The Supplementation of Sechium edule var. nigrum spinosum (Chayote) Promotes Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Protection in Older Adults with Metabolic Syndrome.

The aim was to determine the effect of Sechium edule var. nigrum spinosum (chayote) on gene expression related to antioxidant protection mechanisms and the inflammatory process in older adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). A quasi-experimental study was carried out in a convenience sample of 46 older adults diagnosed with MetS: (i) placebo group (PG; n = 20); (ii) experimental group (EG; n = 26). The clinical, biochemical, anthropometric parameters and SOD, GPx, and CAT enzyme activity, alongside total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α), and mRNA expression of SOD, GPx, CAT, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, Nrf2, NFkB p50, and NFkB p65, were measured at baseline and 6 months post-intervention. A statistically significant decrease was observed in TOS (baseline, 28.9 ± 3.6 vs. post, 23.7 ± 3.4, p < 0.01) and OSI (baseline, 24.1 ± 3.8 vs. post, 17.7 ± 4), as well as an increase in IL-6 (baseline, 10.7 ± 1.1 vs. post, 12.3 ± 2, p = 0.03), SOD activity (baseline, 167.1 ± 11.9 vs. post, 180.6 ± 7.6, p < 0.05), CAT activity (baseline, 1.0 ± 0.2 vs. post, 1.3 ± 0.2, p < 0.01), and TAS (baseline, 1.1 ± 0.1 vs. post, 1.4 ± 0.1, p < 0.01) in the EG compared to the PG. Regarding the expression of Nrf2, SOD, and IL-6, the EG showed a significant increase vs. basal levels (47%, 44%, and 43%, respectively). Our findings suggest that Sechium edule supplementation promotes the antioxidant response and decreases oxidative stress via Nrf2.

Determinación de la adquisición del Streptococcus grupo mutans en un grupo de niños uruguayos de hasta 36 meses de edad / Determinação da aquisição do grupo Streptococcus mutans em um grupo de crianças uruguaias até 36 meses de idade / Determination of the acquisition of Mutans Streptococci in a group of Uruguayan children up to 36 months of age

Introducción: La boca del recién nacido se contamina inmediatamente con microorganismos maternos. Caufield determinó la colonización con SGM para niños americanos a los 26 meses de edad. Estudios latinoamericanos la ubican entre los 14,9-18 meses. Objetivos: Identificar el momento de adquisición y colonización del SGM en una población de niños uruguayos y relacionarlo con factores del niño y maternos. Establecer el tiempo necesario para la recolección de la muestra y estudio de su pérdida. Método: Estudio observacional, longitudinal prospectivo, de 83 pares madre-hijo de un policlínico de Montevideo. De 83 pares examinados, 20 completaron el estudio. Se incluyeron niños de 0-9 meses, con/sin dientes y primera toma salival negativa para SGM. Resultados: Edad promedio de adquisición del SGM 16,4 meses (±4,13) y colonización 18,6 meses (±3,80) de edad. La pérdida de la muestra fue 71,42%. Conclusiones: La colonización resultó similar a la encontrada por Florio (Brasil), observándose diferencias significativas con Caufield (EEUU).

Introduction: The newborn's mouth is immediately contaminated with maternal microorganisms during birth. Caufield determined that the average age of colonization with Streptococcus Mutans (SM) for American children was 26 months old. Latin American studies indicate that it occurs at an age between 14.9 and 18 months old. Objectives: To identify the time of Sm acquisition and colonization in a population of Uruguayan children and to relate it with various child and mother factors. To establish the time needed to collect the sample and its loss. Methods: Observational, longitudinal prospective study, of 83 mother-child pairs from a medical center in Montevideo. From the 83 pairs examined, 20 completed the study. Children between 0-9 months old, with/without teeth, whose first salivary sample was negative for Sm, were included. Results: The mean age of Sm acquisition was 16.4 months (± 4.13), and colonization occurred at 18.6 months (± 3.80) of age. The sample loss was 71.42%. Conclusions: The colonization found was similar to that found by Florio (Brazil) but showed significant differences with Caufield's results (USA).

Introdução: A boca do recém-nascido é imediatamente contaminada por microrganismos maternos. Caufield determinou a colonização com SGM para crianças americanas aos 26 meses de idade. Estudos latino-americanos o situam entre 14,9-18 meses. Objetivos: Identificar o momento de aquisição e colonização do SGM em uma população de crianças uruguaias e relacioná-lo com fatores da criança e da mãe. Estabeleça o tempo necessário para coletar a amostra e estudar sua perda. Método: Estudo observacional, longitudinal prospectivo, de 83 pares mãe-filho da uma policlínica de Montevidéu. Dos 83 pares examinados, 20 completaram o estudo. Foram incluídas crianças de 0-9 meses com / sem dentes e primeira amostra salivar negativa para SGM. Resultados: Idade média de aquisição do SGM 16,4 meses (± 4,13) e colonização 18,6 meses (± 3,80) de idade. A perda estabelecida da amostra foi 71,42%. Conclusões: A colonização foi semelhante aos de Florio (Brasil), observando diferenças significativas com Caufield (EUA).

