Additive Manufactured Piezoelectric-Driven Miniature Gripper.

In several cases, it is desirable to have prototypes of low-cost fabrication and adequate performance. In academic laboratories and industries, miniature and microgrippers can be very useful for observations and the analysis of small objects. Piezoelectrically actuated microgrippers, commonly fabricated with aluminum, and with micrometer stroke or displacement, have been considered as Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS). Recently, additive manufacture using several polymers has also been used for the fabrication of miniature grippers. This work focuses on the design of a piezoelectric-driven miniature gripper, additive manufactured with polylactic acid (PLA), which was modeled using a pseudo rigid body model (PRBM). It was also numerically and experimentally characterized with an acceptable level of approximation. The piezoelectric stack is composed of widely available buzzers. The aperture between the jaws allows it to hold objects with diameters lower than 500 µm, and weights lower than 1.4 g, such as the strands of some plants, salt grains, metal wires, etc. The novelty of this work is given by the miniature gripper's simple design, as well as the low-cost of the materials and the fabrication process used. In addition, the initial aperture of the jaws can be adjusted, by adhering the metal tips in the required position.

[Clinical and functional evaluation of patellofemoral resurfacing arthroplasties]. / Evaluación clínica y funcional de las artroplastías de resuperficialización patelofemoral.

BACKGROUND: The patellofemoral articulation is a biomechanical system susceptible to accelerated wear, affecting 25% of women. Currently, the treatment of osteoarthrosis Patelofermoral has resurfaced thanks to the creation of anatomical and biomechanically appropriate systems, with precise indications, earlier stages and with a better functional result. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cohort of 24 patients was analyzed during the period from 2010 to 2012, treated with a resurfacing prostheses HemiCap Patello Femoral Resurf (Franklin MA, USA), placed by 2 surgeons. Patients were assessed preoperatively and 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, 24 months postoperative with the Knee Society Score. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients with follow-up of 2 years on average were included. 87.5% were women, an average age of 62 years (45-80 years); an average of 29.5 of body mass index, the right laterality predominated in 54%. An improvement in KSS scale results was observed: in clinical appearance there was an improvement of 35.2% and the functional scale 41.62%. Only two patients were revised by complications of functional limitation, treated one with manipulation under anesthesia and the other with arthroscopic adhesion lysis. CONCLUSION: The patellofemoral prosthesis is an option as a treatment for isolated patellofemoral arthrosis, since the two-year survival rate is good, providing pain relief and improving knee functionality; However, more follow-up time will be required to evaluate the end result of this implant.

ANTECEDENTES: La articulación patelofemoral (PF) es un sistema biomecánico susceptible a desgaste acelerado, afecta a 25% de las mujeres. Actualmente, el tratamiento de la osteoartrosis patelofemoral (OAPF) ha resurgido gracias a la creación de sistemas anatómicos y biomecánicamente adecuados, con indicaciones precisas, estadios más tempranos y con mejor resultado funcional. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se analizó una cohorte de 24 pacientes durante el período de 2010 a 2012, tratados con prótesis de resuperficialización patelofemoral (PPF) HemiCap Patelofemoral Resurf (Franklin MA, EUA), colocadas por dos cirujanos. Se evaluaron los pacientes prequirúrgicos y a los dos, cuatro, seis, 12, 18, 24 meses postquirúrgicos con la escala Knee Society Score (KSS). RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 24 pacientes con seguimiento de dos años en promedio. En 87.5% fueron mujeres, edad promedio de 62 años (45-80 años); una media de 29.5 de índice de masa corporal (IMC), la lateralidad derecha predominó en 54%. Se observó una mejoría en los resultados de la escala KSS: en el aspecto clínico hubo una mejoría de 35.2% y en la escala funcional de 41.62%. Sólo dos pacientes fueron reintervenidos por complicaciones de limitación funcional, uno de ellos tratado con manipulación bajo anestesia y el otro con liberación artroscópica de adherencias. CONCLUSIÓN: La PPF es una opción como tratamiento de AOPF aislada, pues la tasa de supervivencia a dos años es buena, proporciona alivio del dolor y mejoría en funcionalidad de la rodilla; sin embargo, se requerirá mayor tiempo de seguimiento para evaluar el resultado final de este implante.

