Comparative Effectiveness of Intravenous Azithromycin Versus Erythromycin Stimulating Antroduodenal Motility in Children.

BACKGROUND: Azithromycin has been shown to improve gastrointestinal motility in adults and may have fewer drug interactions and reduced arrhythmogenic effects than erythromycin. We hypothesized that azithromycin is comparable to erythromycin in eliciting pharmacodynamic outcomes for antral and small bowel motility. OBJECTIVE: To compare the pharmacodynamic effectiveness of azithromycin and erythromycin for eliciting antral and duodenal motility in pediatric patients who underwent antroduodenal manometry for different indications. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective comparison of clinic data and manometric pharmacodynamics outcomes in patients who underwent antroduodenal manometry between 2013 and 2017. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients mean age (± standard deviation) 9.7 (5.4) years, received either azithromycin 3 mg/kg (n = 20) or erythromycin 2 mg/kg (n = 31) during antroduodenal manometry. For patients receiving erythromycin, mean area under the curve (AUC) across all eight pressure ports increased from median [95% confidence interval] 2256 [1585, 2602] to 8742 [5876, 11761] mmHg × s (P < 0.001) and mean motility index increased from 8.63 [7.87, 9.42] to 11.98 [11.20, 12.21] (P < 0.001). For patients receiving azithromycin, mean AUC increased from 2255 [1585, 2602] to 8254 [5649, 10470] mmHg × s (P < 0.001) and motility index increased from 8.63 [7.87,9.42] to 11.79 [11.03, 12.21] (P < 0.001). Neither mean stimulated AUC nor mean motility index was significantly different between azithromycin and erythromycin treatments. There was no significant difference in side effects between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Azithromycin and erythromycin have similar pharmacodynamic effects on antral and small bowel contractility in children. Azithromycin should be considered an acceptable alternative to erythromycin as an upper gastrointestinal tract prokinetic for children and has historically had fewer side effects than erythromycin.

Resultados funcionales para lesiones completas del manguito rotador con reparación artroscópica mediante fila simple en pacientes con compensación laboral / Functional outcomes for rotator cuff complete tears arthroscopically repaired using simple row suture in worker population

Introducción: El objetivo de este trabajo es valorar los resultados funcionales, porcentaje de re-roturas y tiempo de reintegro laboral en pacientes con lesiones completas del manguito rotador (MR) reparadas artroscópicamente con fila simple.Materiales y métodos: se valoraron en forma retrospectiva ciento siete pacientes. Se incluyeron las lesiones completas tipo 1 y 2 de la clasificación Davidson y Burkhart, laborales, agudas. Se excluyeron lesiones parciales, masivas (mayores a 3 cm), evolucionadas más de seis meses, o que requirieron tratamientos adicionales. Se utilizaron para la valoración: Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Escala Visual Analógica (EVA), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES). En los casos de re-rotura se compararon los resultados finales para ambos grupos mediante Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QDASH).Resultados: con un seguimiento de 37.8 meses se obtuvieron los siguientes datos: scores SST 8.2 (68.8 ± 2.9%), EVA para valoración del dolor, el resultado fue 93.3% con dolor leve; ASES, la media fue 89%. Porcentaje de re-roturas: 7.5%. QDASH se diferenció en pacientes sin re-roturas 24.1 ± 2.4% y en los casos con re-rotura, 60.2 ± 4.1%. La media de tiempo al reintegro laboral fue de 7.5 ± 0.3 meses. Conclusión: consideramos que la técnica fila simple es una opción válida que nos permite obtener buenos resultados funcionales en lesiones seleccionadas, agudas, móviles de hasta 3 cm, incluso en pacientes con compensación laboral

Introduction: The objective of this study is to assess the functional results, the percentage of re-tears and the time to return to work, in patients with complete tears of the rotator cuff arthroscopically repaired using simple row suture.Materials and methods: one hundred and seven patients were retrospectively evaluated. Complete acute tears types 1 and 2 of the Davidson and Burkhart classification, in workers, were included. Partial, massive tears (greater than 3 cm), evolving for more than six months, or requiring additional treatments, were excluded. The following scores were used for the assessment of results: the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the scale of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Society (ASES).Results: with a follow-up of 37.8 months, the following results were obtained: SST scores was 8.2 (68.8 ± 2.9%), VAS used for pain assessment was 93.3%, and the mean ASES was 89%. The percentage of re-tears was 7.5%. The QDASH differed in patients without re-rupture 27 ± 2.5% from the cases of re-rupture 60.2 ± 4.1%. Conclusion: we considered that the single row suture technique performed arthroscopically is a valid option that allows to obtain good functional results in selected acute rotator cuff injuries of up to 3 cm in worker population

