Development of a 3D Motion Tracking System for the Analysis of Skills in Microsurgery.

Microsurgical skills of trainee surgeons have been subjectively evaluated due to the lack of technological tools. The objective of this investigation is to present the construct validity of the mitracks3D, which is a system designed to help in the objective evaluation of microsurgery trainees. To achieve this, a stereoscopic vision system records the 3D motion of two tweezers manipulated by surgeons during microsurgery training. Using motion analysis parameters (MAPs), quantitative information about their microsurgical skills and performance is obtained. For validation, 14 participants were enrolled and divided into two groups: expert microsurgeons (3 female, 2 male) and trainee surgeons (4 female, 5 male). The 3D motion tracking was acquired while the surgeons practiced with two training models: transferring objects and suture. Twelve MAPs were used to objective assessment the skill levels of each participant. Subsequent, statistical analysis was computed to compare the scores of both groups. Validation results showed statistically significant differences in 8 of the 12 MAPs and in 10 of the 12 MAPs using the transferring and the suturing models, respectively. The capability of mitracks3D to differentiate the performance of microsurgeons by analyzing their movements was shown. The mitracks3D system was successfully validated. With this system was possible to differentiate the psychomotor microsurgical skills between the two groups of surgeons. The mitracks3D system is a suitable device for the evaluation of microsurgical skills in a variety of surgical specialties that require it during the training of their residents.

Characterization of Oxidative Stress and Ammonia According to the Different Grades of Hepatic Encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) is one of the main causes of reentry to the emergency department. Oxidative stress (OxS) regulated by ammonia leads to cerebral edema and astrocytes senescence in animal models, but seems to be different in humans. OBJECTIVE: To analyze if OxS and ammonia in plasma are related to each other in the different grades of HE-CLD and to compare them with healthy volunteers (HV). METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, we included 60 subjects in 2 groups: (a) 30 HV and (b) 30 HE patients. Plasma levels of oxidation lipids/proteins, ammonia, and West-Haven score were evaluated. Student t test, Spearman's correlation, and ANOVA with Dunn's post hoc test were performed. RESULTS: Ammonia in HV and HE patients was 39-49 vs. 95-345 µmol/L, respectively (p < 0.0001). Malondialdehyde (MDA) in HV was 6.58 ± 3.11 compared to 16.69 ± 6.19 µmol/L in HE (p < 0.0001). Protein oxidation by osazone (carbonyls), formazan, and dityrosines was higher in HE than in HV (p < 0.0001). Ammonia level was directly associated to HE severity, but without correlation with lipid MDA or protein OxS formazan, carbonyls, and dityrosines. Lipid peroxidation showed higher levels at degree 2 and protein oxidation at degree 3 of HE. CONCLUSIONS: We confirm that OxS accompanies hyperammonemia in HE; however they contribute in different proportions to their natural progression. Early reduction of OxS in HE could contribute to minimize the neurotoxicity into CLD.

[Analgesia preventiva con pregabalina en pacientes postoperados de colecistectomía laparoscópica].

BACKGROUND: Preventive analgesia is the administration of an analgesic drug with the aim of attenuating post-operative pain, hyperalgesia and allodynia. Its use is justified in order to offer analgesia and reduce anxiety in patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if pregabalin in a dose of 1 mg/kg of weight is effective as preventive analgesia in post-operated laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients. METHODS: A single-blind controlled clinical trial was conducted, which included 60 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy randomly divided into 2 groups, where Group 1 received placebo and Group 2 received pregabalin a daily dose 72 h prior to surgical intervention. The intensity of pain was assessed using the emergency nurses association scale at 2, 6, 12 and 24 post-operative h, as well as the level of presurgical anxiety with the Hamilton scale. RESULTS: Pain reduction was demonstrated in patients in the pregabalin group from the 1st h (p = 0.002), later the decrease in pain was more noticeable compared to patients who were given placebo (p < 0.001), the same happened with the anxiety level evaluated with the Hamilton scale (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: The use of pregabalin as preventive analgesia turns out to be effective in the post-operative period and the pre-operative anxiety with minimal adverse effects in the post-operated patients of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

