Safety and efficacy of a COVID-19 treatment with nebulized and/or intravenous neutral electrolyzed saline combined with usual medical care vs. usual medical care alone: A randomized, open-label, controlled trial.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently the major public health problem worldwide. Neutral electrolyzed saline solution that contains reactive chlorine and oxygen species may be an effective therapeutic. In the present study, the treatment efficacy of intravenous and/or nebulized neutral electrolyzed saline combined with usual medical care vs. usual medical care alone was evaluated in ambulatory patients with COVID-19. A prospective, 2-arm, parallel-group, randomized, open-label, multi-center, phase I-II clinical trial including 214 patients was performed. The following two outcomes were evaluated during the 20-day follow-up: i) The number of patients with disease progression; and ii) the patient acceptable symptom state. Serial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 naso/oro-pharyngeal detection by reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q) PCR was performed in certain patients of the experimental group. Biochemical and hematologic parameters, as well as adverse effects, were also evaluated in the experimental group. The experimental treatment decreased the risk of hospitalization by 89% [adjusted relative risk (RR)=0.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03-0.37, P<0.001] and the risk of death by 96% (adjusted RR=0.04, 95% CI: 0.01-0.42, P=0.007) and also resulted in an 18-fold higher probability of achieving an acceptable symptom state on day 5 (adjusted RR=18.14, 95% CI: 7.29-45.09, P<0.001), compared with usual medical care alone. Overall, neutral electrolyzed saline solution was better than usual medical care alone. Of the patients analyzed, >50% were negative for the virus as detected by RT-qPCR in naso/oro-pharyngeal samples on day 4, with only a small number of positive patients on day 6. Clinical improvement correlated with a decrease in C-reactive protein, aberrant monocytes and increased lymphocytes and platelets. Cortisol and testosterone levels were also evaluated and a decrease in cortisol levels and an increase in the testosterone-cortisol ratio were observed on days 2 and 4. The experimental treatment produced no serious adverse effects. In conclusion, neutral electrolyzed saline solution markedly reduced the symptomatology and risk of progression in ambulatory patients with COVID-19. The present clinical trial was registered in the Cuban public registry of clinical trials (RPCEC) database (May 5, 2020; no. TX-COVID19: RPCEC00000309).

[Psychomotor skills assessment in basic procedures of laparoscopic surgery in undergraduate medical students at the School of Medicine of the University of Colima]. / Evaluación de la adquisición de habilidades psicomotrices básicas en procedimientos laparoscópicos en estudiantes de pregrado de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Colima.

BACKGROUND: The changes in recent decades in the training of medical student seem to agree that the educational model for professional skills is most appropriate. The virtual simulator translates skills acquired the operating room, in the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Colima noticed the need to prepare the students of pregrade transferring surgical trainees' skills in basic laparoscopic activities that require a simple cognitive effort. OBJECTIVE: The hypothesis in this study was to evaluate the acquisition of skills in laparoscopic simulator in students of pregrade. METHODS: Educational research, analytical comparison, which was conducted within the activities of the program of Problem Based Learning in the program of Education and Surgical Technique, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Colima. RESULTS: All participants in the simulator achieved a significantly better during the task one after three repetitions (p= 0.001). The evaluation of final students calcification, we observed significant differences in means being lower during the initial assessment (8.60 ± 0.76) compared to the end (8.96 ± 0.58) p= 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The acquisition of skills in the simulator is longer but at the end is better than the acquisition of skills from the traditional method, showing that leads to the acquisition of skills that promote the transfer of skills to the surgical environment.