Resistencia a la insulina en mujeres con síndrome de ovario poliquístico / Insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

RESUMEN Introducción: La resistencia a la insulina es frecuente en el síndrome de ovario poliquístico, con diferencias entre fenotipos y discrepancias sobre cómo medirla. Objetivo: Identificar trastornos de la sensibilidad y resistencia a la insulina en mujeres con síndrome de ovario poliquístico, y determinar si es mayor en el fenotipo clásico. Métodos: Incluyó 152 mujeres: 45 sin síndrome de ovario poliquístico (Grupo I); 46 con síndrome de ovario poliquístico clínico (Grupo II); 61 con síndrome de ovario poliquístico clásico (Grupo III). Se realizó prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa oral, se calcularon índices de sensibilidad o resistencia a la insulina en ayunas (HOMA-IR, I0/G0, FIRI, ISI, Belfiore, Bennet, Quicki, Raynaud) y en la prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa oral (Belfiore2, Ribel, Ins2glu2, ATI, IITotal, DATI/DATG, Matsuda, BetaHOMA). Se emplearon las pruebas de Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney y Chi cuadrado. Resultados: Las mujeres con síndrome de ovario poliquístico tenían más obesidad global y central (p / 0,05), más nivel de glucemia a los 30, 120 y 180 minutos de la prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa oral (p / 0,05) y de insulinemia a los 30, 60 y 120 (p / 0,0001), lo que fue mayor en el grupo III. Se diagnosticó intolerancia en ayunas en una mujer de cada grupo y tolerancia alterada en una del II y III. No hubo diferencias significativas entre grupos para los índices de sensibilidad o resistencia a la insulina en ayunas; ni del HOMA entre mujeres normopeso vs. sobrepeso-obesidad (p / 0,05). La mediana de los índices de la prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa oral fue menor para los de sensibilidad (Belfiore2, Ribel) y mayor para los de resistencia a la insulina (Ins2glu2, ATI, IITotal) en el Grupo III. El DATI/DATG, Matsuda y BetaHOMA no tuvieron diferencias significativas. Conclusiones: Las mujeres con síndrome de ovario poliquístico tienen mayor respuesta glucémica, resistencia a la insulina e hiperinsulinismo postsobrecarga de glucosa que las mujeres con función ovárica normal, más manifiesta en el fenotipo clásico. Los índices de ayuno son menos sensibles, independientemente del peso corporal. Tienen mayor utilidad: insulinemia a los 60 minutos de la prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa oral, Belfiore2, ATI e IITotal(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Insulin resistance is common in polycystic ovary syndrome, with differences between phenotypes and discrepancies on how to measure it. Objective: To identify disorders of insulin sensitivity and resistance in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome and determine if the latter is greater in the classic phenotype. Methods: The study included 152 women. 45 of them had no polycystic ovary syndrome (Group I), 46 had clinical polycystic ovary syndrome (Group II) and 61 had classic polycystic ovary syndrome (Group III). Oral glucose tolerance test was performed, fasting insulin sensitivity or resistance indices (HOMA-IR, I0 / G0, FIRI, ISI, Belfiore, Bennet, Quicki, Raynaud) were calculated and the tolerance test to oral glucose (Belfiore2, Ribel, Ins2glu2, ATI, IITotal, DATI / DATG, Matsuda, BetaHOMA) was also assessed. Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Chi square tests were used. Results: Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome had more global and central obesity (p /0.05), more blood glucose level at 30, 120 and 180 minutes of the oral glucose tolerance test (p /0.05 ) and insulinemia at 30, 60 and 120 (p /0.0001), which was higher in group III. Fasting intolerance was diagnosed in one woman in each group and altered tolerance in one of group II and group III, respectively. There were no significant differences between groups for fasting insulin sensitivity or resistance indices, nor for HOMA among normal weight women vs. overweight-obesity (p / 0.05). The median indexes of the oral glucose tolerance test were lower for those of sensitivity (Belfiore2, Ribel) and higher for those of insulin resistance (Ins2glu2, ATI, IITotal) in Group III. The DATI / DATG, Matsuda and BetaHOMA had no significant differences. Conclusions: Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome have higher glycemic response, insulin resistance and post-overload glucose hyperinsulinism than women with normal ovarian function, which is more evident in the classical phenotype. Fasting rates are less sensitive, regardless of body weight. Tests such as insulinemia 60 minutes after the oral glucose tolerance, Belfiore 2, ATI and IITotal are most useful(AU)

