PeSTo: parameter-free geometric deep learning for accurate prediction of protein binding interfaces.

Proteins are essential molecular building blocks of life, responsible for most biological functions as a result of their specific molecular interactions. However, predicting their  binding  interfaces remains a challenge. In this study, we present a geometric transformer that acts directly on atomic coordinates labeled only with element names. The resulting model-the Protein Structure Transformer, PeSTo-surpasses the current state of the art in predicting protein-protein interfaces and can also predict and differentiate between interfaces involving nucleic acids, lipids, ions, and small molecules with high confidence. Its low computational cost enables processing high volumes of structural data, such as molecular dynamics ensembles allowing for the discovery of interfaces that remain otherwise inconspicuous in static experimentally solved structures. Moreover, the growing foldome provided by de novo structural predictions can be easily analyzed, providing new opportunities to uncover unexplored biology.

Online tools to easily build virtual molecular models for display in augmented and virtual reality on the web.

Several groups developed in the last years augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) software to visualize 3D molecules, most rather static, limited in content, and requiring software installs, some even requiring expensive hardware. We launched in 2020 moleculARweb (https://molecularweb.epfl.ch), a website that offers interactive content for chemistry and structural biology education through commodity web-based AR that works on consumer devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops. Among thousands of users, teachers increasingly request more biological macromolecules to be available, a demand that we cannot address individually. Therefore, to allow users to build their own material, we built a web interface where they can create online AR experiences in few steps starting from Protein Data Bank, AlphaFold or custom uploaded structures, or from virtual objects/scenes exported from the Visual Molecular Dynamics program, without any programming knowledge. The web tool also returns WebXR sessions for viewing and manipulating the models in WebXR-compatible devices including smartphones, tablets, and also immersive VR headsets with WebXR-capable browsers, where models can be manipulated even with bare hands when supported by the device. The tool is accessible for free at https://molecularweb.epfl.ch/pages/pdb2ar.html.

Visualization, Interactive Handling and Simulation of Molecules in Commodity Augmented Reality in Web Browsers Using moleculARweb's Virtual Modeling Kits.

moleculARweb (https://molecularweb.epfl.ch) began as a website for education and outreach in chemistry and structural biology through augmented reality (AR) content that runs in the web browsers of regular devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers. Here we present two evolutions of moleculARweb's Virtual Modeling Kits (VMK), tools where users can build and view molecules, and explore their mechanics, in 3D AR by handling the molecules in full 3D with custom-printed cube markers (VMK 2.0) or by moving around a simulated scene with mouse or touch gestures (VMK 3.0). Upon simulation the molecules experience visually realistic torsions, clashes, and hydrogen-bonding interactions that the user can manually switch on and off to explore their effects. Moreover, by manually tuning a fictitious temperature the users can accelerate conformational transitions or 'freeze' specific conformations for careful inspection in 3D. Even some phase transitions and separations can be simulated. We here showcase these and other features of the new VMKs connecting them to possible specific applications to teaching and self-learning of concepts from general, organic, biological and physical chemistry; and in assisting with small tasks in molecular modelling for research. Last, in a short discussion section we overview what future developments are needed for the 'dream tool' for the future of chemistry education and work.

Randomized clinical trial of the effect of the onset time of skin-to-skin contact at birth, immediate compared to early, on the duration of breastfeeding in full term newborns.

