Colorimetry analysis of coat color and its relationship with fiber traits in alpacas.

Addressing the improvement of the textile characteristics is currently required in natural color production of alpaca fiber. This study analyses the possibility of implementing a genetic improvement program aiming to reduce the fiber diameter and the percentage of medullation in natural colors under the incomplete definition of the natural colors of alpaca fiber. The study considers color determination analysis in three separate steps. The first step aimed at finding the values of lightness (L*), red/green axis (a*), yellow/blue axis (b*) of three-dimensional space of color and chroma (C*ab), tone (h*ab) and color difference (ΔE) with mathematical models for the description of the coat color. The second analysis is aimed at estimating genetic parameters of color traits and their correlation with fiber traits (fiber diameter, standard deviations and percentage of medullation - PM). The third step was to determine the potential selection criteria of breeding animals based on the parameters provided by a three-dimensional space values regarding the coat color assignment in alpacas. The colorimetric data were taken using a Chroma meter device analyzing 3 008 records from Huacaya type alpacas, collected between 2018 and 2019. In the first objective of the study, the color traits were subjected to a principal component analysis. The analysis of variance components and the estimation of genetic parameters were carried out using a restricted maximum likelihood procedure. The discriminant analysis was used for the correct assignment of the coat color. The principal component analysis results showed that the L*, a*, b*, h*ab and ΔE values can be grouped into two Principal Components (PC) to describe the color, where the L* value is mainly distributed in PC2, b* is distributed in PC1, while a* is distributed in both components. The heritabilities found were 0.144, 0.128, 0.151, 0.104 and 0.152 for L*, a*, b*, PC1 and PC2. The relevant genetic correlations were between L*-PM (-0.557) and b*-PM (-0.622). The discriminant analysis showed a high percentage of correct assignment in white (99.15%) and black (99.19%) coat colors for Huacaya type alpacas, while for the intermediate colors, the accuracy was lower. The three analyses showed that there is no pure natural color, but a range of color variation. It is better to use the values of the three-dimensional space and within them, the values of L* and b* are potential selection criteria to be included in a genetic improvement program.

Síndrome de Kindler, manejo multidisciplinario / Kindler Syndrome: A Multidisciplinary Management Approach

El síndrome de Kindler es un subtipo de epidermólisis bullosa hereditaria muy rara, causada por la mutación del gen FERMT1 que codifica la proteína kindlina-1. Clínicamente, se caracteriza por la formación de ampollas inducidas por traumatismo, atrofia cutánea difusa, poiquilodermia, seudosindactilia y fotosensibilidad. En las mucosas, las manifestaciones más frecuentes incluyen conjuntivitis, ectropión, gingivitis hemorrágicas, enfermedad periodontal, pérdida prematura de dientes y colitis severa. Presentamos los 4 primeros casos con síndrome de Kindler, diagnosticados en el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño, Lima, Perú, con el fin de dar a conocer su particular forma de presentación y variedad de manifestaciones clínicas, enfatizando en que este hecho obligó a realizar un manejo multidisciplinario, que permitió un control adecuado de los síntomas y una notable mejoría en su calidad de vida

Kindler syndrome is a very rare form of bullous epidermolysis. It is a hereditary condition caused by a mutation in the FERMT1 gene that encodes the protein kindlin-1. It is clinically characterized by trauma-induced blistering, diffuse skin atrophy, poikiloderma, pseudosyndactyly, and photosensitivity. The most common mucosal manifestations are conjunctivitis, ectropion, hemorrhagic gingivitis, periodontal disease, premature tooth loss, and severe colitis. We present the first 4 cases of Kindler syndrome diagnosed at the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño in Lima, Peru. These cases highlight the unique clinical presentation and multiple manifestations of this disease and show how a multidisciplinary management approach kept symptoms under control and significantly improved patient quality of life

Kindler Syndrome: A Multidisciplinary Management Approach. / Síndrome de Kindler, manejo multidisciplinario.

Kindler syndrome is a very rare form of bullous epidermolysis. It is a hereditary condition caused by a mutation in the FERMT1 gene that encodes the protein kindlin-1. It is clinically characterized by trauma-induced blistering, diffuse skin atrophy, poikiloderma, pseudosyndactyly, and photosensitivity. The most common mucosal manifestations are conjunctivitis, ectropion, hemorrhagic gingivitis, periodontal disease, premature tooth loss, and severe colitis. We present the first 4 cases of Kindler syndrome diagnosed at the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño in Lima, Peru. These cases highlight the unique clinical presentation and multiple manifestations of this disease and show how a multidisciplinary management approach kept symptoms under control and significantly improved patient quality of life.

