Effects of Mono-Vacancies and Co-Vacancies of Nitrogen and Boron on the Energetics and Electronic Properties of Heterobilayer h-BN/graphene.

A study is carried out which investigates the effects of the mono-vacancies of boron (VB) and nitrogen (VN) and the co-vacancies of nitrogen (N), and boron (B) on the energetics and the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of an h-BN/graphene heterobilayer using first-principles calculations within the framework of the density functional theory (DFT). The heterobilayer is modelled using the periodic slab scheme. In the present case, a 4 × 4-(h-BN) monolayer is coupled to a 4 × 4-graphene monolayer, with a mismatch of 1.40%. In this coupling, the surface of interest is the 4 × 4-(h-BN) monolayer; the 4 × 4-graphene only represents the substrate that supports the 4 × 4-(h-BN) monolayer. From the calculations of the energy of formation of the 4 × 4-(h-BN)/4 × 4-graphene heterobilayer, with and without defects, it is established that, in both cases, the heterobilayers are energetically stable, from which it is inferred that these heterobilayers can be grown in the experiment. The formation of a mono-vacancy of boron (1 VB), a mono-vacancy of nitrogen (1 VN), and co-vacancies of boron and nitrogen (VBN) induce, on the structural level: (a) for 1 VB, a contraction n of the B-N bond lengths of ~2.46% and a slight change in the interfacial distance D (~0.096%) with respect to the heterobilayer free of defects (FD) are observed; (b) for 1 VN, a slight contraction of the B-N of bond lengths of ~0.67% and an approach between the h-BN monolayer and the graphene of ~3.83% with respect to the FD heterobilayer are observed; (c) for VBN, it can be seen that the N-N and B-B bond lengths (in the 1 VB and 1 VN regions, respectively) undergo an increase of ~2.00% and a decrease of ~3.83%, respectively. The calculations of the Löwdin charge for the FD heterobilayer and for those with defects (1 VB, 1 VN, and VBN) show that the inclusion of this type of defect induces significant changes in the Löwdin charge redistribution of the neighboring atoms of VB and VN, causing chemically active regions that could favor the interaction of the heterobilayer with external atoms and/or molecules. On the basis of an analysis of the densities of states and the band structures, it is established that the heterobilayer with 1 VB and VBN take on a half-metallic and magnetic behavior. Due to all of these properties, the FD heterobilayer and those with 1 VB, 1 VN, and VBN are candidates for possible adsorbent materials and possible materials that could be used for different spintronic applications.

Efficacy and tolerability of Roystonea regia lipid extract (D-004) and terazosin in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: a 6-month study.

BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common urological disease in aging men, frequently produces lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Clinical studies have shown that terazosin relaxes the smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder, facilitates bladder emptying, improves LUTS, increases maximum urinary flow, and reduces the residual volume of urine. D-004, a lipid extract of the fruit of the Cuban royal palm (Roystonea regia), presents a similar efficacy to Saw palmetto. Clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy and safety in short- and medium-term trials in patients with BPH. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of D-004 with terazosin for 6 months on LUTS in patients with BPH. METHODS: The present phase III study had an open, randomized, comparative design, with two parallel groups who received D-004 (320 mg/day) or terazosin (5 mg/day) for 6 months. The study included men at least 50 years of age, with evidence of the LUTS of moderate intensity according to the International Symptoms of the Prostate (IPSS). The effects on the IPSS Scale was the primary efficacy variable. The effects on the size of the prostate and the residual volume were secondary variables. The subjective self-perception of symptom relief at trial completion was a collateral outcome. Analysis was done by intention-to-treat. RESULTS: The study included 100 men with a diagnosis of BPH, confirmed by digital rectal examination and ultrasonography, and moderate LUTS (IPSS score >7, <19). Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Nine patients did not continue the study: one from group D-004 (due to protocol violation) and eight from the terazosin group (six due to adverse events and two due to protocol violation; p < 0.01). D-004 and terazosin significantly reduced the IPSS scores at the end of the 6 months of therapy by 74.2% and 66.1%, respectively, with respect to baseline values. Comparisons between groups performed showed that, at the end of the treatment, D-004 was more effective (p < 0.05) than terazosin in reducing the IPSS score. Although the average size of the prostate was reduced in both groups, this reduction reached statistical significance only for D-004. On the other hand, postvoid residual volume was significantly and similarly reduced in both groups. Both treatments were safe, while D-004 was better tolerated than terazosin. CONCLUSIONS: D-004 administered at a dose of 320 mg/day for 6 months showed comparable efficacy with terazosin (5 mg/day) in reducing the LUTS (IPSS score), producing a significant decrease in prostate volume and postvoid residual volume. Both treatments were safe, with better tolerability for D-004 as compared with terazosin.

GESTIÓN DEL CUIDADO DE ENFERMERÍA EN PERSONAS CON INTENTOS DE SUICIDIO / NURSING CARE MANAGEMENT OF PERSONS WITH SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

Algunas indagaciones sobre el suicidio indican que en muchos países se notifican las tasas más altas a escala mundial. Este se ubica entre las principales causas de muerte en adolescentes, jóvenes y en la población adulta y económicamente activa. El propósito del presente artículo es realizar un análisis crítico y reflexivo acerca de la importancia del cuidado de enfermería integral a la persona con intento suicida. Es imperativo concientizar en todos los ámbitos, la necesidad de prevenir el suicidio y que las personas puedan encontrar la ayuda en momentos de ideaciones suicidas sin temor a ser juzgados o señalados. En tal sentido, el cuidado que proporcionan los profesionales de enfermería en todas sus concepciones filosóficas resulta fundamental en la práctica diaria para abordar de manera integral al paciente con intento autolítico.

