SARS-CoV-2 IgG response in symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19-infected healthcare workers.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) accounted for a significant proportion of COVID-19 infections worldwide. Retrospective seroprevalence surveys are often used to screen for unidentified previous infection with SARS-CoV-2. However, the rate of humoral response in HCWs affected by COVID-19 is not well-defined. AIMS: To assess the specific IgG humoral response in symptomatic and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-infected HCWs and identify potential factors associated with humoral response. METHODS: We prospectively recruited 204 HCWs with RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 humoral response. Serum-IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were analysed using two commercially available serological assays. A logistic regression was performed to identify independent factors associated with positive IgG serology test. RESULTS: Overall, the SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity rate was 77%. This seropositivity rate was higher in symptomatic than in asymptomatic COVID-19 infection (83% versus 57%; P < 0.001) and in older HCWs.. The seropositivity rate did not diminish with time. In logistic regression, only a history of COVID-19 symptoms and age were identified as independent factors associated with the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies are found significantly more frequently in symptomatic and in older HCWs. The fact that not all COVID-19 HCWs develop detectable IgG is vital for the interpretation of COVID-19 seroprevalence surveys.

Changes in the prevalence of asthma and related risk factors in adolescents: Three surveys between 1994 and 2015

Methods: This study assesses the temporal trend of current asthma symptoms prevalence and associated factors in Chilean adolescents from South-Santiago, considering surveys performed in 1994, 2002 and 2015. Results: The prevalence of current asthma symptoms showed a trend to increase from 11.1% in 1994 to 13.4% in 2015 (p < 0.001); physician-diagnosed asthma increased from 11.5% to 13.8%, (p < 0.001) whereas severe asthma and asthma with exercise decreased (p < 0.001). Female adolescents had a higher prevalence of current asthma in the three surveys (p < 0.001), and was a risk factor for asthma in the three surveys. In 2002, frequent consumption of meat and potatoes were associated with current asthma while frequent vigorous exercise was protective. Frequent exercise and parental tobacco smoking were risk for asthma in 2015 (p < 0.001). Current active tobacco smoking showed a trend to increase reaching a prevalence of 28.9% in 2015 (p < 0.001). There was a consistently low proportion of adolescents with current wheezing and asthma diagnosis (32.1% in 2015) and 37.6% of them had no asthma treatment. Conclusion: The prevalence of current asthma in adolescents from the studied area would be still increasing. As in other studies, female adolescents had a higher prevalence of current asthma. Current active tobacco smoking has strikingly increased in the studied children while indoor passive tobacco exposure remains inadmissibly high. Our findings suggest that asthma in children is underdiagnosed and undertreated. More attention should be given to female gender, tobacco exposure, air pollution and local diagnostic preferences when studying and interpreting trends of asthma prevalence in adolescents from developing localities

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Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 3.2 Diabetes Module for youth with Type 2 diabetes: reliability and validity.

AIM: To test the measurement properties of the revised and updated Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 3.2 Diabetes Module originally developed in Type 1 diabetes in youth with Type 2 diabetes. METHODS: The PedsQL 3.2 Diabetes Module and PedsQL Generic Core Scales were administered in a field test study to 100 young people aged 9-25 years with Type 2 diabetes. Factor analysis was conducted to determine the factor structure of the items. RESULTS: The 15-item Diabetes Symptoms Summary Score and 12-item Type 2-specific Diabetes Management Summary Score were empirically derived through factor analysis. The Diabetes Symptoms and Type 2-specific Diabetes Management Summary Scores showed acceptable to excellent reliability across the age groups tested (α = 0.85-0.94). The Diabetes Symptoms and Type 2-specific Diabetes Management Summary Scores evidenced construct validity through large effect size correlations with the Generic Core Scales Total Scale Score (r = 0.67 and 0.57, respectively). HbA1c was correlated with the Diabetes Symptoms and Type 2-specific Diabetes Management Summary Scores (r = -0.13 and -0.22). Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) scores were 5.91 and 7.39 for the Diabetes Symptoms and Type 2-specific Diabetes Management Summary Scores. CONCLUSIONS: The PedsQL 3.2 Diabetes Module Diabetes Symptoms Summary Score and Type 2-specific Diabetes Management Summary Score exhibited satisfactory measurement properties for use as youth self-reported diabetes symptoms and diabetes management outcomes for clinical research and clinical practice for young people with Type 2 diabetes.

