Hardness Analysis of Foods in a Diet Based on the Mediterranean Diet and Adapted to Chilean Gastronomy.

The human diet is a factor for disease prevention and the extension of life expectancy. Loss of teeth can adversely affect chewing capacity, which can lead patients to modify their diet and subsequently result in a poor dietary intake. This work is conducted within the framework of an ongoing research project in the Dentistry School of Universidad de la Frontera aimed at designing a diet for patients with complete removable dental prostheses (CRDP). This study aimed to evaluate the hardness of foods in a diet designed for patients using CRDP, using texture profile analysis (TPA). TPA was used to measure the hardness of 43 foods, categorized into seven groups, dairy, animal protein, fruits, vegetables, cereals and grains, high-lipid foods, and vegetable protein, to understand their impact on masticatory performance in CRDP wearers. TPA consists of two compression cycles where the food sample is compressed until it reaches a pre-established deformation. The first force peak achieved in the first cycle is used as a measure of sample hardness. Significant differences in hardness were identified within each food group, indicating a wide spectrum of textural properties that could influence chewing behavior. These findings suggest that assessing food hardness can help tailor dietary recommendations to improve masticatory efficiency in patients with dental prostheses.

Interaction of planting system with radiation-use efficiency in wheat lines.

Radiation-use efficiency (RUE) is an important trait for raising biomass and yield potential in plant breeding. However, the effect of the planting system (PS) on genetic variation in RUE has not been previously investigated. Our objectives were to quantify genetic variation in RUE, biomass and grain yield in raised-bed and flat-basin planting systems, and associations with canopy-architecture traits (flag-leaf angle and curvature). Twelve spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars were evaluated under irrigated conditions for 3 years in North West Mexico using raised-bed and flat-basin planting systems. Canopy architecture traits were measured at booting and anthesis + 7 days. Grain yield (10.6%), biomass (7.6%), and pre-grain-filling RUE (9.7%) were higher in raised beds than flat basins, while a significant planting system × genotype interaction was found for grain yield. Genetic variation in pre-grain-filling RUE was associated with biomass and grain yield in beds and basins. In flat basins, higher pre-grain-filling RUE was correlated with a more upright flag-leaf angle but not in raised beds. In raised beds, cultivars with less upright flag-leaf angle had greater fractional light interception pre-anthesis. Taller semi-dwarf cultivars intercepted relatively more radiation in the beds than the flats before anthesis, consistent with the taller cultivars showing relatively greater increases in yield in beds compared to flats. Our results indicated that the evaluation of genotypes for RUE and biomass in wheat breeding should take into account planting systems to capture genotype × PS effects. In addition, the results demonstrate how flag-leaf angle has a different effect depending on the planting system.

Making a difference? A retrospective review of peripherally inserted central catheters: A single-center experience in Colombia.

Introduction: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are an effective tool as a medical device in patients who require them. However, it is a procedure that has been associated with multiple complications and possible negative outcomes for the health of the patients. This paper seeks to describe the main complications derived from the insertion and maintenance of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs), based on the experience of a vascular accesses group in a cardiovascular center in Colombia. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analytical study of the adult population undergoing PICC insertion at the Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología, during the period between 2019 and 2020 by the vascular access program, was performed. Results: The frequency of any registered complication was 15.9% for 2019 and 11.2% for 2020. Bleeding at the procedure site occurred in 15.3% during 2019 and 7.0% in 2020, making it the most frequent complication during the procedure. All the variables of complications associated with infection (bacteremia, phlebitis, and catheter-related infection) showed a decrease in 2020 compared to the previous year. The central line-associated bloodstream infection registered for the year 2019 was 1.94 bacteremia's/1000 catheters-day compared to 0.29 bacteremia's/1000 catheters-day. Conclusions: There has been a 4.7% reduction in the frequency of any registered complication after the implementation of the vascular access groups. Global and specific complications decreased significantly from 2019 to 2020. Notably, bacteremia, a common post-procedure complication, showed a substantial decrease in frequency compared to national and worldwide literature. It is also been described that complications associated with infection showed a decrease in 2020 compared to 2019. Whether or not all these findings are directly or somewhat related to the results stemming from the vascular access groups still needs further investigation.

