Pollen production in olive cultivars and its interannual variability.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Olive (Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. europaea) is the most extensively cultivated fruit crop worldwide. It is considered a wind-pollinated and strictly outcrossing crop. Thus, elevated pollen production is crucial to guarantee optimum fruit set and yield. Despite these facts, the variability of pollen production within the cultivated olive has been scarcely studied. This study aimed to characterize this feature by analysing a representative set of worldwide olive cultivars. METHODS: We evaluated the average number of pollen grains per anther in 57 principal cultivars over three consecutive years. We applied a standard generalized linear model (GLM) approach to study the influence of cultivar, year and the previous year's fruit load on the amount of pollen per anther. Additionally, the K-means method was used for cluster analysis to group cultivars based on their pollen production capacity. KEY RESULTS: Pollen production per anther was highly variable among olive cultivars. The cultivar significantly accounted for 51.3 % of the variance in pollen production and the year for 0.3 %. The interaction between the two factors explained 8.4 % of the variance, indicating that not all cultivars were equally stable in producing pollen across the years. The previous year's fruit load and its interaction with the year were significant, but barely accounted for 1.5 % of the variance. Olive cultivars were classified into four clusters according to their capacity to produce pollen. Interestingly, the fourth cluster was composed of male-sterile cultivars, which presumably share this character by inheritance. CONCLUSIONS: Pollen production per anther varied extensively within the cultivated olive. This variation was mainly driven by the cultivar and its interaction with the year. The differential capacity of olive cultivars to produce pollen should be considered not only for designing new orchards but also gardens where this species is used as an ornamental.

A meta-analysis of acute use of alcohol and the risk of suicide attempt.

BACKGROUND: No review has used a meta-analytic approach to estimate common odds ratios (ORs) for the effect of acute use of alcohol (AUA) on suicide attempts. We aim to report the results of the first meta-analysis of controlled epidemiological studies on AUA and suicide attempt. METHOD: The English-language literature on Medline, PsycINFO and Google Scholar was searched for original articles and critical review on AUA and suicide attempt (period 1996-2015). Studies had to report an OR estimate for this association. Common ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from random effects in meta-analyses for any AUA and two levels of alcohol use on suicide attempt were calculated. RESULTS: In all, seven studies provided OR estimates for the likelihood of suicide attempt by AUA, compared with those who did not drink alcohol. Studies used case-control (n 3) and case-crossover designs (n 4). Meta-analysis revealed a common OR of 6.97 (95% CI 4.77-10.17) for any AUA. Using four studies, 'low levels of acute drinking' resulted in an OR of 2.71 (95% CI 1.56-4.71) and 'high levels' had an OR of 37.18 (95% CI 17.38-79.53). CONCLUSIONS: AUA is associated with increased likelihood of a suicide attempt, particularly at high doses. Such data should be incorporated into estimates of the burden of disease associated with alcohol use, which are currently limited by a consideration of only alcohol's chronic effects. Future research should focus on the mechanisms through which AUA confers risk for attempt.

Accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound for diagnosis of deep endometriosis in the rectosigmoid: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To review the diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) in the preoperative detection of rectosigmoid endometriosis in patients with clinical suspicion of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), comparing enhanced (E-TVS) and non-enhanced approaches. METHODS: An extensive search was performed in MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE for studies published between January 1989 and December 2014. The eligibility criterion was use of TVS for preoperative detection of rectosigmoid endometriosis in women with clinical suspicion of DIE, using surgical data as the reference standard. Study quality was assessed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool. RESULTS: Our extended search identified a total of 801 citations, among which 19 studies (n = 2639) were considered eligible and included in the meta-analysis. Overall pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+) and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of TVS for detecting DIE in the rectosigmoid were 91% (95%CI, 85-94%), 97% (95%CI, 95-98%), 33.0 (95%CI, 18.6-58.6) and 0.10 (95%CI, 0.06-0.16), respectively. Significant heterogeneity was found for sensitivity (I(2) , 90.8%; Cochran Q, 195.2; P < 0.001) and specificity (I(2) , 76.8%; Cochran Q, 77.7; P < 0.001). We did not find statistical differences between non-enhanced TVS and E-TVS (P = 0.304). CONCLUSION: Overall diagnostic performance of TVS for DIE of the rectosigmoid is good. However, further studies with improved quality in design are needed. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Transvaginal ultrasound for preoperative assessment of myometrial invasion in patients with endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To review the diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) in the preoperative detection of deep myometrial infiltration in patients with endometrial cancer, comparing subjective and objective methods. METHODS: An extensive search was performed in MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE for studies published between January 1989 and December 2014. The eligibility criterion was use of TVS for preoperative assessment of myometrial infiltration by subjective evaluation and/or objective measurements. Objective measurements included, specifically, the approaches of Gordon (ratio of the distance between endometrium-myometrium interface and maximum tumor depth to the total myometrial thickness) and Karlsson (endometrial tumor thickness/anteroposterior uterine diameter ratio), in women with endometrial cancer, using the surgical pathological data as a reference standard. Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. RESULTS: Our extended search identified a total of 184 citations, among which we examined the full text of 24 articles. Overall pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+) and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of TVS for detecting deep myometrial infiltration were 82% (95% CI, 76-87%), 81% (95% CI, 76-85%), 4.3 (95% CI, 3.6-5.3) and 0.22 (95% CI, 0.16-0.30), respectively. We did not observe differences among the three methods in terms of diagnostic performance. Significant heterogeneity was found for sensitivity and specificity of all three methods (I(2) range, 60.6-95.0). The main limitation was that very few studies compared different approaches in the same set of patients. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic performance of TVS for detecting deep myometrial infiltration in women with endometrial cancer is moderate.

