Vision-related quality of life in patients treated for ocular syphilis.

Multiple studies have showed negative impact of non-infectious uveitis on quality of life (QoL). Less is understood regarding life experiences in patients with infectious uveitis. We investigated vision-related QoL in individuals who had recovered from ocular syphilis. 32 adults treated for ocular syphilis at a uveitis service in Brazil completed the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25), and a comprehensive ophthalmic examination was performed. Medical records were reviewed to confirm resolution of ocular inflammation for 3 months pre-enrolment, and collect clinical data. The NEI VFQ-25 composite score was low overall (75.5 ± 19.8, mean ± standard deviation), and subscale scores varied from relative lows of 59.1 ± 39.6 (driving) and 60.9 ± 24.5 (mental health), to relative highs of 84.8 ± 21.8 (ocular) and 89.1 ± 21.0 (color vision). Adults aged over 40 years and those with a final visual acuity of 20/50 or worse had significantly lower mean composite and subscale scores. Other clinical characteristics-including gender, HIV co-infection, and type of uveitis-did not significantly influence scores. Our findings, taken in context with previous observations that prompt recognition achieves better vision outcomes, suggest early treatment may improve QoL after recovery from ocular syphilis.

Biomechanical framework for the inverse dynamic analysis of swimming using hydrodynamic forces from swumsuit.

This study aims to integrate an open-source software capable of estimating hydrodynamic forces solely from kinematic data with a full-body biomechanical model of the human body to enable inverse dynamic analyses of swimmers. To demonstrate the methodology, intersegmental forces and joint torques of the lower limbs were computed for a six-beat front crawl swimming motion, acquired at LABIOMEP-UP. The hydrodynamic forces obtained compare well with existing numerical literature. The intersegmental forces and joint torques obtained increase from distal to proximal joints. Overall, the results are consistent with the limited literature on swimming biomechanics, which provides confidence in the presented methodology.

Congenital ocular toxoplasmosis in consecutive siblings / Toxoplasmose ocular congênita em irmãos consecutivos

ABSTRACT Toxoplasma gondii infection can cause ocular manifestations after acquired and congenital disease. We report two cases of symptomatic congenital toxoplasmosis with ocular involvement in non-twin siblings, with a 2-year interval between pregnancies. Vertical transmission of toxoplasmosis in successive pregnancies, which was once considered impossible, is now found to be plausible even in immunocompetent subjects.

RESUMO A infecção pelo Toxoplasma gondii pode causar manifestações oculares tanto após a sua forma congênita quanto a sua forma adquirida. Reportamos aqui dois casos de toxoplasmose congênita sintomática com envolvimento ocular em irmãos não gêmeos, com intervalo de 2 anos entre gestações. A transmissão vertical da toxoplasmose em gestações sucessivas, outrora considerada impossível, é um evento plausível mesmo em indivíduos imunocompetentes.

Congenital ocular toxoplasmosis in consecutive siblings.

Toxoplasma gondii infection can cause ocular manifestations after acquired and congenital disease. We report two cases of symptomatic congenital toxoplasmosis with ocular involvement in non-twin siblings, with a 2-year interval between pregnancies. Vertical transmission of toxoplasmosis in successive pregnancies, which was once considered impossible, is now found to be plausible even in immunocompetent subjects.

Anestesia general vs. sedación en el implante de válvula aórtica transcatéter (TAVI): estudio retrospectivo de la incidencia de lesión renal aguda / General anesthesia vs. sedation in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI): retrospective study of the incidence of acute kidney injury

Introducción y objetivos: Se ha reportado que las técnicas anestésicas tienen un impacto en la incidencia de la lesión renal aguda (LRA) postoperatoria, en pacientes sometidos a implante de válvula aórtica transcatéter (TAVI). Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar si existe una asociación entre la técnica anestésica en pacientes sometidos a TAVI y la incidencia postoperatoria de LRA. También se evaluó la existencia de asociación entre la técnica anestésica y la mortalidad. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo en el Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, un centro de referencia portugués. Se reclutó a todos los pacientes sometidos a TAVI desde enero de 2015 hasta junio de 2018, dividiéndose en dos grupos para análisis: anestesia general (AG) y sedación. Resultados: Ciento siete pacientes fueron sometidos a TAVI (AG: n = 24; sedación: n = 83) y la incidencia de LRA fue del 14,02%. Encontramos una mayor incidencia de hipotensión intraoperatoria en el grupo AG (83,3 vs. 33,7%, p < 0,001). Con respecto a los resultados postoperatorios, no hubo diferencias significativas en cuanto a la incidencia de LRA (20,8 vs. 12%, p = 0,319) y mortalidad. Encontramos una asociación significativa entre LRA postoperatoria y enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) preexistente, hipotensión intraoperatoria, estancia hospitalaria más prolongada y empeoramiento del estadio de ERC. Conclusiones: No fue posible establecer una asociación entre la técnica anestésica en los procedimientos TAVI y la LRA postoperatoria y la mortalidad. Nuestro estudio refuerza la importancia de prevenir la incidencia de LRA, considerando su impacto en el empeoramiento de la ERC basal y la estancia hospitalaria, incrementando los costes de hospitalización.(AU)

