Safety of a controlled human infection model of tuberculosis with aerosolised, live-attenuated Mycobacterium bovis BCG versus intradermal BCG in BCG-naive adults in the UK: a dose-escalation, randomised, controlled, phase 1 trial.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the main causative agent of tuberculosis. BCG, the only licensed vaccine, provides inadequate protection against pulmonary tuberculosis. Controlled human infection models are useful tools for vaccine development. We aimed to determine a safe dose of aerosol-inhaled live-attenuated Mycobacterium bovis BCG as a surrogate for M tuberculosis infection, then compare the safety and tolerability of infection models established using aerosol-inhaled and intradermally administered BCG. METHODS: This phase 1 controlled human infection trial was conducted at two clinical research facilities in the UK. Healthy, immunocompetent adults aged 18-50 years, who were both M tuberculosis-naive and BCG-naive and had no history of asthma or other respiratory diseases, were eligible for the trial. Participants were initially enrolled into group 1 (receiving the BCG Danish strain); the trial was subsequently paused because of a worldwide shortage of BCG Danish and, after protocol amendment, was restarted using the BCG Bulgaria strain (group 2). After a dose-escalation study, during which participants were sequentially allocated to receive either 1 × 103, 1 × 104, 1 × 105, 1 × 106, or 1 × 107 colony-forming units (CFU) of aerosol BCG, the maximum tolerated dose was selected for the randomised controlled trial. Participants in this trial were randomly assigned (9:12), by variable block randomisation and using sequentially numbered sealed envelopes, to receive aerosol BCG (1 × 107 CFU) and intradermal saline or intradermal BCG (1 × 106 CFU) and aerosol saline. Participants were masked to treatment allocation until day 14. The primary outcome was to compare the safety of a controlled human infection model based on aerosol-inhaled BCG versus one based on intradermally administered BCG, and the secondary outcome was to evaluate BCG recovery in the airways of participants who received aerosol BCG or skin biopsies of participants who received intradermal BCG. BCG was detected by culture and by PCR. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02709278, and is complete. FINDINGS: Participants were assessed for eligibility between April 7, 2016, and Sept 29, 2018. For group 1, 15 participants were screened, of whom 13 were enrolled and ten completed the study; for group 2, 60 were screened and 33 enrolled, all of whom completed the study. Doses up to 1 × 107 CFU aerosol-inhaled BCG were sufficiently well tolerated. No significant difference was observed in the frequency of adverse events between aerosol and intradermal groups (median percentage of solicited adverse events per participant, post-aerosol vs post-intradermal BCG: systemic 7% [IQR 2-11] vs 4% [1-13], p=0·62; respiratory 7% [1-19] vs 4% [1-9], p=0·56). More severe systemic adverse events occurred in the 2 weeks after aerosol BCG (15 [12%] of 122 reported systemic adverse events) than after intradermal BCG (one [1%] of 94; difference 11% [95% CI 5-17]; p=0·0013), but no difference was observed in the severity of respiratory adverse events (two [1%] of 144 vs zero [0%] of 97; 1% [-1 to 3]; p=0·52). All adverse events after aerosol BCG resolved spontaneously. One serious adverse event was reported-a participant in group 2 was admitted to hospital to receive analgesia for a pre-existing ovarian cyst, which was deemed unrelated to BCG infection. On day 14, BCG was cultured from bronchoalveolar lavage samples after aerosol infection and from skin biopsy samples after intradermal infection. INTERPRETATION: This first-in-human aerosol BCG controlled human infection model was sufficiently well tolerated. Further work will evaluate the utility of this model in assessing vaccine efficacy and identifying potential correlates of protection. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust, National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Thames Valley Clinical Research Network, and TBVAC2020.

Synergistic photocatalysis of a hydrochar/CeO2 composite for dye degradation under visible light.

The synthesis and characterization of a hydrochar/CeO2 composite along with its evaluation in methylene blue degradation under visible light are presented. The methodology consisted of a single-pass hydrothermal method, having as synthesis conditions 9 h of reaction time, 210 °C, autogenous pressure, and a biomass/CeO2 ratio of 100:1. The composite characterization revealed good dispersion of CeO2 in the carbonaceous matrix and significant synergy in the composite activation using visible irradiation. The photodegradation experiments showed an efficiency of 98% for white LED light, 91% for UV light, 96% for solar irradiation, and 85% for blue LED light using as conditions pH 7.0, 50 mg of composite, 50 mL of solution, 10 mg/L of dye initial concentration, and 120 min of contact time. Meanwhile, the reusability experiments evidenced a reuse capacity of up to five times with a constant photodegradation efficiency (99%); moreover, it was determined that the presence of electrolytes at pH below 7.0 during degradation negatively affected methylene blue degradation. Finally, the results of this work demonstrate that the hydrochar/CeO2 composite can be synthesized by a green method and used for the efficient treatment of water contaminated with methylene blue.

