Mental health, suicide attempt, and family function for adolescents' primary health care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The study's purpose was to identify associations between mental health risk, suicide attempts, and family function.   Methods: A correlational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was carried out in a group of adolescents in the last grade of secondary school to establish the association between mental health risk, suicide attempt, and family functionality. The instruments used were the self-report questionnaire, the suicide risk assessment scale, and the family APGAR. Data analysis was performed using the artificial intelligence algorithm (gower clustering).  Results: 246 adolescents responded to the three instruments, which made it possible to select those with correlations of sensitive interest and, based on these, an intervention plan. Psychological distress was found in 28%, psychotic symptoms in 85%, and problematic alcohol use in 9%. Good family functioning was identified in 34% and some type of family dysfunction in 66%. In terms of suicide risk, there was a low suicide risk of 74%, 24% medium risk, and 2% high risk. It could be shown that there is a correlation in a group of 15% of the respondents.  Conclusions: The risk of suffering mental health deterioration and the suicide risk, during this pandemic period, seems to be related to family functionality.

Curcumin Sensitizes 4T1 Murine Breast Cancer Cells to Cisplatin Through PAR4 Secretion.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Prostate apoptosis response 4 (PAR4), a tumour-suppressor protein, selectively induces apoptosis of cancer cells without affecting normal cells. Its soluble form is induced by secretagogues (e.g., chloroquine), and it induces apoptosis by interacting with the receptor of glucose-regulated protein 78, which is overexpressed in cancer cells. In this study, curcumin was analyzed as an inducer of PAR4 expression in 4T1 murine breast cancer cell. and its ability to induce PAR4 secretion in Balb/c mice. In addition, the cisplatin sensitizing effect of soluble PAR4 was analyzed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The 4T1 cell line was treated in vitro using different concentrations of curcumin; cell viability was analyzed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and PAR4 expression by western blotting. The expression of soluble PAR4 in the serum of mice treated with intraperitoneal curcumin was analyzed using the dot-blot method. Moreover, MTT assay was used to analyze the effects of serum from curcumin-treated mice on cell viability. Tumor size was analyzed in mice treated with curcumin alone and in combination with cisplatin. RESULTS: Curcumin showed a dose- and time-dependent effects on cell viability on 4T1 cells, as well as increasing PAR4 expression. Compared with the control group (phosphate-buffered saline), mice treated with curcumin showed an increase in plasma PAR4. In the Balb/C tumor model, mice treated with curcumin and cisplatin showed greater tumor shrinkage than the control group. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that curcumin induces expression of soluble PAR4 and sensitizes tumor cells to cisplatin.

The Inflammatory Process Modulates the Expression and Localization of WT1 in Podocytes Leading to Kidney Damage.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) is involved in the development of the urogenital system and is expressed in podocytes throughout life. Inflammation of renal glomeruli causes renal damage-induced nephrotic syndrome and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome have mutations in the WT1 gene. The aim of this work was to determine if the inflammatory process modulates the expression and localization of WT1 in podocytes that cause kidney damage using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mice as a sepsis model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In investigation of renal damage, proteinuria and histology were analyzed. WT1 modulation was analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and western blot assays, and proinflammatory cytokines were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS: WT1 expression decreased most at 24 and 36 h after the induction of inflammation and phosphorylated WT1 was mainly localized in the cytoplasm, reduced nephrin mRNA expression and increased mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1ß. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the immune system plays an important role in the modulation of WT1, leading to kidney damage.

Enhanced vector surveillance to control arbovirus epidemics in Colombia.