Challenges to the improvement of Colombian medical brigades aimed at the diagnosis of congenital heart disease: A qualitative approach.

Qualitative research of brigades and the family experience of congenital heart disease is of current interest and has been previously neglected. This study aimed to explore the social factors conditioning outcomes of paediatric cardiology care in the setting of Colombian medical brigades and to identify feasible strategies to improve the experience of the beneficiary populations. Participants were selected using purposeful sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with members of logistic and health care teams, caregivers and custodians of beneficiary children of the Programme. The data collected provided an understanding of the health culture, social background, household and intrafamily dynamics. The outcomes of the Programme are influenced by sociocultural dynamics such as communication gaps and the socioeconomic status of the beneficiary populations. Findings may be specific to brigades, but also cross-relevant to any family experience of a new diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) communicating with healthcare professionals. It is important to foresee the role and further development of the Programme. Recommendations are provided suggesting innovative work by means of telemedicine and other sociocultural measures to reduce healthcare inequity and strengthen comprehensive healthcare programmes.

[Pediatric cardiology health brigades: from medical triage to social triage]. / Brigadas de salud en cardiología pediátrica: del triaje médico al triaje social.

This article explores the sociocultural aspects of a program of pediatric cardiology health brigades that provides care to children from low-income populations in peripheral regions of Colombia. We analyzed the brigades as a humanitarian strategy to close the gaps of inequity in access to health care, and as a particular context of the medical encounter, the experience of heart disease and the definition of care trajectories. Based on ethnographic observation of brigades and interviews with families receiving care and with health personnel, carried out in 2016 in five different cities, we looked at the dynamics that shape the medical encounter and questioned the mechanisms (medical and social) through which it is evaluated and decided which families can access care in Bogota. We conclude that the brigades, as initiatives that continue to be anchored in humanitarism instead of contributing to the transformation of the conditions that generate health inequities, reproduce and exacerbate such inequities by selecting which lives receive priority to be saved.

Este artículo explora aspectos socioculturales de un programa de brigadas de cardiología pediátrica para la atención de menores de poblaciones de escasos recursos que habitan en regiones periféricas de Colombia. Problematizamos las brigadas como estrategia humanitaria para cerrar las brechas de inequidad en el acceso a la atención en salud, y como contexto particular para el encuentro médico, la experiencia de la cardiopatía y la definición de las trayectorias de cuidado. A partir de la observación etnográfica de brigadas y de entrevistas a familias asistentes y personal de salud, realizadas durante el año 2016 en cinco ciudades diferentes, indagamos en las dinámicas que configuran el encuentro médico y cuestionamos los mecanismos (médicos y sociales) mediante los cuales se evalúa y decide qué familias pueden acceder a atención médica especializada en Bogotá. Se concluye que las brigadas, al ser iniciativas que continúan anclándose en el humanitarismo, en lugar de contribuir a la transformación de las condiciones que generan inequidades en salud acaban reproduciéndolas y exacerbándolas en la medida que seleccionan las vidas con prioridad para ser salvadas.

