Scale-up of electrokinetic permeable reactive barriers for the removal of organochlorine herbicide from spiked soils.

This work aims to shed light on the scale-up a combined electrokinetic soil flushing process (EKSF) with permeable reactive barriers (PRB) for the treatment of soil spiked with clopyralid. To do this, remediation tests at lab (3.45 L), bench (175 L) and pilot (1400 L) scales have been carried out. The PRB selected was made of soil merged with particles of zero valent iron (ZVI) and granular activated carbon (GAC). Results show that PRB-EKSF involved electrokinetic transport and dehalogenation as the main mechanisms, while adsorption on GAC was not as relevant as initially expected. Clopyralid was not detected in the electrolyte wells and only in the pilot scale, significant amounts of clopyralid remained in the soil after 600 h of operation. Picolinic acid was the main dehalogenated product detected in the soil after treatment and mobilized by electro-osmosis, mostly to the cathodic well. The transport of volatile compounds into the atmosphere was promoted at pilot scale because of the larger soil surface exposed to the atmosphere and the electrical heating caused by ohmic losses and the larger interelectrode gap.

Validation and comparison of Breast Graded Prognostic Assessment scores in patients with breast cancer and brain metastases.

PURPOSE: Brain metastases (BM) occur in 15-35% of patients with metastatic breast cancer, conferring poor prognosis and impairing quality of life. Clinical scores have been developed to classify patients according to their prognosis. We aimed to check the utility of the Breast Graded Prognostic Assessment (B-GPA) and its modified version (mB-GPA) and compare them in routine clinical practice. METHODS: This is an ambispective study including all patients with breast cancer BM treated in a single cancer comprehensive center. We analyzed the overall survival (OS) from BM diagnosis until death. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard regression model were used in the analyses. ROC curves were performed to compare both scores. RESULTS: We included 169 patients; median age was 50 years. HER2-positive and triple negative patients were 33.7% and 20.7%, respectively. At the last follow-up, 90% of the patients had died. Median OS was 12 months (95% confidence interval 8.0-16.0 months). OS was worse in patients with > 3 BM and in patients with triple negative subtype. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, we confirm that B-GPA and mB-GPA scores correlated with prognosis. ROC curves showed that B-GPA and mB-GPA have similar prognostic capabilities, slightly in favor of mB-GPA.

Electrokinetic-Fenton for the remediation low hydraulic conductivity soil contaminated with petroleum.

The use of electrokinetic Fenton (EK Fenton) process, as promising soil remediation approach, was investigated by using an iron electrode with different supporting electrolytes (tap water, H2O2, and citric acid) to depollute soil spiked with petroleum where kaolin was selected as low hydraulic conductivity. The results clearly confirm that, the combination of electrokinetic remediation (EK) and Fenton technologies, is an efficient oxidizing approach for removing hydrocarbons from this kind of soil. In fact, the electrokinetic Fenton reactions and the control of the soil pH conditions by adding citric acid enhanced the oxidation process because the addition of the H2O2 with iron electrode resulted in higher removal efficiencies (89%) for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs). These figures allowed to confirm that EK Fenton process with pH control contributed for the transport of H2O2 and Fe2+ ions in the soil by electromigration and eletro-osmotic phenomena. Conversely, no control of pH conditions when only EK was applied, achieved lower hydrocarbons removal (27%) after 15 d of treatment due to the precipitation of iron ions. Finally, the efficiency of the EK Fenton remediation prevented the generation of secondary effluent with higher organic content, avoiding its treatment by other advanced oxidation process.

