TTL Proteins Scaffold Brassinosteroid Signaling Components at the Plasma Membrane to Optimize Signal Transduction in Arabidopsis.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) form a group of steroidal hormones essential for plant growth, development, and stress responses. BRs are perceived extracellularly by plasma membrane receptor-like kinases that activate an interconnected signal transduction cascade, leading to the transcriptional regulation of BR-responsive genes. TETRATRICOPEPTIDE THIOREDOXIN-LIKE (TTL) genes are specific for land plants, and their encoded proteins are defined by the presence of protein-protein interaction motives, that is, an intrinsic disordered region at the N terminus, six tetratricopeptide repeat domains, and a C terminus with homology to thioredoxins. TTL proteins thus likely mediate the assembly of multiprotein complexes. Phenotypic, molecular, and genetic analyses show that TTL proteins are positive regulators of BR signaling in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). TTL3 directly interacts with a constitutively active BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE1 (BRI1) receptor kinase, BRI1-SUPPRESSOR1 phosphatase, and the BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT1 transcription factor and associates with BR-SIGNALING KINASE1, BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE2 kinases, but not with BRI1-ASSOCIATED KINASE1. A functional TTL3-green fluorescent protein (GFP) shows dual cytoplasmic plasma membrane localization. Depleting the endogenous BR content reduces plasma membrane localization of TTL3-GFP, while increasing BR content causes its plasma membrane relocalization, where it strengthens the association of BR signaling components. Our results reveal that TTL proteins promote BR responses and suggest that TTL proteins may function as scaffold proteins by bringing together cytoplasmic and plasma membrane BR signaling components.

Bioinformatic Tools for the Analysis and Prediction of ncRNA Interactions.

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play prominent roles in the regulation of gene expression via their interactions with other biological molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. Although much of our knowledge about how these ncRNAs operate in different biological processes has been obtained from experimental findings, computational biology can also clearly substantially boost this knowledge by suggesting possible novel interactions of these ncRNAs with other molecules. Computational predictions are thus used as an alternative source of new insights through a process of mutual enrichment because the information obtained through experiments continuously feeds through into computational methods. The results of these predictions in turn shed light on possible interactions that are subsequently validated experimentally. This review describes the latest advances in databases, bioinformatic tools, and new in silico strategies that allow the establishment or prediction of biological interactions of ncRNAs, particularly miRNAs and lncRNAs. The ncRNA species described in this work have a special emphasis on those found in humans, but information on ncRNA of other species is also included.

Successful use of infliximab and tacrolimus combination therapy in a patient with ulcerative colitis refractory to infliximab dose intensification plus azathioprine.

OBJECTIVE: To report of a case successful use of infliximab (IFX) and tacrolimus (TAC) in a patient with ulcerative colitis (UC). CASE SUMMARY: A 22-year-old woman diagnosed with UC started treatment with azathioprine 2.5 mg/kg. After 3 years of therapy, she developed a severe relapse. A colonoscopy was performed showing diffuse continuous mucosal disease and multiple erosions (< 5 mm) with no signs of spontaneous bleeding. Treatment with IFX 5 mg/kg at weeks 0, 2, and 6 was started. After IFX induction, she remained with symptoms: six stools per day, as well as presenting bloody diarrhea, tenesmus, and no abdominal pain. An IFX dose intensification of 5 mg/kg every 6 weeks was prescribed. After 6 months of azathioprine plus IFX therapy, patient's clinical condition was improved: 3 - 4 stools per day, 20% of bloody diarrhea, tenesmus, and no abdominal pain. Her Mayo endoscopic subscore was 6.3 months later, and a severe relapse of ulcerative colitis was presented. The patient refused a surgical treatment. Azathioprine 2.5 mg/kg/day was suspended and TAC 0.2 mg/kg/day (12 mg/day) as a compassionate use was added to IFX dose intensification of 10 mg/kg every 8 weeks and mesalamine 800 mg 3 times daily. After the first month of combined therapy, the patient's clinical condition improved with no bloody stools and abdominal pain. After 6 months of combination therapy, the patient was in remission, with two stools per day, no tenesmus and no abdominal pain. Due to the patient's clinical remission, IFX was suspended. Tacrolimus was continued on 10 mg/day. After 6 months of TAC monotherapy, the patient continued without symptoms (1 - 2 normal stools per day). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our case, the combination therapy of IFX and TAC could be selected as an effective approach for the patients with UC refractory to IFX dose intensification plus AZA. However, further studies need to be performed to evaluate the efficacy of this combination therapy.

