Prenatal Exposure to Ambient PM2.5 and Early Childhood Growth Impairment Risk in East Africa.

Height for age is an important and widely used population-level indicator of children's health. Morbidity trends show that stunting in young children is a significant public health concern. Recent studies point to environmental factors as an understudied area of child growth failure in Africa. Data on child measurements of height-for-age and confounders were obtained from fifteen waves of the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) for six countries in East Africa. Monthly ambient PM2.5 concentration data was retrieved from the Atmospheric Composition Analysis Group (ACAG) global surface PM2.5 estimates and spatially integrated with DHS data. Generalized additive models with linear and logistic regression were used to estimate the exposure-response relationship between prenatal PM2.5 and height-for-age and stunting among children under five in East Africa (EA). Fully adjusted models showed that for each 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration there is a 0.069 (CI: 0.097, 0.041) standard deviation decrease in height-for-age and 9% higher odds of being stunted. Our study identified ambient PM2.5 as an environmental risk factor for lower height-for-age among young children in EA. This underscores the need to address emissions of harmful air pollutants in EA as adverse health effects are attributable to ambient PM2.5 air pollution.

Development and Validation of the Spanish AzBio Sentence Corpus.

OBJECTIVE: To create and validate a Spanish sentence test for evaluation of speech understanding of Spanish-speaking listeners with hearing loss or cochlear implants (CI). STUDY DESIGN: Two thousand sentences were recorded from two male and two female speakers. The average intelligibility of each sentence was estimated as the mean score achieved by five listeners presented with a five-channel cochlear implant simulation. The mean scores of each sentence were used to construct 42 lists of 20 sentences with similar mean scores. List equivalency was then validated by presenting all lists to 10 CI users and in a 2-list comparison in a clinical setting to 38 CI patients. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Normal-hearing listeners (n = 5), CI users in a research study (n = 10), and CI patients (n = 38) in routine clinical follow-up. INTERVENTION: Multiple sentence lists from a newly minted speech perception test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: List intelligibility and equivalence across sentence lists. RESULTS: Forty-two lists of sentences were equivalent when all lists were presented in random order to 10 adult CI recipients. The variability of scores observed on lists presented to the same listener in the same condition was captured using a binomial distribution model based on a 40-item list for 38 adult implant recipients. CONCLUSION: The Spanish AzBio Sentence Test includes 42 lists of 20 sentences. These sentences are roughly equivalent in terms of overall difficulty and confidence limits have been provided to assess the significance of variability in list scores observed within or across conditions. These materials will be of benefit when assessing native Spanish speakers in both research and clinical settings.

Hidronefrosis gigante: a propósito de dos casos con distintas etologías / Giant hydronephrosis: about two cases with different etologies

La hidronefrosis gigante se considera una entidad rara, caracterizada por la presencia de al menos 1 litro de líquido dentro del sistema pielocalicial, más frecuente en pacientes masculinos, generalmente asintomático. Se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina de 85 años de edad quien refiere desde hace 6 años dolor lumbar izquierdo y aumento de la circunferencia abdominal; en la TAC abdomino-pélvica contrastada se evidencia bolsa hidronefrótica izquierda gigante con corteza renal adelgazada que no concentra ni elimina el contraste. Se presenta el caso de paciente masculino de 85 años de edad quien refiere desde hace 5 años aumento de la circunferencia abdominal y la TAC abdomino-pélvica contrastada muestra importante dilatación del riñón y sistema colector derecho secundario a litiasis ureteral. A ambos pacientes se les practicó nefrectomía simple. Con respecto a la hidronefrosis gigante, la etiología más frecuente es la estenosis de la unión ureteropélvica seguido por la patología litiásica y tumoral; es importante considerar esta entidad como diagnóstico diferencial en caso de masas quísticas abdominales(AU)

Giant hydronephrosis is considered a rare entity, characterized by the presence of at least 1 liter of fluid within the pielocalicial system; is more frequent in males and often asymptomatic. We present an 85-year-old female patient who has a 6-year complain of left lumbar pain associated with increase in abdominal circumference. On CT scan, a giant left hydronephrotic pouch is evidenced, with a thinned renal wall that does not concentrate or eliminate contrast. We present a 61 year-old male who refers a 5-year asymptomatic increase in abdominal circumference. The CT scan reveals significant dilatation of the kidney and right collecting system secondary to ureteral lithiasis. Both patients undergo simple nephrectomy. The most frequent etiology of giant hydronephrosis is ureteropelvic junction stenosis followed by lithiasic and tumor pathology. It is important to consider this entity as a differential diagnosis in the case of abdominal cystic masses(AU)

Carcinoma renal de células claras: a propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Renal clear cell carcinoma: case report and review of the literature

