Indocyanine green fluorescence angiography in colorectal surgery: A retrospective case-control analysis in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: An anastomotic leak is one of the most dreaded complications in colorectal surgery because it increases postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to identify whether indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICGFA) reduced the anastomotic dehiscence rate in colorectal surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study on patients that underwent colorectal surgery with colonic resection or low anterior resection and primary anastomosis, within the time frame of January 2019 and September 2021, was conducted. The patients were divided into the case group, in which ICGFA was performed for the intraoperative evaluation of blood perfusion at the anastomosis site, and the control group, in which ICGFA was not utilized. RESULTS: A total of 168 medical records were reviewed, resulting in 83 cases and 85 controls. Inadequate perfusion that required changing the surgical site of the anastomosis was identified in 4.8% of the case group (n = 4). A trend toward reducing the leak rate with ICGFA was identified (6% [n = 5] in the cases vs 7.1% in the controls [n = 6] [p = 0.999]). The patients that underwent anastomosis site change due to inadequate perfusion had a 0% leak rate. CONCLUSIONS: ICGFA as a method to evaluate intraoperative blood perfusion showed a trend toward reducing the incidence of anastomotic leak in colorectal surgery.

Supported Diagnosis of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder from EEG Based on Interpretable Kernels for Hidden Markov Models.

As a neurodevelopmental pathology, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) mainly arises during childhood. Persistent patterns of generalized inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity characterize ADHD that may persist into adulthood. The conventional diagnosis relies on clinical observational processes yielding high rates of overdiagnosis due to varying interpretations among specialists or missing information. Although several studies have designed objective behavioral features to overcome such an issue, they lack significance. Despite electroencephalography (EEG) analyses extracting alternative biomarkers using signal processing techniques, the nonlinearity and nonstationarity of EEG signals restrain performance and generalization of hand-crafted features. This work proposes a methodology to support ADHD diagnosis by characterizing EEG signals from hidden Markov models (HMM), classifying subjects based on similarity measures for probability functions, and spatially interpreting the results using graphic embeddings of stochastic dynamic models. The methodology learns a single HMM for EEG signal from each patient, so favoring the inter-subject variability. Then, the Probability Product Kernel, specifically developed for assessing the similarity between HMMs, fed a support vector machine that classifies subjects according to their stochastic dynamics. Lastly, the kernel variant of Principal Component Analysis provided a means to visualize the EEG transitions in a two-dimensional space, evidencing dynamic differences between ADHD and Healthy Control children. From the electrophysiological perspective, we recorded EEG under the Stop Signal Task modified with reward levels, which considers cognitive features of interest as insufficient motivational circuits recruitment. The methodology compares the supported diagnosis in two EEG channel setups (whole channel set and channels of interest in frontocentral area) and four frequency bands (Theta, Alpha, Beta rhythms, and a wideband). Results evidence an accuracy rate of 97.0% in the Beta band and in the channels where previous works found error-related negativity events. Such accuracy rate strongly supports the dual pathway hypothesis and motivational deficit concerning the pathophysiology of ADHD. It also demonstrates the utility of joining inhibitory and motivational paradigms with dynamic EEG analysis into a noninvasive and affordable diagnostic tool for ADHD patients.

Differences in the presentation and treatment of primary liver tumors at a hepatology center and an oncology center.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Primary liver cancer is a public health problem in Mexico and the world. Liver transplantation (LT) is the ideal treatment for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our aim was to evaluate the characteristics of patients with HCC and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) at two centers and identify transplantation candidates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Hepatology Center (HC) and the University Center Against Cancer (UCAC), within the time frame of 2012-2018. HCC or intrahepatic CC was confirmed in 109 patients. Staging classifications, transplant selection models, and a predictive model for post-LT recurrence were applied to the HCC patients. RESULTS: Of the total population, 93% (n=102) presented with cirrhosis, 86% (n=94) had HCC (HC: 58%, UCAC: 42%), and 14% (n=15) had intrahepatic CC (HC: 40%, UCAC: 60%). Of the HC patients with HCC, Okuda I-II, BCLC A-B, and AFP levels <100ng/m predominated, whereas Okuda II-III, BCLC C-D, and AFP levels >1000ng/mL predominated in the UCAC patients. Half of the HC population with HCC met the criteria for LT, in contrast to 23% of the UCAC patients. Fifteen patients were evaluated for LT, and at present, six have undergone transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent primary liver tumor was HCC. Patients from the HC presented with earlier-stage disease and a high number of them met the criteria for LT. Only patients from the HC underwent transplantation.

