The Impact of the Episodic Rainstorm Event of 18th April and 5th May, 2018 in Taraba State, Nigeria

The study assessed the two days episodic rainstorm event that destroyed buildings and led to loss of life in April and May 2018 in Taraba State, northeast Nigeria. Data were from primary and secondary sources. A total of 60 copies of research questionnaires and interviews were used, complimented by data from the meteorological observatory of the Department of Geography, Taraba State University and expert eye witness accounts. The results of the study show that the 2-day rainstorm extreme event with high wind speed of over 600 knots (327 m/s) caused devastating damages to building infrastructures in the state and the roofs of buildings and damage to Globacom Telecommunication mast was profound and five people lost their lives with several others sustaining diverse injuries in 17 communities in Jalingo and Wukari. It led to about 62% of the affected to take refuge outside their homes for over three days while other spent more than 10 days. The schools were more affected with an estimated cost of ₦30,000,000 to fix the damaged infrastructures, followed by government buildings which needs about 24,000, 000 and residential building with estimated cost of ₦ 6,275,000. The cost for fixing the infrastructures damaged in Wukari in comparison to Jalingo was ₦ 9,000,000 for residential buildings, ₦ 6,000,000 for government buildings and ₦ 9,275,000 for schools respectively. Prices of roofing sheets increased with about $6 during the period. It was suggested that wind breakers should be encouraged and the cutting down of trees should be discouraged while creating awareness and encouraging afforestation.

Inequidad en mortalidad infantil y servicios pediátricos en Bogotá: nuevo modelo de análisis para América Latina / Inequity in infant mortality and pediatric services in Bogotá: a new model of analysis for Latin America

RESUMEN Objetivos Describir la relación entre la disponibilidad de servicios de salud y la mortalidad infantil en Bogotá. Métodos Se tomaron los datos de tasa mortalidad infantil (TMI) y razón de camas de hospitalización pediatricas (RCAM) y centros de servicios urgencias por localidad (RSUP) para los años 2010-2016, se estimo un GINI de distribución y un coeficiente de correlación de Pearson (r) entre las variables. Resultados Durante el periodo de años 2010 a 2016 hubo 726 946 nacidos vivos (NV) y fallecieron 7 681 niños menores de 1 año, con un aseguramiento del 94,7% de los cuales el 75% pertenecen al regimen contributivo. La tasa de mortalidad infantil disminuyó siendo 9,11 en el año 2016, pero aumentó en las localidades Tunjuelito, Antonio Nariño y Ciudad Bolivar siendo >12 por mil NV. Conclusiones Los servicios de salud tienen una distribución inetquitativa con un GINI de 0,44 para PSUP y de 0,701 para RCAM. Existe una correlación con mortalidad infantil en las localidades con menor RSUP tiene un r(-0,340) y para PCAM un r(-0,648) en el año 2016.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the correlation between the availability of health services and infant mortality in Bogotá. Materials and Methods This study involved data on infant mortality rates (IMR), ratio of pediatric hospital beds (RPHB) and emergency service centers by locality (ESC) for the years 2010-2016. A GINI coefficient and a Pearson correlation coefficient (r) were estimated. Results During the period 2010-2016, there were 726 946 live births (LB) and 7 681 children under 1 year died. Insurance coverage was 94.7%, with 75% of the children affiliated in the private scheme. The infant mortality rate decreased until reaching 9.11 in 2016, but an increase was observed in the localities of Tunjuelito, Antonio Nariño and Ciudad Bolivar with >12 per 1 000 LB. Conclusions Health services have an inequitable distribution with a GINI of 0.44 for ESC and 0.701 for RPHB. There was a correlation with infant mortality in localities with the lowest ESC r (-0.340) and RPHB r (-0.648) in 2016.(AU)

