Advances in the Development of Biofertilizers and Biostimulants from Microalgae.

Microalgae have commercial potential in different sectors of the industry. Specifically in modern agriculture, they can be used because they have the ability to supply nutrients to the soil and produce plant growth hormones, polysaccharides, antimicrobial compounds, and other metabolites that improve agricultural productivity. Therefore, products formulated from microalgae as biofertilizers and biostimulants turn out to be beneficial for agriculture and are positioned as a novel and environmentally friendly strategy. However, these bioproducts present challenges in preparation that affect their shelf life due to the rapid degradation of bioformulated products. Therefore, this work aimed to provide a comprehensive review of biofertilizers and biostimulants from microalgae, for which a bibliometric analysis was carried out to establish trends using scientometric indicators, technological advances were identified in terms of formulation methods, and the global market for these bioproducts was analyzed.

Systematic Analysis of Genes Related to Selenium Bioaccumulation in Microalgae: A Review.

Se is one of the essential nutrients for human health and animal growth; it participates in various physiological functions, such as antioxidant and immune response and metabolism. Se deficiency is related in the animal industry to poor production performance and the appearance of health problems in humans. Therefore, interest has arisen in producing fortified foods, nutritional supplements, and animal feed products enriched with Se. A sustainable strategy for bio-based products enriched with Se is microalgae. These are characterized by the ability to bioaccumulate inorganic Se and metabolize it into organic Se for product formulations of industrial interest. Although there are some reports on Se bioaccumulation, further exploration is needed to understand the effects of Se bioaccumulation in microalgae. Therefore, this article presents a systematic review of the genes or groups of genes that trigger biological responses associated with the metabolization of Se in microalgae. A total of 54,541 genes related to Se metabolization distributed in 160 different classes were found. Similarly, trends were identified through bibliometric networks on strains of greatest interest, bioproducts, and scientific production.

Visual loss as the initial manifestation of an ignored disseminated prostate cancer: A case report.

Purpose: To present a rare case of advanced disseminated prostate cancer with bilateral visual loss as the initial manifestation of the disease. Observations: A 55-year-old man referring progressive visual blurring for the last 6 months and painless severe bilateral visual loss in the last 7 days prior to our consultation, associated with a bilateral optic disc swelling and leptomeningeal metastases from a previously ignored prostate carcinoma is presented. Rapid improvement of visual acuity and involution of leptomeningeal metastasis was observed after initiation of the specific oncologic treatment. Conclusions and importance: Bilateral visual loss may be the initial manifestation of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis from an ignored prostate cancer. Prompt diagnosis is crucial in order to improve the quality of life of a critically ill patient with a disseminated prostate cancer.

Improving Deproteinization in Colombian Latex from Hevea brasiliensis: A Bibliometric Approximation.

Natural Rubber Field Latex (NRFL) allergens restrict its use in some markets due to health-threatening allergic reactions. These molecules are proteins that are related to asymptomatic sensitization and hypersensitivity mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE). Although NRFL allergens have been investigated since the 1980s, there are still gaps in knowledge regarding the development of deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR). Therefore, in this study, the deproteinization of NRFL from the lower basin of the Cauca River, Antioquia-Colombia was evaluated using eight systems. The highest removal value was 84.4% and was obtained from the treatment containing SDS (Sodium dodecyl sulfate), Urea, and Ethanol. It was also possible to determine that at high concentrations of SDS, removal percentages higher than 70% are reached. On the other hand, all deproteinizing systems decreased NRFL Zeta potentials without self-coagulation, suggesting enhanced colloidal stability in DPNR latex. On the other hand, the bibliometric analysis presented technological advances in DPRN through different parameters and bibliometric networks. The analysis presented makes an important contribution from the bibliometric approach that could be positive for the development of research on DPNR.

Trends on CO2 Capture with Microalgae: A Bibliometric Analysis.

The alarming levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) are an environmental problem that affects the economic growth of the world. CO2 emissions represent penalties and restrictions due to the high carbon footprint. Therefore, sustainable strategies are required to reduce the negative impact that occurs. Among the potential systems for CO2 capture are microalgae. These are defined as photosynthetic microorganisms that use CO2 and sunlight to obtain oxygen (O2) and generate value-added products such as biofuels, among others. Despite the advantages that microalgae may present, there are still technical-economic challenges that limit industrial-scale commercialization and the use of biomass in the production of added-value compounds. Therefore, this study reviews the current state of research on CO2 capture with microalgae, for which bibliometric analysis was used to establish the trends of the subject in terms of scientometric parameters. Technological advances in the use of microalgal biomass were also identified. Additionally, it was possible to establish the different cooperation networks between countries, which showed interactions in the search to reduce CO2 concentrations through microalgae.

