Effects of antidiabetic drugs on bone metabolism.

Objectives: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) is increasing exponentially worldwide. DMT2 patients have been found to be at a higher risk for bone fractures than the healthy population. Hence, improving our understanding of the impact of antidiabetic drugs on bone metabolism is crucial. Methods: A descriptive, retrospective study involving 106 patients receiving six groups of antidiabetic drugs: insulin; dipeptidylpeptidase four inhibitors (DPP4i); glucagon-like peptide type 1 receptor agonists (GLP1ra); sulfonylureas; sodium-glucose cotransporter two inhibitors (SGLT2i); and pioglitazone, in which osteocalcin (OC), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type 1 or beta-crosslaps (ß-CTx) were determined. Results: ß-CTx concentrations were higher in the patients treated with pioglitazone, as compared to patients treated with DPP4i (p=0.035), SGLT2i (p=0.020) or GLP1ra (p<0.001). The lowest ß-CTx concentrations were observed in the patients treated with GLP1ra. Conclusions: Bone remodeling is influenced by the type of antidiabetic drug administered to DMT2 patients. In our study, the patients who received pioglitazone showed higher ß-CTx concentrations, as compared to patients treated with other types of antidiabetic drugs. This finding highlights the convenience of avoiding these drugs, especially in postmenopausal women with DMT2. GLP1ra drugs were associated with the lowest ß-CTx concentrations, which suggests that these agents could exert beneficial effects on bone metabolism.

Hereditary hemochromatosis: An update vision of the laboratory diagnosis.

Haemochromatosis (HC) is an inherited disorder of iron metabolism. The 85-90% of Hereditary hemochromatosis cases are caused by mutations in HFE gene (HC type 1). The remaining 10-15% of HC cases are caused by mutations in other non-HFE genes (HJV, HAMP, TRF2, SLC40A1, BMP6). The study of patients for the diagnosis of HC has an important laboratory approached: analysis of biochemical parameters and genetic studies. To confirm a case, it is necessary to carry out a genetic study of the C282Y and H63D mutations. The presence of C282Y mutation in homozygosis is compatible with the diagnosis of HC type 1. Due to the incomplete penetrance of this mutation and the variable phenotypic expression, the severe forms of the disease are relatively rare. The study of variants in non-HFE genes allows more detailed study of both non-classic HC cases and those with more severe clinical expression. The genotype characterization of a patient not always justified the phenotype expression of the symptoms in this disease. All laboratory clinicians must consider recommendation provide by the experts in the Materia.

Progress in Respiratory Gene Therapy.

The prospect of gene therapy for inherited and acquired respiratory disease has energized the research community since the 1980s, with cystic fibrosis, as a monogenic disorder, driving early efforts to develop effective strategies. The fact that there are still no approved gene therapy products for the lung, despite many early phase clinical trials, illustrates the scale of the challenge: In the 1990s, first-generation non-viral and viral vector systems demonstrated proof-of-concept but low efficacy. Since then, there has been steady progress toward improved vectors with the capacity to overcome at least some of the formidable barriers presented by the lung. In addition, the inclusion of features such as codon optimization and promoters providing long-term expression have improved the expression characteristics of therapeutic transgenes. Early approaches were based on gene addition, where a new DNA copy of a gene is introduced to complement a genetic mutation: however, the advent of RNA-based products that can directly express a therapeutic protein or manipulate gene expression, together with the expanding range of tools for gene editing, has stimulated the development of alternative approaches. This review discusses the range of vector systems being evaluated for lung delivery; the variety of cargoes they deliver, including DNA, antisense oligonucleotides, messenger RNA (mRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), and peptide nucleic acids; and exemplifies progress in selected respiratory disease indications.

Correction of a chronic pulmonary disease through lentiviral vector-mediated protein expression.

We developed a novel lentiviral vector, pseudotyped with the F and HN proteins from Sendai virus (rSIV.F/HN), that produces long-lasting, high-efficiency transduction of the respiratory epithelium. Here we addressed whether this platform technology can secrete sufficient levels of a therapeutic protein into the lungs to ameliorate a fatal pulmonary disease as an example of its translational capability. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) results from alveolar granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) insufficiency, resulting in abnormal surfactant homeostasis and consequent ventilatory problems. Lungs of GM-CSF knockout mice were transduced with a single dose of rSIV.F/HN-expressing murine GM-CSF (mGM-CSF; 1e5-92e7 transduction units [TU]/mouse); mGM-CSF expression was dose related and persisted for at least 11 months. PAP disease biomarkers were rapidly and persistently corrected, but we noted a narrow toxicity/efficacy window. rSIV.F/HN may be a useful platform technology to deliver therapeutic proteins for lung diseases requiring long-lasting and stable expression of secreted proteins.

Renal histopathology in critically ill patients with Septic Acute Kidney Injury(S-AKI).

