Static and dynamic magnetic properties of circular and square cobalt nanodots in hexagonal cells.

In this work we performed a detailed numerical analysis to investigate the static and dynamic magnetic properties of hexagonal cells of square and circular cobalt nanodots as a function of the distance between them and the external magnetic field to which they are subjected. By simulating hysteresis curves with the external magnetic field applied parallel and perpendicular to the plane of these nanostructures, we can conclude that the cobalt nanodots presented a significant perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. We also obtained that the coercivity increases with decreasing volume, which implies that the circular dots have a higher coercivity than the square dots. Furthermore, we studied the dynamic susceptibility of these systems and found that it is possible to control both the position and the number of resonance peaks by controlling the geometry and the distance between the magnetic nanodots. This work provides useful information on the behaviour of cobalt nanodot arrays, opening paths for the design and improvement of two-dimensional technological devices.

Left Atrial Septal Pouch (LASP) and cryptogenic stroke risk: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: The left atrial septal pouch (LASP) is a small anatomical septal recess in the heart that has been linked with cardioembolic events. A systematic appraisal of the existing literature is necessary to establish a better understanding of the risk as studies continue to indicate a correlation between LASPs and cryptogenic strokes. OBJECTIVES: To determine the level of association between the presence of LASP and the risk of developing cryptogenic stroke. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus for studies comparing the prevalence of LASP in patients with cryptogenic stroke against non-cryptogenic stroke control groups from inception till December, 2023. The Newcastle Ottawa scale was used for quality assessment and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 3.3 was used for data analysis with odds ratio (OR) as the effect measure. RESULTS: Our review included a total of 10 retrospective, observational studies published between 2010 to 2022. A total of 683 cases of cryptogenic strokes were identified, out of which 33.1 % (n = 271) were associated with a LASP. Among the non-cryptogenic stroke controls (n = 2641), LASP was present in 20.6 % cases (n = 476). The aggregate OR for cryptogenic stroke was 1.618 times greater than non-cryptogenic stroke (p < 0.001) among LASP cases, CONCLUSION: The presence of a septal pouch in the left atrium is significantly linked to a higher risk of developing cryptogenic strokes. As a potential site of thrombus formation and subsequent dislodgement, further large-scale studies are necessary to establish the guidelines for management and prophylaxis to prevent embolic events.

Reimagining Healthcare: Unleashing the Power of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has opened new medical avenues and revolutionized diagnostic and therapeutic practices, allowing healthcare providers to overcome significant challenges associated with cost, disease management, accessibility, and treatment optimization. Prominent AI technologies such as machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) have immensely influenced diagnostics, patient monitoring, novel pharmaceutical discoveries, drug development, and telemedicine. Significant innovations and improvements in disease identification and early intervention have been made using AI-generated algorithms for clinical decision support systems and disease prediction models. AI has remarkably impacted clinical drug trials by amplifying research into drug efficacy, adverse events, and candidate molecular design. AI's precision and analysis regarding patients' genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors have led to individualized treatment strategies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AI-assisted telemedicine set a precedent for remote healthcare delivery and patient follow-up. Moreover, AI-generated applications and wearable devices have allowed ambulatory monitoring of vital signs. However, apart from being immensely transformative, AI's contribution to healthcare is subject to ethical and regulatory concerns. AI-backed data protection and algorithm transparency should be strictly adherent to ethical principles. Vigorous governance frameworks should be in place before incorporating AI in mental health interventions through AI-operated chatbots, medical education enhancements, and virtual reality-based training. The role of AI in medical decision-making has certain limitations, necessitating the importance of hands-on experience. Therefore, reaching an optimal balance between AI's capabilities and ethical considerations to ensure impartial and neutral performance in healthcare applications is crucial. This narrative review focuses on AI's impact on healthcare and the importance of ethical and balanced incorporation to make use of its full potential.

Exploring the Role of Simulation Training in Improving Surgical Skills Among Residents: A Narrative Review.

