Tasa de recurrencia e implicación del margen quirúrgico en la supervivencia del paciente con melanoma acral. ¿Es necesario un margen amplio? / Recurrence rate and survival implications of surgical margins in patients with acral melanoma. Is a wide margin necessary?

Resumen Introducción: La extensión apropiada de los márgenes de resección en el melanoma acral no está claramente establecida. Objetivo: Investigar si la escisión con margen estrecho es adecuada en el melanoma acral grueso. Métodos: Se estudiaron 306 pacientes con melanoma acral. Conforme a la extensión del margen quirúrgico (de 1 a 2 cm y > 2 cm), se analizaron los factores asociados a la recurrencia y la supervivencia. Resultados: De 306 pacientes, 183 fueron mujeres (59.8 %). La mediana del grosor de Breslow fue 6 mm; 224 casos (73.2 %) fueron de tipo ulcerados, 154 pacientes (50.3 %) tenían enfermedad en estadio clínico III, 137 en II (44.8 %) y 15 en IV (4.9 %). Todos los casos presentaron margen negativo, con una mediana de 31.5 mm. Un grosor de Breslow de 7 mm (p = 0.001) y la etapa clínica III (p = 0.031) se asociaron a recurrencia; los factores asociados a la supervivencia fueron el índice de Breslow (p = 0.047), la ulceración (p = 0.003), la etapa clínica avanzada (p < 0.001) y el uso de adyuvancia (p = 0.003). Conclusión: Un margen de resección de 1 a 2 cm no afectó la recurrencia tumoral ni la supervivencia en los pacientes con melanoma acral.

Abstract Introduction: Appropriate size of resection margins in acral melanoma is not clearly established. Objective: To investigate whether narrow-margin excision is appropriate for thick acral melanoma. Methods: Three-hundred and six patients with acral melanoma were examined. Factors associated with recurrence and survival were analyzed according to surgical margin size (1 to 2 cm and > 2 cm). Results: Out of 306 patients, 183 were women (59.8%). Median Breslow thickness was 6 mm; 224 cases (73.2%) were ulcerated, 154 patients (50.3%) had clinical stage III disease, while 137 were at stage II (44.8%) and 15 at stage IV (4.9%). All cases had negative margins, with a median of 31.5 mm. A Breslow thickness of 7 mm (p = 0.001) and clinical stage III (p = 0.031) were associated with recurrence; the factors associated with survival were Breslow index (p = 0.047), ulceration (p = 0.003), advanced clinical stage (p < 0.001), and use of adjuvant therapy (p = 0.003). Conclusion: A resection margin of 1 to 2 cm did not affect tumor recurrence or survival in patients with acral melanoma.

Logro de control metabólico temprano en adultos con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en Perú

Objetivo: Estimar la proporción de sujetos con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DMT2) que alcanzan la meta terapéutica para HbA1C un año después del diagnóstico (control metabólico temprano). Métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de historias clínicas de adultos atendidos en 16 centros médicos distribuidos en nueve ciudades peruanas. Se incluyeron pacientes que recibieron un diagnóstico inicial de DMT2 y tuvieron al menos un año de seguimiento. Se consideraron las metas metabólicas definidas en los estándares ADA 2018. Resultados: Se incluyeron 457 sujetos (53,03% mujeres). Cuando fueron diagnosticados, la edad media fue de 55,75 años (DE ± 12,92), la media de HbA1C fue de 9,10% (DE ± 2,28). Hubo diagnóstico concomitante de hipertensión arterial o de dislipidemia en 27,13% y 52,40%, respectivamente. Al año de seguimiento, 57,76% de los sujetos alcanzó la meta de HbA1C ( 40 mg / dL), 24,31% para HDL-c en mujeres (>50 mg/dL), 48,24% para triglicéridos (<150 mg/dL), y 89,23% para presión arterial (<140/90 mmHg). Conclusiones: En este estudio en condiciones de la vida real, en adultos con DMT2 con un año de seguimiento, el logro de la meta de HbA1C (<7%) se alcanzó en el 58% de los pacientes. Si bien estos resultados son compatibles con los reportados en otros estudios de la región, se evidencia la oportunidad de mejorar el logro temprano de metas con el objetivo de optimizar los resultados a largo plazo.