PURPOSE: To describe the kidney histopathology of patients with S-AKI and correlate the histological findings with AKI severity, presence of septic shock, and the degree of multiple organic dysfunction (MOD) using the SOFA score. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, observational, and analytical study of a cohort of critically ill patients with S-AKI who died from sepsis at the "Hospital Español" intensive care unit (ICU). Kidney necropsies were performed within 2 h after death. RESULTS: We considered twenty (20) patients, with all of them exhibiting S-AKI stage 3 at the same time. In renal histopathology analysis, nonspecific tubulointerstitial (TI) lesions were found in almost all patients (95%). The more frequently found nonspecific TI lesions involved leukocyte infiltration (85%). Necrotic TI lesions were found in 6 patients (30%), and necrotic tubular cell casts were the most frequent lesions (50% of patients). It was not possible to demonstrate an association between the presence of necrotic TI lesions and factors such as the APACHE II score, the global SOFA score, ICU stays, AKI length and renal replacement therapy (RRT). CONCLUSIONS: The main histopathological findings in kidney necropsies in patients with S-AKI KDIGO 3, showed nonspecific TI lesions, and TI necrosis was only observed in 30% of the cases; therefore, S-AKI cannot be considered to be synonymous with acute tubular necrosis (ATN).

Tolerance to geometrical inaccuracies in CBCT systems: A comprehensive study.

PURPOSE: The last decades have seen the consolidation of the cone-beam CT (CBCT) technology, which is nowadays widely used for different applications such as micro-CT for small animals, mammography, dentistry, or surgical procedures. Some CBCT systems may suffer mechanical strains due to the heavy load of the x-ray tube. This fact, together with tolerances in the manufacturing process, lead to different types of undesirable effects in the reconstructed image unless they are properly accounted for during the reconstruction. To obtain good quality images, it is necessary to have a complete characterization of the system geometry including the angular position of the gantry, the source-object and detector-object distances, and the position and pose of the detector. These parameters can be obtained through a calibration process done periodically, depending on the stability of the system geometry. To the best of our knowledge, there are no comprehensive works studying the effect of inaccuracies in the geometrical calibration of CBCT systems in a systematic and quantitative way. In this work, we describe the effects of detector misalignments (linear shifts, rotation, and inclinations) on the image and define their tolerance as the maximum error that keeps the image free from artifacts. METHODS: We used simulations of four phantoms including systematic and random misalignments. Reconstructions of these data with and without errors were compared to identify the artifacts introduced in the reconstructed image and the tolerance to miscalibration deemed to provide acceptable image quality. RESULTS: Visual assessment provided an easy guideline to identify the sources of error by visual inspection of the artifactual images. Systematic errors result in blurring, shape distortion and/or reduction of the axial field of view while random errors produce streaks and blurring in all cases, with a tolerance which is more than twice that of systematic errors. The tolerance corresponding to errors in position of the detector along the tangential direction, that is, skew (<0.2°) and horizontal shift (<0.4 mm), is tighter than the tolerance to those errors affecting the position along the longitudinal direction or the magnification, that is, vertical shift (<2 mm), roll (<1.5°), tilt (<2°), and SDD (<3 mm). CONCLUSION: We present a comprehensive study, based on realistic simulations, of the effects on the reconstructed image quality of errors in the geometrical characterization of a CBCT system and define their tolerance. These results could be used to guide the design of new systems, establishing the mechanical precision that must be achieved, and to help in the definition of an optimal geometrical calibration process. Also, the thorough visual assessment may be valuable to identify the most predominant sources of error based on the effects shown in the reconstructed image.

Limitaciones y barreras en el uso del condón en jóvenes universitarios de Cali, Colombia / Limitations and barriers for condom use in college students from Cali, Colombia

Introducción: El condón es un método de prevención de las Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual (ITS) y del embarazo, sin embargo, su uso en jóvenes colombianos es bajo. Objetivo: Identificar las barreras y limitaciones individuales, culturales e institucionales, en el uso del condón en jóvenes universitarios. Materiales y métodos: Investigación cualitativa, con 4 grupos focales mixtos con jóvenes de 17 a 24 años. Se realizó codificación con el software ATLAS.TI y un análisis temático. Resultados: A nivel individual se evidencia baja intención de uso, la confianza en la pareja aleja el temor de una ITS y el embarazo es la principal preocupación que desplaza su uso por otro método anticonceptivo. A nivel cultural las relaciones de género refuerzan que la mujer es responsable de los anticonceptivos y el hombre del condón. A nivel institucional, las políticas y los servicios de salud limitan su acceso. La lógica mercantilista y el enfoque de riesgo limitan la distribución gratuita y masiva. Conclusiones: El reconocimiento de factores individuales y sociales que limitan el uso del condón, permite la promoción del cuidado de sí y del otro; además la orientación de estrategias para promover una adecuada atención en los servicios de Salud Sexual y Reproductiva.

