Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Intrathecal Morphine or Intercostal Levobupivacaine in Lung Cancer Patients after Major Lung Resection Surgery by Videothoracoscopy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Lung resection using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) improves surgical accuracy and postoperative recovery. Unfortunately, moderate-to-severe acute postoperative pain is still inherent to the procedure, and a technique of choice has not been established for the appropriate control of pain. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of intrathecal morphine (ITM) with that of intercostal levobupivacaine (ICL). Methods: We conducted a single-center, prospective, randomized, observer-blinded, controlled trial among 181 adult patients undergoing VATS (ISRCTN12771155). Participants were randomized to receive ITM or ICL. Primary outcomes were the intensity of pain, assessed by a numeric rating scale (NRS) over the first 48 h after surgery, and the amount of intravenous morphine used. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of adverse effects, length of hospital stay, mortality, and chronic post-surgical pain at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Results: There are no statistically significant differences between ITM and ICL groups in pain intensity and evolution at rest. In cough-related pain, differences in pain trajectories over time are observed. Upon admission to the PACU, cough-related pain was higher in the ITM group, but the trend reversed after 6 h. There are no significant differences in adverse effects. The rate of chronic pain was low and did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions: ITM can be considered an adequate and satisfactory regional technique for the control of acute postoperative pain in VATS, compatible with the multimodal rehabilitation and early discharge protocols used in these types of surgeries.

Pharmacokinetics and therapeutic target attainment of vancomycin in pediatric post-liver transplant patients.

INTRODUCTION: Vancomycin is widely prescribed to treat or prevent Gram-positive infections in pediatric liver transplant recipients. The objective of this prospective cohort study is to describe vancomycin pharmacokinetics and to evaluate the therapeutic target attainment after initial dose regimen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with previous renal injury were excluded. Vancomycin therapy started with 40‒60 mg/kg/day. The pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed using two steady-state blood samples and the first-order kinetic equations. Therapeutic target was defined as vancomycin 24-hour Area Under the Curve/Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (AUC/MIC) ≥ 400 and < 600. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included. The found vancomycin clearance, half-life, and volume of distribution were, respectively: 2.1 (1.3‒2.8) mL/kg/min, 3.3 (2.7‒4.4) hours, and 0.7 (0.5‒0.9) L/kg. With the initial dose, only 6 (37 %) patients reached the therapeutic target against Gram-positive pathogens with MIC 1 mg/L. After individual dose adjustments, all patients reached the target. The correlation between trough levels and AUC was low (R2 = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with preserved renal function after liver transplantation have an increased volume of distribution for vancomycin, and most patients present subtherapeutic levels after the standard initial dosing regimen. With the vancomycin AUC-guided monitoring and dosing, it is possible to improve therapeutic target attainment.

Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Target Attainment of Meropenem in Pediatric Post-Liver Transplant Patients: Extended vs Intermittent Infusion.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to characterize the concentration-time profile, pharmacokinetics parameters, and therapeutic target attainment of meropenem in pediatric post-liver transplant patients according to the duration of infusion. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort of pediatric transplant recipients with preserved renal function receiving meropenem 40 mg/kg every 8 hours. The patients were stratified into 2 groups based on infusion duration: G1 (15 minutes of intermittent infusion) and G1 (3 hours of extended infusion). Two blood samples per child were collected during the same interval within 48 hours of starting the antimicrobial. Meropenem concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed using a noncompartmental analysis. The therapeutic target was defined as 100% of the time above the minimum inhibitory concentration. FINDINGS: Fourteen patients with 28 measured meropenem concentrations were included. Lower values of volume of distribution and meropenem clearance compared with other critically ill pediatric populations were found. All patients achieved the therapeutic target against gram-negative pathogens with a minimum inhibitory concentration of ≤8 mg/L. Patients receiving a 15-minute infusion had higher values of peak and trough concentrations, resulting in unnecessary increased total drug exposure when compared to patients receiving a 3-hour infusion (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Meropenem at 120 mg/kg/d attained the therapeutic target against sensitive microorganisms in pediatric liver transplant recipients. The extended infusion should be preferred for patient safety. Because of the pharmacokinetic changes resulting from liver transplantation, individualized meropenem dosing regimens may be necessary.

