Human Papilloma Virus DNA Detection in Clinical Samples Using Fluorogenic Probes Based on Oligonucleotide Gated Nanoporous Anodic Alumina Films.

In this work, fluorogenic probes based on oligonucleotide capped nanoporous anodic alumina films are developed for specific and sensitive detection of human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA. The probe consists of anodic alumina nanoporous films loaded with the fluorophore rhodamine B (RhB) and capped with oligonucleotides bearing specific base sequences complementary to genetic material of different high-risk (hr) HPV types. Synthesis protocol is optimized for scale up production of sensors with high reproducibility. The sensors' surfaces are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (HR-FESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) and their atomic composition is determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). Oligonucleotide molecules onto nanoporous films block the pores and avoid diffusion of RhB to the liquid phase. Pore opening is produced when specific DNA of HPV is present in the medium, resulting in RhB delivery, that is detected by fluorescence measurements. The sensing assay is optimized for reliable fluorescence signal reading. Nine different sensors are synthesized for specific detection of 14 different hr-HPV types in clinical samples with very high sensitivity (100%) and high selectivity (93-100%), allowing rapid screening of virus infections with very high negative predictive values (100%).

Evaluation of metal-mediated DNA binding of benzoxazole ligands by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

The binding of a series of benzoxazole analogs with different amide- and ester-linked side chains to duplex DNA in the absence and presence of divalent metal cations is examined. All ligands were found to form complexes with Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+, with 2:1 ligand/metal cation binding stoichiometries dominating for ligands containing shorter side chains (2, 6, 7, and 8), while 1:1 complexes were the most abundant for ligands with long side chains (9, 10, and 11). Ligand binding with duplex DNA in the absence of metal cations was assessed, and the long side-chain ligands were found to form low abundance complexes with 1:1 ligand/DNA binding stoichiometries. The ligands with the shorter side chains only formed DNA complexes in the presence of metal cations, most notably for 7 and 8 binding to DNA in the presence of Cu2+. The binding of long side-chain ligands was enhanced by Cu2+ and to a lesser degree by Ni2+ and Zn2+. The cytotoxicities of all of the ligands against the A549 lung cancer and MCF7 breast cancer cell lines were also examined. The ligands exhibiting the most dramatic metal-enhanced DNA binding also demonstrated the greatest cytotoxic activity. Both 7 and 8 were found to be the most cytotoxic against the A549 lung cancer cell line and 8 demonstrated moderate cytotoxicity against MCF7 breast cancer cells. Metal ions also enhanced the DNA binding of the ligands with the long side chains, especially for 9, which also exhibited the highest level of cytotoxicity of the long side-chain compounds.

Evaluation of binding of perylene diimide and benzannulated perylene diimide ligands to DNA by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and spectroscopic studies in solution were used to evaluate the self-association, G-quadruplex DNA binding, and selectivity of a series of perylene diimides (PDIs) (PIPER, Tel01, Tel11, Tel12, and Tel18) or benzannulated perylene diimide ligands (Tel34 and Tel32). Fluorescence and resonance light scattering spectra of Tel01, Tel12, Tel32, and Tel34 reveal that these analogs undergo self-association in solution. UV-Vis and fluorescence titrations with G-quadruplex, duplex, or single-stranded DNA demonstrate that all the analogs, with the exception of Tel32, bind to G-quadruplex DNA, with those PDIs that are self-associated in solution showing the highest degree of selectivity for binding G-quadruplex DNA. Parallel ESI-MS analysis of the stoichiometries demonstrates the ability of the ligands, with the exception of Tel32, to bind to G-quadruplex DNA. While most ligands show major 1:1 and 2:1 binding stoichiometries as expected in the case of end-stacking, interestingly, three of the most quadruplex-selective ligands show a different behavior. Tel01 forms 3:1 complexes, while Tel12 and Tel32 only form 1:1 complexes. Collisional activation dissociation patterns are compatible with ligand binding to G-quadruplex DNA via stacking on the ends of the terminal G-tetrads. Experiments with duplex and single strand DNA were performed to assess the binding selectivities of the ligands. PIPER, Tel11, and Tel18 demonstrated extensive complexation with duplex DNA, while Tel11 and Tel18 bound to single strand DNA, confirming the lack of selectivity of these two ligands. Our results indicate that Tel01, Tel12, and Tel34 are the most selective for G-quadruplex DNA.