The role of simulation in medical education is crucial to the development of surgeons' skills. Surgical simulation can be used to improve surgical skills in a secure and risk-free environment. Animal models, simulated patients, virtual reality, and mannequins are some types of surgical simulation. As a result, feedback encourages students to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to focus on improvement. Healthcare simulation is a strong educational instrument, and the main goal of this is to give the students an opportunity to do a practical application of what they have learned through theory. Before taking it to the patients, they will already have certain tools they have previously acquired during the practice. This makes it easier for students to identify the knowledge gaps that they must fill to improve patient outcomes. Moreover, simulation brings a wonderful opportunity for students to acquire skills, gain confidence, and experience success before working with real patients, especially when their clinical exposure is limited. The use of simulation to teach technical skills to surgical trainees has become more prevalent. The cost of setting up a simulation lab ranges from $100,000 to $300,000. There are several ways to evaluate the effectiveness of simulation-based surgical training. Repetitive surgical simulation training can improve speed and fluidity in general surgical skills in comparison to conventional training. Few previous studies compared learners who received structured simulation training to a group of trainees who did not receive any simulation training in single-center randomized control research. Significantly faster and less time-consuming skill proficiency was noticeable in simulated trainees. Despite being anxious in the operating room for the first time, simulated trainees completed the surgery on time, demonstrating the effectiveness of surgical simulation training. Traditional surgical training involves senior-surgeon supervision in the operating room. In simulation-based training, the trainees have full control over clinical scenarios and settings; however, guidance and assessment are also crucial. Simulators allow users to practice tasks under conditions resembling real-life scenarios. Simulators can be compared with traditional surgical training methods for different reasons. For example, intraoperative bleeding may occasionally show up not only visibly on the screen but also by shaking the trocars erratically. Without haptics, training on virtual simulators can cause one's pulling and pushing forces, which are frequently greater than what the tissue needs, to be distorted. A good method of simulation training is using virtual reality simulators with haptics and simulated patients. The availability of these facilities is limited, though, and a typical session might include an exercise involving stacking sugar cubes and box trainers. The degree of expertise or competency is one area that needs clarification as medical education transitions to a competency-based paradigm. The article aims to provide an overview of simulation, methods of simulation training, and the key role and importance of surgical simulation in improving skills in surgical residents.

Prevalencia de hipertensión arterial en pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados / Prevalence of arterial hypertension in pediatric hospitalized patients

Resumen Objetivo: Establecer la prevalencia de hipertensión arterial (HTA) en los pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados en un centro hospitalario de tercer nivel de Medellín, Colombia, durante seis años. Métodos: Se hizo un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal que revisó información retrospectiva obtenida de los registros de las historias clínicas de pacientes menores de 18 años hospitalizados en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe de Medellín, Colombia. Resultados: De un total de 382 pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados en el periodo estudiado se obtuvo una prevalencia de HTA del 30.6%, la de hipertensión sistólica fue 23.6% y la de diastólica 20.7%. Los niños menores de cinco años, el uso de vancomicina y la estancia en cuidado crítico aumentan significativamente el riesgo de presentar hipertensión durante la hospitalización. Conclusiones: En pediatría la frecuencia de HTA en pacientes hospitalizados es elevada, mayor a la prevalencia reportada en pacientes ambulatorios. Se debe reconocer el grupo de mayor riesgo y los factores potencialmente modificables, así como definir el inicio de tratamiento de forma oportuna. Las complicaciones son bajas, excepto la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda, por lo que es necesario un seguimiento a largo plazo.

Abstract Objective: To establish the prevalence of arterial hypertension in pediatric patients hospitalized in a tertiary hospital center in Medellin, Colombia for 6 years. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out that reviewed retrospective information obtained from the clinical records of patients under 18 years of age hospitalized at the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital in Medellín. Results: From a total of 382 pediatric patients hospitalized in the studied period, a prevalence of hypertension of 30.6% was found. Systolic hypertension prevalence was 23.6% and diastolic 20.7%. Age under 5, treatment with vancomycin and critical care admission increased the risk of being hypertensive during hospitalization. Conclusions: In children the frequency of hypertension in hospitalized patients is higher than the prevalence reported in outpatients. The highest risk group and potentially modifiable factors must be recognized and treatment administered in a timely manner. Secondary complications are low, except for left ventricular hypertrophy, which requires long-term follow-up.

Prevalence of arterial hypertension in pediatric hospitalized patients.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of arterial hypertension in pediatric patients hospitalized in a tertiary hospital center in Medellin, Colombia for 6 years. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out that reviewed retrospective information obtained from the clinical records of patients under 18 years of age hospitalized at the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital in Medellín. RESULTS: From a total of 382 pediatric patients hospitalized in the studied period, a prevalence of hypertension of 30.6% was found. Systolic hypertension prevalence was 23.6% and diastolic 20.7%. Age under 5, treatment with vancomycin and critical care admission increased the risk of being hypertensive during hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: In children the frequency of hypertension in hospitalized patients is higher than the prevalence reported in outpatients. The highest risk group and potentially modifiable factors must be recognized and treatment administered in a timely manner. Secondary complications are low, except for left ventricular hypertrophy, which requires long-term follow-up.