Surveillance for Newcastle disease virus, Avian influenza virus and Mycoplasma gallisepticum in wild birds near commercial poultry farms surrounded by Atlantic rainforest remnants, Southeastern Brazil

The geographic overlap between areas of Atlantic rainforest and human activities allows interactions to occur between humans and wild and domestic animals. Despite the great importance of the domestic animal-wildlife-human interface that occurs at poultry farms in terms of public health, economic production and wildlife conservation, there are few studies in Brazil examining the distribution and health of wild birds that interact with poultry farms. From January to December 2010, mist nets were used to capture 166 free-ranging birds that were within close proximity to three poultry farms in Atlantic rainforest remnants in south-eastern Brazil. The species composition was examined, and molecular methods were used to test for avian influenza virus, Newcastle disease virus, and Mycoplasma gallisepticum. The avian communities near the poultry farms were dominated by three synanthropic species, which corresponded to 70% of all captured individuals: house sparrows Passer domesticus (33%), saffron finches (Sicalis flaveola) (22%), and ruddy ground-doves (Columbina talpacoti) (15%). These predominant bird species were in poor body condition (27%), were infested with feather mites (43%), or presented both conditions (23%). No evidence of infection by avian influenza virus, Newcastle disease virus or M. gallisepticum was identified in any of the studied birds. Although no evidence of the studied pathogens was, our findings demonstrate that differences in the environmental characteristics and biosecurity practices influence the wild bird community near poultry farms, which in turn may affect the health status of these synanthropic birds and strengthen their role in the transmission of pathogens.

Surveillance for Newcastle disease virus, Avian influenza virus and Mycoplasma gallisepticum in wild birds near commercial poultry farms surrounded by Atlantic rainforest remnants, Southeastern Brazil

The geographic overlap between areas of Atlantic rainforest and human activities allows interactions to occur between humans and wild and domestic animals. Despite the great importance of the domestic animal-wildlife-human interface that occurs at poultry farms in terms of public health, economic production and wildlife conservation, there are few studies in Brazil examining the distribution and health of wild birds that interact with poultry farms. From January to December 2010, mist nets were used to capture 166 free-ranging birds that were within close proximity to three poultry farms in Atlantic rainforest remnants in south-eastern Brazil. The species composition was examined, and molecular methods were used to test for avian influenza virus, Newcastle disease virus, and Mycoplasma gallisepticum. The avian communities near the poultry farms were dominated by three synanthropic species, which corresponded to 70% of all captured individuals: house sparrows Passer domesticus (33%), saffron finches (Sicalis flaveola) (22%), and ruddy ground-doves (Columbina talpacoti) (15%). These predominant bird species were in poor body condition (27%), were infested with feather mites (43%), or presented both conditions (23%). No evidence of infection by avian influenza virus, Newcastle disease virus or M. gallisepticum was identified in any of the studied birds. Although no evidence of the studied pathogens was, our findings demonstrate that differences in the environmental characteristics and biosecurity practices influence the wild bird community near poultry farms, which in turn may affect the health status of these synanthropic birds and strengthen their role in the transmission of pathogens.(AU)

