Artificial Intelligence in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that is evolving rapidly and is changing the world and medicine as we know it. After reviewing the PROSPERO database of systematic reviews, there is no article related to this topic in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. The objective of this article was to review the literature regarding AI applications in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.A systematic review of the literature about AI in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery using the following keywords: Artificial Intelligence, robotics, plastic surgery procedures, and surgery plastic and the following databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, BVS, and LILACS. The inclusion criteria were articles about AI in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Articles written in a language other than English and Spanish were excluded. In total, 17 articles about AI in facial plastic met the inclusion criteria; after eliminating the duplicated papers and applying the exclusion criteria, these articles were reviewed thoroughly. The leading type of AI used in these articles was computer vision, explicitly using models of convolutional neural networks to objectively compare the preoperative with the postoperative state in multiple interventions such as facial lifting and facial transgender surgery.In conclusion, AI is a rapidly evolving technology, and it could significantly impact the treatment of patients in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Legislation and regulations are developing slower than this technology. It is imperative to learn about this topic as soon as possible and that all stakeholders proactively promote discussions about ethical and regulatory dilemmas.

Chitosan-G-Glycidyl Methacrylate/Au Nanocomposites Promote Accelerated Skin Wound Healing.

Herein, we report the synthesis of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) in chitosan (CTS) solution by chemically reducing HAuCl4. CTS was further functionalized with glycidyl methacrylate (chitosan-g-glycidyl methacrylate/AuNP, CTS-g-GMA/AuNP) to improve the mechanical properties for cellular regeneration requirements of CTS-g-GMA/AuNP. Our nanocomposites promote excellent cellular viability and have a positive effect on cytokine regulation in the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory response of skin cells. After 40 days of nanocomposite exposure to a skin wound, we showed that our films have a greater skin wound healing capacity than a commercial film (TheraForm®), and the presence of the collagen allows better cosmetic ave aspects in skin regeneration in comparison with a nanocomposite with an absence of this protein. Electrical percolation phenomena in such nanocomposites were used as guiding tools for the best nanocomposite performance. Our results suggest that chitosan-based Au nanocomposites show great potential for skin wound repair.

Síndrome lumbocostovertebral. Reporte de un caso / Lumbocostovertebral syndrome. A case report

Introducción. El síndrome lumbocostovertebral es una anomalía poco frecuente, que afecta a los cuerpos vertebrales, las costillas y músculos de la pared abdominal, y puede estar asociada a múltiples anomalías congénitas. Requiere un manejo multidisciplinario y tratamiento quirúrgico temprano para evitar complicaciones. Caso clínico. Se reporta el caso de un neonato masculino de 10 días de edad, que presentó desde el nacimiento 2 tumoraciones lumbares derechas, una que aumentaba de tamaño con el llanto, correspondió a una hernia lumbar, y la otra, a mielomeningocele. En estudios complementarios se evidenció fusión de costillas, fusión de cuerpos vertebrales lumbares, sacros (hemivértebras) y defecto de pared abdominal con protrusión de contenido intestinal. Se realizó cierre de la hernia lumbar con refuerzo protésico de pericardio bovino, sin complicaciones. Conclusión. En defectos extensos, como el que se reporta en este paciente, puede ser recomendable emplear material protésico. El pericardio bovino aparece como una opción segura, bien tolerada y eficaz para estos pacientes en particular. Este síndrome es una entidad rara, que amerita un equipo multidisciplinario para la resolución quirúrgica temprana y con ello evitar complicaciones.

Introduction. Lumbocostovertebral syndrome is a rare anomaly that affects the vertebral bodies, ribs and muscles of the abdominal wall, and can be associated with multiple congenital abnormalities. It requires multidisciplinary management and early surgical treatment to avoid complications. Clinical case. The case of a 10-day-old male neonate is reported, who presented from birth 2 right lumbar tumors, one that increased in size with crying, corresponded to a lumbar hernia, and the other, to myelomeningocele. In complementary studies, rib fusion, fusion of lumbar and sacral vertebral bodies (hemivertebrae), and abdominal wall defect with protrusion of intestinal contents were evidenced. The lumbar hernia was closed with prosthetic reinforcement with a bovine pericardium, without complications. Conclusion. In extensive defects, such as the one reported in this patient, it may be advisable to use prosthetic material. The bovine pericardium appears as a safe, well tolerated and effective option for these patients in particular. This syndrome is a rare entity, which requires a multidisciplinary team for early surgical resolution and thus avoid complications.