Solvent-free enzymatic production of high quality cetyl esters.

A solvent-free biocatalytic process for the synthesis of high quality cetyl laurate, myristate, palmitate and stearate has been optimized. This enzymatic procedure follows the fundamental principles of the Green Chemistry and lead to sustainable products, which can be labeled as natural and conform to the principal requirements for its use in high value-added goods. The four esters selected are the main components of spermaceti, a mixture of waxes very appreciated in cosmetic and pharmacy because of its physical properties and emolliency, which was formerly extracted from the head of the sperm whales. In this paper, the influence of the amount of biocatalyst, the commercially available Novozym(®) 435, and the temperature were studied in an open-air batch reactor before carrying out the synthesis in a high performance vacuum reactor with dry nitrogen input to shift the equilibrium towards product formation. Under optimal conditions, conversion was higher than 98.5 %. The characterization of the enzymatic cetyl esters puts in evidence that these are ultra-pure compounds, which have similar properties to the ones obtained through the conventional industrial processes with the extra benefit of being environmentally friendly.

Successful use of infliximab and tacrolimus in a patient with Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of successful use of infliximab (IFX) and tacrolimus (TAC) in a patient with Crohn's disease (CD). CASE SUMMARY: A 42-year-old man with no significant previous medical history was referred to our emergency department because of a 3-month history of weight loss, severe abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea. His Harvey Bradshaw Index was 39. Ileocolonoscopic revealed severe Crohn colitis. Treatment with IFX 5 mg/kg, azathioprine 2.5 mg/kg/day and corticosteroids was started. After a second IFX infusion, he remained with symptoms with a Harvey Bradshaw Index of 17. An IFX dose intensification of 10 mg/kg every 8 weeks was prescribed. After 16 weeks, a new colonoscopic examination revealed multiple deep ulcerations in sigma and rectum. IFX was intensified to 10 mg/kg every 6 weeks. After 4 doses of IFX intensified dose, the patient's clinical condition was not improved, with a Harvey Bradshaw Index of 10. Azathioprine (AZA) 2.5 mg/kg/day was suspended. Tacrolimus 0.2 mg/kg/day as a compassionate use was added to IFX 10 mg/kg every 6 weeks. After 6 months of combination therapy, the patient was in clinical remission. His Harvey Bradshaw Index was 3. After 1 year on combination IFX and TAC therapy, the patient continued in clinical remission. CONCLUSIONS: This case documents that the combination therapy of IFX and TAC could be selected as an effective approach for patients with CD refractory to IFX dose-intensification plus AZA. However, further studies need to be performed to evaluate the efficacy of this combination therapy.

High hepatitis E virus seroprevalence in forestry workers and in wild boars in France.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a fecally and orally transmitted human pathogen of worldwide distribution. In industrial countries, HEV is observed in an increasing number of autochthonous cases and is considered to be an emerging pathogen. A growing body of evidence suggests that HEV is a zoonotic disease, and pig handlers and pig veterinarians have been reported to be high-risk groups for HEV infection. The aims of the present study were to establish the prevalence of anti-HEV in wild boars in France and to identify whether forestry workers are at a higher risk of HEV infection. Three different anti-HEV tests were used to compare their effectiveness in detecting anti-HEV in the general population. The most sensitive test was then used to investigate HEV seroprevalence in 593 forestry workers and 421 wild boars. Anti-HEV was detected in 31% of the forestry workers and 14% of the wild boars. Detection of anti-HEV in humans was correlated with age, geographical location, and occupational activity and in wild boars was correlated with geographical location. HEV infection is frequent in woodcutters in France, and it varies geographically. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate the transmission route and the exact virus reservoirs.