Genetic parameters for medullated fiber and its relationship with other productive traits in alpacas.

The alpaca fiber diameter (FD) varies from 18 to 36 µm, being the finer fiber categories highly appreciated. However, the alpaca fiber presents some limitations in the textile industry due to the high incidence of fiber medullation and diameter variability, both reduces the comfort feeling of the garments. Decreasing or even removing medullation could be a possible selection objective in alpaca breeding programs for increasing economic value of the alpaca fiber. Therefore, the present work aimed to estimate genetic parameters regarding medullation traits, as well as the genetic correlations with other economical important traits, to be able to select the appropriate criteria to reduce or remove medullation on alpaca fiber and help to reduce the prickle factor in the garments. The data was collected from 2000 to 2017 and belonged to the Pacomarca experimental farm. There were 3698 medullation records corresponding to 1869 Huacaya and 414 Suri genetic types. The fiber samples were taken from the mid side, and were analyzed in an OFDA 100® device. The traits analyzed were percentage of medullation (PM), medullated fiber diameter (MFD), FD, standard deviation of FD, greasy fleece weight as fiber traits; density, crimp in Huacaya and lock structure in Suri, head conformation, leg coverage as morphological traits; weaning weight and age at first calving as secondary and functional traits. Genetic parameters were estimated via a multitrait restricted maximum likelihood. The heritabilities for PM and MFD were 0.225 and 0.237 in Huacaya genetic type and 0.664 and 0.237 in Suri genetic type, respectively; heritabilities for other traits were moderate for productive and morphological traits, and low to moderate for secondary and functional traits. The genetic correlations PM-FD and MFD-FD were high and favorable in both genetic types, between 0.531 and 0.975; the genetic correlation PM-MFD was 0.121 in Huacaya and 0.427 in Suri. The rest of genetic correlations with other traits were in general moderate and favorable. The repeatabilities were 0.556 and 0.668 for PM, and 0.322 and 0.293 for MFD in Huacaya and Suri genetic types, respectively. As a conclusion, PM was identified to be a good selection criterion, probably combined in an index with FD to reduce prickling factor.

Resultados funcionales de corto plazo en rizotomía dorsal selectiva para el tratamiento de espasticidad en niños con parálisis cerebral / Short-term functional outcomes of selective dorsal rhizotomy for the treatment of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy

Introduction: selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is a neurosurgical, non-reversible intervention to treat disabling spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP), improving their motor function and general performance. Objective: to assess functional outcomes of SDR in CP patients at Institutos teletón Chile, 6 and 12 months post-surgery. Patients and Method: Clinical records of all patients that underwent a SDR procedure between November 2010 and November 2013 were reviewed. Eighteen cases (spastic diplegia; age 7.5 +/- 2.9 years) were found, and their relevant pre-, peri- and post operative data after 6 and 12 months, were analyzed, as: clinical history, physical examination, evidence of preventricular leukomalacia (PVL), aspects related to surgery, and functional outcomes, including Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM)-66 and -88, Pediatric Evaluation Disability Inventory (PEDI) and gait lab (GL) using Gait Deviation Index (GDI). Results: Fifty percent of the subjects were classified as GMFCS II-III and the other 50 percent as GMFCS IV. A clinical important reduction in lower limb spasticity, particularly in triceps surae and hip flexors was observed in all patients, as well as improved muscular strength in many of them. GMFM-66 and GMFM-88 scores improved (p < 0.01). A trend towards improvement, without significant differences was observed in PEDI scores (GMFCS IV patients), and a significant improvement in GDI in ambulant patients (p < 0.015). Conclusions: SDR is a valid option to achieve long-lasting control of spasticity, 12 months after surgery, in children with spastic cerebral palsy, improving also functional capacity.

