RESUMO

In several cases, it is desirable to have prototypes of low-cost fabrication and adequate performance. In academic laboratories and industries, miniature and microgrippers can be very useful for observations and the analysis of small objects. Piezoelectrically actuated microgrippers, commonly fabricated with aluminum, and with micrometer stroke or displacement, have been considered as Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS). Recently, additive manufacture using several polymers has also been used for the fabrication of miniature grippers. This work focuses on the design of a piezoelectric-driven miniature gripper, additive manufactured with polylactic acid (PLA), which was modeled using a pseudo rigid body model (PRBM). It was also numerically and experimentally characterized with an acceptable level of approximation. The piezoelectric stack is composed of widely available buzzers. The aperture between the jaws allows it to hold objects with diameters lower than 500 µm, and weights lower than 1.4 g, such as the strands of some plants, salt grains, metal wires, etc. The novelty of this work is given by the miniature gripper's simple design, as well as the low-cost of the materials and the fabrication process used. In addition, the initial aperture of the jaws can be adjusted, by adhering the metal tips in the required position.

RESUMO

Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) - defined as the death of a child under 1 year of age du ring sleep with no initially obvious cause - remains one of the most common causes of post-neonatal mortality. Approximately 3,500 infants die annually in the United States from sleep-related deaths. A complex and multifactorial origin is postulated in a vulnerable infant. However, the pathophysiology of SUDI has not been fully understood. Health care providers play a key role in promoting preventive measures described in the literature, which include sleeping in a supine position on a firm surface, avoiding smoking and co-sleeping, promoting breastfeeding, among others. The objective of this re view is to summarize the main epidemiological and physiopathological characteristics of SUDI, and safe sleep-related factors.

Assuntos

RESUMO

This paper discusses the structure, particle morphology, and optical properties of un-doped ZnO and ZnO doped with Er3+ and Yb3+ lanthanide ion nanoparticles (NPs) through a process denominated sol-gel-hydrothermal. According to the pattern of X-ray diffraction, ZnO:Er and ZnO:Yb is formed by a single-phase wurtzite structure with crystallites sized ~65 nm on average, and Er or Yb dopant ions in the hexagonal structure of ZnO, specifically in its distorted lattice sites. The results also suggest the possible role of oxygen vacancies or Ox- (defects) in the energy transfer from ZnO to the Er or Yb ions with a decrease of 3.18 eV and 3.19 eV in bandgap values to a red shift.

RESUMO

SrTiO³ nanopowders doped with various percentages of Fe (0, 1, 3, and 5 mol%) was synthesized, determining its chemical and structural properties using X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The magnetic properties of the samples were studied using hysteresis curves obtained by an alternating gradient magnetometer. Theoretical calculations within the framework of the density functional theory are also performed to support experimental data. The results indicated that Fe incorporated into de SrTiO³ structure induced intrinsic magnetic properties, which increase as the Fe percentage increase. At 5 mol% of Fe in the sample showed a single-domain state, typical of a ferromagnetic material capable for information storage. This latter result would be due to the reduction of oxygen vacancies as more Fe was added and to the presence of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions reinforced the magnetic behaviour of the compound.

