[Ultrasound in the management of the critically ill patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19): narrative review]. / Ecografía en el manejo del paciente crítico con infección por SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19): una revisión narrativa.

The clinical picture of SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) is characterized in its more severe form, by an acute respiratory failure which can worsen to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and get complicated with thrombotic events and heart dysfunction. Therefore, admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is common. Ultrasound, which has become an everyday tool in the ICU, can be very useful during COVID-19 pandemic, since it provides the clinician with information which can be interpreted and integrated within a global assessment during the physical examination. A description of some of the potential applications of ultrasound is depicted in this document, in order to supply the physicians taking care of these patients with an adapted guide to the intensive care setting. Some of its applications since ICU admission include verification of the correct position of the endotracheal tube, contribution to safe cannulation of lines, and identification of complications and thrombotic events. Furthermore, pleural and lung ultrasound can be an alternative diagnostic test to assess the degree of involvement of the lung parenchyma by means of the evaluation of specific ultrasound patterns, identification of pleural effusions and barotrauma. Echocardiography provides information of heart involvement, detects cor pulmonale and shock states.

[Analysis of the comorbidities and role of laparoscopy in recurrent abdominal pain]. / Análisis de las comorbilidades y papel de la laparoscopia en el dolor abdominal recurrente.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Recurrent abdominal pain is defined as > 3 episodes of abdominal pain accompanied by affectation of the daily activity, during > 3 months. Our objective is to analyze the role of diagnostic and/or therapeutic laparoscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, retrospective study from 2004 to 2016. Patients: <14 years with DAR who underwent laparoscopy. Variables: age, sex, history, surgical findings, histology and follow-up. RESULTS: 55 patients. Mean age: 10.7 years. Female 63, 6%. Probability of allergic comorbidity: 27.27% [16.138-40.962] (CI 95%). Probability of subsequent psychological comorbidity: 12.72% [5.27 -24.48] (95% CI). Histological changes 31/55 (56.36%): lymphoid nodular hyperplasia 10/31, appendicular inflammation 7/31, fecalite 3/31, carcinoid tumor 1/31, appendicular fibrosis 3/31, Meckel diverticulum 1/31, association of several of the above 8/31. Macroscopic alterations 31/55 (56.36%): appendicular pathology 10/31, adhesions 5/31, lymph nodes 2/31, ileitis 2/31, tubal cysts 1/31, Meckel 1/31 diverticulum, several of the previous ones 10/31. Remission of symptoms: 30/55 (54.54%). In some cases, with partial improvement (4/55) or persistence of symptoms (21/55), organic and/ or psychological cause was demonstrated (16/25). CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent abdominal pain seems to have a significant association with an allergic or psychological history. Exploratory laparoscopy is a useful diagnostic and therapeutic technique.

INTRODUCCION Y OBJETIVOS: El dolor abdominal recurrente (DAR) supone > 3 episodios de dolor abdominal acompañados de afectación de la actividad diaria, durante > 3 meses. Nuestro objetivo es analizar el papel de la laparoscopia diagnóstica y/o terapéutica. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo desde 2004 hasta 2016. Pacientes < 14 años con DAR a los que se les practicó laparoscopia. Variables: edad, sexo, antecedentes, hallazgos quirúrgicos, histología y evolución. RESULTADOS: 55 pacientes. Media de edad: 10,7 años. Mujeres 63, 6%. Probabilidad de comorbilidad alérgica: 27,27% [16,138- 40,962] (I.C 95%). Probabilidad de comorbilidad posterior psicológica: 12,72% [5,27 -24,48] (I.C 95%). Alteraciones histológicas 31/55 (56,36%): hiperplasia nodular linfoide 10/35, inflamación apendicular 7/31, fecalito 3/31, tumor carcinoide 1/31, fibrosis apendicular 3/31, divertículo de Meckel 1/31, asociación de varios de los anteriores 8/31. Alteraciones macroscópicas 31/55 (56,36%): patología apendicular 10/31, bridas 5/31, adenopatías 2/31, ileítis 2/31, quistes tubáricos 1/31, divertículo de Meckel 1/31, varios 10/31. Remisión: 30/ 55 (54,54%). En algunos casos con mejoría parcial (sin desaparición completa del dolor) (4/55) o persistencia de síntomas (21/55) se demostró causa orgánica y/o psicológica (16/25). CONCLUSIONES: El dolor abdominal recurrente parece presentar una asociación significativa con antecedentes alérgicos o psicológicos. La laparoscopia exploradora supone una técnica diagnóstica y terapéutica.