Determinación de la adquisición del Streptococcus grupo mutans en un grupo de niños uruguayos de hasta 36 meses de edad Estudio piloto / Determinação da aquisição do grupo Streptococcus mutans em um grupo de crianças uruguaias até 36 meses de idade. Estudo piloto / Determination of the acquisition of Mutans Streptococci in a group of Uruguayan children up to 36 months of age. Pilot study

Resumen: Introducción: La boca del recién nacido se contamina inmediatamente con microorganismos maternos. Caufield determinó la colonización con SGM para niños americanos a los 26 meses de edad. Estudios latinoamericanos la ubican entre los 14,9-18 meses. Objetivos: -Identificar el momento de adquisición y colonización del SGM en una población de niños uruguayos y relacionarlo con factores del niño y maternos. Establecer el tiempo necesario para la recolección de la muestra y estudio de su pérdida. Método: Estudio observacional, longitudinal prospectivo, de 83 pares madre-hijo de un policlínico de Montevideo. De 83 pares examinados, 20 completaron el estudio. Se incluyeron niños de 0-9 meses, con/sin dientes y primera toma salival negativa para SGM. Resultados: Edad promedio de adquisición del SGM 16,4 meses (±4,13) y colonización 18,6 meses (±3,80) de edad. La pérdida de la muestra fue 71,42%. Conclusiones: La colonización resultó similar a la encontrada por Florio (Brasil), observándose diferencias significativas con Caufield (EEUU).

Resumo: Introdução: A boca do recém-nascido é imediatamente contaminada por microrganismos maternos. Caufield determinou a colonização com SGM para crianças americanas aos 26 meses de idade. Estudos latino-americanos o situam entre 14,9-18 meses. Objetivos: -Identificar o momento de aquisição e colonização do SGM em uma população de crianças uruguaias e relacioná-lo com fatores da criança e da mãe. Estabeleça o tempo necessário para coletar a amostra e estudar sua perda. Método: Estudo observacional, longitudinal prospectivo, de 83 pares mãe-filho da uma policlínica de Montevidéu. Dos 83 pares examinados, 20 completaram o estudo. Foram incluídas crianças de 0-9 meses com / sem dentes e primeira amostra salivar negativa para SGM. Resultados: Idade média de aquisição do SGM 16,4 meses (± 4,13) e colonização 18,6 meses (± 3,80) de idade. A perda estabelecida da amostra foi 71,42%. Conclusões: A colonização foi semelhante aos de Florio (Brasil), observando diferenças significativas com Caufield (EUA)

Abstract: Introduction: The newborn's mouth is immediately contaminated with maternal microorganisms at birth. Caufield determined that the average age of colonization with Mutants streptococci (MS) for American children was 26 months old. Latin American studies indicate that it occurs at an age between 14.9 and 18 months old. Objectives: To identify the time of MS acquisition and colonization in a population of Uruguayan children and to relate it with various child and maternal factors. To establish the time needed to collect the sample and its loss. Methods: Observational, longitudinal prospective study, of 83 mother-child pairs from a medical center in Montevideo. From the 83 pairs examined, 20 completed the study. Children between 0-9 months old, with/without teeth, whose first saliva sample was negative for MS, were included. Results: The mean age of MS acquisition was 16.4 months (± 4.13), and colonization occurred at 18.6 months (± 3.80) of age. The sample loss was 71.42%. Conclusions: The colonization found was similar to that found by Florio (Brazil) but showed significant differences with Caufield's results (USA).

Intervención educativa sobre sexualidad durante la ancianidad en Moa, Holguín, Cuba / Educative Intervention on elders’ sexuality, from Moa, Holguín, Cuba

Introducción: en la actualidad, la humanidad se enfrenta al desafío de prolongar su vida, con escasos conocimientos de su capacidad fisiológica, y patrones culturales donde afloran conceptos rígidos sobre la sexualidad. Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad de una intervención educativa sobre la sexualidad en adultos mayores. Método: se realizó un estudio cuasi-experimental, a través de una intervención comunitaria con 50 adultos mayores, pacientes del policlínico Rolando Monterrey, del municipio de Moa, provincia de Holguín, del 1ro de marzo al 30 de mayo del 2013. Se les aplicó un programa de clases de 20 horas, durante 3 meses. Resultados: el 98% no conocían las situaciones que afectan la práctica sexual como: disminución del deseo sexual, erección demorada, lubricación lenta o nula, y viudez. Los hábitos que afectan la actividad sexual como fumar y, el consumo excesivo de café y alcohol eran desconocidos por el 96%. Al inicio, solo el 6% conocía que el ejercicio físico ayuda a mantener una vida sexual activa. Con dicha instrucción, se logró modificar positivamente el nivel de conocimiento sobre la sexualidad hasta el 98%. Conclusiones: se modificaron los conocimientos sobre sexualidad en los adultos mayores estudiados, con alta efectividad, según el programa de clases aplicado.