OBJETIVO: Establecer la prevalencia de hipertensión arterial (HTA) en los pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados en un centro hospitalario de tercer nivel de Medellín, Colombia, durante seis años. MÉTODOS: Se hizo un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal que revisó información retrospectiva obtenida de los registros de las historias clínicas de pacientes menores de 18 años hospitalizados en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe de Medellín, Colombia. RESULTADOS: De un total de 382 pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados en el periodo estudiado se obtuvo una prevalencia de HTA del 30.6%, la de hipertensión sistólica fue 23.6% y la de diastólica 20.7%. Los niños menores de cinco años, el uso de vancomicina y la estancia en cuidado crítico aumentan significativamente el riesgo de presentar hipertensión durante la hospitalización. CONCLUSIONES: En pediatría la frecuencia de HTA en pacientes hospitalizados es elevada, mayor a la prevalencia reportada en pacientes ambulatorios. Se debe reconocer el grupo de mayor riesgo y los factores potencialmente modificables, así como definir el inicio de tratamiento de forma oportuna. Las complicaciones son bajas, excepto la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda, por lo que es necesario un seguimiento a largo plazo.

BK virus nephropathy in a heart transplant recipient / Nefropatia pelo vírus BK em um receptor de transplante cardíaco

Abstract BK virus nephropathy in kidney transplantation is widely recognized as an important cause of graft dysfunction and loss. In the case of transplants of organs other than kidney, BK virus nephropathy in native kidneys has been recognized as a cause of chronic kidney disease, which is related with immunosuppression; however, the diagnosis is usually late because the renal dysfunction is attributed to other causes, such as toxicity by anticalcineurinic drugs, interstitial nephritis due to medications, hemodynamic changes, diabetes, hypertension, etc. We report a case of BK virus nephropathy in a patient who underwent heart transplantation due to peripartum cardiomyopathy. The kidney biopsy reported active chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with late stage polyomavirus nephritis and the blood viral load for BK virus was positive (logarithm 4.5). The immunosuppressive treatment was reduced, and after two years of follow-up, the patient had stable renal function with a serum creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL (GFR of 23.4 mL/min/1.73m2). We recommend that the BK virus be considered as a cause of renal dysfunction in heart transplant recipients, with the aim of detecting its replication in time to reduce immunosuppressive therapy before irreversible compromise of renal function may manifest.

Resumo A nefropatia pelo vírus BK no transplante renal é amplamente reconhecida como uma importante causa de disfunção e perda do enxerto. No caso de transplantes de órgãos que não sejam rins, a nefropatia pelo vírus BK em rins nativos tem sido reconhecida como uma causa de doença renal crônica, que está relacionada com imunossupressão; entretanto, o diagnóstico é geralmente tardio porque a disfunção renal é atribuída a outras causas, tais como toxicidade por drogas anticalcineurínicas, nefrite intersticial devido a medicamentos, alterações hemodinâmicas, diabetes, hipertensão, etc. Relatamos um caso de nefropatia pelo vírus BK em um paciente que foi submetido a transplante cardíaco devido à cardiomiopatia periparto. A biópsia renal relatou nefrite túbulo-intersticial crônica ativa associada à nefrite por poliomavírus em estágio avançado e a carga viral sanguínea para o vírus BK foi positiva (logaritmo 4,5). O tratamento imunossupressor foi reduzido, e após dois anos de acompanhamento, o paciente apresentava função renal estável com creatinina sérica de 2,5 mg/dL (TFG de 23,4 mL/min/1,73m2). Recomendamos que o vírus BK seja considerado como uma causa de disfunção renal em receptores de transplante cardíaco, com o objetivo de detectar sua replicação a tempo de reduzir a terapia imunossupressora antes que um comprometimento irreversível da função renal possa se manifestar.

Effect of B-Site Order-Disorder in the Structure and Magnetism of the New Perovskite Family La2MnB'O6 with B' = Ti, Zr, and Hf.