BACKGROUND: Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) compared to separation at birth has a positive effect on breastfeeding. However, separation at birth is common with negative impact on breastfeeding. The aim was to determine the effect of immediate SSC compared to early SSC on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding. METHODS: A randomized multicentre parallel clinical trial was conducted in two hospitals in Cundinamarca (Colombia) between November 2018 and January 2020. Low-risk full term newborns at birth were included. Neonates were assigned to immediate (in the first minute after birth) or early onset (start exactly at 60 min of life) skin to skin contact. Monthly follow-up was performed until 6 months of age. The primary outcome was the percentage of exclusively breastfed infants at 6 months (time in months with human milk as the only source of food). Secondary outcomes were the percentage of infants with exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months, duration in months of exclusive breastfeeding, neonate's breastfeeding ability, percentage of weight change between birth and the first week of life and hospitalization in the neonatal unit in the first week. A bivariate analysis was performed to determine the variables associated with exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months. A survival analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of the onset of SSC on exclusive breastfeeding duration. RESULTS: A total of 297 newborns were included: 49.8% (n = 148) in the immediate SSC group, and 50.2% (n = 149) in the early SSC group. The mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding in both groups was 5 months. There were no differences between the groups in the percentage of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months (relative risk [RR] 1.06, 95% CI 0.72, 1.58) or in the duration of exclusive breastfeeding (hazard ratio [HR] 0.98, 95% CI 0.74, 1.28). CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of infants and the duration of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of age were the same between the two groups of SSC interventions. Given the current barriers to its implementation, the results of this study could positively impact the use of SSC at birth and standardize the intervention and improve breastfeeding indicators. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02687685 .

Isolated contracture of the rectus femoris muscle: notification and review of the pathology regarding a case. / Contractura aislada del músculo recto femoral: notificación y revisión de la patología a propósito de un caso.

We described the case of a 12-year-old patient who presented isolated contracture of the left rectus femoris muscle with subsequent traumatic rupture of the distal myotendinous junction; for this reason she did not present contracture in extension of the knee but she presented dynamic contracture in flexion of the hip (Ely positive test), which generated great impact on walking. Surgical management with tenotomy of the anterior rectum was performed, obtaining good results. This pathology has low incidence and it has been reported little in the literature, so it is important to suspect it. We provide an updated diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Prevalence of urinary cotinine levels in children under 5 years of age during consultations for acute respiratory disease at the emergency department of the Universidad de La Sabana clinic.

BACKGROUND: Several environmental factors favour the occurrence of acute respiratory disease, which is the main reason for paediatric consultations in our country (Colombia). Tobacco smoke is considered a significant environmental pollutant with a great impact on health. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of cotinine levels measured in urine, in children between 1 to 60 months of age who attended an emergency department with acute respiratory disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted that included children between 1 and 60 months of age with acute respiratory disease who were admitted to the emergency department of the Universidad de La Sabana Clinic between April and July 2016. RESULTS: We included 268 patients and 36% were female. Of the total population examined, 33.96% showed positive results for urinary cotinine, of whom 97.8% had values between 10 and 100 ng/ml, which is considered positive for exposure to second-hand smoke. The principal pathology was recurrent wheezing in 43.96% of these cases. Regarding the presence of smokers at home, it is important to mention that in 54.95% of the children with positive urinary cotinine test was no related with smokers at home. And in 45.05% of positive urinary cotinine was evidence of smokers at home, being associated with the positive result P <  0.001 and smoking within the house P = 0.018; smoking when children were present did not have significant P = 0.105. The activities performed after smoking such as hand washing, change of clothes, eating, brushing teeth, did not influence the test result P = 0.627. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of urinary cotinine was observed, which is associated with the presence of a smoker at home, and this relationship was independent of the activities performed by the smoker after smoking. In addition, a positive test for urinary cotinine was presented in some children without documented exposure to cigarette smoke inside the home, which may be explained by the presence of environmental cotinine. Therefore, it is necessary to perform educational interventions aimed at parents and caregivers who smoke.

Correlation between Arterial Lactate and Central Venous Lactate in Children with Sepsis.

Introduction. Lactate is an important indicator of tissue perfusion. The objective of this study is to evaluate if there are significant differences between the arterial and central venous measurement of lactate in pediatric patients with sepsis and/or septic shock. Methods. Longitudinal retrospective observational study. Forty-two patients were included between the age of 1 month and 17 years, with a diagnosis of sepsis and septic shock, who were admitted to the intensive care unit of a university referral hospital. The lactate value obtained from an arterial blood sample and a central venous blood sample drawn simultaneously, and within 24 hours of admission to the unit, was recorded. Results. The median age was 2.3 years (RIC 0,3-15), with a predominance of males (71.4%), having a 2.5 : 1 ratio to females. Most of the patients had septic shock (78.5%) of pulmonary origin (50.0%), followed by those of gastrointestinal origin (26.1%). Using Spearman's Rho, a 0.872 (p < 0.001) correlation was found between arterial and venous lactate, which did not vary when adjusted for age (p < 0.05) and the use of vasoactive drugs (p < 0.05). Conclusion. There is a good correlation between arterial and venous lactate in pediatric patients with sepsis and septic shock, which is not affected by demographic variables or type of vasoactive support.

