Ausencia de toracotomía mediante la sutura manual intratorácica y la extracción transabdominal de la pieza quirúrgica durante la esofagectomía robótica de Ivor Lewis / Absence of thoracotomy by intrathoracic manual suture and transabdominal removal of surgical specimen during Ivor Lewis robotic esophagectomy

En el tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer de esófago, la cirugía robótica permite realizar una anastomosis manual intratorácica de manera más sencilla, rápida y cómoda para el cirujano que la cirugía abierta y la cirugía mínimamente invasiva tradicional. Con ello evitamos el uso de instrumentos de autosutura, algunos de los cuales precisan una pequeña toracotomía para su introducción. No obstante, la extracción de la pieza exige la práctica de esa toracotomía, de tamaño variable, y que puede asociar dolor torácico intenso. Describimos una sencilla modificación técnica del Ivor Lewis robótico clásico que permite la extracción de la pieza quirúrgica por una mínima incisión abdominal, evitando la necesidad de fracturar costillas de forma controlada, así como las posibles secuelas de practicar una incisión en la pared torácica.(AU)

In the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer, robotic surgery allows performing an intrathoracic hand-sewn anastomosis in a simpler, faster and more comfortable way for the surgeon than open surgery and traditional minimally invasive surgery. With this, we avoid the use of self-suture instruments, some of which require a small thoracotomy for their introduction. However, the retrieval of the specimen requires the practice of this thoracotomy, of variable size, that can be associated with intense chest pain. We describe a technical modification of the classic robotic Ivor Lewis that allows removal of the surgical piece through a minimal abdominal incision, thus avoiding controlled rib fracture, as well as the possible sequelae of making an incision in the chest wall.(AU)

Peripheral and respiratory muscle impairment during murine acute lung injury.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is associated with skeletal muscle compromise, which decreases survival and impairs functional capacity. A comparative analysis of peripheral and respiratory muscles' atrophy and dysfunction in acute lung injury (ALI) has not been performed. We aimed to evaluate diaphragmatic and peripheral muscle mass and contractility in an ALI animal model. ALI was induced in C57BL/6 mice by intratracheal lipopolysaccharides instillation. Muscle mass and in vitro contractility were evaluated at different time points in hindlimb soleus (slow-twitch) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL, fast-twitch), as well as in the main respiratory muscle diaphragm. Myogenic precursor satellite cell-specific transcription factor Pax7 expression was determined by Western blot. Lung injury was associated with atrophy of the three studied muscles, although it was more pronounced and persistent in the diaphragm. Specific contractility was reduced during lung injury in EDL muscle but restored by the time lung injury has resolved. Specific force was not affected in soleus and diaphragm. A persistent increase in Pax7 expression was detected in diaphragm and EDL muscles after induction of ALI, but not in soleus muscle. Different peripheral and respiratory skeletal muscles are distinctly affected during the course of ALI. Each of the studied muscles presented a unique pattern in terms of atrophy development, contractile dysfunction and Pax7 expression.

Esophageal stricture as an initial manifestation of Crohn's disease.

Crohn's disease located in the esophagus is rare, being exceptional as the initial manifestation of the disease. Erosive ulcerative esophagitis, stricture and fistula are forms of presentation, as in other esophageal pathologies, so the differential diagnosis is broad. The histologic features of esophageal Crohn's disease can be nonspecific and increase the diagnostic challenge. Esophageal Crohn's disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of esophageal strictures and may require esophagectomy if medical-endoscopic treatment is not effective.

Inflammasome and the lung: The link among distress phenotypes / Inflamasoma y pulmón: ¿el nexo entre los distintos fenotipos de distrés?

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Combined Diaphragm and Limb Muscle Atrophy Is Associated With Increased Mortality in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A Pilot Study / La combinación de atrofia del diafragma y atrofia de los músculos de las extremidades se asocia a un aumento de la mortalidad en los pacientes con ventilación mecánica: un estudio piloto

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Uso de máscaras de buceo modificadas para aplicación segura de ventilación no invasiva. Estudio piloto / Modified snorkeling facemasks for safe application of non-invasive ventilation. A pilot study / Uso de máscaras de mergulho modificadas para aplicação segura de ventilação não invasiva. Estudo piloto

