Description of trunk neural crest migration and peripheral nervous system formation in the Egyptian cobra Naja haje haje.

The neural crest is a stem cell population that forms in the neurectoderm of all vertebrates and gives rise to a diverse set of cells such as sensory neurons, Schwann cells and melanocytes. Neural crest development in snakes is still poorly understood. From the point of view of evolutionary and comparative anatomy is an interesting topic given the unique anatomy of snakes. The aim of the study was to characterize how trunk neural crest cells (TNCC) migrate in the developing elapid snake Naja haje haje and consequently, look at the beginnings of development of neural crest derived sensory ganglia (DRG) and spinal nerves. We found that trunk neural crest and DRG development in Naja haje haje is like what has been described in other vertebrates and the colubrid snake strengthening our knowledge on the conserved mechanisms of neural crest development across species. Here we use the marker HNK1 to follow the migratory behavior of TNCC in the elapid snake Naja haje haje through stages 1-6 (1-9 days postoviposition). We observed that the TNCC of both snake species migrate through the rostral portion of the somite, a pattern also conserved in birds and mammals. The development of cobra peripheral nervous system, using neuronal and glial markers, showed the presence of spectrin in Schwann cell precursors and of axonal plexus along the length of the cobra embryos. In conclusion, cobra embryos show strong conserved patterns in TNCC and PNS development among vertebrates.

Vaccine Uptake and Intentions: Insights from a Texas Survey on Factors Influencing COVID-19 Vaccination Decisions.

The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines depends on widespread vaccine uptake. Employing a telephone-administered weighted survey with 19,502 participants, we examined the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among adults in Texas. We used multiple regression analysis with LASSO-selected variables to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake and intentions to receive the vaccine among the unvaccinated. The prevalence of unvaccinated individuals (22%) was higher among those aged 18-39, males, White respondents, English speakers, uninsured individuals, those facing financial challenges, and individuals expressing no concern about contracting the illness. In a fully adjusted regression model, higher odds of being unvaccinated were observed among males (aOR 1.11), the uninsured (aOR 1.38), smokers (aOR 1.56), and those facing financial struggles (aOR 1.62). Conversely, Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics were less likely to be unvaccinated compared to Whites. Among the unvaccinated, factors associated with stronger intent to receive the vaccine included age (over 65 years), Black and Hispanic ethnicity, and perceived risk of infection. Hispanic individuals, the uninsured, those covered by public insurance, and those facing financial challenges were more likely to encounter barriers to vaccine receipt. These findings underscore the importance of devising tailored strategies, emphasizing nuanced approaches that account for demographic, socioeconomic, and attitudinal factors in vaccine distribution and public health interventions.

Functional Technical Textile-Based Polymer Nanocomposites with Adsorbent Properties of Toxins and Dyes also Have Antibacterial Behavior.

This is the first study of non-woven fabrics elaborated by melt-blowing from polymer nanocomposites made of Nylon 6 and nanoclay (Cloisite 20A) modified with an amine (1,4 diaminobutane dihydrochloride). Morphological and physical characteristics, adsorption capacity, and antibacterial properties are presented. From the X-ray diffraction (XRD) results, it was possible to observe a displacement of the signals to other 2θ angles, due to an α to ϒ phase shift. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the mean diameter of fiber decreased as the content of nanoclay increased. The mechanical tests showed that the tear strength force of neat nylon was 1.734 N, but this characteristic increased to 2.135 N for the sample with 0.5% modified nanoclay. The inulin adsorption efficiency of the Nylon 6/C20A 1.5% and Nylon 6/C20A 2% samples at 15 min was 75 and 74%, respectively. The adsorption capacity of Nylon 6/C20A 1.5% and Nylon 6/C20A 2% for methylene blue and methyl orange remained above 90% even after four adsorption cycles. In addition, non-woven fabrics present antibacterial activity against E. coli.

Green Flame-Retardant Blend Used to Improve the Antiflame Properties of Polypropylene.

