Descripción de la logística para una expedición humanitaria de alta producción quirúrgica de cirugías de cataratas / Logistics description of a high yield cataract surgery non-profitable expedition

Objetivo Describir el método logístico para realizar una campaña humanitaria de alto volumen quirúrgico. Método Estudio descriptivo basado en la experiencia tras múltiples campañas humanitarias con el objetivo de operar cataratas. Resultados El método se basa en la planificación, búsqueda de financiación, captación de voluntarios, acuerdo con el país a colaborar, organización y puesta en marcha de la campaña humanitaria a nivel clínico y quirúrgico. Conclusiones La ceguera por catarata puede ser evitada. Consideramos que con esta planificación otras organizaciones pueden adquirir conocimientos para tomar bases y poder realizar campañas humanitarias similares. La planificación, la coordinación, el apoyo económico, el esfuerzo y la buena voluntad es imprescindible para el buen funcionamiento y desarrollo de una campaña humanitaria exitosa (AU)

Purpose To describe the logistics and methodology of a high yield surgical non-profitable campaign. Methods A descriptive study based on previous non-profitable campaigns dedicated to cataract surgery. Results The method is based on planification, finance acquisition, volunteer support, foreign affairs with the collaborating country where the surgeries are going to be performed, team organization, and overall, summoning all the stated items to materialize a global humanitarian campaign to eradicate cataracts by clinical and surgical procedures. Conclusions Blindness due to cataracts can be over-ruled. We consider that through our planification and methodology, other organizations may acquire some knowledge to improve their methodology and carry out similar volunteering surgical campaigns. Planification, coordination, financial aid, determination, and a strong will power are altogether compulsory for a successful non-profitable surgical campaign (AU)

Variantes del gen ABCB1 como factores de riesgo y factores moduladores de la edad de inicio en pacientes mexicanos con enfermedad desmielinizante / ABCB1 gene variants as risk factors and modulators of age of onset of demyelinating disease in Mexican patients

Introducción: Las variantes C1236T, G2677T/A y C3435T del gen ABCB1 alteran la función de la glicoproteína P y el transporte de sustancias endógenas y exógenas en la barrera hematoencefálica; además, actúan como factores de susceptibilidad para algunas enfermedades neurodegenerativas.El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la asociación de polimorfismos ABCB1 (C1236T, G2677T/A y C3435T), sus haplotipos y sus combinaciones de genotipos con la enfermedad desmielinizante.MétodoSe genotipificó a 199 pacientes con enfermedad desmielinizante y a 200 controles mestizos mexicanos mediante PCR-RFLP y secuenciación Sanger para comparar las frecuencias de alelos, genotipos, haplotipos y combinaciones de genotipos entre pacientes y controles. El análisis estadístico se realizó con regresión logística y χ2 de Pearson al 95% de confianza; se calculó la OR y se evaluó la asociación con enfermedad desmielinizante.ResultadosLos haplotipos TTT y CGC fueron los más frecuentes en pacientes y controles. El alelo G2677 (OR = 1,79; IC 95%: 1,12-2,86; p = 0,015) muestra asociación con enfermedad desmielinizante, así como los genotipos GG2677 (OR = 2,72; IC 95% = 1,11-6,68; p = 0,025) y CC3435 (OR = 1,82; IC 95%: 1,15-2,90; p = 0,010) y su combinación GG2677/CC3435 (OR = 2,02; IC 95%: 1,17-3,48; p = 0,010) y el haplotipo CAT (OR = 0,21; IC 95%: 0,05-0,66; p = 0,001).Los portadores TTTTTT presentaron la edad de inicio más temprana (23,0 ± 7,7 vs. 31,6 ± 10,7; p = 0,0001).ConclusionesLa combinación de genotipos GG2677/CC3435 está asociada al desarrollo de enfermedad desmielinizante en esta muestra, principalmente en el sexo masculino, en el cual puede darse acumulación tóxica de sustratos de glicoproteína P.En este estudio, la edad de inicio de la enfermedad desmielinizante podría ser modulada diferencialmente entre sexos por el alelo G2677 del gen ABCB1. (AU)

