Effects of botulinum toxin in two indicators of loss of domain and hernia size among patients with large ventral hernias.

BACKGROUND: In patients with large ventral hernias, botulinum toxin to external and internal oblique muscles decreases thickness and increases length. We examined the impact of botulinum toxin in the amount of loss of domain according to two ratios and in hernia size. METHODS: Between October 2021 and November 2023, 20 patients with ventral hernias measuring 10 cm or more on the horizontal size underwent the administration of 50 units of botulinum toxin to each external and each internal oblique muscle 4 weeks before their surgery. Incisional hernia volume to peritoneal volume ratio, volume ratio, and hernia size were compared before and 4 weeks after the injection of botulinum toxin. Comparisons between all variables obtained before and after the administration of botulinum toxin were performed using either the paired t-test or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze associations between initial conditions and further changes observed after botulinum toxin injection. RESULTS: We observed a 42% reduction in muscle amplitude, 16% increase in intra-abdominal volume, 28% decrease in herniated volume, decreases of 6% in IHV/PV ratio and of 11% in V ratio, 11% reduction of hernia width, and decrease of 10% in rectangular and elliptical hernia areas. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with large ventral hernias, botulinum toxin is associated with reduction of hernia size and decrease in loss of domain, the latter not being significant when less than 10% of the visceral block is herniated.

Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors Enabled by Fused Deposition Modeling-Based 3D Printing: A Guide to Selecting Designs, Printing Parameters, and Post-Treatment Protocols.

The 3D printing (or additive manufacturing, AM) technology is capable to provide a quick and easy production of objects with freedom of design, reducing waste generation. Among the AM techniques, fused deposition modeling (FDM) has been highlighted due to its affordability, scalability, and possibility of processing an extensive range of materials (thermoplastics, composites, biobased materials, etc.). The possibility of obtaining electrochemical cells, arrays, pieces, and more recently, electrodes, exactly according to the demand, in varied shapes and sizes, and employing the desired materials has made from 3D printing technology an indispensable tool in electroanalysis. In this regard, the obtention of an FDM 3D printer has great advantages for electroanalytical laboratories, and its use is relatively simple. Some care has to be taken to aid the user to take advantage of the great potential of this technology, avoiding problems such as solution leakages, very common in 3D printed cells, providing well-sealed objects, with high quality. In this sense, herein, we present a complete protocol regarding the use of FDM 3D printers for the fabrication of complete electrochemical systems, including (bio)sensors, and how to improve the quality of the obtained systems. A guide from the initial printing stages, regarding the design and structure obtention, to the final application, including the improvement of obtained 3D printed electrodes for different purposes, is provided here. Thus, this protocol can provide great perspectives and alternatives for 3D printing in electroanalysis and aid the user to understand and solve several problems with the use of this technology in this field.

Batch injection analysis with amperometric detection for fluoroquinolone determination in urine, pharmaceutical formulations, and milk samples using a reduced graphene oxide-modified glassy carbon electrode.

In this work, the batch injection analysis system with amperometric detection using reduced graphene oxide as a modifier of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was investigated for the simple, fast, and sensitive monitoring of levofloxacin (LEVO) and ciprofloxacin (CIPRO) in samples of pharmaceutical formulations, synthetic urine, and milk (low- and high-fat content). LEVO and CIPRO were quantified in seven samples using amperometric measurements at +1.10 V vs Ag/AgCl, KCl(sat). The developed methods showed excellent analytical performance with limits of detection of 0.30 and 0.16 µmol L-1, linear range from 3.0 to 50 µmol L-1 and 1.0 to 50 µmol L-1, relative standard deviation below 9.7 and 3.1%, and recovery ranges ranging from 80 to 107% and from 78 to 109% for LEVO and CIPRO, respectively. In addition, the minimum sample preparation (simple dilution) combined with a high analytical frequency (130 to 180 analyses per hour) can be highlighted. Thus, the methods are promising for implementation in routine analysis and quality control to different samples.

Does stress run through the leash? An examination of stress transmission between owners and dogs during a walk.