The effect of skin-to-skin contact at birth, early versus immediate, on the duration of exclusive human lactancy in full-term newborns treated at the Clínica Universidad de La Sabana: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Human lactancy is a simple and cost-effective strategy that influences infant and maternal mortality rates. Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) is an immediate postpartum period strategy that has proven to benefit the initiation and continuation of human lactation and to decrease hospitalization during the first week of life. This study aims to determine the effect of SSC initiation at birth (immediate versus early) in healthy, full-term newborns treated at the Universidad de La Sabana Clinic on the duration of exclusive human lactation. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomized, blind clinical trial will be performed with full-term healthy newborns born at the Universidad de La Sabana Clinic. The blind trial participants will be those persons measuring the results and analyzing the data. The sample size will be calculated for a type I error of 5 %, a two-tailed type II error of 20 %, and an estimated percentage loss of 30 %; 150 infants will be included in each group. Randomization will be performed using permuted, size-6 blocks. Descriptive analysis will be conducted using central tendency and dispersion measurements. A bivariate analysis will be performed to determine which variables are associated with exclusive lactancy at 6 months. For continuous variables, Student's t test will be used for independent samples, and the Wilcoxon rank sum test will be used if the assumptions of normality for the t tests are not fulfilled. The assumption of normality will be evaluated using the Shapiro-Wilk and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. Categorical variables in contingency tables will be constructed to assess the independence between variables using the chi-square test, or Fisher's exact test when the assumption of the number of cases is not met by the values in the contingency tables multiplied by two. This will be calculated as a measurement of the effect of relative risk (RR) with confidence intervals; the adjusted measurements will be calculated using a multivariate regression Poisson model. Variables with significant results will be used in the bivariate analysis, and those with biological plausibility will be used for the adjustment. The analysis will be carried out for a two-tailed type I error level of 5 %. The Stata 11 program will be used for data analysis. An interim analysis will be performed upon the submission of half the expected events (106), setting limits for the early termination of the trial according to the method proposed by Pampallona and Tsiatis (1994). INTERVENTION: There will be two SSC randomization groups: early versus immediate. After completing the neonatal adaptation process and based on the group assignment, the mother will be left with her newborn child in hospital accommodation. Prior to discharge, the Infant Breast-Feeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT) will be applied. Monitoring will initially be performed with a face-to-face assessment between 3 and 10 days of life, followed by monthly telephone calls for 6 months to verify lactation status. DISCUSSION: SSC at birth has shown benefits in the short and long term for both the mother and the full-term newborn. Although the meta-analysis that have been done have shown the benefits of this technique, multiple differences in the SSC interventions have been identified because criteria such as the initiation or duration of SSC (dose) have not been unified. Colombia has a malnutrition risk of 11,4 % in the total population for the period 2012-2014, so it is necessary to promote strategies that generate a positive impact on the duration of human lactation, providing support from the clinical setting of humanized delivery which is included in the IAMI strategy (Instituciones Amigas de la Mujer y la Infancia - Friends of Women and Children Institution). Therefore, we propose that the initiation time of SSC in full-term new-borns is related to the duration of exclusive human lactation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT 02687685 . Registered on 2 February 2016. This study is not yet open for participant recruitment.

Evaluación de la regeneración natural de tres especies coníferas en áreas de distribución natural en el altiplano occidental de Guatemala / Evaluation of natural regeneration of coniferous species in areas of natural distribution in the western highlands of Guatemala