Introduction: The C1236T, G2677T/A, and C3435T variants of the ABCB1 gene alter the functioning of P-glycoprotein and the transport of endogenous and exogenous substances across the blood-brain barrier, and act as risk factors for some neurodegenerative diseases.This study aimed to determine the association between demyelinating disease and the C1236T, G2677T/A, and C3435T variants of ABCB1 and its haplotypes and combinations of genotypes.MethodsPolymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR-RFLP) and Sanger sequencing were used to genotype 199 patients with demyelinating disease and 200 controls, all Mexicans of mixed race; frequencies of alleles, genotypes, haplotypes, and genotype combinations were compared between patients and controls. We conducted a logistic regression analysis and calculated chi-square values and 95% confidence intervals (CI); odds ratios (OR) were calculated to evaluate the association with demyelinating disease.ResultsThe TTT and CGC haplotypes were most frequent in both patients and controls. The G2677 allele was associated with demyelinating disease (OR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.12-2.86; P = .015), as were the genotypes GG2677 (OR: 2.72; 95% CI: 1.11-6.68; P = .025) and CC3435 (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.15-2.90; P = .010), the combination GG2677/CC3435 (OR: 2.02; 95% CI, 1.17-3.48; P = .010), and the CAT haplotype (OR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.05-0.66; P = .001).TTTTTT carriers presented the earliest age of onset (23.0 ± 7.7 years, vs. 31.6 ± 10.7; P = .0001).ConclusionsThe GG2677/CC3435 genotype combination is associated with demyelinating disease in this sample, particularly among men, who may present toxic accumulation of P-glycoprotein substrates.In our study, the G2677 allele of ABCB1 may differentially modulate age of onset of demyelinating disease in men and women. (AU)

Logistics description of a high yield cataract surgery non-profitable expedition.

PURPOSE: To describe the logistics and methodology of a high yield surgical non-profitable campaign. METHODS: A descriptive study based on previous non-profitable campaigns dedicated to cataract surgery. RESULTS: The method is based on planification, finance acquisition, volunteer support, foreign affairs with the collaborating country where the surgeries are going to be performed, team organization, and overall, summoning all the stated items to materialize a global humanitarian campaign to eradicate cataracts by clinical and surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Blindness due to cataracts can be over-ruled. We consider that through our planification and methodology, other organizations may acquire some knowledge to improve their methodology and carry out similar volunteering surgical campaigns. Planification, coordination, financial aid, determination, and a strong will power are altogether compulsory for a successful non-profitable surgical campaign.

ABCB1 gene variants as risk factors and modulators of age of onset of demyelinating disease in Mexican patients.

INTRODUCTION: The C1236T, G2677T/A, and C3435T variants of the ABCB1 gene alter the functioning of P-glycoprotein and the transport of endogenous and exogenous substances across the blood-brain barrier, and act as risk factors for some neurodegenerative diseases. This study aimed to determine the association between demyelinating disease and the C1236T, G2677T/A, and C3435T variants of ABCB1 and its haplotypes and combinations of genotypes. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR-RFLP) and Sanger sequencing were used to genotype 199 patients with demyelinating disease and 200 controls, all Mexicans of mixed race; frequencies of alleles, genotypes, haplotypes, and genotype combinations were compared between patients and controls. We conducted a logistic regression analysis and calculated chi-square values and 95% confidence intervals (CI); odds ratios (OR) were calculated to evaluate the association with demyelinating disease. RESULTS: The TTT and CGC haplotypes were most frequent in both patients and controls. The G2677 allele was associated with demyelinating disease (OR: 1.79; 95% CI, 1.12-2.86; P =  .015), as were the genotypes GG2677 (OR: 2.72; 95% CI, 1.11-6.68; P =  .025) and CC3435 (OR: 1.82; 95% CI, 1.15-2.90; P =  .010), the combination GG2677/CC3435 (OR: 2.02; 95% CI, 1.17-3.48; P =  .010), and the CAT haplotype (OR: 0.21; 95% CI, 0.05-0.66; P =  .001). TTTTTT carriers presented the earliest age of onset (23.0 ±â€¯7.7 years, vs 31.6 ±â€¯10.7; P =  .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The GG2677/CC3435 genotype combination is associated with demyelinating disease in this sample, particularly among men, who may present toxic accumulation of P-glycoprotein substrates. In our study, the G2677 allele of ABCB1 may differentially modulate age of onset of demyelinating disease in men and women.

