User-Centered Design of a Diabetes Self-Management Tool for Underserved Populations.

BACKGROUND: User-centered design (UCD) or user experience design (UXD) methods have gained recent popularity for the design of mobile health (mHealth) interventions. However, there is a gap in application of these methods for diabetes self-management. This study aims to document the UCD process for a self-management mobile application aimed for patients with diabetes in underserved communities. METHODS: A UCD mixed-methods approach including interviews with patients and providers, a review of literature, and a technology landscape analysis were used to define the app functional information requirements that informed the user experience/user interface design process. Usability studies with the app designers and developers, intended users, and a focus group of nurse educators and dieticians were used to test and improve the design. RESULTS: An mHealth app was developed with health-tracking features for stress, blood sugar, food, exercise, medications, weight, and blood pressure. We tackled a range of usability and user experience challenges, which encompassed addressing issues like low health literacy by employing a combination of user interface design principles, intuitive visualizations, customizable icons, seamless database integration, and automated data input features. Special attention was given to the design of educational content accounting for the intended users' cultural background and literacy levels. CONCLUSIONS: User-centered design approach contributed to a better understanding of the intended users' needs, limitations, mental models, and expectations, facilitating the design of a comprehensive mobile app for patients with diabetes in underserved communities that includes essential features for self-management while providing a strong educational component, addressing an important gap in the literature.

Pulsatile tinnitus and imaging diagnosis. A case report.

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in one or both ears when no external noise exists to cause that perception. It can be otological, neurological, drug-related, traumatic, due to exposure to high decibel levels, or associated with a vascular abnormality-the latter usually causing pulsatile tinnitus. We present the diagnostic image of a patient with pulsatile tinnitus with terminal plate dehiscence of the jugular bulb and review the diagnostic workup. Jugular bulb dehiscence is a venous variant that consists of an upper and lateral extension of the jugular bulb into the middle ear through a dehiscent sigmoid plate. It is the most common vascular anatomical variant of the petrous portion of the temporal bone. Imaging studies are essential for establishing a diagnosis and defining possible anatomical variants.

Copper induces damage, oxidative stress and cell death in endothelium of chronic intoxicated Wistar rats / El cobre induce daño, estrés oxidativo y muerte celular en el endotelio de ratas Wistar intoxicadas

SUMMARY: Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are part of the functional balance of various systems, they can generate cellular damage by oxidative stress associated with disease processes such as atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and aging. Some studies report that copper induces damage to the endothelium, which could be associated with cardiovascular pathologies. This study was an experimental comparative, prospective, longitudinal, and controlled clinical trial in a murine animal model. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were included, the distribution of the groups was time-depending chronic exposition to copper, and a control group. Results show gradual alterations in the groups treated with copper: areas with loss of the endothelium, signs of disorganization of smooth muscle fibers in the tunica media, as well as areas with the fragmentation of the elastic sheets. A significant statistical difference was observed in the active- Caspase-3 analysis expression in the aortic endothelium and endothelium of the capillaries and arterioles of the lung between the control group vs 300 ppm of copper. Expression of eNOS was detected in the endothelium of the aorta and vessels of the lung. Our study shows histological changes in the walls of the great vessels of intoxicated rats with copper, and the increment of inflammatory cells in the alveoli of the study model, mainly at a high dose of copper exposition. These results will be useful to understand more about the mediators involved in the effect of copper over endothelium and cardiovascular diseases in chronic intoxication in humans.

RESUMEN: Las Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno (ROS) son parte del equilibrio funcional de varios sistemas, pueden generar daño celular por estrés oxidativo asociado a procesos patológicos como aterosclerosis, enfermedades cardiovasculares, diabetes y envejecimiento. Algunos estudios informan que el cobre induce daños en el endotelio, lo que podría estar asociado a patologías cardiovasculares. Este estudio fue un ensayo clínico experimental comparativo, prospectivo, longitudinal y controlado en un modelo animal murino. Se incluyeron veinticuatro ratas Wistar macho, la distribución de los grupos fue la exposición crónica al cobre en función del tiempo y un grupo de control. Los resultados muestran alteraciones graduales en los grupos tratados con cobre: áreas con pérdida del endotelio, signos de desorganización de las fibras musculares lisas en la túnica media, así como áreas con la fragmentación de las láminas elásticas. Se observó una diferencia estadística significativa en la expresión del análisis de caspasa-3 activa en el endotelio aórtico y el endotelio de los capilares y arteriolas del pulmón entre el grupo de control frente a 300 ppm de cobre. Se detectó expresión de eNOS en el endotelio de la aorta y los vasos del pulmón. Nuestro estudio muestra cambios histológicos en las paredes de los grandes vasos de ratas intoxicadas con cobre, y el incremento de células inflamatorias en los alvéolos del modelo de estudio, principalmente a una alta dosis de exposición de cobre. Estos resultados serán útiles para comprender más sobre los mediadores involucrados en el efecto del cobre sobre el endotelio y las enfermedades cardiovasculares en la intoxicación crónica en humanos.

