Prevalence and clinical characteristics of uveitic glaucoma: multicentric study in Bogotá, Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical features of patients diagnosed with uveitic glaucoma (UG) and ocular hypertension secondary to uveitis (OHT-SU). METHODS: A multicentric cross-sectional study using medical records of patients with uveitis between 2013 and 2021. Uveitis and glaucoma specialists examined all patients. Variables were analyzed using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. Additionally, t test, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis variance analysis were used for continuous variables. Finally, a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for UG and OHT-SU development over time was done. RESULTS: Of the 660 clinical records reviewed of patients with uveitis, 191 (28.9%) had OHT-SU in at least one visit, and 108 (16.4%) of them developed UG. In all ages, females were more affected than males. Anterior uveitis was the main anatomic localisation, and non-granulomatous, recurrent, and inactive uveitis were the most frequent clinical features. The mean final visual acuity was 0.3 (0.0-1.0) LogMAR. Also, 95.8% of the patients had additional sequelae related to uveitis regardless of UG and OHT-SU. Interestingly, males had earlier affection, with statistical significance in OHT for adults (P = 0.036) and UG for children (P = 0.04). Of all patients, 81.1% received topical hypotensive treatment and 29.8% required a surgical procedure. CONCLUSIONS: UG and OHT-SU are common complications of uveitis in the Colombian population. These sight-threatening conditions were more common and appeared sooner in men at any age. Our results suggest that earlier and more aggressive treatment with topical hypotensive agents could positively influence the visual outcomes and the requirement of surgical procedures.

Congenital pelvic kidney perfusion during infrarenal aortic aneurysm repair.

Purpose: This case report describes a patient with a pelvic kidney associated with an aortoiliac aneurysm amenable to open repair. Methods: We chose the selective cold renal perfusion to preserve renal function. Results: Other techniques such as transient or permanent extra-anatomic bypass, extracorporeal circulation and proximal aortic double clamping are also described in this report. Conclusions: Choosing the renal perfusion technique depended on the anatomical evaluations of the kidney and the renal artery location during the preoperative period.

Effect of a native bacterial consortium on growth, yield, and grain quality of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum) under different nitrogen rates in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico.

A field experiment was carried out to quantify the effect of a native bacterial inoculant on the growth, yield, and quality of the wheat crop, under different nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates in two agricultural seasons. Wheat was sown under field conditions at the Experimental Technology Transfer Center (CETT-910), as a representative wheat crop area from the Yaqui Valley, Sonora México. The experiment was conducted using different doses of nitrogen (0, 130, and 250 kg N ha-1) and a bacterial consortium (BC) (Bacillus subtilis TSO9, B. cabrialesii subsp. tritici TSO2T, B. subtilis TSO22, B. paralicheniformis TRQ65, and Priestia megaterium TRQ8). Results showed that the agricultural season affected chlorophyll content, spike size, grains per spike, protein content, and whole meal yellowness. The highest chlorophyll and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values, as well as lower canopy temperature values, were observed in treatments under the application of 130 and 250 kg N ha-1 (the conventional Nitrogen dose). Wheat quality parameters such as yellow berry, protein content, Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-Sedimentation, and whole meal yellowness were affected by the N dose. Moreover, the application of the native bacterial consortium, under 130 kg N ha-1, resulted in a higher spike length and grain number per spike, which led to a higher yield (+1.0 ton ha-1 vs. un-inoculated treatment), without compromising the quality of grains. In conclusion, the use of this bacterial consortium has the potential to significantly enhance wheat growth, yield, and quality while reducing the nitrogen fertilizer application, thereby offering a promising agro-biotechnological alternative for improving wheat production.

MicroPulse Transscleral Laser Therapy in Patients With Glaucoma and Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid.