Análisis de las comorbilidades y papel de la laparoscopia en el dolor abdominal recurrente / Analysis of the comorbidities and role of laparoscopy in recurrent abdominal pain

Introducción y objetivos. El dolor abdominal recurrente (DAR) supone > 3 episodios de dolor abdominal acompañados de afectación de la actividad diaria, durante > 3 meses. Nuestro objetivo es analizar el papel de la laparoscopia diagnóstica y/o terapéutica. Material y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo desde 2004 hasta 2016. Pacientes < 14 años con DAR a los que se les practicó laparoscopia. Variables: edad, sexo, antecedentes, hallazgos quirúrgicos, histología y evolución. Resultados. 55 pacientes. Media de edad: 10,7 años. Mujeres 63, 6%. Probabilidad de comorbilidad alérgica: 27,27% [16,138- 40,962] (I.C 95%). Probabilidad de comorbilidad posterior psicológica: 12,72% [5,27 -24,48] (I.C 95%). Alteraciones histológicas 31/55 (56,36%): hiperplasia nodular linfoide 10/35, inflamación apendicular 7/31, fecalito 3/31, tumor carcinoide 1/31, fibrosis apendicular 3/31, divertículo de Meckel 1/31, asociación de varios de los anteriores 8/31. Alteraciones macroscópicas 31/55 (56,36%): patología apendicular 10/31, bridas 5/31, adenopatías 2/31, ileítis 2/31, quistes tubáricos 1/31, divertículo de Meckel 1/31, varios 10/31. Remisión: 30/ 55 (54,54%). En algunos casos con mejoría parcial (sin desaparición completa del dolor) (4/55) o persistencia de síntomas (21/55) se demostró causa orgánica y/o psicológica (16/25). Conclusiones. El dolor abdominal recurrente parece presentar una asociación significativa con antecedentes alérgicos o psicológicos. La laparoscopia exploradora supone una técnica diagnóstica y terapéutica (AU)

Introduction and objectives. Recurrent abdominal pain is defined as > 3 episodes of abdominal pain accompanied by affectation of the daily activity, during > 3 months. Our objective is to analyze the role of diagnostic and / or therapeutic laparoscopy. Material and methods. A descriptive, retrospective study from 2004 to 2016. Patients: < 14 years with DAR who underwent laparoscopy. Variables: age, sex, history, surgical findings, histology and follow-up. Results. 55 patients. Mean age: 10.7 years. Female 63, 6%. Probability of allergic comorbidity: 27.27% [16.138-40.962] (CI 95%). Probability of subsequent psychological comorbidity: 12.72% [5.27 -24.48] (95% CI). Histological changes 31/55 (56.36%): lymphoid nodular hyperplasia 10/31, appendicular inflammation 7/31, fecalite 3/31, carcinoid tumor 1/31, appendicular fibrosis 3/31, Meckel diverticulum 1/31, association of several of the above 8/31. Macroscopic alterations 31/55 (56.36%): appendicular pathology 10/31, adhesions 5/31, lymph nodes 2/31, ileitis 2/31, tubal cysts 1/31, Meckel 1/31 diverticulum, several of the previous ones 10/31. Remission of symptoms: 30/55 (54.54%). In some cases, with partial improvement (4/55) or persistence of symptoms (21/55), organic and/ or psychological cause was demonstrated (16/25). Conclusions. Recurrent abdominal pain seems to have a significant association with an allergic or psychological history. Exploratory laparoscopy is a useful diagnostic and therapeutic technique (AU)

Parasitological versus molecular diagnosis of strongyloidiasis in serial stool samples: how many?

Strongyloidiasis is usually an asymptomatic disease in immunocompetent patients, caused by Strongyloides stercoralis. However, in immunocompromised patients it can produce a severe clinical profile. Therefore, a correct diagnosis is necessary in these cases and in those chronic asymptomatic patients. The low sensitivity of classical parasitological techniques requires the analysis of multiple serial stool samples. Molecular diagnostic techniques represent an improvement in the detection of the parasite. The objective of this study was to evaluate the minimum number of samples necessary to achieve maximum sensitivity by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 116 stool samples from 39 patients were analysed by direct microscopic observation, agar culture, Harada-Mori and real-time PCR, in one, two, three and four or more consecutive samples. After two serial samples, 6 out of 39 patients were positive by parasitological and molecular techniques, while 16 of them were real-time PCR positive, and all the patients detected by parasitology were also detected by the molecular technique, reaching 100.00% sensitivity versus 83.00% when analysing a single sample. These data also reflect apparently low specificity (51.52%) and positive predictive value (PPV) (27.27 %) values, due to the high number of cases detected by real-time PCR and not by parasitological techniques. These cases were confirmed as true positives when analysing three, four or more samples from the same patient. In conclusion, the application of molecular techniques decreases the number of serial stool samples necessary to give a diagnosis with the maximum sensitivity.

[Morgagni-Larrey anterior diaphragmatic hernias. Review of 13 cases]. / Hernias diafragmáticas anteriores. Revisión de 13 casos.