Evaluation of the Performance of a 3D-Printed Smartphone-Based Retinal Imaging Device as a Screening Tool for Retinal Pathology in Mozambique.

Low-income countries carry approximately 90% of the global burden of visual impairment, and up to 80% of this could be prevented or cured. However, there are only a few studies on the prevalence of retinal disease in these countries. Easier access to retinal information would allow differential diagnosis and promote strategies to improve eye health, which are currently scarce. This pilot study aims to evaluate the functionality and usability of a tele-retinography system for the detection of retinal pathology, based on a low-cost portable retinal scanner, manufactured with 3D printing and controlled by a mobile phone with an application designed ad hoc. The study was conducted at the Manhiça Rural Hospital in Mozambique. General practitioners, with no specific knowledge of ophthalmology or previous use of retinography, performed digital retinographies on 104 hospitalized patients. The retinographies were acquired in video format, uploaded to a web platform, and reviewed centrally by two ophthalmologists, analyzing the image quality and the presence of retinal lesions. In our sample there was a high proportion of exudates and hemorrhages-8% and 4%, respectively. In addition, the presence of lesions was studied in patients with known underlying risk factors for retinal disease, such as HIV, diabetes, and/or hypertension. Our tele-retinography system based on a smartphone coupled with a simple and low-cost 3D printed device is easy to use by healthcare personnel without specialized ophthalmological knowledge and could be applied for the screening and initial diagnosis of retinal pathology.

Hydrothermal synthesis of a photocatalyst based on Byrsonima crassifolia and TiO2 for degradation of crystal violet by UV and visible radiation.

This work presents a one-step synthesis methodology for preparing a hydrochar (HC) doped with TiO2 (HC-TiO2) for its application on the degradation of crystal violet (CV) using UV and visible radiation. Byrsonima crassifolia stones were used as precursors along with TiO2 particles. The HC-TiO2 sample was synthesized at 210 °C for 9 h using autogenous pressure. The photocatalyst was characterized to evaluate the TiO2 dispersion, specific surface area, graphitization degree, and band-gap value. Finally, the degradation of CV was investigated by varying the operating conditions of the system, the reuse of the catalyst, and the degradation mechanism. The physicochemical characterization of the HC-TiO2 composite showed good dispersion of TiO2 in the carbonaceous particle. The presence of TiO2 on the hydrochar surface yields a bandgap value of 1.17 eV, enhancing photocatalyst activation with visible radiation. The degradation results evidenced a synergistic effect with both types of radiation due to the hybridized π electrons in the sp2-hybridized structures in the HC surface. The degradation percentages were on average 20% higher using UV radiation than visible radiation under the following conditions: [CV] = 20 mg/L, 1 g/L of photocatalyst load, and pH = 7.0. The reusability experiments demonstrated the feasibility of reusing the HC-TiO2 material up to 5 times with a similar photodegradation percentage. Finally, the results indicated that the HC-TiO2 composite could be considered an efficient material for the photocatalytic treatment of water contaminated with CV.

Right ventricle speckle tracking in bronchopulmonary dysplasia: one-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is still a major concern in preterm infants and adequate screening methods for secondary right ventricle (RV) failure are needed. Early detection could be aided by taking measurements of RV deformation using speckle tracking echocardiography. A prospective longitudinal study was carried out over 28 months at a tertiary care pediatric cardiology center. Preterm infants < 32 weeks gestational age (GA) were eligible for the study. Enrolled patients were separated in two groups: NO-BPD or BPD. At three timepoints over the first year of life, echocardiogram measurements were performed. Right ventricle strain was studied using speckle tracking analysis and compared to conventional function parameters. RESULTS: Fifty patients were enrolled in the study, 22 in the NO-BPD group and 28 in the BPD group. RV strain showed no statistical differences between groups. However, the BPD group showed worse RV function than the NO-BPD group, using speckle tracking analysis and other conventional parameters. During the study follow-up, an improvement trend is shown in RV strain. CONCLUSIONS: RV longitudinal strain and strain rate derived by speckle tracking is feasible in preterm infants. Although there seems to be a good correlation between RV strain and BPD severity, the results of this study were not conclusive. More studies should be carried out to investigate the optimum echocardiographic screening model of RV dysfunction in BPD patients.