Aim: To estimate the proportion of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who attain therapeutic goal for HbA1C one year after diagnosis (early metabolic control). Methods: Retrospective review of medical records of adults cared for at 16 centers in nine Peruvian cities. Patients who received an initial diagnosis of T2DM and had at least one year of follow up were included. Metabolic goals were as defined by ADA 2018 standards. Results: 457 subjects were included (53,03% female). At diagnosis, mean age was 55,75 years (SD ± 12.92), mean HbA1C was 9,10% (SD ± 2,28). Concomitant hypertension or dyslipidemia were present in 27,13% and 52,40%, respectively. At one year follow up, 57,76% of subjects attained the goal for HbA1C ( 40 mg/dL), 24,31% for HDL-c in women (>50 mg/dL), 48,24% for triglycerides (<150 mg/dL), and 89,23% for blood pressure (<140/90 mmHg). Conclusions: In this real-life study of adults with T2DM with one year of follow up, metabolic control for HbA1C (<7%) was attained in 58% of subjects. While the results are compatible with those reported in other studies in the region, there is opportunity to further improve early treatment goal attainment to optimize long-term outcomes.

Crioablación percutánea de tumores renales cT1 como alternativa al tratamiento quirúrgico / Percutaneous cryoablation of cT1 kidney tumors as alternative to surgical treatment

Resumen El cáncer renal representa el 3 al 4% de todas las lesiones malignas y su detección incidental es cada vez más frecuente. Para los tumores renales cT1a la cirugía es el tratamiento de elección. No todos los pacientes son candidatos a este tipo de tratamiento por elevado riesgo quirúrgico debido a comorbi lidades asociadas o antecedentes de cirugía en dicho órgano. Las guías de la Asociación Americana de Urología recomiendan la termoablación como alternativa a la cirugía en tumores menores a 3 cm. La experiencia con crioablación percutánea en tumores renales es escasa en Latinoamérica y hay pocas publicaciones al respecto en esta región. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir la efectividad y seguridad de la crioablación percutánea en una cohorte de pacientes adultos con cáncer renal cT1 (menores a 5 cm) como alternativa al tratamiento quirúrgico. Los procedimientos fueron realizados con guía de tomografía computarizada o con un angiógrafo, en condiciones estériles y bajo anestesia general. Los pacientes fueron tratados en condiciones ambulatorias. El seguimiento se realizó con estudios por imágenes, análisis de laboratorio y consulta clínica. Todos tuvieron una respuesta completa constatada por imágenes en los controles evolutivos. El 61% no tuvo complicaciones y en el resto se observaron complicaciones grado 1 como hematuria, retención urinaria y hematoma perirrenal. Se concluyó que la crioablación percutánea es segura y efectiva como alternativa a la cirugía en pacientes con tumores renales.

Abstract Renal cancer represents 3-4% of all malignancies. Its incidental detection is becoming more frequent. Surgery is the gold standard treatment for T1 renal cancer. Still, surgery is not suitable for every patient due to comorbidities or previous kidney surgery. Guidelines provided by The American Urological Association recommend thermoablation therapies as an alternative to surgery in tumors under 3 cm. Experience regarding percutaneous cryoablation in renal tumors is scarce in Latin America and there are only a handful of publications in this region regarding this subject. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and security of percutaneous cryoablation in a cohort of adult patients with cT1 renal cancer (smaller than 5 cm) as an alternative to surgery. The procedures were performed with CT or Cone Beam CT guidance and under general anesthesia in sterile conditions. Cryoablation was carried out on an outpatient basis. Follow up was done with imaging studies, blood test and clinical consultation. All patients had complete response in imaging studies. There were no complications in 61% of all of them, the remaining patients suffered grade-1 complications such as hematuria, urinary reten tion and perirenal hematoma. In conclusion, percutaneous cryoablation for renal tumors is a safe and effective alternative to surgery.

¿Cómo entrenar una habilidad compleja en cirugía?: Evaluación cualitativa de una estrategia basada en simulación / How to train a complex skill in surgery: Qualitative evaluation of a simulation-based strategy

RESUMEN Antecedentes: el aprendizaje de tareas complejas en cirugía requiere la coordinación e integración de habilidades técnicas y no técnicas que impactan en el rendimiento de los equipos de trabajo. Objetivo: presentar la evaluación de una estrategia educativa basada en simulación para el entrena miento de una habilidad compleja en cirugía, desde la perspectiva de los participantes. Material y métodos: en 2019 se desarrolló un curso de 20 horas (6 horas virtuales y 14 presenciales). Participaron 10 profesionales de la salud. Como estrategia se diseñó la integración de actividades de resolución de casos, role playing, práctica con simuladores sintéticos y virtuales y simulación de alta fidelidad. Al finalizar se realizó un cuestionario sobre percepción de aprendizaje y cambios actitudi nales. Resultados: el 50% tuvo percepción de mejora de sus habilidades y conocimientos al finalizar el cur so. Sin embargo, cuando se preguntó por el impacto del curso sobre su actividad profesional, el 80% respondió niveles superiores al aprendizaje percibido. El 100% se refirió a la necesidad de mejorar habilidades no técnicas. Todos calificaron la experiencia como positiva o muy positiva, y con ganas de repetirla. Conclusión: la perspectiva de quienes participaron de este programa formativo da cuenta de la alta aceptación del método. El hacer conscientes las habilidades no técnicas durante la etapa de reflexión sugiere cambios no solo actitudinales sino sobre la autopercepción de eficacia. Creemos que la meto dología de entrenamiento de equipos basado en simulación tiene potencialidad de mejorar el rendi miento global y futuros estudios deberían estar orientados a ello.