Introducción: la rizotomía dorsal selectiva (RDS) es una intervención neuro-quirúrgica irreversible para tratarla espasticidad discapacitante en niños con parálisis cerebral (PC). Su finalidad es mejorar la función motora y funcionalidad global de los pacientes. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados funcionales de la RDS en los pacientes de Institutos teletón Chile con PC a los 6 y 12 meses postoperatorio. Pacientes y Método: Se revisan las fichas clínicas de los pacientes operados de RDS entre noviembre de 2010 y noviembre de 2013. Se encuentran 18 casos (diplejia espástica; edad 7,5 +/- 2,9 años), cuyos datos clínicos relevantes pre, peri y postoperatorios a 6 y 12 meses, fueron analizados: historia y examen físico; presencia de leucomalacia periventricular (LMPV); aspectos quirúrgicos y resultados funcionales de: Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM)-66 y 88, Pediatric Evaluation Disability Inventory (PEDI) y en laboratorio de marcha (LM), el Gait Deviation Index (GDI). Resultados: 50 por ciento correspondieron a pacientes GMFCS II-III y 50 por ciento a GMFCS IV. Se obtuvo importante reducción clínica de espasticidad de extremidades inferiores, especialmente plantiflexores de tobillo y flexores de cadera en todos los pacientes y en muchos un aumento de la fuerza muscular. Hubo mejoría en función motora gruesa evaluado con GMFM-66 (p < 0,001) y GMFM-88 (p < 0,001). tendencia a mejoría, sin diferencias significativas en PEDI (pacientes GMFCS IV) y mejoría significativa de GDI en pacientes ambulantes (p < 0,015). Conclusiones: La RDS es una opción válida para el control duradero de la espasticidad, a 12 meses, en niños con parálisis cerebral espástica, proporcionando además mejorías funcionales.

Genetic parameters estimation for preweaning traits and their relationship with reproductive, productive and morphological traits in alpaca.

The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters for preweaning traits and their relationship with reproductive, productive and morphological traits in alpacas. The data were collected from 2001 to 2015 in the Pacomarca experimental farm. The data set contained data from 4330 females and 3788 males corresponding to 6396 and 1722 animals for Huacaya and Suri variants, respectively. The number of records for Huacaya and Suri variants were 5494 and 1461 for birth weight (BW), 5429 and 1431 for birth withers height (BH), 3320 and 896 for both weaning weight (WW) and average daily gain (DG) from birth to weaning, 3317 and 896 for weaning withers height (WH), and 5514 and 1474 for survival to weaning. The reproductive traits analyzed were age at first calving and calving interval. The fiber traits were fiber diameter (FD), standard deviation of FD (SD), comfort factor and coefficient of variation of FD and the morphological traits studied were density, crimp in Huacaya and lock structure in Suri, head, coverage and balance. Regarding preweaning traits, model of analysis included additive, maternal and residual random effects for all traits, with sex, coat color, number of calving, month-year and contemporary group as systematic effects, and age at weaning as linear covariate for WW and WH. The most relevant direct heritabilities for Huacaya and Suri were 0.50 and 0.34 for WW, 0.36 and 0.66 for WH, 0.45 and 0.20 for DG, respectively. Maternal heritabilities were 0.25 and 0.38 for BW, 0.18 and 0.32 for BH, 0.29 and 0.39 for WW, 0.19 and 0.26 for WH, 0.27 and 0.36 for DG, respectively. Direct genetic correlations within preweaning traits were high and favorable and lower between direct and maternal genetic effects. The genetic correlations of preweaning traits with fiber traits were moderate and unfavorable. With morphological traits they were high and positive for Suri but not for Huacaya and favorable for direct genetic effect but unfavorable for maternal genetic effect with reproductive traits. If the selection objective was meat production, the selection would have to be based on the direct genetic effect for WW but not on the maternal genetic effect that has been shown to have less relevance. Other weaning traits such as WH or DG would be indirectly selected.

Resultado funcional de la cirugía multinivel en pacientes con parálisis cerebral, Instituto Teletón Santiago-Chile / Functional results in single event multilevel surgery in cerebral palsy patients, Teletón Institute Santiago-Chile, 2010-2013

The single event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) is a procedure preferably for patients with cerebral palsy (CP), including several orthopedic surgeries in one surgical time, and involves at least two levels joints of lower extremities, seeking to optimize gait. It is based on biomechanical principles provided by the gait lab (GL). Objective: To evaluate the impact of SEMLS in the gait of patients with CP spastic diplegia, one year after surgery. Patients and Methods: Retrospective study with review of medical records of 61 patients undergoing SEMLS. 23 out of 61 subjects accomplished the inclusion criteria. GL data before and after surgery was summarized in Gait deviation index (GDI), cadence and velocity, as well as functional mobility scale (FMS). Patients were categorized in two groups according to the Gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) as “A” for I-II GMFCS and “B” for III GMFCS. Statistical comparison was performed using Wilcoxon test. Results: The average SEMLS include 6.19 procedures per patient. Overall, significant variations in GDI (p < 0.0001) and cadence (p < 0.007) were found. In the subgroup A, there were significant changes in all GL variables (p < 0.009). In subgroup B, a significant effect was only found for GDI. Although FMS showed improvement, it was not statistically significant for 50 m and 500 m, in both subgroups and the total population (14 patients). Conclusion: Significant improvement was seen in CP spastic diplegic patients, for both cadence and GDI after one year SEMLS, particularly in the subgroup with independent walking...

