Spanish validation of the short version of the racing and crowded thoughts questionnaire (RCTQ-13).

BACKGROUND: The Racing and Crowded Thoughts Questionnaire (RCTQ-13) is the most widely used specific scale for the measurement of racing thoughts, but there is currently no Spanish version that allow the evaluation in Spanish-speaking patients. The objective of this study is to translate, adapt, and validate the RCTQ-13 in a Colombian population with affective disorders. METHODS: The questionnaire was translated and back-translated, and corrections were implemented following a pilot test to improve comprehensibility. We included patients with Bipolar I Disorder and with Major depressive disorder seen in three centers in the city of Medellín, Colombia. We evaluate structural validity with confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Construct validity was also assessed with the comparison between euthymic, maniac, and depressive episodes and the correlation with worry, rumination, and mania scales. Responsiveness was measured 1 month after the first evaluation. Based on item response theory (IRT), we also estimated item difficulty, discrimination, and fit using a generalized partial credit model. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty subjects were included. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the three-factor structure of the scale was appropriate. Internal consistency was adequate for the entire scale (Cronbach's alpha = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.94-0.96) and for each factor. Test-retest reliability was good (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.82, 95%IC: 0.70-0.88). For construct validity, we observed differences between patients with different types of affective episodes, a moderate positive correlation with the Penn State Worry Scale (r = 0.55) and the Ruminative Response Scale (r = 0.42), and a low negative correlation with the Young Mania Rating Scale (r = - 0.10). Responsiveness was proved to be adequate. Under IRT, the response thresholds for the response options are organized for all items. The infit was adequate for all items and the outfit was acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the RCTQ-13 is a reliable, valid, and responsive scale and can be used for the clinical assessment of the construct of racing and crowded thoughts in patients with the spectrum of affective disorders in whom this experience can be expressed with different nuances. Further research is needed to expand the relationship with rumination and worry.

Effect of High Sodium Intake on Gut Tight Junctions' Structure and Permeability to Bacterial Toxins in a Rat Model of Chronic Kidney Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Uremic toxicity changes the gut structure and permeability, allowing bacterial toxins to translocate from the lumen to the blood during chronic kidney failure (CKD). Clinical fluid overload and tissue edema without uremia have similar effects but have not been adequately demonstrated and analyzed in CKD. AIMS: To investigate the effect of sodium intake on the plasma concentration of gut-derived uremic toxins, indoxyl sulfate (IS), and p-cresyl sulfate (pCS) and the expression of genes and proteins of epithelial gut tight junctions in a rat model of CKD. METHODS: Sham-operated (control group, CG) and five-sixths nephrectomized (5/6Nx) Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to low (LNa), normal (NNa), or high sodium (HNa) diets., Animals were then sacrificed at 8 and 12 weeks and analyzed for IS and pCS plasma concentrations, as well as for gene and protein expression of thigh junction proteins, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in colon fragments. RESULTS: The HNa 5/6Nx groups had higher concentrations of IS and pCS than CG, NNa, and LNa at eight and twelve weeks. Furthermore, HNa 5/6Nx groups had reduced expression of the claudin-4 gene and protein than CG, NNa, and LNa. HNa had reduced occludin gene expression compared to CG. Occludin protein expression was more reduced in HNa than in CG, NNa, and LNa. The gut epithelial tight junctions appear dilated in HNa compared to NNa and LNa in TEM. CONCLUSION: Dietary sodium intake and fluid overload have a significant role in gut epithelial permeability in the CKD model.

An unusual case of small bowel volvulus due to pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis: Case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is an uncommon condition characterized by intramural gas accumulation in the intestinal submucosa. Idiopathic or secondary is presented with non-specific clinical signs; in some cases, diagnosis is incidental. Its acute presentation is uncommon, and surgical management could be performed in selected cases. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of an 85-year-old woman with 3 days of abdominal pain, 6 months of weight loss, and abdominal distension after meals. Abdominal computed tomography evidenced PCI at the small intestine with changes due to intestinal ischemia and internal mesenteric hernia. Intestinal resection and lateral-lateral mechanical anastomosis were performed with no complications after 90 days of follow-up. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: PCI is an infrequent and benign condition; pathophysiology is, to date, poorly understood. Idiopathic or secondary to other gastrointestinal pathologies are described. The final diagnosis is performed with histopathological analysis. Nevertheless, in some cases, the benign nature could be presented as an acute abdomen, and surgical management should be in the physician's armamentarium. CONCLUSION: PCI is an uncommon and benign entity. Nevertheless, in some cases, it could be presented as an acute abdomen. The surgical approach is appropriate, safe, and feasible.

