Anorectal Anatomy Quiz: Practical Review.

Understanding anorectal and pelvic floor anatomy can be challenging but is paramount for every physician managing patients with anorectal pathology. Knowledge of anorectal anatomy is essential for managing benign, malignant, traumatic, and infectious diseases affecting the anorectum. This quiz is intended to provide a practical teaching guide for medical students, medical and surgical residents, and may serve as a review for practicing general surgeons and specialists.

The Racial Representation of Cosmetic Surgery Patients and Physicians on Social Media.

BACKGROUND: Aggregated data show that Black patients undergo disproportionately lower rates of cosmetic surgery than their Caucasian counterparts. Similarly, laboratory findings indicate that social media representation is lower among Black patients for breast reconstruction surgery, and it is expected that this could be the case in cosmetic surgery as well. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the social media representation of Black patients and physicians in the 5 most common cosmetic surgery procedures: rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, and liposuction. METHODS: Data were collected from RealSelf (Seattle, WA), the most popular social media site for sharing cosmetic surgery outcomes. The skin tone of 1000 images of patients in each of the top 5 cosmetic surgeries was assessed according to the Fitzpatrick scale, a commonly utilized skin tone range. Additionally, the Fitzpatrick scores of 72 providers who posted photographs within each surgical category were collected. RESULTS: Black patients and providers are underrepresented in rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, breast augmentation, and liposuction compared with the general population (defined by the US Census Bureau), but were proportionately represented in abdominoplasty. Additionally, it was found that patients most often matched Fitzpatrick scores when both had scores of 2, whereas patients with a score of 5 and 6 rarely matched their provider's score. CONCLUSIONS: The underrepresentation of Black patients and providers in social media for cosmetic surgery may well discourage Black patients from pursuing cosmetic surgeries. Therefore, it is essential to properly represent patients to encourage patients interested in considering cosmetic surgery.

Virtual Residency Interviews: What Variables Can Applicants Control?

Due to the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, almost all residency programs have adopted virtual interviewing for the National Residency Matching Program® (NRMP) or The Match® 2021. Hence, applicants have had to adapt quickly to this process, since the interviewers and the applicants were mostly inexperienced regarding this process. To date, program directors have had a successful experience on this new modality, and since the pandemic continues to limit in-person meetings and given the benefits that virtual interviews provide in terms of transportation, booking, and cost, there is a high chance that interviews for The Match 2022 will also be conducted in the same, virtual way. In light of this, we performed a review of the literature by using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and other online resources to analyze certain critical aspects and offer recommendations for residency and fellowship applicants to improve their performance in virtual interviews. Despite the current surge of virtual interviewing in today's technology-driven era, virtual interviewing programs for residency and fellowship candidates selection are still in their infancy. We have learned that applicants can control certain aspects such as technology, settings, dress code, and behavior so that they can tailor their experience to make it more favorable and fulfilling. Ensuring proper preparation in terms of the variables that can influence the virtual experience is key for a successful interview.

Epidemiology of congenital heart diseases in Bogotá, Colombia, from 2001 to 2014: Improved surveillance or increased prevalence?

INTRODUCTION: Congenital heart diseases are functional and structural alterations of the heart, circulatory system, and large vessels, which develop during cardiac embryogenesis. These defects are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of congenital heart diseases in Bogotá, Colombia, through the period 2001 to 2014 and evaluate the trend in time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 405,408 births from the Programa de Vigilancia y Seguimiento de Niños con Anomalías Congénitas de la Secretaría Distrital de Salud de Bogotá. We calculated the prevalence of congenital heart diseases through a daily registry of births, the clinical evaluation, and the work-up. Congenital heart diseases were classified as isolated, complex or associated. We estimated the prevalence per year and the mortality in the first hours of life. RESULTS: The total prevalence of congenital heart diseases was 15.1 per 10,000 newborns; however, we obtained values above 20 per 10,000 newborns in the previous 3 years. Of the newborns analyzed, 46% were females, 53.16% were males, and 0.33% undetermined. Out of the newborns with congenital anomalies, 397 had congenital heart diseases, 142 of which were classified as associated and 74 as complex. CONCLUSION: Congenital heart diseases have a significant impact on childhood morbidity and mortality. Although the prevalence continues to be low compared to other countries, this could be due to under registry nationwide. There was an increase in prevalence during the previous three years, which might be explained by the implementation of local and national programs. Therefore, we suggest continuing the development and promotion of such programs aimed at increasing screening and registration of these anomalies.

