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The goals of our study were to determine the possible association of interleukin (IL)-31 with Th17 cytokine profile in serum and to quantify retinoic acid-related orphan receptor C (RORC) mRNA expression in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 50 patients with PsA and 30 control subjects (CS) matched by age and gender. The cytokine serum levels were quantified by magnetic bead-based assay using the Bio-Plex MAGPIX system, and RORC mRNA expression was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). As a result, significant differences in IL-31 were observed between study groups (77.23 pg/mL in PsA vs 64.4 pg/mL in CS, P < 0.001) and Th17 cytokine profile serum levels (IL-17A: 6.36 pg/mL in PsA vs 2.97 pg/mL in CS, P = 0.02; IL-17F: 44.15 pg/mL in PsA vs 23.36 pg/mL in PsA, P = 0.01; IL-17E: 3.03 pg/mL in PsA vs 0.82 pg/mL in CS, P < 0.001; IL-21: 36.45 pg/mL in PsA vs 12.44 pg/mL in CS, P = 0.02); however, significant differences were not observed for IL-23 (31.2 pg/mL in PsA vs 53.26 pg/mL in CS, P = 0.58). Furthermore, positive correlations between IL-31 and Th17 cytokine profile serum levels were found (IL-17A: rs = 0.64, P < 0.001; IL-17F: rs = 0.73, P < 0.001; IL-17E: rs = 0.70, P < 0.001; IL-21: rs = 0.54, P = 0.002; IL-23: rs = 0.5, P < 0.01). Regarding RORC gene expression, the PsA group showed an increase of 6.85-fold compared to the CS group. We did not find any association between the serum levels of cytokines and RORC gene expression. In conclusion, in PsA, there are increased serum levels of IL-31, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-17E, and IL-21, but not IL-23. Moreover, there was a positive correlation of IL-31 with the Th17 cytokine profile and a high RORC gene expression. Altogether, these findings suggest a proinflammatory contribution of IL-31 in close association with the Th17 cytokine profile in PsA.

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Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease associated with psoriasis. The cause of this pathology is still unknown, but research suggests the diseases are caused by a deregulated cytokine production. MIF is a cytokine associated with immunomodulation of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokine profiles in inflammatory diseases. Based on this knowledge, the aim of this study was to determine the association of MIF and TNFA expression with Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokine profiles in serum levels of PsA patients. A cross-sectional study was performed in 50 PsA patients and 30 control subjects (CS). The cytokine profiles were quantified by BioPlex MagPix system and the mRNA expression levels by real-time PCR. TNFA mRNA expression was 138.81-folds higher in PsA patients than CS (p < 0.001). Regarding MIF mRNA expression, no significant differences were observed; however, a positive correlation was identified between MIF mRNA expression and PsA time of evolution (r = - 0.53, p = 0.009). An increase of Th1 (IFNγ: PsA = 37.1 pg/mL vs. CS = 17 pg/mL, p < 0.05; TNFα: PsA = 24.6 pg/mL vs. CS = 9.8 pg/mL, p < 0.0001) and Th17 cytokine profiles (IL-17: PsA = 6.4 pg/mL vs. CS = 2.7 pg/mL, p < 0.05; IL-22: PsA = 8.4 pg/mL vs. CS = 1.8 pg/mL, p < 0.001), were found in PsA patients. Th2 cytokines were not significantly different in both groups. In conclusion, a high expression of TNFA mRNA, as well as an increase of Th1 and Th17 cytokine profiles evaluated by IFNγ, TNFα, IL-17, and IL-22 cytokines, was observed in PsA patients.