ROP Screening Tool Assessment and Validation in a Third-Level Hospital in Argentina: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether a mathematical tool that predicts severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) using clinical parameters at 6 weeks of life (ROPScore calculator smartphone application; PABEX Corporation) can be useful to predict severe ROP in a population of premature infants in Argentina. METHODS: In this retrospective study, data from the clinical records of all premature infants examined between 2012 and 2018 in the ophthalmology department of a public third-level hospital in Córdoba, Argentina, were obtained. ROPScore screening was applied using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet (Microsoft Corporation). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values of the algorithm were analyzed. RESULTS: Between 2012 and 2018, a total of 2,894 pre-term infants were examined and 411 met the inclusion criteria, of whom 34% (n = 139) presented some form of ROP and 6% (n = 25) developed severe forms that required treatment. The sensitivity of the algorithm for any ROP and severe ROP was 100%. The PPV and NPV were 35.64% and 100%, respectively, for any ROP and 9.88% and 100% for severe ROP. CONCLUSIONS: One-time only calculation of the ROPScore algorithm could identify severe cases after validation, reducing the number of screened infants by 38% in infants with a birth weight of 1,500 g or less or a gestational age of 32 weeks or younger. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2021;58(1):55-61.].

Drusen de papila. Análisis descriptivo / Papillary drusen. Descriptive analysis

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los drusen de papila son depósitos de material hialino calcificado a nivel de la cabeza del nervio óptico. Pueden ser difíciles de distinguir de la verdadera inflamación del nervio óptico y su identificación correcta es relevante debido a la morbilidad visual y sistémica que conlleva el diagnóstico de un verdadero edema de papila. OBJETIVO: Describir los hallazgos clínicos en un grupo de pacientes con drusen de papila. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de 39 casos de pseudoedema de papila secundario a drusen de papila. Se recuperaron datos de la historia clínica y se analizaron características oftalmológicas y de los métodos complementarios (campo visual computarizado ­CVC-, tomografía de coherencia óptica ­OCT- , ecografía y neuroimágenes). RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 39 ojos. La edad promedio al diagnóstico fue de 9 años. La mayoría no reporto antecedentes patológicos ni heredofamiliares. El principal motivo de consulta fue control de rutina y el segundo fue cefalea. El 56% tenían una excelente agudeza visual, 20% buena, 2.5% regular y 5% mala agudeza visual. El 36% de los ojos fueron emétropes, 41% hipermétropes y 23% miopes. Los hallazgos más representativos en el fondo de ojos fue la sobreelevación papilar (71,8% IC95% 57,9-86), papila de bordes borrados (43% IC95% 27,4-58,5) y tortuosidad vascular (43,6% IC95% 27,4-58,5). En todos los casos la ecografía fue diagnóstica, mostrando imágenes hiperecoicas dentro del nervio óptico. En el CVC no se encontraron hallazgos relevantes. CONCLUSIONES: Los drusen de papila son una alteración que puede encontrarse con frecuencia en un examen de fondo de ojo de rutina, y que un oftalmólogo debe conocer para evitar errores diagnósticos. (AU)

INTRODUCTION: Papillary drusen are deposits of calcified material at the level of the optic nerve head. It's can be difficult to distinguish from true optic nerve swelling. Its correct identification is relevant due to the visual and systemic implications of the diagnosis of true papilledema. OBJECTIVE: To characterize clinically a group of patients diagnosed with papillary drusen. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study of 39 eyes with papillary pseudoedema secondary to optic nerve drusen was performed. Data from the medical history were retrieved and characteristics of the ophthalmological medical examination and complementary methods such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), computerized visual fields, and ocular ultrasound were analyzed. RESULTS: 39 eyes of 20 patients with papillary drusen were studied. The average age at diagnosis was 9 years. The majority did not report pathological or heredofamilial background. The main complain consultation was routine check out and the second was headache. The 56% had excellent visual acuity, 20% good, 2.5% regular and 5% had poor visual acuity. There were 36% emmetropic eyes, 41% hypermetropics and 23% myopia. The most representative findings in the fundus were swollen disks, appearing in (71,8% IC95% 57,9-86) of the cases, optic nerve with ill-defined and vascular tortuosity, appeating in 43,6% (IC95% 27,4-58,5) of the cases. In all cases the ultrasound was diagnostic, showing hyperechoic images withing the optic nerve. No relevant findings were found at CVC. CONCLUSIONS: Papillary drusen is a frequent disease that can be found in every day practice. Ophthalmologist should be aware of this to avoid misdiagnosis. (AU)