Caracterización organoléptica, nutricional, microbiológica y digestibilidad in vitro de ensilados con diferentes niveles de inclusión de desperdicios de alimentos / Organoleptic, nutritional, microbiological characterization and in vitro digestibility of silage with different levels of inclusion of food waste

RESUMEN Objetivo: caracterización organoléptica, nutricional, microbiológica y digestibilidad in vitro de ensilados de desperdicios de alimentos recolectados en un restaurante de un centro de estudios técnicos y tecnológicos con subproductos de cosecha. Metodología: se realizó un análisis organoléptico, microbiológico, proximal de la composición y digestibilidad in vitro de ensilajes con diferentes niveles de inclusión de desperdicios de alimentos. Resultados: se evidencian características de olor, color y textura óptimas para su palatabilidad, valores nutricionales favorables para el 30, 35 y 40% de inclusión de desperdicios, bajos promedios de proteína, pero con niveles de energía superiores a los del maíz, sorgo y soya. La digestibilidad in vitro de la materia seca (DIVMS) fue mejor para el 35% de inclusión. Así mismo, la Unidad Formadora de Colonias UFC/g para el día 21 fue 1 x10 (Escherichia coli), que se ajusta a las normas para alimentos de animales. Conclusiones: la utilización de ensilados con un 35% de inclusión de desperdicios de alimento puede ser una importante herramienta de suplementación para la alimentación porcina.

ABSTRACT Aim: characterize organoleptic, nutritional, microbiological and in vitro digestibility of food waste silage collected in a restaurant of a technical and technological studies center with harvest by-products. Metodology: it has been make organoleptic analysis, microbiologic, proximal composition, in vitro digestibility of silages with different levels of inclusion of food waste. Results: it is evidenced characteristics of smell, color and texture optimal so as to palatability, favorable nutritional values for 30, 35 and 40% inclusion of waste, low protein levels, but with hight energy levels superior to corn, sorghum and soybeans. The dry mater in vitro digestibility in vitro de la materia seca (DIVMS) was better for 35% inclusión. Moreover, In addition, the UFC/g colony forming units for 21th day was 1 X101 (Escherichia coli), that conforms to the standards for animal feed. Conclusions: to use silages with 35% inclusion of food waste may be one important tool of supplementation for swine feeding.

Respuesta familiar ante la revelación de la orientación sexual, desde el discurso de hombres homosexuales / Family response to the revelation of the sexual orientation, from the discourse of homosexual men / Resposta familiar perante à revelação da orientação sexual, desde o discurso de homens homossexuais

Resumen Introducción La homosexualidad representa fragmentar las normas establecidas socialmente, provenientes de una sociedad sectorizada, que adopta un patrón de obligatoriedad heteronormativa, por lo que una orientación sexual disidente conlleva enfrentar un sinfín de prejuicios, con afecciones significativas en el entorno familiar. Objetivo Conocer la respuesta del entorno familiar ante la revelación de la orientación sexual, desde el discurso de hombres homosexuales. Métodos Estudio cualitativo descriptivo, en el que se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas y observación participante a cinco hombres homosexuales de 19 a 36 años de edad de la ciudad de Puebla, México, a través de un muestreo teórico y el empleo de participantes clave para el acceso a los informantes. Resultados Los hallazgos se estructuraron en torno a una categoría central: respuesta familiar ante un integrante homosexual, de la cual se desprenden tres subcategorías: creencia familiar, conflicto familiar y proceso de pérdida familiar a la heteronormatividad, la cual se encuentra integrada por la agrupación de múltiples códigos, clasificados de acuerdo a las cinco etapas del proceso de pérdida, propuestas por Kübler-Ross. Discusión Las respuestas familiares ante la homosexualidad son dinámicas, sumergidas en un proceso de negación que con el tiempo puede llegar a la aceptación. Conclusiones Las respuestas familiares desencadenadas por la homosexualidad se expresan de forma multifacética y a manera de proceso; el conocimiento de éstas puede ayudar a guiar el actuar de enfermería y del equipo de salud, para planear actividades y estrategias ante el proceso de pérdida familiar de la heteronormatividad.

