Enhancing trauma care through innovative trauma and disaster team response training: A blended learning approach in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: In Tanzania, inadequate infrastructures and shortages of trauma-response training exacerbate trauma-related fatalities. McGill University's Centre for Global Surgery introduced the Trauma and Disaster Team Response course (TDTR) to address these challenges. This study assesses the impact of simulation-based TDTR training on care providers' knowledge/skills and healthcare processes to enhance patient outcomes. METHODS: The study used a pre-post-interventional design. TDTR, led by Tanzanian instructors at Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute from August 16-18, 2023, involved 22 participants in blended online and in-person approaches with simulated skills sessions. Validated tools assessed participants' knowledge/skills and teamwork pre/post-interventions, alongside feedback surveys. Outcome measures included evaluating 24-h emergency department patient arrival-to-care time pre-/post-TDTR interventions, analyzed using parametric and non-parametric tests based on data distributions. RESULTS: Participants' self-assessment skills significantly improved (median increase from 34 to 58, p < 0.001), along with teamwork (median increase from 44.5 to 87.5, p < 0.003). While 99% of participants expressed satisfaction with TDTR meeting their expectations, 97% were interested in teaching future sessions. The six-month post-intervention arrival-to-care time significantly decreased from 29 to 13 min, indicating a 55.17% improvement (p < 0.004). The intervention led to fewer ward admissions (35.26% from 51.67%) and more directed to operating theaters (29.83% from 16.85%), suggesting improved patient management (p < 0.018). CONCLUSION: The study confirmed surgical skills training effectiveness in Tanzanian settings, highlighting TDTR's role in improving teamwork and healthcare processes that enhanced patient outcomes. To sustain progress and empower independent trauma educators, ongoing refresher sessions and expanding TDTR across low- and middle-income countries are recommended to align with global surgery goals.

Advancing access to care: An assessment of the prehospital system in Senegal.

BACKGROUND: Most low- and middle-income countries do not have a mature prehospital system limiting access to definitive care. This study sought to describe the current state of the prehospital system in Senegal and offer recommendations aimed at improving system capacity and population access to definitive care. METHODS: Structured interviews were conducted with key informants in various regions throughout the country using qualitative and quantitative techniques. A standardized questionnaire was generated using needs assessment forms and system frameworks. Descriptive statistics were performed for quantitative data analysis, and qualitative data was consolidated and presented using ATLAS.ti. RESULTS: Two (20%) of the studied regions, Dakar and Saint-Louis, had a mature prehospital system in place, including dispatch centers and teams of trained personnel utilizing equipped ambulances. 80% of the studied regions lacked an established prehospital system. The vast majority of the population relied on the fire department for transport to a healthcare facility. The ambulances in rural regions were not part of a formal prehospital system, were not equipped with life-support supplies, and were limited to inter-facility transfers. CONCLUSIONS: While Dakar and Saint-Louis have mature prehospital systems, the rest of the country is served by the fire department. There are significant opportunities to further strengthen the prehospital system in rural Senegal by training the fire department in basic life support and first aid, maintaining cost efficiency, and building on existing national resources. This has the potential to significantly improve access to definitive care and outcomes of emergent illness in the Senegalese community.

Microbial Composition and Diversity of High-demand Street-vended Foods in Ecuador.

Developing countries such as Ecuador carry a heavy food safety burden but reports on the microbiological quality of their foods are scarce. In this investigation, the microbial diversity of 10 high-risk and mass-consumption street-vended foods including bolones, encebollado, food dressings, ceviche, chopped fruits, fruit juices, fruit salads, cheese, raw chicken, and ground beef in Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, three major population centers in Ecuador, were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene High Throughput Sequencing. In total, 1,840 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were classified into 23 phyla, 253 families, 645 genera, and 829 species. In the tested food samples, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the most abundant phyla accounting for 97.41% of relative abundance (RA). At genus level, 10 dominant genera were identified: Acinetobacter (12.61% RA), Lactococcus (12.08% RA), Vibrio (8.23% RA), Weissella (7.43% RA), Aeromonas (6.18% RA), Photobacterium (6.32% RA), Pseudomonas (3.92% RA), Leuconostoc (3.51% RA), Klebsiella (3.49% RA), and Cupriavidus (2.86% RA). The highest microbial diversity indices were found in raw chicken, encebollados, fruit salads, and fruit juices from Guayaquil and Cuenca. From sampled foods, 29 species were classified as food spoilage bacteria and 24 as opportunistic pathogenic bacteria. Two groups associated with human diseases were identified, including 11 enteric species and 26 species of fecal bacteria. The occurrence of recognized and opportunistic pathogenic bacteria, as well as enteric and fecal microorganisms, in the street-vended foods indicated extensive risks for the consumers' health. This study demonstrated the application of culture-independent amplicon sequencing in providing a more comprehensive view of microbial safety for street-vended food, which could be a useful tool to facilitate the control of foodborne diseases.