Biomarkers in Obesity: Serum Myeloperoxidase and Traditional Cardiac Risk Parameters.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low-grade inflammation, combined with traditional cardiovascular risk factors, is common in obesity, providing systemic inflammation that is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Studies have shown serum mieloperoxidase as a potential biomarker and its clinical applicability for evaluating cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to evaluate the MPO in obese individuals, with or without systemic inflammation and potential cardiovascular risk, as well as correlating MPO with some classic cardiovascular risk parameters. METHODS: Inflammatory and cardiovascular risk markers, as well as different biochemical and hematological laboratory parameters, were analyzed. The volunteers were divided into 3 groups according to the presence (hs-CRP>3 mg/L) or absence (hs-CRP<3 mg/L) of systemic inflammation and possible cardiovascular risk. RESULTS: MPO was significantly increased (p<0.05) in the obese individuals with systemic inflammation. A significant increase (p<0.05) in the following biochemical parameters: glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, non-HDL, TG/HDL was observed, and a significant decrease (p<0.01) in HDL was observed. Significant increases in the counts of total leukocytes, neutrophils and monocytes (p<0.01), as well as elevated blood pressure (p<0.05), were observed in the group of obese individuals with systemic inflammation. Serum MPO levels were correlated with classic proinflammatory and cardiovascular risk parameters. CONCLUSIONS: High serum levels of MPO were observed in obese individuals with hs-CRP above 3 mg/L, which is a classic biomarker for inflammation and cardiovascular risk, suggesting the potential role of MPO in clinical applicability for cardiovascular disease in this population. However, considering that inflammation in obesity appears to manifest as a non-classical mechanism, further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of MPO in cardiovascular events in the population with obesity.

Alterações metabólicas e inflamatórias na gestação / Metabolic and inflammatory changes in pregnancy

Em gestantes, ocorrem alterações hormonais, metabólicas e hematológicas, fisiologicamente importantes. As alterações metabólicas observadas estão associadas ao aumento do efeito hepático da progesterona, estradiol e lactogênio placentário nesse período. Estrogênios são conhecidos por aumentar a produção de colesterol VLDL e diminuir a atividade da lipase hepática. Nesse grupo de mulheres, notase também um aumento do número de neutrófilos e monócitos para a circulação periférica, notadamente em gestantes com pré-eclampsia, tendo como consequência produção e secreção da mieloperoxidase. Assim, torna-se importante determinar quais alterações metabólicas e inflamatórias estão relacionadas com a gestação, para auxiliar no diagnóstico e prognóstico de doenças cardiovasculares futuras nesta população. Além dos fatores de risco, esta revisão aponta novos biomarcadores, tais como a mieloperoxidase, capacidade antioxidante total do soro, marcadores inflamatórios e proteína plasmática A.(AU)

In pregnant women, hormonal, metabolic and hematologic physiologically important changes occur. The metabolic changes observed are associated with increased hepatic effect of estradiol, progesterone and placental lactogen during this period. Estrogens are known to increase production of VLDL cholesterol and decrease the activity of hepatic lipase. In this group of women, we can note an increased number of neutrophils and monocytes into the peripheral circulation, especially in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia, resulting in production and secretion of myeloperoxidase. Thus, it becomes important to determine which metabolic and inflammatory changes are related to pregnancy, to assist in the diagnosis and prognosis of future cardiovascular disease in this population. In addition to the risk factors, this review shows new biomarkers such as myeloperoxidase, total antioxidant capacity of serum, inflammatory markers and plasma protein A.(AU)

O cetoprofeno como oportunidade terapêutica no estresse oxidativo: uma revisão / Ketoprofen as a therapeutic opportunity in oxidative stress: a review

O cetoprofeno é um anti-inflamatório não esteroidal, antipirético e analgésico amplamente utilizado na prática clínica para o tratamento de artrite reumatóide e outras doenças inflamatórias. Seu mecanismo de ação está baseado na inibição não seletiva da COX, porém esta inibição também promove alguns efeitos adversos. Diferentes pesquisas demonstram que o estresse oxidativo pode estar relacionado com o aparecimento dos efeitos adversos provocados pelo cetoprofeno. Em contrapartida, diversos estudos apontam a participação do estresse oxidativo no ambiente inflamatório. Portanto, tornou-se promissor o estudo da relação entre o cetoprofeno, a inflamação e o estresse oxidativo. Diante deste fato, o objetivo deste trabalho é revisar a literatura a fim de reunir informações sobre a ação do cetoprofeno diante do estresse oxidativo, presente no processo inflamatório, e o aparecimento dos efeitos adversos provocados pelo uso deste fármaco.(AU)

The ketoprofen is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic widely used in clinical practice for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Its mechanism of action is based on non-selective COX inhibition, but this inhibition also leads to some adverse effects. Different researches have shown that oxidative stress may be associated with the onset of adverse effects caused by ketoprofen. On the other hand, several studies point to the involvement of oxidative stress in the inflammatory environment. Therefore, it has become promising study the relationship between the ketoprofen, inflammation and oxidative stress. Considering this fact, the aim of this paper is to review the literature in order to gather information on the effect of ketoprofen on the oxidative stress present in the inflammatory process, and the appearance of adverse effects of using this drug.(AU)

Auxin and physical constraint exerted by the perianth promote androgynophore bending in Passiflora mucronata L. (Passifloraceae).