Los bosques de coníferas del altiplano occidental de Guatemala han sido perturbados por intervenciones humanasy fenómenos naturales, lo cual ha propiciado la ocurrencia del fenómeno de regeneración natural. En esteescenario se evaluó la densidad de la regeneración natural de tres especies coníferas (Pinus oocarpa Schiede, P.pseudostrobus Lindl. y P. tecunumanii Eguiluz & Perry), en 60 sitios distribuidos en espacios de borde y claro. Las variables evaluadas fueron: fuente de disturbio que originó su establecimiento, variación de la densidad respecto de la fuente de semilla y estimación de la distancia de alcance de dispersión de regeneración adecuada, utilizando unidades de muestreo de 25 m2 para regeneración natural y 500 m2 para los árboles fuente de semilla. Las fuentes de disturbio identificadas fueron: extracción forestal 55%, incendios forestales 24%, plagas 8%, agricultura, alud con 5% cada una y huracán 3%. La variación de la densidad de regeneración natural respecto de la fuente de semilla,corresponde a los modelos de J invertida para bordes, y de variable de subpoblaciones para claros. Las distancias de dispersión de regeneración natural establecida para P. oocarpa fue 65 m en borde y 160 m en claro; para P.pseudostrobus fue 75 m en borde y 175 m en claro; y para P. tecunumanii fue 70 m en borde y 170 m en claro.Las distancias de dispersión con densidades aceptables según Instituto Nacional de Bosques-Programa RegionalForestal para Centroamérica, para las tres especies varían de 65-175 m.

Coniferous forests of the western highlands of Guatemala have been disturbed by human intervention and natural phenomena, which has allowed the occurrence of the phenomenon of natural regeneration. In this scenario thedensity of natural regeneration of conifers three species evaluated (Pinus oocarpa Schiede, P. pseudostrobus Lindl.and P. tecunumanii Eguiluz & Perry) in 60 sites distributed in space and clear edge. The variables evaluated were thesource of disturbance that caused its establishment, density variation of the source of seed and distance estimationrange scattering adequate regeneration, using sampling units of 25 m2 for natural regeneration and 500 m2 seedsource trees. Disturbance sources identified were logging 55%, 24% forest fires, pests 8%, agriculture, avalanche5% each and hurricane 3%. The variation of the density of natural regeneration on the seed source, corresponds to the inverted J models for edges, and to clear variable subpopulations. Dispersal distances of natural regenerationwas established for P.oocarpa 65 m in edges, and 160 m in the clears; P. pseudostrobus 75 m in edges, and 175 min the clears; and P. tecunumanii was 70 m in edges, and 170 m in the clears. Dispersal distances with acceptabledensities according National Forestry Institute-Regional Forestry Programme for Central American, for the threespecies vary from 65-175 m.

Ensayo clínico aleatorizado de la comparación entre método de enseñanza tradicional y escenario simulado para la adquisición de competencias en el reconocimiento de signos de enfermedad respiratoria aguda en pacientes pediátricos / Randomized clinical trial to compare the traditional teaching method and the simulated-scenario teaching © 2015 FEM method in the acquisition of skills for the identification of acute respiratory disease signs in paediatric patients

INTRODUCCIÓN: La infección respiratoria aguda es un problema de salud pública en menores de 5 años; la detección e identificación tempranas de sus signos disminuye la mortalidad en este grupo de edad y es una meta de la formación médica. OBJETIVO: Comparar en estudiantes de medicina el método educativo tradicional y el escenario simulado para el reconocimiento de signos de enfermedad respiratoria aguda en niños de 2 meses a 5 años. SUJETOS Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un ensayo clínico para estudiantes de medicina, aleatorizados en dos grupos: A (clase teórica y ayudas audiovisuales) y B (escenario simulado). El desenlace primario fue el desempeño en la evaluación global. Se realizó prueba de Mann-Withney Wilcoxon para comparación entre grupos y Mann-Withney Wilcoxon pareada para análisis intragrupo (antes y después de la intervención). RESULTADOS: Mediante prueba de Mann-Withney Wilcoxon pareada intragrupo pre y postintervención, el grupo A mostró mejor un desarrollo de competencias en el desenlace primario (p = 0,02) y en la evaluación global del escenario simulado (p = 0,04). El grupo B logró cambios significativos en el desenlace primario (p = 0,00), la anamnesis (p = 0,00) y la evaluación global del escenario simulado (p = 0,00). En la evaluación postintervención no se encontraron diferencias significativas en el desenlace primario ni secundario. CONCLUSIONES. La comparación postintervención entre los grupos A y B no mostró diferencias significativas en ninguna de las variables estudiadas entre ambos grupos