Control microbiológico de alimentos en la vía pública en Cuenca, Ecuador

El comercio ambulante de alimentos listos para el consumo ha crecido exponencialmente a nivel mundial. Sin embargo, la falta de condiciones óptimas de preparación y expendio de estos alimentos pueden afectar su inocuidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la calidad microbiológica de 19 tipos de alimentos (n= 417), con y sin tratamiento térmico, expendidos en espacios públicos en Cuenca, Ecuador. Según el grupo de alimentos, se analizaron aerobios mesófilos, coliformes/Escherichia coli, mohos y levaduras, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Listeria spp., Clostridium perfringes y Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Para la identificación y recuento de los microorganismos se aplicaron normativas nacionales y, en casos de ausencia, se adoptaron normas de otros países. Como resultado, el 55,4% de las muestras se consideraron no aptas para el consumo. S. aureus fue el microorganismo patógeno presuntivo de mayor prevalencia (81,7%). El incumplimiento de las normativas fue significativamente mayor entre los alimentos sin tratamiento térmico (54,1%) en comparación con aquellos térmicamente tratados (24%) y los que combinan ingredientes con y sin tratamiento (21,9%) (p<0,001). Se destaca el alto porcentaje de incumplimiento de alimentos sin tratamiento térmico que son manipulados en su preparación, como los jugos. Además, se observó que el tratamiento térmico no garantizó la inocuidad, sugiriendo una posible recontaminación del alimento luego de su preparación hasta su expendio y consumo, por medios ambientales y/o adición de otros ingredientes contaminados. Este estudio recalca la necesidad de acciones concretas con este sector, basados principalmente en capacitación, infraestructura e inclusión, para garantizar la salud de los consumidores.

Street-vending trade in ready-to-eat foods has grown exponentially, worldwide. However, the lack of optimal conditions for the preparation and sale of these foods can affect their safety. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of 19 types of foods (n= 417), with and without heat treatment, sold in public spaces in Cuenca, Ecuador. According to the food group, mesophilic aerobes, coliforms/Escherichia coli, molds and yeasts, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Listeria spp., Clostridium perfringens, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus were examined. For microorganisms identification and counting, national regulations were applied and, in cases of absence, regulations from other countries were adopted. As a result, 55,4% of the samples were considered inadequate for consumption. S. aureus was the most prevalent presumptive pathogenic microorganism (81.7%). Non-compliance with regulations was significantly higher among foods without heat treatment (54.1%) compared to those heat treated (24%) and those that combine ingredients with and without treatment (21.9%) (p<0.001). The high percentage of non-compliance with foods without heat treatment that is handled for preparation, such as juices, stands out. In addition, it was observed that the heat treatment did not guarantee safety, suggesting possible food recontamination after preparation until sale and consumption, due to environmental means and/or the addition of other contaminated ingredients. This study emphasizes the need for concrete actions in this sector, mainly based on training, infrastructure, and inclusion, to guarantee consumers' health.

In vitro bioaccessibility and uptake of ß-carotene from encapsulated carotenoids from mango by-products in a coupled gastrointestinal digestion/Caco-2 cell model.

ß-carotene is a carotenoid with provitamin A activity and other health benefits, which needs to become bioavailable upon oral intake to exert its biological activity. A better understanding of its behaviour and stability in the gastrointestinal tract and means to increase its bioavailability are highly needed. Using an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion method coupled to an intestinal cell model, we explored the stability, gastrointestinal bioaccessibility and cellular uptake of ß-carotene from microparticles containing carotenoid extracts derived from mango by-products. Three types of microparticles were tested: one with the carotenoid extract as such, one with added inulin and one with added fructooligosaccharides. Overall, ß-carotene was relatively stable during the in vitro digestion, as total recoveries were above 68 %. Prebiotics in the encapsulating material, especially inulin, enhanced the bioaccessibility of ß-carotene almost 2-fold compared to microparticles without prebiotics. Likewise, ß-carotene bioaccessibility increased proportionally with bile salt concentrations during digestion. Yet, a bile salts level above 10 mM did not contribute markedly to ß-carotene bioaccessibility of prebiotic containing microparticles. Cellular uptake experiments with non-filtered gastrointestinal digests yielded higher absolute levels of ß-carotene taken up in the epithelial cells as compared to uptake assays with filtered digests. However, the proportional uptake of ß-carotene was higher for filtered digests (24 - 31 %) than for non-filtered digests (2 - 8 %). Matrix-dependent carotenoid uptake was only visible in the unfiltered medium, thereby pointing to possible other cellular transport mechanisms of non-micellarized carotenoids, besides the concentration effect. Regardless of a filtration step, inulin-amended microparticles consistently resulted in a higher ß-carotene uptake than regular microparticles or FOS-amended microparticles. In conclusion, encapsulation of carotenoid extracts from mango by-products displayed chemical stability and release of a bioaccessible ß-carotene fraction upon gastrointestinal digestion. This indicates the potential of the microparticles to be incorporated into functional foods with provitamin A activity.