Characteristics of Emergency Medicine Residency Programs in Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Emergency medicine (EM) is in different stages of development around the world. Colombia has made significant strides in EM development in the last two decades and recognized it as a medical specialty in 2005. The country now has seven EM residency programs: three in the capital city of Bogotá, two in Medellin, one in Manizales, and one in Cali. The seven residency programs are in different stages of maturity, with the oldest founded 20 years ago and two founded in the last two years. The objective of this study was to characterize these seven residency programs. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with faculty and residents from all the existing programs in 2013-2016. Topics included program characteristics and curricula. RESULTS: Colombian EM residencies are three-year programs, with the exception of one four-year program. Programs accept 3-10 applicants yearly. Only one program has free tuition and the rest charge tuition. The number of EM faculty ranges from 2-15. EM rotation requirements range from 11-33% of total clinical time. One program does not have a pediatric rotation. The other programs require 1-2 months of pediatrics or pediatric EM. Critical care requirements range from 4-7 months. Other common rotations include anesthesia, general surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, radiology, toxicology, psychiatry, neurology, cardiology, pulmonology, and trauma. All programs offer 4-6 hours of protected didactic time each week. Some programs require Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Advanced Trauma Life Support, with some programs providing these trainings in-house or subsidizing the cost. Most programs require one research project for graduation. Resident evaluations consist of written tests and oral exams several times per year. Point-of-care ultrasound training is provided in four of the seven programs. CONCLUSION: As emergency medicine continues to develop in Colombia, more residency programs are expected to emerge. Faculty development and sustainability of academic pursuits will be critically important. In the long term, the specialty will need to move toward certifying board exams and professional development through a national EM organization to promote standardization across programs.

NEDOCS vs subjective evaluation, ¿Is the health personnel of the emergency department aware of its overcrowding?

INTRODUCTION: An emergency department (ED) is considered to be "overcrowded" when the number of patients exceeds its treatment capacity and it does not have the conditions to meet the needs of the next patient to be treated. This study evaluates overcrowding in the emergency department of a hospital in Colombia. OBJECTIVE: To compare the objective NEDOCS scale with a subjective evaluation by ED health staff in order to evaluate the differences between the two. METHODS: The NEDOCS scale was applied and a subjective overcrowding survey was administered to the medical staff and the charge nurse on duty 6 times per day (6:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.) for three consecutive weeks. The results were evaluated with a correlation analysis and measurement of agreement. RESULTS: A median NEDOCS score of 137 was obtained for the total data. There was a moderately positive correlation between the NEDOCS and the subjective scales, with a rho of 0.58 (p (0.001). During times when the ED was the most crowded, 87% of the total subjective health staff evaluations underestimated the level of overcrowding. CONCLUSIONS: Health staff do not perceive a risk due to ED overcrowding when the NEDOCS scores correspond to overcrowding categories equal to or over 5 (severely crowded and dangerously crowded), which poses a risk to patient safety and care.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Se considera "Aglomeración" cuando un servicio de urgencias excede el número de pacientes que tiene capacidad de atender o no cuenta con las condiciones para cubrir las necesidades del próximo paciente a ser atendido. Este estudio evalúa el sobrecupo del servicio de urgencias en un hospital de Colombia. OBJETIVO: Comparar la escala objetiva de NEDOCS con la escala subjetiva del personal de salud en el departamento de urgencias para evaluar la diferencia entre ambas. MÉTODOS: Se aplicó la escala NEDOCS y una escala subjetiva de sobrecupo en el servicio de urgencias al personal médico y enfermera jefe de turno durante 3 semanas seguidas, 6 veces al día (6:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.). Se realizaron análisis de correlación y medida de concordancia para evaluar los diferentes resultados. RESULTADOS: La mediana de NEDOCS para el total de datos fue de 137, se presentó una correlación moderadamente positiva entre la escala NEDOCS objetiva con respecto a la subjetiva Rho 0.58 (p <0.001), del total de respuestas en los momentos de mayor congestión el 87% de las valoraciones subjetivas del personal de salud fueron subestimar el nivel de Sobrecupo. CONCLUSIONES: Cuando los niveles de sobrecupo clasificados por NEDOCS son iguales o superiores a nivel 5 (Severamente congestionado y peligrosamente congestionado) el personal de salud no tiene una percepción del riesgo por sobrecupo del departamento de urgencias, lo que conlleva a un riesgo en la seguridad y atención del paciente.

