Comparative oil extraction from mutt (Myliobatis goodei) liver by enzymatic hydrolysis: free versus immobilized biocatalyst.

BACKGROUND: The development and fine-tuning of biotechnological processes for fish oil extraction constitute a very important focus to contribute to the development of a food industry based on fish consumption. This work lies in a comparative analysis of the oil extraction yield of Myliobatis goodei livers using free and immobilized enzymes. RESULTS: An immobilized biocatalyst was designed from the cell-free extract of a Bacillus sp. Mcn4. A complete factorial design was used to study the components of the bacterial culture medium and select the condition with the highest titers of extracellular enzymatic activities. Wheat bran had a significant effect on the culture medium composition for enzymatic production. The immobilized biocatalyst was designed by covalent binding of the proteins present in the cocktail retaining a percentage of different types of enzymatic activities (Mult.Enz@MgFe2 O4 ). Among the biocatalyst used, Alcalase® 2.4 L and Purazyme® AS 60 L (free commercial proteases) showed extraction yields of 87.39% and 84.25%, respectively, while Mult.Enz@MgFe2 O4 achieved a better one of 89.97%. The oils obtained did not show significant differences in their physical-chemical properties while regarding the fatty acid content, the oil extracted with Purazyme® AS 60 L showed a comparatively lower proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the use of by-products of M. goodei is a valid alternative and encourages the use of immobilized multienzyme biocatalysts for the treatment of complex substrates in the fishing industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Physical activity levels in various university majors amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparative study / Nivel de actividad física en varias carreras universitarias en medio de la pandemia de COVID-19: Un estudio comparativo / Níveis de atividade física em várias carreiras universitárias em meio à pandemia de COVID-19: Um estudo comparativo

This study determined levels of physical activity in students by comparing them based on gender, faculty, and major among university students during the Covid-19 pandemic. The research followed a quantitative approach with a descriptive-comparative design. The study was conducted once per student, with the participation of 582 students of both genders. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was administered to the students using Google Forms, distributed through their institutional emails. The collected data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS V.22.0. The independent samples t-test was employed to compare the energy expenditure between males and females, along with Cohen's d statistic to assess the effect size. Prior to these analyses, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test and Levene's test were conducted. Results were considered significant when the p-value was <0.05. The findings indicate that males allocate more time to work than females. Additionally, it was observed that males exhibit a higher level of physical activity than females within the engineering field. Lastly, majors with the highest levels of physical activity per week were Physical Education and Nutrition. These outcomes shed light on the reality of physical activity levels among Chilean university students based on faculty and major. University authorities should consider promoting physical activity programs, particularly emphasizing women and majors such as engineering, architecture, and mathematics, which have shown lower levels of physical activity.

Este estudio determinó los niveles de actividad física en estudiantes comparando por sexo, facultad y carrera en estudiantes universitarios en tiempos de pandemia por de Covid-19. Este estudio tiene un enfoque de investigación cuantitativa con diseño descriptivo-comparativo. Este estudio se aplicó una sola vez por estudiante contando con la participación de 582 estudiantes de ambos sexos. A los estudiantes se les aplicó el cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física (IPAQ) mediante Google forms haciéndoselos llegar sus correos institucionales. Los datos obtenidos se analizaron en el programa estadístico SPSS V.22.0. Se utilizo la prueba estadística T-student para muestras independientes para comparar el coste energético entre hombres y mujeres, además del estadístico d de Cohen para evaluar el tamaño del efecto. Antes de realizar estas evaluaciones se realizó la prueba de normalidad Kolmogorov Smirnov y prueba de Levene. Se consideraron resultados significativos cuando el valor de p fue <0.05. Los resultados indican que los hombres destinan mayor tiempo a trabajar que las mujeres, además se encontró que los hombres poseen mayor nivel de actividad física que las mujeres en ingeniería. Finalmente, los estudiantes de las carreras con mayor nivel de actividad física a la semana fueron Educación física y nutrición. Estos resultados dan cuenta de la realidad en universitarios chilenos respecto al nivel de actividad física por facultad y por carrera. Las autoridades universitarias deberían promover programas de actividad física enfatizando en mujeres y en carreras de ingeniería, arquitectura y matemática que han mostrado menores niveles de actividad física.