Variability in wound closure technique in midline posterior lumbar fusion surgery. International survey and standardized closure technique proposal.

Background: Surgical wound complications represent an important risk factor, particularly in multilevel lumbar fusions. However, the literature regarding optimal wound closure techniques for these procedures is limited. Methods: We performed an online survey of 61 spinal surgeons from 11 countries, involving 25 different hospitals. The study included 26 neurosurgeons, 21 orthopedists, and 14 residents (Neurosurgery - 6 and orthopedics 8). The survey contained 17 questions on demographic information, closure techniques, and the use of drainage in posterior lumbar fusion surgery. We then developed a "consensus technique." Results: The proposed standardized closure techniques included: (1) using subfascial gravity drainage (i.e., without suction) with drain removal for <50 ml/day or a maximum duration of 48 h, (2) paraspinal muscle, fascia, and supraspinous ligament closure using interrupted-X stitches 0 or 1 Vicryl or other longer-lasting resorbable suture (i.e., polydioxanone suture), (3) closure of subcutaneous tissue with interrupted inverted Vicryl 2-0 sutures in two planes for subcutaneous tissue greater >25 mm in depth, and (4) skin closure with simple interrupted nylon 3-0 sutures. Conclusion: There is great variability between closure techniques utilized for multilevel posterior lumbar fusion surgery. Here, we have described various standardized/evidence-based proven techniques for the closure of these wounds.

Nivel de conocimiento, actitudes y prácticas sobre enfermedad periodontal en pacientes diabéticos / Level of knowledge, attitudes and practices on periodontal disease in diabetic patients

RESUMEN Fundamento: La diabetes mellitus y la enfermedad periodontal tienen una relación bidireccional, siendo la prevención la herramienta indispensable para lograr el mejoramiento del nivel de salud bucal. Objetivo: Identificar el nivel de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de la enfermedad periodontal en pacientes diabéticos. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal de septiembre de 2019 a abril de 2020 en la población diabética de 19 a 40 años del Consultorio Médico de Familia n.o 11 del área de salud de Zaza del Medio perteneciente al municipio Taguasco, provincia Sancti Spíritus. Se estudiaron las variables edad, sexo, nivel de conocimiento, actitudes y prácticas sobre salud bucal. Resultados: En el 67.9 % de los pacientes se observó bajo nivel de conocimientos sobre la enfermedad periodontal, actitud desfavorable el 78.6 % y prácticas deficientes el 57.1 %. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los pacientes diabéticos presentó bajo nivel de conocimientos, actitud desfavorable y prácticas deficientes para lograr la salud periodontal.

ABSTRACT Background: Diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease have a bidirectional relationship, being prevention the essential tool to achieve an improvement in the level of oral health. Objective: To identify the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices of periodontal disease in diabetic patients. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was conducted from September 2019 to April 2020 in the diabetic population aged 19 to 40 years at the doctor´s office 11 in Zaza del Medio health area of Taguasco municipality in Sancti Spíritus province. The variables age, sex, level of knowledge, attitudes and practices on oral health were studied. Results: 67.9 % of the patients had a low level of knowledge about periodontal disease, 78.6 % had an unfavorable attitude and 57.1 % had deficient practices. Conclusions: The majority of diabetic patients presented low level of knowledge, non-favorable attitude and poor practices to accomplish periodontal health.

Equine rhinosporidiosis in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abstract Rhinosporidiosis is caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, a parasitic organism of the family Rhinosporideacea family, class Micomycetozoa. The disease is endemic in India; however, some cases were reported in Europe, Africa, North America, and South America. The aim of the present study is to report three cases of rhinosporidiosis in wild horses in different cities of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. We confirm the presence of R. seeberi in the analyzed samples using histopathological and PCR sequencing techniques.

Resumen La rinosporidiosis es una enfermedad causada por Rhinosporidium seeberi, un organismo parasitario clasificado en la familia Rhinosporideacea, clase Micomycetozoa. Es una enfermedad endémica de la India, pero se notificaron algunos casos en Europa, África, América del Norte y América del Sur. El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir tres casos de rinosporidiosis en caballos de vida libre en diferentes ciudades de la provincia de Buenos Ares, Argentina. Confirmamos la presencia de R. seeberi en las muestras analizadas utilizando técnicas histopatológicas, PCR y secuenciación.

