Hospital Oxygen Supply Overwhelmed Due to COVID-19: When Demand Exceeds Supply.

BACKGROUND: During the first wave of COVID-19, we experienced problems with our hospital oxygen supply system. This study aimed to analyze factors that stressed this system and rethink the design criteria of the gas pipeline system considering the varying oxygen demand. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to describe problems that occurred at different stages in the oxygen supply system at our hospital due to increases in oxygen use in general, and the creation of an intermediate respiratory care unit (IRCU) and use of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in particular. Herein, the characteristics and design criteria of the medical gas pipeline system are analyzed, and the steps taken to avoid future problems are outlined. RESULTS: Increases in oxygen use were observed at times of maximum occupancy, and these created vulnerabilities in the oxygen supply due to insufficient capacity in terms of cryogenic tanks, evaporators, and the piping network. The peak consumption was 3 times higher than the peak in the preceding 4 years. The use of HFNC therapy aggravated the problem; IRCU use accounting for as much as two-fifths of the total across the hospital. Steps taken subsequently prevented the recurrence of vulnerabilities. CONCLUSIONS: The design criteria for storage and distribution networks of medical gases in hospitals need to be revised considering new parameters for their implementation and the use of HFNC therapy in an IRCU. In particular, the cryogenic tanks, evaporators, and piping network for hospital wards are critical.

Addition of ß-glucans in diets for tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) larvae: effects on growth, digestive enzymes and gene expression of intestinal epithelial integrity and immune system.

The effect of ß-glucans 1,3/1,6 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast at different inclusion percentages (0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8%) in the diet for tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) larvae was evaluated on growth, digestive enzyme activity and, relative expression of the immune system genes. The bioassay started on the third day after hatching (DAH) and lasted 21 days, using a total of 1500 larvae of 0.055 ± 0.008 g and, a total length of 2.46 ± 0.26 cm. Larviculture was carried out in a recirculation system with 15 tanks of 70 L using a density of 100 organisms per experimental unit. No significant differences in larval growth were observed by the inclusion of ß-glucans (p > 0.05). Digestive enzymes showed changes in lipase and trypsin activities, presenting higher values in fish fed 0.6% and 0.8% ß-glucans diets compared to the other treatments (p < 0.05). Leucine-aminopeptidase, chymotrypsin, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase activity showed higher activities in larvae fed with a 0.4% ß-glucan diet compared to the control group. The relative expression of intestinal membrane integrity (mucin 2) muc-2, (occludins) occ, (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain) nod-2, and immune system lys (lysosome) genes showed over-expression in larvae fed the 0.4% ß-glucan diet to the rest of the treatments (p < 0.05). The inclusion of ß-glucans at 0.4-0.6% in diets for A. tropicus larvae could improve larviculture, as effects on the increase in the activity of several digestive enzymes and the expression of genes of the immune system.

Supraclavicular nerve entrapment by the external jugular vein: An unreported finding.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to describe the supraclavicular nerve's vascular entrapment by the external jugular vein as an unreported anatomical finding. CASE DESCRIPTION: In a routine cadaveric dissection, the superficial emergence of the first division of the left supraclavicular nerve emerged along a duct formed through the external jugular vein. No other vascular or neural anatomical abnormalities were found in the surrounding structures. CONCLUSION: This unreported vascular entrapment of the supraclavicular nerve by the external jugular may harbour clinical implications for surgical and endovascular procedures on the external jugular vein and in refractory thoracic and scapular waist pain.

Resultado de la implantación de consultas telemáticas en cirugía ortopédica y traumatología durante la pandemia COVID-19 / Result of the implementation of telematic consultations in orthopaedic surgery and traumatology during COVID-19 laparoscopic surgery