Introduction and objectives: Anesthetic techniques have been reported as having an impact on acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence in the postoperative period in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). This study aimed to assess whether exists an association between anesthetic approach in patients undergoing TAVI and the post-operative AKI incidence. The existence of association between anesthetic approach and mortality was also assessed. Materials and methods: A retrospective, single-center, observational study was conducted at the Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, a Portuguese reference center. All patients undergoing TAVI from January 2015 to June 2018 were recruited and were divided into two groups for analysis: general anesthesia (GA) and sedation. Results: One hundred and seven patients underwent TAVI (GA: n = 24; sedation: n = 83) and the overall incidence of AKI was 14.02%. We found a higher incidence of intraoperative hypotension in the GA group (83.3 vs. 33.7%, p < 0.001). Regarding postoperative outcomes, there were no significant differences in AKI incidence (20.8 vs. 12.0%, p = 0.319) and mortality. A significant association was found between postoperative AKI and preexisting chronic kidney disease (CKD), preoperative heart failure functional class, intraoperative hypotension, longer length of stay in level II unit, longer hospital stay and worsening of previous CKD stage. Conclusions: It was not possible to established association between the anesthetic approach for TAVI procedures and postoperative AKI and mortality. Our study reinforces the importance of preventing AKI incidence, considering its impact on the worsening of baseline CKD and on the length of stay, leading to higher hospitalization costs.(AU)

General anesthesia vs. sedation in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI): retrospective study of the incidence of acute kidney injury. / Anestesia general vs. sedación en el implante de válvula aórtica transcatéter (TAVI): estudio retrospectivo de la incidencia de lesión renal aguda.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Anesthetic techniques have been reported as having an impact on acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence in the postoperative period in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). This study aimed to assess whether exists an association between anesthetic approach in patients undergoing TAVI and the post-operative AKI incidence. The existence of association between anesthetic approach and mortality was also assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, single-center, observational study was conducted at the Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, a Portuguese reference center. All patients undergoing TAVI from January 2015 to June 2018 were recruited and were divided into two groups for analysis: general anesthesia (GA) and sedation. RESULTS: One hundred and seven patients underwent TAVI (GA: n = 24; sedation: n = 83) and the overall incidence of AKI was 14.02%. We found a higher incidence of intraoperative hypotension in the GA group (83.3 vs. 33.7%, p < 0.001). Regarding postoperative outcomes, there were no significant differences in AKI incidence (20.8 vs. 12.0%, p = 0.319) and mortality. A significant association was found between postoperative AKI and preexisting chronic kidney disease (CKD), preoperative heart failure functional class, intraoperative hypotension, longer length of stay in level II unit, longer hospital stay and worsening of previous CKD stage. CONCLUSIONS: It was not possible to established association between the anesthetic approach for TAVI procedures and postoperative AKI and mortality. Our study reinforces the importance of preventing AKI incidence, considering its impact on the worsening of baseline CKD and on the length of stay, leading to higher hospitalization costs.