Impactos da covid-19 sobre a gestaçãono desenvolvimento da pré-eclâmpsia: revisão integrativa / Impacts of COVID-19 during pregnancy on the development of pre-eclampsia: an integrative review

Objetivo: Identificar as evidências cientificas acerca da associação da covid-19 e o desenvolvimento de pré-eclâmpsia. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, realizada em abril de 2022, mediante acesso às bases de dados: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) e Portal Regional da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). A partir da utilização dos descritores em saúde: Gestantes, Pré-eclâmpsia e COVID-19. Resultados: Foram incluídos 15 estudos na síntese avaliativa, onde 13 foram provenientes da PubMed (86,6%) e 02 da BVS (13,3%). Quanto ao desenho, seis (40%) estudos foram do tipo relato ou estudo de caso, cinco (33,3%) do tipo revisão sistemática, com destaque para três revisões com meta-análise, dois (13,3%) se tratou estudos observacionais, um (6,6%) estudo descritivo e um (6,6%) estudo de coorte. Conclusão: Foram identificados estudos que associaram o desenvolvimento da pré-eclâmpsia à infecção causada pelo Covid-19, no entanto, outros estudos destacam a detecção de uma síndrome semelhante a pré-eclâmpsia, destacando a necessidade da realização de um diagnóstico diferencial.(AU)

Objective: To identify the scientific evidence on the association between covid-19 and the development of pre-eclampsia. Method: This is an integrative review, carried out in April 2022, through access to the databases: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and Regional Portal of the Virtual Health Library (VHL). Using the health descriptors: Pregnant women, Pre-eclampsia and COVID-19. Results: 15 studies were included in the evaluation synthesis, of which 13 came from PubMed (86.6%) and 02 from the VHL (13.3%). In terms of design, six (40%) studies were of the case report or study type, five (33.3%) were of the systematic review type, with emphasis on three reviews with meta-analysis, two (13.3%) were observational studies, one (6.6%) was a descriptive study and one (6.6%) was a cohort study. Conclusion: Studies were identified that associated the development of pre-eclampsia with infection caused by Covid-19, however, other studies highlight the detection of a syndrome similar to pre-eclampsia, highlighting the need for a differential diagnosis.(AU)

Objetivo: Identificar las evidencias científicas sobre la asociación entre el covid-19 y el desarrollo de preeclampsia. Método: Se trata de una revisión integradora, realizada en abril de 2022, a través del acceso a las bases de datos: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) y Portal Regional de la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS). Utilizando los descriptores de salud: Embarazadas, Preeclampsia y COVID-19. Resultados: 15 estudios fueron incluidos en la síntesis de evaluación, de los cuales 13 procedían de PubMed (86,6%) y 2 de la BVS (13,3%). En cuanto al diseño, seis (40%) estudios fueron del tipo informe o estudio de caso, cinco (33,3%) fueron revisiones sistemáticas, especialmente tres revisiones con meta-análisis, dos (13,3%) fueron estudios observacionales, uno (6,6%) fue un estudio descriptivo y uno (6,6%) fue un estudio de cohortes. Conclusión: Fueron identificados estudios que asocian el desarrollo de preeclampsia con infección causada por Covid-19, sin embargo, otros estudios destacan la detección de un síndrome semejante a la preeclampsia, enfatizando la necesidad de realizar un diagnóstico diferencial.(AU)

The ever-growing world of gastruloids: autogenous models of mammalian embryogenesis.

During early development, extrinsic cues prompt a collection of pluripotent cells to begin the extensive process of cellular differentiation that gives rise to all tissues in the mammalian embryo, a process known as gastrulation. Advances in stem cell biology have resulted in the generation of stem cell-based in vitro models of mammalian gastrulation called gastruloids. Gastruloids and subsequent gastruloid-based models are tractable, scalable and more accessible than mammalian embryos. As such, they have opened an unprecedented avenue for modelling in vitro self-organisation, patterning and fate specification. This review focuses on discussing the recent advances of this rapidly moving research area, clarifying what structures they model and the underlying signal hierarchy. We highlight the exciting potential of these models and where the field might be heading.

Analysis of the impact of handling and culture on the expansion and functionality of NK cells.

Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system that play a key role in the elimination of tumor and virus-infected cells. Unlike T cells, NK cell activation is governed by their direct interaction with target cells via the inhibitory and activating receptors present on their cytoplasmic membrane. The simplicity of this activation mechanism has allowed the development of immunotherapies based on the transduction of NK cells with CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) constructs for the treatment of cancer. Despite the advantages of CAR-NK therapy over CAR-T, including their inability to cause graft-versus-host disease in allogenic therapies, a deeper understanding of the impact of their handling is needed in order to increase their functionality and applicability. With that in mind, the present work critically examines the steps required for NK cell isolation, expansion and storage, and analyze the response of the NK cells to these manipulations. The results show that magnetic-assisted cell sorting, traditionally used for NK isolation, increases the CD16+ population of NK cultures only if the protocol includes both, antibody incubation and passage through the isolation column. Furthermore, based on the importance of surface potential on cellular responses, the influence of surfaces with different net surface charge on NK cells has been evaluated, showing that NK cells displayed higher proliferation rates on charged surfaces than on non-charged ones. The present work highlights the relevance of NK cells manipulation for improving the applicability and effectiveness of NK cell-based therapies.