Análisis del cáncer de endometrio en un hospital universitario de Ourense, España / Analysis of endometrial cancer in a university hospital in Ourense, Spain

Resumen OBJETIVO: Describir, de forma retrospectiva, el comportamiento del cáncer de endometrio en pacientes diagnosticadas en el Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo efectuado en el Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense entre septiembre de 2014 y enero de 2018. Criterio de inclusión: diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento en nuestro centro. Criterio de exclusión: historia incompleta y diagnóstico o tratamiento en otro centro. Variables de estudio: tipo de tumor y de tratamiento. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo. Las posibles asociaciones se comprobaron mediante χ2, Fisher, t de Student y prueba de Mann-Whitney. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 149 pacientes, con edad media al diagnóstico de 69.38 años ± 9.6 años. El 86.6% (n = 129) de las pacientes estaban en la posmenopausia. El 68% (n = 101) eran obesas y el 54.7% (n = 81) hipertensas. El 54.7% (n = 81) se diagnosticaron en estadio IA. El 68.4% de los tumores grado 3 tuvieron infiltración miometrial mayor al 50%, el 28.6% grado 1 (p < 0.001). De las pacientes que recibieron radioterapia o braquiterapia el 46% estaba en estadios avanzados; 76% en estadio IB, 26% en estadio IA (p < 0.001). El 91.3% de los tumores estadio I fueron tipo I, en los estadios avanzados hubo 48.6% de tumores tipo I (p < 0.001). El 87.4% de los tumores grados 1 o 2 se encontraron en estadio I, un 45.2% de los tumores grado 3 en estadio I (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de las pacientes tenía más de 60 años y eran diabéticas, hipertensas y obesas. El cáncer de endometrio suele diagnosticarse en estadios tempranos. La braquiterapia es la coadyuvancia más indicada.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively describe the behavior of endometrial cancer in patients diagnosed at the Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive, observational and retrospective study in the Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense between September 2014 and January 2018. Inclusion criteria: diagnosis, treatment and follow-up in our center. Exclusion criteria: incomplete history and diagnosis or management in another center. Patient, tumor and treatment variables were collected. A descriptive analysis was performed. Possible associations were tested by Chi-square, Fisher, Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: 149 patients were studied, with mean age at diagnosis of 69.38 years ± 9.6 years. 86.6% (n = 129) of the patients were postmenopausal. 68% (n = 101) were obese and 54.7% (n = 81) hypertensive. 54.7% (n = 81) were diagnosed at stage IA. 68.4% of grade 3 tumors had myometrial infiltration greater than 50%, 28.6% grade 1 (p < 0.001). Of the patients who received radiotherapy or brachytherapy 46% were advanced stage; 76% stage IB, 26% stage IA (p < 0.001). 91.3% of stage I tumors were type I, in advanced stages there were 48.6% of type I tumors (p < 0.001). 87.4% of grade 1 or 2 tumors were stage I, 45.2% of grade 3 tumors were stage I (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients were older than 60 years and were diabetic, hypertensive and obese. Endometrial cancer is usually diagnosed at early stages. Brachytherapy is the most indicated adjuvant.

Microbiological Quality of High-Demand Food from Three Major Cities in Ecuador.