ABSTRACT Background: Learning complex tasks in surgical requires the coordination and integration of technical and non-technical skills have an impact on the performance of work teams. Objective: The aim of this study is to report the results of a simulation-based educational strategy for training in complex surgical skills considering the participants' perceptions. Material and methods: In 2019, 10 healthcare professionals participated in a 20-hour course divided in 6 hours of online training and 14 hours of onsite training. The strategy designed included the inte gration of case resolution activities, role-playing, practice with synthetic and virtual simulators and high-fidelity simulation. At the end of the course, a questionnaire was administered to explore partici pants' perceptions on what they had learned and on their attitude changes. Results: Fifty percent of the participants perceived their skills and knowledge improved at the end of the course compared with their perception at the beginning of the course while 80% perceived the impact of the course on their professional activity was good or excellent. All the participants agreed with the need for improving non-technical skills. The experience was rated as positive or very positive by all participants, who were eager to repeat it. Conclusion: The participants' perceptions of this educational program demonstrates that this method is highly accepted. Raising awareness of non-technical skills during the reflection stage suggests the need for changes in attitude and in self-perception of efficacy. We believe that simulation-based tra ining offers the possibility of improving the overall performance of the surgical team. Future studies should focus on this goal.

Asociación entre el cociente del segundo y cuarto dedo y el riesgo de cáncer de próstata: Un estudio de casos y controles en población mediterránea / Second to Fourth Digit Ratio and Prostate Cancer Risk: A Case-control Study in Mediterranean Population

Objetivo Evaluar la asociación entre el cociente de los dedos segundo y cuarto (2D:4D), como un biomarcador de la exposición prenatal a andrógenos, y la presencia de cáncer de próstata (CaP). Métodos Estudio de casos y controles con 260 hombres que consultaron en el Servicio de Urología del Hospital General Universitario Reina Sofía (Murcia, España). Los casos (n = 125) fueron pacientes diagnosticados de CaP por anatomía patológica a los que se les realizó una prostatectomía radical. Los controles (n = 135) fueron pacientes que consultaron en Urología por otro motivo y que no mostraron signos ni síntomas de patología prostática. La longitud del 2D y 4D de la mano derecha fue medida mediante un pie de rey digital y se calculó el cociente entre ambos (2D:4D). Para los análisis estadísticos se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística obteniendo Odds ratios (OR) crudas y ajustadas e intervalos de confianza al 95%. Resultados Los casos presentaron un cociente 2D:4D significativamente menor que los controles. El cociente 2D:4D se relacionó significativamente con la presencia de CaP. Tras el ajuste multivariante, se observó que los varones que se encontraban en el primer tercil de distribución del cociente 2D:4D, presentaban casi el doble de riesgo de padecer CaP (OR 1,9: IC 95% 1,1­4,0; P-valor = 0,040) en comparación con los varones que se encontraban en el segundo y tercer tercil. Conclusiones Una mayor exposición prenatal a andrógenos, reflejada por un cociente 2D:4D menor, podría estar asociado con riesgo aumentado de padecer CaP, pero más estudios son necesarios para corroborar esos hallazgos.

Objective To evaluate the association between second to fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio, as a biomarker of prenatal androgen exposure, and the presence of prostate cancer (PCa). Methods This was a case-control study of 260 men attending a Department of Urology in a Murcia Region hospital (Spain). Cases (n = 125) were patients who underwent radical prostatectomy due to PCa and were diagnosed by specimen's histopathology. Controls (n = 135) were patients who showed no signs or symptoms of prostate disease. The length of 2D and 4D of the right hand was measured two times using a digital caliper, and the ratio calculated (2D:4D). Unconditional multiple logistic regressions [crude and adjusted Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI)] were performed to evaluate associations between the 2D:4D ratio and presence of PCa. Results Cases showed significantly lower 2D:4D ratios than controls. 2D:4D ratios were significantly associated with the presence of PCa. After controlling for important covariates, men in the first tertile of the 2D:4D ratio distribution, compared with the second and third tertile, were almost two-times [OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.1­4.0; P-value = 0.040] more likely to have PCa. Conclusions A higher prenatal androgen exposure, indicated by lower 2D:4D ratios, might be associated with higher PCa risk, but further research is needed to confirm these findings in other male populations.

Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes in Very Elderly Patients (≥75 years) with Renal Cell Carcinoma: Data from the Latin American Renal Cancer Group

Background: The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is increasing globally due to an aging population and widespread use of imaging studies. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and perioperative outcomes of RCC surgery in very elderly patients (VEP), ≥75 years of age. Methods: This is a retrospective comparative study of 3656 patients who underwent the treatment for RCC from 1990 to 2015 in 28 centers from eight Latin American countries. We compared baseline characteristics as well as clinical and perioperative outcomes according to age groups (<75 vs.≥ 75 years). Surgical complications were classified with the Clavien-Dindo score. We performed logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with perioperative complications. Results: There were 410 VEP patients (11.2%). On bivariate analysis, VEP had a lower body mass index (p < 0.01) and higher ASA score (ASA >2 in 26.3% vs. 12.4%, p < 0.01). There was no difference in performance status and clinical stage between the study groups. There were no differences in surgical margins, estimated blood loss (EBL), complication, and mortality rates (1.3% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.17). On multivariate regression analysis, age ≥75 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.33, p < 0.01), EBL ≥ 500 cc (OR 3.34, p < 0.01), and > pT2 stage (OR 1.63, p = 0.04) were independently associated with perioperative complications. Conclusions: Surgical resection of RCC was safe and successful in VEP. Age ≥75 years was independently associated with 30-day perioperative complications. However, the vast majority were low-grade complications. Age alone should not guide decision-making in these patients, and treatment must be tailored according to performance status and severity of comorbidities. (REV INVEST CLIN. 2020;72(5):308-15)

O potencial traumático da pandemia de covid-19 / The trauma potential from covid-19 pandemic / El potencial traumático de la pandemia de covid-19 / Le potentiel traumatique de la pandémie du covid-19

Os autores discutem o potencial traumático desta pandemia, indicando que nem todos os afetados por ela se traumatizarão. A seguir comentam como a experiência da pandemia poderá assumir várias formas simbólicas de acordo com o nível de ansiedade e medo que provocar em cada indivíduo, que será capaz ou não de mobilizar sua capacidade de representação simbólica para integrar em seu psiquismo a experiência dos diversos medos estimulados. São dados exemplos clínicos de algumas dessas expressões simbólicas.

The authors discuss the traumatic potential of this pandemic, showing that not everyone affected by it will be traumatized. After that, they comment on how the experience of the pandemic can take different symbolic forms according to the level of anxiety and fear that it may bring to each individual who will be able or not to mobilize their capacity for symbolic representation to integrate the experience of the different fears brought to their psyche. Three clinical examples of some of these symbolic expressions are given.

Los autores discuten el potencial traumático de esta pandemia, indicando que no todos los afectados por ella quedarán traumatizados. Hacen referencia a cómo la experiencia de la pandemia puede asumir diferentes formas simbólicas según el nivel de ansiedad y miedo que puede causar en cada individuo y que podrá o no movilizar su capacidad de representación simbólica para integrar la experiencia de lo diferente en su psique. Se dan ejemplos clínicos de algunas de esas expresiones simbólicas.

Les auteurs discutent du potentiel traumatique de cette pandémie, ce qui indique que ni tous ceux qui sont atteints ne resteront traumatisés. Ensuite ils commentent comment la pandémie pourra assumer plusieurs formes symboliques selon le niveau d'anxiété et de peur qu'elle provoque chez chaque individu, lequel sera capable, ou non, de mobiliser sa capacité de représentation symbolique pour intégrer dans son psychisme l'expérience des craintes stimulées. On donne des exemples cliniques de quelques-unes de ces expressions symboliques.

Penetration degree of sealer in artificial lateral canal after passive ultrasonic irrigation with EDTA for different times / Grau de penetração do cimento obturador em canais laterais simulados após ativação ultrassonica passiva do EDTA em diferentes tempos

