Adverse events of ERCP at San José Hospital of Bogotá (Colombia)

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has become the preferred treatment method for hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease. Despite technological progress this technique continues to account for the greatest morbidity and mortality caused by digestive endoscopic procedures. ERCP carries a risk of pancreatitis, perforation, hemorrhage, cholangitis and cardiopulmonary events occurring in upto 10% of patients in referral centers, implying a mortality of up to 1%, not including therapeutic failures or the need for re-intervention. A greater mortality rate has been demonstrated in prospective studies rather than in retrospective studies, but overall, the number of complications described in the literature is much lower than the number of complications that actually occur. A descriptive prospective study was conducted at San José Hospital from April 1, 2006 to April 30, 2007 in patients who underwent an ERCP and had a 1-month follow-up. A total of 381 patients were included; 9 (2.3%) were excluded, and of the remaining 372 there was an overall success in 79.6% of cases, 8.3% had a second intervention, 7.6% developed complications (pancreatitis, perforation, hemorrhage, cholangitis, pain, intolerance to sedatives, and cardiopulmonary events), and 4.3% were failed ERCP studies. The mortality rate of the ERCP procedure was 0.8%. ERCP-related complications were determined at a teaching center, and this suggests the need to implement centers of excellence in order to improve the efficacy of the procedure

Latin Americans show wide-spread Converso ancestry and imprint of local Native ancestry on physical appearance

Historical records and genetic analyses indicate that Latin Americans trace their ancestry mainly to the intermixing (admixture) of Native Americans, Europeans and Sub-Saharan Africans. Using novel haplotype-based methods, here we infer sub-continental ancestry in over 6,500 Latin Americans and evaluate the impact of regional ancestry variation on physical appearance. We find that Native American ancestry components in Latin Americans correspond geographically to the present-day genetic structure of Native groups, and that sources of non-Native ancestry, and admixture timings, match documented migratory flows. We also detect South/East Mediterranean ancestry across Latin America, probably stemming mostly from the clandestine colonial migration of Christian converts of non-European origin (Conversos). Furthermore, we find that ancestry related to highland (Central Andean) versus lowland (Mapuche) Natives is associated with variation in facial features, particularly nose morphology, and detect significant differences in allele frequencies between these groups at loci previously associated with nose morphology in this sample.Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celula

Latin Americans show wide-spread Converso ancestry and imprint of local Native ancestry on physical appearance

Historical records and genetic analyses indicate that Latin Americans trace their ancestry mainly to the intermixing (admixture) of Native Americans, Europeans and Sub-Saharan Africans. Using novel haplotype-based methods, here we infer sub-continental ancestry in over 6,500 Latin Americans and evaluate the impact of regional ancestry variation on physical appearance. We find that Native American ancestry components in Latin Americans correspond geographically to the present-day genetic structure of Native groups, and that sources of non-Native ancestry, and admixture timings, match documented migratory flows. We also detect South/East Mediterranean ancestry across Latin America, probably stemming mostly from the clandestine colonial migration of Christian converts of non-European origin (Conversos). Furthermore, we find that ancestry related to highland (Central Andean) versus lowland (Mapuche) Natives is associated with variation in facial features, particularly nose morphology, and detect significant differences in allele frequencies between these groups at loci previously associated with nose morphology in this sample.Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celula

Attitudes and burden in relatives of patients with schizophrenia in a middle income country

BACKGROUND: Most studies of family attitudes and burden have been conducted in developed countries. Thus it is important to test the generalizability of this research in other contexts where social conditions and extended family involvement may be different. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the attitudes of caregivers and the burden they experience in such a context, namely Arica, a town located in the northernmost region of Chile, close to the border with Peru and Bolivia. METHODS: We assessed attitudes towards schizophrenia (including affective, cognitive and behavioural components) and burden (including subjective distress, rejection and competence) in 41 main caregivers of patients with schizophrenia, all of whom were users of Public Mental Health Services in Arica. RESULTS: Attitude measures differed significantly according to socio-demographic variables, with parents (mainly mothers) exhibiting a more negative attitude towards the environment than the rest of the family (t = 4.04; p = 0.000).This was also the case for caregivers with a low educational level (t = 3.27; p < 0.003), for the oldest caregivers (r = 0.546; p = 0.000) and for those who had spent more time with the patient (r = 0.377; p = 0.015). Although attitudes had significant association with burden, their explanatory power was modest (R2 = .104, F = 4,55; p = .039). CONCLUSIONS: Similar to finding developed countries, the current study revealed a positive and significant relationship between the attitudes of caregivers and their burden. These findings emphasize the need to support the families of patients with schizophrenia in this social context

