Search

The performance of a commercial zeolite NaA pervaporation membrane supplied by Smart Chem., U.K.) was studied with respect to the dehydration of industrial mixtures of tetrahydrofurane/water (CH2O≤7.9 wt.%) and acetone/water (CH2O≤3.25 wt.%). The influence of water concentration and temperature in the range 40 ºC - 65 ºC on fluxes and selectivities was described. The stability of the membrane in consecutive operation cycles is also reported.En este trabajo se estudia el comportamiento de una membrana comercial de pervaporación con una capa activa de zeolita NaA (Smart Chem., Reino Unido) aplicada a la separación de dos mezclas de origen industrial: tetrahidrofurano/agua con un contenido inicial de agua de 7,9% en peso y acetona/agua con un contenido inicial de agua de 3,25% en peso. Se ha caracterizado el flujo de agua y la selectividad de la separación, estudiándose la influencia de la composición y de la temperatura, en el rango 40 ºC - 65 ºC sobre ambos factores. Asimismo, se ha estudiado la estabilidad de la membrana en ciclos consecutivos de operación.

Differential diagnosis between a melanoma and a pseudomelanoma requires many years of experience and ocular studies, and requires paying attention to the smallest details. The case is presented of a 57 year-old male with an adenoma of the ciliary body pigment epithelium that was treated with an enucleation of the eye due to a suspicion of a choroidal melanoma., (Copyright © 2020 Sociedad Española de Oftalmología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: In Chile, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) mainly affects preterm infants, with an incidence of 0.3 to 2.4 per 1,000 live births, and 8 to 12% in preterm infants weighing less than 1,500 grams., Objective: To describe health professionals perceptions on the use of human colostrum as a preventive measu re against necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm newborns., Subjects and Method: Qualitative study, using 18 semi-structured individual interviews of health professionals in three public hospitals of the Valparaíso Region. The interview included 3 topics: Knowledge, Perception of early colostrum supply and Opinion about the extent of the measure, and 6 subtopics, 2 for each topic respectively: Self-perception of knowledge level and Sources of information; Experience: positive aspects/adverse events and Opinion of colostrum as a protective factor for enterocolitis; Facilitating or hindering aspects and Opinion about the measure as national policy. Data were processed through qualitative content analysis., Results: Two of the three high-complexity neonatal units of the Valparaíso Re gion have a protocol for administrating colostrum in premature infants. Participants have a positive opinion about the preventive results of this measure. Even in the third hospital where there is no protocol, they have a favorable perception of its potential benefit and its low cost of implementa tion. However, we observed that this procedure requires more evidence and an application protocol. Other limitations would be the lack of staffing and training and the need for equipment and supplies., Conclusions: Professionals who have applied a colostrum administration protocol in preterm infants in the Valparaíso Region report good health outcomes and promote team motivation towards this practice. However, it is relevant to the dissemination and discussion of national and international protocols, as well as the development of local research. Given the ongoing experiences in Chile and the international debate, we considered appropriate to address and discuss the topic within the na tional health community.