Resumen: Introducción: en el contexto de la pandemia de SARS-CoV-2, diferentes autores propusieron adaptaciones a máscaras de buceo comerciales (máscaras modificadas, MM) para proporcionar oxigenoterapia a pacientes con o sin presión positiva. Hasta la fecha, ninguno ha evaluado su desempeño como interfaz para la ventilación no invasiva (VNI) en el modo de soporte de presión inspiratoria (PSI). Objetivos: desarrollar una interfaz de VNI utilizando MM y evaluar su rendimiento en comparación con una máscara oronasal (MC) convencional. Métodos: las MM se adaptaron como interfaces VNI utilizando dos piezas creadas mediante impresión 3D. Se comparó su desempeño contra una MC en 10 voluntarios sanos en modo PSI (3 cmH2O) con dos niveles de presión positiva al final de la espiración (PEEP 4 y 8 cmH2O). Se compararon: fugas del sistema, frecuencia respiratoria, volumen corriente, oximetría de pulso, CO2 transcutáneo y comodidad. Resultados: con 4 cmH2O de PEEP no hubo diferencias significativas entre las máscaras en ninguna de las variables estudiadas. Con 8 cmH2O de PEEP, el uso de MM se asoció con un menor nivel de CO2tc (41,0±5,7 vs 43,5±8,1 mmHg; p=0,03) y un mayor confort (8,3±1,1 vs 6,5±1,4; p<0,01) que las MC. Conclusiones: el uso de MM para realizar VNI presenta, en voluntarios sanos, un rendimiento similar a las mascarillas oronasales estándar, con la ventaja de mayor comodidad y menor costo. Si bien restan estudios para avalar su utilización, en la emergencia sanitaria provocada por la pandemia SARS-CoV-2, la adaptación de máscaras de buceo podría representar una opción válida frente a la escasez de interfaces comerciales.

Abstract: Introduction: within the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, different authors proposed adaptations to snorkeling masks available in the market (modified masks: MM) to provide oxygen therapy with positive pressure ventilation or not. Until today, none of them has assessed its performance as an interface for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in the inspiratory pressure support mode. Objective: to develop an interface of NIV using MM and assess its performance with a conventional full mask. Method: the MM were adapted as NIV interfaces using two pieces created by 3D printing. Their performance was compared to a that of a conventional mask in 10 healthy volunteers in inspiratory pressure support (3 cmH2O) mode with two levels of positive pressure towards the end of expiration (PEEP 4 and 8 cmH2O). The following were compared: system leaks, respiratory rate, normal volume, pulse oximetry, transcutaneous car bon dioxide and comfort. Results: with 4 cmH2O of PEEP, no significant differences were found between masks in none of the variables studied. With 8 cmH2O de PEEP, the use of MM were associated to a lower level of CO2tc (41.0±5.7 vs 43.5±8.1 mmHg; p=0.03) and greater comfort (8.3±1.1 vs 6.5±1.4; p<0.01) than conventional masks (CM). Conclusions: in healthy volunteers, MM for NIV evidence a similar performance than that of standard oronasal masks, and have a further advantage, as they are more comfortable and cheaper. Even if further studies are needed to support its use, modified snorkeling masks could represent a valid option during the health emergency caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in consideration of the scarce interfaces available in the market.

Resumo: Introdução: no contexto da pandemia de SARS-CoV2, diferentes autores propuseram adaptações às máscaras de mergulho comerciais (máscaras modificadas, MM) para fornecer oxigenoterapia a pacientes com ou sem pressão positiva. Até o momento, nenhum avaliou seu desempenho como interface para ventilação não invasiva (VNI) no modo de suporte de pressão inspiratória (PSI). Objetivos: desenvolver uma interface de VNI usando MM e avaliar seu desempenho em comparação com uma máscara oronasal convencional (MC). Métodos: as MMs foram adaptadas como interfaces VNI usando duas peças criadas por impressão 3D. Seu desempenho contra uma MC foi comparado em 10 voluntários saudáveis no modo PSI (3 cmH2O) com dois níveis de pressão positiva no final da expiração (PEEP 4 e 8 cmH2O). Vazamentos do sistema, frequência respiratória, volume corrente, oximetria de pulso, CO2 transcutâneo e conforto foram comparados. Resultados: com 4 cmH2O de PEEP, não se observaram diferenças significativas entre as máscaras em nenhuma das variáveis estudadas. Com PEEP de 8 cmH2O, o uso de MM foi associado a um menor nível de CO2tc (41,0 ± 5,7 vs 43,5 ± 8,1 mmHg; p = 0,03) e maior conforto (8,3 ± 1,1 vs 6,5 ± 1,4; p <0,01) do que a MC. Conclusões: o uso do MM para a realização da VNI apresenta, em voluntários saudáveis, desempenho semelhante às máscaras oronasais padrão, com a vantagem de maior conforto e menor custo. Embora ainda sejam necessários mais estudos que embasem seu uso, na emergência sanitária ocasionada pela pandemia do SARS-CoV-2, a adaptação de máscaras de mergulho pode representar uma opção válida diante da escassez de interfaces comerciais.

Mechanical Risks of Ventilator Sharing in the COVID-19 Era: A Simulation-Based Study / Riesgos mecánicos del uso compartido de ventiladores en la era Covid-19: un estudio basado en una simulación

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Complete Blood Count and Derived Indices: Evolution Pattern and Prognostic Value in Adult Burned Patients.