Propuesta didáctica de una innovación educativa con las nuevas tecnologías en las Ciencias Básicas Biomédicas / Didactic proposal on educative innovation with the new technologies in Basic Biomedical Sciences

RESUMEN Fundamento: Los cambios tecnológicos impulsan nuevas opciones para la educación universitaria, lo cual posibilita la creación de entornos virtuales de aprendizaje, centrados en el estudiante, con la participación del docente como un facilitador del proceso. Objetivo: Diseñar una propuesta didáctica de innovación educativa con las tecnologías de la informática y las comunicaciones, para la simulación de una práctica de laboratorio de la asignatura Metabolismo-Nutrición, correspondiente a la disciplina Bases Biológicas de la Medicina. Metodología: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva-cualitativa, en los meses de mayo a junio del 2020. Se utilizaron los métodos: histórico-lógico, analítico-sintético e inductivo-deductivo. Se empleó: la revisión de documentos, la observación y la tormenta de ideas. Se tomó como población los docentes del Departamento de Ciencias Básicas Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Salvador Allende" de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana. Resultados: La innovación educativa se propuso para la simulación de una prueba de tolerancia oral a la glucosa, y consideró las necesidades formativas de los estudiantes y las competencias a desarrollar. Conclusiones: Se diseñó una propuesta didáctica de innovación educativa que emplea las potencialidades de la plataforma Moodle para la gestión de espacios de aprendizaje en línea. Las nuevas tecnologías constituyen una alternativa para la continuidad del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en la presente situación de pandemia.

ABSTRACT Background: Technological changes boost new possibilities for university education, it makes possible the creation of e-learning contexts, centered on the student, with the participation of the teacher as the process's facilitator. Objective: To design a didactic proposal of educative innovation with information and communication technologies, for the simulation of a laboratory practice of the Nutrition- Metabolism subject, corresponding to the Biological Basis of Medicine discipline. Methodology: A qualitative-descriptive research was conducted from May to June 2020. The historical-logical, analytical-synthetic and inductive-deductive methods were used. Also document review, observation and brainstorm. The population was the teachers from the Basic Biomedical Sciences Department, at the Havana University of Medical Sciences, "Salvador Allende" Faculty Results: Educative innovation was proposed for the simulation of an oral glucose tolerance test, and considered the students' formative needs also the competences to be developed. Conclusions: A didactic proposal of educative innovation was designed using the potentialities of the Moodle platform for the management in the e-learning contexts. New technologies constitute an alternative for the continuity of the teaching-learning process at the present pandemic situation.

Cytological characteristics of acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). A study of four cases.

OBJECTIVE: To present the cytopathological characteristics of acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) as well as its cyto-histological correlation, commenting on the differential diagnostic problems of this entity based on four observations studied using fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). CLINICAL CASES: Two males of 52 and 53 years of age, one 79 year-old woman and a girl of 12 years of age, who presented tumors located in the parotid area (cases 1, 2 and 4) and at the laterocervical level (case 3). In 3 patients, the FNAB was, together with the image studies, the first diagnostic indication; case 3 corresponding to a puncture of metastatic laterocervical adenopathies in a patient with a history of parotid ACC. CYTOLOGICAL FINDINGS: The cytologic smears revealed abundant tumoral cellularity arranged in small monolayered sheets, forming acinar structures or isolated cells. The abundance of bare nuclei at the background of the smears, and the absence of adipose tissue and ductal epithelium are highlighted. The cells possessed round or oval monomorphic nuclei, few nucleoli and abundant granular or finely vacuolate cytoplasm. DISCUSSION: FNAB provides essential information on the diagnostic-therapeutic management of salivary gland tumors; this methodology is highly sensitive in its diagnostic efficacy. The diagnosis of ACCs frequently presents difficulties, owing to the great cytologic similarity of the tumor cells with the normal acinar component of the salivary gland. The differential diagnosis is considered, fundamentally, with clear cell carcinomas, mucoepidermoid carcinomas, Warthin s tumor, and oncocytomas. Our observations confirm the validity of FNAB in a first diagnostic approximation for those lesions accessible to direct puncture.

