Two countries, similar practices: the political practices of the food industry influencing the adoption of key public health nutrition policies in Guatemala and Panama

To identify the corporate political activity (CPA) strategies used by food industry actors during the development of two public health nutrition policies in Central America: Law #570 (taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages) in Panama and Bill #5504 (labelling and food marketing regulations) in Guatemala. We triangulated data from publicly available information from 2018 to 2020, (e.g. industry and government materials; social media material) with semistructured interviews with key stakeholders. Guatemala and Panama. Participants: Government, academia and international organisations workers in health and nutrition. CPA strategies were categorised according to an existing internationally used taxonomy into action-based, instrumental strategies (coalition management, information management, direct involvement and influence in policy, legal action) and discursive strategies. Instrumental strategies included the establishment of relationships with policymakers and direct lobbying against the proposed public policies. Discursive strategies were mainly criticising on the unfounded ground that they lacked evidence of effectiveness and will imply negative impacts on the economy. The industry pointed at individuals for making their own food choices, in order to shift the focus away from the role of its products in contributing to ill health. We provide evidence of the political practices used by the food industry to interfere with the development and implementation of public health nutrition policies to improve diets in Central America. Policymakers, public health advocates and the public should be informed about those practices and develop counterstrategies and arguments to protect the public and policies from the vested interests of the food industry.

Protein-Energy Supplementation in Early-Life Decreases the Odds of Mental Distress in Later Adulthood in Guatemala

The prevalence of mental health concerns is growing worldwide, along with lack of access to and receipt of needed treatment. Current gaps in treatment provision have led to exploring alternative methods of prevention, with research linking nutrition and mental health, of particular relevance in low- and middle-income countries, with a high prevalence of undernutrition. To examine whether exposure to a protein-energy nutritional supplement during the first 1000 d of life decreased odds of mental distress in adulthood among men and women in Guatemala compared with receiving a low energy-no protein supplement or supplementation outside the 1000-d window. Data from participants (n = 1249) in a longitudinal cohort protein-energy supplementation trial (early-life, supplementation data from 1969 to 1977, ages 0­7 y; life course, outcome data from 2017­2018 follow-up, ages 40­57 y) were analyzed for associations between nutrition in the first 1000 d and mental distress in adulthood (WHO Self- Reporting Questionnaire 20 [SRQ-20]), controlling for early-life variables and current life stress; life course variables (e.g. education) were examined as potential mediators of this relation. Generalized linear mixed models and zero-inflated Poisson generalized linear mixed models were utilized. Both partial and full supplementation with Atole during the first 1000 d were associated with 63% (95% CI: 0.16, 0.87) and 56% (95% CI: 0.19, 1.03) lower odds, respectively, of experiencing mental distress in adulthood. Did not differ by sex. These inverse relations remained relatively unchanged (partial OR = 0.34 [95% CI: 0.14, 0.83]; full OR = 0.38 [95% CI: 0.16, 0.92]) after controlling for early-life and life course variables, including life stress. Protein-energy supplementation during the first 1000 d of life in Guatemala, where undernutrition is prevalent, may reduce the prevalence of later mental distress in adulthood. This effect appears to occur directly, rather than indirectly, through pathways of life course variables such as education, wealth, and marital status. Keywords: early childhood nutrition, protein-energy

Macroalgae metal-biomonitoring in Antarctica: Addressing the consequences of human presence in the white continent.

Marine ecosystems in the Arctic and Antarctica were once thought pristine and away from important human influence. Today, it is known that global processes as atmospheric transport, local activities related with scientific research bases, military and touristic maritime traffic, among others, are a potential source of pollutants. Macroalgae have been recognized as reliable metal-biomonitoring organisms due to their accumulation capacity and physiological responses. Metal accumulation (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn, Se, and Hg) and photosynthetic parameters (associated with in vivo chlorophyll a fluorescence) were assessed in 77 samples from 13 different macroalgal species (Phaeophyta; Chlorophyta; Rhodophyta) from areas with high human influence, nearby research and sometimes military bases and a control area, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula. Most metals in macroalgae followed a pattern influenced by rather algal lineage than site, with green seaweeds displaying trends of higher levels of metals as Al, Cu, Cr and Fe. Photosynthesis was also not affected by site, showing healthy organisms, especially in brown macroalgae, likely due to their great dimensions and morphological complexity. Finally, data did not demonstrate a relationship between metal accumulation and photosynthetic performance, evidencing low anthropogenic-derived impacts associated with metal excess in the area. Green macroalgae, especially Monostroma hariotti, are highlighted as reliable for further metal biomonitoring assessments. In the most ambitious to date seaweed biomonitoring effort conducted towards the Austral pole, this study improved by 91% the overall knowledge on metal accumulation in macroalgae from Antarctica, being the first report in species as Sarcopeltis antarctica and Plocamium cartilagineum. These findings may suggest that human short- and long-range metal influence on Antarctic coastal ecosystems still remains under control.