El carcinoma de células renales (CCR) es la lesión sólida más frecuente en el riñón y representa aproximadamente el 90% de los tumores renales malignos. Hay un predominio 1,5:1 de varones sobre las mujeres y su incidencia máxima tiene lugar entre los 60 y 70 años de edad. Este tipo de cáncer representa el 2%-3% de todos los cánceres y su incidencia máxima ocurre en los países occidentales. Se reporta un caso poco frecuente de CCR en una paciente femenina de 35 años de edad con una hematuria total, sin dolor, de 2 días de duración. El TAC abdomino-pélvico reveló una lesión ocupante de espacio de 15 x 12 x 10 cm aproximadamente, de aspecto neoproliferativo, con características heterogéneas de hipo e hiperdensidad, de 40 uH, neovascularización y realce al contraste, que compromete cáliz medio e inferior de riñón izquierdo, extensivo hasta pelvis renal. Se practicó nefrectomía radical izquierda. El estudio histopatológico reporta un carcinoma de células claras bien diferenciado de bajo grado, con márgenes libres y ganglios linfáticos sin MT. Paciente quien evoluciona satisfactoriamente en planificación de terapia adyuvante. Por el hecho de ser una presentación en un adulto joven, lo ideal es que el urólogo este en la capacidad de realizar el diagnóstico a la brevedad posible(AU)

Renal cell cancer (RCC) is the most common solid lesion in the kidney and accounts for approximately 90% of malignant renal tumors. There is a 1.5:1 male predominance and the highest incidence occurs between 60 and 70 years of age. RCC represents 2%-3% of all cancers and its highest incidence occurs in western countries. We report a rare case of a female patient of 35 years of age who has had pain free hematuria for two days. A contrasted abdominal/pelvic CT revealed a lesion of approximately 15 x 12 x 10 cm with neoproliferative appearance and heterogeneous features of hypo and hyperdensity of 40 uH, with neovascularization and contrast enhancement, compromising the middle and lower calyx of the left kidney extensive to renal pelvis. A left radical nephrectomy was performed. Histopathological study revealed a well-differentiated low grade clear cell carcinoma, with free margins and lymph nodes without metastasis. The patient has a satisfactory evolution and is awaiting adjuvant treatment. Due to the fact that the patient is a young adult, the urologist should be able to make the diagnosis as soon as possible(AU)

Electrically evoked compound action potentials are different depending on the site of cochlear stimulation.

One of the many parameters that can affect cochlear implant (CI) users' performance is the site of presentation of electrical stimulation, from the CI, to the auditory nerve. Evoked compound action potential (ECAP) measurements are commonly used to verify nerve function by stimulating one electrode contact in the cochlea and recording the resulting action potentials on the other contacts of the electrode array. The present study aimed to determine if the ECAP amplitude differs between the apical, middle, and basal region of the cochlea, if double peak potentials were more likely in the apex than the basal region of the cochlea, and if there were differences in the ECAP threshold and recovery function across the cochlea. ECAP measurements were performed in the apical, middle, and basal region of the cochlea at fixed sites of stimulation with varying recording electrodes. One hundred and forty one adult subjects with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss fitted with a Standard or FLEXSOFT electrode were included in this study. ECAP responses were captured using MAESTRO System Software (MED-EL). The ECAP amplitude, threshold, and slope were determined using amplitude growth sequences. The 50% recovery rate was assessed using independent single sequences that have two stimulation pulses (a masker and a probe pulse) separated by a variable inter-pulse interval. For all recordings, ECAP peaks were annotated semi-automatically. ECAP amplitudes were greater upon stimulation of the apical region compared to the basal region of the cochlea. ECAP slopes were steeper in the apical region compared to the basal region of the cochlea and ECAP thresholds were lower in the middle region compared to the basal region of the cochlea. The incidence of double peaks was greater upon stimulation of the apical region compared to the basal region of the cochlea. This data indicates that the site and intensity of cochlear stimulation affect ECAP properties.

Patient management for cochlear implant recipients in audiology departments: A practice review.

OBJECTIVES: To determine and evaluate the time clinics needed to complete the sub-processes involved in the first-fitting and follow-up fitting of people with a cochlear implant. METHODS: Eight HEARRING clinics completed a questionnaire recording how long it took to complete the sub-processes involved in first-fitting and follow-up fitting cochlear implant recipients. The mean times of clinics and procedures were then compared. RESULTS: Questionnaires on 77 patients were completed. Clinics varied widely on time spent on each sub-process in both first- and follow-up fittings. Total first-fitting times were similar across clinics. Follow-up fitting times varied more across clinics although this may have been due to differences in questionnaire interpretation. DISCUSSION: If a patient management plan can help increasingly busy cochlear implant clinics provide high-quality care more efficiently, essential first steps are determining which procedures are generally performed and how long their performance takes. Until reliable data are gathered, constructing a patient management plan or reaping the potential benefits of its use will remain elusive; clinics will have to find what solutions they can to meet rising workload demands. CONCLUSION: The variation in time spent on each sub-process may suggest that some clinics have more efficient workflow procedures. Compiling a best practice for each process could be instrumental in creating a professional process management plan that would increase efficiency without sacrificing quality of care.

[L-lactate as a serum marker of intestinal ischemia in patients with complicated intestinal obstruction]. / L-lactato como marcador sérico de isquemia intestinal en pacientes con oclusión intestinal complicada.