La cirugía multinivel (CMN), es un procedimiento usado preferentemente en pacientes con parálisis cerebral (PC) que reúne varias cirugías ortopédicas en un tiempo quirúrgico involucrando como mínimo dos niveles articulares de extremidades inferiores, buscando optimizar la marcha. Se basa en principios biomecánicos aportados por el laboratorio de marcha (LM). Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de CMN en la marcha de pacientes con PC tipo diplejía espástica, a un año postcirugía. Pacientes y Método: Estudio de cohorte única, retrospectivo. Se revisaron fichas de 61 pacientes intervenidos con CMN, 23 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Se obtuvo datos de LM pre y a un año postoperatorio, resumidos en cadencia del paso, velocidad, Gait Deviation Index (GDI), y Functional Mobility Scale (FMS); los sujetos se dividieron en subgrupos: “A” con Gross Motor Function Clasification System (GMFCS) I-II y “B” con GMFCS III. Se realizó comparación estadística mediante test de Wilcoxon con p < 0,05. Resultados: En promedio se realizaron 6,19 procedimientos quirúrgicos por paciente. En el grupo total se obtuvo variaciones significativas en GDI (p < 0,0001) y cadencia (p < 0,007). En el subgrupo A hay variaciones significativas en todas las variables de marcha (p < 0,009). En subgrupo B hay variaciones significativas sólo en GDI. Para la escala FMS existió mejoría, sin significancia estadística en 50 m y 500 m, en los 14 pacientes examinados y en los subgrupos. Conclusión: Se observa mejoría en la marcha de pacientes PC tipo diplejía espástica, en cadencia y GDI, tras un año post CMN, particularmente en el subgrupo A, con marcha independiente...

Estimation of genetic parameters for reproductive traits in alpacas.

One of the main deficiencies affecting animal breeding programs in Peruvian alpacas is the low reproductive performance leading to low number of animals available to select from, decreasing strongly the selection intensity. Some reproductive traits could be improved by artificial selection, but very few information about genetic parameters exists for these traits in this specie. The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for six reproductive traits in alpacas both in Suri (SU) and Huacaya (HU) ecotypes, as well as their genetic relationship with fiber and morphological traits. Dataset belonging to Pacomarca experimental farm collected between 2000 and 2014 was used. Number of records for age at first service (AFS), age at first calving (AFC), copulation time (CT), pregnancy diagnosis (PD), gestation length (GL), and calving interval (CI) were, respectively, 1704, 854, 19,770, 5874, 4290 and 934. Pedigree consisted of 7742 animals. Regarding reproductive traits, model of analysis included additive and residual random effects for all traits, and also permanent environmental effect for CT, PD, GL and CI traits, with color and year of recording as fixed effects for all the reproductive traits and also age at mating and sex of calf for GL trait. Estimated heritabilities, respectively for HU and SU were 0.19 and 0.09 for AFS, 0.45 and 0.59 for AFC, 0.04 and 0.05 for CT, 0.07 and 0.05 for PD, 0.12 and 0.20 for GL, and 0.14 and 0.09 for CI. Genetic correlations between them ranged from -0.96 to 0.70. No important genetic correlations were found between reproductive traits and fiber or morphological traits in HU. However, some moderate favorable genetic correlations were found between reproductive and either fiber and morphological traits in SU. According to estimated genetic correlations, some reproductive traits might be included as additional selection criteria in HU.

Weighting fibre and morphological traits in a genetic index for an alpaca breeding programme.

Nowadays, the fibre diameter (FD) is considered the main selection objective in alpaca populations all over the world. International Committee for Animal Recording recommendations define the FD and its CV as the first two traits to be considered in breeding programmes for this specie. In addition to these main criteria, other selection criteria of economic value used are comfort factor (CF) or standard deviation (s.d.); also other less important traits being used as selection objectives are these morphological traits: density (DE), crimp (CR) or lock structure (LS) for, respectively, Huacaya (HU) and Suri (SU) ecotypes, head (HE), coverage (CO) and balance (BA). The goal of this study was to establish how to implement a combined selection index starting from genetic parameters and to study the expected correlation between genetic trends by considering different alternative procedures of weighting all the involved traits, and the consequences of a wrongly proceeding way. Heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated from the data set belonging to the PACOMARCA experimental farm for SU and HU. Two approaches were used to check the consequences of a set of subjective weights essayed. The coefficients of selection indexes were obtained for two sets of reference weights. In addition, equivalent weights were drawn if applied those reference values as coefficients of hypothetical selection indexes directly on phenotypes; relative expected genetic responses were computed in different cases. Results showed that almost in all cases for both ecotypes, the weight applied to CF should be surprisingly negative. Concerning genetic responses, only CO was compromised in some cases for the HU ecotype. The essayed methodology allowed explaining the differences between ecotypes in the genetic trends. The proposed methodology was shown to be effective to study the relative importance of the traits granted by the manager of a breeding scheme.