ABSTRACT: Bacterial foodborne diseases are among the most important public health issues worldwide, but in Ecuador, reports on the microbiological quality of food are scarce. In this cross-sectional study, 450 samples of high-demand Ecuadorian food, including bolon, encebollado, sauces, ceviche, fruit, fruit juice, fruit salad, cheese, raw chicken, and ground beef, were collected from popular street markets in the cities of Guayaquil, Quito, and Cuenca. Populations of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Listeria monocytogenes were examined on composited samples by plate count following the local regulations (Norma Tecnica Ecuatoriana, Instituto Ecuatoriano de Normalización) for each kind of food. The individual and interaction effects of the city and food type on the levels of each bacterial group were assessed by two-way analysis of variance. Selected colonies from each culture were identified using Biolog OmniLog ID and sequencing of the V3 to V4 region on the 16S rRNA gene. Average total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total coliform, fecal coliform, and E. coli levels were 5.10 ± 0.12, 2.50 ± 0.16, 1.09 ± 0.12, and 0.83 ± 0.12 log CFU/g or mL, respectively, with significant variations among the cities. The prevalence of Salmonella in chicken and sauces and L. monocytogenes in cheese and fruit salad was greater than 20%. Opportunistic pathogens including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus sciuri, and Enterococcus spp. were frequently identified in the samples from all three cities. High prevalence of spoilage microorganisms such as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and biocontrol bacteria such as Lactococcus lactis was also observed. This is the first report on the microbiological quality of food from Ecuador.

Tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer de cuello uterino en estadio temprano: revisión de la bibliografía / Surgical treatment or early stage cervical cáncer: a literatura review

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: La vía de acceso quirúrgico para el tratamiento de pacientes con cáncer de cuello uterino en estadio temprano ha demostrado, durante muchos años, los mismos desenlaces que la vía abierta y la mínimamente invasiva, aunque con menores complicaciones teóricas con esta última. OBJETIVO: Describir la evidencia actual acerca de la vía de acceso óptima para el tratamiento quirúrgico de las pacientes con cáncer de cuello uterino en estadio temprano. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio retrospectivo efectuado mediante una revisión bibliográfica en las bases de datos de Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science y CINAHL, en febrero del 2021, de artículos publicados entre el 2017 y el 2021. Se utilizaron las palabras clave (MeSH): early cervical cancer, minimally invasive surgery, Open Radical Hysterectomy, intra-uterine manipulator. Se excluyeron los artículos publicados en otros idiomas diferentes al inglés. RESULTADOS: De lo revisado se plantea la hipótesis de que la cirugía abierta permite mayor tracción anterior del útero que, de esta manera, facilita una resección más amplia de los ligamentos úterosacros y los parametrios. CONCLUSIONES: La vía de acceso mínimamente invasiva ha tenido peores desenlaces en términos de supervivencia libre de enfermedad y global, en comparación con la vía abierta. Se propone reconsiderar la vía de acceso abierta como patrón de referencia del tratamiento quirúrgico para pacientes con cáncer de cuello uterino en estadio temprano.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The surgical approach to early stage cervical cancer has been shown for many years to have the same results between the open and minimally invasive routes, with fewer theoretical complications in the latter. OBJECTIVE: To provide a description of the current evidence on the optimal approach for the surgical treatment of early stage cervical cancer. METHODOLOGY: A bibliographic search was carried out through Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CINAHL between 2017 and 2021. RESULTS: From what has been reviewed, it is hypothesized that open surgery allows greater anterior traction of the uterus, thus facilitating a wider resection of the uterosacral ligaments and parametria. CONCLUSIONS: The minimally invasive approach route has been shown to have worse results in terms of disease-free survival and overall survival, compared to the open route. The open approach should be reconsidered as the gold standard for patients with early-stage cervical cancer.

Desenlaces maternos y neonatales relacionados con edad materna avanzada / Maternal and neonatal outcomes in advanced maternal age

