Study of the presence and environmental risk of organic contaminants policed by the European Union and other organic compounds in the water resources of a region overlapping protected areas: The Guadiaro River basin (southern Spain).

The study presented here is a first qualitative assessment of the occurrence of organic contaminants contemplated and not yet contemplated in European Union environmental legislation in water resources in the little anthropized Guadiaro River basin (70% of its area is covered by natural vegetation), in southern Spain. Water samples were collected from four carbonate aquifers, two detrital aquifers and four surface water courses and were analyzed for (i) 171 organic contaminants, (ii) major ions and (iii) stable isotopes (δ18OH2O, δ2HH2O, δ13CDIC). An environmental risk assessment was conducted through calculation of risk quotients comparing measured concentrations with ecotoxicological data found in the literature. Twenty-five organic contaminants were detected, at least once, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, drugs of abuse and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Cocaine and its main metabolite were detected in 85% and 95% of water samples, respectively (0.001-0.18 µg/L and 0.004-0.6 µg/L, respectively). Pyrene (PAH) was found in all water samples (0.001-0.015 µg/L) and forest fires were pointed out as a potential diffuse source. Relationship between rivers and aquifers is reflected by the distribution of organic contaminants, essentially the drugs of abuse. Concentration of contaminants were generally higher in groundwater samples, especially from detrital aquifers, potentially due to an accumulation process promoted by irrigation-return flows and by its slow dynamic compared to that of karstic systems. Pyrene concentration was also higher in some springs from karstic aquifers. Hence, calculated risk quotients were in general higher in groundwater, meaning that the threat to surface aquatic systems can grow as aquifers increase their influence on the water courses as the dry season progresses. The relationship between δ13CDIC and most organic contaminants (especially pyrene) reveal the role of the soil as storage media.

Low aerobic capacity in McArdle disease: A role for mitochondrial network impairment?

BACKGROUND: McArdle disease is caused by myophosphorylase deficiency and results in complete inability for muscle glycogen breakdown. A hallmark of this condition is muscle oxidation impairment (e.g., low peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak)), a phenomenon traditionally attributed to reduced glycolytic flux and Krebs cycle anaplerosis. Here we hypothesized an additional role for muscle mitochondrial network alterations associated with massive intracellular glycogen accumulation. METHODS: We analyzed in depth mitochondrial characteristics-content, biogenesis, ultrastructure-and network integrity in skeletal-muscle from McArdle/control mice and two patients. We also determined VO2peak in patients (both sexes, N = 145) and healthy controls (N = 133). RESULTS: Besides corroborating very poor VO2peak values in patients and impairment in muscle glycolytic flux, we found that, in McArdle muscle: (a) damaged fibers are likely those with a higher mitochondrial and glycogen content, which show major disruption of the three main cytoskeleton components-actin microfilaments, microtubules and intermediate filaments-thereby contributing to mitochondrial network disruption in skeletal muscle fibers; (b) there was an altered subcellular localization of mitochondrial fission/fusion proteins and of the sarcoplasmic reticulum protein calsequestrin-with subsequent alteration in mitochondrial dynamics/function; impairment in mitochondrial content/biogenesis; and (c) several OXPHOS-related complex proteins/activities were also affected. CONCLUSIONS: In McArdle disease, severe muscle oxidative capacity impairment could also be explained by a disruption of the mitochondrial network, at least in those fibers with a higher capacity for glycogen accumulation. Our findings might pave the way for future research addressing the potential involvement of mitochondrial network alterations in the pathophysiology of other glycogenoses.

Bioética y virtualidad en la relación médico-paciente / Bioethics and virtuality in the doctor-patient relationship

The paper proposes, as the topic of analysis, the emergence of telemedicine, a tool that has been intensively used by doctors and other professionals during the covid pandemic. The essay, divided into two parts, first describes the current situation of telemedicine and afterwards proposes a few precautionary theses, related to telemedicine and the doctor-patient relationship according to the undestanding that the latter has been inherited and transmitted by medical anthropology and the medical humanities. (AU)

Stent for the management of Esophagic Stenosis by caustics in pediatry. / Stent para el manejo de las Estenosis Esofágicas por cáusticos en pediatría.

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal stricture is one of the most serious complications of caustic ingestion in children, and may occasionally recur or be refractory to management with repeated dilations. OBJECTIVE: To pre sent a case of the use of a silicone-coated metallic stent in a child with recurrent esophageal stricture secondary to caustic ingestion. CLINICAL CASE: A 6-year-old boy with accidental caustic ingestion, with evidence of Zargar grade IIIA esophagitis in all three portions of the esophagus and a 3 cm prepyloric gastric ulcer that received initial treatment with antibiotics and corticosteroids. After 21 days, the esophageal lumen diminished in relation to the healing process, which required serial di lations. Later, he developed a punctal stenosis, so it was decided to place two silicon-coated metallic esophageal stents, which were kept for 4 months, without new stenosis episodes. CONCLUSIONS: The silicone-coated metallic stent is an alternative for the treatment of recurrent esophageal stricture due to caustic ingestion in children.