In this work, we report the synthesis as well as the structural and magnetic characterization of the three perovskites La2MnB'O6 (B' = Ti, Zr, and Hf). Interestingly, only La2MnTiO6 crystallizes in the monoclinic double perovskite space group P21/n, with a complete rocksalt order of the B-site cations, whereas La2MnZrO6 and La2MnHfO6 crystallize in the orthorhombic simple perovskite space group Pbnm, with complete disorder in the B site. Moreover, the magnetic susceptibility at low temperatures shows clear antiferromagnetic transitions below 10 K for the three compounds, but only the Ti-based perovskite has long-range magnetic ordering. The latter compound has an antiferromagnetic type-II structure described by the PS-1 magnetic space group, while the other two have a spin-glass behavior below the transition temperature due to both spin disorder and competing superexchange interactions in the systems. This is the first time that two of the three studied compounds were synthesized (B' = Zr and Hf) and the first time that the whole series is described in thorough detail using symmetry-adapted refinements and magnetic crystallography.

BK virus nephropathy in a heart transplant recipient.

BK virus nephropathy in kidney transplantation is widely recognized as an important cause of graft dysfunction and loss. In the case of transplants of organs other than kidney, BK virus nephropathy in native kidneys has been recognized as a cause of chronic kidney disease, which is related with immunosuppression; however, the diagnosis is usually late because the renal dysfunction is attributed to other causes, such as toxicity by anticalcineurinic drugs, interstitial nephritis due to medications, hemodynamic changes, diabetes, hypertension, etc. We report a case of BK virus nephropathy in a patient who underwent heart transplantation due to peripartum cardiomyopathy. The kidney biopsy reported active chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with late stage polyomavirus nephritis and the blood viral load for BK virus was positive (logarithm 4.5). The immunosuppressive treatment was reduced, and after two years of follow-up, the patient had stable renal function with a serum creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL (GFR of 23.4 mL/min/1.73m2). We recommend that the BK virus be considered as a cause of renal dysfunction in heart transplant recipients, with the aim of detecting its replication in time to reduce immunosuppressive therapy before irreversible compromise of renal function may manifest.

Consenso colombiano de expertos sobre recomendaciones informadas en la evidencia para la prevención, diagnóstico y manejo de la infección por SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 en paciente pediátrico con enfermedad renal crónica o lesión renal aguda asociada a COVID-19 / Colombian consensus of experts on evidence-informed recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 infection in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury associated with COVID-19

resumen está disponible en el texto completo

Abstract Introduction: The numbers of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the pediatric population are low so far. There is limited information about the behavior of SARS-CoV-2 in a pediatric patient with chronic kidney disease. Objective: To formulate informed recommendations to the prevention, diagnosis, and management of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatric patients with kidney disease or acute kidney injury associated with COVID-19 in Colombia. Methodology: A rapid systematic review was performed in Embase and Pubmed databases and scientific societies, to answer questions prioritized by clinical experts in pediatric nephrology. The quality of the evidence was evaluated with validated tools according to the type of study. The preliminary recommendations were consulted by an expert group. The agreement was defined when approval was obtained from at least 70% of the experts consulted. Results: A response was obtained from ' 9 experts in pediatric nephrology in Colombia, who declared the conflict of interest before the consultation. The range of agreement for the recommendations ranged from 78.9% to '00%. The recommendations did not require a second consultation. Conclusion: The evidence-based recommendations for the management of a patient with kidney disease and COVID-19 in the Colombian context are presented.

Permalloy nanowires/graphene oxide composite with enhanced conductive properties.

Carbon-metal-based composites arise as advanced materials in the frontiers with nanotechnology, since the properties inherent to each component are multiplexed into a new material with potential applications. In this work, a novel composite consisting of randomly oriented permalloy nanowires (Py NWs) intercalated among the sheets of multi-layered graphene oxide (GO) was performed. Py NWs were synthesized by electrodeposition inside mesoporous alumina templates, while GO sheets were separated by means of sonication. Sequential deposition steps of Py NWs and GO flakes allowed to reach a reproducible and stable graphene oxide-based magnetic assembly. Microscopic and spectroscopic results indicate that Py NWs are anchored on the surface as well as around the edges of the multi-layered GO, promoted by the presence of chemical groups, while magnetic characterization affords additional support to our hypothesis regarding the parallel orientation of the Py NWs with respect to the GO film, and also hints the parallel stacking of GO sheets with respect to the substrate. The most striking result remains on the electrochemical performance achieved by the composite that evidences an enhanced conductive behaviour compared to a standard electrode. Such effect provides an approach to the development of permalloy nanowires/graphene oxide-based electrodes as attractive candidates for molecular sensing devices.

