Digital holographic interferometry applied to the investigation of ignition process.

We use the digital holographic interferometry (DHI) technique to display the early ignition process for a butane-air mixture flame. Because such an event occurs in a short time (few milliseconds), a fast CCD camera is used to study the event. As more detail is required for monitoring the temporal evolution of the process, less light coming from the combustion is captured by the CCD camera, resulting in a deficient and underexposed image. Therefore, the CCD's direct observation of the combustion process is limited (down to 1000 frames per second). To overcome this drawback, we propose the use of DHI along with a high power laser in order to supply enough light to increase the speed capture, thus improving the visualization of the phenomenon in the initial moments. An experimental optical setup based on DHI is used to obtain a large sequence of phase maps that allows us to observe two transitory stages in the ignition process: a first explosion which slightly emits visible light, and a second stage induced by variations in temperature when the flame is emerging. While the last stage can be directly monitored by the CCD camera, the first stage is hardly detected by direct observation, and DHI clearly evidences this process. Furthermore, our method can be easily adapted for visualizing other types of fast processes.

Application of Focused Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction to the Determination of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Soil Samples.

A simple and rapid focused ultrasound extraction (FU) based method is presented for the determination of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in soil using a gas chromatography coupled to a mass detector with electron impact ionization. The main experimental parameters affecting the FU step have been optimized by applying a PERMANOVA and PCO analysis allowing us to obtain a maximum amount of information with a minimum number of assays. The limits of detection for POPs fell within the 0.9-6.8 ng/g d.w. interval; a linear method was used with correlation coefficients (r) higher than 0.99. Recovery percentages at low concentrations (25 ng/g d.w.) were 75.8%-110%, and at high concentrations (75 ng/g d.w.) 82.3%-109%; the evaluated precision as RSD% of repeatability and reproducibility were within a range of 0.5%-11% and 0.3%-18%, respectively.

[Quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease without dialysis or transplant: a random sample from two insurance companies. Medellín, Colombia, 2008]. / Calidad de vida en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica sin diálisis ni trasplante de una muestra aleatoria de dos aseguradoras en salud. Medellín, Colombia, 2008.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the health related quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease without dialysis or transplant and your association with risk factors. DESIGN: It was a descriptive transversal study from a representative sample belongs to two Health Insurance Organizations. We applied the medical outcomes study 36-item short form and the scores were associated with some demographics and clinics variables. RESULTS: The median age was 70 years, 67% were men, 93% had hypertension and 67% were in stage three. The physical aspects of quality of life were more affected than mental components (Wilcoxon p < 0,001) and the physical functioning, role-physical and body pain domains were better in younger men. In addition, the Physical component was most associated with social-demographics and clinics conditions than mental component. Women older than 65 years old with chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus obtained lowest scores among all patients. There was no association between glomerular filtration rate and physical health when we fit them by age. There was a significant difference between physical component of quality of life by sex (p<0,001), which 12.5% of variance was explained by age. CONCLUSION: Physical component of quality of life was significantly reduced compared with mental component among patient with chronic kidney disease without dialysis and transplant. Their scores were lower than general population. The oldest women were the most affected.

Manifestaciones pulmonares de la artritis reumatoide, una revisión en tiempos de pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 / no

