Discussion Abounds on the Potential Carcinogenic Risks Associated With the Use of UV Curing Lamps for Permanent Nail Polish.

BACKGROUND: Controversy has recently broken out over the potential carcinogenic risk associated with exposure to UV lamps for permanent nail polish. The new LED-based polymerization devices, and their potential biological effect has not been analyzed to this date. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the emission power and its potential biological effects on the skin of 2 types of UV LED and fluorescent curing lamps under normal use conditions compared to doses of sunlight exposure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The emission spectrum (290nm to 450nm) of curing lamps and the Sun at noon on an average summer day in mid-latitude Spain was analyzed. The effective biological irradiance potential for erythema, non-melanoma skin cancer, DNA damage, photoimmunosuppression and permanent pigmentation was also characterized. RESULTS: The high-energy UVA-visible irradiance emitted by these devices was similar to the one coming from the Sun in that spectral range while the effective biological doses were lower or similar to those also coming from the Sun. The total UV and high-energy visible dose per manicure session corresponded to that obtained from 3.5min to 6min exposures to the Sun at noon in the summer days at our latitudes. CONCLUSIONS: The exposure times and doses received with the common use of artificial lamp nail drying correspond to sunlight exposures of 3min to 5min in the central hours of the day. This represents a very low carcinogenic potential compared to sunlight exposure, although similar regarding immunosuppressive potential. Photoprotective measures would further minimize the risks.

Discussion Abounds on the Potential Carcinogenic Risks Associated With the Use of UV Curing Lamps for Permanent Nail Polish. / Controversias sobre los riesgos procarcinogénicos asociados al uso de lámparas ultravioleta polimerizadoras para el esmaltado permanente de uñas.

BACKGROUND: Controversy has recently broken out over the potential carcinogenic risk associated with exposure to UV lamps for permanent nail polish. The new LED-based polymerization devices, and their potential biological effect has not been analyzed to this date. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the emission power and its potential biological effects on the skin of 2 types of UV LED and fluorescent curing lamps under normal use conditions compared to doses of sunlight exposure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The emission spectrum (290nm to 450nm) of curing lamps and the Sun at noon on an average summer day in mid-latitude Spain was analyzed. The effective biological irradiance potential for erythema, non-melanoma skin cancer, DNA damage, photoimmunosuppression and permanent pigmentation was also characterized. RESULTS: The high-energy UVA-visible irradiance emitted by these devices was similar to the one coming from the Sun in that spectral range while the effective biological doses were lower or similar to those also coming from the Sun. The total UV and high-energy visible dose per manicure session corresponded to that obtained from 3.5min to 6min exposures to the Sun at noon in the summer days at our latitudes. CONCLUSIONS: The exposure times and doses received with the common use of artificial lamp nail drying correspond to sunlight exposures of 3min to 5min in the central hours of the day. This represents a very low carcinogenic potential compared to sunlight exposure, although similar regarding immunosuppressive potential. Photoprotective measures would further minimize the risks.

Síndrome de las uñas amarillas. Presentación de un caso con estudio autópsico / Yellow nail syndrome. A case report with postmortem study

El síndrome de las uñas amarillas es una enfermedad rara de etiología desconocida, caracterizado por una coloración amarillenta de las uñas, manifestaciones respiratorias y linfedemas primarios1. Existe poca literatura científica en referencia a estudios autópsicos de pacientes con este síndrome, así como respecto a su etiología, si bien se postula que es causada por una malformación de los conductos linfáticos. En este artículo presentamos el caso de una paciente diagnosticada en vida de síndrome de las uñas amarillas en cuyo estudio autópsico se encontraron algunos hallazgos previamente no descritos, como dilatación de los senos de ganglios linfáticos mediastinales y esplénicos.(AU)

Yellow nail syndrome is a rare disease of unknown aetiology. Patients with YNS have a characteristic yellowish-coloured nails, pulmonary alterations and primary lymphedema. To the best of our knowledge, only a few reports of autopsy findings in these patients have been published. Its aetiology possibly involves a primary malformation of larger lymph vessels. We describe autopsy findings not previously associated with yellow nail syndrome, such as expansion of mediastinal lymph-nodes and splenic sinusoids.The present autopsy reveals hitherto unreported findings associated with YNS, such as alterations in splenic sinusoids and mediastinal lymph-node sinuses.(AU)

[Yellow nail syndrome. A case report with postmortem study]. / Síndrome de las uñas amarillas. Presentación de un caso con estudio autópsico.

