Harnessing Non-Thermal Plasma to Supercharge Recovery in Abdominal Surgeries: A Pilot Study.

(1) Background: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of non-thermal plasma (NTP) therapy in accelerating wound healing in patients who have undergone laparoscopic and open surgeries. (2) Methods: NTP was applied using a needle-type reactor with an irradiance of 0.5 W/cm2 on the surgical wounds of fifty patients after obtaining informed consent. Three NTP treatments, each lasting three minutes, were administered hourly. (3) Results: The pilot study showed that NTP-treated surgical wounds healed completely without any signs of infection, dehiscence, pain, or itching. Notably, patients reported minimal pain after the NTP treatment. Visual assessments conducted twenty-four hours after surgery revealed no redness or fluid discharge. Comparisons with traditionally sutured wounds indicated that NTP-treated wounds healed at a rate equivalent to seven days. (4) Conclusions: The application of NTP in laparoscopic and open wounds proved safe and effective, expediting the wound healing process and eliminating clinical risks post-surgery. Significantly, NTP facilitated a healing rate within twenty-four hours, equivalent to seven days for suture-treated wounds, significantly reducing the hospitalization time to a single day. These findings highlight the potential of NTP to be a transformative approach for promoting postoperative recovery.

Innovative Curved-Tip Reactor for Non-Thermal Plasma and Plasma-Treated Water Generation: Synergistic Impact Comparison with Sodium Hypochlorite in Dental Root Canal Disinfection.

Non-thermal plasmas (NTPs), known as cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs), hold great potential for diverse medical applications, including dentistry. However, traditional linear and rigid dielectric barrier discharge reactors used for NTP generation encounter limitations in accessing oral cavities and root canals. To address this issue, we have developed an innovative NTP reactor featuring an angled end for improved accessibility. The central copper electrode, with a 0.59 mm diameter and adjustable length for desired angulation, is coated with zircon powder (ZrSiO4) to ensure stable NTP generation. This central electrode is housed within a stainless steel tube (3 mm internal diameter, 8 mm external diameter, and 100 mm length) with a 27° angle at one end, making it ergonomically suitable for oral applications. NTP generation involves polarizing the reactor electrodes with 13.56 MHz radio frequency signals, using helium gas as a working medium. We introduce plasma-treated water (PTW) as an adjunctive therapy to enhance biofilm eradication within root canals. A synergistic approach combining NTP and PTW is employed and compared to the gold standard (sodium hypochlorite, NaOCl), effectively neutralizing Enterococcus faecalis bacteria, even in scenarios involving biofilms. Moreover, applying NTP in both gaseous and liquid environments successfully achieves bacterial inactivation at varying treatment durations, demonstrating the device's suitability for medical use in treating root canal biofilms. The proposed NTP reactor, characterized by its innovative design, offers a practical and specific approach to plasma treatment in dental applications. It holds promise in combatting bacterial infections in root canals and oral cavities.

Healing of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis by Non-Thermal Plasma: Pilot Study.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common disease in the oral cavity characterized by recurrent ulcers (RU). Usually, these cause acute pain without definitive treatment. The present study determines the efficacy of non-thermal plasma (NTP) for treating RU. NTP is applied to the patient's RU using a radiofrequency generator connected to a point reactor. The power density applied to the ulcer is 0.50 W/cm2, less than 4 W/cm2, which is the maximum value without biological risk. Each patient received two treatments of three minutes each and spaced 60 min apart at a distance of 5 mm from the RU. From a sample of 30 ulcers in patients treated for RU with an average age of 37 years, they stated that the pain decreased considerably and without the need for ingestion of analgesics and antibiotics. Regeneration took place in an average of three days. The NTP proved to be an excellent therapeutic alternative for the treatment of RU since it has a rapid effect of reducing pain and inflammation, as well as adequate tissue regeneration.

Leiomiosarcoma de ovario: A propósito de un caso / Ovarian leiomyosarcoma: About a case

Introducción: El leiomiosarcoma de ovario, es una neoplasia extremadamente rara, forma parte del subgrupo de tumores de músculo liso que constituye menos del 1% en cuanto a tumores de ovario; dentro del mismo se encuentran clasificados el carcinosarcoma, angiosarcoma, fibrosarcoma y leiomiosarcoma, de acuerdo con la literatura revisada se han reportado 63 casos de leiomiosarcoma hasta la actualidad. Caso clínico: Presentamos el caso de una paciente mujer de 53 años; ingresó al área de emergencia por dolor abdominal de gran intensidad, acompañado de distensión abdominal y ortopnea; a la exploración física se palpó una masa poco móvil. La tomografía evidenció la presencia de una masa abdomino-pélvica que se extendió entre el asa intestinal y la raíz del mesenterio; comprimía vejiga, útero y ovarios. Se le realizó una histerectomía, con salpingo ooforectomía derecha, ooforectomía izquierda por medio de laparotomía exploratoria. Los estudios histopatológicos determinaron el diagnóstico de leiomiosarcoma. Fue tratado con cirugía y quimioterapia adyuvante.