In the wake of the Zika epidemic, there has been intensified interest in the surveillance and control of the arbovirus vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, yet many existing surveillance systems could benefit from improvements. Vector control programs are often directed by national governments, but are carried out at the local level, resulting in the discounting of spatial heterogeneities in ecology and epidemiology. Furthermore, entomological and epidemiological data are often collected by separate governmental entities, which can slow vector control responses to outbreaks. Colombia has adopted several approaches to address these issues. First, a web-based, georeferenced Aedes surveillance system called SIVIEN AEDES was developed to allow field entomologists to record vector abundance and insecticide resistance data. Second, autocidal gravid oviposition (AGO) traps are deployed as an alternative way to measure vector abundance. Third, data collected by SIVIEN AEDES are used to develop mathematical models predicting Ae. aegypti abundance down to a city block, thus allowing public health authorities to target interventions to specific neighborhoods within cities. Finally, insecticide resistance is monitored through bioassays and molecular testing in 15 high-priority cities, providing a comprehensive basis to inform decisions about insecticide use in different regions. The next step will be to synchronize SIVIEN AEDES data together with epidemiological and climatic data to improve the understanding of the drivers of local variations in arbovirus transmission dynamics. By integrating these surveillance data, health authorities will be better equipped to develop tailored and timely solutions to control and prevent Aedes-borne arbovirus outbreaks.

Tras la epidemia del Zika, se ha intensificado el interés en vigilar y controlar los vectores de arbovirus Aedes aegypti y Aedes albopictus. Aun así, muchos de los sistemas existentes de vigilancia necesitan mejorar. En general son los gobiernos nacionales los que dirigen los programas de control de vectores, aunque estos programas se llevan a cabo a nivel local, por lo que no se tiene en cuenta la heterogeneidad del lugar en cuanto a las características ecológicas y epidemiológicas. Además, normalmente los datos entomológicos y epidemiológicos son recopilados por entidades gubernamentales distintas, lo que puede ralentizar el control de vectores durante un brote. Colombia ha puesto en marcha varias iniciativas para abordar estas cuestiones. La primera es un sistema en línea de geolocación del mosquito Aedes, llamado SIVIEN AEDES, para que los entomólogos de campo puedan registrar la abundancia de los mosquitos vectores y recoger datos sobre la resistencia a los insecticidas. La segunda es la implantación de ovitrampas autocidales para hembras grávidas (AGO, por su sigla en inglés), que son una manera alternativa de medir la abundancia de vectores. La tercera iniciativa es utilizar los datos recogidos por el sistema SIVIEN AEDES para elaborar modelos matemáticos que predigan la abundancia del A. aegypti hasta incluso en una cuadra de ciudad, de manera que las autoridades de salud pública puedan dirigir las intervenciones a vecindarios específicos dentro de las ciudades. Por último, Colombia está vigilando en quince ciudades prioritarias la resistencia a los insecticidas mediante ensayos biológicos y análisis moleculares, de esta forma se genera una base de datos exhaustiva sobre la que fundamentar las decisiones acerca del uso de insecticidas en las diferentes regiones. El paso siguiente será sincronizar los datos recopilados por el sistema SIVIEN AEDES con datos epidemiológicos y climáticos para poder entender mejor cómo se originan las variaciones locales en la dinámica de transmisión de los arbovirus. Al integrar estos datos de vigilancia, las autoridades sanitarias estarán mejor equipadas para encontrar soluciones oportunas y adecuadas para la situación específica, a fin de controlar y prevenir los brotes de arbovirus transmitidos por el Aedes.