From Inflammation to the Onset of Fibrosis through A2A Receptors in Kidneys from Deceased Donors.

Pretransplant graft inflammation could be involved in the worse prognosis of deceased donor (DD) kidney transplants. A2A adenosine receptor (A2AR) can stimulate anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, leading to fibrosis if injury and inflammation persist. Pre-implantation biopsies of kidney donors (47 DD and 21 living donors (LD)) were used to analyze expression levels and activated intracellular pathways related to inflammatory and pro-fibrotic processes. A2AR expression and PKA pathway were enhanced in DD kidneys. A2AR gene expression correlated with TGF-ß1 and other profibrotic markers, as well as CD163, C/EBPß, and Col1A1, which are highly expressed in DD kidneys. TNF-α mRNA levels correlated with profibrotic and anti-inflammatory factors such as TGF-ß1 and A2AR. Experiments with THP-1 cells point to the involvement of the TNF-α/NF-κB pathway in the up-regulation of A2AR, which induces the M2 phenotype increasing CD163 and TGF-ß1 expression. In DD kidneys, the TNF-α/NF-κB pathway could be involved in the increase of A2AR expression, which would activate the PKA-CREB axis, inducing the macrophage M2 phenotype, TGF-ß1 production, and ultimately, fibrosis. Thus, in inflamed DD kidneys, an increase in A2AR expression is associated with the onset of fibrosis, which may contribute to graft dysfunction and prognostic differences between DD and LD transplants.

Anatomical variations of the acromial and coracoid process: clinical relevance.

PURPOSE: The acromial and coracoid process morphology is of clinical relevance due to associations with functional limitations and shoulder pathology. Our objective was to describe the anatomical characteristics of the acromial and coracoid process using computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Descriptive, observational, transversal and retrospective study. A total of 155 CT of patients without shoulder pathology, of both genders, and indistinct age were evaluated and grouped by age: Group 1 < 25 years; group 2 25-40 years; group 3 > 40 years. The following parameters were evaluated: Acromial type (AcT), vertical coracoid distance (VCD), acromial tilt (AT), acromial projection (AP), critical shoulder angle (CSA), type of the subcoracoid outlet (TSO), and the area of the subcoracoid outlet (ASO). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between men and women for VCD (14.44 ± 4.79 vs. 11.76 ± 4.00 mm; p < 0.001) and AP (3.66 ± 4.71 vs. 1.62 ± 4.99 mm; p < 0.05) as well as between age groups 1 and 3 for AT (35.08 ± 11.53 vs. 28.41 ± 6.60; p < 0.05) and ASO (398.99 ± 153.91 vs. 255.56 ± 124.58 mm2; p < 0.001). An unexpected high ASO variation was identified with 11% of S-shaped acromion and 1.3% clock-shaped TSO. CONCLUSION: The age group between 25-40 years had the most uniform distribution of data. There is a high morphological variability present in an asymptomatic population, which should be considered in the clinical assessment such as shoulder impingement syndrome.

Acute appendicitis in Amyand's hernia: ultrasound findings and histopathology correlation. A case report.

Amyand's hernia is an uncommon form of inguinal hernia. It represents <1% of all hernias and its complication with appendicitis is still rarer with 0.1-0.13% being reported. A 78-year-old woman was taken to the emergency room with pain in the right groin. The patient was assessed by ultrasound with the clinical suspicion of an inguinal hernia. We present the ultrasonographic features of appendicitis within an inguinal hernia sac. A tubular image that terminated in a blind-ended tip in the longitudinal plane and a target image on the cross-sectional plane were consistent with the sonographically demonstrated appendix. The diagnosis of Amyand's hernia is difficult in the clinical setting. The patient is frequently referred to surgery with the diagnosis of an incarcerated hernia. Ultrasound is a good imaging modality that detects and characterizes this uncommon condition.

The importance of diagnostic imaging of mycetoma in the foot.

BACKGROUND: Mycetoma is a chronic, localized infection caused by fungi and bacteria. It usually affects the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and bone of exposed areas with deformity of the affected limb, ulcers, and fistula; however, pain is not severe, therefore the patient comes late to hospital for care. OBJECTIVE: To establish the diagnosis of mycetoma in the foot by imaging and identify the principal radiological signs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients with foot mycetoma were evaluated with plain x-ray, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance (MR) after confirming the diagnosis by histopathology and culture. RESULTS: All patients presented the MR "dot-in-circle" sign; four presented "punched out" bone lesions on plain x-ray. The six patients had fistulas, ulceration, a seropurulent exudate, edema, and a foot deformity. Four patients had N. brasiliensis infection with positive anti-Nocardia IgG antibodies, and only half presented bone lesions. CONCLUSION: Characteristic findings were foot deformity, edema, bone lesions, ulcers, fistulas and the presence of the "dot-in-circle" sign. We recommend a comprehensive study of patients with plain x-ray and MR.