Yellow nail syndrome is a rare disease of unknown aetiology. Patients with YNS have a characteristic yellowish-coloured nails, pulmonary alterations and primary lymphedema. To the best of our knowledge, only a few reports of autopsy findings in these patients have been published. Its aetiology possibly involves a primary malformation of larger lymph vessels. We describe autopsy findings not previously associated with yellow nail syndrome, such as expansion of mediastinal lymph-nodes and splenic sinusoids. The present autopsy reveals hitherto unreported findings associated with YNS, such as alterations in splenic sinusoids and mediastinal lymph-node sinuses.

Matrix Cauterization With Silver Nitrate in the Treatment of Ingrown Toenails in Children: Pilot Study. / [Artículo traducido] Cauterización de la matriz con nitrato de plata para el tratamiento de las uñas encarnadas en los dedos de los pies en niños: estudio piloto.

BACKGROUND: Although partial onychectomy with chemical matricectomy has been described asthe treatment of choice, there is sparse evidence in the literature regarding the use of silvernitrate for matricectomy. Our aim is to describe the effectiveness of silver nitrate for matrixcauterization after partial onychectomy. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed on patients with ingrown toenailsstage 2-3 who underwent partial onychectomy with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy during 2018-2019 in our institution. All patients were evaluated in the outpatient clinic on the 7th and 30th post-operative day and a telephone evaluation was performed every 6 months afterthe surgical procedure to date. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three patients, who underwent 231 partial onychectomies with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy were included, with a median follow-up of 21 months (interquartile range, 12-29). The procedure had an effectiveness of 95.3%, with only 11 recur-rences (4.7%) reported so far on follow-up. Postoperative infections were observed in 4 patients (1.7%). Adverse effects, such as pain and postoperative drainage, were irrelevant in mostpatients. CONCLUSIONS: Silver nitrate matricectomy after partial onychectomy is an effective and safealternative for the treatment of ingrown toenail in children, with scarce postoperative morbidityand low recurrence rate.

Matrix Cauterization With Silver Nitrate in the Treatment of Ingrown Toenails in Children: Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Although partial onychectomy with chemical matricectomy has been described as the treatment of choice, there is sparse evidence in the literature regarding the use of silver nitrate for matricectomy. Our aim is to describe the effectiveness of silver nitrate for matrix cauterization after partial onychectomy. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed on patients with ingrown toenails stage 2-3 who underwent partial onychectomy with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy during 2018-2019 in our institution. All patients were evaluated in the outpatient clinic on the 7th and 30th post-operative day and a telephone evaluation was performed every 6 months after the surgical procedure to date. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three patients, who underwent 231 partial onychectomies with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy were included, with a median follow-up of 21 months (interquartile range, 12-29). The procedure had an effectiveness of 95.3%, with only 11 recurrences (4.7%) reported so far on follow-up. Postoperative infections were observed in 4 patients (1.7%). Adverse effects, such as pain and postoperative drainage, were irrelevant in most patients. CONCLUSIONS: Silver nitrate matricectomy after partial onychectomy is an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of ingrown toenail in children, with scarce postoperative morbidity and low recurrence rate.

Beau's line in COVID-19 after a long ICU stay / Línea de Beau en COVID-19 después de un tiempo largo de internación en UCI

The 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19) overloads hospitalizations in intensive care units (ICUs) around the world and its severe form is a complex disease that is still being understood. Due to the lack of direct evidence in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, guidelines for nutritional management have been based on evidence from critically ill patients in general. Thus, it is known that intense metabolic stress and malnutrition precede the appearance of Beau’s lines. This is the case report of a 58-year-old man with the severe form of COVID-19 hospitalized for 33 days in the ICU and who presented the Beau´s lines after 4 months of discharge, even with the infusion of nutritional therapy following the current recommendations for the critical period of the disease (AU)

