Vaginal Ovule Loaded with Bismuth Lipophilic Nanoparticles and Cetylpyridinium Chloride Inhibits Human Cervical Carcinoma and Candida albicans Growth.

Bismuth lipophilic nanoparticles (BisBAL NPs) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) are antineoplastic and antimicrobial in vitro. As a next pre-clinical step, a clinically viable dosage form for vaginal application was developed. Compendial pharmacopeial tests (mass uniformity, disintegration, and compressive mechanics) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy were conducted on in-house developed glycerinated gelatin (60:15 v/w) vaginal ovules containing BisBAL NP-CPC. The antimycotic activity of BisBAL NP-CPC vaginal ovules was analyzed using disk diffusion and cell viability XTT assays. The antitumor properties of BisBAL NP-CPC vaginal ovules were assessed by cell viability MTT tests. BisBAL NP-CPC and drug-free vaginal ovules deposited into ex vivo porcine vaginas disaggregated without signs of adverse cytotoxicity within the timespan of clinical efficacy. BisBAL NP-CPC vaginal ovules demonstrated antifungal efficacy comparable to miconazole: C. albicans growth inhibition haloes in diffusion tests were 23 ± 0.968 mm (n = 3) for BisBAL NP-CPC and 20.35 ± 0.899 mm (n = 3) for miconazole. Likewise, BisBAL NP-CPC vaginal ovules reduced HeLa cell growth by 81%, outperforming the clinical reference of 500 µM 5-fluouracil, which induced a 70% growth inhibition. BisBAL NP-CPC incorporated into glycerinated gelatin vaginal ovules constitute an innovative drug delivery system for topical antimycotic and anti-cervical carcinoma treatments.

Application of Robotics in Orthodontics: A Systematic Review.

Robotics has various applications in dentistry, particularly in orthodontics, although the potential use of these technologies is not yet clear. This review aims to summarize the application of robotics in orthodontics and clarify its function and scope in clinical practice. Original articles addressing the application of robotics in any area of orthodontic practice were included, and review articles were excluded. PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and DOAJ were searched from June to August 2023. The risk of bias was established using the risk of bias in non-randomized studies (ROBINS) and certainty assessment tools following the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) guidelines. A narrative synthesis of the data was generated and presented according to its application in surgical and non-surgical orthodontics. The search retrieved 2,106 articles, of which 16 articles were selected for final data synthesis of research conducted between 2011 and 2023 in Asia, Europe, and North America. The application of robotics in surgical orthodontics helps guide orthognathic surgeries by reducing the margin of error, but it does not replace the work of a clinician. In non-surgical orthodontics, robotics assists in performing customized bending of orthodontic wires and simulating orthodontic movements, but its application is expensive. The articles collected for this synthesis exhibited a low risk of bias and high certainty, and the results indicated that the advantages of the application of robotics in orthodontics outweigh the disadvantages. This project was self-financed, and a previous protocol was registered at the PROSPERO site (registration number: CRD42023463531).

Impact of urban farming on health: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Urban farms are spaces designated for the cultivation of plants for food security, medicinal and curative purposes. Since the turn of the century, they have become more widespread and health benefits have been claimed; however, no consensus exists regarding this information. Hence, this study aims to provide information about the health effects of urban farming. METHODS: Protocol register number CRD42023448001. We followed the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Studies addressing urban farming interventions in any population group were included without age limitation of publication from PubMed, DOAJ, CAB Abstracts and NIH. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions tool, and data were narratively synthesized. RESULTS: The search retrieved 2578 manuscripts, reduced to seven after screening. Urban farming's impact on health has been reflected in the physical domain by increasing self-reported health levels, physical activity, perceived general health, healthy eating and decreasing drug use. Parasites' presence has also been reported. In the mental aspect, urban farming is associated with relaxation and stress reduction. From a social perspective, urban farms provide a sense of belonging, personal growth and happiness. CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of urban farming outweigh the disadvantages. Further research should be conducted to clarify the potential benefits of this practice.

The Burden of Cardiovascular Disease in the Post-COVID Era.

In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, cardiovascular disease (CVD) was the leading cause of death. Since 2020, the pandemic has had far-reaching effects on the landscape of health care including CVD prevention and management. Recent decreases in life expectancy in the United States could potentially be explained by issues related to disruptions in CVD prevention and control of CVD risk factors from the COVID-19 pandemic. This article reviews the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the accompanying pandemic on CVD risk factor prevention and management in the United States. Potential solutions are also proposed for these patients.