ANTECEDENTES: La analgesia preventiva es la administración de un fármaco analgésico con el objetivo de atenuar el dolor postoperatorio, la hiperalgesia y alodinia. Está justificado su uso con la finalidad de ofrecer analgesia y disminuir la ansiedad a los pacientes sometidos a procedimientos laparoscópicos. OBJETIVO: Evaluar si la pregabalina en dosis de 1 mg/kg de peso es eficaz para analgesia preventiva en pacientes postoperados de colecistectomía laparoscópica. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un ensayo clínico controlado ciego simple que incluyó 60 pacientes programados para colecistectomía laparoscópica divididos en 2 grupos de manera aleatoria, donde al grupo 1 se administró placebo y al grupo 2 se le administró pregabalina una dosis diaria 72 horas previas a la intervención quirúrgica. La intensidad del dolor se evaluó mediante la Escala Numérica Analógica a la hora, 2, 6,12 y 24 horas postoperatorias, así como el nivel de ansiedad prequirúrgico con la Escala de Hamilton. RESULTADOS: Se demostró disminución del dolor en los pacientes del grupo de pregabalina desde la primera hora (p = 0.002), posteriormente fue más notorio el descenso del dolor en comparación con los pacientes a los que se les dio placebo, con valor estadísticamente significativo (p < 0.001), lo mismo sucedió con el nivel de ansiedad evaluada con la Escala de Hamilton (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIÓN: El uso de pregabalina para analgesia preventiva resulta ser eficaz en la ansiedad preoperatoria y el periodo posquirúrgico, y con mínimos efectos adversos, en los pacientes operados de colecistectomía laparoscópica.

Preventive analgesia with pregabalin in laparoscopic cholecystectomy post-operated patients.

BACKGROUND: Preventive analgesia is the administration of an analgesic drug with the aim of attenuating post-operative pain, hyperalgesia and allodynia. Its use is justified in order to offer analgesia and reduce anxiety in patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if pregabalin in a dose of 1 mg/kg of weight is effective as preventive analgesia in post-operated laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients. METHODS: A single-blind controlled clinical trial was conducted, which included 60 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy randomly divided into 2 groups, where Group 1 received placebo and Group 2 received pregabalin a daily dose 72 h prior to surgical intervention. The intensity of pain was assessed using the numeric analog scale at 1, 2, 6, 12 and 24 post-operative h, as well as the level of presurgical anxiety with the Hamilton scale. RESULTS: Pain reduction was demonstrated in patients in the pregabalin group from the 1st h (p = 0.002), later the decrease in pain was more noticeable compared to patients who were given placebo (p < 0.001), the same happened with the anxiety level evaluated with the Hamilton scale (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: The use of pregabalin as preventive analgesia turns out to be effective in the post-operative period and the pre-operative anxiety with minimal adverse effects in the post-operated patients of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

[Reduction in requirements of oral calcium and 1-25 dihydroxy vitamin D in patients with post-surgical hypoparathyroidism treated with teriparatide (PTH1-34)]. / Reducción en los requerimientos de calcio oral y de 1-25 dihidroxi-vitamina D en pacientes con hipoparatiroidismo posquirúrgico tratados con teriparatida (PTH1-34).

The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of daily administration of recombinant parathyroid hormone (PTH1-34), 20 µg, on serum calcium concentrations (Cas), and the requirements of oral calcium and calcitriol in patients with hypoparathyroidism. It is a prospective, longitudinal study, analytical, with intervention, in patients treated with high doses of calcium (> 7 g/day), with symptoms of hypocalcemia and/or intolerant to treatment. Serum levels of phosphorus (Ps) and Cas, urinary calcium excretion, oral doses of calcitriol and calcium were compared before and after administration of teriparatide, for three months on average, in patients with post-surgical hypoparathyroidism. We studied 16 patients with oral elemental calcium requirements of 22.5 ± 16 g/day of calcitriol 0.79 ± 0.4 µg/day. Cas at baseline was 7.6 ± 1.2 and Ps 5.4 ± 0.76 mg/dl. After administration of teriparatide, Cas was 9.0 ± 0.69 mg/dl (p = 0.007) and Ps of 4.5 ± 0.87 mg/dl (p = 0.003). Doses of calcium and calcitriol showed a statistically significant reduction (p = 0.0001 and 0.001, respectively). We conclude that use of recombinant parathyroid hormone can normalize Cas and Ps, with reduction in oral calcium and calcitriol requirements.