La pandemia de la enfermedad por coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-19) sobrecarga las hospitalizaciones en unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) en todo el mundo y su forma grave es una enfermedad compleja que aún se está comprendiendo. Debido a la falta de evidencia directa en pacientes con infección por SARS-CoV-2, las pautas para el manejo nutricional se han basado en la evidencia de pacientes críticos en general. Así, se sabe que el estrés metabólico intenso y la desnutrición preceden a la aparición de las líneas de Beau. Este es el caso clínico de un hombre de 58 años con la forma grave de COVID-19 hospitalizado durante 33 días en la UCI y que presentó las líneas de Beau después de 4 meses del alta, incluso con la infusión de terapia nutricional prescrita en consecuencia a las recomendaciones actuales para el periodo crítico de la enfermedad (AU)

Beau's line in COVID-19 after a long ICU stay.

Introduction: The 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19) overloads hospitalizations in intensive care units (ICUs) around the world and its severe form is a complex disease that is still being understood. Due to the lack of direct evidence in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, guidelines for nutritional management have been based on evidence from critically ill patients in general. Thus, it is known that intense metabolic stress and malnutrition precede the appearance of Beau's lines. This is the case report of a 58-year-old man with the severe form of COVID-19 hospitalized for 33 days in the ICU and who presented the Beau´s lines after 4 months of discharge, even with the infusion of nutritional therapy following the current recommendations for the critical period of the disease.

Introducción: La pandemia de la enfermedad por coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-19) sobrecarga las hospitalizaciones en unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) en todo el mundo y su forma grave es una enfermedad compleja que aún se está comprendiendo. Debido a la falta de evidencia directa en pacientes con infección por SARS-CoV-2, las pautas para el manejo nutricional se han basado en la evidencia de pacientes críticos en general. Así, se sabe que el estrés metabólico intenso y la desnutrición preceden a la aparición de las líneas de Beau. Este es el caso clínico de un hombre de 58 años con la forma grave de COVID-19 hospitalizado durante 33 días en la UCI y que presentó las líneas de Beau después de 4 meses del alta, incluso con la infusión de terapia nutricional prescrita en consecuencia a las recomendaciones actuales para el periodo crítico de la enfermedad.

Nail Psoriasis. / Psoriasis ungueal.

Nail involvement in psoriasis is common. It is seen in up to 80% of patients with psoriatic lesions and may be the only manifestation in 6% of cases. Nail psoriasis is correlated with more severe disease, characterized by earlier onset and a higher risk of psoriatic arthritis. Accordingly, it can also result in significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Psoriasis involving the nail matrix causes pitting, leukonychia, red lunula and nail dystrophy, while nail bed involvement causes splinter hemorrhages, onycholysis, oil spots (salmon patches), and subungual hyperkeratosis. Common evaluation tools are the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI), the modified NAPSI, and the f-PGA (Physician's Global Assessment of Fingernail Psoriasis). Treatment options include topical therapy, intralesional injections, and systemic and biologic agents. Treatment should therefore be assessed on an individualized basis according to the number of nails involved, the part of the nail or nails affected, and the presence of concomitant nail and/or joint involvement.

Psoriasis ungueal / Nail Psoriasis

La psoriasis ungueal puede afectar al 80% de los pacientes con psoriasis cutánea y puede ser la única manifestación en el 6% del total. Además, se correlaciona con una enfermedad psoriásica más grave, con un inicio más precoz y con una mayor probabilidad de desarrollar artritis psoriásica. Todo ello hace que se asocie a un importante deterioro funcional y a una disminución de la calidad de vida. La psoriasis ungueal que afecta la matriz puede causar piqueteado/pitting, leuconiquia, manchas rojas en la lúnula o distrofia de la lámina, mientras que la afectación del lecho causa hemorragias en astilla, onicólisis, manchas de aceite o salmón e hiperqueratosis subungueal. Los métodos de evaluación comunes son las escalas NAPSI, NAPSI modificada o f-PGA. Actualmente, disponemos de tratamientos tópicos, intralesionales, sistémicos y biológicos, por lo que deberá individualizarse según el número de uñas implicadas, la zona ungueal afectada y la presencia de afectación cutánea y/o articular (AU)

