Evaluation of the treatment effect on sinus elevation and implant restoration in cases with odontogenic maxillary sinusitis after tooth extraction / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To investigate the clinical effects of sinus elevation surgery and implant restorationdue to insufficient bone massafter tooth extraction in patients with odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS) and to provide a reference for use in clinical practice.@*Methods@#This study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee, and informed consent was obtained from the patients. Forty-five teeth were extracted from patients with OMS in the maxillary posterior area (the study group). Sinus elevation and implantation were performed due to insufficient bone height in the implant area 6-8 months after tooth extraction in the study group. Forty-eight teeth were extracted from patients without "OMS" in the maxillary posterior area (the control group), and sinus elevation and implantation were performed due to insufficient bone height in the implant area 6-8 months after tooth extraction inthe control group. In the study group, 13 cases of discontinuous maxillary sinus floor bone and residual alveolar bone height of the maxillary sinus floor less than 4 mm were addressed with lateral wall sinus elevation, and the other 32 cases were addressed with crest-approach sinus elevation. In the control group, 8 cases of residual alveolar bone height less than 4 mm in the maxillary sinus floor were addressed with lateral wall sinus,and the other 40 cases were addressed with crest approach sinus elevation. Restorations were placed 6 to 8 months after surgery. The patients were followed up 21 days, 3 months, and 8 months after implantation and every 6 months after the placement of the restorations. The sinus bone gain (SBG), apical bone height (ABL) and marginal bone loss (MBL) were statistically analyzed 24 months after the restoration.@*Results@#The average preoperative mucosal thickness in the 45 patients in the study group was (1.556 ± 0.693) mm, which was significantly larger than that in the control group (1.229 ± 0.425) mm (P<0.001). There were no perforations in either group. Twenty-four months after restoration, there was no significant difference in the SBG, ABH or MBL between the two groups (P>0.05).@*Conclusion@#After the extraction of teeth from patients with OMS, the inflammation of the maxillary sinus decreased, and the bone height and density in the edentulous area were restored to a certain degree. The effects of sinus floor lifting surgery and implant restoration do not differ between patients with and without OMS.

Meta-analysis of Distribution Frequency of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome in Primary Osteoporosis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） syndromes of primary osteoporosis（POP） in China by using evidence-based medicine methods， and to understand the distribution law of the syndromes. MethodChina National Knowledge Infrastructure（CNKI）， VIP Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database（VIP）， WanFang Data Knowledge Service Platform（WanFang） and China Biology Medicine（CBM） were searched to obtain representative literature， and each database was searched from the 1994 World Health Organization defined diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis until May 1， 2023. Two researchers independently screened literature according to the criteria， extracted data， and cross-checked them. Meta analysis was conducted using R4.1.3， and subgroup analysis was performed. ResultA total of 56 Chinese papers were included， involving 14 415 patients. After standardized classification of syndromes， 11 articles were excluded， and Meta analysis results of the ultimately included 45 Chinese articles showed that the distribution frequencies of liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome， spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome and kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in 12 723 patients were 27%［95% confidence interval（CI） 0.24-0.31］， 32%（95% CI 0.29-0.36）， 36%（95% CI 0.30-0.42）. Subgroup analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of the three TCM syndromes in the north and south（P<0.05）. In addition， the incidence of TCM syndrome fractures in different types of POP was 15%（95% CI 0.09-0.24） for liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome， 20%（95% CI 0.12-0.30） for spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome， and 31%（95% CI 0.25-0.39） for kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. ConclusionThe distribution of syndromes in POP patients is mainly kidney deficiency， accompanied by liver and spleen dysfunction. Liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome， spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome and kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome are all the main syndromes of POP and osteoporotic fractures， and kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome is most closely related to the development of osteoporotic fractures. The reference standards for syndrome determination among the included studies are inconsistent， and in the future， it is necessary to focus on their determination standards to obtain consensus research results， at the same time， conduct large-scale syndrome research to obtain representative research results， providing a basis for clinical practice and research.