Age at childbirth and change in BMI across the life-course: evidence from the INCAP Longitudinal Study

Background: Parity has been associated with both short- and long-term weight gain in women. However, it is not clear if timing of parity across the reproductive age has different associations with BMI. Methods: To prospectively assess the association between age at childbirth and maternal change in BMI, we analyzed data from the ongoing INCAP Longitudinal Study, which started in 1969 in four villages in Guatemala. Cohort women (n=778) provided information on reproductive history and anthropometric measures were measured in 1988-89 (adolescence, 15 to 25y), 2002-04 (early adulthood, 26 to 36y) and 2015-17 (mid adulthood, 37 to 55y). We evaluated the associations of number of live births in the period preceding each study wave (1969-77 to 1988-89, 1988-89 to 2002-04 and 2002-04 to 2015-17) with BMI change in the same period using multivariable linear regression models. Results: Number of live births between 1988 and 89 and 2002-04 was positively associated with increased BMI, while there was not an association between number of live births and BMI in the other intervals. Women who had one, two, or three or more children between 1988 and 89 and 2002-04 had 0.90 (kg/m2, 95% CI: -0.55, 2.35), 2.39 (kg/m2, 95% CI: 1.09, 3.70) and 2.54 (kg/m2, 95% CI: 1.26, 3.82) higher BMI, respectively, than women who did not give birth in the same period. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that women who had three or more children during early adulthood gained more weight compared to women who had no children in the same period. In contrast, women who had children earlier or later in their reproductive lives did not gain additional weight compared to those who did not have children during that period. Childbirth may have different

Differential influences of early growth and social factors on young children's cognitive performance in four low-and-middle-income birth cohorts (Brazil, Guatemala, Philippines, and South Africa).

BACKGROUND: Studies relating childhood cognitive development to poor linear growth seldom take adequate account of social conditions related to both, leading to a focus on nutrition interventions. We aimed to assess the roles of both biological and social conditions in determining early childhood cognition, mediated by birthweight and early linear growth. METHODS: After exploratory structural equation modelling to identify determining factors, we tested direct and indirect paths to cognitive performance through birthweight and child height-for-age at 2 years, assessed between 4 and 8.5 years of age among 2448 children in four birth cohort studies in low-and-middle-income countries (Brazil, Guatemala, Philippines and South Africa). Determinants were compared across the cohorts. FINDINGS: Three factors yielded excellent fit, comprising birth endowment (primarily maternal age and birth order), household resources (crowding, dependency) and parental capacity (parental education). We estimated their strength together with maternal height in determining cognitive performance. Percentage shares of total effects of the four determinants show a marked transition from mainly biological determinants of birth weight (birth endowment 34%) and maternal height (30%) compared to household resources (25%) and parental capacity (11%), through largely economic determinants of height at 2 years (household resources (60%) to cognitive performance being predominantly determined by parental capacity (64%) followed by household resources (29%). The largely biological factor, birth endowment (maternal age and birth order) contributed only 7% to childhood cognitive performance and maternal height was insignificant. In summary, the combined share of social total effects (household resources and parental capacity) rises from 36∙2% on birth weight, to 78∙2% on height for age at 24 m, and 93∙4% on cognitive functioning. INTERPRETATION: Across four low- and middle-income contexts, cognition in childhood is influenced more by the parental capacity of families and their economic resources than by birth weight and early linear growth. Improving children's cognitive functioning requires multi-sectoral interventions to improve parental education and enhance their economic wellbeing, interventions that are known to improve also early childhood growth.

MAPK Pathway under Chronic Copper Excess in Green Macroalgae (Chlorophyta): Involvement in the Regulation of Detoxification Mechanisms.

