiple virulence genes were detected in all strains. CONCLUSION: Compared to the other available platforms, EPISEQⓇ CS enabled a comprehensive resistance and virulence analysis, providing a reliable method for bacterial strain typing and characterization of the virulome and resistome.

Nefrolitotomía Endoscópica ex vivo del injerto renal de donante vivo con instrumento flexible / Living-donor kidney graft ex vivo endoscopic nephrolithotomy with flexible instrument

INTRODUCTION: The finding of an asymptomatic stone in the study of a living kidney donor does not necessarily contraindicate donation, however, there is no consensus on the management of these cases. The use of a graft with lithiasis may represent a risk of recurrence in the remaining kidney in the donor and eventual obstructive complications in the transplanted kidney. The objective of this work is to present the usefulness of ureteroscopy (URS) to resolve lithiasis ex vivo before transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Donors with a small, asymptomatic kidney stone and with an analysis of lithogenic factors without relevant findings were considered to continue in the donation process. The kidney unit with stone was selected for nephrectomy. RESULTS: Four donor kidneys underwent flexible URS after nephrectomy under hypothermic preservation conditions during bench preparation. The average time of the procedure was 35 minutes and the stone was extracted in all cases without incident. The transplant was carried out in the usual way and the evolution of the recipients was without complications and with excellent renal function. During follow-up, no recurrence of lithiasis was observed in donors or recipients. CONCLUSIONS: In this experience, the URS of the donor kidney was a feasible procedure and was not associated with adverse consequences for the graft. The main advantage of this procedure is to avoid the potential risk to the recipient of an obstructive graft complication.

[Living-donor kidney graft ex vivo endoscopic nephrolithotomy with flexible instrument]. / Nefrolitotomía Endoscópica ex vivo del injerto renal de donante vivo con instrumento flexible.

INTRODUCTION: The finding of an asymptomatic stone in the study of a living kidney donor does not necessarily contraindicate donation, however, there is no consensus on the management of these cases. The use of a graft with lithiasis may represent a risk of recurrence in the remaining kidney in the donor and eventual obstructive complications in the transplanted kidney. The objective of this work is to present the usefulness of ureteroscopy (URS) to resolve lithiasis ex vivo before transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Donors with a small, asymptomatic kidney stone and with an analysis of lithogenic factors without relevant findings were considered to continue in the donation process. The kidney unit with stone was selected for nephrectomy. RESULTS: Four donor kidneys underwent flexible URS after nephrectomy under hypothermic preservation conditions during bench preparation. The average time of the procedure was 35 minutes and the stone was extracted in all cases without incident. The transplant was carried out in the usual way and the evolution of the recipients was without complications and with excellent renal function. During follow-up, no recurrence of lithiasis was observed in donors or recipients. CONCLUSIONS: In this experience, the URS of the donor kidney was a feasible procedure and was not associated with adverse consequences for the graft. The main advantage of this procedure is to avoid the potential risk to the recipient of an obstructive graft complication.

Predicting malignancy in small testicular lesions.

Introduction: Small testicular lesions ≤20 mm (STL) detected by ultrasound (US), usually non-palpable, have been reported to be benign in up to 80% of cases. Thus, partial orchiectomy with or without frozen section examination and surveillance has been advocated for these kinds of lesions. We seek to report the proportion of benign lesions in testicular tumors ≤20 mm detected by US in our population and explore the predicting factors of malignancy. Material and methods: A retrospective descriptive study of orchiectomies performed for testicular tumors in patients older than 15 years between 2005 and 2019 was performed, including all patients with lesions ≤20 mm on US imaging. Results: A total of 70 patients with STL were included (mean age 34.6 ±10.8 years). Overall, 69% of the lesions were malignant while the smallest lesions (≤10 mm) showed 61% of cancer. Moreover, in the subgroup of non-palpable lesions ≤10 mm, 50% were malignant. Multifocal tumors were found in 18 subjects with a malignancy rate of 88%. There was a significant association between maximum size on US, multifocality and malignancy. Neither tumor markers nor palpability foretold a malignant lesion. A predictive model including size and multifocality was created showing a positive predictive value of 83.3%. Conclusions: US maximum size and multifocality were predictors of malignancy in STL. However, even the smallest lesions showed a 50% chance of being malignant, thus surgery with or without intraoperative biopsy is warranted in most cases.