Calidad de vida y ambiente en comunidades próximas a la actividad de minería industrial en Boyacá, Colombia / Quality of life and environment in communities close to industrial mining activity in Boyacá, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivos Comparar la percepción sobre calidad de vida y situación ambiental, en municipios próximos y distantes de la actividad minero industrial del Departamento de Boyacá. Método Estudio epidemiológico transversal. Los municipios próximos al área de influencia fueron agrupados en zonas identificadas como 1 y 2, y los municipios distantes como zona 0. Se realizó un muestreo aleatorio simple, multietápico, por conglomerados. Se determinó una muestra de 1 117 hogares y la unidad de análisis fue la familia. Para medir la calidad de vida y percepción de salud se utilizó el instrumento WHOQOL-BREF. Se calcularon distribuciones de frecuencia, diferencias entre variables y comparaciones entre variables cualitativas y cuantitativas. Se realizaron análisis univariados y bivariados. Resultados La calificación de la calidad de vida y satisfacción con la salud es mayor en la zona 0. Las medias calculadas para los cuatro dominios del cuestionario, por municipios, muestra que Ramiriquí presenta los rangos intercuartílicos más elevados. La percepción de calidad de vida y salud disminuye a medida que aumenta la edad y se presentan resultados menos satisfactorios entre las mujeres. En las zonas 1 y 2, el medio ambiente del municipio se calificó como "muy malo" y la situación ambiental de su municipio sin ninguna mejora en los últimos cinco años Conclusión Las comunidades próximas a actividades minero-industriales, reportan una peor percepción de salud, mayor preocupación ante el riesgo a la exposición y no consideran que dicha actividad aporte mayores beneficios para su calidad de vida.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the life quality perception and environmental situation, in nearby and distant towns from the mining industry of the Boyacá Department of Colombia Method Cross-sectional study. The towns near of influence area were grouped into zones 1 and 2, and distant towns as zone 0. Conglomerates carried out a simple, multistage, random sampling. A sample of 1,117 households was determined and the unit of analysis was the family. To measure the quality of life and health perception, the WHOQOL-BREF instrument was used. Frequency distributions and comparisons between qualitative and quantitative variables were calculated. Univariate and bivariate analyzes were performed. Results The life quality perception and satisfaction with health was greater in zone 0. The means calculated for the four domains of the questionnaire, by towns, shows that Ramiriquí has the highest interquartile ranges. The life quality perception decreases in women and with increasing age. In zones 1 & 2, the environment was described as "very bad" and without any improvement at the last five years. Conclusion Communities close to mining-industrial activities report a worse perception of health, greater concern about the risk of exposure and do not consider that mining industry provides greater benefits for their quality of life.(AU)

Proliferación linfoide indolente cutánea CD8 positiva a propósito de tres casos con compromiso facial / Indolent CD8-positive t-cell lymphoid proliferation: on purpose three cases of facial commitment

Resumen La proliferación linfoide indolente cutánea CD8 positiva es una variante recientemente descrita de linfoma T cutáneo que se caracteriza por un nódulo, pápula o placa eritematosa de crecimiento lento que puede afectar la región facial o extrafacial. En el estudio de patología se caracteriza por un infiltrado monomorfo de linfocitosTalo largo de la dermis con presencia de zona de Grenz y ausencia de epidermotropismo. El infiltrado es característicamente CD8+ así como CD3+, TIA-1+, CD4-, CD56- CD30-, PD-1-, Granzima B- y EBER negativo. El índice de proliferación Ki-67 es inferior al 10% y se observan reordenamientos clonales de los genes del receptor de antígeno de la célula T, TCR. El seguimiento clínico es favorable y no se ha observado compromiso sistémico. Se presentan tres casos con compromiso facial (dos casos en pabellón auricular y un caso con compromiso nasal), con presentación clínica y hallaz gos histopatológicos típicos (curiosamente un caso con cambio de célula clara), y además se realizaron estudios de clonalidad.

Abstract Primary cutaneous indolent CD8-positive lymphoid proliferation is a recent variant of cutaneous T lymphoma that is characterized by nodule, papule or plaque erythematous with slow growth that can affect the facial or extrafacial region. In the histopathology study it is characterized by an infiltration of monomorphic T lymphocytes throughout the dermis with presence of Grenz zone and absence of epidermotropism. The infiltrate is characteristically CD 8+ and CD3+ TIA-1+ CD4-, CD56- CD30, PD-1, Granzyme B- and negative EBER. Ki-67 Proliferación linfoide indolente cutánea CD8 positiva a propósito de tres casos proliferation index is less than 10% and clonal T-cell receptor gene rearrangements. Clinical follow-up is favorable and has not been observed systemic involvement. We present three cases with facial involvement (two cases in ear and one case with nasal commitment) with typical clinical presentation, histopathological findings (curiously a case with clear cell change) and clonality studies.

