Validation of the Kidney Failure Risk Equation in the Colombian Population.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease prevention programs must identify patients at risk of early progression to provide better treatment and prolong kidney replacement therapy-free survival. Risk equations have been developed and validated in cohorts outside of Colombia, so this study aims to evaluate the discrimination and calibration of the four-variable kidney failure risk equation in a Colombian population where it has yet to be validated. Methods: External validation study of a kidney failure risk equation using a historical cohort of patients with CKD stages 3, 4, and 5, adults without a history of dialysis or kidney transplantation with a two-year follow-up, belonging to the Baxter Renal Care Services Colombia network. The discriminatory capacity of the model was evaluated by the concordance index using Harrell's C statistic, and the time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was estimated using the nearest neighbor method, as well as the optimal cut-off point for sensitivity and specificity. Calibration was determined by the degree of agreement between the observed outcome and the probabilities predicted by the model using the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic. Results: A total of 5,477 patients were included, with a mean age of 72 years, 36.4% diabetic, and a mean baseline eGFR of 36 ml/min/1.73 m2. The rate of dialysis initiation was three events per 100 patient-years, 95% CI (2.9-3.6). The optimal cutoff for sensitivity was 0.94, for specificity, 0.76, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.92. Harrell's C-statistic was 0.88 for the total population, 0.88 for diabetic patients, and 0.93 for those 65 years or older. The validation of the model showed good calibration. Conclusions: In this Colombian cohort, the four-variable KFRE with a two-year prediction horizon has excellent calibration and discrimination, and its use in the care of CKD Colombian patients is recommended.

An overview of preconcentration techniques combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for trace element determination in biological studies.

In the last decades, the determination of trace elements in biological materials has emerged as an important area of study because of its relevance to human health and the environment. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has proven to be a powerful tool for trace element analysis, owing to its high sensitivity and ability to determine several elements in a single measurement. However, given the complex nature of biological matrices and the presence of elements, most of them at ultratrace levels, it becomes crucial to complement ICP-MS with preconcentration techniques to increase the sensitivity and selectivity of analytical methods. This article presents an exhaustive overview of liquid- and solid-phase preconcentration techniques used in combination with ICP-MS for trace element determination in different biological samples from 2000 to the present. An in-depth discussion of the advances on the application of state-of-the-art solvents and materials in trace element extraction and preconcentration is presented. Special attention is given to different strategies for elemental speciation analysis, employing both chromatographic and non-chromatographic techniques. The role of automation in these methodologies is also described. Finally, future trends and challenges related to this topic are discussed.

Deep eutectic solvents as a green alternative for trace element analysis in food and beverage samples: Recent advances and challenges.

Metals and metalloids have different effects on human health even at trace levels. Some of them are essential for living organisms while others can be toxic. Therefore, the determination of trace elements in food and beverage is highly important to understand their impact in human health. A new generation of solvents named deep eutectic solvents (DES) has emerged as a green alternative for trace element analysis, owing to their low toxicity, biodegradability, and high extraction capacity. In recent years, the application of DES in extraction techniques for trace element analysis in food and beverage samples has increased significantly. This review summarizes recent advances and challenges on the application of DES to develop microextraction techniques useful for the analysis of samples with complex matrices. The importance of the use of biodegradable substances instead of classic organic solvents, which are toxic, volatile, and flammable in methods for elemental analysis with a positive environmental impact is also highlighted. Finally, conclusions and future challenges arising from the use of DES in microextraction techniques are discussed.

ATP increases head volume in capacitated human sperm via a purinergic channel.