Introduction: Condom is a method to prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and pregnancy. However, the use of condom by the young Colombian population is low. Objective: To identify individual, cultural, and institutional barriers and limitations of condom use in university students. Materials and methods: A qualitative research was developed with 4 mixed focus groups of young people aged from 17 to 24 years. Coding was carried out with ATLAS.TI together with a thematic analysis. Results: At the individual level, it was observed: a low intention of condom use; trust in partner that reduces the fear of STDs; and pregnancy is the main reason why condom is replaced by a different contraceptive method. At the cultural level, gender relationships reinforce the view that women and men are responsible for the use of contraceptives and condoms, respectively. At the institutional level, health policies and services restrict the access to condoms. Mercantilism logic and risk approach limit free and massive distribution of condoms. Conclusions: The recognition of individual and social factors that limit the use of condoms facilitates the promotion of care for one self and for others as well as the coordination of strategies to promote adequate sexual and reproductive health services.

Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella enterica Isolated in Paca (Cuniculus paca) Carcasses from the Belen Market, Iquitos, Perú.

The consumption of wildlife meat is traditionally accepted in the Peruvian Amazon; however, little is known about the pathogens present in this type of food. One of the most frequently consumed species is a rodent, the paca (Cuniculus paca) or "majaz" in the Peruvian language. The objective of this study was to determine the presence of Salmonella enterica and its antimicrobial resistance profile in paca carcasses sold in the Belen Market of Iquitos-Peru. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out. Fresh and smoked paca carcasses (72 samples) were evaluated during the low-rain period (July 2019) in the traditional market of Iquitos, in the Amazonian Region. Meat samples were swabbed, and International Standards Organization (ISO) 6579-1: 2017 protocol was followed to Salmonella isolation. Antimicrobial susceptibility analysis was performed by the disk diffusion method. In addition, serotyping was performed by using the Kauffmann-White scheme. A total of 25 strains of S. enterica were isolated in the paca carcasses, mainly in fresh carcasses (48.6%). The serovars isolated were Agona (45.8%), Infantis (41.7%), Wangata (8.3%), and Javiana (4.2%). A considerable number of the isolated strains were multidrug resistant (40%). The highest prevalence of resistance corresponded to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (64%) followed by nitrofurantoin (44%), chloramphenicol (40%), cefotaxime (40%), and nalidixic acid (40%). Ten strains isolated (40%) were identified as producers of extended spectrum beta lactamases, all in S. enterica serovar Infantis. This study describes the presence of Salmonella Infantis with multidrug resistance profiles in wildlife meat carcasses, making the consumption of this type of products a risk factor for the development of foodborne diseases in the Amazon region. Institutional Review Board: Approval Resolution of Thesis Project: N° 024-DACMVZ-DAFCVB-U.CIENTÍFICA-2019.

Optimization of a calibration phantom for quantitative radiography.

OBJECTIVE: Dual energy radiography (DER) makes it possible to obtain separate images for soft-tissue and bony structures (tissue maps) based on the acquisition of two radiographs at different source peak-kilovoltage values. Current DER studies are based on the weighted subtraction method, which requires either manual tuning or the use of precomputed tables, or on decomposition methods, which make use of a calibration to model soft-tissue and bone components. In this study, we examined in depth the optimum method to perform this calibration. METHODS: We used simulations to optimize the calibration protocol and evaluated the effect of the material and size of a calibration phantom composed of two wedges and its positioning in the system. Evaluated materials were water, PMMA and A-150 as soft-tissue equivalent, and Teflon, B-100 and aluminum as bone equivalent, with sizes from 5 to 30 cm. Each material combination was compared with an ideal phantom composed of soft tissue and bone. Our simulation results enabled us to propose four designs that were tested with the NOVA FA X-ray system with a realistic thorax phantom. RESULTS: Calibration based on a very simple and inexpensive phantom with no strict requirements in its placement results in appropriate separation of the spine (a common focus in densitometry studies) and the identification of nodules as small as 6 mm, which have been reported to have a low rate of detection in radiography. CONCLUSION: The proposed method is completely automatic, avoiding the need for a radiology technician with expert knowledge of the protocol, as is the case in densitometry exams. The method provides real mass thickness values, enabling quantitative planar studies instead of relative comparisons.

