Lesión permanente de las capas internas de la retina en una paciente con migraña: un caso diferente de maculopatía paracentral aguda media / Permanent damage of the inner retinal layers in a patient with migraine: A different case of paracentral acute middle maculopathy

Presentamos el caso de una paciente mujer de 20 años que consultó por un escotoma paracentral en su ojo izquierdo que no había desaparecido después de una crisis de migraña 2 días antes. La exploración realizada evidenció la presencia de 2 áreas de palidez retiniana sugestivas de isquemia aguda. Tras descartar varias causas de isquemia retiniana aguda, se llegó al diagnóstico de un síndrome vasoespástico retiniano. Un año después, la paciente presenta una atrofia de las capas internas de la retina afectada y sufre un escotoma paracentral crónico en su ojo izquierdo. Los vasoespasmos retinianos pueden provocar un daño irreversible y crónico debido a la destrucción tisular por la isquemia. Este inusual caso describe una lesión permanente secundaria a un vasoespasmo arterial tras una crisis de migraña. El hallazgo de lesiones retinianas características y la historia de migraña hacen el diagnóstico compatible con un episodio de maculopatía paracentral aguda media (AU)

We report the case of a 20-year-old patient who presented a paracentral scotoma in her left eye that had not disappeared after a migraine attack 2 days before. Ocular examination showed 2 pale paracentral areas suggesting an acute ischemia insult. Several causes of retinal ischemia were ruled out and the patient was diagnosed with secondary retinal vasospasm. One year later, the patient suffers an atrophy of the inner layers of the affected retina and has a paracentral chronic scotoma in her left eye. Retinal vasospasms can result in irreversible lesions and chronic symptoms due to ischemia and cell destruction. This unusual case reports a permanent damage due to retinal vasospasm secondary to migraine attack. The finding of typical lesions and the history of migraine could be compatible with the diagnosis of paracentral acute middle maculopathy (AU)

Permanent damage of the inner retinal layers in a patient with migraine: a different case of paracentral acute middle maculopathy.

We report the case of a 20-year-old patient who presented a paracentral scotoma in her left eye that had not disappeared after a migraine attack two days before. Ocular examination showed two pale paracentral areas suggesting an acute ischemia insult. Several causes of retinal ischemia were ruled out and the patient was diagnosed with secondary retinal vasospasm. One year later, the patient suffers an atrophy of the inner layers of the affected retina and has a paracentral chronic scotoma in her left eye. Retinal vasospasms can result in irreversible lesions and chronic symptoms due to ischemia and cell destruction. This unusual case reports a permanent damage due to retinal vasospasm secondary to migraine attack. The finding of typical lesions and the history of migraine could be compatible with the diagnosis of paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM).

Beneficios perioperatorios progresivos de la laparoscopia y su combinación con un programa Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) en la cistectomía radical con derivación urinaria heterotópica / Progressive perioperative benefits of laparoscopy in combination with an ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol in radical cystectomy with ileal conduit

Introducción: Aunque en los últimos años la laparoscopia y los protocolos de rehabilitación multimodal Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) han demostrado mejorar la recuperación postoperatoria en la cistectomía radical (CR), la eficacia clínica de su asociación aún sigue en estudio. Nuestro objetivo es analizar los posibles beneficios obtenidos de la CR laparoscópica (CRL) y su posterior combinación con ERAS (ERAS-CRL) frente a la CR abierta (CRA).Material y métodosAnalizamos 187CR consecutivas con derivación urinaria heterotópica realizadas en nuestro centro, de las cuales 139 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión: 47CRA, 39CRL (ambas con protocolo convencional) y 52 ERAS-CRLResultadosNo se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto a edad, sexo, IMC y ASA entre los 3 grupos. ERAS-CRL obtuvo una estancia hospitalaria más corta que CRL y CRA (mediana 8 [7-10]) vs. 13 [10-17] vs. 15 [13-19,5] días, respectivamente; p<0,001). ERAS-CRL también tuvo una estancia más corta en la UCI y menos días de sonda nasogástrica (p<0,001). Las complicaciones postoperatorias y los reingresos fueron similares en los 3 grupos. La ausencia de complicaciones, una edad más joven y ERAS fueron factores independientes relacionados con una menor estancia hospitalaria, mientras que ERAS fue el único factor independiente asociado con un menor reingreso a los 90 días.ConclusionesAunque la CRL presentó beneficios perioperatorios respecto a la CRA, los resultados fueron mejores tras la implementación de un programa ERAS, siendo el impacto de este último más importante que la técnica quirúrgica utilizada. (AU)