Scanning ion-conductance microscopy allowed us to document an external Ca2+ dependent ATP driven volume increase (ATPVI) in capacitated human sperm heads. We examined the involvement of purinergic receptors (PRs) P2X2R and P2X4R in ATPVI using their co-agonists progesterone and Ivermectin (Iver), and Cu2+, which co-activates P2X2Rs and inhibits P2X4Rs. Iver enhanced ATPVI and Cu2+ and 5BDBD inhibited it, indicating P2X4Rs contributed to this response. Moreover, Cu2+ and 5BDBD inhibited the ATP-induced acrosome reaction (AR) which was enhanced by Iver. ATP increased the concentration of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in >45% of individual sperm, most of which underwent AR monitored using FM4-64. Our findings suggest that human sperm P2X4R activation by ATP increases [Ca2+]i mainly due to Ca2+ influx which leads to a sperm head volume increase, likely involving acrosomal swelling, and resulting in AR.

Ultra-sensitive Sb speciation analysis in water samples by magnetic ionic liquid dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and multivariate optimization.

Efficient separation and preconcentration of inorganic Sb species in different water samples were performed in this work by a novel dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) method based on the application of a magnetic ionic liquid (MIL) and electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ETAAS) detection. The Sb(iii) species was selectively extracted by complexation with ammonium diethyldithiophosphate (DDTP) and 45 µL of the MIL trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium tetrachloroferrate ([P6,6,6,14]FeCl4) as extractant. Subsequently, a magnetic rod was applied for phase separation, introducing it directly into the sample solution, and the MIL phase was then diluted in chloroform. Afterwards, 15 µL of this solution was injected into the graphite furnace of ETAAS for Sb determination. A multivariate study was performed to obtain the optimal extraction conditions. Selective reduction of Sb(v) to Sb(iii) with 1% (w/v) KI before preconcentration was applied for total inorganic Sb determination and Sb(v) concentration was calculated by subtraction. The analytical performance of the method included extraction efficiencies of 98.0% for Sb(iii) and 92.6% for Sb(v), LOD of 0.02 µg L-1 for Sb(iii) and relative standard deviations of 3.1% for Sb(iii) and 3.5% for Sb(v) (at 6 µg L-1 Sb(iii) and Sb(v), n = 10). The calibration linear range was 0.08-20 µg L-1. The results showed that the proposed methodology was highly sensitive and selective for Sb speciation analysis in tap, dam, mineral, wetland, underground, rain and river water samples.

14-3-3ε protein-immobilized PCL-HA electrospun scaffolds with enhanced osteogenicity.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) accelerate the osteointegration of bone grafts and improve the efficiency in the formation of uniform bone tissue, providing a practical and clinically attractive approach in bone tissue regeneration. In this work, the effect of nanofibrous biomimetic matrices composed of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), nanometric hydroxyapatite (nHA) particles and 14-3-3 protein isoform epsilon on the initial stages of human ASCs (hASCs) osteogenic differentiation was investigated. The cells were characterized by flow cytometry and induction to differentiation to adipogenic and osteogenic lineages. The isolated hASCs were induced to differentiate to osteoblasts over all scaffolds, and adhesion and viability of the hASCs were found to be similar. However, the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as early osteogenic marker in the PCL-nHA/protein scaffold was four times higher than in PCL-nHA and more than five times than the measured in neat PCL.

Programa cognitivo conductual para fortalecer habilidades de comunicación enfermera paciente / Cognitive-behavioral program to strengthen the nurse-patient communication / Programa cognitivo comportamental para fortalecer habilidades de comunicação enfermeira paciente