[Perspectives of physicians who work in public hospitals about ethical problems in medical practice]. / Problemas Éticos en la Práctica Médica. Estudio exploratorio desde la perspectiva de médicos de dos hospitales públicos.

BACKGROUND: The recognition of ethical problems in medical practice and the potential harmful effects that they may have on patients, underscores the importance of the ethical training of professionals as well as the development of Ethics Committees in Healthcare institutions. However, there is a paucity of national studies about the type of problems faced by professionals and the role of Ethics Committees in hospitals. AIM: To explore the perception about ethical problems in clinical practice of Chilean physicians of different specialties of two public teaching hospitals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Physicians of both sexes and different specialties working in two teaching hospitals of Metropolitan Santiago, were invited to participate in focus groups of seven to eight participants. They discussed the ethical problems faced during their clinical practice. A content analysis based on the Grounded Theory was performed with the obtained information. RESULTS: Different types of ethical problems could be distinguished according to their content and the actors involved. The data obtained shows that the ethical dimension is present in the daily work of physicians. The evolution of the narrative throughout the interviews corroborated the importance of installing ethical issues and culture in the working routine of health care professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Human resources and an adequate institutional environment are required to promote the discussion about ethical issues such as the relationship between physicians and patient, the role of teaching in health care and institutional decisions.

Is hip morphology a risk factor for developing hip osteoarthritis? A systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To appraise the highest evidence on hip morphology as a risk factor for developing hip osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: We searched for studies evaluating the association between radiological hip morphology parameters and the prevalence, incidence or progression of hip OA (based on different radiographic and clinical criteria) in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library and PEDro databases from inception until June 2020. Prospective and cross-sectional studies were separately evaluated. Data are presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: We included 9 prospective and 21 cross-sectional studies in the meta-analysis, and evaluated 42,831 hips from 25,898 individuals (mean age: 59 years). Prospective studies showed that, compared with control hips, hips with cam morphology (alpha angle >60°; OR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.83 to 3.46, P < 0.001) or hip dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) <25°; OR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.84 to 3.07, P < 0.001), but not hips with pincer morphology (LCEA >39°; OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.57 to 2.07, P = 0.810), were more likely to develop hip OA than hips without these morphologies. Cross-sectional studies showed a greater prevalence of pincer morphology (LCEA >39°, OR = 3.71, 95% CI: 2.98 to 4.61, P < 0.001) and acetabular retroversion (crossover sign; OR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.17 to 6.03, P = 0.020) in hips with OA than in control hips. CONCLUSION: Cam morphology and hip dysplasia were consistently associated with the development of hip OA. Pincer morphology was associated with hip OA in cross-sectional but not in prospective studies. The heterogeneous quantification of pincer morphology on radiographs limits a clear conclusion on its association with hip OA.

Abordaje laparoscópico mediante puerto único versus técnica convencional en el tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer de endometrio / Single port laparoscopic approach versus conventional technique in the surgical treatment of endometrial cancer

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es comparar el abordaje laparoscópico convencional con el acceso por puerto único en el tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer de endometrio. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo sobre 36 pacientes, 18 operadas con técnica convencional y 18 con acceso por puerto único mediante una única incisión en la piel y 3 en la fascia, para la inserción de un trócar de 10mm y 2 de 5mm. Resultados: Se obtiene menor dolor postoperatorio (22,3% vs. 83,3%, p<0,001) y un mejor resultado estético (10 vs. 8, p=0,001) en el grupo de pacientes intervenidas por puerto único. El tiempo quirúrgico fue mayor en el grupo con técnica convencional (120 vs. 180min; p=0,027). En cuanto a estancia hospitalaria (2,5 vs. 2,5 días, p=0,69), pérdida sanguínea (1,15 vs. 1,25g/dl, p=1), número de ganglios extirpados (16,5 vs. 18; p=0,78) y complicaciones intra (0% vs. 5%, p=0,19) y posquirúrgicas (16,6% vs. 11,1%, p=0,63) no hubo diferencias significativas. Conclusión: El abordaje por puerto único es una técnica factible, segura y efectiva en el tratamiento del cáncer ginecológico, presentando una menor tasa de dolor postoperatorio y un mejor resultado estético.(AU)