Association between Sarcopenia and Poor Glycemic Control in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Aging is associated with a decrease in muscle mass. Insulin resistance and hyperglycemia accelerate muscle loss, leading to a deterioration in strength, muscle mass, and physical capacity in older adults. This study was conducted to determine the association between sarcopenia and poor glycemic control in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in older adults with T2D in geriatric outpatient clinics. Sarcopenia was diagnosed as per the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2) criteria. According to glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, participants were classified into glycemic control (HbA1c ≤ 7.5%) and poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7.5%) groups. RESULTS: Older adults with sarcopenia were found to have poor glycemic control compared to adults without sarcopenia (62.3% vs. 47.9%, p = 0.007). Logistic regression analysis showed an association between poor glycemic control and the presence of sarcopenia (odds ratio (OR): 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17-2.75) and low muscle mass (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.07-2.73). CONCLUSIONS: Poor glycemic control is associated with the presence of sarcopenia and low muscle mass, which highlights the need to implement better treatment strategies in order to reduce the loss of muscle mass.

Analgesia preventiva con pregabalina en pacientes postoperados de colecistectomía laparoscópica / Preventive analgesia with pregabalin in patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Resumen Antecedentes: La analgesia preventiva es la administración de un fármaco analgésico con el objetivo de atenuar el dolor postoperatorio, la hiperalgesia y alodinia. Está justificado su uso con la finalidad de ofrecer analgesia y disminuir la ansiedad a los pacientes sometidos a procedimientos laparoscópicos. Objetivo: Evaluar si la pregabalina en dosis de 1 mg/kg de peso es eficaz para analgesia preventiva en pacientes postoperados de colecistectomía laparoscópica. Métodos: Se realizó un ensayo clínico controlado ciego simple que incluyó 60 pacientes programados para colecistectomía laparoscópica divididos en 2 grupos de manera aleatoria, donde al grupo 1 se administró placebo y al grupo 2 se le administró pregabalina una dosis diaria 72 horas previas a la intervención quirúrgica. La intensidad del dolor se evaluó mediante la Escala Numérica Analógica a la hora, 2, 6,12 y 24 horas postoperatorias, así como el nivel de ansiedad prequirúrgico con la Escala de Hamilton. Resultados: Se demostró disminución del dolor en los pacientes del grupo de pregabalina desde la primera hora (p = 0.002), posteriormente fue más notorio el descenso del dolor en comparación con los pacientes a los que se les dio placebo, con valor estadísticamente significativo (p < 0.001), lo mismo sucedió con el nivel de ansiedad evaluada con la Escala de Hamilton (p < 0.005). Conclusión: El uso de pregabalina para analgesia preventiva resulta ser eficaz en la ansiedad preoperatoria y el periodo posquirúrgico, y con mínimos efectos adversos, en los pacientes operados de colecistectomía laparoscópica.

Abstract Background: Preventive analgesia is the administration of an analgesic drug with the aim of attenuating post-operative pain, hyperalgesia and allodynia. Its use is justified in order to offer analgesia and reduce anxiety in patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures. Objective: To evaluate if pregabalin in a dose of 1 mg/kg of weight is effective as preventive analgesia in post-operated laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients. Methods: A single-blind controlled clinical trial was conducted, which included 60 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy randomly divided into 2 groups, where Group 1 received placebo and Group 2 received pregabalin a daily dose 72 h prior to surgical intervention. The intensity of pain was assessed using the emergency nurses association scale at 2, 6, 12 and 24 post-operative h, as well as the level of presurgical anxiety with the Hamilton scale. Results: Pain reduction was demonstrated in patients in the pregabalin group from the 1st h (p = 0.002), later the decrease in pain was more noticeable compared to patients who were given placebo (p < 0.001), the same happened with the anxiety level evaluated with the Hamilton scale (p < 0.005). Conclusion: The use of pregabalin as preventive analgesia turns out to be effective in the post-operative period and the pre-operative anxiety with minimal adverse effects in the post-operated patients of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Índice lactato/albúmina como predictor de mortalidad en sepsis y choque séptico / Lactate/albumin index as a sepsis mortality predictor and septic shock / Índice de lactato/albumina como preditor de mortalidade em sepse e choque séptico

Resumen: Introducción: La correlación entre el lactato y la albúmina sérica parecen ser una alternativa novedosa para estimar la mortalidad, son marcadores séricos que se utilizan de forma rutinaria, lo que implica que el gasto de recursos no se incrementa. Objetivo general: Reportar la relación del índice lactato/albúmina en pacientes con sepsis y choque séptico con la mortalidad al egreso de terapia intensiva. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte histórica en el que se calculó una muestra de 30 pacientes cuyos datos se tomaron del expediente clínico y se recolectaron en el instrumento. Resultados: El índice lactato/albúmina fue un marcador pronóstico bueno para la determinación de mortalidad en la sepsis y en el choque séptico con significancia estadística p < 0.001. Cumple la hipótesis al demostrar que un índice lactato/albúmina mayor de 1.7 se correlacionó con una mortalidad superior a 40% en la sepsis. Encontramos fuerte relación con la depuración de lactato en seis horas con resultados satisfactorios como predictor de mortalidad. El índice lactato/albúmina no evidenció relación con el desarrollo de disfunción orgánica múltiple. Conclusiones: El índice lactato/albúmina mayor de 1.7 se relaciona con una mortalidad de más de 40% en los pacientes con sepsis. No hay relación del índice lactato/albúmina con el desarrollo de DOM. Existe una correlación positiva del índice con las escalas pronósticas de SAPS, APACHEII y SOFA. El área bajo la curva ROC fue mayor en el índice lactato/albúmina y la depuración de lactato a las seis horas en comparación con las escalas pronósticas.