Abstract Introduction Homosexuality represents a deviation from the social norms established by a sectorial society which imposes having a mandatory heterosexual pattern. Because of this, having a different sexual orientation implies facing prejudices which have diverse impacts on the family environment. Objective To know the response of the family environment towards the revelation of the sexual orientation from the perspective of homosexual males. Methods This is a qualitative and descriptive study with theoretical sampling and key informing, which used semi-structured interviews and observations on five homosexual males from the city of Puebla, Mexico, whose ages ranged from 19 to 36 years old. Results: The findings clustered around a central category: the family response towards having a homosexual member, from which three subcategories emerged: family beliefs, family conflict, and the loss of the heterosexual normativity, reflected by multiple codes classified in the five stages of the process of a loss proposed by Kübler-Ross. Discussion: The family responses towards homosexuality are dynamic and framed by a denial process which eventually can lead to the acceptance. Conclusions: The family responses towards having a member being homosexual are multiple; thus, an understanding of these responses can help nurses and other health professionals to plan activities and strategies aimed at addressing the process of the family loss of the heterosexual normativity.

Resumo Introdução A homossexualidade representa fragmentar as normas estabelecidas socialmente, provenientes de uma sociedade setorizada, que adopta um padrão de obrigatoriedade heteronormativa, pelo que uma orientação sexual dissidente faz enfrentar uma infinidade de preconceitos, com afecções significativas no entorno familiar. Objetivo Conhecer a resposta do entorno familiar perante a revelação da orientação sexual, desde o discurso de homens homossexuais. Métodos Estudo qualitativo descritivo, no qual se realizaram entrevistas semiestruturadas e observação participante a cinco homens homossexuais de 19 a 36 anos de idade da cidade de Puebla, México, a través de uma amostragem teórica e o emprego de participantes chave para o acesso aos informantes. Resultados Os achados estruturaram-se em volta de uma categoria central: resposta familiar frente a um integrante homossexual, da qual se desprendem três subcategorias: crença familiar, conflito familiar e processo de perda familiar à heteronormatividade, a qual se encontra integrada pela agrupação de múltiplos códigos, classificados de acordo com as cinco etapas do processo de perda, propostas por Kübler-Ross. Discussão As respostas familiares diante da homossexualidade são dinâmicas, submersas em um processo de negação que com o tempo pode chegar à aceitação. Conclusões As respostas familiares desatadas pela homossexualidade expressam-se de forma multifacetada e em forma de processo; o conhecimento destas pode ajudar a guiar o agir da enfermagem e da equipe de saúde, para planejar atividades e estratégias frente ao processo de perda familiar da heteronormatividade.

Autoestima, violencia de pareja y conducta sexual en mujeres indígenas / Self-esteem, partner violence, and sexual behavior among indigenous women / Autoestima, violência de casal e conduta sexual em mulheres indígenas

Las mujeres indígenas son un grupo vulnerable que enfrentan una triple desventaja: Ser mujeres, ser pobres y ser indígenas; inmersas en un contexto donde destaca la dominación masculina, con el agravante de que no se han apropiado de su derecho a la autonomía, lo que repercute en su conducta sexual. Objetivo: Conocer la relación de la autoestima, violencia de pareja y conducta sexual en mujeres indígenas. Método: La investigación fue de tipo descriptivo-correlacional, con diseño transversal. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 386 mujeres indígenas de una comunidad de Puebla, México, seleccionadas por muestreo aleatorio simple. Como medidas se utilizaron una cédula de datos, la escala de autoestima, la escala de violencia, y para la conducta sexual se consideró la frecuencia con que la pareja uso condón en los últimos 12 meses, tipo y número de parejas sexuales. Resultados: La media de edad fue de 33 años, el 43% de la muestra presentó autoestima baja, el 63.2% han sufrido violencia de pareja y el 16% de parejas ocasionales, y el 52% no usa condón. Se identificó que ante la presencia de violencia de pareja se presenta autoestima baja (R2 = 0.047, F[386] = 18.73, p < 0.000) lo que aumenta la exposición a conductas sexuales de riesgo (R2 = 0.019, F[386] = 7.42, p < 0.007). Conclusión: El estudio de estas variables permitió un acercamiento a los factores que repercuten en la salud de las mujeres indígenas. Por ello es necesario que enfermería explore otros factores asociados a la conducta sexual que permitan diseñar programas estratégicos y oportunos.

