Electrochemotherapy as palliative treatment in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck tumours: features analysis for an early determination of the partial responsive patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify features mainly involved in determining the partial response (PR) to the Electrochemotherapy (ECT) in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck (H&N) tumor; the identified features were also used in a decision chart in order to provide the clinician with a support tool in deciding further therapies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 131 patients (186 treatment sessions) with recurrent and/or metastatic H&N neoplasm were subjected to ECT. Treatment response was evaluated based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v. 1.1 two months after the ECT. The grade of bleeding and pain before, at the end and one week after ECT treatment were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify features involved in determining the patient PR. RESULTS: In the context of the univariate analysis, tumor size significantly influenced the response to ECT, with higher PR rate of 58.3%: 28 among 48 patients with lesion size ≤ 3 centimeters (p-value < 0.001 at Chi-square test). Pain and bleeding pre-treatment were positively correlated to PR (p-value < 0.001 at Chi-square test). A difference in the current flowing in the tissue during treatment was also observed in partially responsive patients, where the median current value (6.6 A) was higher than that achieved in patients that did not show PR (3.3 A). In the context of the multivariate analysis, the best performances are achieved with the BART method (accuracy of 84%). The main clinical factors to predict the partial response, among investigated features, that have shown to be considered were the pain value felt before performing the treatment and the median current delivered during the ECT treatment. A decision-making support tool to predict the patient prognosis in terms of response rate could be represented by the decision tree obtained with CART algorithm, where a pain pre-treatment more than 5 and a median delivered current not less than 2.8 A led to the prediction a partial responsive patient with an accuracy of 75%. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed that ECT is an interesting antitumoral therapy in advanced chemo- and radio-refractory H&N neoplasms, able to reduce frequent symptoms and to improve the quality of life. Pain pre-treatment and delivered current are the most important variables when predicting the partial response of patients.

Esquemas terapéuticos y factores asociados a mortalidad en pacientes con cuadro severo de COVID-19 atendidos en Hospital Nacional Alberto Sabogal Sologuren 2020 / Therapeutic regimens and factors associated with mortality in patients with severe COVID-19 infection treated at the Hospital Nacional Alberto Sabogal Sologuren, 2020

RESUMEN Objetivo: Explorar el esquema terapéutico y factores asociados a mortalidad en pacientes con un cuadro severo de COVID-19 atendidos en el Hospital Nacional Alberto Sabogal Sologuren en 2020. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, analítico de caso-control y prospectivo. Fueron incluidos los pacientes que ingresaron al hospital con un cuadro severo de COVID-19 entre junio a septiembre de 2020 y fueron clasificados en dos grupos: el grupo caso (61 pacientes fallecidos) y el grupo control (60 sobrevivientes que recibieron el alta hospitalaria). Los datos fueron analizados en el software estadístico Stata(R) y se realizó análisis bivariado y multivariado con regresión logística, nivel de confianza del 95 %. Resultados: En pacientes con cuadro severo de COVID-19, la edad mayor de 60 años está asociada a la mortalidad (p=0,035; OR=2,21 IC: [1,05-4,63]). Los esquemas terapéuticos fueron variados, los participantes que recibieron metilprednisolona a dosis altas tuvieron mayor probabilidad de morir en comparación a los que recibieron otros corticoides (p=0,001; OR ajustado=5,18 IC: [1,94-13,83]). El tratamiento con azitromicina por más de cinco días incrementa la probabilidad de fallecer en comparación a los que la tomaron por menos días (p=0,000; OR ajustado=7,14 IC: [2,22-22,99]). El modelo multivariado tenía una probabilidad predictiva de mortalidad de 73,06 % para los pacientes con cuadro severo de COVID-19. Conclusiones: Los esquemas terapéuticos que incluyen administración de metilprednisolona a dosis altas y azitromicina por más de 5 días incrementan la probabilidad de fallecer en los pacientes con una presentación severa de COVID-19. Además, la edad mayor a 60 años estuvo asociada a la mortalidad en los pacientes analizados en el estudio.

ABSTRACT Objective: To explore the therapeutic regimen and factors associated with mortality in patients with severe COVID-19 infection treated at the Hospital Nacional Alberto Sabogal Sologuren in 2020. Materials and methods: An observational, case-control, analytical and prospective study conducted in patients with severe COVID-19 infection at hospital admission between June and September 2020. The study population was classified into two groups: case group (61 deceased patients) and control group (60 discharged patients). Data were analyzed using Stata statistical software. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed with a 95 % confidence level. Results: As for patients with severe COVID-19 infection, ages older than 60 years are associated with mortality (p = 0.035; OR = 2.21; CI: [1.05 - 4.63]). Different therapeutic regimens were included in the research: patients who received high-dose methylprednisolone had more probability of dying compared to those who received other corticosteroids (p = 0.001; adjusted OR = 5.18; CI: [1.94 - 13.83]). Patients who were treated with azithromycin for more than five days had more probability of dying compared to those that took it for fewer days (p = 0.000; adjusted OR = 7.14; CI: [2.22 - 22.99]). The multivariate model showed a 73.06 % predictive probability of mortality for patients with severe COVID-19 infection. Conclusions: The therapeutic regimens that include the administration of high-dose methylprednisolone and azithromycin for more than five days increase the probability of dying in patients with severe COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, ages over 60 years were associated with mortality in the patients who participated in the study.