Introduction: nowadays, mankind faces life prolongation challenge, with scarce knowledge of our physiological capabilities, and cultural patterns based on rigid concepts about sexuality. Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of educational intervention about elders' sexuality. Method: a quasi-experimental study through a community of 50 elders, from the policlinic Rolando Monterrey, at the municipality of Moa Holguín, from March 1st, until May 30th 2013. A 20 hours education program, for 3 months was applied. Results: a 98% of patients didn't know sexual practice affections, such as: sexual desire decrease, late erection, slow or void lubrication, and widowhood. A 96% ignored how bad habits like: smoking, coffee and alcohol overconsumption, affect sexual activity. At the beginning, only 6% knew the importance of exercise for an active sex life. With this program, we were able to increase knowledge on sexuality, in this group of elders, up to 98%. Conclusions: elders' sexuality knowledge was modified, effectively.

Diplomado de actualización pedagógica: su pertinencia en la superación de los tecnólogos docentes / Diploma course on pedagogical updating: its relevance in the upgrading of teaching technologists

Fundamento: el perfeccionamiento del desempeño pedagógico de los docentes repercute significativamente en el proceso docente educativo. Objetivo: diseñar un diplomado de actualización pedagógica para contribuir al desarrollo de las funciones docentes en los tecnólogos de la salud. Métodos: se realizó una investigación de desarrollo en la Filial de Ciencias Médicas "Tamara Bunke Bider" de Moa, Holguín, durante el curso 2015-2016. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos: analítico-sintético, inductivo-deductivo, sistémico-estructural funcional e histórico-lógico, y empíricos: revisión documental, encuesta en forma de cuestionario y de entrevista, y observación a actividades de superación; se utilizó el criterio de especialistas para la valoración de la propuesta. Resultados: en los documentos revisados se constataron insuficiencias en la preparación pedagógica de los tecnólogos y el pobre impacto de los conocimientos en su desempeño como docentes; en las actividades de superación no siempre hubo correspondencia entre la planificación y sus necesidades e intereses; entre otras debilidades como: insuficiente aplicación de la teoría a la práctica docente y exceso de actividades extracurriculares para un profesional que se desempeña, en lo fundamental, en el servicio asistencial; por lo que se diseñó un diplomado sobre el tema, el cual fue valorado por criterio de especialistas. Conclusiones: constituye una herramienta para elevar los niveles de preparación pedagógica de los tecnólogos docentes, y fue valorado por los especialistas como pertinente y con adecuada estructura metodológica.

Background: the improvement of the pedagogical performance of teachers has a significant impact on the teaching-learning process. Objective: to design a diploma course on pedagogical updating to contribute to the development of teaching functions in health technologists. Methods: a development research was carried out in the "Tamara Bunke Bider" Medical Sciences university site of Moa, Holguin, during the 2015-2016 academic year. Theoretical methods were used: analytical-synthetic, inductive-deductive, systemic-structural functional and historical-logical, and empirical ones: documentary review, survey in questionnaire form and interview, and observation of upgrading activities; the specialists´ criteria was used for the evaluation of the proposal. Results: in the documents reviewed there were insufficiencies in the pedagogical preparation of technologists and the poor impact of knowledge in their performance as teachers; in the upgrading activities there were not always correspondence between the planning and their needs and interests; among other weaknesses such as: insufficient application of theory to teaching practice and excess of extracurricular activities for a professional who works, basically, in the health care service; so a diploma course was designed on the subject, which was assessed by specialists. Conclusions: it constitutes a tool to elevate the levels of pedagogical preparation of the teaching technologists; it was valued by the specialists as pertinent and with adequate methodological structure.

Review of the family Rivulidae (Cyprinodontiformes, Aplocheiloidei) and a molecular and morphological phylogeny of the annual fish genus Austrolebias Costa 1998

The family Rivulidae is the fourth most diverse clade of Neotropical fishes. Together with some genera of the related African family Nothobranchiidae, many rivulids exhibit a characteristic annual life cycle, with diapausing eggs and delayed embryonic development, which allows them to survive in the challenging seasonal ponds that they inhabit. Rivulidae also includes two species known as the only the self-fertilizing vertebrates and some species with internal fertilization. The first goal of this article is to review the systematics of the family considering phylogenetic relationships and synapomorphies of subfamilial clades, thus unifying information that is dispersed throughout the literature. From this revision, it is clear that phylogenetic relationships within Rivulidae are poorly resolved, especially in one of the large clades that compose it, the subfamily Rivulinae, where conflicting hypotheses of relationships of non-annual and annual genera are evident. The second goal of this work is to present an updated phylogenetic hypothesis (based on mitochondrial, nuclear, and morphological information) for one of the most speciose genus of Rivulidae, Austrolebias. Our results confirm the monophyly of the genus and of some subgeneric clades already diagnosed, but propose new relationships among them and their species composition, particularly in the subgenus Acrolebias.

a familia Rivulidae es el cuarto clado más diverso dentro de los peces Neotropicales. Junto con algunos géneros de la familia Nothobranchiidae, muchos rivulidos presentan un característico ciclo de vida anual, con huevos resistentes a la desecación y embriones con diapausas que les permiten sobrevivir en los ambientes estacionales donde habitan. Los Rivulidae presentan también dos especies consideradas como los únicos vertebrados hermafroditas suficientes y algunas especies con inseminación interna. El primer objetivo de este artículo es actualizar la sistemática de la familia considerando las relaciones filogenéticas y las sinapomorfías de los clados que la componen, reuniendo información que se encuentra dispersa en la literatura. De esta revisión surge que las relaciones filogenéticas dentro de Rivulidae están todavía sin resolver, especialmente en uno de los grandes clados que la componen, la subfamilia Rivulinae, donde relaciones conflictivas entre géneros anuales y no anuales son evidentes. El segundo objetivo de este trabajo es presentar una hipótesis filogenética, basada en datos morfológicos, mitocondriales y nucleares, de uno de los géneros más diversos de la familia, el género Austrolebias. Nuestros resultados confirman la monofilia del género y de algunos clados subgenéricos previamente definidos, y propone nuevas relaciones entre ellos, particularmente de las especies del subgénero Acrolebias(AU)