Depois da epidemia de zika, intensificou-se o interesse na vigilância e controle dos vetores arbovirais Aedes aegypti e Aedes albopictus, mas muitos dos sistemas de vigilância existentes poderiam ser aprimorados. Muitos programas de controle de vetores são dirigidos pelos governos nacionais, mas implementados no âmbito local, o que leva à desconsideração de heterogeneidades espaciais em aspectos ecológicos e epidemiológicos. Além disso, é comum que dados entomológicos e epidemiológicos sejam coletados por agências governamentais separadas, o que pode desacelerar o controle de vetores em resposta aos surtos. A Colômbia adotou vários enfoques para abordar esses problemas. Primeiro, um sistema de vigilância de Aedes georreferenciado e baseado na Internet, chamado SIVIEN AEDES, foi desenvolvido para permitir aos entomólogos de campo registrar a abundância de vetores e a resistência aos inseticidas. Segundo, ovitrampas letais para fêmeas grávidas estão sendo mobilizadas como maneira alternativa de medir a abundância vetorial. Terceiro, os dados coletados pelo SIVIEN AEDES estão sendo utilizados para desenvolver modelos matemáticos para prever a abundância do Ae. aegypti até o nível de quadra/quarteirão, permitindo assim às autoridades de saúde pública direcionar intervenções para bairros específicos em cada município. Finalmente, a resistência aos inseticidas é monitorada através de ensaios biológicos e testes moleculares em 15 cidades de alta prioridade, o que proporciona uma base abrangente para subsidiar decisões sobre o uso de inseticida em diferentes regiões. O próximo passo será sincronizar os dados do SIVIEN AEDES com dados epidemiológicos e climáticos para melhorar a compreensão dos fatores que impulsionam variações locais na dinâmica da transmissão arboviral. Ao integrar esses dados de vigilância, as autoridades de saúde estarão mais bem equipadas para desenvolver soluções personalizadas e oportunas para controlar e prevenir os surtos de arbovírus transmitidos por mosquitos do gênero Aedes.

Enhanced vector surveillance to control arbovirus epidemics in Colombia

[ABSTRACT]. In the wake of the Zika epidemic, there has been intensified interest in the surveillance and control of the arbovirus vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, yet many existing surveillance systems could benefit from improvements. Vector control programs are often directed by national governments, but are carried out at the local level, resulting in the discounting of spatial heterogeneities in ecology and epidemiology. Furthermore, entomological and epidemiological data are often collected by separate governmental entities, which can slow vector control responses to outbreaks. Colombia has adopted several approaches to address these issues. First, a web-based, georeferenced Aedes surveillance system called SIVIEN AEDES was developed to allow field entomologists to record vector abundance and insecticide resistance data. Second, autocidal gravid oviposition (AGO) traps are deployed as an alternative way to measure vector abundance. Third, data collected by SIVIEN AEDES are used to develop mathematical models predicting Ae. aegypti abundance down to a city block, thus allowing public health authorities to target interventions to specific neighborhoods within cities. Finally, insecticide resistance is monitored through bioassays and molecular testing in 15 high-priority cities, providing a comprehensive basis to inform decisions about insecticide use in different regions. The next step will be to synchronize SIVIEN AEDES data together with epidemiological and climatic data to improve the understanding of the drivers of local variations in arbovirus transmission dynamics. By integrating these surveillance data, health authorities will be better equipped to develop tailored and timely solutions to control and prevent Aedes-borne arbovirus outbreaks.

[RESUMEN]. Tras la epidemia del Zika, se ha intensificado el interés en vigilar y controlar los vectores de arbovirus Aedes aegypti y Aedes albopictus. Aun así, muchos de los sistemas existentes de vigilancia necesitan mejorar. En general son los gobiernos nacionales los que dirigen los programas de control de vectores, aunque estos programas se llevan a cabo a nivel local, por lo que no se tiene en cuenta la heterogeneidad del lugar en cuanto a las características ecológicas y epidemiológicas. Además, normalmente los datos entomológicos y epidemiológicos son recopilados por entidades gubernamentales distintas, lo que puede ralentizar el control de vectores durante un brote. Colombia ha puesto en marcha varias iniciativas para abordar estas cuestiones. La primera es un sistema en línea de geolocación del mosquito Aedes, llamado SIVIEN AEDES, para que los entomólogos de campo puedan registrar la abundancia de los mosquitos vectores y recoger datos sobre la resistencia a los insecticidas. La segunda es la implantación de ovitrampas autocidales para hembras grávidas (AGO, por su sigla en inglés), que son una manera alternativa de medir la abundancia de vectores. La tercera iniciativa es utilizar los datos recogidos por el sistema SIVIEN AEDES para elaborar modelos matemáticos que predigan la abundancia del A. aegypti hasta incluso en una cuadra de ciudad, de manera que las autoridades de salud pública puedan dirigir las intervenciones a vecindarios específicos dentro de las ciudades. Por último, Colombia está vigilando en quince ciudades prioritarias la resistencia a los insecticidas mediante ensayos biológicos y análisis moleculares, de esta forma se genera una base de datos exhaustiva sobre la que fundamentar las decisiones acerca del uso de insecticidas en las diferentes regiones. El paso siguiente será sincronizar los datos recopilados por el sistema SIVIEN AEDES con datos epidemiológicos y climáticos para poder entender mejor cómo se originan las variaciones locales en la dinámica de transmisión de los arbovirus. Al integrar estos datos de vigilancia, las autoridades sanitarias estarán mejor equipadas para encontrar soluciones oportunas y adecuadas para la situación específica, a fin de controlar y prevenir los brotes de arbovirus transmitidos por el Aedes.