Características clínico-epidemiológicas y análisis de sobrevida en fallecidos por COVID-19 atendidos en establecimientos de la Red Sabogal-Callao 2020 / Clinical-epidemiological characteristics and survival time of deceased COVID-19 patients treated at hospitals belonging to Red Sabogal-Callao in 2020

RESUMEN Objetivo Describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas y el análisis del tiempo de sobrevida en fallecidos por COVID-19 que fueron atendidos en establecimientos de la Red Sabogal-Callao, en 2020. Materiales y métodos Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo en un grupo de 23 pacientes fallecidos por COVID-19, desde el inicio del estado de emergencia (11 de marzo de 2020) hasta el 15 de abril en dos hospitales de la Red Sabogal en el Callao. Los datos fueron analizados en el software estadístico Stata(R) edición 16.0. El tiempo de sobrevida se evaluó con el análisis de Kaplan Meier, log-rank, con un nivel de confianza del 95 %. Resultados Las características epidemiológicas predominantes fueron sexo masculino, edad de 60 a 79 años y comorbilidades (hipertensión arterial y obesidad). Los principales signos y síntomas al ingreso hospitalario fueron disnea, fiebre, tos y frecuencia respiratoria aumentada. Los exámenes de laboratorio mostraron alteraciones: PaFi <300, leucocitosis, linfopenia y lactato aumentado. Entre los informes radiológicos revisados predominan el patrón de vidrio esmerilado y el compromiso pulmonar bilateral. Durante la estancia hospitalaria, el 60,87 % de los pacientes fueron atendidos en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) y el 69,57 % estuvieron en ventilación mecánica. El 39,13 % recibieron un esquema terapéutico de hidroxicloroquina más azitromicina y en el 39,13 % agregaron corticoides al tratamiento mencionado. Los pacientes fallecieron antes de los 20 días de hospitalización, al día cinco la probabilidad de sobrevida general fue del 43,48 %; la probabilidad de sobrevida fue mayor en quienes estuvieron en ventilación mecánica, aunque sin significancia estadística (p = 0,17). Conclusiones Los pacientes fallecidos fueron, principalmente, adultos mayores de sexo masculino con enfermedades preexistentes como hipertensión arterial y obesidad y clasificados con infección COVID-19 moderada a severa al ingreso hospitalario. El mayor tiempo de sobrevida se observó entre los que estuvieron en ventilación mecánica.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the clinical-epidemiological characteristics and the survival time of deceased COVID-19 patients treated at hospitals belonging to Red Sabogal-Callao in 2020. Materials and methods An observational, descriptive and retrospective study conducted in a population of 23 patients who died of COVID-19 from the beginning of the state of emergency (March 11, 2020) to April 15 at two hospitals belonging to Red Sabogal-Callao. The data was analyzed using the Stata Statistical Software: Release 16. The survival time was assessed by means of the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test, with a 95 % confidence interval. Results The predominant epidemiological characteristics were male sex, 60 to 79 years of age and comorbidities (hypertension and obesity). The main signs and symptoms at hospital admission were dyspnea, fever, cough and increased respiratory rate. Laboratory tests showed abnormal values: PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio < 300, leukocytosis, lymphopenia and increased lactate levels. Ground-glass opacities with bilateral pulmonary involvement prevailed in the radiological reports. During the hospital stay, 60.87 % of the patients were treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 69.57 % were on mechanical ventilation, 39.13 % received a therapeutic scheme consisting of hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin, and 39.13 % received corticosteroids additionally to the aforementioned treatment. The patients died before reaching 20 days of hospital stay; on day five, the general survival probability was 43.48 %; and the survival probability was higher, although without statistical significance (p = 0.17), in those on mechanical ventilation. Conclusions Deceased patients were mainly males, older adults, those with underlying health conditions such as hypertension and obesity, and those classified as having moderate to severe COVID-19 infection at hospital admission. The longest survival time was observed among those on mechanical ventilation.

Megaphylogeny resolves global patterns of mushroom evolution.