Introduction: Ovarian leiomyosarcomas is an extremely rare neoplasm and are part of the subgroup of smooth muscle tumors that constitutes less than 1% in terms of ovarian tumors; within it are classified: carcinosarcoma, angiosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and leiomyosarcoma, according to the reviewed literature, 63 cases of leiomyosarcoma have been reported to date. Clinical Case: We present the case of a 53-year-old female patient; she was admitted to the emergency area due to severe abdominal pain, accompanied by abdominal distension and orthopnea; Physical examination revealed a large, slightly mobile mass. The tomography showed the presence of an abdominopelvic mass that extended between the intestinal loop and the root of the mesentery; compressed bladder, uterus, and ovaries. She underwent exeresis hysterectomy with right salpingo-oophorectomy and left oophorectomy through exploratory laparotomy. Histopathological studies yielded results of a malignant neoplasm compatible with leiomyosarcoma. She was treated with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy.

On the Permeation of Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins and Dibenzofurans through Lipid Membranes: Classical MD and Hybrid QM/MM-EDA Analysis.

The permeation of dioxin-like pollutants, namely, chlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans, through lipid membranes has been simulated using classic molecular dynamics (CMD) combined with the umbrella sampling approach. The most toxic forms of chlorinated dibenzodioxin and dibenzofuran, 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-p-dibenzodioxin (TCDD) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), and a dioleyl-phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) lipid membrane of 50 Å wide have been chosen for our study. The free energy profile shows the penetration process is largely favoured thermodynamically (ΔG ≈ -12 kcal/mol), with a progressively decrease of the free energy until reaching the energy minima at distances of 8 Å and 9.5 Å from the centre of the membrane for, respectively, TCDD and TCDF. At the centre of the membrane, both molecules display subtle local maxima with free energy differences of 0.5 and 1 kcal/mol with respect to the energy minima for TCDD and TCDF, respectively. Furthermore, the intermolecular interactions between the molecules and the lipid membrane have been characterized at the minima and the local maxima using hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics energy decomposition analysis (QM/MM-EDA). Total interaction energies of -17.5 and -16.5 kcal/mol have been found at the energy minima for TCDD and TCDF, respectively. In both cases, the dispersion forces govern the molecule-membrane interactions, no significant changes have been found at the local maxima, in agreement with the classical free energy profile. The small differences found in the results obtained for TCDD and TCDF point out that the adsorption and diffusion processes through the cell membrane are not related to the different toxicity shown by these pollutants.

Resultados del tratamiento del hepatoblastoma en los Andes Ecuatorianos / Results of the treatment of hepatoblastoma in the Ecuadorian Andes

RESUMEN: El hepatoblastoma (HB), es una neoplasia maligna, que se origina en el hígado. La supervivencia (SV) depende de la extensión de avance de la enfermedad. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar diferencias en la SV actuarial global (SVAG) y libre de enfermedad (SVLE) en pacientes con HB, según la extensión de su enfermedad. Serie de casos con seguimiento. Se incluyeron pacientes de entre 4 y 160 meses de edad tratados en un centro oncológico de Los Andes ecuatorianos (2000-2019). Las variables resultado fueron: lóbulo afectado, metástasis pulmonar, infiltración vascular, estadio PRETEXT, riesgo, histología, niveles de alfafetoproteína (AFP), remisión completa (RC), SVAG y SVLE. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva y analítica (Chi2, exacto de Fisher y corrección por continuidad). Se realizaron análisis de SV con curvas de Kaplan Meier y log-rank. Fueron estudiados 28 pacientes (53,6 % hombres), con una mediana de edad de 40 meses. Se verificaron metástasis pulmonares e infiltración vascular en el 25,0 % y 35,7 % de los casos respectivamente. La histología, estadio clínico y riesgo alto fueron mayoritariamente tipo epitelial (42,8 %), PRETEXT II (50,0 %) y riesgo alto (67,8 %) respectivamente. La media de AFP al diagnóstico fue 1055712ng/ml y 9 pacientes alcanzaron RC. La SVAG y SVLE general a 19 años fue 33,1 % y 26,0 % respectivamente. Según su extensión, la SVAG y la SVLE para los pacientes de riesgo estándar y alto fueron 50,0 % y 25,4 % (p=0,148); y 50,0 % y 14,7 % (p=0,037) respectivamente. La SVAG y SVLE verificadas son menores a las reportadas en otros estudios. La SVLE según su extensión, presentó diferencia significativa, sin embargo, este resultado debe ser tomado con cautela debido al número pequeño de pacientes.

