Guidelines for the management of coagulation disorders in patients with cirrhosis.

Coagulation management in the patient with cirrhosis has undergone a significant transformation since the beginning of this century, with the concept of a rebalancing between procoagulant and anticoagulant factors. The paradigm that patients with cirrhosis have a greater bleeding tendency has changed, as a result of this rebalancing. In addition, it has brought to light the presence of complications related to thrombotic events in this group of patients. These guidelines detail aspects related to pathophysiologic mechanisms that intervene in the maintenance of hemostasis in the patient with cirrhosis, the relevance of portal hypertension, mechanical factors for the development of bleeding, modifications in the hepatic synthesis of coagulation factors, and the changes in the reticuloendothelial system in acute hepatic decompensation and acute-on-chronic liver failure. They address new aspects related to the hemorrhagic complications in patients with cirrhosis, considering the risk for bleeding during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, as well as the usefulness of different tools for diagnosing coagulation and recommendations on the pharmacologic treatment and blood-product transfusion in the context of hemorrhage. These guidelines also update the knowledge regarding hypercoagulability in the patient with cirrhosis, as well as the efficacy and safety of treatment with the different anticoagulation regimens. Lastly, they provide recommendations on coagulation management in the context of acute-on-chronic liver failure, acute liver decompensation, and specific aspects related to the patient undergoing liver transplantation.

Luminescent and magnetic [TbEu] 2D metal-organic frameworks.

We present the synthesis, through a simple, microwave-assisted method, of lanthanoid-based 2D metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) of general formula [LnxLn'1-x(MeCOO)(PhCOO)2], including homonuclear compounds (x = 1), LnEu, Tb, and heterometallic compounds, [TbEu]. The crystalline material is formed by neutral nanosheets held together by van der Waals interactions, which can be easily exfoliated by sonication. Photoluminescent emission in the visible range was observed for all of the synthesized 2D MOF compounds via excitation of the ligand, showing benzoates are efficient antenna ligands. Efficient energy transfer from Tb → Eu was observed in the heterometallic [TbEu] compounds, which could potentially perform as luminescent thermometers. Inks containing nanosheets of 2D MOFs exfoliated in solution were prepared, and luminescent prints of Tb and Eu 2D MOFs on paper were made to show the possible application for anticounterfeiting. Frequency-dependent ac susceptibility results show the occurrence of slow magnetic relaxation in [TbEu] compounds through direct relaxation mechanisms, affected by bottleneck effect. A slowing down of the relaxation time is observed as the Eu/Tb ratio increases.

Asymptotic stabilization of a transformed quadrotor model using energy-shaping method: Theory and experiments.

This note presents a new passivity-based controller that ensures asymptotic stability for quadrotor position without solving partial differential equations or performing a partial dynamic inversion. After a resourceful change of coordinates, a pre-feedback controller, and a backstepping stage on the yaw angle dynamic, it is possible to identify new quadrotor cyclo passive outputs. Then, a simple proportional-integral controller of these cyclo-passive outputs completes the design. The cyclo-passive outputs allow the construction of an energy-based Lyapunov function that includes five out of six quadrotor degrees of freedom and guarantees asymptotic stability of the desired equilibrium. Moreover, the constant velocity reference tracking problem is solved with a slight modification to the proposed controller. Finally, the approach is validated through simulations and real-time experimental results.

Ensayo clínico aleatorizado. Efecto de dos tipos de ayuno en pacientes sometidos a procedimientos de intervencionismo percutáneo bajo anestesia local en un servicio de hemodinámica en Medellín, 2019 / Randomized clinical trial. Effect of two types of fasting in patients undergoing percutaneous intervention procedures under local anesthesia in a hemodynamic service in Medellín, 2019 / Ensaio clínico randomizado. Efeito de dois tipos de jejum em pacientes submetidos a procedimentos de intervenção percutânea sob anestesia local em um serviço de hemodinâmica em Medellín, 2019