Evaluación de la calidad de la atención de Enfermería en el Servicio de Neonatología / Evaluation of the quality of Enfermería's attention in Neonatología's Service

RESUMEN Introducción: la Academia Americana de Pediatría define a los cuidados Intensivos como aquellos que recibe el recién nacido gravemente enfermo o los que requieren de una vigilancia estricta de los profesionales de la unidad neonatal. La calidad de la atención sanitaria es un atributo cada vez más valorado por todos los implicados en la atención a la salud (profesionales, usuarios y gestores) aunque cada uno de estos grupos enfatiza algunos aspectos en particular con relación al resto. Objetivo: evaluar la calidad de la atención de Enfermería en el Servicio de Neonatología. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y longitudinal en el Servicio de Neonatología del Hospital Infantil Norte Docente "Juan De La Cruz Martínez Maceira" de Santiago de Cuba en el periodo enero-diciembre de 2013. El universo lo constituyeron 754 pacientes egresados del servicio, sus madres acompañantes y 40 enfermeras que se encontraban laborando en el servicio. Se confeccionaron indicadores de calidad con estándares establecidos para estructura, proceso y resultado, se aplicó un instrumento evaluativo a las enfermeras y encuesta de satisfacción a las madres de los neonatos. Resultados: el indicador estructura alcanzó estándares no aceptables en cuanto a equipamiento no apto para su uso y la estructura del servicio, en el proceso y resultados todos sus indicadores fueron evaluados de aceptables, existiendo buen grado de satisfacción de la totalidad de las madres que acudieron con sus bebitos. Conclusión: no se detectaron dificultades en los indicadores de proceso y resultados evidenciando que existe calidad de la atención de enfermería en el servicio de neonatología(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: You define Pediatría's American Academy as intensive care those that you receive the gravely sick newborn baby or the ones that call for a close watch of the professionals of the neo-natal unit. The quality of the sanitary attention is an attribute more and more appraised for all the implicated in the attention to health (professionals, users and managers) although each one of these groups emphasizes some aspects in particular with respect to the rest. Objective: Evaluating the quality of Enfermería's attention in Neonatología's Service. Methods: Juan De accomplished a Descriptive, prospective and longitudinal study himself, in Neonatología's Service of the Infantile North Teaching Hospital James's Cross Martínez Maceira of Cuba in the period January December 2013. The universe was constituted by 754 patients left of the service, his accompanying mothers and 40 nurses that were meeting laboring in the service. They manufactured indicators of quality with standards established for structure, process and result, evaluativo applied over itself an instrument to the nurses and polls of satisfaction the mothers of the neo-born. Results: The indicator structure caught up with standards not acceptable as to unsuited equipamiento for his use and the structure of the service, in the process and once all his indicators were proven to be they were evaluated of acceptable, existing good grade of satisfaction of the totality of the mothers that attended with his little babies. Conclusion: They did not detect difficulties in the indicators of process and results evidencing that quality of the attention of infirmary in neonatología's service exists(AU)

Clinical Relevance, Diversity and Genetic Variability of Different Species within the Genus Mycobacterium

Introduction: The term non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) includes different ambient species capable of sickening humans and/or animals, even by means of a potential zoonotic transmission. Objectives: To determine: The clinical importance of several species within the genus Mycobacterium and the genetic diversity of the M. avium complex (MAC), the in vitro bacterial sensitivity and the success of the specific treatment. Materials and Methods: Collection of clinical and epidemiologic data and information about isolates of the 2009-2016 period; molecular identification of the isolates; determination of the in vitro bacterial sensitivity and genetic diversity of the MAC; treatment evaluation. Results: 225 mycobacteriosis cases were diagnosed, with a stable prevalence of ≈6% per year and 22 recovered species: 4 rapidly growing species isolated from 66 patients and 18 slowly growing species. The MAC was isolated in 95 cases, M. avium hominissuis - 40 cases, M. intracellulare - 51 cases, M. chimaera - 3 cases and M. colombiense - 1 case. We observed a greater probability of getting sick from M. intracellulare in patients previously treated for tuberculosis (TB). HIV-positive patients had a greater risk of falling ill from M. avium hominissuis. Aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones and macrolides were the most active drugs against most NTM. Approximately half of the cases healed. Conclusions: M. intracellulare, M. aviumhominissuis with great genetic variability and M. abscessus were the most commonly found pathogens. The cases of TB+NTM mixed disease were an important finding. For treating these patients, it was necessary to add second line drugs to the therapeutic regimen for TB; and most of them healed

Relevancia clínica, diversidad y variabilidad genética de distintas especies del género Mycobacterium / Clinical Relevance, Diversity and Genetic Variability of Different Species within the Genus Mycobacterium