Effectiveness of Saccharomyces Boulardii CNCM I-745 probiotic in acute inflammatory viral diarrhoea in adults: results from a single-centre randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics are effective for treating acute infectious diarrhoea caused by bacteria, but there are inconsistent results for the effectiveness of probiotics for diarrhoea caused by viruses. In this article we want to determine whether Sb supplementation has an effect on acute inflammatory viral diarrhoea diagnosed with the multiplex panel PCR test. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii (Sb) as a treatment in patients diagnosed with viral acute diarrhoea. METHODS: From February 2021 to December 2021, 46 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of viral acute diarrhoea diagnosed with the polymerase chain reaction multiplex assay were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. Patients received paracetamol 500 mg as a standard analgesic and 200 mg of Trimebutine as an antispasmodic treatment plus 600 mg of Sb (n = 23, 1 × 109/100 mL Colony forming unit) or a placebo (n = 23) orally once daily for eight days. The improvement in and severity of symptoms were measured using a symptom diary, the Patient Global Impression and the Patient Global Impression of Change scales (days 4 and 8), both answered and recorded by the patient. RESULTS: Of the 46 patients who completed treatment, 24 (52%) were men and 22 (48%) were women. The average age was 35.6 ± 12.28 years (range 18 to 61 years). The average duration of the evolution of illness at the time of diagnosis was 0.85 ± 0.73 days (maximum 2 days). On day 4 after the diagnosis, 20% reported pain and 2% reported fever, but on day 8, no patient reported pain or fever. On day 4, 70% of patients in the Sb group and 26% in the placebo group reported improvement (P = 0.03), based on the Patients' Global Impression of Change scale, which assesses patient's rating of overall improvement. These findings suggest that 3 to 4 days of treatment with Sb helped to improve symptoms of diarrhoea caused by a virus. CONCLUSION: Treatment with Sb on acute inflammatory diarrhoea of viral aetiology shows no changes regarding the severity of the symptoms; nevertheless, it seems to impact improvement positively. TRIAL REGISTRATION: 22CEI00320171130 dated on 16/12/2020, NCT05226052 dated on 07/02/2022.

A Study on a Polymeric Foam Based on Pulse Proteins and Cellulose Fibrils.

Biofoams are a challenge for scientists in terms of innovation. Incorporation of cellulose fibrils (CF), might help improve the microstructure of foams, thus this study focuses on studying the impact of CF on the foaming properties and rheology of lentil protein (LP) foams at various pH and CF concentrations. Additionally, LP-CF mixtures were transformed into solid foams, and their microstructure, physical properties, and morphology were evaluated. CF concentration significantly impacted on LP-CF foam properties, primarily due to high viscosity values. Increased CF concentration resulted in improved FS values (up to 77 min) at all pH values. This is likely attributed to associative interactions and coacervates formation. Also, foam microstructure could be related to apparent viscosity, suggesting the role of viscosity in preserving the integrity of the wet foam structure during freezing and lyophilization processes. However, elevated viscosity values might negatively impact properties such as foaming capacity and produce denser microstructures. The microstructure and morphology analysis revealed that certain foams exhibited a sponge-like structure with open pores and semi-spherical shapes, supported by CF fibers extending and forming layers. However, the structure itself was irregular. While others exhibited non-uniform, irregular pore size, and shape, along with a denser structure. These findings contribute to understanding the behavior of LP-CF mixtures, although additional investigations on mechanical properties, biodegradability, and hydrophobicity are necessary to reach their full potential for various applications.

Infancias y adolescencias: vivencias durante la pandemia por covid-19 en Argentina / Childhood and adolescence: experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina / Infância e adolescência: experiências durante a pandemia de Covid-19 na Argentina

Resumen (analítico) El advenimiento de la pandemia del covid-19 y el aislamiento social, preventivo y obligatorio, impactó en la vida cotidiana y tuvo efectos en la subjetividad de niños, niñas y adolescentes. A través de un estudio exploratorio-descriptivo de carácter cualitativo se indaga sobre la construcción de sentidos, y las emociones en torno a la pandemia y cuarentena, las experiencias escolares y las prácticas de cuidado. Participaron 68 niñas, niños y adolescentes de cuatro jurisdicciones de Argentina, entre marzo y junio de 2020. Se recolectaron narrativas orales, fotos, dibujos y videos. Relataron cómo reinventaron modos de vincularse, de jugar y habitar espacios, erigiéndose como sujetos ético-políticos capaces de cuidar y de transformar su entorno, a pesar de la profundización de situaciones de desigualdad, del miedo al contagio y pérdida de seres queridos.