Changes in the prevalence of asthma and related risk factors in adolescents: Three surveys between 1994 and 2015.

METHODS: This study assesses the temporal trend of current asthma symptoms prevalence and associated factors in Chilean adolescents from South-Santiago, considering surveys performed in 1994, 2002 and 2015. RESULTS: The prevalence of current asthma symptoms showed a trend to increase from 11.1% in 1994 to 13.4% in 2015 (p<0.001); physician-diagnosed asthma increased from 11.5% to 13.8%, (p<0.001) whereas severe asthma and asthma with exercise decreased (p<0.001). Female adolescents had a higher prevalence of current asthma in the three surveys (p<0.001), and was a risk factor for asthma in the three surveys. In 2002, frequent consumption of meat and potatoes were associated with current asthma while frequent vigorous exercise was protective. Frequent exercise and parental tobacco smoking were risk for asthma in 2015 (p<0.001). Current active tobacco smoking showed a trend to increase reaching a prevalence of 28.9% in 2015 (p<0.001). There was a consistently low proportion of adolescents with current wheezing and asthma diagnosis (32.1% in 2015) and 37.6% of them had no asthma treatment. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of current asthma in adolescents from the studied area would be still increasing. As in other studies, female adolescents had a higher prevalence of current asthma. Current active tobacco smoking has strikingly increased in the studied children while indoor passive tobacco exposure remains inadmissibly high. Our findings suggest that asthma in children is underdiagnosed and undertreated. More attention should be given to female gender, tobacco exposure, air pollution and local diagnostic preferences when studying and interpreting trends of asthma prevalence in adolescents from developing localities.

Hot super-Earths stripped by their host stars.

Simulations predict that hot super-Earth sized exoplanets can have their envelopes stripped by photoevaporation, which would present itself as a lack of these exoplanets. However, this absence in the exoplanet population has escaped a firm detection. Here we demonstrate, using asteroseismology on a sample of exoplanets and exoplanet candidates observed during the Kepler mission that, while there is an abundance of super-Earth sized exoplanets with low incident fluxes, none are found with high incident fluxes. We do not find any exoplanets with radii between 2.2 and 3.8 Earth radii with incident flux above 650 times the incident flux on Earth. This gap in the population of exoplanets is explained by evaporation of volatile elements and thus supports the predictions. The confirmation of a hot-super-Earth desert caused by evaporation will add an important constraint on simulations of planetary systems, since they must be able to reproduce the dearth of close-in super-Earths.

Effect of once-daily generic ciclesonide on exhaled nitric oxide in atopic children with persistent asthma

BACKGROUND: Ciclesonide (CIC) is an effective inhaled corticosteroid for treating asthmatic children. However, its effect on airway inflammation assessed by the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) in children with persistent asthma is virtually unknown. We aimed to assess the effect of once-daily generic CIC, 80 or 160 μg, on FENO, lung function, asthma control and bronchial hyperresponsiveness, in atopic children with persistent asthma. METHODS: This was a 12-week, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group study. Sixty children with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma were recruited. Changes in FENO, asthma control score, lung function (FEV1) and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine (BHR) were used to assess the effects of both CIC doses. Non-normally distributed variables were log-transformed to approximate normality, and parametric tests were used for comparisons within and between groups at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: In the CIC 80 μg group, FENO decreased from 45.0 ppb (95% CI 37.8-53.7) to 32.7 ppb (95% CI 21.0-47.3) at the end of study (P = 0.021), whereas in the CIC 160 μg group, FENO decreased from 47.3 ppb (95% CI 40.4-55.3) to 30.5 ppb (95% CI 24.1-38.7) (P < 0.001). The difference between groups in FENO at the end of study was not significant (P = 0.693). There was a significant improvement of asthma control with both CIC doses but there was no significant change in BHR or FEV1 in either group. CONCLUSION: Once-daily generic ciclesonide (80 μg or 160 μg), for 12 weeks, is effective to improve airway inflammation and asthma control in atopic children with persistent asthma

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Effect of once-daily generic ciclesonide on exhaled nitric oxide in atopic children with persistent asthma.

