Rol de la cirugía endoscópica en el tratamiento de quistes odontogénicos del hueso maxilar: revisión de la literatura / Role of endoscopic surgery in the treatment of maxillary odontogenic cysts

Los quistes odontogénicos son lesiones óseas, de carácter benigno, la mayoría asintomáticas, que habitualmente corresponden a un hallazgo radiológico. El tratamiento es quirúrgico y está condicionado por factores como localización, tamaño y la afectación de estructuras vecinas. El objetivo es elegir la modalidad de tratamiento que conlleve el menor riesgo de recurrencia, la mínima morbilidad, y al mismo tiempo la erradicación de la lesión. Siguiendo esta premisa han sido abordados, tradicionalmente, con técnicas abiertas con buenos resultados, pero con el advenimiento y desarrollo de la cirugía endoscópica, se empezó a usar esta técnica en forma exclusiva o en forma mixta para la resección de los quistes odontogénicos, logrando similares tasas de éxito, pero con menores complicaciones y morbilidad posoperatoria. Además, presenta una ventaja respecto del seguimiento para las recurrencias, ya que se pueden controlar endoscópicamente en la consulta ambulatoria. El objetivo de esta revisión es describir el desarrollo del rol de las cirugías endoscópicas para el tratamiento de lesiones odontogénicas maxilares.

Odontogenic cysts are benign bone lesions, most of them asymptomatic, which usually constitute a radiological finding. The treatment is surgical and is conditioned by factors such as location, size and involvement of nearby structures. The objective is to choose the treatment mode that presents the lowest risk of recurrence, the minimum morbidity, and at the same time, the eradication of the lesion. Following this premise, the treatment of these lesions has traditionally been approached with open techniques with good results but, with the advent and development of endoscopic surgery, this technique began to be used exclusively or in a mixed form for the resection of odontogenic cysts, achieving similar rates of surgical success, but with fewer complications and postoperative morbidity. It also has an advantage regarding follow-up for recurrences, since patients can be controlled endoscopically in the outpatient clinic. The objective of this review is to describe the development and role of endoscopic surgery for the treatment of maxillary odontogenic lesions.

Experiencia en cirugía endoscópica de angiofibroma nasofaríngeo juvenil / Endoscopic surgery experience of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma

Resumen Introducción: El angiofibroma nasofaríngeo juvenil (ANJ) es un tumor benigno poco frecuente, altamente vascularizado y localmente agresivo, encontrado casi exclusivamente en pacientes masculinos adolescentes. Se presentan con epistaxis recurrente y obstrucción nasal. Objetivo: Presentar la experiencia en el tratamiento quirúrgico endoscópico exclusivo para los ANJ del equipo de rinología del Hospital del Salvador. Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de corte transversal con revisión de fichas clínicas entre enero de 2011 a junio de 2017 con tratamiento quirúrgico endoscópico exclusivo para ANJ. Resultados: 16 pacientes con edad promedio de 17,2 años, 81% se presentó con obstrucción nasal y epistaxis. Todos fueron embolizados 48 o 24 horas previo a la cirugía. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 199 minutos. El sangrado estimado fue de 831 ml en promedio, con sólo un paciente con requerimientos de transfusión. El 71% no requirió taponamiento nasal anterior. El requerimiento de hospitalización fue de 4,6 días. Sólo un paciente ha tenido recurrencia al año de control. Conclusión: Los resultados en pacientes con ANJ tratados en el Hospital del Salvador reafirman el éxito de la técnica endoscópica exclusiva versus abordajes abiertos convencional, ya que presentan mejores resultados.

Abstract Introduction: The juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (ANJ) is a benign, infrequent and highly vascularized tumor. It is locally aggressive, found almost only in adolescent male patients. The classical clinical presentation is recurrent epistaxis and nasal obstruction. Aim: To review the experience of exclusive endoscopic surgery for patients with ANJ by the rhinology team of Hospital del Salvador. Material and Method: Retrospective, cross sectional, descriptive study with research of medical records of patients with exclusive endoscopic surgery treatment between January 2011 and June 2017. Results: 16 patients with a mean age of 17.2 years, 81% had nasal obstruction and epistaxis. All of them were embolized 48 to 24 hours prior surgery. Mean surgical time was 199 minutes. Estimated bleeding was 831 ml among all patients, with only one requiring blood transfusions, while 71% did not need nasal packing. Average length of hospital stay was 4.6 days. Only one patient had a recurrence after one year of surgery. Conclusion: Results of patients with ANJ treated in Hospital del Salvador reassert the success of the exclusive endoscopic surgery versus traditional open approaches, showing better results.