Boerhaave syndrome: Successful conservative treatment. Case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Spontaneous esophageal perforation or "Boerhaave" syndrome is an uncommon pathology, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Clinical scores such as the Pittsburgh classification could guide the treatment and helps to assess mortality risk. Conservative management could be performed in selected cases. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 19-year-old male patient with a previous history of anxiety and depression, who enters the emergency room with vomiting and epigastric pain followed by swelling at the neck and dysphagia. Neck tomography and chest tomography were obtained showing subcutaneous emphysema. Conservative management was indicated and after 10 days of in-hospital stay and no complications, the patient was discharged. Any complication was observed after 30, 60, and 90 days of follow-up. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Selected patients with Boerhaave syndrome could benefit from conservative management. Risk classification could be performed using the Pittsburgh score. Nil per os, antibiotic treatment, and nutritional support are the cornerstone of nonoperative management. CONCLUSION: Boerhaave syndrome it's an infrequent pathology, with mortality rates ranging between 30 and 50 %. Early identification and on-time management are required to have favorable outcomes. Pittsburgh score can be used to guide the selection of patients who benefit from conservative treatment.

Educational environment and mental wellbeing of medical and surgical postgraduate residents in Medellin, Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most important moments in a doctor's life occurs when they do a medical residency. This period imposes stress and academic demands, which, together with the educational environment, allows for greater or lesser mental wellbeing. The objective of this study was to determine how the educational environment and mental wellbeing of medical residents are related. METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional study, in residents of clinical-surgical specialties. The educational environment was assessed using the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM), and mental wellbeing was assessed with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS). Pearson's linear correlation was determined. Informed consent and approval by the university ethics committee were obtained. RESULTS: The study population comprised 131 students, 43.8% male, with a median age of 28 years (interquartile range 4). In total, 87.9% of residents answered the survey. Of these, 65.9% were doing medical residencies and 34.1% surgical residencies. The mean PHEEM score was 107.96 ±â€¯18.88, the positive emotions subscale was 29.32 ±â€¯5.18 and positive functioning 23.61 ±â€¯3.57, with a mean total mental wellbeing of 52.96 ±â€¯8.44. A positive and moderate correlation was found between the total PHEEM score and each of the two mental wellbeing subscales (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A positive correlation was found between a better perception of the educational environment and mental wellbeing by residents of clinical and surgical specialties with greater mental wellbeing.

Ambiente educacional y bienestar mental de los residentes de posgrados médicos y quirúrgicos en Medellín, Colombia

Introducción: Uno de los momentos más importantes en la vida de un médico ocurre cuando realiza la especialización médica. Este periodo impone estrés y exigencias académicas, lo cual, junto con el ambiente educacional, permite un mayor o menor bienestar mental. El objetivo del estudio es determinar cómo se relacionan el ambiente educacional y el bienestar mental de los residentes de Medicina. Métodos: Estudio transversal analítico en residentes de especialidades clínico-quirúrgicas. El ambiente educacional se evaluó mediante la escala Postgraduate Hospital Educational Envioro-ment Meassure (PHEEM) y el bienestar mental, con la escala de Warwick-Edinburgh (EBMWE). Se determinó la correlación lineal de Pearson. Se tomó el consentimiento informado y se obtuvo la aprobación del comité de ética universitario. Resultados: Integraron la población de estudio 131 estudiantes, el 43,8% varones, con una mediana de edad de 28 [intervalo intercuartílico, 4] arios. El 87,9% de los residentes respondieron a la encuesta. Hubo un 65,9% de posgrados médicos y un 34,1% de quirúrgicos. La puntuación media en la PHEEM fue de 107,96 ± 18,88; en la subescala de emociones positivas, 29,32 ± 5,18 y en funcionamiento positivo, 23,61 ± 3,57, con una media total de bienestar mental de 52,96 ± 8,44. Se encontró una moderada correlación positiva entre puntuación total de la PHEEM y cada una de las 2 subescalas de bienestar mental (p <0,001). Conclusiones: Se encontró una correlación positiva entre una mejor percepción del ambiente educacional y el bienestar mental de los residentes de especialidades clínicas-quirúrgicas con mayor bienestar mental