SUMMARY: Hepatoblastoma (HB), is a malignant neoplasm, which originates in the liver. Survival (SV) depends on the extent of disease progression. The objective of this study was to determine differences in overall SV (OS) and disease-free (DFS) in patients with HB, according to the extent of their disease. Case series with follow-up. Patients between 4 and 160 months of age treated at an oncology center in the Ecuadorian Andes (2000-2019) were included. The result variables were affected lobe, lung metastasis, vascular infiltration, PRETEXT stage, risk, histology, alpha-fetoprotein levels (AFP), complete remission (RC), OS and DFS. Descriptive and analytical statistics (Chi2, Fisher's exact and continuity correction) were used. SV analyzes were performed with Kaplan Meier and log-rank curves. In this analysis 28 patients (53.6 % men), with a median age of 40 months, were studied. Lung metastases and vascular infiltration were verified in 25.0 % and 35.7 % of the cases, respectively. Histology, clinical stage, and high risk were mainly epithelial type (42.8 %), PRETEXT II (50.0 %), and high risk (67.8 %), respectively. The mean AFP at diagnosis was 1055712 ng / ml and 9 patients achieved CR. OS and DFS at 19 years were 33.1 % and 26.0 % respectively. According to their extension, the OS and DFS for standard and high risk patients were 50.0 % and 25.4 % (p = 0.148); and 50.0 % and 14.7 % (p = 0.037) respectively. The verified OS and DFS are lower than those reported in other studies. DFS according to its extension, presented a significant difference, however, this result should be considered with caution due to the small number of patients.

Development and Characterization of a Non-Thermal Plasma Source for Therapeutic Treatments.

OBJECTIVE: an innovative non-thermal plasma (NTP) system constituted by a radiofrequency (RF) power generator directly coupled to a treatment probe is described and characterized. This system is intended to be applied as a medical device for therapeutic treatments. METHODS: electrical characterization of the radiofrequency power generator supplying the treatment probe was performed. Meanwhile, generated NTP was optically analyzed. Obtained data were studied to establish the safety profile of plasma application on heat sensitive matter. RESULTS: the NTP system was validated through bacterial deactivation trials, as well as, of being capable of deactivating carcinogenic cells. Besides promoting and accelerating wound closure in vivo performed in mice, demonstrating faster healing than that done with conventional treatments. CONCLUSION: the NTP system's characterization is an essential stage to determine the adequate application of the generated plasma over organic media. The therapeutic benefits of the NTP system were proved by the development of in vivo experiences involving laboratory mice. SIGNIFICANCE: the generated NTP interacts with surrounding air particles producing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which, exhibit bactericidal and antiseptic effects due to their strong biochemical reactivity; functioning like critical mediators in animal physiology and promoting wound healing processes. These properties make the NTP system a feasible technology intended for therapeutic treatments.

Intranasal Administration of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Reduces Hippocampal Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation and Cell Death, Improving the Behavioral Outcome Following Perinatal Asphyxia.

Perinatal Asphyxia (PA) is a leading cause of motor and neuropsychiatric disability associated with sustained oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and cell death, affecting brain development. Based on a rat model of global PA, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of intranasally administered secretome, derived from human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-S), preconditioned with either deferoxamine (an hypoxia-mimetic) or TNF-α+IFN-γ (pro-inflammatory cytokines). PA was generated by immersing fetus-containing uterine horns in a water bath at 37 °C for 21 min. Thereafter, 16 µL of MSC-S (containing 6 µg of protein derived from 2 × 105 preconditioned-MSC), or vehicle, were intranasally administered 2 h after birth to asphyxia-exposed and control rats, evaluated at postnatal day (P) 7. Alternatively, pups received a dose of either preconditioned MSC-S or vehicle, both at 2 h and P7, and were evaluated at P14, P30, and P60. The preconditioned MSC-S treatment (i) reversed asphyxia-induced oxidative stress in the hippocampus (oxidized/reduced glutathione); (ii) increased antioxidative Nuclear Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (NRF2) translocation; (iii) increased NQO1 antioxidant protein; (iv) reduced neuroinflammation (decreasing nuclearNF-κB/p65 levels and microglial reactivity); (v) decreased cleaved-caspase-3 cell-death; (vi) improved righting reflex, negative geotaxis, cliff aversion, locomotor activity, anxiety, motor coordination, and recognition memory. Overall, the study demonstrates that intranasal administration of preconditioned MSC-S is a novel therapeutic strategy that prevents the long-term effects of perinatal asphyxia.