Prevalence of endometriosis in epithelial ovarian cancer. Analysis of the associated clinical features and study on molecular mechanisms involved in the possible causality.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: To determine the prevalence of endometriosis in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and explore the differences between women with endometrioid and clear-cell histologic subtypes with and without associated endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical charts of 496 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer at the Hospital Virgin de la Arrixaca (Murcia, Spain) between 1971 and 2010 were reviewed. RESULTS: Endometriosis was present in 27 (5.4%) of the 496 cases (p < 0001), and was associated with the endometrioid histotype in 13/45 cases (29%) and with the clear cell histotype in 7/22 (32%). The prevalence of an association with endometriosis according to histologic type was 28.8% (13/45) for endometrioid carcinoma and 31.8% (7/22) for clear-cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Both endometrioid and clear-cell ovarians tumours are associated with pelvic endometriosis. Patients with endometiosis associated ovarian cancer differ from non-endometiosis associated ovarian cancer in their clinical characteristics.

Long-term trends and influence of climate and land-use changes on pollen profiles of a Mediterranean oak forest.

Climate change is disrupting phenology and interaction patterns of natural ecosystems, but also human activities that modify land-uses have a direct impact, especially on species distribution and loss of biodiversity. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of climate and land-use changes on phenology and airborne pollen spectrum in a Mediterranean natural area, dominated by Quercus Forest and 'dehesa', in the South of the Iberian Peninsula. 61 different pollen types were identified over a 23-year period (1998-2020), mainly from trees and shrubs, such as Quercus, Olea, Pinus or Pistacia, and from herbaceous plants, such as Poaceae, Plantago, Urticaceae or Rumex. A comparison of pollen data from the first years of the study (1998-2002) up recent years (2016-2020), showed a substantial decrease in the relative abundance of pollen from autochthonous species associated with natural areas, such as Quercus or Plantago. However, the relative abundance of the pollen from cultivated ones such as Olea and Pinus, which is used for reforestation has increased. Regarding flowering phenology trends, our analyses revealed variations between -1.5 and 1.5 days per year. Taxa showing an advance phenology were Olea, Poaceae and Urticaceae, whereas Quercus, Pinus, Plantago, Pistacia or Cyperaceae experienced delayed pollination. Meteorological trends in the area generally resulted in an increase in both minimum and maximum temperatures, along with a decrease in precipitations. Changes in pollen concentration and phenology were correlated with changes in air temperatures and precipitation, although the positive or negative influence varied for each pollen type. The results suggest that climate change together with those motivated by land cover changes lead by human activities are having an impact on the phenology and pollen concentration, with the related consequences on pollination and therefore biodiversity more concerning in threatened areas as the Mediterranean Basin.

Suicidality, ethnicity and immigration in the USA.

