Sarcoma sinovial primario pulmonar: un caso inusual en pediatría / Primary pulmonary synovial sarcoma: an unusual case in pediatrics

El sarcoma sinovial primario de pulmón (SSPP) localizado en bronquio, es una entidad no reportada en la edad pediátrica. Se presenta el caso de un niño de siete años con antecedente de aparentes neumonías recurrentes derechas de siete meses de evolución; en la evaluación por neumología pediátrica se destaca en las radiografías de tórax, la presencia de atelectasias recurrentes en lóbulo medio e inferior derecho, por lo que se realiza broncoscopia, donde se observa una masa obstruyendo el 100% de la luz del bronquio fuente derecho y se sospecha tumor carcinoide. Se realiza extirpación de masa endobronquial con fines diagnósticos y terapéuticos, incluyendo resección segmentaria bronquial y anastomosis término-terminal. El respectivo análisis inmunohistoquímico muestra hallazgos sugestivos de sarcoma sinovial monofásico. Se descarta compromiso tumoral extrapulmonar, por lo que se diagnostica como tumor primario de bronquio. Se administraron 7 ciclos de quimioterapia y 31 sesiones de radioterapia. Actualmente en control, sin evidencia de metástasis, tumores residuales o recidivas.

Primary Synovial Sarcoma of Lung (PSSL) located in the bronchus is an unreported entity in pediatric age. We present the case of a 7-year-old child with a history of apparent recurrent right pneumonia of 7 months of evolution; in the evaluation by pediatric pulmonology, the presence of recurrent atelectasis in the middle and lower right lobe is highlighted on chest X-rays, so bronchoscopy is performed, where a mass is observed obstructing 100% of the right bronchus lumen and carcinoid tumor is suspected. Endobronchial mass resection is performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including bronchial segmental resection and termino-terminal anastomosis. The respective immunohistochemical analysis shows suggestive findings of monophasic synovial sarcoma. Extrapulmonary tumor involvement is ruled out, so it is diagnosed as a primary bronchial tumor. 7 cycles of chemotherapy and 31 sessions of radiation therapy are given. Currently in control, with no evidence of metastasis, residual tumors, or recurrence.

Fundamentación epistemológica del proceso de superación de posgrado en estadística para los licenciados en Sistemas de Información en Salud / Epistemologic basis of the post degree training process in statistics for graduates in Health Information Systems

El Sistema Nacional de Salud adquiere cada día un mayor desarrollo y dispone de un equipamiento tecnológico acorde con el avance de la ciencia y la técnica, de modo que requiere de una capacitación profesional que responda a sus intereses y exigencias. A tales efectos, en el presente artículo se fundamenta epistemológicamente el proceso de superación de posgrado en estadística para los licenciados en Sistemas de Información en Salud, teniendo en cuenta su significación como un proceso formativo-investigativo, así como la superación profesional como uno de los subsistemas del posgrado, orientado a la solución de problemas relacionados con la actualización y sistematización de conocimientos, lo cual permitirá a dichos graduados alcanzar un nivel de desempeño en correspondencia con el desarrollo científico, tecnológico, social, económico y cultural, manifestado en el ejercicio de su profesión.

The Health National System acquires a higher development every day and has a technological equipment according to the science and technique progress, so it requires a professional training that responds to its interests and demands. To such effects, the process of post degree training in statistics for the graduates in Health Information Systems is epistemologically supported in this work, taking into account its significance as a training-investigative process, as well as the professional training as one of the post degree subsystems, guided to the solution of problems related to the updating and systematizing of knowledge, which will allow graduates to reach a performance level according to the scientific, technological, social, economic and cultural development, manifested in their professional practice.

Liquid biopsy assay for lung carcinoma using centrifuged supernatants from fine-needle aspiration specimens.