Computational Design of Rhenium(I) Carbonyl Complexes for Anticancer Photodynamic Therapy.

New Re(I) carbonyl complexes are proposed as candidates for photodynamic therapy after investigating the effects of the pyridocarbazole-type ligand conjugation, addition of substituents to this ligand, and replacement of one CO by phosphines in [Re(pyridocarbazole)(CO)3(pyridine)] complexes by means of the density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT. We have found, first, that increasing the conjugation in the bidentate ligand reduces the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy gap of the complex, so its absorption wavelength red-shifts. When the enlargement of this ligand is carried out by merging the electron-withdrawing 1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione heterocycle, it enhances even more the stabilization of the LUMO due to its electron-acceptor character. Second, the analysis of the shape and composition of the orbitals involved in the band of interest indicates which substituents of the bidentate ligand and which positions are optimal for reducing the HOMO-LUMO energy gap. The introduction of electron-withdrawing substituents into the pyridine ring of the pyridocarbazole ligand mainly stabilizes the LUMO, whereas the HOMO energy increases primarily when electron-donating substituents are introduced into its indole moiety. Each type of substituents results in a bathochromic shift of the lowest-lying absorption band, which is even larger if they are combined in the same complex. Finally, the removal of the π-backbonding interaction between Re and the CO trans to the monodentate pyridine when it is replaced by phosphines PMe3, 1,4-diacetyl-1,3,7-triaza-5-phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (DAPTA), and 1,4,7-triaza-9-phosphatricyclo[5.3.2.1]tridecane (CAP) causes another extra bathochromic shift due to the destabilization of the HOMO, which is low with DAPTA, moderate with PMe3, but especially large with CAP. Through the combination of the PMe3 or CAP ligands with adequate electron-withdrawing and/or electron-donating substituents at the pyridocarbazole ligand, we have found several complexes with significant absorption at the therapeutic window. In addition, according to our results on the singlet-triplet energy gap, all of them should be able to produce cytotoxic singlet oxygen.

Piometra secundario a estenosis cervical en una adolescente / Pyometra secondary to cervical stenosis in an adolescent

INTRODUCCIÓN: El piometra es una afección infrecuente, pero grave, que en general se diagnostica en mujeres posmenopáusicas. En adolescentes es sumamente raro, y si se acompaña de amenorrea primaria hay que tener en mente las anomalías congénitas. CASO CLÍNICO: Adolescente de 13 años, sin antecedentes personales de interés salvo amenorrea primaria, que acude con abdomen agudo y es intervenida por una peritonitis difusa causada por un piometra secundario a disgenesia (estenosis) cervical congénita. Se realizó dilatación cervical y se dejó una sonda vesical intrauterina para prevenir la reestenosis. CONCLUSIONES: Un diagnóstico precoz y un tratamiento conservador con dilatación cervical y colocación temporal de un catéter urinario son esenciales para un manejo seguro y efectivo de la estenosis cervical en adolescentes.

INTRODUCTION: Pyometra is an uncommon but serious condition that is generally diagnosed in postmenopausal women. In adolescents it is extremely rare; if accompanied by primary amenorrhea, consider congenital abnormalities. CASE REPORT: A 13-year-old adolescent, with no relevant personal history except primary amenorrhea, who presented with an acute abdomen and was operated on for diffuse peritonitis caused by pyometra secondary to congenital cervical dysgenesis (stenosis). Cervical dilation was performed and a urinary catheter was temporarily placed inside the uterus to prevent restenosis. CONLUSIONS: An early diagnosis and conservative treatment with cervical dilation and temporary placement of a urinary catheter are essential for the safe and effective management of cervical stenosis in adolescents.

Effect of operational parameters on photocatalytic degradation of ethylparaben using rGO/TiO2 composite under UV radiation.