INTRODUCTION: The acute respiratory infection is a public health problem in children under 5 years of age. The early detection and identification of its signs reduces the mortality rates in these age groups and is an objective in medical education. AIM. To compare the traditional teaching method with the simulated-scenario teaching method in the acquisition of skills necessary to recognize respiratory distress in children between 2 months and 5 years of age by medical students. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A clinical trial was done for medical students and they were divided into two randomized groups: group A which used the traditional teaching method and group B, which used the simulated-scenario method. The primary outcomes were seen in the global evaluation performances. A Mann-Withney Wilcoxon test was used for the comparison among groups and a paired Mann-Withney Wilcoxon test was used for the intra-group analysis (before and after the intervention). RESULTS: When using the paired Mann-Withney Wilcoxon intragroup test pre and post intervention, group A showed a better skill development in the primary outcome (p = 0.02) and the global evaluation in simulated scenario (p = 0.04). On the other hand, group B reached significant changes on the primary outcomes (p = 0.00), anamnesis (p = 0.00) and global evaluation with the simulated-scenario method (p = 0.00). It was observed that in the post-intervention evaluation there weren’t any significant differences between the primary and secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The post-intervention comparison between groups A and B didn’t show significant differences in the studied variables between both groups

Descripción anatómica del origen de los músculos flexores y pronadores en el epicóndilo medial del húmero / Description anatomique de l'insertion des muscles fléchisseurs et pronateurs au niveau de l'épicondyle médial de l'humérus / Anatomical description of the origin of flexor and pronator muscles in the medial humeral epicondyle

Introducción: la epicondilitis medial tiene menor incidencia que la epicondilitis lateral. Mucha información de la epicondilitis lateral ha sido extrapolada a la epicondilitis medial. Es una enfermedad que compromete el origen de los músculos pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus, flexor digitorums superficialis y flexor carpi ulnaris de la parte medial del codo. Objetivo: hacer una descripción anatómica del origen de los músculos en el epicóndilo medial teniendo en cuenta su relación con el epicóndilo y con el nervio cubital. Métodos: estudio descriptivo realizado en 20 codos disecados de cadáveres frescos. Se identificó el origen del pronator teres, del flexor carpi radialis, del flexor digitorum superficialis y del flexor carpi ulnaris. Se identificó también el tendón conjunto, su relación con el epicóndilo y con el nervio cubital. Resultados: se encontró un área promedio del epicóndilo de 148,7 mm². El área del origen del tendón conjunto fue proporcionalmente menor con un promedio de 94,7 mm². La longitud, el ancho y espesor del tendón conjunto fueron 4,2; 1,7 y 1 mm, respectivamente. El tendón conjunto estaba formado en su mayor parte por el tendón del flexor carpi radialis. Conclusiones: el flexor carpi radialis forma en su mayor parte el componente tendinoso del origen de la musculatura flexo pronador. Esta musculatura tiene una configuración en V por medial y en Y por lateral. El nervio cubital cursa muy cercano al epicondilo y su alteracion puede ser parte de la sintomatología de dolor de codo medial. Siendo el flexor carpi radialis eminentemente tendinoso, podría ser el asiento principal de los cambios patológicos en la epicondilitis medial(AU)

Introduction: medial epicondylitis is fewer incidences of lateral epicondylitis. The information of lateral epicondylitis has been extrapolated to medial epicondylitis. It is a pathology that involves the origin of the muscles of the medial elbow: Pronator teres, Flexor carpiradialis, palmarislongus, Flexor digitorumsuperficialis and Flexor carpiulnaris.The goal was to make an anatomical description of the origin of the muscles on the medial epicondyle, taking into consideration their relationship with the epicondyle and the ulnar nerve. Methods: twenty elbows were dissected, identifying the origin of the Pronator teres, Flexor carpiradialis, Flexor digitorumsuperficialis and Flexor carpiulnaris. Conjoined tendon was identified, its relationship to the epicondyle and the ulnar nerve. Results: we found an average area of 148.7 mm² epicondyle. The area of origin of the tendon was 94.7 mm². The length, width and thickness of the conjoined tendon were 4.2 mm, 1.7 mm and 1 mm respectively. It was found that the conjoint tendon is formed mostly by carpiradialis flexor tendon. Conclusions: the Flexor carpiradialis formed largely tendinous component of the muscle-tendinous origin of the common Flexor and Pronator teres. These muscles had a V configuration by medial and Y by lateral. The ulnar nerve passed very close to the epicondyle and its alteration may be part of the symptoms of medial elbow pain. We believe that being eminently tendinous the Flexor carpiradialis, could be the main seat of pathological changes in medial epicondylitis(AU)