Scleroderma renal crisis in a kidney transplant patient / Crisis renal de esclerodermia en una paciente trasplantada renal

Abstract Renal crisis is a complication with significant morbidity and mortality in scleroderma patients and a rare entity in kidney transplantation. It may present with highly variable clinical manifestations, mainly arterial hypertension, acute kidney failure and multisystemic involvement. Following is the report of a patient with late reoccurrence of scleroderma crisis in kidney transplantation, who was given successful treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.(Acta Med Colomb 2020; 45. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2020.1215).

Resumen La crisis renal es una complicación con importante morbilidad y mortalidad en pacientes con esclerodermia y una rara entidad en trasplante renal, que se puede presentar con manifestaciones clínicas muy variables, principalmente hipertensión arterial, falla renal aguda y compromiso multisistémico. A continuación se reporta el caso de una paciente con recurrencia tardía de la crisis esclerodérmica en el trasplante renal, que recibió tratamiento exitoso con inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina.(Acta Med Colomb 2020; 45. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2020.1215).

Linfohistiocitosis hemofagocítica en trasplante renal / Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in kidney transplant recipients

RESUMEN La linfohistiocitosis hemofagocítica (LHH) posterior al trasplante renal hace referencia a un estado hiperinflamatorio grave, asociado a la activación no controlada de los linfocitos T citotóxicos y macrófagos por causa infecciosas y/o secundaria al tratamiento inmunosupresor. Las causas más prevalentes dentro de las infecciones son la histoplasmosis, la tuberculosis y las infecciones por virus herpes. Se caracteriza por fiebre, organomegalias, citopenias, hiperferritinemia, hipertrigliceridemia y/o hipofibrinogenemia; puede acompañarse con hemofagocitosis documentada en la médula ósea, el hígado u otros órganos. Su curso puede ser fulminante con progresión a falla multisistémica y la muerte. El tratamiento va enfocado a controlar tempranamente la causa desencadenante, reducir la inmunosupresión y controlar la inflamación. En pocos casos es necesario el uso de otros inmunosupresores, quimioterapia o, en situaciones muy seleccionadas, se puede requerir el trasplante de médula ósea.

SUMMARY Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in renal transplant recipients is a life-threatening hyper-inflammatory syndrome; associated with uncontrolled activation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and macrophages due to infections or immunosuppressive therapy. Histoplasmosis, tuberculosis and herpes virus infection are among the leading infectious causes. It is characterized by fever, organomegaly, cytopenia, hyperferritinemia, hypertrigiceridemia and/or hypofibrinogenemia; which may be accompanied by hemophagocytosis in bone marrow, liver or other organs. HLH can follow a rapidly fatal course, with progression to multisystemic failure and death. The treatment is based on early control of the triggering cause, reducing immunosuppression and stop the inflammatory process. In some cases, is necessary to use other immunosuppressant, chemotherapy and in a very few cases, a bone marrow transplant may be required.

Exposición periconcepcional a factores ambientales y de consumo en padres y cuidadores de niños menores de 5 años en Santander / Periconceptional Exposure to Environmental and Consumer Factors in Parents and Caregivers of Children Under 5 Years Old in Santander / Exposição periconcepcional aos fatores ambientais e do consumo dos pais e dos cuidadores de crianças menores de 5 anos de idade no estado de Santander

Introducción: El desarrollo de estrategias que faciliten el cribado, diagnóstico y abordaje de factores medioambientales durante el embarazo y la lactancia, etapas donde la salud materno-infantil está expuesta de manera activa o pasiva a diferentes agentes; requiere implementar formatos facilitadores de abordaje preventivo. Objetivo: Identificar los factores medioambientales, desde la etapa periconcepcional hasta la infancia, utilizando como herramienta compartida la hoja verde de salud ambiental. Metodología: Estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal. La muestra fue de 204 mujeres gestantes y/o lactantes entre 13-46 años de edad, de municipios de Santander. Se realizó un análisis estadístico descriptivo, de acuerdo a la naturaleza de las variables. Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 25.12 años (DE=5.94). El promedio de semanas gestacionales fue de 36.65 (DE=5.63). Consumo de alcohol preconcepciónal del 48.52% (n=99), donde 91.91% (n=91) consumió cerveza con frecuencia de consumo pregestacional de 4.96 cervezas/mes (DE= 4.58) (n=64). El consumo de cigarro materno en etapas periconcepcionales, fue de 4.90% con promedio de 2.03 cigarros/día (DE=4.35). Conclusiones: Este estudio aporta datos del ámbito local, y traslada una herramienta válida de promoción y prevención en salud medioambiental, por lo que la aplicación de este instrumento permitiría el abordaje integral de la consulta de atención madre-hijo.