Following the physiological complementary/parallel Celis-Plá et al., by inhibiting extracellular signal regulated kinases (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), and cytokinin specific binding protein (p38), we assessed the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway in detoxification responses mediated by chronic copper (10 µM) in U. compressa. Parameters were taken at 6, 24, and 48 h, and 6 days (d). H2O2 and lipid peroxidation under copper and inhibition of ERK, JNK, or p38 alone increased but recovered by the sixth day. By blocking two or more MAPKs under copper, H2O2 and lipid peroxidation decayed even below controls. Inhibition of more than one MAPK (at 6 d) caused a decrease in total glutathione (reduced glutathione (GSH) + oxidised glutathione (GSSG)) and ascorbate (reduced ascorbate (ASC) + dehydroascorbate (DHA)), although in the latter it did not occur when the whole MAPK was blocked. Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), thioredoxin (TRX) ascorbate peroxidase (APX), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), and glutathione synthase (GS), were downregulated when blocking more than one MAPK pathway. When one MAPK pathway was blocked under copper, a recovery and even enhancement of detoxification mechanisms was observed, likely due to crosstalk within the MAPKs and/or other signalling processes. In contrast, when more than one MAPK pathway were blocked under copper, impairment of detoxification defences occurred, demonstrating that MAPKs were key signalling mechanisms for detoxification in macroalgae.

MAPK Pathway under Chronic Copper Excess in Green Macroalgae (Chlorophyta): Influence on Metal Exclusion/Extrusion Mechanisms and Photosynthesis.

There is currently no information regarding the role that whole mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways play in counteracting environmental stress in photosynthetic organisms. To address this gap, we exposed Ulva compressa to chronic levels of copper (10 µM) specific inhibitors of Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinases (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal Kinases (JNK), and Cytokinin Specific Binding Protein (p38) MAPKs alone or in combination. Intracellular copper accumulation and photosynthetic activity (in vivo chlorophyll a fluorescence) were measured after 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 6 days of exposure. By day 6, when one (except JNK) or more of the MAPK pathways were inhibited under copper stress, there was a decrease in copper accumulation compared with algae exposed to copper alone. When at least two MAPKs were blocked, there was a decrease in photosynthetic activity expressed in lower productivity (ETRmax), efficiency (αETR), and saturation of irradiance (EkETR), accompanied by higher non-photochemical quenching (NPQmax), compared to both the control and copper-only treatments. In terms of accumulation, once the MAPK pathways were partially or completely blocked under copper, there was crosstalk between these and other signaling mechanisms to enhance metal extrusion/exclusion from cells. Crosstalk occurred among MAPK pathways to maintain photosynthesis homeostasis, demonstrating the importance of the signaling pathways for physiological performance. This study is complemented by a parallel/complementary article Rodríguez-Rojas et al. on the role of MAPKs in copper-detoxification.

High prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic risk factors in Guatemala: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: There are no data on the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in general population samples in Guatemala or in other Central American countries. The prevalence and distribution of NAFLD and its associated risk factors were evaluated in a population-based sample of adults in Guatemala. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 411 men and women 40 years of age or older residing in urban and rural areas of Guatemala. Metabolic outcomes included obesity, central obesity, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Liver disease outcomes included elevated liver enzymes, elevated Fatty Liver Index (FLI), and elevated FIB-4 score. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of obesity, central obesity, diabetes, and MetS were 30.9, 74.3, 21.6, and 64.2%, respectively. The fully-adjusted prevalence ratios (95% CI) for obesity, central obesity, diabetes, and MetS comparing women to men were 2.83 (1.86-4.30), 1.72 (1.46-2.02), 1.18 (1.03-1.34), and 1.87 (1.53-2.29), respectively. The overall prevalence of elevated liver enzymes (ALT or AST), elevated FLI, and elevated FIB-4 scores were 38.4, 60.1, and 4.1%, respectively. The fully-adjusted prevalence ratios (95% CI) for elevated liver enzymes (either ALT or AST) and elevated FLI score comparing women to men were 2.99 (1.84-4.86) and 1.47 (1.18-1.84), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of metabolic abnormalities and liver outcomes in this general population study was very high. The prevalence of metabolic and liver abnormalities was particularly high among women, an observation that could explain the atypical 1:1 male to female ratio of liver cancer in Guatemala.

Predominance of Clostridium difficile ribotypes 012, 027 and 046 in a university hospital in Chile, 2012.

In a 1-year survey at a university hospital we found that 20·6% (81/392) of patients with antibiotic associated diarrohea where positive for C. difficile. The most common PCR ribotypes were 012 (14·8%), 027 (12·3%), 046 (12·3%) and 014/020 (9·9). The incidence rate was 2·6 cases of C. difficile infection for every 1000 outpatients.