Efectividad de las intervenciones estructurales para la promoción del uso del preservativo en adolescentes y jóvenes: revisión sistemática / Effectiveness of structural interventions to promote condom use in adolescents and young people: Systematic Review

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar la efectividad de las intervenciones de tipo estructural o multicomponente dirigidas al incremento del uso del preservativo en adolescentes y jóvenes, identificar las estrategias que conforman las intervenciones evaluadas y reconocer los modelos teóricos que sustentan dichas intervenciones. Metodología Diseño: revisión sistemática de la literatura. Fuente de datos: se consultaron las bases de datos MEDLINE vía OVID, Embase y CENTRAL para buscar estudios sobre intervenciones dirigidas al incremento del uso del preservativo en adolescentes y jóvenes. Selección de estudios: se seleccionaron un total de 7 investigaciones primarias donde se evaluaba el efecto de una intervención estructural o multicomponente para incrementar el uso del preservativo en adolescentes y jóvenes. La calidad de los estudios fue evaluada usando la herramienta para valoración de riesgo de sesgos de Cochrane. Resultados Cinco investigaciones mostraron cambios en los porcentajes del uso del preservativo con valores entre 53 % y el 68 %. Las intervenciones planteadas orientaban sus acciones más a nivel individual con estrategias como: educación sobre salud sexual, consejería en salud reproductiva, conocimientos acerca del preservativo, conocimientos acerca de las ITS/VIH. A nivel organizacional y del entorno iban dirigidas a la provisión de preservativos. Los modelos teóricos planteados en los estudios están centrados en la conducta humana, comportamiento del individuo y el aprendizaje social. Discusión Las intervenciones de tipo estructural que tienen como fin el incremento del uso del preservativo en adolescentes y jóvenes parecen mostrar cambios significativos a nivel individual, pero se desconocen los posibles cambios generados a nivel de la organización y del entorno.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective Evaluate the effectiveness of structural or multicomponent interventions aimed at increasing the use of condoms in adolescents and young adults, identifying the strategies that form the interventions evaluated, and recognizing the theoretical models that support these interventions. Methodology Design: Systematic review of literature. Data source: MEDLINE databases were consulted via OVID, Embase, and CENTRAL in order to search for studies on interventions aimed at increasing the use of condoms in adolescents and young adults. Selection of studies: A total of 7 primary investigations were selected, in which the effect of a structured or multicomponent intervention to increase the use of condoms in adolescents and young adults was evaluated. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane bias risk assessment. Results Five investigations show changes in the percentages of condom use with values between 53% and 68%. The interventions targeted guided their actions more at individual level with strategies such as sexual health education, reproductive health counseling, knowledge about the condom, knowledge about STIs / HIV, than at organizational and environ-mental levels, which were aimed at the provision of condoms. The theoretical models proposed in the studies are focused on human behavior, individual behavior, and social learning. Conclusion Structural interventions that aim to increase the use of condoms in adolescents and young adults seem to show significant changes at individual level, but possible changes generated at both organization and environment levels are unknown.(AU)

Hemoptysis as the first symptom in the diagnosis of metastatic choriocarcinoma in the third trimester of pregnancy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Choriocarcinoma is a rare neoplasm (1/40000 pregnancies). In the context of a viable pregnancy, the incidence is even lower (1/160000). CASE REPORT: A woman in her second pregnancy was admitted at 31 + 6 weeks of gestation with hemoptysis and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Numerous placental venous lakes, bilateral pulmonary nodules and a pleural effusion were found. Pleural fluid ß-HCG levels were elevated and a brain-chest-abdominal-pelvic CT scan led to the diagnosis of a high-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasm. A caesarean section at 32 + 1 weeks of gestation was performed. Six cycles of an EMA-CO chemotherapy regime were administered. ß-HCG levels normalized after 3 cycles. Placental histopathology confirmed the presence of a gestational choriocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: Choriocarcinoma is a highly aggressive tumor. In high-risk tumors, combination chemotherapy is the first-line treatment, offering high remission rates. Treatment response is evaluated by monitoring blood ß-HCG levels, which should be long-term.