La pandemia COVID ha hecho de las consultas telemáticas una herramienta básica en la práctica diaria. El objetivo principal del estudio es valorar los resultados de la aplicación de consultas telemáticas para limitar la movilidad de los pacientes. Son objetivos operativos: proponer un plan de consultas, conocer cómo limita la asistencia a las consultas, definir qué patologías se benefician más con este plan. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se propone un esquema con la creación de consultas previas a las agendadas para valorar idoneidad y posibilidad de realizarla en acto único no presencial. RESULTADOS: Se han realizado 5.619 consultas con una falta de respuesta telefónica del 19%. El 74% de los pacientes fueron resueltos de forma virtual. Existe diferencia entre unidades, siendo más probable la respuesta telefónica para las consultas de unidad, OR = 0,60 o de traumatología general, OR = 0,67 y menos para los derivados desde urgencias. El 20% de las consultas no se acompañaban de pruebas complementarias. Las consultas de traumatología general, OR = 0,34, control postoperatorio, OR = 0,49, y unidades, OR = 0,40, cumplieron mejor este requisito. De los pacientes restantes, las consultas de traumatología general, OR = 0,50, y las derivadas a unidades, OR = 0,54 fueron las que más se resolvieron sin acudir presencialmente. CONCLUSIONES: Se han resuelto de forma no presencial el 74% de los pacientes que atendieron a la llamada telefónica. El 20% de los pacientes acuden a la visita sin pruebas complementarias. Las consultas de seguimiento de osteosíntesis y postoperatorio de cirugía artroscópica son las que más precisan de ser realizadas de forma presencial

The COVID pandemic has made telematic consultations a basic tool in daily practice. AIMS: The main objective of the study is to assess the results of the application of telematic consultations to limit the mobility of patients. The operational objectives are; to propose a consultation plan, to know how attendance limits consultations and to define which pathologies benefit the most from this plan. METHODS: A scheme is proposed with the creation of pre-scheduled clinic to assess suitability and the possibility of carrying them out in a single non face-to-face act. RESULTS: Phone call to 5,619 patients were made with a lack of response of 19%. The cases of 74% of the patients that answered were resolved virtually. There is a difference between units, obtaining a higher answering rate from patients appointed to specific clinic units, OR = 0.60, or to general trauma ones, OR = 0.67. The lowest answering rate was obtained from those derived from the emergency department. Twenty per cent of the consultations were not accompanied by complementary tests that would have favored the resolution in a single act. The general trauma consultations, OR = 0.34, postoperative control, OR = 0.49, and specific unit ones, OR = 0.40, were the ones that better met this requirement. Out of the remaining patients, the general trauma consultations, OR = 0.50, and those referred to units, OR = 0.54, were the ones that had a higher resolution rate without in- person consultation. CONCLUSIONS: The cases of 74% of the patients who answered the phone call were resolved virtually. Cases of 20% of the patients cannot be solved in a single act because they are derived without complementary tests. Osteosynthesis and postoperative arthroscopic follow-up consultations are the ones that need to be carried out in person the most

[Effects of COVID-19 lockdown on the demand for health care of children and adolescents with burns in three specialized outpatient centers in Chile]. / Efectos del confinamiento por COVID-19 en la demanda de atención de niñas, niños y adolescentes con quemaduras en tres centros ambulatorios especializados de Chile.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 pandemic has meant adapting to a different reality, with long-term lockdowns that might cause an increase of burns in children at home. OBJECTIVE: To compare the epidemiological situation of patients admitted to the Corporación de Ayuda al Niño Quemado (COANIQUEM) due to out patient burn injuries management at the beginning of COVID-19 lockdown with the same period the year before. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Analytical and cross-sectional study. A population of 2,027 patients under the age of 20, who were admitted to COANIQUEM for the first time with burn inju ries, between April and July of 2019 and 2020 was analyzed. The number of patients admitted each month was registered as well as their demographic, social, and clinical characteristics. The monthly percentage variation was calculated by comparing patient data in both years. RESULTS: During 2020, there was a 48.7% decrease in overall outpatient admissions. There was a relative increase of 10.5% in burns in patients under 5 years old, 18.3% in scalds, 33.1% in the number of burns in 3 or more body locations, and 16.8% in burns occurring at home. These parameters were not influenced by geographic location, sex, or socioeconomic level. CONCLUSIONS: In the first period of the COVID-19 pandemic, with strict lockdown strategies, there was a decrease in the demand for burn care, affecting both outpatients with acute burns and those who were admitted for sequelae rehabilitation, as a result of the effective decrease in the burns incidence and the reduced access to health care.

Result of the implementation of telematic consultations in orthopaedic surgery and traumatology during COVID-19 laparoscopic surgery. / Resultado de la implantación de consultas telemáticas en cirugía ortopédica y traumatología durante la pandemia COVID-19.