The androgynophore column, a distinctive floral feature in passion flowers, is strongly crooked or bent in many Passiflora species pollinated by bats. This is a floral feature that facilitates the adaptation to bat pollination. Crooking or bending of plant organs are generally caused by environmental stimulus (e.g. mechanical barriers) and might involve the differential distribution of auxin. Our aim was to study the role of the perianth organs and the effect of auxin in bending of the androgynophore of the bat-pollinated species Passiflora mucronata. Morpho-anatomical characterisation of the androgynophore, including measurements of curvature angles and cell sizes both at the dorsal (convex) and ventral (concave) sides of the androgynophore, was performed on control flowers, flowers from which perianth organs were partially removed and flowers treated either with auxin (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid; 2,4-D) or with an inhibitor of auxin polar transport (naphthylphthalamic acid; NPA). Asymmetric growth of the androgynophore column, leading to bending, occurs at a late stage of flower development. Removing the physical constraint exerted by perianth organs or treatment with NPA significantly reduced androgynophore bending. Additionally, the androgynophores of plants treated with 2,4-D were more curved when compared to controls. There was a larger cellular expansion at the dorsal side of the androgynophores of plants treated with 2,4-D and in both sides of the androgynophores of plants treated with NPA. This study suggests that the physical constraint exerted by perianth and auxin redistribution promotes androgynophore bending in P. mucronata and might be related to the evolution of chiropterophily in the genus Passiflora.

Association between advanced oxidation protein products and 5-year mortality risk among amazon riparian elderly population.

Proteins are important targets of several modifications caused by oxidative stress, leading to structural changes and consequently partial or total loss of their functions. The oxidized proteins include advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) derived from oxidation-modified albumin, as well as fibrinogen and lipoproteins. An increase in AOPP levels indicates an oxidative stress state and the presence of coexisting inflammation. Several investigations have also suggested an association between high AOPP levels and aging-related diseases. However, the link between elevated AOPP levels and elderly mortality risk has not yet been investigated. Here, we report on a 5-year longitudinal study that investigated the potential association between AOPP levels and mortality using a population-based representative sample of riparian elders living in Brazilian Amazon region (Maués-AM). Age, sex, socioeconomic and cultural conditions, chronic morbidities, polypharmacy, and previous morbidities were also tested as potential confounders. The AOPP levels were measured in 540 (84.78%) individuals, all of whom were followed over a 5-year period in order to establish the mortality rate. Within this study period, 74 (13.7%) elders died and 466 (86.3%) survived. The AOPP levels were higher among the elders who died within the 5-year period (46.27 ± 40.6 mmol/L) compared with those who survived (36.79 ± 20.84 mmol/L) (p = 0.002). The analysis confirmed the link between high AOPP levels and mortality risk, independent of other intervenient factors. These results suggest that elevated AOPP levels could be used to predict mortality risk in elderly patients.

Actinomicosis del sistema nervioso central: presentación de caso / Actinomycosis of the Central Nervous System: Case Report

La actinomicosis es una infección bacteriana indolente, producida por bacilos Gram positivos y que puede afectar cualquier parte del organismo. El compromiso del sistema nervioso central es raro, de baja sospecha clínica y fácilmente confundible con una neoplasia. Los hallazgos clínicos y radiológicos son inespecíficos, por lo cual la confirmación histológica es necesaria. Se deben descartar focos de diseminación distantes o por contigüidad al neuroeje. El tratamiento debe ser antibioticoterapia por largo plazo y drenaje quirúrgico.