INTRODUCTION: Tumor mutation profiling is standard-of-care in lung carcinoma patients. However, comprehensive molecular profiling of small specimens, including core needle biopsy (CNB) and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens, may often be inadequate due to limited tissue. Centrifuged FNA supernatants, which are typically discarded, have emerged recently as a novel liquid-based biopsy for molecular testing. In this study, we evaluate the use of lung carcinoma FNA supernatants for detecting clinically relevant mutations. METHODS: Supernatants from lung carcinoma FNA samples (n = 150) were evaluated. Samples were further analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and ultrasensitive droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Mutation profiles in a subset of samples were compared with results derived from paired tissue samples from the same patient (n = 67) and available plasma liquid biopsy assay (n = 45). RESULTS: All 150 samples yielded adequate DNA and NGS were carried out successfully on 104 (90%) of 116 selected samples. Somatic mutations were detected in 82% of the samples and in 50% of these patients a clinically relevant mutation was identified that would qualify them for targeted therapy or a clinical trial. There was high overall concordance between the mutation profiles of supernatants and the corresponding tissue samples, with 100% concordance with concurrent FNA and 96% with concurrent CNB samples. Comparison of actionable driver mutations detected in supernatant versus plasma samples showed 84% concordance. CONCLUSIONS: FNA supernatants can provide a valuable specimen source for genotyping lung carcinoma especially in patients with insufficient tumor tissue, thereby reducing multigene mutation profiling failure rates, improving turnaround times, and avoiding repeat biopsies.

Metodología para la gestión curricular del posgrado en estadística para el licenciado en Sistemas de Información en Salud / Methodology for the posdegree curricular management in statistics for the Health Information System university graduate

Teniendo en cuenta la necesidad e importancia de la superación de posgrado de los licenciados en Sistema de Información en Salud, se elaboró una metodología con el objetivo de favorecer el diseño de las diversas modalidades de este tipo de superación, para perfeccionar la formación estadística de estos profesionales y potenciar su desempeño laboral. Esta tiene en cuenta los requerimientos estadísticos de sus puestos de trabajo y las insuficiencias que muestran en el empleo de métodos y técnicas afines(AU)

Taking into account the necessity and importance of the posdegree training of Health Information System university graduates, a methodology aimed at favoring the design of the diverse modalities of this type of training was elaborated, to perfect the statistical education of these professionals and promote their working performance. This methodology takes into consideration the statistical requirements of their jobs and the inadequacies that they show in the use of methods and similar techniques(AU)

Metodología para la gestión curricular del posgrado en estadística para el licenciado en Sistemas de Información en Salud / Methodology for the posdegree curricular management in statistics for the Health Information System university graduate

Teniendo en cuenta la necesidad e importancia de la superación de posgrado de los licenciados en Sistema de Información en Salud, se elaboró una metodología con el objetivo de favorecer el diseño de las diversas modalidades de este tipo de superación, para perfeccionar la formación estadística de estos profesionales y potenciar su desempeño laboral. Esta tiene en cuenta los requerimientos estadísticos de sus puestos de trabajo y las insuficiencias que muestran en el empleo de métodos y técnicas afines

Taking into account the necessity and importance of the posdegree training of Health Information System university graduates, a methodology aimed at favoring the design of the diverse modalities of this type of training was elaborated, to perfect the statistical education of these professionals and promote their working performance. This methodology takes into consideration the statistical requirements of their jobs and the inadequacies that they show in the use of methods and similar techniques

Polymerase chain reaction for the amplification of the 121-bp repetitive sequence of Schistosoma mansoni: a highly sensitive potential diagnostic tool for areas of low endemicity.

Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, whose diagnosis has limitations, such as the low sensitivity and specificity of parasitological and immunological methods, respectively. In the present study an alternative molecular technique requiring previous standardization was carried out using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the amplification of a 121-bp highly repetitive sequence for Schistosoma mansoni. DNA was extracted from eggs of S. mansoni by salting out. Different conditions were standardized for the PCR technique, including the concentration of reagents and the DNA template, annealing temperature and number of cycles, followed by the determination of the analytical sensitivity and specificity of the technique. Furthermore, the standardized PCR technique was employed in DNA extracted, using Chelex®100, from samples of sera of patients with an immunodiagnosis of schistosomiasis. The optimal conditions for the PCR were 2.5 mm MgCl2, 150 mm deoxynucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs), 0.4 µm primers, 0.75 U DNA polymerase, using 35 cycles and an annealing temperature of 63°C. The analytical sensitivity of the PCR was 10 attograms of DNA and the specificity was 100%. The DNA sequence was successfully detected in the sera of two patients, demonstrating schistosomiasis transmission, although low, in the community studied. The standardized PCR technique, using smaller amounts of reagents than in the original protocol, is highly sensitive and specific for the detection of DNA from S. mansoni and could be an important tool for diagnosis in areas of low endemicity.

Colestasis neonatal transitoria graveen un prematuro post-asfíctico: reportede un caso clínico / Severe transient neonatal cholestasis in a post-asphyxia prematurity: a case report

Resumen: Los recién nacidos tienen una inmadurez funcional y anatómica que, en los casos de enfermedadeshepáticas, puede provocar como signo principal la ictericia, y en conjunto con otros procesos extrahepáticoso sistémicos, condicionar la aparición de colestasis; con mayor acentuación en los prematuros. Las causas de la colestasis neonatal son diversas. Los pacientes cuya búsqueda etiológica resulta negativa pertenecen al grupo denominado como colestasis neonatal transitoria, la cual se caracteriza por colestasis de comienzo temprano en ausencia de causas conocidas, normalización de los parámetros clínicos y bioquímicos durante el seguimiento y el antecedente de algún episodio neonatal de asfixia, sepsis, nutrición parenteral total, entre otros. En este artículo se describe el caso clínico de un neonato gravemente enfermo, el cual fue hospitalizado en la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatal de la Clínica Santa Ana (Cuenca, Ecuador) con diagnóstico de prematuridad, asfixia perinatal, hipoglucemia grave, hemorragia pulmonar, miocardiopatía hipertrófica con hipertensión pulmonar, coagulación intravascular diseminada y anemia; que desarrolla colestasis neonatal transitoria grave con valores elevados de bilirrubina directa, no reportados en la literatura médica revisada, con adecuada respuesta al tratamiento y resolución total del cuadro clínico.

Abstract: Newborns have a functional and anatomical immaturity. In the liver diseases cases, this situation can trigger jaundice as the main sign and together with others extrahepatic and systemic processes can lead to cholestasis, with more severity in premature. Causes of neonatal cholestasis are diverse.Patients with negative etiological search belong to transient neonatal cholestasis group. This group is characterized by early-onset cholestasis, of unknown causes, with normalization of biochemical and clinical test results during the follow-up and the clinic history of an episode of asphyxia, sepsis, total parenteral nutrition, and others, during the neonatal period. The next clinical case is about a seriously ill newborn who was hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit of Clinica Santa Ana (Cuenca, Ecuador) with diagnosis of prematurity, perinatal asphyxia, severe hypoglycemia, pulmonary hemorrhage, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with pulmonary hypertension and anemia. The neonate develops severe transient neonatal cholestasis (with high direct bilirubin values that not previously reported in the reviewed literature) with favorable treatment response and complete clinical resolution.