Certain parameters of complete blood count (CBC) such as red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean platelet volume, as well as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and RDW-to-platelet ratio (RPR) have been associated with inflammatory status and outcome in diverse medical conditions. The aim of this study was to describe the evolution pattern of these parameters in adult burned patients. Adult burned patients admitted to the National Burn Center in Uruguay between May 2017 and February 2018 (discovery cohort) and between March 2018 and August 2019 (validation cohort) were included. Patients' characteristics and outcomes were recorded, as well as CBC parameters on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after thermal injury. Eighty-eight patients were included in the discovery cohort. Total body surface area burned was 14 [7-23]% and mortality was 15%. Nonsurvivors presented higher RDW and mean platelet volume (P < .01). NLR decreased after admission in all patients (P < .01), but was higher in nonsurvivors (P < .01). Deceased patients also presented higher RPR on days 3, 5, and 7 (P < .001). On the contrary, PLR was reduced in nonsurvivors (P < .05). There was a significant correlation between NLR on admission and burn extension and severity. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that NLR, PLR, and RPR could identify patients with increased mortality. These findings were confirmed in the validation cohort (n = 95). Basic CBC parameters and derived indices could be useful as biomarkers to determine prognosis in adults with thermal injuries.

Mortality analysis of adult burn patients in Uruguay. / Análise da mortalidade em pacientes queimados adultos no Uruguai.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the independent risk factors associated with mortality in adult burn patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational study performed at the Centro Nacional de Queimados do Uruguai. All patients with skin burns admitted to the unit since its opening on July 1, 1995 through December 31, 2018 were included. The demographic data, burn profiles, length of stay, mechanical ventilation duration and hospital mortality were studied. A multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors for mortality. The standardized mortality ratio was calculated by dividing the number of observed deaths by the number of expected deaths (according to the Abbreviated Burn Severity Index). RESULTS: During the study period, 3,132 patients were included. The median total body surface area burned was 10% (3%-22%). The Abbreviated Burn Severity Index was 6 (4 - 7). Invasive mechanical ventilation was required in 60% of the patients for a median duration of 6 (3 - 16) days. The median length of stay in the unit was 17 (7 - 32) days. The global mortality was 19.9%. Crude mortality and standardized mortality ratio decreased from 1995 through 2018. The global standardized mortality ratio was 0.99. A need for mechanical ventilation (OR 8.80; 95%CI 5.68 - 13.62), older age (OR 1.07 per year; 95%CI 1.06 - 1.09), total body surface area burned (OR 1.05 per 1%; 95%CI 1.03 - 1.08) and extension of third-degree burns (OR 1.05 per 1%; 95%CI 1.03 - 1.07) were independent risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSION: The need for mechanical ventilation, older age and burn extension were independent risk factors for mortality in the burned adult Uruguayan population.

High CO2 Levels Impair Lung Wound Healing.

Delayed lung repair leads to alveolopleural fistulae, which are a major cause of morbidity after lung resections. We have reported that intrapleural hypercapnia is associated with delayed lung repair after lung resection. Here, we provide new evidence that hypercapnia delays wound closure of both large airway and alveolar epithelial cell monolayers because of inhibition of epithelial cell migration. Cell migration and airway epithelial wound closure were dependent on Rac1-GTPase activation, which was suppressed by hypercapnia directly through the upregulation of AMP kinase and indirectly through inhibition of injury-induced NF-κB-mediated CXCL12 (pleural CXC motif chemokine 12) release, respectively. Both these pathways were independently suppressed, because dominant negative AMP kinase rescued the effects of hypercapnia on Rac1-GTPase in uninjured resting cells, whereas proteasomal inhibition reversed the NF-κB-mediated CXCL12 release during injury. Constitutive overexpression of Rac1-GTPase rescued the effects of hypercapnia on both pathways as well as on wound healing. Similarly, exogenous recombinant CXCL12 reversed the effects of hypercapnia through Rac1-GTPase activation by its receptor, CXCR4. Moreover, CXCL12 transgenic murine recipients of orthotopic tracheal transplantation were protected from hypercapnia-induced inhibition of tracheal epithelial cell migration and wound repair. In patients undergoing lobectomy, we found inverse correlation between intrapleural carbon dioxide and pleural CXCL12 levels as well as between CXCL12 levels and alveolopleural leak. Accordingly, we provide first evidence that high carbon dioxide levels impair lung repair by inhibiting epithelial cell migration through two distinct pathways, which can be restored by recombinant CXCL12.

Elevated CO2 regulates the Wnt signaling pathway in mammals, Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is sensed by cells and can trigger signals to modify gene expression in different tissues leading to changes in organismal functions. Despite accumulating evidence that several pathways in various organisms are responsive to CO2 elevation (hypercapnia), it has yet to be elucidated how hypercapnia activates genes and signaling pathways, or whether they interact, are integrated, or are conserved across species. Here, we performed a large-scale transcriptomic study to explore the interaction/integration/conservation of hypercapnia-induced genomic responses in mammals (mice and humans) as well as invertebrates (Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster). We found that hypercapnia activated genes that regulate Wnt signaling in mouse lungs and skeletal muscles in vivo and in several cell lines of different tissue origin. Hypercapnia-responsive Wnt pathway homologues were similarly observed in secondary analysis of available transcriptomic datasets of hypercapnia in a human bronchial cell line, flies and nematodes. Our data suggest the evolutionarily conserved role of high CO2 in regulating Wnt pathway genes.