BACKGROUND: The intestinal obstruction secondary to internal hernia is a diagnostic challenge. The absence of specific symptoms and signs during clinical examination often lead to underestimation of the severity and early surgical treatment. The purpose of this article is to review the clinical presentation of two patients with internal hernia, describe the clinical, biochemical and radiological findings, with emphasis on the L-lactate as an early serum marker of intestinal ischemia. CLINICAL CASES: Case 1: female, 44 years history of urolithiasis and 2 cesarean sections. Case 2: female, 86 year old with a history of open cholecystectomy, incisional and bilateral inguinal hernia repair with mesh placement. Both admitted with abdominal pain and intestinal obstruction data. The only significant laboratory finding was elevation of L-lactate. The abdominal films showed air-fluid levels, dilated loops of small intestine and colon. Abdominal contrast tomography showed free abdominal fluid id, internal hernia and torque of mesentery. In both cases, exploratory laparotomy was performed with bowel resection of ischemic segments, with uneventful recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal ischemia secondary to internal hernia is difficult lt to diagnose. In patients with a high suspicion, signs of intestinal obstruction by plain radiography, the elevation of L-lactate, could help in the early diagnosis of intestinal ischemia and immediate surgical treatment.

Implantes auditivos de conducción ósea percutáneo, transcutáneo: comparación / Percutaneous, Transcutaneous Bone Conduction Hearing Implants: comparison

Introducción: Los implantes de conducción ósea son alternativas en rehabilitación para pacientes con sordera conductiva/mixta o unilateral. Objetivo: Analizar desenlaces audiológicos, calidad de vida y percepción subjetiva de beneficios en pacientes con sordera conductiva y/o mixta o unilateral, usuarios del sistema transcutáneo Bonebridge®, o del sistema percutáneo BAHA®. Método: Estudio prospectivo en diez pacientes usuarios del sistema transcutáneo, y comparación con diez usuarios del sistema percutáneo. Evaluación audiológica, percepción de calidad de vida y satisfacción. Resultados: Con el sistema transcutáneo en sordera conductiva/mixta se registró ganancia promedio de 39 dB SPL (desviación estándar [DE] ±4; intervalo de confianza [IC] 95% 35-43), y con el sistema percutáneo, 33 dB SPL (DE ±7; IC 95% 26-40); diferencia de 6 dB SPL (EE ±3; IC 95% -1-13, p = 0,09). Discriminación de lenguaje con sistema transcutáneo 100% a 63 dB (DE ±2 dB; IC 95% 61-65) y con sistema percutáneo 100% a 58 dB (DE ±7 dB; IC 95% 51-65), diferencia de 5 dB (EE ±3 dB; IC 95% -2-12, p = 0,12). En sordera unilateral, la comparación de umbrales promedio con los dispositivos: 37 dB SPL (DE ±4; IC 95% 31-43) para el sistema transcutáneo y 32 dB SPL (DE ±3, IC 95% 27-37) para el sistema percutáneo, diferencia de 5 dB SPL (EE ±3; IC 95% -1-11, p = 0,09). Discriminación de lenguaje para sistema transcutáneo 100% a 66 dB SPL (DE ±7; IC 95% 55-77) y con sistema percutáneo 100% a 64 dB SPL (DE ±5; IC 95% 56-72), diferencia de 2 dB SPL (EE ±4; IC 95% –9-13, p = 0,7). Promedio total para percepción de beneficios con el uso de los dispositivos: 33 (DE ±18; IC 95% 20-46) para el sistema transcutáneo y 22 (DE ±12; IC 95% 13-31) en sistema percutáneo, diferencia de 11 puntos (EE ±7; IC 95% –3-25, p = 0,12). El nivel de satisfacción fue cuantificado de manera semejante, excepto en: Aspectos generales, sub-ítem Comodidad a favor del sistema transcutáneo. Conclusiones: Los beneficios audiológicos, satisfacción y calidad de vida identificados en los pacientes con el sistema Bonebridge son evidentes y comparables a los que han logrado los pacientes con el sistema BAHA...