Introduction: Although in the recent years, laparoscopy and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have improved postoperative recovery in radical cystectomy (RC), the clinical efficacy of their association remains unclear. Our objective is to analyze the possible benefits obtained from laparoscopic RC (LRC) and its subsequent combination with an ERAS (ERAS-LRC) protocol compared to open RC (ORC).Material and methodsWe analyzed 187 consecutive RCs with ileal conduit performed in our center, of which 139 met the inclusion criteria: 47 ORC, 39 LRC (both with conventional protocol) and 52 ERAS-LRCs.ResultsNo significant differences were found regarding age, sex, BMI and ASA score between groups. ERAS-LRC obtained a shorter length of stay than LRC and ORC (median 8 [7-10]) vs. 13 [10-17] vs. 15 [13-19.5] days, respectively; P<.001). ERAS-LRC had a shorter stay in the ICU and less days of nasogastric tube (P<.001). Postoperative complications and readmission rates were similar among groups. Multivariate logistic regression showed that absence of complications, younger age and ERAS behaved as independent factors for shorter hospital stay, while ERAS was the only independent factor of lower readmission rate at 90 days.ConclusionsAlthough LRC presented perioperative benefits compared to ORC, the results were better after the implementation of an ERAS protocol. ERAS protocol had stronger impact on recovery than the surgical approach of the procedure. (AU)

Progressive perioperative benefits of laparoscopy in combination with an ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol in radical cystectomy with ileal conduit. / Beneficios perioperatorios progresivos de la laparoscopia y su combinación con un programa Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) en la cistectomía radical con derivación urinaria heterotópica.

INTRODUCTION: Although in the recent years, laparoscopy and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have improved postoperative recovery in radical cystectomy (RC), the clinical efficacy of their association remains unclear. Our objective is to analyze the possible benefits obtained from laparoscopic RC (LRC) and its subsequent combination with an ERAS (ERAS-LRC) protocol compared to open RC (ORC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 187 consecutive RCs with ileal conduit performed in our center, of which 139 met the inclusion criteria: 47 ORC, 39 LRC (both with conventional protocol) and 52 ERAS-LRCs. RESULTS: No significant differences were found regarding age, sex, BMI and ASA score between groups. ERAS-LRC obtained a shorter length of stay than LRC and ORC (median 8 [7-10]) vs. 13 [10-17] vs. 15 [13-19.5] days, respectively; P<.001). ERAS-LRC had a shorter stay in the ICU and less days of nasogastric tube (P<.001). Postoperative complications and readmission rates were similar among groups. Multivariate logistic regression showed that absence of complications, younger age and ERAS behaved as independent factors for shorter hospital stay, while ERAS was the only independent factor of lower readmission rate at 90 days. CONCLUSIONS: Although LRC presented perioperative benefits compared to ORC, the results were better after the implementation of an ERAS protocol. ERAS protocol had stronger impact on recovery than the surgical approach of the procedure.

Ictericia congestiva desenmascarada con la ecografía clínica / Unmasking congestive jaundice with point-of-care ultrasound

No disponible

Short-Term Evaluation of Left Ventricular Mass and Function in Children With Growth Hormone Deficiency After Replacement Treatment.

Background: Our study was designed to assess the effects of GHD on nutritional and metabolic parameters, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, and left ventricular mass (LVM) in prepubertal children and after short-term GH replacement therapy. Materials and Methods: This prospective study enrolled 81 children. We compared 40 GHD children (16 males and 24 females) to 41 healthy children (control group) (18 males and 23 females). All subjects were at Tanner Stage I (aged 7-11 years). At the baseline, a blood sample was drawn and echocardiographic images were obtained. These tests were repeated on the GHD subjects after 6 months of GH replacement therapy. Body surface, weight, size, blood pressure, heart rate, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, HOMA-ß, QUICKI, cholesterol, HDLc, LDLc, triglycerides, IGF1, and IGFBP3 were measured. Indexed LVM, diastolic and systolic diameter (dD-sD), diastolic and systolic LV function, isovolumic relaxation time, right ventricle function, and BNP levels were obtained through echocardiography. These parameters were correlated to growth factors. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test or U-Mann-Whitney-test and Pearson's correlation, considering p < 0.05 to be significant. Results: Indexed LVM was smaller in GHD patients than in controls, whereas diastolic and systolic functions, BNP, metabolic, and nutritional profiles were similar. After treatment, nutritional and metabolic profiles significantly improved, though diastolic and systolic functions did not seem to have changed. There was a significant increase in LVM. Indexed LVM was similar to that of controls. Significant correlations were obtained between LVM-IGF1 and sD-IGFBP3. Conclusions: GHD in childhood is associated with a lower indexed LVM. In the short-term, GH increases the indexed LVM, while maintaining normal systolic and diastolic functions, BNP, and an improved lipid profile.