OBJECTIVE: A review of anterior congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH) treated at our center, analysis of our experience and evolution in the surgical technique in pediatric patients over the last 15 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study of patients of our center with anterior CDH (Morgagni, Larrey and Morgagni-Larrey) between 2000 and 2015, through a systematic review of clinical records. The studied variables were: age at diagnosis, age at treatment, diagnostic methods, symptoms, surgical technique, evolution, complications and relapses. Posterior CDH (Bochdalek) and patients older than 14 years old were excluded. RESULTS: 13 patients (8 females) with anterior diaphragmatic hernia. Mean age at diagnosis was 29.4 months (range fetal age 4 months-14 years old) and mean age at surgery 18.5 m (range 1 day-14 years). Three left hernias (Larrey hernia) and n= 2central hernias (Morgagni-Larrey). Two patients were diagnosed prenatally, the rest of them were casual diagnoses. Symptoms: n= 6 asymptomatic, n= 4respiratory symptoms, n= 1abdominal pain, n= 1both symptoms and n= 1 hydrops fetalis. In all cases, a chest X-ray was performed, CT in n= 5 cases and US in other n= 5 patients. The surgical approach was laparoscopic in n= 7 (1 conversion due to bleeding), thoracoscopic in n= 1 (requiring conversion to laparotomy due to technical difficulty), thoracotomy in n= 1patients and laparotomy in n= 4. Prosthetic patches were necessary in n= 2 patients. During the follow-up (3.9 years, range: 1-8), there were n= 2 recurrences (laparoscopy and thoracotomy) and n= 1 exitus 2 years after surgery, due to pathology not associated with diaphragmatic hernia. CONCLUSIONS: The minimally invasive approach is considered of choice in the literature. Our group considers that most patients with anterior CDH should be considered for a laparoscopic repair. The laparoscopic approach is easily reproducible and the conversion rate is low when it is performed by expert surgeons. However, the low prevalence of this pathology would require comparative and long-term multicenter studies to obtain statistically significant conclusions.

OBJETIVO: Revisión de las hernias diafragmáticas congénitas (HDC) anteriores intervenidas en nuestro centro, análisis de nuestra experiencia y evolución de la técnica quirúrgica a lo largo de 15 años en el paciente pediátrico. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de pacientes pediátricos intervenidos de HDC anterior (Morgagni, Larrey y Morgagni-Larrey) en nuestro centro entre 2000 y 2015, mediante revisión sistemática de historias clínicas. Variables estudiadas: edad al diagnóstico, edad al tratamiento, pruebas diagnósticas, síntomas, técnica quirúrgica, evolución, complicaciones y recidivas. Fueron excluidas las hernias posteriores (Bochdaleck) y los pacientes mayores de 14 años. RESULTADOS: 13 pacientes (8 mujeres) con hernia diafragmática anterior. Media de edad al diagnóstico: 29,4 meses (rango: 4 meses de edad gestacional-14 años). Media de edad en el momento de la intervención: 18,5 meses (rango: 1 día-14 años). Tres hernias izquierdas (hernia de Larrey) y 2 centrales (Morgagni-Larrey). Dos diagnósticos prenatales, siendo el resto hallazgos casuales. Síntomas: n= 6 asintomáticos, n= 4 síntomas respiratorios, n= 1 dolor abdominal, n= 1 ambos síntomas, n= 1 hidrops fetalis. En todos los casos se realizó radiografía de tórax, en n= 5 casos TAC y en otros n= 5 ecografía. El abordaje quirúrgico fue laparoscópico en n= 7 (1 conversión por hemorragia), toracoscópico en n= 1 casos (precisando conversión a laparotomía por dificultad técnica), toracotomía en n= 1 y laparotomía en n= 4. Fue necesario el uso de parches protésicos en 2 pacientes. Seguimiento: media 3,9 años (rango: 1-8). Dos recidivas (laparoscopia y toracotomía) y n= 1 exitus a los 2 años de la intervención por patología no asociada a la hernia diafragmática. CONCLUSIONES: El abordaje mínimamente invasivo es considerado de elección en la literatura. Nuestro grupo defiende que la mayoría de los pacientes con HDC anterior deben considerarse para una reparación laparoscópica por ser fácilmente reproducible, con una tasa de conversión baja en manos de cirujanos expertos. Sin embargo, la baja prevalencia de esta patología requeriría estudios multicéntricos comparativos y prolongados en el tiempo para obtener conclusiones estadísticamente significativas.