Interculturalidad: más allá de la diversidad Reflexiones y experiencias en contextos latinoamericanos / Interculturality: beyond diversity Reflections and experiences in Latin American contexts

Este libro tiene como origen las diversas reflexiones originadas por la ejecución de un trabajo de investigación en el área de la salud con comunidades indígenas de la Amazonia colombiana denominado: "Estrategia de Atención Primaria en Salud con enfoque intercultural e investigación Acción Participativa para la prevención del cáncer de cuello uterino en el resguardo indígena de El Paujil" (Colombia) y desarrollado por lideresas pertenecientes a la región e investigadores de las universidades Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, FUCS; Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales, UDCA; y Universidad El Bosque, con la cofinanciación del Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación de Colombia. Los avances del proyecto permitieron explorar las visiones sobre diversos temas de algunas comunidades indígenas de la Amazonia, en especial, los relacionados con la salud de las mujeres y sus roles en las familias y en las comunidades. El trabajo conjunto, mediante una metodología de investigación participativa alrededor de la prevención del cáncer de cuello uterino, incluyó en primer lugar el análisis de la interculturalidad como un enfoque que coincide con los postulados de respeto por los valores culturales y las diferencias.

This book has as origin the diverse reflections originated by the execution of a research work in the area of health with indigenous communities of the Colombian Amazon called: "Primary Health Care Strategy with intercultural approach and Participatory Action Research for the prevention of cervical cancer in the indigenous reservation of El Paujil" (Colombia) and developed by leaders belonging to the region and researchers from the universities Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, FUCS; Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales, UDCA; and Universidad El Bosque, with co-financing from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Colombia. The progress of the project made it possible to explore the views on various topics of some indigenous communities in the Amazon, especially those related to women's health and their roles in the families and communities. The joint work, through a participatory research methodology on cervical cancer prevention, included first of all the analysis of interculturality as an approach that coincides with the postulates of respect for cultural values and differences.

Use of Different Blood Pressure Thresholds to Reduce the Number of Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Days Needed for Detecting Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Home blood pressure (BP) monitoring over a 7-day period is recommended to confirm the diagnosis of hypertension. METHODS: We determined upper and lower home BP thresholds with >90% positive predictive value and >90% negative predictive value using 1 to 6 days of monitoring to identify high home BP (systolic BP ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥80 mm Hg) based on 7 days of home BP monitoring. The sample included 361 adults from the Improving the Detection of Hypertension Study who were not taking antihypertensive medication. We used two 7-day periods, at least 3 days apart, the first being a sampling period and the second a reference period. For each number of days in the sampling period, we determined the percentage of participants who had a high likelihood of having (>90% positive predictive value) or not having (>90% negative predictive value) high BP and would not need to continue home BP monitoring. Only the participants in an uncertain category (ie, positive predictive value ≤90% and negative predictive value ≤90%) after each day were carried forward to the next day of home BP monitoring. RESULTS: Of the 361 participants (mean [SD] age of 41.3 [13.2] years; 60.4% women), 38.0% had high home BP during the reference period. There were 63.7%, 17.1%, 10.5%, 3.3%, 3.6%, and 1.4% participants who would not need to continue after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 days of monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: In most people, high home BP can be identified or excluded with a high degree of confidence with 3 days or less of monitoring.

Cumulative antitumor effect of bismuth lipophilic nanoparticles and cetylpyridinium chloride in inhibiting the growth of lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the combined antitumor effect of bismuth lipophilic nanoparticles (BisBAL NP) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) on human lung tumor cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The human lung tumor cells A549 were exposed to 1-100 µM BisBAL NP or CPC, either separately or in a 1:1 combination. Cell viability was measured with the PrestoBlue assay, the LIVE/DEAD assay, and fluorescence microscopy. The integrity and morphology of cellular microtubules were analyzed by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: A 24-h exposure to 1 µM solutions reduced A549 growth with 21.5% for BisBAL NP, 70.5% for CPC, and 92.4% for the combination (p < 0.0001), while a 50 µM BisBAL NP/CPC mixture inhibited cell growth with 99% (p < 0.0001). BisBAL NP-curcumin conjugates were internalized within 30 min of exposure and could be traced within the nucleus of tumor cells within 2 h. BisBAL NP, but not CPC, interfered with microtubule organization, thus interrupting cell replication, similar to the action mechanism of docetaxel. CONCLUSION: The growth inhibition of A549 human tumor cells by BisBAL NP and CPC was cumulative as of 1 µM. The BisBAL NP/CPC combination may constitute an innovative and cost-effective alternative for treating human lung cancer.