Randomized, double-blind study comparing percutaneous electrolysis and dry needling for the management of temporomandibular myofascial pain.

BACKGROUND: To assess whether the techniques of percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) and deep dry needling (DDN) used on trigger points (TrP) of lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) can significantly reduce pain and improve function in patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) compared to a control group treated with a sham needling procedure (SNP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients diagnosed with MPS in the LPM were selected and randomly assigned to one of three groups. The PNE group received electrolysis to the LPM via transcutaneous puncture. The DDN group received a deep puncture to the TrP without the introduction of any substance. In the SNP group, pressure was applied to the skin without penetration. Procedures were performed once per week for 3 consecutive weeks. Clinical evaluation was performed before treatment, and on days 28, 42 and 70 after treatment. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (p <0.01) were measured for the PNE and DDN groups with respect to pain reduction at rest, during chewing, and for maximum interincisal opening (MIO). Values for the PNE group showed significantly earlier improvement. Differences for PNE and DDN groups with respect to SNP group were significant (p <0.05) up to day 70. Evaluation of efficacy as reported by the patient and observer was better for PNE and DDN groups. No adverse events were observed for either of the techniques. CONCLUSIONS: PNE and DDN of the LPM showed greater pain reduction efficacy and improved MIO compared to SNP. Improvement was noted earlier in the PNE group than in the DDN group.

Nefrectomía parcial laparoscópica: estudio comparativo entre la vía transperitoneal y la vía retroperitoneal / Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: Comparative study of the transperitoneal pathway and the retroperitoneal pathway

Introducción: La nefrectomía parcial laparoscópica es el tratamiento recomendado en aquellos tumores con un tamaño inferior a 4 cm en los cuales sea factible. Dependiendo de la localización del tumor se considerará la vía transperitoneal (VTP) o la vía retroperitoneal directa(VRP). Objetivo: Comparar las nefrectomías parciales VTP y VRP realizadas entre 2007-2016. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 71 pacientes sometidos a VTP (42) y VRP (29). Se han evaluado características propias de los pacientes y del tumor, incluyendo la complejidad tumoral (PADUA, RENAL,C-index). Se compararon variables perioperatorias, incluyendo las complicaciones, entre ambas vías. Resultados: No encontramos diferencias en cuanto a edad, género, Charlson o IMC. Encontramos una mayor proporción de pacientes con cirugía mayor abdominal previa en la VRP (7,1 vs. 24,1%; p = 0,043). No hallamos diferencias en el tamaño, en la lateralidad ni la polaridad, ni en la complejidad de los tumores en ninguno de los scores evaluados. Encontramos diferencias significativas en la localización del tumor (anterior/medio/posterior) entre la VTP y la VRP (54,8/31/14,3 vs. 3,4/13,8/82,8%; p < 0,001). No encontramos diferencias en el tiempo quirúrgico ni en los días de estancia. La VTP presentó una menor apertura de la vía urinaria (4,8 vs. 27,6%; p = 0,007) y un mayor porcentaje de pacientes con renorrafia hemostática (47,6 vs. 17,2%; p = 0,008). No se encontró diferencia en la necesidad de isquemia caliente, en los cambios en la hemoglobina ni en el filtrado glomerular. La tasa de complicaciones es similar entre ambas series. Conclusión Ambas vías muestran resultados similares en cuanto a la preservación de la función renal, las complicaciones y los resultados oncológicos. A pesar de ello, consideramos que es recomendable conocer ambas técnicas y adaptar el tipo de acceso al caso clínico

