New Measurement of

Carbon and oxygen burning reactions, in particular, ^{12}C+^{12}C fusion, are important for the understanding and interpretation of the late phases of stellar evolution as well as the ignition and nucleosynthesis in cataclysmic binary systems such as type Ia supernovae and x-ray superbursts. A new measurement of this reaction has been performed at the University of Notre Dame using particle-γ coincidence techniques with SAND (a silicon detector array) at the high-intensity 5U Pelletron accelerator. New results for ^{12}C+^{12}C fusion at low energies relevant to nuclear astrophysics are reported. They show strong disagreement with a recent measurement using the indirect Trojan Horse method. The impact on the carbon burning process under astrophysical scenarios will be discussed.

Plasma cytokines as potential biomarkers of kidney damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus is a heterogeneous chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder characterized by an exacerbated expression of cytokines and chemokines in different tissues and organs. Renal involvement is a significant contributor to the morbidity and mortality of systemic lupus erythematosus, and its diagnosis is based on renal biopsy, an invasive procedure with a high risk of complications. Therefore, the development of alternative, non-invasive diagnostic tests for kidney disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus is a priority. AIM: To evaluate the plasma levels of a panel of cytokines and chemokines using multiplex xMAP technology in a cohort of Colombian patients with active and inactive systemic lupus erythematosus, and to evaluate their potential as biomarkers of renal involvement. RESULTS: Plasma from 40 systemic lupus erythematosus non-nephritis patients and 80 lupus nephritis patients with different levels of renal involvement were analyzed for 39 cytokines using Luminex xMAP technology. Lupus nephritis patients had significantly increased plasma eotaxin, TNF-α, interleukin-17-α, interleukin-10, and interleukin-15 as compared to the systemic lupus erythematosus non-nephritis group. Macrophage-derived chemokine, growth regulated oncogene alpha, and epidermal growth factor were significantly elevated in systemic lupus erythematosus non-nephritis patients when compared to lupus nephritis individuals. Plasma eotaxin levels allowed a discrimination between systemic lupus erythematosus non-nephritis and lupus nephritis patients, for which we performed a receiver operating characteristic curve to confirm. We observed a correlation of eotaxin levels with active nephritis (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index). Our data indicate that circulating cytokines and chemokines could be considered good predictors of renal involvement in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Relationship between plaque pH and different caries-associated variables in a group of adolescents with varying caries prevalence.

The pH response of the dental biofilm after a sugar challenge can be considered to mirror the acidogenic potential and thereby the caries risk of an individual. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the relationship between plaque pH and different caries variables in adolescents with varying caries prevalence. One hundred individuals, aged 14-15 years, were examined regarding different caries-related variables: (i) caries score (DSm, DSi, DSm + i, DTm), (ii) salivary secretion rate and buffer capacity, (iii) oral microflora of plaque and saliva, (iv) plaque amount, (v) plaque pH and (vi) dietary intake, oral hygiene habits and fluoride use. Plaque pH was assessed using the microtouch method before and after a 1-min mouthrinse with 10 ml 10% sucrose. Depending on the minimum pH, the participants were divided into three groups: low pH (≤5.3), medium pH (>5.3-6.3) and high pH (>6.3). Statistically significant differences between the three groups (p < 0.01) were found for initial caries (DSi) and combined manifest and initial caries (DSm + i). A statistically significant difference was also found in the log values for salivary lactobacilli (p = 0.02) within the three groups, and for the total number of bacteria in plaque (p = 0.04); for both variables, the low-pH group had the highest values. The only covariate significantly associated was the Cariogram score in the medium-pH group (p < 0.01) and the number of meals per day in the high-pH group (p = 0.02). To conclude, plaque pH measured by the microtouch method is a method that can be used for discriminating between individuals with varying caries prevalence.

Neutrophilic inflammation promotes SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and augments the inflammatory responses in airway epithelial cells.

In response to viral infection, neutrophils release inflammatory mediators as part of the innate immune response, contributing to pathogen clearance through virus internalization and killing. Pre-existing co- morbidities correlating to incidence of severe COVID-19 are associated with chronic airway neutrophilia. Furthermore, examination of COVID-19 explanted lung tissue revealed a series of epithelial pathologies associated with the infiltration and activation of neutrophils, indicating neutrophil activity in response to SARS- CoV-2 infection. To determine the impact of neutrophil-epithelial interactions on the infectivity and inflammatory responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, we developed a co-culture model of airway neutrophilia. SARS-CoV-2 infection of the airway epithelium alone does not result in a notable pro-inflammatory response from the epithelium. The addition of neutrophils induces the release of proinflammatory cytokines and stimulates a significantly augmented pro-inflammatory response subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection. The resulting inflammatory response is polarized with differential release from the apical and basolateral side of the epithelium. Additionally, the integrity of the epithelial barrier is impaired with notable epithelial damage and infection of basal stem cells. This study reveals a key role for neutrophil-epithelial interactions in determining inflammation and infectivity in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Near-barrier fusion of the 8B + 58Ni proton-halo system.