[Effectiveness of structural interventions to promote condom use in adolescents and young people: Systematic Review]. / Efectividad de las intervenciones estructurales para la promoción del uso del preservativo en adolescentes y jóvenes: revisión sistemática.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effectiveness of structural or multicomponent interventions aimed at increasing the use of condoms in adolescents and young adults, identifying the strategies that form the interventions evaluated, and recognizing the theoretical models that support these interventions. METHODOLOGY: Design: Systematic review of literature. Data source: MEDLINE databases were consulted via OVID, Embase, and CENTRAL in order to search for studies on interventions aimed at increasing the use of condoms in adolescents and young adults. Selection of studies: A total of 7 primary investigations were selected, in which the effect of a structured or multicomponent intervention to increase the use of condoms in adolescents and young adults was evaluated. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane bias risk assessment. RESULTS: Five investigations show changes in the percentages of condom use with values between 53% and 68%. The interventions targeted guided their actions more at individual level with strategies such as sexual health education, reproductive health counseling, knowledge about the condom, knowledge about STIs / HIV, than at organizational and environ-mental levels, which were aimed at the provision of condoms. The theoretical models proposed in the studies are focused on human behavior, individual behavior, and social learning. CONCLUSION: Structural interventions that aim to increase the use of condoms in adolescents and young adults seem to show significant changes at individual level, but possible changes generated at both organization and environment levels are unknown.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la efectividad de las intervenciones de tipo estructural o multicomponente dirigidas al incremento del uso del preservativo en adolescentes y jóvenes, identificar las estrategias que conforman las intervenciones evaluadas y reconocer los modelos teóricos que sustentan dichas intervenciones. METODOLOGÍA: Diseño: revisión sistemática de la literatura. Fuente de datos: se consultaron las bases de datos MEDLINE vía OVID, Embase y CENTRAL para buscar estudios sobre intervenciones dirigidas al incremento del uso del preservativo en adolescentes y jóvenes. Selección de estudios: se seleccionaron un total de 7 investigaciones primarias donde se evaluaba el efecto de una intervención estructural o multicomponente para incrementar el uso del preservativo en adolescentes y jóvenes. La calidad de los estudios fue evaluada usando la herramienta para valoración de riesgo de sesgos de Cochrane. RESULTADOS: Cinco investigaciones mostraron cambios en los porcentajes del uso del preservativo con valores entre 53 % y el 68 %. Las intervenciones planteadas orientaban sus acciones más a nivel individual con estrategias como: educación sobre salud sexual, consejería en salud reproductiva, conocimientos acerca del preservativo, conocimientos acerca de las ITS/VIH. A nivel organizacional y del entorno iban dirigidas a la provisión de preservativos. Los modelos teóricos planteados en los estudios están centrados en la conducta humana, comportamiento del individuo y el aprendizaje social. DISCUSIÓN: Las intervenciones de tipo estructural que tienen como fin el incremento del uso del preservativo en adolescentes y jóvenes parecen mostrar cambios significativos a nivel individual, pero se desconocen los posibles cambios generados a nivel de la organización y del entorno.

Hemoperitoneo secundario a la ruptura espontánea de una variz uterina en una paciente con embarazo a término: reporte de un caso y revisión bibliográfica / Hemoperitoneum secondary to spontaneous rupture of a uterine varice in a patient with a full-term pregnancy: A case report and literature review

Resumen: ANTECEDENTES: La ruptura de una variz útero-ovárica durante el embarazo es un evento poco frecuente, pero con importantes implicaciones en la morbilidad y mortalidad materna y neonatal. Puede acontecer en cualquier momento del embarazo, aunque su frecuencia se incrementa en el tercer trimestre y durante el parto. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 32 años, con 39 semanas de embarazo, en control prenatal, sin contratiempos, que acudió al servicio de Urgencias debido a un dolor abdominal generalizado e intenso, de dos horas de evolución. A la exploración física se encontraron: hipotensión, taquicardia y anemia moderada; hemoglobina de 8.9 g/dL y hematócrito de 35%. La evaluación fetal reportó: taquicardia y posterior bradicardia. Se decidió finalizar el embarazo por cesárea urgente, donde se objetivó hemoperitoneo de aproximadamente 1 L y sangrado activo procedente de la ruptura de un vaso en la parte posterior de la pared uterina que se suturó con puntos dobles. El desenlace materno y neonatal fue favorable. CONCLUSIONES: La rotura de las várices útero-ováricas puede originarse por hemoperitoneo masivo y resultar en consecuencias graves para la madre y el feto. La sospecha diagnóstica y la laparotomía de urgencia son decisivas para cohibir el sangrado y lograr un desenlace materno y fetal satisfactorios.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The rupture of an utero-ovarian varicose vein during pregnancy is an infrequent event but it can have important implications for maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. It can occur at any time during pregnancy, although its frequency is increased in the third trimester and during labor. CLINICAL CASE: A single gestation of 39 weeks, with regular monitoring without incidents, who went to the emergency department for intense and generalized abdominal pain of two hours of evolution. The patient presented hypotension and tachycardia and moderate anemia with a hemoglobin of 8.9 g/dL and a hematocrit of 35%. Fetal monitoring showed fetal tachycardia with decreased variability and subsequent bradycardia. It was decided to end the pregnancy by an urgent caesarean section where a hemoperitoneum of approximately 1 liter was observed. As well, and active bleeding resulting from the rupture of a posterior uterine wall vein was noted and controlled with hemostatic sutures. The maternal and neonatal results were favorable. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous rupture of utero-ovarian varicose veins can be the cause of massive hemoperitoneum and can maternal and fetal serious consequences. A promptly suspected diagnosis and an urgent laparotomy are vital to restrain bleeding and achieve a good maternal and fetal result.