Hernias diafragmáticas anteriores. Revisión de 13 casos / Morgagni-Larrey anterior diaphragmatic hernias. Review of 13 cases

Objetivo: Revisión de las hernias diafragmáticas congénitas (HDC) anteriores intervenidas en nuestro centro, análisis de nuestra experiencia y evolución de la técnica quirúrgica a lo largo de 15 años en el paciente pediátrico. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de pacientes pediátricos intervenidos de HDC anterior (Morgagni, Larrey y MorgagniLarrey) en nuestro centro entre 2000 y 2015, mediante revisión sistemática de historias clínicas. Variables estudiadas: edad al diagnóstico, edad al tratamiento, pruebas diagnósticas, síntomas, técnica quirúrgica, evolución, complicaciones y recidivas. Fueron excluidas las hernias posteriores (Bochdaleck) y los pacientes mayores de 14 años. Resultados: 13 pacientes (8 mujeres) con hernia diafragmática anterior. Media de edad al diagnóstico: 29,4 meses (rango: 4 meses de edad gestacional-14 años). Media de edad en el momento de la intervención: 18,5 meses (rango: 1 día-14 años). Tres hernias izquierdas (hernia de Larrey) y 2 centrales (Morgagni-Larrey). Dos diagnósticos prenatales, siendo el resto hallazgos casuales. Síntomas: n= 6 asintomáticos, n= 4 síntomas respiratorios, n= 1 dolor abdominal, n= 1 ambos síntomas, n= 1 hidrops fetalis. En todos los casos se realizó radiografía de tórax, en n= 5 casos TAC y en otros n= 5 ecografía. El abordaje quirúrgico fue laparoscópico en n= 7 (1 conversión por hemorragia), toracoscópico en n= 1 casos (precisando conversión a laparotomía por dificultad técnica), toracotomía en n= 1 y laparotomía en n= 4. Fue necesario el uso de parches protésicos en 2 pacientes. Seguimiento: media 3,9 años (rango: 1-8). Dos recidivas (laparoscopia y toracotomía) y n= 1 exitus a los 2 años de la intervención por patología no asociada a la hernia diafragmática. Conclusiones: El abordaje mínimamente invasivo es considerado de elección en la literatura. Nuestro grupo defiende que la mayoría de los pacientes con HDC anterior deben considerarse para una reparación laparoscópica por ser fácilmente reproducible, con una tasa de conversión baja en manos de cirujanos expertos. Sin embargo, la baja prevalencia de esta patología requeriría estudios multicéntricos comparativos y prolongados en el tiempo para obtener conclusiones estadísticamente significativas

Objective: A review of anterior congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH) treated at our center, analysis of our experience and evolution in the surgical technique in pediatric patients over the last 15 years. Material and methods: A retrospective descriptive study of patients of our center with anterior CDH (Morgagni, Larrey and MorgagniLarrey) between 2000 and 2015, through a systematic review of clinical records. The studied variables were: age at diagnosis, age at treatment, diagnostic methods, symptoms, surgical technique, evolution, complications and relapses. Posterior CDH (Bochdalek) and patients older than 14 years old were excluded. Results: 13 patients (8 females) with anterior diaphragmatic hernia. Mean age at diagnosis was 29.4 months (range fetal age 4 months-14 years old) and mean age at surgery 18.5 m (range 1 day-14 years). Three left hernias (Larrey hernia) and n= 2central hernias (Morgagni-Larrey). Two patients were diagnosed prenatally, the rest of them were casual diagnoses. Symptoms: n= 6 asymptomatic, n= 4respiratory symptoms, n= 1abdominal pain, n= 1both symptoms and n= 1 hydrops fetalis. In all cases, a chest X-ray was performed, CT in n= 5 cases and US in other n= 5 patients. The surgical approach was laparoscopic in n= 7 (1 conversion due to bleeding), thoracoscopic in n= 1 (requiring conversion to laparotomy due to technical difficulty), thoracotomy in n= 1patients and laparotomy in n= 4. Prosthetic patches were necessary in n= 2 patients. During the follow-up (3.9 years, range: 1-8), there were n= 2 recurrences (laparoscopy and thoracotomy) and n= 1 exitus 2 years after surgery, due to pathology not associated with diaphragmatic hernia. Conclusions: The minimally invasive approach is considered of choice in the literature. Our group considers that most patients with anterior CDH should be considered for a laparoscopic repair. The laparoscopic approach is easily reproducible and the conversion rate is low when it is performed by expert surgeons. However, the low prevalence of this pathology would require comparative and long-term multicenter studies to obtain statistically significant conclusions

[Consensus document on ultrasound training in Intensive Care Medicine. Care process, use of the technique and acquisition of professional skills]. / Documento de consenso para la formación en ecografía en Medicina Intensiva. Proceso asistencial, uso de la técnica y adquisición de competencias profesionales.