Concern about COVID-19 among the Spanish population: Validation of a scale and associated symptoms.

BACKGROUND: The health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a considerable increase in the psychopathology of COVID-19 patients and among the general population. This study aims to conduct the psychometric analysis of the scale of concern about COVID-19 in the Spanish population and to estimate the level of concern and dysfunctional anxiety present one year after the lockdown measures in Spain aimed at resisting the spread of the viral disease among the population. METHODS: The factorial structure of the instrument, its reliability for the general population and for COVID patients, and its construct validity have been analyzed, and measurements of dysfunctional concern have been obtained from a sample of 502 adults. RESULTS: The scale of concern about COVID-19 showed optimal results of reliability and validity for the Spanish population, confirming that it is an ideal instrument for estimating the concern regarding coronavirus contagion. LIMITATIONS: This study used a cross-sectional design and thus, could not compare the changes in the incidence of anxiety symptoms before and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Furthermore, the use of mental health services prior to the COVID-19 restrictions was not assessed in this study, and therefore, no comparisons between the two time points could be made. CONCLUSIONS: After a year of the confinement measures that was instilled to avoid further spread of the disease, the Spanish population presented levels of concern and anxiety that may require clinical attention, with a significant percentage of participants meeting the requirements to be diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorders.

Estudio ecográfico de la arquitectura muscular de la musculatura de miembro inferior: variabilidad según sexo y edad / Sonographic study of muscular architecture of lower limb musculature: Gender and age variability

Antecedentes y objetivo: La arquitectura muscular varía considerablemente de unas personas a otras, ya que se ve condicionada por diferentes causas como el sexo, la edad, la actividad física, etc. El objetivo general de este estudio es describir y comparar las características de la arquitectura muscular del gemelo medial y el vasto lateral del cuádriceps en una muestra de sujetos clasificados por sexo y edad. Material y métodos: Es un estudio observacional, analítico y transversal. Se seleccionaron un total de 30 sujetos sanos; 15 personas menores de 40 años y otras 15 personas mayores de 40 años. A su vez, se dividió en hombres y mujeres, representando el 50% en cada uno de los grupos. Realizaron una única sesión para cumplimentar una hoja de registro y registrar las imágenes ecográficas y las mediciones de fuerza y longitud de salto horizontal. Resultados: El grosor muscular es la variable que muestra más diferencias significativas, tanto entre hombres y mujeres como entre edades, con una media de 2,59cm de grosor del vasto externo durante la contracción en hombres, frente a 1,97cm en las mujeres. Además, se correlaciona con las 3 variables funcionales analizadas: fuerza muscular, longitud de salto y actividad física semanal. Conclusiones: La fuerza de ambos músculos estudiados se encuentra relacionada con su grosor muscular. La variable arquitectónica que más se modifica según el sexo es el grosor muscular, y según la edad, el ángulo de peneación. La fiabilidad del estudio es excelente, lo que permite una buena reproducibilidad.