A non-comparative retrospective case-series study was performed on 6 patients (12 eyes) with a confirmed diagnosis of ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP), treated with MicroPulse Transscleral Laser Therapy (MP-TLT), between January 2018 and 2020, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years, in a private ophthalmology practice with offices in Argentina and Colombia. Mean age was 75±6.3 years (66-83 yrs). The severity of ocular cicatricial pemphigoid remained stable 2 years after MP-TLT. Baseline mean IOP was 19.5±5.9 mmHg (13-30 mmHg) and, 24 months after treatment, IOP decreased to a mean of 13.9±1.9 mmHg (10-18 mmHg). The mean IOP reduction was 25.1% ( P : 0.002). The mean number of anti-glaucomatous drugs at baseline was 3.1±0.7, decreasing to 0.6±0.7, 2 years after MP-TLT ( P <0.001). MP-TLT may be considered as a non-incisional approach to glaucoma care for patients with ocular surface diseases, prospective long term studies are needed.

FOXE1 polymorphisms and chronic exposure to nitrates in drinking water cause metabolic dysfunction, thyroid abnormalities, and genotoxic damage in women.

Nitrates in drinking water has been associated to adverse health effects, including changes in glucose and lipid levels, thyroid hormone imbalance and adverse reproductive effects. We analyzed metabolic and thyroid hormone alterations and genotoxic damage in women with chronic exposure to nitrates in drinking water. The concentration of nitrates in drinking water was quantified and according to this parameter, participants were divided into three exposure scenarios. Blood and urine samples were collected from 420 women living in Durango, Mexico and biomarkers were determined. We found nitrates concentrations in drinking water above the permissible limit (>50 mg/L), and an increase in the percentage of methemoglobin (p=0.0001), nitrite in blood plasma and urine (p=0.0001), glucose (p=0.0001), total cholesterol (p=0.001), LDL (p=0.001) and triglycerides (p=0.0001). We also found alterations in TSH (p=0.01), fT3 (p=0.0003), T4T (p=0.01) and fT4 (p=0.0004) hormones. Frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism was 8.33%; differences in FOXE1 (rs965513, rs1867277) genotypes distribution were found and both polymorphisms were associated with a decrease in TSH. A high percentage of micronucleus in binucleate lymphocyte cells was found (35%, p=0.0001). In conclusion, the chronic exposure to nitrates in water for human consumption caused metabolic and hormonal alterations and genotoxic damage in women.

Regulation of the Tpo, Tg, Duox2, Pds, and Mct8 genes involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones after subchronic exposure to sodium nitrate in female Wistar rats.

Nitrates are natural compounds present in soil and water; however, the intense use of fertilizers has increased their presence in groundwater with deleterious effects on human health. There is evidence of nitrates acting as endocrine disruptors; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully described. Here, we investigated the effect of subchronic exposure to different concentrations of sodium nitrate in female Wistar rats, evaluating thyroid hormonal parameters, such as Nis transporter (Na+ /I- symporter, Slc5a5) and Tsh-R receptor protein expression, as well as transcription of the Tpo (thyroperoxidase), Tg (tiroglobulin), Duox2 (dual oxidase 2), Pds (pendrin), and Mct8 (Mct8 transporter, Slc16a2) genes. Hematological and histochemical changes in the liver and thyroid were also explored. Significant differences were found in platelet and leukocyte counts; although a significant increase in the weight of the thyroid gland was observed, no differences were found in the levels of the hormones Tsh, T3, and T4, but a modulation of the mRNA expression of the Tg, Tpo, Duox2, Mct8, and Pds genes was observed. Morphological changes were also found in liver and thyroid tissue according to the exposure doses. In conclusion, subchronic exposure to sodium nitrate induces leukocytosis consistent with an inflammatory response and upregulation of Sod2 in the liver and increases the expression of genes involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, keeping thyroid hormone levels stable. Histological changes in the thyroid gland suggest a goitrogenic effect.