Application of multidisciplinary in situ simulation training in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke: a quality improvement project / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke refers to a disorder in the blood supply to a local area of brain tissue for various reasons and is characterized by high morbidity, mortality, and disability. Early reperfusion of brain tissue at risk of injury is crucial for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to evaluate comfort levels in managing acute stroke patients with hypoxemia who required endotracheal intubation after multidisciplinary in situ simulation training and to shorten the door-to-image time. METHODS: This quality improvement project utilized a comprehensive multidisciplinary in situ simulation exercise. A total of 53 participants completed the two-day in situ simulation training. The main outcome was the self-reported comfort levels of participants in managing acute stroke patients with hypoxemia requiring endotracheal intubation before and after simulation training. A 5-point Likert scale was used to measure participant comfort. A paired-sample t-test was used to compare the mean self-reported comfort scores of participants, as well as the endotracheal intubation time and door-to-image time on the first and second days of in situ simulation training. The door-to-image time before and after the training was also recorded. RESULTS: The findings indicated that in situ simulation training could enhance participant comfort when managing acute stroke patients with hypoxemia who required endotracheal intubation and shorten door-to-image time. For the emergency management of hypoxemia or tracheal intubation, the mean post-training self-reported comfort score was significantly higher than the mean pre-training comfort score (hypoxemia: 4.53±0.64 vs. 3.62±0.69, t= -11.046, P<0.001; tracheal intubation: 3.98±0.72 vs. 3.43±0.72, t= -6.940, P<0.001). We also observed a decrease in the tracheal intubation and door-to-image time and a decreasing trend in the door-to-image time, which continued after the training. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that the implementation of in situ simulation training in a clinical environment with a multidisciplinary approach may improve the ability and confidence of stroke team members, optimize the first-aid process, and effectively shorten the door-to-image time of stroke patients with emergency complications.

Clinical efficacy of da Vinci robotic and thoracoscopic transxiphoid approach in the treatment of anterior mediastinal tumors: A retrospective cohort study / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of the da Vinci robot and thoracoscopic subxiphoid approach for the treatment of anterior mediastinal tumors. Methods The clinical data of patients who underwent anterior mediastinal tumor resection through the subxiphoid approach admitted to the same medical group in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University between June 2020 and April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the surgery approach, the patients were divided into a robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) group and a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) group. The perioperative data and the incidence of postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 79 patients were enrolled. There were 41 patients in the RATS group, including 13 males and 28 females, with an average age of 45.61±14.99 years. There were 38 patients in the VATS group, including 14 males and 24 females, with an average age of 47.84±15.05 years. All patients completed the surgery successfully. Hospitalization cost and operative time were higher or longer in the RATS group than those in the VATS group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Intraoperative bleeding, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative water and food intake time, postoperative off-bed activity time, white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage and visual analogue scale (VAS) score on the first postoperative day, white blood cell count and neutrophil percentage on the third postoperative day, duration of analgesic pump use, the number of voluntary compressions of the analgesic pump, and mediastinal drainage volume were all superior to those in the VATS group (P<0.05). The differences in VAS scores on the third postoperative day, duration of drainage tube retention and postoperative complication rates were not statistically different between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion RATS subxiphoid anterior mediastinum tumor resection is a safe and feasible surgical method with less injury and higher safety, which is conducive to rapid postoperative recovery and has wide clinical application prospects.

Unilateral parotid gland Simultaneously primary two different pathological tumors: a case report and literature review / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To explore the clinical manifestations, histopathological characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of simultaneous unilateral primary tumors of different pathological types in the parotid gland.@*Methods@#A case of simultaneous unilateral primary parotid gland tumors, i.e., adenolymphoma and basal cell adenoma, was reviewed and analyzed in combination with the literature.@*Results@#The patient discovered a lump in the right parotid gland area one month prior to presentation, and a tumor was palpated in the shallow lobe of the right parotid gland before surgery. According to MR images, the initial diagnoses were tumors of the shallow and deep lobes of the right parotid gland. The tumors of the deep and shallow lobes were excised with part of the gland, and the facial nerves were dissected under general anesthesia. Postoperative pathology revealed an adenolymphoma in the shallow lobe of the right parotid gland and a basal cell adenoma with cystic transformation in the deep lobe. The surgical effect was good, with no complications, and there was no recurrence after 1 year of follow-up. A review of the relevant literature showed that multiple primary tumors of the parotid gland can manifest as the simultaneous presence of two or more types of tumors on both sides or on one side, and the disease is mainly treated with surgery.@*Conclusion@#Multiple unilateral primary parotid gland tumors are rare. Imaging examinations need to be combined with clinical evaluations to prevent missed diagnoses. Surgery is the first treatment option, and patients with benign tumors have a good prognosis.

Ethical Issues in the Development of Smart Healthcare / 中国医学伦理学

Smart healthcare is the outcome of integration and application of the internet, Internet of things (IOT), big data analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) in the medical field. Smart healthcare has been developed rapidly in China. However, smart healthcare has both advantages and risks, thus, it faces challenges and ethical issues in practice. Technological restrictions of smart healthcare increase the risk of privacy disclosure and delayed treatment. Besides, it also induce some ethical issues.Smart healthcare turns the "justice" issue of regional equity into the population equity of medical benefits. In addition, balancing between humanities and science technology should be considered. Smart healthcare should follow the basic ethical principles and the experience of clinical medical ethics. To give full play to the advantages of smart healthcare, the ethical challenges during its development must be regulated at the legal level, and simultaneously governed through ethical norms and guidance.