Objetivo: determinar el efecto de dos tipos de ayuno sobre parámetros de satisfacción, náuseas, vómito, presión arterial y glucometría en pacientes sometidos a procedimientos de intervencionismo percutáneo bajo anestesia local en un servicio de hemodinámica en Medellín, 2019. Metodología: ensayo clínico aleatorizado abierto de dos brazos en pacientes sometidos a procedimientos de intervencionismo percutáneo bajo anestesia local durante tres meses. Cada brazo con 153 participantes; se asignó un ayuno de seis horas y al grupo de exposición un ayuno de dos horas para alimentos de fácil digestión; no hubo cega­miento, se realizó cálculo de muestra, y se hizo análisis univariado, bivariado y modelo de regresión logística con la variable satisfacción. Resultados: en el grupo de ayuno de seis horas el 2.6% presentó náuseas y en el grupo de exposición el 1.3%; se observó un caso de vómito. La presión arterial y glucometría mostraron diferencias estadísticas sin relevancia clínica. Se encontró significancia esta­dística para mareo, cefalea, hambre, sed y tipo de ayuno respecto con la satisfacción del paciente. Los pacientes con ayuno tuvieron un puntaje de satisfacción entre 60 y 100 y los de dieta ligera entre 82.5 y 100 puntos. Conclusiones: El ayuno de dos horas en dieta ligera mejora la satisfacción de los pa­cientes, disminuye la sensación de hambre, sed, presencia de cefalea y mareo, compa­rado con un ayuno de seis horas. Este estudio no encontró diferencias en las variables hemodinámicas ni en la frecuencia de náuseas y vómito.

Objective: to determine the effect of two types of fasting on parameters of satisfaction, nausea, vomiting, blood pressure and glucose measurement in patients undergoing percutaneous intervention procedures under local anesthesia in a hemodynamic service in Medellín, 2019. Methodology: Two-arm open-label randomized clinical trial in patients undergoing percutaneous interventional procedures under local anesthesia for three months, each arm with 153 participants, who were assigned a six-hour fast and the exposure group a two-hour fast for easily digestible foods. There was no blinding, sample calculation was performed, and univariate and bivariate analysis and logistic regression model were performed with the satisfaction variable. Results: in the six-hour fasting group, 2.6% presented nausea and in the exposure group, 1.3%; one case of vomiting was observed. Blood pressure and blood glucose showed statistical differences without clinical relevance. Statistical significance was found for dizziness, headache, hunger, thirst, and type of fasting with respect to patient satisfaction. Fasting patients had a satisfaction score between 60 and 100 and those on a light diet between 82.5 and 100 points. Conclusions: Fasting for two hours on a light diet improves patient satisfaction, decreases the sensation of hunger, thirst, headache and dizziness, compared to a six-hour fast. This study found no differences in the hemodynamic variables, nor in the frequency of nausea and vomiting.

Objetivo: determinaro efeito de dois tipos de jejum nos parâmetros de satisfação, náuseas, vômitos, pressão arterial e glicemia em pacientes submetidos a procedimentos de intervenção percutânea sob anestesia local em um serviço de hemodinâmica em Medellín, 2019. Metodologia: Ensaio clínico randomizado aberto de dois braços em pacientes submetidos a procedimentos intervencionistas percutâneos sob anestesia local por três meses. Cada braço com 153 participantes; um jejum de seis horas foi designado e o grupo de desafio um jejum de duas horas para alimentos facilmente digeríveis; não houve cegamento, foi realizado cálculo amostral, análise univariada, bivariada e modelo de regressão logística com a variável satisfação. Resultados: no grupo de jejum de seis horas, 2,6% apresentaram náuseas e no grupo de exposição, 1,3%; foi observado um caso de vômito. A pressão arterial e a glicemia apresentaram diferenças estatísticas sem relevância clínica. Foi encontrada significância estatística para tontura, dor de cabeça, fome, sede e tipo de jejum em relação à satisfação do paciente. Os pacientes em jejum tiveram um escore de satisfação entre 60 e 100 e os em dieta light entre 82,5 e 100 pontos. Conclusões: O jejum de duas horas com dieta leve melhora a satisfação do paciente, diminui a sensação de fome, sede, dor de cabeça e tontura, em comparação com o jejum de seis horas. Este estudo não encontrou diferenças nas variáveis hemodinâmicas ou na frequência de náuseas e vômitos.

