Sclerostin, vascular risk factors, and brain atrophy in excessive drinkers.

Objective: Heavy alcohol consumption causes several organic complications, including vessel wall calcification. Vascular damage may be involved in the development of brain atrophy and cognitive impairment. Recently, sclerostin (whose levels may be altered in alcoholics) has emerged as a major vascular risk factor. The objective of the present study is to analyze the prevalence of vascular calcifications in alcoholics, and the relationships of these lesions with brain atrophy, as well as the role of sclerostin on these alterations. Patients and methods: A total of 299 heavy drinkers and 32 controls were included. Patients underwent cranial computed tomography, and several indices related to brain atrophy were calculated. In addition, patients and controls underwent plain radiography and were evaluated for the presence or absence of vascular calcium deposits, cardiovascular risk factors, liver function, alcohol intake, serum sclerostin, and routine laboratory variables. Results: A total of 145 (48.47%) patients showed vascular calcium deposits, a proportion significantly higher than that observed in controls (χ2 = 16.31; p < 0.001). Vascular calcium deposits were associated with age (t = 6.57; p < 0.001), hypertension (t = 5.49; p < 0.001), daily ethanol ingestion (Z = 2.18; p = 0.029), duration of alcohol consumption (Z = 3.03; p = 0.002), obesity (χ2 = 4.65; p = 0.031), total cholesterol (Z = 2.04; p = 0.041), triglycerides (Z = 2.05; p = 0.04), and sclerostin levels (Z = 2.64; p = 0.008). Calcium deposits were significantly related to Bifrontal index (Z = 2.20; p = 0.028) and Evans index (Z = 2.25; p = 0.025). Serum sclerostin levels were related to subcortical brain atrophy, assessed by cella media index (Z = 2.43; p = 0.015) and Huckmann index (ρ = 0.204; p = 0.024). Logistic regression analyses disclosed that sclerostin was the only variable independently related to brain atrophy assessed by altered cella media index. Sclerostin was also related to the presence of vascular calcifications, although this relationship was displaced by age if this variable was also included. Conclusion: Prevalence of vascular calcification in alcoholics is very high. Vascular calcium deposits are related to brain atrophy. Serum sclerostin is strongly related to brain shrinkage and also shows a significant relationship with vascular calcifications, only displaced by advanced age.

Interdisciplinary approaches to the teaching of forensic science in the Forensic Science Undergraduate Program of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, before and after COVID-19.

In 2013, the Forensic Science Undergraduate Program (FSUP) at the National Autonomous University of Mexico was created in response to an alarming criminal situation in Mexico, as well as to the radical reform of its criminal justice system. Its mission is to educate and train ethical, critical, and humanistic forensic scientists capable of conducting inquiries that meet scientific quality standards and assist the justice system in firmly linking legal rulings to the available evidence. At the time, it was the first such program in the country, and the contributions that interdisciplinary forensic scientists could make to criminal investigations were largely unknown among forensic and legal practitioners. During its existence, providing an interdisciplinary, competence-based education to students has been one of the main challenges. To overcome it, teaching and assessment approaches-centered on the achievement of specifically forensic competencies as learning outcomes and the integration of forensic disciplines towards the resolution of simulated cases-have been devised to help develop the professional skill set expected of graduates. The COVID-19 pandemic led to adapting these approaches to distance or hybrid modes of learning, increasing their versatility and enriching the pedagogic repertoire of the FSUP. Currently, the main impact of the program lies in the successful incorporation of some of its graduates to agencies belonging to or related to the criminal justice system, such as the National Prosecutor's Office, the Commission for Truth and Justice for the Ayotzinapa Case, and the National Commission for the Search of Missing and Disappeared Persons, among others.

Hybrid Cements: Mechanical Properties, Microstructure and Radiological Behavior.