H4K16ac activates the transcription of transposable elements and contributes to their cis-regulatory function.

Mammalian genomes harbor abundant transposable elements (TEs) and their remnants, with numerous epigenetic repression mechanisms enacted to silence TE transcription. However, TEs are upregulated during early development, neuronal lineage, and cancers, although the epigenetic factors contributing to the transcription of TEs have yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that the male-specific lethal (MSL)-complex-mediated histone H4 acetylation at lysine 16 (H4K16ac) is enriched at TEs in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and cancer cells. This in turn activates transcription of subsets of full-length long interspersed nuclear elements (LINE1s, L1s) and endogenous retrovirus (ERV) long terminal repeats (LTRs). Furthermore, we show that the H4K16ac-marked L1 and LTR subfamilies display enhancer-like functions and are enriched in genomic locations with chromatin features associated with active enhancers. Importantly, such regions often reside at boundaries of topologically associated domains and loop with genes. CRISPR-based epigenetic perturbation and genetic deletion of L1s reveal that H4K16ac-marked L1s and LTRs regulate the expression of genes in cis. Overall, TEs enriched with H4K16ac contribute to the cis-regulatory landscape at specific genomic locations by maintaining an active chromatin landscape at TEs.

Hypoalbuminemia and advanced age are risk factors for delayed gastric emptying after pancreaticoduodenectomy / La hipoalbuminemia y la edad avanzada son factores de riesgo de vaciamiento gástrico lento tras duodenopancreatectomía cefálica

Background: delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is one of the most common complications after pancreatoduodenectomy. It could be related to some baseline patient-related characteristics. This study aims to assess the predictive factors associated to DGE in the cohort of patients included in the PAUDA clinical trial. Methods: this study was a retrospective analysis based on the 80 patients included in a randomized clinical trial conducted and published by our group. A descriptive analysis and a bivariate regression model were carried out. Some factors were further scrutinized for associations using the Pearson correlation coefficient and, finally, a multiple regression model using a stepwise selection of variables was conducted. Results: DGE was diagnosed in 36 (45 %) out of 80 patients (DGE group). The number of patients older than 60 years old in the DGE group was greater than in the group without DGE (32 vs 28 patients, p = 0.009]. Likewise, the number of patients with a preoperative albumin < 35 g/L (18 vs 11 patients, p = 0.036); preoperative bilirubin > 200 µmol/L (14 vs 8 patients, p = 0.039); postoperative haemorrhage (7 vs 1 patients, p = 0.011); postoperative intraabdominal abscess (12 vs 5 patients, p = 0.017); and postoperative biliary fistula (5 vs 0 patients, p = 0.011), was also greater in the DGE group. Two risk factors were associated with DGE: the patient's age at the time of surgery and preoperative hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin concentration ≤ 35g/L). Conclusions: the patient's age at the time of surgery and the preoperative nutritional status are independent risk factors to the development of DGE after pancreatoduodenectomy. (AU)

Introducción: el vaciamiento gástrico lento (VGL) es una complicación frecuente tras la duodenopancreatectomía cefálica (DPC) y puede relacionarse con algunas características basales del paciente. El objetivo es evaluar los factores predictivos de VGL en la cohorte de pacientes incluidos en el ensayo clínico aleatorizado PAUDA. Métodos: se realizó un análisis retrospectivo basado en los 80 pacientes incluidos en el ensayo PAUDA. Se realizaron un análisis descriptivo y un modelo de regresión bivariante. Posteriormente, algunos factores se examinaron mediante el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson y, finalmente, se llevó a cabo un modelo de regresión multivariante. Resultados: se diagnosticó VGL en 36 (45 %) pacientes. El número de pacientes mayores de 60 años en el grupo VGL fue mayor que en el grupo sin VGL (p = 0,009). El número de pacientes con albúmina preoperatoria < 35 g/L (p = 0,036); bilirrubina preoperatoria > 200 µmol/L (p = 0,039); hemorragia (p = 0,011); absceso intraabdominal (p = 0,017); y fístula biliar (p = 0,011), fue mayor en el grupo VGL. Dos factores de riesgo se asociaron con el VGL: la edad del paciente y la hipoalbuminemia preoperatoria. Conclusiones: la edad del paciente en el momento de la cirugía y el estado nutricional preoperatorio son factores de riesgo independientes de VGL tras DPC. (AU)

