The influence of frailty on outcomes for older adults admitted to hospital with benign biliary disease: a single-centre, observational cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence and complications of biliary disease increase with age. Frailty has been associated with adverse outcomes in the hospital setting. We describe the prevalence of frailty in older patients hospitalised with benign biliary disease and its association with duration of hospital stay, and 90-day and 1-year mortality. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 75 years and over admitted with acute biliary disease between 17 September 2014 and 20 March 2017. Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) score was recorded on admission. RESULTS: We included 200 patients with a median age of 82 (75-99) years, 60% were female; 154 (77%) were independent for personal activities of daily living (ADLs) and 99 (49.5%) for instrumental ADLs. Cholecystitis was the most common diagnosis (43%) followed by cholangitis (36%) and pancreatitis (21%). Ninety-nine patients were non frail (NF; CFS 1-4) and 101 were frail (F; CFS 5-9). Some 104 patients received medical treatment only. Surgery was more common in NF patients (11% vs F 2%), percutaneous drainage more frequently performed in F patients (15% vs NF 5%) and endoscopic cholangiopancreatography was similar in both groups (F 32% vs NF 31%). Frailty was associated with worse clinical outcomes in F vs NF: functional deconditioning (34% vs 11%), increased care level (19% vs 3%), length of stay (12 vs 7 days), 90-day mortality (8% vs 3%) and 1-year mortality (48% vs 24%). CONCLUSIONS: Half of patients in our cohort were frail and spent longer in hospital, were less likely to undergo surgery and were less likely to remain alive at 1 year after discharge.

Del laboratorio a la clínica en el ictus isquémico agudo. Modelos experimentales in vitro e in vivo / From the laboratory to the clinic in acute ischaemic stroke. In vitro and in vivo experimental models

Introducción: La enfermedad cerebrovascular es una de las principales causas de muerte, discapacidad y demencia en el mundo. La forma más frecuente de la enfermedad, el ictus isquémico, sólo tiene un fármaco disponible, el activador tisular del plasminógeno, y pocos pacientes pueden beneficiarse de esta terapia por los estrictos criterios de inclusión establecidos para su uso. Esta circunstancia hace crucial la búsqueda de nuevas formas de tratamiento para combatir las secuelas de la enfermedad, y para ello es necesario el desarrollo de nuevos modelos biomiméticos que permitan conocer mejor su evolución. Desarrollo: En esta revisión, actualizamos las plataformas y modelos más utilizados en los últimos años para estudiar la fisiopatología del ictus isquémico. Por un lado, repasamos las plataformas bi- y tridimensionales sobre las que se llevan a cabo los ensayos in vitro y, por otro lado, describimos los modelos experimentales in vivo más utilizados en la actualidad, así como las técnicas para evaluar el daño isquémico. Conclusiones: El desarrollo de buenos modelos experimentales tiene como fin último encontrar nuevas formas de tratamiento y, de esta manera, mejorar el pronóstico y la calidad de vida de los pacientes; por ello, es importante generar nuevos dispositivos in vitro y refinar más aún los modelos in vivo para hacer posible una buena traslación a la clínica.(AU)

Introduction: Cerebrovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death, disability and dementia around the world. For the most common form of the disease, ischaemic stroke, there is only one drug available, tissue plasminogen activator, and few patients can benefit from this therapy because of the strict inclusion criteria established for its use. This circumstance makes it crucial to search for new forms of treatment to combat the sequelae of the disease, and this requires the development of new biomimetic models that allow for a better understanding of its evolution. Development: In this review, we update the platforms and models most widely used in recent years to study the pathophysiology of ischaemic stroke. On the one hand, we review the two- and three-dimensional platforms on which in vitro assays are carried out and, on the other, we describe the most commonly used in vivo experimental models and techniques for assessing ischaemic damage. Conclusions: The ultimate aim of developing good experimental models is to find new forms of treatment and thus improve patients’ prognosis and quality of life. It is therefore important to generate new in vitro devices and to further refine in vivo models to enable a good clinical translation.(AU)

[From the laboratory to the clinic in acute ischaemic stroke. In vitro and in vivo experimental models]. / Del laboratorio a la clínica en el ictus isquémico agudo. Modelos experimentales in vitro e in vivo.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebrovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death, disability and dementia around the world. For the most common form of the disease, ischaemic stroke, there is only one drug available, tissue plasminogen activator, and few patients can benefit from this therapy because of the strict inclusion criteria established for its use. This circumstance makes it crucial to search for new forms of treatment to combat the sequelae of the disease, and this requires the development of new biomimetic models that allow for a better understanding of its evolution. DEVELOPMENT: In this review, we update the platforms and models most widely used in recent years to study the pathophysiology of ischaemic stroke. On the one hand, we review the two- and three-dimensional platforms on which in vitro assays are carried out and, on the other, we describe the most commonly used in vivo experimental models and techniques for assessing ischaemic damage. CONCLUSIONS: The ultimate aim of developing good experimental models is to find new forms of treatment and thus improve patients' prognosis and quality of life. It is therefore important to generate new in vitro devices and to further refine in vivo models to enable a good clinical translation.