Fusion cross sections were measured for the exotic proton-halo nucleus 8B incident on a 58Ni target at several energies near the Coulomb barrier. This is the first experiment to report on the fusion of a proton-halo nucleus. The resulting excitation function shows a striking enhancement with respect to expectations for normal projectiles. Evidence is presented that the sum of the fusion and breakup yields saturates the total reaction cross section.

[Dengue infection in children and adolescents in Panama]. / Dengue pediátrico en Panamá.

BACKGROUND: Dengue is a serious emerging infectious disease and constitutes a major international health concern. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All reports of confirmed dengue infection in patients aged less than 18 years old between 2000 and 2005 were included. A confirmed diagnosis was established by culture of the virus within the first 3 days of symptom onset or by serologic assays 5-30 days after symptom onset. Clinical and epidemiological features were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 457 patients were included (57.6 % female). The median age was 13 years (IQR 5 6). A greater number of cases were detected in urban areas and during the rainy season (May-November). Two epidemics were reported in 2001 (33.9 %) and the first eight months of 2005 (23.1 %). The most prevalent symptoms were fever (95.2 %), severe headache (74.2 %), chills (65.9 %), rash (63.5 %), myalgias (51.9 %) and retro-orbital pain (51.6 %). No significant differences were found between male and female patients. Significant differences in clinical features were found when the patients were divided into 3 groups; < 5 years old, 6-10 years old and > 10 years old. Fifty-three percent of the patients had had previous contact with a dengue-infected individual. There were 7 patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever, 4 of whom died. CONCLUSIONS: Dengue virus infection is still a major health problem in Panama. To achieve effective control of dengue, further epidemiological studies, such as our own, are needed to design appropriate preventive measures.

Transfer and/or breakup modes in the 6He+209Bi reaction near the coulomb barrier

Reaction products from the interaction of 6He with 209Bi have been measured at energies near the Coulomb barrier. A 4He group of remarkable intensity, which dominates the total reaction cross section, has been observed. The angular distribution of the group suggests that it results primarily from a direct nuclear process. It is likely that this transfer and/or breakup channel is the doorway state that accounts for the previously observed large sub-barrier fusion enhancement in this system.

A human case of encephalitis associated with vesicular stomatitis virus (Indiana serotype) infection.

This paper describes a case of severe encephalitis in a 3-year-old Panamanian boy infected with the Indiana serotype of vesicular stomatitis virus. The virus was recovered from the child's throat on the fifth day of illness and a rise in neutralizing antibody titer was demonstrated in paired serum specimens. This is the second report of childhood encephalitis associated with vesicular stomatitis virus infection. These suggest that infection with vesicular stomatitis viruses may cause severe disease. Human infection with vesicular stomatitis viruses is common throughout the tropical Americas.

Seroepidemiology of human T cell lymphotropic virus in the Republic of Panama.

The human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) and associated diseases, adult T cell leukemia and spastic paraparesis, appear to be endemic in southwestern Japan and the Caribbean. This cross-sectional population-based study was conducted to describe the seroepidemiology of HTLV in the Republic of Panama. HTLV antibody was measured by first generation and commercial ELISA tests and confirmed by competitive binding ELISA, a radioimmunoassay for anti-p 24, and Western blot. Of 3,231 subjects greater than or equal to 15 years of age, 135 (4.2%) had antibody detected in ELISA screening tests, but because only 20% were confirmed positive, HTLV seroprevalence varied from 0.2-2% throughout the Republic. Infection with HTLV clustered in Guaymi Indians living in Bocas del Toro province (9.9% prevalence rate). With the exception of Guaymi Indians, no major geographic, urban/rural, male/female or racial differences in antibody prevalence were observed; specifically, HTLV infection rates were not elevated in black Panamanians. Clustering of infection in an isolated Amerind population must be further investigated. The small proportion of screen-positive sera which confirmed positive illustrates the importance of strict uniform criteria for seropositivity.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection in the Republic of Panama.