The COVID pandemic has made telematic consultations a basic tool in daily practice. AIMS: The main objective of the study is to assess the results of the application of telematic consultations to limit the mobility of patients. The operational objectives are; to propose a consultation plan, to know how attendance limits consultations and to define which pathologies benefit the most from this plan. METHODS: A scheme is proposed with the creation of pre-scheduled clinic to assess suitability and the possibility of carrying them out in a single non face-to-face act. RESULTS: Phone call to 5,619 patients were made with a lack of response of 19%. The cases of 74% of the patients that answered were resolved virtually. There is a difference between units, obtaining a higher answering rate from patients appointed to specific clinic units, OR = 0.60, or to general trauma ones, OR = 0.67. The lowest answering rate was obtained from those derived from the emergency department. Twenty per cent of the consultations were not accompanied by complementary tests that would have favored the resolution in a single act. The general trauma consultations, OR = 0.34, postoperative control, OR = 0.49, and specific unit ones, OR = 0.40, were the ones that better met this requirement. Out of the remaining patients, the general trauma consultations, OR = 0.50, and those referred to units, OR = 0.54, were the ones that had a higher resolution rate without in- person consultation. CONCLUSIONS: The cases of 74% of the patients who answered the phone call were resolved virtually. Cases of 20% of the patients cannot be solved in a single act because they are derived without complementary tests. Osteosynthesis and postoperative arthroscopic follow-up consultations are the ones that need to be carried out in person the most.

Protein and lipid requirements of three-spot cichlid Cichlasoma trimaculatum larvae.

Determination of the main nutritional requirements at different developmental stages is a prerequisite in the formulation of feeds for newly cultured fish species. In the present study, the lipid and protein requirements of larvae of a native Mexican fish, the three-spot cichlid Cichlasoma trimaculatum, were assessed using a two-factor experimental design that considered four protein (35, 40, 45, and 50%) and two lipid levels (16 and 22%) on growth, survival, and digestive enzyme activities. The best growth and feed efficiency results were obtained when larvae were fed diets including 45% protein and 22% lipids. Comprehensive evaluation of the profile of digestive enzymes using multivariate analysis also demonstrated significant differences in nutritional condition generated by varying inclusion of nutrients. Thus, an increase in protein led to an increase in alkaline protease activity and a reduction in leucine aminopeptidase activity, and the reduction of dietary lipid content led to a significant increase in lipase and trypsin enzymatic activities. Based on our results, C. trimaculatum larvae have a high capacity to hydrolyze both nutrients (protein and lipids) for the high digestive enzyme activities and increase their growth, particularly with a diet containing 45% protein and 22% lipids.

Survival of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. / Sobrevida de pacientes con distrofia muscular de Duchenne.

INTRODUCTION: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) leads to a progressive deterioration of the mus cle function and premature death. There are no longitudinal studies on the course of this pathology in Chile. OBJECTIVE: To determine survival between the years 1993-2013, divided into two periods (1993-2002 and 2003-2013), and the effect of social determinants in patients with DMD admitted in Teleton Institutes of Chile (TI). PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective follow-up study in a clinical series of 462 patients with DMD. The information was obtained by searching for patients with DMD in OLAP cube (Online Analytical Processing). From the clinical records of the TI of Santiago, the variables corresponding to the diagnostic method, stage of DMD described in terms of muscle de terioration and function according to Swinyard classification were recorded; existence and type of tests that conclude the diagnosis and, in the cases reported, the existence of family history. Kaplan Meier survival analysis was applied, where global survival was defined between birth and age of death. The determinant factors analyzed were estimated through the Cox-Snell's proportional risk model. RESULTS: Survival at 20 years of age from TI entry was 51.7% (CI95%: 45.1-57.8), 48.5% in the period 1993-2002 and 72.8% between 2003-2013. The percentage of survival at the same age according to socioeconomic status (SES) was 82% in high SES, 67% in middle SES, and 42% in low SES, with a statistically significant difference between high and middle SES in relation to extreme poverty. Ac cording to country areas, the survival was close to 75 % at 17 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: The survival information from patients with DMD from childhood to adult life is valuable for predicting the clinical course of the disease with the current medical care. There is evidence of improvement in the probability of survival at the age of 20 and marked inequity according to the socioeconomic variable.