BACKGROUND: Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the USA. Suicide rates vary across ethnic groups. Whether suicide behavior differs by ethnic groups in the USA in the same way as observed for suicide death is a matter of current discussion. The aim of this report was to compare the lifetime prevalence of suicide ideation and attempt among four main ethnic groups (Asians, Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites) in the USA. METHOD: Suicide ideation and attempts were assessed using the World Mental Health version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI). Discrete time survival analysis was used to examine risk for lifetime suicidality by ethnicity and immigration among 15 180 participants in the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiological Surveys (CPES), a group of cross-sectional surveys. RESULTS: Suicide ideation was most common among Non-Hispanic Whites (16.10%), least common among Asians (9.02%) and intermediate among Hispanics (11.35%) and Non-Hispanic Blacks (11.82%). Suicide attempts were equally common among Non-Hispanic Whites (4.69%), Hispanics (5.11%) and Non-Hispanic Blacks (4.15%) and less common among Asians (2.55%). These differences in the crude prevalence rates of suicide ideation decreased but persisted after control for psychiatric disorders, but disappeared for suicide attempt. Within ethnic groups, risk for suicidality was low among immigrants prior to migration compared to the US born, but equalized over time after migration. CONCLUSIONS: Ethnic differences in suicidal behaviors are explained partly by differences in psychiatric disorders and low risk prior to arrival in the USA. These differences are likely to decrease as the US-born proportion of Hispanics and Asians increases.

[Clinical-microbiological management of blood cultures positive for coagulase-negative staphylococci]. / Manejo clínico-microbiológico de los hemocultivos positivos por Staphylococcus coagulasa negativos.

A 53-year old male admitted for episodes of sustained ventricular tachycardia subjected to electrical cardioversion, carrier of a right femoral central venous catheter, began with febrile peaks, and Staphylococcus epidermidis was isolated in the blood cultures. What is the value of isolation in the blood cultures of S. epidermidis, a microorganism that forms a part of the usual flora of the skin and mucous of the patient? How should this situation be managed? Should an antimicrobial agent be administered? Which one? For how long?

[Impact of a more stringent organization of intravitreal injection treatment on the number of treatments and examinations in routine practice]. / Auswirkungen einer stringenteren IVOM-Behandlungsorganisation auf die Anzahl der Behandlungen und Untersuchungen im Praxisalltag.

BACKGROUND: Results from recent studies show that less intravitreal injections are often performed in everyday practice than in controlled trials, which subsequently leads to worse treatment success. In this study we analyzed the introduction of a more stringent organization of treatment using workflow optimization and new IT systems and analyzed the effect on treatment continuity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the second quarter of 2019 a new medical practice management software and a software for automated injection planning were implemented. There was also a change of the treatment regimen from pro re nata (PRN) to treat and extend (T&E ). We analyzed the results of the patients regarding the frequency of injections and treatment controls three quarters before (Q3/2018-Q1/2019) and three quarters after the change (Q2/2019-Q4/2019). Treatment-naive and pretreated patients were analyzed. RESULTS: In group 1 (Q3/2018-Q1/2019) the average number of injections per quarter was 1.74 (SD = 0.4). Eyes of patients from group 2 (Q2/2019-Q4/2019) received on average 2.17 (SD = 0.3) injections. The number of check-ups per quarter was 1.71 (SD = 0.3) before the introduction, and thereafter 2.16 (SD = 0.3). There was a significant increase in the number of OCTs from 1.18 (SD = 0.2) to 1.98 (SD = 0.3). The visual acuity was stable in both groups. CONCLUSION: We were able to show that the introduction of the medical practice management software and the change of the regimen from PRN to T&E can achieve numbers of injections, check-ups and OCT similar to those in studies. A standardized procedure facilitates efficient treatment planning and enables a better patient management.

Evaluation of patient satisfaction with an ophthalmology video consultation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: We introduced a video consultation (VC) during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in an ophthalmology practice with eight doctors to ensure continuous ophthalmological care, infection prophylaxis and to compensate a decreased number of patient presentations. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the most common reasons for patient presentations in the VC, the proportion of re-presentations in the practice despite VC, practical challenges associated with the introduction of VC and patient satisfaction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with a recent acute visual deterioration and severe eye pain were excluded from the VC. The VC were carried out by a trained specialist in ophthalmology. A questionnaire with eight questions was completed after the VC appointment in order to evaluate the proportion of completed VC and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: We included 29 (13 male, Ø 52.6 years, 16 female, Ø 64.7 years) patients in this analysis. The VC could be performed with 68.97% of the participants who rated their overall experience with an average grade of 1.6 (1 very good to 6 insufficient) and all of them indicated that they would recommend the VC. Of presentations in VC 70% were related to the symptoms of the anterior eye segment. In 70% of the cases no re-presentations took place in the unit. CONCLUSION: Our study represents a significant practical application of VC for the management of non-urgent ocular conditions with maximum infection prophylaxis. The introduction of VC was severely limited by technological or user-related issues by the establishment of video connections. Patient satisfaction with VC was high to very high.