Complicaciones intraoperatorias en cirugía endoscópica nasosinusal en Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital del Salvador, revisión en los últimos 10 años / Intraoperative complications in endoscopic sinus surgery in otorhinolaryngology service at Hospital del Salvador, review in the last 10 years

Introducción: La cirugía endoscópica nasal (CEN) corresponde a una técnica quirúrgica mínimamente invasiva. Ha disminuido la morbimortalidad secundaria al acto quirúrgico. Pese a esto, no está exenta de riesgos y sus complicaciones pueden variar en severidad desde leves hasta catastróficas, siendo la hemorragia nasal la más frecuente. Objetivo: Analizar las complicaciones intraoperatorias, factores asociados a complicaciones y manejo en nuestra realidad local. Material y Método: Estudio retrospectivo, revisión de protocolos operatorios de pacientes atendidos en el Hospital del Salvador entre los años 2009 y 2019. Resultados: Se revisaron 602 cirugías de las cuales se excluyeron 18. De un total de 584 CEN realizadas durante los últimos diez años, la incidencia de complicaciones intraoperatorias fue de 3,3%. Sólo se observaron complicaciones hemorrágicas (2%) y orbitarias (1,2%). La incidencia de complicaciones mayores fue 0,51%. La única variable asociada de forma significativa con la presencia de complicación intraoperatoria fue el tiempo quirúrgico. Conclusión: Como centro presentamos una tasa de complicaciones intraoperatorias de CEN baja en los últimos diez años, dentro de las cuales las más frecuentes son las hemorrágicas y las orbitarias; comparables con la literatura internacional. Se establece el primer reporte a nivel nacional sobre las complicaciones intraoperatorias de CEN.

Introduction: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique. It has decreased morbidity and mortality secondary to the surgical act. Despite this, endoscopic sinus surgery is not a risk-free procedure and its complications can range from mild to severe, with nosebleed being the most frequent. Aim: To analyze the surgical results of nasal endoscopic surgery, with its intraoperative complications and management in our local reality. Material and Method: Retrospective study, review of operative protocols of patients attended at the Salvador Hospital between 2009 and 2019. Results: 602 surgeries were reviewed, of which 18 were excluded. Of a total of 584 ESS performed during the last ten years, the incidence of intraoperative complications was 3,3%. Only hemorrhagic (2%) and orbital complications (1,2%) were observed. The incidence of major complications was 0,51%. The only variable significantly associated with the presence of intraoperative complications was surgical time. Conclusion: As a center, we present a low rate of intraoperative complications of ESS in the last ten years, among which the most frequent are hemorrhagic and orbital; comparable to international literature. The first national report on intraoperative complications of ESS is established.

Validación de encuesta de calidad de vida "SNOT-22" en población chilena

Resumen Introducción: La rinosinusitis crónica (RSC) tiene un alto impacto en la calidad de vida del paciente. La recomendación de las guías EPOS es utilizar la encuesta Sino-Nasal-Outcome-Test de 22 indicadores (SNOT-22), la cual no está validada en población chilena. Objetivo: Traducción y validación de SNOT-22 en población chilena consultante por RSC en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital del Salvador. Material y Método: Traducción de SNOT-22, reclutamiento de pacientes con y sin RSC. Aplicación de versión traducida en dos ocasiones con dos semanas de diferencia. Evaluación de validez de constructo y discriminante. Resultados: Se evaluaron 34 pacientes sin RSC y 16 con RSC. El puntaje total promedio de SNOT-22 fue 19,62 y 43,1 puntos, con diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos. Respecto a la validación, se observó un coeficiente alfa Cronbach > 0,95, un coeficiente de correlación intraclase de 0,986, un coeficiente de correlación de Pearson de 0,84 y un área bajo la curva ROC de 0,861. Conclusión: La traducción y adaptación transcultural de esta versión de SNOT-22 es válida y confiable. Esta versión de SNOT-22 es un buen instrumento para evaluar el impacto de RSC y su intervención en la calidad de vida de pacientes adultos chilenos.