Sobrevida de pacientes con cáncer de mama y metástasis ósea / Survival of patients with breast cancer and bone metastasis

Introduction: Breast cancer is an important cause of death among female cancer in Chile. It metastasizes to any part of the body, being bone the first area of dissemination in 26-50 percent of cases and being found in 75 percent of patients dead from this cause. A median survival of 18 to 24 months is reported, and a probability of surviving 5 years of 20 percent. Therefore the objective of this study is to determine the difference of median survival depending on the presence of bone metastasis. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 822 patients diagnosed with breast cancer between 2003 and 2010. The exposed cohort had scintigraphicly diagnosed bone metastasis, and the control group had no bone metastasis. Results: 8.88 percent of 822 patients, had bone metastasis. Those with bone metastasis had a mortality of 74 percent, and in the group with no bone metastasis, 16.69 percent died (p < 0.01). The median survival of patients with no metastasis was 44.3 months (IQR 35-83), and with metastasis was of 35 (IQR 18.6-46.1) (p < 0.01). With bone metastasis, over 48 months survival was 30.6 percent; and over 84 months 14.8 percent. Without bone metastasis, above 84 months, 78.51 percent survived (p < 0.01). Discussion and Conclusions: The difference between the two groups, considering global survival, is significant and implies an important decrease in survival and quality of life; the result obtained also differs from those reported in literature and it makes us reflect on the importance to consider bone metastasis not as a terminal event...

Introducción: El cáncer de mama es una importante causa de muerte por cáncer en las mujeres chilenas. Metastatiza a cualquier parte del cuerpo, siendo hueso la primera zona de diseminación en 26-50 por ciento de los casos, encontrándose un 75 por ciento de los pacientes que fallecen por esta causa. Se reporta una sobrevida de 18-24 meses, y una supervivencia a los 5 años del 20 por ciento. El objetivo del siguiente trabajo es determinar la sobrevida ante presencia de metástasis óseas. Pacientes y Método: Se realizó un estudio de cohortes retrospectivas con 822 pacientes diagnosticadas con cáncer de mama entre los años 2003 y 2010. La cohorte expuesta tiene diagnóstico cintigráfico de metástasis ósea, y la de control no tiene metástasis óseas. Resultados: 8,88 por ciento del total de 822 pacientes, presentó metástasis ósea. Con metástasis ósea existió una mortalidad del 74 por ciento, mientras que sin metástasis fue 16,69 por ciento (p < 0,01). La mediana de sobrevida sin metástasis ósea fue 44,3 meses (RIQ 35-83), en cambio, ante metástasis ósea fue 35 meses (RIQ 18,6-46,1) (p < 0,01). A los 48 meses, la supervivencia fue del 30,6 por ciento, para los pacientes con metástasis ósea y a los 84 meses, 14,8 por ciento, mientras que en los pacientes sin metástasis, la sobrevida a los 84 meses fue de 78,51 por ciento (p < 0,01). Discusión y Conclusiones: La diferencia de sobrevida entre pacientes con y sin metástasis ósea es significativa, implica una disminución en la supervivencia y la calidad de vida; difiere poco de lo reportado en la literatura, pero no debe hacernos considerar la metástasis ósea como un evento terminal de la enfermedad...

Variation in patterns of metal accumulation in thallus parts of Lessonia trabeculata (Laminariales; Phaeophyceae): implications for biomonitoring.

Seaweeds are well known to concentrate metals from seawater and have been employed as monitors of metal pollution in coastal waters and estuaries. However, research showing that various intrinsic and extrinsic factors can influence metal accumulation, raises doubts about the basis for using seaweeds in biomonitoring programmes. The thallus of brown seaweeds of the order Laminariales (kelps) is morphologically complex but there is limited information about the variation in metal accumulation between the different parts, which might result in erroneous conclusions being drawn if not accounted for in the biomonitoring protocol. To assess patterns of individual metals in the differentiated parts of the thallus (blade, stipe, holdfast), concentrations of a wide range of essential and non-essential metals (Fe, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cd, Ni and Al) were measured in the kelp Lessonia trabeculata. Seaweeds were collected from three sampling stations located at 5, 30 and 60 m from an illegal sewage outfall close to Ventanas, Chile and from a pristine location at Faro Curaumilla. For the majority of metals the highest concentrations in bottom sediment and seaweed samples were found at the site closest to the outfall, with concentrations decreasing with distance from the outfall and at control stations; the exception was Cd, concentrations of which were higher at control stations. The patterns of metal concentrations in different thallus parts were metal specific and independent of sampling station. These results and the available literature suggest that biomonitoring of metals using seaweeds must take account of differences in the accumulation of metals in thallus parts of complex seaweeds.