Objective: to evaluate the results and costs of surgical treatment against endovascular in non ruptured aneurysms., Material and Methods: retrospective study of a consecutive series non ruptured aneurysms from a single-center treated endovascularly (EV) and surgically (SC). A descriptive study of demographic (age, sex) charqacteristics of the patients and the radiological aspects of the aneurysms have been carried out. Clinical results (GOS at 6 months), angiographic data (occlusion classification) and economic costs have been evaluated in both globally, and in each of the groups., Results: 89 patients treated between 2010 and 2015 were reviewed. Most of them were treated endovascularly (74%). There were no statiscally significant differences between EV and SC groups. 89% of the patients presented favourable GOS (4-5) at six months, being this percentage similar in both groups. Complete occlusion was much higher in SC group (96%) than in EV (55%). Retreatment rate was 24% in EV group and 0% in SC group. The retreatments were more frequent in anterior circulation aneurysms and bigger aneurysms (> 10 mm). The expenses in the SC group come mainly from hospital stay, meanwhile in the EV group is due to embolisation materials. The average length of stay (ALOS) are higher in SC group but costs of first admission are higher in EV group (14% more). When the costs of retreatments and follow up are included the costs of endovascular treatment is much higher than the surgical (61% more expensive)., Conclusions: results of both types of treatment are comparable. The grade of aneurysmal occlusion of the SC group was higher than the EV, as well as the stability of the treatment, requiring fewer retreatments. Althoug the ALOS in SC group were longer, the costs of the EV group were significantly higher than the SC group due to the costs of embolisation materials, follow up that they need and the rate of retreatment. Adequate selection of candidates for endovascular coiling could improve angiographic outcomes, reduce retraction rates, and save costs., (Copyright © 2018 Sociedad Española de Neurocirugía. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objective: In 2010 we published that 53% of cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) detected in Spain were diagnosed outside the context of standard screening programs, which consequently leads to lower survival rates. The aim of this study was to analyze the current situation and the causes of diagnosis out of screening programs., Material and Methods: Prospective registry of 73 second- and third-level Spanish healthcare centers carried out between October 1, 2014 and January 31, 2015. The baseline characteristics of the disease and the first treatment administered for the incidental primary liver tumors during such period were recorded., Results: A total of 720 patients were included in the study: HCC (n=686), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n=29), hepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n=2), other (n=3). HCC characteristics: male 82%; mean age 67 years; cirrhosis 87%; main etiologies: alcohol 35%, HCV 30%, alcohol and HCV 15%, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease 6%; tumor stage: BCLC-0 11%, A 43%, B 19%, C 16% and D 11%; first treatment: transarterial chemoembolization (23%), percutaneous ablation (22%), symptomatic treatment (20%), resection (11%), sorafenib (11%). Three hundred and fifty-six patients (53%) were diagnosed outside of screening programs, mainly owing to the fact that they suffered from an undiagnosed liver disease (76%) and to the poor adherence to the screening program (18%). These patients were mainly male (P<.001), with an alcoholic etiology (P<.001) and active alcohol consumption (P<.001). Moreover, the disease was predominantly diagnosed at more advanced stages (P<.001) and was addressed with less radical treatments (P<.001)., Conclusions: In Spain, the main cause of diagnosis of a HCC outside the context of a screening program is the absence of a prior diagnosis of a liver disease, particularly in alcohol-consuming men. Detecting a liver disease in asymptomatic populations and improving adherence to screening programs are the main areas that must be subject to improvement in order to improve the early detection of HCC., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: To describe the reference values for the Spanish version of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF), considering the differences according to parity and previous breastfeeding experience., Methods: Cross-sectional study in five hospitals in Valencia and one in Murcia, Spain, in a convenience sample of 949 in-hospital breastfeeding women, with no medical problems in the mothers or newborns hindering breastfeeding. Data on sociodemographic and obstetric variables, and on breastfeeding self-efficacy, were collected using the BSES-SF. Central tendency, dispersion and percentile data were calculated to generate reference values for the entire sample, and by parity and previous experience., Results: The level of self-efficacy was significantly lower (p <0.001) among primiparous women (mean =47.67±11.03) or those without previous experience (mean =47.30±11.18) than among multiparas (mean =52.87±10.66) or women with previous experience (mean =53.93±9.93). The P25 and P75 percentiles for the BSES-SF were, respectively, 42 and 59 for the entire sample; 39 and 56 for women without children or without previous experience; 46 and 61 for mothers with children; and 47 and 62 for mothers with previous experience., Conclusions: The specific percentiles obtained by parity or previous experience should be considered the reference values for comparing the level of self-efficacy of a given case, and for evaluating and planning educational postpartum support interventions.