Abstract (analytical) The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the preventive and compulsory social confinement established as a response by the national government of Argentina had an impact on the daily lives and subjectivities of children and adolescents. The authors carried out a qualitative exploratory-descriptive study that focused on the construction of meanings and emotions in relation to the pandemic, lockdowns, school experiences and care practices. A total of 68 children and adolescents from four different jurisdictions in Argentina participated in the study between March and June 2020. The authors collected oral narratives, photos, drawings and videos produced by the children and adolescents. The participants reinvented ways of bonding, playing and inhabiting spaces, establishing themselves as ethical-political subjects who are capable of caring and transforming the roles assigned to them by society despite worsening situations of inequality, fear of contagion and loss of loved ones.

Resumo (analítico) O advento da pandemia da Covid-19 e o isolamento social preventivo e compulsório tiveram impacto na vida diária e tiveram efeitos sobre a subjetividade de crianças e adolescentes. Através de um estudo exploratório-descritivo qualitativo, investigamos a construção de significados e emoções em torno da pandemia e quarentena, experiências escolares e práticas de cuidado. Sessenta e oito crianças e adolescentes de quatro jurisdições na Argentina participaram entre março e junho de 2020. Foram coletadas narrativas orais, fotos, desenhos e vídeos. Os participantes reinventaram formas de união, brincando e habitando espaços, estabelecendo-se como sujeitos ético-políticos capazes de cuidar e transformar seu ambiente, apesar do aprofundamento de situações de desigua0ldade, medo de contágio e perda de entes queridos.

Experiencias comunitarias, crianzas compartidas y políticas de cuidado / Experiências comunitárias, políticas compartilhadas de pais e cuidados / Community experiences, shared upbringing and care policies

RESUMEN En el presente artículo, escrito en el contexto de la pandemia 2020-2021 y en el marco del cumplimento del Aislamiento Social Preventivo y Obligatorio (ASPO), analizamos dos experiencias comunitarias vinculadas al cuidado de las infancias y adolescencias que se desarrollan en las provincias de Neuquén y Río Negro (Patagonia Argentina). Dicho análisis es resultado de una investigación cualitativa realizada desde la perspectiva de la Psicología Social Crítica y las Políticas Públicas en la que buscamos recuperar los saberes sociales que estas iniciativas comunitarias pueden aportar al diseño y reformulación de las políticas públicas de cuidado. Específicamente, las experiencias que aquí presentamos son: la Asociación Civil GAIA-Nueva Crianza, conformada por familias de niñes y adolescentes trans; y la Asociación Civil Lazos Azules, integrada por familias de niños y adolescentes con TEA (Trastorno del Espectro Autista). Si bien las dos asociaciones son muy diferentes entre sí, ambas coinciden en estar protagonizadas por familias que, a partir de haber escuchado y prestado atención a las necesidades de sus hijo/a/es, se organizaron colectivamente para visibilizar la realidad de sus niño/a/es y adolescentes generando distintas acciones. Dichas acciones tienden no sólo a hacer efectivos los derechos de las infancias y adolescencias, especialmente aquellos vinculados a la identidad, la educación y la salud, sino que están orientadas a incidir en las políticas públicas de cuidado a nivel local desde lo que Boaventura de Sousa Santos denomina la sociología de las emergencias y desde lo que Rita Segato designa como una politicidad en clave femenina anfibia.

RESUMO. Neste artigo, escrito no contexto da pandemia 2020-2021 e no quadro do cumprimento do Isolamento Social Preventivo e Obrigatório (ASPO), analisamos duas experiências comunitárias relacionadas com o cuidado de crianças e adolescentes que ocorrem nas províncias de Neuquén e Río Negro (Patagônia Argentina). Esta análise é resultado de uma pesquisa qualitativa realizada na perspectiva da Psicologia Social Crítica e das Políticas Públicas, na qual buscamos resgatar o conhecimento social de que essas iniciativas comunitárias podem contribuir para o desenho e reformulação das políticas públicas de atenção. Especificamente, as experiências que aqui apresentamos são: a Associação Civil GAIA-Nueva Crianza, formada por famílias de crianças e adolescentes trans; e a Associação Civil Lazos Azules, formada por famílias de crianças e adolescentes com TEA (Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo). Embora as duas associações sejam muito diferentes entre si, ambas coincidem no fato de serem lideradas por famílias que, depois de ouvir e atentar para as necessidades dos filhos, se organizam coletivamente para tornar visível a realidade dos filhos. a / es e adolescentes gerando diferentes ações. Essas ações tendem não só a efetivar os direitos da criança e do adolescente, especialmente aqueles vinculados à identidade, educação e saúde, mas visam influenciar as políticas públicas de atenção em nível local a partir do que Boaventura de Sousa Santos denomina a sociologia das emergências e do que Rita Segato designa como feminilidade anfíbia chave de politicidade.