Liquen plano, variante pápulo-escamosa o clásica: afectación vulvar y extragenital / A lichen planus subtype papulo-squamous or classic: Vulvar and extragenital presence

Resumen: ANTECEDENTES: El liquen plano de vulva se manifiesta como una lesión erosiva, papuloeritematosa o hipertrófica aislada o con afectación extragenital concomitante. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 41 años, sin antecedentes médicos de interés, que acudió a consulta por la aparición de lesiones cutáneas pruriginosas de dos meses de evolución. A la exploración se objetivaron múltiples pápulas eritematoescamosas, violáceas, hiperqueratósicas, concomitantes con fenómeno de Koebner y tendencia a la agrupación, ubicadas en la cara anterior de los antebrazos y las muñecas, el dorso del pie y el tronco; en los pliegues inguinales, región vulvar y perianal, y de forma asintomática en el surco interlabial izquierdo, una pápula no pruriginosa de 3 mm, de tonalidad violácea con reticulado blanquecino en la superficie (estrías de Wickham), y otras dos pápulas de 11 y 3 mm. Se estableció el diagnóstico de liquen plano pápulo-escamoso vulvar, variante hipertrófica cutánea. Puesto que la enfermedad aparece de forma espontánea, se decidió el tratamiento expectante y para el prurito se indicaron antihistamínicos por vía oral. Seis semanas después desaparecieron las lesiones cutáneas (sin cambios cicatriciales). CONCLUSIONES: En pacientes con procesos dermatológicos complejos se requiere la correcta anamnesis y exploración ginecológica, sobre todo cuando hay afectación de las mucosas, para evitar el infradiagnóstico. La biopsia de las lesiones es útil en caso de duda, sobre todo en las lesiones vulvares aisladas de tipo hipertrófico.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vulvar lichen planus is a subtype of dermatological pathology that is presented as erosive, papulo-erythematous, or hypertrophic lesions on the vulva. This lesion could appear in isolation or with concomitant extragenital involvement. CASE REPORT: A 41-year-old patient with no previous history of interest, who attended due to the onset of itchy skin lesions of two months of evolution. At medical examination, multiple erythematous squamous, violaceous, hyperkeratotic papules were observed, with Koebner phenomenon and a tendency to cluster at the forearms and wrists, dorsum of the feet and trunk. The same lesions were seen in inguinal folds, vulvar and perianal region. We also notice an asymptomatic non-itchy 3 mm papule with violet edge in left labia majora (it had a whitish reticulate on the surface called Wickham's striae) and other erosive papules 11 mm and 3 mm respectively, with violet edge. No vaginal or other mucosal lesions were seen. Diagnosis of vulvar papule-squamous lichen planus was established which coexists with a cutaneous hypertrophic form. Given the self-limited nature of this pathology, a wait-and-see approach and symptomatic treatment of pruritus with oral antihistamines was adopted. Six weeks later, disappearance of the cutaneous lesion without cicatricial areas was observed. CONCLUSIONS: It is essential to carry out an anamnesis and gynecological examination in dermatological preocedures, especially when mucosas are involvement to avoid under-diagnosis. The biopsy of the lesions will be useful when there are doubts in the diagnosis, and it is essential in isolated hypertrophic vulvar lesions.

Enabling tomography with low-cost C-arm systems.

In scenarios where the use of a Computed Tomography (CT) is difficult, such as during surgery or in the ICU, the use of a C-arm system to generate tomographic information could contribute with interesting additional clinical information. Recent days are seeing the development of the so-called cone-beam CT (CBCT) based on advanced motorized isocentric C-arm systems. To be able to make use of more basic C-arm systems, apart from the geometric non-idealities common to any CBCT, we need to address other difficulties. First, the trajectory of the source-detector pair may differ from a circular path and the system may suffer mechanical strains that modify the relative positions of the source and detector for different projection angles. Second, and more importantly, the exact position of the source and detector elements may not be repeatable for consecutive rotations due to low mechanical precision, thus preventing an accurate geometrical calibration of the system. Finally, the limitation of the angular span and the difficulty of obtaining a high number of projections pose a great challenge to the image reconstruction. In this work, we present a novel method to adapt a standard C-arm, originally designed for planar imaging, to be used as a tomograph. The key parts of the new acquisition protocol are (1) a geometrical calibration method to compensate mechanical inaccuracies that prevent an accurate repetition of source-detector position between acquisitions, and (2) an advanced image reconstruction method able to deal with limited angle data, sparse projections and non-circular trajectories. Both methods exploit surface information from the patient, which can be obtained using a 3D surface scanner. The proposed method was evaluated with two real C-arm systems, based on an image intensifier and a flat panel detector respectively, showing the feasibility of the proposal.

GPU-accelerated iterative reconstruction for limited-data tomography in CBCT systems.