Myeloperoxidase is associated with insulin resistance and inflammation in overweight subjects with first-degree relatives with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of risk factors for that in future a subject can develop diabetes. Insulin resistance (IR) is important in the pathogenesis of T2DM. There is evidence that oxidative stress plays an important role in the etiology and/or progression of diabetes. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) participates in developing of inflammation. The objective was to investigate if MPO is associated with IR and inflammation in individuals with first-degree relatives of T2DM. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in 84 overweight individuals with family history of T2DM divided in two groups according to IR, group with IR (homeostasis model assessment [HOMA] ≥2.5; n=43) and control group (CG; HOMA <2.5; n=41). Complete clinical history and a venous blood sample were collected for measuring glucose and lipids profile, insulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), MPO, glutathione reductase (GRd), glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase. RESULTS: MPO, TNF-α, and IL-6 were higher in patients with IR than in CG (MPO: 308.35 [190.85 to 445.42] vs. 177.35 [104.50 to 279.85], P=0.0001; TNF-α: 13.46 [10.58 to 18.88] vs. 9.39 [7.53 to 11.25], P=0.0001; IL-6: 32.93 [24.93 to 38.27] vs. 15.60 [12.93 to 26.27]; P=0.0001, respectively). MPO was associated with IR (rho de Spearman=0.362, P=0.001). In the analysis of lineal regression, MPO predicts IR (ß, 0.263; t, 2.520; P=0.014). In the univariate analysis, MPO had an odds ratio of 9.880 for risk of IR (95% confidence interval, 2.647 to 36.879). CONCLUSION: MPO had relation with IR and inflammation parameters in overweight subjects with first-degree relatives of T2DM. We need studies on a casual relationship and molecular mechanisms among the increased serum MPO levels, inflammation markers, and IR.

Dimensiones de calidad de vida afectadas en pacientes diabéticos / Quality of Life Dimensions Affected in Diabetic Patients

Introducción: La diabetes mellitus, segunda causa de mortalidad a nivel mundial, es una enfermedad crónica con elevada incidencia en adultos. La calidad de vida puede verse modificada con la sintomatología que afecta el estado de salud del paciente. Objetivo: Describir las dimensiones de calidad de vida afectadas en pacientes adultos y adultos mayores diabéticos. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal en unidades operativas del Distrito de Salud Chambo-Riobamba, Ecuador, desde noviembre 2017 a enero 2018. Universo de 138 pacientes con diabetes mellitus. Se realizó un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, la muestra quedó constituida por 101 pacientes. Para obtener los datos se empleó la escala de calidad de vida y satisfacción en pacientes. Resultados: Predominó el sexo femenino en edades de 50 a 79 años (76,20 por ciento), religión católica (79,20 por ciento), casados (62,37 por ciento) y nivel de instrucción básica (60,39 por ciento). La hipertensión arterial, la artritis y los problemas de visión conformaron las características clínicas con mayor incidencia. Entre las dimensiones de calidad de vida frecuentemente afectadas se reportaron los cambios en su apariencia y las limitaciones para desarrollar actividades físicas. Conclusiones: Los cambios en su vida personal, la capacidad individual para adaptarse a la enfermedad, las limitaciones para el desarrollo de las actividades diarias, el descanso y los problemas económicos, se encuentran entre las dimensiones de calidad de vida más afectadas, las que generan en el enfermo dificultades para el mantenimiento de su salud(AU)

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus, the second leading cause of mortality worldwide, is a chronic disease with a high incidence in adults. The quality of life can be modified with the symptoms that affect the patient's state of health. Objective: To describe the dimensions of quality of life that are affected in diabetic adult and elderly patients. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study with operational units of the Chambo-Riobamba Health District, Ecuador, from November 2017 to January 2018. The study group was made up of 138 patients with diabetes mellitus. A non-probabilistic sampling was carried out for convenience, and the sample finally consisted of 101 patients. To obtain the data, the scale of quality of life and satisfaction in patients was used. Results: There was a predominance of the female sex prevailed at ages 50 to 79 (76.20 percent), together with the Catholic religion (79.20 percent), married as a status (62.37 percent), and basic education level (60.39 percent). Hypertension, arthritis and vision problems formed the clinical features with the highest incidence. Among the dimensions of quality of life frequently affected, changes in their appearance and limitations to develop physical activities were reported. Conclusions: Changes in personal life, the individual capacity to adapt to the disease, limitations for the development of daily activities, rest, and economic problems are among the most affected dimensions of quality of life, which generate difficulties for the patients' maintaining their health(AU)