The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of different operational variables (catalyst loading, initial EtP concentration, medium pH, the presence of anions and radical scavengers) on the performance of ethylparaben (EtP) photodegradation catalyzed with an rGO/TiO2 composite. EtP was selected for study after analyzing the effect of paraben chain length on its catalytic photodegradation, finding that the photodegradation rate constant values of methyl-, ethyl-, and butyl-paraben are 0.050, 0.096, and 0.136 min-1, respectively. This indicates that the photodegradation rate constant of parabens is higher with longer alkyl chain, which augments its oxidation capacity. The percentage removal of EtP at 40 min increases from 66.3 to 98.6 % when the composite dose rises from 100 to 700 mg/L; however, an additional increase in the composite dose to 1000 mg/L does not substantively improve the photodegradation rate or percentage EtP removal (98.9 %). A rise in the initial EtP concentration from 15 to 100 mg/L reduces the percentage of degradation from 100 to 76.4 %. The percentage EtP degradation is lower with higher solution pH. The presence of HCO3- or Cl- anions in the medium reduces the degradation performance. Results obtained using positive hole and hydroxyl radical scavengers demonstrate that positive holes play an important role in EtP degradation. No degradation product evidences toxicity against the cultured human embryonic kidney cell line HEK-293.

[HOSPITALS AS PROMOTERS OF SMOKELESS SPACES: STRATEGIES AIMED AT SMOKING CONTROL] / El hospital como centro promotor de espacios sin humo: estrategias dirigidas al control del tabaquismo.

The objective of this study was to describe the measures introduced at the Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Barcelona, aimed at achieving a smoke-free environment, and encouraging research, training, and clinical approaches with respect to smoking. The experience gained as a center attached to the Catalan Network of Smokeless Hospitals since 2002 shows that preventing and controlling smoking requires a specific agenda developed by a competent committee comprising workers from all hospital areas. Likewise, coordination with other centers in the network is essential as it permits the sharing of experiences. The involvement of hospital management is critical for the effective introduction of health protection and promotion strategies, both in workers and in users. The raising of awareness and the ongoing training of all health workers and coordination with other health care providers in the Health network are the main aspects that require strengthening in the future.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir las medidas llevadas a cabo en el Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol de Barcelona, destinadas a conseguir un entorno libre de humo, así como al desarrollo de actividades de investigación, formación y abordaje clínico en relación al tabaquismo. La experiencia como centro adherido a la Red Catalana de Hospitales Sin Humo desde 2002 nos revela que para la prevención y control del tabaquismo es necesaria una agenda específica desarrollada por un Comité competente, compuesto por trabajadores de diferentes estamentos y servicios del centro. Del mismo modo, consideramos fundamental la coordinación con otros centros de la Red que permita compartir experiencias, así como la implicación de la Dirección del Centro para la implementación efectiva de las estrategias de promoción y protección de la salud, tanto en los trabajadores como en los usuarios. La sensibilización y formación continuada de todo el personal sanitario y la coordinación con otros servicios proveedores de salud de la red sanitaria se perfilan como los principales puntos a reforzar en el futuro.

Thermography mapping patterns in temporal lobe epilepsy surgery.

BACKGROUND: In several epilepsy etiologies, the macroscopic appearance of the epileptogenic tissue is identical to the normal, which makes it hard to balance between how much cytoreduction or disconnection and brain tissue preservation must be done. A strategy to tackle this situation is by evaluating brain metabolism during surgery using infrared thermography mapping (IrTM). METHODS: In 12 epilepsy surgery cases that involved the temporal lobe, we correlated the IrTM, electrocorticography, and neuropathology results. RESULTS: Irritative zones (IZ) had a lower temperature in comparison to the surrounding cortex with normal electric activity (difference in temperature (ΔT) from 1.2 to 7.1, mean 3.40°C standard deviation ± 1.61). The coldest zones correlated exactly with IZ in 9/10 cortical dysplasia (CD) cases. In case 3, the coldest area was at 1 cm away from the IZ. In 10/10 dysplasia cases (cases 1-4, 6-11), there was a radial heating pattern originating from the coldest cortical point. In 2/2 neoplasia cases, the temporal lobe cortical temperature was more homogeneous than in the CD cases, with no radial heating pattern, and there were no IZ detected. In case 8, we found the coldest IrTM recording in the hippocampus, which correlated to the maximal irritative activity recorded by strip electrodes. The ΔT is inversely proportional to epilepsy chronicity. CONCLUSION: IrTM could be useful in detecting hypothermic IZ in CD cases. As the ΔT is inversely proportional to epilepsy chronicity, this variable could affect the metabolic thermic patterns of the human brain.

Infrared thermography mapping plus neuronavigation target location in an eloquent area cavernoma resection.