Humans and dogs have co-evolved for over 10,000 years. Recent research suggests that, through the domestication process, dogs have become proficient at responding to human commands, attention and emotional states. However, the extent to which a companion dog responds to human emotions, such as stress, remains to be understood. This study examines whether a companion dog's stress, as measured by cortisol levels and heart rate, increases during a familiar outdoor walk in response to its owner's experience of stress. Sixty-eight owner/dog dyads participated in this study. The dyads were randomly assigned to an Experimental or Control group. Owners in the Experimental group were informed the walk would be digitally recorded for subsequent evaluation of their handling skills, whereas those in the Control group were informed the walk would be digitally recorded for archival purposes (no evaluation). This manipulation was implemented to induce a mild stress response in the owners. Salivary cortisol samples were collected from the owner and their dog before and after the walk. The dyad was also fitted with monitoring devices to record heart rate throughout the walk. Finally, personality information regarding the owner and their dog was collected. We found that cortisol production within the dyad showed a marginal inverse correlation. We also found that owners' Openness to Experience and dogs' Fearfulness influenced the heart rate of the other during the first minute of a walk. These results support that although stress may be detected within a dyad, this does not result in an associated significant change in cortisol or heart rate.

Genetic characterization of a putative new type of bovine papillomavirus in the Xipapillomavirus 1 species in a Brazilian dairy herd.

Currently, bovine papillomavirus types are divided into five genera, namely, Deltapapillomavirus, Epsilonpapillomavirus, Xipapillomavirus, Dyoxipapillomavirus, and Dyokappapapillomavirus. In the recent decades, the characterization of numerous putative and novel bovine papillomavirus types from cattle in several geographic regions, has revealed the occurrence of a high viral diversity. In this study, we describe the identification and characterization of a putative new bovine papillomavirus type within species Xipapillomavirus 1 of Xipapillomavirus genus. The detection of the viral types identified in the skin warts was obtained by polymerase chain reaction assays targeting the L1 gene, followed by direct sequencing of the generated amplicons. The partial L1 sequences revealed that bovine papillomavirus types 6, 10, and 11, the putative new bovine papillomavirus type designated BPV/CHI-SW2, and an unreported putative new bovine papillomavirus type (named BPV/BR-UEL08) were associated with cutaneous papillomatosis in the cows from the dairy herd investigated. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on the L1 gene revealed that the BPV/BR-UEL08 isolate clustered with other bovine papillomaviruses classified in the Xipapillomavirus genus, being closely related to representatives of the species Xipapillomavirus 1. Investigations focusing on the molecular epidemiology of bovine papillomaviruses related to clinical outcomes in cattle are of fundamental importance to determine the actual genetic diversity and prevalent viral types to be included in vaccines for cattle.

Ultrafast capillary electrophoresis method for the simultaneous determination of ammonium and diphenhydramine in pharmaceutical samples.

Ammonium and diphenhydramine are active ingredients commonly found in the same pharmaceutical preparations. We report, for the first time, a sub-minute method for the simultaneous determination of ammonium and diphenhydramine. The method is based on capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection. Both analytes can be quantified in a single run (∼80 injections/h) using 30 mmol/L 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid and 15 mmol/L lithium hydroxide (pH 6.0) as background electrolyte. The separation by capillary electrophoresis was achieved on a fused-silica capillary (50 cm total length, 10 cm effective length, and 50 µm inside diameter). The limits of detection were 0.04 and 0.02 mmol/L for ammonium and diphenhydramine, respectively. The proposed method also provided adequate recovery values for spiked samples (100-106 and 97-104% for ammonium and diphenhydramine, respectively). The results obtained with the new capillary electrophoresis method were compared with those of the high-performance liquid chromatography method for diphenhydramine and the Kjeldahl method for ammonium and no statistically significant differences were found (95% confidence level).

A TaqMan-based qRT-PCR assay for Senecavirus A detection in tissue samples of neonatal piglets.

This study describes a sensitive (1.3 × 101 genomic copies/µL) and specific TaqMan-based qRT-PCR assay able to detect and quantify SVA RNA in porcine biological samples. The technique represents an efficient tool for the virus diagnosis and assessment of SVA load in tissues of infected animals and for epidemiological studies.

Genetic diversity of bovine papillomavirus types, including two putative new types, in teat warts from dairy cattle herds.