Human Papillomavirus Positivity at 3 Anatomical Sites Among Transgender Women in Central Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Transgender women (TGW) are susceptible to the acquisition of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human papillomavirus (HPV). Nonetheless, the exact data for this population are scarce. We estimated HPV positivity at the anal, genital, and oral sites among TGW and also identified the related characteristics and behaviors that could be risk factors for HPV infection in a sample of TGW in Brazil. Furthermore, we characterized the site-specific HPV genotypes among those who were positive for HPV at these 3 sites. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on TGW in Goiânia City (Central-Midwest region), Brazil, between April 2018 and August 2019. Respondent-driven sampling was applied for recruitment. Next, self-collected anal, genital, and oral samples were examined for HPV DNA using polymerase chain reaction (SPF-10 primer). Human papillomavirus genotypes were identified in 12 TGW. RESULTS: In the TGW included in the study, the anal, genital, and oral HPV positivity values were 77.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 67.3%-84.6%), 33.5% (95% CI, 26.1%-48.9%), and 10.9% (95% CI, 5.8%-17.0%), respectively. In addition, the majority of 12 participants who tested for HPV had multiple genotypes. HPV-52 was the most prevalent genotype identified at the anal (66.6%) and genital (40.0%) sites, whereas HPV-62 and HPV-66 were the most common at the oral site (25.0%). CONCLUSIONS: A high HPV positivity was observed among TGW. Therefore, additional epidemiological studies on HPV genotypes should generate health intervention information, including the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.

Afrontamiento al estrés académico en la carrera de Estomatología

Introducción: el estrés académico es un proceso sistémico, adaptativo y esencialmente psicológico; es la manera de reaccionar de una persona frente a ciertos estímulos. El del artículo es evaluar el estrés académico en estudiantes de primer y segundo años de la carrera Estomatología. Método: investigación analítica de corte pedagógico en la Facultad de Estomatología de Camagüey. El universo estuvo constituido por los 42 estudiantes matriculados en primer y segundo año de la carrera; a los que se les aplicó el inventario SISCO de Estrés Académico, diseñado para establecer los niveles de estrés en estudiantes universitarios. Los datos fueron procesados mediante estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: Predominó el nivel moderado de estrés en ambos grupos, con el 70 y 72,7 % en primer y segundo año respectivamente. Los estresores que más influyeron fueron las evaluaciones de los profesores y el tiempo limitado para realizar el trabajo que solicitan con puntuaciones por encima de 10 en primer año y 9 en segundo. Predominaron las reacciones psicológicas y físicas en segundo año y la estrategia de afrontamiento predominante fue la elaboración de un plan y ejecución de sus tareas con puntuación de 9 en segundo año y 11,4 en primero (p=0,006). Discusión: el ingreso a la universidad y los cambios que suscita, la adopción gradual de responsabilidades y la percepción individual además de los efectos de la pandemia se consideran factores que influyen en el estrés manifestado por los estudiantes; situación que afrontan fundamentalmente mediante la elaboración de un plan y la ejecución de sus tareas.

Introduction: Academic stress is a systemic, adaptive and essentially psychological process; it is the way people react to certain stimuli. Aim: to assess the academic stress in first and second year students of Dentistry. Method: analytic research with pedagogical kind, conducted in Camaguey Faculty of Dentistry involving the 42 students of first and second year of the program. SISCO tool of academic stress was applied since it allows to establish the levels of stress in university students. Data were processed through both descriptive and analytic statistics. Results: Moderate levels of stress were predominant in both years with 70% and 72,7 % in first and second respectively. The most influent stressors were the evaluations and the limited time for accomplishment of assigned tasks with figures above 10 in first year and 9 in second one. Psychological and physical reactions were predominant in second year students, and the most used strategy to face up to stress was elaboration of a plan and carry out its tasks which exhibited figures of 9 in second year and 11,4 in first year (p=0,006). Discussion: university admission and changes associated combined, the gradual responsibilities assumed and individual perception together with the impact of the pandemics are the main factors contributing to the stress exhibited by students; issue faced by elaborating a plan and develop its tasks as it is the preferred strategy.