TITLE: Del laboratorio a la clínica en el ictus isquémico agudo. Modelos experimentales in vitro e in vivo.Introducción. La enfermedad cerebrovascular es una de las principales causas de muerte, discapacidad y demencia en el mundo. La forma más frecuente de la enfermedad, el ictus isquémico, sólo tiene un fármaco disponible, el activador tisular del plasminógeno, y pocos pacientes pueden beneficiarse de esta terapia por los estrictos criterios de inclusión establecidos para su uso. Esta circunstancia hace crucial la búsqueda de nuevas formas de tratamiento para combatir las secuelas de la enfermedad, y para ello es necesario el desarrollo de nuevos modelos biomiméticos que permitan conocer mejor su evolución. Desarrollo. En esta revisión, actualizamos las plataformas y modelos más utilizados en los últimos años para estudiar la fisiopatología del ictus isquémico. Por un lado, repasamos las plataformas bi- y tridimensionales sobre las que se llevan a cabo los ensayos in vitro y, por otro lado, describimos los modelos experimentales in vivo más utilizados en la actualidad, así como las técnicas para evaluar el daño isquémico. Conclusiones. El desarrollo de buenos modelos experimentales tiene como fin último encontrar nuevas formas de tratamiento y, de esta manera, mejorar el pronóstico y la calidad de vida de los pacientes; por ello, es importante generar nuevos dispositivos in vitro y refinar más aún los modelos in vivo para hacer posible una buena traslación a la clínica.

The National Emergency Laparotomy Audit and older people living with frailty.

The National Emergency Laparotomy Audit highlighted that older people living with frailty have poorer outcomes from emergency laparotomies. This editorial discusses some improvements in care that are needed to improve outcomes in this group of patients.

In vitro antibacterial activity of extracts from Samoan medicinal plants and their effect on proliferation and migration of human fibroblasts.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The prevalence of different types of chronic wounds, due to the ageing population and increase incidence of diseases, is becoming a worldwide problem. Various medicinal plants used in folk medicine have demonstrated wound healing and antimicrobial properties, and some of these species are currently used in commercial preparations. Despite the well-documented and rich tradition of the use of local herbs for the treatment of skin injuries in Samoan folk medicine, their wound healing potential has not yet been systematically studied. AIM OF THE STUDY: Investigation into the in vitro antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts from 14 medicinal plants used in Samoan traditional medicine for the healing of wounds, burns and sores, and their effects on the proliferation and migration of human fibroblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antibacterial activity of these extracts was tested against pathogens associated with infected skin injuries, using the broth microdilution method. The effect on migration, proliferation and viability of human dermal fibroblasts was evaluated using wound healing scratch assay, cell proliferation assay, and thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide cytotoxicity test. RESULTS: The extracts from Cerbera manghas, Commelina diffusa, Kleinhovia hospita, Mikania micrantha, Omalanthus nutans, Peperomia pellucida, Phymatosorus scolopendria, Piper graeffei, Psychotria insularum, and Schizostachyum glaucifolium inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ≥4 µg/mL, whereas C. manghas and P. pellucida produced the same MIC against both Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among the antibacterially active species, C. diffusa, K. hospita, P. scolopendria, P. insularum, and S. glaucifolium did not produce toxicity towards the standard line of normal adult human dermal fibroblasts (IC80 > 128 µg/mL). In addition, extracts from Barringtonia asiatica, C. manghas, M. micrantha, O. nutans, P. insularum, and Piper graeffei stimulated significant migration of dermal fibroblasts, while M. micrantha, O. nutans, and P. insularum did not affect cell proliferation at a concentration of 32 µg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the above-mentioned species of Samoan medicinal plants can be used for the development of new wound healing agents. However, further phytochemical and pharmacological research is needed regarding the isolation and identification of their active constituents.