Programmed phosphorylation of histone H2AX precedes a phase of DNA double-strand break-independent synapsis in mouse meiosis.

Accurate homologue synapsis during meiosis is essential for faithful chromosome segregation and formation of viable gametes. The finding of Spo11-dependent gamma-H2AX (γH2AX) formation during leptotene and data on mutant mice have led to the notion that synapsis in mammals depends on meiotic DNA double-stranded break (DSB) repair. A second wave of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and Rad3-related (ATR)-dependent γH2AX formation has been observed in Atm-null mice during zygotene, suggesting that this wave of phosphorylation also occurs in normal mice. Here I aimed to confirm and to analyse in deep this wave of phosphorylation. Immunostaining of spread spermatocytes shows that γH2AX accumulates on the short last axis stretches to pair. This accumulation appears within all the nuclei undergoing a specific step of late zygotene and disappears from every spermatocyte immediately after pairing completion. This γH2AX signal co-localises with ATR, is Spo11-independent and does not co-localise with free DNA 3'-end labelling. I conclude that ATR/γH2AX asynapsis signalling at the end of zygotene belongs to a physiologically programmed pathway operating at a specific meiotic step, and I propose that this pathway is involved in the triggering of a phase of DSB-independent chromosome pairing that leads to synapsis completion in normal mouse meiosis.

Altered HLA class I and HLA-G expression is associated with IL-10 expression in patients with cervical cancer.

Although high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are an important risk factor in the etiopathogenesis of cervical cancer, increasing evidence suggests that the ability to avoid immune surveillance seems to be linked to the transforming potential of HPV and a rapid progression to cancer. In other cancer models, IL-10 contributes to impair anti-tumor immune response either by downregulating human leukocyte antigen Class I (HLA-I) expression or by increasing HLA-G expression. To comprehend how these alterations could contribute to evasion of immune surveillance in cervical cancer, we analyzed HLA-I, HLA-G and IL-10 expressions by immunohistochemistry in 63 biopsies from patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia III (CIN-III) and cervical cancer. Immunohistochemistry showed absent or weak HLA-I expression in 50/59 cases. In these cases, a high percentage had loss of heterozygosis. IL-10 and HLA-G expression were observed in 46.6 and 27.6% of cases, respectively. Concurrent upregulation of IL-10 was found in 87.5% of HLA-G positive cases (p = 0.000). Similarly, a significant association between IL-10 expression and HLA-I downregulation was found (p = 0.028). Finally, we observed higher HLA-G expression in patients with HLA-I downregulation than in those with normal HLA-I expression (p = 0.004). Our results suggest that, in cervical cancer, the IL-10 expression may induce an immunosuppressive environment by upregulating HLA-G expression and downregulating HLA class I expression.

Identification of Two Exosomal miRNAs in Circulating Blood of Cancer Patients by Using Integrative Transcriptome and Network Analysis.

Exosomes carry molecules of great biological and clinical interest, such as miRNAs. The contents of exosomes vary between healthy controls and cancer patients. Therefore, miRNAs and other molecules transported in exosomes are considered a potential source of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cancer. Many miRNAs have been detected in recent years. Consequently, a substantial amount of miRNA-related data comparing patients and healthy individuals is available, which contributes to a better understanding of the initiation, development, malignancy, and metastasis of cancer using non-invasive sampling procedures. However, a re-analysis of available ncRNA data is rare. This study used available data about miRNAs in exosomes comparing healthy individuals and cancer patients to identify possible global changes related to the presence of cancer. A robust transcriptomic analysis identified two common miRNAs (miR-495-3p and miR-543) deregulated in five cancer datasets. They had already been implicated in different cancers but not reported in exosomes circulating in blood. The study also examined their target genes and the implications of these genes for functional processes.

Regulation of Antitumor Immune Responses by Exosomes Derived from Tumor and Immune Cells.