Salutogénesis, sanación y curación

Introducció n: En salud aún prevalece, a escala mundial, el modelo patogénico, el cual acentúa la etiopatogenia de la enfermedad, la curación o rehabilitación. Progresivamente se viene introduciendo el modelo de salutogénesis, que preconiza la importancia de la prevención primaria, el bienestar y la sanidad. El objetivo del artículo consiste en argumentar los nexos entre salutogénesis, curación y sanación, como categorías conectadas a la condición saludable de los sujetos, tomándose como fuente de sustentación el criterio de profesionales de la salud y la consulta de fuentes bibliográficas acreditadas acerca de la temática. Material y métodos: Se emplearon métodos y técnicas teóricos, empíricos y estadísticos. La sistematización teórica permitió caracterizar y relacionar los procesos de salutogénesis, curación y sanación. Se aplicó un cuestionario en línea a profesionales vinculados con el sector de la salud para indagar acerca de las categorías de sanación y curación, de los que se obtuvo respuesta de 35 especialistas. Los datos fueron procesados mediante la estadística descriptiva. Resultados: La exploración develó algunas diferencias y semejanzas entre los procesos curativo y sanador; destacándose el carácter más restringido del primero; en tanto la metodología más versátil y creativa, el carácter transformador y los efectos más duraderos del segundo. Se advierte que el nivel de dominio relativo a ambos procesos no es suficientemente extendido ni notorio, como se requeriría para una labor asistencial más efectiva.

Introduction: In health, the pathogenic model still prevails worldwide, which emphasizes the etiopathogenesis of the disease, cure or rehabilitation. The salutogenesis model has been progressively introduced, which advocates the importance of primary prevention, well-being and health. The objective of the article is to argue the links between salutogenesis, healing and curing, as categories connected to the healthy condition of the subjects, taking as a source of support the criteria of health professionals and the consultation of accredited bibliographic sources on the subject. Material and method: Theoretical, empirical and statistical methods and techniques were used. The theoretical systematization allowed to characterize and relate the processes of salutogenesis, healing and curing. An online questionnaire was applied to professionals linked to the health sector to inquire about the categories of healing and curing, from which responses were obtained from 35 specialists. The data was processed using descriptive statistics. Results: The exploration revealed some differences and similarities between the curative and healing processes; highlighting the more restricted character of the first; as the most versatile and creative methodology, the transformative character and the most lasting effects of the latter. It is noted that the level of mastery related to both processes is not sufficiently widespread or notorious, as would be required for a more effective care work.

Hypoalbuminemia and advanced age are risk factors for delayed gastric emptying after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Introduction: Background: delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is one of the most common complications after pancreatoduodenectomy. It could be related to some baseline patient-related characteristics. This study aims to assess the predictive factors associated to DGE in the cohort of patients included in the PAUDA clinical trial. Methods: this study was a retrospective analysis based on the 80 patients included in a randomized clinical trial conducted and published by our group. A descriptive analysis and a bivariate regression model were carried out. Some factors were further scrutinized for associations using the Pearson correlation coefficient and, finally, a multiple regression model using a stepwise selection of variables was conducted. Results: DGE was diagnosed in 36 (45 %) out of 80 patients (DGE group). The number of patients older than 60 years old in the DGE group was greater than in the group without DGE (32 vs 28 patients, p = 0.009]. Likewise, the number of patients with a preoperative albumin < 35 g/L (18 vs 11 patients, p = 0.036); preoperative bilirubin > 200 µmol/L (14 vs 8 patients, p = 0.039); postoperative haemorrhage (7 vs 1 patients, p = 0.011); postoperative intraabdominal abscess (12 vs 5 patients, p = 0.017); and postoperative biliary fistula (5 vs 0 patients, p = 0.011), was also greater in the DGE group. Two risk factors were associated with DGE: the patient's age at the time of surgery and preoperative hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin concentration ≤ 35g/L). Conclusions: the patient's age at the time of surgery and the preoperative nutritional status are independent risk factors to the development of DGE after pancreatoduodenectomy.

Introducción: Introducción: el vaciamiento gástrico lento (VGL) es una complicación frecuente tras la duodenopancreatectomía cefálica (DPC) y puede relacionarse con algunas características basales del paciente. El objetivo es evaluar los factores predictivos de VGL en la cohorte de pacientes incluidos en el ensayo clínico aleatorizado PAUDA. Métodos: se realizó un análisis retrospectivo basado en los 80 pacientes incluidos en el ensayo PAUDA. Se realizaron un análisis descriptivo y un modelo de regresión bivariante. Posteriormente, algunos factores se examinaron mediante el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson y, finalmente, se llevó a cabo un modelo de regresión multivariante. Resultados: se diagnosticó VGL en 36 (45 %) pacientes. El número de pacientes mayores de 60 años en el grupo VGL fue mayor que en el grupo sin VGL (p = 0,009). El número de pacientes con albúmina preoperatoria < 35 g/L (p = 0,036); bilirrubina preoperatoria > 200 µmol/L (p = 0,039); hemorragia (p = 0,011); absceso intraabdominal (p = 0,017); y fístula biliar (p = 0,011), fue mayor en el grupo VGL. Dos factores de riesgo se asociaron con el VGL: la edad del paciente y la hipoalbuminemia preoperatoria. Conclusiones: la edad del paciente en el momento de la cirugía y el estado nutricional preoperatorio son factores de riesgo independientes de VGL tras DPC.