Genetic diversity and drug susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a city with a high prevalence of drug resistant tuberculosis from Southeast of Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Mexico is on the top five countries with the highest number of TB cases in America continent, nevertheless, information about genotypes circulating is practically unknown. Considering the above this study aims to characterize the genetic diversity of TB in the city of Veracruz, México. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among positive smear samples from patients living in Veracruz City, samples were cultured, and first-line drug profiles determined. Genotyping was made by spoligotyping and MIRU-VNTR 24 loci. Associations of lineages, clusters, and variables were also analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 202 isolates analyzed resistance to at least one drug was observed in 60 (30%) isolates and 41(20%) were multidrug-resistant. Three major lineages were identified: L4/Euro-American (88%), L1/Indo-Oceanic (9%), and L2/East Asian (3%). The Euro-American lineage included more than six sublineages, the most abundant were: H (32%), T (23%), LAM (18%), and X (12%). 140 isolates (70%) were placed in 42 SITs patterns. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide the first baseline data on the genetic structure of TB in the city of Veracruz. Sublineages H, X and LAM were predominant; however, it was founded an important diversity of genotypes that could contribute to the dispersion of TB and explain the high prevalence. This information might be useful for the development of further interventions to reduce impact of TB.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in TLR4 Affect Susceptibility to Tuberculosis in Mexican Population from the State of Veracruz.

Tuberculosis is still a global public health problem, with an estimated 10 million new cases and 1.6 million deaths in 2017. Of all humans infected with M. tuberculosis, only 10-15% will develop active tuberculosis disease during their lifetime, and data suggest that along with environmental factors, genetic factors influence susceptibility to develop active disease. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors that play a central role in the initiation and shaping of adaptive immune responses, and several TLRs have been shown to recognize mycobacterial components. In this work, we performed a case-control study to determine if common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding TLRs 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10 are associated with susceptibility to develop active tuberculosis in population from the state of Veracruz, Mexico. The study included 279 cases and 569 controls. The results show that the frequency of two SNPs in TLR4 was significantly higher in controls than in tuberculosis patients. The minor allele (G) of rs4986790 in TLR4 (D299G) decreased the risk of active tuberculosis in the allelic (A vs. G, OR = 0.31, 95%CI = 0.09-0.81, p = 0.01) and in the dominant genetic model (AA vs. GG+AG, OR = 0.26, 95%CI = 0.09-0.77, p = 0.02). Similarly, the minor allele (T) of rs4986791 in TLR4 (T399I) decreased the risk of active disease in the allelic model (C vs. T, OR = 0.29, 95%CI = 0.10-0.90, p = 0.03). We did not find an association of SNPs in TLR1 (N248S), TLR2 (R753Q), TLR6 (S249P), and TLR10 (A153S and V298I) with tuberculosis disease. These results suggest that in this population, genetic variants of TLR4 affect the susceptibility for suffering active tuberculosis disease.

Tracking methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clones in a hospital in Southern Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains that were collected in the Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Veracruz (HRV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 107 MRSA strains from individual patients were examined. The strains were collected between September 2009 and September 2010. The clinical and demographic characteristics of patients were analyzed; molecular typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) typing and multilocus sequence typing were used to characterize the isolates. RESULTS: Two PFGE patterns (NY/J and IB) were identified with 4 and 3 subtypes respectively. The isolates analyzed showed two SCCmec types (I and II) and two sequence types (ST): ST247 and ST5 related with the Iberian and New York/Japan clones respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes the presence of two very important clonal lineages of MRSA: New York/Japan and Iberian clone in the hospital environment.

OBJETIVO: Describir las características clínicas y moleculares de cepas de Staphylococcus aureus resistentes a meticilina (SARM) que fueron recolectadas en el Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Veracruz (HRV). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Un total de 107 cepas de SARM fueron analizadas en el presente estudio. Las cepas estudiadas fueron recolectadas de septiembre de 2009 a septiembre de 2010. Las características clínicas y demográficas de los pacientes fueron analizadas; la tipificación molecular de las cepas se hizo por electroforesis en campos pulsados, casete cromosomal estafilococócico (SCCmec, en inglés) y secuenciación de múltiples locus. RESULTADOS: Dos patrones electroforéticos (NY/J y IB) fueron identificados con 4 y 3 subtipos respectivamente. Los aislamientos analizados mostraron dos tipos de SCCmec (I y II) y dos secuencias tipo (ST): ST247 y ST5 relacionados con las clonas Ibérica y Nueva York/Japón respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: . Este estudio estableció la presencia en el medio hospitalario de dos linajes clonales de SARM importantes: Nueva York/Japón e Ibérico.