Towards an integrated system for bio-energy: hydrogen production by Escherichia coli and use of palladium-coated waste cells for electricity generation in a fuel cell.

Escherichia coli strains MC4100 (parent) and a mutant strain derived from this (IC007) were evaluated for their ability to produce H(2) and organic acids (OAs) via fermentation. Following growth, each strain was coated with Pd(0) via bioreduction of Pd(II). Dried, sintered Pd-biomaterials ('Bio-Pd') were tested as anodes in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell for their ability to generate electricity from H(2). Both strains produced hydrogen and OAs but 'palladised' cells of strain IC007 (Bio-Pd(IC007)) produced ~threefold more power as compared to Bio-Pd(MC4100) (56 and 18 mW respectively). The power output used, for comparison, commercial Pd(0) powder and Bio-Pd made from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, was ~100 mW. The implications of these findings for an integrated energy generating process are discussed.

[Evaluation of patient satisfaction with an ophthalmology video consultation during the COVID-19 pandemic]. / Evaluierung der Patientenzufriedenheit mit einer augenärztlichen Videosprechstunde während der COVID-19-Pandemie.

BACKGROUND: We introduced a video consultation (VC) during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in an ophthalmology practice with eight doctors to ensure continuous ophthalmological care, infection prophylaxis and to compensate a decreased number of patient presentations. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the most common reasons for patient presentations in the VC, the proportion of re-presentations in the practice despite VC, practical challenges associated with the introduction of VC and patient satisfaction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with a recent acute visual deterioration and severe eye pain were excluded from the VC. The VC were carried out by a trained specialist in ophthalmology. A questionnaire with eight questions was completed after the VC appointment in order to evaluate the proportion of completed VC and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: We included 29 (13 male, Ø 52.6 years, 16 female, Ø 64.7 years) patients in this analysis. The VC could be performed with 68.97% of the participants who rated their overall experience with an average grade of 1.6 (1 very good to 6 insufficient) and all of them indicated that they would recommend the VC. Of presentations in VC 70% were related to the symptoms of the anterior eye segment. In 70% of the cases no re-presentations took place in the unit. CONCLUSION: Our study represents a significant practical application of VC for the management of non-urgent ocular conditions with maximum infection prophylaxis. The introduction of VC was severely limited by technological or user-related issues by the establishment of video connections. Patient satisfaction with VC was high to very high.

[Traumatic Turf-Toe: challenging diagnosis and controversial treatment]. / Turf-Toe traumático: diagnóstico desafiante y tratamiento controvertido.

INTRODUCTION: Turf-Toe includes a wide variety of traumatic injuries of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the first toe (MTF1). It is a potentially severe injury and there is no consensus for surgical management. The objective of this case report was to describe a patient with traumatic Turf-Toe injury grade III with a sesamoid fracture treated surgically. CLINICAL CASE: 24-year-old male with motorcycle fall with hyperflexion of the MTF1 joint, presented pain, edema and functional limitation; the radiographs showed soft tissue edema, lateral displacement of lateral sesamoid with fracture. Traumatic Turf-Toe was established. The ultrasound of the MTF1 joint showed breakage of the plantar plate and collateral ligaments. Patient was surgically managed with sesamoid reduction and plantar plate repair; postoperative evolution was satisfactory. At 8 weeks the patient was assessed with the AOFAS forefoot scale, obtaining 82 points, SF-12 with 87% and VAS of two and returned to his daily activities. CONCLUSION: We describe a patient with traumatic Turf Toe grade III injury, not related to sports practice; first report in the literature of the use of ultrasound in the evaluation of patients with lesion of the metatarso-phalangic joint of the first toe.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Turf-Toe incluye una gran variedad de lesiones traumáticas de la articulación metatarsofalángica del primer dedo del pie (MTF1). Es una lesión potencialmente grave y no existe consenso para el manejo quirúrgico. El objetivo de este reporte fue describir el caso de un paciente con lesión Turf-Toe traumática grado III con fractura sesamoidea tratado quirúrgicamente. CASO CLÍNICO: Masculino de 24 años con caída de motocicleta con hiperflexión de la articulación MTF1 presentó dolor, edema y limitación funcional; las radiografías mostraron edema de tejidos blandos, desplazamiento lateral de sesamoideo lateral con fractura. Se estableció el diagnóstico de Turf-Toe traumático. En el ultrasonido de la articulación MTF1, se demostró rotura de la placa plantar y ligamentos colaterales. Se manejó quirúrgicamente con reducción del sesamoideo y reparación de la placa plantar. La evolución postoperatoria fue satisfactoria; a las ocho semanas el paciente fue valorado con escala AOFAS­ de antepié obteniendo 82 puntos, SF-12 con 87% y EVA de 2 y retornó a sus actividades cotidianas. CONCLUSIÓN: Describimos un paciente con lesión Turf-Toe traumática grado III, no relacionada con la práctica deportiva. Primer reporte en la literatura del uso del ultrasonido en la evaluación de pacientes con lesión de la articulación metatarso-falángica del primer dedo del pie.