El amplio diagnóstico diferencial de los vómitos: un caso de acalasia / The broad differential diagnosis of vomiting: a case of achalasia

Los vómitos constituyen un motivo de consulta muy frecuente en Pediatría. Su abordaje requiere un amplio diagnóstico diferencial, ya que pueden ser síntoma tanto de un trastorno funcional como de patología orgánica importante. Presentamos el caso de una niña de 13 años que debuta con vómitos como síntoma guía de una acalasia. La acalasia es un trastorno motor esofágico que provoca una retención de los alimentos en el segmento distal del esófago debido a un fallo de la peristalsis y una ausencia de relajación del esfínter esofágico inferior (EEI) tras la deglución. Aunque se trata de una patología infrecuente, es necesario incluirla en el diagnóstico diferencial de síntomas gastrointestinales como los vómitos, precisando un alto grado de sospecha para su diagnóstico (AU)

Vomiting is a very frequent reason for consultation in pediatrics. Their approach requires a wide differential diagnosis since they can be a symptom of both a functional disorder and important organic pathology. We present the case of a 13-year-old girl who debuted with vomiting as a guiding symptom of achalasia. Achalasia is an esophageal motor disorder that causes retention of food in the distal segment of the esophagus due to a failure of peristalsis and a lack of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter after swallowing. Although it is an infrequent pathology, it is necessary to include it in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, requiring a high degree of suspicion for its diagnosis. (AU)

Fundamentos de un programa para el asesoramiento al duelo y afrontamiento a las pérdidas posCovid-19

Fundamento: al reiniciarse las actividades presenciales, las universidades acogieron a estudiantes que experimentaron pérdidas relacionadas con la Covid-19, causadas o no por la muerte, situación que merece ser tratada. Objetivo: fundamentar, desde lo conceptual y metodológico, un programa dirigido a los docentes para el asesoramiento al duelo y el afrontamiento a las pérdidas. Métodos: se realizó un análisis teórico-reflexivo a partir de la sistematización de publicaciones en idioma español e inglés de los últimos tres años. Se introdujeron como descriptores los términos: duelo, universidad, infecciones por coronavirus y asesoramiento. Se realizó un cribado de los artículos elegibles de los 76 encontrados. Se fundamentó y confeccionó un programa para el asesoramiento al duelo y afrontamiento a las pérdidas posCovid-19. Resultados: el programa consta de tres fases con indicaciones generales y específicas, susceptibles de ser modificadas al individualizarlas. Se proponen instrumentos de evaluación y técnicas de intervención. Conclusiones: el programa constituye un instrumento de orientación adecuado para que los profesores ayuden a sus estudiantes a enfrentar el duelo.

Background: when face-to-face activities restarted, the universities welcomed students who experienced losses related to Covid-19, caused or not by death, a situation that deserves to be addressed. Objective: to base, from the conceptual and methodological, a program aimed at teachers for grief counseling and facing with losses. Methods: a theoretical-reflexive analysis was carried out based on the systematization of publications in Spanish and English in the last three years. The terms: grief, university, coronavirus infections and counseling were introduced as descriptors. A screening of the eligible articles of the 76 found was carried out. A program for grief counseling and coping with post-Covid-19 losses was founded and prepared. Results: the program consists of three phases with general and specific indications, which can be modified by individualizing them. Evaluation instruments and intervention techniques are proposed. Conclusions: the program constitutes an adequate guidance instrument for teachers to help their students deal with grief.

Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis: prevalence, associated factors, and performance of diagnostic tests

