Cribado poblacional de aneurismas de la aorta abdominal. Estudio piloto en Salamanca / Population screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms. Pilot study in Salamanca

Introducción: una estrategia para reducir la mortalidad de los aneurismas de la aorta abdominal es conocer su existencia en fase asintomática. Así podremos clasificar los pacientes, en función del tamaño del aneurisma, en candidatos a cirugía programada o a seguimiento periódico. Objetivos: conocer la eficacia, la seguridad y la aceptabilidad de un programa piloto de cribado de aneurismas de la aorta abdominal mediante ecografía abdominal realizada en una población de riesgo. Material y métodos: programa organizado por la Real Academia de Medicina y el Instituto de Investigación Biomédica y ejecutado por el Servicio de Angiología, Cirugía Vascular y Endovascular del Hospital Universitario de Salamanca. El cribado se realizó hace un año, en dos carpas situadas en una céntrica plaza de Salamanca. El análisis incluyó a 295 varones ≥ 65 años, residentes en Salamanca capital, de forma libre y gratuita. Se excluyeron aquellos con aneurisma aórtico conocido. Se realizaron: 1) registro de datos; 2) eco Doppler color por especialistas en angiología y cirugía vascular, y 3) encuesta de satisfacción. Todos firmaron un consentimiento informado. Resultados: el diámetro transversal medio de la aorta abdominal fue de 1,81 ± 0,36 cm. Se detectaron 2 aneurismas (diámetro mayor: ≥ 3,0 cm; 3,1 y 4,7 cm) y 3 ectasias aórticas (diámetro ≥ 2,5 y < 3,0 cm). El 98,3 % (290 varones) no presentó ectasia o aneurisma (aorta < 2,5 cm). Tres individuos (obesidad o aire intrabdominal) fueron reevaluados posteriormente. Se analizaron los factores de riesgo y los antecedentes de la población cribada. 180 participantes del cribado (61,0 %) rellenaron anónimamente una encuesta de satisfacción, con resultados muy positivos. Conclusión: si bien el rendimiento de detección fue bajo, la estrategia y el método empleado fueron satisfactorios para el equipo explorador y la población explorada. Este estudio piloto nos permitirá planificar y organizar un segundo cribado más amplio y de nuevos objetivos.(AU)

Introduction: a strategy to reduce the mortality of abdominal aortic aneurysms is to know their existence in theasymptomatic phase. This way we can classify patients, mainly according to the size of the aneurysm, into candi-dates for scheduled elective surgery or periodic follow-up.Objectives: to determine the effectiveness, safety, and acceptability of a pilot screening program for abdominalaortic aneurysms, using abdominal ultrasound, performed in a risk population.Material and methods: program organized by the Royal Academy of Medicine and the Biomedical ResearchInstitute, and carried out by the Angiology and Vascular Surgery service of the University Hospital of Salamanca.The screening was carried out a year ago, in two tents located in a central square in Salamanca. The study included295 men over 65 years of age, residents of Salamanca capital, free of charge. Those with known aortic aneurysmwere excluded. The following were carried out: 1) data recording; 2) color echo-Doppler, by specialists in angiologyand vascular surgery; and 3) satisfaction survey. All signed an informed consent.Results: the mean transverse diameter of the abdominal aorta was 1.81 ± 0.36 cm. Two aneurysms were detect-ed (largest diameter ≥ 3.0 cm; 3.1 and 4.7 cm), and 3 aortic ectasias (diameter ≥ 2.5 and < 3.0 cm). The 98.3 %(290 men) did not present ectasia or aneurysm (aorta < 2.5 cm). Three individuals (obesity or intra-abdominal air) weresubsequently re-evaluated. The risk factors and background of the screened population were analyzed. A satisfactionsurvey was completed freely and anonymously by 180 screening participants (61.0 %) with very positive results.Conclusion: although the detection performance was low, the strategy and method used were satisfactory for theexploring team and the population explored. The present pilot study will allow us to plan and organize a second,broader screening with new objectives.(AU)

Expanding the phenotype of PIGP deficiency to multiple congenital anomalies-hypotonia-seizures syndrome.