Improving the Waiting Time in Outpatient Clinics Using Lean Approach in Hospital: A Systematic Review

@#Introduction: The use of the lean approach in healthcare has rapidly gained popularity globally, although this approach was more routinely used in the manufacturing sector as opposed to health. Besides, recent studies confirm the suitability of the lean approach applications for improving the quality of medical care. This study aimed to determine the Lean approach’s capacity to improve the waiting time in outpatient clinics in hospitals. Methods: The systematic review approach was employed to help in the research procedures. Search databases used included Ovid, Google scholar, PubMed, MEDLINE, and archive. Besides, search terminologies such as the Lean approach, Hospital-implementation, waiting time, and patient flow were used to help identify sources that best suited the investigation process. Results: The review revealed that the lean approach is suitable for the reduction of waiting times as well as for improving efficiency in the clinic. The outcomes provide a basis for reducing the average waiting time within the hospital. Conclusion: This study recommended that healthcare facilities and departments should take a keen interest in implementing the Lean approaches, as they are crucial for reducing waiting time.

Applications and advancements of instrumental variable approach in causal inference in environmental epidemiology / 环境与职业医学

In environmental epidemiological research, extensive non-random environmental exposures and complex confounding biases pose significant challenges when attempting causal inference. In recent years, the introduction of causal inference methods into observational studies has provided a broader range of statistical tools for causal inference research in environmental epidemiology. The instrumental variable (IV) approach, as a causal inference technique for effectively controlling unmeasured confounding factors, has gradually found application in the field of environmental epidemiological research. This article reviewed the basic principles of IV and summarized the current research progress and limitations of applying IV for causal inference in environmental epidemiology. IV application in the field of environmental epidemiology is still in the initial stage. Rational use of IV and effective integration with other causal inference methods will become the focus of the development of causal inference in environmental epidemiology. The aim of this paper is to provide a methodological reference and basis for future studies involving causal inference to target population health effects of environmental exposures in China.

Characteristics and therapeutic strategies of Pott's puffy tumor / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To explore the characteristics and therapeutic strategies of Pott's puffy tumor（PPT）. Methods:The clinical data of two patients with PPT were retrospectively analyzed and combined with the literature, focusing on the comprehensive analysis of perioperative diagnosis and treatment strategies. Both patients underwent muti-disciplinary treatment, including timely administration of sufficient antibiotics capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier. Early removal of PPT lesions was performed using a combined internal and external approach under nasal endoscopic guidance. Results:After standardized perioperative management, the symptoms of the two patients were completely relieved, with no recurrence after one=year follow=up. Postoperative complications such as frontal pain, numbness, local depression, or scar hyperplasiawere not present. Conclusion:PPT, being relatively rare and severe, requires careful attention. Key strategies for standardized perioperative management include multi-disciplinary consultation, timely and adequate antibiotic administration, and surgical intervention using a combined intranasal and extranasal endoscopic approach for lesion removal.

Single Kocher-Langenbeck approach combined with anterograde channel screw technique in treatment of acetabular transverse and posterior wall fractures / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To assess the effectiveness of the single Kocher-Langenbeck approach combined with anterograde channel screw technique for the treatment of acetabular transverse and posterior wall fractures.@*METHODS@#Between March 2020 and October 2022, 17 cases of acetabular transverse and posterior wall fractures were treated with the single Kocher-Langenbeck approach combined with anterograde channel screw technique. There were 11 males and 6 females, with an average age of 53.6 years (range, 42-64 years). Causes of injury included traffic accident in 12 cases, and falling from height in 5 cases. The time from injury to operation ranged from 4 to 16 days with an average of 8.8 days. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and fluoroscopy frequency were recorded; X-ray films were reviewed regularly after operation to observe the fracture healing, and postoperative complications were recorded. At last follow-up, Matta score was used to evaluate the reduction of fracture, Harris score and modified Merle D'Aubigné-Postel scores system were used to evaluate the hip joint function.@*RESULTS@#The operation time was 150-230 minutes (mean, 185.9 minutes), the intraoperative blood loss was 385-520 mL (mean, 446.2 mL), and the fluoroscopy frequency was 18-34 times (mean, 27.5 times). Postoperative fat liquefaction occurred in 1 case and the other incisions healed by first intention; 3 cases had limb numbness after operation, and the symptoms disappeared after active symptomatic treatment; no urogenital system and intestinal injury occurred. All patients were followed up 12-28 months (mean, 19.9 months). Bone union was achieved in all cases with an average healing time of 10.8 weeks (range, 8-14 weeks). There was no complication such as loosening and breakage of internal fixators. At last follow-up, according to Matta score, 12 cases achieved anatomic reduction, 3 satisfactory reduction, and 2 fair reduction, the satisfactory rate was 88.2%; according to Harris hip function score, 12 cases were excellent, 3 good, and 2 fair, the excellent and good rate was 88.2%; according to the modified Merle D'Aubign Aubigné-Postel scoring system, the results were excellent in 11 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 3 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 82.4%.@*CONCLUSION@#The single Kocher-Langenbeck approach combined with anterograde channel screw technique is a minimally invasive method for the treatment of acetabular transverse and posterior wall fractures with less complications, simple operation, and satisfactory effectiveness.