[RESUMO]. Depois da epidemia de zika, intensificou-se o interesse na vigilância e controle dos vetores arbovirais Aedes aegypti e Aedes albopictus, mas muitos dos sistemas de vigilância existentes poderiam ser aprimorados. Muitos programas de controle de vetores são dirigidos pelos governos nacionais, mas implementados no âmbito local, o que leva à desconsideração de heterogeneidades espaciais em aspectos ecológicos e epidemiológicos. Além disso, é comum que dados entomológicos e epidemiológicos sejam coletados por agências governamentais separadas, o que pode desacelerar o controle de vetores em resposta aos surtos. A Colômbia adotou vários enfoques para abordar esses problemas. Primeiro, um sistema de vigilância de Aedes georreferenciado e baseado na Internet, chamado SIVIEN AEDES, foi desenvolvido para permitir aos entomólogos de campo registrar a abundância de vetores e a resistência aos inseticidas. Segundo, ovitrampas letais para fêmeas grávidas estão sendo mobilizadas como maneira alternativa de medir a abundância vetorial. Terceiro, os dados coletados pelo SIVIEN AEDES estão sendo utilizados para desenvolver modelos matemáticos para prever a abundância do Ae. aegypti até o nível de quadra/quarteirão, permitindo assim às autoridades de saúde pública direcionar intervenções para bairros específicos em cada município. Finalmente, a resistência aos inseticidas é monitorada através de ensaios biológicos e testes moleculares em 15 cidades de alta prioridade, o que proporciona uma base abrangente para subsidiar decisões sobre o uso de inseticida em diferentes regiões. O próximo passo será sincronizar os dados do SIVIEN AEDES com dados epidemiológicos e climáticos para melhorar a compreensão dos fatores que impulsionam variações locais na dinâmica da transmissão arboviral. Ao integrar esses dados de vigilância, as autoridades de saúde estarão mais bem equipadas para desenvolver soluções personalizadas e oportunas para controlar e prevenir os surtos de arbovírus transmitidos por mosquitos do gênero Aedes.

Calidad de vida laboral en trabajadores de la Secretaria deGobierno del Municipio de Dosquebradas (Colombia) / Quality of working life in the Department of Government of the Municipality of Dosquebradas (Colombia)