Resíduo úmido de cervejaria na terminação de cordeiros em confinamento e seus efeitos sobre as características da carcaça e dos componentes não carcaça / Wet brewery residue in the finishing of feedlot lambs and its effects on the carcass characteristics and non-carcass components

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de níveis crescentes de substituição da silagem de sorgo por resíduo úmido de cervejaria sobre as características da carcaça e dos componentes não carcaça de cordeiros terminados em confinamento. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros machos, não castrados, oriundos de parto simples e mantidos em baias individuais. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por quatro níveis de substituição de silagem de sorgo por resíduo úmido de cervejaria, sendo: 0%; 33,5%; 66,5% e 100% de substituição. Utilizou-se uma relação volumoso:concentrado de 50:50, com base na matéria seca. O concentrado era constituído por milho desintegrado, farelo de soja e mistura mineral. As dietas eram isoproteicas, contendo 18,81% de proteína bruta. Os cordeiros foram abatidos quando atingiram o escore de condição corporal estabelecido em 3 (escala de 1 a 5). As características de carcaça analisadas não foram influenciadas significativamente (P>0,05) pela substituição de silagem de sorgo por resíduo úmido de cervejaria, sendo obtidos valores médios de 18,92kg para peso de carcaça quente, 18,22 kg para peso de carcaça fria, 47,03% para rendimento de carcaça quente, 45,29% para rendimento de carcaça fria e 3,41% para índice de quebra ao resfriamento. Quanto às proporções dos diferentes cortes comerciais avaliados, em relação ao peso de carcaça fria, foram verificados valores médios de 31,86% para perna, 18,12% para paleta, 39,46% para costilhar e 9,08% para pescoço. As proporções de diafragma, omaso cheio e omaso vazio, em relação ao peso vivo ao abate dos cordeiros, diminuíram linearmente (P≤0,05). As demais variáveis dos componentes não carcaça avaliadas não foram influenciadas (P>0,05) pelos níveis de resíduo úmido de cervejaria das dietas. Pode-se recomendar o uso de resíduo úmido de cervejaria como fonte exclusiva de alimento volumoso quando se utiliza uma relação volumoso:concentrado de 50:50, em base de matéria seca, para terminação de cordeiros em sistema de confinamento.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of substitution of sorghum silage by wet brewery residue as forage food on carcass characteristics and non-carcass components of lambs finished in feedlot. Twenty four non castrated male lambs, Suffolk breed, single birth were maintained in individual stalls. The treatments consisted of four substitution levels of sorghum silage by wet brewery residue (0%; 33.5%; 66.5% or 100% of substitution). Roughage and concentrate were used at a 50:50 ratio, based on dry matter. The concentrate was composed of ground corn, soybean meal and mineral mixture. The diets were isoproteic containing 18.81% crude protein. The lambs were slaughtered when they reached the body condition score of 3 (ranging from 1 to 5). The carcass traits were not affected significantly (P>0,05) by substitution of sorghum silage by wet brewery residue. The average values of hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, hot carcass yield, cold carcass yield and cooling weight losses were 18.92 kg, 18.22 kg, 47.03%, 45.29%, 3.41%, respectively. The proportion of commercial cuts in relation to the cold carcass weight, was 31.86% for leg, 18.12% for shoulder, 39.46% for ribs and 9.08% for neck. The proportion of diaphragm, omasum full and empty omasum in relation to body weight at slaughter decreased linearly (P≤0.05). The remaining variables of non-carcass components were not affected (P>0.05) by wet brewery residue inclusion. We recommend the use of wet brewery residue as exclusive source of roughage food when using roughage:concentrate at 50:50 ratio on a dry matter basis, for finishing feedlot lambs.(AU)

Sample sizes to estimate mean values for tassel traits in maize genotypes.

Tassel traits are important in maize breeding programs aiming to reduce the size and number of branches and maintain satisfactory pollen production in order to increase grain yield. The objectives of this study were to determine the sample size (number of tassels) required to estimate the mean values for tassel traits in maize genotypes and to verify the variability of sample size among genotypes. Twenty maize genotypes were evaluated in an experiment carried out in a randomized block design with three replicates. Twenty tassels were randomly collected in each plot, for a total of 1200 tassels. In each tassel, the following traits were measured: peduncle dry matter, branching space dry matter, central spike dry matter, tassel dry matter, peduncle length, branching space length, central spike length, tassel length, tassel dry matter to tassel length ratio, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, and tassel branch number. Measures of central tendency and variability were calculated, analysis of variance and mean comparison tests were performed, normality was verified, and the sample size was determined. In order to estimate the means with the same precision, the sample size for weight traits was greater than that for length traits. For tassel traits, 11, 20, and 43 tassels are sufficient to estimate the mean with a precision of 40, 30, and 20%, respectively, of the estimated mean at a 95% confidence level. These data show that there is sample size variability among maize genotypes.

Finite element analyses of femoroacetabular impingement before and after hip arthroscopy.