RESUMO

The better understanding of the global activity of vitamin D has led to an intense search for its involvement in non-skeletal diseases. This article presents an updated review of the relationship between vitamin D and pediatric respiratory pathology. A literature search was performed in PUBMED using free terms and MESH terms: vitamin D, asthma, respiratory system diseases, and bronchiolitis. Stu dies in human patients younger than 18 years and animals, published in English and Spanish until 2017 were included. 507 articles were found, of which 43 were included. Indirect evidence suggests a role of vitamin D and fetal lung maturation. In relation to pediatric pulmonary pathology, studies are scarce and inconclusive. Recent meta-analyses performed with individualized evaluation of the participants shows an important protective role of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention of severe asthma exacerbations and acute viral infections. In bronchiolitis, the results are contradictory, with no clear relationship between plasma levels and severity. There is not enough evidence to assess the benefits of vitamin D supplementation in cystic fibrosis and tuberculosis. A direct relationship between the severity of sleep-related breathing disorders and vitamin D plasma levels has recently been proposed, although the exact mechanisms involved in this association are unknown. Current information suggests that vitamin D supplementation may represent a cost-effective strategy in redu cing important causes of infant morbidity and mortality.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) share certain traits: they are parasitic infections, prevailing in tropical environments and affecting marginalized sectors of the population. Six NTDs - ascariasis, cysticercosis, echinococcosis, hookworm infection, onchocerciasis and trichuriasis - all of them endemic in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), are analysed in this work. This review aims to discuss key information on the function of excretory/secretory (E/S) proteins from these parasites in their infectivity, pathogeny and diagnosis. The modulation of the host immune system to favour the permanence and survival of the parasite is also discussed. An updated knowledge on the function of E/S molecules in endemic parasitoses in LAC may lead to new approaches for the clinical management and diagnosis of these diseases. In turn, this could allow us to optimize their treatment and make it more affordable - a relevant goal given the economic constraints that the region is facing.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Active hybrid microspheres were prepared by blending aqueous solutions of gelatine and chitosan with different concentrations of copper nanoparticles (0) (CuNPs) using emulsion-based crosslinking synthesis to obtain hybrid microspheres. The incorporation of CuNPs slightly affected the physical and chemical properties of the films. Microscopic surface structure (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of elemental copper and the crystalline structure of the CuNPs in the hybrid matrix. The surface properties of CuNPs were studied by XPS analyses. The antimicrobial activity of CuNPs coated with chitosan (QO)/gelatine (GE) compared to the QO/GE matrix alone was investigated, using the agar diffusion and culture medium methods in Mueller-Hinton. The evaluation was performed using the Gram-negative bacterium E. coli and the Gram positive bacterium E. faecalis. The investigated microspheres showed antimicrobial activity. Hybrid microspheres with 40 mg of Cu, evaluated in liquid medium, inhibited the growth of E. coli by 56% and of E. faecalis by 40% compared to the matrix hybridised alone; in solid medium, the inhibition was 2.5-fold and 2.6-fold, respectively. Thus, these microspheres are a promising material for applications with medical uses.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Aedes aegypti is the major vector of a number of arboviruses that cause disease in humans. Without vaccines or pharmaceuticals, pyrethroid insecticides remain the major tool for public health protection. Pyrethroid resistance is now widespread. Replacement substitutions in the voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) that reduce the stability of pyrethroid binding account for most of the resistance, but metabolic mechanisms also inactivate pyrethroids. High-throughput sequencing and the A. aegypti L5 annotated physical map has allowed interrogation of the exome for genes and single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with pyrethroid resistance. We exposed females of A. aegypti from Mexico to a deltamethrin discriminating dose to designate them as resistant (active after 1 h) or susceptible (knocked down with no recovery after 4 h). The vgsc on chromosome 3 had the highest association, followed by genes proximal to vgsc. We identified potential detoxification genes located singly (eg HPX8C) or within clusters in chromosome 2 [three esterase clusters, two of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP)] and chromosome 3 (one cluster of 16 CYP325 and seven CYP9 genes). Deltamethrin resistance in A. aegypti is associated with mutations in the vgsc gene and a large assortment of genes.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Resumen: El mejor entendimiento sobre la actividad global de la vitamina D, ha llevado a una intensa búsque da de sus implicancias en enfermedades no esqueléticas. En este artículo se presenta una revisión actualizada de la relación entre la vitamina D y la patología respiratoria pediátrica. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en PUBMED utilizando términos libres y MESH: vitamina D, enfermedades del sistema respiratorio, asma, bronquiolitis. Se seleccionó estudios en humanos menores de 18 años y animales, publicados en inglés y español hasta el 2017. Se encontraron 507 artículos, de los cuales se incluyeron 43. Evidencia indirecta apunta hacia un rol de la vitamina D y la maduración pulmonar fetal. En relación a la patología pulmonar pediátrica, los estudios son escasos y poco concluyentes. Nuevos meta - análisis, con evaluación individualizada de los participantes, muestran un importante rol protector de la suplementación en la prevención de exacerbaciones asmáticas severas e infecciones virales agudas. En bronquiolitis los resultados son contradictorios, sin relación clara entre niveles plasmáticos y severidad. No existe suficiente evidencia que evalué los beneficios en fibrosis quística y tuberculosis. Recientemente se ha propuesto una relación directa entre la severidad de los trastornos respiratorios del sueño y los niveles plasmáticos de vitamina D, aunque se desconoce los mecanismos exactos involucrados a esta asociación. La información actual permite suponer que la suplementación de vitamina D puede representar una estrategia costo - efectiva en la reducción de importantes causas de morbimortalidad infantil.

