Biocontrol activities of yeasts or lactic acid bacteria isolated from Robusta coffee against Aspergillus carbonarius growth and ochratoxin A production in vitro.

Biocontrol Agents (BCAs) can be an eco-friendly alternative to fungicides to reduce the contamination with mycotoxigenic fungi on coffee. In the present study, different strains of bacteria and yeasts were isolated from Ivorian Robusta coffee. Their ability to reduce fungal growth and Ochratoxin A (OTA) production during their confrontation against Aspergillus carbonarius was screened on solid media. Some strains were able to reduce growth and OTA production by 85 % and 90 % and were molecularly identified as two yeasts, Rhodosporidiobolus ruineniae and Meyerozyma caribbica. Subsequent tests on liquid media with A. carbonarius or solely with OTA revealed adhesion of R. ruineniae to the mycelium of A. carbonarius through Scanning Electron Microscopy, and an OTA adsorption efficiency of 50 %. For M. caribbica potential degradation of OTA after 24 h incubation was observed. Both yeasts could be potential BCAs good candidates for Ivorian Robusta coffee protection against A. carbonarius and OTA contamination.

Health care experiences of Black cancer survivors: A qualitative study exploring drivers of low and high Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems global ratings of care.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of Black patients with cancer in health care by comparing drivers of high and low ratings. METHODS: Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 Black patients with cancer recruited from cancer survivorship support groups and Facebook between May 2019 and March 2020. Interviews were coded across all transcripts by using a thematic analysis approach before comparing low- and high-rating groups. RESULTS: There were three major themes that influenced whether patients rated their care as low or high, which included the patient-provider relationship, health care staff interactions, and cancer care coordination. For example, the high-rating group described good communication with the health care team as physicians listening to their needs, being responsive to their concerns, and providing recommendations on how to address side effects. In contrast, the low-rating group described poor communication with their health care team as their needs being dismissed and being excluded from decision-making processes. Additionally, there were two distinct themes that influenced patients' low ratings: insurance and financial toxicity issues and experiences of health care discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: In an effort to promote equitable cancer care experiences for Black patients, it is important that health systems work to prioritize patient interactions with health care providers and staff, comprehensive care management for patients with cancer, and reductions in the financial burden of caring for cancer.

Actividades ligninolíticas y producción de basidiomas de Ganoderma lucidum en cultivo sólido suplementado con manganeso / Ligninolytic activities and production of Ganoderma lucidum basidiomes in solid culture supplemented with manganese

RESUMEN Ganoderma lucidum es un basidiomiceto de pudrición blanca estudiado especialmente por sus atributos medicinales. No obstante, la información sobre la suplementación de los medios de cultivo con metales como Zn, Li, Mn, Cu es escasa aun conociendo que la presencia de metales en los sustratos mejora las características de los basidiomas obtenidos e incrementa su productividad. El objetivo fue evaluar las actividades enzimáticas lacasa (Lc) y manganeso peroxidasa (MnP), la fructificación y eficiencia biológica (EB) de G. lucidum en cultivos sólidos formulados con residuos agroindustriales (aserrín de roble, cascarilla de café, salvado de maíz) suplementados con dos niveles de sal de manganeso II (0,05 % y 0,1 % p/p) y una formulación sin adición de la sal de manganeso. Las actividades enzimáticas se determinaron durante 98 días del ciclo productivo, con toma de muestras semanales. El tratamiento uno (0,05 % p/p de MnSO4H2O) suministró la mayor EB del cultivo con 25,90 ± 2,12 % y los mayores títulos de actividades ligninolíticas en el tiempo con 0,7299 UE/g s.s. de MnP a los 35 días de fermentación y 4,1 760 UE/g s.s para la actividad de Lc a los 42 días de proceso con relación a los tratamientos dos y control. Asimismo, hubo una disminución del ciclo de cultivo del hongo para los tratamientos uno (83 días) y dos (95 días) en comparación con el tratamiento control (117 días). Los resultados de este trabajo son promisorios para cultivadores industriales de G. lucidum, ya que la suplementación de los sustratos con Mn incrementa la productividad de los cultivos.