Resultados de los exámenes oftalmológicos en niños nacidos a término y sus antecedentes maternos / Outcomes of ophthalmologic exams of full-term infants and their maternal history

INTRODUCCIÓN: En Argentina, la Sociedad Argentina de Oftalmología Infantil recomienda el examen ocular por parte de un especialista para todos los niños cuando nacen, a los seis meses, a los tres años y al inicio de la etapa escolar. Hasta el presente, no se han presentado en nuestros medios datos estadísticos de los hallazgos obtenidos OBJETIVO: Describir los hallazgos de los exámenes oftalmológicos en niños nacidos a término, menores de un año, controlados en el Servicio de Oftalmología del Hospital Materno Neonatal de Córdoba, 2015- 2018 y su relación con variables demográficas y antecedentes patológicos maternos y del niño. POBLACIÓN Y MÉTODOS: Niños nacidos a término con una edad gestacional ≥37 semanas, a los que se les realizó un examen que incluyó revisión de: alineación cefálica con respecto al eje vertebral, rostro, ubicación ocular dentro de órbita ósea, simetría en la posición y tamaño ocular, defensa y seguimiento a la luz, alineación y movimientos oculares, párpados, conjuntiva, esclera, córnea, cámara anterior, iris, pupila y cristalino, vítreo, papila óptica, mácula, vasos sanguíneos y retina periférica. Posteriormente, se analizaron antecedentes de los niños tales como: edad gestacional, peso al nacer, sexo, días de vida al control y motivo de consulta. En cuanto a los antecedentes maternos se estudiaron: edad, controles, enfermedades y medicaciones durante el embarazo. La asociación entre los hallazgos oculares patológicos en los niños y su relación con los antecedentes patológicos maternos se evaluó con prueba de Chi cuadrado. RESULTADOS: La muestra final estuvo conformada por un total de 4.248 niños, con una edad gestacional al nacer promedio de 39 (DE=1) semanas y peso al nacer promedio de 3.325 (DE= 491) gramos. Hubo predominio del sexo masculino (51%) y el 60% de los pacientes fueron controlados antes de los 28 días de vida. El 73% acudió por control neonatal y el 27 % por interconsultas, principalmente por patologías TORCH. En las madres, la edad promedio fue de 26 (DE= 7) años; los embarazos fueron controlados en el 94%. El 65% fueron embarazos normales, y el 35% patológicos, siendo frecuentes las enfermedades TORCH. El cuanto, al examen oftalmológico, el 93% (n= 3950) de los niños presentó controles normales, mientras que el 7% (n= 298) presentó controles anormales siendo lo más frecuente las conjuntivitis (59%, n= 110) y las hemorragias retinianas no maculares (67%, n= 99). Hubo una relación estadísticamente significativa entre menores de 28 días de vida y anormalidades oculares (p<0.001), y entre patologías TORCH y exámenes oftalmológicos anormales (p= 0.01). CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de los controles oftalmológicos de niños nacidos a término menores de año en nuestro medio son normales. Los hallazgos oculares patológicos más frecuentes se asociaron con antecedentes de patologías TORCH tanto en la madre como en el niño. La mayoría de las anomalías se presentaron antes de los 28 días de vida por lo que consideramos importante realizar sin demora el examen oftalmológico completo incluyendo fondo de ojos cuando existan antecedentes sospechosos en la madre o el niño, e incluso en niños sin antecedentes patológicos. (AU)