Teat papillomatosis affects dairy cows worldwide. Milking can become difficult due to teat warts, and maintaining affected cows in the herds may diminish economic profit in the dairy industry. Currently, 13 bovine papillomavirus (BPV) types have been fully characterized, and numerous putative BPV types have been identified through partial L1 gene PCR. In order to identify the viral types present in warts on the udders of dairy cows, 40 teat lesions from 24 cows from 13 cattle farms in three States of Brazil were evaluated by PV L1 gene PCR. The warts that were evaluated contained sequences from BPVs 6-10, the putative BPV types BAPV9 and BAPV4, and two unreported putative papillomavirus (PV) types, named BPV/BR-UEL6 and BPV/BR-UEL7. In addition, mixed infections and coinfections were identified, since more than one lesion was observed on the udders of 13 cows. Phylogenetic analysis showed that BPV/BR-UEL6 is closely related to BPVs belonging to the genus Xipapillomavirus, while BPV/BR-UEL7 clustered with the previously reported strains Cervus timorensis and Pudu puda PVs, which represent a putative new PV type, and it was only distantly related to xi-, epsilon-, delta- and dyoxi-PVs. These results provide information that will assist in the understanding of the association of BPVs 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, as well as putative BPV types BAPV4 and BAPV9, with mammary papillomatosis. This is the first characterization of putative novel PV types BPV/BR-UEL6 and BPV/BR-UEL7 in teat warts of dairy cows, highlighting the high genetic diversity of BPVs associated with teat papillomatosis.

Microarray on digital versatile disc for identification and genotyping of Salmonella and Campylobacter in meat products.

Highly portable, cost-effective, and rapid-response devices are required for the subtyping of the most frequent food-borne bacteria; thereby the sample rejection strategies and hygienization techniques along the food chain can be tailor-designed. Here, a novel biosensor is presented for the generic detection of Salmonella and Campylobacter and the discrimination between their most prevalent serovars (Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Typhimurium) and species (Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli), respectively. The method is based on DNA microarray developed on a standard digital versatile disc (DVD) as support for a hybridization assay and a DVD driver as scanner. This approach was found to be highly sensitive (detection limit down to 0.2 pg of genomic DNA), reproducible (relative standard deviation 4-19 %), and high working capacity (20 samples per disc). The inclusivity and exclusivity assays indicated that designed oligonucleotides (primers and probes) were able to discriminate targeted pathogens from other Salmonella serovars, Campylobacter species, or common food-borne pathogens potentially present in the indigenous microflora. One hundred isolates from meat samples, collected in a poultry factory, were analyzed by the DVD microarraying and fluorescent real-time PCR. An excellent correlation was observed for both generic and specific detection (relative sensitivity 93-99 % and relative specificity 93-100 %). Therefore, the developed assay has been shown to be a reliable tool to be used in routine food safety analysis, especially in settings with limited infrastructure due to the excellent efficiency-cost ratio of compact disc technology. Graphical Abstract DNA microarray performed by DVD technology for pathogen genotyping.

Layer 1 NDNF interneurons are specialized top-down master regulators of cortical circuits.

Diverse types of inhibitory interneurons (INs) impart computational power and flexibility to neocortical circuits. Whereas markers for different IN types in cortical layers 2-6 (L2-L6) have been instrumental for generating a wealth of functional insights, only the recent identification of a selective marker (neuron-derived neurotrophic factor [NDNF]) has opened comparable opportunities for INs in L1 (L1INs). However, at present we know very little about the connectivity of NDNF L1INs with other IN types, their input-output conversion, and the existence of potential NDNF L1IN subtypes. Here, we report pervasive inhibition of L2/3 INs (including parvalbumin INs and vasoactive intestinal peptide INs) by NDNF L1INs. Intersectional genetics revealed similar physiology and connectivity in the NDNF L1IN subpopulation co-expressing neuropeptide Y. Finally, NDNF L1INs prominently and selectively engage in persistent firing, a physiological hallmark disconnecting their output from the current input. Collectively, our work therefore identifies NDNF L1INs as specialized master regulators of superficial neocortex according to their pervasive top-down afferents.

Initial evaluation and external validation of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT in tubarial gland characterization.