Delayed Calcium Normalization after Successful Parathyroidectomy in Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

INTRODUCTION: Parathyroidectomy is the curative treatment option in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). The decrease of parathormone (PTH) by 50% or more from levels prior to surgery after excision predicts successful parathyroidectomy. Serum calcium is expected to return to normal within 24-72 hours after the surgery; however, nearly 10% have transient, persistent postoperative hypercalcemia. We present a case report of delayed calcium normalization after successful parathyroidectomy in a 38-year-old patient with PHPT. METHODS: Parathyroidectomy was performed, with evidence of a decrease in PTH levels of more than 50% in the first 24 hours postoperatively compared to presurgical PTH; however, despite curative parathyroidectomy, a delayed calcium normalization was evidenced, with hypercalcemia persistence up to 120 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: After the first month postoperatively, serum calcium remained normal. In conclusion, approximately 10% of patients with curative parathyroidectomy have transient, persistent postoperative hypercalcemia, which is more likely to occur in patients with higher preoperative serum calcium and PTH levels. CONCLUSION: Persistent hypercalcemia after the first month postoperatively is related with persistent PHPT, highlighting the importance of calcium monitoring after parathyroidectomy to predict short-term, medium-term, and long-term outcomes and prognosis.

Management Of Glaucoma In Developing Countries: Challenges And Opportunities For Improvement.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the developed and developing world. Not only is the clinical impact of this disease considerable, but associated economic and humanistic burdens - affecting patients, caregivers, and society - are substantial. Since glaucoma is an age-related disorder and populations in many developing countries are aging at a faster pace than in the developed world, increasing attention is being focused on ways to ameliorate the burdens of illness. In this paper, we examine the burdens of glaucoma with particular focus on developing countries, discuss some of the challenges that exist in delivering optimal glaucoma management within budget constraints, and bring into perspective how we could improve current healthcare systems, leverage technology, and strike an appropriate balance between cost and quality of care, thereby offering considerations to payors and policymakers in these countries that may result in longer-term cost savings, while concurrently striving to achieve the WHO Vision on the prevention of blindness and visual impairment.

In vitro comparative study of apical microfiltration in retrograde fillings between dental cements: MTA Repair Hp and Biodentine / Estudio comparativo"in vitro" de lamicro filtración apical en obturaciones retrógradasentre cementos dentales: MTA Repair Hp y Biodentine

Abstract Objective: To compare "in vitro" the degree of bacterial microfiltration in the apical third of the root canal, when performing the retrograde filling technique using two endodontic cements: MTA Repair Hp (Angellus) and Biodentine (Septodont). Materials and methods: Twenty-two uniradicular teeth were used (upper central and lateral incisors), whose ducts were instrumented up to the working length with the Limas K File hand instruments (Dentsply / Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). The teeth were randomly divided into 4 groups A, B, C and D, group A and B of 10 teeth each. The root canals of group A were obturated using retrograde technique with MTA Repair Hp, and those of Group B with Biodentine, Group C root canals positive control, Group D root canals negative control. The samples were screened and photographed, and the images were analyzed in the three thirds root using the program Motic Images 5.0. Results: Group A (MTA Repair Hp) showed a greater penetration of Chinese ink in the last 3 millimeters of the apical third, as well as in the middle third in relation to Group B (Biodentine), and although this difference was not statistically significant one observed a tendency to smaller microfiltrations with Biodentine. Conclusion: The technique of retrograde obturation with Biodentine presents a greater tendency to provide a more hermetic peripheral seal of the apical third, as compared to the retrograde obturation technique with MTA Repair Hp.