ABSTRACT In this article, written in the context of the 2020-2021 pandemic and in compliance with the Preventive and Compulsory Social Isolation (ASPO), we analyze two community experiences related to the care of children and adolescents that take place in the provinces of Neuquén and Río Negro (Argentinian Patagonia). This analysis is the result of a qualitative study carried out from the perspective of Critical Social Psychology and Public Policy, in which we seek to recover the social knowledge that these community initiatives can contribute to the design and reformulation of public care policies. Specifically, the experiences we present here are the GAIA-Nueva Crianza Civil Association, made up of families of trans children and adolescents; and the Lazos Azules civil association, made up of families of children and adolescents with ASD (autism spectrum disorder). Although the two associations are very different from each other, they both coincide in being led by families who, after having listened and paid attention to the needs of their children, they organized collectively to make visible the reality of their children and adolescents by generating different actions. These actions tend not only to make effective the rights of children and adolescents, especially those linked to identity, education and health, but are also aimed at influencing public care policies at the local level, from what Boaventura de Sousa Santos calls the sociology of emergencies and from what Rita Segato designates amphibious feminine key politicity.

Neonatal mice resist Plasmodium yoelii infection until exposed to para-aminobenzoic acid containing diet after weaning.

We developed a newborn (NB) mouse Plasmodium yoelii NL infection model to study malaria in early age. Surprisingly, the onset of parasitemia in P. yoelii challenged NB mice was delayed compared to adults and coincided with the weaning date when weanlings switched from maternal milk to normal chow diet. Also, compared to adult mice, parasitemia resolved much later (48 days vs 20 days post challenge) and the peak parasitemia was twice as high in weanlings. Concurrently, weanlings' germinal center reaction was delayed and diminished compared to adult mice. Maternal milk is deficient in para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which is required for de novo folate synthesis by Plasmodium. Suggesting a possible role for the protection afforded by PABA-deficient maternal milk, mice fed with a PABA-deficient diet after the weaning continued to control parasitemia. Despite the reduced parasitemia, these mice developed robust T follicular helper (Tfh) responses and were protected from a second P. yoelii challenge. The NB malaria model provides mechanistic insight into the human infant malaria manifestations where a diet solely based on breast-feeding reduces the incidence of severe malaria in infants. NB mice experiments also support further studies to investigate dietary PABA restriction in the management of severe malaria in infants.

Spanish Translation, Adaptation, and Validation of the Multidimensional Condom Attitudes Scale with Young Colombian Men and Women.

Infection by HIV/AIDS or other STIs and unplanned pregnancies are sexual health problems of considerable impact around the world. Condoms are the only method that prevents all those risks, and attitudes toward the use of condoms are among the best predictors of their consistent use. The purpose of the present study was to translate, adapt, and validate a Spanish-language version of the Multidimensional Condom Attitudes Scale (MCAS) using a sample of young people from Colombia. A total of 1441 young people between the ages of 18 and 26 years responded to a web-based survey conducted between January 2018 and February 2018. The dimensionality of the scale was explored and confirmed to replicate the original five-factor structure (alphas ranged from .65 to .86). Criterion validity was adequate. Women had more positive attitudes toward identity stigma associated with condom use, while men had more positive attitudes toward reliability and effectiveness of condoms and were less embarrassed with condom negotiation and use. The Spanish-language MCAS is suitable for measuring condom-related attitudes among Colombian youth. Future research is needed to validate the Spanish version of the MCAS with other Spanish-speaking populations.