The flammability properties of polymers and polymeric composites play an important role in ensuring the safety of humans and the environment; moreover, flame-retardant materials ensure a greater number of applications. In the present study, we report the obtaining of polypropylene (PP) composites contain a mixture of two green flame retardants, lignin and clinoptilolite, by melt extrusion. These additives are abundantly found in nature. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), mechanical properties, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), cone calorimetry, UL-94, and carbonized residues analysis were carried out. TGA analysis shows that PPGFR-10 and PPGFR-20 compounds presented better thermal stability with respect to PP without flame retardants. The conical calorimetric evaluation of the composites showed that PPGFR-10 and PPGFR-20 presented decreases in peak heat release rates (HRRs) of 9.75% and 11.88%, respectively. The flammability of the composites was evaluated with the UL-94 standard, and only the PPGFR-20 composite presented the V-0 and 5VB classification, which indicates good flame-retardant properties. Additives in the polymer matrix showed good dispersion with few agglomerates. The PPGFR-20 composite showed an FRI value of 1.15, higher percentage of carbonized residues, and UL-94 V-0 and 5VB rating, suggesting some kind of synergy between lignin and clinoptilolite, but only at high flame-retardant concentrations.

Synthesis and Superficial Modification "In Situ" of Copper Selenide (Cu2-x Se) Nanoparticles and Their Antibacterial Activity.

Copper selenide nanoparticles (Cu2-x Se NPs) have received a lot of attention in recent decades due to their interesting properties and potential applications in various areas such as electronics, health, solar cells, etc. In this study, details of the synthesis and characterization of copper selenide nanoparticles modified with gum arabic (GA) are reported. Also, through transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) analysis, the transformation of the morphology and particle size of copper selenide nanoparticles in aqueous solution was studied. In addition, we present an antimicrobial study with different microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Candida albiacans (C. albicans). Copper selenide nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry analysis (DSC) and TEM. XRD confirmed the crystal-line structure of the nanoparticles such as cubic berzelanite with a particle size of 6 nm ± 0.5. FTIR and TGA corroborated the surface modification of copper selenide nanoparticles with gum arabic, and DSC suggested a change in the structural phase from cubic to hexagonal. TEM analysis demonstrated that the surface modification of the Cu2-x Se NPs stabilized the nanostructure of the particles, preventing changes in the morphology and particle size. The antimicrobial susceptibility analysis of copper selenide nanoparticles indicated that they have the ability to inhibit the microbial growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans.

Reconstituted ovaries self-assemble without an ovarian surface epithelium.

Three-dimensional (3D) stem cell models of the ovary have the potential to benefit women's reproductive health research. One such model, the reconstituted ovary (rOvary) self-assembles with pluripotent stem cell-derived germ cells creating a 3D ovarian mimic competent to support the differentiation of functional oocytes inside follicles. In this study, we evaluated the cellular composition of the rOvary revealing the capacity to generate multiple follicles surrounded by NR2F2+ stroma cells. However, the rOvary does not develop a surface epithelium, the source of second-wave pre-granulosa cells, or steroidogenic theca. Therefore, the rOvary models represent the self-assembly of activated follicles in a pre-pubertal ovary poised but not yet competent for hormone production.

PLA-ZnO/TiO2 Nanocomposite Obtained by Ultrasound-Assisted Melt-Extrusion for Adsorption of Methylene Blue.

Access to fresh water is an increasing concern worldwide. The contamination of this vital liquid is largely caused by discharges of pollutants into rivers and seas from different types of industries. Waste dyes from different industries have been classified as harmful to health. In this study, polymeric nanomaterials based on polylactic acid (PLA) and nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) modified by ultrasound-assisted extrusion were obtained. These materials were evaluated by FTIR, DRX, TGA, DSC, SEM and methylene blue adsorption. From the results of the physicochemical characterizations, it was possible to observe the presence of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles dispersed in the polymeric matrix, increasing the crystallinity and thermal stability of the polymer. In addition, a good dispersion of the nanoparticles could be seen by means of SEM, due to the extrusion assisted by ultrasound. The methylene blue dye adsorption tests revealed that the best result was 98% dye adsorption in a time of 13 min for the 1.5% PZT sample. Additionally, this material could be used for 3 adsorption cycles without affecting its adsorbent properties.