Ultrasound has become an essential tool in assisting critically ill patients. His knowledge, use and instruction requires a statement by scientific societies involved in its development and implementation. Our aim are to determine the use of the technique in intensive care medicine, clinical situations where its application is recommended, levels of knowledge, associated responsibility and learning process also implement the ultrasound technique as a common tool in all intensive care units, similar to the rest of european countries. The SEMICYUC's Working Group Cardiac Intensive Care and CPR establishes after literature review and scientific evidence, a consensus document which sets out the requirements for accreditation in ultrasound applied to the critically ill patient and how to acquire the necessary skills. Training and learning requires a structured process within the specialty. The SEMICYUC must agree to disclose this document, build relationships with other scientific societies and give legal cover through accreditation of the training units, training courses and different levels of training.

[Contribution of neuromonitoring to the safety of tracheal extubation after total thyroidectomy. Prospective study with needle electrodes]. / Contribución de la neuroestimulación a la seguridad en la extubación traqueal tras tiroidectomía total. Estudio prospectivo con electrodos de aguja.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Bilateral laryngeal paralysis cause serious respiratory complications. In thyroid surgery, neuromonitoring helps in identifying the recurrent laryngeal nerve, reports on its functioning at the end of surgery, supports decision making, and may reduce the risk of bilateral paralysis. Our objective was to estimate the influence of neuromonitoring in operative strategy and extubation safety in total thyroidectomy. METHODS: A non-randomized prospective study was conducted on 210 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy (420 laryngeal nerves stimulated included). We collected qualitative neuromonitoring variables (presence or absence of final signal after stimulation of the vagus nerve), and postoperative indirect laryngoscopy (normal motility or paralysis), performed until 3rd day after the surgery. RESULTS: The accuracy of the test was 99.5% (95% CI 98.3 to 99.9). The positive predictive value was 100% (95% CI 99.1 to 100), which showed the high ability of neuromonitoring to predict paralysis in case of loss of signal, and the negative predictive value was 99.5% (95% CI 98.3 to 99.9), which indicated its predictive capacity for normal motility when there is a normal signal. CONCLUSIONS: In our group of patients, recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring was useful in total thyroidectomy as it provided information on the prognosis of laryngeal motility, and helped in making decisions during surgery when there was signal loss. Due to the risk of serious respiratory complications due to bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, we opted for the performing of the 2-stage total thyroidectomy in case of signal loss in the first lobectomy. Thereby, neuromonitoring contributed to the safety of the airway in tracheal extubation, aiding in the prevention of a possible bilateral laryngeal paralysis.

[Primary hip replacement: first year results and predictive factors of poor outcome]. / Artroplastia primaria de cadera: resultados en el primer año y factores predictores de mala evolución.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of total hip arthroplasty in patients with osteoarthritis and to identify predictors of poor functional outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study in patients operated on in 2006 with total hip arthroplasty in 4 hospitals in Guipúzcoa, followed up for 1 year. OUTCOME VARIABLES: pain, physical function, complications, mortality, quality of life by WOMAC and SF-12 (at 0, 3, 6 and 12 months) and «Poor functional outcome¼ at one year (last quartile of the WOMAC in function area). Logistic regression was performed to examine predictors of poor functional outcome. RESULTS: A total of 166 patients were followed up. The incidence of systemic and local complications was 6.3% and 14.5%, respectively, 4.3% readmissions and no deaths related to surgery. Close to 40 points improvement in pain, stiffness and WOMAC functional limitation, mainly in the first 3 months after surgery. A similar trend was seen, but lower in the physical and mental component of the SF12 (12 and 8 points, respectively). The previous score on the WOMAC function area and the physical component of SF-12, and the existence of any complications, are predictors of poor functional recovery. DISCUSSION: The improvement experienced after the surgery is already very important before the third month. The functional and physical status before surgery and possible complications of surgery are significant determinants of the results.

[Modifiable prognostic factors in the morbidity-mortality of gastroschisis]. / Factores pronósticos modificables en la morbi-mortalidad de la gastrosquisis.

OBJECTIVE: The low incidence of gastroschisis makes impossible a consistently study of the factors that determine its evolution. The presence of other alterations associated is an important determinant of prognosis known. We analyze the factors implicated in morbidity and mortality in our center that can be modified. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study from hospital records. We analyzed the morbidity and mortality versus gestational age, mode of delivery, surgery performed, presence of prenatal diagnosis, herniated viscera and associated anomalies. We studied the postoperative differences occurred as a result of implantation of fetal surgery group. The variables were analyzed with SPSS 15.0 using non-parametric test. RESULTS: Since 1987 25 patients have been operated (12 men) with a mean birth weight of 2,328 g +/- 364. The 44% of them had prenatal diagnosis and 72% were born by cesarean. Only 4 had intestinal atresia. Preterm birth (< 36 weeks) did not improve the complications, but did reduce hospital stay in 10.68 days and the time of parenteral nutrition in 6 days. Cesarean delivery and prenatal diagnosis was improved all the previous factors. Primary closure however was associated with higher rates of postsurgical complications (46.2% vs. 18.2%). The 5 patients who died was during the immediate postoperative period, all before developing the fetal diagnostic program. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal diagnosis and preterm delivery by elective cesarean reduces the complications of gastroschisis. Interdisciplinary coordination is essential to improve the prognosis of these patients.