Indigenous women are a vulnerable group which faces a triple disadvantage: Being women, being poor, and being indigenous. These women are immersed in a context where masculine dominance is prevalent, and where they do not or cannot use their right to autonomy; this situation has an impact on their sexual behavior. Objective: To explore the associations of self-esteem, partner violence, and sexual behavior among indigenous women. Method: This is a descriptive, correlational, and transversal study. The sample was constituted by 386 indigenous women from a community in the state of Puebla, Mexico, who were selected by simple random sampling. The data chart, and the self-esteem and violence scales were use as measurements. Regarding sexual behavior, the frequency of condom use in the last 12 months, and the type and number of sexual partners were used. Results: The age median was 33 years old, 43% showed a low self-esteem, 63.2% have suffered partner violence and 16% from occasional partners, and 52% do not use condom. It was identified that in the presence of partner violence, low self-esteem arises (R2 =.047, F[386] = 18.73, P < .000), a situation which increments the risk-posing sexual behaviors (R2 = .019, F[386] = 7.42, P < .007). Conclusion: The exploration of these variables allowed a better look into the factors which have impacts on the indigenous women; moreover, it is necessary to promote nursing interventions to explore other related factors as well, and also to design and implement timely strategic programs to address the issue.

As mulheres indígenas são um grupo vulnerável que enfrenta uma tripla desvantagem: Ser mulheres, ser pobres e ser indígenas; imersas em um contexto onde destaca a dominação masculina, com a agravante que não se apropriaram de seu direito à autonomia, o que repercute em sua conduta sexual. Objetivo: Conhecer a relação da autoestima, violência de casal e conduta sexual em mulheres indígenas. Método: a pesquisa foi de tipo descritivo-correlacional, com desenho transversal. A amostra esteve composta por 386 mulheres indígenas de uma comunidade de Puebla, México, selecionadas por amostragem aleatória simples. Como medidas utilizaram-se um documento de dados, a escala de autoestima, e a escala de violência e para a conduta sexual considerou-se a frequência com que o casal usou preservativo nos últimos 12 meses, tipo e número de casais sexuais. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 33 anos, 43% da amostra apresentou autoestima baixa, 63.2% sofreram violência de casal e 16% das mulheres indígenas com casais ocasionados no 52% não usa preservativo. Identificou-se que ante a presença de violência de casal se apresenta autoestima baixa (R2 = .047, F[386] = 18.73, p < .000) o que aumenta a exposição a condutas sexuais de risco (R2 = .019, F[386] = 7.42, p < .007). Conclusão: O estudo destas variáveis permitiu uma aproximação dos fatores que repercutem na saúde das mulheres indígenas. Pelo que é necessário que enfermagem sonde outros fatores associados à conduta sexual que permitam desenhar programas estratégicos e oportunos.

Residual neck disease management in squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated with radiotherapy plus cetuximab.