Introduction: le taux d'incidence de l'épicondylite médiale est plus bas que celui de l'épicondylite latérale. Beaucoup d'information sur l'épicondylite latérale a été extrapolée à l'épicondylite médiale. C'est une maladie affectant l'insertion des muscles promator teres, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus, flexor digitorums superficialis et flexor carpi ulnaris de la partie médiale du coude. Objectif: la fin de cette étude est de faire une description anatomique de l'insertion des muscles au niveau de l'épicondyle médial, en tenant compte de leur rapport avec l'épicondyle et le nerf cubital. Méthodes: une étude descriptive de 20 coudes disséqués de cadavres frais est réalisée. L'insertion du pronator teres, du flexor carpi radialis, du flexor digitorum superficialis et du flexor carpi ulnaris est déterminée. Le tendon conjonctif et sa relation avec l'épicondyle et le nerf cubital sont également identifiés. Résultats: on a trouvé que l'aire moyen de l'épicondyle est 148,7 mm². L'aire d'origine du tendon conjonctif est proportionnellement plus petit avec une moyenne de 94.7 mm². La longueur, le large et l'épaisseur du tendon conjonctif sont respectivement 4,2 ; 1,7 et 1 mm. Le tendon conjonctif est formé en majorité par le tendon du flexor carpi radialis. Conclusions: Le flexor carpi radialis fait largement partie du composant tendineux de l'insertion des muscles fléchisseurs et pronateurs. Cette musculature est en forme de V du côté médial et en forme de Y du côté latéral. Le nerf cubital s'étend très près de l'épicondyle, et son altération peut se trouver dans la symptomatologie de douleur du coude médial. Étant le flexor carpi radialis notamment tendineux, il pourrait être le foyer principal des changements pathologiques de l'épicondylite médiale(AU)

Epicondilitis medial. Revisión del estado actual de la enfermedad / Medial epicondylitis. Current concepts

La epicondilitis medial tiene menor incidencia que la lateral, patología que ha sido principalmente descrita en estudios anatómicos y clínicos. La información sobre la epicondilitis lateral ha sido extrapolada a la epicondilitis medial. Se ha denominado a la epicondilitis medial como "codo de golfista", debido a la asociación con este deporte; sin embargo, se asocia mucho más a actividades laborales específicas. Es una patología que compromete el origen de los músculos de la parte medial del codo, conocidos como músculos flexopronadores, organizados así: pronator teres, flexor carpiradialis, palmarislongus, flexordigitorumsuperficialis y flexor carpiulnaris. El diagnóstico principalmente es clínico y se puede apoyar mediante imágenes diagnósticas. El manejo conservador es el más frecuente (85-90%), y los objetivos son mejoría del dolor y rehabilitación para una reincorporación a las actividades. En casos resistentes a tratamiento conservador, la cirugía es el último paso, preferiblemente resecando la zona afectada.

The medial epicondylitis has a smaller impact that the lateral, pathology that has mainly been described in anatomical study and clinical trials. The information on the lateral epicondylitis has been extrapolated to the medial epicondylitis. It has been called to the medial epicondylitis as "golfer's elbow", due to the association with this sport, however joins much more to labor activities. It is a pathology that commits the origin of the muscles of the medial elbow, known as flexopronator muscles, organized like this: pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, palmarislongus, flexordigitorumsuperficialis, flexor carpi ulnaris. The diagnosis is mainly clinical and can be supported by diagnostic images. The treatment conservative is more frequent (85-90%) and the objectives are: improvement of the pain and rehabilitation for a return to the activities, if not achieved the improvement is performed surgery preferably with resection the affected area.