Introducción: El término micobacterias no tuberculosas (MNT) incluye distintas especies ambientales capaces de enfermar humanosy/o animales incluso mediante una probable transmisión zoonótica Objetivos. Determinar: la importancia clínica de varias especies del género Mycobacterium y la diversidad genética del Complejo M. avium (MAC), la sensibilidad bacteriana in vitro yel éxito del tratamiento especifico. Materiales y Métodos: Recolección de datos clínicos, epidemiológicos y aislamientos en el periodo 2009-2016; identificación molecular de los aislamientos; determinación de la sensibilidad bacteriana in vitro y de la diversidad genética del MAC; evaluación del tratamiento. Resultados: Fueron diagnosticados 225 casos de micobacteriosis, con prevalencia estable ≈ 6% por año, y 22 especies recuperadas: 4 de rápido desarrollo aisladas de 66 pacientes y 18 de lento desarrollo. MAC fue aislado en 95 casos, 40 M. avium hominissuis, 51 M. intracellulare, 3 M. chimaera, 1 M. colombiense. Se observó mayor probabilidad de enfermar por M. intracellulare en pacientes tratados previamente por tuberculosis (TB). Los pacientes HIV+ tuvieron riesgo incrementado de enfermedad causada por M. avium hominissuis. Los aminoglucósidos, fluoroquinolonas y macrólidos fueron las drogas más activas frente a la mayoría de las MNT. Aproximadamente la mitad de los casos curaron. Conclusiones: M. intracellulare, M. aviumhominissuis con una gran variabilidad genética, y M. abscessus fueron los patógenos más frecuentemente hallados. Un hallazgo importante fue el de casos de enfermedad mixta TB+MNT. Estos pacientes requirieron una terapia con agregado de drogas de segunda línea al esquema terapéutico para TB habiendo curado la mayoría de ellos.

Introduction: The term non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) includes different ambient species capable of sickening humans and/or animals, even by means of a potential zoonotic transmission. Objectives: To determine: The clinical importance of several species within the genus Mycobacterium and the genetic diversity of the M. avium complex (MAC), the in vitro bacterial sensitivity and the success of the specific treatment. Materials and Methods: Collection of clinical and epidemiologic data and information about isolates of the 2009-2016 period; molecular identification of the isolates; determination of the in vitro bacterial sensitivity and genetic diversity of the MAC; treatment evaluation. Results: 225 mycobacteriosis cases were diagnosed, with a stable prevalence of ≈6% per year and 22 recovered species: 4 rapidly growing species isolated from 66 patients and 18 slowly growing species. The MAC was isolated in 95 cases, M. avium hominissuis - 40 cases, M. intracellulare - 51 cases, M. chimaera - 3 cases and M. colombiense - 1 case. We observed a greater probability of getting sick from M. intracellulare in patients previously treated for tuberculosis (TB). HIV-positive patients had a greater risk of falling ill from M. avium hominissuis. Aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones and macrolides were the most active drugs against most NTM. Approximately half of the cases healed. Conclusions: M. intracellulare, M. aviumhominissuis with great genetic variability and M. abscessus were the most commonly found pathogens. The cases of TB+NTM mixed disease were an important finding. For treating these patients, it was necessary to add second line drugs to the therapeutic regimen for TB; and most of them healed.

Terapias antimicrobianas en infecciones odontogénicas en niños y adolescentes. Revisión de la literatura y recomendaciones para la clínica / Antimicrobial therapies for odontogenic infections in children and adolescents. Literature review and clinical recomendations

Las infecciones bucales son producidas por un desequilibrio de la flora indígena del paciente que pasa de comensal a oportunista. Las consultas más frecuentes en niños y adolescentes son las infecciones odontogénicas. El uso racional de antibióticos, es la estrategia más importante para evitar la resistencia microbiana. Las infecciones dentarias deben recibir en primera instancia el tratamiento local correspondiente y a veces complementarse con tratamiento sistémico seleccionando y dosificando adecuadamente el fármaco. El antimicrobiano de primera elección en odontopediatría es la amoxicilina y para pacientes con hipersensibilidad a las penicilinas, se indican claritromicina o clindamicina. Esta revisión de la literatura busca establecer pautas de manejo clínico claras para el tratamiento de urgencia y su posterior resolución definitiva...

Oral infections are caused by an imbalance in the patient’s indigenous flora which changes from commensal to opportunistic. Odontogenic infections are the most common reason for consultation in children and adolescents. Rational use of antibiotics is the best strategy to avoid microbial resistance. Dental infections should first receive proper local treatment, which can also be complemented with a systemic method. Appropriate drug selection and dosing should be made. Amoxicilin is the first choice for antimicrobial agents in pediatric dentistry. Clindamycin and clarithromycin are the best alternative for patients with penicillin hypersensibility. In this literature review, the authors intended to establish clear clinical management guidelines for emergency treatment and subsequent final resolution...

Oxidative damage and antioxidant defense in thymus of malnourished lactating rats.