Summary: Introduction: The correlation between lactate and serum albumin seems to be a novel alternative for estimating mortality. These are serum markers that are routinely used, which means that there is no increase in the expenditure of resources. General objective: To report the relationship of lactate/albumin index in patients with sepsis and septic shock with mortality after intensive care. Material and methods: A historical cohort study was performed, where a sample of 30 patients was calculated from which the data were collected in the instrument, taken from the clinical file. Results: The lactate/albumin index was a good prognostic marker for the determination of mortality in sepsis and in septic shock with statistical significance p < 0.001. It fulfills the hypothesis by showing that a lactate/albumin index greater than 1.7 was correlated with a Mortality greater than 40% in sepsis. We found a strong relationship with lactate clearance in six hours with satisfactory results as a predictor of mortality. The lactate / albumin index was not related to the development of multiple organ dysfunction. Conclusions: The lactate/albumin index greater than 1.7 is related to a mortality greater than 40% in patients with sepsis. There is no relationship of the lactate / albumin index with the development of DOM. There is a positive correlation of the index with the predictive scales of SAPS, APACHEII and SOFA. The area under the ROC curve was higher for the lactate/albumin index and lactate clearance at 6 hours, as compared to the prognostic scales.

Resumo: Introdução: A correlação entre o lactato e a albumina sérica parece ser uma nova alternativa para estimar a mortalidade, são marcadores séricos utilizados rotineiramente, o que implica não aumentar o gasto de recursos. Objetivo geral: Reportar a relação do índice lactato/albumina em pacientes com sepse e choque séptico com mortalidade na alta da terapia intensiva. Material e métodos: Realizou-se um estudo de coorte histórica, no qual foi calculada uma amostra de 30 pacientes, a partir dos quais os dados foram coletados no instrumento, retirados do prontuário. Resultados: O índice lactato/albumina foi um bom marcador prognóstico para a determinação da mortalidade na sepse e choque séptico, com significância estatística p <0.001, preenche a hipótese de demonstrar que um índice de lactato / albumina maior que 1.7 se correlaciona com uma mortalidade superior aos 40% na sepse. Encontramos uma forte relação com a depuração do lactato em 6 horas, com resultados satisfatórios como preditor de mortalidade. O índice de lactato/albumina não foi relacionado ao desenvolvimento de disfunção de múltiplos órgãos. Conclusões: O índice de lactato/albumina maior que 1.7 está associado à uma mortalidade superior a 40% em pacientes com sepse. Não há relação entre o índice de lactato/albumina e o desenvolvimento de DOM. Existe uma correlação positiva do índice com as escalas prognósticas do SAPS, APACHEII e SOFA. A área sob a curva ROC foi maior para o índice lactato/albumina e o clearance de lactato às 6 horas, comparado às escalas prognósticas.

Marcadores de superficie de linfocitos TCD4+ en asma bronquial / Surface markers of TCD4+ lymphocytes in the bronchial asthma

El asma es una enfermedad atópica caracterizada por un incremento de los eosinófilos y de la inmunoglobulina E (IgE) en la mucosa nasal y en la sangre periférica. Con los avances en el conocimiento de la fisiopatología y de las técnicas de laboratorio, en estos momentos se pueden determinar algunas proteínas de la superficie de los linfocitos T llamadas CD, por ejemplo CD62L, CD152, CD11a. Material y métodos: se reclutaron 15 sujetos distribuidos en tres grupos de cinco personas (control, asma leve y asma severa). Se determinaron CD11a, CD30, CD62L. Se efectuó un Análisis con métodos estadísticos no paramétricos. Resultados: se encontraron diferencias con respecto a CD62L (p = 0.009) relacion ndose con asma severa. Conclusión: se demuestra la existencia de un cambio en la expresión de los CD. Hace falta un número mayor de pacientes para apoyar aún más nuestros resultados.