Schwannoma del nervio facial como diagnóstico diferencial de tumor parotídeo: reporte de un caso / Facial nerve Schwannoma resembling a parotid tumor: case report

Los schwannomas del nervio facial son lesiones benignas originadas de las células de Schwann, de crecimiento lento y predecible, generalmente asintomáticas. Sólo el 9 por ciento de los casos se ubica en la porción intraparotídea del nervio facial, lo cual obliga al diagnóstico diferencial con otros tumores parotídeos. Reportamos un caso de schwannoma del nervio facial izquierdo de ubicación intraparotídea, el cual fue confirmado mediante estimulación eléctrica intraoperatoria y resecado con intención conservadora del nervio facial. Además, se revisa la literatura actual sobre el tema.

Facial nerve Schwannomas are benign tumors that originate from Schwann cells, with a slow and predictable growth, and that are generally asymptomatic. Only 9 percent of these tumors are located in the intraparotid segment of the facial nerve. We report a 26 years old female presenting with a mass in the left parotid region lasting four months. The patient was subjected to a parotidectomy. During surgery, an encapsulated tumor whose origin was in the seventh cranial nerve and associated to a lymph node was found. The tumor was excised, trying to preserve the integrity of the nerve. The pathological diagnosis of the surgical piece disclosed a benign Schwannoma. The patient had a facial paralysis in the postoperative period.

Cáncer anaplásico de tiroides de manejo quirúrgico / Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, review of six patients

Background: Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma corresponds 2 to 5 percent of all thyroid cancers. It affects mainly women in the sixth or seventh decade of life, appearing as a hard, fast growing cervical mass that is adhered to surrounding structures. Treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Aim: to report a series of patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Patients and Methods: Review of medical records of patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer operated between 2002 and 2008. Results: The records of six patients aged 46 to 82 years (four males), were retrieved. A bilateral total thyroidectomy was performed in four patients. Two patients required tracheostomy during the postoperative period. Mean hospital stay was six days. None received neoadjuvant or adjuvant radio-chemotherapy. Three patients died within one month of the operation. The rest died at 115, 184 and 283 days after surgery. Conclusions: All these patients were diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease, a fact that can explain the dismal evolution observed.

Introducción: El Cáncer Anaplásico de Tiroides corresponde al 2 a 5 por ciento del total de cánceres tiroideos. Afecta a mujeres en la sexta o séptima década de la vida, presentándose como masa cervical pétrea de crecimiento rápido, adherida a planos profundos. El tratamiento incluye cirugía, quimioterapia y radioterapia, siendo de elección el tratamiento multimodal. Objetivo: Conocer los resultados de una serie de casos manejados quirúrgicamente en el Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke de Viña del Mar. Pacientes y Método: Estudio de serie de casos de Cáncer Anaplásico de Tiroides tratados exclusivamente con cirugía entre los años 2002 y 2008. Se registraron características generales, técnica operatoria, complicaciones, uso de otras terapias y sobrevida. Resultados: Se manejaron 6 pacientes, cuatro hombres y dos mujeres. El promedio de edad fue de 59 años. La estadía hospitalaria promedio fue de 6 días. Se realizó tiroidectomía total bilateral en 4 pacientes. Dos pacientes requirieron traqueostomía durante el postoperatorio. En ninguno de ellos se realizó radioquimioterapia neoadyuvante o adyuvante. La sobrevida promedio fue de 108 días. Discusión: Destaca en esta serie el diagnóstico en etapas avanzadas de la enfermedad, lo cual determina la imposibilidad de realizar terapia multimodal y la sobrevida observada. Por lo anterior, es de importancia la sospecha y la derivación inmediata para el manejo especializado, aumentando así la posibilidad del uso de terapia multimodal con mejores resultados en términos de sobrevida. Se observó una sobrevida menor a la reportada en la literatura.

Bacteriología de las exacerbaciones agudas de rinisonusitis crónica en pacientes operados por cirugía endoscópica de cavidades paranasales / Bacteriology of chronic rhinosinusitis in patients that had paranasal sinuses endoscopio surgery

Introducción: La rinosinusitis crónica (RSC) es un cuadro inflamatorio en el que las bacterias juegan un rol importante. Las exacerbaciones agudas de rinosinusitis crónica (EARSC) en pacientes posoperados no son infrecuentes. Sin embargo, su manejo es complejo debido a la aparición de nuevos agentes y el aumento de la resistencia a antibióticos. Objetivo: Desarrollar una técnica de toma de muestra en cavidades paranasales, que permita caracterizar a los agentes involucrados en EARSC en pacientes posoperados. Material y método: Se recluta ron 32 pacientes posoperados. Se realizó aspirado de seno maxilar bajo visión endoscópica. Las muestras fueron cultivadas para aerobios, anaerobios y hongos. Resultados: Se enviaron 50 muestras a cultivo, en 46 de ellas se aislaron gérmenes (92%), de los cuales 44 fueron aerobios. En 7 de las muestras se aislaron anaerobios, y en 2 se obtuvo cultivo positivo para hongos. La resistencia a betalactámicos fue de 48,2%, observándose 36% de resistencia a lo menos a dos familias de antibióticos. Discusión y conclusiones: Nuestro estudio es el primero a nivel nacional en caracterizar a los agentes involucrados en EARSC en pacientes poscirugía endoscópica nasal. Los resultados obtenidos, posicionan a los cultivos endoscópicos como una excelente herramienta clínica para estudiar las EARSC.