Resumen OBJETIVO: Describir los desenlaces maternos y perinatales en embarazadas de edad avanzada. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de dos cohortes, prospectivo y retrospectivo efectuado con base en la información de expedientes clínicos de pacientes atendidas en el Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense entre 2017 y 2018. Se establecieron dos cohortes: la cohorte A con edad mayor o igual a 40 años y la cohorte B con edad menor de 40 años. Se realizaron pruebas paramétricas y no paramétricas para determinar la asociación potencial entre las variables de estudio (χ2, t de Student, U de Mann-Whitney). RESULTADOS: Las pacientes de la cohorte A (n = 207) tuvieron significación estadística: índice de masa corporal mayor al inicio del embarazo (p = 0.028), mayor cantidad de embarazos previos (p = 0.001), a expensas de mayor cantidad de abortos (p < 0.001), estados hipertensivos del embarazo (p = 0.03), prematurez (p = 0.009), retraso en el crecimiento intrauterino (p = 0.006), macrosomía fetal (p = 0.04), inducciones (p < 0.001), cesáreas programadas o intraparto y hemorragia posparto (p = 0.001). No se encontraron diferencias en la paridad, amenorrea al parto, diabetes pregestacional-gestacional, peso fetal medio, Apgar, pH de la arteria umbilical y cantidad de recién nacidos con requerimiento de ingreso a la unidad de Neonatología. CONCLUSIONES: La edad materna avanzada es un factor de riesgo importante de morbilidad materna y perinatal. La mayor tasa de complicaciones descritas refleja la importancia del control exhaustivo del embarazo y vigilancia periparto minuciosa.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To describe the maternal and perinatal results in pregnant women with advanced age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort study was conducted with prospective follow-up and retrospective data collection of the Clinical History of the University Hospital Complex of Ourense between 2017 and 2018. Two cohorts were established, cohort A with age greater than and equal to 40 years and the cohort B with age under 40 years. Parametric and non-parametric tests were performed to determine the potential association between the study variables (Chi-Square, Student's T, Mann-Whitney U). RESULTS: The cohort A patients (n = 207) presented with statistical significance: body mass index higher at the beginning of pregnancy (p = 0.028), higher number of previous pregnancies (p = 0.001), but at the expense of a higher number of abortions (p <0.001), hypertensive states of pregnancy (p = 0.03), prematurity (p = 0.009), intrauterine growth retardation (p = 0.006), fetal macrosomia (p = 0.04), inductions (p < 0.001), of both scheduled and intrapartum caesarean sections and postpartum hemorrhage (p = 0.001). No differences were found in parity, amenorrhea at delivery, pregestational / gestational diabetes, mean fetal weight, Apgar score, umbilical artery pH and number of newborns who required admission to the Neonatal Unit. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced maternal age is an important risk factor for maternal and perinatal morbidity. The higher rate of complications described reflects the importance of thorough pregnancy control and careful peripartum surveillance.

Importancia de los márgenes quirúrgicos afectados en la conización uterina cervical / Importance of surgical margins affected in cervical uterine conization

Resumen: OBJETIVO: Determinar la asociación entre los márgenes afectados con la persistencia-recurrencia de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical, persistencia del virus del papiloma humano y las reintervenciones. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte retrospectiva del Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense (enero 2010-octubre 2017). Criterio de inclusión: mujeres con al menos una revisión postintervención. Criterios de exclusión: mujeres sin evidencia de displasia de alto grado en la pieza de conización y a las que no se dio seguimiento. Variables de estudio: edad, tabaquismo, preservativo, anticonceptivos orales, vacunación contra VPH, persistencia-recurrencia de NIC y de VPH y reintervención. Se realizaron pruebas paramétricas y no paramétricas entre las variables. RESULTADOS: La cohorte se integró con 248 mujeres, de éstas 81 (32.6%) tuvieron afectación de los márgenes quirúrgicos en la conización. La inmunosupresión, el tabaquismo y la anticoncepción oral fueron las asociaciones más frecuentes en los márgenes afectados. El uso de preservativo y la vacunación contra VPH fueron significativamente más frecuentes en los márgenes libres. Los márgenes afectados reportaron mayor persistencia de VPH (50 vs 23.9%; OR 3.17 (1.90-5.26), p < 0.001), enfermedad persistente-recurrente (47.2 vs 22.5%; OR 3.07 (1.84-5.12), p < 0.001) y reintervenciones (40.2 vs 15.4%; OR 3.679 (2.094-6.463), p < 0.028). El margen más afectado fue, en orden descendente, endocervical (55.6%), exocervical (25%) y ambos (19.4%). CONCLUSIONES: El margen afectado confiere un riesgo importante en la evolución de la infección por VPH y la recurrencia de la enfermedad.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between affected margins with persistence-recurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, persistence of human papillomavirus and re-interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study of cases and controls nested in a retrospective cohort of the Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense (January 2010-October 2017). Inclusion criteria: women with at least one post-intervention check-up. Exclusion criteria: women without evidence of high-grade dysplasia in the conization piece and who were not followed up. Study variables: age, smoking, condom, oral contraceptives, HPV vaccination, persistence-recurrence of CIN and HPV, and re-operation. Parametric and non-parametric tests were performed among the variables. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 248 women, 81 of whom (32.6%) had affected surgical margins on conization. Immunosuppression, smoking and oral contraception were the most frequent associations in affected margins. Condom use and HPV vaccination were significantly more frequent in free margins. Affected margins reported greater persistence of HPV (50 vs 23.9%; OR 3.17 (1.90-5.26), p < 0.001), persistent-recurrent disease (47.2 vs 22.5%; OR 3.07 (1.84-5.12), p < 0.001), and reinterventions (40.2 vs 15.4%; OR 3.679 (2.094-6.463), p < 0.028). The most affected margin was, in descending order, endocervical (55.6%), exocervical (25%) and both (19.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The affected margin confers a significant risk in the evolution of HPV infection and disease recurrence.