Actinomycosis is a bacterial infection caused by Gram-positive bacilli which can affect any part of the body. It is uncommon that the central nervous system is compromised, it has low clinical suspicion and could easily be mistaken for neoplasm. The clinical and radiologic findings are nonspecific. For this reason, histopathologic confirmation for diagnosis is necessary. It is important to rule out contiguous and distant dissemination to the neuroaxis. The treatment for this disease must consist of a prolonged antibiotics regimen and surgical drainage.

Foliculitis necrotizante herpética / Necrotizing herpes folliculitis. Report of one case

Herpes folliculitis is a rare manifestation of herpes virus infection. It usually represents a diagnostic challenge, due to the absence of characteristic skin manifestations such as vesicles or pustules. The reported cases are mainly associated with varicella zoster virus (VZV) and less commonly with herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 y HSV-2). We report a 51-year-old male with a relapsing non-Hodgkin Lymphoma under chemotherapy, with history of extensive follicular lesions lasting one month. The pathologic study of the lesions was consistent with necrotizing herpes folliculitis. The patient was treated with Valacyclovir, achieving remission of the lesions. The appearance of folliculitis, especially in an immunocompromised patient, should raise the suspicion of herpes virus infection. Polymerase chain reaction may help to elucidate the diagnosis when pathologic findings are non-specific.

Colagenosis perforante reactiva adquirida: Caso clínico / Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis: Report of two cases

Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis is a perforating dermatosis characterized by transepidermal elimination of collagen. It is frequently associated to diabetes mellitus and chronic renal insuffciency, but it is also related to other systemic diseases. The lesions tend to resolve once the underlying condition is treated. We report two patients with the condition. A 65 year-old diabetic female on hemodialysis consulted for multiple itching cutaneous ulcers lasting one year. On physical examination, hyperpigmented papules and nodules were observed. A 65 year-old female with chronic renal failure in hemodialysis consulted for itching lesions in hands, forearms and arms. On physical examination, hyperpigmented lesions with ulcers, erosions and crusts were observed. In both cases, the pathological study of the lesions disclosed a reactive perforating collagenosis.

[Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis: report of two cases]. / Colagenosis perforante reactiva adquirida: Caso clínico.

Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis is a perforating dermatosis characterized by transepidermal elimination of collagen. It is frequently associated to diabetes mellitus and chronic renal insufficiency, but it is also related to other systemic diseases. The lesions tend to resolve once the underlying condition is treated. We report two patients with the condition. A 65 year-old diabetic female on hemodialysis consulted for multiple itching cutaneous ulcers lasting one year. On physical examination, hyperpigmented papules and nodules were observed. A 65 year-old female with chronic renal failure in hemodialysis consulted for itching lesions in hands, forearms and arms. On physical examination, hyperpigmented lesions with ulcers, erosions and crusts were observed. In both cases, the pathological study of the lesions disclosed a reactive perforating collagenosis.

Prevalencia del intervalo QT prolongado en diferentes patrones electrocardiográficos: estudio por teleelectrocardiografía / Increased Q-T interval in different electrocardiographic patterns: a remote recording electrocardiographic study