INTRODUCTION: Radiotracer 68Ga-PSMA-11 used in PET/CT scans allows for identification and localization of gland tissue. It allows for their consideration in clinical scenarios and to design further and stronger research to answer pertinent questions regarding their function and implications. We aimed to externally validate first reported findings of location, size, and ligand uptake of the tubarial glands using 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT studies of patients with prostate cancer confirmed diagnosis from the database of the Radiology Department from 2018 to 2022. The maximum cephalocaudal length (CCL) in the tubarial glands and the Maximum Standardized Uptake Value (SUVmax) of major glands were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 202 patients were included (mean age 67.43 ± 8.5). The mean CCL of the tubarial glands was 37.38 ± 9.84 and a SUVmax of 6.56 ± 2.14. The rest of the glands were as follows: parotid 15.12 ± 4.43, submandibular 16.82 ± 5.43 and sublingual 5.84 ± 3.24. No differences were found between laterality. A weak correlation between age and SUVmax of tubarial glands was identified. Tubarial glands had a similar 68Ga-PSMA-11 uptake to that of sublingual glands. CONCLUSION: This study corroborates the existence of a conglomerate of glands in the nasopharynx roof, near the posterolateral pharyngeal recess. It serves as validation in a different population with similar results in previous research. Without 68GA-PSMA-11 PET/CT the abundance, configuration and potential clinical relevance of these glands would probably not have been identified. Radiotracer uptake was similar amongst the major salivary glands, with a more similar uptake to that shown by the sublingual gland.

Bovine papillomavirus type 13 DNA in equine sarcoids.

Equine sarcoids are locally aggressive fibroblastic neoplasms considered to be the most common skin tumors of horses worldwide. Bovine papillomavirus types 1 and 2 have typically been associated with sarcoids in equids. Investigations aiming to identify papillomavirus strains, aside from bovine papillomaviruses 1 and 2, which might be associated with sarcoid lesions, have been lacking. The aim of this article is to report the identification of a third bovine papillomavirus type, bovine papillomavirus 13, associated with equine sarcoids. Six sarcoid lesions were collected from diverse anatomical sites on two horses from southern Brazil. To detect a broad spectrum of papillomavirus strains, eight degenerate primer pairs designed to detect conserved regions on the L1 and E1 genes were tested on the DNA samples. Direct sequencing was then performed on the obtained amplicons, and sequence identities were compared with sequences from all bovine papillomavirus types. The FAP59/FAP64, MY09/MY11, and AR-E1F2/AR-E1R4 sequences generated from the sarcoids were shown to present 99 to 100% identity with bovine papillomavirus 13, a new bovine papillomavirus type previously described in cattle. The results from this study suggest that there is a need to identify bovine papillomavirus type 13 and other papillomavirus strains that might be associated with sarcoids in diverse geographical areas; such investigations might establish the frequency of occurrence of this viral type in these common tumors of equids.

Morning blood pressure surge as a predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) is poorly understood in Latin American populations. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted on 1339 patients with hypertension who underwent 24-h BP monitoring between 2015 and 2019. The incidence of serious adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was analysed using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for potential confounders. Three previously reported morning surge definitions were evaluated for SBP and DBP using different ABPM components: sleep-through morning surge, pre-awakening, and morning night-time difference. RESULTS: The mean age was 62 years, 52% were female, 32.8% had dyslipidaemia, 27.2% were smokers, and 7.8% had diabetes. During a median follow-up period of 32 months, 197 MACE occurred. In men, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 1.84 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.35-2.49; P < 0.001). The HR increased to 2.03 (95% CI, 1.89-2.17; P < 0.001) with a cut-off value of 35 mmHg for a 10 mmHg increase in sleep-through morning surge. The increased adjusted HR associated with the morning rise persisted for each secondary endpoint, including 21 cardiovascular deaths [HR: 2.70 (95% CI, 2.03-3.60; P < 0.001)], 78 myocardial infarctions [HR: 1.92 (95% CI, 1.72-2.15; P < 0.001)], 24 hospitalisations for heart failure [HR: 1.77 (95% CI, 1.48-2.12; P < 0.001)], 22 strokes [HR: 2.32 (95% CI, 1.85-2.91; P < 0.001)], and 52 atrial fibrillations [HR: 1.94 (95% CI, 1.71-2.20; P < 0.001)]. CONCLUSION: The morning BP rise was the most important circadian prognostic factor for MACE in patients with hypertension, which deserves more attention.