Introduction: The development of strategies that facilitate the screening, diagnosis and approach of environmental factors during pregnancy and lactation, stages in which maternal and child health is exposed in an active or passive way to different agents; it requires implementing facilitative formats of a preventive approach. Objective: To identify environmental factors, from the periconceptional stage to childhood by using the "Green Page" of environmental health as a shared tool. Methodology: This is an observational and descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 204 pregnant women and / or infants between 13 - 46 years old, from different municipalities in Santander. According to the nature of the variables, a descriptive statistical analysis was carried out. Results: The average age was 25.12 years (SD = 5.94). The pregnancy weeks average was 36.65 (SD = 5.63). Preconception of alcohol intake of 48.52% (n = 99), in which 91.91% (n = 91) consumed beer with a frequency of pre-pregnancy intake of 4.96 beers / month (SD = 4.58) (n = 64). The cigar intake of women in periconceptional stages was 4.90% with an average of 2.03 cigars / day (SD = 4.35). Conclusions: This study provides data from the local area, and moves a valid tool promotion and prevention tool to environmental health, so the application of this instrument would allow the integral approach of the mother-child care consultation.

Introdução: O desenvolvimento de estratégias que facilitem a triagem, o diagnóstico e a abordagem dos fatores ambientais durante a gestação e a lactação, etapas em que a saúde materno-infantil é exposta de maneira ativa ou passiva a diferentes agentes; requer a implementação de formatos facilitadores d'abordagem preventiva. Objetivo: Identificar fatores ambientais, desde a fase periconcepcional até a infância, utilizando a folha verde da saúde ambiental como ferramenta compartilhada. Metodologia: De tipo descritivo, de observação, e transversal. A amostra realizada foi de 204 gestantes e/ ou lactantes entre 13 e 46 anos de idade, de diferentes municípios de Santander. De acordo com a natureza das variáveis, se realizou uma análise estatística descritiva. Resultados: A idade média foi de 25,12 anos (DP = 5,94). O pro médium de semanas, nas gestantes foi de 36,65 (DP = 5,63). O consumo de álcool na pré concepção é de 48,52% (n = 99), entre ellas, 91,91% (n = 91) beberam cerveja com frequência de 4,96 cervejas ao mês (DE= 4,58) (n = 64). As mães fumadoras no periodo da pré concepção foi de 4,90%, com um pro médium de 2,03 cigarros por dia (DP = 4,35). Conclusões: O estudo apresenta os dados da região e usa uma ferramenta válida de promoção e prevenção em saúde ambiental, para que a aplicação deste instrumento permita a abordagem integral da consulta e dos cuidados materno-infantil, nos casos atendidos.

[Human mercury exposure and irregular menstrual cycles in relation to artisanal gold mining in Colombia]. / Irregularidad menstrual y exposición a mercurio en la minería artesanal del oro en Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Artisanal mining commonly extracts gold with an amalgamation process that uses mercury. The reproductive effects from exposure to elemental mercury used in gold mining have not been sufficiently studied. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the exposure to elemental mercury used in gold mining on menstrual cycle regularity and the occurrence of miscarriages in Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. The participants were female residents of gold mining districts, with a history of exposure to elemental mercury. Menstrual regularity and the occurrence of miscarriages were compared between these women and an unexposed group. Exposure and outcome variables were registered based on a questionnaire which was evaluated for its test-retest reproducibility. Prevalence rates were calculated using a binomial model and goodness-of-fit was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 72 women exposed to mercury and 121 unexposed women participated. The average time of exposure to mercury among exposed women was 19.58 ± 9.53 years. The adjusted prevalence of irregular menstruation over the last six months was higher in the group of women chronically exposed to mercury vapors (PR=1.59, 95% CI 0.93-2.73), while there was no difference in the proportion of women with a history of miscarriages. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to elemental mercury used in artisanal gold mining may be associated with a higher prevalence of irregular menstrual cycles but not with the occurrence of miscarriage.