Angle Evaluation of Possible Routes that Can Be Used to Reach the Foramen Ovale in the Anterior Approach / Evaluación Angular de Posibles Rutas que se Pueden Utilizar para Alcanzar el Foramen Oval en el Abordaje Anterior

SUMMARY: For the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, the foramen ovale is reached by entering the cheek with a needle. Thermocoagulation is performed with balloon compression, administration of alcohol or radiofrequency. Apart from the classical method, it is theoretically possible to reach the foramen ovale through the mouth with the anterior approach. In our study, it was aimed to examine horizontally and vertically the angular values that must be given to the needle to reach the foramen ovale in the anterior approach. Three landmark points were determined on both right and left sides of 25 dry skulls. A rod was inserted starting from these landmark points and passing through the center of the foramen ovale. The vertical and horizontal angular values of this bar were measured. For each foramen ovale, 3 vertical angles, 3 horizontal angles and 4 distance measurements were made. There was a significant difference between the right and left sides in terms of horizontal angular values. Average values of horizontal angles (in degrees); on the right, 7.29 for H1, 12.15 for H2, 32.29 for H3; 1.26 for H1, 9.46 for H2, and 30.56 for H3 on the left side (p<0.005). The angle value was measured as 0 or negative value in 5 (20 %) of the H1 angle measurements made on the right side and 14 (56 %) on the left side. The H2 angle value was found to be smaller than the H1 angle in the skull 2 (8 %) on the right and 3 (12 %) on the left. There was no difference between the right and left sides in terms of vertical angular values. A significant difference was found between the right and left sides in the D1, D2, D4 distances (p<0.005). Six important anatomical features affecting angular values were encountered.

Para el tratamiento de la neuralgia del trigémino, se alcanza el foramen oval introduciendo una aguja en la mejilla. La termocoagulación se realiza con compresión con balón, administración de alcohol o radiofrecuencia. Aparte del método clásico, en teoría es posible alcanzar el foramen oval a través de la cavidad oral mediante el abordaje anterior. En nuestro estudio se tuvo como objetivo examinar horizontal y verticalmente los valores angulares que se deben dar a la aguja para alcanzar el foramen oval en el abordaje anterior. Se determinaron tres puntos de referencia en los lados derecho e izquierdo de 25 cráneos secos. Se insertó una varilla comenzando desde estos puntos de referencia y pasando por el centro del foramen oval. Se midieron los valores angulares verticales y horizontales de esta barra. Para cada foramen oval se realizaron mediciones de 3 ángulos verticales, 3 ángulos horizontales y 4 distancias. Hubo una diferencia significativa entre los lados derecho e izquierdo en términos de valores angulares horizontales. Valores medios de ángulos horizontales (en grados); a la derecha, 7,29 para H1, 12,15 para H2, 32,29 para H3; 1,26 para H1, 9,46 para H2 y 30,56 para H3 en el lado izquierdo (p<0,005). El valor del ángulo se midió como 0 o valor negativo en 5 (20 %) de las mediciones del ángulo H1 realizadas en el lado derecho y 14 (56 %) en el lado izquierdo. Se encontró que el valor del ángulo H2 era menor que el ángulo H1 en el cráneo 2 (8 %) a la derecha y 3 (12 %) a la izquierda. No hubo diferencia entre los lados derecho e izquierdo en términos de valores angulares verticales. Se encontró diferencia significativa entre el lado derecho e izquierdo en las distancias D1, D2, D4 (p<0,005). Se encontraron seis características anatómicas importantes que afectan los valores angulares.

Endoscopic Orientation of Juxta-pituitary Carotid in Transsphenoidal Approaches: Critical Considerations for Clinical Applications

Abstract Introduction In sphenoid sinuses with ill-defined carotid bony landmarks, accidental injury of the internal carotid artery (ICA) remains one of the most challenging complications, which is particularly reported in the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approaches (EETAs). Objectives To describe an anatomical model for the endoscopic orientation of the juxta-pituitary segment of the ICA in relation to the lateral opticocarotid recess (OCR) as a nearby bony landmark. Methods Dissection was performed progressively, simulating the EETA, in twenty fresh adult cadavers. After reducing the posterior and lateral walls of the sphenoid sinuses, various measurements were taken from both lateral OCRs to "contact points" on the juxta-pituitary segment of the ICA and lateral margins of the pituitary gland. Results The current results have enabled us to divide the region between the lateral OCRs into 3 compartments: 2 lateral parasellar compartments contain juxta-pituitary segments of the ICA with a mean width of 8 mm and a narrow range from 7 mm to 10 mm; and a central intercarotid sellar compartment represents the safe region for bone drilling, showing widely variable widths ranging from 9 mm to 20 mm. In all specimens, the variation in the width of the intercarotid compartment correlated with the distance between both lateral OCRs. Conclusion The present study improves surgeon awareness of the variations in the course of the ICA through the EETA along sphenoid sinuses with ill-defined bony landmarks. An appreciation of the measurements taken in the present study can help in operative training, and can also provide a base for future studies to confirm ICA courses associated with a higher risk of injury.