Comparison of open anterior component and open transversus abdominus release in repair of large subcostal hernias.

BACKGROUND: Large subcostal incisional hernias are considered as complex defects, and a few different approaches have been described for repair. The purpose of this comparative cross-sectional study is to evaluate the outcomes of patients with large subcostal incisional hernias treated with either the open anterior components separation technique (ACS) or with the open transversus abdominis release technique (TAR). METHODS: From the database of patients with large complex incisional hernias who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction with open techniques between April 2007 and October 2022 at our institution, on May 25th, 2023 we identified those whose hernias were located in the subcostal areas and who underwent reconstruction with a components separation technique and mesh. Perioperative variables and outcomes were compared between the patients with large subcostal hernias who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction with either the ACS or the TAR techniques. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients with large subcostal hernias were included in the study. ACS and intra-abdominal mesh was used in 11 patients; TAR and retro-muscular mesh was performed in 20 patients. More postoperative local abdominal wall complications were seen in patients who had ACS as opposed to TAR (55% vs 15%, p = 0.02). Hernia recurrence was more common in patients who had ACS as opposed to TAR (55% vs 5%, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: More post-operative complications and recurrences were seen in patients who had ACS as opposed to TAR.

Hepatitis E virus in liver and bile samples from slaughtered pigs of Brazil.

The objective of this study was to detect and identify hepatitis E virus (HEV) strains in liver and bile samples from slaughtered pigs in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Liver and bile samples were collected from 118 asymptomatic adult pigs at a slaughterhouse in a major Brazilian pork production area. The samples were assayed using a nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction protocol with primer sets targeting open reading frames (ORF)1 and 2 of the HEV genome. HEV RNA was detected in two (1.7%) liver samples and one (0.84%) bile sample using both primers sets. The HEV strains were classified as genotype 3b on the basis of their nucleotide sequences. These data suggest that healthy pigs may be a source of HEV infection for consumers of pig liver and slaughterhouse workers in Brazil.

Evaluation of Hepatic Hemodynamics (Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient) During Right Heart Catheterization: A Comprehensive Review.

Centers for the research of patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) usually perform right cardiac catheterization (RHC) to document this hemodynamic condition; traditionally, the procedure is performed by the interventional cardiologist, while the interventional radiologist generally conducts the study of hepatic hemodynamics. In our center, where the leading cause of catheterization of the hepatic veins is orthotopic liver transplantation, the cardio-pulmonologist performs the procedure to diagnose the possibility of porto-pulmonary hypertension and its implications. Routine measurement of the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) during RHC is not recommended but is performed to confirm the diagnosis of portal hypertension (PoH). Our objective in this review was to graphically describe the technique of hemodynamic recording of suprahepatic veins in patients with chronic liver disease and PoH who are in liver transplant protocol. The concepts included in this manuscript are measuring portal pressure, the definition of the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), procedures for a correct measurement of the HVPG, techniques associated with a suprahepatic vein catheterization, contraindications, and complications of HVPG, and clinical applications of HVPG. Clinically significant PoH is defined as an increase in GPVH ≥10 mmHg. HVPG measurement is currently the best available method for assessing the presence and severity of PoH. The RHC is the standard gold method for diagnosing PoPH that confirms its existence and provides additional data to exclude other causes of PAH in liver transplant candidates.

Anaphylaxis in Cold Induced Urticaria: A Case Report and Review of The Literature.

Cold-induced urticaria is considered as a subtype of physical urticaria and also the second most common type of chronic inducible urticaria. Contact with cold surfaces or the environment may cause systemic reactions, especially during aquatic activities. A 22-year-old female patient with a history of sulfa drug allergy began her condition 2 years before the presence of generalized pruritic erythema with hives as well as 2 episodes that had been characterized by facial angioedema and syncope 3-5 minutes after being in contact with cold air or surfaces.  On both events, she had just been outdoors on a cold, winter day. She was suspected to have cold-induced urticaria; thereby she had a positive reaction to the ice cube test. Due to the previous episodes of anaphylaxis, the patient was trained to administer intramuscular epinephrine. After 4 weeks of starting the treatment with antihistamines, no new events or injuries had occurred. Cold-induced urticaria may cause life-threatening reactions. The rate of anaphylaxis in these patients is low however, this case is presented to inform the importance of identifying this type of systemic reaction and preventing strategies.