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare conventional laparoscopy with transumbilical single-port access for the surgical treatment of endometrial cancer. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was performed with 36 patients, of whom 18 were operated using conventional laparoscopy, and 18 using a transumbilical single-port access (laparoendoscopic single-site surgery, or LESS) by making a single incision in the umbilical skin of 2-3cm, and 3 incisions in the fascia. One 10-mm trocar and two 5-mm trocars were inserted next to each other to access the abdominal cavity. Results: There were no statistical differences between groups in postoperative changes in haemoglobin concentration (1.15 vs. 1.25g/dL, P=1), hospital stay (2.5 vs. 2.5 days, P=.69), intraoperative complication rate (0% vs. 5%, P=.19), postoperative complications (16.6% vs. 11.1%, P=.63), number of pelvic lymph nodes (16.5 vs. 18, P=.78), and number of para-aortic lymph nodes (9 vs. 10, P=.64). Patients in the LESS group experienced less postoperative pain (22.3% vs. 83.3%, P<.001), and had a higher rate of satisfaction with the cosmetic results (10 vs. 8, P=.001). The median operating time was lower in the LESS group (120-180min, P=.027). Conclusion: Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery is a feasible, safety and effective technique for the treatment of endometrial cancer, with less postoperative pain and better cosmetic results.(AU)

Problemas Éticos en la Práctica Médica. Estudio exploratorio desde la perspectiva de médicos de dos hospitales públicos / Perspectives of physicians who work in public hospitals about ethical problems in medical practice

Background: The recognition of ethical problems in medical practice and the potential harmful effects that they may have on patients, underscores the importance of the ethical training of professionals as well as the development of Ethics Committees in Healthcare institutions. However, there is a paucity of national studies about the type of problems faced by professionals and the role of Ethics Committees in hospitals. Aim: To explore the perception about ethical problems in clinical practice of Chilean physicians of different specialties of two public teaching hospitals. Material and Methods: Physicians of both sexes and different specialties working in two teaching hospitals of Metropolitan Santiago, were invited to participate in focus groups of seven to eight participants. They discussed the ethical problems faced during their clinical practice. A content analysis based on the Grounded Theory was performed with the obtained information. Results: Different types of ethical problems could be distinguished according to their content and the actors involved. The data obtained shows that the ethical dimension is present in the daily work of physicians. The evolution of the narrative throughout the interviews corroborated the importance of installing ethical issues and culture in the working routine of health care professionals. Conclusions: Human resources and an adequate institutional environment are required to promote the discussion about ethical issues such as the relationship between physicians and patient, the role of teaching in health care and institutional decisions.

Statistical shape modeling of the hip and the association with hip osteoarthritis: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize available evidence on the association between hip shape as quantified by statistical shape modeling (SSM) and the incidence or progression of hip osteoarthritis. DESIGN: We conducted a systematic search of five electronic databases, based on a registered protocol (available: PROSPERO CRD42020145411). Articles presenting original data on the longitudinal relationship between radiographic hip shape (quantified by SSM) and hip OA were eligible. Quantitative meta-analysis was precluded because of the use of different SSM models across studies. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for risk of bias assessment. RESULTS: Nine studies (6,483 hips analyzed with SSM) were included in this review. The SSM models used to describe hip shape ranged from 16 points on the femoral head to 85 points on the proximal femur and hemipelvis. Multiple hip shape features and combinations thereof were associated with incident or progressive hip OA. Shape variants that seemed to be consistently associated with hip OA across studies were acetabular dysplasia, cam morphology, and deviations in acetabular version (either excessive anteversion or retroversion). CONCLUSIONS: Various radiographic, SSM-defined hip shape features are associated with hip OA. Some hip shape features only seem to increase the risk for hip OA when combined together. The heterogeneity of the used SSM models across studies precludes the estimation of pooled effect sizes. Further studies using the same SSM model and definition of hip OA are needed to allow for the comparison of outcomes across studies, and to validate the found associations.

In cardiac fibroblasts, interferon-beta attenuates differentiation, collagen synthesis, and TGF-ß1-induced collagen gel contraction.

Cardiac fibroblasts (CF) play a key role in the homeostasis of the extracellular matrix in cardiac tissue and are newly recognized as inflammatory supporter cells. Besides, CF-to-Cardiac myofibroblast differentiation is commanded by TGF-b, through SMAD signaling pathways, and these last cells are strongly implicated in cardiac fibrosis. In the heart IFN-ß is produced by CF; however, the role of IFN-ß, STAT proteins, and STAT-homo or heterodimers in the regulation of CF function with or without a fibrotic environment is unknown. CF were isolated from hearts of adult rats, and by western blot analysis we studied STAT1, STAT2, and STAT3 phosphorylation and through specific siRNA against these proteins we analyzed their role in CF functions such as differentiation (α-SMA expression); and pro-collagen type-I synthesis and secretion expression levels; collagen gels contraction and CF migration. In cultured adult rats CF, IFN-ß increases phosphorylation of STAT1, STAT2, and STAT3. Both STAT1 and STAT2 were involved in decreasing α-SMA and CF migration induced by TGF-ß1. Also, IFN-ß through STAT1 regulated pro-collagen type-I protein expression levels, and collagen gels contraction induced by TGF-ß1. STAT3 was not involved in any effects of IFN-ß studied. In conclusion, IFN-ß through STAT1 and STAT2 shows antifibrotic effects on CF TGF-ß1-treated, whereas STAT3 did not participate in such effect.