Prevalencia de mercurio y plomo en población general de Bogotá 2012/2013 / Mercury and lead prevalence in a sample of people living in Bogotá, 2012-2013

Objetivos Establecer la prevalencia de mercurio y plomo en población general de Bogotá, posibles efectos en salud y relación con zonas de exposición ambiental. Métodos Estudio transversal, muestra de 401 individuos de población general de Bogotá, distribuida aleatoria y proporcionalmente según localidad y zonas de exposición ambiental de alto, medio y bajo riesgo. Se realizó valoración médica y cuantificación de plomo (sangre) y mercurio (sangre, cabello, orina). Se realizó análisis descriptivo preliminar. Resultados Edad de los participantes: 3-91 años (media 46), ocupación más frecuente ama de casa (45,1 %, n=181); promedios de concentraciones: mercurio en cabello: 1,00 µg/g, sangre: 3,13 µg/L, y orina: 0,29 µg/L; plomo en sangre: 8,62 µg/dL. Individuos con concentraciones superiores a los valores de referencia internacionales: 54 (13,5 %) para mercurio (OMS); 10 (2,5 %) para plomo (CDC). Los hallazgos clínicos son inespecíficos, las zonas de exposición no parecen relacionarse con las concentraciones encontradas. Discusión Un porcentaje importante de individuos presentan concentraciones elevadas de los metales estudiados, lo que resalta la necesidad de identificar y controlar las fuentes ambientales de mercurio y plomo que están afectando a la población general de Bogotá, con posibles consecuencias en su salud.(AU)

Objectives Establishing mercury and lead prevalence in a sample of people living in Bogotá, potential effects on their health and the relationship with areas of environmental exposure. Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving a randomly and proportionally distributed sample of 401 people living in Bogotá, according to locality and their high, medium and low risk environmental exposure. A medical assessment was made and lead (in blood) and mercury levels (blood, hair, urine) quantified. A preliminary descriptive analysis was made. Results The participants were aged 3-91 years-old (mean 46), the most frequently occurring occupation was that of housewife (45.1%, n=181). Mean mercury concentration in hair was 1µg/g, 3.13 µg/L in blood and 0.29 µg/L in urine; lead in blood was found to be 8.62 µg/dL. Fifty-four people (13.5%) had higher concentrations than international reference values for mercury (WHO) and 10 (2.5%) for lead (CDC). Clinical findings were non-specific; exposure areas did not seem to relate to the concentrations found. Discussion A significant percentage of the study population had high mercury and/or lead levels and such high prevalence highlights the need for identifying and controlling sources of exposure to mercury and lead which could have adverse consequences regarding the health of Bogota’s general population.(AU)

O I123-MIBG cardíaco se correlaciona melhor do que a fração de ejeção com a gravidade dos sintomas na insuficiência cardíaca sistólica / Cardiac I123-MIBG correlates better than ejection fraction with symptoms severity in systolic heart failure

FUNDAMENTO: A associação da ativação autonômica, fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) e classe funcional da insuficiência cardíaca é mal compreendida. Objetivo: Nosso objetivo foi correlacionar a gravidade dos sintomas com a atividade simpática cardíaca, através do uso de iodo-123-metaiodobenzilguanidina (123I-MIBG); e com FEVE em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) sistólica sem tratamento prévio com betabloqueador. MÉTODOS: Trinta e um pacientes com IC sistólica, classe I a IV da New York Heart Association (NYHA), sem tratamento prévio com betabloqueador, foram inscritos e submetidos à cintilografia com 123I-MIBG e ventriculografia radioisotópica para determinação da FEVE. A relação precoce e tardia coração/mediastino (H/M) e a taxa de washout (WO) foram medidas. RESULTADOS: De acordo com a gravidade dos sintomas, os pacientes foram divididos em grupo A, com 13 pacientes em classe funcional NYHA I/II, e grupo B, com 18 pacientes em classe funcional NYHA III/ IV. Em comparação com os pacientes do grupo B, o grupo A apresentou uma FEVE significativamente maior (25% ± 12% para o grupo B vs. 32% ± 7% no grupo A, p = 0,04). As relações precoces e tardias H/M do Grupo B foram menores do que as do grupo A (H/M precoce 1,49 ± 0,15 vs. 1,64 ± 0,14, p = 0,02; H/M tardia 1,39 ± 0,13 vs. 1,58 ± 0,16, p = 0,001, respectivamente). A taxa de WO foi significativamente maior no grupo B (36% ± 17% vs. 30% ± 12%, p = 0,04). A variável que mostrou a melhor correlação com a NYHA foi a relação H/M tardia (r = -0,585, p = 0,001), ajustada para idade e sexo. CONCLUSÃO: Esse estudo mostrou que o 123I-MIBG cardíaco se correlaciona melhor do que a fração de ejeção com a gravidade dos sintomas em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca sistólica sem tratamento prévio com beta-bloqueador.