INTRODUCTION: In Argentina, the Argentine Society of Infantile Ophthalmology recommends an eye examination by a trained ophthalmologist to all children at birth, at six months, at three years, and at the beginning of school. To our knowledge, these are no statistical data on the ophthalmological findings in our country. OBJECTIVE To describe the ophthalmological findings in full-term infants less than one year of age monitored in an ophthalmology service of a public hospital between January 2015 and December 2018, and their possible relationship with the maternal medical history (demographic variables and pathological history). POPULATIONS AND METHODS: The population was composed of full-term babies with a gestational age ≥37 weeks. The examination included cephalic alignment with respect to the vertebral axis, face, ocular location within the orbit, symmetry and eye size, eye movements, eyelids, conjunctiva, sclera, cornea, anterior chamber, iris, pupil and lens, vitreous, optic disk, macula, blood vessels and peripheral retina. Subsequently, newborns history was analyzed as: gestational age and birth weight, sex, days of life at examination date, and chief complain. Maternal history included age, visits and diseases during pregnancy. The relationship between pathological finding and the maternal medical history was assessed with Chi square test. RESULTS: A total of 4,248 infants, with an average gestational age at birth of 39 (SD= 1) weeks and average birth weight of 3,325 (SD= 491) grams were included in the study. There was a male predominance (51%) and 60% of the patients were monitored before 28 days of life. Seventy three were examined for routine neonatal screening and 27% were interconsultations to rule out TORCH disease. In mothers, the average age was 26(SD=7) years. Pregnancies were controlled in 94% of cases. Sixty five percent have had normal pregnancies and 35% pathological, being TORCH diseases the most frequent ones. Regarding the ophthalmological examination, 93% (n = 3950) of children had normal exams, while 7% (n = 298) were abnormal: conjunctivitis (59%, n = 110) and non-macular retinal hemorrhages (67%, n = 99).There was a significant association between children under 28 days of age and eye abnormalities (p <0.001), and between TORCH pathologies and abnormal ophthalmological exams (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Most ophthalmological exams of term children under one year of age were normal. The most frequent pathological ocular findings were associated with TORCH disease in both the mother and the child. Most of the anomalies were presented before 28 days of life. Therefore, we consider of importance to have a complete ophthalmological examination in the newborn without delay, including funduscopy when there is a suspicious history in the mother or child and even in children with no pathological history. (AU)

Genetic variation of carotenoids, vitamin E and phenolic compounds in Provitamin A biofortified maize.

BACKGROUND: Biofortified maize is not only a good vehicle for provitamin A carotenoids for vitamin A deficient populations in developing countries but also a source of vitamin E, tocochromanols and phenolic compounds, which have antioxidant properties. Using high-performance liquid chromatography and a total antioxidant performance assay, the present study analyzed the antioxidant variation and antioxidant activity of 36 provitamin A improved maize hybrids and one common yellow maize hybrid. RESULTS: The ranges of major carotenoids in provitamin A carotenoids biofortified maize were zeaxanthin [1.2-13.2 µg g-1 dry weight (DW)], ß-cryptoxanthin (1.3-8.8 µg g-1 DW) and ß-carotene (1.3-8.0 µg g-1 DW). The ranges of vitamin E compounds identified in provitamin A carotenoids biofortified maize were α-tocopherol (3.4-34.3 µg g-1 DW), γ-tocopherol (5.9-54.4 µg g-1 DW), α-tocotrienol (2.6-19.5 µg g-1 DW) and γ-tocotrienol (45.4 µg g-1 DW). The ranges of phenolic compounds were γ-oryzanol (0.0-0.8 mg g-1 DW), ferulic acid (0.4-3.6 mg g-1 DW) and p-coumaric acid (0.1-0.45 mg g-1 DW). There was significant correlation between α-tocopherol and cis isomers of ß-carotene (P < 0.01). Tocotrienols were correlated with α-tocopherol and γ-oryzanol (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Genotype was significant in determining the variation in ß-cryptoxanthin, ß-carotene, α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol contents (P < 0.01). A genotype × environment interaction was observed for γ-tocopherol content (P < 0.01). © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Does pre-school improve cognitive abilities among children with early-life stunting? A longitudinal study for Peru.

Several studies in developing countries have found that children who experience growth faltering in the first years of life show lower cognitive abilities than their peers. In this study, we use the Young Lives longitudinal dataset in Peru to analyze if attending pre-school affects cognitive abilities at age five years, and if there is an interaction with HAZ at age one year. Using instrumental variables we found, for receptive vocabulary, a positive effect of attending Jardines (formal) pre-schools; the effect of attending PRONOEI (community-based) pre-schools was not significant. More years attending Jardines was more beneficial for children who were better nourished. We suggest working to improve the quality of PRONOEIs, and with teachers on targeting children of lower nutritional status.