Intervencionismo diagnóstico en patología de mama / Diagnostic intervention in breast disease

Con el desarrollo de los programas de detección precoz de cáncer de mama basados en la mamografía se han ido desarrollando de forma paralela técnicas de biopsia percutánea guiadas por la imagen para el diagnóstico de las lesiones detectadas sospechosas de cáncer de mama. Aunque la técnica tradicional de punción con aguja fina sigue teniendo indicaciones, se ha ido sustituyendo por las mas modernas técnicas de biopsia con aguja gruesa o sistemas de biopsia asistidos por vacío, con guía ecográfica, estereotáxica o por resonancia magnética (RM). Los resultados de esta técnica son de una alta fiabilidad, por lo que se ha reducido al mínimo la biopsia quirúrgica. El papel del radiólogo es determinante para el diagnóstico histológico del cáncer de mama en sus fases iniciales, la valoración de su extensión local y regional mediante la utilización de la RM y realización de la técnica del ganglio centinela (AU)

Imaging-guided percutaneous biopsy techniques have been developed to diagnose the lesions detected in breast cancer screening programs based on mammography. Although traditional fine-needle aspiration cytology continues to be indicated in some cases, in many others it has been supplanted by more modern techniques like core biopsy or vacuum-assisted biopsy guided by ultrasonography, stereotaxy, or magnetic resonance imaging. These highly reliable techniques have minimized the need for surgical biopsy. Radiologists play a key role in the histological diagnosis of breast cancer in the early stages of disease and in the evaluation of its local and regional extension through magnetic resonance imaging and sentinel node biopsy (AU)

[Diagnostic intervention in breast disease]. / Intervencionismo diagnóstico en patología de mama.

Imaging-guided percutaneous biopsy techniques have been developed to diagnose the lesions detected in breast cancer screening programs based on mammography. Although traditional fine-needle aspiration cytology continues to be indicated in some cases, in many others it has been supplanted by more modern techniques like core biopsy or vacuum-assisted biopsy guided by ultrasonography, stereotaxy, or magnetic resonance imaging. These highly reliable techniques have minimized the need for surgical biopsy. Radiologists play a key role in the histological diagnosis of breast cancer in the early stages of disease and in the evaluation of its local and regional extension through magnetic resonance imaging and sentinel node biopsy.

Impact of a CAD system in a screen-film mammography screening program: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to perform a prospective assessment of the impact of a CAD system in a screen-film mammography screening program during a period of 3 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study was carried out on a population of 21,855 asymptomatic women (45-65 years). Mammograms were processed in a CAD system and independently interpreted by one of six radiologists. We analyzed the following parameters: sensitivity of radiologist's interpretation (without and with CAD), detection increase, recall rate and positive predictive value of biopsy, CAD's marks, radiologist's false negatives and comparative analysis of carcinomas detected and non-detected by CAD. RESULTS: Detection rate was 4.3‰. CAD supposed an increase of 0.1‰ in detection rate and 1% in the total number of cases (p<0.005). The impact on recall rate was not significant (0.4%) and PPV of percutaneous biopsy was unchanged by CAD (20.23%). CAD's marks were 2.7 per case and 0.7 per view. Radiologist's false negatives were 13 lesions which were initially considered as CAD's false positives. CONCLUSIONS: CAD supposed a significant increase in detection, without modifications in recall rates and PPV of biopsy. However, better results could have been achieved if radiologists had considered actionable those cases marked by CAD but initially misinterpreted.

Percutaneous microductectomy with a directional vacuum-assisted system guided by ultrasonography for the treatment of breast discharge: experience in 63 cases.

BACKGROUND: Vacuum-assisted devices are becoming a useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of breast pathology. Recent publications show good results in percutaneous removal of benign lesions. PURPOSE: To discuss our experience in percutaneous excision of ductal lesions with a vacuum-assisted, ultrasound-guided directional system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2003 to July 2006, 63 patients with pathological nipple discharge and intraductal lesion identifiable on imaging were studied at two reference centers. Percutaneous excision with a vacuum-assisted device was offered as an alternative to surgery. RESULTS: A total of 71 lesions were diagnosed in 63 patients with a mean age of 52 years. All the patients presented nipple discharge. Mammography was normal in 65 cases (92%). Galactography showed an intraductal lesion in 67 cases (94%). Mean lesion size on ultrasonography was 7.4 mm (2-26 mm). Percutaneous excision was performed in 45 lesions (63%), while surgical excision was indicated in 26 lesions. The histopathological results in the 45 lesions biopsied demonstrated intraductal papilloma in 30 cases, dilated duct with papillomatous projections in 11, ductal ectasia with no papillary lesion in three, and a nonspecific benign result in one. Excision was considered complete in 41 lesions (91%). Clinical signs of discharge were resolved in 39 patients (95% of cases treated percutaneously). Mild complications occurred in four cases. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous excision of ductal lesions with an ultrasound-guided, vacuum-assisted device is a safe procedure with high diagnostic and therapeutic value for the management of breast discharge.

Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of non-palpable breast lesions: a prospective analysis in 204 cases.

PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic value of ultrasound (US)-guided 14 G core needle breast biopsy in non-palpable suspicious breast lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From August 1997 to April 2001, 198 patients with 204 suspicious non-palpable breast lesions underwent US-guided large core needle biopsy. Biopsies were performed with a free-hand technique using US equipment with a 7.5 MHz linear-array transducer; a minimum of three cores were obtained from each lesion. Pathological findings in US-guided core biopsy were correlated to findings in subsequent surgery or long-term (more than 2 years) imaging follow-up. RESULTS: Among the 204 non-palpable breast lesions for which histopathological findings were obtained by US-guided core biopsy, 118 were malignant (114 carcinoma, 2 metastasis, 1 lymphoma, and 1 malignant phyllodes tumor) and 86 were benign (4 carcinoma and 82 benign lesions confirmed at surgery or after at least 2 years of follow-up). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for diagnosis of malignancy in our series were 97%, 100%, 100%, and 95%, respectively. Diagnostic yield with 1, 2, 3, and 4 specimens per lesion was 73.5%, 88%, 94%, and 97.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: US-guided core needle biopsy is a sensitive percutaneous biopsy method for diagnosing non-palpable breast lesions. To achieve a high diagnostic yield, a minimum number of three cores per lesion is advisable.

Quantum tunneling at zero temperature in the strong friction regime.

In the large damping limit we derive a Fokker-Planck equation in configuration space (the so-called Smoluchowski equation) describing a Brownian particle immersed into a thermal environment and subjected to a nonlinear external force. We quantize this stochastic system and survey the problem of escape over a double-well potential barrier. Our finding is that the quantum Kramers rate does not depend on the friction coefficient at low temperatures; i.e., we predict a superfluidity phenomenon in overdamped open systems. Moreover, at zero temperature we show that the quantum escape rate does not vanish in the strong friction regime. This result, therefore, is in contrast with the work by Ankerhold et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 086802 (2001)]] in which no quantum tunneling is predicted at zero temperature.

Sonographically guided 11-G directional vacuum-assisted breast biopsy as an alternative to surgical excision: utility and cost study in probably benign lesions.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility and economic costs of the 11-G vacuum-assisted biopsy probe under ultrasound (US) guidance as an alternative to surgical excision in patients with probably benign lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: US-guided 11-G vacuum-assisted biopsy was performed in 102 probably benign breast lesions in 97 women who refused radiological follow-up. Complete removal of the lesion was intended in all cases. Open biopsy was done if questionable pathologic findings were present. Treatment was indicated if the diagnosis was malignant. Economic costs were estimated taking into consideration monetary expenses generated to the public health system, as well as expenses for the patients receiving percutaneous and open surgical biopsy. RESULTS: Median patient age was 42 years (range 18-77). Median lesion size was 14.7 mm (range 6-30 mm). Complete removal of the lesion seen at imaging was achieved in 72.5% of cases. Adequate tissue samples for histopathological evaluation were obtained in all cases. Surgical biopsy was recommended in nine cases. One patient diagnosed with mucinous carcinoma underwent immediate surgical treatment. The remaining 87 women with 92 lesions were included in a follow-up program. Economic cost of the 11-G vacuum-assisted percutaneous biopsy was 82% lower than the surgical biopsy (total savings in this series: 136,402.84 euros). Time spent for the patient was 71% less in percutaneous biopsy than in surgery. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided 11-G directional vacuum-assisted breast biopsy is an accurate and less expensive procedure that can be used as an alternative to open surgical excision in a selected group of patients.