Nail involvement in psoriasis is common. It is seen in up to 80% of patients with psoriatic lesions and may be the only manifestation in 6% of cases. Nail psoriasis is correlated with more severe disease, characterized by earlier onset and a higher risk of psoriatic arthritis. Accordingly, it can also result in significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Psoriasis involving the nail matrix causes pitting, leukonychia, red lunula and nail dystrophy, while nail bed involvement causes splinter hemorrhages, onycholysis, oil spots (salmon patches), and subungual hyperkeratosis. Common evaluation tools are the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI), the modified NAPSI, and the f-PGA (Physician's Global Assessment of Fingernail Psoriasis). Treatment options include topical therapy, intralesional injections, and systemic and biologic agents. Treatment should therefore be assessed on an individualized basis according to the number of nails involved, the part of the nail or nails affected, and the presence of concomitant nail and/or joint involvement (AU)

[Translated article] Nail Psoriasis / Psoriasis ungueal

Nail involvement in psoriasis is common. It is seen in up to 80% of patients with psoriatic lesions and may be the only manifestation in 6% of cases. Nail psoriasis is correlated with more severe disease, characterized by earlier onset and a higher risk of psoriatic arthritis. Accordingly, it can also result in significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Psoriasis involving the nail matrix causes pitting, leukonychia, red lunula and nail dystrophy, while nail bed involvement causes splinter hemorrhages, onycholysis, oil spots (salmon patches), and subungual hyperkeratosis. Common evaluation tools are the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI), the modified NAPSI, and the f-PGA (Physician's Global Assessment of Fingernail Psoriasis). Treatment options include topical therapy, intralesional injections, and systemic and biologic agents. Treatment should therefore be assessed on an individualized basis according to the number of nails involved, the part of the nail or nails affected, and the presence of concomitant nail and/or joint involvement (AU)

La psoriasis ungueal puede afectar al 80% de los pacientes con psoriasis cutánea y puede ser la única manifestación en el 6% del total. Además, se correlaciona con una enfermedad psoriásica más grave, con un inicio más precoz y con una mayor probabilidad de desarrollar artritis psoriásica. Todo ello hace que se asocie a un importante deterioro funcional y a una disminución de la calidad de vida. La psoriasis ungueal que afecta la matriz puede causar piqueteado/pitting, leuconiquia, manchas rojas en la lúnula o distrofia de la lámina, mientras que la afectación del lecho causa hemorragias en astilla, onicólisis, manchas de aceite o salmón e hiperqueratosis subungueal. Los métodos de evaluación comunes son las escalas NAPSI, NAPSI modificada o f-PGA. Actualmente, disponemos de tratamientos tópicos, intralesionales, sistémicos y biológicos, por lo que deberá individualizarse según el número de uñas implicadas, la zona ungueal afectada y la presencia de afectación cutánea y/o articular (AU)

Anoniquia Congénita Asociada a Herencia Autosómica Dominante, Síndrome de Cooks

Resumen El síndrome de Cook fue descrito por primera vez por Cook y colaboradores en 1985. Este se caracteriza por una historia familiar de hipoplasia congénita de las uñas de las manos en los dígitos 1,2 y 3, ausencia de las uñas en los dígitos 4 y 5, braquidactilia del digito 5 de las manos y ausencia complete de las uñas de los pies. Además, puede existir una hipoplasia o ausencia de las falanges distales en los pies y las manos. La oficina de enfermedades raras del Instituto Nacional de Salud, considera este síndrome como una "enfermedad rara". Presentamos el caso de un recién nacido con anoniquia congénita en ambas manos y pies en el digito 2 asociado a hipoplasia ungueal en dígitos 1 y 3 respetando dígitos 4 y 5. La radiografía de los dedos no muestra anormalidades en las falanges. Este caso podría representar una variante del síndrome de Cook o una nueva enfermedad aun no descrita debido a la existencia de una historia familiar importante con similares deformidades en la madre, la abuela y la hermana.