In this study, three-dimensional finite element models based on the specific anatomy of a patient presenting a femoroacetabular impingement of the "cam" type were developed. The finite element meshes were obtained from arthrographic magnetic resonance images captured before and after hip arthroscopy. All soft tissues were considered linear elastic and isotropic and the bones were assumed as rigid. Physiological loads and rotational motions were applied. Stresses and contact pressures were evaluated in these patient specific models in order to better interpret the mechanism of aggression of the cartilages and of the labrum and to evaluate the effectiveness of the surgery. The results of the analyses are presented and discussed. The values obtained for the stresses and contact pressures in the pathological hip were similar to those reported by other models based on idealised geometries or similar reconstruction methodologies and were larger than the ones obtained in the same hip after the surgical treatment. The surgical treatment effectively reduces the intra-articular pressures and stresses approaching the values of a normal hip. Thus, early surgical treatment may help to prevent, or delay, the joint degeneration.

Finite element simulations of a hip joint with femoroacetabular impingement.

In this study, a three-dimensional finite element (FE) model based on the specific anatomy of a patient presenting a femoroacetabular impingement of the 'cam'-type is developed. The FE meshes of the structures of interest are obtained from arthrographic magnetic resonance images. All soft tissues are considered linear elastic and isotropic, and the bones were assumed rigid. A compression of the femur on the acetabular cavity as well as flexural movements and internal rotations are applied. Stresses and contact pressures are evaluated in this patient-specific model in order to better interpret the mechanism of aggression of the femoral and acetabular cartilages. The corresponding results are presented and discussed. The values obtained for the contact pressures are similar to those reported by other models based on idealised geometries. An FE analysis of a non-cam hip is also performed for comparison with the pathological case.

Hibernoma y costilla cervical: dos enfermedades raras, la misma manifestación / Hibernoma and cervical rib: two rare diseases, the same manifestation

El hibernoma es un tumor infrecuente, benigno, de los tejidos blandos, derivado de restos de la grasa parda fetal. La costilla cervical es una costilla accesoria o supernumeraria derivada de la séptima vértebra cervical. Caso clínico. Niña de dos años, sin antecedentes personales de interés, que acudió a la consulta de pediatría por presentar un nódulo supraclavicular izquierdo. No antecedentes de enfermedades infecciosas recientes o clínica generalizada. A la exploración física presentaba un nódulo supraclavicular izquierdo, 1,5 a 2 cm de diámetro, duro, móvil, no adherido a los planos profundos. La analítica sanguínea excluye enfermedad infecciosa o signos de malignidad. En la radiografía cervical se visualizan costillas cervicales bilaterales. La ecografía reveló nódulo calcificado 0,8 cm, compatible con ganglio calcificado. Realizada la biopsia, la histología mostró un hibernoma, extirpado en su totalidad quirúrgicamente. Este caso ilustra la asociación de dos patologías poco frecuentes en pediatría y a las que se ha llegado al diagnóstico tras el estudio de unas adenopatías, un motivo frecuente de consulta en pediatría (AU)

The hibernoma is a rare benign tumor of soft tissue, derived from remnants of fetal brown adipose tissue. A cervical rib is a supernumerary or accessory rib derived from the 7th cervical vertebra. Clincal case. 2-year-old girl, previously healthy, referenced to Pediatrics consultation, for left supraclavicular mass. No history of infectious diseases or systemic symptoms. At exam presented mass in supraclavicular left region, 1.5 to 2 cm in diameter, hard, mobile, non-adherent to the deep planes. Laboratory tests exclude an infectious or lymphoproliferative disease. In cervical radiograph we observed bilateral cervical ribs. Cervical ultrasound revealed calcified nodule 0.8 cm, compatible with calcified adenopathy. Biopsy was performed and histology revealed a hibernoma, which was completely removed surgically. This case illustrates the association of two diagnoses, uncommon in children. These were made during the investigation of lymphadenopathies, a frequent reason for pediatrics consultation (AU)

[Hibernoma and cervical rib: two rare diseases, the same manifestation]. / Hibernoma y costilla cervical: dos enfermedades raras, la misma manifestación.