El plátano: indicador de hambre y escasez de alimentos en familias beneficiarias de programas alimentarios en Vigía del Fuerte, Colombia / Plantain: indicator of hunger and food shortage in families benefiting from food programs in Vigia del Fuerte, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo Interpretar la percepción de hambre y escasez de alimentos en familias beneficiarias de Programas alimentarios MANA (Mejoramiento Alimentario y Nutricional de Antioquia) en Vigía del Fuerte. Método La investigación se orientó desde el enfoque cualitativo, usando la Etnografía Focalizada como método, para la recolección de la información se utilizaron entrevistas individuales y grupos de discusión. Resultados Las comunidades de la cuenca del río Murrí están protegidas del hambre física por la disponibilidad permanente del plátano; el hambre está asociada a la ausencia de carne o "liga" y al hecho de comer "plátano vacío"; así mismo se refieren al hambre como la sensación de desasosiego, debido al dolor de cabeza y de estómago que experimentan de manera permanente e intensa. Conclusiones A pesar de que las comunidades vigieñas disponen durante todo el tiempo de plátano, protegiéndolas del hambre física; estas no lo aprecian así, como alimento que calma su hambre y los libera, de cierta manera, de la escasez, porque su presencia como único alimento disponible, les recuerda, precisamente, que tienen carencia y hambre.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the perception of hunger and food shortage in families benefiting from MANA (Food and Nutritional Improvement) food programs in Vigía del Fuerte, Colombia. Methods Qualitative research, using focused ethnography as a method for collecting information. Individual interviews and discussion groups were used. Results Even though the communities that live by the Murrí River basin are protected from physical hunger due to the constant availability of plantain or musa, hunger is associated with the absence of meat or liga and the fact that they feel forced to eat empty musa. They also refer to hunger as the feeling of uneasiness caused by headache and stomachache. Conclusions Despite the fact that the communities of Vigía del Fuerte have access to plantain throughout the year, thus protecting them from physical hunger, they do not consider it as food that could calm their hunger and free them from scarcity. This happens because its presence as the only food available reminds them, precisely, that they lack certain conditions and feel hunger.(AU)

Brigadas de salud en cardiología pediátrica: del triaje médico al triaje social / Pediatric cardiology health brigades: from medical triage to social triage

RESUMEN Este artículo explora aspectos socioculturales de un programa de brigadas de cardiología pediátrica para la atención de menores de poblaciones de escasos recursos que habitan en regiones periféricas de Colombia. Problematizamos las brigadas como estrategia humanitaria para cerrar las brechas de inequidad en el acceso a la atención en salud, y como contexto particular para el encuentro médico, la experiencia de la cardiopatía y la definición de las trayectorias de cuidado. A partir de la observación etnográfica de brigadas y de entrevistas a familias asistentes y personal de salud, realizadas durante el año 2016 en cinco ciudades diferentes, indagamos en las dinámicas que configuran el encuentro médico y cuestionamos los mecanismos (médicos y sociales) mediante los cuales se evalúa y decide qué familias pueden acceder a atención médica especializada en Bogotá. Se concluye que las brigadas, al ser iniciativas que continúan anclándose en el humanitarismo, en lugar de contribuir a la transformación de las condiciones que generan inequidades en salud acaban reproduciéndolas y exacerbándolas en la medida que seleccionan las vidas con prioridad para ser salvadas.

ABSTRACT This article explores the sociocultural aspects of a program of pediatric cardiology health brigades that provides care to children from low-income populations in peripheral regions of Colombia. We analyzed the brigades as a humanitarian strategy to close the gaps of inequity in access to health care, and as a particular context of the medical encounter, the experience of heart disease and the definition of care trajectories. Based on ethnographic observation of brigades and interviews with families receiving care and with health personnel, carried out in 2016 in five different cities, we looked at the dynamics that shape the medical encounter and questioned the mechanisms (medical and social) through which it is evaluated and decided which families can access care in Bogota. We conclude that the brigades, as initiatives that continue to be anchored in humanitarism instead of contributing to the transformation of the conditions that generate health inequities, reproduce and exacerbate such inequities by selecting which lives receive priority to be saved.

Association Between CYP2C19*17 Alleles and pH Probe Testing Outcomes in Children With Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux.