Sobrevida de pacientes con distrofia muscular de Duchenne / Survival of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

INTRODUCCIÓN: La distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD) conduce a un deterioro progresivo de la función muscular y muerte prematura. Los estudios longitudinales sobre el curso de esta patología en Chile, son nulos. OBJETIVO: Determinar sobrevida entre los años 1993-2013, en 2 periodos (1993 2002 y 2003-2013); y efecto de determinantes sociales en pacientes con DMD ingresados a Institutos Teletón Chile (IT). PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudio pronóstico de seguimiento en serie clínica de 462 pacientes portadores de DMD. La información requerida se obtuvo mediante búsqueda de pacientes con DMD en cubo OLAP (On-Line Analytical Processing). De las fichas clínicas del IT-Stgo, se registraron las variables correspondientes al método diagnóstico, etapa de DMD descrito en función al deterioro muscular y funcionamiento mediante Escala Swinyard; existencia y tipo de exámenes que concluyen el diagnóstico y en los casos que se informó, la existencia de antecedentes familiares. Se realizó análisis de sobrevida de Kaplan Meier, donde la sobrevida global se definió entre el nacimiento y edad de muerte. Los factores determinantes analizados fueron estimados a través del modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox-Snell. RESULTADOS: La sobrevida a los 20 años de edad desde el ingreso a los IT, fue de 51,7% (IC95%: 45,1-57,8%); en el período 1993-2002 de 48,5% y entre 2003-2013 de 72,8%. El porcentaje de sobrevida a la misma edad, según nivel socioeconómico alto fue de 82%, medio 67% y bajo 42%, diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre nivel alto y medio, respecto de extrema pobreza. Según zonas del país, la sobrevida fue cercana al 75% a los 17 años de edad. CONCLUSIONES: La información de sobrevida aportada en pacientes con DMD desde la infancia hasta la vida adulta, es valiosa para predecir el curso clínico de la enfermedad con la atención médica actual. Se evidencia mejoría en la probabilidad de sobrevida a los 20 años e inequidad pronunciada según variable socioeconómica.

INTRODUCTION: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) leads to a progressive deterioration of the mus cle function and premature death. There are no longitudinal studies on the course of this pathology in Chile. OBJECTIVE: To determine survival between the years 1993-2013, divided into two periods (1993-2002 and 2003-2013), and the effect of social determinants in patients with DMD admitted in Teleton Institutes of Chile (TI). PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective follow-up study in a clinical series of 462 patients with DMD. The information was obtained by searching for patients with DMD in OLAP cube (Online Analytical Processing). From the clinical records of the TI of Santiago, the variables corresponding to the diagnostic method, stage of DMD described in terms of muscle de terioration and function according to Swinyard classification were recorded; existence and type of tests that conclude the diagnosis and, in the cases reported, the existence of family history. Kaplan Meier survival analysis was applied, where global survival was defined between birth and age of death. The determinant factors analyzed were estimated through the Cox-Snell's proportional risk model. RESULTS: Survival at 20 years of age from TI entry was 51.7% (CI95%: 45.1-57.8), 48.5% in the period 1993-2002 and 72.8% between 2003-2013. The percentage of survival at the same age according to socioeconomic status (SES) was 82% in high SES, 67% in middle SES, and 42% in low SES, with a statistically significant difference between high and middle SES in relation to extreme poverty. Ac cording to country areas, the survival was close to 75 % at 17 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: The survival information from patients with DMD from childhood to adult life is valuable for predicting the clinical course of the disease with the current medical care. There is evidence of improvement in the probability of survival at the age of 20 and marked inequity according to the socioeconomic variable.

Quemaduras en niños provocadas por rotura de bolsa para agua caliente / Children's scalds from tearing of hot water bottle

INTRODUCCIÓN: La quemadura en niños por rotura de bolsa de agua caliente, presentó un incremento brusco y significativo alrededor del año 2000 en Chile. Ante ello, la Corporación de Ayuda al Niño Quemado (COANIQUEM) difundió conceptos de prevención en su uso y alerta a autoridades. Posteriormente el Instituto de Normalización Nacional introdujo normativas de certificación de calidad de los productos comercializados en el país. OBJETIVO: Determinar el impacto de medidas preventivas y de certificación de calidad de las bolsas de agua caliente en las quemaduras por rotura del producto en niños. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Revisión de ingresos de 795 pacientes menores de 15 años, con quemaduras por rotura de bolsa de agua caliente, entre 2000-2014, en COANIQUEM-Santiago. Se determinó evolución de las frecuencias de quemaduras por el agente etiológico y se comparó el perfil epidemiológico en los períodos quinquenales inicial y final. RESULTADOS: Entre 2000-2004, se registró un incremento de 272,7% en los ingresos y un descenso de 81,3% entre 2005-2014. Las características demográficas, mes de ocurrencia de las quemaduras y necesidad de algún tipo de cirugía, fueron similares en los períodos comparados. El número de localizaciones disminuyó concentrándose en una quemadura (77,8%). En el segundo período incluyó además de extremidad inferior, abdomen y pelvis como ubicaciones frecuentes. CONCLUSIONES: Se verifica un importante descenso de las quemaduras por bolsa de agua caliente en niños, y un cambio significativo en sus características epidemiológicas, coincidiendo con medidas de prevención y normativa de certificación de calidad de los implementos.