Introduction: One of the most important moments in a doctor's life occurs when they do a medical residency. This period imposes stress and academic demands, which, together with the educational environment, allows for greater or lesser mental wellbeing. The objective of this study was to determine how the educational environment and mental wellbeing of medical residents are related. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study, in residents of clinical-surgical specialties. The educational environment was assessed using the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM), and mental wellbeing was assessed with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS). Pearson's linear correlation was determined. Informed consent and approval by the university ethics committee were obtained. Results:The study population comprised 131 students, 43.8% male, with a median age of 28 years (interquartile range 4). In total, 87.9% of residents answered the survey. Of these, 65.9% were doing medical residencies and 34.1% surgical residencies. The mean PHEEM score was 107.96 ± 18.88, the positive emotions subscale was 29.32 ± 5.18 and positive functioning 23.61 ± 3.57, with a mean total mental wellbeing of 52.96 ± 8.44. A positive and moderate correlation was found between the total PHEEM score and each of the two mental wellbeing subscales (p < 0.001). Conclusions: A positive correlation was found between a better perception of the educational environment and mental wellbeing by residents of clinical and surgical specialties with greater mental wellbeing.

Sex Modulates Cardiovascular Effects of Icodextrin-Based Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions.

Background/Aims: Some previous observations have noted that after six months of peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment with icodextrin solutions, blood pressure (BP) and NT-proBNP tend to return to baseline values. This may be due to accumulation of icodextrin products that exert a colloid osmotic effect, which drives water into the bloodstream, causing the rise in blood pressure. Since icodextrin is metabolized by α-Amylase and its gene copies are lower in females than in males, we hypothesized icodextrin metabolites reach higher concentrations in females and that cardiovascular effects of icodextrin are influenced by sex. Methods: Secondary analysis of a RCT comparing factors influencing fluid balance control in diabetic PD patients with high or high average peritoneal transport receiving icodextrin (n = 30) or glucose (n = 29) PD solutions. Serum icodextrin metabolites, osmolality, body composition and Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) diameter were measured at baseline, and at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. Results: After six months of treatment, icodextrin metabolites showed higher levels in females than in males, particularly G5-7 and >G7, serum osmolality was lower in females. In spite of reduction in total and extracellular body water, ultrafiltration (UF) was lower and IVC diameter and BP increased in females, suggesting increment of blood volume. Conclusion: Females undergoing PD present with higher levels of icodextrin metabolites in serum that may exert an increased colloid-osmotic pressure followed by less UF volumes and increment in blood volume and blood pressure. Whether this could be due to the lesser number of α-Amylase gene copies described in diabetic females deserves further investigation.

Cleft Lip and Palate Midfacial Hypoplasia: Criteria to Choose the Treatment.

ABSTRACT: A series of skeletal and dentoalveolar/occlusal criteria were proposed for choosing the treatment modality for the management of midface hypoplasia in cleft lip/palate patients, focusing on functional improvement, aesthetics, and minimizing the risk of recurrence and secondary alterations. For which, 42 patients with nonsyndromic cleft lip/palate, all with previous primary lip/palate surgeries and without previous osteotomies, were analyzed. Orthognathic surgery (OS) (n = 24) and maxillary distraction osteogenesis (n = 18) with anterior segmental osteotomies (segmental distraction osteogenesis [SD]), alveolar transport disc (TD), and midface total distraction osteogenesis (TDO) by modified Le Fort III osteotomy was done.The average of maxillary advancement for OS was 5.58 ±â€Š0.83 mm, for SD 9.4 ±â€Š0.89 mm, for TD 8.00 ±â€Š1.00 mm, and for TDO was 8.13 ±â€Š1.55 mm.In the presence of infraorbital and/or zygomatic hypoplasia, TDO was performed using skeletal anchorage, with the requirement of occlusal stability in dental cast in occlusion. In short maxillary arch without dental cast feasibility in occlusion, hypodontia/agenesis or absence of premaxilla, TD and SD was performed. There was only 1 mm of recurrence in 1 patient of each group. Changes in speech were detected in 2 patients in the OS group (8.3%). Orthognathic surgery can be indicated for advancements ≤7 mm not requiring orbito-zygomatic advancement, whereas distraction osteogenesis can be indicated for advances >8 mm with or without the need for orbito-zygomatic advancement, in addition with other dentoalveolar factors and velopharyngeal function.