Analysis of potential risk factors of caprine coccidiosis.

Caprine coccidiosis represents a major concern in goat industry worldwide causing high economic losses, mainly due to poor weight gains, treatment costs and even death of kids. Therefore, analyses on risk factors involved in the establishment and outcome of this disease are important to improve infection status and herd management. In Portugal, approximately 400,000 goats are reared every year. The majority of them are allocated in the southern part of the country. In the current study, a representative number of animals (382 goats) and herds (37 herds) from Alentejo were monitored. Faecal samples from five young and five adult goats of each farm were collected rectally and examined individually by using the modified McMaster technique for oocyst counts (oocyst per gram of faeces - OPG). Additionally, a questionnaire on the husbandry conditions and anti-parasitic treatments was performed. Overall, a prevalence of Eimeria infections of 99% and 100% was detected on animal and herd level, respectively. Eimeria arloingi and E. ninakohlyakimovae as the two most pathogenic caprine species also constituted the most prevalent ones (34.91% and 29.90%, respectively), both in the young and the adult goat groups. As expected, OPG vales were significantly higher (p = 0.031) in young than in adult goats. Furthermore, risk factor analyses revealed young age, higher total number of animals on the farm and outdoor kidding as strongly associated with a higher risk of caprine coccidiosis. Overall, the high prevalence of pathogenic Eimeria species on Portuguese goat farms in combination with the occurrence of related risk factors strengthen the importance of coccidiosis control in caprine industry.

Estratégias de atendimento à crise psíquica por um serviço de atendimento móvel de urgência / Strategies for dealing with the psychic crisis by an emergency mobile service

Objetivo: conhecer quais estratégias estão sendo adotadas no atendimento à crise psíquica pelos profissionais de um Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência num município do Recôncavo da Bahia. Métodos: estudo qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório. Foram participantes, 22 profissionais que prestam assistência direta aos usuários do serviço. Coletaram-se os dados por meio de entrevista semiestruturada em abril de 2018, analisou-se os dados por meio da técnica de análise temática. Resultados: evidenciou-se como estratégias de atendimento: a avaliação da cena, ação conjunta com a polícia militar, ações de contenção física e química, orientação à família, encaminhamento do usuário para o serviço hospitalar. Considerações finais: as estratégias de atendimentos a crise psíquica são fundamentadas na psiquiatria clássica, havendo a necessidade de educação permanente das equipes do referido serviço, baseando-se nos cuidados fundamentados no modo de atenção psicossocial.

Objective: to know what strategies are being adopted in the care of the psychic crisis by the professionals of emergency mobile service in a municipality of the Recôncavo of Bahia. Methods: this is a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study. Twenty-two professionals who provide direct assistance to the users of the service were participants of this study. The data were collected by means of a semistructured interview in April of 2018 and was used the technique of content thematic analysis. Results: the evaluation of the scene, joint action with the military police, actions of physical and chemical containment, orientation to the family, and referral of the user to the hospital service were evidenced. Final considerations: the strategies for attending to the psychic crisis are based on the classic psychiatric way, there is a need for permanent education of the emergency mobile service teams based on the psychosocial care.

Projeto saúde mental brincando em família: caracterizando sociodemograficamente crianças cardiopatas hospitalizadas e familiares / Mental health project toying in family: sociodemographic characterization of hospitalized cardiopathy children and of relatives

Objetivo: caracterizar o perfil sociodemográfico e de morbidade da clientela assistida, bem como os fatores associados com a qualidade do atendimento psicológico realizado entre janeiro e dezembro de 2013. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo exploratório, com 357 crianças e seus familiares, no Hospital Ana Nery em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Resultados: a maioria das crianças era do sexo masculino, pardas ou negras e com idade média de cinco anos. Verificou-se que aspectos relativos aos familiares, assim como o local onde ocorreram as sessões, influenciaram na qualidade das interações estabelecidas entre familiares e acolhedores do projeto. Conclusões: essa forma de cuidar demonstra a importância de incluir aspectos psicossociais capazes de ampliar as estratégias de cuidado para além do enfoque clínico, contribuindo para promoção e reabilitação em saúde mental.