INTRODUCTION: Children scalded by the tearing of hot-water bottles presented a sudden and significa tive increase around 2000 in Chile. For this reason the Aid to Burned Children Corporation (COA-NIQUEM) publicized prevention concepts concerning the careful use of this device and raised a voice of alarm to authorities. Later, the National Normalization Institute introduced quality certification standards for hot water bottles sold in the country. OBJECTIVES: Determine the impact of preventive measures and quality certification for hot water bottles in burns caused by tearing of the device on children. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Review of 795 patients under 15 admitted with injuries caused by hot-water bottle rupture between 2000 and 2014 at COANIQUEM Santiago. The frecuency of burns by the ethiological agent is determined and the epidemiological profile are compared in the initial and final quinquenial period. RESULTS: Between 2000-2004, an increase of 272.7% was recorded and then a decrease of 81.3 % was found between 2005-2014. Demographic characteristics, month of occurrence and need of some kind of surgery were similar in both periods. The number of locations and injuries diminished, and are concentrated in one burn (77.8%). In the first period the main anatomical region affected was lower limbs and in the second period abdominal and pelvis are also frequent. CONCLUSIONS: An important decrease of burns by hot-water bottle rupture with significant changes in their epidemiological characteristic is verified. This coincides with preventive measures and manufacturing standards regulations and quality control.

Escala de la calidad del desempeño sensoriomotor de bebés de 2 a 15 meses de edad: ECDSM2-15 / The sensory-motor quality performance scale from 2-15 months

The Sensory Motor Performance Quality Scale of babies from 2 to 15 months of age, detected with delayed motor development, or at risk or with cerebral palsy, is presented and its application exemplified through a case corresponding to the sixth month the subscale.

Se presenta la Escala de la Calidad del Desempeño Sensoriomotor de bebés de 2 a 15 meses de edad, detectados con retraso del desarrollo psicomotor, o diagnosticados en riesgo o con parálisis cerebral. Se ejemplifica su aplicación a través de un caso correspondiente a la subescala del sexto mes.

Cholecystoduodenal fistula, an infrequent complication of cholelithiasis: Our experience in its surgical management. / Fístula colecistoduodenal, complicación infrecuente de litiasis vesicular: nuestra experiencia en su manejo quirúrgico.

INTRODUCTION: Bilioenteric fistulas are the abnormal communication between the bile duct system and the gastrointestinal tract that occurs spontaneously and is a rare complication of an untreated gallstone in the majority of cases. These fistulas can cause diverse clinical consequences and in some cases be life-threatening to the patient. AIM: To identify the incidence of bilioenteric fistula in patients with gallstones, its clinical presentation, diagnosis through imaging study, surgical management, postoperative complications, and follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to search for bilioenteric fistula in patients that underwent cholecystectomy at our hospital center due to cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, or cholangitis, within a 3-year time frame. RESULTS: Four patients, 2 men and 2 women, were identified with cholecystoduodenal fistula. Their mean age was 81.5 years. Two of the patients presented with acute cholangitis and 2 presented with bowel obstruction due to gallstone ileus. All the patients underwent surgical treatment and the diagnostic and therapeutic management of each of them was analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of cholecystoduodenal fistula was similar to that reported in the medical literature. It is a rare complication of gallstones and its diagnosis is difficult due to its nonspecific symptomatology. It should be contemplated in elderly patients that have a contracted gallbladder with numerous adhesions.

[Children's scalds from tearing of hot water bottle]. / Quemaduras en niños provocadas por rotura de bolsa para agua caliente.