New conductive filament ready-to-use for 3D-printing electrochemical (bio)sensors: Towards the detection of SARS-CoV-2.

The 3D printing technology has gained ground due to its wide range of applicability. The development of new conductive filaments contributes significantly to the production of improved electrochemical devices. In this context, we report a simple method to producing an efficient conductive filament, containing graphite within the polymer matrix of PLA, and applied in conjunction with 3D printing technology to generate (bio)sensors without the need for surface activation. The proposed method for producing the conductive filament consists of four steps: (i) mixing graphite and PLA in a heated reflux system; (ii) recrystallization of the composite; (iii) drying and; (iv) extrusion. The produced filament was used for the manufacture of electrochemical 3D printed sensors. The filament and sensor were characterized by physicochemical techniques, such as SEM, TGA, Raman, FTIR as well as electrochemical techniques (EIS and CV). Finally, as a proof-of-concept, the fabricated 3D-printed sensor was applied for the determination of uric acid and dopamine in synthetic urine and used as a platform for the development of a biosensor for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The developed sensors, without pre-treatment, provided linear ranges of 0.5-150.0 and 5.0-50.0 µmol L-1, with low LOD values (0.07 and 0.11 µmol L-1), for uric acid and dopamine, respectively. The developed biosensor successfully detected SARS-CoV-2 S protein, with a linear range from 5.0 to 75.0 nmol L-1 (0.38 µg mL-1 to 5.74 µg mL-1) and LOD of 1.36 nmol L-1 (0.10 µg mL-1) and sensitivity of 0.17 µA nmol-1 L (0.01 µA µg-1 mL). Therefore, the lab-made produced and the ready-to-use conductive filament is promising and can become an alternative route for the production of different 3D electrochemical (bio)sensors and other types of conductive devices by 3D printing.

Prevalence of sexual dysfunction among pregnant women attending prenatal care at a hospital in Rionegro, Colombia, 2020-2021 / Prevalencia de disfunción sexual en gestantes en control prenatal en una institución hospitalaria en Rionegro, Colombia, 2020-2021

Objective: To describe the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in a group of pregnant women, and to explore potential factors associated with this condition in this population. Material and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study in pregnant women 15 years of age and older, sexually active during gestation, receiving prenatal care at the San Juan de Dios Hospital in Rionegro between January and March, 2021. The exclusion criteria were patients with disabilities or cognitive impairment, or classified as having a mental disorder according to the World Health Organization (WHO); pregnant women with chronic, placental, ovulation, hemorrhagic or infectious conditions; and patients whose pregnancy was the result of sexual assault. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was applied, and sociodemographic and sexual and reproductive health variables were measured. Results are expressed as absolute and relative frequencies for qualitative variables, and as medians and interquartile ranges for quantitative variables. Results: The mean age in years was 27.5 (IQR: 21.3-31.0) and the mean gestational age was 28.5 weeks (IQR: 21.3-34.8). After administering the FSFI, it was found that 37 women (37.7%) had sexual dysfunction (score < 26.5). The median scores for the participants without sexual dysfunction and those with sexual dysfunction were 29.4 (IQR 26.8-32) and 22.3 (IQR 20-24), respectively. The mean scores for each domain were: desire 3.6 (IQR: 3.0-4.2); arousal 4.5 (IQR: 3.6-5.1); lubrication 4.8 (IQR: 3.9-5.4); orgasm 4.4 (IQR: 3.6-5.2); pain 4.4 (IQR: 3.6-6.0); and satisfaction 5.4 (IQR: 4.8-6.0). The total score (p<0.05) was better in older women and those with one or more children. Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction occurs at least in one third of pregnant women, especially during the third trimester. Sexual dysfunction should be considered in daily clinical practice, given that approaching the topic from an education perspective can help reduce a problem that affects the couple and quality of life. It is critical to undertake additional research that includes assessment of the effectiveness and safety of educational strategies in this population with sexual dysfunction.

