The Lights and the Shadows of Controlled Sting Challenge With Hymenoptera.

Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy (VIT) is effective for protecting individuals with systemic allergic reactions caused by Hymenoptera stings. The need for a tool that shows the degree of protection afforded by VIT and the lack of useful biomarkers have made the sting challenge test (SCT) the gold standard for this disorder, although its use has both lights and shadows. SCT with Hymenoptera involves causing a real sting in a patient diagnosed with allergy to the venom of the stinging insect and who is undergoing treatment with specific immunotherapy. In Spain, SCT is included in the list of services offered by some hospitals and forms part of their daily clinical practice. This review aims to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of this test and to describe the standardized procedure and necessary resources, based on the experience of a group of Spanish experts and a review of the literature.

The Lights and the Shadows of Controlled Sting Challenge With Hymenoptera

Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy (VIT) is effective for protecting individuals with systemic allergic reactions caused by Hymenopterastings. The need for a tool that shows the degree of protection afforded by VIT and the lack of useful biomarkers have made the stingchallenge test (SCT) the gold standard for this disorder, although its use has both lights and shadows. SCT with Hymenoptera involvescausing a real sting in a patient diagnosed with allergy to the venom of the stinging insect and who is undergoing treatment with specificimmunotherapy. In Spain, SCT is included in the list of services offered by some hospitals and forms part of their daily clinical practice. Thisreview aims to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of this test and to describe the standardized procedure and necessary resources,based on the experience of a group of Spanish experts and a review of the literature. (AU)

La inmunoterapia con veneno de himenóptero (ITV) es un tratamiento que se ha mostrado eficaz en la protección de sujetos con reaccionesalérgicas sistémicas por picaduras de himenópteros. La necesidad de una herramienta que demuestre el grado de protección proporcionadapor la ITV, y la ausencia de biomarcadores útiles, convierte a la Prueba de Provocación con Repicadura (PPR) en el gold standard en estapatología, con sus luces y sus sombras. La PPR con himenópteros es una prueba que consiste en provocar una picadura real, a un pacienteque ha sido diagnosticado de alergia al veneno del insecto picador y habitualmente está en tratamiento con inmunoterapia específica.En España, la PPR se incluye en la cartera de servicios de algunos hospitales, formando parte de su práctica clínica habitual. Esta revisióntrata de analizar las fortalezas y debilidades de esta prueba, integrando el procedimiento estandarizado y recursos necesarios, basándoseen la experiencia de un grupo de expertos españoles y en la revisión de la literatura. (AU)

Respuesta inmune disfuncional en pacientes con COVID-19. ¿Qué nos dice la evidencia? / Dysfunctional immune response in COVID-19 patients. What does the evidence tell us?

In December 2019 a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was identified in Wuhan, China, and became rapidly the worst pandemic in 100 years. Coronaviruses are respiratory viruses that can cause diseases ranging from mild to fatal lower respiratory tract infections. In a fraction of the affected patients, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission, both associated with high mortality. To date, the existing evidence suggests a leading role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19, including mechanisms associated with hyperinflammation, immune evasion, cytokine release syndrome, depletion of functional T cells, and ineffective humoral immunity. Here we discuss the current evidence regarding these findings.

Susceptibility of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) and Its Parasitoid Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) to Entomopathogenic Fungi under Laboratory Conditions.

Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama) is a global pest of citrus that transmits the bacteria associated with the disease, Huanglongbing. Entomopathogenic fungi and the parasitoid Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) are important biological control agents of this pest and likely to interact in D. citri populations. As a basis for interaction studies, we determined the susceptibility of nymphs and adults of D. citri and adults of the parasitoid T. radiata to six fungal isolates from the species Beauveria bassiana s.l. (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. (isolates B1 and B3), Metarhizium anisopliae s.s. (Metsch.) (Ma129 and Ma65) and Isaria fumosorosea Wize (I2 and Pae). We conducted experiments evaluating infection levels in all three insect groups following inoculation with a series of conidial concentrations (1 × 104-1 × 108 conidia mL-1). Results showed that D. citri nymphs and T. radiata were more susceptible to fungal isolates than D. citri adults. Overall, B. bassiana and M. anisopliae isolates caused the greatest infection compared with I. fumosorosea isolates in all three groups of insects. Isolates B1 (B. bassiana) and Ma129 (M. anisopliae) infected a greater proportion of adults and nymphs of D. citri, respectively. Both isolates of B. bassiana caused greater infection in T. radiata compared with isolates of the other fungal species. We propose that isolates B1 and Ma129 are the strongest candidates for control of D. citri. Our results represent the first report of entomopathogenic fungi infecting T. radiata, and the basis for future studies to design a biological control programme that uses both agents more efficiently against D. citri populations.

Diversity in warning coloration is easily recognized by avian predators.

Warning coloration is a widespread strategy to alert predators about prey unprofitability. The success of this strategy partly depends on predators being able to learn and recognize certain signals as indicators of toxicity, and theory predicts that this is easier if signals converge on similar colours. However, the diversity in warning signal form is astonishing, contradicting predictions. Here, we quantified ladybird signal diversity with respect to avian vision, measuring how unique and discernible each signal is from one another. In addition, we measured signal conspicuousness against a series of backgrounds, namely an average green, average brown, and where we collected each species, to determine whether signals are more contrasting against the ladybirds' local substrates than compared to average ones. This allowed us to establish whether there are local adaptations in conspicuousness that promote signal diversity. We found that while ladybird signals are unique and recognizable, specialist species are more contrasting against the background they are most commonly found on. However, overall our study suggests that warning signals have evolved to be effective against a wide range of natural backgrounds, partly explaining the success of this strategy in nature.

Xenotransplantation of human adipose-derived stem cells in the regeneration of a rabbit peripheral nerve.

Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs) are useful in the regeneration of neural tissues. Furthermore, xenotransplantation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAdMSCs) into animal models has already been tested and the results encouraged us to study peripheral nerve regeneration in rabbits, in order to test the feasibility of a xenotransplantation of hAdMSCs. ANIMALS AND METHOD: To promote end-to-end nerve fiber contacts of a 4-cm gap in the peroneal nerve of white New Zealand rabbits, an autologous vein conduit was used and three groups of animals were evaluated. In Group I, the gap was repaired with a vein conduit refilled with fibrin. Group II was similar, but the animals were treated with cyclosporine A. In Group III, a fibrin scaffold with hAdMSCs was placed inside the autologous vein conduit, and animals were treated with cyclosporine A. Neurofilament immunohistochemistry results showed 100% nerve regeneration at the vein guidance channel 90 days after the surgery in the hAdMSC-transplanted group but lesser neural regeneration in the neurofilaments of groups I and II. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) test showed statistically significant differences among all groups (p < 0.04). Group III exclusively tested positive for human monoclonal anti-mitochondrial antibody. Electron microscopy images showed tiny bundles, with a predominance of nonmyelinated axons. Myelinated axons caused irregular thickness of the myelin sheath, which was especially observed in group III. CONCLUSIONS: Xenotransplantation of hAdMSCs into a fibrin scaffold promoted nerve regeneration through a vein conduit that connected a 4-cm gap created at the peroneal nerve of rabbits. Animals treated with hAdMSCs presented negative inflammatory response at the regenerated nerve gaps, but it was demonstrated that hAdMSCs were incorporated to the new nerve creating neural tissue and endothelial cells. However, hAdMSCs required immunosuppression with cyclosporine A to achieve axonal regeneration.