ABSTRACT Ganoderma lucidum is a white rot basidiomycete specially studied for its medicinal attributes. However, the information on the supplementation of the substrate with metals such as Zn, Li, Mn, Cu and others is scarce. Even knowing that the presence of metals in the substrates improves the characteristics of the basidiomes produced and increases their productivity. The objective was to evaluate the enzymatic activities laccase (Lc) and manganese peroxidase (MnP). The fructification and biological efficiency (BE) of G. lucidum in solid culture formulated with agroindustrial residues, (oak sawdust, coffee husk, bran corn) supplemented with two levels of manganese II salt, (0.05 % and 0.1 % w/ w) and a formulation without addition of manganese II salt. Enzymatic activities were determined during 98 days of the production cycle, with weekly sampling. Treatment one (0.05 % w/w MnSO4.H2O) provided the highest BE of the culture with 25.90 ± 0.54% and the highest titers of ligninolytic activities, in the time with 0.7299 EU/g d.s for MnP at 35 days of fermentation and 4.1760 EU/g d.s for Lc activity at 42 days of process, in relation to treatments two and control. Likewise, there was a decrease in the fungus culture cycle for treatments one (83 days) and two (95 days) compared to the control treatment (117 days). The results of this work are promising for industrial growers of G. lucidum, since the supplementation of the substrates with Mn increase the productivity of the cultures.

Indigenous adolescent health in Aotearoa New Zealand: Trends, policy and advancing equity for rangatahi Maori, 2001-2019.

Background: Rangatahi Maori, the Indigenous adolescents of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), have poorer health outcomes than Pakeha (NZ European /other European/"White") adolescents. We explored the influence of policies for Indigenous youth by presenting health trends, inequities and contrasting policy case examples: tobacco control and healthcare access. Methods: Cross-sectional representative surveys of NZ secondary school students were undertaken in 2001, 2007, 2012 and 2019. Health indicators are presented for Maori and Pakeha adolescents (relative risks with 95% CI, calculated using modified Poisson regression) between 2001-2019 and 2012-2019. Policy examples were examined utilising Critical Te Tiriti Analysis (CTA). Findings: Rangatahi Maori reported significant health gains between 2001 and 2019, but an increase in depressive symptoms (13.8% in 2012 to 27.9% in 2019, RR 2.01 [1.65-2.46]). Compared to Pakeha youth there was a pattern of persistent Maori disadvantage, particularly for racism (RR 2.27 [2.08-2.47]), depressive symptoms (RR 1.42 [1.27-1.59]) and forgone healthcare (RR 1.63 [1.45-1.84]). Tobacco use inequities narrowed (RR 2.53 [2.12-3.02] in 2007 to RR 1.55 [1.25-1.93] in 2019). CTA reveals rangatahi Maori-specific policies, Maori leadership, and political support aligned with improved outcomes and narrowing inequities. Interpretation: Age-appropriate Indigenous strategies are required to improve health outcomes and reduce inequities for rangatahi Maori. Characteristics of effective strategies include: (1) evidence-based, sustained, and comprehensive approaches including both universal levers and Indigenous youth-specific policies; (2) Indigenous and rangatahi leadership; (3) the political will to address Indigenous youth rights, preferences, priorities; and (4) a commitment to an anti-racist praxis and healthcare Indigenisation. Funding: Two Health Research Council of New Zealand Project Grants: (a) Fleming T, Peiris-John R, Crengle S, Parry D. (2018). Integrating survey and intervention research for youth health gains. (HRC ref: 18/473); and (b) Clark TC, Le Grice J, Groot S, Shepherd M, Lewycka S. (2017) Harnessing the spark of life: Maximising whanau contributors to rangatahi wellbeing (HRC ref: 17/315).

Contribution of non-selective membrane channels and receptors in epilepsy.