Differences in the presentation and treatment of primary liver tumors at a hepatology center and an oncology center. / Diferencias de la presentación y tratamiento en las neoplasias primarias de hígado en un centro de hepatología y un centro oncológico.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Primary liver cancer is a public health problem in Mexico and the world. Liver transplantation (LT) is the ideal treatment for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our aim was to evaluate the characteristics of patients with HCC and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) at two centers and identify transplantation candidates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Hepatology Center (HC) and the University Center Against Cancer (UCAC), within the time frame of 2012-2018. HCC or intrahepatic CC was confirmed in 109 patients. Staging classifications, transplant selection models, and a predictive model for post-LT recurrence were applied to the HCC patients. RESULTS: Of the total population, 93% (n = 102) presented with cirrhosis, 86% (n = 94) had HCC (HC: 58%, UCAC: 42%), and 14% (n = 15) had intrahepatic CC (HC: 40%, UCAC: 60%). Of the HC patients with HCC, Okuda I-II, BCLC A-B, and AFP levels < 100 ng/m predominated, whereas Okuda II-III, BCLC C-D, and AFP levels > 1,000 ng/mL predominated in the UCAC patients. Half of the HC population with HCC met the criteria for LT, in contrast to 23% of the UCAC patients. Fifteen patients were evaluated for LT, and at present, six have undergone transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent primary liver tumor was HCC. Patients from the HC presented with earlier-stage disease and a high number of them met the criteria for LT. Only patients from the HC underwent transplantation.

Adaptación transcultural al Español y Validación de la Escala de Lysholm para evaluar la funcionalidad de la rodilla / Cross-cultural adaptation to Spanish and Validation of Lysholm knee Score

Introducción La escala de Lysholm fue desarrollada en 1982 y modificada en 1985 con el fin de evaluar la funcionalidad de los pacientes con lesiones ligamentarias; desde entonces ha sido ampliamente utilizada para evaluar subjetivamente a los pacientes en relación con su capacidad funcional. El propósito de este estudio fue realizar su traducción y adaptación transcultural al español colombiano y desarrollar la validación psicométrica a través de la evaluación de la consistencia interna y fiabilidad test-retest. Materiales y métodos Previa identificación de la escala original de interés, se realizó traducción (inglés-español), adaptación cultural y re-traducción (español-inglés) por expertos lingüistas nativos, quienes valoraron la similitud del contenido de ambos productos (original y retraducido). Asimismo, dicha última versión fue valorada por 40 pacientes con enfermedad de rodilla (lesión meniscal, ruptura de ligamento cruzado anterior, condromalacia y gonartrosis), quienes confirmaron comprender el texto. Posteriormente fue evaluada la consistencia interna mediante la prueba de alfa de Cronbach para todos los ítems, y el coeficiente correlación intraclase­puntaje total del sub-constructo a través de una muestra aleatoria (n=93), la cual validó la estructura factorial de la escala. Resultados El alfa de Cronbach fue de 0,737 y el coeficiente de correlación interclase fue de 0,844, asociado a una concordancia inter-observador alta (Gamma=0,752). El gráfico de Bland-Altman no demostró diferencias sistemáticas entre las mediciones Discusión La presente versión al español (colombiano) de la escala Lysholm es una herramienta válida para medir la funcionalidad en pacientes con lesiones meniscales del ligamento cruzado anterior, condromalacia patelofemoral y gonartrosis en países de habla hispana (preferentemente en Colombia).

Background The Lysholm scale was developed in 1982 and modified in 1985 in order to assess the functionality of patients with knee ligament injuries; since then it has been widely used to subjectively evaluate patients in relation to their functional capacity. The purpose of the study was to carry out its translation and cross-cultural adaptation to Colombian Spanish and to develop psychometric validation through the evaluation of internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Methods After identifying the original scale of interest, translation (English-Spanish), cultural adaptation and re-translation (Spanish-English) were carried out by native linguist experts, who assessed the similarity of the content of both products (original and retranslated). Likewise, this latest version was evaluated by 40 patients with knee disease (meniscal injury, anterior cruciate ligament rupture, chondromalacia and gonarthrosis), who confirmed that they understood the text. Subsequently, the internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha test for all items, and the intraclass correlation coefficient ­ ??total score of the sub-construct through a random sample (n=93), which validated the factorial structure of the scale. Results Cronbach's alpha was 0.737 and the interclass correlation coefficient was 0.844, associated with a high inter-observer agreement (Gamma=0.752). The Bland-Altman plot did not show systematic differences between the measurements Discussion This Spanish (Colombian) version of the Lysholm scale is a valid tool to measure functionality in patients with meniscal lesions of the anterior cruciate ligament, patellofemoral chondromalacia and gonarthrosis in Spanish-speaking countries (preferably in Colombia).