Fracturas atípicas de fémur, un evento adverso infrecuente de los bisfosfonatos en oncología. Reporte de caso / Atypical femur fractures, a rare adverse event of bisphosphonates in oncology: Case report

Resumen Los bisfosfonatos constituyen uno de los pilares fundamentales en el manejo de la morbilidad ósea de los pacientes con varios tipos de tumores sólidos (1, 3). Sin embargo, a pesar de la experiencia que tenemos por su uso desde hace décadas, existen eventos adversos como las fracturas atípicas (FA) que por su baja frecuencia pueden pasar desapercibidas y no recibir un manejo adecuado. Existen pocos reportes en la literatura de FA en el manejo de pacientes con cáncer. Se presenta un caso en el cual una paciente con un tumor metacrónico de mama con metástasis ósea al debut, actualmente en remisión, presenta una FA de fémur tras recibir bisfosfonatos durante 8 años.

Abstract Bisphosphonates are one of the fundamental pillars in the treatment of bone morbidities in patients with different types of solid tumors.1-3 However, despite the experience that we have accumulated during decades, there are adverse events such as atypical fractures (AF) that due to their low frequency can go unnoticed and might not receive adequate management. There are few reports in the literature about AF in cancer treatments. We present a case of a patient with metachronous breast cancer and bone metastases at initial diagnosis, currently in remission, who presents AF of the femur after receiving bisphosphonates for 8 years.

Educational Environment and Mental Wellbeing of Medical and Surgical Postgraduate Residents in Medellin, Colombia. / Ambiente educacional y bienestar mental de los residentes de posgrados médicos y quirúrgicos en Medellín, Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most important moments in a doctor's life occurs when they do a medical residency. This period imposes stress and academic demands, which, together with the educational environment, allows for greater or lesser mental wellbeing. The objective of this study was to determine how the educational environment and mental wellbeing of medical residents are related. METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional study, in residents of clinical-surgical specialties. The educational environment was assessed using the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM), and mental wellbeing was assessed with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS). Pearson's linear correlation was determined. Informed consent and approval by the university ethics committee were obtained. RESULTS: The study population comprised 131 students, 43.8% male, with a median age of 28 years (interquartile range 4). In total, 87.9% of residents answered the survey. Of these, 65.9% were doing medical residencies and 34.1% surgical residencies. The mean PHEEM score was 107.96±18.88, the positive emotions subscale was 29.32±5.18 and positive functioning 23.61±3.57, with a mean total mental wellbeing of 52.96±8.44. A positive and moderate correlation was found between the total PHEEM score and each of the two mental wellbeing subscales (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A positive correlation was found between a better perception of the educational environment and mental wellbeing by residents of clinical and surgical specialties with greater mental wellbeing.

Knowledge and interactions of the local community with the herpetofauna in the forest reserve of Quininí (Tibacuy-Cundinamarca, Colombia).

BACKGROUND: The study of human-nature relationship has made possible to understand the life dynamics of the communities and the biodiversity with which they cohabit. Although there has been a rise of ethnobiological studies over the last decade, little is known about human interaction with herpetofauna in South America and Colombia. In this work, we analyzed the knowledge, perception, and interaction of a local community located in the forest reserve of Quininí (RFPCQ) in Cundinamarca (Colombia), concerning to the herpetofauna that inhabits the area. METHODS: We performed semi-structured surveys containing 30 questions categorized into three groups: academic knowledge (1), use and cultural beliefs (2), and interactions (3) related to the herpetofauna that occurs in the region. The obtained data in question groups 1 and 2 are presented as a qualitative summary. For the question group 3, we assigned the answers to a hostility value according to the possible reaction of each individual interviewed in a hypothetical encounter with the herpetofauna and built tendency charts in order to see the positive or negative reactions due to the birthplace (urban/rural) and gender (male/female). RESULTS: The community recognized the presence of amphibians and reptiles that cohabit their space, as well as their potential habitats. Besides, the role of herpetofauna was recognized in the magical/religious traditions for some inhabitants of the region, mainly associated with the fate and cure of chronic diseases. In general, the perception of amphibians and reptiles varied according to the origin and gender of the people, which tend to have a more positive perception of reptiles than compared to amphibians in most cases. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was a general lack of knowledge on the part of the inhabitants of the RFPCQ about the biological and ecological aspects of herpetofauna, the population recognized the basic information about the habitats of these animals within the reserve area. There is a wide variety of uses of amphibians and reptiles in traditional medicine. Greater efforts should be made in the transmission and dissemination of knowledge about the ecological functions of herpetofauna.