Introducción: La comunicación enfermera paciente es eje articulador de los cuidados, requiere habilidades específicas de comunicación verbal y no verbal. El entrenamiento con estrategias cognitivo conductuales para el fomento de estas habilidades coadyuva en forma importante en el establecimiento de relaciones terapéuticas de la práctica profesional de enfermería; estas técnicas han sido ampliamente aplicadas, en el presente caso se utilizó el Aprendizaje Estructurado, cuyo objetivo se centra en el cambio de comportamiento, sin dejar de reconocer que también propicia cambios favorables en sentimientos y actitudes. Este artículo se enfoca en dar a conocer la aplicación práctica de un programa para enfermeras sobre el fortalecimiento de habilidades de comunicación. Desarrollo: Las habilidades seleccionadas en el desarrollo de este programa con el apoyo de la estrategia Aprendizaje Estructurado fueron: Escuchar, Expresar aliento, Expresar un cumplido, Responder a los sentimientos del otro, Responder a una queja, Responder al enojo y Expresar afecto. Se registraron conductas verbales y no verbales individuales durante el entrenamiento, para mostrar la presencia o ausencia del comportamiento, en su caso la adquisición y el número de ensayos necesarios para lograrlo. Se presentan los registros de tres de las siete habilidades incluidas en el programa, con la finalidad de dar a conocer el desarrollo del aprendizaje durante la implementación. Conclusiones: El programa de entrenamiento dio la oportunidad de fortalecer habilidades de comunicación en las enfermeras, especialmente en el ámbito de la comunicación verbal, elemento que favorecerá una mayor identificación entre enfermeras y pacientes con el indudable beneficio para la detección de necesidades del paciente y establecimiento de planes de cuidado.

Introduction: Nurse-patient communication is the axis of care provision, and thus requires specific verbal and non-verbal abilities. Training using cognitive behavioral strategies can help establish the appropriate therapeutic relationships of the nursing professional practice. These methodologies have been broadly utilized, and we used the Structured Learning approach which promotes behavior changes, including improvements in the feelings and attitudes. This article focuses on publicizing the practical application of a program for nurses on strengthening communication skills. Development The skills of interest were: Listening; Expressing value; Expressing compliment; Responding to the feelings of others; Responding to a complaint; Responding to anger; and Expressing affection. Individual verbal and non-verbal behaviors were registered during the training sessions to acknowledge the absence of the desired behaviors, as well as number of trials needed to acquire the abilities of interest. In order to show the development of the program, registers of three of the seven abilities considered are displayed. Conclusions: The training program provided the opportunity to strengthen the communication abilities of nurses, particularly around verbal communication. The resulting improvements will favor a greater identification and interaction between nurses and patients and will allow the design and execution of better plans of care.

Introdução: A comunicação enfermeira-paciente é eixo articulador dos cuidados, requer habilidades específicas de comunicação verbal e não verbal. O treinamento com estratégias cognitivo-comportamentais para o fomento destas habilidades contribui em forma importante no estabelecimento de relações terapêuticas da prática profissional de enfermagem; estas técnicas foram largamente aplicadas, no presente caso utilizou-se a Aprendizagem Estruturada, cujo objetivo centra-se na mudança de comportamento, sem deixar de reconhecer que também propicia câmbios favoráveis em sentimentos e atitudes. Deste artigo focaliza-se em dar a conhecer a aplicação prática de um programa para enfermeiras sobre o fortalecimento de habilidades de comunicação. Desenvolvimento As habilidades escolhidas no desenvolvimento deste programa com o apoio da estratégia Aprendizagem Estruturada foram: Escutar, Encorajar, Expressar um elogio, Responder aos sentimentos do outro, Responder a uma queixa, Responder à raiva e Expressar afeto. Realizaram-se registros de comportamentos verbais e não verbais individuais durante o treinamento, com o fim de mostrar a presença ou ausência do comportamento, em seu caso a aquisição e o número de ensaios necessários para consegui-lo. Apresentaram-se os registros de três das sete habilidades incluídas no programa, com a finalidade de dar a conhecer o desenvolvimento da aprendizagem durante a implementação. Conclusões: A execução do programa de treinamento deu a oportunidade de fortalecer habilidades de comunicação nas enfermeiras, especialmente no âmbito da comunicação verbal, elemento que favorecerá uma maior identificação entre enfermeiras e pacientes com o indubitável benefício para a detecção de necessidades do paciente e estabelecimento de planos de cuidado.