The use of more eco-efficient cements in concretes is one of the keys to ensuring construction industry sustainability. Such eco-efficient binders often contain large but variable proportions of industrial waste or by-products in their composition, many of which may be naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs). This study explored the application of a new gamma spectrometric method for measuring radionuclide activity in hybrid alkali-activated cements from solid 5 cm cubic specimens rather than powder samples. The research involved assessing the effect of significant variables such as the nature of the alkaline activator, reaction time and curing conditions to relate the microstructures identified to the radiological behavior observed. The findings showed that varying the inputs generated pastes with similar reaction products (C-S-H, C-A-S-H and (N,C)-A-S-H) but different microstructures. The new gamma spectrometric method for measuring radioactivity in solid 5 cm cubic specimens in alkaline pastes was found to be valid. The variables involved in hybrid cement activation were shown to have no impact on specimen radioactive content. The powder samples, however, emanated 222Rn (a descendent of 226Ra), possibly due to the deformation taking place in fly ash structure during alkaline activation. Further research would be required to explain that finding.

Microstructural, Mechanical and Radiological Characterization of Mortars Made with Granite Sand.

The study reported the effect of granite sand on strength and microstructural developments in mortars prepare from OPC with a high coal fly ash (FA) content or from hybrid alkaline cements. The radiological behaviour of the resulting mortars was compared to materials prepared with siliceous sand (with particles sizes of <2 mm) and the relationship between such radiological findings and mortar microstructure and strength was explored. A new method for determining natural radionuclides and their activity concentration Index (ACI) on cement mortars (specifically to solid 5-cm cubic specimens) was applied and validated. The microstructural changes associated in mortars have no effect on mortar radiological content measurements. The mortars with granite sand exhibited very high ACI > 0.96, which would ultimately limit their use. A conclusion of interest is that where information is at hand on the starting materials (OPC, FA, sand, admixtures), their proportions in the mortar and the mixing liquid content (water or alkaline activators) their radiological content is accurately predicted. The inference is that a mortar's radiological content and ACI can be known prior to mixing, providing a criterion for determining its viability. That in turn lowers environmental risks and the health hazards for people in contact with such materials.

Recent Advances in ZnO-Based Carbon Monoxide Sensors: Role of Doping.

Monitoring and detecting carbon monoxide (CO) are critical because this gas is toxic and harmful to the ecosystem. In this respect, designing high-performance gas sensors for CO detection is necessary. Zinc oxide-based materials are promising for use as CO sensors, owing to their good sensing response, electrical performance, cost-effectiveness, long-term stability, low power consumption, ease of manufacturing, chemical stability, and non-toxicity. Nevertheless, further progress in gas sensing requires improving the selectivity and sensitivity, and lowering the operating temperature. Recently, different strategies have been implemented to improve the sensitivity and selectivity of ZnO to CO, highlighting the doping of ZnO. Many studies concluded that doped ZnO demonstrates better sensing properties than those of undoped ZnO in detecting CO. Therefore, in this review, we analyze and discuss, in detail, the recent advances in doped ZnO for CO sensing applications. First, experimental studies on ZnO doped with transition metals, boron group elements, and alkaline earth metals as CO sensors are comprehensively reviewed. We then focused on analyzing theoretical and combined experimental-theoretical studies. Finally, we present the conclusions and some perspectives for future investigations in the context of advancements in CO sensing using doped ZnO, which include room-temperature gas sensing.

New Approach for the Determination of Radiological Parameters on Hardened Cement Pastes with Coal Fly Ash.

Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in industrial waste and by-products are routinely used to mitigate the adverse environmental effects of, and lower the energy consumption associated with, ordinary Portland cement (OPC) manufacture. Many such SCMs, such as type F coal fly ash (FA), are naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs). 226Ra, 232Th and 40K radionuclide activity concentration, information needed to determine what is known as the gamma-ray activity concentration index (ACI), is normally collected from ground cement samples. The present study aims to validate a new method for calculating the ACI from measurements made on unground 5 cm cubic specimens. Mechanical, mineralogical and radiological characterisation of 28-day OPC + FA pastes (bearing up to 30 wt % FA) were characterised to determine their mechanical, mineralogical and radiological properties. The activity concentrations found for 226Ra, 212Pb, 232Th and 40K in hardened, intact 5 cm cubic specimens were also statistically equal to the theoretically calculated values and to the same materials when ground to a powder. These findings consequently validated the new method. The possibility of determining the activity concentrations needed to establish the ACI for cement-based materials on unground samples introduces a new field of radiological research on actual cement, mortar and concrete materials.

Implementation of the emulsification-diffusion method by solvent displacement for polystyrene nanoparticles prepared from recycled material.

From an integral perspective, nanotechnology can be used to care for the environment by improving current preparation methods and facilitating industrial scale-up. This article discusses the implementation of techniques for obtaining polystyrene nanoparticles (PSN), as an added value, using an emulsification and solvent displacement method (EDSD); the solvent displacement is a novel modification to the emulsion-diffusion methodology, where the diffusion is done directly on the emulsion, which allows concentrated dispersions that facilitate direct use to be obtained, eliminating the dilution with water and the recovery of water by additional processes. The solvent was recovered by reduced pressure, which is class 3, conforming to ICH, and making this method sustainable. The optimization of this process has not been reported elsewhere. This approach made it possible to obtain highly-concentrated nanoparticles while allowing the reuse of the solvent. A scaling proposal is presented that integrates the conditioning of the solid urban waste material called expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam that constitutes a serious environmental problem both nationally and globally. Hence, the article presents an alternative to the recycling of EPS, and a methodology in the context of green chemistry, because solvent is recovered to prepare other batches. The PSN obtained from this waste material had a minimum particle size of 225.8 nm, with a polydispersion index of 0.158. Process performance was 97.1%, and the solvent was recovered at a maximum rate of 85%. The morphology of the PSN was spherical and uniform, with a smooth surface.

Impacto en la percepción de intimidad conyugal en parejas usuarias de Métodos naturales para regular fertilidad / Impact on the perception of marital intimacy in couples using natural methods for regular fertility

Introducción: El uso de métodos naturales para regular la fertilidad requiere de cooperación y aceptación en las parejas usuarias. Nuestra hipótesis es que esta dinámica psicosexual influencia positivamente la percepción de la calidad de la intimidad conyugal. Diseño del estudio: Cohorte prospectiva con análisis pre y post intervención utilizando el PAIR (instrumento desarrollado para el análisis de la intimidad conyugal). Resultados: Un total de veinte parejas fueron estudiadas luego de que cumplieran todos los criterios definidos previamente. El análisis descriptivo mostró un aumento en los valores positivos en ambos sexos al comparar la evaluación inicial con la posterior a 6 meses de uso del registro de fertilidad. El índice de convencionalidad mostró valores elevados, tanto dentro de la pareja como al compararse con las demás. Los resultados evidencian satisfacción en la intimidad conyugal en todas las áreas evaluadas. En las mujeres, y a los 6 meses de uso, la experiencia de intimidad mejora en todas las áreas excepto en el área social. En los hombres, mejora la experiencia en todas las áreas, incluyendo el área social. Al analizar el área recreacional, tanto en hombres como en mujeres, hay un aumento significativo en la experiencia de intimidad luego de la intervención. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados sugieren que el aprendizaje y uso de los métodos naturales para regular la fertilidad tiene efectos beneficiosos en la percepción de la intimidad conyugal.