Status of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and home blood pressure monitoring for the diagnosis and management of hypertension in the US: an up-to-date review.

The diagnosis and management of hypertension has been based on the measurement of blood pressure (BP) in the office setting. However, data have demonstrated that BP may substantially differ when measured in the office than when measured outside the office setting. Higher out-of-office BP is associated with increased cardiovascular risk independent of office BP. Ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and home BP monitoring (HBPM) are validated approaches for out-of-office BP measurement. In the 2015 and 2021 United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) reports on screening for hypertension, ABPM was recommended as the reference standard for out-of-office BP monitoring and for confirming an initial diagnosis of hypertension. This recommendation was based on data from more published studies of ABPM vs. HBPM on the predictive value of out-of-office BP independent of office BP. Therefore, HBPM was recommended as an alternative approach when ABPM was not available or well tolerated. The 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) BP guideline recommended ABPM as the preferred initial approach for detecting white-coat hypertension and masked hypertension among adults not taking antihypertensive medication. In contrast, HBPM was recommended as the preferred initial approach for detecting the white-coat effect and masked uncontrolled hypertension among adults taking antihypertensive medication. The current review provides an overview of ABPM and HBPM in the US, including best practices, BP thresholds that should be used for the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, barriers to widespread use of such monitoring, US guideline recommendations for ABPM and HBPM, and data supporting HBPM over ABPM.

Enfoque diagnóstico y terapéutico de la anemia causada por la insuficiencia renal crónica

Introducción: La insuficiencia renal crónica es un trastorno en el que las funciones renales disminuyen de forma progresiva e irreversible. Debido a esta disminución, los riñones pierden su capacidad de eliminar los residuos, concentrar la orina y mantener los niveles adecuados de electrolitos en la sangre. Objetivo: Actualizar los conocimientos para el establecimiento del diagnóstico precoz en el tratamiento de la anemia en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica Método: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica de artículos científicos e información en las bases de datos de MEDLINE, Scopus, Redalyc y Latindex, a su vez se complementa con literatura médica encontrada en plataformas digitales como Google Académico. De 68 artículos identificados, se seleccionaron 16 publicaciones que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión, exclusión y de la Declaración PRISMA. Resultados: El diagnóstico de la anemia se debe enfocar en el hemograma, reticulocitos, estado del hierro, vitamina B12 y ácido fólico, mientras que la terapia se basa en el uso de hierro, agentes estimuladores de eritropoyesis y en ciertos casos eritropoyetina. Conclusiones: Brindar un tratamiento precoz y óptimo a los pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica disminuye el riesgo de aparición de anemia normocítica normocrómica de tipo hipoproliferativa.

Introduction: Chronic kidney failure is a disorder in which kidney functions decrease progressively and irreversibly. Due to this decrease, the kidneys lose their ability to eliminate waste, concentrate urine, and maintain adequate levels of electrolytes in the blood. Objective: To update knowledge for the establishment of early diagnosis in the treatment of anemia in patients with chronic renal failure Method: A bibliographic search of scientific articles and information was carried out in the MEDLINE, Scopus, Redalyc and Latindex databases, to In turn, it is complemented with medical literature found on digital platforms such as Google Scholar. Of 68 articles identified, 16 publications were selected that met the inclusion, exclusion and PRISMA Statement criteria. Results: The diagnosis of anemia should focus on the blood count, reticulocytes, iron status, vitamin B12 and folic acid, while therapy is based on the use of iron, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and in certain cases erythropoietin. Conclusions: Providing early and optimal treatment to patients with chronic renal failure reduces the risk of developing hypoproliferative normocytic normochromic anemia.