Tracking methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clones in a hospital in Southern Mexico / Seguimiento de clonas de Staphylococcus aureus resistentes a meticilina en un hospital en el sur de México

Abstract: Objective: To describe the clinical and molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) strains that were collected in theHospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Veracruz(HRV). Materials and methods: A total of 107 MRSA strains from individual patients were examined. The strains were collected between September 2009 and September 2010. The clinical and demographic characteristics of patients were analyzed; molecular typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) typing and multilocus sequence typing were used to characterize the isolates. Results: Two PFGE patterns (NY/J and IB) were identified with 4 and 3 subtypes respectively. The isolates analyzed showed two SCCmec types (I and II) and two sequence types (ST): ST247 and ST5 related with the Iberian and New York/Japan clones respectively. Conclusion: This study establishes the presence of two very important clonal lineages of MRSA: New York/Japan and Iberian clone in the hospital environment.

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas y moleculares de cepas deStaphylococcus aureusresistentes a meticilina (SARM) que fueron recolectadas en el Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Veracruz (HRV). Material y métodos: Un total de 107 cepas de SARM fueron analizadas en el presente estudio. Las cepas estudiadas fueron recolectadas de septiembre de 2009 a septiembre de 2010. Las características clínicas y demográficas de los pacientes fueron analizadas; la tipificación molecular de las cepas se hizo por electroforesis en campos pulsados, casete cromosomal estafilococócico (SCCmec, en inglés) y secuenciación de múltiples locus. Resultados: Dos patrones electroforéticos (NY/J y IB) fueron identificados con 4 y 3 subtipos respectivamente. Los aislamientos analizados mostraron dos tipos de SCCmec (I y II) y dos secuencias tipo (ST): ST247 y ST5 relacionados con las clonas Ibérica y Nueva York/Japón respectivamente. Conclusión: Este estudio estableció la presencia en el medio hospitalario de dos linajes clonales de SARM importantes: Nueva York/Japón e Ibérico.

Early ureteroscopic treatment in patients with urosepsis associated with ureteral calculi is a safe approach. A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Emergency drainage of the urinary tract is the first necessary approach in patients with urosepsis secondary to obstructive ureteral calculi. The appropriate waiting time before definitive treatment has not been determined. We hypothesized that early ureteroscopic treatment after the patient has been stabilized is as safe as deferred treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A pilot study was developed between November 2013 and September 2017. Patients with urosepsis associated with ureteral calculi were included. All the patients were initially decompressed with a ureteral stent. Patients were randomized to early ureteroscopic treatment (EUT), who received definitive treatment during the initial hospitalization, or deferred ureteroscopic treatment (DUT), that received definitive treatment in a second hospitalization. The stone location and size, sex distribution, age, APACHE II score, length of hospital stay, days with ureteral catheter and complications were registered. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 12.0. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients were included in the EUT group and 13 in the DUT group. No differences in sex distribution, stone location, APACHE II score, age, stone size and time between admission and urinary drainage were found. Total length of hospital stay and complications were also similar between both groups. A statistically significant difference was found in terms of duration of antibiotic treatment (p = 0.04) and total days with double J catheter (p = 0.0009). CONCLUSIONS: EUT for ureteral stone is as safe as DUT in patients admitted with urosepsis secondary to ureterolithiasis. EUT is associated with a shorter period of ureteral stent and it is not associated with an increase in complications.