Background: the use of NFP demands cooperation and acceptance between the couple. We propose that this psychosexual dynamics could influence the perception on the quality of the couple's intimacy. Study design: a prospective cohort with pre and post intervention analysis using the PAIR (Personal Assessment of Intimacy Relationships) instrument. Results: Twenty couples fulfilled the prerequisites for study. The descriptive analysis showed an increase in the positive values for both sexes between the initial taking of test, and after six months. The conventionality index showed high values, but very similar in the members of each couple, and also between couples. The results show satisfaction of couple intimacy in all areas. At six months the experience of intimacy in women increases in all areas, except in the social area. Among men the experience of intimacy increases in all areas and significantly in the social area. In the case of the recreational area, for women as much as for men, the increase is significant after the intervention. Conclusions: It seems that couples who learn and use natural family planning methods have a better perception of their intimacy.

Valores de referencia de energía para la población venezolana / Reference values of energy for the Venezuelan population

La actualización de los valores de referencia de energía para los diferentes grupos poblacionales en Venezuela, responde a las recomendaciones del comité de expertos en nutrición convocado por FAO desde hace algunas décadas para que los países asuman esta tarea. Dadas las variaciones tanto en las necesidades como el consumo energético a nivel global y en particular en el panorama nutricional venezolano con la presencia de la “doble carga de la malnutrición” es pertinente la revisión de los Valores de Referencia de Energía (VRE) desde una perspectiva más integral. La presente actualización siguió la metodología del informe del comité de expertos FAO/OMS/UNU 2004 y se determinaron los valores de referencia por grupos de edad y género así como los valores ponderados de energía para la población venezolana. Para el cálculo de los requerimientos se consideró el gasto energético incluyendo la Tasa Metabólica Basal y el nivel de actividad física para algunos grupos de manera específica. El valor promedio ponderado de energía para la población venezolana en 2012, fue de 2.200 kcal/día, más bajo que en el año 2000 (2.300 kcal/día). En el género masculino fue más bajo en casi todas las edades excepto a los 16-17 años y, en el femenino hasta los diez años, mientras que, en las otras edades resultaron ligeramente más altos que los valores del 2000.

The project of updating the Venezuelan energy reference values respond to the recommendations made by an FAO experts committee, several decades ago for the countries assuming this work. Because of the dramatic changes experienced globally regarding energy intake/expenditure and particularly variations on the Venezuelan nutritional scenario with the presence of “the double burden of malnutrition” it a review of Energy Reference Values (VRE) from a more integral approach is pertinent. This report follows the methodology proposed by FAO/WHO/UNU 2004 experts committee and energy reference values were established by group of age and gender, also average energy values for Venezuelan population were obtained. For calculation of these requirements, the energy expenditure was included by taking into account Basal Metabolic Rate and physical activity level for some specific groups. The score average values updated in 2012 of 2.200 kcal/dia reported to be lower than those of 2000 at all ages for masculine gender except for the 16-17 age group and for feminine gender just until ages 10- 12 years and from there are slightly above the values obtained in 2000.

Significados que construyen niños, padres de familia y docentes vinculados a varias instituciones escolares de la ciudad de Bogotá sobre infancia, familia y escuela en el marco de la globalización / Meanings built by children, family parents and teachers linked to several school institutions of the city of Bogotá about childhood, family and school in the frame of the globalization

Esta investigación estuvo dirigida a indagar sobre los significados construidos por niños, padres de familia y profesores acerca de la infancia, la familia y la escuela en el contexto de la globalización. Se aplicó una encuesta a un grupo de 73 niños y niñas, 52 padres de familia y 52 docentes que se encontraban vinculados a varias instituciones escolares de la ciudad de Bogotá. Los resultados mostraron convergencias y divergencias entre los tres grupos de participantes, en cuanto a la forma de significar la infancia y las interacciones escolares y familiares en la actualidad. En términos generales, se observó que los niños y, en menor grado, los padres de familia tienden a una valoración positiva de los cambios asociados con la globalización, mientras que los profesores se inclinan hacia posturas más críticas. El estrato socioeconómico sirvió como variable moderadora en algunos de los significados expresados por los tres grupos de participantes en el estudio. Se discute sobre las implicaciones de estos resultados, haciendo especial énfasis en las demandas y retos que afronta la escuela en el marco de la globalización.