Background and objective: Muscle architecture varies considerably from one person to another, because it is conditioned by different causes such as gender, age, muscular function, physical activity, etc. In addition, architectural variables are related to muscle strength. The aim of this study is to describe and compare characteristics of muscular architecture of medial gastrocnemius and vastus lateralis of quadriceps in a sample of participants classified by gender and age. Material and methods: This is an observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study. A total of 30 healthy subjects were recruited, consisting of 15 people under 40 and another 15 people over 40 years. They were divided into men and women, representing 50% in each of the groups. They attended a single session to complete a fact sheet and carry out ultrasound images, muscle strength and horizontal jump length measurements. Results: Muscular thickness is the variable that shows the most significant differences, both between men and women and between ages, with an average of 2.59cm for men during contraction of the vastus lateralis and 1.97cm for women. It also correlates with the 3 physical variables analysed: muscle strength, jump length and weekly physical activity. Conclusions: Strength of 2 muscles studied is related to their muscular thickness. The most modified architectural variable according to sex is muscular thickness, and the pennation angle when we compare according to age. The reliability of the study is excellent, and therefore it allows for good reproducibility.

The carotid axis revisited.

The aim was to determine the variations in the level of origin of carotid bifurcation and diameters of the common, internal, and external carotid arteries which is clinically important for several interventional procedures. Therefore, 165 human embalmed corpses were dissected. The data collected were analyzed using the Chi square-test and the Pearson correlation test. The results of previous studies have been reviewed. In relation to the level of the carotid bifurcation, taking as a reference point the hyoid bone, the values ranged from 4 cm below the hyoid body to 2.5 cm above the body of the hyoid, being the average height-0.33 cm, with a standard deviation of 1.19 cm. The right carotid bifurcation was established at a higher level (x = - 0.19 cm.) than the left one (x = - 0.48 cm.) (p = 0.046). On the contrary, no significant gender differences could be observed. The arterial calibres of the common and internal carotid arteries were higher in male than female. In the internal carotid artery (X = 0.76 cm.), the left was greater than the right (X = 0.72 cm.) (P = 0.047). However, no differences in the distribution of the calibre of the external carotid artery were found neither by side nor gender. Variations in the level of bifurcation and calibres of carotid arteries are relevant for interventional radiology procedures and head and neck surgeries. Knowledge of these anatomical references might help clinicians in the interpretation of the carotid system.

Clinical anatomy of the lumbar sinuvertebral nerve with regard to discogenic low back pain and review of literature.

PURPOSE: Lumbar discogenic diffuse pain is still not understood. Authors describe the sinuvertebral nerve (SVN) as one possible cause. Body-donor studies are rare and controversial. Therefore, the aim was to revisit the origin, course and distribution in a body-donor study. METHODS: Six lumbar blocks (3 female, 3 male) aged between 59 and 94 years were dissected. After removal of the back muscles, lamina, dura mater and cauda equina, the anterior vertebral venous plexus, spinal artery and SVN were exposed and evaluated. RESULTS: 43 nerves out of 48 levels could be evaluated. The origin of the SVN was constituted by two roots: a somatic and a sympathetic branch arising from the rami communicantes. In 4/48 intervertebral canals studied (8.3%), we found two SVN at the same level. In 35/48 cases, one SVN was found. In 9/48 cases, no SVN was found. The SVN had a recurrent course below the inferior vertebral notch; in the vertebral canal it showed different patterns: ascending branch (31/43, 72.1%), common branch diverging into two branches (10/43, 23.3%), double ascending branch (1/43, 2.3%) finalizing two levels above and a descending branch (1/43, 2.3%). In 12/43 cases (27.9%) the SVN had ipsilateral connections with another SVN. The distribution ended in the middle of the vertebral body supplying adjacent structures. CONCLUSION: A thorough understanding of the anatomy of the SVN might lead to significant benefits in therapy of discogenic low back pain. We suggest blocking the SVN at the level of the inferior vertebral notch of two adjacent segments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with consistently applied reference standard and blinding.

Perceived discrimination in patients with multiple sclerosis and depressive symptomatology.