Introduction: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is the recommended treatment for tumours smaller than 4 cm in cases where it is feasible. Depending on the location of the tumour, the transabdominal or direct retroperitoneal pathway may be considered. Objective: To compare the transperitoneal (TPPN) and direct retroperitoneal (RPPN) partial nephrectomies performed between 2007 and 2016. Material and methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 71 patients who underwent TPPN (42) or direct RPPN (29) partial nephrectomy. We evaluated the characteristics of the patients and tumours, including tumour complexity (PADUA, RENAL, C-index). We compared perioperational variables, including the complications between the 2 pathways. Results: We found no differences in terms of age, sex, Charlson's score and BMI. A larger proportion of patients in the direct RPPN group had prior major abdominal surgery (7.1 vs. 24.1%; P = .043). There were no differences in tumour size, laterality, polarity or complexity in any of the assessed scores. There were significant differences in tumour location (anterior/middle/posterior) between the TPPN and RPPN groups (54.8/31/14.3 vs. 3.4/13.8/82.8%; P < .001). There were no differences in the surgical time or length of stay. The TPPN group had a smaller urinary tract opening (4.8 vs. 27.6%; P = .007) and a higher percentage of haemostatic renorrhaphy (47.6 vs. 17.2%; P = .008). There were no differences in the need for warm ischaemia, in the changes in haemoglobin levels or in the glomerular filtration rate. The complication rates were similar for the two series. Conclusion: The two pathways show similar results in terms of renal function preservation, complications and oncological results. However, we recommend understanding both techniques and adapting the access type to the clinical case

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: Comparative study of the transperitoneal pathway and the retroperitoneal pathway. / Nefrectomía parcial laparoscópica: estudio comparativo entre la vía transperitoneal y la vía retroperitoneal.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is the recommended treatment for tumours smaller than 4cm in cases where it is feasible. Depending on the location of the tumour, the transabdominal or direct retroperitoneal pathway may be considered. OBJECTIVE: To compare the transperitoneal (TPPN) and direct retroperitoneal (RPPN) partial nephrectomies performed between 2007 and 2016. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 71 patients who underwent TPPN (42) or direct RPPN (29) partial nephrectomy. We evaluated the characteristics of the patients and tumours, including tumour complexity (PADUA, RENAL, C-index). We compared perioperational variables, including the complications between the 2 pathways. RESULTS: We found no differences in terms of age, sex, Charlson's score and BMI. A larger proportion of patients in the direct RPPN group had prior major abdominal surgery (7.1 vs. 24.1%; P=.043). There were no differences in tumour size, laterality, polarity or complexity in any of the assessed scores. There were significant differences in tumour location (anterior/middle/posterior) between the TPPN and RPPN groups (54.8/31/14.3 vs. 3.4/13.8/82.8%; P<.001). There were no differences in the surgical time or length of stay. The TPPN group had a smaller urinary tract opening (4.8 vs. 27.6%; P=.007) and a higher percentage of haemostatic renorrhaphy (47.6 vs. 17.2%; P=.008). There were no differences in the need for warm ischaemia, in the changes in haemoglobin levels or in the glomerular filtration rate. The complication rates were similar for the two series. CONCLUSION: The two pathways show similar results in terms of renal function preservation, complications and oncological results. However, we recommend understanding both techniques and adapting the access type to the clinical case.

How to optimize the percutaneous treatment of bifurcated lesions: dedicated stents vs. provisional stenting.

Although provisional T-stenting with stenting of the main branch and optional side branch stenting is nowadays the default strategy generally preferred for simple bifurcation lesions, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of complex true bifurcation lesions remains a difficult task to achieve also with modern second generation drug eluting stents. Treatment of complex bifurcational lesions is not only more time consuming but can lead to significantly higher rate of periprocedural myocardial infarction and late estenosis, stent thrombosis and target lesion revascularization. These clinical complications may be at least in part be due to the fact that current bifurcation techniques often fail to ensure continuous stent coverage of the SB ostium and the bifurcation branches and often leave a significant number of malapposed struts. Struts left unapposed in the lumen are not efficient for drug delivery to the vessel wall, disturb blood flow and may increase the risk of restenosis and stent thrombosis. This article summarises the various techniques of bifurcation stenting, highlighting their relative merits and disadvantages. In addition, the role of newer dedicated bifurcation stent devices, as well as the role of imaging in guiding optimal stent deployment will be discussed.

Giant coronary aneurysm in adult Kawasaki disease: angiographic, 64-slice coronary MDCT and cardiac MRI appearances.