Efecto de la temperatura y la salinidad en el ciclo reproductor de hembras y machos de Crassostrea virginica (Bivalvia: Ostreidae) / Effect of temperature and salinity on the reproductive cycle of males and females of Crassostrea virginica (Bivalvia: Ostreidae)

ResumenLa reproducción del ostión americano, Crassostrea virginica se encuentra ligada a la temperatura y la salinidad. Sin embargo el efecto de estos parámetros no ha sido evaluado por sexos y por tallas. En este trabajo se analiza el efecto de la temperatura y la salinidad sobre la reproducción del ostión americano, por sexos separados y por tallas (40-60mm y ≥ 61 mm). Se recolectaron 1 080 ostiones, 90 organismos por mes durante 2011 en la laguna de Tamiahua, Veracruz México. El desarrollo de madurez gonádica se clasificó en tres estadios: gametogénesis, maduros y liberación. La reproducción fue continua en ambos sexos; la gametogénesis presentó máximos entre enero-julio, la madurez entre junio y septiembre y la liberación en enero y febrero, y de septiembre a diciembre. Sólo se presentó correlación significativa entre la temperatura y las hembras de ambas tallas en madurez, pero no en machos. La disminución de la salinidad fue determinante en la liberación de gametos pero sólo para los machos ≥ 61 mm, en machos pequeños y hembras de ambas tallas, este parámetro no tuvo efecto. En este trabajo se puso en evidencia que la temperatura y la salinidad tuvieron efecto diferencial entre tallas y sexos del ostión americano.

AbstractThe American oyster, Crassostrea virginica, is one of the most important economic coastal fishery activities in Mexico. As for other bivalve molluscs, its sustainability is based on healthy populations, and additional information on current reproductive cycles, will reinforce local management strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of temperature and salinity on the gonadal development stages in both sexes and in two size groups (40-60 mm and ≥ 61 mm) of C. virginica from Tamiahua Lagoon, Gulf of Mexico. Monthly surveys of 90 organisms were undertaken, for a yearly total of 1 080 oysters sampled from the lagoon in 2011. Both field and laboratory work used standard procedures. Our results showed that reproduction was continuous in both sexes, but some peaks of the reproductive cycle were observed along the year. Peaks registered from January to July were for gametogenesis; those of June and September were for mature individuals; and in January, February, and from September to December, for spawning/spent oysters. Maturity of females of both range sizes was positively correlated with temperature, but not for males. For spawning, spent individuals, males of sizes ≥ 61 mm were positively correlated with salinity, whereas smaller males (40-60 mm) and females of both sizes, did not show any correlation. In this study, we observed that temperature and salinity had a different effect in the reproduction of the American oyster of different sizes and sexes of Tamiahua lagoon. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (2): 449-459. Epub 2016 June 01.

[Effect of temperature and salinity on the reproductive cycle of males and females of Crassostrea virginica (Bivalvia: Ostreidae)]. / Efecto de la temperatura y la salinidad en el ciclo reproductor de hembras y machos de Crassostrea virginica (Bivalvia: Ostreidae).

The American oyster, Crassostrea virginica, is one of the most important economic coastal fishery activities in Mexico. As for other bivalve molluscs, its sustainability is based on healthy populations, and additional information on current reproductive cycles, will reinforce local management strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of temperature and salinity on the gonadal development stages in both sexes and in two size groups (40-60 mm and ≥ 61 mm) of C. virginica from Tamiahua Lagoon, Gulf of Mexico. Monthly surveys of 90 organisms were undertaken, for a yearly total of 1 080 oysters sampled from the lagoon in 2011. Both field and laboratory work used standard procedures. Our results showed that reproduction was continuous in both sexes, but some peaks of the reproductive cycle were observed along the year. Peaks registered from January to July were for gametogenesis; those of June and September were for mature individuals; and in January, February, and from September to December, for spawning/spent oysters. Maturity of females of both range sizes was positively correlated with temperature, but not for males. For spawning, spent individuals, males of sizes ≥ 61 mm were positively correlated with salinity, whereas smaller males (40-60 mm) and females of both sizes, did not show any correlation. In this study, we observed that temperature and salinity had a different effect in the reproduction of the American oyster of different sizes and sexes of Tamiahua lagoon.

CCoAOMT Down-Regulation Activates Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Petunia.