Metástasis ganglionar como presentación de un carcinoma papilar de tiroides oculto, variedad folicular: reporte de caso / Lymph node metastasis as a presentation of an occult papillary thyroid carcinoma, follicular variety: case report

El carcinoma oculto de tiroides está poco reportado. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 59 años. Durante un control por hipotiroidismo se solicitó ecografía cervical, la que mostró áreas hipoecogénicas en lóbulo derecho, una formación nodular hiperecogénica circunscrita no sospechosa de 8 mm y una adenopatía cervical periglandular derecha de 20 x 12 x 8 mm con áreas quísticas y microcalcificaciones, asociadas a hipervascularización. Se solicitó punción aspirativa por aguja fina del ganglio linfático, con resultado de citología negativa para células neoplásicas. El examen microscópico es compatible con tiroiditis, por lo que no es posible descartar metástasis. Se realizó biopsia del ganglio linfático, el que se informa como metástasis ganglionar linfática de 1.3 cm, histología de carcinoma papilar variedad folicular, sin invasión extracapsular. Se realizó tiroidectomía total y disección cervical derecha. El estudio anatomopatológico reportó una tiroiditis crónica de Hashimoto con un nódulo fibroso hialinizado de 0,4 cm negativo para tumor maligno y metástasis en 4 de 28 ganglios linfáticos, sin invasión extracapsular. El tamaño de la metástasis fue de 0,3 a 0,9 cm. Posteriormente se administró 100 mci de radioyodo. Actualmente, la paciente está en buenas condiciones y mantiene controles con ecografía y tiroglobulina periódicos.

Occult thyroid carcinoma is under-reported. The case of a 59-year-old woman is presented. During a check-up for hypothyroidism, a cervical ultrasound was requested, which showed hypoechogenic areas in the right lobe, an 8 mm nonsuspicious circumscribed hyperechogenic nodular formation and a 20 x 12 x 8 mm right cervical periglandular lymphadenopathy with cystic areas and microcalcifications, associated with hypervascularisation. Fine needle aspiration of the lymph node was requested, with negative cytology results for neoplastic cells. Microscopic examination was compatible with thyroiditis, so metastasis could not be ruled out. A biopsy of the lymph node was performed, which was reported as a 1.3 cm lymph node metastasis, histology of papillary carcinoma of the follicular variety, without extracapsular invasion. Total thyroidectomy and right cervical dissection were performed. The anatomopathological study reported chronic Hashimoto's thyroiditis with a 0.4 cm hyalinised fibrous nodule negative for malignant tumour and metastases in 4 of 28 lymph nodes, without extracapsular invasion. The size of the metastasis was 0.3 to 0.9 cm. Subsequently, 100 mci of radioiodine was administered. The patient is currently in good condition and maintains regular ultrasound and thyroglobulin monitoring.

Síndrome de insensibilidad a andrógenos: revisión bibliográfica a propósito de 5 casos / Androgen insensitivity syndrome: literature review about 5 cases

El síndrome de insensibilidad a andrógenos (AIS en la sigla inglesa) es una entidad muy poco frecuente en endocrinología. Se caracteriza por la mutación del receptor de andrógenos de magnitud variable, por medio del cual individuos 46,XY no se virilizan normalmente, a pesar de conservar sus testículos y tener concentraciones de testosterona en rango masculino. El cuadro clínico es variable y depende la profundidad de la alteración del receptor. En un extremo, hay casos de insensibilidad androgénica completa (CAIS) con fenotipo femenino. En el otro extremo hay insensibilidad parcial (PAIS) que se extiende desde el fenotipo femenino, con o sin ambigüedad genital, hasta los casos de hombres infértiles o con subvirilización, que presentan insensibilidad androgénica más leve. En los fenotipos femeninos, los testículos suelen estar en posición ectópica y aquellos ubicados dentro del abdomen tienen riesgo de malignizarse, por lo que suelen extirparse. Estos son los casos de más difícil manejo, pues aparte de la necesidad de gonadectomía seguida de terapia hormonal femenina, existe una vagina estrecha y en fondo de saco ciego y que suele requerir corrección quirúrgica para permitir la actividad sexual. En este trabajo presentamos 5 casos de AIS vistos recientemente en 2 centros clínicos de Santiago y que ilustran la heterogeneidad de presentación. Además, hacemos una revisión actualizada de los criterios diagnósticos, los tratamientos más adecuados y el manejo global de esta condición.

The Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS, in its English acronym) is a very rare entity in endocrinology. It is characterized by a variable magnitude androgen receptor mutation, whereby 46, XY individuals are not normally virilized, despite retaining their testicles and having testosterone concentrations in the male range. The clinical picture is variable and depends on the depth of the receptor alteration. At one extreme, there are cases of complete androgenic insensitivity (CAIS) with a female phenotype. At the other extreme, there is partial insensitivity (PAIS) that extends from the female phenotype, with or without genital ambiguity, to cases of infertile or undervirilized men, who have milder androgenic insensitivity. In female phenotypes, the testes are usually in an ectopic position and those located within the abdomen are at risk of malignancy, and therefore are usually removed. These are the most difficult cases to manage because apart from the need for gonadectomy followed by female hormonal therapy, there is a narrow vagina and a deep blind pouch that usually requires surgical correction to allow sexual activity. In this work, we present 5 cases of AIS recently seen in 2 clinical centers in Santiago and that illustrate the heterogeneity of presentation. In addition, we make an updated review of the diagnostic criteria, the most appropriate treatments, and the overall management of this condition.

Manejo nutricional de ascitis quilosa: Serie de casos y revisión de la literatura

RESUMEN Las ascitis quilosa (AQ) es una entidad poco común producida por el acúmulo de linfa en la cavidad peritoneal. Su incidencia se describe en aumento progresivo, asociándose a una mortalidad de 40-70%. Se incluyeron 3 pacientes con diagnóstico de AQ evaluados en la visita de asistencia nutricional del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica (UC) durante el año 2019. Caso 1: Paciente mujer de 47 años, consulta por dolor abdominal agudo realizándose apendicectomía. Estudio de líquido peritoneal con triglicéridos (TG) de 1.362 mg/dL. Inicia Nutrición Parenteral Total (NPTC) progresando luego a régimen oral. Estudio no revela lesiones de vasos linfáticos ni otras causas. Caso 2: Paciente varón de 68 años con cirrosis por alcohol, Child Pugh B. Ingresa por disnea y ascitis refractaria. Estudio de líquido ascítico y pleural, con TG de 439 mg/dL y 592 mg/dL respectivamente. Se manejó con toracocentesis y paracentesis evacuadoras, tratamiento con régimen hipograso y aporte de triglicéridos de cadena media (MCT) vía oral. Evolución tórpida requiriendo apoyo con NPTC, realizándose drenajes sucesivos, por lo que se instala TIPS. Caso 3: Paciente mujer de 63 años consulta por dolor hipogástrico con masa palpable subcostal derecha. Estudio confirma masa pancreática por lo que se realiza Whipple. Reingresa por náuseas y vómitos profusos, evidenciándose líquido ascítico con TG de 251 mg/dl. Se inicia NPTC, escasos débitos del drenaje iniciándose realimentación progresiva por vía oral. El análisis del líquido tras la paracentesis establece el diagnóstico de AQ pues la clínica es inespecífica. Las principales complicaciones están dadas por la pérdida de quilo: desnutrición, infecciones y sepsis. Las opciones de tratamiento incluyen: medidas dietéticas, fármacos e intervenciones percutáneas o quirúrgicas; siempre orientadas al alivio sintomático, con foco en tratar la causa. Si la tolerancia oral es óptima la primera medida es la supresión de la grasa y la suplementación con MCT para evitar déficit energético. Con el empleo de estas medidas se ha reportado el cierre espontáneo de fístulas y/o defectos de vasos linfáticos en un 75%-80%. Se concluye que no hay guías de recomendación y los estudios se basan en series de pocos casos clínicos. La ascitis quilosa es una entidad patológica rara, que representa una situación clínica crítica con consecuencias inmunológicas y nutricionales; y el tratamiento debe ser etiológico y el paso clave inicial es optimizar el estado nutricional del paciente.