BACKGROUND: Kawasaki disease is a small-to-medium-vessel vasculitis that preferentially affects infants and young children. This condition is rare in adults, and therefore the diagnosis can easily be missed in a patient presenting to a primary care clinic. We report an unusual case of a patient who presented with ventricular fibrillation on a background of adult Kawasaki disease. OBJECTIVES: To identify the advantages of using coronary multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing adult Kawasaki disease. METHODS: We studied a 52-year-old patient with Kawasaki disease using coronary angiography, cardiac MDCT and MRI. RESULTS: Invasive coronary angiography demonstrated an occluded right coronary artery (RCA) and appearances suspicious for a calcified giant RCA aneurysm. The full extent of the aneurismal RCA was depicted with MDCT. Cardiac MRI revealed a chronic inferior segment myocardial infarction representing an arrhythmia substrate. DISCUSSION: Our case highlights the increasing utility of contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI and MDCT in the diagnosis of this rare condition in adults.

Cardiac carcinoid: tricuspid delayed hyperenhancement on cardiac 64-slice multidetector CT and magnetic resonance imaging.

INTRODUCTION: Carcinoid heart disease is a rare condition in adults. Its diagnosis can be easily missed in a patient presenting to a primary care setting. We revised the advantages of using coronary multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing this condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied a 65-year-old patient with carcinoid heart disease and right heart failure using transthoracic Doppler-echocardiogram, cardiac MDCT and MRI. Cardiac echocardiogram revealed marked thickening and retraction of the tricuspid leaflets with dilated right atrium and ventricle. Cardiac MDCT and MRI demonstrated fixation and retraction of the tricuspid leaflets with delayed contrast hyperenhancement of the tricuspid annulus. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates fascinating imaging findings of cardiac carcinoid disease and highlights the increasing utility of contrast-enhanced MRI and cardiac MDCT in the diagnosis of this interesting condition.

Effects of magnetic stimulation on oxidative stress and skeletal muscle regeneration induced by mepivacaine in rat.

We investigated the effect of magnetic field stimulation (MS) on oxidative damage and skeletal muscle injury prompted by mepivacaine injection in the anterior tibial muscle of Wistar rats. The effects of mepivacaine and MS on oxidative stress were evaluated by lipid peroxidation, GSH levels and catalase activity. Muscle regeneration was analyzed by haematoxylin-eosin stained, NADH-TR histochemical reaction, desmin immunostaining as well as by morphometric parameters such as fibers density and fiber area were evaluated. Our data revealed that mepivacaine induced oxidative stress, that MS prevents the harmful effects induced by mepivacaine and that it facilitates the regeneration process of skeletal muscle. In conclusion, the results show the ability of MS to modify skeletal muscle response to mepivacaine.

Factors that affect longevity of intravenous cannulas: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Few guidelines exist to guide medical personnel on the most successful means of achieving sustained intravenous cannulation. This study examines the impact of gauge and site of intravenous cannulas (IC) on the longevity of ICs in hospitalized patients. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 500 ICs inserted into patients of St Vincent's Private hospital from December 2005 to June 2006. Patients were followed until the IC had been removed or changed. Statistical analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards. RESULTS: Of the 500 ICs inserted, 37% were 18 g, 46% were 20 g and 18% were 22 g. Gauge of IC was the most significant predictor of increased longevity of IC (P = 0.0002, RR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.08-1.27). The median survival of 18, 20 and 22 g were 57 h (95% CI 49-72), 43 h (95% CI 36-48.5) and 29 h (95% CI 24-40.5), respectively. The site of IC placement influenced the longevity of ICs (P = 0.005, RR= 0.7, 95% CI 0.55-0.9), as did male gender (P = 0.03, RR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.6-0.97). However in subgroup analysis, the most marked effect on IC longevity was evident in those patients with 18 g placed in the forearm/wrist (median 72 h) with less marked changes in other site/gauge combinations. In contrast, 22 g ICs placed in the hand had a median lifespan of 29 h. CONCLUSION: IC gauge and site of placement are important factors in determining IC longevity. 18 g ICs placed in the forearm/wrist can considerably increase the longevity of ICs and should be attempted in patients who require sustained cannulation.