Fracturas ocultas de cadera / Hidden femur fractures

El diagnóstico de una fractura de cadera se basa en una adecuada historia clínica, examen físico y una serie de radiografías que evidencian la lesión. El diagnóstico de las fracturas ocultas es difícil porque en muchas ocasiones el mecanismo de trauma no corresponde a la clínica y la lesión no se observa en las radiografías simples. Las fracturas ocultas de cadera pueden presentarse en todos los grupos de edad y en cualquier segmento corporal del individuo; estas fracturas son más frecuentes en las personas mayores de 65 años o con condiciones óseas degenerativas, casi siempre asociadas a traumas mínimos. La falla en el diagnóstico conlleva al aumento de la morbilidad y mortalidad en este tipo de pacientes. Es importante conocer la presentación clínica, la fisiopatología y los elementos para el diagnóstico de esta entidad para evitar complicaciones. Con el conocimiento de todos estos elementos se tendrá en cuenta esta patología como un diagnóstico diferencial más y se estudiará adecuadamente en beneficio del paciente.

Palidez palmo-plantar como método diagnóstico de anemia leve-moderada / Palm-plantar pallor as a diagnostic method of mild-moderate anemia

Objetivo: determinar las características operativas de la palidez palmo-plantar en una población rural infantil colombiana como método diagnóstico de anemia, estableciendo la correlación con los valores de microhematocrito. Metodología: a través de un estudio de corte transversal para análisis de método diagnóstico, se evaluaron ciento sesenta y nueve niños y niñas entre los dos meses y los doce años de edad del área rural de influencia del municipio San Vicente del Caguán que ingresaron a una brigada de salud y aceptaron participar en el estudio, previo consentimiento informado. Se excluyeron aquellos con patologías agudas o crónicas que pudieran influenciar los resultados. Se determinó la presencia de palidez palmo-plantar por observadores entrenados en la estrategia de atención integrada a las enfermedades prevalentes en la infancia (AIEPI) y se midió el hematocrito por técnica manual microcapilar. Previo al análisis general, se realizó un estudio de concordancia entre los observadores; posteriormente se determinaron la sensibilidad, la especificidad y los valores predictivos positivo y negativo usando el hematocrito como estándar. Resultados: de la muestra evaluada, noventa y tres fueron varones y setenta y siete niñas; 45% tenía palidez palmar. Al medir el microhematocrito, 34,1% presentaba anemia. El análisis de prueba diagnóstica mostró una sensibilidad de 67,2%, una especificidad de 66,6%, un valor predictivo positivo de 51,3% y un valor predictivo negativo de 79,5%. En la mayoría de muestras del frotis de sangre periférica de niños anémicos se encontró hipocromía y eosinofilia. Conclusiones: aunque esta herramienta presenta una baja sensibilidad y especificidad cuando se trata de anemia leve-moderada, puede ser útil para excluir anemia en los niños ante la ausencia de palidez palmar.

Objective: to determine the palm-plant paleness’ characteristics in Colombian infant rural population, as a diagnostic method of anemia, and to establish a correlation between the finding of palm-plant paleness and the Hematocrit values. Methodology: a cross sectional study was used to evaluate 169 boys and girls, between 2 months and 12 years old, of the rural area of San Vicente del Caguan, who entered into a Health Campaign. Following the signature of an informed consent, parents accept their children to participate in the study. Those with acute or chronic pathologies were excluded. The presence of palm-plant paleness was determined by observers trained in the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) Strategy. Hematocrit was measured to all children, as well as a peripheral blood smear. Interrater concordance evaluation (Kappa index) was determined through a pilot test and a validation (sensitivity, specificity) was performed, using Hematocrit as the standard. Results: 93 of the participants were male and 77 were female. 45% of them had palm paleness. The Hematocrit showed anemia in 34.1% of the children. The validation analysis demonstrated a 67.2% of sensibility, a 66.6% of specificity, a 51.3% of positive predictive values and a 79.5% of negative predictive values. Hypochromic and Eosinophilia were found in most of the peripheral blood smears’ children with anemia. Conclusions: although this tool presents a low sensibility and specificity for low/moderated anemia, it is useful for excluding it in infants without palm paleness.