La artritis reumatoide (AR) es una de las patologías crónicas de origen autoinmune más frecuentes. Su prevalencia varía del 0,5 al 1%, con un compromiso primario a nivel articular, generando gran discapacidad por las deformidades secundarias derivadas de un estado inflamatorio persistente. Considerando el alto impacto en la calidad de vida de quienes la padecen, sumado al alto costo de las intervenciones terapéuticas, se vuelve imperativo para el personal de salud sumar todos los esfuerzos para promover un diagnóstico temprano y reconocer las potenciales complicaciones con el fin de impactar positivamente en los desenlaces clínicos. Alrededor del 50% de los pacientes con AR pueden tener compromiso extra articular, siendo el pulmón uno de los órganos más afectados. En época de pandemia por el virus SARS-CoV-2 es necesario recordar los tipos de compromiso pulmonar en pacientes con AR y tener en cuenta la susceptibilidad de estos pacientes a cuadros infecciosos que pueden generar una gran morbimortalidad.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most frequent chronic autoimmune pathologies. It's prevalence varies from 0.5 to 1%, with a primary involvement at the joint, generating disability due to deformities secondary to persistent inflammation. Considering the high impact on the quality of life of those who suffer it, added to the high cost of therapeutic interventions, it becomes imperative for health personnel to join forces to promote early diagnosis and recognize potential complications, in order to impact positively on clinical outcomes. Around 50% of patients with RA may have extra-articular involvement, the lung being one of the most affected organs. In times of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it's necessary to remember the types of lung involvement in patients with RA and take into account the susceptibility of these patients to infectious conditions that can generate great morbidity and mortality.

Assessment of exposure to mixture pollutants in Mexican indigenous children.

The aim of the present work was to complete an exposure assessment in three Mexican indigenous communities using the community-based health risk assessment, which is the first step in the CHILD framework. We used 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) as an exposure biomarker to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and trans, trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) as an exposure biomarker to benzene, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), lead, manganese, arsenic, and fluoride. Anthropometric measurements were also taken. In these communities, high percentages of children with chronic malnutrition were found (28 to 49 %) based on their weight and age. All communities showed a high percentage of children with detectable levels of four or more compounds (70 to 82 %). Additionally, our results showed that in indigenous communities, children are exposed to elevated levels of certain environmental pollutants, including manganese with 17.6, 16.8, and 7.3 µg/L from SMP, TOC, and CUA, respectively. Lead and HCB levels were similar in the indigenous communities (2.5, 3.1, and 4.2 µg/dL and 2.5, 3.1, and 3.7 ng/mL, respectively). 1-OHP and t,t-MA levels were higher in TOC (0.8 µmol/mol of creatinine, 476 µg/g of creatinine, respectively) when compared with SMP (0.1 µmol/mol of creatinine, 215.5 µg/g of creatinine, respectively) and CUA (0.1 µmol/mol of creatinine, 185.2 µg/g of creatinine, respectively). DDE levels were 30.7, 26.9, and 9.6 ng/mL in CUA, SMP, and TOC, respectively. The strength of this study is that it assesses exposure to pollutants with indications for the resultant risk before an intervention is made by the CHILD program to manage this risk in the indigenous communities. Considering the large number of people, especially children, exposed to multiple pollutants, it is important to design effective intervention programs that reduce exposure and the resultant risk in the numerous indigenous communities in Mexico.

Plasma neurotransmitters, blood pressure, and heart rate during supine-resting, orthostasis, and moderate exercise conditions in major depressed patients.

Major depressed patients showed greater heart rate, noradrenaline, and free-serotonin values than normal. Conversely, platelet-serotonin values in major depressed patients were significantly lower than normal. Patients registered the normal differential blood pressure reduction during orthostasis. They also revealed progressive and significantly higher heart rate rises during orthostasis and exercise periods, when compared to normals. Whereas noradrenaline showed maximal rises during the two last periods, adrenaline only showed small but significant increase during exercise. The analysis of correlations, together with the above data, suggests that major depressed patients register maximal neural sympathetic activity as well as adrenal glands sympathetic hypoactivity. In addition, these patients show hyperparasympathetic activity, as reflected by the free-serotonin profile. Finally, the fact that both the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the self-rating Beck Depression Inventory correlated positively with noradrenaline/adrenaline ratio and free-serotonin values strongly suggests that both neural sympathetic and cholinergic mechanisms are involved in major depression.

Plasma neurotransmitters, blood pressure, and heart rate during supine resting, orthostasis, and moderate exercise in dysthymic depressed patients.