Este estudo determinou os níveis de atividade física em estudantes, comparando por gênero, faculdade e curso entre estudantes universitários durante a pandemia de Covid-19. A pesquisa seguiu uma abordagem quantitativa com um design descritivo-comparativo. O estudo foi conduzido uma única vez por estudante, com a participação de 582 estudantes de ambos os gêneros. O Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ) foi administrado aos estudantes por meio do Google Forms, distribuído por meio de seus e-mails institucionais. Os dados coletados foram analisados usando o software estatístico SPSS V.22.0. O teste t de amostras independentes foi empregado para comparar o gasto energético entre homens e mulheres, juntamente com a estatística d de Cohen para avaliar o tamanho do efeito. Antes dessas análises, o teste de normalidade de Kolmogorov-Smirnov e o teste de Levene foram conduzidos. Resultados foram considerados significantes quando o valor de p foi <0.05. Os resultados indicam que os homens dedicam mais tempo ao trabalho do que as mulheres. Adicionalmente, observou-se que os homens apresentam um nível mais elevado de atividade física do que as mulheres no campo da engenharia. Por fim, os cursos com os níveis mais altos de atividade física por semana foram Educação Física e Nutrição. Estes resultados lançam luz sobre a realidade dos níveis de atividade física entre estudantes universitários chilenos com base na faculdade e no curso. As autoridades universitárias devem considerar a promoção de programas de atividade física, especialmente enfatizando as mulheres e os cursos como engenharia, arquitetura e matemática, que mostraram níveis mais baixos de atividade física.

Implementation of clinical assistants in a pediatric oncology department: An impact analysis.

Bureaucratic and administrative tasks associated with health care provision have historically fallen on health care professionals, which is one among the factors contributing to low job satisfaction and lower productivity. Incorporating new professional roles that help to better respond to the needs of both patients and professionals can increase the quality and efficiency of service provision. This article aims to evaluate the impact of the clinical assistant's introduction in the Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children's Hospital's pediatric oncology department, in terms of (i) displacement of activity loads carried out by this new professional role and the consequent time freed up for physicians, (ii) physicians' satisfaction and (iii) efficiency of the new care model. This is an observational and retrospective study using administrative data based on the type of activity performed by clinical assistants and the measurement of the time freed up in favor of the physicians. The potential skill mix productivity increase, survey of physicians' satisfaction, and reduction in costs with the new model was analyzed. During the first year of its implementation in the pediatric oncology department, clinical assistants have performed 13,553 requests (69% of the total), representing a total saving of 266.83 hours or 6.67 workweeks of 40 hours. They performed 74% of outpatient surgical requests in the oncology department, 87% of day hospital requests and 54% of total requests in the outpatient consultations area. Physicians are overall satisfied with the new role and think they can use the time gained to do other things such as research or improving the quality of care. The role change allows reducing the cost per request by 56% in relation to the conventional model. In conclusion, the introduction of clinical assistants in the oncology department could be efficient to the extent that it displaces a significant part of the bureaucratic and administrative tasks previously performed by health care professionals and thus enables to reduce the cost of these processes. This delegation allows them to work more closely to the maximum of their competences and the physicians to have more time for higher added value clinical tasks and increase professional satisfaction.

Translating pharmacology models effectively to predict therapeutic benefit.

Many in vitro and in vivo models are used in pharmacological research to evaluate the role of targeted proteins in a disease. Understanding the translational relevance and limitation of these models for analyzing a drug's disposition, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profile, mechanism, and efficacy, is essential when selecting the most appropriate model of the disease of interest and predicting clinically efficacious doses of the investigational drug. Selected animal models used in ophthalmology, infectious diseases, oncology, autoimmune diseases, and neuroscience are reviewed here. Each area has specific challenges around translatability and determination of an efficacious dose: new patient-specific dosing methods may help overcome these limitations.