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Uptake of mercury (Hg) through fish consumption is one of the key aspects of the Hg cycle in the aquatic ecosystems. In tropical latitudes, biomonitoring of Hg in freshwater reservoirs is scarce. The objectives of the study were to determine Hg distribution in muscle, liver, and kidney of blue tilapia Oreochromis aureus from a dam located in a mining region of northwest Mexico, to define temporal variations of Hg concentrations in fish collected during the dry and rainy seasons, and to estimate the percentage weekly intake (PWI) of Hg through fish consumption considering the individual weekly intake of fish in Mexico and the provisional tolerable weekly intake of Hg (5 µg kg(-1) body weight). The sequence of Hg concentrations was liver > kidney > muscle during the rainy season and kidney > liver > muscle during the dry season. Levels of Hg were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in muscle (0.36 µg g(-1)) and kidney (0.65 µg g(-1)) of specimens collected during the dry season in comparison to individuals collected during the rainy season; accordingly, average PWI in the dry season (5.41) was higher than in the rainy season (1.80). Though collected fish were adults, Hg levels in the edible portion are not harmful to consumers, even during the dry season that Hg levels were higher.

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Objetivo: Conocer la prevalencia de hipercolesterolemia y factores de riesgo para sobrepeso y obesidad en mujeres adolescentes. Sujetos y método: Estudio transversal en 548 adolescentes. Se determinó la colesterolemia por la técnica de Liebermann-Burchard. Se midieron los índices antropométricos; de peso, talla, circunferencia de cintura y caderas; la ingesta por encuesta de recordatorio de 24 horas; el nivel socioeconómico y los antecedentes familiares. Se realizó un análisis univariado y bivariado (pruebas de hipótesis de Chi2, prueba de t y F). Resultados: La prevalencia de hipercolesterolemia fue de 30.4 por ciento. El peso, el Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) y las concentraciones de colesterol sanguíneo más altas, se observan en adolescentes con familiares obesos (p<0.05). Fue mayor el consumo de lípidos totales y de ácidos grasos saturados en adolescentes con familiares obesos, diabéticos e hipertensos (p<0.05). Conclusiones: Al observar la tendencia de los datos antropométricos, las concentraciones de colesterol sanguíneo, y/o los antecedentes familiares; se puede concluir que es posible que cuando sean adultas, presenten problemas por sobrepeso u obesidad que aumentarían su riesgo de complicaciones cardiovasculares o presencia de síndrome metabólico.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to know the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, overweight and obesity as well as, the risk factors in adolescent females. Subjects and method: In a cross - sectional study of 548 adolescents girls plasma level of cholesterol was measured using the Liebermann-Burchard technique. Anthropometrics indexes of weight, height, hip and waist circumferences were investigated. The intake was asses by a 24-hours dietary recall. Survey socioeconomic level and family history were evaluated. An univariate an bivariate statically analysis (chi square (X2), t and F tests) was performed. Results: A prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was found in 30.4 percent of girls. The weight, Body Mass Index (BMI) and the highest levels of blood cholesterol were observed in adolescents with obese relatives (p<0.05). The consumption of total lipids and saturated fatty acids was higher in adolescents with obese, diabetics and hypertensive relatives (p <0.05). Conclusions: According to the anthropometric data and cholesterolemia in adolescent girls with overweight relatives, obesity, diabetes and hypertension it is possible that as adults they may present overweight problems or obesity which will increase their risk for cardiovascular complications or the presence of metabolic syndrome.

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El presente artículo hace inicialmente una cordial invitación a asumirlo como un insumo más a la hora de dar la discusión en lo que respecta al montaje del Sistema de Protección Social en Colombia. Plantea el panorama mundial que lleva a proponer al Banco Mundial a través de la OPS/OMS, la formulación de la protección social como la estrategia más poderosa, según ellos, para la reducción de la exclusión social y la injusticia. Describe y analiza las características de la extensión de la protección social en salud y a continuación retoma las principales normas emanadas con dicho fin en Colombia y su aplicación, y en forma simultánea hace el análisis desde el concepto mismo de la protección social en comparación con el de seguridad social, argumentando que se trata de un retroceso conceptual y práctico...

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Los tumores papilares mucinosos intraductales del pancreas son una identidad rara que comprenden cerca del 1 por ciento de las neoplasias malignas del pancreas. El espectro radiológico que presenta esta enfermedad puede ser bastante amplio. El tratamiento ideal en este tipo de patología sigue siendo la resección quirúrgica con biopsia por congelación intraoperatoria para asegurar márgenes de sección libres de tumor. El pronóstico de este tumor es bastante favorable comparado con cualquier otro tipo de neoplasia pancreática.