Increased care at discharge from COVID-19: The association between pre-admission frailty and increased care needs after hospital discharge; a multicentre European observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has placed significant pressure on health and social care. Survivors of COVID-19 may be left with substantial functional deficits requiring ongoing care. We aimed to determine whether pre-admission frailty was associated with increased care needs at discharge for patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. METHODS: Patients were included if aged over 18 years old and admitted to hospital with COVID-19 between 27 February and 10 June 2020. The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) was used to assess pre-admission frailty status. Admission and discharge care levels were recorded. Data were analysed using a mixed-effects logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, comorbidities, and admission CRP as a marker of severity of disease. RESULTS: Thirteen hospitals included patients: 1671 patients were screened, and 840 were excluded including, 521 patients who died before discharge (31.1%). Of the 831 patients who were discharged, the median age was 71 years (IQR, 58-81 years) and 369 (44.4%) were women. The median length of hospital stay was 12 days (IQR 6-24). Using the CFS, 438 (47.0%) were living with frailty (≥ CFS 5), and 193 (23.2%) required an increase in the level of care provided. Multivariable analysis showed that frailty was associated with an increase in care needs compared to patients without frailty (CFS 1-3). The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were as follows: CFS 4, 1.99 (0.97-4.11); CFS 5, 3.77 (1.94-7.32); CFS 6, 4.04 (2.09-7.82); CFS 7, 2.16 (1.12-4.20); and CFS 8, 3.19 (1.06-9.56). CONCLUSIONS: Around a quarter of patients admitted with COVID-19 had increased care needs at discharge. Pre-admission frailty was strongly associated with the need for an increased level of care at discharge. Our results have implications for service planning and public health policy as well as a person's functional outcome, suggesting that frailty screening should be utilised for predictive modelling and early individualised discharge planning.

Nosocomial COVID-19 infection: examining the risk of mortality. The COPE-Nosocomial Study (COVID in Older PEople).

BACKGROUND: Hospital admissions for non-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathology have decreased significantly. It is believed that this may be due to public anxiety about acquiring COVID-19 infection in hospital and the subsequent risk of mortality. AIM: To identify patients who acquire COVID-19 in hospital (nosocomial COVID-19 infection (NC)) and their risk of mortality compared to those with community-acquired COVID-19 (CAC) infection. METHODS: The COPE-Nosocomial Study was an observational cohort study. The primary outcome was the time to all-cause mortality (estimated with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)), and secondary outcomes were day 7 mortality and the time-to-discharge. A mixed-effects multivariable Cox's proportional hazards model was used, adjusted for demographics and comorbidities. FINDINGS: The study included 1564 patients from 10 hospital sites throughout the UK, and one in Italy, and collected outcomes on patients admitted up to April 28th, 2020. In all, 12.5% of COVID-19 infections were acquired in hospital; 425 (27.2%) patients with COVID died. The median survival time in NC patients was 14 days compared with 10 days in CAC patients. In the primary analysis, NC infection was associated with lower mortality rate (aHR: 0.71; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.51-0.98). Secondary outcomes found no difference in day 7 mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.47-1.31), but NC patients required longer time in hospital during convalescence (aHR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.37-0.66). CONCLUSION: The minority of COVID-19 cases were the result of NC transmission. No COVID-19 infection comes without risk, but patients with NC had a lower risk of mortality compared to CAC infection; however, caution should be taken when interpreting this finding.

Tratamiento de la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo tras prostatectomía con el sistema masculino transobturador ajustable (ATOMS(R)) con puerto escrotal premontado / Treatment of stress urinary incontinence after prostatectomy with the adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS(R)) with preattached scrotal port