Objective: characterize the sociodemographic and morbidity profile of the assisted clientele as wellas the factors associated with the quality of psychological care performed between January and December 2013. Methods: we conducted an exploratory study with 357 children and their families at the Ana Nery Hospital in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Results: we observed that them a majority of children were male, mixed race or black, and the average age was five years old. Family related aspects and the location in which these sessions took place influenced the quality of interactions established between family members and Play Therapists. Conclusions: this way of caring demonstrates the importance of incorporating psycho-social aspects to extend care strategies beyondthe clinical focus, contributing to the promotion and rehabilitation in mental health.

A transgeneridade feminina e os processos de mudanças corporais / The feminine transgender phenomenon and the process of bodily changes

Pessoas transgêneras, ou trans, são aquelas que não se identificampsicossocialmente com o sexo biológico que lhes fora atribuído ao nascer,vivenciando certa incongruência de gênero.1 Esse processo de reconhecimentodivergente, pode ocorrer desde a infância até a idade adulta nas mais diversasculturas e sociedades. O caminho de (re)construção do gênero dessas pessoas temimplicações em múltiplas dimensões, sejam elas físicas (cirurgias plásticas ehormonização – processo transexualizador), psicossociais, familiares, jurídico-legais.São necessárias algumas compreensões conceituais preliminares relativas a sexobiológico, identidade de gênero e orientação sexual. Sexo refere-se ao statusbiológico que a pessoa recebe ao nascer com base na aparência genital; a identidadede gênero refere-se à experiência que cada pessoa tem de si mesma, como homemou mulher, uma mistura dos dois, nenhum dos dois, ou ainda para além dos dois; e aorientação sexual diz respeito a quem a pessoa sente-se atraída,independentemente, da identidade de gênero.

Absceso cerebral por Nocardia spp. en pacientes inmunocompetentes: presentación de 2 casos / Cerebral abscess by Nocardia spp. in immunocompetent patients: report of 2 cases

Nocardia corresponde a un género de bacterias gram positivo que puede producir compromiso pulmonar, sistémico y abscesos cerebrales, especialmente en pacientes inmunocomprometidos. La infección cerebral por Nocardia spp es extremadamente infrecuente en pacientes inmunocompetentes, por lo cual se reportan dos casos: caso 1: mujer de 61 años, sana, consulta por cefalea y paresia en hemicuerpo izquierdo. Estudio con TAC y RM de encéfalo demuestran absceso cerebral. Se inició tratamiento con ceftriaxona mas cloxacilina y fue drenado quirúrgicamente. En el cultivo del LCR se aisló Nocardia spp. cambiándose esquema a cotrimoxazol con meropenem por 6 semanas. Caso 2: varón de 72 años, hipertenso y tabáquico crónico. Consultó por cefalea, paresia de extremidad inferior derecha y pérdida de visión de ojo derecho. Estudio con TAC y RM de encéfalo objetiva absceso cerebral parietal izquierdo. Se inició tratamiento con ceftriaxona, metronidazol y vancomicina. Se realizó drenaje quirúrgico. El cultivo de absceso resultó positivo para Nocardia spp, ajustándose esquema a cotrimoxazol y meropenem por 6 semanas. Requirió tratamiento prolongado por presentar lenta regresión clínica e imagenoló- gica.

Nocardia is a gram positive bacterial genus. Is involved in pulmonary, systemic and brain abscess usually in immunocompromised patients. Nocardia spp. brain infection is extremely rare in immunocompetent patients, hereby we report 2 cases: case 1: 61 years old woman, without morbid conditions, consulted for headache and left hemiparesis. Study with CT and MRI of encephalon shows brain abscess. Treatment with ceftriaxone plus cloxacilin and surgical drainage were started. In CSF culture, Nocardia spp. was obtained. Scheme was changed to cotrimoxazole with meropenem to complete 6 weeks. Case 2: male of 72 years old, history of smoking and hypertension. Consulted for headache, paresis of right leg and loss of vision of the right eye. CT and MRI showed left parietal brain abscess. Treatment with ceftriaxone, metronidazole and vancomycin were started. Surgical drainage was performed. Abscess culture was positive for Nocardia spp., adjusting scheme to cotrimoxazole and meropenem for 6 weeks. It required prolonged treatment due to slow imaging and clinical regression.