Low-grade systemic inflammation, hypoadiponectinemia and a high concentration of leptin are present in very young obese children, and correlate with metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the concentration levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), leptin and adiponectin in obese pre-pubertal children, and their possible relation with metabolic syndrome, fibrinogen and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. METHODS: A study was carried out in 51 obese children (aged 6 to 9 years) and the same number of non-obese children (control group), matched by age and sex. (Cross-sectional study of obese children). Body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio (WHR) and blood pressure were determined for each child. Serum CRP, leptin, adiponectin, glucose, insulin, lipid profile, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and fibrinogen were all measured. RESULTS: The levels of CRP serum (1.67+/-0.222 vs 0.92+/-0.16 mg/l) and leptin (15.56+/-1.27 vs 4.68+/-0.62 ng/ml) were significantly higher in obese children. The adiponectin level was significantly higher in non-obese children (11.58+/-0.63 vs 9.64+/-0.49 microg/dl). In the obese group, log. CRP showed a positive correlation with BMI, insulin, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), uric acid, PAI-1, fibrinogen and interleukin 6 (IL-6), and correlated negatively with apolipoprotein A-I and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The leptin was positively correlated with BMI, insulin, HOMA, triglycerides and PAI-1 and negatively with Apo A-I and HDL-C. Adiponectin correlated negatively with BMI, insulin, HOMA, and triglycerides. CONCLUSIONS: Low-grade systemic inflammation, elevated leptin concentration and low adiponectin level are described in very young obese children, correlating with a range of variables of metabolic syndrome. Inflammation and adipocytokines can play an important role in the etiopathogeny of metabolic syndrome.

Childhood obesity and hormonal abnormalities associated with cancer risk.

There is growing evidence that overweight and obesity increase the risk of certain cancers. Studies in adults support the role of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and oestrogens in the pathogeneses of several cancers. We propose that hormone alterations described as risk factors for cancer in obese adults are present in prepubertal obese children. A group of obese children aged 6-9 years (n=40), and control group paired for age and sex, were used for the study. The obese children presented a significantly high level of IGF-I (P=0.0173) and insulin (P=0.0250), with a drop in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) (P=0.0282). The 17 beta-oestradiol (E2)/SHBG ratio increase in obese subjects was marginally significant (P=0.0635). Grouping together all the children in quartiles for insulin and body mass index, the upper quartiles showed a rise in IGF-I and E2/SHBG. In a multivariant correlation analysis, only height (partial r=0.2464) and insulin (partial r=0.3002) were independent prediction variables for IGF-I concentration. The only variables statistically correlated with the E2/SHBG ratio were insulin (r=0.2879) and IGF-I (r=0.4140). The obese children in our study showed hormone changes described as risk factors for cancer in obese adults. These changes were significantly associated with the hyperinsulinaemia. We hypothesize that this potential risk should be taken into account given the long period of exposure involved in the presence of hormone alterations at such early ages.

Relationship between high plasma leptin concentrations and metabolic syndrome in obese pre-pubertal children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between serum leptin levels and metabolic syndrome, fasting insulin level and anthropometric index in obese pre-pubertal children. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was carried out on obese children. SUBJECTS: A study was made of 41 obese children (aged 6-9 y) and the same number of non-obese children (control group), matched by age and sex. METHODS: Body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio (WHR) and blood pressure were determined in each child. Serum leptin, glucose, insulin, lipid profile, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA) and fibrinogen were all measured. RESULTS: The serum leptin level was significantly higher in obese children (15.47 vs 4.73 ng/ml). In the obese group, leptin showed a positive correlation with BMI (P<0.001), insulin (P<0.001), triglycerides (P<0.05), PAI-1 (P<0.05) and t-PA (P<0.05), and correlated negatively with SHBG (P<0.01), apolipoprotein A-I (P<0.05) and high-density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDL-C) (P<0.05). Corrected for BMI and WHR, leptin (P partial=0.002) is only an independent predictive factor for basal insulin. Using multivariant regression analysis, only insulin (P partial=0.003) and BMI (P partial=0.018) were independent predictive factors for leptin. CONCLUSION: For this age group, high leptin resistance may be another component of metabolic syndrome, and may be involved in its etiopathogenesis. The involvement of leptin in this syndrome may be indirect, modulating the insulin's action.

3D reconstruction based on hard tissue microtome cross-section pictures in dentistry.

The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of the computerized 3D surface analyzing and volume measuring method in dentistry. Two different types of test objects were used in the first part of the measurements. Each sample of the two groups was cross-sectioned using a hard tissue microtome. The sections were photographed on both sides and were projected on a graphical tablet and analyzed using a computer program. The measured and calculated parameters were compared. In the second part, 200 microm thick horizontal sections were prepared from 11 human incisor roots using the hard tissue microtome. This way, five sections were prepared from the apical 2 mm of each root. The effects of section thickness and number were modeled by decreasing the inclusion rate of the obtained number of sections from 10 to 2 and its influence on the calculated results was determined. This method was suitable for the approximation and analysis of 3D parameters. The results indicated that using 200-300 microm section thickness, the measured values were approximately 8-21% lower than the real parameters.