Introducción: La incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo (IUE) es una secuela importante del tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer de próstata. Se presenta la técnica quirúrgica y se evalúa efectividad y seguridad del sistema masculino transobturador ajustable (ATOMS(R)) con puerto escrotal premontado. Material y método: Estudio abierto prospectivo realizado en un hospital universitario. El objetivo principal fue cambio de situación basal tras ajuste en el recuento diario de compresas (pad-count) y su peso húmedo (pad-test). Los objetivos secundarios fueron evaluación de calidad de vida (ICIQ-SF e IIQ-7 basal y al ajuste), resultados percibidos por el paciente (PGI y GRA al año) y evaluación de complicaciones según Clavien-Dindo. Los valores numéricos se expresan en mediana + RIC. Resultados: Se analizan 60 pacientes consecutivos con seguimiento de 21+22 meses. El pad-test basal fue 465 + 450 ml y pad-count 5 + 3 compresas/día. La IUE basal fue leve (11,6%), moderada (25%) y severa (63,3%). El tiempo operatorio fue 60 + 25 min, la estancia hospitalaria 1+0 días y la EVA de dolor en día-1 postoperatorio 0 + 1. El llenado total fue 16,5+7ml y el número de rellenos 1+2. Pad-test y pad-count tras ajuste fueron 0 + 20 ml y 0+1, respectivamente (ambos p<0,0001 respecto a basal). La IUE desapareció (81,7%) o se mantuvo leve (11,7%), moderada (5%) y severa (1,6%). Se objetivó reducción en ICIQ-SF (p < 0,0001) e IIQ-7 (p = 0,0003). Tanto la continencia (p=0,002) como la satisfacción (p = 0,03) resultaron peores en pacientes irradiados. Sucedieron complicaciones en 11 casos (18,6%), siendo 8(13,5%) grado I y 3(5,1%) grado III. La tasa de satisfacción con el tratamiento fue 91,7% y la percepción de mejoría global percibida por el paciente al año fue muy marcada (score PGI-I 1+1 y GRA 6+1). Conclusiones: El tratamiento de la IUE masculina con ATOMS(R) tercera generación es seguro y eficaz a corto plazo, incluso en pacientes con IUE severa. La tasa de pacientes secos tras el ajuste supera el 80% y la tasa de satisfacción el 90%. Los pacientes valoran muy positivamente este tratamiento

Introduction: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a significant sequela of prostate cancer surgery. In this article, we present the surgical technique and safety and efficacy of the adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS(R)) with preattached scrotal port. Material and method: An open prospective study was conducted at a university hospital with the main objective of changing the baseline condition after adjustment in the daily pad count and their wet weight (pad test). The secondary objectives were the quality-of-life assessment (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form [ICIQ-SF] and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 [IIQ-7], baseline and after the adjustment), patient-perceived results (Patient Global Index [PGI] and Global Response Assessment [GRA] at 1 year) and assessment of complications according to Clavien-Dindo. The numerical values are expressed in median ± IQR. Results: We analysed 60 consecutive patients with a follow-up of 21 ± 22 months. The baseline pad-test was 465 ± 450 mL, and the pad-count was 5 + 3 pads/day. The baseline SUI was mild (11.6% of patients), moderate (25%) and severe (63.3%). The operative time was 60 ± 25 min, the hospital stay was 1 ± 0 days, and the visual analogue scale of pain on day 1 after surgery was 0 ± 1. The total filling was 16.5 ± 7 mL, and the number of refillings was 1 ± 2. The pad-test and pad-count after the adjustment were 0 ± 20 mL and 0±1, respectively (both p < .0001 compared with baseline). SUI disappeared (81.7%) or remained mild (11.7%), moderate (5%) or severe (1.6%). We observed a reduction in the ICIQ-SF (p < .0001) and IIQ-7 scores (p = .0003). Both continence (p=.002) and satisfaction (p = .03) were lower in the irradiated patients. Complications occurred in 11 cases (18.6%), 8 (13.5%) of which were grade I and 3 (5.1%) of which were grade 3. The treatment satisfaction rate was 91.7%, and the patient-perceived overall improvement at 1 year was highly pronounced (PGI-I score, 1 ± 1; GRA, 6 ± 1). Conclusions: SUI treatment of men using third-generation ATOMS(R) is safe and effective in the short-term, even in patients with severe SUI. The rate of dry patients after the adjustment exceeded 80%, and the satisfaction rates exceeded 90%. The patients assessed this treatment highly positively

Predicting in-hospital mortality in older general surgical patients.

Introduction A significant number of emergency general surgical admissions occur in older patients. Clinical decision making in this group is challenging and current risk prediction tools extrapolate data from cohorts of younger patients. This is the first UK study to examine risk factors predicting in-hospital mortality in older acute surgical patients undergoing comprehensive geriatric assessment. Methods This was a prospective study of consecutive patients aged ≥75 years admitted non-electively to general surgery wards between September 2014 and February 2017 who were reviewed by an elderly medicine in-reach service. Results A total of 577 patients were included with a mean age of 82.9 years. There was a female predominance (56%). The majority were living at home alone or with carers (93%) and most were independent in basic activities of daily living (79%). Over two-thirds (69%) were mobile with no walking aids or use of a walking stick and overt here-quarters (79%) had no cognitive impairment. Seventy-seven per cent of patients were managed non-operatively. The in-hospital mortality rate was 6.9%. Female sex (p=0.031), dependence in activities of daily living (p<0.001), cognitive impairment (p<0.001) and incontinence (p<0.001) were predictors of in-hospital mortality. ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) grade ≥3 was also associated with increased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 5.3, 95% confidence interval: 2.6-10.7). Conclusions Older general surgical patients present a high level of complexity. This study highlights the predictive role of mobility, functional and cognitive impairment when assessing this population. Accurate risk stratification requires global assessment by teams experienced in care of the older patient rather than the traditional focus on co-morbidities.