PURPOSE: Management of residual neck disease (RND) is one of the unsolved points after bio-radiotherapy (BRT) in loco-regional advanced squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The aims of the study were to characterize the radiological pattern of response by computed tomography (CT) and to assess the role of positron-emission tomography (PET)/CT in this setting for a better decision-making in the indication of neck dissection (ND). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 202 patients consecutively diagnosed with node-positive SCCHN (N1: 24; N2: 152; N3: 26) who had been treated with concomitant radiotherapy and cetuximab with or without previous induction chemotherapy between 2006 and 2013. Radiological evaluation after treatment was assessed by standard criteria using CT and in addition by PET/CT when RND was suspected in cases from 2010. RESULTS: There were 42 (21 %) patients who achieved complete response of the primary tumor persisting RND by CT. From this group, 24 patients were managed without PET/CT, leading to the performance of ND in 22 (92 %). On the other hand, 18 patients underwent PET/CT and ND was performed in only 6 (33 %). The overall survival was not different between both groups (p = 0.32). After histological examination and follow-up, PET/CT obtained a positive predictive value of 56 % and a negative predictive value of 89 %. CONCLUSIONS: Radiological response after BRT is similar to that after treatment with chemo-radiotherapy, thereby validating in this scenario the accepted CT criteria to define complete response of the neck. However, when RND is suspected by CT, PET/CT is useful to prevent unnecessary ND.

Anestesia regional versus general para parto por cesárea / Regional versus general anesthesia for cesarean section delivery

Introducción: No existe una técnica estándar de anestesia para el parto por cesárea. La anestesia general ha sido asociada con mayor morbimortalidad; sin embargo, estudios recientes parecen no estar de acuerdo con esta afirmación. Objetivo:Hacer una reflexión a través de los resultados de estudios que comparan anestesia regional y general para cesárea desde 3 aspectos: mortalidad, morbilidad y desenlaces neonatales, a partir de una búsqueda de la literatura Métodos:Artículo de reflexión. Se realizó una búsqueda no sistemática de la literatura referente a este tema en las bases de datos Medline/Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane y Lilacs usando términos Mesh incluidos en las palabras clave. Resultados: Aunque la tasa de cesáreas se ha mantenido constante, el uso de anestesia general ha disminuido progresivamente. La mortalidad materna asociada a anestesia general durante cesárea ha descendido hasta prácticamente ser igual a la de anestesia regional 1,7 (IC 95%, 0,6-4,6). La morbilidad es menor con anestesia regional: menor sangrado, menor riesgo de infección del sitio operatorio y menor dolor posoperatorio. Los desenlaces neonatales son prácticamente iguales. Conclusión: Las técnicas de anestesia neuroaxial son la elección para parto por cesárea siempre que no esté contraindicada, porque se asocia con menor morbilidad, aunque la mortalidad y los desenlaces neonatales son similares cuando se compara con anestesia general.

Introduction:There is no standard anesthesia technique for cesarean section. General anesthesia has been associated with higher morbidity-mortality; however, recent studies seem to disagree with such statement. Objectiue:Based on a search in the literature, to reflect on the comparative results of regional vs. general anesthesia for C-section considering three aspects: mortality, morbidity and neonatal outcomes. Methods: Article for reflection. A non-systematic search of the literature on the topic was performed in the Medline/Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane and Lilacs databases, using Mesh terms included in the key words. Results:Although the rates for cesarean sections have been constant, the use of general anesthesia has decreased progressively. Maternal mortality associated to general anesthesia during cesarean section has dropped to practically the same level as regional anesthesia: 1.7 (95% CI, 0.6-4.6). Mortality is lower with regional anesthesia: less bleeding, lower risk of surgical site infection, less post-operative pain. The neonatal outcomes are practically the same. Conclusion: As long as they are not contraindicated, neuraxial anesthetic techniques are the method of choice for C-section delivery, because they are associated with lower morbidity, though mortality and neonatal outcomes are similar as compared to general anesthesia.

Eventos críticos en anestesia / Critical events in Anesthesia

Introducción. El manejo de eventos críticos en el quirófano no siempre coincide con el manejo general de la reanimación, y se puede considerar una acción terapéutica de la anestesiología. Metodología. A partir del estudio australiano de monitoreo de 4.000 incidentes en anestesia se ha podido implementar un algoritmo de reglas nemotécnicas simplificadas. La Asociación Americana del Corazón (AHA) utiliza el cuadrante cardiovascular para ubicar la causa principal de inestabilidad hemodinámica de acuerdo con 4 componentes: bomba cardiaca, frecuencia cardiaca, resistencia y volumen. Resultados. En esta revisión se conjugan ambos sistemas, para intervenir de manera exitosa en el manejo de los eventos críticos en anestesia.