Linfangiomatosis kaposiforme: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Kaposiform lymphangiomatosis: a case report and literature review

La linfangiomatosis es una patología benigna, de etiología desconocida, que afecta especialmente a población pediátrica, caracterizándose por desarrollo de masas subcutáneas que involucran uno o más órganos. Cuando se asocia con coagulopatía y derrames quilosos, recibe el nombre de linfangiomatosis kaposiforme (LK), cuya evidencia disponible es escasa. El objetivo de este manuscrito es reportar un caso de LK pediátrico atendido en el Instituto del Cáncer SOLCA, Cuenca, Ecuador. Paciente femenina de 1 año 7 meses, con hernia inguinal bilaterales y alteración de los tiempos de coagulación. En los estudios de imagen se evidenció una masa mediastínica asociada a presencia de líquido en espacio pleural y cavidad abdomino-pélvica. Además, se evidenció la existencia de múltiples imágenes hipogénicas en el bazo. Se practicó timectomía mínima, toma de biopsia de linfonodos mediastínicos para establecer el diagnóstico, y se instaló un dren en el tórax para tratar el derrame pleural antes señalado. Se descartaron patologías similares (linfomas, lupus, inmunológicas, etc.). Dado el continúo deterioro respiratorio, coagulopatía, lesiones hipogénicas esplénicas y drenaje abundante del quilotórax por el tubo torácico, se planteó el diagnóstico de LK. Se inició apoyo nutricional vía parenteral (sin lípidos); se indicó vincristina, y se realizó una pleurodesis con bleomicina sin buena respuesta. La paciente falleció a los 16 días de su ingreso. Se trata de un caso de mal pronóstico, con evolución rápidamente progresiva hacia un desenlace fatal.

Lymphangiomatosis is a benign pathology, of unknown etiology. Affects especially to pediatric population and is characterized by development of subcutaneous masses that involve one or more organs. When it presents with coagulopathy and chylous effusions, it is called kaposiform lymphangiomatosis (KL). The available evidence of KL is scarce. The objective of this manuscript was to report a case of pediatric KL treated at SOLCA Cancer Institute, Cuenca, Ecuador. Female patient of 1 year and 7 months age. She had a bilateral inguinal hernia and altered coagulation times. Imaging studies revealed a mediastinal mass associated with fluid in the pleural space and in the abdominalpelvic cavity. Furthermore, the existence of multiple hypogenic images in the spleen was evidenced. Minimal thymectomy, biopsy of mediastinal lymph nodes was performed to establish the diagnosis, and a drain was installed in the chest to treat the aforementioned pleural effusion. Other pathologies like lymphomas, lupus, etc. were ruled out. Given the continuous respiratory deterioration, coagulopathy, splenic hypogenic lesions and abundant drainage of the chylothorax through the chest tube, the diagnosis of KL was raised. Parenteral nutrition (lipid-free) was started; Vincristine was indicated, and a pleurodesis with bleomycin was performed without a good response. The patient died 16 days after her admission. It is a case of very bad prognosis, with a rapidly progressive evolution towards a fatal outcome.

Tumor de Wilms: estudio de centro único de Los Andes Ecuatorianos: serie de casos con seguimiento / Wilms' tumor: single center study from the Ecuadorian Andes: case series with follow-up

El Tumor de Wilms (TW) es el tumor renal más frecuente entre los 1 y 5 años de edad. La evidencia existente respecto de aspectos clínicos, terapéuticos y de supervivencia (SV) del TW es escasa. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar diferencias en la SV actuarial global (SVAG) y SV libre de enfermedad (SVLE) a 5 años en pacientes con TW tratados con quimioterapia neoadyuvante (QTNA) y cirugía inicial (CI). Serie de casos. Se incluyeron pacientes con TW de 11 meses y 13 años de edad, tratados en el Instituto del Cáncer SOLCA, Cuenca (1994-2019). Las variables resultado fueron SVAG y SVLE a 5 años. Otras variables de interés fueron: localización, estadio, histología, seguimiento y remisión completa (RC). Una vez concluidos sus tratamientos, los pacientes fueron sometidos a un seguimiento clínico. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva (medidas de tendencia central y dispersión) y analítica (Chi2, exacto de Fisher y corrección por continuidad). Se realizaron análisis de SV con curvas de Kaplan Meier y log-rank. Se reclutaron 36 pacientes (52,8 % hombres), con una mediana de edad de 44 meses; 55,5 % de ellos tuvieron histología favorable. La localización y estadio más frecuente fue riñón izquierdo (55,5 %) y I (33,3 %) respectivamente. El 58,3 % fueron sometidos a CI y el 41,7 % QTNA. Luego de aplicados los tratamientos 21 pacientes (58,3 %), alcanzaron RC. La SVAG y SVLE general a 5 años fue 72,0 % y 69,0 % respectivamente. Al comparar los subgrupos con QTNA y CI; se verificaron SVAG y SVLE a 5 años de 60,0 % y 81,0 % (p=0,118); y de 66,7 % y 71,4 % (p=0,536) respectivamente. La SVAG y SVLE verificadas son similares a las reportadas en otros estudios. No se evidenciaron diferencias de éstas con los tratamientos QTNA y CI.

Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common pediatric kidney tumor between 1 and 5 years of age. The existing evidence regarding clinical, therapeutic and survival (SV) aspects of TW is scarce. The aim of this study was to determine differences in 5-year overall survival (OS) and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS), in patients treated by WT with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and initial surgery (IS). Case series. Patients with TW between 11 months and 13 years of age, treated at SOLCA Cancer Institute, Cuenca, Ecuador (1994-2019) were included. The outcome variables were OS and DFS. Once their treatments were completed, patients were followed clinically. Descriptive (measures of central tendency and dispersion) and analytical (Chi2, Fisher's exact and continuity correction) statistics were applied. SV analysis with Kaplan Meier curves and log-rank were performed. 36 patients (52.8 % men), with a median age of 44 months; 55.5 % of which had favorable histology were recruited. The most frequent location and stage was left kidney (55.5 %) and I (33.3 %) respectively. 58.3 % underwent IC and 41.7 % QTNA. After treatments, 21 patients (58.3 %) achieved complete remission. General OS and DFS were 72.0 % and 69.0 % respectively. When comparing subgroups with QTNA and CI. When comparing the subgroups with QTNA and CI, OS and DFS of 60.0 % and 81.0 % were verified (p=0.118); and of 66.7 % and 71.4 % (p=0.536) respectively. General OS and DFS observed are similar to those reported in other studies. No differences were evidenced with QTNA and CI treatments.

G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 safeguards epithelial phenotype in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) arises from the mucosal lining of the upper aerodigestive tract and display few treatment options in advanced stages. Despite increased knowledge of HNSCC molecular biology, the identification of new players involved in triggering HNSCC recurrence and metastatic disease is needed. We uncover that G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK2) expression is reduced in undifferentiated, high-grade human HNSCC tumors, whereas its silencing in model human HNSCC cells is sufficient to trigger epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypic features, an EMT-like transcriptional program and enhanced lymph node colonization from orthotopic tongue tumors in mice. Conversely, enhancing GRK2 expression counteracts mesenchymal cells traits by mechanisms involving phosphorylation and decreased functionality of the key EMT inducer Snail1. Our results suggest that GRK2 safeguards the epithelial phenotype, whereas its downregulation contributes to the activation of EMT programs in HNSCC.

[Prevalence of allergic rhinitis and its symptoms in the school children population of Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico]. / Prevalencia de rinitis alérgica y de sus síntomas en la población escolar de Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.

BACKGROUND: Studies on allergic rhinitis prevalence have found significant variations in their results, even in closely-living populations. OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and its symptoms in schoolchildren from Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. METHODS: Cross-sectional, descriptive study on the prevalence of allergic rhinitis diagnosis and symptoms, where the "Diagnostic questionnaire for epidemiological studies" was used between June and December 2015 in pre-school and primary and secondary school population, after authorization was granted by parents and school authorities. RESULTS: In 7866 surveys in a population aged between 3 and 15 years, 939 cases of allergic rhinitis (11.94%) were identified, with 53% belonging to the female gender. The symptom with the highest prevalence was cold-induced nasal congestion (56.8%), followed by rhinitis accompanied by ocular symptoms (35.8%) and recurrent flu-like symptoms (20), which was the most common symptom in allergic rhinitis (100%). CONCLUSION: A significant variation was observed in the prevalence of symptoms, notably higher than that of questionnaire-obtained allergic rhinitis diagnosis (11.94%), which suggests that the independent prevalence of symptoms is not a good parameter to detect the prevalence of allergic rhinitis.

Antecedentes: En los estudios de prevalencia de rinitis alérgica se han encontrado amplias variaciones en sus resultados, incluso en poblaciones cercanas. Objetivo: Determinar y comparar la prevalencia de la rinitis alérgica y sus síntomas en escolares de Cuernavaca, Morelos, México. Métodos: Estudio transversal descriptivo de la prevalencia del diagnóstico de rinitis alérgica y de sus síntomas, en el que se empleó el "Cuestionario diagnóstico para estudios epidemiológicos", entre junio y diciembre de 2015, en población preescolar, escolar primaria y secundaria, previa autorización de padres y autoridades escolares. Resultados: En 7866 encuestas en población de 3 a 15 años de edad se identificaron 939 casos de rinitis alérgica (11.94 %), 53 % del sexo femenino. El síntoma con mayor prevalencia correspondió a constipación por frío (56.8 %), seguido por rinitis acompañada de síntomas oculares (35.8 %), cuadros catarrales recurrentes (20 %); el síntoma más frecuente fue la rinitis alérgica (100 %). Conclusiones: Se apreció amplia variación en la prevalencia de los síntomas, notablemente más alta que la del diagnóstico de rinitis alérgica obtenida por el cuestionario (11.94 %), lo que sugiere que la prevalencia independiente de los síntomas no es buen parámetro para detectar la prevalencia de la rinitis alérgica.