The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of penetration of obturation cement in artificial lateral canals after Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI) with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for different times. Fifty upper molar palatine roots were used, in which two artificial lateral canals were made at distances of 7 and 3 millimeters from the root apex. After instrumentation and drying the canal, the final toilet stage was performed on five groups (n = 10), as follows: G1 - EDTA 17% + PUI for 10 seconds; G2 - EDTA 17% + PUI for 20 seconds; G3 - EDTA 17% + PUI for 30 seconds; G4 - EDTA 17% + PUI for 60 seconds; G5 - EDTA 17% + activation by instrument R50 for 5 minutes (Control). The canals were sealed by the single cone technique, and after 72 hours, sectioned in two planes transverse to the artificial canal, to see the degree of penetration of the sealing cement. In the radiographic analysis, there was no statistical difference (p> 0.05) between groups in the two artificial lateral canals. However, PUI of EDTA for 60 seconds produced a significant difference in the degree of penetration of the sealing cement (p <0.05) at 7 mm from the apex. Therefore, PUI with EDTA for 60 seconds promoted a higher degree of penetration of the obturator cement in the artificial lateral canal.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o grau de penetração do cimento obturador em canais laterais artficiais, após Irrigação Ultrassonica Passiva (IUP) do ácido etilenodiaminotetracético (EDTA), em diferentes tempos. Foram utilizadas 50 raízes palatinas de molares superiores, e em seguida confeccionados dois canais laterais artificiais a 7 e 3 milímetros do ápice radicular. Após a instrumentação e secagem dos canais, foi iniciada a etapa de toillet final, de acordo com os seguintes grupos (n=10): G1- EDTA 17%+IUP durante 10 segundos; G2 - EDTA 17%+IUP durante 20 segundos; G3 - EDTA 17%+IUP durante 30 segundos; G4- EDTA 17%+IUP durante 60 segundos; G5- EDTA 17%+ativação pelo instrumento R50 durante 5 minutos (Controle). Os canais foram obturados pela técnica do cone único, e após 72 horas, seccionados em dois planos transversais dos canais artificiais, para se visualizar o grau de penetração do cimento obturador. Na análise radiográfica, não houve diferença estatística (p>0,05) entre os grupos, nos dois canais laterais artificiais. Entretanto, a IUP do EDTA por 60 segundos conseguiu um obter resultado significativo, sobre o grau de penetração do cimento obturador (p<0,05) a 7 milímetros do ápice. Portanto, a IUP do EDTA no tempo de 60 segundos promoveu maior grau de penetração do cimento obturador nos canais laterais artifciais.

Utilidad de la ecografía Doppler color en el seguimiento de la angioplastia carotídea / Doppler in Carotid Stent Follow-up

Los ataques cerebrovasculares (ACV), representan un problema mayor en salud y son una causa importante de discapacidad en todo el mundo. La estenosis u oclusión carotídea aterosclerótica causa alrededor del 20% de las isquemias cerebrovasculares.¹ Los ACV en los enfermos con estenosis carotídea se producen, en la mayoría de los casos, por la aparición de embolismos distales de trombo formado en la placa, oclusión trombótica aguda debido a rotura de la placa, o bien secundarios a las alteraciones hemodinámicas atribuibles a la estenosis, la cual produce disminución de la perfusión cerebral por el hipoflujo, en casos de estenosis críticas o suboclusivas. El tratamiento de la patología carotídea ha evolucionado de forma considerable a lo largo de los últimos años. Existen dos tratamientos invasivos para la estenosis carotídea significativa, que consisten en el abordaje quirúrgico con endarterectomía o tratamiento por vía percutánea con angioplastia y colocación de stent. En nuestra institución se realizaron, en el periodo comprendido entre marzo de 2013 y junio de 2017, aproximadamente 100 angioplastias carotídeas con colocación de stent. Todas fueron valoradas con ecografía Doppler color (EDC) al mes, a los seis meses y al año (en casos no complicados). En esta revisión bibliográfica es nuestra intención desarrollar las indicaciones, aplicaciones, hallazgos normales y patológicos en el examen de EDC en la evaluación de un paciente con stent carotídeo.

Acute stroke represents a major problem in health and is a major cause of disability worldwide. Atherosclerotic carotid stenosis or occlusion causes around 20% of cerebrovascular ischemias.¹ Stroke in patients with carotid stenosis occurs, in most cases, due to embolisms of thrombus formed in the plaque, acute thrombotic occlusion due to rupture of the plaque, or secondary to hemodynamic alterations, attributable to stenosis, which produces decreased cerebral perfusion by low flow, in cases of critical or sub occlusive stenosis. The treatment of carotid disease has evolved considerably over recent years. There are two invasive treatments for significant carotid stenosis, which consist of the surgical approach with endarterectomy or percutaneous treatment with angioplasty and stenting. In our institution, in the period between March 2013 and June 2017, ~100 carotid angioplasties with stent placement were performed. All were assessed with color Doppler ultrasound (DUS) at month, six months and one year (in non complicated cases). In this literature review it is our intention to develop the indications, applications, normal and pathological findings in the DUS examination in the evaluation of a patient with carotid stent.

Rol del enterocito en la dislipidemia de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Role of the enterocyte in type 2 diabetes mellitus associated dyslipidemia

En la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 el aumento en la producción de quilomicrón en el estado post-prandial se asocia a mayor riesgo cardiovascular. La evidencia actual posiciona al enterocito como actor principal en la dislipemia de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 debido a que aumenta la producción de apolipoproteína B-48 en respuesta a una elevación de ácidos grasos libres y glucosa. El metabolismo del quilomicrón se encuentra regulado por múltiples factores independientes además de la ingesta de grasa alimentaria. Entre estos factores se destacan las hormonas intestinales, como el péptido similar al glucagón tipo 1 que disminuye la producción de apolipoproteína B-48 y el péptido similar al glucagón tipo 2 que la aumenta. Por otro lado, la insulina inhibe de forma aguda la producción de quilomicrón en el sujeto sano mientras que en la diabetes mellitus tipo 2, este efecto está ausente. La comprensión de los factores reguladores emergentes de la secreción de quilomicrón permite vislumbrar nuevos mecanismos de control en su metabolismo y aportar estrategias terapéuticas focalizadas en la hiperlipidemia posprandial en la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 con la reducción del riesgo cardiovascular.