International dog travelling and risk for zoonotic Onchocerca lupi.

Onchocerca lupi is a recently recognized threat for the health of animals and humans in European, American, African and Middle Eastern countries. We describe a case of imported O. lupi infection in Italy and report the lifespan of this parasite in a non-endemic area, to advocate increased awareness of the veterinary community for this zoonotic parasitosis.

Origin of the myotonic dystrophy type 1 mutation in Mexican population and influence of Amerindian ancestry on CTG repeat allelic distribution.

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is caused by expansion of a CTG trinucleotide repeat situated in the DMPK gene. Worldwide genetic studies suggest a single or limited number of mutational events cause the disease. However, distribution of CTG alleles and disease incidence varies among ethnicities. Due to the great ethnic diversity of the Mexican population, the present study was aimed at analyzing the impact of different lineages in shaping the CTG-repeat allelic distribution in the contemporary Mexican-Mestizo population as well as to shed light on the DM1 ancestral origin. Distribution of CTG-repeat alleles was similar among Mestizo and Amerindian subpopulations with (CTG)11-13 being the most frequent alleles in both groups, which implies that Mexican-Mestizo allelic distribution has been modeled by Amerindian ancestry. We diagnosed a relatively high number of cases, consistent with the high frequency of large-normal alleles found in Mexican subpopulations. Haplotype analysis using various polymorphic-markers in proximity to DMPK gene indicates that a single founder mutation originates myotonic dystrophy type 1 in Mexico; however, Y-STR haplogroups data and the presence of pre-mutated and large normal alleles in Amerindians support the hypothesis that both European and Amerindian ancestral chromosomes might have introduced the disease to the Mexican population, which was further disseminated through mestizaje.

Reabilitação psicossocial de moradores de um serviço residencialterapêutico / Psychosocial rehabilitation of residents of a residential therapeutic service

Objetivo: analisar o processo de reabilitação psicossocial no cotidiano dos moradores deste serviço. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo de caso, com abordagem qualitativa. O referencial teórico adotado foi a Teoria do Cotidiano e a Reabilitação Psicossocial. Utilizou-se como técnica de coleta de dados a observação participante. Foram sujeitos deste estudo, seis moradores de um serviço residencial terapêutico. Os dados foram analisados pela técnica de análise temática, considerando os aspectos históricos e sociais em que foram coletados. Resultados: evidenciaram a vida cotidiana, a alienação cotidiana e a superação desta alienação. Considerações finais: evidencia-se a reabilitação psicossocial quando os moradores apropriaram-se de seus cotidianos, todavia, em alguns momentos os cotidianos ficaram alienados e utilizou-se mecanismos para superá-los. São necessárias estratégias constantes, para profissionais, a fim de tornar o morar/cotidiano destes moradores possível.

Objective: to assess Psychosocial rehabilitation process and daily life of people residing in a Service.Methods: this is a case study with qualitative approach. Theoretical framework was the Theory ofDaily life and Psychosocial Rehabilitation. Participant observation were used as data gatheringmethod. Six residents of a Service were subjects of this investigation. Data were analyzed throughthe thematic analysis technique, considering the historical and social contexts in which data weregathered. Results: evidenced daily life, daily alienation and overcoming this alienation. Finalconsiderations: psychosocial rehabilitation is evident when the residents have appropriated theirdaily lives, however, at times, the daily life has been alienated and mechanisms have been used toovercome them. Constant strategies are needed for professionals in order to make the living/dailylife of these residents possible.