Introdução: A insuficiência renal crônica é um distúrbio no qual as funções renais diminuem de forma progressiva e irreversível. Devido a essa diminuição, os rins perdem a capacidade de eliminar resíduos, concentrar a urina e manter níveis adequados de eletrólitos no sangue. Objetivo: Atualizar conhecimentos para o estabelecimento do diagnóstico precoce no tratamento da anemia em pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica Método: Foi realizada pesquisa bibliográfica de artigos e informações científicas nas bases de dados MEDLINE, Scopus, Redalyc e Latindex, para por sua vez, é complementado com literatura médica encontrada em plataformas digitais como o Google Scholar. Dos 68 artigos identificados, foram selecionadas 16 publicações que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão, exclusão e Declaração PRISMA. Resultados: O diagnóstico de anemia deve centrar-se no hemograma, reticulócitos, estado de ferro, vitamina B12 e ácido fólico, enquanto a terapia é baseada no uso de ferro, agentes estimuladores da eritropoiese e em certos casos eritropoietina. Conclusões: Fornecer tratamento precoce e ideal a pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica reduz o risco de desenvolver anemia normocítica normocítica hipoproliferativa.

Correlation Between CD133+ Stem Cells and Clinical Improvement in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders Treated with Intrathecal Bone Marrow-derived Mononuclear Cells.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental pathologies characterized by social and communication deficits, for which treatments are limited. Cell therapies, including intrathecal (IT) administration of bone marrow (BM) mononuclear cells (BM-MNC), improves symptoms in patients with ASD. Twenty-four patients diagnosed with ASD, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Text Revision Fourth Edition (DSM-IV-TR) criteria, were autologously treated with IT BM-MNC, and the clinical effect was evaluated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) on Days 30 (n=24) and 180 (n=14) post-treatment. IT BM-MNC improved clinical outcomes by Day 30 (p=0.0039), and those benefits remained and were further accentuated by Day 180 post-treatment (n=14; p=<0.0001). Clinical benefit at Days 30 (p=0.001; r= -0.51) and 180 (p=0.01; r= -0.60) posttreatment positively correlated with the enrichment of a putative BM stem cell population expressing the cluster of differentiation 133+ (CD133+) surface marker.

Neuroprotective and Neurotoxic Effects of Glial-Derived Exosomes.

Exosomes derived from glial cells such as astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes can modulate cell communication in the brain and exert protective or neurotoxic effects on neurons, depending on the environmental context upon their release. Their isolation, characterization, and analysis under different conditions in vitro, in animal models and samples derived from patients has allowed to define the participation of other molecular mechanisms behind neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration spreading, and to propose their use as a potential diagnostic tool. Moreover, the discovery of specific molecular cargos, such as cytokines, membrane-bound and soluble proteins (neurotrophic factors, growth factors, misfolded proteins), miRNA and long-non-coding RNA, that are enriched in glial-derived exosomes with neuroprotective or damaging effects, or their inhibitors can now be tested as therapeutic tools. In this review we summarize the state of the art on how exosomes secretion by glia can affect neurons and other glia from the central nervous system in the context of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, but also, on how specific stress stimuli and pathological conditions can change the levels of exosome secretion and their properties.

Evaluating novel approaches for estimating awake and sleep blood pressure: design of the Better BP Study - a randomised, crossover trial.

INTRODUCTION: For many people, blood pressure (BP) levels differ when measured in a medical office versus outside of the office setting. Out-of-office BP has a stronger association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events compared with BP measured in the office. Many BP guidelines recommend measuring BP outside of the office to confirm the levels obtained in the office. Ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) can assess out-of-office BP but is not available in many US practices and some individuals find it uncomfortable. The aims of the Better BP Study are to (1) test if unattended office BP is closer to awake BP on ABPM compared with attended office BP, (2) assess if sleep BP assessed by home BP monitoring (HBPM) agrees with sleep BP from a full night of ABPM and (3) compare the strengths of associations of unattended versus attended office BP, unattended office BP versus awake BP on ABPM and sleep BP on HBPM versus ABPM with markers of end-organ damage. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We are recruiting 630 adults not taking antihypertensive medication in Birmingham, Alabama, and New York, New York. Participants are having their office BP measured with (attended) and without (unattended) a technician present, in random order, using an automated oscillometric office BP device during each of two visits within one week. Following these visits, participants complete 24 hours of ABPM and one night of HBPM, in random order. Psychosocial factors, anthropometrics, left ventricular mass index and albumin-to-creatinine ratio are also being assessed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Columbia University Medical Center Institutional Review Boards. The study results will be disseminated at scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04307004.