Fibronectina fetal como predictor del trabajo de parto en mujeres mexicanas / Fetal fibronectin as a predictor of labor in Mexican women

Introducción: la presencia de fibronectina fetal en secreciones vaginales ha sido considerada como un predictor de trabajo de parto en embarazo de término y de pretérmino. Objetivo: evaluar la validez predictiva de la fibronectina en embarazadas que acudieron al Hospital General SSH de Pachuca, México. Metodología: se incluyeron pacientes embarazadas que acudieron al hospital para control de su embarazo. Se determinó la fibronectina fetal en todas las participantes y se dio un seguimiento hasta el inicio del trabajo de parto. Resultados: participaron un total de 148 pacientes, siendo un grupo con 53 pacientes con menos de 37 semanas de gestación (SG) y otro grupo con 95 pacientes con 37 ó más SG. En general, la prueba mostró una sensibilidad promedio de 72,5 por ciento y una especificidad promedio de 82,9 por ciento para ambos grupos. Conclusión: sobre la base de los resultados obtenidos, recomendamos utilizar la prueba de fibronectina en embarazadas a partir de las 32 semanas de gestación, tanto en los servicios de urgencias como de consulta externa.

Background: The presence of fetal fibronectin in vaginal secretions has been regarded as a predictor of labor in pregnant term and preterm. Objective: For this reason the purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive validity of fibronectin in pregnant women who attended the General Hospital SSH Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico. Methodology: We included pregnant patients admitted to hospital for pregnancy control. Fetal fibronectin was determined in all participants and then followed until the onset of labor. Results: A total of 148 patients participated. One group with 53 patients less than 37 weeks gestation, and another group of 95 patients with 37 or more weeks gestation. In general, the test showed an average sensitivity of 72.5 percent and specificity 82.9 percent average for both groups. Conclusion: Based on these results, we recommend using fibronectin test in pregnant women after 32 weeks of gestation, both in emergency departments and outpatient clinics.

Costo-efectividad de la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales en relación al número de admisiones / Neonatal intensive care unit: cost-effectiveness versus number of admissions

INTRODUCCION: La evidencia internacional demuestra que los niños con peso ≤1.500 gramos tienen mayor sobrevida y menos morbilidad cuando nacen en centro de nivel terciario con un alto censo diario en la unidad de cuidado intensivo neonatal (UCIN). También señalan que las unidades grandes son más costo-efectivas. Es importante establecer si en nuestro medio el costo de un sobreviviente < 1500 g se relaciona con el número de admisiones anuales de estos niños, ya que el sistema de salud, además de efectivo, debe ser sustentable.OBJETIVO: Establecer la relación entre costo-efectividad de la UCIN y número de admisiones de niños ≤1.500 gramos.METODOS: Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico retrospectivo observacional en 4 unidades de neonatología del sector público con índices de morbimortalidad neonatal hospitalaria equiparable. Se analizaron las historias clínicas de pacientes nacidos durante 2008 con peso ≤1.500 gramos. Los datos se recabaron en planillas estandarizadas e incluyeron los costos locales, valuados por precios de referencia y por costos reales, tanto de insumos y medicamentos como de estudios y horas de personal requeridas. Para establecer la costo-efectividad, el costo total de la UCIN fue calculado por sobreviviente con peso ≤1.500 gramos. La sobrevida y los costos fueron vinculados a las admisiones anuales para establecer la correlación entre número y efectividad/eficiencia de cada unidad.RESULTADOS: Se incluyó a 146 niños con un peso ≤1.500 gramos. La evaluación de costos mostró que en la UCIN con mayor número de ingresos el costo por paciente fue menor que en las UCIN chicas ($ 42.200 vs. $ 73.880 respectivamente).CONCLUSIONES: Estos datos confirman que el costo por sobreviviente es mayor cuando menor es el número de ingresos anuales de niños con peso < 1500 g. Para asegurar la sustentabilidad del sistema, sería más racional concentrar los ingresos de los < 1500 g en un menor número de unidades con mayor capacidad de internación.