Introduction: Complete adherence to early goal-directed therapy has shown a significant reduction in 28-day mortality rate, whereas partial adherence has not shown beneficial effect., Objectives: The effect of adherence to 6 hour sepsis bundle treatment was evaluated on patients with severe sepsis and septic shock., Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted during a six-month period. The patients were limited to those 16 years or older and included admissions to intensive care units, special care units or emergency departments with severe sepsis or septic shock. The adherence to the 6-hour sepsis bundle was evaluated through 8 interventions as follows: (1) serum lactate measure,( 2) early antibiotic administration, (3) blood culture samples, (4) infusion of intravenous fluids, (5) vasopressor use, (6) central venous catheter, (7) central venous pressure >8 mm Hg, and (8) central venous oxygen saturation >70%., Results: Seven hundred and twenty three patients were screened; 16% (n=116) met the inclusion criteria; 92.2% (n=107) met the criteria for severe sepsis and 37.9% (44) for septic shock; 62.9% (n=73) were subdiagnosed. Complete adherence to the 8 interventions of 6-hour sepsis bundle was 0%; 6 to 7 (19%, n=22), 3 to 5 (67.2%, n=78), and 0 to 2 (98.3%, n=114)., Conclusion: Adherence to 6-hour sepsis bundle treatment for severe sepsis and septic shock was not done for the full 8 interventions and only partial accomplishment of the first 4 interventions.

In this study, the benefits of a program of treatment by laser were evaluated on the improvement of symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. A total of 31 participants took part in the study, all of them women, randomized into two groups: intervention with laser and placebo. The intervention with girlase E11010 consisted of the individual application of six frequencies on seven anatomical zones of the body. The results were statistically significant differences for "weariness" and "difficulty sleeping" variables. In the rest of the variables, we did not find any statistical significance. One of the conclusions from the present study is the need for development of new research to verify the influence of girlase E1.1010 in the improvement of symptoms associated with fibromyalgia., (Copyright © 2009 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgery has had a significant impact on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), para-oesophageal hiatal hernia (POHH) and achalasia. There have been a percentage of poor results due to reappearance, persistence or appearance of new symptoms. Reinterventions of the hiatus are more complicated and are not always accompanied by a satisfactory clinical response., Objective: To evaluate the long-term results of a series of 20 patients reintervened by laparoscopy and their quality of life., Material and Methods: A total of 20 patients operated on between February 1998 and December 2008 after previous surgery for the hiatus. The mean age of the patients was 56 (19-77) years. A total of 18 patients had been operated on due to GORD or POHH and 2 due to achalasia. They were followed up until December 2008 and a quality of life GIQLI test was performed., Results: Of the 20 patients, 13 were operated on by laparoscopy and 7 by laparotomy. The mean pre-operative time was 74 (1-24) months. The reintervention was for GORD and HH in 12 (63%); dysphagia in 4 (21%) and POHH (3). Conversion was 10% and the operating time was 180 (105-300)min. The procedures were: pillar closure and re-Nissen (10), re-Nissen (2), Toupet (2), Collis (1), mesh removal (1), re-myotomy (2), and pexy (1). There was 16% morbidity and no mortality. After a follow up of 68 (1-116) months, 14 patients were symptom-free. The GIQLI score was 106 (97-124), which was less than standard (125)., Conclusions: Reintervention of hiatus is reliable and effective over the long-term, but quality of life scores were lower than normal.

Background: Approximately 10% of all colorectal adenomas are constituted by villous adenomas. Their relationship with hydroelectrolytic depletion is rare. We report two cases with villous adenoma that presented hydroelectrolytic depletion with clinical and surgical management, exclusively., Clinical Cases: Case 1. Patient was a 76-year-old female with hypertension and 3 months evolution of symptoms such as asthenia, adynamia, unexplained weight loss, and abundant mucus with diarrhea. Serum potassium value was 2.2 mEq/l . Upon rectal exam we found a sessile, exophitic soft tumor with irregular surface of approximately 10 cm in diameter. We also performed a transanal resection of tumor reporting villous adenoma. The patient was discharged from the hospital at the 4th postoperative day with potassium values within normal limits. Case report 2. Patient was a 76-year-old female with diabetes and hypertension of long evolution. She reported a 4-month clinical evolution with non-bloody diarrhea and abundant mucus. She reported nausea, vomiting and no unexplained weight loss. Serum potassium value was 2.1 mEq/l . During the rectal exam we identified a sessile, polypoid, 5-cm diameter tumor that did not involve deep planes. In addition, we carried out a transanal resection of the polyp. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 5th postoperative day. Potassium value was 4.3 mEq/l., Conclusions: Size and location of the villous adenoma are related to the production of mucus secretory diarrhea. The inhibiting well-known indomethacin of the prostaglandins has been used to decrease the mucus secretion. In every patient with presence of mucus, persistent diarrhea and occasional rectal bleeding of 1 month, it is necessary to carry out lower endoscopy to rule out the presence of villous adenoma.