Introducción: El intervalo QT prolongado ha sido identificado como factor de riesgo de arritmias ventriculares incluso en personas aparentemente sanas. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer la prevalencia de QTc prolongado en electrocardiogramas normales, con bloqueo completo de rama (BCR) y con crecimiento de ventrículo izquierdo (HVI). Métodos y Resultados: Se consideró como prolongado un valor > 440 mseg, en cada una de 4 derivaciones: D1, aVL, V5 y V6, consensuado por dos observadores. El grupo 1 estuvo formado por 8.459 trazados normales: de ellos un 84 por ciento tenían un QTc normal y un 16 por ciento tenían un QTc prolongado. El grupo 2 consistió en 2.647 trazados con bloqueo completo de rama, 532 trazados con bloqueo completo de rama izquierda (BCRI) y 2.115 con bloqueo completo de rama derecha (BCRD). De los BCRI un 51,5 por ciento de los trazados tenían QTc prolongado, lo cual observamos sólo en un 25 por ciento de los trazados con BCRD. El grupo 3 estuvo conformado por 2.503 trazados con HVI, 377 por criterio de voltaje (grupo 3a), 1.083 por criterio de voltaje y alteración de repolarización (grupo 3b) y 1.043 HVI sólo por criterio de alteración de repolarización (grupo 3c). Un 28 por ciento de las HVI por criterio de voltaje (grupo 3a) y un 29 por ciento de HVI por alteración de repolarización (grupo 3c) tenían un QTc prolongado. De las HVI por voltaje y alteración de repolarización (grupo 3b) un 42 por ciento tenían QTc prolongado. De las HVI con QTc largo, un 7.6 por ciento tenían QTc > 500 mseg. Al desglosar las HVI por grupos el grupo 3a tenía 4,7 por ciento de los trazados con QTc largo > 500 mseg, el grupo 3b un 7,9 por ciento y el grupo 3c, un 8.3 por ciento. Conclusiones: Se concluye la alta prevalencia de QTc prolongado incluso en ECG con morfología normal, pero especialmente en BCRI y en HVI por voltaje más alteraciones de repolarización. La prolongación de QTc en BCR no mostró correlación con la ...

Background. Increased Q-T interval has been identified as a risk factor for ventricular arrhythmia including normal subjects. Aim. To establish the prevalence of an increased QTc in normal electrocardiograms (N) an in those with complete bundle branch block (RBBB or LBBB) or left ventricular hypertrophy (L VH). Method. D1, aVL, V5 and V6 leads were analyzed; a > 440ms QTC agreed upon by 2 observers was considered prolonged. Results: an increased QTc was observed in 16 percent> of 8459 N subjects, 51.5 percent> of subjects with LBBB and 25 percent of those with RBBB. Among subjects with LVH, 28 percent of those with voltage only criteria for LVH and 29 percent of those with ST-T changes but no voltage criteria had increased QTc. In contrast, 42 percent> of patients with LVH exhibiting both diagnostic criteria had increased QTc. In 7.6 percent> of LVH subjects with increased QTc, this interval was >500ms, which broke down as follows: LVH by voltage criteria alone 4.7 percent>, ST-T changes alone 7.9 percent > and LVH with both voltage and ST-T criteria 8.3 percent>. In patients with complete bundle branch block, the duration of the QRS interval was not related to QTc. Conclusion. A prolonged QTc is a frequent finding in normal ECGs, much more so in subjects with LVH associated to voltage and ST-T criteria. The prognostic impact of a prolonged QTc in patients with complete bundle branch block deserves further study.

Isolation and biochemical characterization of a fibrinolytic proteinase from Bothrops leucurus (white-tailed jararaca) snake venom.

In investigations aimed at characterizing snake venom clot-dissolving enzymes, we have purified a fibrinolytic proteinase from the venom of Bothrops leucurus (white-tailed jararaca). The proteinase was purified to homogeneity by a combination of molecular sieve chromatography on Sephacryl S-200 and ion-exchange chromatography on CM Sepharose. The enzyme called leucurolysin-a (leuc-a), is a 23 kDa metalloendopeptidase since it is inhibited by EDTA. PMSF, a specific serine proteinase inhibitor had no effect on leuc-a activity. The amino acid sequence was established by Edman degradation of overlapping peptides generated by a variety of selective cleavage procedures. Leuc-a is related in amino acid sequence to reprolysins. The protein is composed of 200 amino acid residues in a single polypeptide chain, possessing a blocked NH2-terminus and containing no carbohydrate. The proteinase showed proteolytic activity on dimethylcasein and on fibrin (specific activity=21.6 units/mg and 17.5 units/microg, respectively; crude venom=8.0 units/mg and 9.5 units/microg). Leuc-a degrades fibrin and fibrinogen by hydrolysis of the alpha chains. Moreover, the enzyme was capable of cleaving plasma fibronectin but not the basement membrane protein laminin. Leuc-a cleaved the Ala14-Leu15 and Tyr16-Leu17 bonds in oxidized insulin B chain. The pH optimum of the proteolysis of dimethylcasein by leuc-a was about pH 7.0. Antibody raised in rabbit against the purified enzyme reacted with leuc-a and with the crude venom of B. leucurus. In vitro studies revealed that leuc-a dissolves clots made either from purified fibrinogen or from whole blood, and unlike some other venom fibrinolytic metallopeptidases, leuc-a is devoid of hemorrhagic activity when injected (up to 100 microg) subcutaneously into mice.