Abstract Introduction: Chronic rhinosinusitis has a high impact on the patient's quality of life. The recommendation of the EPOS guidelines is to use the Sino-Nasal-Outcome-Test sur- vey of 22 indicators (SNOT-22), which is not validated in the Chilean population. Objective: translation and validation of SNOT-22 in Chilean population consulting for CRS in the ENT department of the Hospital del Salvador. Material and Method: translation of SNOT-22. Recruitment of patients with and without CRS. Application of translated version two times two weeks apart. Evaluation of discriminant validity and construct validity. Results: 34 patients without CRS and 16 with CRS were evaluated. The average total SNOT-22 score was 19.62 and 43.1 points, respectively, with significant differences between both groups. Regarding validation analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficient observed was > 0.95, intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.986, Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0.84 and the area under the ROC curve was 0.861. Conclusion: The translation and transcultural adaptation of this version of SNOT-22 is valid and reliable. This version of SNOT-22 is a good instrument to assess the impact of CSR, and its intervention, on the quality of life of Chilean adult patients.

Hipertrofia de cornetes inferiores: revisión sobre técnicas quirúrgicas actuales / Inferior turbinate hypertrophy: review of current surgical techniques

La obstrucción nasal es un motivo de consulta habitual en otorrinolaringología, siendo una de las causas más frecuentes la hipertrofia de cornete inferior, la que se puede manejar con cirugía cuando falla el tratamiento médico. En las últimas décadas se han desarrollado múltiples técnicas quirúrgicas y tecnología asociada, sin embargo, no hay un consenso establecido sobre cuál es la mejor opción para el manejo de esta patología. Se realizó revisión bibliográfica, se enuncian los métodos quirúrgicos disponibles, teniendo en cuenta beneficios, complicaciones probables y resultados de cada uno. La cirugía de cornete inferior tiene resultados favorables en pacientes con cornetes hipertróficos que no responden a manejo médico. Hasta la fecha la turbinoplastía con microdebridador ha mostrado superioridad en cuanto a resultados a largo plazo y menor tasa de complicaciones. La evidencia disponible hasta la fecha carece de homogeneidad en cuanto a métodos de selección de pacientes, medición de resultados y tiempo de seguimiento, por lo que se necesitan a futuro estudios prospectivos controlados para reevaluar los métodos descritos.

Nasal obstruction is a common complaint, one of the most frequent causes being inferior turbinate hypertrophy, which can be managed with surgery when medical treatment fails. In the last decades, multiple surgical techniques and associated technology have been developed, however, there is no established consensus on what is the best option for the management of this pathology. Literature review, the available surgical methods are stated, taking into account benefits, probable complications and results of each technique. The surgery of inferior turbinate has favorable results in patients with hypertrophic turbinates that do not respond to medical management. To date, microdebrider turbinoplasty has shown superiority in terms of long-term results and lower complication rates. The evidence available to date lacks homogeneity in terms of patient selection methods, measurement of results and follow-up time, so prospective controlled studies are needed in the future to reassess the described methods.

Rinosinusitis crónica en niños: revisión de la evaluación y manejo actual / Chronic rhinosinusitis in children: review of the evaluation and current management

La rinosinusitis crónica (RSC) en niños corresponde a la inflamación de la mucosa de la cavidad nasal y senos paranasales, presentando síntomas como obstrucción nasal, descarga nasal, presión o dolor facial y tos, presentes por más de 12 semanas. Conlleva una gran carga de morbilidad para quienes la padecen, y un alto costo económico. Su diagnóstico constituye un desafío debido a la sobreposición de síntomas con infecciones respiratorias altas y otras condiciones no infecciosas. En los últimos años se han dilucidado nuevos factores contribuyentes como los biofilms , disfunción del microbioma, y el creciente papel de mecanismos inflamatorios no infecciosos. El estudio imagenológico de elección es la tomografía computarizada, preferentemente en casos de duda diagnóstica, falta de respuesta a tratamiento o sospecha de complicaciones. El tratamiento de primera línea es el manejo médico, basado en irrigación nasal, posible uso de antibióticos prolongados y corticoides nasales. Para casos refractarios se plantean intervenciones quirúrgicas, siendo la adenoidectomía la primera elección, principalmente en niños menores; otras intervenciones incluyen la cirugía endoscópica de cavidades paranasales. Nuevas terapias biológicas están siendo estudiadas basadas en los mecanismos inflamatorios no infecciosos de la RSC y su relación con comorbilidades como el asma.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in children is the inflammation of the nasal and sinus mucosa, presenting symptoms such as obstruction, nasal discharge, pressure or facial pain and cough, which extends for more than 12 weeks. It represents a great burden for those affected, with high economic cost. Its diagnosis constitutes a challenge due to the overlap of symptoms with other upper respiratory infections and other non-infectious conditions. In recent years, new contributing factors have been elucidated, such as biofilms, microbiome dysfunction, and the growing role of noninfectious inflammatory mechanisms. Diagnosis depends on the recognition of characteristic symptoms and their duration. The imaging study of choice is computed tomography, especially in cases of diagnostic doubt, lack of response to treatment or suspicion of complications. First-line treatment of is based on nasal irrigation, possible use of prolonged antibiotics and nasal corticosteroids. For refractory cases, surgical intervention is proposed, with adenoidectomy being the first choice, mainly in younger children; other interventions include endoscopic sinus surgery. New biological therapies are being studied based on noninfectious inflammatory mechanisms of CRS and its comorbidities such as asthma.