Treatment of stress urinary incontinence after prostatectomy with the adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS®) with preattached scrotal port. / Tratamiento de la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo tras prostatectomía con el sistema masculino transobturador ajustable (ATOMS®) con puerto escrotal premontado.

INTRODUCTION: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a significant sequela of prostate cancer surgery. In this article, we present the surgical technique and safety and efficacy of the adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS®) with preattached scrotal port. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An open prospective study was conducted at a university hospital with the main objective of changing the baseline condition after adjustment in the daily pad count and their wet weight (pad test). The secondary objectives were the quality-of-life assessment (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form [ICIQ-SF] and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 [IIQ-7], baseline and after the adjustment), patient-perceived results (Patient Global Index [PGI] and Global Response Assessment [GRA] at 1 year) and assessment of complications according to Clavien-Dindo. The numerical values are expressed in median ± IQR. RESULTS: We analysed 60 consecutive patients with a follow-up of 21±22 months. The baseline pad-test was 465±450mL, and the pad-count was 5+3 pads/day. The baseline SUI was mild (11.6% of patients), moderate (25%) and severe (63.3%). The operative time was 60±25min, the hospital stay was 1±0 days, and the visual analogue scale of pain on day 1 after surgery was 0±1. The total filling was 16.5±7mL, and the number of refillings was 1±2. The pad-test and pad-count after the adjustment were 0±20mL and 0±1, respectively (both p<.0001 compared with baseline). SUI disappeared (81.7%) or remained mild (11.7%), moderate (5%) or severe (1.6%). We observed a reduction in the ICIQ-SF (p<.0001) and IIQ-7 scores (p=.0003). Both continence (p=.002) and satisfaction (p=.03) were lower in the irradiated patients. Complications occurred in 11 cases (18.6%), 8 (13.5%) of which were grade I and 3 (5.1%) of which were grade 3. The treatment satisfaction rate was 91.7%, and the patient-perceived overall improvement at 1 year was highly pronounced (PGI-I score, 1±1; GRA, 6±1). CONCLUSIONS: SUI treatment of men using third-generation ATOMS® is safe and effective in the short-term, even in patients with severe SUI. The rate of dry patients after the adjustment exceeded 80%, and the satisfaction rates exceeded 90%. The patients assessed this treatment highly positively.

Escala de la calidad del desempeño sensoriomotor de bebés de 2 a 15 meses de edad: ECDSM2-15 / The sensory-motor quality performance scale from 2-15 months

The Sensory Motor Performance Quality Scale of babies from 2 to 15 months of age, detected with delayed motor development, or at risk or with cerebral palsy, is presented and its application exemplified through a case corresponding to the sixth month the subscale.

Se presenta la Escala de la Calidad del Desempeño Sensoriomotor de bebés de 2 a 15 meses de edad, detectados con retraso del desarrollo psicomotor, o diagnosticados en riesgo o con parálisis cerebral. Se ejemplifica su aplicación a través de un caso correspondiente a la subescala del sexto mes.

Specific Features of SVZ Neurogenesis After Cortical Ischemia: a Longitudinal Study.

Stroke is a devastating disease with an increasing prevalence. Part of the current development in stroke therapy is focused in the chronic phase, where neurorepair mechanisms such as neurogenesis, are involved. In the adult brain, one of the regions where neurogenesis takes place is the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles. Given the possibility to develop pharmacological therapies to stimulate this process, we have performed a longitudinal analysis of neurogenesis in a model of cortical ischemia in mice. Our results show an initial decrease of SVZ proliferation at 24 h, followed by a recovery leading to an increase at 14d and a second decrease 28d after stroke. Coinciding with the 24 h proliferation decrease, an increase in the eutopic neuroblast migration towards the olfactory bulb was observed. The analysis of the neuroblast ectopic migration from the SVZ toward the lesion showed an increase in this process from day 14 after the insult. Finally, our data revealed an increased number of new cortical neurons in the peri-infarct cortex 65d after the insult. In summary, we report here critical check-points about post-stroke neurogenesis after cortical infarcts, important for the pharmacological modulation of this process in stroke patients.