Exosomes are lipid membrane-enclosed vesicles released by all cell types that act at the paracrine or endocrine level to favor cell differentiation, tissue homeostasis, organ remodeling and immune regulation. Their biosynthesis begins with a cell membrane invagination which generates an early endosome that matures to a late endosome. By inward budding of the late endosome membrane, a multivesicular body (MVB) with intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) is generated. The fusion of MVBs with the plasma membrane releases ILVs into the extracellular space as exosomes, ranging in size from 30 to 100 nm in diameter. The bilipid exosome membrane is rich in cholesterol, ceramides and phosphatidylserine and can be loaded with DNA, RNA, microRNAs, proteins and lipids. It has been demonstrated that exosome secretion is a common mechanism used by the tumor to generate an immunosuppressive microenvironment that favors cancer development and progression, allowing tumor escape from immune control. Due to their ability to transport proteins, lipids and nucleic acids from the cell that gave rise to them, exosomes can be used as a source of biomarkers with great potential for clinical applications in diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic areas. This article will review the latest research findings on exosomes and their contribution to cancer development.

Establishment of Two Dimensional (2D) and Three-Dimensional (3D) Melanoma Primary Cultures as a Tool for In Vitro Drug Resistance Studies.

Characteristics of melanoma cells have been deciphered by studies carried out in two dimensional cell cultures growing as adherent monolayers on the bottom of plastic flasks. Melanoma cells can be cultured with a considerable degree of success, and, depending on the further use of the cells obtained in the culture, methodologies have to be adjusted to obtain reliable results. Although there are many melanoma continuous cell lines, in vitro 2D and 3D melanoma primary cell culture may be a more useful model to investigate interactions between cancer cells and immune system, as well as the effect of cytotoxic treatments and personalized medicine in environments more similar to the physiological conditions.Here, we described a protocol which employs many strategies to obtain primary 2D and 3D melanoma cultures as a model to study cell-cell and cell-microenvironment interactions that must be considered to properly design personalized cancer treatments, as well as for testing novel anticancer drugs and drug delivery vehicles.

Self-perception of weight and physical fitness, body image perception, control weight behaviors and eating behaviors in adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: self-perception of weight and physical fitness, aesthetic reasons to diet, self-weighing as a way to feel better and body image perception have been related to a constellation of risks to develop both body image dissatisfaction and eating behavior disturbances, especially among adolescents. OBJECTIVES: to analyze weight self-perception and self-reported physical fitness, to explore the links between these variables and weight control behaviors, to explore possible relations among weight self-perception, self-reported physical fitness, dieting, self-weighing frequency and body mass index (BMI)/body image and to analyze the relation between all these variables and different eating behaviors. METHODS: a total of 336 students (mean age of 12.46 ± 2.14; 47.62% females) took part in this study. Different scales were administered (weight self-perception and self-reported physical fitness, dieting, self-weighing frequency, body image perception, eating behaviors) and height and weight were measured in order to obtain the BMI. RESULTS: mean BMI was 20.18 ± 3.58 and 41.14% of participants had overweight/obesity. Among those who perceived themselves as overweight,76.92% were girls. More than 70% of participants reported average or good physical fitness and more boys reported good or excellent physical fitness. Almost 60% of participants who planned to diet for aesthetic reasons were girls, and girls more than boys self-weighed to feel better. BMI was significantly correlated with body image dissatisfaction/restrictive eating. CONCLUSIONS: there are clear links between weight self-perception, body image, dieting, self-weighing and eating behaviors at an age which might be considered as a starting point to eating behavior disturbances.

HLA-mediated tumor escape mechanisms that may impair immunotherapy clinical outcomes via T-cell activation.