Abstract Cooks syndrome, which was first reported by Cooks et al in 1985. It is characterized by family history of bilateral congenital nail hypoplasia of digits 1,2 and 3, with absence of nails in digits 4, 5, and brachydactyly of digit five of the hands and complete absence of all toenails. In addition, there is hypoplasia or absence of distal phalanges of the hands and feet. According to the Office of rare Diseases of the National Institutes of Health, this syndrome is considered as a "rare disease". We present a newborn child with a history of congenital anonychia in digit 2 in both hands and feet and nail hypoplasia in digits 1 and 3 sparing digits 4 and 5. Radiography of the fingers shows no abnormalities in the phalanges. This case could represent a variant of Cooks syndrome or a new disease not yet described because of the existence of an important family history with similar deformities in the mother, grandmother and sister.

Etiopatogenia de las uñas frágiles / Etiopathogenesis of brittle nails

Las uñas frágiles se caracterizan por ser quebradizas, de superficie áspera y descamativa, es una entidad que predomina en mujeres y afecta principalmente las uñas de las manos. En condiciones normales las uñas estás compuestas por agua, cuya concentración oscila entre 7 % al 18 %, lípidos entre 0,1 % y 5%, siendo el colesterol su principal componente, además están compuesta por células queratinizadas sin descamación, dando origen a tres capas histológicas llamadas dorsal, media y ventral. Estas también contienen trazas de elementos como hierro y zinc. La alteración y disminución de estos componentes favorecen está condición. La causa puede ser idiopática o secundaria a enfermedades sistémicas, pueden estar presentes en algunas patologías dermatológicas. Una correcta anamnesis e historia clínica son necesarias para un correcto abordaje terapéutico. Su implicación cosmética nos obliga a tener un conocimiento claro de su etiopatogenia para así poder establecer un tratamiento efectivo y oportuno(AU)

Brittle nails are characterized by being brittle, witha rough and scaly surface, it is an entity that predominates inwomen and mainly affects the fingernails. In normal conditions the nails are made up of water, whose concentration ranges from7% to 18%, lipids between 0.1% and 5%, with cholesterol beingits main component, they are also composed of keratinized cellswithout desquamation, giving rise to three histological layerscalled dorsal, middle and ventral. These also contain traces ofelements such as iron, and zinc. The alteration and decreaseof these components favor this condition. Yhe cause may beidiopathic or secondary to systemic diseases, they may be presentin some dermatological pathologies. A correct anamnesis andmedical history are necessary for a correct therapeutic approach.Its cosmetic involvement forces us to have a clear understandingof its pathogenesis in order to establish an effective and timelytreatment(AU)

Uñas de Lindsay

Mujer de 69 años con enfermedad renal crónica estadio V en hemodiálisis por nefropatía diabética e hipertensión arterial, acudió al Servicio de Emergencia de nuestro hospital por fiebre, malestar general, disuria, polaquiuria, náuseas y vómitos; y, con funciones vitales estables y una coloración blanquecina en la mitad proxi al de las uñas y una coloración marrón en la mitad distal.

Impacto del uso de anillos y uñas esmaltadas en la calidad de la higiene de manos en el personal de salud / Impact of the use of rings and nail polish on hand hygiene quality in healthcare workers

Resumen Introducción: Las infecciones asociadas a la atención de salud son un problema frecuente en el ambiente hospitalario. La higiene de manos es la medida más efectiva para su prevención. El uso de ciertos accesorios en las manos podría disminuir su efectividad y favorecer la transmisión horizontal de agentes infecciosos. Objetivo: Revisar los estudios publicados que evalúan el impacto del uso de anillos y uñas esmaltadas en la calidad de la higiene de manos en trabajadores de la salud. Métodos: Búsqueda no sistemática en base de datos PUBMED/MEDLINE (1978-2018) de estudios en los cuales se mide la calidad de la higiene de manos o lavado quirúrgico, mediante cultivos cuantitativos o tinciones fluorescentes. Resultados: Uso de anillos: Trece de 51 artículos cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Siete fueron realizados en unidades clínicas, y en todos ellos éste se asoció a menor calidad de la higiene de manos (la mayoría de baja calidad). Contrariamente, en tres de cuatro estudios primarios realizados en pabellón (de baja calidad), su uso no impactó en la calidad del lavado quirúrgico. Igualmente, dos revisiones sistemáticas obtuvieron similares conclusiones. Uñas esmaltadas: siete de 54 artículos fueron incluidos. En cuatro hubo resultados discordantes (la mayoría de baja calidad). En un estudio controlado se observó reducción en la calidad del lavado quirúrgico sólo cuando el esmalte estaba dañado. El esmalte gel se asoció a menor calidad de la higiene de manos en dos estudios experimentales. Conclusiones: No existe evidencia de calidad suficiente para asociar el uso de estos accesorios con reducción en la calidad de la higiene de manos. Tampoco queda demostrada su inocuidad. En base a la evidencia disponible (la mayoría de baja calidad), se observó un impacto negativo del uso de anillos en unidades clínicas y también de uñas con esmalte dañado en pabellones quirúrgicos. Se requieren estudios de mejor calidad para abordar estos relevantes tópicos.