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins are involved in multiple physiological processes and the initial stage of their biosynthesis is mediated by PIGA, PIGC, PIGH, PIGP, PIGQ, PIGY, and DMP2 genes, which have been linked to a wide spectrum of phenotypes depending on the gene damaged. To date, the PIGP gene has only been related to Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy 55 (MIM#617599) in just seven patients. A detailed medical history was performed in two affected siblings with a multiple malformation syndrome. Genetic testing was performed using whole-exome sequencing. One patient presented dysmorphic features, congenital anomalies, hypotonia and epileptic encephalopathy as described in PIGA, PIGQ and PIGY deficiencies. The other one was a fetus with a severe malformation disorder at 17 weeks of gestation whose pregnancy was interrupted. Both were compound heterozygous of pathogenic variants in PIGP gene: NM_153682.3:c.2 T > C(p.?) and a 136 Kb deletion (GRCh37/hg19 21q22.13(chr21:38329939-38 466 066)×1) affecting the entire PIGP gene. Our results extend the clinical phenotype associated to PIGP gene and propose to include it as a novel cause of Multiple Congenital Anomalies-Hypotonia-Seizures syndrome.

Longitudinal perturbations of plasma nuclear magnetic resonance profiles in neonatal encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is a major cause of mortality and severe neurological disability in the neonatal period and beyond. We hypothesized that the degree of brain injury is reflected in the molecular composition of peripheral blood samples. METHODS: A sub-cohort of 28 newborns included in the HYPOTOP trial was studied. Brain injury was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) once per patient and neurodevelopment at 24 months of age was evaluated using the Bayley III Scales of Infant and Toddler Development. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) profile of 60 plasma samples collected before, during, and after cooling was recorded. RESULTS: In total, 249 molecular features were quantitated in plasma samples from newborns and postnatal age showed to affect detected NMR profiles. Lactate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, pyruvate, and three triglyceride biomarkers showed the ability to discern between different degrees of brain injury according to MRI scores. The prediction performance of lactate was superior as compared to other clinical and biochemical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first longitudinal study of an ample compound panel recorded by NMR spectroscopy in plasma from NE infants. The serial determination of lactate confirms its solid position as reliable candidate biomarker for predicting the severity of brain injury. IMPACT: The use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy enables the simultaneous quantitation of 249 compounds in a small volume (i.e., 100 µL) of plasma. Longitudinal perturbations of plasma NMR profiles were linked to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes of infants with neonatal encephalopathy (NE). Lactate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, pyruvate, and three triglyceride biomarkers showed the ability to discern between different degrees of brain injury according to MRI scores. Lactate is a minimally invasive candidate biomarker for early staging of MRI brain injury in NE infants that might be readily implemented in clinical guidelines for NE outcome prediction.

Noninvasive monitoring of evolving urinary metabolic patterns in neonatal encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: Infants with moderate and severe neonatal encephalopathy (NE) frequently suffer from long-term adverse outcomes. We hypothesize that the urinary metabolome of newborns with NE reflects the evolution of injury patterns observed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: Eligible patients were newborn infants with perinatal asphyxia evolving to NE and qualifying for therapeutic hypothermia (TH) included in the HYPOTOP trial. MRI was employed for characterizing brain injury. Urine samples of 55 infants were collected before, during, and after TH. Metabolic profiles of samples were recorded employing three complementary mass spectrometry-based assays, and the alteration of detected metabolic features between groups was assessed. RESULTS: The longitudinal assessment revealed significant perturbations of the urinary metabolome. After 24 h of TH, a stable disease pattern evolved characterized by the alterations of 4-8% of metabolic features related to lipid metabolism, metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism. Characteristic metabolomic fingerprints were observed for different MRI injury patterns. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the potential of urinary metabolic profiles for the noninvasive monitoring of brain injury of infants with NE during TH. IMPACT: A comprehensive approach for the study of the urinary metabolome was employed involving a semi-targeted capillary electrophoresis-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) assay, an untargeted ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-quadrupole TOFMS assay, and a targeted UPLC-tandem MS-based method for the quantification of amino acids. The longitudinal study of the urinary metabolome identified dynamic metabolic changes between birth and until 96 h after the initiation of TH. The identification of altered metabolic pathways in newborns with pathologic MRI outcomes might offer the possibility of developing noninvasive monitoring approaches for personalized adjustment of the treatment and for supporting early outcome prediction.