ObjetivoEvaluar la calidad de vida laboral de los funcionarios de la Secretaria de Gobierno del Municipio de Dosquebradas (Colombia), durante el segundo trimestre de 2012.MetodologíaInvestigación cuantitativa, descriptiva en una población de 28 funcionarios. Se utilizó un cuestionario para datos socio-demográficos y el instrumento para medir calidad de vida en el trabajo CVT – GOHISALO, que evalúa 74 ítems, con los cuales se midieron las siete dimensiones de la calidad de vida laboral. ResultadosGrupo con edad promedio de 46 años. 82,0% eran hombres, 25,0 % tenía formación de bachiller, 50,0% estudios superiores técnicos o carreras universitarias y una cuarta parte contaba con especialización. La antigüedad promedio fue de 91 meses y el 32,0% llevaban más de 9 años laborando en la institución. El soporte institucional, la seguridad en el trabajo y el bienestar logrado a través del trabajo fueron las dimensiones que superaron la media normal. Los funcionarios se sentían identificados con los objetivos de la institución, percibían adecuado apoyo de los supervisores, baja motivación por los insumos con los que trabajaban y las condiciones del puesto de trabajo, sin oportunidades de progreso por escalafón e inadecuada administración del tiempo libre.ConclusiónLos trabajadores muestran una serie de percepciones subjetivas que reflejan una realidad de su medio laboral. Representan además una actitud subyacente que podría afectar los objetivos de la institución y la calidad de sus servicios ofrecidos, así como la posibilidad de manifestaciones de inconformidad en el futuro.

Precondicionamiento isquémico a distancia en la revascularización miocárdica / Distant ischemic precondition in myocardic revascularitation

Introducción: Una serie de breves períodos de isquemias a distancia, previo al evento isquémico mayor, pueden limitar el daño miocárdico producido por la isquemia crítica y el que se produce postreperfusión. Objetivo: Demostrar la efectividad del precondicionamiento isquémico a distancia en los pacientes revascularizados quirúrgicamente. Diseño Metodológico: Se realizó un estudio longitudinal prospectivo experimental en dos grupos de 60 personas, a los que se les realizó revascularización por injerto de la arteria coronaria. Se procedió a colocar un torniquete en el brazo no dominante en quienes se incluyen en el grupo de estudio prueba, alternando 3 insuflaciones con 3 desinsuflaciones con una presión de 200 mmHg, manteniéndola por espacio de cinco minutos cada una, este proceder se realiza previo, durante y después del evento isquémico mayor que se corresponde con el pinzamiento de la arteria coronaria. Resultados: se logró una importante disminución de la creatinina sérica, CPK-MB, y del consumo de drogas inotrópicas y vasoactivas. Comprobándose además, la disminución en la incidencia de arritmias ventriculares letales, bajo gasto cardiaco fatal y de muerte postoperatoria, en todos los casos muy por debajo de la predicción previamente realizada para estas complicaciones. Conclusiones: El precondicionamiento isquémico a distancia puede ser una importante herramienta a tener en cuenta en la protección antisquémica de la revascularización miocárdica.

Introduction: A sort of distant ischemic periods could limite miocardic injury due to critical ischemic and resulting postreperfusion symdrome, previous to mayor ischemic event. Objective: Demostrating the eficiency of the distant ischemic precondictioning in patients with coronary revascularitation. Methodologycal desing: It was used a experimental prospective method in 60 patients divived into two groups, in which revascularitation of coronary artery by graft was apply. Patients with no dominant arm received a tourniquet, three insufflation shuffling with three deflating under 200 mmHg pressure, keeping it for five minutes each, previously, during and after the ischemic mayor event, by clamping the cornonary artery. Results: An importat diminish of seric creatinine, CPK-MB, and inotropyc and vasoactivity drugs was achieved. A diminish of lethal ventrocularies arrythmias, out put cardiac and postperatory death was also achieved and checked, in all cases beneath the previous complicactions predicted. Conclusions: The distant ischemic preconditioning can be an decisory tool to pay attention to in the antischemic protection of myocardic revascularitation.