Hybridization and polyploidization effects on LTR-retrotransposon activation in potato genome.

Hybridization and polyploidization are major forces in plant evolution and potatoes are not an exception. It is proposed that the proliferation of Long Terminal Repeat-retrotransposons (LTR-RT) is related to genome reorganization caused by hybridization and/or polyploidization. The main purpose of the present work was to evaluate the effect of interspecific hybridization and polyploidization on the activation of LTR-RT. We evaluated the proliferation of putative active LTR-RT in a diploid hybrid between the cultivated potato Solanum tuberosum and the wild diploid potato species S. kurtzianum, allotetraploid lines derived from this interspecific hybrid and S. kurtzianum autotetraploid lines (ktz-autotetraploid) using the S-SAP (sequence-specific amplified polymorphism) technique and normalized copy number determination by qPCR. Twenty-nine LTR-RT copies were activated in the hybrid and present in the allotetraploid lines. Major LTR-RT activity was detected in Copia-27, Copia-12, Copia-14 and, Gypsy-22. According to our results, LTR-RT copies were activated principally in the hybrid, there was no activation in allotetraploid lines and only one copy was activated in the autotetraploid.

Disposable point-of-care portable perfusion phantom for quantitative DCE-MRI.

PURPOSE: To develop a disposable point-of-care portable perfusion phantom (DP4) and validate its clinical utility in a multi-institutional setting for quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (qDCE-MRI). METHODS: The DP4 phantom was designed for single-use and imaged concurrently with a human subject so that the phantom data can be utilized as the reference to detect errors in qDCE-MRI measurement of human tissues. The change of contrast-agent concentration in the phantom was measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The repeatability of the contrast enhancement curve (CEC) was assessed with five phantoms in a single MRI scanner. Five healthy human subjects were recruited to evaluate the reproducibility of qDCE-MRI measurements. Each subject was imaged concurrently with the DP4 phantom at two institutes using three 3T MRI scanners from three different vendors. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters in the regions of liver, spleen, pancreas, and paravertebral muscle were calculated based on the Tofts model (TM), extended Tofts model (ETM), and shutter speed model (SSM). The reproducibility of each PK parameter over three measurements was evaluated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and compared before and after DP4-based error correction. RESULTS: The contrast-agent concentration in the DP4 phantom was linearly increased over 10 min (0.17 mM/min, measurement accuracy: 96%) after injecting gadoteridol (100 mM) at a constant rate (0.24 ml/s, 4 ml). The repeatability of the CEC within the phantom was 0.997 when assessed by the ICC. The reproducibility of the volume transfer constant, Ktrans , was the highest of the PK parameters regardless of the PK models. The ICCs of Ktrans in the TM, ETM, and SSM before DP4-based error correction were 0.34, 0.39, and 0.72, respectively, while those increased to 0.93, 0.98, and 0.86, respectively, after correction. CONCLUSIONS: The DP4 phantom is reliable, portable, and capable of significantly improving the reproducibility of qDCE-MRI measurements.

Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus in a Pediatric Patient: Case Report.

The giant congenital melanocytic nevus is a rare entity with an extremely low incidence that appears at the time of birth and generally involves the dermis but may also affect other skin layers. According to its clinical evolution, the probability of malignancy may vary, so proper follow-up is essential for potential management. There is no consensus in the literature about the greater benefit of surgical versus nonsurgical management. In this case report, we present the surgical management of a school-aged patient using dermal substitutes and skin grafts, subjectively obtaining an improvement in his quality of life.

A novel mitochondrial Kv1.3-caveolin axis controls cell survival and apoptosis.

The voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 plays an apparent dual physiological role by participating in activation and proliferation of leukocytes as well as promoting apoptosis in several types of tumor cells. Therefore, Kv1.3 is considered a potential pharmacological target for immunodeficiency and cancer. Different cellular locations of Kv1.3, at the plasma membrane or the mitochondria, could be responsible for such duality. While plasma membrane Kv1.3 facilitates proliferation, the mitochondrial channel modulates apoptotic signaling. Several molecular determinants of Kv1.3 drive the channel to the cell surface, but no information is available about its mitochondrial targeting. Caveolins, which are able to modulate cell survival, participate in the plasma membrane targeting of Kv1.3. The channel, via a caveolin-binding domain (CDB), associates with caveolin 1 (Cav1), which localizes Kv1.3 to lipid raft membrane microdomains. The aim of our study was to understand the role of such interactions not only for channel targeting but also for cell survival in mammalian cells. By using a caveolin association-deficient channel (Kv1.3 CDBless), we demonstrate here that while the Kv1.3-Cav1 interaction is responsible for the channel localization in the plasma membrane, a lack of such interaction accumulates Kv1.3 in the mitochondria. Kv1.3 CDBless severely affects mitochondrial physiology and cell survival, indicating that a functional link of Kv1.3 with Cav1 within the mitochondria modulates the pro-apoptotic effects of the channel. Therefore, the balance exerted by these two complementary mechanisms fine-tune the physiological role of Kv1.3 during cell survival or apoptosis. Our data highlight an unexpected role for the mitochondrial caveolin-Kv1.3 axis during cell survival and apoptosis.

Remodelación de papila gingival interdental con ácido hialurónico. Una solución estética / Remodeling interdental gingival papilla with hyaluronic acid. An aesthetic solution

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar el efecto de remodelación y relleno mediante aplicación de ácido hialurónico en papilas gingivales de sector estético con defectos de triángulo negro en un paciente tratado periodontalmente. Se inyectaron 0.15 ml de gel de ácido hialurónico dividido en 3 sesiones. Clínicamente se observó aumento de volumen y aumento de dimensiones verticales y horizontales en las papilas, mejorando así los parámetros estéticos. Como conclusión la aplicación de ácido hialurónico es efectiva en la remodelación y relleno en pérdidas de papila clase I de Nordland y Tarnow.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this work is to evaluate the effect of remodeling and filling through the application of hyaluronic acid in gingival papilla in the aesthetic sector with black triangle defects, in a periodontally- treated patient. In 3 portioned sessions, 0.15 ml of hyaluronic acid gel was injected. Clinically, an increase in volume was observed, and vertical and horizontal dimensions in the papilla increased too, thus improving aesthetic parameters. In conclusion, the application of hyaluronic acid is effective in the remodeling and filling in losses of class I papilla (Nordland and Tarnow classification).

Study of the Interactions of Fusarium virguliforme Toxin FvTox1 with Synthetic Peptides by Molecular Simulations and a Label-Free Biosensor.

Fusarium virguliforme is a soil borne pathogen that causes sudden death syndrome (SDS) in soybean plants. This pathogenic disease may result in severe soybean yield suppression and can cause serious economic harm. It has been shown that the FvTox1 toxin produced by the pathogen may be the root cause of foliar SDS. Anti-FvTox1 single-chain variable fragment antibody expressed in transgenic soybean plants was shown to neutralize the FvTox1 toxin involved in foliar SDS development. Here, we have investigated the binding affinities of FvTox1 with four FvTox1-interacting peptides of 7 to 12 amino acids identified from phage display libraries using both bioinformatics-based molecular simulations and label-free bioassays with a unique photonic crystal biosensor. Results from the molecular simulations have predicted the interaction energies and 3-dimensional (3D) structures of FvTox1 and FvTox1-interacting peptide complexes. Our label-free binding assays have further provided the interaction strength of FvTox1 with four different FvTox1-interacting peptides and experimentally confirmed the simulation results obtained from bioinformatics-based molecular calculations.

Use of 3D Prototypes for Complex Surgical Oncologic Cases.