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La infeccion intraabdominal (IIA) es un reto para el cirujano. El tratamiento consiste en la combinacion de cirugia, antibioticos y cuidado intensivo. Los antibioticos Beta-3- lactámicos juegan un papel importante en el tratamiento. Las penicilinas tienen un gran potencial de accion y, en combinacion con inhibidores de Beta-lactamasas, su poder se aumenta. El presente estudio se diseñó multicentrico y prospectivo para evaluar la eficacia de la Piperacilina/Tazobactam (Tazocin,) en el tratamiento de la IIA; 40 pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio y tratados con Piperacilina/Tazobactam (4 g/500 mg) cada 8 horas. Todos los pacientes tuvieron peritonitis, 85 por ciento de ellos por causa de apendicitis gangrenosa perforada. La respuesta clinica favorable ocurrio en 97 por ciento de los casos despues de tratamiento con duracion entre 6 y 14 dias. En 71 aislamientos microbiológicos realizados, prevalecio la flora polimicrobiana. Piperacilina/ Tazobactam tuvo una sensibilidad de 93 por ciento para los germenes aislados aerobicos Gram negativos y Gram positivos asi como para anaerobios. Hubo tres cepas resistentes in vitro en los 71 aislamientos: una cepa de Pseudomonas aeruginosa, una cepa de Klebsiella pneumoniae y otra de Citrobacter freundii. La medicacion fue bien tolerada y sus efectos colaterales nulos.

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A comparative study was carried out in which 66 leprosy patients with ulcers were randomly divided in two groups of 33 patients each: Group A (experimental group) was treated with ketanserin gel (2%) and group B with clioquinol cream and/or Lassar paste during a three month period. At the end of the study, when ulcer sizes in the two groups were compared, the group treated with topical ketanserin showed superior results (p < 0.001 using Kolmogorov-Smirnov's test). We conclude that the drug is useful as coadjuavant treatment for healing ulcers in these patients.

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Benign strictures of the biliary tract are difficult to treat surgical complications. Most biliary strictures result from injuries during cholecystectomies, and their initial management is a major determining factor of the long-term outcome. Only surgeons well trained and experienced in their management should treat this entity. The affected patients present various signs and symptoms depending on the time the lesion is detected, and the treatment modality largely depends on such timing. The success of surgical treatment with its attendant low morbidity and mortality makes it the preferred modality over transhepatic image-guided or endoscopic balloon dilatation, with or without the insertion of stents. Surgical treatment is based on three principles: good exposure for internal drainage of the intrahepatic biliary tract, mucosa-to-mucosa anastomosis, and prevention of the risk of reoperation for recurrent stenosis. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy with a blind subcutaneous jejunal loop seems to comply with these three principles. Transanastomotic stents are not necessary. We have analyzed our experience from 1988 to 1999 with 65 consecutive patients referred to us for biliary reconstruction. We used the Roux-en-Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy with a blind subcutaneous jejunal loop, performed by the same surgical group in all cases.

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Endothelial cell (EC) junctions regulate in large part the integrity and barrier function of the vascular endothelium. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), the irreversibly formed reactive derivatives of non-enzymic glucose-protein condensation reactions, are strongly implicated in endothelial dysfunction that distinguishes diabetes- and aging-associated vascular complications. The aim of the present study was to determine whether AGEs affect EC lateral junction proteins, with particular regard to the vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) complex. Our results indicate that AGE-modified BSA (AGE-BSA), a prototype of advanced glycated proteins, disrupts the VE-cadherin complex when administered to ECs. AGE-BSA, but not unmodified BSA, was found to induce decreases in the levels of VE-cadherin, beta-catenin and gamma-catenin in the complex and in total cell extracts, as well as a marked reduction in the amount of VE-cadherin present at the cell surface. In contrast, the level of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), which is located at lateral junctions, was not altered. Supplementation of the cellular antioxidative defences abolished these effects. Finally, the loss of components of the VE-cadherin complex was correlated with increases in vascular permeability and in EC migration. These findings suggest that some of the AGE-induced biological effects on the endothelium could be mediated, at least in part, by the weakening of intercellular contacts caused by decreases in the amount of VE-cadherin present.