Introduction. Managing critical events in the OR is not always consistent with the usual resuscitation management and can be considered an anesthesia therapeutic approach. Mathodologhy. On the basis of an Australian study that monitored 4,000 anesthesia incidents, an algorithm of simplified acronyms has been implemented. The American Heart Association (AHA) uses the cardiovascular quadrant to localize the main cause of hemodynamic instability, in accordance with 4 components: Cardiac pump, heart rate, resistance and volume. Results. This review combines both systems to successfully manage any critical events during anesthesia.

Cross-sensitivity between taxanes in patients with breast cancer.

AIM This study was a retrospective analysis of our experience with severe cross-hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) to the taxanes paclitaxel (P) and docetaxel (D) in patients with breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS We evaluated patients with breast cancer treated with P or D who experienced severe HSR to one of the two taxanes. Severe HSR was defined as any reaction severe enough to warrant discontinuation of the drug. Initial intravenous premedication for paclitaxel was dexamethasone (20 mg), ranitidine (50 mg) and dexchlorpheniramine (10 mg). For docetaxel, dexamethasone (4 mg) orally every 12 hours was administered the day before infusion and dexamethasone (20 mg) was administered intravenously prior to infusion. After severe HSR to the taxane and 30 minutes before infusion of another taxane, we administered dexamethasone (20 mg), ranitidine (50 mg) and dexchlorpheniramine (10 mg) iv as a premedication, and we also increased the time of the infusion. RESULTS Between March 2009 and April 2010, 23 patients experienced an initial severe HSR to taxane (12 P, 11 D). Substitution of another taxane was conducted in 17 patients in the two weeks following the initial HSR. Eight patients had an initial HSR with P, and three had a cross-HSR to D. Nine patients had an initial HSR to D, and four of these patients had a cross-HSR to P. Among the 17 patients who received both taxanes, 7 (41%) had a cross-HSR. All cross- HSRs were sufficiently severe (grade 3-4) to suspend taxane treatment permanently. In the remaining 6 patients, a desensitisation protocol to taxanes was performed by increasing the dose of the diluted drug (4 P, 2 D), which resulted in administration of the drug without complications in all cases. There were no treatment-related deaths. CONCLUSION Severe cross-HSR between P and D occurred in a significant proportion of our patients with breast cancer, so care must be taken when substituting taxanes (paclitaxel and docetaxel). A desensitisation protocol can be an effective alternative to decrease the risk of a new HSR.

Manejo de la fibrilación auricular en la paciente obstétrica / Atrial fibrillation treatment in obstetric patient

Durante el embarazo las arritmias pueden comprometer el pronóstico fetal y la estabilidad hemodinámica de la madre. La fibrilación auricular en el embarazo es infrecuente pero requiere un reconocimiento de manera precoz para prevenir el embolismo cerebral, las alteraciones circulatorias, el aborto y el parto prematuro. El manejo médico no sólo se circunscribe a controlar el ritmo o la frecuencia cardiaca, o en la paciente inestable a realizar cardioversión eléctrica; es necesario también, de acuerdo al tiempo, realizar anticoagulación.

Controversias sobre la presión cricoidea o maniobra de Sellick / Controversial issue of cricoid pressure or Sellick maneuver