BACKGROUND: Ciclesonide (CIC) is an effective inhaled corticosteroid for treating asthmatic children. However, its effect on airway inflammation assessed by the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) in children with persistent asthma is virtually unknown. We aimed to assess the effect of once-daily generic CIC, 80 or 160 µg, on FENO, lung function, asthma control and bronchial hyperresponsiveness, in atopic children with persistent asthma. METHODS: This was a 12-week, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group study. Sixty children with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma were recruited. Changes in FENO, asthma control score, lung function (FEV1) and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine (BHR) were used to assess the effects of both CIC doses. Non-normally distributed variables were log-transformed to approximate normality, and parametric tests were used for comparisons within and between groups at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: In the CIC 80 µg group, FENO decreased from 45.0 ppb (95% CI 37.8-53.7) to 32.7 ppb (95% CI 21.0-47.3) at the end of study (P=0.021), whereas in the CIC 160 µg group, FENO decreased from 47.3 ppb (95% CI 40.4-55.3) to 30.5 ppb (95% CI 24.1-38.7) (P<0.001). The difference between groups in FENO at the end of study was not significant (P=0.693). There was a significant improvement of asthma control with both CIC doses but there was no significant change in BHR or FEV1 in either group. CONCLUSION: Once-daily generic ciclesonide (80 µg or 160 µg), for 12 weeks, is effective to improve airway inflammation and asthma control in atopic children with persistent asthma.

Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide in healthy Chilean schoolchildren aged 8-15 years

BACKGROUND: The fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) measured using portable devices is increasingly used in the clinical setting to assess asthmatic children. However, there is little and variable information on the reference values obtained using these devices in healthy children from different populations. METHODS: 190 healthy non-smoker children (8-15 years old) were randomly selected from public schools participating in this study. The objective was to determine FENO reference values for healthy Chilean schoolchildren. Healthy individuals were identified by medical interview and parent questionnaire on the use of asthma medications, and current and past symptoms of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema. FENO was measured at schools using a portable device with electrochemical sensor (NIO MINOX). Reference values of FENO were expressed as geometric mean and upper limit of the 95% reference interval (right-sided). The relationship of FENO with gender, age, height, body mass, and other factors was assessed by multiple regression, and the difference between groups was contrasted by ANOVA. RESULTS: The FENO geometric mean was 15.4 ppb with a 95% reference interval upper limit (right-sided), of 27.4 ppb (90%CI 25.6-29.2). The 5th and 95th percentiles were 9.0 ppb and 28.0 ppb, respectively. Height was the only factor significantly associated to FENO (p = 0.022). There was no significant difference in mean FENO regarding age, gender, weight, parent reported rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that FENO values higher than 27 ppb are likely to be abnormal and would reflect airway inflammation in children as those in the present study

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Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide in healthy Chilean schoolchildren aged 8-15 years.

BACKGROUND: The fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) measured using portable devices is increasingly used in the clinical setting to assess asthmatic children. However, there is little and variable information on the reference values obtained using these devices in healthy children from different populations. METHODS: 190 healthy non-smoker children (8-15 years old) were randomly selected from public schools participating in this study. The objective was to determine FENO reference values for healthy Chilean schoolchildren. Healthy individuals were identified by medical interview and parent questionnaire on the use of asthma medications, and current and past symptoms of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema. FENO was measured at schools using a portable device with electrochemical sensor (NIO MINOX). Reference values of FENO were expressed as geometric mean and upper limit of the 95% reference interval (right-sided). The relationship of FENO with gender, age, height, body mass, and other factors was assessed by multiple regression, and the difference between groups was contrasted by ANOVA. RESULTS: The FENO geometric mean was 15.4ppb with a 95% reference interval upper limit (right-sided), of 27.4ppb (90%CI 25.6-29.2). The 5th and 95th percentiles were 9.0ppb and 28.0ppb, respectively. Height was the only factor significantly associated to FENO (p=0.022). There was no significant difference in mean FENO regarding age, gender, weight, parent reported rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that FENO values higher than 27ppb are likely to be abnormal and would reflect airway inflammation in children as those in the present study.