Abstract: The better understanding of the global activity of vitamin D has led to an intense search for its involvement in non-skeletal diseases. This article presents an updated review of the relationship between vitamin D and pediatric respiratory pathology. A literature search was performed in PUBMED using free terms and MESH terms: vitamin D, asthma, respiratory system diseases, and bronchiolitis. Stu dies in human patients younger than 18 years and animals, published in English and Spanish until 2017 were included. 507 articles were found, of which 43 were included. Indirect evidence suggests a role of vitamin D and fetal lung maturation. In relation to pediatric pulmonary pathology, studies are scarce and inconclusive. Recent meta-analyses performed with individualized evaluation of the participants shows an important protective role of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention of severe asthma exacerbations and acute viral infections. In bronchiolitis, the results are contradictory, with no clear relationship between plasma levels and severity. There is not enough evidence to assess the benefits of vitamin D supplementation in cystic fibrosis and tuberculosis. A direct relationship between the severity of sleep-related breathing disorders and vitamin D plasma levels has recently been proposed, although the exact mechanisms involved in this association are unknown. Current information suggests that vitamin D supplementation may represent a cost-effective strategy in redu cing important causes of infant morbidity and mortality.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Objetivos: Determinar la precisión de la angiotomografía renal (ATR) en la evaluación del sistema arterial y las variantes anatómicas en el donante vivo, con la correlación con su ablación quirúrgica. Materiales y métodos: Se evaluaron retrospectivamente los pacientes sometidos a nefrectomía laparoscópica como donantes vivos renales y sus ATR, entre 2014 y 2016 en nuestra Institución. Se utilizó análisis estadístico descriptivo para presentar los resultados. En la ATR se evaluaron: número de arterias renales principales, presencia y número de arterias polares y alteraciones del calibre de la arteria renal. Resultados: Se incluyeron 21 pacientes sometidos a nefrectomía laparoscópica como donantes vivos, 10 mujeres y 11 hombres (entre 23 y 61 años). En todos los casos se realizó la ablación del riñón izquierdo. De los 21 pacientes analizados, 15 no presentaron variantes anatómicas ni alteraciones del calibre en la ATR (una arteria renal principal, sin polares). Estos mismos hallazgos se certificaron en la ablación. En un caso, la ATR observó doble arteria renal principal con el mismo hallazgo quirúrgico; y en tres casos la ATR reconoció una única arteria polar, las cuales se corroboraron en la ablación. En estos 19 casos se demostró correlación entre la ATR y la ablación, con una precisión del 90,4% En los 2 casos restantes, hubo discrepancias. Conclusión: El conocimiento detallado del sistema arterial es necesario para la planificación quirúrgica de la nefrectomía laparoscópica del donante vivo renal. La angiotomografía renal constituye el método de elección para su evaluación, demostrando muy buena correlación entre sus hallazgos y los de la ablación.

Objective: To determine the accuracy of computed tomography renal angiography (CTRA) in the assessment and diagnosis of arterial vascular anatomy of the kidney and its variations in living kidney donors, with its correlation in harvesting kidneys. Materials and methods: Patients who had undergone laparoscopic nephrectomy as living kidney donors and their CTRA were retrospectively evaluated between 2014 and 2016 in our institution. Results are presented using statistical descriptive analysis. The following were assessed in the CTRA report: number of main renal arteries, presence and number of accessory polar arteries, and anomalies related to renal artery calibre. Results: Of the 21 patients that had undergone laparoscopic nephrectomy as living donors, there were 10 female and 11 male donors (age range 23 - 61 years). Renal harvesting included left kidney in all cases. In 15 cases, no anatomical variations or arterial renal dilations were found in computed tomography renal angiography (CTRA): (one main renal artery, without accessories arteries). The same findings were certified during the surgery. In one case CTRA showed a double renal artery, and the same finding occurred in the surgical harvesting; and three cases in which one single polar accessory artery was certified at surgery. An overall accuracy of 90.4% for CTRA was obtained in 19 cases. In the remaining 2 cases, a discrepancy was found. Conclusion: Detailed knowledge of the renal arterial anatomy is important for the preoperative evaluation of the laparoscopic nephrectomy in living renal donors. Computed tomography renal angiography (CTRA) is the technique of choice for these patients, as it demonstrates a high correlation between tomography findings and surgery harvesting.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Viral bronchiolitis is a major worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality in children under two years old. Evidence-based management guidelines suggest that there is no effective treatment for bronchiolitis and that supportive care - hydration and oxygenation - remains the cornerstone of clinical management. In this review we describe the current guidelines of treatment with emphasis in the limitation of unnecessary testing and intervention. Also, we discuss the future directions in the research of new therapies for bronchiolitis.