Dysthymic depressed patients showed platelet-serotonin (pS) + plasma-free serotonin values greater than normal as well as plasma noradrenaline values lower than normal during supine resting period (0'). Conversely, no significant differences were observed in the 0' values of any other of the measured parameters: systolic, diastolic and differential blood pressure (SBP, DBP, DP), heart rate (HR), adrenaline (Ad), dopamine (DA), cortisol, and platelet aggregability between patients and controls. Although patients showed then normal DP reduction at orthostasis (1'), this was not prevented by atropine as it does in controls. Patients but not normals showed significant rises of DBP at orthostasis and exercise (5') periods, which were positively correlated with NA rises. On the contrary, the abnormally raised resting fS values registered in patients showed progressive and significant reductions throughout the test that were negatively correlated with DBP-NA values. Adrenaline did not show the normal 5'-fS peak. The above findings suggest that dysthymics show hypoactivity of the two branches of the sympathetic system (neural + adrenal) along with hyperparasympathetic activity. Furthermore, their low NA + high pS values contrast with the high NA + low pS registered in major depressed subjects.

Neuropharmacologic treatment of bronchial asthma with the antidepressant tianeptine: a double-blind, crossover placebo-controlled study.

Studies have shown the levels of free serotonin in plasma are increased in symptomatic patients with asthma. In addition, the concentration of free serotonin in symptomatic children with asthma correlates positively with clinical status and negatively with pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]). Thus, reducing the concentration of free serotonin in plasma may be useful in treating children with asthma. We studied the effectiveness of tianeptine in treating these patients. Tianeptine is the only drug known to be able to reduce the level of free serotonin in plasma and to enhance the uptake by platelets. Sixty-nine of the 82 children with asthma initially enrolled participated in this study. Children were randomized to receive tianeptine or placebo or both in a double-blind crossover trial. The trial lasted 52 weeks. Tianeptine provoked a dramatic and sudden decrease of both clinical rating and free serotonin plasma levels and an increase in pulmonary function.

Body composition of Colombian women.

Measurements of anthropometry and total body water (TBW) were made in 99 women 19-44 y of age living in socioeconomically deprived circumstances in Cali, Colombia. TBW was measured by dilution of deuterium oxide. An empirical equation for estimating lean body mass (LBM) was derived and applied satisfactorily to an independent study group. Comparisons were also made with body-composition values obtained by the Durnin and Womersley equations and an equation derived from rural women living in Guatemala. Neither set of equations was suitable for use with the Colombian subjects because both significantly overestimated LBM and therefore underestimated body fat. Lower values of standing height in older women suggest that they may have been subjected to more severe undernutrition during their growth than the younger subjects. When compared with a group of US women, Colombian subjects were less physically fit and had greater subcutaneous-fat deposits, which were distributed over the trunk and limbs, whereas body mass indexes and waist-hip ratios were not significantly different.

The serotonin uptake-enhancing drug tianeptine suppresses asthmatic symptoms in children: a double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study.

Studies have shown that levels of free serotonin in plasma are increased in symptomatic patients with asthma. In addition, the concentration of free serotonin in symptomatic patients with asthma correlates positively with clinical status and negatively with pulmonary function. Thus, reducing the concentration of free serotonin in plasma might be useful in treating patients with asthma. We studied the effectiveness of tianeptine in treating patients with asthma. Tianeptine is the only drug known to be able to reduce levels of free serotonin in plasma and to enhance uptake by platelets. In this study, 69 children with asthma were assigned in randomized fashion to receive tianeptine and/or placebo in a double-blind crossover trial that lasted 52 weeks. Tianeptine provoked a dramatic and sudden decrease in both clinical rating and free serotonin plasma levels and an increase in pulmonary function.

Peripheral blood immunological parameters in long-term benzodiazepine users.