Overcoming refractory epilepsy's resistance to the combination of antiepileptic drugs (AED), mitigating side effects, and preventing sudden unexpected death in epilepsy are critical goals for therapy of this disorder. Current therapeutic strategies are based primarily on neurocentric mechanisms, overlooking the participation of astrocytes and microglia in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. This review is focused on a set of non-selective membrane channels (permeable to ions and small molecules), including channels and ionotropic receptors of neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, such as: the hemichannels formed by Cx43 and Panx1; the purinergic P2X7 receptors; the transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV1 and TRPV4) channels; calcium homeostasis modulators (CALHMs); transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels; transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) channels; voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) and volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs), which all have in common being activated by epileptic activity and the capacity to exacerbate seizure intensity. Specifically, we highlight evidence for the activation of these channels/receptors during epilepsy including neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, discuss signaling pathways and feedback mechanisms, and propose the functions of each of them in acute and chronic epilepsy. Studying the role of these non-selective membrane channels in epilepsy and identifying appropriate blockers for one or more of them could provide complementary therapies to better alleviate the disease.

Prevalencia de trastornos temporomandibulares en pacientes psicógenos: presentación de caso clínico / Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in psychogenic patients: clinical case presentation

Antecedentes: Los trastornos temporomandibulares (TTM), según estudios realizados a nivel mundial, son un problema muy frecuente, aproximadamente entre el 70 y 90% de la población general tiene al menos un signo clínico, mientras que entre el 5 y 13% muestran sintomatología clínicamente signifi cativa; los TTM son considerados una patología presente en la ajetreada sociedad industrial de la actualidad, son una enfermedad de la sociedad moderna. Laskin, en 1969, comenzó a defender la etiología de los TTM, otorgando especial relevancia al estrés y al estado psicológico. Más de 340 millones de personas sufren actualmente de algún tipo de depresión clínica, con base en datos reportados por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS, 2008). Según estudios en el 2012 en la Universidad de Greifswald en Alemania, se ha propuesto que los síntomas de depresión y ansiedad deberían ser considerados como factores de riesgo en los TTM. Material y métodos: Se acudió al Servicio de Psicología de la Unidad de Medicina Familiar (UMF) Núm. 26, Monterrey (Mty), Nuevo León (NL), donde se buscaron y evaluaron, en conjunto con la licenciada en psicología, pacientes sin antecedentes de traumatismos o lesiones cervicales. Se les aplicó una encuesta, se elaboró una fi cha epidemiológica y la valoración clínica, se seleccionó un caso para su presentación. Resultados: La paciente acude después de haber realizado una terapia miorrelajante, refi riendo mejoría a la apertura oral. Conclusiones: Es necesario el trabajo interdisciplinario por parte del estomatólogo, cirujano maxilofacial y psicólogo en la atención de las personas con trastornos temporomandibulares y una fi sioterapia en casa que incluya estrategias de autocuidado, educación del paciente, modifi caciones del estilo de vida. El tratamiento que incluye enfoques odontológicos y psicológicos al mismo tiempo parece ser más efectivo y se obtienen mejores resultados. Los pacientes deberían estar conscientes de que los hábitos no cambian solos y son éstos los responsables de estos cambios de comportamiento. La corrección de un hábito puede lograrse haciendo al paciente conocedor de que ese hábito existe, cómo debe corregirlo y por qué debe hacerlo (AU)

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), according to worldwide studies, are a very frequent problem, approximately between 70-90% of the general population has at least one clinical sign. While between 5-13% show significant symptomatology clinically; TMD is a pathology considered present in the busy industrial society of today, the disease of modern society. Laskin in 1969 began to defend the etiology of the TMD, giving special importance to stress and psychological state. More than 340 million people currently suff er from some type of clinical depression, based on data reported by the World Health Organization (WHO 2008). According to studies in 2012, the University of Greifswald, in Germany, has proposed that the symptoms of depression and anxiety should be considered as risk factors in TMD. Material and methods: We went to the Psychology Service of the Family Medicine Unit (FMU) No. 26 in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon (NL). And in conjunction with the psychologist, were researched patients without a history of trauma or cervical injuries and were assessed. A survey was applied, an epidemiological record was drawn up, a clinical assessment was made and a case was selected for its presentation. Results: The patient comes to monthly checks after myorelaxing therapy, referring improvement to oral opening. Conclusions: The stomatologist, maxillofacial surgeon, and psychologist in the care of people with TMD require interdisciplinary work; included home physiotherapy with self-care strategies, patient education, and lifestyle modifi cations. Treatment with dental and psychological approaches at the same time seems to be more eff ective and obtains better results. Patients should be aware that habits do not change on their own and they are responsible for these behavioral changes. The correction of a habit can be achieved by making the patient aware that this habit exists, how he should correct it and why he should do it (AU)

Implementation of a programme to develop research projects in a school of midwifery in Santiago, Chile.