Anthocyanins and volatile phenylpropenes (isoeugenol and eugenol) in petunia (Petunia hybrida) flowers have the precursor 4-coumaryl coenzyme A (CoA) in common. These phenolics are produced at different stages during flower development. Anthocyanins are synthesized during early stages of flower development and sequestered in vacuoles during the lifespan of the flowers. The production of isoeugenol and eugenol starts when flowers open and peaks after anthesis. To elucidate additional biochemical steps toward (iso)eugenol production, we cloned and characterized a caffeoyl-coenzyme A O-methyltransferase (PhCCoAOMT1) from the petals of the fragrant petunia 'Mitchell'. Recombinant PhCCoAOMT1 indeed catalyzed the methylation of caffeoyl-CoA to produce feruloyl CoA. Silencing of PhCCoAOMT1 resulted in a reduction of eugenol production but not of isoeugenol. Unexpectedly, the transgenic plants had purple-colored leaves and pink flowers, despite the fact that cv Mitchell lacks the functional R2R3-MYB master regulator ANTHOCYANIN2 and has normally white flowers. Our results indicate that down-regulation of PhCCoAOMT1 activated the anthocyanin pathway through the R2R3-MYBs PURPLE HAZE (PHZ) and DEEP PURPLE, with predominantly petunidin accumulating. Feeding cv Mitchell flowers with caffeic acid induced PHZ expression, suggesting that the metabolic perturbation of the phenylpropanoid pathway underlies the activation of the anthocyanin pathway. Our results demonstrate a role for PhCCoAOMT1 in phenylpropene production and reveal a link between PhCCoAOMT1 and anthocyanin production.

Autoevaluación de enfermeras respecto a la comunicación percibida con pacientes como resultado de un entrenamiento / Nurses' self-assessment on their perceived communication with patients as a result of a specific training / A autoavaliação de enfermeiras referente à comunicação percebida com pacientes, como resultado de um treino

Introducción: Las relaciones interpersonales que realizan las enfermeras al brindar cuidado a sus pacientes se sustentan en la comunicación; la incorporación de programas en habilidades para la comunicación coadyuva en la mejora de la calidad de atención. Objetivo: Comparar la autoevaluación de un grupo de enfermeras respecto a la comunicación con sus pacientes como resultado de un programa de entrenamiento en habilidades sociales. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo comparativo. Se aplicó el ACEP (Autoevaluación de la forma de Comunicación de las Enfermeras con los Pacientes) a 14 enfermeras de una institución pública de tercer nivel, antes y después de un entrenamiento en habilidades de comunicación. El ACEP evalúa comportamientos verbales y no verbales sobre empatía (8 reactivos) y respeto (2 reactivos); la escala de medición oscila entre 1 y 5, a mayor puntuación mejor comunicación. Se analizaron datos con las siguientes pruebas estadísticas: Wilcoxon para comparar pre y postentrenamiento; t de Student y Fisher para comparación de grupos por edad, antigüedad laboral y escolaridad. Resultados: El puntaje global inicial fue de 33 a 45 y el posterior de 41 a 50, con p = 0.004. Se observó diferencia entre la pre y la postautoevaluación de los comportamientos: uso palabras de ánimo para motivarlos (p = 0.016) y "los apapachó" para animarlos (p = 0.014). No hubo diferencia entre los grupos por edad, antigüedad laboral y escolaridad. Conclusiones: Desde la primera autoevaluación se observaron puntajes altos, pero el promedio de la postevaluación superó la primera cifra. Hubo cambios favorables, aunque no todos fueron estadísticamente significativos.