NEDOCS vs subjective evaluation, ¿Is the health personnel of the emergency department aware of its overcrowding? / Escala NEDOCS vs valoración subjetiva, ¿El personal de salud en urgencias es consciente de su sobrecupo?

Abstract Introduction: An emergency department (ED) is considered to be "overcrowded" when the number of patients exceeds its treatment capacity and it does not have the conditions to meet the needs of the next patient to be treated. This study evaluates overcrowding in the emergency department of a hospital in Colombia. Objective: To compare the objective NEDOCS scale with a subjective evaluation by ED health staff in order to evaluate the differences between the two. Methods: The NEDOCS scale was applied and a subjective overcrowding survey was administered to the medical staff and the charge nurse on duty 6 times per day (6:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.) for three consecutive weeks. The results were evaluated with a correlation analysis and measurement of agreement. Results: A median NEDOCS score of 137 was obtained for the total data. There was a moderately positive correlation between the NEDOCS and the subjective scales, with a rho of 0.58 (p (0.001). During times when the ED was the most crowded, 87% of the total subjective health staff evaluations underestimated the level of overcrowding. Conclusions: Health staff do not perceive a risk due to ED overcrowding when the NEDOCS scores correspond to overcrowding categories equal to or over 5 (severely crowded and dangerously crowded), which poses a risk to patient safety and care.

Resumen Introducción: Se considera "Aglomeración" cuando un servicio de urgencias excede el número de pacientes que tiene capacidad de atender o no cuenta con las condiciones para cubrir las necesidades del próximo paciente a ser atendido. Este estudio evalúa el sobrecupo del servicio de urgencias en un hospital de Colombia. Objetivo: Comparar la escala objetiva de NEDOCS con la escala subjetiva del personal de salud en el departamento de urgencias para evaluar la diferencia entre ambas. Métodos: Se aplicó la escala NEDOCS y una escala subjetiva de sobrecupo en el servicio de urgencias al personal médico y enfermera jefe de turno durante 3 semanas seguidas, 6 veces al día (6:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.). Se realizaron análisis de correlación y medida de concordancia para evaluar los diferentes resultados. Resultados: La mediana de NEDOCS para el total de datos fue de 137, se presentó una correlación moderadamente positiva entre la escala NEDOCS objetiva con respecto a la subjetiva Rho 0.58 (p <0.001), del total de respuestas en los momentos de mayor congestión el 87% de las valoraciones subjetivas del personal de salud fueron subestimar el nivel de Sobrecupo. Conclusiones: Cuando los niveles de sobrecupo clasificados por NEDOCS son iguales o superiores a nivel 5 (Severamente congestionado y peligrosamente congestionado) el personal de salud no tiene una percepción del riesgo por sobrecupo del departamento de urgencias, lo que conlleva a un riesgo en la seguridad y atención del paciente.

Treatment of Hypertension in Children With Catecholamine-Secreting Tumors: A Systematic Approach.