Hipertermia severa post cirugía cardiaca: presentación de un caso / Severe hyperthermia present after a heart surgery

Introducción: La hipertermia maligna es una miopatía hereditaria causada por un trastorno del receptor rianodine del retículo sarcoplásmico rugoso del músculo estriado; se manifiesta en pacientes susceptibles por la exposición a agentes halogenados o succinilcolina. Objetivo: Presentar la evolución de una paciente con hiperpirexia severa post cirugía cardiaca. Caso clínico: Paciente de 56 años, anunciada para reemplazo valvular aórtico, ASA III, clase funcional NYHA II-III, sin otros antecedentes. A su llegada a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Postoperatorios se constató gran contractura muscular, generalizada y en particular de los músculos maseteros, incremento progresivo del CO2 arterial (105 mmHg), acidosis metabólica, bajas relaciones paO2/FiO2, orinas de color rojo vino, hiperpotasemia, taquicardia sinusal con contracciones ventriculares prematuras frecuentes, salvas autolimitadas de taquicardia ventricular, bajo gasto cardiaco severo e hiperpirexia mantenida de 41ºC para lo cual se tomaron medidas sintomáticas. Después de 8 horas, disminuyó la fiebre, se restableció el medio interno, el aclaró el color de la orina, la hemodinámica se estabilizó y se constató elevación de la creatinina sérica, que disminuyó progresivamente en los días siguientes. A las 48 horas se destetó de la ventilación mecánica. Se dio el alta de la UCIP al quinto día. Conclusiones: Independientemente, que no se realizaron pruebas específicas para hipertermia maligna, se trata de un caso complejo con una hiperpirexia severa y evolución satisfactoria.

Introduction: Malignant hyperthermia is a hereditary myopathy caused by a rianodine receptor disorder of rugous sarcoplasmic reticulum of the skeletal muscle becomes clear in patients oversensitive to exposition to halogen agents or to succinylcholine. Objective: To present the course of patient presenting with a severe hyperpyrexia after a heart surgery. Clinical case: Patient aged 56 programmed for an aortic valvular replacement, ASA III, functional class NYHA-II-III without other backgrounds. At her arrival to Postperative Intensive Care Unit (POICU) it was noted a significant widespread muscular contracture mainly in masseter muscles, a progressive increase of the arterial CO2 (105 mm Hg), metabolic acidosis, low paO2/FiO2 relations, urine of red wine color, hyperpotassemia, sinus tachycardia with frequent early ventricular contractions, self-limited of ventricular tachycardia, a sever and low cardiac output and sustained hyperpyrexia if 41°C taking measures related to symptoms. At 8 hours fever decreased with restoration of internal environment, urine color cleared, hemodynamics was stable verifying a rise of serum creatinine which decreased progressively after few days. At 48 hours patient was weaned of the mechanical ventilation. At 5 days she was discharged from the POICU. Conclusions: Apart from there were not specific tests to malignant hyperthermia, it is a complex case presenting with a severe hyperpyrexia and a satisfactory course.

Validation of an immunologic diagnostic kit for infectious vaginitis by Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida spp., and Gardnerella vaginalis.

FemPure is a kit for the rapid diagnosis of vaginitis by Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida spp., and Gardnerella vaginalis, based on aggregation of latex particles joined to specific antibodies. The validation of the method involved the parameters specificity, detection limit, robustness, clinical sensitivity, and clinical specificity. Also, samples analyzed in parallel by the validated test and other recognized tests conducted by external laboratory were included. The method was specific for the 3 infectious agents, and no cross-reaction with other microorganisms usually present in vaginal exudates. The detection limit > or =1 x 10(6) CFU/mL for Candida albicans and G. vaginalis avoids the detection of concentrations considered normal flora, whereas T. vaginalis was detected until 1 x 10(5) cells/mL. Values of clinical sensitivity > or =80% and clinical specificity > or =90% and concordance > or =90% were found between samples evaluated in parallel by different methods. Robustness showed that the test can be used in laboratories with different management systems; its simple implementation without equipment allows the use in primary health care areas.

Inferior vena cava anomalies during laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.