Introducción. La maniobra de Sellick o presión cricoidea es un procedimiento que se realiza de rutina en la profilaxis de la aspiración pulmonar como parte de la inducción/intubación de secuencia rápida. Ha sido objeto de múltiples controversias especialmente sobre su utilidad como práctica estándar de seguridad en el manejo de la vía aérea en urgencias. Se ha considerado la maniobra como una presión, sin embargo se designa la medida en Newton (N), sin tener en cuentael área del cartílago cricoides, de este modo es preciso referirse a la maniobra no en términos de presión cricoidea sino de fuerza cricoidea. Objetivo. Destacar la importancia de revisar las controversias que ha tenido una maniobra que se acerca a los 50 años de vigencia en el manejo de la vía aérea y la prevención de la broncoaspiración; incluso resaltar que ha habido errores en su descripción utilizando medidas de fuerza y no de presión Método. Mediante la revisión de la literatura se realiza este artículo de reflexión sobre las controversias de una maniobra usual en la práctica de urgencias del anestesiólogo, la Maniobra de Sellick. Conclusión. Desde 1961 cuando el doctor Brian Arthur Sellick describió la presión cricoidea como una maniobra útil para prevenir la regurgitación del contenido gástrico hacia la faringe, hasta la actualidad cuando se utiliza como medida importante en la técnica de inducción/intubación de secuencia rápida, se han venido encontrando una serie de controversias en cuanto a la seguridad que puede brindar en el manejo de la vía aérea, dignas de revisar y de discutir, y además, de recomendar una aclaración en cuanto a la designación de los términos presión y fuerza, que se han venido utilizando de manera indistinta para referirse a esta maniobra sin tener en cuenta el área del cartílago cricoides, que de hecho es diferente entre los individuos.

Introduction. The Sellick maneuver or cricoid pressure is a procedure that is routinely performed in the prophylaxis for pulmonary aspiration as part of a rapid sequence intubation. It has been considered very controversial specifically on its usefulness as a standard safety practice in the emergent airway management. Itusually has been considered a pressure maneuver, however it usually has seen assessed measuring Newtons (N) without considering the area of the cricoid cartilage. For this reason, it mustbe understood in terms of cricoid force instead of cricoid pressure. Objetive. To highlight the controversial issues this maneuver has had over the 50 years of its use in airway management and pulmonary aspiration prevention. To explain the common error of describing it in terms of force and not pressure. Methods. Literature review about the controversial aspects of the Sellick maneuver in emergent scenarios in anesthesia. Conclusion. Since the initial description by Dr. Brian Arthur Sellick in 1961 of the maneuver, using cricoid pressure to prevent them regurgitationof gastric contents to the pharynx used as part of the rapid sequence induction/ intubation, there have been multiple criticisms worthwhile to review, regarding the safety it provides in protecting the airway. We recommend that the terms pressure and force be differentiated and be used more appropriately when describing the maneuver, as the area of the cartilage should be considered in these measurements.

Obesidad en la gestación como determinante de técnica anestésica general para cesárea: reporte de caso / Gestational obesity as a determinant of general anesthesia technique for caesarean delivery: a case report

Background. The incidence of obesity has undergone a dramatic increase around the world during the last few years. Such epidemic behavior has been associated with obstetric patient’s frequent presentation of different stages of obesity when undergoing anesthetic procedure. Obesity in pregnant women involves the risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Hypertension and preeclampsia, diabetes, fetal macrosomia, caesarean delivery, difficult airway management and neuroaxial techniques are more likely to be performed in this group of patients.Materials and methods. This is a case report of a morbid obese patient scheduled for caesarean delivery and tubal ligation. Regional, spinal and epidural techniques were attempted for surgery with unsuccessful results; this entails general anesthesia for surgery. The literature on complications due to obesity during pregnancy was reviewed, emphasising relevance for the anesthesiologist.Conclusion. Obesity, especially morbid obesity in pregnant women, represents a challenge for anesthesia management. Updated knowledge of physiology and the conditions related to obesity in pregnancy is necessary; medical services must be prepared to provide optimum and safe obstetric anesthesia, analgesia and post-operation care.