Introduction: Nurses' interpersonal relations with their patients are based on communication; the introduction of training programs on communication skills can encourage nurses to improve their quality of care. Objective: To compare a group of nurses' self-assessment on their communication with patients before and after having taken a social skills training program. Methods: The study design was descriptive and comparative. The ACEP (Self-assessment on the nurses' form of communication with their patients) was given to 14 nurses from a third level public institution, before and then after these nurses took a specific training on communication skills. The ACEP assesses verbal and non-verbal behaviors related to empathy (8 items) and respect (2 items). The scale goes from 1 to 5, and the higher the score, the better the communication skills. Data were analyzed through these statistical tests: Wilcoxon to compare scores pre and post training, student's t, and Fisher to compare groups by age, work history, and educational level. Results: The pre training global scores went from 33 to 45 while the post training ones went from to 41 to 50 (p=.004). A difference was observed between the pre and post training behavior assessment in the items "the nurse used words of encouragement to motivate patients" (p=.016), and "the nurse embraced the patients to motivate them" (p=.014). There were no differences among groups by age, work history, or educational level. Conclusions: The ACEP scores were higher after the communication skills training program, however not all specific changes were statistically significant.

Introdução: Os relacionamentos interpessoais que realizam as enfermeiras quando oferecem cuidado aos pacientes asseguram-se na comunicação. A incorporação de programas em habilidades para a comunicação contribui para a melhoria da qualidade de atenção. Objetivo: Comparar a autoavaliação de um grupo de enfermeiras referente à comunicação com os pacientes como resultado de um programa de treino em habilidades sociais. Métodos: Estudo descritivo comparativo. Aplicou-se o ACEP (Autoavaliação da forma de Comunicação das Enfermeiras com os Pacientes) a 14 enfermeiras de uma instituição pública de terceiro nível, antes e depois de um treino em habilidades de comunicação. O ACEP avalia comportamentos verbais e não verbais sobre a empatia (8 reagentes) e respeito (2 reagentes), a escala de medição oscila entre 1 e 5, quanto maior a pontuação melhor é a comunicação. Analisaram-se dados com os seguintes testes estatísticos: Wilcoxon para comparar o pré e o pós- treino, o t de Student e o Fisher para a comparação de grupos etários, antiguidade laboral e escolaridade. Resultados: A pontuação global inicial foi de 33 a 45 e a posterior foi de 41 a 50, com p = 0.004. Observou-se diferença entre a pré e a pós-autoavaliação dos comportamentos: "o uso de palavras de ânimo para motivá-los" (p = 0.016) e "os mimos para encorajá-los" (p = 0.014). Não houve diferença entre os grupos por idade, antiguidade laboral e escolaridade. Conclusões: Desde a primeira autoavaliação observou-se pontuação alta, mas a média da pós-avaliação superou a primeira cifra. Houve mudanças favoráveis, ainda que nem todas fossem estatisticamente significativas.

Variación del ciclo gonádico del ostión americano, Crassostrea virginica (Ostreoida: Ostreidae) en función de su talla en la laguna de Tamiahua, Veracruz, México / Variation of gonadal cycle of the american oyster, Crassostrea virginica (Ostreoida: Ostreidae) as a function of height in Tamiahua Lagoon, Veracruz, Mexico

The American oyster, Crassostrea virginica is one of the most important fishery resources of the Gulf of Mexico, where it has been classified as “resource exploited at maximum”. Since 1994 state authorities set a minimum extraction shell length of 70 mm (adult size); this was based on population studies alone. We compare the gonadal cycle of subadults oysters with adult organisms. From January to December 2011, 90 oysters were collected monthly in Tamiahua Lagoon, Veracruz and classified as subadults (50-69mm; 75% of sample) and adults (≥70mm). Histological gonad sections were classified in four categories: rest, gametogenesis, maturation and release of gametes. In subadults, the rest stage had two peaks (January 22% and June 13%), and gametogenesis between January and July (22-74%). Maturation was observed in July, August and September (40, 64 and 41% respectively) and release in October (66%) and November (45%). Correspondingly, adults were resting in January and June (17 and 13%), and January-July gametogenesis (56-88%), matured in August and September (64 and 42%) and released gametes in September and October (54 and 70%). The gametogenic cycle was similar in subadults and adults: the species breeds from sizes equal or smaller than 50 mm and this should be considered by authorities. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (Suppl. 3): 201-206. Epub 2014 September 01.