Mucocele de cavidades paranasales / Sinus mucocele

Los mucoceles son quistes expansivos e indolentes de las cavidades paranasales. A pesar de ser lesiones benignas, tienen potencial destructivo local por su expansión crónica y cambios óseos. Su ubicación más frecuente es frontoetmoidal. Se postula que su origen es por alteración de la vía de drenaje de los senos. La clínica es dependiente de su ubicación: los mucoceles frontoetmoidales presentan aumento de volumen, cefalea o proptosis. Las imágenes juegan un rol importante en el diagnóstico, siendo la tomografía computarizada y la resonancia magnética los exámenes que detectan patrones sugerentes de mucoceles. El tratamiento es quirúrgico, donde el abordaje endoscópico ha desplazado al abierto por ser mínimamente invasivo, presentar menos comorbilidades y tener menor tasa de recurrencia.

Mucoceles are expansive and indolent cyst of the paranasal cavities. Despite being benign lesions, they have local destructive potential because of its chronic expansion and bony changes. Its most common location is frontoethmoidal. Alterations in the drainage pathway of sinus is thought to be the origin of mucoceles. The clinical features depend on the location. Frontoethmoidal often presents frontal swelling, headache or proptosis. Imaging plays an important part of diagnosis. Tomography and magnetic resonance have patterns that can suggest the presence of a mucocele. Paranasal sinus mucoceles are primarily treated surgically. The endoscopic surgical management has replaced the open resection because of its minimally invasive treatment, less morbidity and low recurrence rates.

Rinosinusitis fúngica invasiva aguda: actualización en pacientes adultos y pediátricos / Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis: update in adults and pediatric patients

RESUMEN La rinosinusitis fúngica invasiva aguda (RSFIA) es una enfermedad poco frecuente caracterizada por una infiltración fúngica de la submucosa y vasos sanguíneos de las cavidades nasal y paranasal. Afecta a pacientes con grados variables de inmunosupresión, destacando entre estas patologías subyacentes la diabetes mellitus y las neoplasias malignas hematológicas. Presenta una alta tasa de mortalidad, pudiendo reducirse significativamente si el diagnóstico y el tratamiento se realizan precozmente. Este artículo tiene por objetivo presentar una revisión actualizada de la literatura respecto a la presentación clínica, microbiología, factores de riesgos, métodos diagnósticos, tratamiento y pronóstico de la RSFIA, tanto en adultos como en niños.

ABSTRACT Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFS) is a rare disease characterized by fungal infiltration of the submucosa and blood vessels of the nasal y paranasal cavities. It affects almost exclusively patients with different degrees of immunosuppression, with underlying pathologies such as diabetes mellitus and hematological malignancies. AIFS has a high mortality rate, but it can be significantly reduced if the diagnosis and treatment are carried out early in the course of disease. This article aims to present an updated literature review regarding clinical presentation, microbiology, risk factors, diagnostic methods, treatment and prognosis of AIFS, both in adults and children.

Rinosinusitis recalcitrante por granulomatosis eosinofílica con poliangeítis: reporte de un caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Chronic recalcitrant rhinosinusitis secondary to eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: report of a case and literature review

RESUMEN Se expone el caso de un paciente de 40 años con diagnóstico de granulomatosis eosinofílica con poliangeítis subyacente a una rinosinusitis crónica recalcitrante. Se describe el caso y se discuten aspectos relevantes de la literatura al respecto.