Mushroom-forming fungi (Agaricomycetes) have the greatest morphological diversity and complexity of any group of fungi. They have radiated into most niches and fulfil diverse roles in the ecosystem, including wood decomposers, pathogens or mycorrhizal mutualists. Despite the importance of mushroom-forming fungi, large-scale patterns of their evolutionary history are poorly known, in part due to the lack of a comprehensive and dated molecular phylogeny. Here, using multigene and genome-based data, we assemble a 5,284-species phylogenetic tree and infer ages and broad patterns of speciation/extinction and morphological innovation in mushroom-forming fungi. Agaricomycetes started a rapid class-wide radiation in the Jurassic, coinciding with the spread of (sub)tropical coniferous forests and a warming climate. A possible mass extinction, several clade-specific adaptive radiations and morphological diversification of fruiting bodies followed during the Cretaceous and the Paleogene, convergently giving rise to the classic toadstool morphology, with a cap, stalk and gills (pileate-stipitate morphology). This morphology is associated with increased rates of lineage diversification, suggesting it represents a key innovation in the evolution of mushroom-forming fungi. The increase in mushroom diversity started during the Mesozoic-Cenozoic radiation event, an era of humid climate when terrestrial communities dominated by gymnosperms and reptiles were also expanding.

Taxonomy and phylogeny of Macrolepiota: two new species from Brazil.

Macrolepiota is a poorly known genus in the Neotropics. In order to increase knowledge about this group, we collected specimens from the Atlantic Forest in southern and northeastern Brazil. Macrolepiota cyanolamellata and M. sabulosa from subtropical and tropical regions, respectively, are proposed as new species. We performed molecular phylogenetic analyses of the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and the combined data set ITS + nuclear large subunit rDNA (28S) + RNA polymerase II second largest (RPB2), as well as morphological analyses. Two lineages with unique morphotypes were found. The species proposed were strongly supported as the sister lineage closely related to M. clelandii and M. subcitrophylla. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of their macro- and microscopic characters are provided.

De novo and inherited mutations in the X-linked gene CLCN4 are associated with syndromic intellectual disability and behavior and seizure disorders in males and females.

Variants in CLCN4, which encodes the chloride/hydrogen ion exchanger CIC-4 prominently expressed in brain, were recently described to cause X-linked intellectual disability and epilepsy. We present detailed phenotypic information on 52 individuals from 16 families with CLCN4-related disorder: 5 affected females and 2 affected males with a de novo variant in CLCN4 (6 individuals previously unreported) and 27 affected males, 3 affected females and 15 asymptomatic female carriers from 9 families with inherited CLCN4 variants (4 families previously unreported). Intellectual disability ranged from borderline to profound. Behavioral and psychiatric disorders were common in both child- and adulthood, and included autistic features, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and hetero- and autoaggression. Epilepsy was common, with severity ranging from epileptic encephalopathy to well-controlled seizures. Several affected individuals showed white matter changes on cerebral neuroimaging and progressive neurological symptoms, including movement disorders and spasticity. Heterozygous females can be as severely affected as males. The variability of symptoms in females is not correlated with the X inactivation pattern studied in their blood. The mutation spectrum includes frameshift, missense and splice site variants and one single-exon deletion. All missense variants were predicted to affect CLCN4's function based on in silico tools and either segregated with the phenotype in the family or were de novo. Pathogenicity of all previously unreported missense variants was further supported by electrophysiological studies in Xenopus laevis oocytes. We compare CLCN4-related disorder with conditions related to dysfunction of other members of the CLC family.

Enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica agudizada. Letalidad al egreso de Cuidados Intensivos / Mortality at the Discharge of Intensive Care Units In Acute exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Introducción: la incidencia mundial de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) se ha incrementado en los últimos años y es actualmente la tercera causa de muerte en países con alto desarrollo de sistemas sanitarios. Objetivo: identificar la letalidad y variables relacionadas en pacientes con EPOC agudizada egresados de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). Método: estudio de serie de casos, en un período de dos años. Se estudió la letalidad al egreso de la UCI en 52 pacientes con EPOC agudizada egresados de la UCI del Hospital V. I. Lenin, de Holguín, en el período noviembre de 2012 y octubre de 2014. Para el procesamiento de los datos se empleó el porcentaje así como la media y desviación estándar. Se consideraron significativos valores de P<0,05. Resultados: la letalidad fue de 42,3% asociada de manera significativa a valores de pH arterial más bajos. Los valores medios de la PaO2 evolutivamente fueron mejores en los egresados vivos. Sólo se empleó ventilación no invasiva en el 28,8% de los casos. Los pacientes fallecidos presentaron una duración media de la ventilación mecánica significativamente mayor (8,6 ± 5,9 días vs. 4,0 ± 2,8 días). El shock séptico tuvo el 100% de letalidad. Conclusiones: la letalidad hospitalaria fue elevada y el empleo de ventilación no invasiva fue limitada.