Although the immune system provides protection from cancer by means of immunosurveillance, which serves a major function in eliminating cancer cells, it may also lead to cancer immunoediting, molding tumor immunogenicity. Cancer cells exploit several molecular mechanisms to thwart immune-mediated death by disabling cellular components of the immune system associated with tumor recognition and rejection. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules are mandatory for the immune recognition and subsequent killing of neoplastic cells by the immune system, as tumor antigens must be presented in an HLA-restricted manner to be recognized by T-cell receptors. Impaired HLA-I expression prevents the activation of cytotoxic immune mechanisms, whereas impaired HLA-II expression affects the antigen-presenting capability of antigen presenting cells. Aberrant HLA-G expression by cancer cells favors immune escape by inhibiting the activities of virtually all immune cells. The development of cancer therapies based on T-cell activation must consider these HLA-associated immune evasion mechanisms, as alterations in their expression occur early and frequently in the majority of types of cancer, and have an adverse impact on the clinical response to immunotherapy. Herein, the concept of altered HLA expression as a mechanism exploited by tumors to escape immune control and induce an immunosuppressive environment is reviewed. A number of novel clinical immunotherapeutic approaches used for cancer treatment are also reviewed, and strategies for overcoming the limitations of these immunotherapeutic interventions are proposed.

In-hospital capacity-building in research and management for pediatric professionals. / Capacitación hospitalaria de profesionales pediátricos en investigación y gestión.

We describe an educational strategy aimed at capacity-building of hospital health care professionals in research and management initiated at a pediatric hospital in 2006, and the results obtained eight years after its implementation. Research and Management in Pediatrics (GIP) is an annual 250-hour course combining meetings and off-site assignments delivered through the Hospital's on-line campus. It provides students with practical tools for research (epidemiology, methodology, bibliographic search, evidencebased medicine, biostatistics) and management (strategic planning, management programs, health services research, quality improvement, health economics). Assessment methods included integrative exercises, a final evaluation, and a group research or management project. Results obtained over the 2006-2013 period were highly satisfactory. An intensive training program on research and management is a useful strategy for in-hospital capacity-building of pediatric health care professionals in basic tools for research activities, critical reading of biomedical literature and rational management of pediatric health services.

Se describe una estrategia de capacitación en investigación y gestión para profesionales hospitalarios iniciada en 2006 en un hospital pediátrico y sus resultados a ocho años de su implementación. Gestión e Investigación en Pediatría es un curso anual de 250 horas, teórico-práctico, semipresencial con soporte en campus virtual. Proporciona herramientas de investigación (epidemiología, metodología, búsqueda bibliográfica, medicina basada en evidencias, bioestadística) y gestión (planificación estratégica, programas de gestión, investigación en servicios de salud, calidad, economía de la salud). Se evalúa mediante ejercicios de integración, un examen final y un proyecto grupal de investigación o gestión. Los resultados obtenidos entre 2006 y 2013 fueron altamente satisfactorios. La implementación en el ámbito hospitalario de un programa de capacitación intensivo en gestión e investigación para profesionales de la salud es una estrategia útil para facilitar la incorporación y aplicación de herramientas prácticas para investigación, interpretación crítica de la bibliografía biomédica y gestión racional de servicios pediátricos

Deoxyribonucleic acid replication and germ cell apoptosis during spermatogenesis in the rabbit.

A deeper understanding of the occurrence of some events, such as DNA replication or germ cell apoptosis during spermatogenesis, is important for improving our understanding of seminiferous epithelium biology. However, studies on these events have been restricted to small rodents. This paper analyzes the occurrence of DNA synthesis by bromo-deoxy-uridine labeling, as well as the incidence of germ cell apoptosis by the TUNEL assay in the rabbit. In contrast to previous descriptions of spermatogonium proliferation in this animal, our results indicate that DNA replicates at stages 8/1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7, which are equivalent to the stages at which DNA synthesis occurs in rats and mice. Apoptosis of both spermatogonia and spermatocytes generally occurred at stages 2 and 4, when late spermatocytes end the pachytene stage or undergo meiotic divisions, and these results are consistent with previous observations in the rat testis.

DNA replication and germ cell apoptosis during spermatogenesis in the cat.