[Urethroplasty with lateral pedunculated flap for complicated hypospadias]. / Uretroplastia con colgajo lateral pediculado para las hipospadias complicadas.

UNLABELLED: With the modern techniques, we can resolve almost the totallity of hypospadias. But there are patients with recurrent fistulas associated to uretral stenosis that can finish all the surgical possibilities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review. Lateral based flap uretroplasty consists in the exposition of the uretra, to reconstruct in one-stage the original neourethra with the lateral skin of the penis. RESULTS: From 2008, we have correct 5 patients with a mean age of 12,1 years (9-15) and a weight of 55,34 kg (22-98 kg). All of them were previously corrected 3 to 7 times, with recurrent fistulas. At the office, stenosis urethral was verified. Surgical correction was made in 90-110 minutes and results were positive in all patients, correcting the stenosis after a follow-up of more than a year. Only the oldest two patients had present minimally glans fistula. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral based flap urethroplasty is a useful technique for the correction of the complicated fistulas, allowing the correction of the fistulas and the stenosis of the urethra.

Chemical partitioning in lightweight aggregates manufactured from washing aggregate sludge, fly ash and used motor oil.

The optimized BCR sequential extraction procedure was applied to washing aggregate sludge and fly ash, the raw materials used to produce artificial lightweight aggregates (LWAs) in a previous study. The mixtures of the raw materials and the two types of LWAs obtained have also undergone this procedure. As a result, it has been possible to evaluate the effects of the heating process on the extraction behaviour of twenty-eight elements. The thermal process reduces the availability of all the studied heavy metals, with the exception of Mo. The availability of the other elements is also reduced, with the exceptions of As and Sb, which increase in the non-residual fractions.

Factores pronósticos modificables en la morbi-mortalidad de la gastrosquisis / Modifiable prognostic factors in the morbidity-mortality of gastroschisis

Objetivo. La baja incidencia de la gastrosquisis impide el estudio consistente de los factores que determinan su evolución. La presencia de otras alteraciones asociadas es un factor determinante del pronóstico muy conocido. Queremos analizar los factores implicados en la morbi-mortalidad en nuestro centro, que podamos modificar. Material y métodos. Realizamos un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo a partir de los registros hospitalarios. Analizamos la morbi-mortalidad frente a la edad gestacional, tipo de parto, cirugía realizada, existencia de diagnóstico prenatal, vísceras herniadas y anomalías asociadas. Estudiamos las diferencias postoperatorias acontecidas a raíz de la implantación del grupo de cirugía fetal. Los variables se analizan con SPSS 15.0 utilizando test no paramétricos. Resultados. Desde 1987 se han intervenido 25 pacientes (12 varones), con un peso medio al nacimiento de 2.328 g ± 364. De ellos un 44% presentaban diagnóstico prenatal y el 72% nació por cesárea. Sólo 4 presentaban atresia intestinal. El parto pretérmino (<36 semanas) no mejoró las complicaciones, pero sí redujo la estancia hospitalaria en 10,68 días y el tiempo de nutrición parenteral en 6 días. El parto por cesárea y el diagnóstico prenatal si mejoró todos los factores previos. El cierre primario, sin embargo, se asoció a mayor tasa de complicaciones post-quirúrgicas (46,2% vs. 18,2%).Los 5 pacientes fallecidos fueron, durante el post-operatorio inmediato, todos antes del desarrollo del programa de diagnóstico fetal. Conclusiones. El diagnóstico prenatal y el parto pretérmino por cesárea electiva reducen las complicaciones de las gastrosquisis. Es fundamental la coordinación interdisciplinaria para mejorar el pronóstico de estos pacientes (AU)

Objective. The low incidence of gastroschisis makes impossible a consistently study of the factors that determine its evolution. The presence of other alterations associated is an important determinant of prognosis known. We analyze the factors implicated in morbidity and mortality in our center that can be modified. Material and methods. We performed a retrospective study from hospital records. We analyzed the morbidity and mortality versus gestational age, mode of delivery, surgery performed, presence of prenatal diagnosis, herniated viscera and associated anomalies. We studied the postoperative differences occurred as a result of implantation of fetal surgery group. The variables were analyzed with SPSS 15.0 using non-parametric test. Results. Since 1987 25 patients have been operated (12 men) with a mean birth weight of 2,328 g ± 364. The 44% of them had prenatal diagnosis and 72% were born by cesarean. Only 4 had intestinal atresia. Preterm birth (<36 weeks) did not improve the complications, but did reduce hospital stay in 10.68 days and the time of parenteral nutrition in 6 days. Cesarean delivery and prenatal diagnosis was improved all the previous factors. Primary closure however was associated with higher rates of postsurgical complications (46.2% vs. 18.2%). The 5 patients who died was during the immediate postoperative period, all before developing the fetal diagnostic program. Conclusions. Prenatal diagnosis and preterm delivery by elective cesarean reduces the complications of gastroschisis. Interdisciplinary coordination is essential to improve the prognosis of these patients (AU)