Poverty, population density, and the epidemiology of burns in young children from Mexico treated at a U.S. pediatric burn facility.

INTRODUCTION: Children 5 and younger are at risk for sustaining serious burn injuries. The causes of burns vary depending on demographic, cultural and socioeconomic variables. At this pediatric burn center we provided medical care to children from Mexico with severe injuries. The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of demographic distribution and modifiable risk factors of burns in young children to help guide prevention. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed with children 5 and younger from Mexico who were injured from 2000-2013. The medical records of 447 acute patients were reviewed. Frequency counts and percentages were used to identify geographic distribution and calculate incidence of burns. Microsoft Powermap software was used to create a geographical map of Mexico based on types of burns. A binomial logistic regression was used to model the incidence of flame burns as opposed to scald burns in each state with relation to population density and poverty percentage. In all statistical tests, alpha=0.05 for a 95% level of confidence. RESULTS: Burns were primarily caused by flame and scald injuries. Admissions from flame injuries were mainly from explosions of propane tanks and gas lines and house fires. Flame injuries were predominantly from the states of Jalisco, Chihuahua, and Distrito Federal. Scalds were attributed to falling in large containers of hot water or food on the ground, and spills of hot liquids. Scald injuries were largely from the states of Oaxaca, Distrito Federal, and Hidalgo. The odds of a patient having flame burns were significantly associated with poverty percentage (p<0.0001) and population density (p=0.0085). Increasing levels of poverty led to decrease in odds of a flame burn, but an increase in the odds of scald burns. Similarly, we found that increasing population density led to a decrease in the odds of a flame burn, but an increase in the odds of a scald burn. CONCLUSIONS: Burns in young children from Mexico who received medical care at this pediatric burn center were attributed to flame and scalds. Potential demographic associations have been identified. Different states in Mexico have diverse cultural and socioeconomic variables that may influence the etiology of burns in young children and this information may help efficiently tailor burn prevention campaigns for burn prevention efforts in each region. APPLICABILITY OF RESEARCH TO PRACTICE: This information will be used to develop and help modify existing prevention campaigns.

El profesional de urgencias, la limitación de tratamiento de soporte vital y las opciones de donación / Emergency department staff, the limitation of life-sustaining treatment, and the feasibility of organ donation

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The epidemiology of burns in young children from Mexico treated at a U.S. hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Young children are the most vulnerable for sustaining burns. At this pediatric burn hospital we have provided medical care to young children with severe burns from Mexico for many years. This study identified modifiable risk factors that could be used to assist in prevention of burns in this age group. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed with children <5 years of age from Mexico who were injured from 2000 to 2013. The medical records of 447 acute patients were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 187 females and 260 males with large burns >20% total body surface area (TBSA) burned. Primary causes of burns were flame and scalds. Children with flame injuries were older (3.0±1.5 years of age) than those with scalds (2.6±1.2 years of age). Admissions attributed to flame burns were largely from explosions by propane tanks, gas line leaks, and house fires. Most admissions for scalds were predominantly from falling in large containers of hot water, food, or grease; and fewer were attributed to spills from hot liquids. Most cases reported to a social service agency were to find resources for families. Mortality rate for flame and scald burns was low. CONCLUSIONS: It is important take into account demographic, cultural, and socioeconomic variables when developing and implementing prevention programs. Burn prevention instruction for parents is crucial.

The Importance of Esophagography in Patients With Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess esophageal damage in patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) with or without dysphagia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients with either severe generalized or another generalized form of RDEB recruited through a research and support foundation were evaluated for obstructive esophageal lesions by means of barium esophagography. RESULTS: All patients, even those without dysphagia, had at least one stenosis; five patients had two stenoses. Stenotic lesions occurred most often (74%) in the upper third of the esophagus. CONCLUSION: Esophageal stenosis is a common complication in patients with RDEB, even when they do not have dysphagia. We recommend regular esophagographic examinations of all patients with RDEB.