Comorbidity within mental disorders: a comprehensive analysis based on 145 990 survey respondents from 27 countries.

AIMS: Epidemiological studies indicate that individuals with one type of mental disorder have an increased risk of subsequently developing other types of mental disorders. This study aimed to undertake a comprehensive analysis of pair-wise lifetime comorbidity across a range of common mental disorders based on a diverse range of population-based surveys. METHODS: The WHO World Mental Health (WMH) surveys assessed 145 990 adult respondents from 27 countries. Based on retrospectively-reported age-of-onset for 24 DSM-IV mental disorders, associations were examined between all 548 logically possible temporally-ordered disorder pairs. Overall and time-dependent hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models. Absolute risks were estimated using the product-limit method. Estimates were generated separately for men and women. RESULTS: Each prior lifetime mental disorder was associated with an increased risk of subsequent first onset of each other disorder. The median HR was 12.1 (mean = 14.4; range 5.2-110.8, interquartile range = 6.0-19.4). The HRs were most prominent between closely-related mental disorder types and in the first 1-2 years after the onset of the prior disorder. Although HRs declined with time since prior disorder, significantly elevated risk of subsequent comorbidity persisted for at least 15 years. Appreciable absolute risks of secondary disorders were found over time for many pairs. CONCLUSIONS: Survey data from a range of sites confirms that comorbidity between mental disorders is common. Understanding the risks of temporally secondary disorders may help design practical programs for primary prevention of secondary disorders.

Twelve-month mental health service use in six countries of the Americas: A regional report from the World Mental Health Surveys.

AIMS: To provide cross-national data for selected countries of the Americas on service utilization for psychiatric and substance use disorders, the distribution of these services among treatment sectors, treatment adequacy and factors associated with mental health treatment and adequacy of treatment. METHODS: Data come from data collected from 6710 adults with 12 month mental disorder surveys across seven surveys in six countries in North (USA), Central (Mexico) and South (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru) America who were interviewed 2001-2015 as part of the World Health Organization (WHO) World Mental Health (WMH) Surveys. DSM-IV diagnoses were made with the WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Interviews also assessed service utilization by the treatment sector, adequacy of treatment received and socio-demographic correlates of treatment. RESULTS: Little over one in four of respondents with any 12 month DSM-IV/CIDI disorder received any treatment. Although the vast majority (87.1%) of this treatment was minimally adequate, only 35.3% of cases received treatment that met acceptable quality guidelines. Indicators of social-advantage (high education and income) were associated with higher rates of service use and adequacy, but a number of other correlates varied across survey sites. CONCLUSIONS: These results shed light on an enormous public health problem involving under-treatment of common mental disorders, although the problem is most extreme among people with social disadvantage. Promoting services that are more accessible, especially for those with few resources, is urgently needed.

Treatment of mental disorders for adolescents in Mexico City.

OBJECTIVE: This study describes the prevalence, adequacy and correlates of 12-month mental health service use among participants in the Mexican Adolescent Mental Health Survey. METHODS: The authors conducted face-to-face household surveys of a probability sample of 3005 adolescents aged 12-17 years residing in the Mexico City metropolitan area during 2005. The prevalence of mental health disorders and the use of services were assessed with the computer-assisted adolescent version of the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Correlates of service use and adequate treatment were identified in logistic regression analyses that took into account the complex sample design and weighting process. FINDINGS: Less than one in seven respondents with psychiatric disorders used any mental health services during the previous year. Respondents with substance-use disorders reported the highest prevalence of service use and those with anxiety disorders the lowest. Approximately one in every two respondents receiving any services obtained treatment that could be considered minimally adequate. CONCLUSION: We found large unmet needs for mental health services among adolescents with psychiatric disorders in Mexico City. Improvements in the mental health care of Mexican youth are urgently needed.