INTRODUCTION: Children scalded by the tearing of hot-water bottles presented a sudden and significa tive increase around 2000 in Chile. For this reason the Aid to Burned Children Corporation (COA-NIQUEM) publicized prevention concepts concerning the careful use of this device and raised a voice of alarm to authorities. Later, the National Normalization Institute introduced quality certification standards for hot water bottles sold in the country. OBJECTIVES: Determine the impact of preventive measures and quality certification for hot water bottles in burns caused by tearing of the device on children. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Review of 795 patients under 15 admitted with injuries caused by hot-water bottle rupture between 2000 and 2014 at COANIQUEM Santiago. The frecuency of burns by the ethiological agent is determined and the epidemiological profile are compared in the initial and final quinquenial period. RESULTS: Between 2000-2004, an increase of 272.7% was recorded and then a decrease of 81.3 % was found between 2005-2014. Demographic characteristics, month of occurrence and need of some kind of surgery were similar in both periods. The number of locations and injuries diminished, and are concentrated in one burn (77.8%). In the first period the main anatomical region affected was lower limbs and in the second period abdominal and pelvis are also frequent. CONCLUSIONS: An important decrease of burns by hot-water bottle rupture with significant changes in their epidemiological characteristic is verified. This coincides with preventive measures and manufacturing standards regulations and quality control.

Algoritmo para estimación de ángulo de rodilla en marcha normal: enfoque a trazado de trayectoria en prótesis transfemorales inteligentes / Algorithm to estimate the knee angle in normal gait: trajectory generation approach to intelligent transfemoral prosthesis

Resumen En este trabajo se presenta un algoritmo para estimar el ángulo de rodilla a partir del ángulo de cadera y parámetros de marcha, el cual sólo utiliza un sensor en el muslo para la estimación. Para el desarrollo del algoritmo fue indispensable realizar un análisis de marcha para establecer parámetros de diseño. Se utilizó la correlación natural entre cadera y rodilla para separar los movimientos de flexión-extensión de marcha en dos etapas:1) movimientos donde el pie no está en contacto total con el piso; 2) movimientos de contacto total del pie con el piso. La estimación es para movimientos de marcha, se realiza en tiempo real y la variación de velocidad en la marcha no afecta la estimación del ángulo. Se utilizaron regresores lineales para aproximar el ángulo estimado de rodilla al ángulo real. En todos los casos de estudio de marcha, los resultados mostraron una aproximación aceptable del ángulo de la rodilla; el error promedio de estimación fue de 8.25◦. El principal logro de este trabajo fue desarrollar un algoritmo para dar una posible solución al problema de coordinación entre el cuerpo humano y prótesis transfemorales inteligentes, aun ante cambios de velocidad en la marcha.

Abstract This paper presents an algorithm to estimate the knee angle from hip angle and gait parameters. This algorithm uses a single sensor on the thigh to achieve the estimation. Hip-knee natural correlations were employed in order to analyze the gait flexion-extension movements in two stages: 1) when the foot is not in full contact with the floor (swing phase and heel contact); 2) when the whole sole makes contact with the ground (stance phase). The estimation is developed in real-time for gait movements and speed fluctuations do not distort the angle estimated. In addition, the simple linear regression were used to approximate the estimated angle to actual knee angle. The experimental results obtained from the gait studies, showed an acceptable knee angle approximation; the mean error estimation was 8.25◦. The major goal of this work was the development of an algorithm that can solve the problem of human body-intelligent transfemoral prosthesis coordination, even if there are gait speed fluctuations.

Funcionalidad manual en niños y adolescentes con discapacidad neuro-músculo-esquelética: resultados con pauta Bilan 400 points modificada / Hand functionality in children and adolescents with neuromusculoskeletal disabilities: results using modified Bilan 400 points scale

Cerebral palsy (CP) and other diseases cause different levels of dysfunction in the ability to grasp or grip with the hands. Modified and validated Bilan 400 points scale (PBM-400) helps to assess these functions. Objective: To determine the characteristics of hand function in children and young people with neuromotor disabilities according to gender, age, diagnosis and level using functional PBM-400. Patients and Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study on 138, 7 to 17 year-old patients with CP (diplegia, hemiparesis), obstetric brachial palsy (OBP) and others; with mild or moderate functional impairment, receiving treatment at Instituto Teletón in Santiago, Chile. Nine trained occupational therapists apply PBM-400 in standardized conditions, assessing hand mobility, grasp and/or movement, functional activities and grip strength with dynamometer, vigorimeter and pinch gauge. Result: 62.5 percent of diplegia patients and 100 percent of the patients with polyneuropathy, showed right laterality. According to functional impairment, right laterality prevails. Grip strength showed the lowest performance in all diagnoses, whereas in cases with prevalence of right-hand laterality it was functional activities. Significant differences in hand functionality were recorded depending on diagnosis and functional impairment, regardless of laterality. Age and gender do not affected hand functionality in the overall of children with various diagnoses. Conclusions: The modified Bilan 400 points scale helps to distinguish hand function depending on laterality, diagnose and functional impairment, becoming a generic scale for therapeutic decision making.