Efectividad de terapia restrictiva combinada con terapia ocupacional y física en la función motora de extremidad superior en niños con parálisis cerebral tipo hemiparesia / Effectiveness of restrictive therapy combined with occupational and physical therapy on upper extremity motor function in children with cerebral palsy hemiparesis

Introduction: restrictive therapy is effective to enhance affected upper limb use, however combined therapy application protocols and use of instruments to evaluate results, vary. Objective: to evaluate changes in motor function of the affected upper extremity, following the application of restrictive therapy combined with occupational and physical therapy, in 7 to 13 year old children with cerebral palsy (CP) hemiparesis. Methods and patients: a cohort study of nine children, mean age 10 +/- 2.3 years, without affected upper limb function treatment in the previous ≥ 6 months. The intervention consisted of restriction of the undamaged limb for two months, 20 therapy sessions twice a week, and a home work program. Shriner’s Hospital upper extremity evaluation protocol (SHUEE) and a stereognosis test were applied prior to, and at 1 and 3 months post intervention. Results: median values for dynamic posture analysis and grasp-release, increase significantly when all three evaluations are considered, and at discharge and follow-up, as compared to baseline levels. Spontaneous functional use increases median value with respect to baseline, without statistical significance. At treatment finalization, stereognosis median reaches 100 percent, achieving an optimal performance maintained at follow-up. Conclusion: restrictive therapy combined with occupational and physical therapy is effective to achieve changes in motor function of affected upper limbs in children with CP hemiparesis, as evaluated with SHUEE.

Introducción: la terapia restrictiva es efectiva para potenciar uso de extremidad superior (EESS) comprometida, pero los protocolos de aplicación en forma combinada y uso de instrumentos para evaluar resultados, son variados. Objetivo: evaluar cambios en función motora de EESS comprometida, por aplicación de terapia restrictiva en combinación con terapia ocupacional y física, en niños de 7 a 13 años, portadores de parálisis cerebral (PC) tipo hemiparesia. Pacientes y métodos: estudio de cohorte de 9 niños, edad promedio 10 +/- 2,3 años, sin tratamiento que estimule función de EESS comprometida en un período previo ≥ 6 meses. La intervención consistió en restricción de mano indemne por 2 meses, 20 sesiones de terapia dos veces por semana, y protocolo para trabajo en el hogar. Se aplicó evaluación de EESS del Hospital de Niños de Shriners (SHUEE) y test deestereognosia, las que fueron efectuadas antes, a un mes y tres meses posteriores a la intervención. Resultados: los valores de la mediana del análisis postural dinámico y agarre-liberación, aumentan en forma significativa al considerar las tres evaluaciones en su conjunto y, al alta y seguimiento respecto de medición basal. El porcentaje de uso funcional espontáneo, aumenta el valor de la mediana respecto del valor inicial, sin significancia estadística. Al finalizar la intervención, la mediana de estereognosia es de 100 por ciento, logrando óptimo desempeño mantenido al seguimiento. Conclusión: la terapia restrictiva combinada con terapia ocupacional y física, es efectiva para lograr cambios en función motora de EESS comprometida en niños con PC tipo hemiparesia, evaluado con SHUEE.

Cambios cardiovasculares y ventilatorios durante la laparoscopia en neonatos y lactantes pequeños / Cardiovascular and respiratory changes during laparoscopy in neonates and infants

El neumoperitoneo necesario para la laparoscopia provoca modificaciones, fundamentalmente a nivel cardiorrespiratorio, que se deben conocer para realizar procedimientos laparoscópicos en neonatos y lactantes pequeños. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir los cambios hemodinámicos y ventilatorios que se producen en una serie de estos pacientes sometidos a un procedimiento laparoscópico estándar. Para ello, hemos realizado una revisión retrospectiva de pacientes sometidos a piloromiotomía laparoscópica en nuestro centro. Se han recogido datos demográficos, datos de la intervención, evolución y complicaciones, y parámetros hemodinámicos (frecuencia cardiaca -FC- y tensión arterial -TA-) y respiratorios (saturación de O2 -SO2- y CO2 espirado -ECO2-) en distintos momentos de la cirugía. Se ha realizado un análisis estadístico de los mismos. Un total de 55 pacientes fueron incluidos, con una edad media de 34 días y peso medio de 3.785 g. En todos los pacientes se utilizó ventilación controlada por presión y recibieron sueroterapia de mantenimiento. Tanto la TA como la FC y la SO2 se mantuvieron estables a lo largo de la cirugía, sin mostrar diferencias significativas. El ECO2 presentó un incremento significativo tras la insuflación, que se controló aumentando la frecuencia respiratoria. En conclusión, la respuesta hemodinámica y ventilatoria en estos pacientes es controlable con medidas anestésicas y quirúrgicas, pero es importante tener en cuenta las posibles consecuencias del neumoperitoneo en pacientes tan pequeños (AU)