Estado actual de las terapias con células madre derivadas de tejido adiposo en elámbito de la Cirugía Plástica / The state of the adipose-derived stem cell therapies in Plastic Surgery

Durante la última década, la terapia celular ha emergido como una estrategia útil en el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades como la isquemia miocárdica y las fístulas en la enfermedad de Crohn; pero últimamente, hay también ya líneas de investigación centradas en su uso en reconstrucción mamaria, cuyos resultados van siendo publicados paulatinamente. Existen varios tipos de células madre adultas que han sido investigadas en estudios preclínicos y clínicos diseñados para este propósito: células de medula ósea, células del sistema circulatorio y mioblastos y, recientemente se está trabajando en una población de células madre en el tejido adiposo ,que presentan una fácil extracción y manipulación. Estas células son capaces de diferenciarse en múltiples líneas celulares, como los adipocitos y las células endoteliales entre otras. En el presente artículo, trataremos de hacer una revisión de los principios básicos de las células madre derivadas del tejido adiposo (tipos, características, procesos de obtención y multiplicación), los primeros estudios experimentales y los ensayos clínicos que están siendo realizados en la actualidad (AU)

Over the past decade, cell therapy has emerged as a new approach to reverse several diseases as myocardialischemia and fistula in Crohn disease; but lately new efforts are centered in breast reconstruction. Several types of adult stem cell have been studied in both preclinical and clinical condition for this purpose: bone marrow cells, circulating cells, and myoblasts. Recently the existence of a population of stem cells located in the adipose tissue has been observed. These cells are able to differentiate into multiple cell lineage including adipocytes and endothelial cells. In this review we discuss the basic principle of adipose-derived stem cell (types, characteristic, harvesting and expansion), the initial experimental studies and the currently on going clinical trials (AU)

Detecting lymph nodes metastasis in prostate cancer through extended vs. standard laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: Pelvic lymphadenectomy is the best method for staging localized prostate cancer. There is no consensus about how the pelvic lymphadenectomy should be performed for patients with cT2, Gleason score 7 or higher, PSA higher than 10 ng/mL. Scintigraphic studies of prostate lymph drainage show that many lymph nodes are not dissected according to the current recommendation of lymphadenectomy which could explain the high rate of cancer recurrence. The objectives of this work are an analysis of the local lymph node metastasis according to the preoperative data (digital examination, PSA and Gleason score) and a comparison between laparoscopic extended and limited pelvic lymphadenectomy, for staging, their technique and complications. METHODS: Two groups were created for analysis. The indications for laparoscopic pelvic lymph-adenectomy are the following: preoperative PSA 10 ng/mL or higher, Gleason score 7 or higher and/or digital examination cT2. Patients with suspected distant metastasis were excluded. The first group is composed of the patients who under-went a limited laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy (LLPL) between January 1995 and December 2002. The medical data were analyzed retrospectively. The second group was created with patients who received extended laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy (ELPL). These data were consecutively collected between November 2006 and October 2007. LLPL was the extraction of the external iliac and obturator lymph nodes. ELPL included, additionally, dissection of the internal iliac lymph nodes as well as tissue medial to the genitofemoral nerve. Histopathological findings were compared with serum PSA, histopathological stage and preoperative biopsy. Complications, operating time, and number of extracted lymph nodes were also compared. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, serum PSA or mean biopsy Gleason between two groups. The first group (LPLL) is composed of 381 patients and the second (ELPL), 163. The mean operating time was 72.5 minutes for LLPL and 84.3 for ELPL. The mean number of lymph nodes extracted was 13.8 (LLPL) and 31.1 (ELPL). Metastases were detected in 18.8% (LLPL) and 24.7% (ELPL). In 37.5% of cases, the metastasis occurred in lymph nodes outside from those dissected by LPLL. The rates of complications and conversion rate were not significantly different for the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with clinically localized prostate cancer, ELPL is associated with a higher rate of detection of lymph node metastasis outside of the field dissected in the LPLL. Pelvic lymphadenectomy, especially extraction of the lymph nodes of the internal iliac is important in patients with preoperative Gleason score 7 or greater and/or serum PSA greater than 10 ng/mL. Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy does not augment the rate of complications and is an excellent technique in prostate cancer staging.