Hábito y calidad del desayuno; su efecto en el rendimiento académico de estudiantes de técnico de nivel superior en enfermería / Habit and quality of breakfast: its effect on academic performance of senior technician students in nursing / Effet de l'habitude et la qualité du petit déjeuner sur les résultats scolaires des étudiants Techniciens Supérieurs en Soins Infirmiers

Resumen Objetivo: Estudiar la relación existente entre el desayuno y el rendimiento académico en los estudiantes de Técnico de Nivel Superior en Enfermería (TNSE) de la Universidad Adventista de Chile (UnACh). Material y Métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo y transversal, en un universo de 39 estudiantes que cursaron las asignaturas troncales durante los años 2016-2017 y a los que se aplicó un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo y hábitos alimenticios. Asimismo, se recogieron datos sociodemográficos y calificaciones académicas de dichos estudiantes. El rendimiento académico para este trabajo se definió como el promedio, por estudiante, de calificaciones en las asignaturas de Anatomía y Fisiología, Enfermería en Urgencias y Principios de Farmacología. Resultados: Un 73.5% de los encuestados consume cereales al menos 4 días/semana y 54.5% consume frutas al desayuno 3 días o menos por semana. El consumo de leche y sus derivados más de 3 días/semana se eleva a 61.7%. Se destaca el consumo de pan (66.7%), plátano (46.2%) y leche (30.4%), lo cual coincide con las preferencias de consumo de una familia chilena. Sumado a esto, el 53.8 % de los estudiantes encuestados no toman desayuno en casa, manifestando como principal causa la falta de tiempo (57.1%). En cuanto al rendimiento académico se encontró que el rango de la media de calificaciones varía de 53.9 a 61.0 (escala 1-100 puntos), con altas tasas de reprobación de 1 o más veces en las asignaturas cursadas. Conclusión: No se encontró una relación significativa entre calidad del desayuno y la media de calificaciones en las diferentes asignaturas, sin embargo, no es posible descartar totalmente que la calidad del desayuno o su omisión no altere el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes, que impactan en el desarrollo de los procesos cognitivos.

Abstract Objective: Study the relationship between breakfast and academic performance in Senior Technician Students in Nursing, from the Adventist University of Chile (UnACh). Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative research was carried out in a universe of 39 students who took the core subjects during the years 2016 and 2017, and to whom a consumption frequency questionnaire and eating habits was applied. Likewise, sociodemographic data and academic qualifications of these students were collected. The academic performance for this work was defined as the grade average per student in the subjects of Anatomy, Physiology, Emergency Department Nursing and Pharmacology. Results: 73.5% of respondents consume cereals at least 4 days a week and 54.5% eat fruits for breakfast 3 days or less a week. The consumption of milk and dairy products more than 3 days a week rises to 61.7%. The consumption of bread (66.7%), banana (46.2%) and milk (30.4%) stands out, which coincides with the consumption preferences of a Chilean family. In addition, 53.8% of the surveyed students do not eat breakfast at home, stating lack of time as the main cause (57.1%). Regarding academic performance, it was found that the range of the average grades differs from 53.9 to 61.0 (scale 1-100 points) with high failure rates of one or more times in the subjects taken. Conclusion: No significant relationship was found between the quality of breakfast and the mean of grades in the different subjects. However, it is not possible to rule out that the quality of breakfast or its omission does not affect the academic performance of the students, which has an impact on the development of cognitive processes.

Resumo Objetivo: Estudar a relação entre o desjejum e o desempenho acadêmico em estudantes Técnicos de Enfermagem de Nível Superior (TNSE) da Universidade Adventista do Chile (UnACh). Material e Métodos: Estudo quantitativo, descritivo e transversal, em um universo de 39 alunos que cursaram as disciplinas centrais durante os anos de 2016 a 2017 e aos quais foi aplicado um questionário de frequência de consumo e hábitos alimentares. Da mesma forma, foram coletados dados sociodemográficos e habilitações literárias dos referidos alunos. O desempenho acadêmico para este trabalho foi definido como a média, por aluno, das notas nas disciplinas de Anatomia e Fisiologia, Enfermagem de Emergência e Princípios de Farmacologia. Resultados: 73,5% dos pesquisados consomem cereais pelo menos 4 dias / semana e 54,5% consomem frutas no café da manhã 3 dias ou menos na semana. O consumo de leite e seus derivados mais de 3 dias / semana sobe para 61,7%. Destaca-se o consumo de pão (66,7%), banana (46,2%) e leite (30,4%), que coincide com as preferências de consumo de uma família chilena. Somado a isso, 53,8% dos alunos pesquisados não tomam café da manhã em casa, citando a falta de tempo como principal causa (57,1%). Em relação ao desempenho escolar, constatou-se que a faixa de notas médias varia de 53,9 a 61,0 (escala de 1 a 100 pontos), com altas taxas de reprovação de 1 ou mais vezes nas disciplinas cursadas. Conclusão: Não foi encontrada relação significativa entre a qualidade do café da manhã e as notas médias nas diferentes disciplinas, porém, não é possível descartar totalmente que a qualidade do café da manhã ou sua omissão não altera o desempenho escolar dos alunos, o que impacta o desenvolvimento de processos cognitivos.