Introduction: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory condition where bacteria play an important role. Acute exacerbations of chronic sinusitis (AECS) in patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (EES) are not infrequent. Treatment of these exacerbations is complex due to the emergence of new agents and to an increase in bacterial resistance. Therefore, it is important to develop methods to culture and identify these agents and their antimicrobial resistance and sensibilities. Aim: To develop a technique for recovery of pathogens in the paranasal sinuses of patients with AECS after EES. Material and Method: 32 patients that had undergone EES were recruited. Aspiration of the maxillary sinus under direct endoscopic vision was performed. Samples obtained were sent for aerobic, anaerobia and fungal cultures. Results: Of the 50 samples collected, 46 were positive. Of these, 44 cultured aerobes, 7 cultured anaerobes, and 2 cultured fungi. The resistance to betalactamic antibiotics was 48.2% with at least 36% resistance to two different types of antibiotics. Conclusion: This is the first report in Chile of the microorganisms involved in AECS after EES. The results suggest that the sampling method described here is a useful tool for the study of patients with AECS.

Impacto del índice de masa corporal en la nefrectomía radical laparoscópica por cáncer de riñón / Impact of body mass index in laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma

Introducción: La obesidad es causa de aumento de complicaciones intra y post operatorias en pacientes sometidos a cirugía convencional. La Nefrectomía Radical Laparoscópica (NRL) es hoy la técnica de elección para el tratamiento del carcinoma de células renales. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar el impacto de la obesidad representado por el Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) en pacientes sometidos a NRL por cáncer renal. Material y Método: Estudio prospectivo aleatorio de 82 NRL consecutivas, en pacientes con sospecha de cáncer renal, realizadas entre julio del 2001 y agosto del 2005. Los pacientes fueron analizados en 3 grupos según su IMC: Grupo 1: No obesos (IMC menor a 30), Grupo 2: obesos (IMC entre 30 y 35), y Grupo 3: obesos mórbidos (IMC mayor a 35). Correspondieron a 60 hombres y 20 mujeres, con una edad promedio de 60,59 años. Se realizaron 17 NRL mano asistidas y 65 NRL puras. Resultados: El grupo 1 (No obesos) se compone de 55 (67,07 por ciento) pacientes, el grupo 2 (Obesos) de 17 (20,73 por ciento) pacientes, y el grupo 3 (Obesos Mórbidos) de 10 (12,19 por ciento) pacientes. El tiempo operatorio promedio fue de 131,63 minutos, 138,88 minutos, y 141 minutos respectivamente no habiendo diferencias estadísticamente significativas. En cuanto al sangrado promedio, los valores fueron 139,09ml. para el grupo 1, 254 ml. para el grupo 2 y a 137 ml. para el grupo 3; sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas. En 78 pacientes el diagnóstico histológico fue de Hipernefroma, en 4 pacientes no se encontró neoplasia. Todos se encuentran sin progresión de la enfermedad con un seguimiento promedio de 18 meses. Conclusión: No existen diferencias significativas entre pacientes no obesos, obesos y obesos mórbidos con esta técnica. Nuestro estudio demuestra que la NRL es el abordaje de elección en pacientes obesos con cáncer renal.

Introduction: Obesity caused an increased of intra-and post-operative complications in patients undergoing conventional surgery. Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) is currently the technique of choice for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Our goal is to evaluate the impact of obesity represented by body mass index (BMI) in patients undergoing LRN for renal cancer. Material and Methods: Prospective randomized study of 82 consecutives LRN in patients with suspected renal masses, conducted between July 2001 and August 2005. Patients were analyzed in 3 groups according to their BMI: Group 1: Non-obese (BMI less than 30), Group 2: obese (BMI between 30 and 35) and Group 3: morbidly obese (BMI greater than 35). There was 60 males and 20 females with a mean age of 60.59 years. We make 17 hand assisted LRN and 65 pure LRN. Results: Group 1 (not obese) is composed of 55 (67.07 percent) patients in group 2 (obese) 17 (20.73 percent)patients, and group 3 (morbidly obese) 10 (12, 19 percent) patients. Medium operative time was 131.63 minutes, 138.88 minutes and 141 minutes respectively, no statistically significant differences. As the average bleeding, the values were 139.09 ml. for group 1, 254 ml. for group 2 and 137 ml. For group 3, no statistically significant difference. In 78 patients the histological diagnosis was Hypernephroma and in 4 patients no tumor was found. All patients are free of disease progression with an average of 18 months. Conclusion: No significant differences exist between non-obese patients, obese and morbidly obese with this technique. Our study shows that LRN is the approach of choice in obese patients with kidney cancer.