Introduction: Hearing bone conduction implants are alternatives available for hearing rehabilitation in patients with conductive mixed hearing loss or unilateral deafness. Objective: To analyze audiological outcomes, quality of life and subjective hearing benefits perception in patients with conductive mixed hearing loss or unilateral deafness, users of percutaneous BAHA® system, or transcutaneous active bone conduction system Bonebridge®. Materials and Methods: Prospective study on 10 patients with transcutaneous system compared with 10 users of percutaneous system. Audiometries, speech recognition with and without the system, Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and Hearing Device Satisfaction Scale (HDSS) surveys tools. Results: With transcutaneous system, conductive mixed hearing loss group, achieved postoperatory mean gain of 33 dB SPL (Standard error [SE] ±3, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 26-40, p>0.00001); with percutaneous system 38 dB SPL (SE ±6) 5% CI 25-51, p>0.00001); difference 5 dB SPL (SE ±3, 95% CI 1-11, p = 0.09). Postoperative speech discrimination, transcutaneous system 100% @63 dB (Standard deviation [SD] ±2 dB, 95% CI 61-65); percutaneous system 100% @58 dB (SD ±7 dB, 95% CI 51-65); difference 5 dB (SE ±3 dB, 95% CI -2 – 12, p = 0.12). In Single Sided Deafness (SSD), postoperative, transcutaneous system 82 dB SPL (SE ±4, 95% CI 72-92); percutaneous system 92 dB SPL (SE ±7, 95% CI 76-108); difference of 10 dB SPL (SE ±4, 95% CI 0.1-20, p = 0.047). Speech discrimination, postoperative, transcutaneous system 100% @66 dB SPL (SD ±7, 95% CI 55-77), percutaneous system 100% @64 dB (SD ±5, 95% CI 56-72); difference 2 dB (SE ±4, 95% CI -9-13, p = 0.7). For benefit perception with the devices, for transcutaneous system mean total scored 33 (SD ±18, 95% CI 20-46); for percutaneous system, 22 (SD ±12, 95% CI 13-31); difference 11 points (EE ±7, 95% CI -3-25, p = 0.12). Satisfaction with the device survey scored similarly except for the Comfort sub-item in the General Aspects favorable to the transcutaneous system. Conclusions: Audiological, satisfaction and –quality of life benefits identified in patients with Bonebridge® system are evident and comparable to those achieved by patients with the BAHA® system...

Estudio comparativo en pacientes usuarios de implantes Vibrant Soundbridge® (VSB) y sistema osteointegrado BAHA® / Comparative study on patients users of Vibrant Soundbridge® and osseointegrated BAHA® implants

Objetivo: presentar la experiencia de una institución en la rehabilitación de pacientes con pérdida auditiva utilizando el implante de oído medio Vibrant Soundbridge® (VSB). Diseño: estudio retrospectivo. Materiales y métodos: se revisaron registros médicos, quirúrgicos y audiológicos de pacientes a los que se les implantó el sistema Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB), evaluando la ganancia auditiva establecida por la diferencia en los promedios de las frecuencias 0.5 a 3 kHz en la audiometría tonal postimplante con el sistema y sin él. Se evaluó también la satisfacción de uso con el dispositivo mediante la encuesta Escala de Satisfacción de Audición con Dispositivo (HDSS, Hearing Device Satisfaction Scale). Realizamos comparación de desenlaces audiológicos con una población de usuarios de similares características del sistema osteointegrado BAHA®. Resultados: 25 pacientes con pérdida auditiva predominantemente mixta recibieron un implante VSB colocando el Transductor de Masa Flotante (FMT) en ventana redonda en 23 casos (92%). La ganancia auditiva promedio fue de 36 ± 16 decibeles (dB). No se identificaron diferencias significativas en la ganancia auditiva entre los procesadores AP404-36 dB y Amadé-38 dB, p = 0.6. La ganancia auditiva en el grupo de usuarios del sistema BAHA fue de 37 dB y la discriminación de lenguaje a 65 dB fue de 93% y 100% para VSB y BAHA® respectivamente. En ambos sistemas el puntaje global de satisfacción fue de 4/5.

Objective: Present the institutional experience on the auditory rehabilitation of patients implanted with the middle ear prosthesis Vibrant Soundbridge®. Design: Retrospective study of a cases series. Materials and Methods: Medical, surgical and audiological charts review of patients implanted with the middle ear system VSB. Hearing gain was established by the mean differences calculated on 0.5 to 3 kHz in the pure tone audiometries pre and post implantation, with and without the device. Satisfaction with the device was assessed with the Hearing Device Satisfaction Scale tool. In addition, audiological and satisfaction comparison with a population with similar characteristics of BAHA implant users was made. Results: 25 patients with conductive and mixed hearing loss were implanted with the VSB, placing the FMT on the round window in 23cases (92%). Mean auditory gain was 36 ± 16 decibels (dB). There were no significance gains between processors AP404-36 dB and Amadé-38 dB, p = 0.6. Mean auditory gain in the BAHA® users was 37 dB; speech discrimination at 65 dB was 93% and 100% for VSB and BAHA® users respectively. Overall satisfaction score for both systems was 4/5. Conclusion: The middle ear implant system VSB gives a satisfactory hearing gain to patients with moderate mixed hearing loss comparable with the BAHA® as well in satisfaction and quality of life issues.

Polimorfismo de los genes C677T de la enzima metil-n-tetrahidrofolato reductasa, A2756G de la enzima metionina sintasa y A66G de la enzima metionina sintasa reductasa y su relación con la homocisteína en pacientes con enfermedades cardiovasculares / C677T gene polymorphism of the enzyme-n-methyl-tetrahydrofolate reductase, A2756G gene polymorphism of the enzyme methionine synthase and A66G gene polymorphism of methionine synthase reductase and its relationship with homocysteine in patients with cardiovascular disease