Immunodeficiency is frequently invoked as an ethiopathogenetic factor for many somatic diseases. On the other hand, stress, depression, and psychotic disturbances are associated with severe immunological disorders. Taking into account that the benzodiazepines (BZ) are the psychoactive drugs more widely used than any other to treat psychological disturbances, it seems important to elucidate the immuno-enhancing or immunosuppressant potential of such drugs. Our goal was easily reached, since 69% of the outpatients visiting our Institute are chronic BZ consumers and because neurochemical, hormonal, immunological, and psychiatric investigations are routinely performed on all of our patients. In the present study, immune function was investigated on two occasions: while the patient was on active medication and 15 days after discontinuation. We concluded that chronic consumption of BZ provokes significant immunological disorders that should be further investigated. Said disorders could not be linked to a pre-existing affective disease or psychosis, since we only selected those BZ users in whom psychiatric investigations ruled out a past or present history of major psychiatric disease.

Paracoccidioidomycosis and AIDS: report of the first two Colombian cases.

The records of the first two Colombian patients with AIDS and paracoccidioidomycosis are presented. Both patients were males and had no known risk factors for HIV although in the past they had worked in the field where they could have been infected with the fungus. They exhibited the juvenile type of disease with multiple organ system involvement and symptoms of short duration. They were deeply immunodepressed as indicated by less than 100 CD4 T lymphocytes per mL; however, serologic tests revealed circulating anti-Paracoccidioides brasiliensis antibodies and in one patient the first diagnostic clue came from such tests. In one case, the mycosis preceded the AIDS diagnosis while in the other, both pathologies were discovered simultaneously. Antimycotic therapy with itraconazole was administered for over 10 months, with an initial dose of 200 mg/day followed by 100 mg/day; marked improvement of the mycotic signs and symptoms was soon noticed an there have been no signs of relapse. The patients improvement was also due to the combined retroviral treatment that was instituted. In spite of the rarity of the AIDS-paracoccidioidomycosis association, physicians practicing in endemic areas should consider the presence of the mycosis in immunosuppressed patients, since a prompt diagnosis and institution of combined antimycotic-anti-retroviral treatments would result in patient improvement and survival. It appears possible that the longer survival time of today's AIDS patients would give the quiescent fungus the opportunity to revive, multiply and cause overt disease.

Clonidine treatment of acute pancreatitis: report of five cases.

We report five consecutive cases of patients with acute pancreatitis resistant to conventional treatment who improved dramatically with clonidine. All patients showed greatly elevated noradrenaline, adrenaline and cortisol plasma levels (physiological indicators of stress) which fell abruptly upon initiation of clonidine therapy. The clonidine test performed in the patients showed a hyper-response in all, a reaction consistent with uncoping stress situation. Therefore, we postulate that stress might play a role in the pathogenesis of these patients pancreatic inflammatory disease.

Comfort measures only: agreeing on a common definition through a survey.

Despite how frequently we say "comfort measures only" (CMO) in the hospital setting, review of the medical literature yields poor representation and definition of the term. Through a survey in our hospital center, we aimed at understanding what doctors understand as CMO. A total of 176 physicians responded to the survey. We asked them about the moment in the patient care timeline when to use it and what degree of respiratory support, laboratory draws, antibiotic therapy, level of care, and code status should be a part of it. Disparities in responses were the norm, and common defining characteristics were the exception.

Enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV) en la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) / The cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Desde la primera descripción de la asociación entre enfermedad renal crónica y enfermedad cardiaca, los estudios epidemiológicos han confirmado y extendido el conocimiento acerca de esta relación. El riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular se incrementa al progresar la falla renal, probablemente por la suma de los factores de riesgo no tradicionales propios de la insuficiencia renal. No solamente es la patología cardiovascular más frecuente en esta población, sino que además es sub diagnosticada y sub tratada. Los pacientes y los miembros del equipo médico deben ser educados acerca de este mayor riesgo cardiovascular y de las implicancias que esto tiene en el cuidado.

Since the first description of the association between chronic kidney disease and heart disease, epidemiological studies have confirmed and extended the knowledge about this association. The risk of cardiovascular disease increases with progression of renal failure, probably by the sum of nontraditional risk factors own of renal failure. Not only cardiovascular disease is more common in this population, it is also underdiagnosed and undertreated. Patients and medical staff members should be educated about the increased cardiovascular risk and the implications for the care that entails.