BACKGROUND:The association of autonomic activation, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and heart failure functional class is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to correlate symptom severity with cardiac sympathetic activity, through iodine-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) scintigraphy and with LVEF in systolic heart failure (HF) patients without previous beta-blocker treatment. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with systolic HF, class I to IV of the New York Heart Association (NYHA), without previous beta-blocker treatment, were enrolled and submitted to 123I-MIBG scintigraphy and to radionuclide ventriculography for LVEF determination. The early and delayed heart/mediastinum (H/M) ratio and the washout rate (WR) were performed. RESULTS: According with symptom severity, patients were divided into group A, 13 patients in NYHA class I/II, and group B, 18 patients in NYHA class III/IV. Compared with group B patients, group A had a significantly higher LVEF (25% ± 12% in group B vs. 32% ± 7% in group A, p = 0.04). Group B early and delayed H/M ratios were lower than group A ratios (early H/M 1.49 ± 0.15 vs. 1.64 ± 0.14, p = 0.02; delayed H/M 1.39 ± 0.13 vs. 1.58 ± 0.16, p = 0.001, respectively). WR was significantly higher in group B (36% ± 17% vs. 30% ± 12%, p= 0.04). The variable that showed the best correlation with NYHA class was the delayed H/M ratio (r= -0.585; p=0.001), adjusted for age and sex. CONCLUSION: This study showed that cardiac 123I-MIBG correlates better than ejection fraction with symptom severity in systolic heart failure patients without previous beta-blocker treatment.

Contaminación del aire y enfermedad respiratoria en menores de cinco años de Bogotá, 2007 / Air pollution and respiratory illness in children aged less than 5 years-old in Bogotá, 2007

Objetivos Determinar la relación entre contaminación del aire extra e intramuros por material particulado MP10 con síntomas respiratorios en niños menores de 5 años en tres localidades del Distrito Capital. Métodos Estudio de cohortes. 315 niños y niñas de jardines ubicados en zona de mayor exposición a material particulado MP10, y 304 de jardines en zona de menor exposición. Se siguieron las cohortes por 19 semanas, teniendo en cuenta síntomas respiratorios. Se midió material particulado intramuros y extramuros en los jardines. Se determinaron prevalencias y asociación entre variables. Resultados Hubo una diferencia de promedios de MP intramuros entre mayor y menor exposición de 85.6 μg/m³vs. 61.8 μg/m³ (p<0,05). 74.3 % de los niños presentaron sibilancias en el último año, con diferencia entre mayor y menor exposición de 79,6 % vs 69,0 % (p<0,05). Sibilancias y expectoración estuvieron asociados a mayor exposición a MP10 (RR 1,39 y 1,30). Factores asociados a síntomas respiratorios: tabaquismo pasivo, el antecedente de bajo peso al nacer, el antecedente de sibilancias, la cercanía del jardín o vivienda a menos de 100 metros de chimeneas, vías de alto flujo vehicular, vías en mal estado y colecho. Discusión Un niño menor de 5 años expuesto a MP10 tiene 1,70 veces más riesgo de presentar ausentismo escolar por enfermedad respiratoria aguda, una disminución del MP10 reduciría en un 41,1 % este ausentismo escolar.