ABSTRACT We report the case of a 40-year-old man with diagnosis of chronic recalcitrant rhino-sinusitis secondary to eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. We described the case and discuss relevant aspects of the literature about it.

Cirugía endoscópica nasosinusal: ¿un procedimiento ambulatorio? / Endoscopic sinus surgery: a day surgery?

RESUMEN Introducción: La cirugía endoscópica nasosinusal (CEN) ha aumentado progresivamente debido a que brinda un gran acceso quirúrgico mediante un abordaje mínimamente invasivo. Debido a que tiene un posoperatorio reducido y con pocas complicaciones se puede realizar como cirugía ambulatoria (CA). Esta modalidad es ampliamente aceptada a nivel internacional, sin embargo, no se ha masificado en nuestra realidad nacional. Objetivo: Describir la incidencia y causas de estadía no programada pos CEN ambulatoria en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital del Salvador. Material y método: Revisión retrospectiva de fichas de pacientes operados de CEN por el mismo equipo quirúrgico (Dra. Constanza J. Valdés y Dra. Paula Ruz) entre agosto 2013 y diciembre 2015. Se registraron datos demográficos, cirugías y complicaciones perioperatorias. Resultados: De un total de 75 CEN programadas para realizarse en forma ambulatoria, la incidencia de estadía no programada fue de 15%. Las principales causas fueron problemas administrativos (6 casos) seguido de complicaciones perioperatorias (5 casos). Conclusión: Excluyendo causas administrativas de estadía no programada, el 93% de los procedimientos lograron realizarse como CA. Esta modalidad es plausible y recomendable en el sistema de salud donde los recursos son escasos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has an increase trend because it provides wide surgical access through a minimally invasive approach. It can be performed on a day surgery basis because it has a fast postoperative recovery and a low complication rate. This method has worldwide acceptance, however it has not been established in our national practice. Aim: Describe incidence and unplanned admission causes of ESS in the Otolaryngology service of the Hospital del Salvador. Material and method: Retrospective review of patient medical records undergoing ESS by the same surgical team (Dra. Constanza J. Valdés y Dra. Paula Ruz) between August 2013 and December 2015. Patient demographic information, surgery and perioperative complications were recorded. Results: 75 ESS procedures were scheduled to be performed on an outpatient basis. The incidence of unplanned stay was 15%. Fifteen patients had an unplanned admission, due to administrative problems (6) and perioperative complications (5). Conclusions: Fifteen percent of the patients who underwent ESS on a day surgery basis had an unplanned stay; its main cause is due to administrative problems. Excluding administrative causes of unplanned admission, 93% of the procedures performed were ambulatory procedures. This mode is plausible and desirable in the health system where resources are scarce.

Abordaje endoscópico transeptal de tumores benignos de cavidades paranasales / Transseptal endoscopic approach of benign tumors of paranasal sinuses

RESUMEN La cirugía endoscópica nasosinusal es un procedimiento frecuente en la práctica otorrinolaringológica, y en la última década se han introducido nuevas técnicas para ayudar a la resección de tumores en regiones tradicionalmente consideradas de difícil acceso. Una de estas técnicas es el abordaje transeptal, que permite el abordaje de la pared anterior y lateral del seno maxilar, así como el trabajo a cuatro manos para el abordaje de estos tumores. El objetivo de esta revisión es describir el abordaje endoscópico transeptal, como técnica complementaria en la cirugía endoscópica de tumores nasales benignos, específicamente de papiloma invertido y angiofibroma nasofaríngeo juvenil.

ABSTRACT Endoscopic sinus surgery is a frequent procedure in Otorhinolaryngology practice, in the last decade new techniques have been introduced to help the resection of tumors in regions traditionally considered of difficult access. One of these techniques is the trans-septal approach, which allows the approach of the anterior and lateral wall of the maxillary sinus, as well as four-handed work for approach of these tumors. The aim of this review is to describe the transeptal endoscopic approach as a complementary technique in the endoscopic surgery of benign nasal tumors, specifically inverted papilloma and juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.