Epidemiología de las cardiopatías congénitas en Bogotá, Colombia, entre 2001 y 2014: ¿mejoría en la vigilancia o aumento en la prevalencia? / Epidemiology of congenital heart diseases in Bogotá, Colombia, from 2001 to 2014: Improved surveillance or increased prevalence?

Resumen Introducción. Las cardiopatías congénitas son alteraciones estructurales y funcionales del corazón, del sistema circulatorio y de los grandes vasos, que se desarrollan durante la embriogénesis cardiaca. A nivel mundial, dichos defectos son una causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad en la población infantil. Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de cardiopatías congénitas en Bogotá durante el periodo de 2001 a 2014 y evaluar la tendencia en el tiempo. Materiales y métodos. Se analizóla informaciónde 405.408 recién nacidos registrados en el Programa de Vigilancia y Seguimiento de Niños con Anomalías Congénitas de la Secretaría de Salud de Bogotá y se calculó la prevalencia de las cardiopatías congénitas mediante un registro diario de nacimientos y su evaluación clínica y paraclínica. Las cardiopatías se clasificaron en aisladas, complejas y asociadas. Se halló la prevalencia por año y se evaluó la mortalidad en las primeras horas de vida. Resultados. La prevalencia de cardiopatías congénitas fue de 15,1 por cada 10.000 recién nacidos en todo el período, pero se evidenciaron valores por encima de 20 por 10.000 en los tresaños anteriores. Del total de recién nacidos evaluados, 46 % correspondió al sexo femenino, 53,16 % al sexo masculino y 0,33 % a sexo indeterminado. De los nacidos con malformaciones, 397 cardiopatías se clasificaron como aisladas, 142 se asociaron con otras malformaciones extracardiacas y 74 se consideraron complejas. Conclusiones. Las cardiopatías tienen gran impacto en la salud de la población infantil y, aunque la prevalencia es menor que en otros países, ello puede deberse al subregistro a nivel nacional. Se notó un aumento en la prevalencia en los tresaños anteriores, lo cual puede deberse a la implementación de los programas de vigilancia nacional y local. Sugerimos continuar desarrollando programas que incrementen e incentiven la tamización y el registro de estas enfermedades.

Abstract Introduction: Congenital heart diseases are functional and structural alterations of the heart, circulatory system, and large vessels, which develop during cardiac embryogenesis. These defects are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. Objective: To determine the prevalence of congenital heart diseases in Bogotá, Colombia, through the period 2001 to 2014 and evaluate the trend in time. Materials and methods: We analyzed 405,408 births from the Programa de Vigilancia y Seguimiento de Niños con Anomalías Congénitas de la Secretaría Distrital de Salud de Bogotá. We calculated the prevalence of congenital heart diseases through a daily registry of births, the clinical evaluation, and the work-up. Congenital heart diseases were classified as isolated, complex or associated. We estimated the prevalence per year and the mortality in the first hours of life. Results: The total prevalence of congenital heart diseases was 15.1 per 10,000 newborns; however, we obtained values above 20 per 10,000 newborns in the previous 3 years. Of the newborns analyzed, 46% were females, 53.16% were males, and 0.33% undetermined. Out of the newborns with congenital anomalies, 397 had congenital heart diseases, 142 of which were classified as associated and 74as complex. Conclusion: Congenital heart diseases have a significant impact on childhood morbidity and mortality. Although the prevalence continues to be low compared to other countries, this could be due to under registry nationwide. There was an increase in prevalence during the previous three years, which might be explained by the implementation of local and national programs. Therefore, we suggest continuing the development and promotion of such programs aimed at increasing screening and registration of these anomalies.