Instance-Based Representation Using Multiple Kernel Learning for Predicting Conversion to Alzheimer Disease.

The early detection of Alzheimer's disease and quantification of its progression poses multiple difficulties for machine learning algorithms. Two of the most relevant issues are related to missing data and results interpretability. To deal with both issues, we introduce a methodology to predict conversion of mild cognitive impairment patients to Alzheimer's from structural brain MRI volumes. First, we use morphological measures of each brain structure to build an instance-based feature mapping that copes with missed follow-up visits. Then, the extracted multiple feature mappings are combined into a single representation through the convex combination of reproducing kernels. The weighting parameters per structure are tuned based on the maximization of the centered-kernel alignment criterion. We evaluate the proposed methodology on a couple of well-known classification machines employing the ADNI database devoted to assessing the combined prognostic value of several AD biomarkers. The obtained experimental results show that our proposed method of Instance-based representation using multiple kernel learning enables detecting mild cognitive impairment as well as predicting conversion to Alzheimers disease within three years from the initial screening. Besides, the brain structures with larger combination weights are directly related to memory and cognitive functions.

Caracterización de la ingesta de alimentos y nutrientes en adultos mayores chilenos / Characterization of food intake and nutrient in elderly chilean adults

Introduction: The elderly population is a constantly growing demographic group in Chile and worldwide. It represents a group of high nutritional risk, given the health complications that occur. Objective: To describe the quantity and quality of nutrients, and the main food consumed by elderly, older and younger than 80 years. Subjects and methods: 514 autonomous elderly men and women, living in Santiago, Chile participated in the study. Food intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. About 338 foods were collected, and the contribution of macro and micronutrients by food groupwas calculated. Comparisons were made on the average intake between older and younger than 80 years. Results: No significant differences in macro and micronutrient intake among women, older and younger than 80 years were found. Differences in the intake by age in the men group was found, for calories, carbohydrates, fiber, iron, thiamin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, copper, magnesium, and selenium (p<0.05). Bread is an important contributor of folic acid and B vitamins. Dairy contributed the greatest amount of B12. Most iron was provided by bread and cereals. Calcium provided by dairy and breads. Conclusions: The traditional foods in the Chilean diet, such asbread, contribute significantly to the intake of nutrients. It would be important to thoroughly analyze the reasons why differencesin consumption where found in men, older and younger than 80 years, to improve nutrient intake in this population at risk.

Introducción: La población de adultos mayores (AM) es un grupo demográfico en constante crecimiento, en Chile y a nivel mundial. Representa un grupo de alto riesgo nutricional, dadas las complicaciones en la salud que presentan. Objetivo: Describir la cantidad y calidad de nutrientes, y los principales alimentos consumidos por adultos mayores (AM), y menores de 80 años. Sujetos y métodos: Se evaluó mediante un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentosla ingesta detallada de alimentos, de 514 AM sanos de ambos sexos, autónomos de la ciudad de Santiago. Se recolectó información sobre 338 alimentos, y calculó el aporte de macro y micronutrientes por grupo de alimentos. Se realizaron comparaciones en los promedios de ingesta entre mayores y menores de 80 años. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias significativas en el consumo de macro y micronutrientes entre mujeres mayores y menores de 80 años. Se encontraron diferencias en hombres según grupo de edad, para calorías, carbohidratos, fibra, hierro, tiamina, niacina, folatos, ácido pantoténico, cobre, magnesio, y selenio (p<0,05). El pan es un importante aportador de ácido fólico y de vitaminas del complejo B. Los lácteos aportaron la mayor cantidad de B12. La mayor cantidad de hierro fue aportada por pan y cereales. El calcio fue aportado por lácteos y panes. Conclusiones: Los alimentos tradicionales en la dieta chilena como el pan contribuyen de forma importante a la ingesta de nutrientes. Sería importante analizar exhaustivamente las causas por las cuales existen diferencias en el consumo en hombres mayores y menores de 80 años, para mejorar la ingesta de nutrientes en esta población en riesgo.