Introducción: La parálisis cerebral (PC) y otras patologías, implican diversos grados de disfunción en la ejecución de alcances y prensiones de las manos. La pauta Bilan 400 points modificada y validada (PBM-400), permite evaluar esas funciones. Objetivo: Determinar las características de la función manual en niños y jóvenes con discapacidad neuromotora según sexo, edad, diagnóstico y compromiso funcional, mediante PBM-400. Pacientes y Método: Estudio descriptivo, transversal en 138 pacientes de 7 a 17 años de edad, con PC (diplejía, hemiparesia) parálisis braquial obstétrica (PBO) y otros; con compromiso funcional leve o moderado, atendidos en el Instituto Teletón Santiago-Chile. Nueve terapeutas ocupacionales entrenados, aplican PBM-400 en condiciones estandarizadas, evaluando movilidad manual, prensión y/o desplazamiento, actividades funcionales y fuerza prensora con dinamómetro, vigorímetro y pinzómetro. Resultados: El 62,5 por ciento de los pacientes con diplejía y el 100 por ciento de los pacientes con polineuropatías, registran lateralidad derecha. Según compromiso funcional, predomina lateralidad derecha. La dimensión de menor rendimiento fue fuerza prensora para todos los diagnósticos y en los casos con predominio de lateralidad manual derecha, fue la dimensión de actividades funcionales. Se registraron diferencias significativas de funcionalidad de mano según diagnóstico y compromiso funcional, independiente de lateralidad. La edad y sexo no influyen en funcionalidad manual en el conjunto de niños con diversos diagnósticos. Conclusiones: La pauta Bilan 400 puntos modificada, logra discriminar significativamente la funcionalidad manual según lateralidad, diagnóstico y compromiso funcional, constituyéndose en una escala genérica para la toma de decisiones terapéuticas.

Distrofia muscular de Duchenne: incidencia, prevalencia, características sociodemográficas y clínicas de pacientes ingresados a Teletón Chile desde 1993 a 2013 / Duchenne muscular dystrophy: incidence, prevalence, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients admitted to Teletón Chile from 1993 to 2013

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in their natural evolution leads to loss of ambulation between 7 and 13 years of age and death in adolescence close to 20 years. The estimated global incidence is of 1/3,500 male births; data in Chile is unknown. Objective: To estimate the incidence, prevalence of DMD and to describe clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients admitted to Teletón-Chile between 1993 and 2013. Patients and Method: A descriptive, retrospective, longitudinal study with review of medical records and database at Teletón. 462 DMD patients were admitted during the study period. Results: The incidence and prevalence in Teletón was of 1/6,558 male live births and the prevalence of 11.51 [CI 10.46 to 12.56] 105 men < 30 years. The average age of first consultation was 6.7 +/- 3.4 years, with mild or moderate functional level (65.6 percent). At the end of the study 67 percent were wheelchair users, with medical prescription at 10.8 +/- 3.3 years. 52.2 percent of patients were classified as extreme poverty, attended at Teletón centers of the central region (55.2 percent), and current average age of 14.7 +/- 5.7 years. 35.9 percent of DMD patients were dead at an average age of 18.1 +/- 3.5 years. Conclusion: The incidence and prevalence rates of DMD live births for males < 30 years admitted to Teletón, have declined between 1993-2011; as well as the average age of first consultation. The loss of ambulation and the average age of death are comparable with the current literature...

La distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD) en su evolución natural, produce pérdida de deambulación entre los 7 y 13 años de edad y la muerte en la adolescencia cercana a los 20 años. La incidencia mundial se estima de 1/3.500 nacimientos masculinos; en Chile se desconoce su magnitud. Objetivo: Estimar tasas de incidencia, prevalencia de DMD y describir características clínicas y sociodemográficas de pacientes ingresados a Institutos Teletón-Chile (IT) entre 1993 y 2013. Pacientes y Método: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, longitudinal, con revisión de fichas clínicas y base de datos de IT. Se identificaron 462 pacientes con DMD, ingresados en el período estudiado. Resultados: La tasa de incidencia en IT fue de 1/6.558 nacidos vivos masculinos y prevalencia de 11,51 [IC: 10,46-12,56] por 105 varones < 30 años. Edad media de primera consulta: 6,7 +/- 3,4 años, con compromiso funcional leve o moderado (65,6 por ciento); al término del estudio el 67 por ciento eran usuarios de silla de ruedas, con prescripción médica a los 10,8 +/- 3,3 años. 52,2 por ciento de los pacientes de extrema pobreza, atendidos en IT zona central del país (55,2 por ciento), edad promedio actual de 14,7 +/- 5,7 años. El 35,9 por ciento estaban fallecidos, a la edad promedio de 18,1 +/- 3,5 años. Conclusión: Las tasas de incidencia y prevalencia de DMD para los nacidos vivos varones < 30 años ingresados a los IT, han disminuido entre 1993-2011; también la edad promedio de primera consulta. La pérdida de la marcha y la edad media de la defunción, son comparables con la literatura...