Introduction: the worldwide incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has increased in recent years and is currently the third leading cause of death in countries with high development of health systems. Objective: to identify the mortality and related variables in patients with exacerbated COPD discharged from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Method: case series study, in a period of two years. The lethality at discharge from the ICU was studied in 52 patients with exacerbated COPD discharged from the ICU of the VI Lenin Hospital, Holguin, in the period November 2012 and October 2014. For the processing of the data the percentage was used as well as the mean and standard deviation. Values of P <0.05 were considered significant. Results: the mortality was 42.3%, significantly associated with lower arterial pH values. The mean values of PaO2 evolved better in patients alive at discharge. Only non-invasive ventilation was used in 28.8% of the cases. The deceased patients had a significantly longer average duration of mechanical ventilation (8.6 ± 5.9 days vs. 4.0 ± 2.8 days). Septic shock had 100% of mortality Conclusions: the hospitality mortality was high and the employment of non invasive ventilation was limited.

Ductal eccrine carcinoma of the axilla: a diagnostic pitfall.

Ductal eccrine carcinoma (DEC) is a rare sweat gland carcinoma with ductular differentiation. Clinically, it is characterized by a slowly growing, hardened plaque or nodule predominantly located on the head and neck. Histologically, DEC shares similar features to invasive breast carcinoma, thus causing great diagnostic challenges. We report a 69-year-old woman who presented with a hardened plaque on the axilla. A skin biopsy was performed and metastatic invasive breast carcinoma could not be ruled out. Complete excision and further workup were subsequently conducted, leading to the diagnosis of estrogen receptor positive DEC with associated axillary lymph node metastases. The patient received adjuvant radiotherapy to the left axilla and was started on oral letrozole. She is disease-free 14 months after initial diagnosis.

Direct ink writing of silica-bonded calcite scaffolds from preceramic polymers and fillers.

Silica-bonded calcite scaffolds have been successfully 3D-printed by direct ink writing, starting from a paste comprising a silicone polymer and calcite powders, calibrated in order to match a SiO2/CaCO3 weight balance of 35/65. The scaffolds, fabricated with two slightly different geometries, were first cross-linked at 350 °C, then fired at 600 °C, in air. The low temperature adopted for the conversion of the polymer into amorphous silica, by thermo-oxidative decomposition, prevented the decomposition of calcite. The obtained silica-bonded calcite scaffolds featured open porosity of about 56%-64% and compressive strength of about 2.9-5.5 MPa, depending on the geometry. Dissolution studies in SBF and preliminary cell culture tests, with bone marrow stromal cells, confirmed the in vitro bioactivity of the scaffolds and their biocompatibility. The seeded cells were found to be alive, well anchored and spread on the samples surface. The new silica-calcite composites are expected to be suitable candidates as tissue-engineering 3D scaffolds for regeneration of cancellous bone defects.

Enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica agudizada. Letalidad al egreso de Cuidados Intensivos / Mortality at the Discharge of Intensive Care Units In Acute exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Introducción: la incidencia mundial de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) se ha incrementado en los últimos años y es actualmente la tercera causa de muerte en países con alto desarrollo de sistemas sanitarios.Objetivo: identificar la letalidad y variables relacionadas en pacientes con EPOC agudizada egresados de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). Método: estudio de serie de casos, en un período de dos años. Se estudió la letalidad al egreso de la UCI en 52 pacientes con EPOC agudizada egresados de la UCI del Hospital V. I. Lenin, de Holguín, en el período noviembre de 2012 y octubre de 2014. Para el procesamiento de los datos se empleó el porcentaje así como la media y desviación estándar. Se consideraron significativos valores de P<0,05. Resultados: la letalidad fue de 42,3 por ciento asociada de manera significativa a valores de pH arterial más bajos. Los valores medios de la PaO2 evolutivamente fueron mejores en los egresados vivos. Sólo se empleó ventilación no invasiva en el 28,8 por ciento de los casos. Los pacientes fallecidos presentaron una duración media de la ventilación mecánica significativamente mayor (8,6 ± 5,9 días vs. 4,0 ± 2,8 días). El shock séptico tuvo el 100 por ciento de letalidad. Conclusiones: la letalidad hospitalaria fue elevada y el empleo de ventilación no invasiva fue limitada.(AU)