Stoichiometric and kinetic studies of phenolic antioxidants from Andean purple corn and red-fleshed sweetpotato.

Stoichiometric and kinetic values of phenolics against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) were determined for Andean purple corn (Zea mays L.) and red sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas). Both crops had higher antioxidant capacity and antiradical kinetics than blueberries and higher or similar anthocyanin and phenolic contents. The second-order rate constant (k(2)) was 1.56, 1.12, 0.57, and 0.26 (mg antiradical/mL)(-1) s(-1) for red sweetpotato, Trolox, purple corn, and blueberry, respectively. On the molar basis of active hydroxyl groups, k(2)' showed the same order as for k(2). Corn cob and sweetpotato endodermis contributed the most in phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. Both crops studied can be considered as excellent novel sources of natural antioxidants for the functional food and dietary supplement markets.

Eschericia coli identificadas en pacientes con infecciones urinarias: sensibilidad antimicrobiana / Eschericia coli identified in patients with urinary infections: antimicrobial sensivity

Eschericia Coli es el microorganismo que con mayor frecuencia ocasiona infecciones del tracto urinario. Se le considera responsable del 90 por ciento de estas infecciones. El diagnóstico de certeza de las infecciones urinarias se efectúa por la identificación de bacteriuria significativa

Dopamine, hypertension and obesity.

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, precursor of noradrenaline, is responsible for cardiovascular and renal actions, such as increase in myocardial contractility and cardiac output, without changes in heart rate, producing passive and active vasodilatation, diuresis and natriuresis. These cardiovascular and renal actions take place through the interaction with dopamine receptors, D(1), D(2), D(3), D(4), and D(5). Recent findings point to the possibility of D(6) and D(7)receptors. Dopamine is known to influence the control of arterial pressure by influencing the central and peripheral nervous system and target organs such as kidneys and adrenal glands, in some types of hypertension. Although dopamine and its derivatives have been shown to have antihypertensive effects, these are still being studied; therefore it is important to explain some physiological and pharmacological aspects of dopamine, its receptors, and the clinical uses it could have in the treatment of arterial hypertension and more recently in obesity, based on evidence proving a clear association between obesity and the decrease in the expression of D(2) receptors in the brain of obese persons.

Utility of the tumor bed marker in patients with breast cancer receiving induction chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Induction or neoadjuvant chemotherapy is used in patients with locally advanced breast cancer to offer a higher rate of conservative surgery. The possibility of reduction in size, even in some cases complete clinical and mammographic regression, can make the localization of the tumor bed difficult at the time of surgery. The purpose of this study was to describe our experience about the utility of US-guided implantation of a metallic marker in patients with breast cancer before induction chemotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-three patients with 44 masses were diagnosed with percutaneous biopsy of breast carcinoma. Before beginning of the induction chemotherapy all of them were referred for metallic marker placement. A metallic harpoon was placed under US guidance. RESULTS: One patient died during the chemotherapy. Six underwent mastectomy, and 9 still had a palpable tumor at the time of surgery. In the remaining 27 patients (with 28 lesions) pre-operative wire localization of the tumor bed was carried out: in 11 cases the harpoon was necessary for the localization of the tumor bed, in 6 the harpoon was useful, and in 11 patients the localization of the tumor could have been done without the marker. No complications were observed and the marker remained stable in all patients. CONCLUSION: In patients who undergo induction chemotherapy, the placement of a metallic harpoon under US guidance is a safe, simple and inexpensive technique for localization of the tumor bed previous to conservative surgery.