PURPOSE: To report our experience with congenital inferior vena cava (IVC) anomalies found during laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (LRPLND). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two men with a mean age of 31.5 years (range 26-37 years) underwent LRPLND because of nonseminomatous germ-cell tumors (NSGCT) between December 2003 and July 2004. A four-port technique was used. A left IVC anomaly was found in both patients. The two operations were performed with no serious immediate complications and minimal blood loss. Congenital IVC anomalies were identified intraoperatively. A left-sided template modified because of anatomic variation was used. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 95 minutes (range 60-130 min). Both patients remain without tumor recurrence at a median of 24.5 months of follow-up (range 15-34 months). CONCLUSION: Although uncommon, IVC anomalies must be considered when performing LRPLND because of potential complications. Preoperative studies are essential in surgical planning.

Transmesocolic pyeloplasty: experience of a single center.

PURPOSE: We present our experience with dismembered left-sided pyeloplasty using a transmesocolic technique as a way to reduce operative time and facilitate repair by avoiding colon displacement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2004 and January 2006, a total of 11 transmesocolic laparoscopic pyeloplasties were performed by the same surgeon at our institution. The mean patient age was 41.6 years (range 14-65 years). Operative records and follow-up were reviewed. RESULTS: A dismembered Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty was carried out in nine patients (82%), while a Y-V plasty (9%) and a Fengerplasty (9%) were done in one patient each. Crossing vessels were observed in 8 patients (73%). A ureteral stent was left in all patients. The mean operative time was 88.6 minutes (range 60-125 minutes), and blood loss was minimal. Compared with classic transperitoneal laparoscopic left pyeloplasties, transmesocolic cases showed a significant reduction in operative time (88.6 minutes v 117 minutes; P < 0.05). There were no intraoperative complications or open conversions. The mean hospital stay was 2.1 days (range 2-3 days). Only 1 patient (9%) demonstrated narrowing of the anastomosis, which occurred 12 months after a Fengerplasty. CONCLUSIONS: The transmesocolic approach to a dilated left pelvis enables a shorter operative time without increasing morbidity. More patients and longer follow-up are necessary to determine its effect on convalescence.

[Retroperitoneal laparoscopic lymphadenectomy for stage I non seminomatous testicular cancer]. / Linfadenectomía retroperitoneal laparoscópica en cáncer de testículo no seminoma estadio I.

OBJECTIVES: We report a series of patients with stage I non seminomatous testicular cancer in whom laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy was carried out. METHODS: Between March 1993 and January 2004 100 and patients with the diagnosis of stage I non seminomatous testicular cancer underwent laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy (LRPL). All operations were performed by the same surgeon (O.A.C). Clinical data were collected prospectively in a database. Patients' demographic data, operative time, estimated blood loss, hospital stay, operative and post operative complications, convention rate and follow-up were all analyzed. RESULTS: 111 LRPL were performed in 111 patients with a mean age of 29.3 years (range 15-44 years). 61 procedures were right-LRPL and 50 left-LRPL. Mean operative time was 138 minutes (range 60-300 minutes). Introoperative complications appeared in 10 cases (9%), 9 vascular complications (8.1%) and 1 duodenal lesion (0.9%). Conversion to open surgery was necessary in three patients (2.7%). Mean hospital stay was 43.3 hours (range 24-120). 5 patients (4.5%) had tumor recurrence, with a mean follow-up of 30 months (range 24-94 months). Recurrences were localized in the retroperitoneum, mediastinum and lungs. Recurrence time varied between four and 64 months. CONCLUSIONS: LRPL offers oncological results equivalent to open surgery, with the advantage of being minimally invasive and its consequent decrease in morbidity. The laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy is a good option for the management of patients with stage 1 testicular cancer.

In vivo effects of local activation and blockade of 5-HT1B receptors on globus pallidus neuronal spiking.