BACKGROUND: Standard cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) involves the acquisition of at least 360 projections rotating through 360 degrees. Nevertheless, there are cases in which only a few projections can be taken in a limited angular span, such as during surgery, where rotation of the source-detector pair is limited to less than 180 degrees. Reconstruction of limited data with the conventional method proposed by Feldkamp, Davis and Kress (FDK) results in severe artifacts. Iterative methods may compensate for the lack of data by including additional prior information, although they imply a high computational burden and memory consumption. RESULTS: We present an accelerated implementation of an iterative method for CBCT following the Split Bregman formulation, which reduces computational time through GPU-accelerated kernels. The implementation enables the reconstruction of large volumes (>10243 pixels) using partitioning strategies in forward- and back-projection operations. We evaluated the algorithm on small-animal data for different scenarios with different numbers of projections, angular span, and projection size. Reconstruction time varied linearly with the number of projections and quadratically with projection size but remained almost unchanged with angular span. Forward- and back-projection operations represent 60% of the total computational burden. CONCLUSION: Efficient implementation using parallel processing and large-memory management strategies together with GPU kernels enables the use of advanced reconstruction approaches which are needed in limited-data scenarios. Our GPU implementation showed a significant time reduction (up to 48 ×) compared to a CPU-only implementation, resulting in a total reconstruction time from several hours to few minutes.

Efectividad de un manual de autocuidado para el manejo de síntomas en personas colombianas que viven con VIH / Effectiveness of a Self-care Manual for the Management of Symptoms by Colombians Living with HIV / Efetividade de um manual de autocuidado para o manejo de sintomas em pessoas colombianas que vivem com HIV

RESUMEN Estudio con resultados del nodo Cali, en colaboración con la Red Internacional de Enfermeras Investigadoras en VIH-sida. Objetivo: medir la efectividad de un manual de autocuidado para el manejo de síntomas por VIH-sida, comparando frecuencia de síntomas, calidad de vida, adherencia y utilidad del manual en personas con el virus del sida que usaron el de autocuidado y las que usaron un manual de nutrición. Materiales y métodos: estudio cuasiexperimental con grupo experimental (manual de autocuidado para el manejo de síntomas) y control (manual de nutrición) con 51 personas; mediciones al inicio y a los dos meses. Resultados: los síntomas al inicio fueron 16, igual para los dos grupos. A los dos meses disminuyeron, la diferencia no fue significativa para la comparación entre grupos; se encontró aumento en el puntaje global de calidad de vida de 51 a 54 en el grupo experimental, y de 54 a 56 en el grupo control; la mayor utilidad fue para el manual de autocuidado con 88 %, comparado con el de nutrición, 75 %. Se reconoce la importancia de diseñar materiales educativos para responder a las necesidades de las personas que viven con el virus del sida. Conclusión: el manual de autocuidado fue considerado útil por la mayoría de los participantes del grupo experimental.

ABSTRACT This is a study with results from the Cali node, developed in collaboration with the International Network of Research Nurses focused on HIV-AIDS. Objective: Measure the effectiveness of a self-care manual on how to manage HIV-AIDS symptoms by comparing frequency of symptoms, quality of life, and adherence and usefulness of the manual among people with the AIDS virus who used the self-care manual and those who used a manual on nutrition. Materials and methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with an experimental group (a self-care manual for the management of symptoms) and a control group (a nutrition manual). There were 51 participants. Measurements were taken at the start and after two months. Results: There were 16 symptoms at the start, which were the same for both groups. They declined after two months. A comparison between the groups showed the difference was not significant. The increase in the overall quality of life score was from 51 to 54 in the experimental group and from 54 to 56 in the control group. The greatest benefit was for the self-care manual, with 88%, compared to the nutrition manual, with 75%. The importance of designing educational materials to respond to the needs of people who are living with the AIDS virus is recognized. Conclusion: The self-care manual was considered to be useful by the majority of the participants in the experimental group.

RESUMO Estudo realizado em Cali (Colômbia), em colaboração com a Rede Internacional de Enfermeiras Pesquisadoras em HIV-aids. Objetivo: medir a efetividade de um manual de autocuidado para o manejo de sintomas pelo HIV-aids, comparando frequência de sintomas, qualidade de vida, adesão e utilidade do manual em pessoas com o vírus da aids que usaram o de autocuidado e os que usaram um de nutrição. Materiais e métodos: estudo quase-experimental com grupo experimental (Manual de autocuidado para o manejo de sintomas) e controle (manual de nutrição) com 51 pessoas; medições ao início e aos dois meses. Resultados: os sintomas ao início foram 16 para os dois grupos. Aos dois meses, diminuíram; a diferença não foi significativa para a comparação entre grupos; constatou-se aumento na pontuação global de qualidade de vida de 51 a 54 no grupo experimental, e de 54 a 56 no grupo controle; a maior utilidade foi para o Manual de autocuidado com 88 %, comparado com o de Nutrição, 75 %. Reconhece-se a importância de elaborar materiais educativos para atender às necessidades das pessoas que vivem com o vírus da aids. Conclusões: o Manual de autocuidado foi considerado útil pela maioria dos participantes do grupo experimental.

FUX-Sim: Implementation of a fast universal simulation/reconstruction framework for X-ray systems.