Introduction: the worldwide incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has increased in recent years and is currently the third leading cause of death in countries with high development of health systems.Objective: to identify the mortality and related variables in patients with exacerbated COPD discharged from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).Method: case series study, in a period of two years. The lethality at discharge from the ICU was studied in 52 patients with exacerbated COPD discharged from the ICU of the VI Lenin Hospital, Holguin, in the period November 2012 and October 2014. For the processing of the data the percentage was used as well as the mean and standard deviation. Values of P <0.05 were considered significant.Results: the mortality was 42.3 percent, significantly associated with lower arterial pH values. The mean values of PaO2 evolved better in patients alive at discharge. Only non-invasive ventilation was used in 28.8 percent of the cases. The deceased patients had a significantly longer average duration of mechanical ventilation (8.6 ± 5.9 days vs. 4.0 ± 2.8 days). Septic shock had 100 percent of mortalityConclusions: the hospitality mortality was high and the employment of non invasive ventilation was limited.(AU)

Ductal eccrine carcinoma of the axilla: a diagnostic pitfall

Abstract: Ductal eccrine carcinoma (DEC) is a rare sweat gland carcinoma with ductular differentiation. Clinically, it is characterized by a slowly growing, hardened plaque or nodule predominantly located on the head and neck. Histologically, DEC shares similar features to invasive breast carcinoma, thus causing great diagnostic challenges. We report a 69-year-old woman who presented with a hardened plaque on the axilla. A skin biopsy was performed and metastatic invasive breast carcinoma could not be ruled out. Complete excision and further workup were subsequently conducted, leading to the diagnosis of estrogen receptor positive DEC with associated axillary lymph node metastases. The patient received adjuvant radiotherapy to the left axilla and was started on oral letrozole. She is disease-free 14 months after initial diagnosis.

Biocompatibility and bioactivity of porous polymer-derived Ca-Mg silicate ceramics.

Magnesium is a trace element in the human body, known to have important effects on cell differentiation and the mineralisation of calcified tissues. This study aimed to synthesise highly porous Ca-Mg silicate foamed scaffolds from preceramic polymers, with analysis of their biological response. Akermanite (Ak) and wollastonite-diopside (WD) ceramic foams were obtained from the pyrolysis of a liquid silicone mixed with reactive fillers. The porous structure was obtained by controlled water release from selected fillers (magnesium hydroxide and borax) at 350°C. The homogeneous distribution of open pores, with interconnects of modal diameters of 160-180µm was obtained and maintained after firing at 1100°C. Foams, with porosity exceeding 80%, exhibited compressive strength values of 1-2MPa. In vitro studies were conducted by immersion in SBF for 21days, showing suitable dissolution rates, pH and ionic concentrations. Cytotoxicity analysis performed in accordance with ISO10993-5 and ISO10993-12 standards confirmed excellent biocompatibility of both Ak and WD foams. In addition, MC3T3-E1 cells cultured on the Mg-containing scaffolds demonstrated enhanced osteogenic differentiation and the expression of osteogenic markers including Collagen Type I, Osteopontin and Osteocalcin, in comparison to Mg-free counterparts. The results suggest that the addition of magnesium can further enhance the bioactivity and the potential for bone regeneration applications of Ca-silicate materials. STATEMENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE: Here, we show that the incorporation of Mg in Ca-silicates plays a significant role in the enhancement of the osteogenic differentiation and matrix formation of MC3T3-E1 cells, cultured on polymer-derived highly porous scaffolds. Reduced degradation rates and improved mechanical properties are also observed, compared to Mg-free counterparts, suggesting the great potential of Ca-Mg silicates as bone tissue engineering materials. Excellent biocompatibility of the new materials, in accordance to the ISO10993-5 and ISO10993-12 standard guidelines, confirms the preceramic polymer route as an efficient synthesis methodology for bone scaffolds. The use of hydrated fillers as porogens is an additional novelty feature presented in the manuscript.

Highly porous polymer-derived wollastonite-hydroxycarbonate apatite ceramics for bone regeneration.

A novel strategy was employed to synthesize highly porous wollastonite-hydroxycarbonate apatite ceramic scaffolds for bone regeneration. A commercial liquid preceramic polymer filled with micro-CaCO3 powders was foamed at low temperature (at 350 °C), using the decomposition of a hydrazine additive, and then converted into ceramic by a treatment at 700 °C. Hydroxycarbonate apatite was later developed by a phosphatization treatment of ceramized foams, in a P-rich solution, while wollastonite was obtained by a second firing, at 900 °C. The effectiveness of the method was proven by x-ray diffraction analysis, showing the presence of the two expected crystalline phases. Porosity, interconnect size distribution and mechanical strength were in the range that is thought to be suitable for bone regeneration in non-load bearing sites (compressive strength ≈ 3 MPa, porosity ≈ 90%, modal interconnect diameter ≈ 130-160 µm). In addition, bioactivity and ion release rate were assessed in simulated body fluid (SBF). MC3T3 osteoblast precursor cells were able to colonize the material in vitro through the pore architecture and expressed osteogenic markers.