Influence of Modified Carbon Black on Nylon 6 Nonwoven Fabric and Performance as Adsorbent Material.

The number of chronic kidney disease (CKD) persons continues to rise in Mexico. They require renal replacement therapy, and in the absence of it, hemodialysis is the major option for their survival. The uremic toxins present in the blood are removed by hemodialysis, which involve membranes. In this study, nonwoven fabrics with modified carbon black nanoparticles in a matrix polymer of Nylon 6 were obtained and evaluated as an adsorbent material of uremic toxins. All nonwoven fabrics were characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM, and contact angle measurements and were evaluated as an adsorbent material for the urea toxin and as an albumin retainer. The findings suggest their potential application as a hemodialysis membrane. Nanocomposites had a higher hydrophilic characteristic compared to pure Nylon 6. The average diameter size of the fibers was in the range of 5 to 50 µm. All nanocomposites nonwoven fabrics showed high removal percentages of inulin in a range of 80-85% at 15 min of contact. Most Ny6 Zytel/CB nanocomposites showed a high percentage of urea removal (80 to 90%).

Green Flame-Retardant Composites Based on PP/TiO2/Lignin Obtained by Melt-Mixing Extrusion.

Nowadays, highly flammable and harmful plastic materials are used in many daily applications. To prevent burning of materials, other harmful molecules or materials that are not environmentally friendly are added to plastics. To overcome this environmental issue, new materials have been investigated. Lignin, an industrial by-product, is an abundant biopolymer that can be used in fire safety plastics; it is considered a renewable and readily available resource. In this work, PP-TiO2/lignin composites were obtained with TiO2/lignin mixtures through the melt extrusion process, with different weight percentages of nanoparticles (10, 20, 25, and 30 wt.%). The PP-TiO2/lignin composites were characterized by XRD, FTIR, TGA, and SEM. Furthermore, cone calorimetry tests and the mechanical properties were evaluated. Cone calorimetry tests revealed that the introduction of 25 wt.% TiO2-lignin to the PP matrix reduced the peak of heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) by 34.37% and 35.45%, respectively. The flame retardancy index (FRI) values of the composites were greater than 1.0 and were classified as good; the highest value of 1.93 was obtained in the PP-30 sample. The tensile tests demonstrated that the flexural modulus of the composites increased gradually with increasing lignin and TiO2 content, and the flexural strength decreased slightly. The use of lignin in PP composites can be an excellent alternative to synthesize new materials with improved flame-retardant properties and which is friendly to the environment.

[Time in first-level respiratory areas: risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection?] / Tiempo en consultorios respiratorios en atención primaria ¿factor para infección por SARS-CoV-2?

BACKGROUND: The pandemic caused by COVID-19 is one of the main problems of public health around the world. Of the individuals with infection, a large amount corresponds to first-level health workers. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between length of stay in respiratory offices and SARS-CoV-2 infection in health workers at a first-level health center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional analytic study in health workers of a first-level unit of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, who developed suspected symptomatology of SARS-CoV-2 infection from March 2020 to January 2021. Two groups were formed according to the result of the RT-PCR. Demographic variables, occupation, work area, work in respiratory area, hours of work accumulated within the respiratory area to develop symptomatology, and date of development of symptomatology were registered. RESULTS: Of 350 health workers active, 144 developed respiratory symptomatology; of these, 66 had positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Working in an area with no respiratory patients but in contact with other patients confers an OR 2.49 (1.04-6.26), when compared with working in a respiratory area, p 0.0446. The length in a filter for respiratory patients gives a protective OR of 0.3062 (0.08-0.99) for developing SARS-CoV-2 infection, p 0.0608. Each hour accumulated in a respiratory area confers an OR 1.001 (0.99-1.00) without statistical significance, p 0.3046. CONCLUSIONS: Working in a respiratory area and the accumulated hours of work in this place are not risk factors for developing COVID-19 in health workers.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la pandemia por COVID-19 es uno de los principales problemas de salud pública en el mundo. De las personas contagiadas, una gran cantidad son trabajadores de la salud de unidades de primer nivel. OBJETIVO: determinar la relación entre el tiempo de estancia en consultorios respiratorios y la infección de SARS-CoV-2 en trabajadores de la salud de un centro de primer nivel de atención. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio transversal analítico en trabajadores de primer nivel de atención de San Luis Potosí, México, que desarrollaron síntomas de COVID-19 de marzo de 2020 a enero de 2021. Se les realizó RT-PCR para SARSCoV-2 y a partir del resultado se conformaron dos grupos. Se registraron variables demográficas, ocupación, área de trabajo, trabajo en consultorio respiratorio, horas de trabajo acumuladas en consultorio respiratorio/toma de muestra hasta el desarrollo de síntomas, fecha de desarrollo de síntomas. RESULTADOS: de 350 trabajadores, 144 desarrollaron sintomatología respiratoria; de estos, 66 tuvieron RT-PCR positiva para SARS-CoV-2. Atender pacientes en un consultorio no respiratorio confiere una RM 2.49 (1.04-6.26) con respecto a los que trabajan en consultorio respiratorio para infección por SARS-CoV-2 (p 0.0446). Estar en filtro respiratorio confiere una RM protectora de 0.3062 (0.08-0.99) de infección por SARS-CoV-2 (p 0.0608). Cada hora acumulada en un consultorio respiratorio confiere una RM 1.001 (0.99-1.00) sin significación estadística (p 0.3046). CONCLUSIÓN: trabajar en consultorio respiratorio y las horas acumuladas de trabajo en este no son factores de riesgo para desarrollar COVID-19 en los trabajadores de la salud.

Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Cotton.

Copper nanoparticles (CuNP) were obtained by a green synthesis method using cotton textile fibers and water as solvent, avoiding the use of toxic reducing agents. The new synthesis method is environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and can be implemented on a larger scale. This method showed the cellulose capacity as a reducing and stabilizing agent for synthetizing Cellulose-Copper nanoparticles (CCuNP). Nanocomposites based on CCuNP were characterized by XRD, TGA, FTIR and DSC. Functional groups present in the CCuNP were identified by FTIR analysis, and XRD patterns disclosed that nanoparticles correspond to pure metallic Cu°, and their sizes are at a range of 13-35 nm. Results demonstrated that CuNPs produced by the new method were homogeneously distributed on the entire surface of the textile fiber, obtaining CCuNP nanocomposites with different copper wt%. Thus, CuNPs obtained by this method are very stable to oxidation and can be stored for months. Characterization studies disclose that the cellulose crystallinity index (CI) is modified in relation to the reaction conditions, and its chemical structure is destroyed when nanocomposites with high copper contents are synthesized. The formation of CuO nanoparticles was confirmed as a by-product, through UV spectroscopy, in the absorbance range of 300-350 nm.

Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Stabilized with Organic Ligands and Their Antimicrobial Properties.

In this work, we report the synthesis of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs), employing the chemical reduction method in an aqueous medium. We used copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O) as a metallic precursor; polyethylenimine (PEI), allylamine (AAM), and 4-aminobutyric acid (AABT) as stabilizing agents; and hydrated hydrazine as a reducing agent. The characterization of the obtained nanoparticles consisted of X-ray, TEM, FTIR, and TGA analyses. Through these techniques, it was possible to detect the presence of the used stabilizing agents on the surface of the NPs. Finally, a zeta potential analysis was performed to differentiate the stability of the nanoparticles with a different type of stabilizing agent, from which it was determined that the most stable nanoparticles were the Cu NPs synthesized in the presence of the PEI/AAM mixture. The antimicrobial activity of Cu/PEI/AABT toward P. aeruginosa and S. aureus bacteria was high, inhibiting both bacteria with low contact times and copper concentrations of 50-200 ppm. The synthesis method allowed us to obtain Cu NPs free of oxides, stable to oxidation, and with high yields. The newly functionalized Cu NPs are potential candidates for antimicrobial applications.

Pigmentation and Degradative Activity of TiO2 on Polyethylene Films Using Masterbatches Fabricated Using Variable-Frequency Ultrasound-Assisted Melt-Extrusion.