La bronquiolitis viral es una causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad en niños de menos de dos años de edad en todo el mundo. Las guías clínicas basadas en la evidencia sugieren que no existe un tratamiento efectivo para la bronquiolitis y que la hidratación y una adecuada oxigenación, siguen siendo la base del manejo clínico. En esta revisión, se describen las actuales guías de tratamiento haciendo énfasis en limitar los exámenes e intervenciones innecesarias. También discutimos la investigación en nuevas terapias para la bronquiolitis.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Medical treatments have shown poor outcomes, bariatric surgery has become a frequent treatment alternative for obesity. Obese patients seeking treatment have higher psychiatric comorbidity than not consulting ones. Bariatric surgery has allowed a reduction in medical comorbidity and some improvement in pre surgery psychopathology. Recent evidence reports a decrease in depressive disorders rate, improvement in self-esteem and life quality, in direct association with weight reduction, with no significant anxiety changes. Although weight decrease should help to have a better social life, important difficulties in adapting to the new environment can emerge. An increase in suicides and problematic alcohol use has been observed, as well as a decrease in binge eating disorder with further appearance of compensatory behavior, distorted body image, and marital problems. Pre surgery personality disorder could be a risk factor for a negative outcome. In this context a rigorous post surgery follow up is desirable, in order to optimize mental health benefits of massive weight reduction.

Los tratamientos médicos de la obesidad han demostrado baja efectividad, lo que ha llevado a que la cirugía bariátrica se haya establecido como una alternativa de tratamiento cada vez más frecuente. Las personas obesas que buscan tratamiento presentan tasas significativamente elevadas de comorbilidades psiquiátricas en comparación con las personas obesas que no consultan. La cirugía bariátrica ha permitido una reducción de las comorbilidades médicas y una mejoría de las patologías psiquiátricas presentes antes de la cirugía. Publicaciones recientes reportan una disminución de los trastornos depresivos, mejoría de la autoestima y de la calidad de vida, directamente asociados a la reducción de peso, sin variaciones significativas en los niveles de ansiedad. Si bien la pérdida de peso debería ayudar al mejoramiento de la vida social del paciente, pueden surgir importantes dificultades para adaptarse al nuevo entorno. Se ha visto un aumento de la tasa de suicidios y del uso problemático de alcohol, disminución precoz del trastorno por atracones con aparición posterior de conductas compensatorias, distorsión de la imagen corporal y aparición de conflictos conyugales. La presencia de trastorno de personalidad previo a la cirugía, constituiría un predictor negativo de resultado a largo plazo. Es en este contexto que se hace necesario un seguimiento post operatorio exhaustivo a estos pacientes, de tal forma de intervenir precozmente y optimizar los beneficios en la salud mental obtenidos con la baja de peso.

Assuntos

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: The manner in which informed consent is obtained varies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of knowledge about colonoscopy and comparing 2 methods of obtaining informed consent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on patients that underwent colonoscopy in a public hospital (Group A) and in a private hospital (Group B). Group A received information verbally from a physician, as well as in the form of printed material, and Group B only received printed material. A telephone survey was carried out one or 2 weeks later. RESULTS: The study included a total of 176 subjects (group A [n=55] and group B [n=121]). As regards education level, 69.88% (n=123) of the patients had completed university education, 23.29% (n= 41) secondary level, 5.68% (n=10) primary level, and the remaining subjects (n=2) had not completed any level of education. All (100%) of the subjects knew the characteristics of the procedure, and 99.43% were aware of its benefits. A total of 97.7% received information about complications, 93.7% named some of them, and 25% (n=44) remembered major complications. All the subjects received, read, and signed the informed consent statement before the study. There were no differences between the groups with respect to knowledge of the characteristics and benefits of the procedure, or the receipt and reading of the consent form. Group B responded better in relation to complications (P=.0027) and group A had a better recollection of the major complications (P<.0001). Group A had a higher number of affirmative answers (P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of verbal and written information provides the patient with a more comprehensive level of knowledge about the procedure.