BACKGROUND: The acquisition of research skills by midwifery students is increasingly important especially for midwifery programmes in universities. Recently, universities in Chile have included the development of research skills in the majority of professional curricula for basic and post-basic degree programmes. The lack of research training is a limitation recognised and shared with other Latin American countries which prevents scientific and technological development. OBJECTIVES: To describe the process of implementation of a programme of research projects by midwifery students in a school in Chile and the results obtained, and the perceptions of students and teachers. RESULTS: 31 work groups were formed (92 students), who developed and implemented research projects in gynecology, public health and neonatology. Research was conducted at six public hospitals serving high risk populations, a private clinic, and nine family health centres. The average scores earned for the projects was a 5.7 (scale of 1-7). The students and teachers positively rated the experience of undertaking research. CONCLUSION: The development of research projects allows students to acquire competencies and confidence in their research skills. It is an experience that can be replicated in other countries supported by the commitment of the midwifery and university faculty and the training and motivation of a group of midwifery educators.

Secondary paroxysmal dyskinesia in multiple sclerosis: Clinical-radiological features and treatment. Case report of seven patients.

Secondary paroxysmal dyskinesias (SPDs) are short, episodic, and recurrent movement disorders, classically related to multiple sclerosis (MS). Carbamazepine is effective, but with risk of adverse reactions. We identified 7 patients with SPD among 457 MS patients (1.53%). SPD occurred in face ( n = 1), leg ( n = 2), or arm +leg ( n = 4) several times during the day. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed new or enhancing lesions in thalamus ( n = 1), mesencephalic tegmentum ( n = 1), and cerebellar peduncles ( n = 5). Patients were treated with clonazepam and then acetazolamide ( n = 1), acetazolamide ( n = 5), or levetiracetam ( n = 1) with response within hours (acetazolamide) to days (levetiracetam). No recurrences or adverse events were reported after a median follow-up of 33 months.

CYP epoxygenase-derived H2O2 is involved in the endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH) and relaxation of intrarenal arteries.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are involved in the in endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH)-type relaxant responses of coronary and mesenteric arterioles. The role of ROS in kidney vascular function has mainly been investigated in the context of harmful ROS generation associated to kidney disease. The present study was sought to investigate whether H2O2 is involved in the endothelium-dependent relaxations of intrarenal arteries as well the possible endothelial sources of ROS generation involved in these responses. Under conditions of cyclooxygenase (COX) and nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibition, acetylcholine (ACh) induced relaxations and stimulated H2O2 release that were reduced by catalase and by the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) mimetic ebselen in rat renal interlobar arteries, suggesting the involvement of H2O2 in the endothelium-dependent responses. ACh relaxations were also blunted by the CYP2C inhibitor sulfaphenazole and by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin. Acetylcholine stimulated both superoxide (O2•-) and H2O2 production that were reduced by sulfaphenazole and apocynin. Expression of the antioxidant enzyme CuZnSOD and of the H2O2 reducing enzymes catalase and GPx-1 was found in both intrarenal arteries and renal cortex. On the other hand, exogenous H2O2 relaxed renal arteries by decreasing vascular smooth muscle (VSM) intracellular calcium concentration [Ca2+]i and markedly enhanced endothelial KCa currents in freshly isolated renal endothelial cells. CYP2C11 and CYP2C23 epoxygenases were highly expressed in interlobar renal arteries and renal cortex, respectively, and were co-localized with eNOS in renal endothelial cells. These results demonstrate that H2O2 is involved in the EDH-type relaxant responses of renal arteries and that CYP 2C epoxygenases are physiologically relevant endothelial sources of vasodilator H2O2 in the kidney.