Introduction: Bacterial vaginosis and vaginal trichomoniasis are frequent causes of health care demand. Objective: To estimate the prevalence, identify associated factors, and investigate the performance of diagnostic tests for bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. Methods: Cross-sectional study with participants over 18 years old. All of them were submitted to an interview and gynecological examination with evaluation of vaginal secretion, pH verification, collection of material for Pap smear, wet mount test, Whiff test, bacterioscopy, and polymerase chain reaction for trichomoniasis detection. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify associated factors with bacterial vaginosis. Diagnostic performance for bacterial vaginosis was evaluated following Amsel criteria, the Ison and Hay score, and the Pap smear, considering the Nugent score as the gold standard. As for trichomoniasis, diagnostic performance was evaluated through the Pap smear and the wet mount test, using the polymerase chain reaction as the gold standard. Results: The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 33.7%, and for trichomoniasis, 0.5%. The complaint of abnormal vaginal secretion was associated with the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (odds ratio 2.2). The diagnostic accuracy by Amsel criteria, the Ison and Hay score, and the Pap smear was 35.6, 97.0, and 84.2%, respectively. The sensitivity for trichomoniasis through wet mount test was 0.0%, and through the Pap smear, 100%. Conclusion: The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was high, and trichomoniasis was low. The only associated factor with bacterial vaginosis was the report of abnormal vaginal secretion. The methods with the most accurate diagnostic performance for bacterial vaginosis were the Ison and Hay score and the Pap smear and, for trichomoniasis, the Pap smear

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations of antibiotics and antifungals in liver transplantation recipients.

The liver plays a major role in drug metabolism. Liver transplantation impacts the intrinsic metabolic capability and extrahepatic mechanisms of drug disposition and elimination. Different levels of inflammation and oxidative stress during transplantation, the process of liver regeneration, and the characteristics of the graft alter the amount of functional hepatocytes and activity of liver enzymes. Binding of drugs to plasma proteins is affected by the hyperbilirubinemia status and abnormal synthesis of albumin and alpha-1-acid glycoproteins. Postoperative intensive care complications such as biliary, circulatory, and cardiac also impact drug distribution. Renally eliminated antimicrobials commonly present reduced clearance due to hepatorenal syndrome and the use of nephrotoxic immunosuppressants. In addition, liver transplantation recipients are particularly susceptible to multidrug-resistant infections due to frequent manipulation, multiple hospitalizations, invasive devices, and frequent use of empiric broad-spectrum therapy. The selection of appropriate anti-infective therapy must consider the pathophysiological changes after transplantation that impact the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antibiotics and antifungal drugs.

Pharmacokinetics and therapeutic target attainment of vancomycin in pediatric post-liver transplant patients

Abstract Introduction Vancomycin is widely prescribed to treat or prevent Gram-positive infections in pediatric liver transplant recipients. The objective of this prospective cohort study is to describe vancomycin pharmacokinetics and to evaluate the therapeutic target attainment after initial dose regimen. Materials and methods Patients with previous renal injury were excluded. Vancomycin therapy started with 40‒60 mg/kg/day. The pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed using two steady-state blood samples and the first-order kinetic equations. Therapeutic target was defined as vancomycin 24-hour Area Under the Curve/Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (AUC/MIC) ≥ 400 and < 600. Results Sixteen patients were included. The found vancomycin clearance, half-life, and volume of distribution were, respectively: 2.1 (1.3‒2.8) mL/kg/min, 3.3 (2.7‒4.4) hours, and 0.7 (0.5‒0.9) L/kg. With the initial dose, only 6 (37 %) patients reached the therapeutic target against Gram-positive pathogens with MIC 1 mg/L. After individual dose adjustments, all patients reached the target. The correlation between trough levels and AUC was low (R2= 0.5). Conclusions Pediatric patients with preserved renal function after liver transplantation have an increased volume of distribution for vancomycin, and most patients present subtherapeutic levels after the standard initial dosing regimen. With the vancomycin AUC-guided monitoring and dosing, it is possible to improve therapeutic target attainment.

Percentual de utilização de instrumentais em procedimentos cirúrgicos / Percentage of use of instruments in surgical procedures / Porcentaje de uso de instrumentos en procedimientos quirúrgicos

Objetivo: analisar o percentual de instrumentais cirúrgicos que compõem a caixa de laparotomia exploradora e não são utilizados durante as cirurgias. Método: estudo descritivo, transversal com abordagem quantitativa, que contabilizou instrumentais constituintes da caixa de laparotomia exploradora utilizados e não utilizados durante 13 cirurgias realizadas em um período de 17 dias, em um hospital do interior paulista. Resultados: nas 13 cirurgias analisadas, obteve-se um total de 1300 (100%) pinças presentes nas caixas, onde 832 (64%) não foram utilizadas e 468 (36%) foram utilizadas. Nos tempos cirúrgicos, o maior número de uso foi de 166 (35,5%) artigos, para preensão e afastadores. Conclusão: houve 64% de instrumentais não utilizados nas cirurgias analisadas. Há necessidade de implementar estratégias gerenciais que reduzam os números encontrados e, consequentemente, reduzam gastos, para gerar menor desperdício e reduzir falhas no gerenciamento de recursos materiais.