Eficacia del retiro quirúrgico de Essure para el alivio del dolor pélvico: serie de casos / Surgical removal of the Essure device as a response to pelvic pain: case series

Resumen OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia del retiro quirúrgico del Essure como medida para aliviar el dolor pélvico ocasionado, presuntamente, por este dispositivo. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de una serie de casos. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de las pacientes atendidas entre el 1 de enero de 2016 y el 15 de agosto de 2018 en el Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense para la extracción quirúrgica del dispositivo Essure. Parámetros de estudio: datos demográficos, historial médico, información de la inserción, características del dolor, tipo de intervención, hallazgos durante la intervención y posoperatorios. Los datos se analizaron con el programa SPSS, versión 24 para Windows. RESULTADOS: Se intervinieron 11 pacientes y 7 de ellas tuvieron dolor abdominal después de la colocación del dispositivo, con una tardanza media de aparición de 3.75 años. La técnica quirúrgica más practicada fue la salpingectomía bilateral (7 de 11 pacientes). 7 de las 11 pacientes continuaron con dolor luego de la extracción del dispositivo; de ellas, 2 tenían diagnóstico previo de dolor crónico y 3 antecedente de cirugía abdominal. CONCLUSIONES: En esta muestra de pacientes a quienes se extrajo el Essure, el retiro no resultó eficaz para aliviar el dolor en casi dos tercios de ellas. Esto pone de relieve que la extracción no garantiza la eliminación del dolor. Las investigaciones futuras deberán dirimir porqué en algunos casos la cirugía de extracción no resulta efectiva.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the surgical removal of Essure in the elimination of pelvic pain caused, presumably, by this device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive study of case series was conducted retrospectively. A review was performed of the medical histories of all the patients (11 in total) who underwent surgical removal of Essure devices at the University Hospital of Ourense (Spain) in the period between 1 January 2016 and 15 August 2018. The following items were collected: demographic data, medical history, data related to the insertion, characteristics of the pain, type of intervention, findings during the intervention and postoperative findings. The total number of patients intervened during that period was 11. The data was analyzed with the statistical software SPSS version 24 for Windows. RESULTS: Eleven patients were operated and 7 of them had abdominal pain after placement of the device, with an average delay of appearance of 3.75 years. The most practiced surgical technique was bilateral salpingectomy (7 of 11 patients). 7 of the 11 patients continued with pain after removal of the device; of them, 2 had previous diagnosis of chronic pain and 3 antecedents of abdominal surgery. CONCLUSIONS: It is evident that surgical removal of the Essure insert was not effective in almost two-thirds of the patients under study, which highlights that its removal does not guarantee the elimination of pain. Future research should determine why in some cases surgical removal is not effective.

Multiple mycotoxin exposure of infants and young children via breastfeeding and complementary/weaning foods consumption in Ecuadorian highlands.

The dietary exposure to mycotoxins in Ecuadorian children aged 0-23 months (320 rural and 603 urban) was evaluated based on the intake of breast milk and staple cereals used as complementary/weaning foods. A probabilistic distribution approach by first order Monte Carlo simulation was adopted to assess the locally occurring mycotoxins (aflatoxins M1 and B1 in breast milk, ochratoxin A and deoxynivalenol in wheat noodles and oat flakes, and HT-2 toxin in polished rice). Overall, exposure was modest but higher for rural children due to their monotonous diet. Aflatoxin exposure by breast milk intake were of health concern in both areas (Margin of Exposure and Combined Margin of Exposure Index<10,000). Mycotoxin exposure by staple cereals intake was considered tolerable across feeding stages for individual mycotoxin-cereal combination (Hazard Quotient<1) and combined exposure (Hazard Index<1). The major exposure was to HT-2 toxin by rice intake at complementary feeding (15% rural and 4% urban above TDI) and at weaning stage (26% rural and 6% urban above TDI). Since the usual Ecuadorian diet is based on the same staple cereals, risk management actions could lead to a better protection of young children and also ensure higher safety of the recommended breastfeeding practices by protecting nursing mothers.

Genetic variability of Ganoderma zonatum infecting palms in Florida.