Genetic diversity of drug and multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis circulating in Veracruz, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Mexico is one of the most important contributors of drug and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Latin America; however, knowledge of the genetic diversity of drug-resistant tuberculosis isolates is limited. METHODS: In this study, the genetic structure of 112 Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains from the southeastern Mexico was determined by spoligotyping and 24-loci MIRU-VNTRs. FINDINGS: The results show eight major lineages, the most of which was T1 (24%), followed by LAM (16%) and H (15%). A total of 29 (25%) isolates were identified as orphan. The most abundant SITs were SIT53/T1 and SIT42/LAM9 with 10 isolates each and SIT50/H3 with eight isolates. Fifty-two spoligotype patterns, twenty-seven clusters and ten clonal complexes were observed, demonstrating an important genetic diversity of drug and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis isolates in circulation and transmission level of these aggravated forms of tuberculosis. Being defined as orphan or as part of an orphan cluster, was a risk factor for multidrug resistant-tuberculosis (OR 2.5, IC 1.05-5.86 and OR 3.3, IC 1-11.03, respectively). Multiple correspondence analyses showed association of some clusters and SITs with specific geographical locations. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides one of the most detailed description of the genetic structure of drug and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis strains in southeast Mexico, establishing for the first time a baseline of the genotypes observed in resistant isolates circulating, however further studies are required to better elucidate the genetic structure of tuberculosis in region and the factors that could be participating in their dispersion.

Historia clínica electrónica en Bogotá: percepciones desde la atención primaria / Electronic health record in Bogotá: Perceptions from primary care / Histórica clínica eletrônica em Bogotá: percepções a partir da atenção primária

Objetivo. Conocer las características de las historias clínicas electrónicas en Bogotá y verificar los aspectos que se pueden mejorar para que esta se enfoque en Atención Primaria Integral en Salud (APIS).Metodología. Se hizo investigación en dos fases: 1) hermenéutica, para conocer las perspectivas de autores que escribieron sobre historia clínica electrónica en Bogotá y Colombia; y 2) de campo, mediante la aplicación de entrevistas, grupos focales y entrevistas, para obtener las perspectivas de los usuarios de la historia clínica electrónica en Bogotá y de decisores sobre la misma. El análisis se hizo en ATLAS ti 7.5.Resultados. Se identificaron 7 artículos referidos a la historia clínica en Bo-gotá y a nivel nacional, que describen algunas características de la historia clínica electrónica y encontramos en Colombia 25 normas que se refieren al tema. Ninguno de estos artículos o normas consideró específicamente la APIS. En fase de campo, se analizaron cinco categorías deductivas (primer contacto, continuidad, integralidad, coordinación, inclusión de factores determinantes de salud) y 11 categorías inductivas (facilidad de uso, capa-citación, tiempo-facilidad de la consulta, interoperabilidad, trazabilidad y sistema de información, entre otras).Conclusiones. La literatura científica acerca de la historia clínica electró-nica en Bogotá y Colombia es escasa y no especifica temas de la APIS. Se encuentran múltiples modelos de historia clínica electrónica en Bogotá y los usuarios describen sus diversas utilidades que dependen del software utilizado. En general, los entrevistados consideran importante la inclusión de los factores determinantes de la salud y se requieren esfuerzos para llegar a un consenso sobre datos mínimos de la dicha historia que faciliten la interoperabilidad, así como para establecer criterios de facilidad de uso que faciliten el trabajo del prestador primario.

Objective. Getting acquainted with the characteristics of elec-tronic medical records in Bogotá and seeking for improvement of such aspects that could hinder its interrelatedness with Pri-mary Health Care.Methodology. Research was conducted in two stages. On the first stage, a hermeneutical approach was implemented so as to become acquainted with the authors of documents pertaining to electronic medical records in Bogotá as well as Colombia. On the second stage, field work was conducted. Focus group and interviews were used to secure the perspective of electro-nic medical records users and decision makers. Data analysis was implemented with ATLAS ti 7.5.Results. Seven articles referred to electronic medical records in Bogotá as well as other places nationwide were found. Twenty-five regulations pertaining to the electronic medical records were found. None of the above provided specific information on primary health care. During the field work stage of the pre-sent research five deductive categories were analyzed: first contact, continuity, integrality, coordination and health deter-minant factors inclusion. Deductive categories for this study are as follow: user friendliness, training, time of the consulta-tion, interoperability and traceability.Conclusions. Scientific literature about electronic medical re-cords in Bogotá and nationwide is scant and unspecific to pri-mary health care issues. Multiple models for electronic medical records are listed and their users describe their effectiveness on the software implemented. Generally speaking, the inter-viewees deem it important to include health determinant fac-tors. Consensus on minimum data required is needed to ease interoperability as well as coming up with criteria to improve friendliness for primary care workers.