Cetylpyridinium chloride inhibits human breast tumor cells growth in a no-selective way.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the antitumor capacity of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) on human breast tumor cells, and the possible action mechanism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The human breast tumor cells MCF-7 and no-tumor breast cells MCF-10A were exposed to CPC under various condition (concentration and duration). Cell viability was measured with MTT assay, the LIVE/DEAD assay, and fluorescence microscopy. Membrane permeability after CPC exposure was evaluated by Calcein AM assay, mitochondrial morphology with a MitoView staining, and genotoxicity with the comet assay and fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: CPC was cytotoxic to both MCF-7 and MCF-10A as of a 24-h exposure to 0.1 µM. Cytotoxicity was dose-dependent and reached 91% for MCF-7 and 78% for MCF-10A after a 24-h exposure to 100 µM CPC, which outperformed the positive control doxorubicin in effectiveness and selectivity. The LD50 of CPC on was 6 µM for MCF-7 and 8 µM for MCF-10A, yielding a selectivity index of 1.41. A time response analysis revealed 64% dead cells after only 5 min of exposure to 100 µM CPC. With respect to the action mechanisms, the comet assay did not reveal genome fragmentation. On the other hand, membrane damage was dose-dependent and may also affect mitochondrial morphology. CONCLUSION: Cetylpyridinium chloride inhibits MCF-7 cell growing in a non-selective way as of 5 min of exposure. The action mechanism of CPC on tumor cells involves cell membrane damage without change neither mitochondrial morphology nor genotoxicity.

Bismuth Lipophilic Nanoparticles (BisBAL NP) Inhibit the Growth of Tumor Cells in a Mouse Melanoma Model.

AIM: The objective of this study was to analyze the antitumor effect of BisBAL NP in a mouse melanoma model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antitumor activity of BisBAL NP on murine B16-F10 melanoma cells was determined both in vitro (PrestoBlue cell viability assay and Live/Dead fluorescence) and in vivo, in a mouse model, with the following 15-day treatments: BisBAL NP, negative control (PBS), and cell-death control (docetaxel; DTX). Mouse survival and weight, as well as the tumor volume, were recorded daily during the in vivo study. RESULTS: BisBAL NP were homogeneous in size (mean diameter, 14.7 nm) and bismuth content. In vitro, 0.1 mg/mL BisBAL NP inhibited B16-F10 cell growth stronger (88%) than 0.1 mg/mL DTX (82%) (*p<0.0001). In vivo, tumors in mice treated with BisBAL NP (50 mg/kg/day) or DTX (10 mg/kg/day) were 76% and 85% smaller than the tumors of negative control mice (*p<0.0001). The average weight of mice was 18.1 g and no statistically significant difference was detected among groups during the study. Alopecia was only observed in all DTX-treated mice. The survival rate was 100% for the control and BisBAL NP groups, but one DTX- treated mouse died at the end of the treatment period. The histopathological analysis revealed that exposure to BisBAL NP was cytotoxic for tumor tissue only, without affecting the liver or kidney. CONCLUSION: BisBAL NP decreased the tumor growing in a mouse melanoma model without secondary effects, constituting an innovative low-cost alternative to treat melanoma.

Antimicrobial potential of AH Plus supplemented with bismuth lipophilic nanoparticles on E. faecalis isolated from clinical isolates.

The objective of this study was to determine the antimicrobial potential of AH plus supplemented with bismuth lipophilic nanoparticles (BisBAL NPs) on the growth of Enterococcus faecalis isolated from patients with endodontic infections. BisBAL NPs, synthesized with the colloidal method, were characterized, in its pure form or AH Plus-absorbed, by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (EDS-SEM). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated with disc diffusion assays, and antibiofilm activity with fluorescence microscopy. BisBAL NP-supplemented AH Plus had a 4.9 times higher antimicrobial activity than AH Plus alone (p = 0.0001). In contrast to AH Plus alone, AH Plus supplemented with BisBAL NP inhibited E. faecalis biofilm formation. The sealing properties of AH plus were not modified by the incorporation of BisBAL NPs, which was demonstrated by a 12-day split-chamber leakage assay with daily inoculation, which was used to evaluate the possible filtration of E. faecalis. Finally, BisBAL NP-supplemented AH plus-BisBAL NPs was not cytotoxic for cultured human gingival fibroblasts. Their viability was 83.7% to 89.9% after a 24-h exposure to AH Plus containing 50 and 10 µM BisBAL NP, respectively. In conclusion, BisBAL NP-supplemented AH Plus constitutes an innovative nanomaterial to prevent re-infection in endodontic patients without cytotoxic effects.