Resumen Objetivo: Comparar "in vitro" el grado de microfiltración bacteriana en el tercio apical del conducto radicular, al realizar la técnica de obturación retrógrada mediante el uso de dos cementos endodónticos: el MTA Repair Hp (Angellus) y el Biodentine (Septodont). Materiales y Métodos: Se utilizaron 22 dientes uniradiculares extraídos (incisivos centrales y laterales superiores) cuyos conductos fueron instrumentados hasta la longitud de trabajo con los instrumentos manuales Limas K File (Dentsply/Maillefer, Ballaigues, Suiza). Los dientes se dividieron al azar en 4 grupos A, B, C y D, el grupo A y B de 10 piezas dentales cada uno. Los conductos radiculares del grupo A fueron obturados mediante técnica retrógrada con MTA Repair Hp, y los del Grupo B con Biodentine, Grupo C conducto control positivo, Grupo D conducto control negativo. Las muestras fueron transparentadas y fotografiadas, y las imágenes se analizaron en los tres tercios radiculares mediante el programa Motic Images 5.0. Resultados: El grupo A (MTA Repair Hp) mostró una penetración mayor de la tinta china en los 3 últimos milímetros del tercio apical, así como en tercio medio respecto al Grupo B (Biodnetine), y aunque esta diferenciano fue estadísticamente significativa si se observa una tendencia a menores microfiltraciones con el Biodentine. Conclusión: La técnica de obturación retrógrada con Biodentine presenta una mayor tendencia a brindar un sellado periférico más hermético del tercio apical, en comparación con la técnica de obturación retrógrada con MTA Repair Hp.

CHRNA3 rs1051730 and CHRNA5 rs16969968 polymorphisms are associated with heavy smoking, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a mexican population.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Smoking is a major public health problem worldwide. Polymorphisms in CHRNA3, CHRNA5, and CHRNB4 receptors play a critical role in nicotine dependence, lung cancer (LC) risk, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study characterized the CHRNA3 rs1051730 and CHRNA5 rs16969968 polymorphisms in a Mexican population and its association with nicotine dependence, LC, and COPD. METHODS: The study included 312 healthy individuals, 74 LC cases and 117 COPD cases. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan probes, and the data were analyzed using logistic regression adjusted for covariates. RESULTS: The polymorphism CHRNA3 rs1051730 and CHRNA5 rs16969968 were in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and the allelic frequency of the A allele was 0.15, for both polymorphisms. The smokers were stratified in heavy smokers and moderate/light smokers, and we found in A alleles an OR = 2.86 (P = 0.01) to CHRNA3 rs1051730 and OR = 3.12 (P = 0.03) to CHRNA5 rs16969968. In addition, the A alleles in CHRNA3 rs1051730 and CHRNA5 rs16969968 were associated with the risk for LC (OR = 1.66, P = 0.07 and OR = 1.57, P = 0.1, respectively) and for COPD (OR = 2.04, P = 0.01 and OR = 1.91, P = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSION: CHRNA3/5 polymorphisms are associated with nicotine dependence, LC, and COPD in Mexicans.

Discapacidad en Colombia: un reto en la educación superior inclusiva / Disability in Colombia: challenges for inclusive higher education

La inclusión de las personas con discapacidad en el sistema educativo de Colombia y más específicamente en la formación superior, se constituye en un desafío para las Instituciones. Desde el plano regional hasta el plano local se logran identificar elementos de similitud en los procesos y en los avances. Asimismo, se identifican falencias y requerimientos estructurales que condicionan el ingreso, permanencia y egreso de la población con discapacidad a procesos de formación en educación superior. Desde esta perspectiva, el presente documento articula la reflexión académica sobre el estado actual de las prácticas inclusivas en Educación Superior en Colombia, estableciendo elementos que permitan vislumbrar los desafíos a los que ésta se encuentra abocada para lograr su propósito de inclusión social de las personas con discapacidad.

The inclusion in the Colombian educative system of people with disabilities and especially at the higher-level is a challenge for the Institutions. Form the regional level to local level, is able to recognize elements of similarity in the processes and progress. It also identifies gaps and structural requirements that determine the entry, stay and exit of people with disabilities in higher education. From this perspective, this paper articulates the academic reflection on the current state of inclusive practices in Higher Education in Colombia, providing evidence to discern the challenges that it has been striving to achieve its purpose of social inclusion of people with disability.