INTRODUCTION: Physical 3D models known by the industry as rapid prototyping involve the creation of a physical model from a 3D computer version. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of reports on the use of 3D models in medicine. Printing such 3D models with different materials integrating the many components of human anatomy is technically challenging. In this article, we report our technological developments along with our clinical implementation experience using high-fidelity 3D prototypes of tumors encasing major vessels in anatomically sensitive areas. METHODS: Three patients with tumors encasing major vessels that implied complex surgery were selected for surgical planning using 3D prototypes. 3D virtual models were obtained from routine CT and MRI images. The models, with all their anatomical relations, were created by an expert pediatric radiologist and a surgeon, image by image, along with a computerized-aided design engineer. RESULTS: Surgeons had the opportunity to practice on the model before the surgery. This allowed questions regarding surgical approach; feasibility and potential complications to be raised in advance of the actual procedure. All patients then successfully underwent surgery as planned. CONCLUSION: Having a tumor physically printed in its different main component parts with its anatomical relationships is technically feasible. Since a gross total resection is prognostic in a significant percentage of tumor types, refinements in planning may help achieve greater and safer resections therefore contributing to improve surgical management of complex tumors. In this early experience, 3D prototyping helped significantly in the many aspects of surgical oncology planning.

Freeman-Sheldon syndrome in a 29-year-old woman presenting with rare and previously undescribed features.

Described are previously unreported features presenting in a case of Freeman-Sheldon syndrome (FSS); these apparently unreported features may substantively inform current therapy and further research. While considered to be primarily a craniofacial syndrome, FSS is officially described as a myopathic distal arthrogryposis. Clinical diagnosis requires microstomia, whistling-face appearance (pursed lips), H-shaped chin dimpling, nasolabial folds, and two or more contractures of hands and feet. Spinal deformities, metabolic and gastroenterological problems, other dysmorphic craniofacial characteristics, and visual and auditory impairments are frequent findings. Differential diagnoses include: distal arthrogryposis type 1, 2B (Sheldon-Hall syndrome) and 3; arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and isolated non-syndromic deformities. Expression is frequently from new allelic variation. Important implications exist for geneticists, neonatologists, paediatricians, plastic surgeons and others to facilitate patients' legitimate opportunity to meaningfully overcome functional limitations and become well. Despite complexities and complications, early craniofacial surgery and aggressive physiotherapy for limb contractures can achieve excellent outcomes for patients.

Distribución y abundancia de piojos (Werneckiella equi) y eficacia del tratamiento con Triclorfón en caballos mestizos / Distribution and Abundance of Lice (Werneckiella equi) and Efficacy of Treatment Using Trichlorfon in Crossbred Horses

El piojo masticador Werneckiella equi es un ectoparásito comúnmente encontrado en equinos; puede causar irritación, llevando a hiperqueratosis, prurito intenso y alopecia. Existen diversos productos en el mercado utilizados para el tratamiento de ectoparásitos; sin embargo, la información disponible sobre su efectividad es escasa. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la abundancia y distribución de W. equi y la eficacia de triclorfón en el control de los phthirapteras en caballos mestizos, utilizando una dosis única, aplicada mediante aspersión. Se utilizaron 34 caballos mestizos naturalmente infestados con piojos, que se distribuyeron al azar en dos grupos: Control (sin tratamiento; n=17) y Tratado con triclorfón diluido al 0,15% (n=17). La distribución y abundancia de los piojos fue estimada por medio de recuento directo de los phthirapteras en diferentes zonas del cuerpo del caballo, observándose solo diferencias significativas (P≤0,05) en la región de la mano con respecto a zona del abdomen y dorso lateral del tronco. La efectividad fue evaluada a los 28 días posttratamiento, observándose diferencias significativas entre el grupo Control y Tratado, resultando en un porcentaje de eficacia del 93,5% y demostrándose que triclorfón aplicado al 0,15% muestra un efectivo tratamiento para piojos en equinos.