Antecedentes: la educación basada en competencias señala que el estudiante debe dominar tres rubros: saber, saber hacer y ser. El primero se refiere al conjunto de conocimientos teórico-prácticos, el segundo a las habilidades psicomotrices y el tercero al comportamiento profesional. El estudiante de Medicina adquiere las primeras destrezas en cirugía laparoscópica a través de modelos animales y simuladores virtuales. Sin embargo, no hemos evaluado la trascendencia de esta capacitación. Objetivo: evaluar en alumnos de pregrado las destrezas en cirugía laparoscópica obtenidas después de un curso con un simulador virtual. Material y métodos: estudio de investigación educativa, analíticocomparativo efectuado como parte de las actividades del programa de Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas de la asignatura de Educación y Técnica Quirúrgica de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Colima. Resultados: todos los participantes alcanzaron en el simulador un mejor nivel durante la tarea 1 después de tres repeticiones (p= 0.001). En la evaluación de la calificación final de los alumnos se observaron diferencias significativas en las medias que fueron más bajas durante la evaluación inicial (8.60 ± 0.76) en comparación con la final (8.96 ± 0.58) p= 0.001. Conclusiones: la adquisición de habilidades en el simulador es más prolongada y al final es superior a la adquisición de habilidades basada en el método tradicional; demuestra que conduce a la adquisición de competencias que favorecen la transferencia de habilidades al entorno quirúrgico.

Comparison of transumbilical approach versus infraumbilical incision for the repair of umbilical hernia in adults.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of umbilical hernias is proposed in the vast majority of cases. The typical approaches make a semilunar incision above the umbilicus. The aim of this study is evaluate the surgical approach with two different incisions, the transumbilical approach and the infra-umbilical approach. METHODS: Included in the study were 82 consecutive patients with diagnosis of umbilical hernia. Variables related to demographic characteristics, surgical operation, and cosmetic results were evaluated. Patients were randomized into two groups; transumbilical or infra-umbilical approach. Statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate complications, recurrences and aspects of the surgical scar. RESULTS: The study included group A (42 patients) and group B (40 patients). The most frequent symptom was pain in both groups. Complications were similar in both groups with four (9.5%) in group A and eight (19%) in group B (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.17-1.61, p = 0.24). Cosmetic results were classified as good in the vast majority of patients in group A (p 0.001). No recurrences or mortality have been reported so far in both studied groups. CONCLUSION: We described an uncommon technique of incision with the aim of improving cosmetic results. Our results are in concordance with randomized clinical trials with the same technique with no recurrence or mortality to date. Cosmetic results in our patients using the transumbilical approach were clearly superior.

Tamsulosin does not have greater efficacy than conventional treatment for distal ureteral stone expulsion in Mexican patients.

The objective of the study was to evaluate tamsulosin (TAM) efficacy in distal ureteral stone expulsion in Mexican patients. A double-blind clinical trial was carried out for a period of 4 weeks on 65 patients assigned to the following treatment groups: Group A, 32 patients receiving conventional treatment + TAM; and Group B, 33 patients receiving conventional treatment + placebo. Patients of both groups were checked every 14 days to evaluate treatment adherence and clinical progression through plain abdominal film and abdominal ultrasonogram. There was no significant difference in stone expulsion percentage between groups: Group A 69% (n = 22) versus Group B 70% (n = 23), P = 0.9. There was no significant difference in mean expulsion time comparison between groups: Group A 22 ± 6.7 days (11-30 days interval) versus Group B 23 ± 6.3 days (11-30 days interval), P = 0.3. Tamsulosin did not demonstrate greater efficacy in distal ureteral stone expulsion in Mexican patients.

[The frequency of risk factors associated with obesity and being overweight in university students from Colima, Mexico]. / Frecuencia y factores de riesgo asociados a sobrepeso y obesidad en universitarios de Colima, México.

OBJECTIVE: Determining risk factor frequency regarding obesity and being overweight in university students. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytic study was carried out on 821 students from the University of Colima. Some variables analysed were age, gender, alcoholism, smoking and weight-control drug use. RESULTS: 821 students were included (380 male, 441 female), 20.9±2.5 average age. 27.8 % of males were overweight and 14.7 % suffered from obesity; this was 17 % and 5.2 % in females, respectively. Smoking (2.1 OR; 1.4-3.8 95 % CI; p=0.01) and alcoholism (2.1 OR; 1.2-3.6 95 % CI; p=0.003) were associated with being overweight and being obese. Weight-control drug use was a protective factor in both genders (0.4 OR; 0.2-0.8 95 % CI; p=0.01); diet control was only a protective factor in women (2.2. OR; 1.1-3.4 95 % CI; p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: 31.6 % of university students were overweight and suffered from obesity. Smoking and alcoholism in males were associated with being overweight and suffering from obesity. Weight-control and diet-control drug use were protective factors.