La Hiperhomociteinemia (HHcy) se considera como un factor de riesgo idenpendiente para el desarrollo de aterosclerosis y de enfermedad arterial coronaria (EAC). Los polimorfismos en encimas involucradas en la regulación del metabolismo de la Hcy como la metiltetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR), metionina sintasa (MTR), y la metionina sintasa reductasa (MTRR) pueden contribuir a la variación de los niveles de homocisteína en plasma (Hcy). En este estudio investigamos la asociación de los polimorfismos genéticos de las enzimas involucradas en la remetilación de la homocisteínia: metionina sintasa (MTR), metil N-tetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR) y metionina sintasa reductasa (MTRR), con los niveles de Hcy en pacientes con EAC y sujetos sanos. Población 136 individuos de los cuales 90 presentaron diagnóstico de enfermedad cardiovascular (IAM y ACV) y 46 eran aparentemente sanos (controles). La concentración de Hcy fue significativamente más alta en pacientes con ECV que en los sujetos control (P<0,001). HHcy (>15 µmol/L) confirió un RR de IAM de 2.52 (95% IC: 1.4-4.4, P<0,001) y de ACV de 1.88 (95% IC: 1.0-3-5, P<0,05). Los niveles de vitamina B12 y folato se encontraba en el rango de los valores de referencia en el 86% de los individuos. La frecuencia del alelo T para C677T de MTHFR, del alelo G para A66G de MTRR y del alelo G para A2756G de MTR fueron 0.31, 0.30, 0.22 respectivamente para los sujetos casos. Los polimorfismos C677T, A66G y A276G de los genes MTHFR, MTRR y MTR no tuvieron diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre el grupo de casos con respecto al grupo control. Los polimorfismos estudiados no se relacionaron estadísticamente con la HHcy en los individuos en estudio. Sugerimos que HHcy confiere riesgo para ECV. En nuestro estudio encontramos evidencia de que la regulación de Hcy es poligénica.

The Hiperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is considered an independent risk factor for developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular arterial disease (CAD). The polymorphisms of the enzymes involved in the regulation of homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism as the methyltetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), methionine synthase (MTR) and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) may contribute to the elevation of Hcy in plasma. The main aim of the this study was to investigate the association of genetic polymorphisms of the enzymes involved in remethylation of homocysteine: methionine synthase (MTR), N-methyl tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR), with levels of Hcy in patients with CHF and healthy subjects. Population: 136 subjects of whom 90 had a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (heart failure and stroke) and 46 were apparently healthy (controls). The concentration of Hcy was significantly higher in patients with cardiovascular disease than compare with the control group (P<0.001). HHcy (>15 mmol/L) conferred a relative risk (RR) of heart failure of 2.52 (95% CI: 1.4-4.4, P <0.001) and stroke, RR of 1.88 (95% CI: 1.0-3.5, P <0.05). The levels of vitamin B12 and folate was in the range of reference values in 86% of subjects. The frequency of the T allele of MTHFR C677T was 0,31, for the G allele of MTRR A66G was 0,30 and for the G allelwe for MTR A2756G was 0.22 for the subjects with heart failure and stroke referred as case. C677T polymorphism, A66G and A2756G of the genes MTHFR, MTRR and MTR had no associated statistically with HHcy in the subjects of the study. We suggest that HHcy confers risk for CVD. In our study we found evidence that the regulation of Hcy is polygenic.

Marcadores de inflamación y disfunción endotelial en niños con infección bacteriana / Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction markers in children with bacterial infection

La ateroesclerosis comienza en etapas tempranas de la vida y la disfunción endotelial se reconoce como el acontecimiento inicial dominante en su desarrollo. Estudiar marcadores de inflamación y disfunción endotelial en niños con infección bacteriana. Se estudiaron 36 niños (6 meses-10 años 11 meses) hospitalizados con diagnóstico de infección bacteriana. Se tomó sangre venosa en tres fases: I (fase aguda infección, ingreso), II (convalecencia, 1 semana post-admisión), III (recuperación, 1 mes postadmisión). 32 niños sanos de la consulta. En todos los pacientes y controles se determinó: colesterol total y fracciones, triglicéridos, proteínas totales y fraccionadas, PCR ultrasensible (PCRus), sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, IL-6, óxido nítrico. En los niños con infección se encontró: 1) niveles de colesterol total elevados: aumento en las fracciones de LDL-C y LP(a)- C en la fase I con el pico en fase II y disminución con la recuperación del niño, 2) aumento del perfil inflamatorio mediado por IL-6, con el subsecuente aumento de la PCRus y alfa 2 globulinas, las cuales disminuyen en la fase de recuperación. Los marcadores de disfunción endotelial sVCAM-1 e sICAM-1 aumentan en la fase I y disminuyen con la recuperación. Los marcadores de inflamación (IL-6, PCRus) mantienen correlación positiva con los marcadores de disfunción endotelial (sVCAM-1 e sICAM-1). Los niveles de óxido nítrico estuvieron disminuidos en las tres fases. La infección aguda bacteriana en la niñez se asocia al aumento de los marcadores inflamatorios, lo cual apoya el papel potencial de éstos en la patogénesis de la ateroesclerosis temprana

Markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in children with bacterial infections. Atherosclerosis begins early in life and endothelial dysfunction is recognized as the key initiating event in the development of atherosclerosis. To study biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in children with bacterial infection. The study included 36 children (6 months-10 years 11 months) hospitalized with the diagnosis of bacterial infection. Venous blood was extracted in three phases: I (acute phase of infection, entry), II (convalescence, 1 week post-admission), III (recovery, 1 month post-admission). 32 children who attended the healthy children outpatient clinic were the control group. The following parameters were assessed in all patients and controls: cholesterol and its fractions, triglycerides, total and fractionated proteins, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, IL-6, nitric oxide. Children with infection had high total cholesterol levels with increased LDL-C and Lp (a)-C fractions in phase I, rising to a peak in phase II and decreasing as the child recovers. Infected children also had an increased inflammatory profile mediated by IL-6, with the subsequent increase in hsCRP and alpha 2 globulin, which decrease as the child recovers. Endothelial dysfunction markers sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 increase at admission and decrease as the child recovers. Inflammation markers (IL-6, hsCRP) correlate positively with markers of endothelial dysfunction (sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1). Nitric oxide levels are decreased in all three phases. Acute infection in childhood is associated with damage to the endothelium. These results support the potential role of inflammatory stimuli in the pathogenesis of early atherosclerosis

[Anxiety and depression in Mexican smokers, and their relationship with the severity of addiction]. / Ansiedad y depresión en fumadores mexicanos y su relación con el grado de adicción.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between the degree of addiction (DA) and pattern of tobacco consumption (PTC) with anxiety and depression in smokers who want to quit smoking. MATERIAL AND METHODS: At admission to a smoking cessation program 495 smokers were surveyed to determine anxiety (IDARE Test), depression (Beck Inventory Test), DA (Fagerström Test) and PTC (pack-years). RESULTS: DA ≥ 6 points was associated with high anxiety levels RM=1.94, (IC95%1.02-3.72), p<0.04]; and with symptoms of severe depression; [RM=2.24, (IC95%1.00-4.99), p<0.04)]. The PCT equal or greater than 21 pack-year, was associated with moderate anxiety; [RM=3.19 (IC95%1.94-5.25), p<.00]; high anxiety; [RM=3.36 (IC95% 1.66-6-80), p<.00]; with moderate depressive symptoms; [RM=3.14, (IC95% 1.75-5-62), p<.00] and severe depressive symptoms; [RM=9.85, (IC95% 3.30-29.37), p<.00)]. CONCLUSION: A significant association exists in smokers having high GA and PCT, with moderate and high anxiety and depressive symptoms that should be considered during interventions to quit.

Ansiedad y depresión en fumadores mexicanos y su relación con el grado de adicción / Anxiety and depression in Mexican smokers, and their relationship with the severity of addiction

Objetivo. Determinar la asociación entre el grado de adicción (GA) y patrón de consumo de tabaco (PCT) con la ansiedad y depresión en fumadores que quieren dejar de fumar (FQDF). Material y métodos. En 495 sujetos que acudieron a un programa para dejar de fumar se determinó la ansiedad (inventario IDARE) y depresión (cuestionario BECK), el GA (cuestionario de Fagerström) y PCT (paquetes-año). Resultados. El GA>= a 6 puntos se asoció con niveles de ansiedad altos [RM=1.94, (IC95 por ciento1.02-3.72), p<0.04] y con síntomas de depresión graves [RM=2.24, (IC95 por ciento1.00-4.99), p<0.04)]. El PCT>= a 21 paquetes año, se asoció con ansiedad rasgo media; [RM=3.19 (IC95 por ciento1.94-5.25), p<.00]; ansiedad rasgo alta; [RM=3.36 (IC95 por ciento 1.66-6-80), p<.00]; con depresión moderada; [RM=3.14, (IC95 por ciento 1.75-5-62) p<.00] y depresión grave; [RM=9.85, (IC95 por ciento 3.30-29.37), p<.00)]. Conclusión. Existe una asociación significativa en fumadores con alto GA y PCT, con la presencia de ansiedad y síntomas de depresión moderada a grave que deben considerarse en FQDF.

Objective. To determine the relationship between the degree of addiction (DA) and pattern of tobacco consumption (PTC) with anxiety and depression in smokers who want to quit smoking. Material and Methods. At admission to a smoking cessation program 495 smokers were surveyed to determine anxiety (IDARE Test), depression (Beck Inventory Test), DA (Fagerström Test) and PTC (pack-years). Results. DA>= 6 points was associated with high anxiety levels RM=1.94, (IC95 percent1.02-3.72), p<0.04]; and with symptoms of severe depression; [RM=2.24, (IC95 percent1.00-4.99), p<0.04)]. The PCT equal or greater than 21 pack-year, was associated with moderate anxiety; [RM=3.19 (IC95 percent1.94-5.25), p<.00]; high anxiety; [RM=3.36 (IC95 percent 1.66-6-80), p<.00]; with moderate depressive symptoms; [RM=3.14, (IC95 percent 1.75-5-62), p<.00] and severe depressive symptoms; [RM=9.85, (IC95 percent 3.30-29.37), p<.00)]. Conclusion. A significant association exists in smokers having high GA and PCT, with moderate and high anxiety and depressive symptoms that should be considered during interventions to quit.