Do Levels of Lipid Peroxidation Biomarkers Reflect the Degree of Brain Injury in Newborns?

The pathogenesis and progression of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a major cause of severe neurological disability and mortality in the perinatal period, are shaped by the interplay of multiple processes, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and excitotoxicity. We conducted a longitudinal study to determine biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in noninvasive urine samples of newborns with moderate/severe HIE (N = 51), employing liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We noted that levels of several biomarkers of oxidative stress increased over time, demonstrating the ongoing propagation of oxidative injury. Prostaglandins, in contrast, showed a decreasing trend in their concentration profiles over time, which probably reflects their mediation in pathogenic mechanisms, including the inflammatory response. Statistically significant differences in the levels of oxidative stress of neonates with distinct brain lesion patterns, as detected with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), were observed, revealing an increase of lipid peroxidation biomarkers in newborns with cerebral lesions (MRI score of 1 compared with scores of 0 and 2). Moreover, a gender-dependent study showed no statistically significant differences in biomarker concentrations between male and female infants. Our observation leads to the hypothesis that monitoring of noninvasive lipid peroxidation biomarkers could aid in diagnosis and prediction of long-term outcomes as a complementary tool to standard exploration. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 1467-1475.

Cranial ultrasound for beginners.

Cranial ultrasound (CUS) is an extremely valuable tool to evaluate the brain during the first year of life, in experienced hands. It is the initial screening imaging tool to evaluate the infants' brain and complementary to the use of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is an accessible, inexpensive and harmless technique that can be used bedside as frequently as needed. The aim of this article is to provide a guide for beginners about the indications, basic technical parameters, scanning technique, standardized planes, common variants and the most frequent abnormal findings visualized with this technique. This article will explain a systematic technique to adequately visualize and document all the relevant intracranial structures, using the anterior fontanelle, mastoid fontanelle and Doppler ultrasound. The variants described in this review include the normal sulcation of the premature baby, the peritrigonal echogenic "blush", lenticulostriate vasculopathy (LSV), benign enlargement of the subrarachnoid space in infancy, asymmetric lateral ventricles, connatal cysts, cavum septum pellucidum (CSP), cavum vergae (CV), cavum velum interpositum, megacisterna magna and choroid plexus cysts. This article will describe the sonographic appearance of different types of intracranial hemorrhage of the preterm and term baby, periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), central and peripheral hypoxic-ischemic events of the term baby, neonatal arterial infarction, cerebro-venous sinus thrombosis, congenital and neonatal cerebral infections, hydrocephalus, intracranial solid and cystic masses, and congenital brain malformations.

Quantitative Evaluation of Neonatal Brain Elasticity Using Shear Wave Elastography.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the feasibility of 2-dimensional brain ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) and to define the average elasticity values of the gray and white matter in term neonates. METHODS: This work was a prospective observational single-center study including 55 healthy term neonates consecutively recruited in the maternity ward between the second and third postnatal days. All were successfully evaluated with a cerebral SWE examination performed with a multifrequency 4-9-MHz transducer. Bilateral sagittal planes of the thalamus and corona radiata were used to measure stiffness using a quantitative SWE method. Several elastograms with 5 to 15 nonoverlapping areas were obtained from the 2 different anatomic locations. The 5 most central measurements were averaged as representative values. RESULTS: The 55 neonates ranged from 37 to 40 weeks' gestation. The estimated mean velocity values of the thalamus (1.17 m/s; 95% confidence interval, 1.13, 1.22 m/s) and corona radiata (1.60 m/s; 95% confidence interval, 1.57, 1.64 m/s) were statistically different (P < .001). There was no significant influence of laterality, gestational age, cephalic perimeter, sex, length, or type of delivery on the stiffness measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Brain ultrasound SWE is feasible and allows measurements of neonatal brain elasticity. The elasticity of the thalamus and corona radiata at the frontal white matter in healthy term neonates is different. The knowledge of normal SWE ranges in term neonates allows comparative studies under pathologic conditions.