Rural telemedicine began in the 1950s in the Papago, Arizona Reservation with the program Starphac. The Anáhuac University began the program in 2002. In the Anáhuac, the project was developed to provide specialty consultations in a virtual way to a highly marginalized population, creating clinical fields of high technology and fulfilling social obligations. The program began in Guerrero and was complemented with video conferences to an open population, courses to general physicians, continuing medical education, activities to promote health, and emergency disaster plans. From May 2002 until the end of 2004, 11,576 general consults have been provided and 2,420 specialty consults. The most frequent diagnoses in surgery were peptic ulcer disease, cholecystitis, diabetic foot and superficial venous insufficiency. The telemedicine program has allowed us to bring high specialty consults with great productivity, efficiency, less wait time and cost-benefit impact, along with a high quality of humane care. Resident physicians do their social service in a positive manner, with a permanent consultation office and a program of continuing medical education.

Introduction: The treatment selection in the carpal tunnel syndrome according to the damage of the median nerve is important and all of these have adverse effects. A good alternative without undesired reactions is irradiation of the carpal tunnel with not coherent light between 920 and 940 nm emitted by gallium arsenide diodes, resembling the physic and therapeutic laser effects., Patients and Methods: Twenty-six female patients with idiopathic middle carpal tunnel syndrome were irradiated 15 minutes daily during three weeks. The median nerve motor and sensitive neuroconduction was studied before and immediately after the treatment., Results: The abnormal neuroconduction variables (latency, amplitude and velocity conduction) did not modify when treatment concluded, in spite of all the patients reported disappearance of pain and numbness in damaged hands., Conclusions: Not coherent light does not change the fibers functional state explored by conventional neuroconductions techniques. It remains to know if this light produces fine fibers improvement.

Introduction: The outcome of cases of near-drowning and initially poor prognostic signs are usually discouraging because of the severity of the consequent encephalopathy in most survivors. However, good recovery has been described, in spite of bad prognostic factors initially. It is difficult to establish the predictors of poor outcome which would enable one to decide when to establish and maintain advanced cardio-pulmonary resuscitation measures (CPR), since each case of near-drowning is different., Clinical Case: A four year old boy survived near-drowning in cold water without sequelas but with initial signs of very poor prognosis, including prolonged immersion time, coma, severe metabolic acidosis, hyperglycemia and persistent bilateral arreactive mydriasis., Discussion: The beneficial effect of hypothermia is well known, and explains (at least partially) survival in cases of apparently irreversible near-drowning. Potential benefits are reduced metabolic demand which prevents the adverse effects of hypoxia and the 'diving reflex' which short-circuits the blood supply to vital organs such as the brain and heart. We consider that the persistently arreactive pupils were not due to hypoxia, but rather to bilateral uncal compression of the third cranial nerves due to cerebral edema secondary to initial hypoxia and water intoxication., Conclusion: This observation is yet another argument for the establishment and maintenance of aggressive manoeuvers of CPR and treatment in all children who have nearly-drowned, independently of the apparent seriousness or irreversibility.

We report a case of idiopathic granulomatous hypophysitis diagnosed at autopsy in a 69-year-old female who, after endocrine coma, died from gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Immunohistochemical studies disclosed a predominance of T-lymphocytes in the inflammatory pituitary infiltrates. In addition to hypophysitis, lymphocytic thyroiditis and adrenalitis lesions and atrophic gastritis were found. These findings, consistent with autoimmune disease, are similar to those reported for lymphocytic hypophysitis, and raise the possibility that both types of hypophysitis are different aspects of the same condition.