BACKGROUND: Safety and efficacy are irrebuttable goals in neurosurgery. METHODS: We performed a subcortical cavernoma resection in an eloquent area, where we recorded and compared the maximal and minimal brain temperature measured by an infrared thermographic camera and thermometer with the neuronavigation (NN) target location and real anatomical lesion location. RESULTS: The hottest cortical point correlated to the subcortical cavernoma location. The NN located the target at 10 mm away from the hottest point. CONCLUSION: More studies are needed to better understand the thermic radiation of the brain in health and in disease, but we believe that evaluating brain temperature, it could be possible to improve accuracy in neurosurgery and generate more knowledge about brain metabolism in vivo.

Experimental Evaluation of a New Tissue Factor-Based Topical Hemostat (TT-173) for Treatment of Hepatic Bleeding.

Background: Excessive blood loss is a relevant complication of partial liver resection. Topical hemostatic agents have proven useful to improve the control of the bleeding in this among other surgical indications. Until now all of these products have been based on the action of thrombin. In contrast TT-173 is a new topical hemostatic agent based on recombinant tissue factor naturally incorporated into membrane vesicles. This work sought to assess the efficacy and toxicity of TT-173 in an animal model of liver resection.Materials and Methods: Procoagulant activity of 0.15, 0.41, and 1 mg of TT-173 was evaluated in pigs subjected the resection of hepatic lobe margins. The most effective of these doses was also compared against thrombin. In addition, the toxicity, local tolerance, systemic absorption, and immunogenicity of the product were investigated in rats subjected to liver biopsy lesion.Results: The three doses of TT-173 evaluated significantly reduced the bleeding time in liver lesions. The highest dose of product was significantly more effective than the others and thrombin. Application of high doses of TT-173 in rats did not cause any local or systemic alterations. Absorption into blood stream was negligible and no immunogenic reaction against the product was detected.Conclusions: TT-173 shows favorable pharmacodynamic properties for improving hemostasis in partial liver resection which support further investigation of the product in this surgical indication.

Permeability of the amniotic membranes to the natural vanilla molecule.

Purpose: We studied natural vanilla permeability through amniotic membranes.Methods: We studied natural vanilla permeability through amniotic membranes obtained from 45 spontaneous normal deliveries at term. The ferric chloride test (FeCL3) was used to determine the presence or absence of phenols in a given sample. Vanilla is a polyphenol so it gives a reaction to FeCL3 with an intense color change. The diffusion of the vanilla was checked by dropping ferric chloride solution on the gauze once the membranes are lifted with care to avoid contamination. If vanilla has passed through the membranes the distilled water papers would change from an initial ferric yellow in the drops toward a marked gray/greenish color on the papers (positive test).Results: In all cases, the swabs were stained, all the membranes in both directions were permeable to the whole vanilla molecule.Conclusions: This experiment allows us to reevaluate the importance of molecular diffusion through the amniotic membranes with no placental metabolism existing between maternal and fetal environment.

Degradation of the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide by UV/Solar radiation assisted oxidation processes.

The objective of this study was to analyse the effectiveness of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) with Solar and UV radiation (UV/H2O2, UV/K2S2O8) for the degradation of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a widely used diuretic drug, in aqueous solution focusing on the influence of four experimental parameters: initial concentration of HCTZ, solution pH, nature of the water matrix, and initial concentration of radicals. The obtained results showed that using both kinds of direct photolysis (UV and Solar), the percentage of degraded HCTZ was low, but there was a decrease in the degradation rate favored by the increase of the initial concentration of this pollutant. In addition, the degradation rates were higher at acid pHs. With regard to the nature of water, the degradation rate varied in the order: ultrapure > superficial > tap water. This is due to the presence of organic and inorganic matter (bicarbonates, nitrates, and chlorides) in surface and tap water, that react with the radicals generated, which reduces the availability of radical species, generating competitive kinetics. The presence of radical-promoter species increased the degradation rate of the pollutant, reaching a degradation of 100% of HCTZ after 20 min of treatment. The results obtained point out that the degradation rate was higher in the presence of HO radicals. This behavior was attributed to the higher oxidation power of HO versus radicals. The determination of the degradation by-products led to structures very similar to the parent compound. For example, the corresponding hydroxylated dechlorinated derivative of HCTZ was found in all the systems used. The cytotoxicity test showed that these byproducts have a lower toxicity than the original product. Finally, the economic viability study confirmed that the UV/K2S2O8 system has the lowest cost.