Objetivo. Conheçer as características das histórias clínicas ele-trônicas nesta cidade e verificar para aspectos que consigan ser melhorados na busca da atenção primária da saúde.Metodología. Foi feita en días fases. A primera hermenéuti-ca, para conheçer as perspectivas documentais e a segunda, de campo, mediante entrevistas quis se conheçer o olhar dos usuários dos serviços de saúde, mesmo cómo aquele de quem organiza e pode decidir acima desses serviços.Resultados. Foram identificados 7 artigos se referindo ao caso de Bogotá e 25 normas envolvidas con este assunto no país. Nenhuno desses artigos considera a APIS. Da aproximação empírica foram analizadas 5 categorías deductivas: primeiro contato, continuidade, integralidade, coordenação, inclusão de factores dos determinantes sociais da saúde e 11 categorías indutivas: facilidades de uso, capacitação, tiempo de consulta, sistema de informação entre otras.Conclusões. A literatura científica que visa analizar as histórias clínicas eletrônicas en Bogotá e Colômbia é muito escasa e não trata o asunto da APIS, embora expliquem os vários modelos que existem. En general, os usuários consideram importante a inclussão de dados sobre os determinantes sociais na histórica clínica que facilitem a abordagem profissional dos casos.IntroducciónCon el advenimiento de la modernidad y la tecnifica-ción subsecuente, así como con la globalización de la información, surgió la posibilidad a nivel mundial de facilitar la implementación y el uso de los sistemas de información en salud, apoyándose en las tecnolo-gías de la información y la comunicación(1). Con los registros de salud electrónicos, como la historia clíni-ca electrónica, se pueden obtener datos estadísticos de la población que generan información útil para las políticas de salud pública. Existe el reto de que esta información sea acorde con la concepción de la APIS, que sea integral desde una concepción biopsicosocial y que integre a los factores determinantes de la salud.Colombia, como país creciente en población y en la exploración continua hacia la mejora de la calidad de vida de sus ciudadanos, no es ajeno a esta necesidad y busca la implementación de la APIS. En el país, se ha documentado la falta de sistemas de información adecuados, capaces de suministrar datos actualizados sobre el estado de salud de la población, lo cual con-tribuye a la segmentación del sistema de salud y a pro-blemas de calidad en la atención(2).La especialidad de Medicina Familiar busca promover la atención primaria en salud, como una forma de dar atención integral, eficaz, eficiente y segura. Desde este Keywords: electronic medical record, first contact, continuity, integrality, coordination, inclusion social health determinants.Palavras Chave: história clínica eletrônica, primeiro contato, continuidade, integralidade, coordenação, inclusão determinantes sociais.

La farmacopuntura en el síndrome del hombro doloroso / Pharmacopuncture in Painful Shoulder Syndrome

Introducción: el dolor es el síntoma más temido y de mayor preocupación de cualquier enfermedad que tenga el hombre y es la mayor causa de consulta médica. Una variante reciente de la acupuntura es la farmacopuntura, técnica basada en la inyección de ciertas sustancias en los puntos acupunturales. Objetivo: determinar los resultados del tratamiento acupuntural con farmacopuntura en pacientes con el síndrome de hombro doloroso en el Hospital Arnaldo Milián Castro en el período comprendido de noviembre de 2014 a abril de 2016. Método: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo. La muestra quedó constituida por 36 pacientes con el síndrome del hombro doloroso. Resultados: antes del tratamiento el 100 por ciento mostraban valores por encima de cinco en la escala visual graduada numéricamente, lo que se corresponde con dolor moderado, severo e insoportable. Al hacer el corte en la sexta sesión ocho habían sido dados de alta y el 42,8 por ciento de los pacientes no presentaban dolor. Respecto al balance funcional, las actividades de la vida diaria que fueron analizadas, solamente cuatro pacientes no mostraron mejoría clínica. Conclusiones: el tratamiento con farmacopuntura tuvo buenos resultados en pacientes con el síndrome del hombro doloroso y en los casos en que no se logró la eliminación del dolor fue posible, al menos, obtener una mejoría del cuadro doloroso(AU)