3D-printed silicate porous bioceramics using a non-sacrificial preceramic polymer binder.

Silicate bioceramics possess an excellent bioactivity; however, shaping them into complex geometries is still challenging. Therefore, this paper aims to present a new strategy for the shaping of a bioglass-ceramic with controlled geometry and properties starting from a glass powder combined with a preceramic polymer, i.e. a silicon resin, and reactive fillers. The powder-based three-dimensional (3D)-printing of wollastonite (CaSiO3)-based silicate bioceramic parts was demonstrated in this work. The resin plays a dual role, as it not only acts as a non-sacrificial binder for the filler powders in the printing process but it also reacts with the fillers to generate the desired bioceramic phases. The mechanical and physical properties, i.e. ball-on-three-balls test, density, porosity and morphology, were evaluated in 3D-printed discs. These samples possessed a total porosity around 64 vol% and a biaxial flexural strength around 6 MPa. The raw materials used in this work also enabled the 3D-printing of scaffolds possessing a designed multi-scale porosity, suitable bioceramic phase assemblage and a compressive strength of 1 MPa (for cylindrical scaffolds with total porosity ~80 vol%). Solubility in TRIS/HCl and in vitro assays, i.e. viability, cytotoxicity and apoptosis assays, were also performed. In vitro tests indicated good cell viability and no cytotoxicity effect on the cells.

Using detection dogs and genetic analyses of scat to expand knowledge and assist felid conservation in Misiones, Argentina.

Many carnivores require large ranges to meet their ecological and energetic needs; however, anthropogenic changes threaten species and their habitats. Camera traps have been used to effectively collect data on carnivores in a variety of habitat types; however, a single survey effort is typically limited to species that have similar body size, habitat use and movement patterns, and individual identification of animals is not always possible. We evaluated whether scat detection dogs could effectively survey for 4 wide-ranging felids that vary in these characteristics: jaguars (Panthera onca), pumas (Puma concolor), ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) and oncillas (Leopardus tigrinus). From June to October 2009 and May to August 2011, a detection dog-handler team detected 588 scats, from which 176 unique genotypes were detected. We assigned sex to 84.7% of the genotyped scats and identified 55 individuals multiple times. The effectiveness of these noninvasive techniques (detection dogs and genetic analyses of scat) not only opens the door for additional studies in areas that were previously difficult or impossible with standard survey techniques, but also provides conservationists with a set of tools that overcome some of the limitations associated with the use of camera traps alone.

Factores predictores de mortalidad por trauma craneoencefálico grave / Mortality Predictive Factors in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Introducción: conocer el pronóstico de los pacientes graves es una de las piedras angulares de la medicina clínica moderna. Objetivos: determinar los predictores de mortalidad a los 28 días por trauma craneoencefálico grave (Glasgow ≤8) en pacientes ingresados en Terapia Intensiva del Hospital General Universitario Vladimir Ilich Lenin. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de casos y controles (1:1) pareados con la edad, el Injury Severity Score y la necesidad de neurocirugía. Las variables discretas se compararon con Chi cuadrado o la prueba exacta de Fisher según correspondió y las continuas con T-Student para α=0,05. Se construyó un modelo de regresión logística binaria que incluyeron las variables con diferencias estadísticas para determinar las variables predictoras de mortalidad que se ajuste a Hosmer-Lemeshow. Resultados: de 253 pacientes incluidos, el 84,6 % eran hombres. Los fallecidos presentaron mayor edad (48,5±19,3 vs. 55,9±18,7 años, p=0,002), mayor APACHE II [31±20,1 vs. 23±12,1, p<0,001), menor presión arterial media (84,2±12,5 vs 65,3±10,4, p<0,001), menor Glasgow al ingreso y al tercer día (p<0,001) y más frecuentemente hemorragia subaracnoidea (24,6% vs. 37%, p=0,04). El análisis multivariado mostró que las peores lesiones cerebrales (Marshall V-VI) (OR= 2,14, IC: 1,28-3,57, p<0,001), una o ambas pupilas arreactivas (OR=5,46, IC:2,99-9,95, p=0,004), los mayores de 45 años (OR=1,92, IC:1,01-4,12, p=0,049), y la presencia de hematoma subdural (OR=3,25, IC:1,18-9,00, p=0,023), fueron los predictores de mortalidad. Conclusiones: los grados V-VI de Marshall, las alteraciones pupilares, los mayores de 45 años y la presencia de hematoma subdural constituyeron predictores de mortalidad entre los pacientes estudiados.