The availability of digital X-ray detectors, together with advances in reconstruction algorithms, creates an opportunity for bringing 3D capabilities to conventional radiology systems. The downside is that reconstruction algorithms for non-standard acquisition protocols are generally based on iterative approaches that involve a high computational burden. The development of new flexible X-ray systems could benefit from computer simulations, which may enable performance to be checked before expensive real systems are implemented. The development of simulation/reconstruction algorithms in this context poses three main difficulties. First, the algorithms deal with large data volumes and are computationally expensive, thus leading to the need for hardware and software optimizations. Second, these optimizations are limited by the high flexibility required to explore new scanning geometries, including fully configurable positioning of source and detector elements. And third, the evolution of the various hardware setups increases the effort required for maintaining and adapting the implementations to current and future programming models. Previous works lack support for completely flexible geometries and/or compatibility with multiple programming models and platforms. In this paper, we present FUX-Sim, a novel X-ray simulation/reconstruction framework that was designed to be flexible and fast. Optimized implementation for different families of GPUs (CUDA and OpenCL) and multi-core CPUs was achieved thanks to a modularized approach based on a layered architecture and parallel implementation of the algorithms for both architectures. A detailed performance evaluation demonstrates that for different system configurations and hardware platforms, FUX-Sim maximizes performance with the CUDA programming model (5 times faster than other state-of-the-art implementations). Furthermore, the CPU and OpenCL programming models allow FUX-Sim to be executed over a wide range of hardware platforms.

Procesos de Acreditación de la Formación de Posgrado de Carreras de Salud en Argentina. Hacia la Consolidación de un Sistema Articulado / Accreditation Processes of Postgraduate Training Health Careers in Argentina. Towards the Consolidation of an Articulated System

Introducción: El título de grado de médico es habilitante para el ejercicio de la profesión en cualquier especialidad. No obstante, la mayoría de los médicos egresados eligen continuar su formación de posgrado. La misma incluye las carreras de especialidades, maestrías y doctorados, dependientes de Educación, y las Residencias, dependientes de Salud. Existen carreras de especialista universitario que están asociadas a residencias. Algunas debieron pasar por un doble proceso de evaluación, tanto por parte de la CONEAU, como por parte del SNARES. Estas situaciones evidencian la necesidad de consolidar un sistema integrado de acreditación para la formación de médicos especialistas, que se oriente a alcanzar similares estándares de calidad en la formación. Objetivo: Establecer los procesos necesarios para la construcción de un sistema de acreditación conjunta de las Carreras de posgrado de Especialista Universitario en el campo de la salud que funcionan en asociación con una Residencia del Sistema Nacional de Residencias de Equipo de Salud. Metodología: La presente investigación se planteó como un estudio de implementación, de diseño cualitativo, en el que utilizaron una variedad de técnicas de recolección de datos. Se analizó la normativa y los procesos de acreditación llevados adelante por el SNARES, sobre las residencias, como por la CONEAU, sobre las carreras de especialista universitario, en todo el ámbito nacional. El análisis empírico de casos en donde tuvo lugar un doble proceso de acreditación por estar asociada una carrera a una Residencia, se realizó sobre una muestra definida en relación con los hallazgos de la primera etapa del estudio. Resultados y conclusiones: Pensar en un sistema de acreditación integrado requiere revisar los procesos de definición de una política de formación de especialistas médicos que garantice criterios de equidad y de calidad en todo el territorio. La cantidad de carreras de especialización universitaria asociadas a Residencias es aun marginal en relación con la cantidad de sedes de Residencia a nivel nacional. Se visualiza como el requisito fundamental la necesidad de consolidar políticas a nivel del Estado. En la evaluación de las formaciones se evidenció la posibilidad de unificar los procedimientos para las evaluaciones. Y la necesidad de consensuar estándares diferenciados por especialidad.(AU)

Background: A degree of medical doctor authorizes professional practice. However, most physicians choose to continue their post graduate training through residencies or university specialist careers. There are specialist careers associated to residencies which undergo a double evaluation process before certification entities of both systems (CONEAU and SNARES). The need to investigate if it is possible to count with a certification integrated system for them is shown. Purpose: To establish the processes for developing a joint certification system of both university specialist careers and medical residencies. Methods: qualitative design, implementation research. A variety of data collection techniques and interviews to key informants were used. Regulation was analyzed, the universe of specialist careers and medical residencies as well as certification processes performed on associated training were surveyed. Results: Characteristics of both certification systems are linked to the origin of each training system. The development degree of the regulation is consistent with the age of each certification system. The number of university specialization careers associated to residencies is marginal as regards the number of residencies at a national level. There is wide consensus among actors about the need and possibility to articulate both systems. Certification analysis showed the technical feasibility to join evaluation procedures progressively and the need to develop common standards for each specialty. Conclusions: The analysis regarding an integrated certification system leads to review the creation processes of medical specialist training policies, with equity, quality and territorial criteria as well as the importance of building consensus among training actors.(AU)