El ostión americano (Crassostrea virginica) es uno de los recursos de pesca mas importantes en el Golfo de México, donde es clasificado como “recurso aprovechado al máximo”. Desde 1994 las autoridades estatales fijaron una talla mínima de extracción de 70mm de longitud de concha (tamaño adulto); esto basado en estudios aislados de poblaciones. Comparamos el ciclo gonadal de subadultos y adultos. De enero a diciembre de 2011, se colectaron 90 ostiones mensualmente en la laguna de Tamiahua, Veracruz y se clasificaron como subadultos (40-69 mm) y adultos (>70mm). Los cortes histológicos de las gónadas se clasificaron en cuatrocategorías: reposo, gametogénesis, maduración y liberación de gametos. En subadultos, la categoría de reposo tuvo dos picos (enero 22% y junio 13%) y la gametogénesis entre enero y julio (22-74%). La maduración se observó en julio, agosto y setiembre (40, 64 y 41%) y la liberación en octubre (66%) y noviembre (74%). Correspondientemente, los adultos reposaban en enero y junio (17 y 13%), y la gametogénesis entre enero y julio (56-88%), maduraban en agosto y setiembre (64 y 42%) y liberaban gametos en setiembre y octubre (54 y 70%). El ciclo gametogénico fue similar entre ostiones subadultos y adultos: la especie se reproduce con tamaños igual o inferior a 50mm y esto lo deben considerar las autoridades.

Trastornos del sueño: prevalencia en población pediátrica en edad preescolar y escolar de área urbana / Sleep disorders: prevalence in a preschool and school age pediatric population in an urban area

Los desórdenes del sueño en la infancia son frecuentes y usualmente inofensivos; raramente indican una enfermedad seria. En general pasan inadvertidos, salvo que los padres expresen alguna preocupación por alguna manifestación evidente, tales como disomnias o parasomnias notorias o cansancio diurno por falta de sueño en el niño. Con el fin de conocer la prevalencia de trastornos del sueño en la edad preescolar y escolar se realizó el presente trabajo de investigación. Para el efecto se utilizaron encuestas con preguntas a las madres sobre desarrollo neurológico y desórdenes del sueño en sus hijos. Se incluyeron 388 encuestas. Los trastornos más frecuentes fueron el terror nocturno, bruxismo, pesadillas, somniloquia. Los hábitos de higiene del sueño no fueron los más adecuados. Se encontró poca participación del pedíatra en la orientación necesaria para educar a los padres a este respecto

Estado del arte sobre el tratamiento de la fobia social / State of the art about the treatment of social phobia

El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar un análisis crítico de la efectividad de las principales opciones de tratamiento de la fobia social, específicamente la farmacoterapia, las terapias conductuales y cognoscitivas y el tratamiento cognoscitivo conductual. Para ello se presenta, inicialmente, los aspectos descriptivos fundamentales de dicho trastorno, incluyendo sus criterios diagnósticos, comorbilidad y características asociadas. Posteriormente se reseñan dichas opciones de tratamiento y los datos de efectividad sobre las mismas reportados en la literatura especializada. Se concluye que la terapia de exposición y la combinación de exposición y reestructuración cognoscitiva son las opciones terapéuticas que cuentan con el mayor respaldo empírico en términos de efectividad, evitación de efectos iatrogénicos y medidas de seguimiento.

Convulsiones neonatales

El fenómeno clínico y el EEG de las convulsiones neonatales son diferentes a los observados en otras edades. Las crisis tónico clónicas generalizadas, las ausencias típicas y las crisis de marcha Jacksoniana no se observan habitualmente a esta edad, son bastante frecuentes las manifestaciones atípicas, enfatizando que cualquier evento transitorio bizarro, sobre todo si tiene tendencia a repetirse puede ser una manifestación convulsiva. Las causas son el completo desarrollo neuroanatómico y neurofisiológico cerecbral, debido a que las ramificaciones dendríticas y axonales están incopletamente desarrolladas, la mielinización está limitada a una pocas vías que no incluye las comisuras interhemisféricas y los receptores inhibidores y excitadores, si bien están presentes, están incopletamente desarrollados