[Performance of the KAtex test in screening and diagnosis for visceral leishmaniasis in a reference hospital]. / Comportamiento de la prueba KAtex en el cribado y diagnóstico de la leishmaniasis visceral en un hospital de referencia.

OBJECTIVE: Performing of diagnostic test simple using samples not invasive in the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) may be very beneficial, being necessary comparing to traditional methods. The objective of this study was to know the reliability of test KAtex in the urine of patients with suspicion of VL. METHODS: Retrospectively were reviewed the medical histories of patients with suspected of VL to which are performed the test between 2009 and 2015. For its analysis were selected the patients to which is them had made study of the parasite in bone marrow. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients were studied, and bone marrow biopsy for research of Leishmania was performed in 44 (40%). In these patients the sensitivity of the test was 50%, the specificity of 96.7%, positive predictive value of 87.5% and negative predictive value of 80.5%. CONCLUSIONS: KAtex antigenuria sensitivity is too low recommending it as a unique method in the detection of VL in our medium.

Impact of universal access to hepatitis C therapy on HIV-infected patients: implementation of the Spanish national hepatitis C strategy.

In April 2015, the Spanish National Health System (SNHS) developed a national strategic plan for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Our aim was to analyze the impact of this on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients included in the HERACLES cohort during the first 6 months of its implementation. The HERACLES cohort (NCT02511496) was set up in March 2015 to evaluate the status and follow-up of chronic HCV infection in patients co-infected with HIV in the south of Spain. In September 2015, the data were analyzed to identify clinical events (death, liver decompensation, and liver fibrosis progression) and rate of treatment implementation in this population. The study population comprised a total of 3474 HIV/HCV co-infected patients. The distribution according to liver fibrosis stage was: 1152 F0-F1 (33.2 %); 513 F2 (14.4 %); 641 F3 (18.2 %); 761 F4 (21.9 %); and 407 whose liver fibrosis was not measured (12.3 %). During follow-up, 248 patients progressed by at least one fibrosis stage [7.1 %; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 6.3-8 %]. Among cirrhotic patients, 52 (6.8 %; 95 % CI: 5.2-8.9 %) developed hepatic decompensation. In the overall population, 50 patients died (1.4 %; 95 % CI: 1.1-1.9 %). Eight hundred and nineteen patients (23.56 %) initiated interferon (IFN)-free treatment during follow-up, of which 47.8 % were cirrhotic. In our study, during 6 months of follow-up, 23.56 % of HIV/HCV co-infected patients included in our cohort received HCV treatment. However, we observed a high incidence of negative short-term outcomes in our population.

Semi-supervised learning for ordinal Kernel Discriminant Analysis.

Ordinal classification considers those classification problems where the labels of the variable to predict follow a given order. Naturally, labelled data is scarce or difficult to obtain in this type of problems because, in many cases, ordinal labels are given by a user or expert (e.g. in recommendation systems). Firstly, this paper develops a new strategy for ordinal classification where both labelled and unlabelled data are used in the model construction step (a scheme which is referred to as semi-supervised learning). More specifically, the ordinal version of kernel discriminant learning is extended for this setting considering the neighbourhood information of unlabelled data, which is proposed to be computed in the feature space induced by the kernel function. Secondly, a new method for semi-supervised kernel learning is devised in the context of ordinal classification, which is combined with our developed classification strategy to optimise the kernel parameters. The experiments conducted compare 6 different approaches for semi-supervised learning in the context of ordinal classification in a battery of 30 datasets, showing (1) the good synergy of the ordinal version of discriminant analysis and the use of unlabelled data and (2) the advantage of computing distances in the feature space induced by the kernel function.

Protease inhibitor monotherapy is effective in controlling human immunodeficiency virus 1 shedding in the male genital tract.

Cross-sectional study comparing seminal human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) shedding in patients receiving boosted protease inhibitor monotherapy (mtPI/rtv) (n = 66) versus triple therapy (TT) (n = 61). Seminal HIV-1 shedding rates in patients with undetectable plasma HIV-RNA were 16.0% on mtPI/rtv compared with 28.6% on TT (p 0.173). Aviraemic status and time on viral suppression were independently associated with lack of seminal HIV-1 shedding. During TT, non PI/rtv-based regimens were associated with a better control of HIV infection in semen despite similar time on viral suppression. The use of mtPI/rtv in well-controlled patients is not associated with increased seminal HIV excretion compared with TT.