The hibernoma is a rare benign tumor of soft tissue, derived from remnants of fetal brown adipose tissue. A cervical rib is a supernumerary or accessory rib derived from the 7th cervical vertebra. CLINCAL CASE: 2-year-old girl, previously healthy, referenced to Pediatrics consultation, for left supraclavicular mass. No history of infectious diseases or systemic symptoms. At exam presented mass in supraclavicular left region, 1.5 to 2 cm in diameter, hard, mobile, non-adherent to the deep planes. Laboratory tests exclude an infectious or lymphoproliferative disease. In cervical radiograph we observed bilateral cervical ribs. Cervical ultrasound revealed calcified nodule 0.8 cm, compatible with calcified adenopathy. Biopsy was performed and histology revealed a hibernoma, which was completely removed surgically. This case illustrates the association of two diagnoses, uncommon in children. These were made during the investigation of lymphadenopathies, a frequent reason for pediatrics consultation.

Deleterious effect of hypothermia in myocardial protection against cold ischemia: a comparative study in isolated rat hearts.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing need to improve heart preservation benefit the performance of cardiac operations, decrease morbidity, and more important, increase the donor pool. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of Krebs-Henseleit buffer (KHB), Bretschneider-HTK (HTK), St. Thomas No. 1 (STH-1), and Celsior (CEL) solutions infused at 10°C and 20°C. METHODS: Hearts isolated from male albino Wistar rats and prepared according to Langendorff were randomly divided equally into 8 groups according to the temperature of infusion (10°C or 20°C) and cardioprotective solutions (KHB, HTK, STH-1, and CEL). After stabilization with KHB at 37°C, baseline values were collected (control) for heart rate (HR), left ventricle systolic pressure (LVSP), coronary flow (CF), maximum rate of rise of left ventricular pressure during ventricular contraction (+dP/dt) and maximum rate of fall of left ventricular pressure during left ventricular relaxation (-dP/dt). The hearts were then perfused with cardioprotective solutions for 5 minutes and kept for 2 hours in static ischemia at 20°C. Data evaluation used analysis of variance (ANOVA) in all together randomized 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's test for multiple comparisons. The level of significance chosen was P < .05. RESULTS: We observed that all 4 solutions were able to recover HR, independent of temperature. Interestingly, STH-1 solution at 20°C showed HR above baseline throughout the experiment. An evaluation of the corresponding hemodynamic values (LVSP, +dP/dt, and -dP/dt) indicated that treatment with CEL solution was superior at both temperatures compared with the other solutions, and had better performance at 20°C. When analyzing performance on CF maintenance, we observed that it was temperature dependent. However, when applying both HTK and CEL, at 10°C and 20°C respectively, indicated better protection against development of tissue edema. Multiple comparisons between treatments and hemodynamic variable outcomes showed that using CEL solution resulted in significant improvement compared with the other solutions at both temperatures. CONCLUSION: The solutions investigated were not able to fully suppress the deleterious effects of ischemia and reperfusion of the heart. However, these results allow us to conclude that temperature and the cardioprotective solution are interdependent as far as myocardial protection. Although CEL solution is the best for in myocardial protection, more studies are needed to understand the interaction between temperature and perfusion solution used. This will lead to development of better and more efficient cardioprotective methods.

Investigation of electrochemical degradation process in polyaniline/polystyrene sulfonated self-assembly films by impedance spectroscopy.

In this study, the electrochemical degradation of polyaniline/polystyrene sulfonated (PANI/PSS) self-assembly films was investigated by an electrochemical impedance technique using transmission line models to fit the results. The experiments were performed by polarizing the working electrode at a fixed oxidative potential of 0.55 V. The results showed that changes in the electrochemical behavior of the oxidized PANI/PSS film occurred mainly in the polymer/solution interface by an increase in the charge transfer resistance.

Investigation of polypyrrole degradation using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

In this paper, the electrochemical degradation of polypyrrole film was studied by means of overpotential application. The overpotential was 0.58 V versus SCE, and after every 5 min of application of 0.58 V, a cyclic voltammogram was recorded in the range of -0.7 to 0.5 V as well as an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EIS and EQCM). The main characteristic is the huge increase in the charge transfer resistance (r(ct)), which indicates that the insertion process of ions in the polymer matrix is hindered by the electrochemical degradation. Once the process of insertion is damaged, the number of intercalated ions in the matrix should decrease, which is expressed by the low-frequency capacitance, which is proportional to the number of intercalated ions in the polymeric matrix. The decrease of intercalated ions has an influence in the mass variation of the polymer film, which is confirmed by EQCM measurements.