Ultrasound-assisted melt-extrusion method (USME) is a high-quality process used to produce polymeric compounds with an adequate homogeneous dispersion. This study evaluates white-color films of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) prepared using TiO2 masterbatch obtained by ultrasound-assisted melt-extrusion at variable frequencies (USME-VF). LLDPE with three different melt-flow indices (2, 20 and 50 g/10 min) were used as the polymer matrix. The films were obtained from the dilution of masterbatches of LLDPE (melt-flow index = 2) at a concentration of 7 wt% TiO2. The morphology, pigmentation, TiO2 reactivity, and the mechanical stability of the films were assessed. The masterbatch compounds were evaluated by melt-flow index (MFI) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The contrast ratio, yellowness index and mechanical properties of films were also measured. The properties of whiteness and elongation at break improved in the films prepared using masterbatches with higher dispersion. Though the reactivity of the TiO2 particles increased during accelerated aging, it did not affect the elongation to rupture. The yellowness index was moderately affected in films that included TiO2 particles processed using USME-VF.

Synthesis of Nylon 6/Modified Carbon Black Nanocomposites for Application in Uric Acid Adsorption.

High uric acid levels cause different clinic conditions. One of them is hyperuricemia, which leads to kidney damage. A solution for eliminating uric acid in the blood is by hemodialysis, which is performed using nanocomposite membranes. In this work, Nylon 6 nanocomposites were synthesized with modified carbon black (MCB), which were considered candidate materials for hemodialysis membranes. The modification of carbon black was made with citric acid using the variable-frequency ultrasound method. The new MCB was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dispersion tests. Nylon 6/MCB nanocomposites were processed using the ultrasound-assisted melt-extrusion method to improve the dispersion procedure of the nanoparticles. The Nylon 6/MCB nanocomposites were characterized by FTIR, TGA, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). These were assessed for the absorption of toxins and hemocompatibility. MBC and nanocomposites showed excellent uric acid removal (78-82%) and hemocompatibility (1.6-1.8%). These results suggest that Nylon 6/MCB nanocomposites with low loading percentages can be used on a large scale without compatibility problems with blood.

Design, Development and Construct Validation of the Children's Dietary Inflammatory Index.

OBJECTIVE: To design and validate a literature-derived, population-based Children's Dietary Inflammatory Index (C-DII)TM. DESIGN: The C-DII was developed based on a review of literature through 2010. Dietary data obtained from children in 16 different countries were used to create a reference database for computing C-DII scores based on consumption of macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and whole foods. Construct validation was performed using quantile regression to assess the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations and C-DII scores. DATA SOURCES: All data used for construct validation were obtained from children between six and 14 years of age (n = 3300) who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2005⁻2010). RESULTS: The C-DII was successfully validated with blood CRP concentrations in this heterogeneous sample of 3300 children from NHANES (52% male; 29% African American, 25% Mexican American; mean age 11 years). The final model was adjusted for sex, age, race, asthma, body mass index (BMI), and infections. Children in level 3 (i.e., quartiles 3 and 4 combined) of the C-DII (i.e., children with the most pro-inflammatory diets) had a CRP value 0.097 mg/dL higher than that in level 1 (i.e., quartile 1) for CRP values at the 75th percentile of CRP using quantile regression (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The C-DII predicted blood CRP concentrations among children 6⁻14 years in the NHANES. Further construct validation with CRP and other inflammatory markers is required to deepen understanding of the relationship between the C-DII and markers of inflammation in children.

Síndrome X frágil y otras patologías asociadas al gen FMR1 / Fragile X Syndrome and Other Pathologies Associated with the FMR1 Gene / Síndrome do X frágil e outras patologias associadas ao gene FMR1