Possible Drug-Herb Interaction between Herbal Supplement Containing Horsetail ( Equisetum arvense) and Antiretroviral Drugs.

The use of alternative medicines, including herbs, is common among HIV-positive patients, even in those on antiretroviral treatment. Equisetum arvense, known as "horsetail," is mainly used for its diuretic properties. There are limited data about the pharmacological properties of this compound and the potential drug-herb interactions. The authors report 2 cases in which a possible drug-herb interaction may have led to virological breakthrough in patients who were maintained on the same regimen for many years, including lamivudine (3TC)/zidovudine (ZDV)/efavirenz (EFV) and emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir (TDF)/EFV, respectively. Therefore, a drug-herb interaction may be expected when these agents are taken concurrently. Until additional data are available, the authors advise clinicians to avoid this combination when possible.

Sensiblidad antimicrobiana de bacilos gramnegativos de infecciones intraabdominales de la comunidad en un hospital de la ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina / Antimicrobial susceptibility of Gram-negative bacilli of community acquired intra-abdominal infections in a hospital at Buenos Aires, Argentina

Introducción. Las infecciones intraabdominales complicadas (IIAC) adquiridas en la comunidad son una patología muy prevalente.Existen pocos datos disponibles en Argentina del nivel de resistencia antimicrobiana de bacilos gramnegativos aislados de IIAs adquiridas en la comunidad. Métodos. Estudio retrospectivo-prospectivo y observacional (marzo 2010 a febrero 2012). Se evaluó la sensiblidad antimicrobiana de bacilos gramnegativos aislados de IIAC de pacientes provenientes de la comunidad. Resultados. Se incluyeron 85 pacientes, de los cuales se aislaron 138 patógenos. Sexo masculino: 58%. Mediana de edad: 33. Se obtuvo aislamiento monomicrobiano en un 49% de los casos. Del total de aislamientos, se aislaron 90 (65%) bacilos gramnegativos y 48 (38%) cocos grampositivos. Las especies de bacilos gramnegativos más frecuentemente observadas fueron: Escherichia coli 76%, Klebsiella pneumoniae 8%, Pseudomona aeruginosa 7% y Enterobacter spp. 6%. E. coli y K. pneumoniae mostraron un elevado porcentaje de cepas resistentes a ciprofloxacino, 37% y 29%, respectivamente. Del mismo modo, la resistencia a ampicilina/sulbactam fue de 16% para E. coli. La frecuencia de bacilos gramnegativos multirresistentes fue de 38%. Conclusiones. Se observó un elevado nivel de resistencia a antimicrobianos en bacilos gramnegativos de IIAC de pacientes provenientes de la comunidad, principalmente a ciprofloxacino y ampicilina/sulbactam. Además se identificó una considerable proporción de bacilos gramnegativos multirresistentes (AU)

Introduction. Community acquired complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI) are a common condition. Few data are available about the level of antimicrobial resistance of Gram-negative bacteria isolated from community acquired cIAIs in Argentina. Methods. Retrospective-prospective observational study (March 2010 to February 2012). Gram-negative bacteria antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates from community acquired cIAIs were evaluated. Results. During this period, a total of 85 patients were included and 138 pathogens were collected. Male sex: 58%. Median age: 33. Monomicrobial cultures were obtained in 49% of the cases. Ninety (65%) corresponded to Gram-negative organisms, and 48 (38%) to Gram-positive cocci. Gram-negative organisms most frequently observed were: Escherichia coli 76%, Klebsiella pneumoniae 8%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 7% and Enterobacter spp. 6%. E. coli and K. pneumoniae showed a high percentage of strains resistance to ciprofloxacin of 37% and 29%, respectively. Similarly, resistance to ampicillin/sulbactam was observed in a 16% of the E. coli isolates. The prevalence of multiresistant Gram-negative organisms was 38%. Conclusions. A high level of resistance to antimicrobials was observed in community acquired cIAIs, mainly to ciprofloxacin and ampicillin/sulbactam two of the most used antimicrobial for empirically treatment of cIAIs in our country. In addition a significant proportion of multiresistant Gram-negative organisms were identified (AU)