Exploring Species Limits in Two Closely Related Chinese Oaks

Background. The species status of two closely related Chinese oaks, Quercus liaotungensis and Q. mongolica, has been called into question. The objective of this study was to investigate the species status and to estimate the degree of introgression between the two taxa using different approaches. [br/] Methodology/Principal Findings. Using SSR (simple sequence repeat) and AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) markers, we found that interspecific genetic differentiation is significant and higher than the differentiation among populations within taxa. Bayesian clusters, principal coordinate analysis and population genetic distance trees all classified the oaks into two main groups consistent with the morphological differentiation of the two taxa rather than with geographic locations using both types of markers. Nevertheless, a few individuals in Northeast China and many individuals in North China have hybrid ancestry according to Bayesian assignment. One SSR locus and five AFLPs are significant outliers against neutral expectations in the interspecific FST simulation analysis, suggesting a role for divergent selection in differentiating species.[br/] Main Conclusions/Significance. All results based on SSRs and AFLPs reached the same conclusion: Q. liaotungensis and Q. mongolica maintain distinct gene pools in most areas of sympatry. They should therefore be considered as discrete taxonomic units. Yet, the degree of introgression varies between the two species in different contact zones, which might be caused by different population history or by local environmental factors

Adverse events of ERCP at San José Hospital of Bogotá (Colombia) Eventos adversos de la CPRE en el Hospital de San José de Bogotá

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has become the preferred treatment method for hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease. Despite technological progress this technique continues to account for the greatest morbidity and mortality caused by digestive endoscopic procedures. ERCP carries a risk of pancreatitis, perforation, hemorrhage, cholangitis and cardiopulmonary events occurring in upto 10% of patients in referral centers, implying a mortality of up to 1%, not including therapeutic failures or the need for re-intervention. A greater mortality rate has been demonstrated in prospective studies rather than in retrospective studies, but overall, the number of complications described in the literature is much lower than the number of complications that actually occur. A descriptive prospective study was conducted at San José Hospital from April 1, 2006 to April 30, 2007 in patients who underwent an ERCP and had a 1-month follow-up. A total of 381 patients were included; 9 (2.3%) were excluded, and of the remaining 372 there was an overall success in 79.6% of cases, 8.3% had a second intervention, 7.6% developed complications (pancreatitis, perforation, hemorrhage, cholangitis, pain, intolerance to sedatives, and cardiopulmonary events), and 4.3% were failed ERCP studies. The mortality rate of the ERCP procedure was 0.8%. ERCP-related complications were determined at a teaching center, and this suggests the need to implement centers of excellence in order to improve the efficacy of the procedure.<br>La colangiopancreatografía retrograda endoscópica (CPRE) se ha convertido en el procedimiento terapéutico por excelencia de la vía biliopancreática. A pesar de los avances tecnológicos continúa siendo la técnica con mayor morbimortalidad de la endoscopia digestiva. Las complicaciones de la CPRE incluyen la pancreatitis, perforación, hemorragia, colangitis y eventos cardiopulmonares que en centros de referencia ocurren hasta en un 10%, implicando una mortalidad hasta del 1%, sin incluir las fallas terapéuticas ni las reintervenciones. En los estudios prospectivos se ha demostrado un porcentaje mayor de morbilidad que en los retrospectivos, aunque en general, en los estudios publicados, se reconoce un porcentaje menor de complicaciones al que realmente ocurre. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo prospectivo desde el 1 de abril de 2006 hasta el 30 de abril de 2007 en los pacientes del Hospital de San José a quienes se les practicó CPRE con un seguimiento durante un mes. Se incluyeron 381 pacientes, se excluyeron 9 (2,3%), de los restantes 372 pacientes estudiados el 79,6% fueron exitosos, el 8,3% reintervenidos, el 7,6% presentaron complicaciones (pancreatitis, perforación, hemorragia, colangitis, dolor, intolerancia a la sedación y eventos cardiopulmonares) y el 4,3% fueron fallidas. La mortalidad atribuida al procedimiento fue del 0,8%. Se determinaron las complicaciones debidas a la CPRE en un centro de enseñanza sugiriendo el establecimiento de centros de excelencia en busca de una mayor efectividad del procedimiento