Tiroides ectópico cervical lateral asociado a tiroides normotópico / Cervical ectopic thyroid associated with normotopic thyroid gland

La presentación de un tiroides ectópico en la línea media cervical anterior se observa con cierta frecuencia, pero la presencia de dos glándulas tiroideas en un mismo sujeto es mucho más rara; una normotópica, y otra ectópica, pero fuera de la línea de migración del tejido tiroídeo embrionario. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 59 años que consulta por aparición de una masa lateral cervical izquierda de 2 años de evolución, de crecimiento lento y sin otros síntomas acompañantes. Al examen se observa una paciente con voz conservada, con aumento de volumen visible en cuello de 5 cm. de diámetro en triángulo vascular izquierdo, con movilidad lateral, no pulsátil y de consistencia gomosa. Los exámenes muestran función tiroidea normal (TSH: 1,2 uU/ml), así como hemograma, VHS y perfil bioquímico normales. La ecotomografía cervical informa presencia de "tumor sólido" en la ubicación antes descrita Se realizó PAAF que dió salida a 2 cc. de líquido citrino, siendo informada como "negativa para células neoplásticas". Se realizó extirpación quirúrgica de la masa, encontrándose un tumor ovoideo de 6 cm de diámetro, encapsulado, de bordes regulares, independiente de estructuras vasculares. El resultado de la biopsia definitiva fue "bocio nodular de tiroides". Se realizó cintigrama cervical postoperatorio, el cual mostró la presencia de tiroides de captación heterogénia, de tamaño normal, en ubicación habitual. Se realizó determinación de TSH que fue de 0,993 uU/ml, lo cual demostraba el eutiroidismo del tiroides normotópico. Comentario: Se presenta el caso inusual de un paciente con tiroides ectópico fuera de la línea media, con tiroides normotópico funcionante.

Finding ectopic thyroid tissue in the medial cervical line happens with certain frequency, but the presence of two thyroid glands in the same subject is more rare; one normotopic and the other an ectopic one, but outside the embryonic thyroid cells migration line. This is the case of a 59 years old woman who presents a left cervical lateral mass for 2 years, with slow growth and withour other symptoms. On physical examination she shows no changes in her voice, and a visible 5 cm. cervical mass in the left vascular triangle, with lateral, non pulsating mobility and of gum consistency. Preliminary diagnosis were branchial cyst or lymphoma. The laboratory exams showed normal thyroid function (TSH: 1,2 uU/ml), as well as normal hemogram, VHS and biochemical profile. The cervical ultrasound scan informed "solid tumor". A fine-needle aspiration obtained 2 cm3. of citrin liquid, negative for neoplastic cells. The patient went to surgery, extirpating a 6 cm ovoid tumor, encapsulated, with regular edges, independent of vascular structures. The definitive biopsy report was "thyroid nodular goiter". After surgery, a cintigram showed the presence of a normal size thyroid gland of heterogeneous captation, in the habitual location. The TSH value was 0.993 uU/ml, demonstrating euthyroidism after removing the ectopic thyroid. Commentary: we present the unusual case of a patient with ectopic thyroid outside the medial line coexisting with normotopic functioning thyroid.

Combined type-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor and NOD2/CARD15 genotyping predicts complicated Crohn's disease behaviour.