In type 2 diabetes mellitus there is an overproduction of chylomicron in the postprandial state that is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Current evidence points out a leading role of enterocyte in dyslipidemia of type 2 diabetes mellitus, since it increases the production of apolipoprotein B-48 in response to a raise in plasma free fatty acids and glucose. The chylomicron metabolism is regulated by many factors apart from ingested fat, including hormonal and metabolic elements. More recently, studies about the role of gut hormones, have demonstrated that glucagon-like peptide-1 decreases the production of apolipoprotein B-48 and glucagon-like peptide-2 enhances it. Insulin acutely inhibits intestinal chylomicron production in healthy humans, whereas this acute inhibitory effect on apolipoprotein B-48 production is blunted in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Understanding these emerging regulators of intestinal chylomicron secretion may offer new mechanisms of control for its metabolism and provide novel therapeutic strategies focalized in type 2 diabetes mellitus postprandial hyperlipidemia with the reduction of cardiovascular disease risk.

Libertad vs. límites en la creación de una obra musical / Freedom vs. limits in the creation of a musical work

Resumen Varios han sido los aspectos no tenidos en cuenta en la comprensión del fenómeno de creación de obras musicales en lo que respecta a experiencias vividas por los compositores, tales como la experiencia de libertad y la vivencia de límites o determinismos durante el proceso creativo. En este artículo se analizan estos dos fenómenos humanos (libertad y determinismos) en 3 compositores del Caribe colombiano a través del método fenomenológico, el cual busca comprender realidades cuya naturaleza y estructura dependen de las personas que las viven y experimentan, y que son determinantes para la comprensión de la vida psíquica de cada persona (Martínez, 2009), y se encontró que a pesar de que el compositor necesita confrontar toda una serie de determinismos los cuales inician desde las mismas limitaciones del lenguaje musical, que en su estructura maneja unas reglas propias, puede sin embargo vivenciar un importante grado de libertad, reflejándose este en la manera como ellos se relacionan con dichos límites, y en la capacidad que tienen de saber que son también ellos los determinados. Se concluye que la creatividad surge en ellos a partir de esa tensión entre la propia espontaneidad y las limitaciones.

Abstract Several aspects don't have been studied in understanding the phenomenon of creation of musical works, with respect to experience by composers, such as experience of freedom, and experience of limits or determinism, during the creative process. In this article these two human phenomena (freedom and determinism) in 3 compousers of Colombian caribbean were researched through the phenomenological method, which seeks to understand realities whose nature and structure depend on the people who live and experience, and which are decisive for the understanding of life are analyzed psychic each person (Martinez, 2009), finding that although the composer needs to confront a series of determinisms which start from the same limitations of musical language, which in its structure have their own rules, the composer can still experiencing a significant degree of freedom, reflected it in how they relate to those limits, and the ability to know that are they also determined, concluding that creativity arises in them from the tension between spontaneity itself and limitations.

The efficacy of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in decreasing blood sugar levels among patients with impaired fasting glucose in Antipolo City / The Health Sciences Journal

Introduction@#Previous studies have shown conflicting results on the efficacy of okra on lowering blood sugar levels. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of okra in decreasing blood sugar among patients with impaired fasting glucose.@*Methods @#This was a randomized double-blind trial among patients with impaired fasting blood glucose from three clinics in Antipolo City. Potential subjects were identified from records of the three clinics, recruited and screened using the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) and fasting blood sugar (FBS). Eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive okra or placebo capsules twice daily for one month. The blood sugar after 30 days was compared with the baseline and the difference between the okra and placebo groups was compared.@*Results @#There was a significant difference between the pre-treatment and post-treatment FBS levels, respectively, of both the okra and placebo groups (p-value <0.01). However, the difference between the mean difference of the okra and placebo groups was not significant (p = 0.06).@*Conclusion @#The present study showed that okra capsules are not efficacious in lowering blood sugar levels.