OBJECTIVE: Malnutrition has been associated with oxidative damage by altered antioxidant protection mechanisms. Specifically, the aim of this study was to evaluate oxidative damage (DNA and lipid) and antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], and catalase [CAT] mRNA, and protein expression) in thymus from malnourished rat pups. METHODS: Malnutrition was induced during the lactation period by the food competition method. Oxidative DNA damage was determined quantifying 8-oxo-7, 8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine adduct by high-performance liquid chromatography. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. Levels of gene and protein expression of SOD, GPx, and CAT were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. Antioxidant enzyme activities were measured spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: Oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation significantly increased in second-degree (MN-2) and third-degree malnourished (MN-3) rats compared with well-nourished rats. Higher amounts of oxidative damage, lower mRNA expression, and lower relative concentrations of protein, as well as decreased antioxidant activity of SOD, GPx, and CAT were associated with the MN-2 and MN-3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated that higher body-weight deficits were related to alterations in antioxidant protection, which contribute to increased levels of damage in the thymus. To our knowledge, this study demonstrated for the first time that early in life, malnutrition leads to increased DNA and lipid oxidative damage, attributable to damaged antioxidant mechanisms including transcriptional and enzymatic activity alterations. These findings may contribute to the elucidation of the causes of previously reported thymus dysfunction, and might explain partially why children and adults who have overcome child undernourishment experience immunologic deficiencies.

Cyclopalladated primary amines: a preliminary study of antiproliferative activity through apoptosis induction.

Twelve cyclometallated palladium(II) complexes containing primary aromatic amines [benzylamine (a), (R)-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine (b) and 2-phenylaniline (c)] as anionic bidentate (C,N)(-) ligands have been evaluated against a panel of human adenocarcinoma cell lines (A549 lung, MDA-MB231 and MCF7 breast, and the cisplatin resistant HCT116 colon). The results revealed a remarkable antiproliferative activity of the triphenylphosphane mononuclear compounds 3-4 (series a, b, c) and the best inhibition was provided for 3c and 4c with the 2-phenylaniline ligand and a six membered chelate ring. Interestingly, 3c and 4c were 14 and 19 times more potent than cisplatin for the inhibition of the cisplatin resistant HCT116 human adenocarcinoma cell line, respectively. Cyclopalladated complexes 3c and 4c exercise their antiproliferative activity over A549 cells mainly through the induction of apoptosis (38 and 31-fold increase in early apoptotic cells, respectively).

Antimicrobial therapies for odontogenic infections in children and adolescents: literature review and clinical recomendations / Terapias antimicrobianas en infecciones odontogénicas en niños y adolescentes: revisión de la literatura y recomendaciones para la clínica

Oral infections are caused by an imbalance in the patient’s indigenous flora which changes from commensal to opportunistic. Odontogenic infections are the most common reason for consultation in children and adolescents. Rational use of antibiotics is the best strategy to avoid microbial resistance. Dental infections should first receive proper local treatment, which can also be complemented with a systemic method. Appropriate drug selection and dosing should be made. Amoxicilin is the first choice for antimicrobial agents in pediatric dentistry. Clindamycin and clarithromycin are the best alternative for patients with penicillin hypersensibility. In this literature review, the authors intended to establish clear clinical management guidelines for emergency treatment and subsequent final resolution.

Las infecciones bucales son producidas por un desequilibrio de la flora indígena del paciente que pasa de comensal a oportunista. Las consultas más frecuentes en niños y adolescentes son las infecciones odontogénicas. El uso racional de antibióticos, es la estrategia más importante para evitar la resistencia microbiana. Las infecciones dentarias deben recibir en primera instancia el tratamiento local correspondiente y a veces complementarse con tratamiento sistémico seleccionando y dosificando adecuadamente el fármaco. El antimicrobiano de primera elección en odontopediatría es la amoxicilina y para pacientes con hipersensibilidad a las penicilinas, se indican claritromicina o clindamicina. Esta revisión de la literatura busca establecer pautas de manejo clínico claras para el tratamiento de urgencia y su posterior resolución definitiva.

Elaboración de una Escala de Apoyo Social (EAS) para adultos / Elaboration of a Social Support Scale for adults

El apoyo social se ha definido como las transacciones interpersonales instrumentales que implican ayuda en todas sus vertientes, tales como emocional, económica, implícita, explícita, etc. La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo elaborar una escala que midiera el apoyo social para la población mexicana en situación de pobreza. Se tomaron como base dos instrumentos: la Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support y el Inventory of Socially Supportive Behaviors. La muestra la conformaron 913 personas de ambos sexos. Un análisis factorial permitió observar la emergencia de tres componentes: 1) apoyo social, 2) apoyo familiar y 3) apoyo de amigos. Los tres factores explican el 66.24 % de la varianza y tienen índices de confiabilidad adecuados que oscilan entre 0.71 y 0.94.

The social support has been defined as the interpersonal instrumental transactions that involve help in any of its forms, such like emotional, economic, implicit, explicit, etc. The present research was aimed to devise a scale to measure the perception of social support in Mexicans living in poverty. The scale was based on two instruments: 1) The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and 2) The Inventory of Socially Supportive Behaviors. The sample was conformed by 913 people, men and women. A factorial analysis resulted in an internal structure of three components: 1) Social support, 2) Family support, and 3) Support from friends. The three factors explain 66.24% of the total variance and have adequate alpha coefficients that oscillate between 0.71 and 0.94.