Evaluation of complexes of DNA duplexes and novel benzoxazoles or benzimidazoles by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry is used to compare the metal ion binding and metal-mediated DNA binding of benzoxazole (1, 2, 3, 4) and benzimidazole (5) compounds and to elucidate the putative binding modes and stoichiometries. The observed metal versus non-metal-mediated DNA binding, as well as the specificity of DNA binding, is correlated with the biological activities of the analogs. The ESI-MS spectra for the antibacterial benzoxazole and benzimidazole analogs 4 and 5 demonstrated non-specific and non-metal-mediated binding to DNA, with the appearance of DNA complexes containing multiple ligands. The anticancer analog 2 demonstrates a clear preference for metal-mediated DNA interactions, with an apparent selectivity for Ni2+ -mediated binding over the more physiologically relevant Mg2+ or Zn2+ cations. Complexation between DNA and the biologically inactive analog 1 was not observed, either in the absence or presence of metal cations.

Efectividad de la reeducación del suelo pélvico en adultas mayores con incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo / Effectiveness of pelvic floor re-education in elder women with stress urinary incontinence

Introducción: Durante el proceso de envejecimiento pueden originarse diferentes síndromes en el adulto mayor. Entre los más comunes está la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo, con alteraciones en vejiga y estructuras del área pélvica, así como en el funcionamiento de las vías urinaria bajas. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la reeducación del suelo pélvico en mujeres adultas mayores con incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y longitudinal en mujeres adultas mayores con incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo del Centro Gerontológico de Guano, Ecuador. Universo de 20 pacientes, 100 por ciento de la población diagnosticada, edades ≥ 65 años, sin otros antecedentes de trastornos médicos. Resultados: Se destaca como antecedentes de los sujetos estudiados: índice de masa corporal: 60 por ciente de obesidad, seguido del 25 por ciento de sobrepeso, ginecobstétricos: 95 gestaciones, 77 por ciento partos normales y 12 por ciento de cesarias. En la evaluación inicial, mediante la escala de valoración modificada de Oxford, en el 60 por ciento de las adultas se obtuvo grado 2, caracterizada por contracciones musculares débiles del suelo pélvico, evaluación insatisfactoria. En la segunda medición se obtuvieron resultados significativamente superiores a los de la primera medición, 70 por ciento se evaluó satisfactoriamente. Durante el proceso de reeducación del suelo pélvico, se establecieron relaciones de integración entre los elementos participación activa y consiente del paciente, equipo de salud y familia, en función de una mayor calidad de vida, de importancia para el tratamiento. Conclusiones: Se alcanzó el 70 por ciento de efectividad en la reeducación de suelo pélvico aplicada a las mujeres adultas mayores con incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo(AU)

Introduction: In the aging process, different syndromes can appear in the elderly. Stress urinary incontinence is among the most common, with alterations in the bladder and the pelvic area structures, as well as in the functioning of the lower urinary tract. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of pelvic floor re-education in elder women with stress urinary incontinence. Methods: Descriptive and longitudinal study in elder women with stress urinary incontinence in the Gerontological Center of Guano, Ecuador. Group sample of 20 patients, 100% of the population diagnosed, ages? 65 years, without other pathological background. Results: It is highlighted as a background of subjects studied: body mass index: 60 percent of obesity, followed by 25 percent of overweight; gineco-obstetrics: 95 gestations, 77 percent normal births and 12 percent of C-sections. In the initial assessment, through the modified Oxford valuation scale, in 60 percent of adults, Grade 2 was obtained. That was characterized by weak pelvic floor muscle´s contractions, unsatisfactory evaluation. In the second measurement, the obtained results were significantly higher than those of the first measurement, and 70 percent is evaluated as satisfactorily. During the process of pelvic floor's re-education, integration relationships were established between the elements, also active and conscious participation of the patient, the health team and the family, in order to obtain a greater life quality which is important for the treatment. Conclusions: 70 percent of effectiveness is achieved in pelvic floor re-education performed in elder women presenting stress urinary incontinence(AU)