Animal and environmental impact on the presence and distribution of Salmonella and Escherichia coli in hydroponic tomato greenhouses.

From 2003 to 2004, we studied the impact of environmental influences on the microbiological quality of a hydroponic tomato farm. The presence of Salmonella was investigated on 906 samples of tomatoes and 714 environmental samples. The farm comprised 14 greenhouses and a technologically advanced packinghouse, and operated under a sanitary agricultural practices plan. The objective of the present study was to determine the operating sources of contamination. During the course of the study, two independent natural events affected the farm. In 2003, water runoff entered some of the greenhouses. A year later, wild animals (opossums, mice, and sparrows) gained entry into several of the greenhouses. Salmonella and Escherichia coli were found in samples of tomatoes, water puddles, soil, shoes, and the feces of local wild and farm animals. Salmonella Montevideo, Salmonella Newport, and strains of the F serogroup were isolated from tomatoes. Almost all of the Salmonella Newport strains were isolated from samples collected during or immediately after the flood. Analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed that some Salmonella Montevideo isolates from tomatoes, opossums, and mice displayed identical XbaI or AvrII patterns, suggesting that these wild animals represented one source of contamination. F serogroup strains were found mostly on samples of goat feces and personnel shoes when standard working practices were in place. Shoes were found to be an important vehicle for dissemination of Salmonella into the greenhouses. The level of protection provided by hydroponic greenhouses does not exclude the eventuality that enteric pathogenic bacteria can gain access through various avenues.

Cervical vaporization in LSIL and persistent HPV infection.

OBJECTIVE: To assess rates of negative cytology and high-risk HPV testing after CO2 laser treatment for low-grade lesions and persistent infection with high-risk HPV as well as factors that can influence these rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between February 2011 and January 2015, 124 cervical vaporizations were performed with a CO2 laser in patients presenting persistent infection with high-risk HPV or LSIL of CIN I that had persisted for more than 2 years. Data on parity, condom use, oral contraceptive use, smoking, vaccination against HPV, and immune status were collected and the relationship with rates of negative cytology and high-risk HPV testing was studied. RESULTS: We performed cytology, colposcopic and high-risk HPV detection 6 months after treatment in 116 patients (93%). Seventy-nine percent of patients had benign cytology in this control and 60% had negative results for HPV. Both parameters were normalized in 54% of patients. Mean follow-up was 22.35 months. Rates of negative cytology testing showed no significant relationship with any of the variables studied. Regarding rates of negative high-risk HPV testing, there is a statistically significant relationship with age younger than 45 years; type of high-risk HPV other than 16 and 18; and nulliparity and condom use. Among patients with persistent HPV infection and abnormal cytology at 6 months of vaporization, 55% had normalized cytology results but only 14.7% had negative results for high-risk HPV at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: CO2 laser vaporization is a simple, safe, and successful outpatient treatment that can be performed without anesthesia.

[Autologous chondrocytes implantation versus microfracture for the treatment of knee cartilage lesions]. / Implantación de condrocitos autólogos versus microfracturas para el tratamiento de lesiones del cartílago en la rodilla.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of microfracture therapy (MF) versus implantation of autologous chondrocytes (MACI) in the management of chondral lesions of the knee 3 cm2 and follow up to 12 months post treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2016 to December 2017. Patients with one or more chondral lesions in knee 3 cm2 were included to compare MF versus MACI therapy for the repair of chondral lesion. Clinical and functional evaluations were carried out prior to the surgical treatment and 12 months later, with measurement of the range of motion, EVA, Oxford scale and Lequesne index. RESULTS: Twelve patients were included in MF and 12 patients in MACI. The most frequent lesion was located in the Patella in eight patients (67%). It showed an increase in the arcs of motion, as well as improvement in the comparison between baseline and follow-up at 12 months: in EVA, MF demonstrated 48.4% and MACI 57.5% (p 0.05); Oxford scale: MF 32.65% and MACI 51.04% (p 0.05); index of Lequesne: MF 40.12% and MACI 50%. Two cases of joint effusion were presented in MACI, which were resolved with the realization of arthrotomies. CONCLUSION: In this study, significant improvement was demonstrated in MACI with pain relief, functionality, and range of motion compared to the treatment of MF in lesions 3 cm2 of the articular cartilage of the knee after one year of follow-up.