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La infeccion quirurgica es una complicacion devastadora desde el punto de vista biologico y economico. Puede causar seria incapacidad y muerte, además de los elevados costos para el paciente, la familia y las instituciones de salud. Las tasas de infeccion quirurgica de nuestro departamento se comparan favorablemente con las que se reportan en la literatura intemacional. Nuestros buenos resultados se deben principalmente a que desde 1991 los departamentos de cirugia y enfermeria de la FSFB implementaron un riguroso programa de vigilancia y control de la herida quirurgica, el cual incluye un seguimiento de todos los pacientes intervenidos(l-3). Se ha logrado un programa lider, con un equipo de control de infeccion con autoridad, que desempeña actividades educativas, e implementa protocolos y rutinas para prevenir infecciones nosocomiales. Es finalmente un programa de auditoria, que contribuye grandemente a crear un ambiente de cuidado, seguridady eficacia.

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Vimang is an aqueous extract of Mangifera indica used in Cuba to improve the quality of life in patients suffering from elevated stress. To assess its possible analgesic and antiinflammatory effects, the results of a standard extract evaluation are presented. Analgesia was determined using acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction and formalin-induced licking. Antiinflammatory effects were evaluated using carrageenan- and formalin-induced oedema. Vimang (50-1000 mg/kg, p.o.) exhibited a potent and dose-dependent antinociceptive effect against acetic acid test in mice. The mean potency (DE(50)) was 54.5 mg/kg and the maximal inhibition attained was 94.4%. Vimang (20-1000 mg/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently inhibited the second phase of formalin-induced pain but not the first phase. The DE(50) of the second phase was 8.4 mg/kg and the maximal inhibition was 99.5%, being more potent than indomethacin at doses of 20 mg/kg. Vimang (20-1000 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited oedema formation (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) of both carrageenan- and formalin-induced oedema in rat, guinea-pigs and mice (maximal inhibitions: 39.5, 45.0 and 48.6, respectively). The inhibitions were similar to those produced by indomethacin and sodium naproxen, p.o. The different polyphenols found in Vimang could account for the antinociceptive and antiinflammatory actions reported here for the first time for M. indica bark aqueous extract.

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Elective cholecystectomy in the asymptomatic patient has elicited considerable controversy, going back to the prelaparoscopy cholecystectomy era. Surgical services often see patients with known or unidentified cholelithiasis who, having been asymptomatic, present with serious complications, potentially lethal, in whom emergency operations are associated with technical difficulties that lead to high conversion rates and significant mortality and morbidity. Elective cholecystectomy is a safe procedure associated with low morbidity and no mortality. Based on an analysis of our experience and a review of the literature, we discuss the indications for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in asymptomatic patients at high risk of developing complications of their asymptomatic disease. The following high-risk criteria are proposed for elective cholecystectomy: life expectancy > 20 years; calculi > 2 cm in diameter; calculi < 3 mm and a patent cystic duct; radiopaque calculi; polyps in the gallbladder (GB); nonfunctioning GB; calcified ("porcelain") GB; concomitant diabetes; women < 60 years; and individuals in geographic regions with a high prevalence of GB cancer.

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La infeccion intraabdominal es una de las entidades que presentan mayor complejidad en su manejo. La clave para un tratamiento completo y adecuado se basa en cuatro pilares: eliminar la causa, extirpar la contaminacion, optimizar los mecanismos de defensa, y tratar oportunamente sus consecuencias. Puede originarse en cualquier organo intraabdominal o pelvico y se clasifica en hematogena, aguda, espontánea y postoperatoria. Se caracteriza por presentar germenes aerobios, anaerobios y en un alto porcentaje, crecimiento de hongos, lo cual debe ser tenido en cuenta para el uso adecuado de antibioticos. Es una entidad que puede evolucionar hacia un sindrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistemica y hacia sepsis. El diagnostico se hace con ayudas paraclinicas e imaginologicas que van desde una simple radiografia del abdomen hasta el uso de RMN, segun la patologia de base. Idealmente se realizan ECO y TAC abdominales las cuales no solo sirven de ayuda diagnostica sino terapeutica. El tratamiento debe basarse en los cuatro pilares ya enunciados y se logra mediante tres mecanismos: un adecuado, oportuno, pero no anticipado inicio de antibioticos; terapia de soporte en cuidado intensivo teniendo en cuenta que mecanismos como la hemodiafiltracion además de brindar soporte orgánico, remueve endotoxinas y citoquinas, modulando asi la respuesta inflamatoria y, finalmente, la cirugía mediante la cual se extirpa el foco de contaminacion y se elimina la causa de esta. Por tal razon es importante entender todos los aspectos de esta entidad y que su tratamiento debe ser integral utilizando diferentes herramientas que son sinergicas en el manejo de la misma.