Coffee Consumption Increases the Antioxidant Capacity of Plasma and Has No Effect on the Lipid Profile or Vascular Function in Healthy Adults in a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Coffee, a source of antioxidants, has controversial effects on cardiovascular health. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the bioavailability of chlorogenic acids (CGAs) in 2 coffees and the effects of their consumption on the plasma antioxidant capacity (AC), the serum lipid profile, and the vascular function in healthy adults. METHODS: Thirty-eight men and 37 women with a mean ± SD age of 38.5 ± 9 y and body mass index of 24.1 ± 2.6 kg/m(2) were randomly assigned to 3 groups: a control group that did not consume coffee or a placebo and 2 groups that consumed 400 mL coffee/d for 8 wk containing a medium (MCCGA; 420 mg) or high (HCCGA; 780 mg) CGA content. Both were low in diterpenes (0.83 mg/d) and caffeine (193 mg/d). Plasma caffeic and ferulic acid concentrations were measured by GC, and the plasma AC was evaluated with use of the ferric-reducing antioxidant power method. The serum lipid profile, nitric oxide (NO) plasma metabolites, vascular endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation; FMD), and blood pressure (BP) were evaluated. RESULTS: After coffee consumption (1 h and 8 wk), caffeic and ferulic acid concentrations increased in the coffee-drinking groups, although the values of the 2 groups were significantly different (P < 0.001); caffeic and ferulic acid concentrations were undetectable in the control group. At 1 h after consumption, the plasma AC in the control group was significantly lower than the baseline value (-2%) and significantly increased in the MCCGA (6%) and HCCGA (5%) groups (P < 0.05). After 8 wk, no significant differences in the lipid, FMD, BP, or NO plasma metabolite values were observed between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both coffees, which contained CGAs and were low in diterpenes and caffeine, provided bioavailable CGAs and had a positive acute effect on the plasma AC in healthy adults and no effect on blood lipids or vascular function. The group that did not drink coffee showed no improvement in serum lipid profile, FMD, BP, or NO plasma metabolites. This trial was registered at registroclinico.sld.cu as RPCEC00000168.

Ubiquinone and menaquinone electron carriers represent the yin and yang in the redox regulation of the ArcB sensor kinase.

The Arc two-component system, comprising the ArcB sensor kinase and the ArcA response regulator, modulates the expression of numerous genes in response to respiratory growth conditions. Under aerobic growth conditions, the ubiquinone electron carriers were proposed to silence the kinase activity of ArcB by oxidizing two cytosol-located redox-active cysteine residues that participate in intermolecular disulfide bond formation. Here, we confirm the role of the ubiquinone electron carriers as the silencing signal of ArcB in vivo, we show that the redox potential of ArcB is about -41 mV, and we demonstrate that the menaquinols are required for proper ArcB activation upon a shift from aerobic to anaerobic growth conditions. Thus, an essential link in the Arc signal transduction pathway connecting the redox state of the quinone pool to the transcriptional apparatus is elucidated.

Prevención integral de consumo de alcohol y drogas en estudiantes universitarios: una propuesta de intervención grupal / Integral prevention of alcohol and drug consumption on college students: a group intervention proposal / Prevenção de consumo de álcool e drogas em estudantes universitários: uma proposta de intervenção grupal

El abuso de drogas legales e ilegales entre los jóvenes es un serio problema de salud pública, tanto en el ámbito internacional como en México. Ante este fenómeno se ha recomendado fortalecer las acciones preventivas que promuevan estilos de vida saludables en los jóvenes. Sin embargo, en México existen pocas iniciativas encaminadas a la prevención del consumo de drogas en jóvenes, en particular dirigidas a los universitarios, quienes constituyen uno de los segmentos de la población que se encuentra en mayor riesgo de consumir sustancias nocivas para la salud. El propósito de esta investigación fue desarrollar un taller y evaluar sus efectos preventivos sobre el consumo de alcohol y otras drogas en estudiantes universitarios, a través de proveer herramientas que aumentaran los factores protectores y disminuyeran los factores de riesgo. Dentro de los cambios más significativos producto de la intervención se encontró que el 92.5% de los estudiantes participantes presenta un cambio en todos aquellos aspectos que se relacionan con un cuidado en su salud de manera integral; el 100% de los estudiantes sugiere la presencia o significado de sufrimiento, y el 96.29% sugiere la presencia de metas y sentido de vida. Hubo una disminución de 74.07% en los factores de riesgo, y un aumento en los factores protectores de un 70.37% en los estudiantes después de haber concluido el taller preventivo. La investigación muestra la factibilidad de prevenir el consumo de drogas en estudiantes universitarios a través de inducir el cambio en la apreciación del cuidado de su salud, el sufrimiento y del sentido de vida mediante talleres que aumentan los factores protectores. De esta forma, queda patente que talleres como el ensayado en nuestro estudio ofrecen un apoyo empírico a los programas de intervención primaria.