Estudio comparativo entre laparoscopia multipuerto y LESS umbilical con plataforma reutilizable en el tratamiento de las masas renales / Comparative study of multiport laparoscopy and umbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery with reusable platform for treating renal masses

Introducción: La cirugía umbilical laparoendoscópica por puerto único (LESS) es una modalidad de uso creciente en el tratamiento de las masas renales. Se presenta una comparación prospectiva entre cirugía renal LESS y laparoscopia convencional. Material y método: Estudio pareado comparativo que evalúa resultados operatorios y complicaciones en pacientes con neoplasia renal tratada con cirugía LESS (n = 49) o laparoscopia multipuerto (n = 53). El abordaje LESS se realizó con material reutilizable colocado en el ombligo e instrumentos curvos de doble rotación, y en el 69,4% se empleó un puerto adicional de 3,5 mm. Se evalúan datos demográficos, tipo de técnica (nefrectomía, nefrectomía parcial o nefroureterectomía), tiempo operatorio, pérdida hemática, hemoglobina, necesidad de transfusión, número y gravedad de complicaciones (Clavien-Dindo), estancia hospitalaria, datos histológicos y pronóstico. Resultados: No hubo diferencias en seguimiento, edad, sexo, IMC, hemoglobina preoperatoria o tipo de cirugía. Hubo conversión en 2 casos (uno en cada grupo). El tiempo operatorio fue equivalente (p = 0,6). Transfusión intraoperatoria (p = 0,03) y pérdida hemática (p < 0,0001) fue menor en LESS, la hemoglobina postoperatoria mayor (p < 0,0001) y se emplearon también agentes hemostáticos más frecuentemente (p < 0,0001). No hubo diferencias en número (p = 0,6) ni gravedad (p = 0,47) de complicaciones. La estancia (p < 0,0001), la proporción de pacientes con drenaje (p = 0,04) y el número de días con drenaje (p = 0,0004) fueron menores en LESS. Un 25% de las lesiones intervenidas con LESS fueron benignas, pero el tamaño medio fue similar en ambos grupos (p = 0,5). La recurrencia y/o progresión tumoral fue más frecuente en laparoscopia multipuerto (p = 0,0013). Conclusiones: La cirugía LESS umbilical con plataforma reutilizable permite realizar diferentes técnicas quirúrgicas para el tratamiento de masas renales con consumo de tiempo y seguridad equiparable a laparoscopia convencional. El abordaje LESS resulta ventajoso en términos de pérdida hemática y estancia hospitalaria

Introduction: Umbilical laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery is an increasingly used modality for treating renal masses. We present a prospective comparison between LESS renal surgery and conventional laparoscopy. Material and method: A comparative paired study was conducted that evaluated the surgical results and complications of patients with renal neoplasia treated with LESS surgery (n = 49) or multiport laparoscopy (n = 53). The LESS approach was performed with reusable material placed in the navel and double-rotation curved instruments. An additional 3.5-mm port was employed in 69.4% of the cases. We assessed demographic data, the type of technique (nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy), surgical time, blood loss, haemoglobin, need for transfusion, number and severity of complications (Clavien-Dindo), hospital stay, histological data and prognosis. Results: There were no differences in follow-up, age, sex, body mass index, preoperative haemoglobin levels or type of surgery. Conversion occurred in 2 cases (1 in each group). The surgical time was equivalent (P = .6). Intraoperative transfusion (P = .03) and blood loss (P < .0001) was lower with LESS, postoperative haemoglobin levels were higher (P < .0001) and haemostatic agents were used more frequently (P < .0001). There were no differences in the number (P = .6) or severity (P = .47) of complications. The length of stay (P < .0001), the proportion of patients with drainage (P = .04) and the number of days with drainage (P = .0004) were lower in LESS. Twenty-five percent of the lesions operated on with LESS were benign, but the mean size was similar in the 2 groups (P = .5). Tumour recurrence and/or progression were more frequent in multiport laparoscopy (P = .0013). Conclusions: Umbilical LESS surgery with reusable platform enables various surgical techniques to be performed when treating renal masses, with time consumption and safety comparable to conventional laparoscopy. The LESS approach is advantageous in terms of blood loss and hospital stay

Comparative study of multiport laparoscopy and umbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery with reusable platform for treating renal masses. / Estudio comparativo entre laparoscopia multipuerto y LESS umbilical con plataforma reutilizable en el tratamiento de las masas renales.