Assuntos

RESUMO

El concepto de autorregulación del aprendizaje ha asumido una importancia creciente en la literatura, ya que la investigación ha sugerido que los alumnos participan activamente en su proceso de aprendizaje, monitorizando y regulando su proceso de estudio con el fin de alcanzar determinados objetivos. La información recogida en revistas indexadas en la base Scielo, en cuanto a la autorregulación, todavía no ha sido sistematizada convenientemente. Por ello, se ha realizado una revisión sistemática de la literatura, con base en datos SciELO.org, en el período comprendido entre el año 2001 y el año 2011, para analizar las evidencias recogidas en diferentes investigaciones sobre: a) la naturaleza del aprendizaje autorregulado, b) su evaluación, c) la promoción de habilidades para la autorregulación y su utilidad en el contexto educativo y d) la posibilidad de implicación de los profesores en la promoción de dicho aprendizaje.

The concept of self-regulation in learning has been assuming a rising importance in the literature once the research has suggested that students participate actively in their learning process, monitoring and regulating their study process to achieve self-set goals. Nevertheless, the information about self-regulation has not been yet systematized on the journals indexed in Scielo. Therefore, the current study performed a systematic review of the literature on Scielo.org, between the period 2001 and 2011 to analyze the existence evidence regarding: a) the nature of self-regulated learning, b) it's assessment, c) the promotion of self-regulated skills and their usefulness in the context of education, and d) the potential implication of teachers on the promotion of lifelong learning.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Background: The pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has acquired an important role in neuromuscular patient treatment. The aim was to investigate the effects of PR program on 6-minute walking test variables (6MWT) and respiratory muscle function (RMF) in patients with neuromuscular disease. Patients and Methods: In the study were included 13 patients, age 12.5 +/- 2.8 years old. Seven of them were able to walk (2 Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD), 1 Becker Muscular Dystrophy, 1 Congenital Myopathy, 1 Bethlem Syndrome, 2 Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy); and 6 were unable to walk (4 Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type III and 1 SMAII). The results of RMF and 6MWT before and after 13 weeks of respiratory muscle training (RMT) (40-50 percent Pimax and 60-70 percent Pemax) and aerobic training (AT) (50 percent heart rate reserve) were analyzed. Wilcoxon test with 95 percent confidence interval was used to assess statistical significance. Results: Significant changes (p < 0.05) were observed in the averages of dyspnea score that decreased in 1.8 points (from 4.4 to 2.6; -40.9 percent) and in sustained inspiratory pressure (Pims) that increased in 14.3 cm H2O (from 16 to 30.3; +89.4 percent). Other variables that assessed aerobic capacity (6 MWT, heart rate and leg fatigue) and RMF (Pimax and Pemax) showed a trend towards improvement, but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: In patients with neuromuscular diseases significant changes in dyspnea after cardiopulmonary training protocol were observed. Moreover, the moderate intensity respiratory muscle training was well tolerated and an effective method to generate significant increases in Pims, constituting an alternative to previously established protocols.