Treatment of Traumatic Degloving Injury of the Foot Using a Biologic Dressing in a Pediatric Patient.

INTRODUCTION: Degloving injuries of the foot involve the management of extensive soft tissue and osseous damage secondary to significant forced avulsion of soft tissue, which can present a major challenge for the surgeon. Surgical procedures on pediatric foot degloving involving split-thickness and/or full-thickness skin grafts and rotational flaps can result in negative consequences, such as donor site comorbidities and psychosocial implications when the pediatric patient returns to daily life. CASE REPORT: The authors report the case of a 16-year-old girl with no past medical history who sustained an extensive degloving injury to her right foot involving severe subcutaneous and muscular soft tissue disruption and contamination. The initial treatment consisted of debridement, copious irrigation, primary wound closure at several sites, and application of an extracellular matrix (ECM) substitute graft. Shortly thereafter, secondary treatment consisted of application of primary musculoskeletal repair, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), and application of a dermal regeneration template. Over the 5-month course of treatment, an additional 3 trips to the operating room occurred, involving serial irrigation and debridement, NPWT application, and dermal/ECM substitute graft applications, leading to full epithelialization. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case in which an instance of pediatric foot degloving is presented with serial debridement, NPWT, and biological dressings, resulting in no additional plastic surgical techniques needed to provide return to functional outcome.

Perception of empowerment and therapeutic adherence in type 2 diabetes and glycemic control in patients of a primary health care unit from Tabasco, Mexico / Percepción de empoderamiento y adherencia terapéutica en DT2 y control glucémico en pacientes de una unidad de atención primaria de Tabasco, México / Perception de l'autonomisation et de l'adhérence thérapeutique dans DT2 et contrôle glycémique chez les patients d'une unité de soins primaires à Tabasco, au Mexique / Percepçâo de empoderamento e adesâo terapéutica no DT2 e controle glicêmico em pacientes de uma unidade de atençâo primária em Tabasco, México

Sumary: Objective: To analyze the perception of empowerment and therapeutic adherence in patients with Type 2 Diabetes and their glycemic control in a primary care unit in Tabasco, Mexico. Materials and methods: Observational, cross-sectional and analytical study in a sample of 100 patients with diabetes. We analyzed variables of perception of empowerment, therapeutic adherence, sociodemographic and clinical. As a dependent variable, the figure of glycosylated hemoglobin HgAlc was taken as the gold standard of metabolic control. An instrument integrated by the DES-28 scale was applied to assess perception of empowerment, a questionnaire to assess the perception of Adherence of Bayarre-Grau. For the analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson's X2) were used with the SPSS V22.0 software. Results: The patients with diabetes were women 72%, average of age 56 years, married 60%, housewives 68%, primary studies 43%, average BMI 30.8, average of years with diabetes 8.9, main complication diabetic neuropathy 61% , mean of HgA1 figure of 8.675%, with HgA1 figure altered 82%, patients perceived to be empowered were 86%, of these, 80.2% showed lack of control with an x2 of 1,300 and a value of p = .000, with adherence 84%, of these patients resulted with altered glycemic control 83.3% with an X2.632 and a value of p = .000. Conclusions: Patients who feel empowered and adherent to treatment in our study have inadequate glycemic control, which allows us to conclude that it is necessary to investigate other factors that go beyond perception and an area of opportunity would be to implement effective strategies to achieve results successful.

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar la percepción de empoderamiento y adherencia terapéutica en pacientes con Diabetes Tipo 2 y su control glucémico en una unidad de atención primaria de Tabasco, México. Mteriales y métodos: Estudio observacional, transversal y analítico, en una muestra de 100 pacientes con diabetes. Se analizaron variables de percepción del empoderamiento, adherencia terapéutica, sociodemográficas y clínicas. Como variable dependiente se tomó la cifra de Hemoglobina glicosilada HgAlc como estándar de oro del control metabólico. Se aplicó un instrumento integrado por la escala DES-28 para evaluar percepción del empoderamiento, cuestionario para evaluar percepción de Adherencia de Bayarre-Grau. Para el análisis se utilizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial (X2 de Pearson) con el software SPSS V22.0. Resultados: Los pacientes con diabetes fueron mujeres 72%, media de edad 56 años, casadas 60%, amas de casa 68%, estudios de primaria 43%, IMC promedio 30.8, promedio de años con diabetes 8.9, principal complicación neuropatía diabética 61%, media de cifra de HgAl de 8.675%, con cifra de HgAl alterada 82%, pacientes que se perciben empoderados fueron 86%, de estos, presentaron descontrol el 80.2% con una x2 de 1.300 y un valor de p=.000, con adherencia 84%, de estos pacientes resultaron con un control glucémico alterado el 83.3% con una x2 .632 y un valor de p=.000. Conclusiones: Los pacientes que se perciben empoderados y adherentes al tratamiento en nuestro estudio presentan un control glucémico inadecuado, lo que permite concluir que es necesario investigar otros factores que van más allá de la percepción y un área de oportunidad sería implementar estrategias efectivas para lograr resultados exitosos.