Resumen: el síndrome X frágil es la causa más frecuente de retraso psicomotor vinculado al cromosoma X en niños, con una prevalencia de 1 : 5.000 en hombres y 1 : 4.000 - 8.000 en mujeres. Además, es la causa hereditaria más asociada al síndrome del espectro autista. Esta patología posee como base etiológica la expansión del triplete CGG en el extremo distal del gen FMR1, lo que causa su silenciamiento. Los pacientes afectados con este síndrome suelen padecer de problemas conductuales, neurológicos, cardíacos y ortopédicos. Este síndrome también se relaciona con la insuficiencia ovárica primaria asociada al X frágil, y el síndrome de temblor y ataxia asociado al X frágil que afectan a la madre y al abuelo materno, y que, por su reciente descripción, podrían ser desconocidos por el personal sanitario, lo que retrasa su diagnóstico y tratamiento. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar estas enfermedades, con el fin de describir el conocimiento actual sobre su etiología, las manifestaciones clínicas, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento. Esto se realizó mediante la recopilación de artículos en Pubmed, con algunas contribuciones de las bases de datos Scielo, Redalyc, Europe PMC, Science Direct, Google Académico y Genetics Home Reference. Entre las conclusiones principales se destaca que los fenotipos asociados a la premutación del gen FMR1 contemplan mecanismos fisiopatológicos diferentes al síndrome X frágil, a pesar de estar íntimamente relacionados.

Abstract: fragile X syndrome is the most common cause of X-linked psychomotor retardation in children, with a prevalence of 1 : 5.000 in males and 1 : 4.000 -8.000 in females. It is also the hereditary cause most associated with autism spectrum syndrome. The etiological basis of this pathology is the expansion of the CGG triplet at the distal end of the FMR1 gene, which causes its silencing. Patients affected with this syndrome usually suffer from behavioral, neurological, cardiac and orthopedic problems. This syndrome is also related to Fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency, and Fragile X-associated tremor and ataxia syndrome affecting the mother and maternal grandfather, which, because of their recent description, may be unknown to health care providers, delaying their diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this article is to analyze these diseases, in order to describe the current knowledge about their etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment. This was done by collecting articles in Pubmed, with some contributions from Scielo, Redalyc, Europe PMC, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Genetics Home Reference databases. Among the main conclusions, it is highlighted that the phenotypes associated with FMR1 gene premutation involve different pathophysiological mechanisms to Fragile X syndrome, despite being closely related.

Resumo: a síndrome do X frágil é a causa mais comum de retardo psicomotor ligado ao cromossomo X em crianças, com prevalência de 1 : 5.000 em homens e 1 : 4.000 a 8.000 em mulheres. Além disso, é a causa mais hereditária associada à síndrome do espectro do autismo. Essa patologia tem como base etiológica a expansão do trigêmeo CGG na extremidade distal do gene FMR1, o que causa seu silenciamento. Pacientes com essa síndrome geralmente sofrem de problemas comportamentais, neurológicos, cardíacos e ortopédicos. Essa síndrome também está relacionada à insuficiência ovariana primária associada ao X frágil, à síndrome do tremor e à ataxia associada ao X frágil, que acometem a mãe e o avô materno, e que, devido à sua descrição recente, poderiam ser desconhecidas pelos profissionais de saúde, o que atrasa seu diagnóstico e tratamento. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar essas doenças, a fim de descrever o conhecimento atual sobre sua etiologia, manifestações clínicas, diagnóstico e tratamento. Isso foi feito através da recopilação de artigos no Pubmed, com algumas contribuições das bases de dados Scielo, Redalyc, Europe PMC, Science Direct, Google Academic e Genetics Home Reference. Dentre as principais conclusões, destaca-se que os fenotipos associados à premutação do gene FMR1 incluem outros mecanismos fisiopatológicos além da síndrome do X frágil, apesar de eles estarem intimamente relacionados.

Tiempo en consultorios respiratorios en atención primaria ¿factor para infección por SARS-CoV-2? / Time in primary-care respiratory triage: risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection?