Esophageal pH monitoring remains a primary diagnostic tool for detecting gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD that is refractory to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medications may be related to CYP2C19 variants. Current PPI dosing practices in children do not take into account CYP2C19 allelic variants, which may lead to underdosing and subsequently to a misperception of PPI therapy failure. We hypothesized that pH probe acid exposure outcomes associate with CYP2C19*17 alleles among children with clinical concern for GERD. We identified a retrospective cohort of 74 children (age range 0.71-17.1 years, mean 8.5, SD 4.6) with stored endoscopic tissue samples and who had also undergone esophageal pH testing while on PPI therapy. These individuals were genotyped for common CYP2C19 alleles and were dichotomized to either CYP2C19*17 allelic carriers without corresponding loss of function alleles as cases vs controls. Associations between pH probe acid exposure outcomes and CYP2C19*17 alleles were investigated. Compared to controls, children who carry CYP2C19*17 alleles without corresponding loss-of-function alleles demonstrated statistically significant longer times with pH < 4 (76.46 vs 33.47 minutes, P = .03); and higher percent of time with pH < 4.0 (5.71 vs 2.67 minutes, P = .04). These findings remained statistically significant using multiple-regression modeling with test duration, PPI dose, and race as confounding variables. PPI therapy in children with *17 alleles may be better optimized with CYP2C19 genotype-guided dosing prior to pH probe testing.

[Plantain: indicator of hunger and food shortage in families benefiting from food programs in Vigia del Fuerte, Colombia]. / El plátano: indicador de hambre y escasez de alimentos en familias beneficiarias de programas alimentarios en Vigía del Fuerte, Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the perception of hunger and food shortage in families benefiting from MANA (Food and Nutritional Improvement) food programs in Vigía del Fuerte, Colombia. METHODS: Qualitative research, using focused ethnography as a method for collecting information. Individual interviews and discussion groups were used. RESULTS: Even though the communities that live by the Murrí River basin are protected from physical hunger due to the constant availability of plantain or musa, hunger is associated with the absence of meat or liga and the fact that they feel forced to eat empty musa. They also refer to hunger as the feeling of uneasiness caused by headache and stomachache. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the fact that the communities of Vigía del Fuerte have access to plantain throughout the year, thus protecting them from physical hunger, they do not consider it as food that could calm their hunger and free them from scarcity. This happens because its presence as the only food available reminds them, precisely, that they lack certain conditions and feel hunger.

OBJETIVO: Interpretar la percepción de hambre y escasez de alimentos en familias beneficiarias de Programas alimentarios MANA (Mejoramiento Alimentario y Nutricional de Antioquia) en Vigía del Fuerte. MÉTODO: La investigación se orientó desde el enfoque cualitativo, usando la Etnografía Focalizada como método, para la recolección de la información se utilizaron entrevistas individuales y grupos de discusión. RESULTADOS: Las comunidades de la cuenca del río Murrí están protegidas del hambre física por la disponibilidad permanente del plátano; el hambre está asociada a la ausencia de carne o "liga" y al hecho de comer "plátano vacío"; así mismo se refieren al hambre como la sensación de desasosiego, debido al dolor de cabeza y de estómago que experimentan de manera permanente e intensa. CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de que las comunidades vigieñas disponen durante todo el tiempo de plátano, protegiéndolas del hambre física; estas no lo aprecian así, como alimento que calma su hambre y los libera, de cierta manera, de la escasez, porque su presencia como único alimento disponible, les recuerda, precisamente, que tienen carencia y hambre.

Association between CYP2C19 extensive metabolizer phenotype and childhood anti-reflux surgery following failed proton pump inhibitor medication treatment.

When pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that is refractory to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication treatment is identified in clinical practice and anti-reflux surgery (ARS) is being considered, genetic factors related to PPI metabolism by the CYP2C19 enzyme are currently not part of the clinical decision-making process. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that the distribution of the extensive metabolizer (EM) phenotypes among children undergoing ARS after failing PPI therapy would differ compared to controls (children with no history of ARS). We conducted a case-control study between children across the Nemours Health System from 2000 to 2014 who received ARS after failing PPI therapy and a control group comprised of healthy children. Our results demonstrated 2.9% of ARSs vs 20.8% of controls were poor metabolizers (PMs), 55.9% of ARSs vs 49.0% of controls were normal metabolizers (NMs), and 41.2% of ARSs vs 30.2% of controls were EMs; p = 0.035. Next, we performed a multiple-regression model to account for race as a potential confounding variable and the EM group was significantly associated with ARS compared to controls (OR 9.78, CI 1.25-76.55, p < 0.03). CONCLUSION: Among children with medically refractory GERD despite PPI therapy, carriage of CYP2C19*17 allele corresponding to the EM phenotype was associated with ARS. Prospective comparative personalized medicine effectiveness studies are needed to determine if CYP2C19 genotype-guided dosing improves response to PPI therapy without a corresponding increase in adverse effects in children. What is known: • Anti-reflux surgery (ARS) is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in children for the indication of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). What is new: • Individualizing PPI medication dosing based on CYP2C19 diplotype may avoid GERD treatment failures and reduce the need for anti-reflux surgery (ARS).