Metabolic Phenotypes of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy with Normal vs. Pathologic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Outcomes.

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the most relevant contributors to neurological disability in term infants. We hypothesized that clinical outcomes of newborns with (HIE) can be associated with changes at plasma metabolic level enabling the detection of brain injury. Plasma samples of a cohort of 55 asphyxiated infants who evolved to moderate/severe HIE were collected between birth and completion of therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Samples were analyzed employing a quantitative gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method for the determination of lactate and pyruvate and an untargeted liquid chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry method for metabolic fingerprinting. Brain injury was assessed employing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A critical assessment of the usefulness of lactate, pyruvate, and pyruvate/lactate for outcome prediction was carried out. Besides, metabolic fingerprinting identified a dynamic perturbation of eleven metabolic pathways, including amino acid and purine metabolism, and the steroid hormone biosynthesis, in newborns with pathologic MRI outcomes. Although data suggest the usefulness of lactate and pyruvate monitoring during 72 h for discerning outcomes, only the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway was significantly altered in early plasma samples (i.e., before the initiation of TH). This study highlights pathways that might potentially be targeted for biomarker discovery or adjuvant therapies to be combined with TH.

Decision-making and therapeutic options in intact splenic artery aneurysms: single-center experience and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Splenic artery aneurysms are rare, potentially serious, and usually asymptomatic. Several methods are currently available to treat them, each with their own advantages and drawbacks. Therefore, its therapeutic paradigm has changed. METHODS: We review our database of splenic aneurysms (2009-2019) and undertake an exhaustive literature review. Demographic, clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, early and follow-up outcome data were examined. Our experience comprised: 15 patients with 19 splenic aneurysms. 11 women (average age, 59.4 years) and 4 men (average age, 61.7 years). All asymptomatic. RESULTS: At diagnosis, aneurysms had a mean cross-sectional diameter of 3.4 cm (3.2 and 3.9 for women and men, respectively), the largest measuring 8.5 cm. Two independent aneurysms were detected in four patients. Diagnoses were always incidental to a CT scan. Treatments consisted of open surgery (2 patients), endovascular surgery (10 patients: 7 embolizations, 3 covered stent) and observation/follow-up (3 patients). The cases of open surgery (with splenectomy) were carried out without postoperative morbidity. One embolization failed (requiring subsequent open surgery) and two suffered localized splenic infarction, but without further complications. In patients treated with a covered stent, the aneurysm was always excluded, without complications. There was no 30-day or follow-up (average 26.2 months) mortality. Splenic aneurysms are diagnosed more frequently and earlier (in the asymptomatic phase), albeit incidentally, than in the past. CONCLUSIONS: The correct indication (identifying patients at risk) and individualization of treatment, in which endovascular techniques are the first-line option, have significantly improved morbidity and mortality outcomes in our hospital.

Spontaneous rupture of a mechanical valve in a mitral position (On-X) with migration-embolization to aortic bifurcation from the perspective of the vascular surgeon.

We report on the case of spontaneous rupture of an On-X-pure pyrolytic carbon mechanical valve prosthesis implanted seven years earlier, in a mitral position, at our hospital. The patient was admitted with valvular dysfunction and acute pulmonary edema requiring emergency surgery (prosthesis replacement); the absence of a leaflet was confirmed intraoperatively. The patient presented severe respiratory failure, which prolonged the postoperative period. A CT scan showed that the migrated leaflet was located in the aortic bifurcation with no apparent arterial lesion. Four months later, once the patient had recovered, laparotomy and aortotomy were performed in order to retrieve the leaflet, which was found to have become included (neoendothelized) in the aortic wall without compromising the latter's integrity or obstructing the blood flow. A subsequent CT scan confirmed the persistence of the leaflet in its initial position. The literature review highlights two singular facts: 1) this is the second published case of the escape of a leaflet from an On-X prosthesis (the first patient died); 2) this is the first case in which a laparotomy was performed to retrieve the leaflet but finally a decision was made to leave it in situ. Seven months later, the patient remained asymptomatic.