[Association of intake macro and micronutrients with life quality of life in elderly]. / ASOCIACIÓN DE LA INGESTA DE MACRO Y MICRONUTRENTES CON CALIDAD DE VIDA EN ADULTOS MAYORES.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between quality of life life quality and nutrients it is taking a special singular importance in this age group. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between consumption of the macro and micronutrients with quality of life in elderly living in Santiago. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1,704 autonomous elderly were assessed. Quality of life was measured by a Life style and Health promotion survey and food patterns were evaluated by a food frequency questionnaire. The quality of life and food intake were evaluated by the Survey of Life Style and Health Promoter and the Feeding and Food Survey were answered by 1,704 non-disabled participant of both sex. RESULTS: The 63.9% of the elderly were overweight or /obesity. Perform correlations between quality of life and nutrients consumption were; the vitamin A, which was is associated to better stress management (r = 0.166; p = 0.001), responsibility for health (0.171; p = 0.001) and exercise (r = 0.167; p = 0.001); the vitamin B12 was a protective factor to have a better quality of life OR = 0.78 (IC95% 0.67-0.90). On the other hand, the consumption of cola soft drinks OR = 1.92 (IC95% 1.42-2.60), the overweight OR = 1.77 (IC95% 1.02-3.06) and be male OR = 1.62 (IC95% 1.27-2.07) were risk factors for quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The vitamin A and B12 consumption are protective factors for a better quality of life. Conversely, being a male, consumer cola soft drinks and the overweight are risk factors of quality of life in autonomous independent elderly.

Introducción: la relación entre calidad de vida y nutrientes está cobrando una singular importancia en este grupo etario. Objetivo: asociar la ingesta de macro y micronutrientes con la calidad de vida de AM autónomos chilenos. Material y métodos: se evaluaron 1.704 adultos mayores (AM) autónomos, de ambos sexos, a quienes se les valoró la calidad de vida a través de la encuesta de Estilo de Vida y Promotor de Salud y de una encuesta sobre Tendencia de Consumo. Resultados: el 63,9% de los AM presentaba sobrepeso/ obesidad al realizar correlaciones entre calidad de vida y nutrientes; la vitamina A se asoció a mejor manejo de el estrés (r = 0,166; p = 0,001), responsabilidad en salud (0,171;p = 0,001) y ejercicio (r = 0,167; p = 0,001); la vitamina B12 es un factor protector a la hora de tener una buena calidad de vida OR = 0,78 (IC95% 0,67-0,90), en cambio el consumo de bebidas cola OR = 1,92 (IC95% 1,42-2,60), el sobrepeso OR = 1,77(IC95% 1,02-3,06) y ser de sexo masculino OR = 1,62 (IC95%1,27-2,07) son factores de riesgo para la calidad de vida. Conclusiones: la ingesta de vitamina A y vitamina B12 son factores protectores para tener una mejor calidad de vida; en cambio, tener sexo masculino, consumir bebidas cola y el sobrepeso son factores de riesgo para la calidad de vida en adultos mayores autónomos.

[Relationship between sleep and constipation in the elderly Chileans]. / Relación entre las horas de sueño y constipación en adultos mayores Chilenos.

BACKGROUND: There is scarce information about constipation in elderly subjects. Among the variety of factors causing constipation, the sleeping hours are a factor usually not taken into account. OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between hours of sleep during the week and weekend, with constipation in older adults. DESIGN: Sleep quality, stool consistency, physical activity (PA) and dietary fiber intake was assessed using various validated surveys in 424 healthy autonomous elderly men and women, living in Santiago, Chile. RESULTS: Half of the participants reported having abnormal stools (constipation and diarrhea). Subjects who had constipation had lower PA and greater difficulty falling asleep than subjects with normal bowel movements. The elderly participants with constipation had a higher amount of sleep during the week and weekend, that subjects with normal bowel movements (9.4 ± 1.6 vs 8.8 ± 1.8 hours, p = 0.013). The constipated subjects slept significantly more than those with normal evacuation (9.7 ± 1.5 vs 9.2 ± 1.8, p = 0.024). No differences in the nutritional status and fiber intake among patients with different consistencies were found. CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between sleep and the consistency of the stools in elderly patients. It would be interesting to evaluate whether long-term improvement of these factors could have a positive impact on the other.