Biochemical evaluation in human saliva with special reference to ovulation detection.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the level of salivary sialic acids and glycosaminoglycans with reference to salivary hormones during the normal menstrual cycle. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Fifty women volunteers were selected for the present study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Saliva was collected from 50 women and ovulation was detected in women with normal menstrual cycles through basal body temperature (BBT), ultrasound and salivary ferning. Samples were divided into five categories, as prepubertal (6-9 years), pre-ovulatory phase (6-12 days), ovulatory phase (13-14 days), postovulatory phase (15-26 days) and menopause (above 45 years). Each sample was subjected to evaluation of the sialic acids and glycosaminoglycans along with salivary hormones. RESULTS: The result revealed that the ovulatory phase has increased sialic acid and glycosaminoglycans during the menstrual cycle when compared with that of the other phases. Consequently, an increased level of hormones such as luteinizing hormone and estrogen during the ovulatory period when compared to that of the pre-ovulatory and postovulatory periods appeared to be noteworthy. Statistically, analysis was performed using one way-ANOVA (LSD; post hoc method) to determine the significance as P < 0.001, 0.01, 0.05 in between the reproductive phases of the menstrual cycle. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that saliva-specific carbohydrates in the ovulatory saliva make the possibility to develop a biomarker for detection of ovulation by non-invasive methods.

Prevención y tratamiento de la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) / Recognition and prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD)

La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) es un grave problema de salud pública. Se espera que el número de personas con insuficiencia renal que reciben tratamiento con diálisis y trasplante aumente dramáticamente en los próximos años. Los malos resultados de la ERC no se limitan a la insuficiencia renal terminal, sino que también incluyen a las complicaciones derivadas de una menor función renal, como hipertensión arterial, anemia, desnutrición, trastornos óseos y minerales, neuropatía, así como un mayor riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular. El diagnóstico precoz basado en la presencia de proteinuria o una velocidad de filtración glomerular estimada reducida, puede permitir la intervención temprana para reducir: el riesgo de insuficiencia renal progresiva, los eventos cardiovasculares y la mortalidad que se asocian con la ERC. Las estrategias eficaces para frenar la progresión de la ERC y reducir el riesgo cardiovascular están disponibles en la actualidad. Los modelos clínicos de atención que faciliten la entrega de los aspectos diversos y complejos del tratamiento en forma simultánea, podrían mejorar la gestión y probablemente los resultados clínicos

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious public health problem. The number of persons with kidney failure who are treated with dialysis and transplantation is expected to rise dramatically in the coming years. The poor outcomes of CKD are not restricted to kidney failure but also include the complications of decreased kidney function, such as hypertension, anemia, malnutrition, bone and mineral disorders and neuropathy, as well as increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Early diagnosis on the basis of presence of proteinuria or reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate could permit early intervention to reduce the risk of: kidney failure, cardiovascular events and death that are associated with CKD. Effective strategies are available to slow the progression of CKD and reduce cardiovascular risk. Clinical models of care that facilitate delivery of the many complex aspects of treatment simultaneously could enhance management and probably the clinical outcomes

Interacciones farmacológicas en trasplante / Drug interactions in trasplant

Las interacciones farmacológicas representan un problema mayor en el manejo de los pacientes trasplantados. La comprensión de los distintos pasos del metabolismo de estos fármacos permite anticipar y prevenir complicaciones derivadas de su uso. Cada nuevo medicamento introducido en la terapia de estos pacientes debe ser acompañado de una revisión de las interacciones con los inmunosupresores y otros fármacos prescritos.

Drug interactions are a major problem in the management of transplant patients. Understanding the various steps in the metabolism of these drugs allows us to anticipate and prevent complications arising from their use. Each new drug introduced in the therapy of these patients should be followed by a review of interactions with immunosuppressive agents and other drugs prescribed.