Ganoderma zonatum is a lethal pathogen of palms (Arecaceae) in Florida (USA) because it degrades the wood of the lowest section of the palm trunk. This fungus is widespread throughout Florida, where it has been observed on over 60 species of palms. The authors examined the genetic variability of 25 isolates of G. zonatum obtained in Florida from 12 different palm species and representing 17 unique property locations in eight counties to determine if G. zonatum represents a species complex. The three genomic regions examined were the nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region (ITS), the coding region for RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (rpb2) domains 6 and 7, and the partial gene for translation elongation factor 1α (tef1α). The results indicated that variability among these three genomic regions was minimal, and the variability observed was not related to palm host or geographic region within Florida. Thus, in the geographic region surveyed, G. zonatum does not appear to represent a species complex.

Risk of Exposure to Multiple Mycotoxins from Maize-Based Complementary Foods in Tanzania.

This study estimated exposure to multiple mycotoxins in 249 infants aged between 6 and 12 months in three agro-ecological zones of Tanzania. Maize-based complementary food intakes were estimated using two 24 h dietary recalls. Using @Risk software, probabilistic exposure assessment was conducted by modeling maize intake data (kg/kg body weight/day) with previously determined multiple mycotoxin (except for ochratoxin A (OTA) and zearalenone (ZEA), present in only a few samples) contamination data (µg/kg) in maize. Maize intakes ranged from 0.13 to 185 g/child/day (average = 59 ± 36 g/child/day). The estimated mean exposures were higher for aflatoxins (6-fold), fumonisins (3-fold), and deoxynivalenol (2-fold) than health-based guidance values of 0.017 ng/kg body weight/day, 2 µg/kg body weight/day, and 1 µg/kg body weight/day, respectively. The population at risk of exposures above the limits of health concern ranged from 12% for HT-2 toxin through 35% for deoxynivalenol to 100% for aflatoxins. The exposure varied among the agro-ecological zones. Strategies targeting multiple mycotoxins in maize are urgently needed to minimize exposures in Tanzania.

Two years of school-based intervention program could improve the physical fitness among Ecuadorian adolescents at health risk: subgroups analysis from a cluster-randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents with overweight and poor physical fitness have an increased likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases during adulthood. In Ecuador, a health promotion program improved the muscular strength and speed-agility, and reduced the decline of the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity of adolescents after 28 months. We performed a sub-group analysis to assess the differential effect of this intervention in overweight and low-fit adolescents. METHODS: We performed a cluster-randomized pair matched trial in schools located in Cuenca-Ecuador. In total 20 schools (clusters) were pair matched, and 1440 adolescents of grade 8 and 9 (mean age of 12.3 and 13.3 years respectively) participated in the trial. For the purposes of the subgroup analysis, the adolescents were classified into groups according to their weight status (body mass index) and aerobic capacity (scores in the 20 m shuttle run and FITNESSGRAM standards) at baseline. Primary outcomes included physical fitness (vertical jump, speed shuttle run) and physical activity (proportion of students achieving over 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity/day). For these primary outcomes, we stratified analysis by weight (underweight, normal BMI and overweight/obese) and fitness (fit and low fitness) groups. Mixed linear regression models were used to assess the intervention effect. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight/obesity, underweight and poor physical fitness was 20.3 %, 5.8 % and 84.8 % respectively. A higher intervention effect was observed for speed shuttle run in overweight (ß = -1.85 s, P = 0.04) adolescents compared to underweight (ß = -1.66 s, P = 0.5) or normal weight (ß = -0.35 s, P = 0.6) peers. The intervention effect on vertical jump was higher in adolescents with poor physical fitness (ß = 3.71 cm, P = 0.005) compared to their fit peers (ß = 1.28 cm, P = 0.4). The proportion of students achieving over 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity/day was not significantly different according to weight or fitness status. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive school-based interventions that aim to improve diet and physical activity could improve speed and strength aspects of physical fitness in low-fit and overweight/obese adolescents. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01004367 . Registered October 28, 2009.