The chewing louse, Werneckiella equi, is an ectoparasite commonly found in equine. This parasite may cause irritation, leading to hyperkeratosis, intense pruritus, and alopecia. There are several products in the market used in the treatment of ectoparasites; however, available information regarding their effectiveness is scarce. A study was undertaken to determine both the abundance and distribution of W. equi and the efficacy of trichlorfon (an organophosphate) in controlling the horse lice, using a single dose, employing the spray method. A total of 34 crossbred horses, naturally infested with lice were used. The animals were randomly distributed into two groups: Control group (without treatment; n=17); and Treatment group (n=17): animals treated with 0.15% w/v trichlorfon. The distribution and abundance of lice were determined by direct counting of phthiraptera in different areas of the horse body. The results show only minor significant differences (P≤0.05) in the hand region, when compared to the abdomen and the dorso-lateral trunk. The efficacy was evaluated 28 d posttreatment, showing significant differences between the two groups, being the treatment efficacy of 93.5%. It is concluded that trichlorfon, when applied as a 0.15% w/v spray, results in an effective treatment for equine lice.

Direct voltage control of endogenous lysophosphatidic acid G-protein-coupled receptors in Xenopus oocytes.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play important roles in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes, including cell proliferation, angiogenesis, central nervous system development and carcinogenesis. Whilst many ion channels and transporters are recognized to be controlled by a change in cell membrane potential, little is known about the voltage dependence of other proteins involved in cell signalling. Here, we show that the InsP(3)-mediated Ca(2+) response stimulated by the endogenous LPA GPCR in Xenopus oocytes is potentiated by membrane depolarization. Depolarization was able to repetitively stimulate transient [Ca(2+)](i) increases after the initial agonist-evoked response. In addition, the initial rate and amplitude of the LPA-dependent Ca(2+) response were significantly modulated by the steady holding potential over the physiological range, such that the response to LPA was potentiated at depolarized potentials and inhibited at hyperpolarized potentials. Enhancement of LPA receptor-evoked Ca(2+) mobilization by membrane depolarization was observed over a wide range of agonist concentrations. Importantly, the amplitude of the depolarization-evoked intracellular Ca(2+) increase displayed an inverse relationship with agonist concentration such that the greatest effect of voltage was observed at near-threshold levels of agonist. Voltage-dependent Ca(2+) release was not induced by direct elevation of InsP(3) or by activation of heterotrimeric G-proteins in the absence of agonist, indicating that the LPA GPCR itself represents the primary site of action of membrane voltage. This novel modulation of LPA signalling by membrane potential may have important consequences for control of Ca(2+) signals both in excitable and non-excitable tissues.

Evaluación de competencias en proceso enfermero durante el servicio social / Competency assessment in nursing process during social service

Introducción: El proceso enfermero es la herramienta que sistematiza las intervenciones de enfermería en los pacientes de una forma racional, lógica y sustantiva, además de contribuir a mejorar la calidad de la atención. Objetivo: Evaluar las áreas de competencia disciplinar, cognitiva, actitudinal y procedimental de pasantes de licenciatura en enfermería en el proceso enfermero aplicado durante el servicio social. Metodología: Se evaluaron con 24 reactivos a 97 pasantes de licenciatura en enfermería de la Escuela Superior de Enfermería y Obstetricia del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, que realizaron servicio social en hospitales de la Secretaría de Salud. Se realizó análisis simple y de correlación. Resultados: 73.2 % de los pasantes consideró tener buen nivel de conocimientos sobre el proceso enfermero, en el componente procedimental obtuvieron calificación promedio de 9.0 y en el actitudinal 51.5 % refirió que el proceso enfermero mejora la calidad de atención, 8.2 % lo señaló como una fortaleza, 2.1 % no concibe a la disciplina sin un método organizado de trabajo y 1 % lo consideró como un criterio para la certificación de enfermería. Conclusiones: El proceso enfermero es el método de trabajo fundamental para brindar mejor atención, distinguiendo a la enfermera de otros profesionales de la salud por su visión integral, que le permite permear la esfera biológica, psicológica y social del paciente, familia y comunidad. Las escuelas de enfermería son el medio para que los alumnos adquieran conocimientos, destrezas y habilidades en el proceso enfermero que les permitirá ser profesionales calificados.