[Does the criterion for prostate biopsy indication impact its accuracy? A prospective population-based outpatient clinical setting study]. / ¿Impacta el criterio para indicar la biopsia prostática sobre su exactitud? Estudio prospectivo llevado a cabo sobre una población de pacientes ambulantes.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE) are the main tests for initial prostate investigation; there is no consensus about the best criterion for prostate biopsies. We aim to check the accuracy of different criteria in this context including PSA derivatives to detect prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four different criteria for indication of prostate biopsy were compared: (A) PSA-density (>15 ng/ ml/ cc); (B) PSA > 2,5 ng/ml; (C) PSA-velocity (> 0.7 ng/ ml/ year); (D) free/total PSA ratio (<15%). All biopsies and histopathological examinations were performed by the same urologist and pathologist, respectively. RESULTS: The study was performed on 180 consecutive biopsies with 37.7% overall cancer detection rate: 29 (16.1%) performed following criterion A, 42 (23.3%) criterion B, 65 (36.1%) criterion C and 44 (24.4%) criterion D. Based on PSA criteria alone, the predictive positive value (PPV) was 37.9% for criterion A, 33.3% for B, 32.3% for C and 50.0% for criterion D, respectively, (p > 0.05). Associating positive DRE with changed PSA, the PPV increased to 50%, 50%, 43.9% and 68.2% for criteria A, B, C and D, respectively (p>0.05). In univariate analysis, DRE (positive versus negative), PSA level (>10 ng/ ml versus <4.0 ng/ ml), free/total PSA ratio (<10% versus >15%) and age were associated with PC. In multivariate analysis only positive DRE was associated with prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: All the criteria of PSA derivatives are complementary and useful predictors of cancer risk. However, a positive DRE increased the PPV of PSA derivatives. New tools are needed to improve the accuracy of prostate cancer detection.

Ginecomastia en adolescentes, condiciones clínicas asociadas a impacto emocional / Ginecomasty in adolescents, clinicals conditions associated to emotional impact

Introducción: Ginecomastia es la proliferación benigna del tejido mamario masculino. Se presenta en el 50% de los hombres; un estudio en población adolescente informa una prevalencia del 3,9%. Pese a ser un evento puberal puede producir baja autoestima y menor participación en actividades grupales. Objetivos: 1)Conocer la prevalencia de ginecomastia en los adolescentes que consultan al Servicio de Adolescencia del Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, de CAB; 2)describir la relación entre ginecomastia, índice de masa corporal y estadío de maduración sexual de Tanner; 3)evaluar la presencia de enfermedades subyacentes, consumo de medicamentos y/o sustancias de abuso; y 4)evaluar el impacto emocional de la misma en el adolescente. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal. Se evaluaron 789 varones de 13 a 17 años entre diciembre de 2009 y abril de 2010. Solo se incluyerion pacientes con ginecomastia (diámetro >0,5cm). Los datos clínicos y antropométricos se recogieron en la historia clínica del adolescente. El impacto emocinal se valoró a través de un cuestionario con preguntas semiabiertas, diseñadas para tal motivo. Resultados: Se diagnosticaron 21 casos; se incluyeron 19 de ellos. La prevalencia fue de 2,66%. Ni las enfermedades padecidas ni las medicaciones recibidas estuvieron asociadas con ginecomastia. No se detectó consumo significativo de drogas de abuso. En base al impacto emocional, se identificaron dos grupos: uno indiferente ante la ginecomastia y otro con afectación emocional descripto como indiferencia/enojo. Conclusiones: La ginecomastia es un hecho esperable en el desarrollo puberal de los adolescentes varones, sin embargo, en muchas oasiones, genera un impacto emocional que puede condicionar la relación con pares y la integración social de los chicos que la presentan. Aunque el grupo estudiado es pequeño, en la mitad de los pacientes con afectación emocional, la ginecomastia no había sido motivo de consulta. El diagnóstico efectuado por el médico, habilitó a los adolescentes a poder expresar su malestar y a manifestar dudas e inquietudes. Destacamos la importancia dela consulta con visión integral, en un ámbito de privacidad y confidencialidad en la atención de adolescentes. Es una oportunidad única para realizar exámen físico completo y una semiología ampliada que incluya los aspectos emocionales, familiares y sociales que contribuyen a la calidad de vida de los jóvenes que atendemos

Adolescentes de hoy... ¿Mitos de ayer? / Today´s teens, yesterday´s myths?