Quiste broncogénico infantil / Infantile bronchogenic cyst

El quiste broncogénico es una anomalía congénita benigna del sistema embrionario y rara vez se diagnostica en el periodo de recién nacido. Se presenta el caso de un lactante de 10 meses hospitalizado por bronquiolitis moderada con tos, dificultad respiratoria, fiebre y vómitos causada por virus Influenza A. La radiografía de tórax mostró una imagen quística de gran tamaño en el pulmón derecho. Una vez recuperado de la bronquiolitis, se resecó quirúrgicamente. Se encontró un quiste localizado en el extremo superior del lóbulo inferior derecho que desplazaba el mediastino a izquierda y colapsaba los lóbulos medio y superior. La biopsia confirmó quiste pulmonar congénito con fibrosis cicatricial, hemorragia antigua e inflamación crónica inespecífica. El cultivo del líquido interior fue negativo. El lactante no ha vuelto a presentar síntomas respiratorios durante cuatro años después de la cirugía. Se analiza el origen, diagnóstico y manejo de los quistes broncogénicos en la infancia. Se enfatiza la importancia de la radiografía de tórax en niños con síntomas respiratorios.

Bronchogenic cysts are rarely diagnosed in the newborn period. It is a benign congenital anomaly of the embrionic system. We report the case of a 10 month old infant who was admitted to the hospital with a moderate bronchiolitis caused by influenza A, with cough, wheezing, fever and vomiting. Chest X-ray showed a large cyst in the right lung. He had a good evolution with only supportive measures. After recovery the cyst was removed. At surgery, the cyst was located superiorly in the right lower lobe, with left mediastinal shift and collapsed upper and middle lobes. Pathologic examination of the specimen revealed a congenital cyst with fibrosis, old hemorrhage and nonspecific inflammation. No bacterial growth was found. The infant has been symptom free during 4 years of follow-up. We review the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of bronchogenic cysts in childhood and emphasize the importance of chest radiographs in bronchiolitis and chronic cough.

Hernia diafragmática congénita: Reporte de un caso de presentación tardía / Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: report of a case with a late presentation

La Hernia Diafragmática Congénita (HDC) es un defecto simple del diafragma de etiología desconocida, con una incidencia de 1 por cada 2 200 a 2 400 nacidos vivos. Se presenta generalmente como un cuadro de distress respiratorio en el periodo neonatal con morbimortalidad importante, debido a grados variables de hipoplasia e hipertensión pulmonar. Los casos de presentación tardía oscilan entre 5 a 25 por ciento y se asocian a mejor pronóstico. Presentamos el caso de una lactante de 5 meses de edad a quien se le diagnostica una HDC derecha mediante radiografía de tórax y se revisa la patogenia, tratamiento y pronóstico de la enfermedad.

Crystallographic rearrangement of platinum induced by square wave potentials.

This paper provides experimental evidences of crystalline rearrangements on platinum surfaces by applying square wave potential perturbations. The phenomenon was followed by differential ex situ X-ray diffraction patterns and in situ cyclic voltammetry in sulfuric acid solutions. Various upper and lower potential limits were employed covering anion, hydrogen, and/or oxygen adsorption ranges. When the -0.05 to 1.50 V (vs. reversible hydrogen) potential region is covered an increase in the distribution of (200) planes is observed. However, when the 0.65 to 1.50 V region is used, (220), (311), and (420) planes developed. The development of a longitudinal propagation mode is responsible for this rearrangement. The new equilibrium position of the platinum surface atoms in the lattice was calculated from the minimization of the potential energy expression.