Trigléciridos pospandriales y su relación con las enfermedades cardiovasculares / postpandrial triglyceride and their relation with the cardiovascular diseases

El estado pospandrial constituye la condición metabólica habitual en la que se encuentra el ser humani diariamente. Algunos sujetos presentan aumento de los triglicéridos totales y de las lipoproteíneas ricas en trigléceridos totales y de las lipoproteínas ricas en triglicéridos definiéndose como hiperlipemica pospandrial, generando incrementos del estrés oxidativo, inflamación y disfunción vascular, además está asociada con el riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular, que en los últimos años se ha convertido en la principal causa de muerte en todo el mundo. El objetivo del esudio fue evaluar la relación entre los niveles de triglicéridos pospandriales de sujetos cardiópatas y accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) con sujetos aparentemente sanos. Se estudiaron 56 sujetos de los cuales 32 eran aparentemente sanos (clasificados según sus resultados de triglicéridos pospandriales en intolerantes a las grasas y tolerancia normal a las grasas), 11 con diagnóstico de cardiopatía y 13 con diagnóstico de ACV. A cada paciente se les realizó un extracción de sangre basal con 14 horas de ayuno, posteriormente se les suministró un desayuno de aproximadamente 24 gr de grasa (una empanada de queso y un café). Se tomó muestras para el estudio de los niveles de triglicéridos (basal y pospandrial 2 y 4 horas), colesterol total y sus fracciones, apolipoproteina A1 y B-100, fibrinógeno y proteína C reactiva ultrasensible. Se realizó TBARS para estimar los niveles de oxidación de las LDL y la prueba de afinidd de las LDL a proteoglicanos. Mediante ecodoppler se evaluó el complejo miointimal carotideo. Los pacientes cardiópatas e intolerantes a las grasas tuvieron niveles de triglicéridos por encima de los valores de referencia a las 2 y 4 horas después de comer (p<0,001). Las LDL del grupo de cardiópatas y ACV presentaron mayor afinidad a proteoglicanos y mayor oxidación que las LDL del grupo intolerante y normal (p<0,001)...

The postpandrial nonfasting state is the usual metabolic condition in the human. Some individuals had increased total triglycerides and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, defined as postprandial hyperlipidemia, generatin an increase in oxidative stress, inflammation and vascular dysfunction also is associated with cardiovascular disease risk, which in recent years has become the leading cause of death worldwide. Aim: Evaluate the realtionship between postpandrial triglyceride levels of subjects with heart disease and stroke with apparently halthy subjects. We studied 56 subjects of whom 32 were apparently healthy (classified according to their results of postprandial triglyceride in fat intolerant and normal tolerance to fat), 11 have diagnosis of heart disease and 13 with diagnosis of stroke. From every patient, we withdrew blood after 14 hours of fasting as baseline, then were given a breakfast of about 24gr of fat (a typical venezuelan breakfast, which consisted in a cheese emapana and coffe). Samples were taken at basal time and 2 and 4 hours postpandrial o measure levels of triglicerides and also measure total cholesterol and its fractions, apolipoprotein A1 and B-100, fibrinogen and C-reactive protein. TBARS was performed to estimate the levels of LDL oxidation and proof affinity of LDL to proteoglycans. To evaluate the myointimal carotid complex we used a duplex Doppler echo. Patients with hearth disease and intolerance to fat had triglyceride levels above baseline values at 2 and 4 hours after eating (p<0.001). The level of LDL in the group of heart disease and stroke had higher affinity for proteoglycans and increased LDL oxidation than intolerant and normal group (p<0.001). The ratio Chol / HDL and LDL / HDL was higher in the intolerant and heart disease, indicating a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The postprandial triclyceride measurement seems to be a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than measurement levels of triclyceride in...

[Congenital diaphragmatic adult hernia. Case report]. / Hernia diafragmática congénita en el adulto. Informe de un caso.

BACKGROUND: Bochdalek's hernia is a congenital defect of the posterolateral region of the diaphragm, usually on the left side. It appears frequently in infants and is rare in adults. Diagnosis is incidental or when it becomes symptomatic. Our objective was to offer the general surgeon a differential diagnosis for presence of noncardiac thoracic pain in the adult. CLINICAL CASE: We present the case of a 78-year-old female with cardiorespiratory and digestive symptoms of slight intensity and managed for many years as hypertensive cardiopathy and dyspeptic syndrome until she was admitted to our service with severe epigastric pain. Postero-anterior x-ray of the thorax demonstrated the presence of the stomach in the thoracic cavity. This was confirmed by barium esophagogram, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and abdominal CT scan where porcelain gallbladder was also detected. The patient underwent abdominal surgery where a large diaphragmatic hernia was found with the complete stomach and small bowel inside. Primary repair of the diaphragm and cholecystectomy were performed, confirming gallbladder cancer. DISCUSSION: It is frequent that thoracic pain in patients of advanced age is interpreted as cardiac and/or digestive pathology and that more diagnostic investigation is not pursued due to patient age and invasive nature of the studies. Therefore, patients are treated according to their symptoms. It is important that the surgeon establishes an etiological diagnosis in order to offer appropriate treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia in the adult is rarely suspected in the differential diagnosis of noncardiac thoracic pain. The surgeon must keep this in mind, especially in patients of advanced age, even when cardiac and/or gastrointestinal diagnosis is confirmed.