Tamaño del infarto cerebral aterotrombótico del territorio carotídeo según sus factores de riesgo / Size of the atherothrombotic cerebral infarction from carotid territory according to its risk factors

Introducción: La mayoría de los infartos cerebrales aterotrombóticos son debidos a aterosclerosis extracraneal y a los factores de riesgo que lo condicionan. Objetivo: Caracterizar a pacientes con ictus aterotrombótico de territorio anterior según tamaño, sexo y factores de riesgo aterotrombótico. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal a 63 pacientes que acudieron al Hospital Militar Central "Dr. Carlos J. Finlay" con diagnóstico de infarto cerebral aterotrombótico reciente de territorio carotídeo, a los que se les realizó tomografía de cráneo simple, entre los años 2011 y 2013. Resultados: Predominaron los infartos grandes (57,1 por ciento) en hombres (80,6 por ciento) y de forma general también fue el sexo masculino el más afectado (68,3 por ciento). La mayoría de los pacientes que tuvieron tanto infartos medianos (59,3 por ciento) como infartos grandes (58,3 por ciento), refirieron de 3 a 4 factores de riesgo aterotrombótico (58,7 por ciento). Prevaleció la hipertensión arterial (82,5 por ciento), con mayor coincidencia con los infartos medianos (88,9 por ciento), que con los infartos grandes (77,8 por ciento). Conclusiones: El ictus aterotrombótico reciente de territorio de irrigación carotídeo se caracterizó en esta serie, por infartos grandes y mayor afectación de adultos mayores, hipertensos, del sexo masculino. La existencia de 3 a 4 factores de riesgo en cada paciente prevalece tanto en los que presentan infarto cerebral mediano como grande(AU)

Introduction: Most of atherothrombotic cerebral infarctions are due to extracranial atherosclerosis and the risk factors that condition it. Objective: To characterize patients with atherothrombotic stroke of the anterior territory according to size, sex and atherothrombotic risk factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed on 63 patients attended at the "Dr. Carlos J. Finlay" hospital with a diagnosis of recent atherothrombotic cerebral infarction of the carotid territory, who underwent simple skull tomography, between 2011 and 2013. Results: Large infarcts predominated (57.1 percent) in men (80.6 percent) and in general, male sex was also the most affected (68.3 percent). Most of patients who had both moderate infarcts (59.3 percent) and large infarcts (58.3 percent), reported 3 to 4 atherothrombotic risk factors (58.7 percent). Prevalence of arterial hypertension (82.5 percent), with greater coincidence with medium infarcts (88.9 percent), than with large infarcts (77.8 percent). Conclusions: The recent atherothrombotic stroke of the carotid irrigation area was characterized in this series, due to large infarcts and greater involvement of elderly, hypertensive males. The existence of 3 to 4 risk factors in each patient prevails both in those with medium cerebral infarction and large ones(AU)

Aterosclerosis carotídea en el infarto cerebral aterotrombótico del territorio vascular homónimo / Carotid atherosclerosis in atherothrombotic cerebral infarction of the homonymous vascular territory

Introducción: El eco-Doppler carotídeo es la prueba de elección en el estudio inicial y de seguimiento del ictus aterotrombótico. Objetivo: Describir los hallazgos ecográficos en ambos ejes carotídeos en pacientes con infarto cerebral aterotrombótico del territorio vascular homónimo. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación observacional con todos los pacientes (63), que acudieron al Hospital Militar Central "Dr. Carlos J. Finlay", entre octubre del 2012 y septiembre del 2013, con diagnóstico clínico y tomográfico de infarto cerebral aterotrombótico de territorio anterior, a los que se les realizó eco-Doppler carotídeo. Resultados: Se contabilizaron mayor cantidad de placas de ateromas en el eje carotídeo homolateral al ictus aterotrombótico (54,3 por ciento) y la gran mayoría de estos fueron inestables (98,4 por ciento). La placa tipo III (50 por ciento), la irregularidad del contorno (54,1 por ciento) y la estenosis menor del 49 por ciento (57,6 por ciento) fueron los hallazgos ecográficos que dominaron en el eje contralateral al infarto. En ambas carótidas también fueron las placas tipo III (47,1 por ciento), la irregularidad de los contornos (51,6 por ciento), las estenosis no significativas (54,3 por ciento) y la inestabilidad de estas (94,4 por ciento), las que predominaron. Conclusiones: La aterosclerosis carotídea en el ictus aterotrombótico describe mayoritariamente placas tipo III irregulares, que provocan estenosis menores del 49 por ciento en ambos ejes carotídeos y la inestabilidad es casi constante, con una incidencia ligeramente mayor en el eje carotídeo homolateral al infarto. La frecuencia del resto de las cualidades de las placas de ateromas enunciadas, domina levemente en el eje carotídeo contralateral(AU)