Políticas públicas y salud: relación entre investigación y decisión / Health and public policies: research and decision making relationship

Introducción: la gestión de políticas públicas y la investigación son procesos que se complementan. Las primeras deben resolver problemas concretos y las segundas deben ser orientadoras de la decisión hacia cambios sociales benéficos. Sin embargo, no existe una teorización que explique suficientemente las complejas relaciones entre investigaciones y políticas. A continuación se identifican condiciones y tendencias cuya intervención podría optimizar el desempeño de los investigadores en este campo. Objetivo: explorar la relación entre la investigación y las políticas en salud, determinando condiciones y tendencias que permitirán mejorar la intervención de los investigadores frente a las políticas en salud. Metodología: revisión bibliográfica. Resultados: diferentes modelos idealizados pretenden dar cuenta de las relaciones entre investigaciones y políticas, pero se quedan cortos al explicar por qué algunas interacciones son exitosas y otras no. Tanto la investigación como la gestión de políticas son procesos dinámicos que no ocurren siempre de igual manera y cuyos puntos de convergencia se relacionan con cinco dimensiones: el tema o asunto central al que ambas se refieren, las características personales de los investigadores y los políticos, la manera como ambos desarrollan su papel, las presiones del contexto sociopolítico sobre investigadores y políticos y el impacto potencial de los hallazgos. Conclusiones: la influencia potencial de las investigaciones sobre las decisiones políticas depende de múltiples factores, algunos de los cuales han sido identificados por la literatura y podrían ser gobernables por los investigadores. Las publicaciones sugieren que debe promoverse un mayor contacto entre los investigadores y los tomadores de decisiones.

Hernia diafragmática postesofagectomía transhiatal. Una complicación excepcional / Diaphragmatic hernia after posthiatal esophagectomy. A exceptional complication

La hernia diafragmática postesofagectomía transhiatal es una complicación excepcional, esto se debe a la escasa sobrevida a largo plazo de los cánceres de esófago y a lo oligosintomático del cuadro, hecho que dificulta su diagnóstico. Existen pocas comunicaciones en la literatura de habla inglesa al respecto. No encontramos publicaciones en nuestro medio. La resección circunferencial del hiato (realizada en los tumores de 1/3 inferior esofágico) crearía una mayor predisposición para la aparición de esta complicación en los enfermos sometidos a esofagectomía transhiatal. La radiología de tórax puede ser diagnóstica, pero son la tomografía axial computada y el estudio contrastado de intestino los que confirman el diagnóstico. El tratamiento se reserva para aquellos enfermos con distress respiratorio importante y complicaciones agudas como la oclusión intestinal. La mortalidad es elevada especialmente si se presenta una complicación aguda, disminuyendo notoriamente si se realiza diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz.

[Risk factors for severe acute lower respiratory tract infection in Bogota, 2001]. / Factores de riesgo para infección respiratoria aguda baja grave en Bogotá, 2001.

Severity of acute respiratory infection is higher in developing countries, especially among the socioeconomically underprivileged. Viral pneumonias are more common, especially among children. A prospective hospital-based case control study was undertaken in Bogota between November 2000 and August 2001, aimed to identify factors related to severe low acute respiratory infection (SLARI). Cases were limited to children aged between 2 months and 5 years who filled WHO criteria for SLARI. Controls were children at the same hospital with ARI in a similar age range, but without symptoms of chest drawing. A total of 638 children (277 cases and 361 controls) were included. The most important risk factors included the following: living in borrowed houses (odds ratio (OR) = 2.7; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.06-7.07), sharing the bed (OR = 1.88, CI: 1.0-3.7), living with more than 9 people (OR = 1.82, CI: 1.0-3.51), and living with smokers (OR = 1.4, CI: 1.0-2.05). Of the 114 samples collected (from children at third day after beginning of symptoms), 98 had viruses, sincitial respiratory virus was the most frequently identified virus (41.8%), followed by influenza A virus (3.1%) and influenza B virus (1%). All positive isolates for influenza A and B were sent to the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, where they were classified as influenza A/PANAMA/2007/99-like and influenza B/SICHUAN/379/99-like, respectively.