Helical tomotherapy in the treatment of pediatric malignancies: a preliminary report of feasibility and acute toxicity.

BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy plays a central role in the management of many childhood malignancies and Helical Tomotherapy (HT) provides potential to decrease toxicity by limiting the radiation dose to normal structures. The aim of this article was to report preliminary results of our clinical experience with HT in pediatric malignancies. METHODS: In this study 66 consecutive patients younger than 14 years old, treated with HT at our center between January 2006 and April 2010, have been included. We performed statistical analyses to assess the relationship between acute toxicity, graded according to the RTOG criteria, and several clinical and treatment characteristics such as a dose and irradiation volume. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 5 years. The most common tumor sites were: central nervous system (57%), abdomen (17%) and thorax (6%). The most prevalent histological types were: medulloblastoma (16 patients), neuroblastoma (9 patients) and rhabdomyosarcoma (7 patients). A total of 52 patients were treated for primary disease and 14 patients were treated for recurrent tumors. The majority of the patients (72%) were previously treated with chemotherapy. The median prescribed dose was 51 Gy (range 10-70 Gy). In 81% of cases grade 1 or 2 acute toxicity was observed. There were 11 cases (16,6%) of grade 3 hematological toxicity, two cases of grade 3 skin toxicity and one case of grade 3 emesis. Nine patients (13,6%) had grade 4 hematological toxicity. There were no cases of grade 4 non-hematological toxicities. On the univariate analysis, total dose and craniospinal irradiation (24 cases) were significantly associated with severe toxicity (grade 3 or more), whereas age and chemotherapy were not. On the multivariate analysis, craniospinal irradiation was the only significant independent risk factor for grade 3-4 toxicity. CONCLUSION: HT in pediatric population is feasible and safe treatment modality. It is characterized by an acceptable level of acute toxicity that we have seen in this highly selected pediatric patient cohort with clinical features of poor prognosis and/or aggressive therapy needed. Despite of a dosimetrical advantage of HT technique, an exhaustive analysis of long-term follow-up data is needed to assess late toxicity, especially in this potentially sensitive to radiation population.

Micrometric measurement of the density of stained odontoblast processes

The embryological, structural and functional unit of the dentine-pulp complex shares the odontoblast, located in the border of the dentine pulp, with basal nuclei and organelles. The odontoblast process emerges from its apical pole. It is formed by microtubules, microfilaments and vesicles covered by membranes penetrating the dentinal tubules, isolated from the inter-tubular matrix, along the extent of the dentine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three staining techniques: hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-Schiff and Schmorl, by staining the process, from beginning to end, and compare the results with the erosion technique. Thirty human teeth were employed in the trial; after their extraction the pulp was fixated, the pieces demineralized in nitric acid at 8%, the collagen filaments eliminated with Type II Collage-nase, the tissue was stained, and the measurements were made. The portions with no pulp were prepared with the erosion technique. Results: Comparing the best results obtained by staining with the values obtained with the erosion technique, the former showed lower values. Conclusion: Staining techniques show lower density of the staining processes compared with the dentinal tubules in the erosion technique.

Helical tomotherapy in patients with breast cancer and complex treatment volumes.

PURPOSE: To describe early clinical results of tomotherapy treatment in patients with breast cancer and complex treatment volumes. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Ten patients were treated with tomotherapy between January 2009 and March 2010. Treatment planning objectives were to cover at least 95% of the planning target volume with the 95% isodose; to have a minimum dose of 90% and a maximum dose of 105%. All treatments included daily CT/megavoltage image guidance. Acute toxicity was recorded weekly. RESULTS: Six patients were treated because constraints were not accomplished for heart, lung or contralateral breast in a previous three-dimensional conformal plan; two for preexisting cardiac or pulmonary disease, and two more for bilateral breast irradiation. Treatment volumes included the whole breast in the majority of patients, as well as the supraclavicular and the internal mammary chain nodes when indicated. Most patients were older than 50 years, and had an early breast cancer, with positive oestrogen receptors, negative HER2 expression and a poorly differentiated, infiltrating ductal carcinoma. The majority of patients had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy associated to breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant hormonotherapy. Median homogeneity index was 1.09; median coverage index was 0.81. Median V20Gy and V10Gy for ipsilateral lung was 20% and 37.1% respectively. Median V25 and V35 for heart was 15% and 4% respectively. Median dose for contralateral breast was 7 Gy. Skin acute toxicity was grade 1 in 41.7% and grade 2 in 58.3%. CONCLUSION: Tomotherapy is a technique capable of delivering a well tolerated treatment with high homogeneity and coverage indexes and high capabilities for sparing the organs at risk in patients with anatomically complex breast cancer, bilateral breast cancer, indication for internal mammary chain node irradiation, cardiac toxicity derived from chemotherapy, or preexisting cardiac or pulmonary disease. Further studies are required to evaluate local control and late toxicity.

ROS formation and antioxidant status in brain areas of rats exposed to sodium metavanadate.