INTRODUCTION: International evidence shows that very low birth weight (VLBW) infants have higher survival rates and fewer complications when born in large tertiary neonatal intensive care units (NICU) with a high daily census. These studies also show better cost-benefit ratios for larger units. It is important to establish whether the cost incurred for surviving VLBW infants in Argentina is related to the number of annual admissions, because health care needs to be both effective and sustainable.OBJECTIVE: To establish the relationship between cost-effectiveness of NICU and number of admissions of VLBW infants.METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective, observational study was performed in 4 NICUs of the public health care system with comparable neonatal hospital morbidity and mortality results. Clinical records were analyzed for VLBW infants born during 2008. Data were collected on standardized sheets and included local costs, with both actual and reference prices, for all disposables, drugs, studies and required personnel hours. To establish the cost-effectiveness, the total cost of the NICU was calculated per surviving VLBW infant. Survival and costs were linked to the number of annual admissions in each participating unit.RESULTS: 146 VLBW infants were included. The cost analysis showed that the NICU with the highest number of admissions had the lowest cost per survivor ($ 42.200 versus $ 73.880).CONCLUSIONS: The cost of a surviving VLBW infant is higher for NICUs with fewer annual admissions. To ensure sustainability of the health care system, it seems reasonable to concentrate the delivery of VLBW infants in fewer and larger units.

Costo-efectividad de la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales en relación al número de admisiones / Neonatal intensive care unit: cost-effectiveness versus number of admissions

INTRODUCCION: La evidencia internacional demuestra que los niños con peso ≤1.500 gramos tienen mayor sobrevida y menos morbilidad cuando nacen en centro de nivel terciario con un alto censo diario en la unidad de cuidado intensivo neonatal (UCIN). También señalan que las unidades grandes son más costo-efectivas. Es importante establecer si en nuestro medio el costo de un sobreviviente < 1500 g se relaciona con el número de admisiones anuales de estos niños, ya que el sistema de salud, además de efectivo, debe ser sustentable.OBJETIVO: Establecer la relación entre costo-efectividad de la UCIN y número de admisiones de niños ≤1.500 gramos.METODOS: Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico retrospectivo observacional en 4 unidades de neonatología del sector público con índices de morbimortalidad neonatal hospitalaria equiparable. Se analizaron las historias clínicas de pacientes nacidos durante 2008 con peso ≤1.500 gramos. Los datos se recabaron en planillas estandarizadas e incluyeron los costos locales, valuados por precios de referencia y por costos reales, tanto de insumos y medicamentos como de estudios y horas de personal requeridas. Para establecer la costo-efectividad, el costo total de la UCIN fue calculado por sobreviviente con peso ≤1.500 gramos. La sobrevida y los costos fueron vinculados a las admisiones anuales para establecer la correlación entre número y efectividad/eficiencia de cada unidad.RESULTADOS: Se incluyó a 146 niños con un peso ≤1.500 gramos. La evaluación de costos mostró que en la UCIN con mayor número de ingresos el costo por paciente fue menor que en las UCIN chicas ($ 42.200 vs. $ 73.880 respectivamente).CONCLUSIONES: Estos datos confirman que el costo por sobreviviente es mayor cuando menor es el número de ingresos anuales de niños con peso < 1500 g. Para asegurar la sustentabilidad del sistema, sería más racional concentrar los ingresos de los < 1500 g en un menor número de unidades con mayor capacidad de internación.

INTRODUCTION: International evidence shows that very low birth weight (VLBW) infants have higher survival rates and fewer complications when born in large tertiary neonatal intensive care units (NICU) with a high daily census. These studies also show better cost-benefit ratios for larger units. It is important to establish whether the cost incurred for surviving VLBW infants in Argentina is related to the number of annual admissions, because health care needs to be both effective and sustainable.OBJECTIVE: To establish the relationship between cost-effectiveness of NICU and number of admissions of VLBW infants.METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective, observational study was performed in 4 NICUs of the public health care system with comparable neonatal hospital morbidity and mortality results. Clinical records were analyzed for VLBW infants born during 2008. Data were collected on standardized sheets and included local costs, with both actual and reference prices, for all disposables, drugs, studies and required personnel hours. To establish the cost-effectiveness, the total cost of the NICU was calculated per surviving VLBW infant. Survival and costs were linked to the number of annual admissions in each participating unit.RESULTS: 146 VLBW infants were included. The cost analysis showed that the NICU with the highest number of admissions had the lowest cost per survivor ($ 42.200 versus $ 73.880).CONCLUSIONS: The cost of a surviving VLBW infant is higher for NICUs with fewer annual admissions. To ensure sustainability of the health care system, it seems reasonable to concentrate the delivery of VLBW infants in fewer and larger units.