Artroplastia primaria de cadera: resultados en el primer año y factores predictores de mala evolución / Primary hip replacement: first year results and predictive factors of poor outcome

Objetivo. Evaluar los resultados del primer año en la artroplastia total de cadera de pacientes con osteoartritis e identificar los factores predictores de mala evolución funcional. Material y método. Estudio observacional, prospectivo en pacientes intervenidos en 2006 con artroplastia total de cadera en 4 hospitales de Guipúzcoa, seguidos durante un año. Variables de resultado: dolor, función física, complicaciones, mortalidad, calidad de vida mediante WOMAC y SF-12 (a 0, 3, 6 y 12 meses) y «mal resultado funcional» al año (último cuartil del WOMAC en área de función). Mediante regresión logística se estudiaron los factores predictores de mal resultado funcional. Resultados. Se incluyeron 166 pacientes. La incidencia de complicaciones sistémicas y locales fue de 6,3 y 14,5%, respectivamente, con 4,3% de reingresos y sin fallecimientos relacionados con la cirugía. Mejoría cercana a 40 puntos en dolor, rigidez y limitación funcional del WOMAC, principalmente en los primeros tres meses postintervención. Evolución similar, pero inferior en el componente físico y mental del SF12 (12 y 8 puntos respectivamente). La puntuación previa en el área de función de WOMAC y en el componente físico del SF-12, así como la existencia de alguna complicación, son factores predictores de la mala recuperación funcional. Discusión. La mejoría experimentada tras la intervención es ya muy relevante antes del tercer mes. La situación funcional y física previa a la intervención y las posibles complicaciones de la cirugía son factores determinantes de los resultados (AU)

Objective. To evaluate the results of total hip arthroplasty in patients with osteoarthritis and to identify predictors of poor functional outcome. Material and methods. A prospective observational study in patients operated on in 2006 with total hip arthroplasty in 4 hospitals in Guipúzcoa, followed up for 1 year. Outcome variables: pain, physical function, complications, mortality, quality of life by WOMAC and SF-12 (at 0, 3, 6 and 12 months) and «Poor functional outcome» at one year (last quartile of the WOMAC in function area). Logistic regression was performed to examine predictors of poor functional outcome. Results. A total of 166 patients were followed up. The incidence of systemic and local complications was 6.3% and 14.5%, respectively, 4.3% readmissions and no deaths related to surgery. Close to 40 points improvement in pain, stiffness and WOMAC functional limitation, mainly in the first 3 months after surgery. A similar trend was seen, but lower in the physical and mental component of the SF12 (12 and 8 points, respectively). The previous score on the WOMAC function area and the physical component of SF-12, and the existence of any complications, are predictors of poor functional recovery. Discussion. The improvement experienced after the surgery is already very important before the third month. The functional and physical status before surgery and possible complications of surgery are significant determinants of the results (AU)

[Role of echocardiography in the hemodynamic monitorization of critical patients]. / Papel de la ecocardiografía en la monitorización hemodinámica de los pacientes críticos.

The use of echocardiography in intensive care units in shock patients allows us to measure various hemodynamic variables in an accurate and a non-invasive manner. By using echocardiography not only as a diagnostic technique but also as a tool for continuous hemodynamic monitorization, the intensivist can evaluate various aspects of shock states, such as cardiac output and fluid responsiveness, myocardial contractility, intracavitary pressures, heart-lung interaction and biventricular interdependence. However, to date there has been little guidance orienting echocardiographic hemodynamic parameters in the intensive care unit, and intensivists are usually not familiar with this tool. In this review, we describe some of the most important hemodynamic parameters that can be obtained at the patient bedside with transthoracic echocardiography in critically ill patients.