OBJETIVO: Comparar la eficacia clínica y la seguridad de la terapia de microfracturas (MF) versus implantación de condrocitos autólogos en membrana (MACI) en el manejo de lesiones condrales de rodilla 3 cm2 y el seguimiento a 12 meses postratamiento. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectiva, de Enero de 2016 a Diciembre de 2017. Se incluyeron pacientes con una o varias lesiones condrales en rodilla 3 cm2 para comparar la terapia MF versus MACI para la reparación de lesión condral. Se realizaron valoraciones clínicas y funcionales previas al tratamiento quirúrgico y 12 meses posteriores, con medición de los arcos de movimiento, escala EVA, Oxford e índice de Lequesne. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 12 pacientes en MF y 12 pacientes en MACI. La lesión más frecuente se localizó en la patela en ocho pacientes (67%). Se demostró incremento en los arcos de movimiento, así como mejoría en la comparación entre el nivel basal y en el seguimiento a 12 meses: en EVA, MF mostró 48.4% y MACI 57.5% (p 0.05); escala de Oxford: MF 32.65% y MACI 51.04% (p 0.05); índice de Lequesne: MF 40.12% y MACI 50%. Se presentaron dos casos de derrame articular en MACI, que se resolvieron con la realización de artrotomías. CONCLUSIÓN: En este estudio se demostró mejoría significativa en MACI con alivio del dolor, funcionalidad y arcos de movimiento en comparación con el tratamiento de MF en lesiones 3 cm2 del cartílago articular de rodilla después de un año de seguimiento.

[Clinical and functional results of the Broström-Gould technique for lateral ankle instability: evaluation with three scales]. / Resultados clínicos y funcionales de la plastía Broström-Gould para inestabilidad lateral de tobillo: evaluación con tres escalas.

BACKGROUND: The most frequent sequel to the ankle sprain is the instability of the lateral ligament complex; the results of surgical treatment have not been evaluated with multiple scales simultaneously. The objective of the study was to assess the clinical and functional results with three scales in patients with lateral instability of ankle undergoing Broström-Gould technique, using for fixation, anchors with suture to distal fibula. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The design of the study was cross-sectional and descriptive; we included patients with lateral instability of ankle and partial or complete rupture of the APA or CP ligament subject to repair with Broström-Gould technique. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to confirm the diagnosis; clinical and functional outcomes were determined with three scales: EVA, SF-36 and AOFAS. Patients were evaluated at six months, or more, after the surgical procedure. RESULTS: We included 13 patients; quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) showed a good result with average score of 90; 10 (77%) patients showed excellent results in function, absence of pain and alignment of the ankle (AOFAS 90-100). Also found significant improvement in pain (presurgical EVA: 6, compared with 1 in the postoperative period). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical procedure showed excellent results, in the short term with resolution of pain and ankle stability.

ANTECEDENTES: La secuela más frecuente del esguince de tobillo es la inestabilidad del complejo ligamentario lateral; los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico no han sido evaluados con varias escalas simultáneamente. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar los resultados clínicos y funcionales con tres escalas en pacientes con inestabilidad lateral de tobillo sometidos a plastía de Broström-Gould, utilizando para su fijación anclas con sutura al peroné distal. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El diseño del estudio fue transversal y descriptivo; se incluyeron pacientes con inestabilidad lateral de tobillo y ruptura parcial o completa del ligamento PAA y/o PC, sometidos a reparación con plastía de Broström-Gould. Se realizó resonancia magnética nuclear para confirmar el diagnóstico; los resultados clínicos y funcionales se determinaron con tres escalas: EVA, SF-36 y AOFAS. Los pacientes fueron evaluados a los seis meses o más posteriores al procedimiento quirúrgico. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 13 pacientes; la calidad de vida (cuestionario SF-36) arrojó un resultado bueno con promedio de 90; 10 (77%) pacientes mostraron resultados excelentes en la función, ausencia de dolor y alineación del tobillo (AOFAS 90-100). Asimismo, se observó mejoría importante en el dolor (EVA prequirúrgico: 6, comparado con 1 en el período postquirúrgico). CONCLUSIONES: El procedimiento quirúrgico demostró excelentes resultados en el corto plazo con resolución del dolor y estabilidad del tobillo.