Embolia por proyectil por arma de fuego: a propósito de un caso / Pulmonary projectile embolism by firearm: A case report

Introducción. La embolia pulmonar por herida con arma de fuego es potencialmente fatal y una complicación rara que puede presentarse en los servicios de urgencias. En los últimos años, se ha presentado una mayor inci-dencia por la violencia social civil (85 %) que por las guerras (15 %). Los principales síntomas de los pacientes son dolor torácico, disnea y hemoptisis por la erosión vascular y el infarto pulmonar asociado.Caso clínico. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 18 años de edad que ingresó por múltiples heridas por proyec-tiles de arma de fuego, una de ellas con un proyectil alojado en la arteria pulmonar del lóbulo inferior derecho y embolia pulmonar aguda en las ramas arteriales distales al proyectil. Se optó por un tratamiento conservador y la evolución fue adecuada. Discusión. La sintomatología de esta condición depende de la localización, la trombosis asociada, los fenóme-nos de isquemia y las complicaciones hemorrágicas. Entre las complicaciones de un proyectil de fuego alojado en una arteria pulmonar, están la isquemia, la trombosis, los pseudoaneurismas, la hemorragia, el derrame pleural, la insuficiencia vascular y la endocarditis. La mayoría de los pacientes deben someterse a una intervención quirúrgica cuando el proyectil se aloja en las arterias pulmonares principales o lobares y las compromete; cuando se localiza en las arterias segmentarias y subsegmentarias, tienden a presentar fístulas con el bronquio y vasoespasmo compensatorio, lo que permitiría el manejo conservador

Introduction: Gunshot wound pulmonary embolism is potentially fatal and a rare complication that can occur in emergency departments. In recent years, there has been a higher incidence of civil social violence (85%) than for wars (15%). The main symptoms of patients are chest pain, dyspnoea and hemoptisis from vascular erosion and associated pulmonary infarction. Clinical case: We present a case of an 18-year-old patient who was admitted for multiple projectile wounds by firearm, one of them with a projectile lodged in the pulmonary artery of the right lower lobe and acute pulmonary embolism in the arterial branches distal to the projectile. Conservative management was decided, with adequate evolution.Discussion: The symptomatology of this condition depends on the location, associated thrombosis, ischemia phenomena and hemorrhagic complications. Complications of a fire projectile lodged in a pulmonary artery include ischemia, thrombosis, pseudoaneurysms, bleeding, pleural effusion, vascular insufficiency, and endocarditis. Most patients must undergo surgery when the projectile is housed in the main pulmonary arteries or lobar, when located in the segmental and subsegmental arteries tend to have fistulas with bronchi and compensatory vasospasm, which would allow conservative management

Fused roots of maxillary molars: characterization and prevalence in a Latin American sub-population: a cone beam computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVES: The upper molars generally have three roots; therefore, different combinations of fusion can occur, increasing the possibility of finding more complex root canal systems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and characterization of fused roots in first and second maxillary molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a Colombian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1274 teeth were evaluated, of which 534 were maxillary first molars and 740 were maxillary second molars. Axial sections were made at the cervical, middle, and apical levels to determine the prevalence of root fusion and the types of fusion. RESULTS: Overall, 43% of the molars (n = 551) presented some type of fused root. Root fusion was present in 23.4% of the maxillary first molars. The most frequent type of fused root was type 3 (distobuccal-palatal; DB-P) (58.9%). Root fusion was observed in 57.6% of the maxillary second molars, and the most prevalent type of fused root was type 6 (cone-shaped) (45.2%). Of the maxillary molars, 12.5% were classified as C-shaped. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, there was a high prevalence of fused roots in maxillary molars in the Colombian population, mainly in the maxillary second molars. In first molars, the most common type of fused root was type 3 (DB-P) and in second molars, the most common type was type 6 (cone-shaped). Additionally, molars with root fusion presented variation at different levels of the radicular portion, with implications for treatment quality.

Early identification of peripheral neuropathy based on sudomotor dysfunction in Mexican patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 Diabetes in Mexico has a high prevalence, 16-87% of patients may experience peripheral neuropathy. Early detection can prevent or halt its progression. The performance of Sudoscan in detecting neuropathy was compared to the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). The aim was to identificate small fibers neuropathy. METHODS: Patients type 2 diabetes received both MNSI and sudomotor function assessment through measurement of electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) in the hands and feet. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-one patients with neuropathy according to MNSI B had lower hands and feet ESC, regardless of diabetes duration. Among the 170 patients who had had diabetes for at least 5 years, 76 of them with normal MNSI B had abnormal hands or feet ESC; this was also the case in 28 out of 51 patients with diabetes than 5 or more years. In contrast, only 5 patients in the first group and 1 in the second group had abnormal MNSI B with normal ESC. Using MNSI B as a reference, abnormal hands or feet ESC (< 60 µS and 70 µS respectively) had a sensitivity of 97%, positive predictive value of 87% to detect neuropathy in patients with longer diabetes duration. The group with shorter diabetes duration, the sensitivity of abnormal hands or feet ESC to detect neuropathy was 91% while the positive predictive value was 88%. CONCLUSIONS: The Sudoscan device, which does not require any preparation, is noninvasive, easy and rapid to perform, can be useful in the early diagnosis peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetic.