Irregularidad menstrual y exposición a mercurio en la minería artesanal del oro en Colombia / Human mercury exposure and irregular menstrual cycles in relation to artisanal gold mining in Colombia

Introducción. El proceso de extracción del oro por amalgamación con mercurio es común en la minería artesanal. Los efectos sobre la reproducción de la exposición al mercurio elemental en el contexto de la minería del oro, no han sido suficientemente estudiados. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de la exposición al mercurio elemental durante la minería del oro, sobre la regularidad del ciclo menstrual y la presentación de abortos en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio analítico de corte transversal. Las participantes residían en distritos de minería de oro con historia de exposición al mercurio elemental y se las comparó con un grupo de mujeres no expuestas, en cuanto a la regularidad del ciclo menstrual y la ocurrencia de abortos. Para el registro de las variables de exposición y resultado, se usó un cuestionario cuya reproducibilidad prueba-reprueba fue evaluada. Se calcularon las razones de prevalencia mediante un modelo binomial y se evaluó la bondad de ajuste. Resultados. Participaron 72 mujeres expuestas y 121 mujeres no expuestas al mercurio. Entre las mujeres expuestas, el tiempo promedio de exposición al mercurio fue de 19,58 ± 9,53 años. La prevalencia ajustada de menstruación irregular en los últimos seis meses, fue mayor en el grupo de mujeres expuestas crónicamente a vapores de mercurio (razón de prevalencia, RP=1,59, IC 95% 0,93-2,73), pero la proporción de mujeres con historia de abortos no fue diferente. Conclusiones. La exposición al mercurio elemental durante el proceso artesanal de la minería del oro podría estar asociada con una mayor prevalencia de irregularidad del ciclo menstrual, pero no con la presentación de abortos.

Introduction: Artisanal mining commonly extracts gold with an amalgamation process that uses mercury. The reproductive effects from exposure to elemental mercury used in gold mining have not been sufficiently studied. Objective: To evaluate the effect of the exposure to elemental mercury used in gold mining on menstrual cycle regularity and the occurrence of miscarriages in Colombia. Materials and methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. The participants were female residents of gold mining districts, with a history of exposure to elemental mercury. Menstrual regularity and the occurrence of miscarriages were compared between these women and an unexposed group. Exposure and outcome variables were registered based on a questionnaire which was evaluated for its test-retest reproducibility. Prevalence rates were calculated using a binomial model and goodness-of-fit was evaluated. Results: A total of 72 women exposed to mercury and 121 unexposed women participated. The average time of exposure to mercury among exposed women was 19.58 ± 9.53 years. The adjusted prevalence of irregular menstruation over the last six months was higher in the group of women chronically exposed to mercury vapors (PR=1.59, 95% CI 0.93-2.73), while there was no difference in the proportion of women with a history of miscarriages. Conclusions: Exposure to elemental mercury used in artisanal gold mining may be associated with a higher prevalence of irregular menstrual cycles but not with the occurrence of miscarriage.

International telemedicine in pediatric cardiac critical care: a multicenter experience.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our multicenter experience in telemedicine-assisted pediatric cardiac critical care (PCCC) with four hospitals in Latin America from July 2011 to June 2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive study based on telemedicine encounters related to quality of communication, assessed information, activities, and recommendations. Comparison among centers was performed. A postimplementation survey was conducted through a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire investigating acceptance among professionals involved with the telemedicine service through the assessment of general satisfaction, perception about the work system, usefulness, and impact on medical practice. RESULTS: One thousand forty consultations were conducted for 476 patients. Postoperatively, patients were distributed into Risk Adjustment Classification for Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS-1) categories as follows: 2%, 26%, 36%, 26%, and 10% in categories 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6, respectively. A real-time intervention took place in 23% of encounters. Of the 2,173 recommendations given, 70 were related to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation management. There was a different RACHS-1 distribution and encounter characteristics among centers. From a total of 51 surveys sent, 27 responses were received, and among responders, overall satisfaction was very high (4.27 ± 0.18), as well as work system quality (4.4 ± 0.37). Telemedicine was considered useful in the cardiac intensive care unit (3.86 ± 0.60), for patient outcomes (3.8 ± 0.51), and for education (3.7 ± 0.71). There was a difference in overall satisfaction, perception about telemedicine usefulness in education, and impact on medical practice among centers. CONCLUSIONS: An international, multicenter telemedicine program in PCCC is technologically and logistically feasible. Prospective interventions in our international multicenter telemedicine program should consider differences in staff composition, perception of needs, and patient population among centers.