Research indicates that many countries report high rates of suicide. Suicide is among the main causes of death in adolescents, young adults and generally in the adult and economically active population. The purpose of this article is to carry out a critical and reflective analysis about the importance of comprehensive nursing care for the person who has attempted suicide. It is imperative to raise awareness of this problem and prevent suicide attempts by helping people find help in times of suicidal ideation without fear of being judged or singled out. The philosophical orientation and care provided by nursing professionals is essential in daily practice to comprehensively address the patient with the intent of self-harm.

Tobacco plants expressing the Cry1AbMod toxin suppress tolerance to Cry1Ab toxin of Manduca sexta cadherin-silenced larvae.

Cry toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria are insecticidal proteins used worldwide in the control of different insect pests. Alterations in toxin-receptor interaction represent the most common mechanism to induce resistance to Cry toxins in lepidopteran insects. Cry toxins bind with high affinity to the cadherin protein present in the midgut cells and this interaction facilitates the proteolytic removal of helix α-1 and pre-pore oligomer formation. Resistance to Cry toxins has been linked with mutations in the cadherin gene. One strategy effective to overcome larval resistance to Cry1A toxins is the production of Cry1AMod toxins that lack helix α-1. Cry1AMod are able to form oligomeric structures without binding to cadherin receptor and were shown to be toxic to cadherin-silenced Manduca sexta larvae and Pectinophora gossypiella strain with resistance linked to mutations in a cadherin gene. We developed Cry1AbMod tobacco transgenic plants to analyze if Cry1AMod toxins can be expressed in transgenic crops, do not affect plant development and are able to control insect pests. Our results show that production of the Cry1AbMod toxin in transgenic plants does not affect plant development, since these plants exhibited healthy growth, produced abundant seeds, and were virtually undistinguishable from control plants. Most importantly, Cry1AbMod protein produced in tobacco plants retains its functional toxic activity against susceptible and tolerant M. sexta larvae due to the silencing of cadherin receptor by RNAi. These results suggest that CryMod toxins could potentially be expressed in other transgenic crops to protect them against both toxin-susceptible and resistant lepidopteran larvae affected in cadherin gene.

The Cuban Public Registry of Clinical Trials: primary registry of World Health Organization.

Despite the importance of randomized trials for well-informed decisions in health care, a large proportion of the results of these trials are not published, especially when they are negative. Publication bias has a negative impact in the treatment of patients, due to the distorted impression it leads to for new therapies. Clinical Trial Registries help to overcome this by providing transparency in the process of conducting research. The World Health Organization takes the position that the registration of interventional trials is a scientific, ethical and moral responsibility. Taking account of this global movement, the National Coordinating Centre of Clinical Trials and the Cuban Health Network, designed and implemented the Cuban Public Registry of Clinical Trials. The Registry was established in June 2007 and is intended for public service in Cuban territory, although it is open to registrants and patients outside Cuba. The Registry staff developed a strategy to become a Primary Registry of the World Health Organization, and this was achieved in February 2011.

Efecto hipoglicemiante del extracto fluido de Tecoma stans Linn en roedores / Hypoglycemic effect of the fluid extract of Tecoma stans Linn in rodents

Se realizó la evaluación farmacológica preclínica de un extracto fluido de Tecoma stans Linn en 2 grupos de estudio, conformados con ratones normoglicémicos y ratas con resistencia periférica a la insulina, por inducción con dexametasona, con el objetivo de conocer su posible efecto hipoglicemiante. Las dosis evaluadas fueron 50, 100, 250 y 500 mg/kg. Se encontró efecto hipoglicemiante con 250 y 500 mg/kg en ambos grupos de estudio, al ser comparados con el grupo control negativo. Mostró un efecto similar a la glibenclamida (5 mg/kg), la dosis máxima del extracto fluido evaluada en ambos grupos de roedores. La dosis media efectiva calculada en ratones fue de 278,8 mg/kg. El nivel de significación se fijó en una p£0,05. Los resultados indican que el extracto fluido de Tecoma stan Linn posee efecto hipoglicemiante en ambos grupos de roedores

Diseño de modelo municipal descentralizado de servicios de salud Municipio Díaz. Nueva Esparta / Decentralizate municipal model desing of health services Díaz Municipality. Nueva Esparta

El modelo municipal descentralizado, es la herramienta para el otorgamiento del poder a la localidad, en un sector prioritario como es salud, es la vía para el cambio institucional, que fundamentada en su marco jurídico, estructurado como un sistema intergubernamental, operacionalizada con la implementación de una red de establecimientos y servicios de salud, con un enfoque estratégico, logrará la optimización de los recursos del Municipio Díaz, siguiendo principios de equidad, eficiencia y eficacia. Se propone un modelo de gestión basado en el pluralismo estructurado, orientado a garantizar el acceso real a los servicios y a todos los sectores de la comunidad. A través de una corporación de salud, con personalidad jurídica, adscrita a Corposalud, como órgano operativo y con estructura organizativa, administrativa y funcional. Se realizó un estudio de investigación descriptivo, análisis de la situación de salud municipal, utilizando la entrevista como instrumento y el posterior diseño del modelo descentralizado