Ectopia testicular cruzada: Caso clínico

Objetivos: Presentación de un paciente con ectopia testicular cruzada. Métodos: Se presenta la historia clínica del paciente, el resultado del ultrasonido abdominal e inguinal y los hallazgos de la exploración quirúrgica.. Resultados: Pre-escolar de 6 años de edad, quien consultó por presentar criptorquidia bilateral. En el examen físico no se encontró el testículo derecho en la bolsa escrotal ni en el canal inguinal. El testículo izquierdo estaba ubicado en el tercio inferior del canal inguinal. El ultrasonido inguino-escrotal y abdominal mostró el testículo izquierdo retenido en el canal inguinal y ausencia del testículo derecho. Se practicó intervención quirúrgica comprobándose ausencia del testículo derecho y de integrantes del cordón espermático, tanto a nivel del canal inguinal como en el retroperitoneo de ese lado. En el canal inguinal izquierdo se encontró doble cordón espermático, con proceso vaginal común para ambos testículos, los cuales estaban ubicados en el tercio inferior del canal inguinal. Se realizó liberación del proceso vaginal, separación de los cordones espermáticos y descenso de los testículos por el lado izquierdo, con transposición del septum inter-escrotal y pexia de ambas bolsas escrotales. Se comprobó evolución satisfactoria un año después de la intervención. Conclusiones: La ectopia testicular cruzada es una anomalía infrecuente del descenso testicular. El diagnóstico del caso que presentamos fue transoperatorio, al realizar la orquidopexia izquierda. Ambos testículos fueron descendidos a sus respectivas bolsas escrotales, con evolución satisfactoria un año después de la intervención.

Objectives: To present a patient with transverse testicular ectopia. Methods: The patient’s clinical history, the abdominal and inguinal ultrasound study, and the surgical findings are presented. Results: This is a 6-years-old school-boy, who was admitted because of bilateral undescended testes. His right testicle was absent from his scrotal sac and from the inguinal canal. The left testicle was located in the lower end of the inguinal canal. Inguinal and abdominal ultrasound study showed absent right testis, and the left testicle located in the inguinal region. At surgery, the right testis was not found in the inguinal canal, neither in the retroperitoneal space. Double vas deferens, and a unique vaginalis processus were found, and both testes were located lower in the left inguinal canal. The vaginalis processus was liberated, the vas deferens were set apart, and both testes were descended through the left side. Transposition of the inter-scrotal septum and orchiopexy of both scrotal sacs was performed. Satisfactory evolution was confirmed one year after surgical intervention. Conclusions: Transverse testicular ectopia is a rare condition. The case from this presentation was diagnosed when the surgical intervention was performed to correct the left cryptorchid testis. Both testes were descended to their respective scrotal sacs. Satisfactory evolution was confirmed one year after surgery.

Vía clínica del carcinoma colorrectal. Elaboración a partir del análisis del proceso / Clinical pathway for colorectal carcinoma. Design based on an analysis of the process

Objetivo: Las vías clínicas son herramientas para la gestión de la calidad que establecen protocolos para determinados procesos. El carcinoma colorrectal es el tumor digestivo más frecuentemente tratado en los servicios de cirugía de nuestro país, y en su atención hay numerosos factores que producen una gran variabilidad. El objetivo de este trabajo es exponer el proceso de elaboración de la vía clínica del tratamiento del carcinoma colorrectal en cirugía programada. Metodología: Para su elaboración se seleccionó un grupo de trabajo formado por los representantes de los profesionales implicados en su asistencia. Se analizó una serie de 60 pacientes intervenidos con el diagnóstico de carcinoma colorrectal previo a la elaboración de la vía clínica para la identificación de los puntos débiles. Resultado: Se identificaron como principales puntos débiles los siguientes: estudio incompleto de extensión preoperatorio, falta de información a los pacientes portadores de ostomías, protocolos quirúrgicos y patológicos con déficit de información relevante y ausencia de protocolo de seguimiento oncológico estandarizado. Para dar respuesta satisfactoria a los mencionados puntos débiles, se elaboraron los documentos principales de la vía clínica y unos protocolos asociados. Conclusiones: La elaboración de una vía clínica en el proceso de carcinoma colorrectal está plenamente justificada por el número de pacientes atendidos en nuestro hospital y la elevada variabilidad en su asistencia. El análisis del proceso, la revisión bibliográfica y el consenso de los participantes son las bases fundamentales en las que se ha apoyado su elaboración (AU)

Tumor de células de la granulosa variedad juvenil: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Juvenile type granulosa cell tumor: report of/a case an revission of the literature

Los tumores de ovario aunque son las neoplasias más frecuentes del tracto genital en la infancia representan menos del 5 por ciento de los tumores malignos en niñas y adolescentes. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar el caso de una adolescente con tumor de ovario de células de la granulosa variedad juvenil por ser el primer caso que se presenta en el Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Los Andes. Los tumores de ovario de la granulosa se subdividen en dos tipos: variedad adulta más frecuente (95 por ciento) con pobre pronóstico y la variedad juvenil que ocurre en las tres primeras décadas de la vida, son hormonosecretantes y provocan pubertad pseudo precoz. En su diagnóstico, además de los exámenes paraclínicos e imagenológicos para tumor de ovario, se deben solicitar niveles séricos de esteroides, tanto como postoperatorio. Estos tumores son de pronóstico favorable y en su tratamiento sólo es necesaria la exéresis de la tumoración