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Las heridas de tratamiento hospitalario son una entidad frecuente y aunque en Colombia no se conoce su epidemiologia, se sabe que no son un numero despreciable. El objetivo de este trabajo fue el de conocer la epidemiologia de las heridas en pacientes hospitalizados, en un periodo de 1 año, especificamente las heridas quirurgicas, por pie diabetico, ulceras por presion, ulceras varicosas y laparostomias. Además, quisimos investigar que especialidad las trata y quienes son los encargados de las cuidados básicos de estas. Enviamos un formato con su respectivo instructivo a hospitales de las diferentes regiones del pais, logrando la participacion de 11 de estos hospitales. Obtuvimos como resultados que de 185.405 egresos hospitalarios durante el año de 1995, 50.9 por ciento presentaba herida quirurgica; 0.17 por ciento, ulceras por presion; 0.14 por ciento, heridas por pie diabetico; 0.08 por ciento, ulceras varicosas; y 0.25 por ciento, laparostomias. De los pacientes con herida quirurgica, presentaron infeccion global 6.12 por ciento. En todas las heridas, el manejo básico era realizado por las enfermeras y en algunos casos tambien por auxiliares de enfermeria y/o medicos. El servicio de Cirugia General fue el encargado de tratar la herida quirurgica, las ulceras varicosas, las heridas por pie diabetico y las laparostomias, en la gran mayoria de los hospitales. Cirugia Plastica, Medicina Interna, Cirugia Vascular y Dermatologia fueron especialidades que, en orden de frecuencia, tambien trataron heridas en estos pacientes. Se plantea la necesidad de establecer un seguimiento y registro completo de las heridas en los hospitales como parte del tratamiento integral de estas.

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Aotus lemurinus monkeys were immunized with pools of either lipid-tailed peptides injected in PBS or peptides in Montanide ISA-51, all derived from four Plasmodium falciparum pre-erythrocytic antigens, namely, LSA1, LSA3, SALSA, and STARP. These formulations were well tolerated. Their immunogenicity was demonstrated by the induction of both B- and T-cell responses to most of the peptides studied (of the 12, 10 induced antibody production, 9 induced T-cell proliferative responses, and all 12 induced gamma interferon secretion). Immune responses proved to be long lasting, since some were still detectable 210 days after immunization. Of particular importance is the fact that B- and T-cell responses elicited in this way by synthetic peptides were specific for native parasite proteins on P. falciparum sporozoites and liver stage parasites.

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El numero de pacientes con inmunocompromiso que se someten hoy en dia a cirugia, va en aumento. El paciente inmunocomprometido no es solamente el paciente infectado con VIH; es tambien el que está relacionado con diferentes estados patologicos que incluyen desde ligeros cambios en la defensa del huesped hasta situaciones criticas que comprometen la vida de los pacientes. La ancianidad es un ejemplo claro de un grupo de poblacion sobre el cual se realizan cada vez un mayor numero de procedimientos quirurgicos con respuestas inmunes diferentes como consecuencia de una biologia y fisiologia tambien diferentes. Del diagnostico oportuno y preciso, del manejo preoperatorio adecuado, de la tecnica quirurgica depurada y a veces hasta innovadora, y del excelente cuidado postoperatorio, depende que estos pacientes inmunocomprometidos tengan exito y sobrevivan a los procedimientos intervencionistas. La infeccion quirurgica en estos enfermos tambien es diferente y se trata de alertar sobre la necesidad del conocimiento de estos hechos.

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