Introducción: Existe escasa información sobre la evaluación de la constipación en los sujetos de edad avanzada. Dentro de la variedad de factores causantes, usualmente no es tomado en cuenta un factor que también podría incidir sobre la presencia de constipación: las horas de sueño. Objetivos: Determinar la asociación entre horas de sueño durante la semana y fin de semana con el estreñimiento en adultos mayores (AM). Materiales y métodos: Se evaluó mediante diversas encuestas validadas la calidad de sueño, consistencia de las heces, actividad física (AF) e ingesta de fibra dietaria en 424 AM sanos de ambos sexos, autónomos de la ciudad de Santiago. Resultados: La mitad de los participantes refirieron tener deposiciones anormales (estreñimiento y diarrea). Los sujetos que presentaron estreñimiento tenían menor AF y mayor dificultad para conciliar el sueño que los sujetos con deposiciones normales. Los AM constipados presentaron una mayor cantidad de sueño durante la semana y fin de semana, que los sujetos con una evacuación normal (9,4 ± 1,6 vs 8,8 ± 1,8 horas; p=0,013). Los AM constipados duermen significativamente más que los AM con evacuación normal (9,7 ± 1,5 vs 9,2 ± 1,8; p=0,024). No se encontraron diferencias en el EN y el consumo de fibra entre pacientes con distintas consistencias. Conclusiones: Existe una asociación entre las horas de sueño que duermen los AM y la consistencia de sus deposiciones. Resultaría de interés evaluar a largo plazo si el mejoramiento de uno de estos factores podría incidir positivamente sobre el otro.

Extraction of stationary components in biosignal discrimination.

Biosignal recordings are widely used in the medical environment to support the evaluation and the diagnosis of pathologies. Nevertheless, the main difficulty lies in the non-stationary behavior of the biosignals, difficulting the obtention of patterns characterizing the changes in physiological or pathological states. Thus, the obtention of the stationary and non-stationary components of a biosignal is still an open issue. This work proposes a methodology to detect time-homogeneities based on time-frequency analysis with aim to extract the non-stationary behavior of the biosignal. Results show an increase in the stationarity and in the distance between classes of the reconstructions from the enhanced time-frequency representations. The stationary components extracted with the proposed approach can be used to solve biosignal classification problems.

[Pet ownership and health status of pets from immunocompromised children, with emphasis in zoonotic diseases]. / Tenencia y estado de salud de mascotas de niños inmunocomprometidos, con énfasis en enfermedades zoonóticas.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize pet ownership and pet health status in families of immunocompromised (IS) children, with emphasis in zoonotic diseases. POPULATION AND METHODS: Families of IS children from two hospitals in Santiago, Chile, were interviewed and their pets were evaluated by veterinary examination, coproparasitologic and skin dermatophytes test. In specific cases, other laboratory tests were performed in IS children or their relatives. RESULTS: 47 out of 70 contacted families had pets, 42 participated in the study. Several risk factors for IS children were observed, as having a turtle as a pet and to clean cat or turtle faeces. Lack of adequate veterinary control, immunizations and deparasitation of pets were observed. Some animals showed zoonotic diseases or agents, as Brucella canis, Cryptosporidium sp, Giardia intestinalis, Toxocara canis and scabies. 44% of dogs had ticks and 37% had fleas, both potential vectors of infections. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that policies to provide safer pet contact in IS children are needed.

Actualización Consenso Neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica: Segunda parte. Prevención / Update. Consensus on Ventilator Associated Pneumonia: Second Part: Prophylaxis

Ventilator associated pneumonia is a life threatening disease, in spite of advances in its treatment, consequently the development of prevention strategies is a key factor in improving the morbidity and mortality in intensive care units (ICU). The new developments in this field in the last years led to the need to update the recommendations done in 2001. Then, a new search and analysis of scientific literature was performed. The obtained data support different strategies highlighting: semi-recumbent position at 45° of patients; incorporation of routinely oral hygiene procedures with chlorhexidine; preference of orotracheal intubation; performing subglotic aspiration; use of standard hand hygiene techniques; not routine change of ventilator circuits; and defining bundles to organize the work at ICU. Some strategies were recommended for being of similar efficacy to others but cost-effective as: use of heat and moisture humidificators; and changing humidificators every 5 to 7 days. The use of open or closed endotracheal suctioning system does not affect the incidence of pneumonia. Some recommendations were not incorporated because of lack of evidence supporting effectiveness, controversial data or doubtful application to our country as selective digestive decontamination.

La neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica ha persistido como una enfermedad relacionada a una alta mortalidad, a pesar de los avances que se han tenido en tratamiento. Es así que, hacer énfasis en la prevención de ésta, es fundamental para mejorar la morbi-mortalidad de las unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCIs). Los nuevos enfoques reportados en esta materia en los últimos años, hicieron necesaria la actualización de las recomendaciones hechas el año 2001. En vista de esto, se realizó una nueva búsqueda y análisis de la literatura científica. La información obtenida apoya diferentes intervenciones destacando: el uso de la posición semisentada a 45°; la higiene oral, de rutina, con clorhexidina; preferencia de la vía endotraqueal para intubación; realización de aspiración subglótica rutinaria; uso de las precauciones estándares; evitar el cambio rutinario de los circuitos de ventilación mecánica; y desarrollar paquetes de medidas ("bundles") que permitan organizar el trabajo en las UCIs. Algunas estrategias fueron recomendadas con datos de similar eficacia, pero mejor costo efectividad como: el uso de humidificadores higroscópicos; y el cambio de humidificadores cada 5 a 7 días. El uso de sistemas de aspiración abiertos o cerrados no afecta la incidencia de neumonía. Algunas recomendaciones no fueron incorporadas por falta de evidencia que asegurase su efectividad, datos controversiales o posibilidad dudosa de aplicación a nuestro país como la descontaminación intestinal selectiva.

Tenencia y estado de salud de mascotas de niños inmunocomprometidos, con énfasis en enfermedades zoonóticas / Pet ownership and health status of pets from immunocompromised children, with emphasis in zoonotic diseases

Objetive: To characterize pet ownership and pet health status in families of immunocompromised (IS) children, with emphasis in zoonotic diseases. Population and Methods: Families of IS children from two hospitals in Santiago, Chile, were interviewed and their pets were evaluated by veterinary examination, coproparasitologic and skin dermatophytes test. In specific cases, other laboratory tests were performed in IS children or their relatives. Results: 47 out of 70 contacted families had pets, 42 participated in the study. Several risk factors for IS children were observed, as having a turtle as a pet and to clean cat or turtle faeces. Lack of adequate veterinary control, immunizations and deparasitation of pets were observed. Some animals showed zoonotic diseases or agents, as Brucella canis, Cryptosporidium sp, Giardia intestinalis, Toxocara canis and scabies. 44 percent of dogs had ticks and 37 percent had fleas, both potential vectors of infections. Conclusions: Our results suggest that policies to provide safer pet contact in IS children are needed.

Objetivo: Caracterizar la tenencia y estado de salud de mascotas de niños inmunocomprometidos (IC), con énfasis en situaciones y agentes infecciosos de potencial riesgo para la salud del niño. Población y Métodos: Se entrevistó a familias de niños IC en tratamiento en dos hospitales de Santiago y se evaluó la salud de sus mascotas mediante examen clínico veterinario, copro-parasitológico y búsqueda de dermatofitos en el pelaje. En casos puntuales, se realizaron algunos exámenes de laboratorio específicos a los niños o sus familiares. Resultados: 47 de 70 familias contactadas tenían mascotas, 42 participaron del estudio. Se detectaron situaciones de alto riesgo para niños IC como poseer tortuga como mascota y limpiar excretas de gatos y tortugas. Se evidenció una mínima adherencia al control veterinario, inmunizaciones y desparasitación de mascotas. Se identificaron animales con enfermedades o agentes con potencial zoonótico, destacando Brucella canis, Cryptosporidium sp, Giardia intestinalis, Toxocara canis y sarna sarcóptica. Un 44 por ciento de los perros presentaban garrapatas y 37 por ciento pulgas, ambos potenciales vectores de infecciones. Conclusiones: Los resultados sugieren que en nuestro medio es necesario implementar medidas que permitan una tenencia más segura de las mascotas en contacto con niños IC.