Síndrome de Tolosa-hunt: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome: Case Report And Literature Review

El Síndrome de Tolosa-Hunt es una patología poco frecuente, definida como una inflamación granulomatosa idiopática del seno cavernoso o de la fisura orbitaria superior, caracterizado clínicamente por oftalmoplejía unilateral dolorosa, de evolución aguda o subaguda, asociada a anormalidades en la resonancia magnética de cerebro como el aumento en el volumen y la hipercaptación del medio de contraste del seno cavernoso comprometido. A continuación presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 23 años de edad quien consultó al Hospital Universitario del Valle por oftalmoplejía dolorosa de su ojo izquierdo, y en quien se concluyó la existencia de un Síndrome de Tolosa Hunt después de la realización estudios diagnósticos diferenciales exhaustivos.

The Tolosa-Hunt syndrome is an uncommon disease, described as an idiopathic granulomatous inflammation of the cavernous sinus or the superior orbital fissure. Its diagnosis is based on the presence of unilateral ophtalmoplegia associated with the enlargement and the enhanced contrast of the affected cavernus sinus in the MRI. We present the case of a 23-year-old man with ophthalmoplegia of the left eye, who was admitted to the Hospital Universitario del Valle. After performing extensive diagnostic studies, the Tolosa-Hunt syndrome was considered the cause of symptoms.

Conducta en el síndrome de vena cava superior (SVCS) / Management in superior vena cava syndrome

Objetivos: Mostrar la conducta realizada en este síndrome. Material y Métodos: Serie retrospectiva de 5 casos tratados entre el 1 de abril de 1995 y el 31 de marzo de 2013. Diagnóstico por imágenes y toma de biopsia con tratamiento específico posterior. Resultados: Todos se debieron a causas tumorales: 2 timomas (uno irresecable), 1 linfoma Hodgkin, 1 leiomiosarcoma de vena cava y 1 caso de cáncer pulmonar a pequeñas células. Fallecieron por progresión de enfermedad 2 casos, 2 están libres de enfermedad a 12 y 11 meses de tratamiento y 1 enfermo se perdió en el seguimiento. Conclusiones: Se define la necesidad de seguir un algoritmo que determine los pasos a seguir ante la presencia de este síndrome.

Objectives: Management in this syndrome. Material and Methods: Retrospective series of 5 cases treated between April 1, 1995 to March 31, 2013. Diagnostic imaging and taking biopsy with subsequent specific treatment. Results: All patients were due to tumor causes: 2 thymomas (one unresectable), 1 lymphoma Hodgkin, 1 Leiomyosarcoma of vena cava and 1 case of small cell lung cancer. Died of disease progression 2 cases, 2 are free of disease to 12 and 11 months of treatment and 1 patient was lost to follow-up. Conclusions: The need to follow an algorithm which determines the steps to follow in the presence of this syndrome is defined.

Prevalencia de variantes anatómicas naso-sinusales: importancia en el informe radiológico y en la cirugía endoscópica funcional / Prevalence of sino-nasal anatomical variations: importance in the radiological report and functional endoscopic surgery

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir la prevalencia en tomografía computada (TC) de las principales variantes anatómicas de la región naso-sinusal en una muestra de población chilena y destacar la importancia de reportarlas en el informe radiológico. Materiales y método: Se evaluaron retrospectivamente 100 TC de cavidades para-nasales realizadas en nuestro hospital. Cada una de las TC fue evaluada por un neurorradiólogo y un residente de tercer año de Radiología, registrando las principales variantes anatómicas de la estructura y neumatización óseas de esta región. Se excluyó a pacientes menores de 18 años y a pacientes que presentaban distorsión significativa de la anatomía naso-sinusal (ej: tumores, antecedente de fractura facial). Resultados: Se encontraron las distintas variantes anatómicas en frecuencias similares a las descritas en la literatura internacional. La variante anatómica más común fue la desviación del tabique (83%), seguida de la presencia de celdilla Agger Nasi (66%) y espolón del tabique (45%). La inserción superior del proceso uncinado fue 68% en la lámina papirácea, 24% en la lámina cribosa y 8% en el cornete medio. La configuración del techo etmoidal, según la clasificación de Keros, fue 2% tipo I, 28% tipo II y 70% tipo III. La frecuencia de configuración etmoidal tipo III de Keros fue mayor que la descrita en estudios clásicos. El grado de neumatización del seno esfenoidal, según la clasificación de Hamberger, fue 80% selar, 19% preselar y 1% conchai. En 5% se registró dehiscencia de la pared ósea en relación al canal carotídeo, siendo uno de estos bilateral. Conclusión: El estudio con TC de cavidades paranasales resulta útil para caracterizar las variantes anatómicas de la región naso-sinusal. Es importante un conocimiento anatómico preciso de esta región, debiendo reportarse las variantes en el informe radiológico, en especial si se planea realizar cirugía endoscópica funcional.