Mesenchymal stem cells promote leukaemic cells aberrant phenotype from B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The role of bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) in leukaemic cell control is controversial. The purpose of this work was to evaluate BM-MSC role regarding the viability, proliferation and immunophenotype of normal B-cell precursors from control (Ct) patients and leukaemic cells from B-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: BM-MSC were isolated and characterised from voluntary donors. Mononuclear cells isolated from Ct and B-ALL bone marrow samples were cultured in the presence or absence of BM-MSC for 7days. Cell viability was determined with LIVE/DEAD and proliferation index evaluated by CFSE labelling. Cell population immunophenotypes were characterised by estimating CD19, CD10, CD20 and CD45 antigens by flow cytometry. RESULTS: After co-culture, B-ALL cells exhibited higher viability (20-40%) as compared to just cells (3-10%). Ct and B-ALL absolute cell counts were higher in the presence of BM-MSC (Ct: 25/mm(3)cf8/mm(3), B-ALL: 15/mm(3)cf3/mm(3)). Normal B-cell subpopulations in co-culture had increased expression of CD19 and CD10 (Pre-pre B) and CD45 and CD20 antigens (Pre-B). B-ALL cells co-cultured with BM-MSC showed an increase in CD19 and CD20, although the greatest increase was observed in the CD10 antigen. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphoid cell maintenance, at early stages of differentiation, was significantly promoted by BM-MSC in normal and leukaemic cells. Co-cultures also modulated the expression of antigens associated with the B-ALL asynchronous phenotype as CD10 co-expressed with CD19 and CD20. To our knowledge, this is the first time that CD10, CD19 and CD20 leukaemic antigens have been reported as being regulated by BM-MSC.

Duración de la revascularización miocárdica practicada a los afiliados de una EPS colombiana, 1999-2004 / Survival of the myocardical revascularization implanted to the affiliated to the Obligatory Plan of Health (OPH) of Susalud EPS, Colombia, 1999-2000

Objetivo: describir la supervivencia de la revascularización miocárdica en afiliados al Plan Obligatorio de Salud (POS) de Susalud EPS en cinco ciudades colombianas entre 1999 y 2004. Materiales y métodos: se consideraron 720 revascularizaciones miocárdicas cuyas características estaban anexas en una base de datos de Susalud EPS; se construyó una tabla de vida y la curva de supervivencia de la revascularización miocárdica y se exploró la asociación de esta con variables de persona mediante el método de Kaplan Meier y la prueba Log Rank. Resultados y conclusiones: desde el momento de la cirugía hasta seis años después, la durabilidad de la revascularización miocárdica alcanzó el 86,3%: 92,8% para los hombres y 72,9% para las mujeres. La probabilidad de falla de la revascularización presentó un marcado descenso en los primeros 9 meses, a partir de este tiempo fue poca la variabilidad, hasta el sexto periodo (53,1 meses) y un incremento importante hacia el séptimo periodo (62-70,9 meses). Se destaca una alta probabilidad de falla en el posoperatorio temprano y hacia el final del periodo de estudio. La durabilidad de la revascularización se asoció con el sexo, y se destacó que 50% de las revascularizaciones que fallan en las mujeres alcanzaron el doble de durabilidad con respecto a los hombres. La presente investigación puede ser un punto de partida para futuras investigaciones de la supervivencia de la revascularización miocárdica que incluyan variables clínicas que pudieran influir en la supervivencia de la misma.

Objetive: to describe the survival of myocardical revascularization in patients affiliated to the obligatory plan of health (OPH) of Susalud company in five Colombian cities between 1999 and 2004. Materials and methods: 720 myocardical revascularizations were considered from which their characteristics were included in a database of Susalud. A life table and the survival function curve of the myocardical revascularization were built. The association of this information with variables of person by Kaplan Meier_ s method and the log rank test was explored. Results and conclusions: from the moment of the surgery until six years later the durability of the myocardical revascularization reached 86.3%: 92,8% for men and 72.9% for women. The probability of fault of the myocardical revascularization presented a remarkable reduction during the first 9 months. Since this time on it had little variability until the sixth period (53.1 months). In the next period it had an important increase (62-70.9 months). A high probability of fault in the early post-surgery period as well as at the end of the study is pointed out. The durability of the myocardical revascularization was also associated with the sex, and it was found that 50% of the implants that fail in women doubled durability of those implanted to men. The present research can be a starting point for future investigations on survival of the myocardical revascularization that include clinical variables that can influence in it.