INTRODUCTION: Umbilical laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery is an increasingly used modality for treating renal masses. We present a prospective comparison between LESS renal surgery and conventional laparoscopy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A comparative paired study was conducted that evaluated the surgical results and complications of patients with renal neoplasia treated with LESS surgery (n=49) or multiport laparoscopy (n=53). The LESS approach was performed with reusable material placed in the navel and double-rotation curved instruments. An additional 3.5-mm port was employed in 69.4% of the cases. We assessed demographic data, the type of technique (nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy), surgical time, blood loss, haemoglobin, need for transfusion, number and severity of complications (Clavien-Dindo), hospital stay, histological data and prognosis. RESULTS: There were no differences in follow-up, age, sex, body mass index, preoperative haemoglobin levels or type of surgery. Conversion occurred in 2 cases (1 in each group). The surgical time was equivalent (P=.6). Intraoperative transfusion (P=.03) and blood loss (P<.0001) was lower with LESS, postoperative haemoglobin levels were higher (P<.0001) and haemostatic agents were used more frequently (P<.0001). There were no differences in the number (P=.6) or severity (P=.47) of complications. The length of stay (P<.0001), the proportion of patients with drainage (P=.04) and the number of days with drainage (P=.0004) were lower in LESS. Twenty-five percent of the lesions operated on with LESS were benign, but the mean size was similar in the 2 groups (P=.5). Tumour recurrence and/or progression were more frequent in multiport laparoscopy (P=.0013). CONCLUSIONS: Umbilical LESS surgery with reusable platform enables various surgical techniques to be performed when treating renal masses, with time consumption and safety comparable to conventional laparoscopy. The LESS approach is advantageous in terms of blood loss and hospital stay.

Prevalencia de Lengua Geográfica en Niños Chilenos de 7 a 10 Años de Edad / Prevalence of Geographic Tongue in Chilean Children between 7 and 10 Years of Age

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de lengua geográfica y evaluar su asociación con el estrés emocional, irritación crónica, lengua fisurada y tipo de establecimiento educacional, en niños de 7 a 10 años de edad en la ciudad de Viña del Mar, Chile. De un total de 27.234 escolares, cursando 2 a 5 año básico, pertenecientes a colegios de la ciudad de Viña del Mar, Chile, se examinaron 436 niños.Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal de alumnos provenientes de tres tipos de establecimientos educacionales diferentes: particular, particular con subvención del estado de Chile y municipalizado. Las variables estudiadas fueron edad, sexo y establecimiento educacional. Adicionalmente, en los alumnos con lengua geográfica y 23 alumnos sin este diagnóstico se evaluó la presencia de lengua fisurada, irritación lingual crónica y estrés emocional. Se determinó la prevalencia mediante el cálculo de una proporción, las variables discretas se analizaron mediante Chi-cuadrado de Pearson o la prueba de Fisher y para determinar medidas de asociación con lengua geográfica se realizó regresión logística binaria, considerándose significativo un p<0,05. De los 436 niños, 23 presentaron lengua geográfica, evidenciando una prevalencia de 5,28%, con un IC 95% de 3,37% a 7,81%. No se evidenciaron diferencias respecto al sexo, edad ni tipo de establecimiento educacional. No se determinaron factores asociados a lengua geográfica. La prevalencia de LG determinada es similar a otros estudios que abarcan la misma población de rangos etarios. Al igual que en otros estudios no se pudo demostrar que el estrés emocional, irritación crónica, lengua fisurada y tipo de establecimiento educacional constituyeron factores asociados a la presencia de lengua geográfica.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of geographic tongue and evaluate its association with emotional stress, chronic irritation, fissured tongue and type of educational establishment, in children between 7 and 10 years of age, in the city of Viña del Mar, Chile. From a total of 27,234 students attending 2nd through 5th grade, we examined 436 children. A descriptive study of students was carried out from three different educational institutions: private, private with state funding and public schools. The variables studied were age, sex and the educational establishment the children attended. Additionally in the students with geographic tongue and in 23 students without this diagnosis, we evaluated the presence of fissured tongue, tongue irritation and chronic emotional stress. Prevalence was determined by calculating ratio, discrete variables were analyzed using Pearson Chi-square test or Fisher, and in order to determine association measures with geographic tongue, binary logistic regression was considered significant at p <0.05. Of the 436 children, 23 had geographic tongue, showing a prevalence of 5.28% with a 95% CI 3.37% to 7.81%. No differences regarding sex, age and type of educational establishment were found. No factors associated with geographic tongue were determined. The prevalence of the LG is similar to other studies covering the same age ranges. Furthermore, and as in other works, our study did not to show that emotional stress, chronic irritation, fissured tongue and the type of educational establishment constituted factors associated with the presence of geographic tongue.