Abstract. Objective: To describe the prevalence in computed tomography (CT) of the main anatomical variations of the sino-nasal region, in a sample of the Chilean population, and to emphasize the importance of reporting them in the radiology report. Materials and methods: 100 paranasal sinus CTperformed at our hospital were retrospectively evaluated. Each CT was evaluated by a neuro-radiologist and a third-year Radiology resident, recording the main anatomical variations of the structure and bone pneumatization of this region. Patients younger than 18 yrs of age, and patients with significant distortion of the sino-nasal anatomy (e.g. tumors, history of facial fracture), were excluded. Results: The different anatomical variations were found in frequencies similar to those described in the international literature. The most common anatomical variation was deviated septum (83%), followed by the presence of Agger nasi cell (66%) and septal spur (45%). The upper attachment of the uncinate process was 68% in the lamina papyracea, 24% in the cribriform plate and 8% in the middle turbinate. Configuration of the ethmoid roof, according to the Keros classification, was 2% type 1,28% type II and 70% type III. The frequency of Keros type III ethmoid configuration was higher than that described in classical studies. The degree of sphenoid sinus pneumatization, according to the Hamberger classification, was 80% sellar, 19% presellar and 1% concha!. In 5%, dehiscence of the bone wall in relation to the carotid channel was recorded, one of these being bilateral. Conclusion: The study of paranasal sinus CT is useful to characterize the anatomical variations of the sino-nasal region. A precise anatomical knowledge of this region is important; variations in the radiology report should be noted, especially if there is a plan to perform functional endoscopic surgery.

Vagal innervation patterns following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the mouse.

This study investigated the anatomical integrity of the vagal innervation to the gastrointestinal tract following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in the mouse. Specifically, the surgical procedure was performed in high-fat-fed reporter mice (Phox2b-Cre-tdTomato), in which the entire vagal innervation of the gastrointestinal tract was fluorescently labeled. As a result, our anatomical observations revealed both qualitative and quantitative changes of the vagal supply to the gut after RYGB. This included the extensive denervation of the glandular and distal stomach, and sites of surgical interventions (clipping and anastomosis). Furthermore, the stomach wall after RYGB frequently contained dystrophic axons and endings, suggestive of vagal neurodegeneration. In contrast, RYGB did not significantly modify the innervation to the rest of the intestines and glucostatic organs. In summary, the present study describes a previously unrecognized pattern of vagal remodeling and denervation following RYGB. Our findings may serve as a guideline for future investigations on the role of gut-brain communication in bariatric surgery.

Performance of culture media for the isolation and identification of Staphylococcus aureus from bovine mastitis.

Rapid isolation and identification of pathogens is a major goal of diagnostic microbiology. In order to isolate and identify Staphylococcus aureus, a number of authors have used a variety of selective and/or differential culture media. However, to date, there are no reports comparing the efficacy of selective and differential culture media for S. aureus isolation from bovine mastitis cases using the 16S rRNA (rrs) gene sequence as a gold standard test. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of four selective and/or differential culture media for the isolation of S. aureus from milk samples collected from cows suffering from bovine mastitis. Four hundred and forty isolates were obtained using salt-mannitol agar (SMA, Bioxon), Staphylococcus-110 agar (S110, Bioxon), CHROMAgar Staph aureus (CSA, BD-BBL) and sheep's blood agar (SBA, BD-BBL). All bacterial isolates were identified by their typical colony morphology in the respective media, by secondary tests (for coagulase and ß-haemolysis) and by partial 16S rRNA (rrs) gene sequencing as a gold standard test. Sensitivity, positive predictive and negative predictive values were higher for SMA (86.96, 52.63 and 95.95%, respectively) compared with S110 (70.00, 23.73 and 90.91%, respectively), CSA (69.23, 28.13 and 95.74%, respectively) and SBA (68.75, 37.93 and 89.58%, respectively) while specificity values were similar for all media. Data indicated that the use of culture media for S. aureus isolation combined with determination of coagulase activity and haemolysis as secondary tests improved accuracy of the identification and was in accordance with rrs gene sequence-analysis compared with the use of the culture media alone.