Abstract Background: Health-care-associated infections are a frequent problem in hospital environments. Hand hygiene is the most effective measure to prevent outbreaks. The use of certain accessories could decrease its effectiveness, facilitating horizontal transmission of pathogens. Objective: Analyze the evidence that assess the impact of the use of rings and nail polish on hand hygiene quality in healthcare workers. Methods: Non-systematic search in PUBMED/MEDLINE database (1978-2018) of studies in which the quality of hand hygiene or surgical washing is measured, using quantitative cultures or fluorescent stains. Results: Wearing rings: 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven were carried out in general wards. In all of them the use of rings was associated with lower quality of hand hygiene (the majority of low quality). Contrarily, in 3 of 4 primary studies carried out in the operating rooms (of low quality), their use did not affect the quality of surgical washing. Similarly, two systematic reviews obtained similar conclusions. Nail polish: 7 of 54 studies met the inclusion criteria. In four of them there were discordant results (the majority of low quality). One RCT showed a reduction in the quality of surgical washing only when the nail polish was damaged. Gel nail polish was associated with lower quality in two experimental studies. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to associate the use of these accessories with the reduction in the quality of hand hygiene. Its safety was not proven neither. Based on the available evidence (the majority of low quality), a negative impact of the use of rings in clinical units and also of damaged nail polish in operating rooms was observed. Better quality studies are required to address these relevant issues.

Comparación de concentración y excreción de flúor, con y sin fortificación de flúor en sal, costa rica 2005 / Comparison of fluoride concentration and excretion in fortified and non-fortified salt use. Costa Rica 2005

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar la concentración y excreción de flúor en orina de 24 horas en 4 grupos de edad y la exposición de flúor en uñas, sin y con fluoruración de la sal, después de un periodo de interrupción de siete meses. Cartago 2004-2005. Metodología: Muestra no probabilística y secuencial de 127 individuos distribuidos en cuatro grupos poblacionales (4-6, 10-12, 15-17 y 35-60 años de edad). El análisis de flúor en orina, agua y sal se realizó con el electrodo específico. El análisis de flúor en uñas se realizó mediante el análisis de difusión facilitada con hexametildisiloxano (HMDS). Se calculó la concentración de flúor en orina, uñas, agua y sal, así como la excreción de flúor en orina. Resultados: En el periodo sin sal fluorurada (fase 1), 90,5% de muestras de sal tenían menos de 15,8 mgF/kg (promedio 22,7 mgF/kg) y el agua un promedio de 0,25 mgF/l; en el periodo con sal fluorurada (fase 2) el promedio de flúor en sal fue de 143,5 mgF/kg, siempre con la concentración de agua de 0,25 mgF/l. La excreción urinaria de 24 horas y la concentración de flúor con 7 meses sin sal fluorurada en ambos casos fue menor en la fase I en los cuatro grupos de edad. Con sal fluorurada (fase II) la excreción aumentó en 80% en promedio, en todos los grupos de edad. Por el contrario, la concentración de flúor en uñas, fue más elevada durante la fase 1, sin diferencias significativas entre grupos ni entre fases. Conclusión: La interrupción de la fluoruración de la sal en Costa Rica permitió medir la presencia de éste elemento en la población centinela (control), confirmando que el organismo mantiene el flúor aún por 7 meses después de dejar de ingerir flúor independiente de la edad. La medición de la concentración de flúor en uñas podría constituirse en un método de medición de éste elemento para complementar el estudio de flúor en el organismo humano.