Thirty-one documented acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases occurred in Panama during 1984-1987. Twenty-three (74%) patients were homosexual males and all but 2 patients recognized prior to June 1987 have died. To identify risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus infection, 287 male homosexual residents of Panama City were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Nine had human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody. Travel to the United States, homosexual relations with United States nationals in Panama, and sexual contacts in Panamanian clubs and bars were associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection by logistic regression analysis. Number of different male sex partners per year was identified but did not enter the logistic model at a significant level. To estimate seroprevalence in other high risk populations, 183 Panama City female prostitutes and 55 homosexual males from the rural Azuero peninsula were screened; none were seropositive. Eighty-four percent of Panamanian hemophiliacs had antibody; infection was related to factor VIII transfusions. Two of 182 sickle cell anemia patients and 15 of 7,720 volunteer blood donors were positive.

A generic nested-RT-PCR followed by sequencing for detection and identification of members of the alphavirus genus.

A specific and sensitive nested RT-PCR method was developed for the detection of members of the alphavirus genus. Based on available sequences, degenerated primers were selected in the nsP4 gene. Reaction components and thermal cycling parameters were investigated and standardised, and optimal ones were selected. As few as 25 pfu/tube could be detected. The identities of the amplified fragments were confirmed by sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis was carried out. The resulting phylogenetic tree could be applied to classify every alphavirus according to its serogroup. This technique is suitable for rapid, sensitive and reliable detection of these viruses and may be very valuable for diagnostic applications and surveillance.

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in progressive systemic sclerosis: a case report and literature review.

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is an uncommon disease manifestation characterized by the presence of air in the bowel wall. It is a benign condition that often responds to conservative management; however, it may be a harbinger of end stage disease, particularly in progressive systemic sclerosis. The authors report a case of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in a patient with progressive systemic sclerosis in the setting of mixed connective tissue disease that responded to conservative treatment. They review the current literature on pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis, focusing on possible etiologies and potential therapies.

Percepción del ambiente para caminar según la localidad en Barranquilla, Colombia / Perception of the environment for walking according the locality in Barranquilla, Colombia

El objetivo fue estimar la percepción del ambiente del barrio para caminar según la localidad de la ciudad. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en 2103 personas entre 15 y 69 años de edad. Se aplicó el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física (IPAQ), y el Módulo Ambiente del International Physical Activity Study. Se estimó la asociación entre la percepción de los atributos del barrio y la localidad donde reside la persona. Los residentes del sur de la ciudad tienen mayor riego de percibir pocos supermercados a poca distancia de sus casas [OR 1,29(IC 95% 1,10-1,65)], aceras en mal estado [OR 1,44(IC 95% 1,10-1,90)], pocas personas físicamente activas [OR 4,13(IC 95% 2,50-6,82)], peligro para pasear durante el día[OR 3,07(IC 95% 1,96-4,80)], y pocas cosas interesantes en el vecindario [OR 3,21(IC 95% 2,05-5,02)] (AU)

The objective was to estimate the perception of the neighborhood environment for walking according to the location of the city. A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in 2103 people aged 15 to 69 years of age. We applied the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Environment Module of the International Physical Activity Study. We estimated the association between perceived attributes of the neighborhood and the locality where the person lives. The residents of the South of the city have a higher risk of perceiving a few supermarkets within walking distance of their homes [OR 1,29 (95% CI 1,10-1,65)], presence of sidewalks in bad condition [OR 1,44 (95% CI 1,10-1,90)], few people physically active [OR 4,13 (95% CI 2,50-6,82)], danger to stroll during the day [OR 3,07 (95% CI 1,96-4,80)] and few interesting things in the neighborhood [OR 3,21 (95% CI 2,05-5,02)] (AU)

Diffusion-weighted imaging in fetuses with unilateral cortical malformations and callosal agenesis.

DWI was performed in fetuses with callosal agenesis and unilateral cortical malformations. ADC values were retrospectively measured in the developing white matter underlying the cortical malformation and compared with the corresponding contralateral white matter. In all 3 patients, ADC values were lower under the areas of cortical malformation compared with the normal contralateral side. Our findings suggest that there are structural differences in the developing white matter underlying areas of cortical malformation.