Association Between Natural Killer Cell Activity and Colorectal Cancer in High-Risk Subjects Undergoing Colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Low activity of natural killer (NK) cells has been associated with increased risk of cancer and has been reported in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Activity of NK cells can be measured in a small volume of whole blood by a commercially available test. We investigated whether this test could be used to identify patients with CRC, using findings from colonoscopy as a reference standard. METHODS: We performed an open-label, prospective, cross-sectional study of 872 high-risk subjects (more than 40 years old) screened for CRC by colonoscopy at a university hospital in Montreal, Canada from October 2014 through January 2016. Blood samples were collected on the day of colonoscopy, prior to the procedure. The test involves stimulation of whole blood with cytokine that induces NK cells to secrete interferon gamma (IFNG), which is quantified by an ELISA. Tissue samples were taken from lesions during the colonoscopy and analyzed histologically; subjects were classified as having no evidence of disease, adenomatous polyps of less than 10 mm, of 10 mm or more, or CRC. We used the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test to compare NK cell activity between subjects with no evidence of CRC and subjects found to have CRC. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the ability of the test to identify individuals with CRC. The primary objective was to determine the difference in NK cell activity between subjects with vs without CRC. The secondary objective was the test performance, based on receiver operating characteristic analysis, and cut-off value that most accurately identified individuals with CRC. RESULTS: We found a significant difference in NK cell activity between the 23 subjects with CRC (based on pathology analysis) and the 849 subjects without CRC: subjects found to have CRC by colonoscopy had a median level of 86.0 pg IFNG/mL (inter-quartile range, 43.3-151.0 pg IFNG/mL), whereas subjects without CRC had a median level of 298.1 pg IFNG/mL (inter-quartile range, 100.4-920.2 pg IFNG/mL) (P = .0002). The cut-off value that most accurately identified subjects with CRC was 181 pg/mL. The NK cell activity test identified subjects with CRC with 87.0% sensitivity, 60.8% specificity, a positive predictive value of 5.7%, and a negative predictive value of 99.4%. The odds ratio for detection of CRC in subjects with low NK cell activity vs subjects with higher NK cell activity was 10.3 (95% CI, 3.03-34.9). CONCLUSIONS: Using colonoscopy as the reference standard, a test for NK cell activity in whole blood samples identified patients with CRC with 87.0% sensitivity and a negative predictive value of 99.4%. Subjects with low NK cell activity had a 10-fold higher risk of CRC compared with subjects with high NK cell activity. This test might be used in clinical practice to assess patients for risk of CRC. Clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT02291198.

Isotopic reconstruction of the weaning process in the archaeological population of Canímar Abajo, Cuba: A Bayesian probability mixing model approach.

The general lack of well-preserved juvenile skeletal remains from Caribbean archaeological sites has, in the past, prevented evaluations of juvenile dietary changes. Canímar Abajo (Cuba), with a large number of well-preserved juvenile and adult skeletal remains, provided a unique opportunity to fully assess juvenile paleodiets from an ancient Caribbean population. Ages for the start and the end of weaning and possible food sources used for weaning were inferred by combining the results of two Bayesian probability models that help to reduce some of the uncertainties inherent to bone collagen isotope based paleodiet reconstructions. Bone collagen (31 juveniles, 18 adult females) was used for carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses. The isotope results were assessed using two Bayesian probability models: Weaning Ages Reconstruction with Nitrogen isotopes and Stable Isotope Analyses in R. Breast milk seems to have been the most important protein source until two years of age with some supplementary food such as tropical fruits and root cultigens likely introduced earlier. After two, juvenile diets were likely continuously supplemented by starch rich foods such as root cultigens and legumes. By the age of three, the model results suggest that the weaning process was completed. Additional indications suggest that animal marine/riverine protein and maize, while part of the Canímar Abajo female diets, were likely not used to supplement juvenile diets. The combined use of both models here provided a more complete assessment of the weaning process for an ancient Caribbean population, indicating not only the start and end ages of weaning but also the relative importance of different food sources for different age juveniles.