Introduction: The nursing process is the tool that systematizes nursing interventions toward the patients in a rational, logical, and substantive way and contributes to improve the quality of Service. Objective: To evaluate the areas of discipline competency in abilities on knowledge, attitude, and procedures on baccalaureate graduated nursing students on the nursing process applied during the social Service. Methodology: 24 items were assessed on 97 baccalaureate graduated nursing students of Superior Nursing and Obstetric School of the Instituto Politécnico Nacional, who carried out social Service in Health Department hospitals. Simple and correlation analysis were done. Results: 73.2 % graduates considered they have good level of know-ledge about the nursing process; on the component that assessed procedures, they obtained an average score of 9.0; and in the attitudinal area, 51.5 % referred that nursing process improves the quality of Service; 8.2 % pointed it out as a strength, 2.1 % does not conceive the discipline without an organized method of work, and 1 % considered it as a criterion for the nursing certification. Conclusions: The nursing process is the method of fundamental work to give a better attention distinguishing the nurse from other allied health professionals because of their integral vision that allows permeating the biological, psychological, and social spheres of patient, family and community. Nursing schools are the means for students to acquire knowledge, skills, and abilities in the nursing process which will allow them to be qualified professionals. The nursing schools are the students medium to acquire the knowledge, dexterities and abilities in the nurse process that permit them to be qualified professionals.

Structural and functional changes induced in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor by membrane phospholipids.

Ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs) constitute an important family of complex membrane proteins acting as receptors for neurotransmitters (Barnard, 1992; Ortells and Lunt, 1995). The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) from Torpedo is the most extensively studied member of the LGIC family and consists of a pentameric transmembrane glycoprotein composed of four different polypeptide subunits (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) in a 2:1:1:1 stoichiometry (Galzi and Changeux, 1995; Hucho et al., 1996) that are arranged pseudosymmetrically around a central cation-selective ion channel. Conformational transitions, from the closed (nonconducting), to agonist-induced open (ion-conducting), to desensitized (nonconducting) states, are critical for functioning of the nAChR (Karlin, 2002). The ability of the nAChR to undergo these transitions is profoundly influenced by the lipid composition of the bilayer (Barrantes, 2004). Despite existing information on lipid dependence of AChR function, no satisfactory explanation has been given on the molecular events by which specific lipids exert such effects on the activity of an integral membrane protein. To date, several hypotheses have been entertained, including (1) indirect effects of lipids through the alteration of properties of the bilayer, such as fluidity (an optimal fluidity hypothesis [Fong and McNamee, 1986]) or membrane curvature and lateral pressure (Cantor, 1997; de Kruijff, 1997), or (2) direct effects through binding of lipids to defined sites on the transmembrane portion of the protein (Jones and McNamee, 1988; Blanton and Wang, 1990; Fernández et al., 1993; Fernández-Ballester et al., 1994), which has led to the postulation of a possible role of certain lipids as peculiar allosteric ligands of the protein. In this paper we have reconstituted purified AChRs from Torpedo into complex multicomponent lipid vesicles in which the phospholipid composition has been systematically altered. Stopped-flow rapid kinetics of cation translocation and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy studies have been used to illustrate the lipid dependence of both AChR function and AChR secondary structure, respectively.

Niveles de antioxidantes como parametro de actividad inflamatoria en la artritis reumatoidea / Antioxidants levels and rheumatoid arthritis