Résumé Objectif: Étudier la relation entre le petit déjeuner et les résultats scolaires des étudiants du programme de Technicien Supérieur en Soins Infirmiers (TNSE)de l'Université adventiste du Chili (UnACh). Matériel et méthodes: Étude quantitative, descriptive et transversale, auprès d'un univers de 39 étudiants qui ont suivi les matières de bases au cours des années 2016-2017 et ont répondu à un questionnaire sur leurs fréquences de consommation et leurs habitudes alimentaires. Des données sociodémographiques et les notes de ces étudiants ont aussi été recueillies. Pour ce travail, les résultats académiques des étudiants ont été définis par la moyenne des notes obtenues dans les matières Anatomie et physiologie, Soins infirmiers d'urgence et Principes de pharmacologie. Résultats: Au petit déjeuner, 73,5 % des personnes interrogées ont consommé des céréales au moins 4 jours par semaine et 54,5 % ont consommé des fruits 3 jours ou moins par semaine. La consommation de lait et de ses dérivés plus de 3 jours par semaine s'élève à 61,7 %. La consommation de pain (66,7%), de bananes (46,2%) et de lait (30,4%) est prédominante, ce qui correspond aux préférences de consommation des familles chiliennes. 53,8 % des étudiants interrogés ne prennent pas leur petit déjeuner à la maison ; ils indiquent que cela est principalement par manque de temps (57,1 %). En ce qui concerne les résultats scolaires, il a été constaté que la fourchette des moyennes varie de 53,9 à 61,0 (échelle de 1 à 100 points), avec un fort pourcentage d'échec une ou plusieurs fois dans les matières. Conclusion: Aucune relation significative n'a été trouvée entre la qualité du petit déjeuner et la moyenne des notes dans les différentes matières ; cependant, il n'est pas possible d'exclure totalement que la qualité du petit déjeuner, ou son omission, puisse altérer les résultats scolaires des étudiants, du fait de l'impact sur le développement des processus cognitifs.

Memory CD73+IgM+ B cells protect against Plasmodium yoelii infection and express Granzyme B.

To better understand anti-malaria protective immune responses, we examined the cellular mechanisms that govern protective immunity in a murine Plasmodium yoelii 17X NL (PyNL) re-infection model. Initially, we confirmed that immune B cells generated during a primary PyNL infection were largely responsible for protection from a second PyNL infection. Using the previously identified memory B cell markers CD80, PD-L2, and CD73, we found an increase in the frequency of CD80-PD-L2-CD73+ B cells up to 55 days after a primary PyNL infection and at 4-6 days following a second PyNL infection. Moreover, injection of enriched immune CD19+CD73+ B cells into nonimmune mice were significantly more protective against a PyNL infection than CD73- B cells. Interestingly, a substantial fraction of these CD73+ B cells also expressed IgM and granzyme B, a biomolecule that has been increasingly associated with protective responses against malaria.

Gender Differences in Postoperative Pain, Nausea and Vomiting After Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Although reports suggest that pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) may be more frequent in women, the evidence is inconsistent. The objective of this study was to investigate whether women are more sensitive to pain and PONV after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: A total of 370 women and 275 men were included in a retrospective cohort study. All underwent LC under standardized general anesthesia. The variables analyzed included clinical and anthropometric parameters. End points were the incidence of nausea, vomiting, pain, and the requirement for additional pain relievers and antiemetics to control these. RESULTS: The women were younger and had lower body weight than the men (p < 0.001). Body mass index was within the normal range for 50% of women and 30% of men (p < 0.001). Pain was more common in women at 1, 6, 12 and 24 h after surgery (p < 0.02). Narcotics in addition to the doses used to lessen pain intensity (p = 0.01) were required in 60 women and 19 men (p < 0.001). PONV was more frequent in women at 1 and 6 h after surgery (p < 0.01). Rescue antiemetics were required in 35 women and 11 men (p = 0.008). Hospital stay was shorter for men (p < 0.001). Four patients in each group developed postoperative complications (p = 0.14). There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Early postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting after LC were more common in women, who more frequently required analgesic and antiemetic rescue medication.

Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators in experimental periodontitis: A systematic review.

Recently, several studies demonstrated the potential of using specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs), as a novel approach, in treating periodontitis in pre-clinical models. This review aimed to systematically evaluate the biological actions of SPMs on periodontal tissues in animals with experimentally induced periodontitis. This systematic review was performed by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were searched in three databases. Meta-analysis was not performed because of the data heterogeneity. Study quality was assessed using Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) Risk of Bias tool. Six studies using an experimental periodontitis model to test the efficacy of SPMs were selected. Resolvin E1 and lipoxins were topically applied to treat experimental periodontitis. Alveolar bone loss could be significantly prevented and regenerated by applying SPMs, when compared to the control group. The dosages of SPMs and the periods of disease induction varied based on the pre-clinical model employed. Two studies further demonstrated the positive shift in microbial composition, in line with positive shift in inflammatory status, that are regulated by SPMs. Clinical studies are needed to optimize the application of SPMs in treating periodontal diseases in humans.

TACI Contributes to Plasmodium yoelii Host Resistance by Controlling T Follicular Helper Cell Response and Germinal Center Formation.

The delay in parasite-specific B cell development leaves people in malaria endemic areas vulnerable to repeated Plasmodium infections. Here, we investigated the role of transmembrane activator and calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI), a molecule involved in the generation of antigen-specific antibody secreting cells, in host response to non-lethal Plasmodium yoelii infection. We found that TACI deficiency not only resulted in higher peak parasitemia levels in P. yoelii challenged mice, but also led to a delay in parasite clearance and anti-P. yoelii Merozoite Surface Protein 1(C-terminal 19-kDa fragment [rMSP-119]) protein and anti-rMSP-119 and anti-P. yoelii IgG antibody development. There was also a delay in the generation of splenic high affinity antibody secreting cells that recognize rMSP-119 protein as compared to wild-type mice. Interestingly, coinciding with the delay in parasite clearance there was a delay in the resolution of T follicular helper (TFH) cell and germinal center (GC) B cell responses in TACI -/- mice. The persistence of TFH and GC B cells is likely a result of enhanced interaction between TFH and GC B cells because inducible costimulator ligand (ICOSL) expression was significantly higher on TACI -/- GC B cells than wild-type cells. The difference in the kinetics of GC reaction appeared to also impact the emergence of plasma cells (PC) because there was a delay in the generation of TACI -/- mice PC. Nevertheless, following the recovery from P. yoelii infection, TACI -/- and wild-type mice were both protected from a rechallenge infection. Establishment of protective B cell response was responsible for the resolution of parasitemia because B cells purified from recovered TACI -/- or wild-type mice were equally protective when introduced to naïve wild-type mice prior to P. yoelii challenge. Thus, despite the increased susceptibility of TACI -/- mice to P. yoelii infection and a delay in the development of protective antibody levels, TACI -/- mice are able to clear the infection and resist rechallenge infection.

[Approach to percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Comparison of the procedure in a one-shot versus the sequential with metal dilata]. / Abordaje para nefrolitotomía percutánea. Comparación del procedimiento en un solo paso contra la secuencial con dilatadores metálicos.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is an efficient approach for treatment of different types of kidney stones. Various types of access techniques have been described like sequential dilatation and one-shot procedure. OBJECTIVE: To determine the differences in time of exposure to X-rays and hemoglobin levels between techniques. METHODS: Controlled clinical trial. Patients older than 18 years with complex/uncomplicated kidney stones, without urine infection were included. They were assigned randomly to one of the two techniques. Response variables were determined before and 24 h after procedures. RESULTS: 59 patients were included: 30 underwent one-shot procedure (study-group) and 29 sequential dilatation (control-group). Baseline characteristics were similar. Study group had a lower postoperative hemoglobin decline than control group (0.81 vs. 2.03 g/dl, respectively; p < 0.001); X-ray exposure time (69.6 vs. 100.62 s; p < 0.001) and postoperative creatinine serum levels (0.93 ± 0.29 vs. 1.13 ± 0.4 mg/dl; p = 0.039). No significant differences in postoperative morbidity were found. CONCLUSION: One-shot technique demonstrated better results compared to sequential dilatation.