Introducción: La rehabilitación respiratoria (RR) ha adquirido un papel importante en el manejo del paciente con enfermedad neuromuscular. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar los efectos de un programa de rehabilitación respiratoria (RR) sobre variables del test de caminata de 6 min (C6M) y función muscular respiratoria (FMR) en pacientes con patología neuromuscular. Pacientes y Métodos: En el estudio se incluyeron 13 pacientes, edad: 12,5 +/- 2,8 años, de los cuales 7 son ambulantes (2 distrofia muscular (DM) fascio-escápulo-humeral, 1 DM de Becker, 1 miopatía congénita, 1 síndrome de Bethlem, 2 DM de Duchenne); y 6 no son ambulantes (4 DM de Duchenne, 1 atrofia espinal (AT) tipo 3 y 1AT 2). Se analizaron los registros de FMR y C6M al inicio y posterior a 13 semanas de entrenamiento muscular respiratorio (40-50 por ciento Pimax y 60-70 por ciento Pemax) y cardiopulmonar (50 por ciento de FCR). Se utilizó el test no paramétrico de Wilcoxon con un intervalo de confianza de 95 por ciento. Resultados: Se observaron cambios significativos (p < 0,05) en el puntaje de disnea que disminuyó 1,8 puntos (de 4,4 a 2,6; -40,9 por ciento) y en la presión inspiratoria máxima sostenida (Pims) que aumentó 14,3 cm de H2O (de 16 a 30,3 cm H(2)0; +89,4 por ciento). Las otras variables que evaluaron capacidad aeróbica (C6M, frecuencia cardíaca y fatiga de las piernas) y función de los músculos respiratorios (Pimax y Pemax) mostraron una tendencia a la mejoría, sin embargo, no alcanzaron significación estadística. Conclusiones: En pacientes con enfermedades neuromusculares se observan cambios significativos en la disnea posterior a un protocolo de entrenamiento cardiopulmonar. Por otra parte, el entrenamiento muscular respiratorio de moderada intensidad fue un método bien tolerado y efectivo para generar incrementos significativos en la Pims, constituyendo una alternativa a los protocolos previamente establecidos.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The role of the titanium dioxide (rutile and anatase) with and without room light on the thermal synthesis of the glycine-L-glutamine (Gly-Gln) polymer is described. The efficiency in percentage of polymerization with room light was increased in 6% in the presence of rutile and in 23% in the presence of anatase. The thermal synthesis in the molten state was carried out in the absence and presence of both oxides. In all cases, the vibrational spectra showed characteristic group frequencies corresponding to a polypeptide structure. No spectral differences were observed by room light effect on the polymer on rutile. However, the polymer obtained in the presence of anatase and room light shows spectral changes associated with the formation of shorter new abundant and conformationally different species compared with the original polymer. The SEM-EDX characterization of the solid phase involved in the thermal synthesis showed that the morphology of the polypeptide is different in the presence of rutile compared to anatase. The SDS-PAGE and GPC results suggest that smaller chains are formed in the presence of both oxides and the distribution of the size and weight of each polymer molecule is completely different when the condensation is performed in the presence of anatase or rutile. Nuclear magnetic resonance analyses confirmed the incorporation of both Gly and Gln residues in the polymers, with a prevalence of Gly. Both possible sequences N-GlyGln-C and N-GlnGly-C were also detected.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Pregnancy produces a series of physiological changes in women which may trigger several neurologic pathologies or decompensation in pre-existing diseases. There are neurologic complications in pathological pregnancies such as: Wernicke's encephalopathy; posterior reversible encephalopathy which is a form of eclampsia; previous diseases such as epilepsies that entail a high obstetric risk due to the possibility of presenting embriopathies associated to the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and also because of the risk of a convulsive crisis in the fetus; cerebrovascular diseases which are rare although with high maternal mortality; extrapyramidal pathologies which are infrequent except for the chorea gravidarum and the restless legs syndrome; cerebral neoplasms in which due to haemodynamic changes at the end of the second quarter and the increase of estrogen and progesterone many tumors may raise their volume; and peripheral alterations like myasthenia gravis (MG); intervertebral disk displacement and entrapment neuropathies like carpal tunnel syndrome and meralgia paresthetica. Anyhow because of cellular immunity in multiple sclerosis pregnancy is protected from new outbreaks.