Experiencias adversas de la infancia en una muestra de pacientes con enfermedad crónica en Cali-Colombia / Adverse childhood experiences in a sample of patients with chronic diseases in Cali, Colombia / Experiências adversas da infância em uma amostra de pacientes com doença crônica em Cali-Colômbia

Objetivo: evaluar la frecuencia de Experiencias Adversas de la Infancia (EAI) y las características sociodemográficas de la población con enfermedad crónica. Metodología: se condujo un estudio tipo corte transversal descriptivo, en el que se entrevistaron 121 pacientes mayores de 18 años de edad con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles que acudieron a consulta externa de Medicina Interna en la Fundación Valle del Lili entre septiembre de 2015 y diciembre de 2015. A los participantes les aplicaron escalas validadas para evaluar EAI y otras variables clínicas de interés. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los datos. Resultados: de los participantes, el 69.4% estaba conformado por mujeres, la mediana de edad de los participantes fue 62 años con un RIQ de 50 a 72 años. Se encontró que el 64% de los encuestados presentó por lo menos un tipo de EAI, y el 23% presentó cuatro o más EAI y el abuso físico y la separación parental son los más frecuentes (32% y 23%, respectivamente). Conclusiones: las Experiencias Adversas de la Infancia son eventos prevalentes en nuestra población; sin embargo, no se les ha prestado la atención debida. Se necesitan más estudios para medir el impacto real a corto y a largo plazo, con las implicaciones respectivas para nuestro sistema de salud.

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the sociodemographic characteristics of the population with chronic disease. Methodology: Cross-sectional descriptive study that was conducted with 121 patients over age 18 with non-communicable, chronic diseases that sought internal medicine outpatient services at Fundación Valle del Lili from September to December of 2015. Validated scales to assess ACEs and other clinical variables of interest were applied to patients. Descriptive analysis of the data was conducted. Results: Of the participants, 69.4% was female; the median age was 62 years, with an IQR of 50 to 72 years. It was found that 64% of those surveyed presented at least one type of ACE, and 23% presented four or more ACEs, while physical abuse and parental separation were the most frequent (32% and 23%, respectively). Conclusions: Adverse Childhood Experiences are prevalent events in our population; however, such events have not received the attention needed. Further studies are warranted to measure the short- and long-term actual impact, with the respective implications for our health system.

Objetivo: avaliar a frequência de Experiências Adversas da Infância (EAI) e as características sócio-demográficas da população com doença crônica. Metodologia: se conduz um estudo tipo corte transversal descritivo, no qual se entrevistaram 121 pacientes maiores de 18 anos de idade com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis que procuraram a consulta externa de Medicina Interna na Fundación Valle del Lili entre setembro de 2015 e dezembro de 2015. Aos participantes lhes aplicaram escalas validadas para avaliar EAI e outras variáveis clínicas de interesse. Se realizou uma análise descritivo dos dados. Resultados: dos participantes, 69.4% estava conformado por mulheres, a idade média dos participantes foi de 62 anos com um RIQ de 50 a 72 anos. Se encontrou que 64% dos entrevistados apresentou pelo menos um tipo de EAI, e 23% apresentou quatro ou mais EAI e o abuso físico e a separação parental são os mais frequentes (32% e 23%, respectivamente). Conclusões: as Experiências Adversas da Infância são eventos prevalentes na nossa população; porém, não se há dado a atenção devida. Se necessitam mais estudos para medir o impacto real a curto e a longo prazo, com as implicações respectivas para nosso sistema de saúde.

The endocrine disruptor nonylphenol induces sublethal toxicity in vascular plant development at environmental concentrations: A risk for riparian plants and irrigated crops?

In recent years, there is a growing concern among the scientific community about the presence of the so-called emergent pollutants in waters of different countries, especially endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) that have the ability to alter the hormonal system. One of the substances found almost ubiquitously and in higher concentrations is the alkylphenol nonylphenol. Albeit this compound is included in priority lists as a probable risk for human health and the environment, little is known about its effects on developing plants. The aim of this work is to assess the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of environmental concentrations of nonylphenol in riparian vascular plant development using spores of the fern Polystichum setiferum and a biomarker-based approach: mitochondrial activity (cell viability), chlorophyll (plant physiology) and DNA content (growth). Mitochondrial activity and DNA content show that nonylphenol induces acute and sub-chronic toxicity at 48 h and after 1 week, respectively. Significant effects are observed in both parameters in fern spores at ng L(-1) but chlorophyll autofluorescence shows little changes. The inhibition of germination by natural allelochemicals has been reported to be related with the active hydroxyl group of phenolic compounds and largely independent of the structural nucleus to which it is attached. Results presented in this study suggest that environmental concentrations of nonylphenol could interfere with higher plant germination development by mimicking natural allelochemicals and/or phytohormones acting as a "phytoendocrine disruptor" likely posing ecophysiological risks.