The pneumoperitoneum induced during laparoscopy has cardiovascular and respiratory effects that have to be taken into account to perform laparoscopic procedures in neonates and small infants. The aim of this paper is to describe the hemodynamic and ventilatory changes that occur in a group of these patients undergoing standard laparoscopic procedure. We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing laparoscopic pyloromyotomy in our institution. We collected demographic data, data from the intervention, outcome and complications and hemodynamic parameters (heart rate -HR- and blood pressure -BP-) and respiratory (O2 saturation -SO2- and exhaled CO2 -ECO2-) at different times during surgery. We performed statistical analysis of these data. We reviewed a total of 55 charts. Mean age was 34 days and average weight 3,785 g. All patients were ventilated with pressure control mode and received maintenance fluid therapy. BP, HR and SO2 were stable throughout the surgery not showing significant differences. The ECO2 increased significantly after inflation, however it was controlled by increasig respiratory rate. In conclusion, the hemodynamic and ventilatory response in these patients is controllable with anesthetic and surgical measures but it is important to consider the possible consequences of pneumoperitoneum in this group of patients (AU)

[Cardiovascular and respiratory changes during laparoscopy in neonates and infants]. / Cambios cardiovasculares y ventilatorios durante la laparoscopia en neonatos y lactantes pequeños.

The pneumoperitoneum induced during laparoscopy has cardiovascular and respiratory effects that have to be taken into account to perform laparoscopic procedures in neonates and small infants. The aim of this paper is to describe the hemodynamic and ventilatory changes that occur in a group of these patients undergoing standard laparoscopic procedure. We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing laparoscopic pyloromyotomy in our institution. We collected demographic data, data from the intervention, outcome and complications and hemodynamic parameters (heart rate--HR--and blood pressure--BP--) and respiratory (O2 saturation--SO2--and exhaled CO2--ECO2--) at different times during surgery. We performed statistical analysis of these data. We reviewed a total of 55 charts. Mean age was 34 days and average weight 3,785 g. All patients were ventilated with pressure control mode and received maintenance fluid therapy. BP, HR and SO2 were stable throughout the surgery not showing significant differences. The ECO2 increased significantly after inflation, however it was controlled by increasig respiratory rate. In conclusion, the hemodynamic and ventilatory response in these patients is controllable with anesthetic and surgical measures but it is important to consider the possible consequences of pneumoperitoneum in this group of patients.

[Conservative treatment of the pectus carinatum]. / Tratamiento conservador del pectus carinatum.

INTRODUCTION: Pectus carinatum (PC) is a deformity that involves the protrusion of the anterior chest wall. It is 10 times less frequent than pectus excavatum. It has a progressive growth and is more common with men. There are two different types, the lower or condrocorporal which is the most common one, and the upper or condromanubrial. Most of the time there are no cardio-respiratory symptoms. OBJECTIVE: We present our experience in the orthopedic treatment of the pectus carinatum. METHOD: Retrospective review of patients treated in our hospital from 2002 until 2009. Patients were treated with observation, aerobic exercises, postural change and/or compression braces. Literature review was performed of the treatment for this pathology. RESULTS: 18 patients have been diagnosed with PC, 16 were men and 2 women. All were treated in a nonoperative way. Only 11 of them used a compression brace. We missed two follow-ups and another has just yet begun to achieve proper results. All the rest have had excellent results with nonoperative treatment. None of them have had a surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: The PC is a disease that most often is a cosmetic problem, with no impact on a cardio-respiratory level. Classically it has been a surgical entity. In our experience we have found that the orthopedic method is an effective alternative, safe and with a significant reduction in morbidity. But we need the collaboration of the patient to accept and maintain continuity in the use of the prostheses.

[Laparoscopy as diagnostic-therapeutic method in abdominal traumatism in the pediatric age]. / Laparoscopia como método diagnóstico-terapéutico en el traumatismo abdominal en la edad pediátrica.