Introduction: to know the prognosis of patients with some disease is one of the bases of the current clinical medicine. Objectives: to determine the main predictor of mortality at 28 days after severe traumatic brain injury (Glasgow ≤8) patients admitted at intensive care of V. I. Lenin Hospital. Methods: a case-control (1:1) study pared by age, Injury Severity Score, and the need of neurosurgery was performed. Discrete variables were compared using Chi squared test or Fisher exact test as needed and continuous one were compare with T-Student for α=0.05. A binary logistic regression model was established including statistically different variables to determine predictors of mortality according with Hosmer-Lemeshow. Results: of 253 included patients in the study, 84.6 % were males. Mortality was higher among older patients (48.5±19.3 vs. 55.9±18.7 years, p=0.002), >45 year-old (p=0.026), and higher APACHE II score (31±20.1 vs. 23±12.1, p<0.001); Glasgow coma scale on admission and at third day (p<0.001), and mean blood pressure were lower (65.3±10.4 vs. 84.2±12.5, p<0.001). Subarachnoid hemorrhage (24.6% vs. 37%, p=0.04) was associated with mortality. Multivariate analysis showed that a Marshall tomographic score of V-VI (OR=2.14, IC:1.28-3.57, p=0,001), one or both pupils unreactive (OR=5.46, IC: 2.99-9.95), >45 years (OR=1.92, IC:1.01-4.12), and subdural hematoma (OR=3.25, IC:1.18-9.00, p=0,023) were predictors of mortality. Conclusions: tomographic grade V-VI of Marshall, pupillary alterations, age >45 years, and the presence of subdural hematoma were predictors of mortality among the patients included in this research.

Factores predictores de mortalidad por trauma craneoencefálico grave / Mortality Predictive Factors in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Introducción conocer el pronóstico de los pacientes graves es una de las piedras angulares de la medicina clínica moderna.Objetivos: determinar los predictores de mortalidad a los 28 días por trauma craneoencefálico grave (Glasgow ≤8) en pacientes ingresados en Terapia Intensiva del Hospital General Universitario Vladimir Ilich Lenin.Métodos: se realizó un estudio de casos y controles (1:1) pareados con la edad, el Injury Severity Score y la necesidad de neurocirugía. Las variables discretas se compararon con Chi cuadrado o la prueba exacta de Fisher según correspondió y las continuas con T-Student para α=0,05. Se construyó un modelo de regresión logística binaria que incluyeron las variables con diferencias estadísticas para determinar las variables predictoras de mortalidad que se ajuste a Hosmer-Lemeshow.Resultados: de 253 pacientes incluidos, el 84,6 % eran hombres. Los fallecidos presentaron mayor edad (48,5±19,3 vs. 55,9±18,7 años, p=0,002), mayor APACHE II [31±20,1 vs. 23±12,1, p<0,001), menor presión arterial media (84,2±12,5 vs 65,3±10,4, p<0,001), menor Glasgow al ingreso y al tercer día (p<0,001) y más frecuentemente hemorragia subaracnoidea (24,6% vs. 37%, p=0,04). El análisis multivariado mostró que las peores lesiones cerebrales (Marshall V-VI) (OR= 2,14, IC: 1,28–3,57, p<0,001), una o ambas pupilas arreactivas (OR=5,46, IC:2,99–9,95, p=0,004), los mayores de 45 años (OR=1,92, IC:1,01–4,12, p=0,049), y la presencia de hematoma subdural (OR=3,25, IC:1,18–9,00, p=0,023), fueron los predictores de mortalidad.Conclusiones: los grados V-VI de Marshall, las alteraciones pupilares, los mayores de 45 años y la presencia de hematoma subdural constituyeron predictores de mortalidad entre los pacientes estudiados.(AU)

Introduction to know the prognosis of patients with some disease is one of the bases of the current clinical medicine.Objectives: to determine the main predictor of mortality at 28 days after severe traumatic brain injury (Glasgow ≤8) patients admitted at intensive care of V. I. Lenin Hospital.Methods: a case-control (1:1) study pared by age, Injury Severity Score, and the need of neurosurgery was performed. Discrete variables were compared using Chi squared test or Fisher exact test as needed and continuous one were compare with T-Student for α=0.05. A binary logistic regression model was established including statistically different variables to determine predictors of mortality according with Hosmer-Lemeshow.Results: of 253 included patients in the study, 84.6 % were males. Mortality was higher among older patients (48.5±19.3 vs. 55.9±18.7 years, p=0.002), >45 year-old (p=0.026), and higher APACHE II score (31±20.1 vs. 23±12.1, p<0.001); Glasgow coma scale on admission and at third day (p<0.001), and mean blood pressure were lower (65.3±10.4 vs. 84.2±12.5, p<0.001). Subarachnoid hemorrhage (24.6% vs. 37%, p=0.04) was associated with mortality. Multivariate analysis showed that a Marshall tomographic score of V-VI (OR=2.14, IC:1.28–3.57, p=0,001), one or both pupils unreactive (OR=5.46, IC: 2.99–9.95), >45 years (OR=1.92, IC:1.01–4.12), and subdural hematoma (OR=3.25, IC:1.18–9.00, p=0,023) were predictors of mortality.Conclusions: tomographic grade V-VI of Marshall, pupillary alterations, age >45 years, and the presence of subdural hematoma were predictors of mortality among the patients included in this research.(AU)

Novel processing of bioglass ceramics from silicone resins containing micro- and nano-sized oxide particle fillers.