Objective: to analyze the percentage of surgical instruments that make up the operating laparotomy box and are not used during surgeries. Method: descriptive, cross-sectional study with quantitative approach, which counted instrumental constituents of the exploratory laparotomy box used and not used during 13 surgeries performed in a period of 17 days, in a hospital in the interior of São Paulo. Results: in the 13 surgeries analyzed, a total of 1300 (100%) tweezers were obtained in the boxes, where 832 (64%) were not used and 468 (36%) were used. In surgical times, the highest number of use was 166 (35.5%) articles, for seizures and reparators. Conclusion: there were 64% of instruments not used in the analyzed surgeries. There is a need to implement management strategies that reduce the numbers found and, consequently, reduce expenses, to generate less waste and reduce failures in the management of material resources.

Objetivo: analizar el porcentaje de instrumentos quirúrgicos que componen la caja de laparotomía quirúrgica y no se utilizan durante las cirugías. Método: estudio descriptivo, transversal con enfoque cuantitativo, que contó constituyentes instrumentales de la caja de laparotomía exploratoria utilizada y no utilizada durante 13 cirugías realizadas en un período de 17 días, en un hospital del interior de São Paulo. Resultados: en las 13 cirugías analizadas, se obtuvieron un total de 1300 (100%) pinzas en las cajas, donde no se utilizaron 832 (64%) y 468 (36%). En tiempos quirúrgicos, el mayor número de uso fue de 166 (35,5%) artículos, para convulsiones y reparadores. Conclusión: hubieran 64% de instrumentos no utilizados en las quirurgias analizadas. Es necesario implementar estrategias de gestión que reduzcan los números encontrados y, en consecuencia, reduzcan los gastos, para generar menos residuos y reducir las fallas en la gestión de los recursos materiales.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Training Program in A Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: An 8-Year Single-Center Experience in Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for temporary cardiopulmonary support is one of the most intense and technologically complex therapies offered in medicine. It is a high-risk procedure that requires specific knowledge and technical skills to perform it with good results. OBJECTIVE: The main goal of this study is to describe our extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) training program based on the study of specialized nurses and physicians of a simulation teaching experience, conducted in a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit. The program was developed as a theoretical-practical course with final exam and annual maintenance training sessions, caring for ECMO patients, its implementation and results. METHODS: A descriptive study for registered nurses, intensivists, and cardiac surgeons. A self-administered, anonymous, and voluntary survey was conducted to assess the long-term perception about the program. Demographic data to describe the population was required, and questions about satisfaction and confidence in acquired skills and competences were asked. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed; patient survival and complications were compared before and after ECMO program using chi-square test, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Twenty-four training courses were performed for 68 professionals. More than 88% of the professionals considered the course components to be adequate and complete; and 94% felt trained to manage the ECMO circuit. Most valued activities were workshops and clinical cases. Since the implementation of the training program, 88 patients were assisted, with a survival rate at discharge of 58%, higher than in the previous period (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: More than 80% of the professionals considered the workshops and simulations as the most useful components. Reliance on the circuit care was higher than in training problem scenarios. Since 2013 we assisted 88 patients on ECMO, with a survival rate at discharge of 58%, within international standards results.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Training Program in A Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: An 8-Year Single-Center Experience in Argentina

ABSTRACT Introduction: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for temporary cardiopulmonary support is one of the most intense and technologically complex therapies offered in medicine. It is a high-risk procedure that requires specific knowledge and technical skills to perform it with good results. Objective: The main goal of this study is to describe our extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) training program based on the study of specialized nurses and physicians of a simulation teaching experience, conducted in a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit. The program was developed as a theoretical-practical course with final exam and annual maintenance training sessions, caring for ECMO patients, its implementation and results. Methods: A descriptive study for registered nurses, intensivists, and cardiac surgeons. A self-administered, anonymous, and voluntary survey was conducted to assess the long-term perception about the program. Demographic data to describe the population was required, and questions about satisfaction and confidence in acquired skills and competences were asked. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed; patient survival and complications were compared before and after ECMO program using chi-square test, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Twenty-four training courses were performed for 68 professionals. More than 88% of the professionals considered the course components to be adequate and complete; and 94% felt trained to manage the ECMO circuit. Most valued activities were workshops and clinical cases. Since the implementation of the training program, 88 patients were assisted, with a survival rate at discharge of 58%, higher than in the previous period (P=0.03). Conclusion: More than 80% of the professionals considered the workshops and simulations as the most useful components. Reliance on the circuit care was higher than in training problem scenarios. Since 2013 we assisted 88 patients on ECMO, with a survival rate at discharge of 58%, within international standards results.