[Reverse shoulder arthroplasty: complications and prevention]. / Artroplastía de hombro reversa: complicaciones y prevención.

The total shoulder prosthesis in reverse was designed as a treatment for patients with arthropathy deficiency rotator cuff because the conservative treatment failed. The indications for its use have evolved; these include arthropathy deficient rotator cuff, reconstruction humeral head fractures, hemiarthroplasties revision and reconstruction after tumor resection. Successful placement depends on the patient having a function adequately and good quality deltoid in the glenoid bone and in the proximal humerus. Until a few years ago data was no clear on the success of this procedure, currently encouraging results have been reported, however, they have had a high cost due to the high rate of complications, which are divided into specific and common to the prosthesis shoulder surgeries. The primary objective of this review is to assess the most common complications of the prosthesis in reverse, how to treat them and how we can avoid them.

Increased oxidative stress in children with post infectious Bronchiolitis Obliterans

Background: There is increasing evidence that oxidative stress is involved in the development and severity of bronchiolitis obliterans occurring in post-transplant patients. In developing countries, the most common form of bronchiolitis obliterans occurs after severe lung infection, mainly caused by adenovirus. However, the oxidative status in the lungs of children with post infectious bronchiolitis obliterans is unknown. Methods: The aim of this study was to measure the oxidant (8-isoprostane and protein carbonyls) and antioxidant (catalase and glutathione peroxidase) activity in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of 21 children with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans, and to correlate oxidant/antioxidant level with lung function. Lung function was assessed by spirometry and plethysmography, one week prior to fiberbronchoscopy. Results: There was a markedly increased oxidative stress (lipid and protein oxidation) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and a notorious impairment of lung function demonstrating moderate-severe distal airway narrowing. There was not a significant correlation between the level of oxidants or antioxidants and lung function. There was a consistent antioxidants/oxidants pattern characterised by markedly increased 8-isoprostane and carbonyls, increased GPx and normal catalase activity. Conclusion: The present study shows for the first time that children with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans have a markedly increased oxidative stress in their lungs(AU)

Ensemble asteroseismology of solar-type stars with the NASA Kepler mission.

In addition to its search for extrasolar planets, the NASA Kepler mission provides exquisite data on stellar oscillations. We report the detections of oscillations in 500 solar-type stars in the Kepler field of view, an ensemble that is large enough to allow statistical studies of intrinsic stellar properties (such as mass, radius, and age) and to test theories of stellar evolution. We find that the distribution of observed masses of these stars shows intriguing differences to predictions from models of synthetic stellar populations in the Galaxy.

Increased oxidative stress in children with post infectious Bronchiolitis Obliterans.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that oxidative stress is involved in the development and severity of bronchiolitis obliterans occurring in post-transplant patients. In developing countries, the most common form of bronchiolitis obliterans occurs after severe lung infection, mainly caused by adenovirus. However, the oxidative status in the lungs of children with post infectious bronchiolitis obliterans is unknown. METHODS: The aim of this study was to measure the oxidant (8-isoprostane and protein carbonyls) and antioxidant (catalase and glutathione peroxidase) activity in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of 21 children with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans, and to correlate oxidant/antioxidant level with lung function. Lung function was assessed by spirometry and plethysmography, one week prior to fiberbronchoscopy. RESULTS: There was a markedly increased oxidative stress (lipid and protein oxidation) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and a notorious impairment of lung function demonstrating moderate-severe distal airway narrowing. There was not a significant correlation between the level of oxidants or antioxidants and lung function. There was a consistent antioxidants/oxidants pattern characterised by markedly increased 8-isoprostane and carbonyls, increased GPx and normal catalase activity. CONCLUSION: The present study shows for the first time that children with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans have a markedly increased oxidative stress in their lungs.