Highly porous scaffolds with composition similar to those of 45S5 and 58S bioglasses were successfully produced by an innovative processing method based on preceramic polymers containing micro- and nano-sized fillers. Silica from the decomposition of the silicone resins reacted with the oxides deriving from the fillers, yielding glass ceramic components after heating at 1000°C. Despite the limited mechanical strength, the obtained samples possessed suitable porous architecture and promising biocompatibility and bioactivity characteristics, as testified by preliminary in vitro tests.

A re-emergência da coqueluche: da rotina dos atendimentos ao imperativo da biossegurança / The re-emergence of pertussis: from routine healthcare to the need for biosafety actions

Dados recentes mostram que, no Brasil, foram notificados, no ano de 2012, 15.428 casos suspeitos de coqueluche, dos quais 4.453 (28,9 porcento) foram confirmados, o que representa um aumento de 97 porcento em relação ao mesmo período de 2011, ano em que foram registrados 2.258 casos da doença. Crianças com menos de 1 ano de idade apresentam taxas de incidência e letalidade mais acentuadas. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar a percepção dos profissionais de saúde atuantes nas unidades de saúde do Estado do Rio de Janeiro no atendimento a pacientes com suspeita ou confirmação de doenças respiratórias, como coqueluche e tuberculose, a adoção das práticas de biossegurança e a existência de programa de capacitação continuada. Buscamos recolher informações referentes à exposição ao risco de contaminação, observando o aspecto subjetivo da percepção do profissional. Estas informações foram obtidas por meio de questionários aplicados em unidades de atendimento situadas no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. A metodologia aplicada ao estudo privilegiou o aspecto qualitativo por ser mais adequado às análises de percepção, nas quais o aspecto subjetivo adquire relevância. Os resultados demonstraram que o aprimoramento profissional nas unidades de saúde por meio de investimento em programa de capacitação continuada nas temáticas biossegurança e doenças respiratórias, como coqueluche e tuberculose, é fundamental para reverter a situação encontrada nesta pesquisa, bem como o maior investimento em infraestrutura nas unidades de saúde, especialmente nas unidades municipais.

In Brazil in the year 2012, 15,428 suspected pertussis cases were reported, from which 4,453 (28.9 percent) were confirmed, representing an increase of 97 percent over the same period in 2011, when 2,258 cases of pertussis were confirmed. Children under one year of age belonged to the group with more pronounced rates of incidence and mortality. The study had the objective of establishing the perception of health professionals in health facilities in the state of Rio de Janeiro among patients attending with suspected or confirmed respiratory diseases such as whooping cough and tuberculosis, and the adoption of biosafety practices and continued training programs. The methodology used in the study favored the qualitative aspect, since it has been better suited to analysis of perception where the subjective aspect would be considered relevant. The research results showed that professional improvement in health facilities by investing in ongoing training programs on biosafety issues and respiratory diseases such as whooping cough and tuberculosis, is an essential issue to reverse this situation. Research, and large investments in infrastructure of health units, especially in the municipal hospitals, is most needed.

[Toxic fungi in Buenos Aires City and surroundings]. / Hongos tóxicos en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires y alrededores.

In Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales,Universidad de Buenos Aires there is a service called Servicio de Identificación de Hongos Tóxicos, directed by researchers of the Program of Medicinal Plants and Fungi Involved in Biological Degradation (PROPLAME-PRHIDEB, CONICET) that assist hospitals and other health establishments, identifying the different samples of fungi and providing information about their toxicity, so that patients can receive the correct treatment. The objective of the present study was to analyze all the cases received from 1985 to 2012. This analysis permitted the confection of a table identifying the most common toxic species. The information gathered revealed that 47% of the patients were under 18 years of age and had eaten basidiomes; the remaining 53% were adults who insisted that they were able to distinguish edible from toxic mushrooms. Chlorophyllum molybdites turned out to be the main cause of fungal intoxication in Buenos Aires, which is commonly confused with Macrolepiota procera, an edible mushroom. In the second place Amanita phalloides was registered, an agaric known to cause severe symptoms after a long period of latency (6-10 hours), and which can lead to hepatic failure even requiring a transplant to prevent severe internal injuries or even death, is not early and correctly treated.