Convulsiones neonatales / Neonatal seizures

El fenómeno clínico y el EEG de las convulsiones neonatales son diferentes a los observados en otras edades. Las crisis tónico clónicas generalizadas, las ausencias típicas y las crisis de marcha Jacksoniana no se observan habitualmente a esta edad, son bastante frecuentes las manifestaciones atípicas, enfatizando que cualquier evento transitorio bizarro, sobre todo si tiene tendencia a repetirse puede ser una manifestación convulsiva. Las causas son el completo desarrollo neuroanatómico y neurofisiológico cerecbral, debido a que las ramificaciones dendríticas y axonales están incopletamente desarrolladas, la mielinización está limitada a una pocas vías que no incluye las comisuras interhemisféricas y los receptores inhibidores y excitadores, si bien están presentes, están incopletamente desarrollados

Efectos de los compuestos digitálicos sobre la relajación inducida por K+ en anillos de aorta / Effects of digtalis compounds on potassium induced relaxation of aortic rings

Cambios en la estructura de los digitálicos afectan su potencia y modifican sus propiedades farmacológicas sobre el músculo cardiaco. La relajación del músculo liso vascular inducida por KCl ha sido utilizada como índice de la actividad de la ATPasa de Na+K+ arterial, ya que la inhibición experimental de la actividad de esta enzima (incubación con ouabían, eliminación de Na+ y K+ extracelular), reduce la relajación inducida por KCl en anillo arteriales. En el presente estudio, examinamos si los cambios en la estructura química de la ouabaína, modifican su capacidad para inhibir la ATPasa de Na+K+ arterial. Comparamos los efectos de la ouabaína, con los de la ouabagenina, en los cambios del tono vascular de anillo de aorta de rata. Los cambios en el tono basal vascular, fueron potenciados por la ouabaína y no fueron afectados por la ouabagenina. La contracción máxima producida por fenilefrina fue inhibida por la ouabaína y no por la ouabagenina. La relajación producida por KCl fue bloqueada por ouabaína, mientras que la contracción inducida por KCl fue únicamente inhibida por ouabaína. Los presentes resultados nos permiten sugerir que la eliminación de la molécula de 1-Ramnosa en la estructura de la ouabaína disminuye su capacidad de inhibir la ATPasa de Na+ K+ arterial.

Olfactory bulb neurons respond to cervicovaginal distension.

Mitral cell layer neuronal activity in the olfactory bulb (OB) of the anesthetized rat is modulated by cervicovaginal distension. Data are reported on 22 cells that decreased and 6 that increased in response to the distension. These results provide support for the existence of a functional interaction between the reproductive tract and the olfactory system.

[Use of echocardiography in the diagnosis of atrial myxoma]. / La utilidad de la ecocardiografía en el diagnostico del mixoma auricular.

The experience at the National Institute of Cardiology with atrial myxoma from 1944 to 1980 is presented; twelve patients were diagnosed, 8 females and 4 males, their age varied from 14 to 66 years. The tumor was inside the left atrium (LA) in 10 patients and in the right atrium (RA) in two. The diagnosis was confirmed by surgery or postmortem study. The symptoms and physical examination simulated mitral stenosis in the cases with myxoma of the LA, and pulmonary stenosis and Ebstein's anomaly in the two cases with RA myxoma. Symptoms of atrioventricular occlusion or embolic accident occurred by 5 patients and 3 of them died. The tumor was a postmortem discovery in the first cases, the next ones were an operatory surprise and the last ones were diagnosed by echocardiography. The advent of this technic has been definitive, all 7 patients studied by this method were diagnosed; in one the catheterism was interpreted as mitral stenosis and in other, during this procedure, cardiac arrest developed. The surgical removal of the tumor was successful in the nine patients that were operated. A correct and early diagnosis as well as an urgent surgical approach are necessary. With echocardiographic demonstration of the tumor, one patient died while he was waiting for surgical treatment.