Objectives Determining the relationship between indoor and outdoor air pollution caused by particulate matter PM10 and respiratory symptoms in children aged younger than 5 years-old in three locations in Bogota. Methods This was a cohort study, involving 315 children in kindergartens located in the area of greatest exposure to PM10, and 304 in kindergartens located in an area of less exposure. The cohort was followed-up for 19 weeks considering respiratory symptoms. Particulate matter was intramurally and extramurally measured in the kindergartens. Prevalence and association between variables were determined. Results There was a difference regarding average intramural PM between higher and lower exposure (85.6 ug/m³cf 61.8 g/m³; p<0.05); 74.3 % of the children had suffered wheezing during the last year, difference between greater and lesser exposure being 79.6 % cf 69.0 % (p<0.05). Wheezing and coughing were associated with greater exposure to PM10 (RR 1.39 and 1.30). Factors associated with respiratory symptoms concerned passive smoking, having a history of low birth weight, a history of wheezing, a child's kindergarten or home being within 100 meters of (industrial) chimneys, high traffic flow routes, roads in disrepair and bed-sharing. Discussion A child aged less than 5 years-old exposed to PM10 had a 1.7 times higher risk of truancy due to acute respiratory illness; a decrease in PM10 reduced such truancy by 41.1 %.

Enfermedad y síntomas respiratorios en niños de cinco municipios carboníferos del Cesar, Colombia / PM10 exposure-related respiratory symptoms and disease in children living in and near five coal-mining areas in the Cesar department of Colombia

Objetivos Establecer la prevalencia de síntomas respiratorios y enfermedad respiratoria en niños menores de 12 años de municipios de influencia de la zona carbonífera del departamento del Cesar y posibles factores asociados. Métodos Estudio transversal en 1 627 niños menores de 10 años habitantes de municipios carboneros del Cesar expuestos a diferentes niveles de MP10 en los años 2008-2010, en quienes se midieron enfermedades y síntomas respiratorios relacionados con exposición a PM10, buscando asociación con diferentes zonas de exposición al material particulado. Resultados Niños de corregimientos próximos a depósitos mineros y de corregimientos con tráfico tuvieron mayor proporción de casos probables de asma; mientras que los del corregimiento con tráfico se ausentaron más días por enfermedad respiratoria aguda; se encontró mayor frecuencia de síntomas respiratorios en niños expuestos al humo de cigarrillo o de leña intramurales, niños de viviendas con paredes de bareque o adobe, tenencia de animales, presencia de humedad en las viviendas, vehículos de carga a menos de 100 m de la vivienda; vivir en zonas con tráfico aumentó el riesgo de presentar síntomas respiratorios, enfermedad respiratoria aguda y ausentismo escolar. Discusión Todos los efectos estudiados estuvieron asociados a condiciones intramurales, factores del entorno cercano o individuales, coincidiendo con lo encontrado en estudios similares de salud y contaminación del aire. Se sugiere la creación de estrategias y políticas regionales para el control y monitoreo de la calidad del aire y la salud de los habitantes del departamento del Cesar.

Objectives Establishing the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and disease in children aged less than 12 years-old living within the Cesar department's coal-mining area and possible associated factors. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 1,627 children aged less than 10 years-old living in and near coal-mining areas in the Cesar department who were exposed to different levels of PM10 from 2008-2010; their PM10 exposure-related symptoms and respiratory diseases were measured, seeking an association with living in areas exposed to particulate material. Results Children living in areas close to coal-mining activity which also had high traffic volume had a higher rate of probable cases of asthma; those living in areas with traffic (not no coal-mining) were absent from school for more days due to acute respiratory disease. Respiratory symptoms were most commonly found in children experiencing living conditions which exposed them to cigarette or firewood smoke indoors, living in houses made with wattle and daub or adobe walls, living where animals were kept, living in damp housing and diesel-powered dump trucks operating within 100 m or less of their housing. Living in areas having high traffic volume increased the risk of respiratory symptoms, acute respiratory disease and being absent from school. Discussion All the effects studied were associated with intramural conditions, individual factors or those associated with the immediate surroundings thereby coinciding with results found in similar studies regarding air pollution and health. It is thus suggested that regional strategies and policy be created for controlling and monitoring the air quality and health of people living in the Cesar department.