Association between natural killer cell activity and prostate cancer: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Natural killer (NK) cells play a significant role in tumor cell immunosurveillance. The association between the activity of NK cells and prostate cancer has previously been demonstrated using conventional research-based tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of the present pilot study was to study the association between NK cell activity (NKA) and prostate cancer using a simple blood test. Subjects that had previously been selected for prostate biopsy underwent a blood test for NKA using an in vitro diagnostic device (IVDD) (NK Vue, ATGen Canada Inc., Laval, QC, Canada) prior to biopsy. RESULTS: Of the 43 subjects sent for prostate biopsy, 22 were found to have prostate cancer. The test performance of the NKA IVDD, assessed using receiver operating characteristics, showed an area under the curve of 75%, a sensitivity of 57%, a specificity of 91%, a positive predictive value of 86% and a negative predictive value of 69%, with an odds ratio of 13.33. Using a cut off of 200 pg/mL for NKA, the absolute risk of having prostate cancer with NKA values below this level was found to be 86%. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed that subjects with low values of NKA were more likely to have a positive outcome at prostate biopsy.

Difficulties in the Diagnosis and Management of Functional or Recurrent Abdominal Pain in Children.

Recurrent abdominal pain is a frequent pathology seen in the pediatric gastroenterology practice. In fact, most children with abdominal pain symptoms have functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. A focused medical history, comprehensive physical examination, and minimal testing are often enough to establish the diagnosis. The presence of red flags such as rectal bleeding, bilious vomiting, fever, and arthralgia should alert providers as well as direct further diagnostic and therapeutic plans. When patients show no red flags after a complete physical examination, providing the family with information about the pathophysiology and explaining the psychosocial model of pain can help to decrease anxiety around the pain symptoms. This article discusses the challenges in diagnosing and managing abdominal pain in children. [Pediatr Ann. 2016;45(11):e388-e393.].

Associated Factors for Antegrade Continence Enemas for Refractory Constipation and Fecal Incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: Determine clinical and manometric parameters associated with success of antegrade continence enemas (ACEs) administered via cecostomy in the treatment of constipation and fecal overflow incontinence. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of clinical symptoms and manometry (colonic and anorectal) before cecostomy in 40 pediatric patients (20 males, 20 females). The mean age at time of follow-up was 9.5 ±â€Š4.4 years with a mean follow-up time of 12.2 ±â€Š10.9 months. Clinical outcomes were defined as good, if subjects had >3 bowel movements per week, <2 episodes of soiling per week, and absence of pain at the time of follow-up after cecostomy. RESULTS: Before cecostomy, the mean duration of constipation and/or fecal incontinence was 7.7 ±â€Š4.4 years, mean number of BMs was 1.5 ±â€Š0.9 per week, and soiling episodes 4.12 ±â€Š3.5 per week; 24 (60%) patients had abdominal pain. At follow-up 30 out of 40 patients had a good outcome, and 10 had a poor outcome; with a difference in the number of weekly BM of 5.7 ±â€Š2.2 versus 1.5 ±â€Š0.9, P < 0.001, and soiling episodes (0.4 ±â€Š1.5 vs 4 ±â€Š3.1, P < 0.001). There was no difference in the duration of symptoms between groups. Obesity was more common in the poor-outcome group, 60% versus 21% (P = 0.01). Abdominal pain was more common in the poor-outcome group, 100% versus 47% (P = 0.003). Normal colonic manometry was associated with good outcome, whereas absence of high-amplitude propagating contraction (HAPC) in any part of the colon was associated with poor outcome. No other differences in colonic manometry were observed between the good- and poor-outcome groups with the exception of a trend toward decreased number of sigmoid HAPCs in the poor-outcome group (P = 0.07). No differences were observed in anorectal manometry measurements between good- and poor-outcome groups with the exception of an observable increased baseline resting pressure in the poor outcome (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity and abdominal pain tend to be associated with poor outcomes after cecostomy for refractory constipation. Normal colonic and anorectal manometry were associated with good outcome. Absence of HAPC in any part of the colon, and increased baseline resting pressure of the anal canal were more associated with poor outcome. No other specific differences in either colonic or anorectal manometric parameters were observed in patients with good versus poor outcomes with cecostomy. Large prospective studies potentially combining other diagnostic modalities such as colonic transit studies are needed to determine the optimal tests to predict successful outcomes from cecostomy.