Several morphological works have shown that the globus pallidus (GP) contains the highest density of 5-HT1B receptors within the telencephalon. However, the role of these receptors in the spiking of GP neurons in vivo is unknown. In the present work, we use single-unit extracellular recordings in the anesthetized rat to analyze changes in the firing rate of GP neurons evoked by local activation and blockade of 5-HT1B receptors. Intrapallidal administration of serotonin, or the serotonin uptake inhibitor fluoxetine, predominantly produced an excitatory effect in the basal firing rate of GP neurons. The 5-HT1B receptor agonist, L-694,247, caused a dose-dependent excitatory effect on most pallidal neurons tested. Blockade of 5-HT1B receptors by intrapallidal application of methiothepin predominantly caused inhibition in GP neurons firing rate. Moreover, methiothepin diminished the excitatory effect evoked by L-694,247. Furthermore, local serotonin did not evoke significant changes in the basal firing rate of GP neurons in unilateral striatal lesioned rats. Taken all together, these results suggest that serotonin 5-HT1B receptors significantly contribute to the control of spiking of the rat GP neurons, and that the 5-HT1B receptors exerting this control are most likely localized in the striato-pallidal pathway.

["De Morbis Artificum Diatriba." 1700-2000. ]. / De Morbis Artificum Diatriba 1700-2000.

Bernardino Ramazzini was a renowned physician and a prolific writer, born in Capri in 1633. He is considered the father of occupational medicine for having written the first paper on workers' diseases (De morbis artificum diatriba). His Treaty on Workers' diseases included 53 different professions, one particular and specific method of analysis, and a methodological proposal to prevent these diseases. This essay supports the approach taken by the father of occupational medicine and confirms that the principles established in his work are applicable to this day. A fair tribute is paid to the man and his writings in the third century after their publication. The English version of this paper is available at: http://www.insp.mx/salud/index.html.

De Morbis Artificum Diatriba 1700-2000 / De Morbis Artificum Diatriba 1700-2000

Bernardino Ramazzini was a renowned physician and a prolific writer, born in Capri in 1633. He is considered the father of occupational medicine for having written the first paper on workers' diseases (De morbis artificum diatriba). His Treaty on Workers' diseases included 53 different professions, one particular and specific method of analysis, and a methodological proposal to prevent these diseases. This essay supports the approach taken by the father of occupational medicine and confirms that the principles established in his work are applicable to this day. A fair tribute is paid to the man and his writings in the third century after their publication.

Toxicidad y efecto hipotensor de oxoborolidinona de L-arginina y su modulación por azul de metileno. Comparación con L-arginina, nitrito y nitrato / Toxicity and hypotensor effect of Oxoborolidinona of L-arginine and its modulation by methylene blue as compared to L-arginine

El óxido nítrico es sintetizado a partir de L-arginina, reacción catalizada por la enzima óxido nítrico sintasa, esta molécula de vida efímera participa en varios procesos como: regulación de presión arterial, citotoxicidad y comunicación celular. Un gran número de sus acciones son inhibidas por azul de metileno, inhibidor de la guanilato ciclasa. Moléculas análogas a la L-arginina con grupo guanidino libre, pueden funcionar como aportadores de óxidos de nitrógeno y tener acciones semejantes al óxido nítrico. En este trabajo se reporta el efecto hipotensor y toxicidad aguda de oxoborolidinona de L-arginina comparativamente con L-arginina, nitrito y nitrato, y su modulación con azul de metileno. La dosis letal media, en rata Wistar, para oxoborolidinona fue 169.0 ñ 5 mg kg-1 vía intraperitoneal y la dosis hipotensora media 10 hmoles kg-1 vía femoral; ambos parámetros fueron desplazados claramente a la derecha por el pretratamiento con azul de metileno, juzgado por las dosis letal y dosis efectiva medias, la oxoborolidinona tuvo un efecto más potente que la L-arginina y nitrato pero semejante a nitrito. En todos los casos, excepto para nitrato, los efectos fueron modulados por azul de metileno, lo que sugiere que los efectos estudiados son mediados vía óxidos de nitrógeno.