Perfil epidemiológico de la atención de urgencias en un hospital tipo 4 de la Región Metropolitana, Chile / Epidemiological profile of the emergency attention in a type 4 hospital in the Metropolitan Region, Chile

INTRODUCCIÓN. Til Til es una comuna de la Región Metropolitana con 14.755 habitantes con un 44,7 por ciento de población rural al año 2002. OBJETIVO. Caracterización epidemiológica y asistencial de la atención de urgencias en el Hospital de Til Til respecto a edad, sexo, horario y patología. METODOLOGÍA. Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, retrospectivo, en base a la revisión de todos los datos de urgencia cursados durante 28 días consecutivos en febrero de 2010 (n=1.401). RESULTADOS. La edad promedio fue de 31,4 años y el 26,8 por ciento fue menor de 15 años. El 54,8 por ciento fueron mujeres. Hubo un promedio de 50 consultas/día, con el mayor número de consultas (70,6 por ciento) entre las 09:00 y las 21:00 horas. Las causas de consulta más frecuentes fueron las respiratorias (16,5 por ciento) y las digestivas (16,5 por ciento), seguidas por las patologías traumáticas (13,6 por ciento). DISCUSIÓN. Un 60,2 por ciento de las patologías respiratorias y un 84,4 por ciento de las digestivas correspondieron a cuadros de buen pronóstico, de etiología probablemente viral o inespecífica. La alta frecuencia de consultas no urgentes en el servicio de urgencia se conjuga con factores locales que hacen de éste problema un tema especialmente importante de mejorar. En un 5,4 por ciento de los casos se debió derivar a un centro de mayor complejidad. El conocimiento de las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de la población consultante permite tomar decisiones y brindar un servicio acorde a las necesidades locales.

INTRODUCTION. Til Til is a commune located in Chile’s Metropolitan Region, with 14,755 habitants and 44.7 percent rurality (2002). OBJECTIVE. Epidemiologic and assistential characterization of the emergency care consults in a rural, type 4 hospital(Hospital de Til Til) in terms of age, sex, time of consult and disease. DESIGN. Descriptive, transversal-cut retrospective study, based on the revision of all emergency files through 28 consecutive days during February, 2010 (n=1,401). RESULTS. Average age was 31.4 years and 26.8 percent were younger than 15 years-old. 54.8 percent were women. Average consult rate was 50 per day, most of them (70.6 percent between 09:00 and 21:00 hours. Most frequent causes for consult were respiratory (16.5 percent) and digestive (16.5 percent), followed by trauma (13.6 percent). DISCUSION. 60.2 percent of all respiratory diseases and 84.4 percent of digestive diseases had mild presentations, with good prognosis and probable viral or nonspecific etiologies. The high frequency of non-urgent consults in the emergency service, added to local factors such as rurality and limited resources make this issue an important problem to resolve. In 5.4 percent of all consults, the patient needed to be referred to a higher complexity center. Knowing the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of the population attended allows making better decisions and offering a service according to local needs.

Prevalence of symptoms of eczema in Latin America: results of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase 3.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was to evaluate the prevalence of symptoms of eczema among children living in different parts of Latin America. Data were from centers that participated in ISAAC Phase 3. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire survey of 93,851 schoolchildren (6 to 7 years old) from 35 centers in 14 Latin American countries and 165,917 adolescents (13 to 14 years old) from 56 centers in 17 Latin American countries. RESULTS: The mean prevalence of current flexural eczema in schoolchildren was 11.3%, ranging from 3.2% in Ciudad Victoria (Mexico) to 25.0% in Barranquilla (Colombia). For adolescents, the prevalence varied from 3.4% in Santo André (Brazil) to 30.2% in Barranquilla (mean prevalence, 10.6%). The mean prevalence of current symptoms of severe eczema among schoolchildren was 1.5%, ranging from 0.3% in Ciudad Victoria, Toluca, and Cuernavaca (Mexico) to 4.9% in La Habana (Cuba). For adolescents, the mean prevalence was 1.4%, ranging from 0.1% in Mexicali Valley (Mexico) to 4.2% in Santa Cruz (Bolivia). These prevalence values are among the highest observed during ISAAC Phase 3. In general, the prevalence of current symptoms of eczema was higher among the Spanish-speaking centers for both schoolchildren and adolescents. CONCLUSION: Environmental risk factors must be evaluated in order to identify potential causes for the differences observed, even in centers from the same country.