Cerebroplacental ratio as a predictor of adverse neonatal outcomes in high-risk pregnancies / Índice cerebroplacentario como predictor de resultados neonatales adversos en embarazos de alto riesgo

Objective: To determine the value of the fetal cerebroplacental ratio in predicting adverse neonatal outcomes in high-risk pregnancies. Material and methods: We performed a prospective, observational study at Centro Médico Internacional La Raza hospital, Mexico City, Mexico. Fetal biometry and Doppler pulsatility indices of the umbilical and the middle cerebral artery were measured to calculate the cerebroplacental ratio in patients with high-risk pregnancies at term (37-41 weeks) before established labor. The neonatal outcomes recorded were adverse neonatal outcome, adverse respiratory outcome, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, and neonatal death. The optimal cut-off point for cerebroplacental ratio was determined using receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between the cerebroplacental ratio and adverse neonatal outcomes. SPSS version 24 was used. Results: The study population comprised 67 patients. The incidence of adverse neonatal outcomes was 21%; the area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve was 0.807 (95%CI, 0.705-0.908). The optimal cut-off point was 1.89, with a positive predictive value of 50%, negative predictive value of 97.6%, positive likelihood ratio of 3.79 (95%CI, 2.19-6.54), and a negative likelihood ratio 0.09 (95%CI, 0.02-0.38). In addition, fetuses with a low cerebroplacental ratio had a higher incidence of adverse respiratory outcome and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (p<0.001 and p=0.026). There were no neonatal deaths. Conclusions: Cerebroplacental ratio was a good predictor of adverse neonatal outcomes in high-risk pregnancies, with an optimal cut-off point of 1.89 for this population. This parameter enables us to identify fetuses at high risk for these complications and could therefore prove useful in the antepartum assessment

Objetivo: determinar el valor predictivo del índice cerebroplacentario de resultados neonatales adversos (RNA) en embarazos de alto riesgo. Material y métodos: estudio prospectivo, observacional en el hospital La Raza, Ciudad de México, México. Se evaluó la biometría fetal y los índices de pulsatilidad de la arteria cerebral media y umbilical para calcular el índice cerebroplacentario en pacientes con embarazos de alto riesgo a término (37- 41 semanas) antes de la resolución del mismo. Se evaluaron los RNA, resultados respiratorios adversos (RRA), ingreso a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales (UCIN) y muerte neonatal. Mediante Curvas de Características Operacionales (ROC) se determinó el punto de corte óptimo del índice cerebroplacentario, y mediante regresión logística se evaluó la asociación entre el índice cerebroplacentario y los RNA. Se utilizó SPSS versión 24. Resultados: Se evaluaron 67 pacientes, la incidencia de RNA fue de 21%; El área bajo la curva ROC fue 0,807 (IC del 95%: 0,705-0,908). El punto de corte óptimo fue 1,89: valor predictivo positivo 50%, valor predictivo negativo 97,6%, razón de verosimilitud positiva 3,79 (IC del 95%: 2,19-6,54) y razón de verosimilitud negativa 0,09 (IC 95% 0,02-0,38). Los fetos con bajo índice cerebroplacentario tuvieron una mayor incidencia de RRA e ingreso a UCIN (p <0,001 y p = 0,026). No hubo muertes neonatales. Conclusiones: El índice cerebroplacentario fue buen predictor de RNA en embarazos de alto riesgo, con un punto de corte óptimo de 1,89 para esta población. Este parámetro permite identificar fetos de alto riesgo, sugiriendo su utilidad en la evaluación anteparto

Efecto de la técnica "contracciones repetidas" sobre la fuerza del músculo dorsal ancho / Effect of the "repeated contractions" technique on the strength of latissimus dorsi muscle