BACKGROUND: Multiple Sclerosis is the central nervous system's most common demyelinating disease and the second leading cause of neurological disability in young adults. Its natural development involves physical and cognitive impairment. Patients commonly perceive discrimination against them, regardless of its occurrence, accepting it as an inherent part of the disease. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the association between perceived discrimination and the depressive symptoms and physical disability present in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, treated at the Demyelinating Diseases Clinic of the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Manuel Velasco Suárez. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 98 patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Demographic and clinical variables were obtained through clinical interviews. The severity of the disease was determined using the Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS), depressive symptoms were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and perceived discrimination was rated using the King Internalized Stigma Scale. RESULTS: The studied sample's mean age was 36.3 years, schooling 13.6 years, symptoms onset was at 26.2 years (with a delay in diagnosis of 3.2 years), and a disease evolution of 10.9 years. 71.4% were single; 52% had an unpaid work activity and 57.1% were women. The EDSS average was 3.5 points; 24.5% presented moderate to severe depressive symptoms and 53.1% referred perceived discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived discrimination in patients with multiple sclerosis was associated with earlier disease onset, depressive symptoms, and the lack of caregivers. Medical care and life quality improvement for this vulnerable group require greater education regarding the disease and the establishment of patient support programs.

ABCB1 gene variants as risk factors and modulators of age of onset of demyelinating disease in Mexican patients. / Variantes del gen ABCB1 como factores de riesgo y factores moduladores de la edad de inicio en pacientes mexicanos con enfermedad desmielinizante.

INTRODUCTION: The C1236T, G2677T/A, and C3435T variants of the ABCB1 gene alter the functioning of P-glycoprotein and the transport of endogenous and exogenous substances across the blood-brain barrier, and act as risk factors for some neurodegenerative diseases. This study aimed to determine the association between demyelinating disease and the C1236T, G2677T/A, and C3435T variants of ABCB1 and its haplotypes and combinations of genotypes. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR-RFLP) and Sanger sequencing were used to genotype 199 patients with demyelinating disease and 200 controls, all Mexicans of mixed race; frequencies of alleles, genotypes, haplotypes, and genotype combinations were compared between patients and controls. We conducted a logistic regression analysis and calculated chi-square values and 95% confidence intervals (CI); odds ratios (OR) were calculated to evaluate the association with demyelinating disease. RESULTS: The TTT and CGC haplotypes were most frequent in both patients and controls. The G2677 allele was associated with demyelinating disease (OR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.12-2.86; P=.015), as were the genotypes GG2677 (OR: 2.72; 95% CI: 1.11-6.68; P=.025) and CC3435 (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.15-2.90; P=.010), the combination GG2677/CC3435 (OR: 2.02; 95% CI, 1.17-3.48; P=.010), and the CAT haplotype (OR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.05-0.66; P=.001). TTTTTT carriers presented the earliest age of onset (23.0±7.7 years, vs. 31.6±10.7; P=.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The GG2677/CC3435 genotype combination is associated with demyelinating disease in this sample, particularly among men, who may present toxic accumulation of P-glycoprotein substrates. In our study, the G2677 allele of ABCB1 may differentially modulate age of onset of demyelinating disease in men and women.

Differences in clinical manifestations and increased severity of systemic lupus erythematosus between two groups of Hispanics: European Caucasians versus Latin American mestizos (data from the RELESSER registry).