Determinants of child malnutrition in rural and urban Ecuadorian highlands.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and compare the sociodemographic determinants of stunting, wasting and overweight among infants of urban and rural areas in the Ecuadorian highlands. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Nabon (rural) and Cuenca (urban) cantons, Azuay Province, Ecuador. SUBJECTS: A total of 703 children aged 0-24 months and their caregivers (227 rural and 476 urban) recruited during the period from June to September 2008. RESULTS: Stunting prevalence was significantly higher in the rural area (37·4 % v. 17·7 %; P < 0·001) while wasting (7·1 %) and overweight (17·1 %) prevalence were more similar between areas. Determinants of stunting for the pooled sample were male gender (OR = 1·43; 95 % CI 1·06, 1·92; P = 0·02), preterm delivery (OR = 1·65; 95 % CI 1·14, 2·38; P = 0·008), child's age (OR = 1·04; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·07; P = 0·011), maternal education (OR = 0·95; 95 % CI 0·92, 0·99; P = 0·025) and facility-based delivery (OR = 0·57; 95 % CI 0·45, 0·74; P < 0·001). The latter was also a determinant of overweight (OR = 0·39; 95 % CI 0·25, 0·62; P < 0·001). Rural determinants of stunting were maternal height (OR = 0·004; 95 % CI 0·00004, 0·39; P = 0·018), diarrhoea prevalence (OR = 2·18; 95 % CI 1·13, 4·21; P = 0·02), socio-economic status (OR = 0·79; 95 % CI 0·64, 0·98; P = 0·030) and child's age (OR = 1·07; 95 % CI 1·02, 1·11; P = 0·005). Urban determinants were: maternal BMI for stunting (OR = 0·91; 95 % CI 0·84, 0·99; P = 0·027), cough prevalence (OR = 0·57; 95 % CI 0·34, 0·96; P = 0·036) and facility-based delivery (OR = 0·25; 95 % CI 0·09, 0·73; P = 0·011) for overweight, and hygiene for wasting (OR = 0·57; 95 % CI 0·36, 0·89; P = 0·013). CONCLUSIONS: Infant malnutrition was associated with different sociodemographic determinants between urban and rural areas in the Ecuadorian highlands, a finding which contributes to prioritize the determinants to be assessed in nutritional interventions.

Mycotoxin co-occurrence in rice, oat flakes and wheat noodles used as staple foods in Ecuador.

The co-occurrence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), B2 (AFB2), G1 (AFG1) and G2 (AFG2), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin B1 (FB1), zearalenone (ZEN), and HT-2 and T-2 toxins in the main Ecuadorian staple cereals (rice, oat flakes, and yellow and white wheat noodles) was evaluated. A ultra high performance liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/TOFMS) method was developed and validated to screen for the presence of these mycotoxins in those cereal matrices. Matrix-matched calibration curves were used to compensate for ion suppression and extraction losses and the recovery values were in agreement with the minimum requirements of Regulation 401/2006/EC (70-110%). For most mycotoxins, the LODs obtained allowed detection in compliance with the maximum permitted levels set in Regulation EC/2006/1881, with the exception of OTA in all cereals and AFB1 in yellow noodles. Extra target analysis of OTA in oat flakes and wheat noodles was performed by HPLC with fluorescence detection. High rates of contamination were observed in paddy rice (23% DON, 23% FB1, 7% AFB1, 2% AFG1 and 2% AFG2), white wheat noodles (33% DON and 5% OTA) and oat flakes (17% DON, 2% OTA and 2% AFB1), whereas the rates of contamination were lower in polished rice (2% AFG1 and 4% HT-2 toxin) and yellow noodles (5% DON). Low rates of co-occurrence of several mycotoxins were observed only for white wheat noodles (5%) and paddy rice (7%). White noodles were contaminated with DON and/or OTA, while combinations of AFG1, AFB1, DON and FB1 were found in paddy rice. Yellow noodles were contaminated with DON only; oat flakes contained DON, OTA or AFB1, and polished rice was contaminated with AFG1 and HT-2 toxin.

International collaborative project to compare and monitor the nutritional composition of processed foods.

BACKGROUND: Chronic diseases are the leading cause of premature death and disability in the world with overnutrition a primary cause of diet-related ill health. Excess energy intake, saturated fat, sugar, and salt derived from processed foods are a major cause of disease burden. Our objective is to compare the nutritional composition of processed foods between countries, between food companies, and over time. DESIGN: Surveys of processed foods will be done in each participating country using a standardized methodology. Information on the nutrient composition for each product will be sought either through direct chemical analysis, from the product label, or from the manufacturer. Foods will be categorized into 14 groups and 45 categories for the primary analyses which will compare mean levels of nutrients at baseline and over time. Initial commitments to collaboration have been obtained from 21 countries. CONCLUSIONS: This collaborative approach to the collation and sharing of data will enable objective and transparent tracking of processed food composition around the world. The information collected will support government and food industry efforts to improve the nutrient composition of processed foods around the world.