Introduction: Carotid echo-Doppler is the test of choice in the initial and follow-up study of atherothrombotic stroke. Objective: To describe echographic findings in both carotid axes in patients with atherothrombotic cerebral infarction of the homonymous vascular territory. Methods: Sixty-three patients underwent an observational and cross-sectional investigation at Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Central Military Hospital from October 2012 to September 2013. They have a clinical and tomographic diagnosis of atherothrombotic cerebral infarct from the previous territory and the underwent a carotid echo-Doppler. Results: We recorded higher number of atheromatous plaques in the homolateral carotid axis at atherothrombotic stroke (54.3 percent) and the majority was unstable (98.4 percent). Type III plate (50 percent), irregularity of the contour (54.1 percent) and less than 49 percent stenosis (57.6 percent) were the echographic findings that dominated the axis contralateral to the infarction. In both carotids, type III plaques (47.1 percent), irregularity of the contours (51.6 percent), non-significant stenosis (54.3 percent) and instability (94.4 percent) predominated. Conclusions: Carotid atherosclerosis in atherothrombotic stroke mostly describes the presence of irregular, type III plaques that cause stenosis of less than 49 percent in both carotid axes. The instability of them is almost constant, with a slightly higher incidence in the homolateral carotid axis to infarction. The frequency of the rest of the qualities of the listed atheromatous plaques slightly dominates in the contralateral carotid axis(AU)

Enteric duplication cysts in children: varied presentations, varied imaging findings.

Enteric duplication cysts (EDCs) are rare congenital malformations formed during the embryonic development of the digestive tract. They are usually detected prenatally or in the first years of life. The size, location, type, mucosal pattern and presence of complications produce a varied clinical presentation and different imaging findings. Ultrasonography (US) is the most used imaging method for diagnosis. Magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) are less frequently used, but can be helpful in cases of difficult surgical approach. Conservative surgery is the treatment of choice. Pathology confirms the intestinal origin of the cyst, showing a layer of smooth muscle in the wall and an epithelial lining inside, resembling some part of the gastrointestinal tract (GT). We review the different forms of presentation of the EDCs, showing both the typical and atypical imaging findings with the different imaging techniques. We correlate the imaging findings with the surgical results and the final pathological features. TEACHING POINTS: • EDCs are rare congenital anomalies from the digestive tract with uncertain pathogenesis. • More frequently, diagnosis is antenatal, with most EDCs occurring in the distal ileum. • Ultrasonography is the method of choice for diagnosis of EDCs. • Complicated EDCs can show atypical imaging findings. • Surgery is necessary to avoid complications.

Presencia del gen cagA y de la citotoxina vacA del Helicobacter pylori en pacientes dispépticos / Presence of Caga Gene and Vaca Cytotoxin of Helicobacter Pylori in Dyspeptic Patients