Components of (co)variance of the days open in Siboney dairy cows / Componentes de (co)variância dos dias vazios em vacas leiteiras Siboney

The records of 63,406 calvings of Siboney dairy cows (5/8 Holstein 3/8 Cuban Zebu) were used to estimate the components of covariance of the days open (DO). Five models were used: of repeatability; univariate; bivariate; of random regression with Legendre polynomials and the parity number as predicting variable; and a model of random regression with Legendre polynomials and heterogeneity of the residual variance. The heritability obtained with the univariate model was 0.09 in the first calving and decreased to 0.05 in the fifth. A higher estimate of heritability (0.12) was obtained with the repeatability model. When the model of random regression with heterogeneity of the residual variance was used, the heritability was higher than the values estimated with the previous models. The genetic correlations among the DO in different calvings, estimated with the models of random regression with and without heterogeneity of the residual variance, were close to 1.0. It is concluded that the estimates of heritability increased with the use of the random regression models. The genetic correlations among the DO of different calvings indicated that in the first three, the DO are regulated for the most part by the same genes.

Os registros de 63.406 partos de vacas Siboney (5/8 Holstein 3/8 Cebu de Cuba) foram utilizados para estimar os componentes de (co)variância de dias vazios (DV). Utilizaram-se cinco modelos: de repetitividade; univariado; bivariado; de regressão aleatória com polinômios de Legendre e número de partos como variável preditiva; e de regressão aleatória com polinômios de Legendre e heterogeneidade da variância residual. A herdabilidade obtida com o modelo univariado foi de 0,09 no primeiro e diminuiu a 0,05 no quinto parto. Uma estimativa de herdabilidade mais alta (0,12) foi obtida com o modelo de repetitividade. Quando foi usado o modelo de regressão aleatória com heterogeneidade da variância residual a herdabilidade foi superior aos valores estimados com os modelos anteriores. As correlações genéticas entre os DV em distintos partos, estimadas com os modelos de regressão aleatória com e sem heterogeneidade da variância residual, foram próximos a 1,0. Concluiu-se que as estimativas de herdabilidade foram incrementadas com o uso dos modelos de regressão aleatória. As correlações genéticas entre os DV de diferentes partos indicaram que, nos três primeiros, os DV são regulados na sua maior proporção pelos mesmos genes.

Components of (co)variance of the days open in Siboney dairy cows / Componentes de (co)variância dos dias vazios em vacas leiteiras Siboney

The records of 63,406 calvings of Siboney dairy cows (5/8 Holstein 3/8 Cuban Zebu) were used to estimate the components of covariance of the days open (DO). Five models were used: of repeatability; univariate; bivariate; of random regression with Legendre polynomials and the parity number as predicting variable; and a model of random regression with Legendre polynomials and heterogeneity of the residual variance. The heritability obtained with the univariate model was 0.09 in the first calving and decreased to 0.05 in the fifth. A higher estimate of heritability (0.12) was obtained with the repeatability model. When the model of random regression with heterogeneity of the residual variance was used, the heritability was higher than the values estimated with the previous models. The genetic correlations among the DO in different calvings, estimated with the models of random regression with and without heterogeneity of the residual variance, were close to 1.0. It is concluded that the estimates of heritability increased with the use of the random regression models. The genetic correlations among the DO of different calvings indicated that in the first three, the DO are regulated for the most part by the same genes.(AU)

Os registros de 63.406 partos de vacas Siboney (5/8 Holstein 3/8 Cebu de Cuba) foram utilizados para estimar os componentes de (co)variância de dias vazios (DV). Utilizaram-se cinco modelos: de repetitividade; univariado; bivariado; de regressão aleatória com polinômios de Legendre e número de partos como variável preditiva; e de regressão aleatória com polinômios de Legendre e heterogeneidade da variância residual. A herdabilidade obtida com o modelo univariado foi de 0,09 no primeiro e diminuiu a 0,05 no quinto parto. Uma estimativa de herdabilidade mais alta (0,12) foi obtida com o modelo de repetitividade. Quando foi usado o modelo de regressão aleatória com heterogeneidade da variância residual a herdabilidade foi superior aos valores estimados com os modelos anteriores. As correlações genéticas entre os DV em distintos partos, estimadas com os modelos de regressão aleatória com e sem heterogeneidade da variância residual, foram próximos a 1,0. Concluiu-se que as estimativas de herdabilidade foram incrementadas com o uso dos modelos de regressão aleatória. As correlações genéticas entre os DV de diferentes partos indicaram que, nos três primeiros, os DV são regulados na sua maior proporção pelos mesmos genes.(AU)