A first insight into the genetic diversity of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Veracruz, Mexico.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most important infectious diseases. Although Mexico is one of the Latin American countries with the largest contribution to these statistics, there are few reports that describe the genotypic characteristics of TB. The aim of this study was to use the MIRU-VNTR-24 loci to analyze the genetic diversity of M. tuberculosis circulating in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. METHODS: Here, we analyze by MIRU-VNTR-24 loci 80 clinical isolates from individuals with confirmed TB from Veracruz México, also clinical and epidemiological variables were recovered and analyzed. RESULTS: Of the individuals included in the analyses 65% were from men with an average age of 42 (± 17) years, 17% and 6% were drug and multi-drug resistant. 88% of the isolates were included in 20 clusters, of which 52% were classified into twelve orphan clusters and the remaining 37% were distributed among eight lineages: LAM (10%), EAI (9%), Haarlem (8%), H37Rv (4%), S (4%) and TUR (2%). CONCLUSION: An important diversity of lineages and unknown genotypes was identified; however, more studies are necessary in order to understand the characteristics of the genotypes displayed in the region. There is no doubt regarding the need for a molecular epidemiological surveillance system that can help to evaluate the dynamics of genotypes circulating in the country and support strategies for the prevention and management of populations affected by TB.

Tratamiento de la urgencia hipertensiva con aurículopuntura en pacientes con diagnóstico de hipertensión arterial descompensada / Treatment of hypertensive urgency with ear acupuncture in patients diagnosed with hypertension decompensated

Se realizó un estudio cuasi experimental prospectivo en el Hospital Comandante Manuel Fajardo Rivero desde septiembre de 2009 hasta marzo de 2013 y su propósito principal se centró en evaluar los resultados de la aurículopuntura en el tratamiento de la urgencia hipertensiva en pacientes con diagnóstico de hipertensión arterial descompensada en el Servicio de Urgencia. La población de estudio estuvo constituida por 303 pacientes que acudieron al Cuerpo de Guardia y que consintieron en colaborar con la investigación. Se conformaron dos grupos, cada uno con 54 pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión; uno recibió tratamiento con aurículopuntura y el otro con captopril oral. Se evaluaron las variables edad, sexo, tipo de lesión, evolución clínica, tiempo de remisión de las cifras de tensión arterial y resultados de los tratamientos (ambos fueron satisfactorios). Se presentó la urgencia hipertensiva sin diferencias significativas entre los sexos y la edad media del grupo con aurículopuntura, que fue significativamente menor a la del tratado con captopril, se mostró con más frecuencia la urgencia hipertensiva entre los 40 y 59 años, predominó la lesión por plenitud calurosa o el exceso en el elemento madera en ambos grupos, la evolución clínica fue favorable en los dos grupos en el minuto 60, el tiempo de remisión de las cifras de tensión arterial fue corto en el grupo con aurículopuntura y medianamente corto en los tratados con captopril(AU)

Characterization of pncA gene mutations in pyrazinamide-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from Mexico.

Numerous studies have linked mutations in the pncA gene with resistance to pyrazinamide (Z) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, variations in these mutations are specific to the country of origin of the isolate. The aim of this study was to characterize changes in pncA gene sequence in isolates of M. tuberculosis with resistance to Z, from patients in Mexico. M. tuberculosis isolates were recovered from individuals suspected of carrying drug resistant tuberculosis and respective susceptibility tests were developed. In isolates with resistance to pyrazinamide the pncA gene and its promoter were analyzed by capillary sequencing. From 127 drug-resistant isolates collected, 42 (33%) were resistant to pyrazinamide. The pncA sequences showed 26 changes in 34 (81%) isolates: 18 SNPs (n=26, 62%), four insertions (n=4, 9.5%) and four deletions (n=4, 9.5%). Absence of modifications was observed in eight (19%) sequences/isolates. The most frequent changes were the mutations L120P (n=7) and K96R (n=4). Twelve changes found are reported for the first time. This is the first description of pncA gene modifications in pyrazinamide resistant isolates originating in Mexico. We conclude that the diversity of changes in pncA indicates the presence of a noteworthy variety of pyrazinamide resistant strains occurring in the area.