Reconstrucción de defectos torácicos de espesor total. Presentación de 8 casos de especial complejidad / Reconstruction of full thickness defects on the chest wall. Presentation of 8 complex cases

Las lesiones de gran tamaño en el tórax, requieren casi siempre para su reparación plastias complejas, que en algunos casos han de combinar el uso de tejidos autólogos y/o materiales sintéticos. Por tanto, la reconstrucción de la pared torácica supone un desafío desde el punto de vista reconstructivo en el que es fundamental el papel de los cirujanos plásticos. Los grandes defectos torácicos suelen ser secundarios a exéresis tumoral (tumores parietales de origen primario o secundario), infecciones, radionecrosis, traumatismos y malformaciones congénitas. Si bien los principios de la reconstrucción del tórax exigen una escisión amplia de la lesión, desbridamiento de los tejidos desvitalizados o irradiados y control de la infección local, dichas actuaciones no podrían abordarse con seguridad si no dispusiéramos de un amplio arsenal de técnicas reconstructivas, capaces de aportar tejidos sanos y bien vascularizados o voluminosos y amplios en superficie, junto con soportes rígidos mediante materiales aloplásticos. Gracias a estos avances, en la mayoría de los casos conseguimos el objetivo con sólo una intervención, cuando hace unos años necesitábamos varios procedimientos quirúrgicos. Presentamos una muestra variada de la experiencia de nuestro Servicio en el tratamiento de grandes defectos del tórax, en el que resumimos las distintas posibilidades que podemos encontrar en la práctica clínica diaria, y las soluciones que mejor se adaptan a las mismas (AU)

Reconstruction of full thickness defects on the chest wall is controversial and require the use of complex techniques that combine autologous tissue and/or alloplastic materials. Thus it is a challenge for plastic surgeons since it needs a suitable and functional reconstruction. The aethiology for these defects include tumoral surgery (primary wall tumors, or recurrences or metastasis), infections, radiation injury, trauma and congenital defects. Otherwise, first surgical treatment require wide resection of the tumor or ischaemic or radiated tissue and control of the infection, but these principles could not be safely faced without the multiple reconstructive techniques that can afford the use of well vascularized, large or bulky tissues to reconstruct this anatomical area in combination with alloplastic materials, in order to give a solid stabilization. Thanks to these advances, we can actually perform our objectives in only one procedure. We present a selection of complex chest wall defects tha thave been operated in the last years by our surgical team. We will describe the solutions and the results obtained by means of a variety of possible flaps and synthetic materials (AU)

Linfoma de células T/NK extranodal tipo nasal / Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type

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Hypersensitivity to penicillin V with good tolerance to other beta-lactams.

A 24 year-old man developed an anaphylactic reaction within thirty minutes of an oral administration of penicillin V. He suffered from recurrent streptococal pharyngitis that was usually treated with penicillin V with good tolerance. Skin prick and intradermal tests with penicilloyl-polylysine, minor determinant mixture, amoxicillin, ampicillin and cefuroxima were negative. However, a skin prick test with penicillin V was positive in the patient and negative in 10 controls. Determination of specific (Immunogloblulin (Ig) E to penicillin V was 0.64 kU/L. Specific IgE to penicillin G, amoxicillin and ampicillin were all negative. Single blind controlled oral challenge with amoxicillin and cefuroxime were both negative. This is an exceptional case of an anaphylactic reaction induced by phenoxymethylpenicillin with positive allergologic study in vivo and in vitro tests and with negative allergological study to other beta-lactams.