Management of blood pressure in children with pheochromocytoma and other catecholamine-secreting tumors (CSTs) is unique and challenging. The authors report a single-center experience using sequential α-adrenergic blockade (phenoxybenzamine), increased fluid intake, and ß-blockade for presurgical management of 10 CSTs in children. In this retrospective review, mean duration for blood pressure control in preparation for surgery was 4.5±2.6 weeks. Intraoperative hypertension was noted transiently (<2 hours) in eight patients (80%) and was treated with continuous infusion of short-acting antihypertensive agents. Two (20%) patients required vasopressor medication infusion to manage intraoperative hypotension. Only two (20%) patients developed postoperative hypotension and required vasopressor medication infusion for <24 hours. All antihypertensive medications were discontinued in the immediate (≤4 days) postoperative period in 80% of patients. In conclusion, a systematic and multidisciplinary approach utilizing adrenergic blockade is effective in treating children with CSTs.

Eradication of a chronic wound and driveline infection after redo-LVAD implantation.

A 48 year old patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic acne inversa underwent implantation of a LVAD system (Heartmate II, Thoratec, USA) March 2011. During 2011 and 2012 the patient was repeatedly readmitted for treatment of driveline infection with MRSA. Colonization was controlled with Linezolid and Rifampicin however reoccurred after discontinuation. In August 2012 the LVAD-system was exchanged due to pump dysfunction (HVAD, HeartWare Inc., USA). Postoperatively, the patient presented with ascites which secreted through the driveline exit. Consequently, the abdominal wall was surgically corrected to prevent exit of peritoneal fluid through the driveline, and the patient was discharged with sterile wound swabs. However 6 weeks after discharge the driveline exit wound started secreting pus showing abundant growth of multi resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). With clinical signs of increasing liver failure with regular need for paracentesis, and clinical signs of local infection, a CT scan of the abdomen was performed revealing an enrichment of contrast medium along the driveline and an abscess-like formation on the abdominal wall. Patient was admitted receiving regular dose Daptomycin and Rifampicin. The latter was discontinued after ten days. The abscess, surrounding driveline exit and abdominal wall cavity was excised and vacuum treatment initiated. Total duration of Daptomycin therapy was 3 weeks. While first week skin and wound swabs were still positive for MRSA, all samples were sterile after the second week. Inflammation was monitored by leucocyte count and IL6. The secretion of pus along the driveline ceased, the wound cavity was closed subsequently. After discharge and stop of antibiotics skin and driveline swabs remained negative for MRSA (10 weeks).

Characterizing the limited use of point-of-care ultrasound in Colombian emergency medicine residencies.

BACKGROUND: Emergency medicine (EM) is a growing specialty in Colombia with five residency programs in the country. EM leadership is interested in incorporating point-of-care (POC) ultrasound into a standardized national EM residency curriculum. This study is a nationwide survey of Colombian EM residents designed to explore the current state of POC ultrasound use within EM residencies and examine specific barriers preventing its expansion. METHODS: We conducted a mix-methodology study of all available current EM residents in the five EM residencies in Colombia. The quantitative survey assessed previous ultrasound experience, current use of various applications, desire for further training, and perceived barriers to expanded use. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with current EM residents to gather additional qualitative insight into their practice patterns and perceived barriers to clinician-performed ultrasound. RESULTS: Sixty-nine EM residents completed the quantitative survey, a response rate of 85% of all current EM residents in Colombia; 52% of resident respondents had previously used ultrasound during their training. Of these, 58% indicated that they had performed <10 scans and 17% reported >40 scans. The most frequently used applications indicated by respondents were trauma, obstetrics, and procedures including vascular access. A quarter indicated they had previously received some ultrasound training, but almost all expressed an interest in learning more. Significant barriers included lack of trained teachers (indicated by 78% of respondents), absence of machines (57%), and limited time (41%). In FGDs, the barriers identified were inter-specialty conflicts over the control of ultrasonography, both institutionally and nationally, and program-specific curriculum decisions to include POC ultrasound. CONCLUSION: While currently limited in their access, EM residents in Colombia have a strong interest in integrating POC ultrasound into their training. Current barriers to expanded use include traditional barriers such as a lack of equipment seen in many developing countries, as well as inter-specialty conflicts typical of developed countries. Further collaboration is underway to help overcome these obstacles and integrate POC ultrasound into Colombian EM residency training.