Síndrome nefrótico, anticuerpos anti-PLA2R y glomerulonefritis membranosa. ¿Es necesaria la biopsia renal? / Nephrotic syndrome, anti-PLA2R and membranous glomerulonephritis. Is the renal biopsy necessary?

No disponible

Treatment in the healing of burns with a cold plasma source.

A cold plasma produced with helium gas was applied to two second-degree burns produced with boiling oil. These burns were located on a thigh and a shin of a 59-years-old male person. After the first treatment as benefit the patient neither presented itching nor pain and, after the second treatment, the patient presented new tissue. This result opens the possibilities of the application of a cold plasma source to health burns.

[Prevalence of asthma and its symptoms in schoolchildren from Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico]. / Prevalencia de asma y sus síntomas en población escolar de Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic disease that has increased over the past 2 decades. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of asthma and its symptoms in the city of Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. METHODS: A descriptive study of prevalence in public schools of the city of Cuernavaca, Morelos, at the preschool, elementary, and high school levels using the "Asthma diagnosis for epidemiological studies questionnaire." RESULTS: 7947 surveys were obtained from students ages 3 to 15 years, funding a prevalence of asthma of 11.9%, 49% in boys and 51% in girls. As for the symptoms of asthma, the highest prevalence was cough that increases with cold weather (63%), however, in asthma patients this symptom only occurred in 17%; chest tightness had the lowest prevalence of symptoms (10%); however, in asthma patients it was 49%. CONCLUSIONS: The asthma diagnosis for epidemiological studies questionnaire found an average asthma prevalence of 11.9% in preschool, elementary, and high school students, slightly below that diagnosed in other cities in central Mexico. The prevalence of asthma symptoms was higher than the diagnosis of asthma.

Antecedentes: El asma es una enfermedad crónica que se ha incrementado en las 2 últimas décadas. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de asma y sus síntomas en la ciudad de Cuernavaca, Morelos, México. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de prevalencia en escuelas oficiales de la ciudad de Cuernavaca, Morelos, de nivel preescolar, primaria y secundaria, mediante el "Cuestionario diagnóstico de asma para estudios epidemiológicos". Resultados: Se obtuvieron 7947 encuestas en escolares de 3 a 15 años, encontrándose una prevalencia de asma de 11.9%, 49% en niños y 51 % en niñas. En cuanto a los síntomas de asma, la mayor prevalencia la obtuvo la tos que aumenta con el frío (63%), sin embargo, en los pacientes con asma este síntoma solo se presentó en 17%; la opresión torácica tuvo la prevalencia más baja entre los síntomas (10%), sin embargo, en pacientes con asma fue de 49%. Conclusiones: Con el cuestionario diagnóstico de asma para estudios epidemiológicos se encontró una prevalencia promedio de asma de 11.9% en preescolares, escolares y alumnos de secundaria, discretamente inferior a la diagnosticada en otras ciudades del centro de México. La prevalencia de los síntomas de asma resultó más elevada que la del diagnóstico de asma.

Muerte súbita en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada / Sudden cardiac death in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients

Antecedentes: Una alta proporción de fallecimientos en pacientes tratados mediante diálisis ocurre de forma súbita e inesperada. La incidencia de muerte súbita (MS) en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) en estadios prediálisis es menos conocida. Objetivos: Determinar la incidencia y factores asociados a la MS en una cohorte de 1.078 pacientes con ERC avanzada. Métodos: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo y de observación, que incluyó a pacientes con ERC estadio 4-5 prediálisis. La asociación entre las variables basales y la MS fue analizada mediante modelos de regresión de Cox y de competencia de riesgo (Fine y Gray). Los datos demográficos, clínicos, la medicación y los parámetros bioquímicos basales de potencial interés fueron incluidos como covariables en el análisis predictivo. Resultados: Durante el periodo de estudio (mediana de seguimiento 12 meses), fallecieron 210 pacientes (19%) y de forma súbita 34 casos (16% total de muertes). Las tasas de incidencia de muerte por cualquier causa y de MS fueron: 113 (IC 95%: 99-128) y 18 (IC 95%: 13-26) eventos por 1.000 pacientes/año, respectivamente. Mediante análisis de regresión de Cox, la edad, el índice de comorbilidad y el tratamiento con antiagregantes plaquetarios fueron las covariables que se asociaron significativamente con MS. Esta última covariable mostró un efecto beneficioso sobre el desarrollo de MS. En los modelos de regresión por competencia de riesgo, en los que el evento competidor fue la muerte no súbita por cualquier causa, solo la edad y el índice de comorbilidad se asociaron significativamente con la MS. Conclusiones: La MS es relativamente frecuente en pacientes con ERC prediálisis. La MS se asoció significativamente con la edad y la comorbilidad, y varios datos indirectos de este estudio muestran que un infradiagnóstico o infratratamiento de la enfermedad cardiovascular podría predisponer a un mayor riesgo de MS (AU)