Prevalencia de parasitosis intestinal en escolares de zonas semirrurales de Ecuador II / Prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in schoolchildren from semi-rural areas of Ecuador II

La mayor proporción de individuos afectados por la parasitosis intestinal corresponde a la población infantil, debido a su inmadurez inmunológica y poco desarrollo de hábitos higiénicos y la práctica de jugar con tierra. Los estudios realizados en zonas rurales a nivel internacional sobre prevalencia de parasitosis intestinales en niños, reportan cifras que varían entre el 30 y 90 %. En los países afectados, entre los que figura notablemente Ecuador, las infecciones parasitarias intestinales están estrechamente relacionadas a los procesos de desarrollo económico y social. Ochenta y un escolares de zonas semirrurales (20%) cumplieron con los criterios diagnósticos de parasitosis intestinal. La Blastocystis sp. (10%), fue la especie parasitaria más comúnmente encontrada, en segundo lugar E. nana (3,7%) y en tercer lugar Complejo Entamoeba (2,5%). Específicamente en la población infantil de zonas semirrurales no se han realizado estudios de pesquisaje recientes en el contexto ecuatoriano y se ignora qué consecuencias pudo tener la pandemia de COVID-19 para la prevalencia de estas infecciones. Se desarrolló una investigación sobre los antecedentes y prevalencia de parasitosis intestinal en escolares de zonas semirrurales de Ecuador a fin de aportar información empírica al respecto(AU)

The largest proportion of individuals affected by intestinal parasitosis corresponds to the child population, due to their immunological immaturity and little development of hygienic habits and the practice of playing with dirt. - Studies carried out in rural areas at the international level on the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children, report figures that vary between 30% and 90%. In the affected countries, including notably Ecuador, intestinal parasitic infections are closely related to the processes of economic and social development. Eighty-one schoolchildren from semi-rural areas (20%) met the diagnostic criteria for intestinal parasitosis. The Blastocystis sp. (10%), was the most commonly found parasitic species, in second place E. nana (3.7%) and in third place Entamoeba Complex (2.5%). Specifically, in the child population of semi-rural areas, no recent screening studies have been carried out in the Ecuadorian context and the consequences the COVID-19 pandemic could have had on the prevalence of these infections are unknown. An investigation was developed on the background and prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in schoolchildren from semi-rural areas of Ecuador in order to provide empirical information in this regard(AU)

Antimicrobial Effect of Calcium Hydroxide Combined with Electrolyzed Superoxidized Solution at Neutral pH on Enterococcus faecalis Growth.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the combination of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and a novel electrolyzed superoxidized solution at neutral pH, known as OxOral® on Enterococcus faecalis growth in root canals. METHODS: Sixty human teeth were used, from which root canals were infected and randomly divided into the following treatment groups: saline solution, saline solution plus Ca(OH)2, OxOral®, and OxOral® plus Ca(OH)2. RESULTS: A permanent reduction in bacterial growth was observed at days 1, 6, 12, and 18 after OxOral® plus Ca(OH)2 treatment from 4.4 ± 0.074 log10 CFU/mL to 0.0 ± 0.001 log10 CFU/mL. In addition, alkaline conditions maintenance was observed from application time (pH = 12.2 ± 0.033) to 18 d posttreatment (pH = 12.6 ± 0.083). CONCLUSION: The combination of OxOral® and Ca(OH)2 provides an alkaline pH and inhibits E. faecalis growth into the root canals. Our study opens the possibility for further research on the use of OxOral® in endodontic therapy.

Intervenciones comunitarias integradas en el manejo, control y prevención del dengue en la provincia de Guayas-Ecuador 2020 / Community interventions integrated in the management, control and prevention of dengue in the province Guayas-Ecuador 2020