Clasificación del estado físico de los pacientes según la sociedad americana de anestesiología (saa) en adultos atendidos por emergencia odontológica / Health status of patients attended by dental emergency using the classification of american society of anesthesiologists(asa)

Determinar el estado físico de los pacientes atendidos por emergencia odontológica en la Clínica Periférica Azcapotzalco de la U.N.A.M. usando la clasificación ASA. Se incluyeron 102 historias clínicas de emergencia odontológica de pacientes adultos atendidos en la Clínica Periférica Azcapotzalco turno vespertino de la Facultad de Odontología de la U.N.A.M. en el año lectivo 2009-2010, se registraron variables sociodemográficas, motivo de la consulta y el estadio ASA de cada paciente. Se utilizaron proporciones, medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión. La información se capturó y analizó en el programa SPSS 15.0. Casi dos terceras partes de la población (65.7%) atendida se clasificó como ASA I, el 26.5% se situaron en ASA II y el 7.8% obtuvieron clasificación ASA III. El principal motivo de consulta fue dolor dental (96.1%). 1) La mayoría de los pacientes atendidos de urgencia dentaria fueron clasificados como ASA I...

To establish the health status of patients attended by dental emergency in the Azcapotzalco peripheral clinic of UNAM, using ASA classification. Materials and We included 102 emergency medical records of adult patients treated at the Azcapotzalco peripheral clinic in the afternoon shift at the Faculty of Dentistry, UNAM in the 2009-2010 school year, we recorded demographic variables, reason for consultation and ASA stage of each patient. We used proportions, measures of central tendency and dispersion. The information was captured and analyzed in SPSS 15.0 software. Almost two thirds of the population (65.7%) were classified as ASA I, 26.5% were at ASA II and 7.8% were ASA III. The main reason for consultation was dental pain (96.1%). 1) Most of emergency patients seen were classified as ASA I...

Evaluación de la efectividad del renikan: extracto del pelargonium sidoides estandarizado EPs7630 en el tratmiento de las infecciones de las vías respiratorias superiores de etiología viral / Evaluation of the effectiveness of renikan: standardized extract of Pelargonium sidoides tratmiento EPs7630 in infections of the upper respiratory tract viral etiology

Las infecciones respiratorias, uno de los síndromes más frecuentes a nivel comunitario pueden ser de dos tipos: infecciones del tracto respiratorio superior o inferior. En su gran mayoría son inicadas por una infección viral transformando el terreno vulnerable a la sobre infección bacteriana. Hasta 2/3 de los pacientes son tratados desde el inicio de los síntomas con antibióticos, aunque este tratamiento no influye positivamente sobre el curso de la enfermedad. Renikan, fitofármaco extraído de la raíz del Pelargonium Sidoides, posee un triple mecanismo de acción: antiviral, antibacteriano y mucolítico, antiviral, porque activa los mecanismos de defensa antivirales orgánicos, antibacetriano, por su actividad bacteriostática directa e indirecta, y mucolítico, por sus propiedades secretomotoras y expectorantes. El objetivo fue comprobar la efectividad y tolerabilidad de Renikan en el tratamiento de las infecciones respiratorias. Diseño abierto y multicéntrico. Se seleccionaron niños de 6 a12 años y adultos de cualquier sexo o raza, con infecciones del tracto respiratorio superior. A los cuales se le suministró Renikan durante 7 días continuos, se evaluó: evolución de los síntomas, necesidad de uso de antibióticos y la escala de resultados integraticos IMOs. Ingreason un total 305 pacientes, 156 adultos y 149 niños distribuidos en tres grupos de estudio: Rinosinusitis, 97 pacientes, los cuales presentaron mejoría de sus síntomas en un 86% en los adultos y no utilizaron antibióticos en un 86%; los niños mejoraron en un 80%, y no usaron antibióticos en 91%. En el caso de las Amigdalitis hubo 108 pacientes con una mejoría sintomatológica en adultos del 92% y en los niños el 89%, no antibióticoterapia en el 86% de los adultos y 93% de los niños. El uso de Renikan en pacientes con infecciones del tracto respiratorio superior, demuestra ser seguro y efecivo tanto en adultos como en niños mayores de 6 años