Resultados de dos encuestas dirigidas a inmigrantes y nativos del sureste español: salud, uso de servicios y necesidad de asistencia médica / Results of two surveys of immigrants and natives in Southeast Spain: health, use of services, and need for medical assistance

Objetivo. Comparar la salud, uso de servicios sanitarios y necesidad insatisfecha de atención médica (NIAM) entre inmigrantes y nativos del sureste español. Material y métodos. Estudio transversal de dos muestras representativas de población: inmigrante (n=1150) y nativa (n=1303; Encuesta Nacional de Salud). Se creó una única base de datos con ponderación específica para cada muestra y se estimaron razones de prevalencia (RP) mediante regresión multivariante. Resultados. Marroquíes, ecuatorianos y europeos del este (EE) declararon peor salud que los nativos (RPs [IC95%]: 2.45 [1.91-3.15]; 1.51 [1.28-1.79] y 1.44 [1.08-1.93], respectivamente). Los inmigrantes hicieron mayor uso de las urgencias (excepto EE) y consumieron menos fármacos. Los marroquíes mostraron la mayor diferencia en la frecuencia de NIAM (RP [IC95%]: 12.20 [5.25-28.37]), principalmente por razones laborales (46%). Conclusiones. La salud y el uso de servicios sanitarios difirieron significativamente entre inmigrantes y nativos. Destaca la NIAM alta en marroquíes por causa laboral.

Objective. To compare the self-perceived health, use of health services and unmet need for health care (UNHC) among immigrants and native populations of Southeast Spain. Materials and methods. Cross-sectional study of two representative samples of 1150 immigrants, and 1303 native participants from the National Health Survey. A single database was created with specific weights for each sample, and prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated by multivariate regression. Results. Moroccans, Ecuadorians and Eastern Europeans (EE) reported poorer health than the native population (PRs [CI95%]: 2.45 [1.91-3.15]; 1.51 [1.28-1.79] and 1.44 [1.08-1.93], respectively). Immigrants made greater use of emergencies that natives (except for EE) and had lower use of medication. Moroccan showed the greatest difference in the frequency of UNHC (PR [CI95%]:12.20 [5.25 - 28.37]), mainly because of working limitations (46%). Conclusions. The health status and use of health services among immigrants differ significantly from those of natives. Results highlight the higher frequency of UNHC among immigrants, especially high in Moroccans.

Changes in pH of irrigating solutions after contact with human root dentin / Variaciones del ph de soluciones de irrigación endodónticas en contacto con dentina radicular humana

El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar in vitro el comportamiento del pH de diferentes soluciones de irrigación endodónticas, usadas solas o en forma consecutiva, después del contacto con dientes humanos extraídos. Se seleccionaron premolares inferiores. El tercio medio radicular se dividió en 6 partes. Los especímenes obtenidos se dividieron en 6 grupos,de acuerdo a la solución de irrigación empleada: 1) agua destilada; 2) NaClO 1 por ciento; 3) Ácido Cítrico 1 por ciento (AC); 4) EDTA 17 por ciento; 5) AC 1 por ciento + NaClO 1 por ciento ; 6) EDTA 17 por ciento + NaClO 1 por ciento. Los especímenes fueron sumergidos en 1 mL de cada solucióna 37°C. Aquellos del grupo 1, 2 y 3 durante 5 minutos, y el resto, consecutivamente 2,5 minutos. Se determinaron pH inicial y final para cada solución. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando Test T, ANOVA y Test de comparaciones múltiples de Tukey. A los 2,5 y 5 minutos de exposición hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre el pH inicial y final en todas las soluciones. El pH disminuyó en el caso de agua destilada e NaClO, mientras que aumentó en AC y EDTA. In vitro, el pH de todas las soluciones se modificó después del contacto con dentina radicular humana en ambos períodos de tiempo (2,5 y 5 minutos).

The aim of this study was to analyze the in vitro behavior of the pH of different irrigating solutions, used alone or consecutively, after contact with extracted human teeth. Mandibular human premolars were selected. The middle thirds were divided into 6 parts. The specimens obtained were divided into 6 groups and treated with irrigating solutions: 1) distilled water; 2) 1% NaOCl; 3) 1% Citric Acid (CA); 4) 17% EDTA; 5) 1% CA + 1% NaOCl; 6) 17% EDTA + 1% NaOCl. Specimens were immersed in 1 mL of each solution at 37ºC, those of groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, for 5 minutes, and the rest, consecutively for 2.5 minutes in each solution. Initial and final pH of the solutions were determined. Data were analyzed by the T Test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey multiple comparison Test. At 2.5 and 5 minutes there were significant differences between the initial and final pH for all solutions. The pH values decreased for distilled water and NaOCl, while they increased for CA and EDTA. In vitro, the pH of all solutions was modified after contact with root dentin at both test times (2.5 and 5 min).