First annual register of allergenic pollen in Talca, Chile

Background: There are no data on atmospheric pollen in Talca. In the present work, our aim is to describe the amount of pollen grain in the atmosphere of the city of Talca likely to cause pollinosis of its inhabitants. Methods: A volumetric Hirst sampler (Burkard seven-day recording device) was used to study pollen levels. It was placed in the centre of Talca from May 2007 to April 2008. Results: The highest airborne presence of pollen, as measured in weekly averages, was Platanus acerifolia with a maximum weekly daily average of 203 grains/m3 registered during September and October. The second highest was Acer pseudoplatanus with a maximum weekly daily average of 116 grains/m3. Populus spp. had a maximum weekly daily average 103 grains/m3. Olea europaea reached 19 grains/m3 in November. Grasses presented high levels of pollen counts with a maximum weekly daily average of 27 grains/m3 from the end of August until the end of January. Pollens of Plantago spp. Rumex acetosella and Chenopodium spp. had a similar distribution and were present from October to April with maximum weekly daily average of 7 grains/m3, 7 grains/m3 and 3 grains/m3 respectively. Significant concentrations of Ambrosia artemisiifolia were detected from February until April. Conclusion: The population of Talca was exposed to high concentrations of allergenic pollen, such as P. acerifolia, A. pseudoplatanus, and grasses in the months of August through November. The detection of O. europaea and A. artemisiifolia is important as these are emergent pollens in the city of Talca. Aerobiological monitoring will provide the community with reliable information about the level of allergenic pollens, improving treatment and quality of life of patients with respiratory allergy (AU)

First annual register of allergenic pollen in Talca, Chile.

BACKGROUND: There are no data on atmospheric pollen in Talca. In the present work, our aim is to describe the amount of pollen grain in the atmosphere of the city of Talca likely to cause pollinosis of its inhabitants. METHODS: A volumetric Hirst sampler (Burkard seven-day recording device) was used to study pollen levels. It was placed in the centre of Talca from May 2007 to April 2008. RESULTS: The highest airborne presence of pollen, as measured in weekly averages, was Platanus acerifolia with a maximum weekly daily average of 203 grains/m³ registered during September and October. The second highest was Acer pseudoplatanus with a maximum weekly daily average of 116 grains/m³. Populus spp. had a maximum weekly daily average 103 grains/m³. Olea europaea reached 19 grains/m³ in November. Grasses presented high levels of pollen counts with a maximum weekly daily average of 27 grains/m³ from the end of August until the end of January. Pollens of Plantago spp. Rumex acetosella and Chenopodium spp. had a similar distribution and were present from October to April with maximum weekly daily average of 7 grains/m³, 7 grains/m³ and 3 grains/m³ respectively. Significant concentrations of Ambrosia artemisiifolia were detected from February until April. CONCLUSION: The population of Talca was exposed to high concentrations of allergenic pollen, such as P. acerifolia, A. pseudoplatanus, and grasses in the months of August through November. The detection of O. europaea and A. artemisiifolia is important as these are emergent pollens in the city of Talca. Aerobiological monitoring will provide the community with reliable information about the level of allergenic pollens, improving treatment and quality of life of patients with respiratory allergy.

Daidzein has neuroprotective effects through ligand-binding-independent PPARγ activation.

Phytoestrogens are a group of plant-derived compounds that include mainly isoflavones like daidzein. Phytoestrogens prevent neuronal damage and improve outcome in experimental stroke; however, the mechanisms of this neuroprotective action have not been fully elucidated. In this context, it has been postulated that phytoestrogens might activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), which exerts neuroprotective effects in several settings. The aim of this study was to determine whether the phytoestrogen daidzein elicits beneficial actions in neuronal cells by mechanisms involving activation of PPARγ. Our results show that daidzein (0.05-5 µM) decreases cell death induced by exposure to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) from rat cortical neurons and that improves synaptic function, in terms of increased synaptic vesicle recycling at nerve terminals, being both effects inhibited by the PPARγ antagonist T0070907 (1 µM). In addition, this phytoestrogen activated PPARγ in neuronal cultures, as shown by an increase in PPARγ transcriptional activity. Interestingly, these effects were not due to binding to the receptor ligand site, as shown by a TR-FRET PPARγ competitive binding assay. Conversely, daidzein increased PPARγ nuclear protein levels and decreased cytosolic ones, suggesting nuclear translocation. We have used the receptor antagonist (RE) fulvestrant to study the neuroprotective participation of daidzein via estrogen receptor and at least in our model, we have discarded this pathway. These results demonstrate that the phytoestrogen daidzein has cytoprotective properties in neurons, which are due to an increase in PPARγ activity not mediated by direct binding to the receptor ligand-binding domain but likely due to post-translational modifications affecting its subcellular location and not depending to the RE and it is not additive with the agonist rosiglitazone.