The management of blunt abdominal traumatism with a moderate amount of free peritoneal fluid and without solid organ injury as well as the one of minimal penetrating trauma is controversial. We present three cases of blunt abdominal trauma and two of penetrating trauma that underwent diagnostic laparoscopy in our department. We found a small bowel perforation in one of the cases of blunt trauma that was repaired by externalization of the jejuna loop by one of the ports. In the other two cases we found intestinal and mesenteric contusions and free fluid that were treated by peritoneal drainage. One of the cases of penetrating trauma presented omentum evisceration with no other injuries and the second presented a gastric perforation that needed reconversion to laparotomy. In our experience and according to literature, laparoscopy should be taken into account as a diagnostic procedure and sometimes also therapeutic in selected cases of both blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma in pediatric population.

Laparoscopia como método diagnóstico-terapéuticoen el traumatismo abdominal en la edad pediátrica / Laparoscopy as diagnostic-therapeutic method in abdominal traumatism in the pediatric age

El trauma abdominal cerrado con líquido libre sin evidencia de lesión de víscera sólida, así como el penetrante con dudosa afectación peritoneal suponen un reto diagnóstico y terapéutico. Presentamos tres casos de traumatismo abdominal cerrado y dos penetrante que fueron sometidos en nuestro centro a laparoscopia diagnóstica. Los cinco pacientes se encontraban hemodinámicamente estables. De los traumatismos cerrados, en uno se evidenció una perforación a nivel de íleondistal que fue reparada. Los otros dos casos presentaban distensión de asas y líquido que se drenó sin evidenciar otras lesiones. De los dos casos de traumatismo penetrante en uno de ellos se redujo el epiplón eviscerado por la herida sin evidenciar otras lesiones y en el otro se diagnosticó una perforación a nivel gástrico que se reparó mediante laparotomía La laparoscopia, por tanto, puede tener un papel diagnóstico y en ocasiones también terapéutico en casos seleccionados de traumatismo abdominal tanto penetrante como cerrado (AU)

The management of blunt abdominal traumatism with a moderate amount of free peritoneal fluid and without solid organ injury as wellas the one of minimal penetrating trauma is controversial. We present three cases of blunt abdominal trauma and two of penetrating trauma that underwent diagnostic laparoscopy in our department. We found as mall bowel perforation in one of the cases of blunt trauma that was repaired by externalization of the jejuna loop by one of the ports. In the other two cases we found intestinal and mesenteric contusions and free fluid that were treated by peritoneal drainage. One of the cases of penetrating trauma presented omentum evisceration with no other injuries and the second presented a gastric perforation that needed reconversion to laparotomy. In our experience and according to literature, laparoscopy should be taken into account as a diagnostic procedure and sometimes also therapeutic in selected cases of both blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma in pediatric population (AU)

Genetic parameters for growth of fiber diameter in alpacas.

The alpaca is the most important fiber producer of the South American camelid species, and is an important source of income for the Andean communities. Nowadays, fiber diameter is considered the main selection objective in alpaca populations throughout the world. However, fiber diameter increases with the age of the animals, and it would be preferable to select those animals that maintain a thin fiber throughout their life span. The goal of this study was to describe the genetic relationship between fiber diameter at weaning age (6 mo) and the evolution of fiber diameter along the life span. The analysis of the evolution of fiber diameter was studied as a useful model for canalization and as a longitudinal trait by hierarchical Bayesian analysis. The results suggested that substantial genetic variation exists for fiber diameter and also for the variability and linear growth of the fiber diameter. Thus, a genetic selection program is plausible to modify the evolution of fiber diameter with time, together with a favorable correlated decrease in fiber diameter.

Cirugía laparoscópica en pacientes con válvula de derivación ventrículo-peritoneal / Minimally invasive surgery in pediatric patients with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts

Clásicamente ha existido controversia en cuanto a la realización de intervenciones laparoscópicas en los pacientes portadores de válvulas de derivación ventrículo-peritoneales (VDVP), por la posibilidad de desarrollo de hipertensión intracraneal durante la cirugía, el riesgo deinfecciones del sistema de derivación o la presencia de adherencias peritoneales. Presentamos los resultados de los pacientes de estas características tratados en nuestro centro. Se han realizado 16 intervenciones laparoscópicas en pacientes portadores de VDVP. El procedimiento más frecuente fue la cirugía antirreflujo. Durante las intervenciones no se evidenciaron episodios de hipertensión intracraneal. Durante 2 de las cirugías programadas la presencia de adherencias y líquido tabicado aumentó la complejidad del procedimiento. No hubo complicaciones intraoperatorias. En los seis meses siguientes sólo fue preciso recambiar una de las válvulas en los casos de cirugía limpia y limpia-contaminada. Según nuestra experiencia, por tanto, la laparoscopia en portadoresde VDVP es factible, puede resultar más compleja pero no parece aumentar la tasa de infecciones del sistema. Estos niños pueden por consiguiente beneficiarse de las ventajas de la laparoscopia y sus indicaciones (AU)