Dimension of chronic hepatitis C virus in HIV-infected patients in the interferon-free era: an overview from south Spain.

The implementation of hepatitis C (HCV) direct-acting antiviral drugs is prioritized in several populations in which its application provides the most immediate and impactful benefit. In this scenario, a precise knowledge of the situation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV chronic co-infection is required to adequately address this disease. This cross-sectional study was performed in 21 hospitals in Andalusia (Spain). The study population consisted of HIV-infected patients with an active HCV chronic infection who were not receiving HCV treatment at the time of inclusion. A total of 13,506 HIV-infected patients were included in the study. Of them, 2561 (18.9 %) presented chronic HCV infection. The majority of the patients included were on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART; 96.2 %), showed plasma levels with an undetectable HIV viral load (92.5 %), and had a good immunological status (median CD4+ cell count of 486 cells/mL). The HCV genotype distribution was as follows: 58.1 % were genotype 1, 1.1 % were genotype 2, 16.1 % were genotype 3, and 22.1 % were genotype 4 (2.6 % were missing data). In total, 24.8 % of the patients showed liver fibrosis stage F0-F1, 27.9 % showed stage F2, 16.7 % showed stage F3, and 21 % showed stage F4 (9.6 % were missing data). With regards to previous HCV treatment experiences, 68.05 % of the patients were naïve and 31.95 % had failed to respond to a previous treatment. The burden of HCV/HIV co-infected patients in our population was reported as one in five HIV-infected patients requiring HCV treatment. The implementation of extra resources to face this important health challenge is mandatory.

[Functional magnetic resonance imaging: a critical analysis of its technical, statistical and theoretical implications in human neuroscience]. / Resonancia magnética funcional: análisis crítico de sus implicaciones técnicas, estadísticas y teóricas en neurociencia humana.

INTRODUCTION: The use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has represented an important step forward for the neurosciences. Nevertheless, it has also been subject to rather a lot of criticism. AIM: To study the most widespread criticism against fMRI, so that researchers who are starting to use it may know the different elements that must be taken into account to be able to take a suitable approach to this technique. DEVELOPMENT: The fact that fMRI allows brain activity to be observed makes it a very attractive and useful tool, and its use has grown exponentially since the last decade of the 20th century. At the same time, criticism against its use has become especially fierce. Most of this scepticism can be classified into aspects related with the technique and physiology, the analysis of data and their theoretical interpretation. In this study we will review the main arguments defended in each of these three areas, as well as looking at whether they are well-founded or not. Additionally, this work is also intended as a reference for novel researchers when it comes to identifying elements that must be taken into account as they approach fMRI. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the fact that fMRI is one of the most interesting options for observing the brain available today, its correct utilisation requires a great deal of control and knowledge. Even so, today most of the criticism it receives no longer has any solid foundation on which to stand.

TITLE: Resonancia magnetica funcional: analisis critico de sus implicaciones tecnicas, estadisticas y teoricas en neurociencia humana.Introduccion. La utilizacion de la resonancia magnetica funcional (RMf) ha supuesto una gran revolucion en el avance de las neurociencias. Pese a ello, ha sido objeto de numerosas criticas. Objetivo. Estudiar las criticas mas generalizadas hacia la RMf, de manera que investigadores que se inicien en su uso conozcan los diferentes elementos que hay que tener en cuenta para un acercamiento adecuado a esta tecnica. Desarrollo. Su gran atractivo y utilidad a la hora de observar la actividad cerebral han hecho de la RMf una tecnica cuyo uso ha crecido exponencialmente desde la ultima decada del siglo XX. Paralelamente, la critica hacia ella ha sido especialmente feroz. La mayoria de este escepticismo puede clasificarse en aspectos concernientes a la tecnica y fisiologia, el analisis de los datos y su interpretacion teorica. Mediante este trabajo se revisaran los principales argumentos en cada uno de estos tres apartados, asi como su adecuacion. Adicionalmente, se pretende que este trabajo pueda servir de referencia para investigadores noveles a la hora de identificar elementos que se deban tener en cuenta en su acercamiento a la RMf. Conclusion. Pese a que la RMf constituye actualmente una de las opciones mas interesantes para observar el cerebro, es necesario un alto grado de control y conocimiento para su utilizacion. Aun asi, gran parte de las criticas no se sostiene hoy en dia.