Environmental concentrations of the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine induced sublethal toxicity in the development of plants but not in a zebrafish embryo-larval model.

Several studies have found cocaine and its main active metabolite benzoylecgonine (BE) in the aquatic environment and drinking water, derived from its consumption by humans as well as the inability of water treatment processes to eliminate it. A few studies have already investigated the ecotoxicology of BE to aquatic invertebrates, but none has still addressed the effects of BE on aquatic vertebrates or vascular plants. The goal of this publication is to provide information on the toxicity of environmental concentrations of BE during animal and vascular plant development, in order to contribute to a better understanding of the potential risk of this substance for the environment. BE induced alterations in mitochondrial activity and DNA levels of fern spores at environmental concentrations (1 ng L(-1)), which could disrupt gametophyte germination. However, BE at concentrations ranging from 1 ng L(-1) to 1 mg L(-1) did not disturb morphogenesis, hatching, heartbeat rate or larval motility in a zebrafish embryo-larval model. Adverse effects on ferns agree with the allelophathic role described for alkaloids and their unspecific interference with plant germination. Therefore, the anthropogenic dispersion of alkaloid allelochemicals may pose a risk for biodiversity and irrigated food production that should be further investigated.

Píldora anticonceptiva de emergencia: características de la demanda en una organización no gubernamental en Chile / Emergency contraceptive pill: demand characteristics in a non-governmental organization in Chile

Antecedentes: En Chile, existe escasa información sobre las características de las usuarias de la píldora de emergencia y aún hay barreras para obtenerla, pese a existir una ley que garantiza su acceso. Objetivos: Indagar sobre el perfil de las mujeres que demandan la píldora de emergencia y las barreras para acceder al método en centros públicos de salud. Método: Estudio descriptivo y transversal. Se revisaron las fichas clínicas de usuarias de la píldora de emergencia atendidas en Prosalud Chile de enero de 2012 a marzo de 2013, para analizar edad, razón de uso, uso previo y antecedentes de no acceso. Resultados: Se analizaron 520 fichas clínicas. Edad promedio de las usuarias 21,8 +/- 6,8 años. 50 por ciento usó el anticonceptivo porque tuvo un coito sin protección anticonceptiva y la otra mitad porque su método falló. El 71,7 por ciento no había usado la píldora previamente y 0,8 por ciento (3 mujeres) la habían usado 3 y 4 veces; 8,8 por ciento no obtuvo el anticonceptivo en centros públicos de salud. Conclusiones: La mayoría de las usuarias de la píldora de emergencia son jóvenes y la solicitan porque no usaron un anticonceptivo o éste les falló. El uso previo y frecuente es muy bajo. Aún existen barreras en el acceso en centros públicos de salud.

Background: In Chile, the information about the characteristics of the users of emergency contraception pill is limited. In addition, some studies have revealed barriers to access to this method, despite the law guarantees its provision. Objectives: To enquire the profile of emergency contraceptive pills users and the barriers to its access in public health services. Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study. Clinical forms of users who requested the emergency contraceptive pill in Prosalud Chile from January 2012 to March 2013 were revised, in order to analyze age, reason to use, previous use and non-access history in public health services. Results: 520 clinical forms were analyzed. Users mean age was 21.8 +/- 6.8 years. 50 percent of women demanded the pill because they did not use any contraceptive and another half because the contraceptive failed. 71.7 percent had never used the pill previously and only 0.8 percent (3 women) used it three and four times before. 8,8 percent could not obtain the pill in public health services. Conclusions: The majority of the emergency contraceptive pills users are young and they use it because they did not use a contraceptive or the contraceptive failed. The previous and frequent use is low. There are still barriers to access to emergency contraceptive pills in public health services.

Determination of furfurals in Manuka honey using piston-cylinder liquid-liquid extraction and gas chromatography.