Stages at which DNA synthesis and germ cell death take place have recently been found to be equivalent in rabbits and rats. Preservation of the timing of these processes in different orders of mammals indicates that this timing may be crucial for testis cell biology. Since there is no previous study on either germ cell proliferation or apoptosis in upper mammals, an analysis of DNA replication (by bromodeoxyuridine labeling) and of the location of apoptotic germ cells (by the TUNEL assay) has been performed in 3 young adult cats. Our observations indicated that in this animal, spermatogonial DNA synthesis occurs at stages V (at which point the first generation of replicating spermatogonia appears, together with replicating preleptotene spermatocytes), early VII, VIII, and early I, II, and IV. Apoptosis of both spermatogonia and spermatocytes was located mostly at stages early I, early VI, early VII, and VIII. Interestingly, DNA synthesis and germ cell death were found to occur at the same stages of the spermatogenic cycle (that is, to occur at the same specific stages of development) as those reported for the rabbit and small rodents.

[Common competencies for the prevention of violence among young people]. / Competencias comunes para la prevención de violencia en jóvenes.

The high prevalence of violence in children and youth has been a great concern among diverse sectors of our society. Considered as a complex public health problem, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of Atlanta, Georgia, has financed local and national projects geared to its prevention. This work describes the process in which the Developing Centers of Youth Violence Prevention from the University of Puerto Rico and the University of Southern California collaborated in the development of core competencies for health professionals in youth violence prevention. This two Developing Centers are projects funded by the CDC.

Autocuidado de las encías y salud periodontal / Autocuidado das gengivas e saúde periodontal / Self-care of the gingiva and periodontal health

Introducción: en Cuba se prioriza la atención a la salud bucal, la que está determinada por diferentes factores, entre los que prevalece la incidencia de la enfermedad periodontal que hoy se reconoce como problema de salud, pues daña el bienestar biopsicosocial del individuo. Objetivo: brindar a los estomatólogos las bases teóricas que le permitan enriquecer su preparación respecto al tema enfermedad periodontal y de esta manera mejorar su contribución a su prevención desde el nivel de atención primaria a la salud bucal. Método: se sistematizaron los referentes relacionados con la enfermedad periodontal en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Guantánamo, en el período de enero a julio de 2017. Resultados: el primer estadío de la enfermedad periodontal se conoce como gingivitis. La enfermedad periodontal incide hasta en un 20 % de la población mundial. El cuidado de las encías para la prevención de la enfermedad periodontal requiere que el individuo se apropie de los saberes esenciales que le posibiliten esta finalidad, a fin de que sean capaces de percibir el riesgo de ella y contribuir con las acciones dirigidas a la protección o restauración de la salud periodontal. Conclusiones: se ofrecen bases teóricas para la comprensión de la necesidad de desarrollar en los pacientes una cultura del cuidado de las encías por una salud periodontal. Se reitera el valor de estomatólogo, la familia, la escuela, los medios y la comunidad como agentes sociales responsables de la educación de la población en función de la promoción de salud periodontal y la prevención de las enfermedades periodontales(AU)

Introduction: in Cuba attention to oral health is prioritized, which is determined by various factors, including incidence of periodontal disease that now a day is recognized as a health problem, it damages the individual as well as biopsicosocial well-being. Objective: stomatologists provide the theoretical bases that allow them to enrich their preparation on the subject periodontal disease thus improve their contribution to prevent primary care level to oral health. Method: the references related to periodontal disease in the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Guantanamo are systematized, from January to July 2017. Results: first stage of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis. Periodontal disease affects 20% of the world population. The gingiva care to prevent periodontal disease requires the individual to appropriate the essential knowledges that will enable this purpose, so that they are able to perceive the risk of it and contribute to actions with the aim of protecting periodontal health. Conclusions: theoretical basis for understanding the need to develop in patients offer culture of gingival care by a periodontal health. The value of stomatology, family, school, community media and reiterated responsible for education as social agents of the population depending on periodontal health promotion and prevention of periodontal diseases(AU)