La artritis reumatoidea (AR) es una enfermedad sistémica caracterizada por la inflamación crónica y simétrica de las articulaciones. Los radicales libres son moléculas que podrían intervenir en el proceso inflamatorio articular y sistémico. El sistema antioxidante es un conjunto de sustancias que impiden la formación de radicales libres. Objetivo: determinar la actividad de dos sustancias antioxidantes, la glutatión peroxidasa (GpX) y la superóxido dismutasa (SOD) en pacientes con AR y en controles sanos. Material y métodos: se incluyeron 60 individuos de ambos sexos entre 30 y 60 años, divididos en tres grupos de 20 personas, uno constituido por pacientes con AR activa, otro por pacientes con AR en remisión (según los criterios de remisión de Pinals) y el tercero por controles sanos apareados por sexo y edad con el grupo de pacientes con AR activa. En los dos grupos de pacientes con AR se realizó un recuento de articulaciones inflamadas utilizando el índice articular de Thompson (0= ninguna articulación inflamada; 534= puntaje máximo de inflamación). Se midieron la proteína C reactiva (POR) y la velocidad de sedimentación globular (VSG) en todos los sujetos del estudio. Se realizó la medición en sangre total de SOD (rango normal =164-240 U/ml) y de GpX (rango normal = 4170-10881 U/L) en los tres grupos. Método estadístico: se calcularon los valores p de la prueba t de diferencias de medias poblacionales entre los tres grupos para la SOD, la GpX, la PCR y la VSG. Resultados: el puntaje promedio del índice de Thompson en los pacientes con AR activa fue de 177.5 y en el grupo en remisión fue de 5.5. El nivel promedio de GpX en los individuos sanos (X=6991.5 U/L) y en los pacientes con AR en remisión (X=5703.4 U/L) se encontró dentro de los valores de referencia. En el grupo de AR activa se encontró disminuido de manera significativa (X=2847 U/L) si se compara con el grupo de AR en remisión (p=0.008) y con el de controles sanos (p=4.7 x 105). Para la SOD se encontraron resultados similares en el grupo de sanos (X=212.5 U/ml) y el grupo de pacientes en remisión (205.6 U/ml...

Amputación interescapulotorácica por cromomicosis y carcinoma epidermoide / Interscapulothoracic amputation by chromomycosis and epidermoid carcinoma

Paciente del sexo masculino y blanco de 74 años de edad, con lesión dermatológica hiperpigmentada y verrucosa de más de 25 años de evolución en codo y antebrazo izquierdo; asimismo posee otra de piel en forma de coliflor y cuya evolución es reciente. Ambas presentaron diagnóstico histopatológico de cromomicosis. El tratamiento inicial fue la exéresis con margen oncológico de la lesión en forma de coliflor y la electrofulguración, curetaje del resto de la lesión y tratamiento antimicótico. En un período de 5 meses el enfermo presenta evolución tórpida con toma del estado general y elefantiasis del miembro superior izquierdo hasta región supraclavicular que obliga a realizarle amputación interescapulotorácica por la técnica de Berger para mejorar la calidad de vida. El diagnóstico histopatológico de los paquetes ganglionares resecados mostró metástasis de un carcinoma epidermoide

La citologia de impresion conjuntival y la biopsia de la glandula salival accesoria en el sindrome de ojo seco / Conjunctival impression cytology and biopsy of the accesory salival gland in the syndrome of the dry eye

Se realizo una investigacion en 7 pacientes con el sindrome de ojo seco, cuyas edades estaban comprendidas entre los 24 y 60 anos, con un solo integrante del sexo masculino y que acudieron a consulta durante el ano 1993 por molestias subjetivas oculares de largo tiempo de evolucion. Se diagnostico la disminucion de la secrecion de la secrecion lagrimal mediante la prueba de Schirmer. Se realizaron 60 citologias de impresion conjuntival a 30 casos controles sanos. Posteriormente se les practico a los pacientes la citologia conjuntival biopsia de glandulas salivales accesorias del labio inferior, presentaron diversas grados de afectacion en ambas pruebas y se comprobo, ademas, una relacion directa entre las mismas, ya que siempre que el cuadro citologico conjuntival se observaba afectado severamente. Tambien lo estabn en igual grado los hallazgos histologicos de la biopsia

Histoplasmosis de forma seudotumoral: presentación de un caso / Histoplasmosis with pseudotumoral form: a case report

Se presenta un caso de histoplasmosis de forma seudotumoral, detectado en el acto quirúrgico, en la parrilla izquierda de un paciente con antecedente de haber trabajado en cuevas. La impresión diagnóstica clínica fue de neoplasia maligna. Se le aplicó después de la intervención quirúrgica miconazol. El paciente estuvo asintomático al cabo de 15 días. Se revisa la literatura médica