El dengue es una enfermedad febril producida por el virus DENV, transmitida principalmente por el mosquito Aedes aegypti, siendo uno de los problemas de Salud Pública de mayor presentación en países de América Latina, incluido Ecuador. Objetivo: Evaluar intervenciones comunitarias integradas en el manejo, control y prevención del dengue en el Cantón Durán de la provincia de Guayas-Ecuador 2020. Metodología: Investigación de tipo descriptiva, transversal, experimental con estudio de campo, muestra 304 jefes de familia, como instrumento de recolección de datos, se aplicó una encuesta estructurada y lista de cotejo para controla asistencia y participación. La encuesta se aplicó antes y después de la sesión educativa dictada referente al dengue, agente etiológico, síntomas, transmisión, control y prevención, los datos se transcribieron en Microsoft Excel y se uso el software libre EPIDAT 3.1 para calcular frecuencia e intervalos de confianza (IC) al 95%. Resultado: Después de la intervención comunitaria, a través de la sesión educativa dictada referente al dengue, 98,68% (300/304) conocían que la transmisión era por la picadura del mosquito hembra de Aedes aegypti, 98,03% conocían mucho sobre los síntomas del dengue, 99,01% (301/304) realizaban siempre la limpieza y eliminación de los criaderos, 92,43% (281/304) conocían de la enfermedad del dengue por charlas, reuniones y conferencias, evidenciando así, un cambio notable en la comunidad respecto a la información sobre el dengue y las actividades incluidas en el control y prevención de dicha enfermedad, Siendo los micros informativos con un 91,45% (278/304) los que dinamizaron la participación. Conclusión: La intervención comunitaria en el Cantón Durán de la Provincia de Guayas fue integral y dinámica contando con la participación activa(AU)

Dengue is a febrile disease produced by the DENV virus and transmitted by the Aedes aegypti, it is one of the most common Public Health problems in Latin American countries, including Ecuador. Objective. Evaluate integrated community interventions in the management, control and prevention of dengue in the Duran Canton of the Guayas Province-Ecuador 2020. Methodology: Descriptive, cross-sectional, experimental research with a field study with a sample of 304 household heads, such as Data collection instrument, a structured survey of 10 multiple-choice questions with alternative scales was applied before and after the educational session dictated regarding dengue, etiological agent, symptoms, transmission, control and prevention, the data were transcribed in Microsoft Excel and the free software EPIDAT 3.1 was used to calculate frequency and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Outcome. After the community intervention, through the educational session given regarding dengue, 98.68% (300/304) knew that the transmission was by the bite of the female Aedes aegypti, 98.03% knew a lot about the symptoms of dengue, 99.01% (301/304) always carried out the cleaning and elimination of the breeding sites, 92.43% (281/304) knew about the dengue disease through talks, meetings and conferences, thus evidencing a notable change in the community regarding information on dengue and the activities included in the control and prevention of said disease. Conclution. The community intervention in the Duran Canton of the Guayas Province was comprehensive and dynamic in which the subjects actively participated in the transformation of their reality, contributing significantly to the prevention and control of dengue(AU)

Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Acute Fulminant Myocarditis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Fulminant myocarditis is a life-threatening fast progressive condition. We present a 7-year-old female patient admitted with a diagnosis of acute myocarditis with a rapidly progressive cardiac dysfunction despite conventional vasoactive and inotropic treatment. The patient presented with ventricular fibrillation and subsequent cardiac arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed during 105 minutes before extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannulation was performed. Effective hemodynamic function was obtained, and ECMO was weaned after 7 days, without neurological complications. There are not established extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) treatment criteria, and some international guidelines consider up to 100 minutes of "low flow" phase as a time limit to start the support. Some mortality risk factors for ECMO treatment mortality are female gender, renal failure, and arrhythmias. Pre-ECMO good prognostic factors are high levels of pH and blood lactate.

The effect of commercial functional food with probiotics on microorganisms from early carious lesions.

Caries rates in school-age children are still high enough to be the cause of serious concern for health systems in different countries. The biotechnology strategies studied to decrease these rates include the consumption of probiotics-available via a variety of functional foods obtainable on the market-that are able to inhibit bacteria associated with this disease. In this vein, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of these foods on the growth of microorganisms in early carious lesions in children aged between 6 and 12. In the first phase, an agar well diffusion method was applied to selected foods, available in supermarkets, which contain probiotics that have already been shown to inhibit Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), and to lower the pH in liquid culture media. In a second phase, these foods (n = 4) were examined in terms of their ability to inhibit the microorganisms in contact with early carious lesions in children and to reduce the pH of mixed cultures combined with the food. The results revealed that, of the foods tested, three inhibit the growth of microorganisms in carious lesions and, at the same time, lower the pH of the culture by more than 2.5 units. The food with the highest inhibitory capacity (14 mm, IQR 13-14) showed a similar effect among patients (P > 0.05), which together with the fact that its sugar concentration is less than 10%, makes it an ideal candidate for clinical study.