Compromiso pulmonar en pacientes con infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) / Pulmonary Manifestations in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection

El virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) continúa siendo un problema de salud pública mundial, a pesar de la introducción de la terapia antirretroviral y la profilaxis frente a patógenos oportunistas. El pulmón es uno de los órganos más afectados por condiciones tanto infecciosas como no infecciosas en el contexto de la enfermedad retroviral; sin embargo, la prevalencia de las enfermedades de las vías respiratorias ha cambiado en las últimas dos décadas, tanto local como globalmente, por lo que se decidió realizar una búsqueda de la literatura más reciente en las bases de datos Medline y SciELO, incluyendo revisiones de tema y estudios originales, con el objetivo de elaborar una descripción actualizada de las principales enfermedades pulmonares descritas en pacientes con VIH, desde los puntos de vista clínico, paraclínico, radiológico y broncoscópico.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a public health problem worldwide, despite the introduction of antiretroviral therapy and prophylaxis against opportunistic pathogens. The lung is one of the most affected organs by both infectious and non-infectious diseases in the context of HIV, however, the prevalence of respiratory tract diseases has changed over the past two decades, both locally and globally, therefore, the authors decided to conduct a search of the most recent literature on Medline and SciELO databases, including reviews and original studies, with the aim of elaborating an updated description of the main pulmonary diseases in patients with HIV, taking into account clinical, paraclinical, radiological and bronchoscopic aspects.

Suicide in the Indigenous Population of Latin America: A Systematic Review / Suicidio en la población indígena latinoamericana: revisión sistemática

Abstract Objective: Due to the high rates of suicide reported among many ethnic minorities, a systematic review is presented on suicide in indigenous populations of Latin America. Methods: Systematic review in PubMed, Scopus, PsycNET, SciELO and Scholar Google. Results: From an initial total of 1862 articles, 41were included for data extraction. They include 21 from Brazil, 13 from Colombia, 2 from Chile, 1 from Peru, and 4 articles grouped from different countries. Suicide is a public health issue in many communities. Lifestyle changes, industrialisation, environmental degradation, and alcohol have led the indigenous population experiencing what has been described as "cultural death."

Resumen Objetivo: Se han reportado altas tasas de suicidio en algunas minorías étnicas, entre ellas comunidades indígenas en Latinoamérica. Este fenómeno se considera un problema de salud pública. Realizamos una revisión sistemática para describirlo. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en las bases de datos de PubMed, Scopus, PscycNET, SciELO y Google Scholar. Resultados: Se encontró un total inicial de 1.862 referencias; de estos artículos, se incluyeron 41 para extracción de datos según los criterios de inclusión, de los que 21 hacen referencia a Brasil,13 a Colombia, 2 a Chile,1a Perú y 4 artículos a diferentes países agrupados. Las comunidades indígenas están pasando por un fenómeno de «muerte cultural¼ en el que los cambios en las culturas, los estilos de vida, la industrialización, la invasión del medio ambiente y el consumo de alcohol se convierten en desencadenantes del suicidio.

Suicide in the Indigenous Population of Latin America: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Due to the high rates of suicide reported among many ethnic minorities, a systematic review is presented on suicide in indigenous populations of Latin America. METHODS: Systematic review in PubMed, Scopus, PsycNET, Scielo and Scholar Google. RESULTS: From an initial total of 1862 articles, 41 were included for data extraction. They include 21 from Brazil, 13 from Colombia, 2 from Chile, 1 from Peru, and 4 articles grouped from different countries. Suicide is a public health issue in many communities. Lifestyle changes, industrialisation, environmental degradation, and alcohol have led the indigenous population experiencing what has been described as "cultural death."

Suplementos nutricionales como modificadores del riesgo cardiovascular en componentes del síndrome metabólico en adultos / Dietary supplements as modifiers of cardiovascular risk in components of the metabolic syndrome in adults

Resumen Objetivo: analizar los suplementos nutricionales con ácidos grasos de cadena larga, micronutrientes y antioxidantes en la población adulta, como posibles modificadores del riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes con diagnóstico de síndrome metabólico, o alguno de sus componentes. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura en las bases de datos Medline y Embase, utilizando los términos ''Metabolic Syndrome'' AND ''Dietary supplements'' y 'Metabolic Syndrome'/exp AND 'Dietary supplement'/exp, respectivamente, sobre el papel de los suplementos nutricionales en la modificación del riesgo cardiovascular en adultos con síndrome metabólico o alguno de sus componentes. Resultados: De 475 artículos depurados, se seleccionaron 37 que estudiaran el posible beneficio de los suplementos nutricionales en el síndrome metabólico. Algunos estudios muestran un potencial de ácidos grasos de cadena larga y antioxidantes (vitamina D, vitamina E) para reducir el riesgo cardiovascular de pacientes con síndrome metabólico, evidenciado en la reducción de parámetros como colesterol total, glucemia, índice de masa corporal y perímetro abdominal. Conclusión: El uso de suplementos nutricionales con ácidos grasos de cadena larga y antioxidante podría tener efectos benéficos en la disminución de riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes con diagnóstico de síndrome metabólico o alguno de sus componentes. El uso de suplementos con otros componentes debe estudiarse a mayor profundidad para efectuar recomendaciones.