Ureteroscopic lithotripsy for distal ureteral calculi: comparative evaluation of three different lithotriptors.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: We report the results of a randomized controlled trial comparing three different lithotriptors using semirigid ureteroscopy (URS) for distal ureteral stones. METHODS: Between September 2009 and November 2010 69 patients undergoing ureteroscopy were randomized to three groups: LithoClast classic (Group 1), Holmium Laser (Group 2), and StoneBreaker™ (Group 3). A 7.5F semirigid ureteroscope was used in all procedures. The primary outcome was differences in fragmentation time. Secondary outcomes were stone-free rates, intraoperative complications, stone-up migration, hospital stay, analgesic requirement, and need for auxiliary procedures. Patients were followed up at 15 days, 30 days, and 3 months. The stone-free status was defined with noncontrast computed tomography performed at first control. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine clinical and surgical factors that have direct impact on the success of ureteroscopy. Chi-square test and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) tests were used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS: There were no differences between sociodemographic variables. Average stone size was 7.17±2.04 mm in Group 1; 7.89±2.73 mm in Group 2; and 7.79±2.97 mm in Group 3 (p=0.79). Fragmentation time were similar between lithotriptors; 27.12±4.07 minutes in Lithoclast group; 21.78±2.81 minutes in Laser group, and 27.14±4.71 minutes in StoneBreaker group (p=0.74). Stone-free rates were 96%±11.18% (group 1), 96.9%±8% (group 2), and 96.9%±8.4% (group 3) (p=0.1). No difference was observed in stone-up migration, postoperative Double-J stent placement, or auxiliary procedures. Stone size and the placement of a second working wire were associated with shorter fragmentation time (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The three lithotripsy devices evaluated behaved similarly in terms of the ability to fragment stones, and were equally effective for distal ureteral stones. Adequate fragmentation and fragment removal are mainly dependant on stone size and surgical technique (use of auxiliary wire).

Obtención de cultivos primarios de estroma prostático benigno y tumoral mediante explantes de tejido desde biopsias por punción / Obtaining primary cultures of bening and tumoral prostatic stromal tissue through explants from needle biopsias

La progresión del cáncer de próstata (CaP) es regulada por el microentorno tumoral,el cual tiene como principal componente el estroma asociado al carcinoma (CAS). Sin embargo, los métodos experimentales usando cultivos primarios para modelar el comportamiento del estroma tumoral han sido insatisfactorios debido a la dificultad de obtener cultivos primarios de células estromales prostáticas humanas (Hpscs) con alta proporción de CAS. Así, el objetivo de este estudio consistió en estandarizar una metodología que permita ta obtención de cultivos primarios de HPSCs con alta proporción de CAS. Métodos: se recolectaron biopsias prostáticas de 10 pacientes,5 de ellos con CaP localmente avanzado y/o metastásico, y 5 sin evidencia de neoplasia. Se evaluó la proporción estromal por estudios histológicos y se estandarizó la obtención de cultivos primarios de HPScs mediante explantes de tejido. Los culilvos se caracterizaron por curvas de crecimiento y proliferación Resultados: El tejido obtenido desde biopsias prostáticas por punción de pacientes con CaP localmente avanzado y/o metastásico presentan alta proporción de CAS. La técnica explantes de tejido permite la obtención de cultivos primarios de HPSC desde biopsias, indicando además que cultivos primarios de CAS presentan un patrón de crecimiento y proliferación, superior a las células obtenidas de tejido benigno (BAS). Discusión: Nuestro estudio demuestra que a través de la técnica explantes de tejido es posible obtener cultivos primarios de HPSCs con CaP invasor, debido a que estos presentan zonas con alta proporción de CAS...

Tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in the progression of prostate cancer (CaP), which main component ¡s the ®carcinoma associated stroma¼ (CAS).However, the in vitro models utilizing human prostate stroma cells (HPSCs) as primary cultures have failed in recapitulate the human prostate microenvironment due to the unfeasibility to obtain primary cultures of HPSCs with a pure population of CAS. The aim of this study was to standardize a new methodology that allow to obtain primary cultures of HPSCs with high proportion of CAS. Methods: Primary cultures of HPSCs were obtained from explants of human needle biopsies from 5 benign and 5 locally advances and/or metastatic human prostate tissues. The primary cell cultures were characterized by proliferation rates and growth curves. Locally advanced and/or metastatic prostate needle biopsies exhibit a high presence of CAS. The analysis of human primary cultures isolated from benign and malignant prostate tissue explants revealed distinctive populations of HPSCs that can be distinguishable by proliferation rates and growth curves. Discussion: our studies demonstrated for the first time that prostate explants from needle biopsy, represents a feasible technique to obtain primary cultures of stromal cells from benign and malignant tissues, and represents in more accurate way the complexity of the tumor microenvironment...