Respiratory tract infections are the most common syndromes at community, there are two types: upper and lower respiratory tract infections. The vast majoritary are stared by a viral infection transforming the land vulnerable into a bacterial infection. The 2/3 o patients is treated from the onset of symptoms with antibiotics, although it is known that this treatment not positively influences the course of the disease. Renikan, herbal extrated fron the root of pelargonium sidoides has a threefold mechanism of action: antibiotic and mucolytic, antiviral, because it activates the natural antiviral mechanism of defense; antibacterial, due to its direct and indirect bacterostatic action and mucolytic, owing to its secretomotory and expectorant properties. To test the effectiveness and tolerability of renikan in the treatment of respiratory infections. Open desing, multicenter study. We selected children 6-12 years'age and adults of any sex orrance with upper respiratory tract infecctions. Theyreceived renikan for 7 consecutive days, changes in symptoms; necessity of antibiotic use and the integrative medicine outcome scale (IMOS) were evaluated. Of total of 305 patients, 156 adults and 149 children were divided into three groups: 97 rhinosinusitis patients, who showed symptoms improvement in 86% of adults and 91% of children, in 108 tonsillitis patients, an improvement of symptoms was found in 92% of adults and 89% of children, no antibiotic use were in 86% of adults and 93% of children, and, in a third group consistng of 100 patients with bronchitis, improvement was report in 98% od adults and in 73% of children, no antibiotics were used in 88% of adults and 96% of children. The use of concomitant therapy decreasedin 50% of cases and only 0.02% of patients had adverse events. The use of renikan use in patients with upper respiratory tract infections was shown to be safe and effective in both adults and children over 6 years of age

Effects of chronic hypobaric hypoxia on testis histology and round spermatid oxidative metabolism.

In order to evaluate the effects of the exposition to continuous chronic hypobaric hypoxia (CCHH) and intermittent chronic hypobaric hypoxia (ICHH) on testis histology and on oxidative metabolism of spermatogenic cells (SC), male rats were exposed to a 4600-m simulated altitude (PO2: 89.6 mmHg). After 60 days, ICHH and CCHH groups presented a significant decrease in testicular mass, an increase in interstitial space, a decrease in height of the seminiferous epithelium, depletion of cellular elements, vacuolization in epithelial cells and folding of the basal membrane. Round spermatids from animals exposed to CCHH presented a significant decrease in energy-dependent cell shape changes. Round spermatid mitochondria of CCHH rats seem to be limited in their ability to handle reducing equivalents. These mitochondria also appear to be uncoupled under basal conditions. Round spermatids from CCHH rats evidence large oxygen consumption (QO2) insensitive to inhibition by cyanide, a process that could be partly related to lipoperoxidation. Thus, exposure of male rats to CCHH and ICHH induced evident changes in testicular morphology and loss of spermatogenic cells, in all stages of the spermatogenic cycle. This post-meiotic spermatogenic cell loss in the testis correlated well with metabolic changes in round spermatids that evidenced a strong metabolic stress in these cells.

[Re-emergence of dengue in Panama]. / Reemergencia del dengue en Panama.

The dengue surveillance system in Panama during the 1994 and 1995 epidemics shows the following results: In 1994 we registered 793 dengue cases and a year after 3,083 dengue cases, with three dengue haemorrhagic cases (one death). To estimate the accumulated incidence rates in 1994-1995 period, we consolidated the cases. The highest risk of dengue and the highest dengue haemorrhagic propension were observed in: West Panama (709.49 per 100,000 persons), Los Santos (405.74 per 100,000 persons), Herrera (337.62 per 100,000), Metropolitana (126.98 per 100,000) and San Miguelito (125.10 per 100,000 persons).

Prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in high-risk women in the Republic of Panama.

This study enrolled 1,032 sexually active women attending social hygiene clinics in Panama City; clinic attendance is mandatory for women employed in houses of prostitution, bars, and cabarets. Women were interviewed, and endocervical specimens were obtained for culture of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus. Four occupational groups attended the social hygiene clinics: prostitutes, bar girls denying prostitution, cabaret entertainers, and streetwalkers detained by the police. Prevalence of sexually transmitted disease, nationality, race, contraceptive method, and self-medication varied significantly by occupation; 31% of streetwalkers had gonorrhea as did 10% of prostitutes, 5% of bar girls, and 3% of cabaret entertainers. Rates of positive serologic tests for syphilis followed the same trend: 23% in streetwalkers, 7% in prostitutes, and 3% in nonprostitutes. Rates of chlamydial infection were significantly higher in cabaret entertainers (8%) than in any other occupational group (2%). Cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus infections were uncommon and were found in 5% and 1% of the women, respectively. Prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae varied with self-medication and years of "professional" experience. Only one of 160 N. gonorrhoeae isolates was resistant to penicillin and also beta-lactamase-positive.

Diploid-tetraploid mosaicism in a malformed boy.

In a mentally retarded and malformed boy who is two years old, a diploid-tetraploid mosaicism was identified by G-banding. Clinical and cytogenetical findings are discussed.