El embarazo provoca una serie de cambios en la fisiología de la mujer lo que puede desencadenar diferentes patologías, entre ellas neurológicas y/o descompensar enfermedades previas. Existen cuadros como complicaciones neurológicas de embarazos patológicos: encefalopatía de Wernicke, la encefalopatía posterior reversible que corresponde a una forma de manifestación de eclampsia, enfermedades previas como epilepsias que conllevan un alto riesgo obstétrico; por un lado por la posibilidad de presentar embriopatías asociadas al uso de fármacos antiepilépticos (FAE) y por otro el riesgo que representa una crisis convulsiva en el feto, enfermedades cerebrovasculares, complicación rara pero con una alta mortalidad materna, enfermedades extrapiramidales, infrecuentes, salvo el corea gravídico y el síndrome de piernas inquietas, esclerosis múltiple, en que el embarazo previene la aparición de brotes, debido al predominio de la inmunidad celular, neoplasias intracerebrales en que por los cambios hemodinámicos que ocurren al final del segundo trimestre y el aumento del estrógeno y progesterona, muchos tumores pueden aumentar su masa, y alteraciones periféricas como miastenia gravis (MG), hernias discales y aparición de neuropatías por atrapamiento como el síndrome del túnel del carpo y la meralgia parestésica.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Survival rates among children with leukaemia in low-income countries are lower than those in high-income countries. This has been attributed in part to higher treatment-related mortality (TRM). We examined the demographics, treatment, and outcomes of paediatric patients in El Salvador with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) or acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) to determine the incidence, causes, and risk factors for TRM. Two trained data managers collected data prospectively; no patients were excluded. Biological, socioeconomic and nutritional predictors were examined. A total of 469 patients with ALL and 78 patients with AML were included. The 2-year cumulative incidence of TRM was significantly higher among children with AML (35.4+/-6.4%) than those with ALL (12.5+/-1.7%; P<0.0001). However, the proportion of deaths attributable to the toxicity of treatment did not differ significantly between AML (25/47, 53.2%) and ALL (55/107, 51.4%; P=0.98). Among children with ALL, low monthly income (P=0.04) and low parental education (P=0.02) significantly increased the risk of TRM. Among children with AML, biological, socioeconomic, and nutritional variables were not associated with TRM. In this low-income country, toxic death significantly contributes to mortality in both ALL and AML. A better understanding of the effect of socioeconomic status on TRM may suggest specific strategies for patients with ALL.

Assuntos

RESUMO

In the framework of odontological practice, the assessment of skeletal maduration is vital for decision-making concerning orthodontic and orthognatic treatments, specially in commonly performed cephalometric radiographs. Our purpose was to determine the correlation between bone age analysis by applying Fishman method to hand-wrist radiograph, and Cervical Vertebrae Maduration Stages Method (CVMS) to lateral cephalometric radiograph. A prospective study was conducted in a sample of 24 girls lodged at Residencia de Niñas Hogar Madre Teresa Bacq, Concepción, Chile, whose ages ranged from 6 to 14 years. Girls underwent lateral cephalometric and hand-wrist radiographs for estimating bone age according to both foregoing methods (CVMS and Fishman). The Chi-square statistical analysis revealed a strong dependency between variables as well as a correlation of 0,753 percent according to Spearman coefficient, thus demonstrating a strong and positive correlation between both methods.

En la práctica odontológica se hace necesario evaluar la maduración esquelética, para la toma de decisiones en tratamientos ortodóncicos y ortognáticos, idealmente en las radiografías cefalométricas que se adquieren habitualmente. El propósito de esta investigación fue determinar la correlación existente entre el análisis de edad ósea mediante el método de Fishman en la radiografía mano-muñeca y el método CVMS (cervical vertebrae maduration stages) en la radiografía lateral cefalométrica. Se estudió en forma prospectiva una muestra de 24 niñas pertenecientes a la Residencia de Niñas Hogar Madre Teresa Bacq, Concepción, Chile, con edades entre 6 y 14 años a las cuales se tomaron radiografías lateral cefalométrica y mano-muñeca, evaluándose la edad ósea en cada radiografía, según ambos métodos. El análisis estadístico Chi-cuadrado reveló dependencia entre las variables y nivel de correlación de 0.753 según el coeficiente de Spearman, lo que indica una correlación fuerte y positiva entre ambos métodos.

Assuntos

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: Neurocysticercosis is the most common parasitic disease of the central nervous system. It has a worldwide distribution. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 70-year-old woman from Guadeloupe presenting gait abnormalities, impaired ideation, right hemiparesis in a context of weight loss, and fatigue. Blood analyses were normal with neither inflammatory syndrome nor blood hypereosinophilia. Brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed hydrocephaly in relation with Sylvius' aqueduc stenosis, and diffuse contrast-enhancing lesions suggesting metastases. Because of clinical symptoms, the patient underwent ventriculostomy; the cerebral spinal fluid examination was normal. Then a frontal biopsy was performed. Histological examination was compatible with neurocysticercosis and confirmed by serology. The patient was successfully treated with albendazole and steroids. CONCLUSION: Neurocysticercosis must be considered as a differential diagnosis of cerebral metastasis, especially in patients from endemic countries.

Assuntos