La Facilitación Neuromuscular Propioceptiva es un enfoque de la rehabilitación comúnmente usado por el fisioterapeuta. Sin embargo, no existen estudios que evalúen el efecto de las técnicas de FNP dirigidas al agonista, como por ejemplo las contracciones repetidas de la forma más avanzada, a pesar de existir mecanismos neurofisiológicos que sustentan su aplicación. Objetivo: Describir el efecto de la Técnica de Facilitación Neuromuscular Propioceptiva­ Contracciones Repetidas de la forma más avanzada sobre la fuerza del músculo dorsal ancho en mujeres universitarias sanas. Método: Se incluyeron 10 mujeres sanas entre 18-25 años de edad con notas musculares de 3 o 3+ en el examen muscular manual del músculo dorsal ancho. Se realizó el entrenamiento de la fuerza con la Técnica de Facilitación Neuromuscular Propioceptiva ­ Contracciones repetidas de la forma más avanzada (3 series de 8 repeticiones, 3 veces a la semana durante 8 semanas) en el miembro superior no dominante. Para el análisis se aplicaron la prueba Shapiro-Wilk, Levene y t-Student pareada (p<0.05). Resultados: Hubo un aumento significativo en la fuerza del músculo dorsal ancho después de la intervención (p=0,002418) en el miembro superior entrenado. Se observó un aumento no significativo en la fuerza del músculo dorsal ancho que no fue intervenido. Discusión: Se discute sobre varias de las características del entrenamiento tales como duración, componente en diagonal, movimiento voluntario repetido, y las implicaciones de estas sobre los resultados en la fuerza se comprenden a la luz de la evidencia disponible.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques are a rehabilitation approach commonly used by physiotherapists. However, there are no studies that evaluate the effect of PNF techniques such as repeated contractions (RC) in the most advanced form, despite the existence of neurophysiological mechanisms that support its application. Objective: To describe the effect of PNF RC Technique in the most advanced form on the strength of latissimus dorsi muscle in healthy university women. Method: Ten healthy women (18-25 years) with muscle notes of 3 or 3+ in the manual muscle examination of the latissimus dorsi muscle, and who did not perform physical exercise during the intervention, were included. Training was performed with the PNF RC Technique in the most advanced form (3 sets of 8 repetitions, 3 times a week for 8 weeks) in the non-dominant upper limb. The normality and homogeneity of the data were evaluated with the Shapiro-Wilk and Levene test, the difference pre and post-intervention in the muscle strength was analyzed by the paired t-Student test (p <0.05). Results: There was a significant increase in the strength of the latissimus dorsi muscle after the intervention (p = 0.002418) in the trained upper limb. There was increase in non-intervened latissimus dorsi muscle strength (p = 0.121). Discussion: Several training characteristics such as duration, diagonal component and repeated voluntary movement are discussed. The implications of these on strength results are understood using the available evidence.

La disminución de triyodotironina se asocia con la elevación del péptido natriurético cerebral N-terminal y con la mortalidad en pacientes en diálisis / Low triiodothyronine is associated with elevation of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and mortality in dialysis patients

Antecedentes: La disminución de hormonas tiroideas (HT) y el daño miocárdico son frecuentes en pacientes en diálisis y están asociados con la mortalidad. Sin embargo, poco se conoce de la importancia de las HT como factor de daño miocárdico, como se ha descrito en las enfermedades tiroideas primarias. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar si existe interacción entre la disminución de triyodotironina total (tT3) y los marcadores de daño miocárdico y la relación de esta interacción entre ambos con la mortalidad, para establecer si el daño cardiovascular es el vínculo entre la disminución de HT y el riesgo de muerte en pacientes con ERC en diálisis. Material y métodos: Se estudiaron los niveles plasmáticos de HT, de marcadores de nutrición, inflamación y de daño al miocardio en 296 pacientes en diálisis peritoneal o en hemodiálisis, a los que se vigiló por 16 meses para conocer la asociación de las variables bioquímicas con la mortalidad. Resultados: En el 45% de los pacientes se encontró tT3 disminuida, lo cual tuvo correlación inversa con la proteína C reactiva (PCR) y con el NT-proBNP y directa con la albúmina y la transferrina. La diabetes, la PCR y la tT3 fueron factores de riesgo para la mortalidad por cualquier causa y la PCR, el NT-proBNP y la tT3 para mortalidad cardiovascular. Conclusiones: Los niveles bajos de tT3 son frecuentes en pacientes en diálisis, se asocian con inflamación, desnutrición y daño miocárdico: este último puede ser el vínculo entre la disminución de HT y la mortalidad por cualquier causa y la mortalidad cardiovascular (AU)