In the present work, in vivo ROS formation and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the hippocampus and the cerebellum of sodium metavanadate (NaVO3) treated rats were studied. Rats were i.p. injected with 3 mg/kg bw/day (V1 group) or with 7.2 mg/kg bw/day of NaVO3 (V2 group) for 5 consecutive days. Results show that after only 5 days of NaVO3 exposure, reactive oxygen species formation and alteration of the oxidative defence system were observed. Vanadium-induced OH production was detected in cerebellum at the high dose. This result was confirmed by in situ ROS histochemical staining. Neither Cat nor Cu-Zn SOD activities showed changes while GSH/GSSG ratio, in both brain areas, was significantly decreased in NaVO3-treated groups. The present work indicates that the NaVO3 dose and the particular brain area constitution would be critical in the cellular and molecular oxidative mechanism of this element.

Genetic characterization and phylogeography of the wild boar Sus scrofa introduced into Uruguay

The European wild boar Sus scrofa was first introduced into Uruguay, in southern South America during the early decades of the last century. Subsequently, and starting from founder populations, its range spread throughout the country and into the neighbouring Brazilian state Rio Grande do Sul. Due to the subsequent negative impact, it was officially declared a national pest. The main aim in the present study was to provide a more comprehensive scenario of wild boar differentiation in Uruguay, by using mtDNA markers to access the genetic characterization of populations at present undergoing rapid expansion. A high level of haplotype diversity, intermediate levels of nucleotide diversity and considerable population differentiation, were detected among sampled localities throughout major watercourses and catchment dams countrywide. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the existence of two different phylogroups, thereby reflecting two deliberate introduction events forming distantly genetic lineages in local wild boar populations. Our analysis lends support to the hypothesis that the invasive potential of populations emerge from introgressive hybridization with domestic pigs. On taking into account the appreciable differentiation and reduced migration between locales in wild boar populations, management strategies could be effective if each population were to be considered as a single management unit.

Medición comparada de procesos odontoblásticos y canalículos dentinarios / Comparative measurement of odontoblastic processes and dentinal tubules

El complejo dentinopulpar comparte el odontoblasto cuyo cuerpo está ubicado en la parte externa de la pulpa dentaria. De su polo apical se desprende el proceso odontoblástico que se introduce en el canalículo dentinal atravesando la dentina originando en su recorrido múltiples colaterales hasta su finalización. Describir el proceso fue ardua tarea de investigadores que combinaron técnicas histológicas para preservarlo en el interior de los canalículos utilizando microscopio electrónico de transmisión o scanning para visualizarlo. En un trabajo previo observamos ambos tejidos unidos por los odontoblastos y los procesos coloreados. El objetivo actual fue medir micrométricamente la longitud de procesos y canalículos para verificar si ambas son similares tanto en corona como en raíz. Se utilizaron treinta dientes sanos, extraídos por razones ortodóncicas de ambos sexos, cuyas edades oscilaron entre 6 y 18 años. Se descubrió la pulpa dental, se fijó y se dividieron en partes iguales. Las mitades sin pulpa se prepararon con técnica por desgaste. Las mitades que conservaron la pulpa se desmineralizaron aplicándoseles Colagenasa tipo II y coloreándolos con la técnica de Schmorl. Con microscopio óptico y una cuadrícula calibrada con micrómetro objetivo se midió primero el ancho de los campos histológicos y luego la longitud de procesos y canalículos dentinales. Los resultados fueron analizados con pruebas de chi2, t de Student y test exacto de Fischer con un nivel de significación del 5 por ciento. Observamos que el ancho de los campos histológicos coloreados tuvo una retracción del 92 por ciento respecto al mismo campo en el desgaste y que la longitud de canalículos siempre fue mayor que la de procesos, si bien se hallaron cuatro coincidencias de longitudes en corona y una en raíz. Estos resultados sugieren que la longitud del proceso aún sigue siendo tema controversial. La precausión profesional en los tratamientos odontológicos es el único medio para evitar...

The dentin-pulp complex shares the odontoblast, whose body is located in the external part of the dental pulp. The odontoblast process emerges from the apical pole and penetrates the dentinal canaliculus through the dentine producing multiple collaterals along the way. Descriibing the process was an arduous task for researchers, who combined histological techniques to preserve it in the interior of the canaliculi using transmission electron microscopy or scanning to visualize it. In a previous work we observed both tissues joined by the odontoblasts and the stained processes. The objective now was to micrometrically measure the length of the processes and canaliculi to verify if they are similar in the crown and in the root. Thirty healthy teeth were used, extracted for orthodontic reasons, from individuals of both sexes whose ages ranged from 6 to 18. The dental pulp was uncovered and attached, and they were divided in equal parts. The halves without pulp were prepared with the erosion technique. The halves that kept the pulp were demineralized with type II collagenase and stained with the Schmorl technique. With an optical microscope and a calibrated grid with a micrometric objective the width of the histological fields was first measured and then the length of the dentinal processes and canaliculi. The results were analyzed with chi2 test, Student t and Fischer's exact test with a 5 percent significance level. We observed that the width of the stained histological fields had a 92 percent retraction compared to the same field in the erosion and that the length of the canaliculi was always greater than the length of the processes, although four coincidences in length were found in the crown and one in the root. These results suggest that the length of the process is still a controversial topic. Professional precaution in odontological treatments is the safest prevention against injuries.