ABSTRACT Chylous ascites (CA) is an uncommon entity caused by the accumulation of lymph in the peritoneal cavity, its incidence has been gradually increasing; being associated with a mortality of 40-70%. This work includes 3 patients with CA diagnosis evaluated by the Nutritional Assistance team in the Hospital Clínico of the Universidad Católica, Chile during 2019. Case 1: 47-year-old female, with acute abdominal pain that resulted in an appendectomy. Peritoneal fluid study showed triglycerides (TG) of 1362 mg/dL. Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) was initiated with successive changes to an oral regimen. The case was negative for lymphatic vessel injuries or other causes of AQ. Case 2: 68-year-old male with alcoholic cirrhosis, Child-Pugh B. The patient was admitted for dyspnea and refractory ascites. Ascites and pleural fluid study showed TG of 439 mg/dL and 592 mg/dL, respectively, whichwas managed with thoracentesis and evacuating paracentesis, treatment with a low-fat regimen, and oral medium chain triglycerides (MCT). Case 2 had a poor evolution requiring TPN and successive evacuations, with TIPS installed. Case 3: A 63-year-old female patient with hypogastric pain and palpable right subcostal mass. Study confirmed a pancreatic tumor and Whipple Surgery was performed. Case 3 was readmitted for nausea and vomiting, showing ascitic fluid with TG of 251 mg/dl. TPN was started, with decrease in drainage fluids and successful progressive oral refeeding. The analysis of the paracentesis fluid established the diagnosis of CA since the symptoms were nonspecific. The main complications were due to the loss of chyle: malnutrition, infections and sepsis. Treatment options included: dietary measures, drugs, and percutaneous or surgical interventions; always oriented to symptomatic relief, focused on etiologic treatment. If oral tolerance is optimal, the first measure should be fat suppression and supplementation with MCT to avoid energy deficit. With the use of these measures, spontaneous closure of fistulas and / or lymphatic vessel defects has been reported in 75% -80% of patients. There are no recommendation guidelines for CA and studies are based on series of a few clinical cases. CA is a rare disease, representing a critical clinical situation with immunological and nutritional consequences. Etiologic treatment must be prioritized with a focus on optimization of the nutritional status of the patient

New Measurement of

Carbon and oxygen burning reactions, in particular, ^{12}C+^{12}C fusion, are important for the understanding and interpretation of the late phases of stellar evolution as well as the ignition and nucleosynthesis in cataclysmic binary systems such as type Ia supernovae and x-ray superbursts. A new measurement of this reaction has been performed at the University of Notre Dame using particle-γ coincidence techniques with SAND (a silicon detector array) at the high-intensity 5U Pelletron accelerator. New results for ^{12}C+^{12}C fusion at low energies relevant to nuclear astrophysics are reported. They show strong disagreement with a recent measurement using the indirect Trojan Horse method. The impact on the carbon burning process under astrophysical scenarios will be discussed.

Cáncer Papilar en Quiste Tirogloso. Caso Clínico y Revisión de la literatura / Papillary Cancer in Tirogloso Cyst. Case report and review of literature

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los quistes tiroglosos son las lesiones más comunes de la línea media cervical y se ha descrito el carcinoma papilar de tiroides en el 1%. Debido a su baja incidencia no existe un consenso acerca del tratamiento óptimo. Caso clínico: Paciente mujer de 34 años de edad consulta por aumento de volumen cervical doloroso y se evidencia nódulo doloroso en región cervical media. Ecografía de tiroides visualiza una lesión quística compleja. Se completa el estudio con tomografía computada del cuello con contraste que evidencia quiste del conducto tirogloso con compromiso inflamatorio-infeccioso, por lo que se decide cirugía. Biopsia evidencia cáncer papilar de 0.25 cm en quiste del conducto tirogloso, con bordes quirúrgicos negativos. Por bajo riesgo se decide control imagenológico estricto. DISCUSIÓN: Los quistes del conducto tirogloso comprenden las lesiones cervicales congénitas más frecuentes. Se presentan como masas indolentes y asintomáticas. El diagnóstico es confirmado mediante ecografía y la tomografía es utilizada para ampliar el estudio. La aparición de cáncer tiroideo en estos quistes es poco común, y generalmente son indistinguibles de las lesiones benignas en el preoperatorio. En relación al manejo del cáncer papilar en quiste del conducto tirogloso no existe un consenso de su tratamiento óptimo. Para los casos de bajo riesgo se sugiere control anual con TSH y ecografía tiroidea. Para aquellos pacientes de alto riesgo se sugiere tiroidectomía total y ablación de los restos tiroides con yodo radioactivo, con control anual con niveles de tiroglobulina. El pronóstico es excelente, con tasas de remisión que superan el 95%. CONCLUSIONES: Los carcinomas en quistes de conducto tirogloso son poco comunes y en la mayoría de los casos son lesiones diagnosticadas de manera incidental después de la resección quirúrgica. Para definir necesidad de tiroidectomía, debe realizarse estudio individualizado por un equipo multidisciplinario con amplia experiencia.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroglossal cysts are the most common affection of the cervical midline. Papillary carcinoma has been described in 1% of this cysts. Due to its low incidence a consensus on the optimal treatment does not exist. Clinical case: A 34 year old female with no relevant past medical history, presented with a painful cervical mass of many weeks of appearance. The thyroid ecography showed a complex cystic lesion and the cervical computed tomography with contrast evidenced a cyst of the thyroglossal duct with inflammatory and infectious findings. Surgery with no incidents was performed. Biopsy reported a 0.25 cm papillary cancer in the thyroglossal duct cyst, with negativa surgical margins. Strict follow up with imaging studies was decided. DISCUSSION: the thyroglossal duct cyst are the most common congenital cervical affections. Classically, they present as indolente, asyntomatic masses on the cervical midline. The diagnosis is confirmed with ecography and computed tomography is used to extent evaluation. Thyroid cancer in thyroglossal duct cyst is uncommon and generally indistinguishable from benign lesions in the preoperative phase. A consensus regarding the optimal management of this patients does not exist. For low risk cases, an anual control with THS and thyroid ecography is suggested. For patients with high risk a Sistrunk with total thyroidectomy and radioactive ablation of thyroids remnants is recommend. Follow up with anual thyroglubin levels should be performed. The prognostic is excellent, with more than 95% remission rates. CONCLUSSIONS: Thyroglossal duct cyst carcinomas are rare. In most cases, diagnosis is made incidentally after surgical resection. To decide wheter thyroidectomy is necessary each case should be analyzed individually by a multidisciplinary team with vast experience.