In vivo experience with peroral endoscopic myotomy: An essential activity for developing the technique in humans

Introduction and objectives: Achalasia is the most widely studied esophageal motility disorder. No treatment has achieved completely satisfactory results. The laparoscopic Heller esophagomyotomy is currently the most accepted technique. With the advent of minimally invasive surgery, the appearance of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has promising results. The primary aim of our study was to perform peroral endoscopic esophagomyotomy in animal experimentation models to perfect the technique and later apply it to humans. The secondary aims were to evaluate the intraoperative and postoperative complications and to describe the anatomopathologic findings. Materials and methods: An experimental study was conducted on 8 live porcine models that were followed for 30 days to identify postoperative complications. Necropsy was then performed to evaluate the histopathologic findings. The international requirements and regulations for animal experimentation were met. Results: The technique was carried out in all the models. There was one intraoperative death. Pneumothorax was observed in 50% of the units in experimentation and subcutaneous cervical emphysema in 75%, with no significant clinical repercussions. Histologic muscle layer (myotomy) involvement was above the gastroesophageal junction in 87% of the cases and below it in 25%. Conclusion: Peroral endoscopic esophagomyotomy is a feasible, albeit complex, procedure that requires advanced training, and thus should be performed in highly specialized centers. Specific skills in advanced therapeutic endoscopic procedures of this type must continue to be developed through continuing education (ideally in in vivo models), to then be performed on humans. Resumen: Introducción y objetivos: La acalasia es el trastorno de motilidad esofágica más estudiado; ningún tratamiento ha logrado resultados completamente satisfactorios. La esofagomiotomía de Heller por laparoscopia es la técnica más aceptada en la actualidad. Con el advenimiento de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva, aparece la miotomía endoscópica submucosa con resultados prometedores. Nuestro objetivo principal de este estudio fue realizar miotomía endoscópica submucosa en modelos de experimentación animal, para perfeccionar la técnica y posteriormente aplicarla en humanos. Como objetivo secundario se buscó evaluar las complicaciones intra y postoperatorias, así como describir los hallazgos anatomopatológicos encontrados. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio experimental en 8 modelos porcinos vivos, que se siguieron durante 30 días para identificar complicaciones posoperatorias. Posteriormente se practicó necropsia evaluando los hallazgos histopatológicos. Se cumplieron los requisitos y regulaciones internacionales de experimentación en animales. Resultados: Se logró realizar la técnica en todos los modelos. Se presentó una mortalidad intraperatoria. Se observó neumotórax en el 50% y enfisema subcutáneo en el 75% de las unidades de experimentación, sin repercusión clínica significativa. Se observó compromiso histológico de la capa muscular (miotomía) por encima de la unión esofagogástrica en el 87% de los casos y por debajo de esta en el 25% de los casos. Conclusión: La esofagomiotomía endoscópica submucosa es un procedimiento factible pero complejo que requiere un entrenamiento avanzado, y dadas sus características debe ser realizado en centros de alta complejidad. Es necesario seguir desarrollando destrezas específicas, mediante educación continuada (idealmente en modelos in vivo), en procedimientos endoscópicos terapéuticos avanzados de este tipo, para posteriormente ser desarrollados en humanos. Keywords: Endoscopic esophagomyotomy, In vivo models, Achalasia, Palabras clave: Esofagomiotomía endoscópica, Modelos in vivo, Acalasi