Introdução: Cuba atenção à saúde bucal é priorizada, que é determinada por vários fatores, incluindo a incidência de doença periodontal que prevalece é agora reconhecida como um problema de saúde, ele danifica o bem-estar biopsicossocial do indivíduo. Objetivo: fornecer aos estomatologistas as bases teóricas que lhes permitirão enriquecer seu preparo em relação à questão da doença periodontal e, assim, melhorar sua contribuição para sua prevenção, desde o nível de atenção primária até a saúde bucal. Método: os referentes à doença periodontal foram sistematizados na Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Guantánamo, no período de janeiro a julho de 2017. Resultados: o primeiro estágio da doença periodontal é conhecido como gengivite. A doença periodontal afeta até 20% da população mundial. O cuidado das gengivas para a prevenção da doença periodontal exige que o indivíduo se aproprie dos conhecimentos essenciais que possibilitam esse propósito, para que eles sejam capazes de perceber o risco dele e contribuir com as ações voltadas à proteção ou Restauração da saúde periodontal. Conclusões: bases teóricas são oferecidas para a compreensão da necessidade de desenvolver em pacientes uma cultura de cuidado gengival para a saúde periodontal. O valor do estomatologista, da família, da escola, da mídia e da comunidade são reiterados como agentes sociais responsáveis pela educação da população em termos de promoção da saúde periodontal e prevenção de doenças periodontais(AU)

Self-perception of weight and physical fitness, body image perception, control weight behaviors and eating behaviors in adolescents / Autopercepción del peso y forma física, percepción de la imagen corporal y conductas de control de peso y alimentarias en adolescentes

Introduction: self-perception of weight and physical fitness, aesthetic reasons to diet, self-weighing as a way to feel better and body image perception have been related to a constellation of risks to develop both body image dissatisfaction and eating behavior disturbances, especially among adolescents. Objectives: to analyze weight self-perception and self-reported physical fitness, to explore the links between these variables and weight control behaviors, to explore possible relations among weight self-perception, self-reported physical fitness, dieting, self-weighing frequency and body mass index (BMI)/body image and to analyze the relation between all these variables and different eating behaviors. Methods: a total of 336 students (mean age of 12.46 ± 2.14; 47.62% females) took part in this study. Different scales were administered (weight self-perception and self-reported physical fitness, dieting, self-weighing frequency, body image perception, eating behaviors) and height and weight were measured in order to obtain the BMI. Results: mean BMI was 20.18 ± 3.58 and 41.14% of participants had overweight/obesity. Among those who perceived themselves as overweight,76.92% were girls. More than 70% of participants reported average or good physical fitness and more boys reported good or excellent physical fitness. Almost 60% of participants who planned to diet for aesthetic reasons were girls, and girls more than boys self-weighed to feel better. BMI was significantly correlated with body image dissatisfaction/restrictive eating. Conclusions: there are clear links between weight self-perception, body image, dieting, self-weighing and eating behaviors at an age which might be considered as a starting point to eating behavior disturbances

Introducción: la autopercepción del peso y de la forma física, razones estéticas para hacer dieta, pesarse como método para sentirse mejor y la percepción de la imagen corporal se han relacionado con una constelación de riesgos para desarrollar tanto insatisfacción corporal como alteraciones alimentarias, especialmente en adolescentes. Objetivos: analizar la autopercepción del peso y de la forma física, explorar los vínculos entre estas variable y conductas de control de peso, explorar posibles relaciones entre la autopercepción del peso y de la forma física, realización de dietas, frecuencia con la que se pesan los adolescentes e índice de masa corporal (IMC)/imagen corporal, así como la relación de todo ello con diferentes conductas alimentarias. Resultados: el IMC medio fue de 20,18 ± 3,58 y el 41,14% de los participantes presentaba sobrepeso/obesidad. Entre quienes se percibían con sobrepeso, el 76,92% eran chicas. Más del 70% de los participantes decían estar en una buena forma física o en la media y eran más los chicos los que decían estar en buena o excelente forma física. Casi el 60% de los participantes que planeaban hacer dieta por razones estéticas eran chicas y ellas más que los chicos se pesaban para sentirse mejor. El IMC correlacionó significativamente con la subescala imagen corporal/ ingesta restrictiva. Conclusiones: existen claros vínculos entre autopercepción ponderal, imagen corporal, realización de dietas, pesarse y conductas alimentarias en una edad que podría considerarse como un punto de partida para la presentación de alteraciones alimentarias