Mapping malaria risk using environmental and anthropic variables / Mapeamento do risco de malaria utilizando variáveis ambientais e antrópicas

Apesar de muchas investigaciones en la identificación de las zonas con presencia de malaria, es urgente profundizar las técnicas de su mapeo para lograr mejores aproximaciones, para ayudar a focalizar los esfuerzos y recursos en prevención, mitigación y estrategias de erradicación del mosquito y eventualmente de la enfermedad. Usando modelación espacial distribuida con herramientas de Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG), el presente estudio propone una metodología para el mapeo y la zonificación del riesgo de malaria en el municipio de Buenaventura - Colombia. Se presenta una estrategia de adaptación del modelo propuesto por Craig et al.Õ (1999) que usa información climática, adaptándolo a las condiciones propias del área de estudio en cuanto a escala y resolución espacial. Se adicionaron variables geomorfológicas y antrópicas para mejorar la localización espacial de las zonas con mayor riesgo de contraer la enfermedad, refinando la zonificación, y se contrastó espacialmente con los sitios reportados por las entidades de salud². La comparación de los resultados muestra la disminución del área que se obtuvo inicialmente con la aplicación del modelo de Craig et al. Õ de 5422.4 km² (89.1 por ciento del territorio del municipio) a 624.3km² (aproximadamente 10 por ciento del área del municipio), dando una reducción total del 78.8 por ciento al incluir las variables ambientales y antrópicas en la producción del mapa de riesgo. Los datos muestran que de 9,860 casos reportados durante 2001 y 2005 para 20 localidades seleccionadas con base en la cantidad de registros de malaria², 1,132 se ubicaron en las zonas identificadas de muy alto riesgo, 7,662 se sobrepusieron en las zonas de riesgo moderado y 1,066 casos en la zona de riesgo bajo, mostrando que el 89 por ciento de ellos se ubican en las zonas modeladas con mayor riesgo de malaria.

[Utility of the determination of the foetal fibronectina in pregnancies of 40 weeks or more to predict the beginning of labor]. / Utilidad de la determinación de la fibronectina fetal en embarazos de 40 semanas o más para pronosticar el inicio de trabajo de parto.

BACKGROUND: Perinatal morbidity and mortality increase in proportion to the time from waited date of labor to birth. A test helping to predict pregnancies is required, which also helps to predict pregnancies that will progress more than 41 weeks. OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of fetal fibronectin in vaginal secretions to predict pregnancies that will progress 41 weeks or more. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cohort and descriptive study was done in which 144 women with a pregnancy of 40 weeks or more were included. Fetal fibronectin was detected in cervix-vaginal secretions and time from the sample obtaining to birth was estimated. RESULTS: Seventy patients with positive fibronectin were recorded; 92% had labor in the following seven days from the sample obtaining (interval mean: 3.1 days). The remaining patients (n = 44) resulted with negative fibronectin; only 37.5% had spontaneous labor, but none of them during the first four days from the sample obtaining (mean: 7.9 days). CONCLUSION: Absence of fetal fibronectin in vaginal secretions is a good prognostic marker to identify patients who will achieve a pregnancy of 41 weeks or more (sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 84%; positive and negative predictive value of 75% and 80.7%, respectively, and relative risk of 10, CI 95%, 5.7-14.3). This method is useful to prevent perinatal complications inherent to the pregnancy of 41 weeks or more.

Pathways for glutamate biosynthesis in the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis.

Purified glutamate synthase (GOGAT) from Kluyveromyces lactis was characterized as a high-molecular-mass polypeptide, a distinction shared with previously described GOGATs from other eukaryotic micro-organisms. Using degenerate deoxyoligonucleotides, designed from conserved regions of the alfalfa, maize and Escherichia coli GOGAT genes, a 300 bp PCR fragment from the K. lactis GOGAT gene KIGLT1 was obtained. This fragment was used to construct null GOGAT mutants of K. lactis by gene replacement. These mutants showed no growth defect phenotype and were able to grow on ammonium as sole nitrogen source. Double mutants obtained from a cross between a previously described KIGDH1 mutant and the K. lactis null GOGAT strain were full glutamate auxotrophs. These results indicate that glutamate biosynthesis in K. lactis is afforded through the combined action of KIGDH1 and KIGLT1 products.