Abstract Objective: To determine the concentration and excretion of fluoride in urine of 24 hours in 4 age groups and fluoride exposure in nails, without and with fluoridation of the salt, after a period of interruption of seven months. Cartago 2004-2005. Methodology: Non-probabilistic and sequential sample of 127 individuals distributed in four population groups (4-6, 10-12, 15-17 and 35-60 years of age). The analysis of fluorine in urine, water and salt was performed with the specific electrode. Nail fluoride analysis was performed by diffusion analysis provided with hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS). The concentration of fluoride in urine, nails, water and salt, as well as the excretion of fluoride in urine was calculated. Results: In the period without fluoridated salt (phase 1), 90.5% of salt samples had less than 15.8 mgF / kg (average 22.7 mgF / kg) and water averaged 0.25 mgF / L; In the period with fluorided salt (phase 2) the average fluoride in salt was 143.5 mgF / kg, always with the water concentration of 0.25 mgF / l. The 24-hour urinary excretion and fluoride concentration at 7 months without fluoridated salt in both cases was lower in phase I in all four age groups. With fluoridated salt (phase II) excretion increased by 80% on average in all age groups. In contrast, the fluoride concentration in nails was higher during phase 1, without significant differences between groups or between phases. Conclusion: The interruption of fluoridation of salt in Costa Rica allowed the measurement of the presence of this element in the sentinel population (control), confirming that the organism maintains the fluoride still for 7 months after stopping ingesting fluorine independent of age. The measurement of the concentration of fluoride in nails could constitute a method of measuring this element to complement the study of fluorine in the human organism.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis Caused by Acrylates in Long-Lasting Nail Polish. / Dermatitis alérgica de contacto por acrilatos en esmaltes permanentes.

The first reported cases of allergic contact dermatitis from acrylates in manicure procedures in relation to the application of porcelain nails were published decades ago. The frequency of sensitization has increased due to the introduction of the so-called permanent nail polish containing photo-bonded acrylates, mainly involving the beauticians who apply them, and to a lesser extent, the consumers. The recent commercialized permanent polish kits for domestic use could trigger even higher degrees of sensitization. In this article, the clinical features, diagnostic procedures, treatment and preventive measures are described. Acrylates are present in a wide range of sources including multiple medical materials. Sensitization caused by a merely aesthetic procedure might end up having an eventual important impact in the future consumer's health which is why restrictive policies should be implemented limiting its use to qualified professionals and banning the indiscriminate sale of domestic kits.

TNF-alpha inhibition could reduce biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis: A 52-week echo-Doppler based quasi-experimental study. / La inhibición del TNF-α puede disminuir los biomarcadores de disfunción endotelial en pacientes con psoriasis de moderada-grave: un estudio cuasiexperimental eco doppler a 52 semanas.

OBJECTIVES: Psoriasis is associated to endothelial dysfunction, which causes impaired vascular functioning. TNF-α blockers have shown the ability to improve vascular functioning in psoriasis. The nailfold vessel resistance index (NVRI) assesses microvascular functioning at nailfold. The objectives of the study is to assess the effect of the TNF-α inhibition with adalimumab on NVRI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Quasi-experimental study. Fifteen patients with moderate-severe psoriasis received adalimumab 40mg sc according to label information. Participants were assessed at baseline and at 12, 24 and 52 weeks after study intervention. RESULTS: A reduction of -0.09±0.02 (P<.01) in NVRI and a -11.2±2,41ng/ml (P<.001) in E-selectin was observed at week 52. CONCLUSIONS: Adalimumab could produce a progressive and sustained reduction of vessel resistance at nailfold and E-selectin in patients with psoriasis.

Persistent benign pleural effusion. / Derrames pleurales benignos persistentes.

In this narrative review we describe the main aetiologies, clinical characteristics and treatment for patients with benign pleural effusion that characteristically persists over time: chylothorax and cholesterol effusions, nonexpansible lung, rheumatoid pleural effusion, tuberculous empyema, benign asbestos pleural effusion and yellow nail syndrome.