Introducción: existen evidencias de la participación de ciertos genotipos del Helicobacter pylori con patologías más severas. Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia del gen cagA y las variantes alélicas de la citotoxina vacA del Helicobacter pylori en un grupo de pacientes dispépticos, así como el daño causado en la mucosa gástrica por esta bacteria. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo en el Hospital Dr. Carlos J. Finlay, desde el 2011-2012. La muestra estuvo conformada por 71 pacientes con cultivo positivo para Helicobacter, a los que se les realizó endoscopía con toma de biopsias. Se realizó determinación del gen cagA y de los alelos de la citotoxina vacA y se determinó mediante estudio histológico el daño causado en la mucosa gástrica por la bacteria. Se utilizó el método estadístico Chi cuadrado con una significación estadística de alfa < 0,05 para determinar la significación de los genotipos. Resultados: el 69 por ciento de los pacientes fue cagA+ y el 56,3 por ciento vacA s1m1. En los individuos cagA+ predominaron los alelos s1m1 (52,1 por ciento) y en los cagA- las variantes s2m2 (22,5 por ciento). La gastritis crónica moderada fue el diagnóstico histológico más frecuente relacionado con el genotipo cagAvacAs1m1. Conclusiones: los pacientes dispépticos estudiados presentaron con mayor frecuencia una cepa muy virulenta (cagA+/vacAs1m1), aunque el daño histológico sobre la mucosa gástrica fue menor del esperado(AU)

Introduction: There is evidence of the involvement of certain genotypes del Helicobacter pylori in more several pathologies. Objective: Determine the frequency of gen cagA and the citotoxinavacA of Helicobacter pylori in dyspeptic patients and the damage of gastric mucosa. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted at the Hospital Dr. Carlos J. Finlay, from 2011-2012 in 71 patients with positive culture for Helicobacter . The study included determination of the gen cagA and the citotoxinavacA. The analysis of results was performed using the Chi square statistic method with statistical significance alpha <0.05. Results: 69 percent of patients wascagA+ and 56.3 percent vacAs1m1. In individuals cagA+ predominateds1m1 (52.1 percent) and in the cagA- predominate s2m2 (22.5 percent). The moderate chronic gastritis was the most frequent histological diagnosis related to the cagAvacAs1m1 genotype. Conclusions: A highly virulent strain (cagA + / vacAs1m1) predominate in dyspeptic patients of this study(AU)

A rare case of regression of brown tumors of tertiary hyperparathyroidism after parathyroidectomy and renal transplant: A 5-year follow-up.

Tertiary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a rare condition that affects patients with secondary HPT, which develop hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands, thus causing an increase in parathyroid hormone levels. Bone alterations are the main consequences of this condition including the development of osteolytic lesions called brown tumor. This article reports an unusual case of brown tumors located in the maxilla and mandible in a 19-year-old man with chronic renal failure with hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands. The lesions regressed approximately 5 months after the parathyroidectomy. At this same time, the patient underwent renal transplant. The patient was followed for 5 years, showing improvement in overall clinical status. There was also improvement of the results of laboratory tests and the pattern of trabecular bone. The correct diagnosis of oral lesions was of great relevance for the conservative treatment could have been chosen.

Microwave-assisted extraction, HPLC analysis, and inhibitory effects on carbonic anhydrase I, II, VA, and VII isoforms of 14 blueberry Italian cultivars.

The multi-component fingerprint and the biological evaluation of plant-derived material are indispensable for the pharmaceutical field, in food quality control procedures, and in all plant-based products. We investigated the quantitative content of biologically active compounds (anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid) of microwave-assisted blueberry extracts from 14 different Italian cultivars, using validated high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA) method and routinely instrument configuration. The carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) inhibition profiles against several pharmacologically relevant CA isoforms of blueberry extracts and some bioactive compounds were also investigated. The various cultivars showed a highly variable content in anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid, and their CA inhibitory effects were also highly variable. Overall these data prove that antioxidant natural products found in blueberries may be useful for designing pharmacological agents in which various CAs are involved, e.g., antiobesity, antitumor, or anticonvulsants agents.