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is regarded as a prototype autoimmune disease because it can serve as a means for studying differences between ethnic minorities and sex. Traditionally, all Hispanics have been bracketed within the same ethnic group, but there are differences between Hispanics from Spain and those from Latin America, not to mention other Spanish-speaking populations. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics, severity, activity, damage, mortality and co-morbidity of SLE in Hispanics belonging to the two ethnic groups resident in Spain, and to identify any differences. METHODS: This was an observational, multi-centre, retrospective study. The demographic and clinical variables of patients with SLE from 45 rheumatology units were collected. The study was conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice guidelines. Hispanic patients from the registry were divided into two groups: Spaniards or European Caucasians (EC) and Latin American mestizos (LAM). Comparative univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were carried out. RESULTS: A total of 3490 SLE patients were included, 90% of whom were female; 3305 (92%) EC and 185 (5%) LAM. LAM patients experienced their first lupus symptoms four years earlier than EC patients and were diagnosed and included in the registry younger, and their SLE was of a shorter duration. The time in months from the first SLE symptoms to diagnosis was longer in EC patients, as were the follow-up periods. LAM patients exhibited higher prevalence rates of myositis, haemolytic anaemia and nephritis, but there were no differences in histological type or serositis. Anti-Sm, anti-Ro and anti-RNP antibodies were more frequently found in LAM patients. LAM patients also had higher levels of disease activity, severity and hospital admissions. However, there were no differences in damage index, mortality or co-morbidity index. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for confounders, in several models the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for a Katz severity index >3 in LAM patients was 1.45 (1.038-2.026; p = 0.02). This difference did not extend to activity levels (i.e. SLEDAI >3; 0.98 (0.30-1.66)). CONCLUSION: SLE in Hispanic EC patients showed clinical differences compared to Hispanic LAM patients. The latter more frequently suffered nephritis and higher severity indices. This study shows that where lupus is concerned, not all Hispanics are equal.

Quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis and its association with depressive symptoms and physical disability.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to evaluate the quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis and its association with depressive symptoms and physical health. METHOD: A total of 117 patients clinically diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) were studied. The MSQOL-54 scale was applied. The depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), while degree of physical disability was evaluated with the EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale). The results of these last two instruments were associated with MSQOL-54 to determine its influence on the perception of quality of life. RESULTS: We evaluated 65 women (56%) and 52 men (44%), with a mean age of 35 years, a mean age of 27 years at the time of diagnosis, and a mean evolution of 8 years. 88% of the patients showed the relapsing-remitting subtype; 42% had paid employment; 29% of the studied patients required help to perform daily activities; 75% took disease-modifying medications. They obtained on average a score of 3.62 ±â€¯2.30 on the EDSS and 11.5 ±â€¯9.21 on the BDI. The general average in MSQOL-54 was 64.67 ±â€¯17.52. CONCLUSIONS: Quality of life, in patients with multiple sclerosis is an issue that worries health personnel, it is essential to implement strategies for reducing the impact of the disease on patients' lives, mainly through the application of programs aimed to decrees depression and improve social support.

Seguridad de los portales metacarpofalángicos. Estudio anatómico / Metacarpophalangeal portal safety. An anatomical study

Objetivo: Cuantificar el riesgo de lesión de la inervación dorsal al realizar portales directos de la articulación metacarpofalángica del segundo al quinto dedo. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio anatómico de 11 extremidades superiores de cadáveres frescos. Tras colocarlos en torre de tracción, se realizaron los portales metacarpofalángicos a ambos lados del tendón extensor. Se disecaron las ramas sensitivas dorsales y se midieron las distancias entre el portal y el nervio más cercano mediante un calibrador digital. Se compararon de forma global los portales de todos los dedos para valorar el dedo más seguro y se compararon dos a dos los portales radial y ulnar en cada uno de los dedos, para valorar el portal más seguro dentro de cada dedo. Resultados: La comparación global de todos los portales y dedos mostró que el tercer dedo es el más seguro en cualquiera de sus portales, mientras que el lado ulnar del segundo y radial del cuarto son los que tienen riesgo más alto de lesión nerviosa (p=8,96·10-5). La comparación dos a dos de los portales radial y ulnar en cada uno de los dedos mostró que el portal ulnar en más seguro que el radial en el cuarto dedo (p=0,042), mientras que el radial es más seguro que el ulnar en el quinto dedo (p=0,003). Conclusiones: El tercer dedo fue el más seguro para la realización de los portales metacarpofalángicos, mientras que el lado ulnar del segundo dedo y el lado radial del cuarto son los de más alto riesgo de lesión nerviosa