Bone regeneration in mandibular fractures after the application of autologous mesenchymal stem cells, a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Facial injury in adults can commonly result in fractures of the mandible. Autologous mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) transplantation is proposed as an alternative to conventional graft treatment to improve bone regeneration. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of AMSCs application in mandibular fractures to reduce regeneration time and increase bone quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a single-blind controlled clinical trial conducted in patients with mandibular angle fractures. Patients were divided into two groups: study group fracture reduction plus application of AMSCs and control group only fracture reduction. AMSCs were obtained from adipose tissue 24 h before the procedure. Intensity and density were evaluated in normal bone and fractured bone at 4 and 12 weeks after surgery using panoramic radiography and computed tomography. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients, 10 in each group, were included. The study group had a mean age of 31.2 ± 6.3 years, and the control group mean age was 29.7 ± 7.2 years. All patients were male. Bone quality measured in grey levels at week 4 was 108.82 ± 3.4 vs 93.92 ± 2.6 (P = 0.000) using panoramic radiography and 123 ± 4.53 vs 99.72 ± 5.72 (P = 0.000) using computed tomography. At week 12, the measurements were 153.53 ± 1.83 vs 101.81 ± 4.83 (P = 0.000) using panoramic radiography and 165.4 ± 4.2 vs 112.9 ± 2.0 (P = 0.000) using tomography in the study and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Similar ossification values were obtained after 4 weeks when the use of AMSCs was compared to simple fracture reduction. However, after 12 weeks, the AMSCs group had a 36.48% higher ossification rate.

A simplified mycobacterial growth inhibition assay (MGIA) using direct infection of mouse splenocytes and the MGIT system.

We describe a simplified Mycobacterial Growth Inhibition Assay (MGIA) for pre-clinical assessment of vaccine-mediated protection in mice. The assay is accomplished by directly infecting splenocytes from vaccinated mice with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and quantifying mycobacteria using Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tubes (MGIT). Vaccine-mediated immunogenicity detected by this assay correlated with protection.

[Not Available]. / Evaluación del estado nutricional al ingreso hospitalario y su asociación con la morbilidad y mortalidad en pacientes mexicanos.

Introducción: la desnutrición intrahospitalaria se ha descrito hace más de 70 años como un problema frecuente. En México se reportan cifras de entre el 20% al 50%; sin embargo no se ha estudiado su prevalencia ni su asociación con la morbilidad y mortalidad hospitalaria.Objetivos: evaluar el estado nutricional y su relación con la morbimortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes mexicanos.Métodos: cohorte prospectiva de pacientes que ingresaron en un hospital de referencia para una estancia hospitalaria mayor de 5 días. Se capturó peso, talla, índice de masa corporal (IMC), estado nutricional de acuerdo con la valoración global subjetiva (VGS) a su ingreso y egreso hospitalario, así como diagnóstico médico, complicaciones y mortalidad. Los datos fueron analizados mediante la prueba T de Student, prueba Chi-cuadrado y prueba Exacta de Fisher.Resultados: se incluyeron 610 pacientes en total, con un promedio de edad de 50,8 ± 17,32 años, 267 mujeres (43,8%) y 343 hombres (56,2%). Del total, 154 fueron catalogados con sospecha de desnutrición o desnutrición (pacientes expuestos, 25,2%) y 456 bien nutridos (pacientes no expuestos, 74,8%), con una relación de 1 a 3. La morbilidad total de la cohorte tuvo un RR = 2,70, IC 95 % (2,06-3,55) y la mortalidad con un RR = 2,64, IC 95% (1,74-4,0), siendo ambas estadísticamente significativas (p = 0,001).Conclusiones: el diagnóstico de desnutrición al ingreso hospitalario constituye un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de complicaciones y mortalidad. Este padecimiento al ingreso en comparación con el paciente que no presenta desnutrición incrementó el riesgo de mortalidad hasta en 2.64 veces.