This study was managed to investigate on the meanings built by children, family parents and teachers about the childhood, the family and the school in the context of the globalization. A survey was applied at a group of 73 children and girls, 52 family parents and 52 teachers that were linked to several school institutions of the city of Bogotá. The results showed convergences and divergences among the three groups of participants concerning their current meaning about the childhood and the school and family interactions. In general, it was observed that the children and, in smaller grade, the family parents tend to a positive valuation of the changes associated with the globalization, while the teachers incline toward more critical postures. The socioeconomic stratum served as variable moderator in some of the meanings expressed by the three groups of participants in the study. In the discussion the implications of these results are analyzed, making special emphasis in the demands and challenges that the school confronts in the frame of the globalization.

Histerectomía obstétrica de urgencia / Emergency obstetric hysterectomy

La histerectomía obstétrica se define como la extirpación del útero después de un evento obstétrico, último esfuerzo para cuando las medidas conservadoras fallan o no son aplicables. Su incidencia y causas no son del todo comparables según los diversos resultados publicados. OBJETIVO: determinar la incidencia, características clínicas, causas y complicaciones de la histerectomía obstétrica de urgencia en las pacientes atendidas en el servicio de ginecoobstetricia del Hospital Docente Materno de Guanabacoa en los años 1984 al 2008. MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo y longitudinal para conocer el comportamiento de algunas variables maternas relacionadas con la histerectomía obstétrica en pacientes atendidas en este servicio. RESULTADOS: de un total de 69 992 nacimientos, 62 451 abortos y 384 embarazos ectópicos, se realizaron 281 histerectomías obstétricas para una incidencia de 0,2 por ciento. Se vio que las características obstétricas relevantes fueron: mayores de 34 años, con un parto anterior, embarazo a término y antecedente de cesárea. La cesárea aumentó el riesgo 6,7 veces de sufrir una histerectomía en relación con el parto vaginal. El diagnóstico más frecuente fue la hemorragia para un 42,3 por ciento. Necesitaron ser remitidas 21 de las pacientes al servicio de Terapia Intensiva. En la morbilidad postoperatoria primaron las complicaciones de la herida quirúrgica y la anemia. La mortalidad alcanzó un 3,6 por ciento. CONCLUSIONES: El índice de histerectomía obstétrica en el periparto es elevado, asociado a la cesárea como un factor de riesgo relativo mayor, no solo condicionada por el sangrado aunque constituye su principal indicación.

Obstetric hysterectomy is defined like the uterus removal after an obstetric event, a last effort in case of failure of conservative or non-applicable measures. Its incidence and causes are not completely comparable according to the diverse published results. OBJECTIVE: to determine the incidence, clinical features, causes and complications of emergency obstetric hysterectomy in patients seen in Gynecology and Obstetric Service of Maternal and Teaching Hospital of Guanabacoa municipality from 1984 to 2008. METHODS: we made a longitudinal, retrospective and descriptive study to know behavior of some mother's variables related to obstetric hysterectomy in patients seen in this service. RESULTS: from a total of 69 992 births, 62 451 miscarriages, and 384 ectopic pregnancies, we made 281 obstetric hysterectomies for an incidence of 0,2 percent. Main obstetric features included: aged older than 34, a prior delivery, term pregnancy, and backgrounds of cesarean section. This latter increased the risk in 6,7 times to suffer a hysterectomy in relation to a vaginal delivery. More frequent diagnosis was the hemorrhage for a 42,3 percent. Twenty one patients were referred to Intensive Therapy Service. In postoperative morbidity there was a predominance of surgical wound complications and anemia. Mortality reached in a 3,6 percent. CONCLUSIONS: obstetric hysterectomy rate during peripartum period is high, associated with cesarean section like a relative greater risk factor, not only subject to bleeding although it is the main indication.