Introducción: la pandemia por COVID-19 es uno de los principales problemas de salud pública en el mundo. De las personas contagiadas, una gran cantidad son trabajadores de la salud de unidades de primer nivel. Objetivo: determinar la relación entre el tiempo de estancia en consultorios respiratorios y la infección de SARS-CoV-2 en trabajadores de la salud de un centro de primer nivel de atención. Material y métodos: estudio transversal analítico en trabajadores de primer nivel de atención de San Luis Potosí, México, que desarrollaron síntomas de COVID-19 de marzo de 2020 a enero de 2021. Se les realizó RT-PCR para SARS-CoV-2 y a partir del resultado se conformaron dos grupos. Se registraron variables demográficas, ocupación, área de trabajo, trabajo en consultorio respiratorio, horas de trabajo acumuladas en consultorio respiratorio/toma de muestra hasta el desarrollo de síntomas, fecha de desarrollo de síntomas. Resultados: de 350 trabajadores, 144 desarrollaron sintomatología respiratoria; de estos, 66 tuvieron RT-PCR positiva para SARS-CoV-2. Atender pacientes en un consultorio no respiratorio confiere una RM 2.49 (1.04-6.26) con respecto a los que trabajan en consultorio respiratorio para infección por SARS-CoV-2 (p 0.0446). Estar en filtro respiratorio confiere una RM protectora de 0.3062 (0.08-0.99) de infección por SARS-CoV-2 (p 0.0608). Cada hora acumulada en un consultorio respiratorio confiere una RM 1.001 (0.99-1.00) sin significación estadística (p 0.3046). Conclusión: trabajar en consultorio respiratorio y las horas acumuladas de trabajo en este no son factores de riesgo para desarrollar COVID-19 en los trabajadores de la salud.

Background: The pandemic caused by COVID-19 is one of the main problems of public health around the world. Of the individuals with infection, a large amount corresponds to first-level health workers. Objective: To determine the relationship between length of stay in respiratory offices and SARS-CoV-2 infection in health workers at a first-level health center. Material and methods: Cross-sectional analytic study in health workers of a first-level unit of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, who developed suspected symptomatology of SARS-CoV-2 infection from March 2020 to January 2021. Two groups were formed according to the result of the RT-PCR. Demographic variables, occupation, work area, work in respiratory area, hours of work accumulated within the respiratory area to develop symptomatology, and date of development of symptomatology were registered. Results: Of 350 health workers active, 144 developed respiratory symptomatology; of these, 66 had positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Working in an area with no respiratory patients but in contact with other patients confers an OR 2.49 (1.04-6.26), when compared with working in a respiratory area, p 0.0446. The length in a filter for respiratory patients gives a protective OR of 0.3062 (0.08-0.99) for developing SARS-CoV-2 infection, p 0.0608. Each hour accumulated in a respiratory area confers an OR 1.001 (0.99-1.00) without statistical significance, p 0.3046. Conclusion: Working in a respiratory area and the accumulated hours of work in this place are not risk factors for developing COVID-19 in health workers.

Dióxido de zirconio: alternativas de síntesis y aplicaciones biomédicas / Zirconium dioxide: synthesis alternatives and biomedical applications

Resumen Entre los diferentes materiales cerámicos, el dióxido de zirconio (ZrO2) se destaca, debido a sus aplicaciones en el área médica, química y farmacéutica. Esto es posible al ser un material de carácter anfótero, con tres fases cristalinas: monoclínica, tetragonal y cúbica, las cuales presentan distintas propiedades. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar los fundamentos de los diferentes métodos utilizados para la síntesis del ZrO2 y sus aplicaciones biomédicas. Las principales metodologías empleadas son los procesos hidrotérmico, precipitación, solvotérmica y sol-gel. La energía de ultrasonido y la radiación de microondas permiten reducir los tiempos de reacción y proporcionar mayor eficiencia energética a los procesos. El método de síntesis modifica las propiedades del ZrO2, lo cual es aprovechado para desarrollar diferentes aplicaciones, entre ellas destacan reemplazos óseos, prótesis dentales y liberación de fármacos.

Abstract Among the different ceramic materials, zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) stands out, due to its applications in the medical, chemical and pharmaceutical areas. This is possible, since it is an amphoteric material with three crystalline phases: monoclinic, tetragonal and cubic, which have different properties. The objective of this work was to analyze the fundamentals of the different methods used for the synthesis of ZrO2, and its main biomedical applications. The main methodologies used include the hydrothermal, precipitation, solvothermal and sol-gel processes. The use of ultrasound energy and microwave radiation allows the reduction in reaction times, and provides greater energy efficiency to the process and a lower environmental impact. The synthesis method modifies the properties of ZrO2, which is used to develop different applications, including bone replacements, dental prostheses and drug release.