BACKGROUND: NOD2/CARD15 gene variants have not been universally associated with stricturing behaviour in Crohn's disease. Other behaviour modifying genes could explain these results. AIM: To study the combined influence of NOD2/CARD15 variants and 4G/4G genotype of type-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) gene on Crohn's disease behaviour. METHODS: One hundred and seventy Crohn's disease patients were studied prospectively, with a mean follow-up of 7+/- 6 years. Disease behaviour was registered by using two criteria: the Vienna classification and a non-hierarchical classification based on the behavioural Vienna categories. RESULTS: In the multivariate analysis for stricturing behaviour according to the Vienna categories, only absence of colonic disease (OR, 4.0; 95% CI: 1.49-11.1; P = 0.006) was an independent predictive factor. However, in the multivariate analysis for stricturing disease applying a non-hierarchical criteria, ileal disease (OR, 4.19; 95% CI: 1.30-13.5; P = 0.01), and carrying both NOD2/CARD15 variants and the 4G/4G PAI-1 genotype (OR, 5.02; 95% CI: 1.44-17.48; P = 0.01) were independent predictive factors. In the multivariate analysis for penetrating behaviour, the 4G/4G PAI-1 (OR, 3.10; 95% CI: 1.54-6.23; P = 0.001) and male sex (OR, 2.44; 95% CI: 1.30-4.60; P = 0.005) were independent predictive factors irrespective of criteria applied. CONCLUSIONS: Combined PAI-1 and NOD2/CARD15 genotyping predict complicated Crohn's disease. Patients with these variants could benefit from early interventions.

Elevada prevalencia de carcinoma diferenciado de tiroides en la Provincia de Quillota / Elevated prevalence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in the Province of Quillota

Todo paciente que necesita recibir radioyodo y que pertenece al Servicio de Salud Viña del Mar Quillota, lo hace en el Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke (HGF), único centro de medicina nuclear del Servicio. En el presente trabajo se desglosa la proveniencia de los pacientes portadores de carcinoma diferenciado de tiroides (CDT) atendidos, por la posibilidad que pudieran tener diferencias de prevalencia según la localidad de origen. Del registro de pacientes con CDT que recibieron radioyodo en el HGF durante el período del 1ª de marzo de 1998 al 31 de marzo del 2005, se evaluaron las 83 fichas proporcionadas por el Servicio de Orientación Médico Estadístico, lo que equivale a la mitad de los pacientes que recibieron radioyodo durante este período en nuestro hospital. El 84,4 por ciento de los pacientes son mujeres, 63,9 por ciento mayores de 40 años, 94 por ciento corresponden a carcinoma papilar, 10 por ciento de los pacientes en que se dispone de TSH preoperatorio son hipertiroideos al diagnóstico (5/50), 34 por ciento de los pacientes tienen metástasis, principalmente ganglionares (3 pacientes con metástasis pulmonares. El 68 por ciento de los pacientes provienen de la Provincia de Valparaíso; 21,7 por ciento de la Provincia de Quillota; 4,8 por ciento de la Provincia de Petorca y 4,8 por ciento de la Provincia de San Felipe. Al analizar este resultado en relación a la densidad poblacional, en la Provincia de Quillota y en la Provincia de Valparaíso, resulta de 0,023 por ciento y de 0,01 por ciento respectivamente. Se concluye que: a) los pacientes estudiados no difieren en sus características generales de los presentados en otros estudios, b) el hipertiroidismo no parece descartar la posibilidad de un CDT y c) la elevada prevalencia de CDT en la Provincia de Quillota indica la necesidad de investigar los posibles factores que condicionan esta situación.

Incidencia de úlceras por presión en población hospitalizada con factores de riesgo / Incidence of pressure ulcers in admitted patients with risks factors

Las úlceras por presión (UP)son un importante problema de salud en pacientes hospitalizados. La epidemiología de este problema es poco conocida a nivel nacional. El objetivo del trabajo es conocer la incidencia de UP en un grupo seleccionado de pacientes que presentan factores de riesgo para esta patología. Material y método: estudio de una cohorte de pacientes que ingresan al hospital los cuales se dividen en tres grupos (grupo 1: ulceración al ingreso, grupo 2: con enfermedad invalidante, grupo 3: dos o más factores de riesgo, sin invalidez). Estos tres grupos de pacientes son examinados diariamente durante su hospitalización, identificando el momento, sitio de aparición, etapa y evolución de las UP. Resultados de un total de 1831 ingresos en tres meses, un grupo de 300 pacientes son seguidos durante un promedio de 15,7 días de hospitalización cada uno (rango 5 a 71), estableciéndose una incidencia global de UP de 28 por ciento (84 de 300). El tiempo promedio de aparición de UP fue 4,7 días. La incidencia de UP fue mayor en los grupos 1 y 2 versus el grupo 3 (p<0,05), así como la incidencia de UP severas (etapas 3 y 4). Los pacientes en el grupo 1 tuvieron una evolución peor que los grupos 2 y 3, con un 57 por ciento de empeoramiento de sus UP. No hubo diferencia de UP en los distintos servicios clínicos. Los resultados permiten establecer una base epidemiológica conocida en nuestro medio hospitalario para planificar estrategias de prevención desde el ingreso de los pacientes al hospital.