Herniación diafragmática en un recién nacido con sepsis por estreptococo «agalactiae» y distrés respiratorio / Postnatal diaphragmatic hernia in a newborn with group B streptococcal sepsis and respiratory distress

La hernia diafragmática congénita constituye una importante causa de morbimortalidad neonatal, no tanto por su incidencia (1 de cada 2.500-5.000 recién nacidos vivos), sino por su elevada mortalidad, próxima al 40-50%, según series, y pese a su correcto diagnóstico prenatal y manejo posnatal. Si bien la entidad clásica constituye un defecto diafragmático con presencia intratorácica de vísceras abdominales y un grado variable de hipoplasia pulmonar, en general, mediante el diagnóstico prenatal se han establecido otras posibilidades en su presentación, como formas más leves de diagnóstico tardío o, como en el caso que se presenta, la herniación posnatal en un recién nacido afectado por distrés respiratorio persistente y sepsis por estreptococo agalactiae. Se remarca la importancia de un alto grado de sospecha diagnóstica ante la asociación neonatal de clínica respiratoria persistente y de infección por estreptococo agalactiae

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia represents an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality; not for its frequency (1 in 2,500 to 5,000 live births) as much as the high mortality, nearly 40% to 50% according to different authors, despite correct prenatal diagnosis and postnatal management. The classical presentation is that of a diaphragmatic defect with herniation of abdominal organs into the thoracic cavity and varying degrees of pulmonary hypoplasia. It is usually diagnosed prenatally and symptoms generally are detected early. Nevertheless, there are milder forms with delayed diagnosis, but better prognosis. We present the case of a newborn with postnatal diaphragmatic hernia in association with persistent respiratory distress and group B streptococcal infection. We stress the importance of a high index of suspicion in a newborn with persistent respiratory symptoms and group B streptococcal sepsis

[Analog gamma camera digitalization computer system]. / Un sistema de digitalización de gamma cámaras analógicas.

OBJECTIVE: Digitalization of analogue gamma cameras systems, using special acquisition boards in microcomputers and appropriate software for acquisition and processing of nuclear medicine images is described in detail. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Microcomputer integrated systems interconnected by means of a Local Area Network (LAN) and connected to several gamma cameras have been implemented using specialized acquisition boards. The PIP software (Portable Image Processing) was installed on each microcomputer to acquire and preprocess the nuclear medicine images. A specialized image processing software has been designed and developed for these purposes. This software allows processing of each nuclear medicine exam, in a semiautomatic procedure, and recording of the results on radiological films. RESULTS: . A stable, flexible and inexpensive system which makes it possible to digitize, visualize, process, and print nuclear medicine images obtained from analogue gamma cameras was implemented in the Nuclear Medicine Division. Such a system yields higher quality images than those obtained with analogue cameras while keeping operating costs considerably lower (filming: 24.6%, fixing 48.2% and developing 26%.) CONCLUSIONS: Analogue gamma camera systems can be digitalized economically. This system makes it possible to obtain optimal clinical quality nuclear medicine images, to increase the acquisition and processing efficiency, and to reduce the steps involved in each exam.

Un sistema de digitalización de gamma cámaras analógicas / Analogue gamma camera digitalization computer system

Objetivo. Se describe un sistema de digitalización de gamma cámaras analógicas, integrado por tarjetas de adquisición montadas en microcomputadores, y software adecuado para la adquisición y procesamiento de las imágenes digitales. Material y métodos. Se implementa un sistema formado por microcomputadores interconectados mediante una Red de Area Local (LAN), y conectados a cada gamma cámara mediante una tarjeta de adquisición especializada. En cada computador, se instala además, el software PIP (Portable Image Processing) para realizar la adquisición y pre-procesamiento de las imágenes adquiridas. Se diseña y desarrolla un software de procesamiento de imágenes, con el cual es posible procesar cada examen obtenido con las gamma cámaras, cuantificar valores y curvas de manera semiautomática, e imprimirlos en placas radiológicas. Resultados. Se obtiene un sistema robusto, flexible y económico, que permite digitalizar, visualizar, procesar, e imprimir las imágenes de medicina nuclear adquiridas mediante las gamma cámaras analógicas existentes en el Servicio de Medicina Nuclear. Mediante este sistema se obtienen imágenes de mejor calidad (con respecto a las obtenidas con las gamma cámaras analógicas), y se obtiene una disminución considerable en el uso de los insumos (Película: 24,6 por ciento, Fijador: 48,2 por ciento, y Revelador: 26,0 por ciento).Conclusiones. Es posible digitalizar sistemas de gamma cámaras analógicas, de manera económica. Obteniéndose así imágenes de calidad clínica óptima, aumentando la eficiencia, y produciendo un ahorro en los insumos (AU)

Effect of melatonin on hyperlipidemic nephropathy under constant light exposure.