The use of laparoscopy in patients with ventriculo-peritoneals hunts has been controversial. There is concern about the risk malfunction or infection of the shunt as well as about the possibility of adhesions that could make the surgical procedures too difficult to be undertaken by minimally invasive surgery. We present our results inpediatric patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts that have undergonel aparoscopic procedures in our department. We have performed16 surgical procedures. The most frequent indication was fundoplication. During surgery there were no complications or intracranial hypertension episodes. Two of the procedures were considered by the surgeons more difficult and longer than usual. None of them required conversion to open technique. One shunt had to be replaced after surgery because of infection. According to our experience minimallyinvasive surgery is feasible and safe in pediatric patients with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts (AU)

[Minimally invasive surgery in pediatric patients with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts]. / Cirugía laparoscópica en pacientes con válvula de derivación ventrículo-peritoneal.

The use of laparoscopy in patients with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts has been controversial. There is concern about the risk malfunction or infection of the shunt as well as about the possibility of adhesions that could make the surgical procedures too difficult to be undertaken by minimally invasive surgery. We present our results in pediatric patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts that have undergone laparoscopic procedures in our department. We have performed 16 surgical procedures. The most frequent indication was fundoplication. During surgery there were no complications or intracranial hypertension episodes. Two of the procedures were considered by the surgeons more difficult and longer than usual. None of them required conversion to open technique. One shunt had to be replaced after surgery because of infection. According to our experience minimally invasive surgery is feasible and safe in pediatric patients with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts.

Analysis of the existence of major genes affecting alpaca fiber traits.

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of major genes for fiber diameter (FD), SD of FD (SDFD), CV of FD, and comfort factor (CF) in Huacaya (HU) and Suri (SU) Peruvian alpaca breeds. Bayesian segregation analyses with relaxed transmission probabilities were performed using 1,906 and 6,592 available records for SU and HU breeds. Evidence for the presence of major genes was statistically supported when the 95% posterior density did not include zero. Significant major genes were found associated with decreased FD, SDFD, CV values, and increased CF values. Additive effects of the major genes were 4.18 and 4.23 µm for FD, 1.67 and 1.61 µm for SDFD, 3.32 and 3.76% for CV, and 15.03 and 14.90% for CF in HU and SU breeds, respectively. Dominance effects were -1.98 and -2.03 µm for FD, -0.88 and -1.11 µm for SDFD, -1.37 and -2.17% for CV, and 13.0 and 11.8% for CF in HU and SU breeds, respectively. Major gene variance was larger than the polygenic variance for all traits. Major gene allelic frequencies for FD, SDFD, and CV ranged from 0.81 to 0.86 for HU breed and from 0.70 to 0.77 for the SU breed and were 0.24 and 0.36, respectively, for CF. It can be concluded that a major gene affecting these traits could be segregating. Then, molecular identification and monitoring of animals carrying favorable genes throughout the worldwide alpaca population would allow for a quick genetic improvement.

Mercury and trace element fractionation in Almaden soils by application of different sequential extraction procedures.

A comparative evaluation of the mercury distribution in a soil sample from Almaden (Spain) has been performed by applying three different sequential extraction procedures, namely, modified BCR (three steps in sequence), Di Giulio-Ryan (four steps in sequence), and a specific SEP developed at CIEMAT (six steps in sequence). There were important differences in the mercury extraction results obtained by the three procedures according to the reagents applied and the sequence of their application. These findings highlight the difficulty of setting a universal SEP to obtain information on metal fractions of different mobility for any soil sample, as well as the requirement for knowledge about the mineralogical and chemical characteristics of the samples. The specific six-step CIEMAT sequential extraction procedure was applied to a soil profile (Ap, Ah, Bt1, and Bt2 horizons). The distribution of mercury and major, minor, and trace elements in the different fractions were determined. The results indicate that mercury is mainly released with 6 M HCl. The strong association of mercury with crystalline iron oxyhydroxides, present in all the horizons of the profile, and/or the solubility of some mercury compounds in such acid can explain this fact. Minor mercury is found in the fraction assigned to oxidizable matter and in the final insoluble residue (cinnabar).