Postauricular Transcanal Posterior Tympanectomy (PT2) Approach - A Modified Surgical Technique for Jugulotympanic Paragangliomas

Abstract Introduction The surgical management of jugulotympanic paragangliomas has remained challenging. They are the second most common type of tumor of the temporal bone after acoustic neuroma. It has been noticed by the authors that the jugulotympanic paragangliomas may have extensions to the epitympanum and aditus in addition to the mesotympanum and hypotympanum. The modified technique could be an alternative to the conventional facial recess technique for complete removal of the tumors. Objective To highlight the modified surgical technique for the surgical treatment of jugulotympanic paragangliomas. Methods This is a retrospective review of 34 cases of jugulotympanic paragangliomas treated in a tertiary center with respect to clinical presentation, diagnosis, and surgical treatment. Tinnitus and hearing loss were predominant symptoms. A modified technique of postauricular transcanal posterior tympanectomy with extended hypo-tympanic access was performed in 29 patients. Only two cases were operated with a classical transcanal approach. A canal wall down the mastoidectomy was required in three patients. Results The patients operated on with the modified technique had complete excision evident by absence of any lesion in computed tomography and the disappearance of tinnitus. However, two patients had recurrence of symptoms and presence of tumor in the follow-up period. These two patients underwent revision surgery. None of the patients required postoperative radiotherapy or gamma knife therapy. Conclusions Jugulotympanic paragangliomas can be effectively managed with the modified technique to ensure complete removal of the lesions. This technique has not been reported earlier in the literature.

Teoria Sistêmica, subsistema do Direito e o novo paradigma da Saúde Única / Systemic Theory, Law subsystem and the new One Health paradigm / La Teoría Sistémica, el sistema del Derecho y el nuevo paradigma One Health

Objetivo: discutir o novo paradigma da Saúde Única à luz da Teoria Sistêmica de Niklas Luhmann e a atuação do subsistema do Direito em face das interconexões da abordagem. Metodologia: tratou-se de um ensaio crítico inédito, com utilização da teoria luhmaniana e os novos conceitos da saúde única. Resultados: a teoria dos sistemas sociais de Luhmann possibilita o subsistema do Direito, em sua autopoiese, além de compreender e passar a operar com as novas abordagens integradas de saúde humana, saúde animal e meio ambiente. Conclusão: o subsistema do Direito está apto a incorporar em sua comunicação interna o novo paradigma, reconhecendo a futura legislação da saúde única.

Objective: to discuss the new One Health paradigm in the light of Niklas Luhmann's Systemic Theory and the performance of the Law subsystem in view of the interconnections of the approach. Methodology: this was an unprecedented critical essay, using Luhmanian theory and the new concepts of single health. Results: Luhmann's theory of social systems enables the subsystem of Law, in its autopoiesis, to understand and begin to operate with the new integrated approaches to human health, animal health and the environment. Conclusion: the Law subsystem can incorporate the new paradigm into its internal communication, recognizing the future single health legislation.

Objetivo: discutir el nuevo paradigma One Health a la luz de la Teoría Sistémica de Niklas Luhmann y el desempeño del subsistema del Derecho frente a las interconexiones del abordaje. Metodología: se trató de un ensayo crítico inédito, utilizando la teoría luhmaniana y los nuevos conceptos de salud única. Resultados: la teoría de los sistemas sociales de Luhmann permite al subsistema Derecho, en su autopoiesis, comprender y pasar a operar con los nuevos enfoques integrados de la salud humana, la salud animal y el medio ambiente. Conclusión: el subsistema del Derecho logra incorporar el nuevo paradigma en su comunicación interna, reconociendo la futura legislación de la salud única.