Studies have shown anti-hyperlipidemic actions of melatonin, with pharmacological doses inducing changes in cholesterol levels. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of melatonin on adriamycin-induced (25mg/kg b.w., i.p.) hyperlipidemia under constant light exposure. Melatonin was injected i.p. (1,000 microg/kg b.w./day). Triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, light-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-proteic nitrogen compounds (urea and creatinine levels), total protein in serum, proteins eliminated in the urine and melatonin levels in serum and kidney were determined. Results show a decrease in melatonin levels induced by both adriamycin and constant light. Likewise, adriamycin induced significant increases in triglycerides, total cholesterol and light-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lowered high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Constant light exposure also prompted an increase in LDL-c levels and a decrease in HDL-c values, and intensified the effects of adriamycin on these two lipoproteins. All changes induced by adriamycin and constant light were reverted toward normality by melatonin administration.

[Determinants of professional status among physicians in Mexico]. / Determinantes del estatus profesional de los médicos en México.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored a number of factors that determine the professional status of physicians in Mexico. METHODS: Using structural equation modelling techniques, causal models were developed to investigate the determinants of professional status within the medical field. RESULTS: The findings suggest that the proposed stratification process in the causal model has empirical support. In the prestige dimension, there is an adscriptive effect of gender, the resultant gender segregated the Mexican medical profession; in addition the achievement effects of medical education and work history within significant occupational and bureaucratic structures. In the economic dimension, the ascriptive effect of gender and the resultant differential in income and job opportunities of female physicians exist. CONCLUSIONS: Although social origin seems to have a weak effect on the dimensions of professional status, it is suggested that both medical education and employment history were both significant positive determinants of professional status in the Mexican medical system. On the other hand, there are still significant gender inequities in the stratification structure of the medical profession.

[Evaluation of a program monitoring the quality of the services provided by a non-governmental organization]. / Evaluación de un programa de monitoría de la calidad de los servicios otorgados por una Organización no Gubernamental.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a quality-monitoring program on the occurrence of sentinel events and on attitudes and behaviors of personnel's responses in a Non-Governmental-Organization (NGO). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1998 and 1999, a quasi-experimental design of the before-after type was conducted in 13 NGO clinics. Analysis of changes in attitudes and behaviors consisted in differences of means and analysis of variance between groups. RESULTS: The number of sentinel events decreased from 32 events detected before the quality-monitoring program to only 2 after it. Attitudes and behaviors improved, with differences of means of +1.1 and +1.2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The quality-monitoring program achieved the expected effects. It is noteworthy that attitudes and behaviors to prevent the occurrence of sentinel events were more prevalent after the intervention.

[Medical technology and health. A lot of crunching but few nuts?]. / Las tecnologías médicas y la salud. Mucho ruido y pocas nueces?

The present work pretend to describe the development achieved in the field of health technology assessment and to propose a set of criteria to evaluate them, with the intention that it will lead to the development of health programs and policy with a tendency to maximize effectiveness, efficiency and quality, within a frame of increasing needs and scarce technical and economic resources for health care. For this work, a comprehensive review was carried out about the background of health technology adoption in our country, and the context by which to evaluate the accessibility and utilization of the health technology. In the section for technology assessment, it is propose a method to evaluate based upon the natural history of disease, that is, the traditional form of health assessment is restricted to a cross section in time (vertical evaluation), and in this study the authors propose a model with a horizontal approach, that should offer as its main virtues the development of guidelines with regards to prevention, diagnosis and treatment, in addition to cost containment, in support to a more effective and higher quality medical practice.