Aim: To quantify the risk of dorsal innervation injury when performing direct metacarpophalangeal joint portals of the second to fifth fingers. Material and method: An anatomical study of 11 upper limbs of fresh corpses was carried out. After placing them in a traction tower, the metacarpophalangeal portals were developed on both sides of the extensor tendon. The dorsal sensory branches were dissected and the distances between the portal and the nearest nerve were measured by a digital caliper. The portals of all the fingers were compared globally to assess the safest finger and two to two radial and ulnar portals were compared in each of the fingers to assess the safest portal within each finger. Results: The overall comparison of all portals and fingers showed that the third finger is the safest in any of its portals, while the ulnar side of the second and radial of the fourth are the portals with the highest risk of nerve injury (P=8.96·10-5). Comparing two to two of the radial and ulnar portals in each of the fingers showed that the ulnar portal is safer than the radial on the fourth finger (P=.042), while the radial is safer than the ulnar on the fifth finger (P=.003). Conclusions: The third finger was the safest to perform metacarpophalangeal portals, while the ulnar side of the second finger and radial side of the fourth had the highest risk of nerve injury

CXCR3+ Monocytes Increase Significantly in Graft Blood Compared to Peripheral Blood in Patients With Stable Kidney Graft Function.

INTRODUCTION: We have recently reported that some lymphocyte populations do not maintain the same proportion in kidney graft blood as in peripheral blood, despite a stable function of the transplanted kidney. These results suggest that a comparative study between leukocyte cells from graft blood and those obtained from peripheral blood could provide information about the inflammatory state of the transplanted organ. In this work we selected the population of CD4+ lymphocytes and monocytes expressing CXCR3 to test this hypothesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed by flow cytometry during month 3, 6, and 12 after transplantation in 58 patients who received an isolated kidney transplant and the same immunosuppressive regimen. The peripheral blood sample was obtained by venipuncture and the graft blood by fine needle aspiration. RESULTS: We found a significant percentage decrease in CXCR3+ monocytes throughout the first year of transplantation in peripheral blood (15.9 ± 20.7 vs. 12.6 ± 12.4 vs. 6.3 ± 9.0, at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively; P = .001), whereas the percentage of CXCR3+ monocytes in graft blood did not change over this period. This situation resulted in a significant percentage difference between the CXCR3+ monocytes from the graft blood and those from the peripheral blood at the sixth (15.8 ± 8.1 vs. 12.6 ± 12.4, respectively; P = .008) and 12th months (12.9 ± 8.1 vs. 6.3 ± 9.0, respectively; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, we can conclude that the significant percentage increase of CXCR3+ monocytes in graft blood with respect to peripheral blood suggests the presence of inflammatory activity despite renal function being stable during the second half of the first year post-transplantation.

Metacarpophalangeal portal safety. An anatomical study. / Seguridad de los portales metacarpofalángicos. Estudio anatómico.

AIM: To quantify the risk of dorsal innervation injury when performing direct metacarpophalangeal joint portals of the second to fifth fingers. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An anatomical study of 11 upper limbs of fresh corpses was carried out. After placing them in a traction tower, the metacarpophalangeal portals were developed on both sides of the extensor tendon. The dorsal sensory branches were dissected and the distances between the portal and the nearest nerve were measured by a digital caliper. The portals of all the fingers were compared globally to assess the safest finger and two to two radial and ulnar portals were compared in each of the fingers to assess the safest portal within each finger. RESULTS: The overall comparison of all portals and fingers showed that the third finger is the safest in any of its portals, while the ulnar side of the second and radial of the fourth are the portals with the highest risk of nerve injury (P=8.96·10-5). Comparing two to two of the radial and ulnar portals in each of the fingers showed that the ulnar portal is safer than the radial on the fourth finger (P=.042), while the radial is safer than the ulnar on the fifth finger (P=.003). CONCLUSIONS: The third finger was the safest to perform metacarpophalangeal portals, while the ulnar side of the second finger and radial side of the fourth had the highest risk of nerve injury.