Postmenopausal androgen-secreting ovarian tumors: challenging differential diagnosis in two cases.

Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism constitutes a very rare condition of tumoral or non-tumoral origin primarily residing either in the ovary or in the adrenal glands. We present herein two cases with this condition; one with abnormal postmenopausal genital bleeding and mild increase in facial hair, and the second with slow-developing hirsutism and virilization. Both cases shared a notorious increase in libido. The laboratory tests showed high levels of testosterone (>100 ng/ml). A normal value of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and a normal cortisol level at 9 am after 1 mg of dexamethasone administered at midnight (Nugent test) made an adrenal etiology very unlikely. On the other hand, a high level of inhibine B oriented to an ovarian source. Transvaginal sonography failed to demonstrate an ovarian tumor, but an abdominal and pelvic computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging detected an ovarian tumor and normal adrenal glands. A laparoscopic oophorectomy was performed, and the histological study demonstrated a steroidal cell tumor in the first case and a Leydig cell tumor in the second.

Cáncer de paratiroides e hipercalcemia de difícil manejo: un desafío diagnóstico / Parathyroid cancer and hypercalcemia difficult to manage: a diagnostic challenge

INTRODUCCIÓN: El carcinoma de paratiroides es una enfermedad de difícil diagnóstico, siendo perentorio una detección precoz y un tratamiento oportuno para prevenir las complicaciones. CASO CLÍNICO: Se presenta paciente de 42 años que debuta con hipercalcemia de 16.1 mg/dl, PTH 1573 pg/mL y lesión sugerente de adenoma de paratiroides. Biopsia quirúrgica identifica carcinoma paratiroideo sin invasión, realizándose posteriormente lobectomía derecha con foco de 0,1 mm de carcinoma paratiroideo, con bordes libres. En comité oncológico se decide seguimiento estricto; sin embargo, a los seis meses requiere hospitalización nuevamente por hipercalcemia, a la ecografía cervical presenta dos nódulos hipoecogénicos menores a 1 cm en lecho quirúrgico. Tomografía computada sin evidencia de lesiones. Con estos antecedentes, se decide exploración cervical, encontrándose tumor de 2 cm, multilobulado, paraesofágico. Biopsia evidencia carcinoma paratiroideo con invasión en tejido graso y músculo estriado. Se descarta radioterapia paliativa y quimioterapia debido a escasa evidencia, quedando en cuidados paliativos. DISCUSIÓN: El cáncer de paratiroides es una enfermedad de difícil diagnóstico. En muchos casos se ha descrito la crisis hipercalcémica como presentación inicial. La resección en bloque de la lesión de paratiroides con hemitiroidectomía ipsilateral es el tratamiento estándar. Es un tumor radio resistente y la quimioterapia adyuvante no ha demostrado aumento en la sobrevida. En pacientes con enfermedad inoperable, el pronóstico es pobre, siendo fundamental el control de calcemia y PTH, las cuales son la causa principal de morbimortalidad. CONCLUSIONES: El carcinoma paratiroideo es una enfermedad rara, cuyo diagnóstico y tratamiento representan un verdadero desafío clínico, siendo crucial el alto índice de sospecha. Su curso es crónico y de mal pronóstico, por lo que para pacientes de alto riesgo debe considerarse una cirugía radical desde el inicio.