Effects of glutamine alone or in combination with zinc and vitamin A on growth, intestinal barrier function, stress and satiety-related hormones in Brazilian shantytown children

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of supplemental zinc, vitamin A, and glutamine alone or in combination on growth, intestinal barrier function, stress and satiety-related hormones among Brazilian shantytown children with low median height-for-age z-scores. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in children aged two months to nine years from the urban shanty compound community of Fortaleza, Brazil. Demographic and anthropometric information was assessed. The random treatment groups available for testing (a total of 120 children) were as follows: (1) glutamine alone, n = 38; (2) glutamine plus vitamin A plus zinc, n = 37; and a placebo (zinc plus vitamin A vehicle) plus glycine (isonitrogenous to glutamine) control treatment, n = 38. Leptin, adiponectin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), and plasma levels of cortisol were measured with immune-enzymatic assays; urinary lactulose/mannitol and serum amino acids were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00133406. RESULTS: Glutamine treatment significantly improved weight-for-height z-scores compared to the placebo-glycine control treatment. Either glutamine alone or all nutrients combined prevented disruption of the intestinal barrier function, as measured by the percentage of lactulose urinary excretion and the lactulose:mannitol absorption ratio. Plasma leptin was negatively correlated with plasma glutamine (p = 0.002) and arginine (p = 0.001) levels at baseline. After glutamine treatment, leptin was correlated with weight-for-age (WAZ) and weight-for-height z-scores (WHZ) (p≤0.002) at a 4-month follow-up. In addition, glutamine and all combined nutrients (glutamine, vitamin A, and zinc) improved the intestinal barrier function in these children. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these findings reveal the benefits of glutamine alone or in combination ...

Doença periodontal: associação com hábitos tabagísticos e doenças sistêmicas / Periodontal disease: association with smoking habit and systemic diseases

Este trabalho associa graus de severidade de periodontite agressiva e crônica ao hábito de fumar e à ocorrência de doenças sistêmicas. Selecionaram-se 83 pacientes com periodontite agressiva e crônica, classificados segundo parâmetros clínicos e radiográficos. A periodontite agressiva apresentou forte associação estatística com o hábito de fumar e moderada associação com doenças sistêmicas e a coexistência de ambas as variáveis. A periodontite crônica associou-se a ambos os fatores de modo independente. Hábito de fumar e doenças sistêmicas associaram-se fortemente aos diagnósticos de periodontite moderada e severa, tanto para periodontite agressiva como crônica. Quando coexistiram ambos os fatores, a severidade da doença relacionou-se ao número de cigarros e à complicação sistêmica.

This article addresses the association of the severity of aggressive, chronic periodontitis and smoking habits, and the establishment of systemic diseases. Eighty-three patients presenting aggressive, chronic periodontitis were selected, according to clinical and radiographical parameters. It has been established a strong correlation between the periodontitis and smoking, and a moderate correlation to the establishment of systemic diseases and the presence of both variables. Chronic periodontitis was associated to both factors independently. Smoking habit and systemic diseases have been strongly associated to moderate and severe periodontitis, regardless they were aggressive or chronic. When both factors were present, the severity of the disease was related to the number of cigarettes and systemic complications.

MacDonald Critchley / MacDonald Critchley

The authors presented a historical review on Professor MacDonald Critchley, 15 years after his death.

Os autores apresentaram uma revisão histórica sobre o professor MacDonald Critchley, no seu 15º ano de falecimento.

Zinc, vitamin A, and glutamine supplementation in Brazilian shantytown children at risk for diarrhea results in sex-specific improvements in verbal learning

OBJECTIVE: To identify the impact of supplemental zinc, vitamin A, and glutamine, alone or in combination, on long-term cognitive outcomes among Brazilian shantytown children with low median height-for-age z-scores. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in children aged three months to nine years old from the urban shanty compound community of Fortaleza, Brazil. Demographic and anthropometric information was assessed. The random treatment groups available for cognitive testing (total of 167 children) were: (1) placebo, n = 25; (2) glutamine, n = 23; (3) zinc, n = 18; (4) vitamin A, n = 19; (5) glutamine+zinc, n = 20; (6) glutamine+vitamin A, n = 21; (7) zinc+vitamin A, n = 23; and (8) glutamine+zinc+vitamin A, n = 18. Neuropsychological tests were administered for the cognitive domains of non-verbal intelligence and abstraction, psychomotor speed, verbal memory and recall ability, and semantic and phonetic verbal fluency. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, version 16.0. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00133406. RESULTS: Girls receiving a combination of glutamine, zinc, and vitamin A had higher mean age-adjusted verbal learning scores than girls receiving only placebo (9.5 versus 6.4, p = 0.007) and girls receiving zinc+vitamin A (9.5 versus 6.5, p = 0.006). Similar group differences were not found between male study children. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that combination therapy offers a sex-specific advantage on tests of verbal learning, similar to that seen among female patients following traumatic brain injury.