Identificación de mutaciones en el gen CYBB que llevan al fenotipo de la enfermedad granulomatosa crónica ligada al cromosoma X: Reporte de una nueva mutación / Report of a new mutation in CYBB gene in two patients with X linked chronic granulomatous disease

Background: The X-linked form of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency that affects phagocytes of the innate immune system and is characterized by an increased susceptibility to severe bacterial and fungal infections. It is caused by mutations in the CYBB gene, which encodes the 91-kD subunit of phagocyte NADPH oxidase. Aim: To identify the mutation in the CYBB gene in two unrelated patients from Chile with the diagnosis of X-linked CGD and their families. Patients and methods: The molecular genetic defects of two unrelated patients from Chile with X-linked CGD caused by defects in the CYBB gene were investigated. The underlying mutation was investigated by single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of PCR-amplified genomic DNA and by sequencing of the affected gene region. Results: We found an insertion c.1267_1268insA in exon 10 leading to a frameshift mutation. This mutation is a novel report. We also identified a splice site mutation in the other patient, that presented a c.1326 +1 G>A substitution in intron 10. The mutation was also detectable in his heterozygous mother. Conclusions: This is the first report of the clinical and molecular characterization of Chilean patients with mutations in CYBB gene.

[Linear scleroderma en coup de sabre: neurological symptoms, images and review]. / Esclerodermia lineal en coup de sabre. Manifestaciones neurologicas, imagenes y revision

INTRODUCTION: 'Sword stroke' linear scleroderma, which is better known as linear scleroderma en coup de sabre (LSCS), is a rare disease with an uncertain causation that is characterised by progressive craniofacial focal atrophy and is, at least in part, different from Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS). CASE REPORTS: Here, we report on the cases of 3 patients with LSCS (2 females and 1 male, with a mean age of 40 years). The main neurological symptoms were headache and seizures. Although different alterations were observed in the X-ray images, they were all ipsilateral to the coup de sabre. Histopathological evidence for gliosis and mixed perivascular inflammatory infiltrate was found in the study of a biopsy specimen taken from one female. Cerebrovascular involvement was seen in another patient, as highlighted by the observation of an earlier subclinical cerebellar infarct and occlusion of the superior cerebellar artery in the absence of any other possible causation. CONCLUSIONS: When it affects the central nervous system, the clinical and radiological presentation of LSCS is heterogeneous. Both the imaging studies carried out during the clinical control and the histopathological findings suggest a focal inflammatory process that can be progressive. The arterial involvement is probably due to a non-atherosclerotic, occlusive and chronic inflammatory disease of the peripheral vessels.

[Intracerebral haemorrhage in a referral hospital in the central-western region of Mexico]. / Hemorragia intracerebral en un hospital de referencia de la region centro-occidente de Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) has received little attention in studies in Mexico. Isolated reports talk of high frequency, its importance as a disorder among young people, its being mainly located in the lobar regions and a high rate of recurrence. AIMS: The objective of this study was to characterise the clinical, radiological, therapeutic and prognostic spectrum of ICH in a general hospital in the central-western region of Mexico. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study involved 270 consecutive patients over the age of 15 years with spontaneous ICH who were hospitalised in the Neurology and Neurosurgical Service in the Antiguo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara between the years 2000 and 2002. Their clinical history and progression was known at least on discharge from the hospital. RESULTS: The mean age was 63 years (12% under 40 years old) with no predominance according to gender (53% males). Arterial hypertension was the main risk factor in 69%, followed by obesity in 38%. There were no differences in the Glasgow administered on admission in three pre-established subgroups. The ICH was ganglionic in 64% of cases and lobar in 24%. Arterial hypertension was the principal cause of ICH in 76%. Ventricular aperture was noted in 53%. All the patients were treated in a general ward. Mortality in the acute phase occurred in 49%, although a poor progression was observed in 83%. Overall recurrence was 13%. Outpatient follow-up was poor. CONCLUSIONS: ICH shares most of the features reported in Anglo-Saxon series including aetiology and location. In our population, mortality and recurrence are high with important sequelae. The high frequency of ICH (40%) may represent a bias in the selection of hospitals.