INTRODUCTION: Parathyroid carcinoma is a difficult diagnosis, with early detection and timely treatment to prevent complications being imperative. CLINICAL CASE: A 42-year-old patient presenting with hypercalcemia of 16.1 mg / dl, PTH 1573 pg / mL and suggestive lesion of parathyroid adenoma is presented. Surgical biopsy identifies parathyroid carcinoma without invasion, subsequently performing right lobectomy with 0.1 mm focus of parathyroid carcinoma, with free borders. Oncological committee, strict follow-up is decided; However, at six months he requires hospitalization again for hypercalcemia, at cervical ultrasound he presents two hypoechogenic nodules smaller than 1 cm in the surgical bed. CT scan without evidence of injuries. With this background, cervical exploration is decided, finding a 2 cm, multilobed, paraesophageal tumor. Biopsy shows parathyroid carcinoma with invasion of fatty tissue and striated muscle. Palliative radiotherapy and chemotherapy are ruled out due to limited evidence, remaining in palliative care. DISCUSSION: Parathyroid cancer is a difficult diagnosis disease. In many cases the hypercalcemic crisis has been described as an initial presentation. Block resection of the parathyroid lesion with ipsilateral hemitiroidectomy is the standard treatment. It is a radioresistant tumor and adjuvant chemotherapy has not shown an increase in survival. In patients with inoperable disease, the prognosis is poor, with the control of calcemia and PTH being essential, which are the main cause of morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare disease, the diagnosis and treatment of which represent a real clinical challenge, the high index of suspicion being crucial. Its course is chronic and has a poor prognosis, so for high-risk patients, radical surgery should be considered from the beginning.

Cirugía oncológica ginecológica mediante puerto único y endoscopia operatoria por orificios naturales empleando equipamiento convencional / Combined laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (less) and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) in gynaecologic oncology using conventional equipment

Objetivo: Describir y valorar la aplicabilidad de la combinación de las técnicas de puerto único y del natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) en el tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer ginecológico empleando solo instrumental convencional. Material y métodos: Se realiza un estudio retrospectivo de 30 pacientes tratadas por cáncer ginecológico desde junio de 2012 hasta junio de 2014. Todos los procedimientos se hicieron mediante técnica de puerto único o NOTES híbrido. Se empleó equipamiento convencional, el mismo que empleamos en la laparoscopia multipuerto. Resultados: Ventiuna pacientes (70%) fueron operadas mediante puerto único umbilical; 8 casos (30%) mediante NOTES híbrido. En un caso se realizó un doble puerto único para abordaje retroperitoneal y transperitoneal simultáneo. Los procedimientos empleados fueron: histerectomía en 10 cánceres de endometrio y en 2 cánceres de cuello. En 6 casos se asoció además una linfadenectomía pélvica o una biopsia selectiva de ganglio centinela. En 3 casos, se realizó además una linfadenectomía paraaórtica. En un caso se realizó linfadenectomía pélvica y paraaórtica transperitoneal para estadificación de un cáncer de cérvix. Se realizó estadificación ovárica en 3 casos de carcinoma de ovario borderline y en 2 casos infiltrantes. Finalmente, en 3 casos se utilizó el puerto único para evaluación de resecabilidad. En 5 casos (16,66%) fue necesario utilizar algún trocar auxiliar para el abordaje paraaórtico. No fue necesaria ninguna conversión a laparotomía. No se observaron complicaciones intraoperatorias y tan solo se observaron complicaciones menores postoperatorias en 5 casos y una complicación mayor en una paciente de 72 años con un cáncer de células claras endometrial IAG3 que presentó insuficiencia cardíaca en el postoperatorio. Conclusión: Los procedimientos de puerto único y NOTES son procedimientos seguros y válidos para el manejo quirúrgico del cáncer ginecológico

Objective: To describe and assess the feasibility of combining natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and laparoendoscopic single-site surgery in gynaecological cancer using only conventional laparoscopic equipment. Material and methods: A retrospective review of 30 patients with gynaecological cancer, managed by either laparoendoscopic single-site surgery or hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery technique, from June 2012 to June 2014. Only conventional trocars, grasping forceps and sealing devices were used, similar to multiport laparoscopic surgery. Results: Twenty-one (70%) patients were managed by umbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery, while 8 (30%) patients underwent a hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. One patient underwent a double retroperitoneal and transperitoneal single-site approach. Hysterectomy was performed in 10 cases of endometrial cancer and 2 of cervical cancer, while hysterectomy plus pelvic lymphadenectomy or sentinel node biopsy was conducted in 6 cases of endometrial cancer. Hysterectomy plus pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed in 3 patients with endometrial cancer. Transperitoneal pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy was conducted in one case for cervical cancer staging. Staging was also performed in 3 patients with borderline ovarian cancer and in 2 cases of infiltrating cervical carcinoma. Single-port laparoscopic debulking surgery was performed in the remaining 3 cases. Additional 5-mm ports were used in 5 (16.66%) cases to perform para-aortic lymphadenectomy, but no conversion to laparotomy was needed. There were no intraoperative complications, with minor postoperative complications observed in only 5 cases. There was one postoperative major complication: Heart failure in a 72-year-old female patient with clear cell endometrial cancer stage IAG3, who needed to be referred to the cardiology department during her hospitalisation. Conclusion: Combined laparoendoscopic single-site surgery and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery is a safe and feasible procedure in the surgical treatment of gynaecological cancer