Autologous dendritic cell transplantation as an adjuvant treatment in pleomorphic lung carcinoma

We embarked on autologous dendric cells (DC) transplantation as an adjuvant therapy with chemotherapy in a pleomorphic lung carcinoma patient. DC were isolated from PBMC and primed with the autologous tumor lysate. No adverse event was noted in DC transplantation. DC administration also correlated with immunomodulation, as evidenced by an approximately 5-fold increase in serum interferon gamma after 2 months. The utility of autologous DC transplantation may offer a clinical benefit with virtually no adverse event.

HIV Prevalence in a Rural Community of Nigeria

National sentinel surveys show that Iquita rural community in Nigeria with estimated 15;000 people with persistent high HIV prevalence. This study aimed at determining factors potentially contributing to the spread of HIV in this rural community. We administered structured questionnaire to one individual 15 to 70 years in randomly selected 350 households; and another questionnaire to 50 people living with AIDS receiving treatment at the general hospital. Results show knowledge of transmission was high among respondents 326 (93.1) said through blood transfusion; and 317(90.6) unprotected sex. Yet 20.0said kissing/hugging 14.9mosquitoes; 10.0witches and wizards; and 64.6God's punishment for immorality. About 90was sexually active with early onset; 26.9had first sexual experience between 11 to 15 years. Last sexual encounter for 52.9was with boy or girl friend; and 8.9concubine and commercial sex worker; nearly 50had more than one sexual partner; yet many did not like using condom because it was not pleasurable 62.1males and 24.3females. Results from those living with HIV show that 72.0of the fifty respondents did not know if other members of their family were infected; 38.0did not protect their sexual partner; only 24.0used condom; and 10.0would not die alone. Hence; despite treatment; counselling; and knowledge of HIV transmission some respondents presumably did not want to proctect sexual partners. In conclusion; results suggest numerous factors fuelling the spread of HIV in Iquita; particularly multiple sexual partners; and reluctance to use protective measures. In-depth qualitative research is needed for deeper understanding persistent high HIV prevalence in this community; particularly on the behaviour of those living with HIV

Changes in Perceptions of George W. Bush's Personality in the Wake of the September 11 2001 World Trade Center Attacks / Cambios en la percepción de la personalidad de George W. Bush posterior a los ataques al World Trade Center el 11 de Septiembre de 2001

Using data gathered just before and just after the September 11th terrorist attacks, we examine how perceptions of Bush's personality changed in the following two weeks. Fifty participants provided ratings of Bush using the California Q-sort at various times before (including immediately before) and after the attacks. At each time interjudge agreement was strong. There was general consistency between the pre-and post-attack assessments, but the common view of Bush shifted in several important ways. Consistent with his soaring popularity, the changes were toward more positive perceptions, even for characteristics unrelated to the attacks. Findings are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms driving the changes in perception. These findings, which are based on careful assessments conducted shortly before the emergence of any hint of what was to come, provide a unique perspective on changes in Bush's image as they unfolded in the immediate wake of the terrorist attacks.

Utilizando información recolectada justo antes y justo después de los ataques terroristas de septiembre 11 de 2001, se examinó cómo las percepciones de la personalidad de George Bush cambiaron en las dos semanas subsecuentes. Cincuenta participantes proveyeron puntajes sobre Bush utilizando el California Q-Sort en diferentes momentos antes (incluyendo el "inmediatamente antes") y después de los ataques. En cada momento temporal el acuerdo entre-jueces fue alto. Hubo consistencia general entre las evaluaciones antes y después de los ataques, pero la manera de ver a Bush tuvo cambios importantes en algunos puntos específicos. De manera consistente con su altísima popularidad, los cambios fueron hacia percepciones más positivas, aún en características no relacionadas con los ataques. Los hallazgos son discutidos en términos de mecanismos positivos que conducen los cambios en la percepción. Estos hallazgos, que están basados en evaluaciones cuidadosamente realizadas antes de siquiera haber tenido noción de lo que iba a suceder, proveen una perspectiva única de los cambios en la imagen de Bush tal y como se desarrollaron después de los ataques terroristas.