Frecuencia y factores de riesgo asociados a sobrepeso y obesidad en universitarios de Colima, México / The frequency of risk factors associated with obesity and being overweight in university students from Colima, Mexico

Objetivo Determinar la frecuencia y factores de riesgo para sobrepeso y obesidad en jóvenes universitarios. Métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico en 821 alumnos inscritos de la Universidad de Colima. Entre las variables analizadas se encuentran: edad, género, alcoholismo, tabaquismo y utilización de medicamentos o sustancias para control de peso. Resultados Se estudiaron 821 alumnos (380 hombres y 441 mujeres) con una edad promedio de 20,9±2,5 años. Las frecuencias de sobrepeso y obesidad en hombres fueron de 27,8 por ciento y 14,7 por ciento y en mujeres de 17 por ciento y 5,2 por ciento. En hombres el tabaquismo (OR 2,1, IC 95 por ciento 1,4-3,8;p=0,01) y etilismo (OR 2,1, IC 95 por ciento 1,2-3,6;p=0,003), estuvieron asociados a sobrepeso y obesidad. Fueron factores protectores en ambos géneros el uso de sustancias para control de peso (OR 0,4, IC 95 por ciento 0,2-0,8;p=0,01); mientras que el control dietético fue un factor protector sólo en las mujeres (OR 2,2, IC 95 por ciento 1,1- 3,4;p=0,01). Conclusiones En estudiantes universitarios, el 31,6 por ciento presentó sobrepeso y obesidad. En hombres, el tabaquismo y etilismo se asociaron a sobrepeso y obesidad. El uso de sustancias para bajar de peso y control dietético fueron factores protectores.

Objective Determining risk factor frequency regarding obesity and being overweight in university students. Methods A cross-sectional analytic study was carried out on 821 students from the University of Colima. Some variables analysed were age, gender, alcoholism, smoking and weight-control drug use. Results 821 students were included (380 male, 441 female), 20.9±2.5 average age. 27.8 percent of males were overweight and 14.7 percent suffered from obesity; this was 17 percent and 5.2 percent in females, respectively. Smoking (2.1 OR; 1.4-3.8 95 percent CI; p=0.01) and alcoholism (2.1 OR; 1.2-3.6 95 percent CI; p=0.003) were associated with being overweight and being obese. Weight-control drug use was a protective factor in both genders (0.4 OR; 0.2-0.8 95 percent CI; p=0.01); diet control was only a protective factor in women (2.2. OR; 1.1-3.4 95 percent CI; p=0.01). Conclusions 31.6 percent of university students were overweight and suffered from obesity. Smoking and alcoholism in males were associated with being overweight and suffering from obesity. Weight-control and diet-control drug use were protective factors.

Role of fibrin glue in the prevention of cervical leakage and strictures after esophageal reconstruction of caustic injury.

BACKGROUND: The colon is the organ most commonly used for esophageal reconstruction after severe caustic injury. Complications of cervical anastomosis are very common. Fibrin sealant may reduce the incidence of complications in this high-risk anastomosis. The purpose of the present study was to assess the role of fibrin glue in the prevention of leakage and stricture at cervical coloesophageal anastomoses in children treated with esophageal reconstruction after caustic injury. METHODS: This was a case-control study of children with caustic esophageal injury treated surgically with esophageal reconstruction over a 10-year period. In the study group 3-4 ml of fibrin glue was placed over the anastomosis. The following variables were assessed: age, sex, weight, leakage or stricture at the cervical anastomosis, morbidity, and mortality. RESULTS: The study group included 14 children, and the control group included 24 children. There were no differences in the distributions of sex, age, anthropometric variables, or preoperative laboratory test results. All children underwent esophageal replacement with colon substitution through the retrosternal space. Dehiscence and leakage at the cervical anastomosis were observed in 50% of children in the control group and 28.5% of children in the study group (P = 0.17). Strictures were observed in 7.15% of the study group and 20.8% of the control group, and 5 and 17 children, respectively, developed cervical complications (P = 0.03). There were no differences in major complications, and mortality was similar in the two groups (P = 0.60). CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin glue, when used as a sealant for cervical coloesophageal anastomosis, can reduce the risk of leakage and stricture.

[Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas]. / Neoplasias quísticas pancreáticas.

BACKGROUND: Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas represent between 5% and 10% of all pancreatic tumors. Due to their malignant potential, surgery is indicated. Because of the uncommon nature of this pathology, the aim of this study was to present a series of six patients who were operated on for a cystic tumor and to analyze the morphological characteristics, surgical experience and follow-up. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. Clinical files were studied, as well as surgical and pathological registries from patients diagnosed with cystic neoplasms of the pancreas. Five females and one male were included with a mean age of 54 +/- 15 years. The main symptom was abdominal pain. RESULTS: Clinical course and CT scan results were the criteria for suspecting the diagnosis. In 4/6 patients, the tumor was located within the body and tail of the pancreas. The most frequent intervention was distal pancreatectomy. There was no mediate operative mortality in a 30-day period. Histopathological diagnoses were three serum cystadenomas, two mucinous cystadenomas and one cystadenocarcinoma. After a 4-year follow-up, no tumor recurrences have been reported in the surviving patients. CONCLUSIONS: The natural history of cystic neoplasms of the pancreas is generally benign, but complications may occur by direct invasion of neighboring structures. Clinical course, tomography, pancreatography and punction are fundamental for its treatment.

Neoplasias quísticas pancreáticas / Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas

BACKGROUND: Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas represent between 5% and 10% of all pancreatic tumors. Due to their malignant potential, surgery is indicated. Because of the uncommon nature of this pathology, the aim of this study was to present a series of six patients who were operated on for a cystic tumor and to analyze the morphological characteristics, surgical experience and follow-up. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. Clinical files were studied, as well as surgical and pathological registries from patients diagnosed with cystic neoplasms of the pancreas. Five females and one male were included with a mean age of 54 +/- 15 years. The main symptom was abdominal pain. RESULTS: Clinical course and CT scan results were the criteria for suspecting the diagnosis. In 4/6 patients, the tumor was located within the body and tail of the pancreas. The most frequent intervention was distal pancreatectomy. There was no mediate operative mortality in a 30-day period. Histopathological diagnoses were three serum cystadenomas, two mucinous cystadenomas and one cystadenocarcinoma. After a 4-year follow-up, no tumor recurrences have been reported in the surviving patients. CONCLUSIONS: The natural history of cystic neoplasms of the pancreas is generally benign, but complications may occur by direct invasion of neighboring structures. Clinical course, tomography, pancreatography and punction are fundamental for its treatment.

Tension-free hernioplasty versus conventional hernioplasty for inguinal hernia repair.

PURPOSE: To show the effectiveness of tension-free hernioplasty for inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: We studied 106 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair, as conventional hernioplasty in 52 and as tension-free hernioplasty in 54. We analyzed the operation time, postoperative complications, pain, time to resume daily activities, and frequency of recurrence in the short and long term. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 46.2 years. The operation time was significantly shorter in the tension-free group than in the conventional group, at 33 +/- 11.1 versus 49 +/- 8.8 min, respectively (P < 0.05). The overall complication rate was 10%, being 1.5% in the tension-free group and 13% in the conventional group (P = 0.4). The visual-analogue pain scores after surgery were lower in the tension-free group than in the conventional group (P = 0.01). Patients in the tension-free group returned to their normal activities sooner than those in the conventional group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Tension-free hernioplasty resulted in less pain and allowed patients to return to their daily activities sooner than conventional hernioplasty.