The abuse of both legal and illegal drugs among young people has become a serious public health problem, both in the international arena as well as in Mexico. To face this phenomenon, the strengthening of preventive measures that promote healthful life styles among our youth has been recommended. In Mexico, however, few initiatives exist aimed at preventing drug consumption by young people, particularly college students, who make up one of the high-risk segments of the population regarding the use of health-endangering substances. The purpose of this research was to deliver a workshop and evaluate its preventive effects on the abuse of alcohol and other drugs on the part of college students, by means of providing them with tools for increasing protective factors and reducing risk factors. Among the most significant changes product of this intervention it was found that 92.5% of the participants modified aspects related to holistic health care; 100% of the students reported finding a meaning to suffering, whereas 96.29% confirmed having developed goals and a purpose in life upon conclusion of the workshop. Risk factors diminished by 74%, whereas protective factors increased by 70% at the end of the intervention. This research shows the feasibility of preventing drug abuse among college students by inducing a change in their appraisal of health care, suffering and purpose of life by means of workshops that increase protective factors. Thus, it becomes evident that workshops like the ones tested in our study offer empirical support to primary intervention programs.

O abuso de drogas lícitas e ilícitas entre os jovens é um grave problema de saúde pública internacional no México. Para afrontar este fenômeno tem sido recomendado reforçar as medidas preventivas destinadas a promover estilos de vida saudáveis nos jovens. No entanto, no México há poucas iniciativas destinadas a prevenir uso de drogas pelos jovens, sobretudo dirigidas a estudantes universitários, que constituem um dos segmentos da população com maior risco de consumir substâncias nocivas para a saúde. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma oficina e avaliar seus efeitos de prevenção ao consumo de álcool e outras drogas entre estudantes universitários, fornecendo ferramentas para aumentar os fatores de proteção e diminuir os de risco. Entre os resultados mais significativos da intervenção constatou-se que 92,5% dos alunos participantes apresentam uma mudança nos aspectos relacionados com o cuidado total da saúde, 100% sugerem a presença ou o sentido do sofrimento, e 96,29% sugerem a presença de metas e propósito de vida. Nos alunos, os fatores de risco diminuíram 74,07% e os de proteção aumentaram 70,37% dos alunos após a conclusão da oficina de prevenção. A pesquisa mostra a viabilidade de prevenção ao uso de drogas entre estudantes universitários induzindo mudanças na avaliação dos cuidados de sua saúde, seu sofrimento e sentido da vida através de oficinas que aumentem os fatores de proteção. Assim, é evidente que as oficinas, como no nosso estudo, fornecem suporte empírico para programas de intervenção primários.

Cambios en la concentración sérica de hierro "libre" en niños con desnutrición aguda grave bajo tratamiento de recuperación nutricional. Turbo -Colombia / Serum 'free' iron level changes in children with severe malnutrition after nutritional treatment support. Turbo - Colombia