[Treatment of urinary tract infections in febrile infants: experience of outpatient intravenous antibiotic treatment]. / Manejo de la infección del tracto urinario en lactantes febriles: Experiencia de tratamiento antimicrobiano intravenoso ambulatorio.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of intravenous (iv) outpatient treatment in 2 to 24 month-old children with febrile urinary tract infection (UTI). METHOD: Children presenting to the ER, between April 2003-2005, with fever and no identifiable focus who had a diagnosis of UTI were randomized to receive iv antibiotic in the hospital or in an outpatient facility. Children were started on amikacin or ceftriaxona according to physician criteria followed by antimicrobial adjustment based on urine culture result and a later switch to an oral antimicrobial. Urine cultures were performed during and after completing the antimicrobial course. Adherence and effectiveness of antimicrobial treatment and treatment-associated complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The study included 112 patients, 58 inpatient children and 54 outpatient children, with an average age of 7.7 months. Duration of iv treatment did not differ among groups (2.8 days (SD 1.2) 2.7 +0.91 days in inpatients vs 2.9 + 1.9 days in outpatients (p = 0.22). In 100% of outpatient children and 100% of inpatient children (overall 101/101) urine cultures were negative on day 5. None of the children had a treatment-associated complication. Cost analysis yielded 73% of saving money (overall cost for inpatient treatment US 9,815 vs outpatient treatment US 2,650). CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient iv treatment in patients between 2 and 24 months with UTI and fever was effective, safe and of lower cost.

Manejo de la infección del tracto urinario en lactantes febriles: experiencia de tratamiento antimicrobiano intravenoso ambulatorio / Treatment of urinary tract infections in febrile infants: experience of outpatient intravenous antibiotic treatment

Objective: To describe the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of intravenous (iv) outpatient treatment in 2 to 24 month-old children with febrile urinary tract infection (UTI). Method: Children presenting to the ER, between April 2003-2005, with fever and no identifiable focus who had a diagnosis of UTI were randomized to receive iv antibiotic in the hospital or in an outpatient facility. Children were started on amikacin or ceftriaxona according to physician criteria followed by antimicrobial adjustment based on uriñe culture result and a later switch to an oral antimicrobial. Uriñe cultures were performed during and after completing the antimicrobial course. Adherence and effectiveness of antimicrobial treatment and treatment-associated complications were analyzed. Results: The study included 112 patients, 58 inpatient children and 54 outpatient children, with an average age of 7.7 months. Duration of iv treatment didnot differ among groups (2.8 days (SD 1.2) 2.7 +0.91 days ininpatients vs 2.9 + 1.9 days in outpatients (p = 0.22). In 100 percent of outpatient children and 100 percent of inpatient children (overall 101/101) uriñe cultures were negative on day 5. None of the children had a treatment-associated complication. Cost analysis yielded 73 percent of saving money (overall cost for inpatient treatment US 9,815 vs outpatient treatment US 2,650). Conclusions: Outpatient iv treatment in patients between 2 and 24 months with UTI and fever was effective, safe and of lower cost.

Objetivo: Describir la factibilidad, efectividad y seguridad del tratamiento intravenoso (iv) ambulatorio en niños de 2 meses a 2 años con infección del tracto urinario (ITU) y fiebre. Método: Entre abril 2003 y abril 2005 se realizó un estudio prospectivo en pacientes con fiebre sin foco derivados de Emergencia Infantil, finalmente diagnosticados como ITU, estableciéndose dos grupos con tratamiento iv: uno hospitalizado y otro ambulatorio. Se administró amikacina o ceftriaxona según criterio del médico de turno, hasta obtener resultado del urocultivo, y posteriormente se cambió a tratamiento oral. Se controló urocultivo intra y post tratamiento registrándose adherencia, efectividad y complicaciones. Resultados: Se incluyeron 112 pacientes (58 hospitalizados y 54 ambulatorios), con edad promedio de 7,8 meses. El promedio de días de tratamiento iv fue 2,8 días (SD 1,2) sin diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos 2,7 +0,91 días en los internados vs 2,9 + 1,9 días en los ambulatorios (p = 0,22). En 100 por ciento de ambos grupos de pacientes (en globo 101/101) el urocultivo obtenido al día 5 fue estéril. No hubo complicaciones del tratamiento o sobre la vía venosa. El análisis de costos concluyó que en globo, el manejo ambulatorio representó un 73 por ciento de ahorro económico (1.430.000 pesos chilenos vs 5.300.000 pesos en el sólo rubro de día-cama Conclusiones: El tratamiento iv ambulatorio en pacientes con ITU febril entre 2 y 24 meses fue efectivo, seguro y a un menor costo.