Objetivo: describir la prevalencia de la disfunción sexual en un grupo de mujeres gestantes y hacer una exploración de posibles factores asociados a la disfunción sexual en estas mujeres. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo y trasversal en mujeres gestantes cuyas edades son de 15 años o más, con actividad sexual en la gestación, que asistieron al control prenatal en el Hospital San Juan de Dios de Rionegro entre los meses de enero y marzo del 2021. Se excluyeron pacientes con limitaciones o discapacidad cognitiva, o clasificadas con trastorno mental según la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), gestantes con patologías crónicas, placentarias, ovulares, hemorrágicas e infecciosas, y las pacientes cuya gestación fue resultado de violencia sexual. Se aplicó el cuestionario Índice de Función Sexual Femenina (FSFI), se midieron variables sociodemográficas y de salud sexual y reproductiva. Los resultados se expresan en frecuencias absolutas y relativas para las variables cualitativas y medianas, y rangos intercuartílicos para las variables cuantitativas. Resultados: la mediana de edad fue de 27,5 años (RIC: 21,3-31,0); de edad gestacional 28,5 semanas (RIC: 21,3-34,8). Tras la aplicación del FSFI, 37 mujeres (37,7%) tuvieron disfunción sexual (puntaje < 26,5). La mediana del puntaje de las participantes sin disfunción sexual fue de 29,4 (RIC 26,8-32), mientras que por el lado de las que tienen disfunción sexual fue de 22,3 (RIC 20-24). La media del puntaje para cada dominio fue: deseo: 3,6 (RIC: 3,0-4,2); excitación: 4,5 (RIC: 3,6-5,1); lubricación: 4,8 (RIC: 3,9-5,4); orgasmo: 4,4 (RIC: 3,6-5,2); dolor: 4,4 (RIC: 3,6-6,0); y satisfacción: 5,4 (RIC: 4,8-6,0). Fueron factores protectores no tener hijos ni cesáreas previas. La ausencia de compañero y menor edad estuvieron asociados a disfunción sexual. Conclusión: la disfunción sexual se presenta en por lo menos un tercio de las gestantes, especialmente en el tercer trimestre. En la práctica clínica diaria se hace necesario abordar la disfunción sexual, ya que se puede contribuir desde el abordaje de la educación a un problema que puede afectar las relaciones de pareja y la calidad de vida. Es fundamental generar nuevas investigaciones que incluyan la evaluación de la efectividad y seguridad de estrategias educativas en este grupo poblacional con disfunción sexual.

An indirect electrochemical method for aqueous sulfide determination in freshwaters using a palladium chelate as a selective sensor.

Sulfide anion is a highly toxic and corrosive compound and its presence above the threshold concentrations (i.e. µmol L-1) in freshwaters may indicate environmental pollution. Besides, the increase in sulfide concentration results in modifications of the organoleptic proprieties of water and air. Many analytical methodologies have been designed for aqueous sulfide quantification, however, due to the high reactivity and instability of sulfide, the pursue of a simple, sensitive, selective, and portable analytical method is still a current demand. In this study, an indirect electrochemical method for the determination of sulfide based on its interaction with a palladium complex - bis(2-aminobenzoate) palladium(II) - acting as a selective chemosensor is described. The reaction leads to the demasking of the electroactive ligand 2-aminobenzoic acid (i.e. anthranilic acid) and square wave voltammetry is employed to monitor its concentration using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Experimental conditions were optimized and the reaction was performed in Britton-Robinson (BR) buffer at pH 5 for 4 min, providing the higher magnitude of the analytical signal. A linear relation (r2 > 0.99) from 3 to 30 µmol L-1 of sulfide was obtained with a limit of detection of 0.10 µmol L-1. Recovery experiments using freshwater samples spiked with sulfide revealed overall satisfactory results for the limit concentration levels permitted by regulatory agencies. Therefore, the proposed methodology shows advantages in terms of portability, selectivity, sensitivity, low-cost, and easiness-to-use enabling monitoring of sulfide in a variety of waters.