Evaluación: Resultados a 16 años de las dos técnicas más comunes de hernioplastía inguinal abierta / Assessment: Results at 16 years of the two most common techniques used in open inguinal hernioplasty

Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados obtenidos durante 16 años en los pacientes sometidos a reparación abierta, con las dos técnicas más comunes: Lichtenstein y Mesh Plug. Sede: Hospital regional 2do nivel de atención. Diseño: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, comparativo, retrospectivo. Análisis estadístico: t de Student y Chi cuadrada. Material y métodos: Se valoraron 1,293 procedimientos de Lichtenstein y 5,889 de Mesh-Plug, realizados de julio de 1993 a junio de 2002, seguidos hasta 2009 con promedio de 132 meses. Ambos procedimientos estandarizados de acuerdo a las técnicas originales, efectuadas por cirujanos generales no especialistas en hernia. Variables evaluadas: tiempo quirúrgico, estancia hospitalaria, ahorro en días cama, días de incapacidad, recurrencias, morbilidad y dolor crónico. Resultados: La media de tiempo quirúrgico en el procedimiento de Lichtenstein fue de 59 minutos, y con ''Mesh-Plug'' 25 minutos. Permanencia hospitalaria de 7.5 horas con Lichtenstein contra 3.5 horas de ''Mesh-Plug''. Ahorro de 26,573 días cama y 201,096 días de incapacidad laboral. Morbilidad de 1.04%. Recurrencia de 0.59% y 9 pacientes con inguinodinia crónica que requirieron retiro de material protésico. Conclusiones: Ambos procedimientos son seguros con pocas consecuencias nocivas. Mesh-Plug fue más rápida en su conformación hasta en un 50%, la estancia hospitalaria corta favoreció ahorros sustanciales en días de incapacidad y días-cama.

Objective: To evaluate the results obtained during 16 years in patients subjected to open hernia repair with the two most common techniques: Lichtenstein and Mesh-Plug. Setting: Second health care level hospital. Design: Observational, retrospective, descriptive, comparative study. Statistical analysis: Student's t and square chi tests. Material and methods: We assessed 1,293 Lichtenstein and 5,889 Mesh-Plug procedures, performed from July 1993 to June 2002, followed for an average of 132 months. Both procedures were standardized according to the original techniques and performed by general surgeons, not specializing in hernia. Assessed variables were: surgical time, hospital stay, savings in bed-days, working incapacity days, recurrences, morbidity, and chronic pain. Results: The mean of surgical time for the Lichtenstein procedures was of 59 min, and 25 min for the Mesh-Plug, Length of in-hospital stay with Lichtenstein was 7.5 h versus 3.5 h with the Mesh-Plug. Savings in bed-days amounted to 26,573 and 201,098 days of working incapacity days. Morbidity of 1.04%. Recurrence of 0.59%, and nine patients coursed with chronic inguinodynia and required retrieval of the prosthetic material. Conclusions: Both procedures are safe and have few noxious consequences. The mesh plug technique was faster in 50%, the shorter in-hospital stay favored substantial savings in working incapacity and bed days.

Short report: limited and short-lasting humoral response in Taenia solium: seropositive households compared with patients with neurocysticercosis.

Epidemiologic data suggest that 30-40% of Taenia solium-seropositive people become spontaneously negative without acquiring cysticercosis. To compare the responses of these individuals with those of patients with neurocysticercosis, we screened seropositive persons among family members of 16 patients. We searched for specific antibodies in patients and their 118 households by an enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot assay using specific glycoproteins of T. solium metacestodes. We found six seropositive individuals without neurocysticercosis among members of four families. The matching patients were young, harbored viable cysts, and had short evolution of disease. The baseline response of healthy seropositive individuals was scarce and showed a low frequency of antibodies against glycoproteins GP39-42 and GP24, which are immunodominant in patients with neurocysticercosis. Moreover, they became spontaneously negative in few months. The response of patients was heterogeneous as shown in other studies. The results of this work support a highly dynamic host-parasite immunologic interaction and suggest individual susceptibility or level of exposure among family members.

El examen de strout modificado usado como prueba de detección sistemática de la enfermedad de Chagas transplacentaria: I. Recolección y conservación de la sangre de cordón umbilical del recién nacido / The modified strout test used as systematic detection test of the transplacental Chagas'disease: I. Collection and preservation of the newborn's umbilical cord blood

A modified strout test used as a probe for the transplacental Chagas disease systemic diagnosis. I. Collection and preservation of the newborn`s umbilical cord blood