Modelación de los flujos de pacientes de alto riesgo con COVID-19 en Matanzas con enfoque Lean

Introducción: En el contexto de la pandemia, la gestión eficiente de los flujos de pacientes con enfoque en su trayectoria es crucial. En este sentido, el enfoque Lean permite aumentar el rendimiento del sistema sanitario, al eliminar actividades que no generan valor al paciente. Objetivo: Realizar un análisis integral de los flujos de pacientes de alto riesgo con COVID-19 en Matanzas, utilizando el enfoque Lean. Materiales y métodos: Se implementó una metodología de tipo cuantitativa, estructurada en cuatro etapas, para la gestión integrada de los flujos de pacientes de alto riesgo con COVID-19, mediante el enfoque Lean. Esta metodología integra herramientas para la selección de expertos, representación de procesos, análisis estructural y mapas de flujos de valor. Se aplicó durante del período de mayor incidencia de la pandemia en Matanzas (1 de mayo al 1 de agosto de 2021). Resultados: Se identificaron deficiencias relacionadas con los flujos de pacientes de alto riesgo con COVID-19 en Matanzas. Se realizó un análisis integral de los flujos, con el fin de realizar una propuesta de mejoras con enfoque Lean. La propuesta garantizó una optimización de 1510 minutos por ciclos de atención, con una eficiencia del 85,86 % del tiempo total de cada ciclo (etapa del tratamiento), y del 59,38 % de los tiempos de espera entre ellos. Conclusiones: Las herramientas Lean permiten realizar un análisis integral de los flujos de pacientes, además de mostrar una vía para su gestión, centrada en la trayectoria y no en la ocupación del recurso.

Introduction: In the context of the pandemic, the efficient management of the patients flow with a focus on their trajectory is crucial. In this sense, the Lean approach allows to increase the performance of the health care system, eliminating activities that do not generate value for the patient. Objective: To carry out an integral analysis of the high risk patients flow with COVID-19 in Matanzas, using the Lean approach. Materials and methods: A quantitative methodology, structured in four stages was implemented for the integrated management of the flow of high risk patients with COVID-19, using the Lean approach. This methodology integrates tools for the selection of experts, process representation, structural analysis and value flow maps. It was applied during the period of highest incidence of the pandemic in Matanzas (May 1st to August 1st 2021). Results: Deficiencies related to the flows of high risks patients with COVID-19 in Matanzas were identified. A comprehensive analysis of the flows was carried out in order to make a proposal for improvements with a Lean approach. The proposal guaranteed an optimization of 1 500 minutes per service cycle, with an efficiency of 85.86% of the total time of each cycle (treatment stage), and 59.38% of the waiting times between them. Conclusions: Lean tools allow a comprehensive analysis of the patients' flow, in addition to showing a route for their management, focused on the trajectory and not on the occupation of the resource.

Perspectivas teóricas para un enfoque dialógico de la acreditación de posgrado en México

Los procesos de acreditación se ubican en el marco de las megatendencias globales que colocan en el centro del debate las nociones excelencia y evaluación de la calidad en las instituciones de educación superior contemporáneas. El estudio se realiza en la Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, parte de un enfoque cualitativo en el que el método análisis de contenidos ocupó el centro de las acciones para develar desde las epistemologías globales y regionales, las regularidades que se manifiestan en la dinámica de los procesos de acreditación con énfasis en las instituciones de educación mexicana. La unidad de análisis se ubica en los documentos normativos, foros e informes de buenas prácticas en el quehacer de la acreditación. Como resultado, se proponen las bases conceptuales que favorecen una dialógica en el proceso de evaluación aplicada a los programas de posgrado mexicano, el cual, con las adecuaciones necesarias podría aplicarse a otras universidades.

Accreditation processes are located within the framework of global megatrends that place the notions of excellence and quality assessment in contemporary higher education institutions at the center of the debate. The study presented here was carried out at the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, based on a qualitative approach in which the content analysis method was at the center of the actions to unveil from the global and regional epistemologies regularities that are manifested in the dynamics of accreditation processes with emphasis on Mexican educational institutions. The unit of analysis is located in the normative documents, forums and reports of good practices in accreditation. As a result, conceptual bases are proposed that can favor a dialogic in the evaluation process applied to Mexican graduate programs, which, with the necessary adaptations could be applied to con universities.

Influencia de posición del brazo en adultos para abordaje de plexo braquial costoclavicular: estudio observacional / Influence of arm position in costoclavicular approach for brachial plexus block in adult patient: observational study

Resumen: Introducción: el bloqueo de plexo braquial con abordaje costoclavicular, ofrece ventajas como sitio de inyección único, sitio adecuado para colocación de catéter de analgesia continua. Objetivo: identificar la visibilidad de los tres cordones del plexo braquial en el espacio costoclavicular según la angulación del brazo. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y transversal; se incluyeron 99 pacientes entre 18 a 90 años de edad, en un período de dos meses. Se describieron variables continuas, se aplicó la prueba no paramétrica de Friedman para K muestras relacionadas, una regresión lineal para confirmar la correlación entre la distancia de la piel a plexo braquial, peso e índice de masa corporal (IMC). Resultados: se encontró una menor profundidad en relación piel plexo bajo abducción del brazo a una angulación de 90o y 110o, que permite la visualización sonoanatómica del plexo braquial a nivel costoclavicular con significancia estadística. El peso es un factor independiente que determina la distancia entre la profundidad piel plexo. Conclusiones: se determinó que el abordaje del bloqueo costoclavicular ecoguiado es anatómicamente factible con elevada eficacia clínica, el cual concluye ser un sitio anatómico innovador y seguro.