Introducción: Se recomida suplemento de hierro en niños con desnutrición aguda grave cuando recuperanel apetito, aun cuando existen evidencias de que en ese momento,aún hay presencia de hierro“libre” y es insuficiente la concentración de transferrina para transportarlo. Objetivo: Evaluar el cambio en las concentraciones séricas de hierro libre, transferrina y ferritina en niños con marasmo y kwashiorkor entre el momento uno, al ingreso y el momento dos, después, cuando el niño recuperó el apetito. Materiales y métodos: Estudio longitudinal, prospectivo, de tipo antes y después. Se realizó en Turbo, con 40 niños menores de cinco años de los cuales 20 tenían marasmo y 20 kwashiorkor. Se determinaron en ambos momentos: hierro 'libre' por electroforesis capilar, transferrina y su índice de saturación, capacidad de fijación de hierro, ferritina, proteínas totales, albúmina, hierro total y proteína C reactiva (PCR) en suero. Resultados: Los niños desnutridos presentaron hierro 'libre' antes de iniciar el tratamiento nutricional sin diferencias significativas entre marasmáticos y edematosos, para el momento dos la concentración de hierro ôlibreõ disminuyó significativamente en ambos grupos pero aun se encontraban valores del metal. La PCR disminuyó significativamente en ambos grupos y en edematosos la ferritina se mantuvo alta al recuperar el apetito. Conclusiones: La recuperación del apetito no es el momento oportuno para dar suplementos de hierro a los edematosos porque aun tienen hierro 'libre', persiste una baja concentración de transferrina y alta de ferritina; se debe esperar la resolución del edema y de la infección.

Introduction: Iron suplementation is recomended for children with severe mal nutrition (Kwashiorkor),when they have recovered the apetiteafter nutritional support. However there is evidence suggesting thateven when the apetite has been recovered, children still present serum“free” iron traces. Objective: To evaluate serum “free” iron, transferrin, and ferritin levels in children with severe malnutrition (kwashiorkpor) in two different periods of time: at baseline before the Serum “free” iron level changes in children withsevere malnutrition after nutritional treatment support. Turbo - Colombia.nutritional therapy starts, and the moment when children recover the apetite. Methods and materials: Longitudinal, prospective study was setting in Turbo-Antioquia. A total of 40children aged < 5 Y, who 20 presentedmarasmus and 20 kwashiorkor.Meassurements like: serum “free”iron by capillary electrophoresis, serumtransferrin, total proteins, albumin,iron and C-reactive protein(CRP) were obtained at baseline,and the time when children recover the apetite. Longitudinal analysis was used to evaluate changes in the malnourished group.Results: No significant diferences were found in both groups of malnourish children who had serum free iron before at baseline, andwhen they recieved nutritional treatmentand recovered the appetite.Eventhought significant decreaseon Serum free iron level were observedin both groups, there wassome remanent trace of the metalin serum. Significant decrease onPCR level was also obtained andserum ferritin level stayed high in the edematous group when they recovering the apetite. Conclusions: Iron supplement is not recomended for children who had recovered the apetite, because they continuing presenting edema and some level of serum “free” iron, low transferrin and high ferritin levels. Iron suplement should begiven when edema and infection have disappeared.

Treatment of recalcitrant wastewater from ethanol and citric acid production using the microalga Chlorella vulgaris and the macrophyte Lemna minuscula.

Laboratory-scale experiments were performed to develop a procedure for biological treatment of recalcitrant anaerobic industrial effluent (from ethanol and citric acid production) using first the microalga Chlorella vulgaris followed by the macrophyte Lemna minuscula. This recalcitrant dark-colored wastewater, containing high levels of organic matter and low pH, prevents the growth of microalgae and macrophytes, and therefore, could not be treated by them. Therefore, the wastewater was diluted to 10% of the original concentration with wash water from the production line. Within 4 days of incubation in the wastewater, C. vulgaris population grew from 5 x 10(5) to 2 x 10(6) cells/mL. This culture reduced ammonium ion (71.6%), phosphorus (28%), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) (61%), and dissolved a floating microbial biofilm after 5 days of incubation. Consequently, L. minuscule was able to grow in the treated wastewater (from 7 to 14 g/bioreactor after 6 days), precipitated the microalgal cells (by shading the culture), and reduced other organic matter and color (up to 52%) after an additional 6 days of incubation. However, L. minuscula did not improve removal of nutrients. This study demonstrates the feasibility of combining microalgae and macrophytes for bioremediation of recalcitrant industrial wastewater.