BACKGROUND: A relatively high proportion of deaths in dialysis patients occur suddenly and unexpectedly. The incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in non-dialysis advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages has been less well investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the incidence and predictors of SCD in a cohort of 1078 patients with CKD not yet on dialysis. METHODS: Prospective observational cohort study, which included patients with advanced CKD not yet on dialysis (stage 4-5). The association between baseline variables and SCD was assessed using Cox and competing-risk (Fine and Grey) regression models. Demographic, clinical information, medication use, and baseline biochemical parameters of potential interest were included as covariates. RESULTS: During the study period (median follow-up time 12 months), 210 patients died (19%), and SCD occurred in 34 cases (16% of total deaths). All-cause mortality and SCD incidence rates were 113 (95% CI: 99-128), and 18 (95% CI: 13-26) events per 1000 patients/year, respectively. By Cox regression analysis, covariates significantly associated with SCD were: Age, comorbidity index, and treatment with antiplatelet drugs. This latter covariate showed a beneficial effect over the development of SCD. By competing-risk regression, in which the competing event was non-sudden death from any cause, only age and comorbidity index remained significantly associated with SCD. CONCLUSIONS: SCD is relatively common in non-dialysis advanced CKD PATIENTS: SCD was closely related to age and comorbidity, and some indirect data from this study suggest that unrecognised or undertreated cardiovascular disease may predispose to a higher risk of SCD (AU)

Sudden cardiac death in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients. / Muerte súbita en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada.

BACKGROUND: A relatively high proportion of deaths in dialysis patients occur suddenly and unexpectedly. The incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in non-dialysis advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages has been less well investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the incidence and predictors of SCD in a cohort of 1078 patients with CKD not yet on dialysis. METHODS: Prospective observational cohort study, which included patients with advanced CKD not yet on dialysis (stage 4-5). The association between baseline variables and SCD was assessed using Cox and competing-risk (Fine and Grey) regression models. Demographic, clinical information, medication use, and baseline biochemical parameters of potential interest were included as covariates. RESULTS: During the study period (median follow-up time 12 months), 210 patients died (19%), and SCD occurred in 34 cases (16% of total deaths). All-cause mortality and SCD incidence rates were 113 (95% CI: 99-128), and 18 (95% CI: 13-26) events per 1000 patients/year, respectively. By Cox regression analysis, covariates significantly associated with SCD were: Age, comorbidity index, and treatment with antiplatelet drugs. This latter covariate showed a beneficial effect over the development of SCD. By competing-risk regression, in which the competing event was non-sudden death from any cause, only age and comorbidity index remained significantly associated with SCD. CONCLUSIONS: SCD is relatively common in non-dialysis advanced CKD patients. SCD was closely related to age and comorbidity, and some indirect data from this study suggest that unrecognised or undertreated cardiovascular disease may predispose to a higher risk of SCD.

[Prevalence of asthma and determination of symptoms as risk indicators]. / Prevalencia de asma y determinación de los síntomas como indicadores de riesgo.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease whose prevalence has increased, especially in developed countries; the results of studies of asthma prevalence vary in different populations and even within the same country; in Mexico we observed fluctuations in prevalence of asthma from 7% to 33%. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of asthma and severity of symptoms as risk indicators in school population in cities in various states of Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A descriptive study of detection of asthma prevalence and analytical-comparative observational study of determination of symptoms of asthma. The surveys were applied to preschool, elementary, middle and high school population, in the cities of Puebla, Puebla; Tulancingo, Hidalgo; Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, and Cancún, Quintana Roo; new validated questionnaire was used as instrument: Asthma Diagnostic Questionnaire for Epidemiologic Studies, consisting of eight questions with summation value for diagnosis. RESULTS: 8,754 surveys showed a 14% prevalence in Puebla, 17% in Tulancingo, 7% in Tlaxcala, and 14% in Cancún; average in four cities surveyed was 13%; the strength of association with asthma symptoms in descending order with significant odds ratio were: recurrent wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, recurrent cough, cough cold, recurrent cold symptoms, predominantly nocturnal cough, cough that increases with exercise. CONCLUSIONS: The average prevalence of asthma in the surveyed cities was 13% and the main symptoms indicators of risk of asthma in school children were: recurrent wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and recurrent cough.