Not of African Descent: Dental Modification among Indigenous Caribbean People from Canímar Abajo, Cuba.

Dental modifications in the Caribbean are considered to be an African practice introduced to the Caribbean archipelago by the influx of enslaved Africans during colonial times. Skeletal remains which exhibited dental modifications are by default considered to be Africans, African descendants, or post-contact indigenous people influenced by an African practice. Individual E-105 from the site of Canímar Abajo (Cuba), with a direct 14C AMS date of 990-800 cal BC, provides the first unequivocal evidence of dental modifications in the Antilles prior to contact with Europeans in AD 1492. Central incisors showing evidence of significant crown reduction (loss of crown volume regardless of its etiology) were examined macroscopically and with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to determine if the observed alterations were due to deliberate modification or other (unintentional) factors considered: postmortem breakage, violent accidental breakage, non-dietary use of teeth, and wear caused by habitual or repeated actions. The pattern of crown reduction is consistent with deliberate dental modification of the type commonly encountered among African and African descendent communities in post-contact Caribbean archaeological assemblages. Six additional individuals show similar pattern of crown reduction of maxillary incisors with no analogous wear in corresponding mandibular dentition.

EPIDEMIOLOGY AND TREATMENT OF MONTEGGIA LESION IN ADULTS: SERIES OF 44 CASES.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiology, treatment and outcome of a series of adult patients with Monteggia lesion treated in Uruguayan institutions. METHODS: This is a retrospective article, we retrospectively identified from two Uruguayan institutions 44 adult patients with Monteggia lesion and analyzed their characteristics including Bado classification, associated injuries, treatment modality and outcome (Morrey score). RESULTS: Using Bado classification, 23 cases (52%) were type II, 12 (27%) type I, seven (16%) type IV and two cases (5%) type III. Associated lesions were radial head fractures, found in 15 patients, coronoid ipsilateral fractures in seven patients, and neurological injuries in four. Radial head dislocation was reduced in 93% of the cases with closed maneuvers. Ulna fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation in all 30 cases using 3.5 mm DCP plates. Complications after surgery occurred in 21 cases. Revision surgery was done in 15 cases. Outcomes after primary and revision surgery were good or excellent in 37 cases. CONCLUSIONS: In our series we observed that Monteggia lesion in adults is a serious injury with a high number of complications that often require revision surgeries. Level of Evidence IV, Retrospective Study, Case Series.

EPIDEMIOLOGY AND TREATMENT OF MONTEGGIA LESION IN ADULTS: SERIES OF 44 CASES

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the epidemiology, treatment and outcome of a series of adult patients with Monteggia lesion treated in Uruguayan institutions. Methods: This is a retrospective article, we retrospectively identified from two Uruguayan institutions 44 adult patients with Monteggia lesion and analyzed their characteristics including Bado classification, associated injuries, treatment modality and outcome (Morrey score). Results: Using Bado classification, 23 cases (52%) were type II, 12 (27%) type I, seven (16%) type IV and two cases (5%) type III. Associated lesions were radial head fractures, found in 15 patients, coronoid ipsilateral fractures in seven patients, and neurological injuries in four. Radial head dislocation was reduced in 93% of the cases with closed maneuvers. Ulna fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation in all 30 cases using 3.5 mm DCP plates. Complications after surgery occurred in 21 cases. Revision surgery was done in 15 cases. Outcomes after primary and revision surgery were good or excellent in 37 cases. Conclusions: In our series we observed that Monteggia lesion in adults is a serious injury with a high number of complications that often require revision surgeries. Level of Evidence IV, Retrospective Study, Case Series.