Abstract: Introduction: the brachial plexus block with a costoclavicular approach offers advantages as a single injection site, being a suitable site for continuous analgesia catheter placement. Objective: to identify the visibility of the 3 brachial plexus cords in the costoclavicular space according to the angulation of the arm. Material and methods: a descriptive and cross-sectional observational study was carried out; 99 healthy patients between 18 and 90 years of age were included, in a period of two months. Continuous variables were described, the nonparametric Friedman test was applied for K related samples, a linear regression was performed to confirm the correlation between the distance from the skin to the brachial plexus, weight and body mass index (BMI). Results: a smaller depth was found in relation to the skin plexus under abduction of the arm at an angulation of 90o and 110o, which allows an adequate sonoanatomical visualization of the brachial plexus at the costoclavicular level with statistical significance. Weight is an independent factor that determine the distance between the skin plexus depth. Conclusions: it was determined that the ultrasound-guided costoclavicular block approach is anatomically feasible with greater clinical efficacy, which concludes to be an innovative and safe anatomical site.

A Nonlinear Identification Approach for Gait Analysis of Amyotrophic Lateral SclerosisPatients

Gait data analysis, is giving mixing results regarding locomotion changes associated to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) development; the need has been claimed for new tools. We applied a nonlinear identification approach to the study of gait data from both healthy and ALS patients, available from Physionet.org. Kernel nonparametric nonlinear autoregression allowed to obtain noise-free realizations (NFR) that mimicked original traces, though correlation between original data and corresponding NFR was lower among ALS patients (p=0.03), suggesting a higher contribution of stochastic influences. Visual inspection of phase portraits, reconstructed from NFR via Takens theorem application, suggested dynamics differences between control subjects and patients. This was confirmed when phase portrait features were quantified and submitted to discriminant analysis (89% of correct classifications; 24/28). Application of a nonlinear dissimilarity measure for comparing pairs gait recordings, defined as a distance between underlying nonlinear autoregressive functions allowed an excellent separation between ALS and controls, via multidimensional scaling. Obtained projection map clearly suggested that ALS traces lay in a narrower dynamical space. This might reflect the known fact about neuronal degeneration accompanying ALS progression. When dissimilarity matrix principal components were introduced as predicting variables, discriminant analysis yielded an 82% of correct classifications (23/28). Overall, our results suggest that a nonlinear identification approach, centered in the characterization of the dynamics of the gait process can bring new insights to gait data interpretation.

El análisis de datos de la marcha, está dando resultados mixtos con respecto a los cambios de locomoción asociados con el desarrollo de la esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA). Se ha reivindicado la necesidad de nuevas herramientas de análisis de datos de la marcha. Aplicamos un enfoque de identificación no lineal al estudio de los datos de la marcha de pacientes sanos y con ELA, disponibles en Physionet.org. La auto-regresión no lineal no paramétrica del núcleo, permitió obtener realizaciones libres de ruido (NFR) que imitaban las trazas originales, aunque la correlación entre los datos originales y la NFR correspondiente fue menor entre los pacientes con ELA (p = 0,03), lo que sugiere una mayor contribución de las influencias estocásticas. La inspección visual de los retratos de fase, reconstruidos a partir de NFR mediante la aplicación del teorema de Takens, sugirió diferencias dinámicas entre los sujetos de control y los pacientes. Esto se confirmó cuando se cuantificaron las características del retrato de fase y se sometieron a un análisis discriminante (89 % de clasificaciones correctas; 24/28). La aplicación de una medida de disimilitud no lineal para comparar registros de marcha de pares, definida como una distancia entre funciones auto-regresivas no lineales subyacentes, permitió una excelente separación entre ALS y controles, a través de una escala multidimensional. El mapa de proyección obtenido sugirió claramente que las huellas de ALS se encuentran en un espacio dinámico más estrecho. Esto podría reflejar el hecho conocido sobre la degeneración neuronal que acompaña a la progresión de la ELA. Cuando se introdujeron los componentes principales de la matriz de disimilitud como variables predictoras, el análisis discriminante arrojó un 82% de clasificaciones correctas (23/28). En general, nuestros resultados sugieren que un enfoque de identificación no lineal, centrado en la caracterización de la dinámica del proceso de la marcha, puede aportar nuevos conocimientos a la interpretación de los datos de la marcha.