Background: Low thyroid hormone (TH) levels and myocardial damage are common in dialysis patients and are associated with mortality. However, little is known about the role of THs on myocardial damage as has been described in primary thyroid diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the potential relationship between low total triiodothyronine (total T3) and biomarkers of myocardial damage and the effect of their interaction on mortality, to ascertain if cardiovascular damage is the link between low THs and the risk of death in dialysis patients with CKD. Material and methods: TH plasma levels, nutritional markers, inflammation and myocardial damage were studied in 296 patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis, who were followed up for 16 months to ascertain the association between biochemical variables and mortality. Results: Low total T3 levels were found in 45% of patients, which was inversely correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) and NT-proBNP, and directly correlated with albumin and transferrin. Diabetes, CRP and total T3 were risk factors for all-cause mortality, and CRP, NT-proBNP and total T3 for cardiovascular mortality. Conclusions: Low total T3 levels are common in dialysis patients and are associated with inflammation, malnutrition and myocardial damage. The latter may be the link between low THs and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (AU)

Electrocardiographic alterations associated with heart transplantation. Triggers, mechanisms and meaning / Alteraciones electrocardiográficas en el paciente con trasplante cardíaco. Desencadenantes, mecanismos y su significado

Abstract Introduction: Heart rhythm disorders are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, triggers and implications in patients with heart transplantation are not clear. Objectives: The purpose of this research paper is to identify and explain the determinants for the onset of electrical conductivity alterations in patients with a heart transplant, as well as to describe the most common arrhythmias and their pathological implications. Materials and methods: A literature review was made in the PubMed online database for a total of 411 results. In addition, clinical practice guidelines on cardiac transplantation, cardiovascular electrophysiology and infective endocarditis were searched. Sixty articles related to the objectives of this study were chosen. Results: Surgical technique, heart denervation, sinus node trauma, graft rejection, endomyocardial biopsies and infections are the main factors that compromise organ viability and the life of transplanted patients. These factors can be observed as sinus rhythm disturbances. Conclusions: When a cardiac arrhythmia is detected, the medical team must provide a treatment that is not limited to symptomatic and sinus rhythm control. An active search of the etiology must be initiated since it may indicate an underlying pathological process.

Resumen Introducción. Las alteraciones del ritmo cardíaco están asociadas con un aumento en la morbimortalidad; sin embargo, en pacientes con trasplante cardíaco no son claros sus desencadenantes ni implicaciones. Objetivos. Realizar una búsqueda en la literatura para identificar y explicar los determinantes en la generación de alteraciones de la conducción eléctrica en pacientes con trasplante cardíaco, así como describir las principales arritmias que pueden presentarse, explicando sus implicaciones patológicas. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda en la base de datos PubMed que arrojó un total de 411 resultados. Además, se buscaron las guías de práctica clínica sobre trasplante cardíaco, electrofisiología cardiovascular y endocarditis infecciosa. Se eligieron 60 artículos que lograban responder a los objetivos de este estudio. Resultados. La técnica quirúrgica, la denervación cardíaca, las lesiones del nodo sinusal, el rechazo del injerto, las biopsias endomiocárdicas y las infecciones son los principales factores que comprometen la viabilidad del órgano y la vida del paciente trasplantado, manifestándose como alteraciones del ritmo sinusal. Conclusiones. Ante la detección de alguna arritmia cardíaca, el equipo médico debe proporcionar un manejo que no se limite al control sintomático y del ritmo sinusal, sino que se debe iniciar una búsqueda activa de su etiología, ya que esta puede ser la manifestación de un proceso patológico subyacente.

Low triiodothyronine is associated with elevation of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and mortality in dialysis patients. / La disminución de triyodotironina se asocia con la elevación del péptido natriurético cerebral N-terminal y con la mortalidad en pacientes en diálisis.

BACKGROUND: Low thyroid hormone (TH) levels and myocardial damage are common in dialysis patients and are associated with mortality. However, little is known about the role of THs on myocardial damage as has been described in primary thyroid diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the potential relationship between low total triiodothyronine (total T3) and biomarkers of myocardial damage and the effect of their interaction on mortality, to ascertain if cardiovascular damage is the link between low THs and the risk of death in dialysis patients with CKD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: TH plasma levels, nutritional markers, inflammation and myocardial damage were studied in 296 patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis, who were followed up for 16 months to ascertain the association between biochemical variables and mortality. RESULTS: Low total T3 levels were found in 45% of patients, which was inversely correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) and NT-proBNP, and directly correlated with albumin and transferrin. Diabetes, CRP and total T3 were risk factors for all-cause mortality, and CRP, NT-proBNP and total T3 for cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Low total T3 levels are common in dialysis patients and are associated with inflammation, malnutrition and myocardial damage. The latter may be the link between low THs and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.