Hernia diafragmática congénita en el adulto: informe de un caso / Congenital diaphragmatic adult hernia: case report

BACKGROUND: Bochdalek's hernia is a congenital defect of the posterolateral region of the diaphragm, usually on the left side. It appears frequently in infants and is rare in adults. Diagnosis is incidental or when it becomes symptomatic. Our objective was to offer the general surgeon a differential diagnosis for presence of noncardiac thoracic pain in the adult. CLINICAL CASE: We present the case of a 78-year-old female with cardiorespiratory and digestive symptoms of slight intensity and managed for many years as hypertensive cardiopathy and dyspeptic syndrome until she was admitted to our service with severe epigastric pain. Postero-anterior x-ray of the thorax demonstrated the presence of the stomach in the thoracic cavity. This was confirmed by barium esophagogram, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and abdominal CT scan where porcelain gallbladder was also detected. The patient underwent abdominal surgery where a large diaphragmatic hernia was found with the complete stomach and small bowel inside. Primary repair of the diaphragm and cholecystectomy were performed, confirming gallbladder cancer. DISCUSSION: It is frequent that thoracic pain in patients of advanced age is interpreted as cardiac and/or digestive pathology and that more diagnostic investigation is not pursued due to patient age and invasive nature of the studies. Therefore, patients are treated according to their symptoms. It is important that the surgeon establishes an etiological diagnosis in order to offer appropriate treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia in the adult is rarely suspected in the differential diagnosis of noncardiac thoracic pain. The surgeon must keep this in mind, especially in patients of advanced age, even when cardiac and/or gastrointestinal diagnosis is confirmed.

[Use of vacuum-assisted closure in the treatment of surgical infection sites]. / Uso del sistema de cierre asistido al vacío VAC en el tratamiento de las heridas quirúrgicas infectadas. Experiencia clínica.

Surgical site infection is one of the most important health problems representing an increase in morbi-mortality and economical devastation for the patient. There have been a variety of procedures that surgeons have employed to control this situation, from very refined surgical procedures, advanced antimicrobial therapy to local therapy with alginates, hydrocolloid dressings and many others with active topical substances. One of the newest treatments is the VAC (Vacuum-Assisted Closure). This therapy has been proven to be useful in wound infection control and we used it to carry out this study in 38 patients with wound infections. We present the results with this therapy in our institution.

[Appendiceal stump appendicitis. Case report]. / Apendicitis del muñón apendicular. Informe de un caso.

Acute appendicitis is still the first cause of abdominal surgery worldwide, with 1.4 cases/1000 in the general population. As frequent as this is, appendiceal stump appendicitis is a very rare surgical event, due to an incomplete appendix resection and misleading cecum base identification due to cecum edema, abscesses, abnormal anatomy position of the appendix or multiple adhesions. The incidence of appendiceal stump appendicitis is not well known; however, there are some reports that suggest a slight increase in this pathology possibly due to laparoscopic surgical techniques. This report attempts to point out this diagnostic possibility to be considered by the surgeon when presented with a patient with acute abdominal pain and a past appendectomy.

Retinopatía diabética 5 años después / Diabetic retinophaty five years later

Determinar la evolución de la Retinopatía Diabética y sus efectos sobre la función visual en un período de 5 años. 76 pacientes diabéticos seguidos por un período de 5 años. Al grupo de 76 pacientes se les práctico una evaluación integral incluyendo agudeza visual, estado del fondo, angiografía fluoresceínica y niveles de Glicemia. El número de pacientes sin retinopatía diabética bajo de 29 por ciento en 1999 a 18.5 por ciento en el año 2005 con incremento de la RDPP de 20 por ciento a 31 por ciento y la RDP de 25 por ciento a 32 por ciento. Se aprecio un importante aumento de los ojos con visión peor a 20/400 de 35 por ciento a 46 por ciento. En el período de evaluación de 5 años, se nota un importante empeoramiento de la retinopatía diabética en la mayoría de los pacientes, así como también un importante deterioro de la visión.

[Adrenal gland lymphangiomas. A case report]. / Linfangioma de glándula suprarrenal. Reporte de un caso.

Adrenal gland lymphangiomas are benign, non-functional, and uncommon tumors of lymphatic tissue and with a cyst component. The majority of these are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally. We present the case of an adrenal gland lymphangioma in a 24-year-old female with a history of high blood pressure, headaches, and anxiety of nearly 2 years in whom a routine ultrasound exam revealed a cyst tumor of right adrenal gland confirmed by computer tomography (CT) scan. Surgery was performed and lymphangioma of adrenal gland was the pathologist's report. The patient's clinical symptoms disappeared.