Autocuidado de las encías y salud periodontal / Self-care of the gingiva and periodontal health

Introducción: en Cuba se prioriza la atención a la salud bucal, la que está determinada por diferentes factores, entre los que prevalece la incidencia de la enfermedad periodontal que hoy se reconoce como problema de salud, pues daña el bienestar biopsicosocial del individuo. Objetivo: brindar a los estomatólogos las bases teóricas que le permitan enriquecer su preparación respecto al tema enfermedad periodontal y de esta manera mejorar su contribución a su prevención desde el nivel de atención primaria a la salud bucal. Método: se sistematizaron los referentes relacionados con la enfermedad periodontal en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Guantánamo, en el período de enero a julio de 2017. Resultados: el primer estadío de la enfermedad periodontal se conoce como gingivitis. La enfermedad periodontal incide hasta en un 20 por ciento de la población mundial. El cuidado de las encías para la prevención de la enfermedad periodontal requiere que el individuo se apropie de los saberes esenciales que le posibiliten esta finalidad, a fin de que sean capaces de percibir el riesgo de ella y contribuir con las acciones dirigidas a la protección o restauración de la salud periodontal. Conclusiones: se ofrecen bases teóricas para la comprensión de la necesidad de desarrollar en los pacientes una cultura del cuidado de las encías por una salud periodontal. Se reitera el valor de estomatólogo, la familia, la escuela, los medios y la comunidad como agentes sociales responsables de la educación de la población en función de la promoción de salud periodontal y la prevención de las enfermedades periodontales(AU)

Introduction: in Cuba attention to oral health is prioritized, which is determined by various factors, including incidence of periodontal disease that now a day is recognized as a health problem, it damages the individual as well as biopsicosocial well-being. Objective: stomatologists provide the theoretical bases that allow them to enrich their preparation on the subject periodontal disease thus improve their contribution to prevent primary care level to oral health. Method: the references related to periodontal disease in the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Guantanamo are systematized, from January to July 2017. Results: first stage of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis. Periodontal disease affects 20 percent of the world population. The gingiva care to prevent periodontal disease requires the individual to appropriate the essential knowledges that will enable this purpose, so that they are able to perceive the risk of it and contribute to actions with the aim of protecting periodontal health. Conclusions: theoretical basis for understanding the need to develop in patients offer culture of gingival care by a periodontal health. The value of stomatology, family, school, community media and reiterated responsible for education as social agents of the population depending on periodontal health promotion and prevention of periodontal diseases(AU)

Introdução: Cuba atenção à saúde bucal é priorizada, que é determinada por vários fatores, incluindo a incidência de doença periodontal que prevalece é agora reconhecida como um problema de saúde, ele danifica o bem-estar biopsicossocial do indivíduo. Objetivo: fornecer aos estomatologistas as bases teóricas que lhes permitirão enriquecer seu preparo em relação à questão da doença periodontal e, assim, melhorar sua contribuição para sua prevenção, desde o nível de atenção primária até a saúde bucal. Método: os referentes à doença periodontal foram sistematizados na Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Guantánamo, no período de janeiro a julho de 2017. Resultados: o primeiro estágio da doença periodontal é conhecido como gengivite. A doença periodontal afeta até 20 por cento da população mundial. O cuidado das gengivas para a prevenção da doença periodontal exige que o indivíduo se aproprie dos conhecimentos essenciais que possibilitam esse propósito, para que eles sejam capazes de perceber o risco dele e contribuir com as ações voltadas à proteção ou Restauração da saúde periodontal. Conclusões: bases teóricas são oferecidas para a compreensão da necessidade de desenvolver em pacientes uma cultura de cuidado gengival para a saúde periodontal. O valor do estomatologista, da família, da escola, da mídia e da comunidade são reiterados como agentes sociais responsáveis pela educação da população em termos de promoção da saúde periodontal e prevenção de doenças periodontais(AU)