Diagnóstico de tripanosomiasis americana en estudiantes de la Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina / Diagnosis of American Trypanosomiasis in Students of the Latin American School of Medicine

Introducción: los países donde no es endémica la enfermedad de Chagas (EC) enfrentan, entre sus desafíos, la determinación de su prevalencia en personas provenientes de áreas endémicas. Objetivos: determinar la presencia de anticuerpos anti-Trypanosoma cruzi por diferentes métodos serológicos en muestras de suero de estudiantes de la Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina (ELAM), detectar la presencia del genoma del parásito mediante técnica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR-kDNA) en el grupo estudiado y evaluar, preliminarmente, los métodos utilizados en el algoritmo de trabajo para el diagnóstico de EC en Cuba. Métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal en estudiantes de la ELAM, entre septiembre y noviembre de 2012, a quienes, debido a la pesquisa del Programa de Control Sanitario Internacional (CSI) del Ministerio de Salud Pública (MINSAP), se les realizaron, a su ingreso a Cuba, estudios serológicos y moleculares para el diagnóstico de EC, mediante cuatro métodos comerciales de diagnóstico serológico, con empleo paralelo de la técnica de PCR-kDNA. Resultados: la seropositividad, mediante métodos serológicos, fue de 6,25 por ciento, detectándose el parásito en cinco estudiantes seropositivos. Se mostró presencia del genoma del parásito (sensibilidad y especificidad diagnósticas: 100 por ciento) para la técnica de PCR-kDNA. La sensibilidad y especificidad diagnósticas de esta, halladas en este estudio preliminar, permiten considerarla una herramienta útil para diagnosticar EC en pacientes en fase crónica indeterminada. Conclusiones: los métodos serológicos y moleculares del algoritmo para corroborar EC utilizados en esta investigación, mostraron validez, seguridad diagnóstica y concordancia suficientes para justificar su uso en cada uno de los niveles de confirmación(AU)

Introduction: countries where Chagas disease is not endemic (CD) confront, among their challenges, the determination of its prevalence in endemic area people. Objectives: determine the presence of anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies by different serological methods in serum samples of students from the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM), detect the presence of the parasite genome by polymerase chain reaction (PCR-kDNA) in the studied group and evaluate, preliminarily, the methods used in the working algorithm for the diagnosis of Chagas disease in Cuba. Methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study of ELAM students was conducted from September to November 2012. These students underwent serological and molecular studies for the diagnosis of CD, due to the research carried out by the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) To Cuba, using four commercial methods of serological diagnosis, with parallel use of the PCR-kDNA technique. Results: seropositivity, using serological methods, was 6.25 percent, and this parasite was detected in five seropositive students. The presence of the parasite genome (diagnostic sensitivity and specificity: 100 percent) was shown for the PCR-kDNA technique. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, found in this preliminary study, allow it to be considered a useful tool to diagnose CD in patients with chronic indeterminate phase. The serological and molecular methods of the algorithm to corroborate CD used in this research showed sufficient validity, diagnostic reliability and concordance to justify its use at each of the confirmation levels(AU)

Caracterización de factores predisponentes de infertilidad tuboperitoneal / Characterization of Predisposing Factors of Tuboperitoneal Infertility

La infertilidad ha aumentado al nivel mundial como consecuencia del incremento de las infecciones de transmisión sexual y la enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica, que dejan como secuelas la obstrucción de las trompas uterinas, además de otros factores asociados como las infecciones vaginales, el aborto provocado y sus complicaciones infecciosas. Se realizó un estudio observacional, retrospectivo, analítico, con el objetivo de determinar la relación de los factores de riesgo de conducta sexual y las enfermedades infecciosas ginecológicas con la obstrucción tuboperitoneal, en pacientes atendidas en consulta de infertilidad, en el periodo de enero 2001 a diciembre 2013. Como resultados se obtuvo que predominaron las pacientes con factores de riesgo en el grupo con obstrucción tuboperitoneal, lo que confirmó la asociación de las enfermedades infecciosas ginecológicas y los factores de riesgo de conducta sexual con esta causa de infertilidad.

Infertility has increased globally as a result of the increase in sexually transmitted infections and pelvic inflammatory disease, which left as sequels obstruction of the fallopian tubes, and other associated factors such as vaginal infections, induced abortion and its complications infectious. An observational, retrospective, analytical study was performed in order to determine the relationship of the risk factors of sexual behavior and gynecological infectious diseases with tuboperitoneal obstruction in patients seen in the infertility consultation from January 2001 to December 2013. As a result, it was found that patients with predominant risk factors in the group with obstruction tuboperitoneal, confirming the association of gynecological infectious diseases and risk factors of sexual behavior with the cause of infertility.