Abstract Objective: To analyze dietary supplements with long chain fatty acids, micronutrients and antioxidants in adult population as possible modifiers of cardiovascular risk in patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome or any of its components. Methods: Literature review of databases Medline and Embase using terms ''Metabolic Syndrome'' AND ''Dietary supplements'' and 'Metabolic Syndrome'/exp AND 'Dietary supplement'/exp, respectively, on the role of dietary supplements in modifying cardiovascular risk in adults with metabolic syndrome or any of its components. Results: Out of 475 articles, the 37 selected studied the possible benefit of dietary supplements in metabolic syndrome. Some studies reveal a potential in long chain fatty acids and antioxidants (vitamin D, vitamin E) in reducing cardiovascular risk of patients with metabolic syndrome, evidenced in the decrease of parameters such as total cholesterol, blood sugar, body mass index and abdominal perimeter. Conclusion: The use of dietary supplements with long chain fatty acids and antioxidants could have beneficial effects in reducing cardiovascular risk in patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome or any of its components. The use of supplements with other components must be studied more deeply to make further recommendations.

[Epidemiologic features in patients with antihistamine-resistant chronic urticaria]. / Características epidemiológicas en pacientes con urticaria crónica espontánea resistente al tratamiento con antihistamínicos.

BACKGROUND: Current information on the particular features of patients suffering chronic spontaneous urticaria refractory to treatment is limited. OBJECTIVE: To investigate demographic and clinical characteristics in patients with refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the clinical and demographic information of patients consulting Allergy services from two hospitals in Caracas, Venezuela, who presented spontaneous urticaria lasting more than 6 weeks and did not respond to, at least, one course of treatment with antihistamines. RESULTS: Refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria was frequent in Hispanic female patients aged 20 to 59 years, with moderate symptoms, individual lesions lasting less than three hours, and wheal diameters between 1 and 3 cm. Angioedema, alone or associated to urticaria was present in 14% of the patients. Most frequent comorbidities were asthma, rhinitis and rhinosinusitis, thyroid diseases and hypertension. CONCLUSION: Refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria constitutes a highly prevalent subgroup of chronic urticaria which represents an important therapeutic challenge. This study did not demonstrate differential characteristics distinguishing refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria from chronic spontaneous urticaria patients who respond to the treatment with antihistamines.

Antecedentes: en la actualidad, la información disponible acerca de las características particulares de los pacientes que padecen urticaria crónica espontánea resistente a tratamiento es muy limitada. Objetivo: investigar las características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes con urticaria crónica espontánea resistente a tratamiento. Material y método: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de la información clínica y demográfica de pacientes que consultaron en los servicios de Alergología de dos hospitales de Caracas, Venezuela, que padecían urticaria espontánea de más de seis semanas de evolución y que no habían respondido a por lo menos un curso de tratamiento con antihistamínicos. Resultados: la urticaria crónica espontánea resistente a tratamiento fue más frecuente en pacientes de sexo femenino, de edades entre 20 y 59 años, de raza caucásica americana, con predominio de síntomas moderados, duración de las lesiones individuales de menos de tres horas y diámetro de los habones entre 1 y 3 cm. El angioedema solo o asociado con urticaria afectó a 14% de los pacientes. Las enfermedades asociadas con mayor frecuencia fueron: asma, rinitis y rinosinusitis, enfermedades tiroideas e hipertensión arterial. Conclusión: la urticaria crónica espontánea resistente a tratamiento constituye un subgrupo muy frecuente de urticaria crónica y representa un importante desafío terapéutico. En este estudio no se demostraron características diferenciales en comparación con las de los pacientes con urticaria crónica espontánea que responden al tratamiento con antihistamínicos.