Ritmo de crescimento de crianças com hiperplasia congênita da supra-renal em tratamento com baixas doses de hidrocortisona / Growth rate of children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia during treatment with low doses of hydrocortisone

O crescimento de 27 crianças com hiperplasia congênita da supra-renal (HCSR) tratadas com baixas doses de hidrocortisona foi avaliado por um período de 6,1 ± 1,8 anos. As crianças receberam acetato de hidrocortisona na dose diária de 10,8 ± 2,0mg/m² e 24 delas utilizaram também acetato de fludrocortisona, 0,1mg/dia. Vinte e três eram do sexo feminino. No início do estudo a idade cronológica (IC) era 6,1 ± 2,9 anos e a idade óssea (IO) 6,9 ± 3,3 (r= 0,66). Cinco crianças apresentavam avanço da IO> 2 anos em relação à IC. Utilizando os dados do NCHS como referência foram calculados os desvios-padrão da média para estatura em relação à IC (DP/E) e à IO (DP/IO). O DP/E inicial era -0,8 ± 1,9 e ao final do estudo -0,17 ± 1,5 (p= 0,02). O DP/IO inicial era -1,5 ± 2,1 e o final -1,34 ± 1,2 (p= 0,51). O grupo de crianças com diferença entre IO e IC > 2 anos apresentou DP/IO inicial -4,55 ± 0,9 e final de -2,48 ± 0,4 (p= 0,003). A IO avançou 1,3 ± 0,3 por ano de IC e o grupo de crianças com IO inicialmente avançada apresentou melhora do DP/IO final em relação ao inicial. As concentrações plasmáticas de 17-OH Progesterona (17OHP) e androstenediona estavam acima dos valores de referência e se elevaram durante o período de avaliação. Concluímos que o crescimento das crianças com HCSR, em uso de doses reduzidas de hidrocortisona, foi adequado no período de avaliação, sem excessivo avanço da maturação óssea, mesmo com supressão incompleta da concentração plasmática da 17-OHP e dos compostos androgênicos.

Oncolytic herpes simplex virus vectors for the treatment of human breast cancer / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Oncolytic herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors can be used for cancer therapy as direct cytotoxic agents, inducers of anti-tumor immune responses, and as expressers of anti-cancer genes. In this study, the efficacy of HSV vectors, G47Delta and NV1023 were examined for the treatment of the human breast cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human breast cancer MDA-MB-435 cells were cultured or implanted subcutaneously in BALB/c nude mice. The cells or tumors were inoculated with G47Delta or NV1023, and cell killing or inhibition of tumor growth determined. Both viruses contained the LacZ gene and expression in infected cells was detected with X-gal histochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>G47Delta and NV1023 were highly cytotoxic to MDA-MB-435 cells in vitro at very low multiplicities of infection. X-gal staining of infected tumor cells in vitro and in vivo illustrated the replication and spread of both viruses. G47Delta and NV1023 inoculation inhibited tumor growth and prolonged mouse survival. Both vectors behaved similarly.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Oncolytic HSV vectors, G47Delta and NV1023, were extremely effective at killing human breast cancer cells in vitro and in tumor xenografts in vivo. This novel form of cancer therapy warrants further investigation and consideration of clinical application.</p>

Analysis of risk factors for perforated duodenal ulcer: A retrospective study

This retrospective study included all patients operated on for perforated duodenal ulcer at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Department of General Surgery from January 1994 to March 1997. It was conducted to identify the factors that would significantly affect the morbidity and mortality among patients undergoing surgery for perforated duodenal ulcer, and to demonstrate the value of a risk grading system in determining the associated mortality rate of a certain risk score. Concurrent serious medical illness, preoperative hypotension (BP100mm Hg), and perforation more than 48 hours were the significant clinical parameters that increased the mortality rate. Among patients treated by definitive surgery, 89.1 per cent were free of any risk factor compared to only 40.4 per cent for patients operated by simple closure. There was a significant relationship (p0.0001) between the risk score and the mortality rate. The mortality rate increased progressively with increased risk score: 0.0 per cent with no risk factor present, 9.1 per cent with one risk factor, 38.5 per cent with two risk factors, and 100 per cent with three risk factors. These finding underscored the importance of patient selection and the feasibility of a risk grading system in guiding surgical management. (Author)