Abordaje endoscópico extendido del seno frontal: Experiencia en Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile / Extended endoscopic approach of the frontal sinus: Experience at Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile

Introducción: El seno frontal es una estructura compleja y desafiante en términos quirúrgicos, siendo descritas numerosas técnicas para su abordaje. Dentro de ellas se destaca el abordaje endoscópico extendido de seno frontal: Draf IIB y Draf III, como una importante alternativa para resolución de patología refractaria de seno frontal. Objetivo: Describir las características de pacientes sometidos a abordaje endoscópico extendido de seno frontal en Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile (HCUCH). Material y Método: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo. Se incluyeron a pacientes sometidos a abordaje endoscópico extendido de seno frontal entre los años 2013 y 2021. Se analizaron variables clínicas, intraoperatorias y de seguimiento. Resultados: Se registraron 118 pacientes, de los cuales 64 cumplieron criterios de inclusión al estudio, con una edad promedio de 48 años. La patología más frecuente fue la rinosinusitis crónica poliposa (42%) seguido del mucocele (20%). Del total de pacientes, el 68% fue sometido a cirugía Draf IIB y el resto a Draf III. Todos los pacientes fueron estudiados con endoscopía e imágenes, y seguidos con parámetros clínicos y endoscópicos. El porcentaje de estenosis postoperatoria se estimó en 10%. Conclusión: El abordaje endoscópico nasal extendido figura como una alternativa útil para manejo de patología de seno frontal refractario a tratamiento. En nuestra experiencia las indicaciones, tipos de cirugía y tasa de complicaciones son concordantes con la literatura internacional.

Introduction: The frontal sinus is a complex and challenging structure in surgical terms, numerous techniques have been described for its approach, among them the extended endoscopic approach: Draf IIB and Draf III, figures as an important alternative for the resolution of refractory pathology of frontal sinus. Aim: To describe the characteristics of patients who underwent an extended endoscopic approach to the frontal sinus at the Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile (HCUCH). Material and Method: A retrospective, descriptive study included patients who underwent an extended endoscopic approach to the frontal sinus between 2013 and 2021. Clinical, intraoperative, and follow-up variables were analyzed. Results: 118 patients were registered, of which 64 met the inclusion criteria for the study, with an average age of 48 years. The most frequent pathology was chronic polypous rhinosinusitis (42%), followed by mucocele (20%). Of the patients, 68% underwent Draf IIB surgery, while the rest received a Draf III type procedure. All patients were studied with endoscopy and images and followed up with clinical and endoscopic parameters. The percentage of post operatory stenosis was 10%. Conclusion: The extended nasal endoscopic approach appears as a valuable alternative for managing frontal sinus pathology refractory to treatment. In our experience, the indications, types of surgery, and rate of complications are consistent with the international literature.

Incidencias del COVID-19 en el consumo de sustancias y en las modalidades de atención de dispositivos de abordaje territorial / Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on substance use and on the modalities of care of territorial community centers

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: La pandemia por COVID-19 incidió en los ritmos y frecuencias de consumo de sustancias, así como en su abordaje. El objetivo fue analizar las modificaciones en el consumo de sustancias y en los dispositivos de abordaje territorial respecto a la demanda de atención, y las limitaciones y oportunidades para dar respuesta en contexto de crisis sociosanitaria. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo una investigación cualitativa a través de 10 entrevistas a trabajadores/as que se desempeñaban en dispositivos territoriales del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. El relevamiento de los datos secundarios fue realizado a través de buscadores de la web en sitios oficiales. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron variaciones en el consumo de sustancias y las frecuencias. Se incrementaron las situaciones de vulnerabilidad psicosocial de la población. Las consultas relacionadas con acceso a derechos fueron las más frecuentes. La modalidad remota y el uso de herramientas digitales permitieron continuar con ciertas intervenciones, pero al mismo tiempo tuvieron limitaciones (como sobrecarga de trabajo). Las estrategias implementadas para facilitar la accesibilidad fueron variables. Los equipos refirieron una compleja adaptación a las nuevas modalidades y dinámicas de atención, asistencia y acompañamiento. DISCUSIÓN: La pandemia ha demostrado el rol invaluable de los dispositivos de abordaje territorial. Resulta imperioso acrecentar y fortalecer la red con recursos humanos y materiales acordes.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic affected both rhythms and frequencies of substance use as well as its approach. The aim was to analyze the changes in substance use and in territorial community centers related to health care demand, along with limitations and opportunities to provide solutions in the context of a social and health crisis. METHODS: A qualitative research was conducted through 10 interviews to employees working in territorial community centers in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires. The secondary data were collected through web search engines in official sites. RESULTS: Variations in substance use and frequencies have been identified. There was a higher psychosocial vulnerability among the population. Inquiries related to access to rights were the most frequent ones. The remote modality and the use of digital tools allowed some interventions to continue, but at the same time they had limitations (such as work overload). The strategies implemented to facilitate accessibility varied. Teams reported a complex adaptation to new modalities and dynamics of care, assistance and support. DISCUSSION: The pandemic has shown the invaluable role played by territorial community centers. It is of utmost importance to provide human resources and necessary materials to extend and strengthen the network of territorial community centers.