A rapid analytical approach for the direct measurement of furfurals such as 2-furfural and 5-methyl-2-furfural at parts-per-billion level in Manuka honey is described. The approach employs a piston-cylinder based liquid-liquid extraction device using chloroform extraction solvent. This device substantially reduces extraction time by a factor of 120 times compared to solid phase micro-extraction and reduces solvent consumption by a factor of 25 times compared to liquid-liquid extraction with mechanical agitation. A recently commercialised capillary column offering a high degree of inertness permits separation and detection of the analytes at ultra-trace level without derivatisation. A three-port planar microfluidic device with a mid-point pressure is also incorporated to back-flush heavier compounds in the matrix to improve column longevity and overall system cleanliness. With this approach, analysis is conducted in less than 7min. Repeatability of retention times for all compounds is less than 0.1% (n=20). The compounds cited can be analysed over a range from 1ng/g to 10µg/g in honey with a 5ng/g limit of quantification (LOQ) and correlation coefficients of at least 0.999. Relative precision is less than 2.8% RSD (n=20) at 50ng/g level with analyte extraction efficiency of greater than 99% (n=3) over a range from 5ng/g to 10µg/g in the matrix described. The analytical system requires only minimal maintenance and is suitable for remote site deployment. Under the analytical conditions established and with a practical LOQ of 5ng/g, 100 samples can be analysed before septum/liner/o-ring replacements are needed. As a preventive measure, the pre-column can be replaced once every six months to maintain chromatographic fidelity.

Determination of trace ethylene glycol in industrial solvents and lubricants using phenyl boronic acid derivatization and multidimensional gas chromatography.

A practical gas chromatographic approach is introduced for the characterization of trace ethylene glycol in industrial solvents and lubricants. The analytical approach employs single step derivatization technique that effectively converts ethylene glycol to the cyclic boronate ester (2-phenyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane), using phenyl boronic acid as a derivatizing reagent. The separation of the derivatized product was achieved by using multidimensional gas chromatography. Heavy lubricant matrices like engine crankcase oil were back-flushed to improve sample throughput and system cleanliness. Detection and quantitation of 2-phenyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane was conducted with mass spectrometry in selected ion monitoring mode. Complete analysis is conducted in less than 10 min. Reproducibility of retention time was found to be less than 0.05% (n=20). Quantitative performance is highly satisfactory, viz. 0.49±0.02 mg kg(-1) (n=12) and 25.5±0.48 mg kg(-1) (n=12) for 0.5 mg kg(-1) and 25 mg kg(-1) spiked concentrations respectively. Over a range from 100 µg kg(-1) to 100 mg kg(-1), the response for 2-phenyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane is linear with correlation coefficient of 0.998, a practical detection limit of 50 µg kg(-1), and average spiked recoveries for the analyte in the matrices tested range from 93 to 99%. Propylene glycol can also be analyzed using the same approach and water does not inhibit the formation of the derivatives, most probably owing to the use of 2,2-dimethoxypropane as a solvent for the derivatizing agent.

Origin of the spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 gene mutation in Mexican population.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia associated with macular degeneration that leads, in the majority of patients, to loss of autonomy and blindness. The cause of the disease has been identified as (CAG) n repeat expansion in the coding sequence of the ATXN7 gene on chromosome 3p21.1. SCA7 is one of the least common genetically verified autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias found worldwide; however, we previously identified the Mexican population showing high prevalence of SCA7, suggesting the occurrence of a common founder effect. In this study, haplotype analysis using four SCA7 gene-linked markers revealed that all 72 SCA7 carriers studied share a common haplotype, A-254-82-98, for the intragenic marker 3145G/A and centromeric markers D3S1287, D3S1228, and D3S3635, respectively. This multiloci combination is uncommon in healthy relatives and Mexican general population, suggesting that a single ancestral mutation is responsible for all SCA7 cases in this population. Furthermore, genotyping using 17 short tandem repeat markers from the non-recombining region of the Y chromosome and further phylogenetic relationship analysis revealed that Mexican patients possess the Western European ancestry, which might trace the SCA7 ancestral mutation to that world region.