Introducción: El conocimiento sobre la sexualidad juvenil es un tema ineludible en la atención de adolescentes. Las distintas culturas y costumbres poseen mitos que muchas veces tienen un peso mayor a la información brindada por el médico y pueden dificultar un efectivo abordaje. Si estas creencias son erróneas, se pueden transformar en un factor de riesgo para contraer infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS/HIV) y embarazos no buscados. Objetivos: 1)conocer los mitos sobre aspectos de la sexualidad en adolescentes que consultaron en servicios especializados. 2)inferir si existe relación entre los mitos y la edad, edad de inicio de relaciones sexuales (IRS), procedencia y grado de instrucción. 3)indentificar los conocimientos que representan mayor riesgo en relación a la salud sexual y reproductiva. 4)comparar resultados entre las poblaciones estudiadas. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, en base a una encuesta autoadministrada, voluntaria de 28 preguntas. Se seleccionaron mitos y conocimientos erróneos sobre métodos anticonceptivos (MAC), ITS/HIV, menstruación y sexualidad que se detectan en las consultas. Se realizó a 111 adolescentes mujeres, con inicio de relaciones sexuales (IRS), que concurrieron al Servicio de Ginecología Infantojuvenil del Hospital Pirovano (HP) y al de Adolescencia del Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez (HNRG), entre marzo y abril de 2010. Resultados: La edad media de inicio de relaciones sexuales fue de 15,5 años. El 19% eran extranjeras. Todas estaban alfabetizadas. Según nacionalidad hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el porcentaje de preguntas correctas. Las pacientes con secundario incompleto o en curso respondieron correctamente 60% de las preguntas y las que completaron el secundario 73%. Conclusiones: Ciertos mitos continúan vigentes entre los jóvenes, aún teniendo acceso a sistemas de salud y educación . Por eso ratificamos la necesidad de conocer estos aspectos para tenerlos en cuenta en nuestra práctica diaria , no juzgar ni prejuzgar, sino generar un espacio amigable, de confidencialidad, privacidad y confianza para poder abordar mejor estos temas, evacuar dudas, e intentar así desmitificar la sexualidad

Discrimination of u-14 soccer players by level and position.

Adolescence is often viewed as a critical period for selection in youth soccer. The present study compared the characteristics of regionally selected and non-selected under-14 players (U-14) as a group and by position. Players were classified as local (n=69) and regional (n=45). Weight, height, skinfolds, functional capacities, soccer skills and goal orientation were measured and skeletal age was assessed with the Fels method. Factorial ANOVA was used to test the effect of selection, position and respective interaction terms, while discriminant analysis was used to identify the variables that contributed to selection. Selected players had an advanced maturity status (F=24.97, p<0.01), were heavier (F=30.67, p<0.01) and taller (F=35.07, p<0.01); performed better in explosive power (F=21.25, p<0.01), repeated sprints (F=20.04, p<0.01) and ball control (F=3.69, p<0.05); and were more ego oriented (F=13.29, p<0.01). The 2 competitive groups did not differ in agility, aerobic endurance, dribbling, shooting, passing, and task orientation. Position-related variation was negligible. The percentage of players who were correctly classified in the original groups was slightly lower when the analysis was performed for the total sample (86%) than by position (86-90%). Future research on talent identification and selection should adopt a multidimensional approach including variables related to the physiological, perceptual, cognitive and tactical demands.

Molecular structure in peripheral dog breeds: Portuguese native breeds as a case study.

Genetic variability in purebred dogs is known to be highly structured, with differences among breeds accounting for approximately 30% of the genetic variation. However, analysis of the genetic structure in non-cosmopolitan breeds and local populations is still limited. Nine Portuguese native dog breeds, and other peripheral dog populations (five) with regional affinities, were characterized using 16 microsatellites and 225 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers, and the pattern of genetic differentiation was investigated. Although the level of breed differentiation detected is below that of other dog breeds, there is in most cases a correlation between breed affiliation and molecular structure. AFLP markers and Bayesian clustering methods allowed an average of 73.1% of individuals to be correctly assigned to source populations, providing robust genotypic assessment of breed affiliation. A geographical genetic structure was also detected, which suggests a limited influence of African dogs on the Iberian breeds. The sampling effect on the estimation of population structure was evaluated and there was a 2.2% decrease in genetic differentiation among breeds when working animals were included. Genetic diversity of stray dogs was also assessed and there is no evidence that they pose a threat to the preservation of the gene pool of native dog breeds.