Antecedentes: el asma es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica de las vías aéreas, su prevalencia se ha incrementado especialmente en países industrializados. Los resultados de estudios de prevalencia del asma son variables en diferentes poblaciones y aun en un mismo país; en México hay fluctuaciones de la prevalencia del asma de 7 a 33%. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia del asma y la magnitud de los síntomas como indicadores de riesgo en población escolar en ciudades de varios estados de México. Material y método: estudio descriptivo de la detección de prevalencia del asma y analítico-observacional comparativo de la determinación de los síntomas de esta afección. Se realizaron encuestas a población de los niveles educativos preescolar, primaria, secundaria y preparatoria en las ciudades de Puebla, Puebla; Tulancingo, Hidalgo; Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, y Cancún, Quintana Roo. Como instrumento se usó un nuevo cuestionario validado: Cuestionario Diagnóstico de Asma para Estudios Epidemiológicos, conformado por ocho preguntas con valor sumatorio para su diagnóstico. Resultados: se obtuvieron 8,754 encuestas que mostraron una prevalencia en Puebla de 14%, en Tulancingo de 17%, en Tlaxcala de 7% y en Cancún de 14%; el promedio en las cuatro ciudades fue de 13%. La fuerza de asociación de los síntomas con asma en orden decreciente con razón de momios significativa fue: sibilancias recurrentes, dificultad respiratoria, opresión torácica, tos recurrente, tos con frío, cuadros catarrales recurrentes, tos de predominio nocturno y tos que aumenta con el ejercicio. Conclusiones: el promedio de la prevalencia del asma en las ciudades contempladas para las encuestas fue de 13% y los principales síntomas indicadores de riesgo de asma en población escolar fueron: sibilancias recurrentes, dificultad respiratoria, opresión torácica y tos recurrente.

[Prevalence of rhinitis allergic in populations of several states of Mexico]. / Prevalencia de rinitis alérgica en poblaciones de varios estados de México.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory disorder of the nasal mucosa, characterized by symptoms of itching, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion and sneezing induced by an IgE-mediated response. In Mexico we have reports of prevalence, with fluctuations of 5.5% to 47.7% with the question of rhinitis symptoms the past 12 months. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in schoolchildren from various states of Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A descriptive study of prevalence in which a questionnaire was applied to preschool, elementary-, middle- and high-school population. It was performed in four cities in four states of Mexico: Puebla, Puebla, Tulancingo, Hidalgo, Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala and Cancun, Quintana Roo. Parents answered questionnaires of preschool and elementary school and middle- and high-school students answered their questionnaires. The study was conducted from June 2014 to January 2015. The instrument used was: questionnaire diagnosis of allergic rhinitis for epidemiological studies. RESULTS: Of the surveys, 8,159 completed questionnaires were obtained, in the city of Puebla: 2,267, Tulancingo, Hidalgo: 2,478, Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala: 2,574, Cancun, Quintana Roo: 840; total male: 4,190 (51%). The overall average rate of prevalence of allergic rhinitis among four states including all respondents ages was 15%. CONCLUSIONS: With the use of the questionnaire diagnosis of allergic rhinitis for epidemiological studies in the four cities in four different states, we found a prevalence of allergic rhinitis of 15% in ≥13 yearpopulation and 13% in ≤12 year-old children.

Antecedentes: la rinitis alérgica es una enfermedad inflamatoria de la mucosa nasal, caracterizada por síntomas de prurito, rinorrea, congestión nasal y estornudos, inducidos por una respuesta mediada por IgE. En México tenemos reportes de prevalencia de rinitis alérgica con variaciones de 5 a 48% cuando se pregunta si hubo síntomas de rinitis los últimos 12 meses. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de rinitis alérgica en población escolar de varios estados de México. Material y método: estudio descriptivo de prevalencia en el que se aplicó un cuestionario a población preescolar, primaria, secundaria y preparatoria. Se realizó en cuatro ciudades de cuatro estados: Puebla, Puebla, Tulancingo, Hidalgo, Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala y Cancún, Quintana Roo. Los padres contestaron los cuestionarios de preescolar y primaria y los alumnos de secundaria y preparatoria contestaron sus cuestionarios. El estudio se realizó de junio de 2014 a enero de 2015. El instrumento utilizado fue el Cuestionario diagnóstico de rinitis alérgica para estudios epidemiológicos. Resultados: de las encuestas aplicadas se obtuvieron 8,159 cuestionarios contestados; en la ciudad de Puebla: 2,267; Tulancingo, Hidalgo: 2,478; Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala: 2,574; Cancún, Quintana Roo: 840; 4,190 (51%) correspondieron al sexo masculino. El porcentaje promedio general de prevalencia de rinitis alérgica entre los cuatro estados, incluidas todas las edades, fue de 15%. Conclusiones: con la aplicación del cuestionario diagnóstico de rinitis alérgica para estudios epidemiológicos en las cuatro ciudades de cuatro estados diferentes encontramos una prevalencia de rinitis alérgica de 15% en mayores de 13 años y de 13% en niños de 12 años o menos.