Evaluación metabólica y nutricional en litiasis renal / Metabolic and nutritional evaluation in nephrolithiasis

Los pacientes con litiasis renal requieren de investigaciones para identificar las condiciones médicas subyacentes y otras anomalías metabólicas predisponentes. Los resultados de estas investigaciones se utilizan para guiar el tratamiento preventivo. La profundidad del estudio necesario depende de varios factores, incluyendo la edad, la historia clínica de la persona y el número y la frecuencia de los cálculos. Una variedad de factores dietéticos y metabólicos pueden contribuir o causar la formación de litiasis renal. Los factores dietéticos incluyen una alta ingesta de proteínas animales, oxalato y sodio, y una baja ingesta de líquidos y de productos cítricos que contienen potasio. Las alteraciones metabólicas más frecuentemente asociadas a litiasis son la hipercalciuria, la hipocitraturia, la gota, la hiperoxaluria y la hiperuricosuria. Las modificaciones en la dieta deben aplicarse en todos los pacientes con litiasis renal, y consisten en una elevada ingesta de líquidos, la restricción de oxalato y sodio, una dieta balanceada en proteínas animalesy complementadas por una ingesta adecuada de frutas y verduras. Cuando las modificaciones en la dieta no son suficientes en prevenir la formación de litiasis o en la presencia de alteraciones metabólicas importantes, es necesaria una intervención farmacológica especifica.

People who form kidney stones require investigations to identify underlying medical conditions and to detect other predisposing metabolic abnormalities. The results of these investigations can also be used to help guide therapy to prevent future stone formation. The extent of testing required dependson several factors including age and medical history of the person and the number and frequency of stones. A variety of dietary and metabolic factors may contribute or cause stone formation in nephrolithiasis. Dietary factors include a high intake of animal proteins, oxalate and sodium, and a low intake of fluids and potassium containing citrus products. Some of the metabolic causes of stones are hypercalciuria, hypocitraturia, gout, hyperoxaluria, and hyperuricosuria. Dietary modification, to be applied in all patients with stones includes a high fluid intake, restriction of oxalate and sodium, and balanced diet with animal proteins complemented by adequate intake of fruits and vegetables. When dietary modification is ineffective in controlling stone formation or in the presence of severe metabolic derangements, a pharmacologic intervention may be necessary.

Detección y manejo médico del donante fallecido en muerte encefálica / Potencial organ donor detection and their medical management before donation procedure

El trasplante de órganos sólidos se ha incorporado al tratamiento de pacientes portadores de una gran variedad de condiciones clínicas. La falta de una adecuada pesquisa de donantes así como su inadecuado manejo médico son factores relevantes para la ocurrencia de la actual gran carencia de órganos sólidos disponibles para ser trasplantados en nuestro País. En este artículo se presenta una revisión acotada de los términos usualmente empleados y luego se refiere primordialmente a los donantes fallecidos en muerte encefálica (DFME). Se hace énfasis en las ultimas cifras nacionales, las formas con las que contamos para poder predecir la capacidad generadora de potenciales donantes, cómo y dónde detectarlos, las principales estrategias para aumentar su detección, los aspectos fisiopatológicos subyacentes a esta particular condición. Finalmente se presentan algunas recomendaciones para el adecuado manejo del donante potencial, desde su detección hasta que se convierte en donante efectivo.

Solid organ transplantation has been incorporated as a valid treatment option for patients that suffer several conditions. The failure to identify potential cadaveric donors early and their subsequent inadequate treatment are undoubtedly relevant factors that go some way to explain the actual shortage of organs available to be transplanted in Chile. In this article we present a review and explanation of the terminology associated with organ donation before focusing on the legal criteria required for the clinical diagnosis of brain-stem death. We use data from other countries in order to predict how many donors should be available in our country as well as trying to anticipate their diagnoses and where they are usually located. The discussion then moves on to present the current reality in Chile before reviewing some measures that have been found useful in other countries to increase donation rates. Finally we present some suggestions on how the patient should be managed from the moment they are considered as a potential donor until they complete the donation process.