[Self-concept level in children with burns sequelae: A comparative study]. / Nivel de autoconcepto en niños con secuelas de quemaduras: estudio comparativo.

INTRODUCTION: Self-concept is the set of ideas and attitudes that a person has about him/herself. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether there are differences in the level of self-concept in children 8-12 years old with and without burns sequelae. To identify predictive variables of self-concept in children with sequelae. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A comparative cross-sectional study of self-concept in 109 children with burns sequelae, from 8 to 12 years old, with 109 children without burns sequelae, and of the same age and socioeconomic status. The Piers-Harris self-concept scale is used, which provides a general measurement of self-concept and behavioural, intellectual and school status, appearance, and physical attributes, anxiety, popularity, happiness and satisfaction dimensions. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the level of general self-concept or their dimensions (P>.05). In the group with burns sequelae, the protective factor was the variable number of sequels was associated with the dimensions of anxiety, popularity, happiness-satisfaction and general self-concept. The location variable emerged as a risk factor for the behavioural dimension. DISCUSSION: The absence of differences in self-concept between children with burns sequelae and children without them is similar to that reported in the literature. The finding in the risk and protective factors encourages to further research, and perhaps incorporating pre-morbidity and family background.

Nivel de autoconcepto en niños con secuelas de quemaduras: estudio comparativo / Self-concept level in children with burns sequelae: A comparative study

Introducción: Autoconcepto es el conjunto de ideas y actitudes que se tiene acerca de sí mismo. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar si existen diferencias en el nivel de autoconcepto de niños de 8-12 años con y sin secuelas de quemaduras, e identificar variables predictoras del autoconcepto en los niños con secuelas. Pacientes y método: Estudio comparativo, transversal de 109 niños con secuelas de quemaduras de 8 a 12 años de edad, con 109 niños sin secuelas de quemaduras, del mismo grupo de edad y nivel socioeconómico. Se utilizó la escala de autoconcepto de Piers-Harris, que entrega medida de autoconcepto general y dimensiones: conductual, estatus intelectual y escolar, apariencia y atributos físicos, ansiedad, popularidad, felicidad y satisfacción. Resultados: No hubo diferencias significativas en el nivel de autoconcepto general ni en sus dimensiones al comparar ambos grupos (p > 0,05). Dentro del grupo con secuelas de quemaduras la variable número de secuelas resultó ser un factor protector para las dimensiones ansiedad, popularidad, felicidad-satisfacción y autoconcepto general. La variable localización surgió como factor de riesgo para la dimensión conductual. Discusión: La ausencia de diferencias en autoconcepto entre niños con secuelas de quemaduras y sin ellas es similar a lo reportado por la literatura. El hallazgo en factores de riesgo y protectores motiva a continuar investigando, incorporando antecedentes premórbidos y familiares.

Introduction: Self-concept is the set of ideas and attitudes that a person has about him/herself. Objective: To evaluate whether there are differences in the level of self-concept in children 8-12 years old with and without burns sequelae. To identify predictive variables of self-concept in children with sequelae. Patients and method: A comparative cross-sectional study of self-concept in 109 children with burns sequelae, from 8 to 12 years old, with 109 children without burns sequelae, and of the same age and socioeconomic status. The Piers-Harris self-concept scale is used, which provides a general measurement of self-concept and behavioural, intellectual and school status, appearance, and physical attributes, anxiety, popularity, happiness and satisfaction dimensions. Results: There were no significant differences in the level of general self-concept or their dimensions (P > .05). In the group with burns sequelae, the protective factor was the variable number of sequels was associated with the dimensions of anxiety, popularity, happiness-satisfaction and general self-concept. The location variable emerged as a risk factor for the behavioural dimension. Discussion: The absence of differences in self-concept between children with burns sequelae and children without them is similar to that reported in the literature. The finding in the risk and protective factors encourages to further research, and perhaps incorporating pre-morbidity and family background.