Uretroplastia con colgajo lateral pediculado para las hipospadias complicadas / Urethroplasty with lateral pedunculated flap for complicated hypospadias

Las técnicas habituales de los hipospadias permiten resolver la práctica totalidad de esta patología con resultados muy positivos. Desgraciadamente, existen pacientes que se fistulizan repetidas veces, agotando las posibilidades quirúrgicas. Generalmente se asocian a estenosis uretral. Queremos presentar una técnica que nos ha facilitado la reparación de estos pacientes con resultados esperanzadores . Material y métodos. Revisión retrospectiva de una serie de casos. La técnica del colgajo lateral pediculado consiste en un desmontaje dela uretra y exposición de la misma, para proceder a su reconstrucción en un solo tiempo por medio de la piel lateral de la uretra que se tubulariza sobre la neouretra primitiva. Resultados. Desde 2008 hemos intervenido 5 pacientes con una edad media de 12,1 años (9-15) y un peso de 55,34 kg (22-98 kg).Previamente habían sufrido de 3 a 7 operaciones de corrección de hipospadias, siempre fistulizadas. En consulta se comprobó la estenosis uretral en todos los pacientes. La intervención se realizó en un tiempo de 90-110 minutos y los resultados fueron favorables en todos los pacientes, resolviéndose las estenosis, con un seguimiento medio superior al año. Tan solo los dos pacientes más mayores han presentado mínimas fístulas glanulares. Conclusiones. La uretroplastia con colgajo lateral pediculado es una técnica útil para el tratamiento de los hipospadias complicados permitiendo la resolución de las fístulas y, especialmente, de las estenosis de uretra (AU)

With the modern techniques, we can resolve almost the totallity of hypospadias. But there are patients with recurrent fi stulas associated touretral stenosis that can finish all the surgical possibilities. Material and methods. Retrospective review. Lateral based flapuretroplasty consists in the exposition of the uretra, to reconstruct in one-stage the original neourethra with the lateral skin of the penis. Results. From 2008, we have correct 5 patients with a mean age of 12,1 years (9-15) and a weight of 55,34 kg (22-98 kg). All of them were previously corrected 3 to 7 times, with recurrent fistulas. At the office, stenosis urethral was verified. Surgical correction was made in 90-110 minutes and results were positive in all patients, correcting the stenosis after a follow-up of more than a year. Only the oldest two patients had present minimally glansfistula. Conclusions. Lateral based flap urethroplasty is a useful technique for the correction of the complicated fistulas, allowing the correction of the fistulas and the stenosis of the urethra (AU)

Real-time G-protein-coupled receptor imaging to understand and quantify receptor dynamics.

Understanding the trafficking of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their regulation by agonists and antagonists is fundamental to develop more effective drugs. Optical methods using fluorescent-tagged receptors and spinning disk confocal microscopy are useful tools to investigate membrane receptor dynamics in living cells. The aim of this study was to develop a method to characterize receptor dynamics using this system which offers the advantage of very fast image acquisition with minimal cell perturbation. However, in short-term assays photobleaching was still a problem. Thus, we developed a procedure to perform a photobleaching-corrected image analysis. A study of short-term dynamics of the long isoform of the dopamine type 2 receptor revealed an agonist-induced increase in the mobile fraction of receptors with a rate of movement of 0.08 µm/s For long-term assays, the ratio between the relative fluorescence intensity at the cell surface versus that in the intracellular compartment indicated that receptor internalization only occurred in cells co-expressing G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2. These results indicate that the lateral movement of receptors and receptor internalization are not directly coupled. Thus, we believe that live imaging of GPCRs using spinning disk confocal image analysis constitutes a powerful tool to study of receptor dynamics.

"Naked" gold nanoparticles supported on HOPG: melanin functionalization and catalytic activity.

Reductive electrodesorption has been used to produce "naked" gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) 3 nm in size on HOPG from different thiolate-capped AuNPs. The clean AuNPs transform the electrocatalytic inert HOPG into an active surface for hydrogen peroxide electroreduction, causing a lowering of the cathodic overpotential of 0.25 V with respect to the Au(111) surface. Compared to the plain gold substrates, the nanostructures promote only a slight increase in the hydrogen evolution reaction. In a second modification step a ∼1 nm thick melanin-iron coating is electrochemically formed around the AuNPs. This ultrathin melanin-iron coating largely improves the catalytic activity of the bare AuNPs for both hydrogen peroxide electroreduction and hydrogen evolution reaction. This strategy, which integrates electrochemistry and nanotechnology, can be applied to the preparation of efficient "naked" AuNPs and organic-iron capped AuNPs catalysts.

Lumbricus terrestris L. activity increases the availability of metals and their accumulation in maize and barley.

The effect of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris L. on metal availability in two mining soils was assessed by means of chemical extraction methods and a pot experiment using crop plants. Results from single and sequential extractions showed that L. terrestris had a slight effect on metal fractionation in the studied soils: only metals bound to the soil organic matter were significantly increased in some cases. However, we found that L. terrestris significantly increased root, shoot and total Pb and Zn concentrations in maize and barley for the soil with the highest concentrations of total and available metals. Specifically, shoot Pb concentration was increased by a factor of 7.5 and 3.9 for maize and barley, respectively, while shoot Zn concentration was increased by a factor of 3.7 and 1.7 for maize and barley, respectively. Our results demonstrated that earthworm activity increases the bioavailability of metals in soils.