Résumé: Objectif: Analyser la perception de l'autonomisation et de l'adhérence thérapeutique chez les patients atteints de diabète de type 2 et leur contrôle glycémique dans une unité de soins primaires à Tabasco, au Mexique. Matériaux et méthodes: Étude observationnelle, transversale et analytique sur un échantillon de 100 patients diabétiques. Nous avons analysé des variables de perception de l'autonomisation, de l'adhérence thérapeutique, sociodémographique et clinique. En tant que variable dépendante, la valeur de l'hémoglobine glycosylée HgA1c a été prise comme critère de référence du contrôle métabolique. Un instrument intégré à l'échelle DES-28 a été utilisé pour évaluer la perception de l'autonomisation, un questionnaire pour évaluer la perception de l'adhésion de Bayarre-Grau. Pour l'analyse, des statistiques descriptives et inférentielles (X2 de Pearson) ont été utilisées avec le logiciel SPSS V22.0. Résultats: Les patients diabétiques étaient des femmes 72%, âge moyen 56 ans, marié 60%, les femmes au foyer 68%, l'enseignement primaire 43%, IMC moyen de 30,8, la durée moyenne du diabète avec 8,9, complication majeure neuropathie diabétique 61% , chiffre moyen de 8,675% hgAl avec la figure altérée hgAl 82% des patients étaient perçus habilitée 86% de ceux-ci, 80,2% avaient incontrôlée avec x2 1300 et une valeur de p = 0,000, avec 84% de ces patients ont présenté un contrôle glycémique altéré de 83,3% avec une valeur de x2,632 et une valeur de p = 0,000. Conclusions: Les patients responsabilisés et adhérents sont perçus à un traitement dans notre étude ont un contrôle glycémique insuffisant, ce qui conduit à la conclusion qu'il est nécessaire d'examiner d'autres facteurs qui vont au-delà de la perception et une zone d'opportunité serait de mettre en œuvre des stratégies efficaces pour obtenir des résultats réussi.

Resumo: Objetivo: Analisar a percepçâo da capacitaçâo e da aderência em pacientes com diabetes tipo 2 e controle glicêmico em uma unidade de cuidados primários de Tabasco, no México. Materiais e métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal e analítico em uma amostra de 100 pacientes com diabetes. Foram analisadas variáveis de percepçâo de empoderamento, adesâo terapéutica, sociodemográficas e clínicas. À medida que a hemoglobina glicosilada HgA1c variável dependente foi feita como ouro controle metabólico padrâo. integrado pela escala DES-28 para avaliar a percepçâo da capacitaçâo questionário percepçâo instrumento para avaliar a adesâo Bayarre-Grau aplicada. Para a análise, estatística descritiva e inferencial (X2 de Pearson) foram utilizadas com o software SPSS V22.0. Resultados: Os pacientes com diabetes foram mulheres 72%, idade média de 56 anos, casado 60%, 68% donas de casa, primário 43%, IMC médio de 30,8, a média de anos com diabetes 8.9, principal complicaçâo neuropatía diabética 61% , valor médio de 8,675% hgA1 com figura alterada hgAl 82% dos pacientes com poderes percebidas foram de 86%, destes, 80,2% tinham descontrolada com x2 1.300 e um valor de p = 0,000, com adesâo de 84% destes pacientes foram alterados com o controlo glicémico com um x2 83,3% 0,632 e p = 0,000 Conclusses: Pacientes com poderes e adeptos sâo percebidos ao tratamento em nosso estudo têm controle inadequado da glicemia, o que leva à conclusâo de que é necessário investigar outros fatores que vâo além da percepçâo e uma área de oportunidade seria implementar estratégias eficazes para alcançar resultados sucesso.