Onicomadesis asociada a la enfermedad de boca, mano, pie / Onychomadesis associated to mouth, hand, and foot disease

Introducción: la onicomadesis es el desprendimiento completo y espontáneo de la uña desde su extremo proximal, sin dolor o inflamación, consecutivo a la detención mitótica de la matriz ungular que conlleva a un cambio de su función. Objetivo: describir una serie de casos de onicomadesis atendidos en la consulta de Dermatología del Hospital Pediátrico Docente del Cerro, entre noviembre y diciembre del año 2017, después de presentar un cuadro clínico compatible con enfermedad boca, mano, pie, con la finalidad de contribuir al conocimiento de esta patema. Presentación de los casos: las edades estuvieron comprendidas en un rango entre 1 y 12 años, con solo 3 pacientes correspondientes al sexo masculino y solo uno con el color de la piel negra. Los días previos al padecimiento de la enfermedad boca, mano, pie se enmarcan entre 15 y 47 días de haber tenido los síntomas que indujeron al diagnóstico del citado morbo. El estudio virológico se efectuó en dos pacientes con presencia del Coxsackie A6. La evolución resultó satisfactoria en todos los casos. Conclusiones: los hallazgos, en general, coinciden con los mencionados en la literatura. Todos los pacientes presentaron semanas anteriores signos y síntomas compatibles con enfermedad boca, mano, pie. Es necesario orientar a los padres de los enfermos con este morbo, la posibilidad de la ocurrencia de onicomadesis como complicación, cuyo tratamiento es sintomático, seguido de buen pronóstico, para evitar la ansiedad familiar y los gastos de recursos innecesarios(AU)

Introduction: onychomadesis is the total and spontaneous detachment of the nail from its proximal end, without pain or inflammation, and following the mitotic halting of the nail matrix that leads to a change in its function. Objective: to describe a series of cases of onychomadesis attended in the Dermatology clinic of the Pediatric Teaching Hospital of Cerro, in the period of November to December of 2017, after presenting clinical manifestations compatible with mouth, hand, and foot disease, and in order to contribute to the knowledge of this pathology. Presentation of cases: ages were among 1 and 12 years old, with only 3 patients corresponding to the male sex and only one with black skin. The days before presenting symptoms of mouth, hand, and foot disease were between 15 and 47 days after having the symptoms that led to the diagnosis of the aforementioned disease. The virological study was carried out in two patients with the presence of Coxsackie A6. The evolution was satisfactory in all cases. Conclusions: in general the findings coincide with those mentioned in the literature. All patients presented previous signs and symptoms compatible with mouth, hand, and foot disease in the previous weeks. It is necessary to guide the parents of patients with this disease on the possibility of the onychomadesis occurrence as a complication, whose treatment is symptomatic, followed by a good prognosis to avoid family anxiety and the expense of unnecessary resources(AU)

Características clínico epidemiológicas de pacientes pediátricos con enfermedad boca, mano, pie / Clinical epidemiological characteristics of pediatric patients with mouth, hand and foot disease

Introducción: la enfermedad boca, mano, pie es una enfermedad febril eruptiva provocada por la infección por los virus Coxsackie, consistente en fiebre, exantema pápulo-vesicular en las manos, los pies y un enantema ulceroso en la boca. Objetivos: indagar la etiología viral y describir las características clínico epidemiológicas de la entidad. Métodos: estudio descriptivo prospectivo en 54 pacientes menores de 18 años, diagnosticados con la enfermedad boca, mano, pie, atendidos en el Hospital Pediátrico Docente del Cerro, de septiembre a noviembre de 2017. Se incluyeron aquellos con lesiones vesiculares o pápulas vesiculares, distribuidas en la piel y úlceras en la mucosa oral; y se excluyeron los pacientes con otras entidades exantemáticas o vesiculares. Las variables investigadas resultaron: la edad, el sexo, los signos, los síntomas clínicos de infección, el leucograma y el estudio virológico. La selección de la muestra fue de manera no probabilística consecutiva. Los datos se procesaron por el paquete estadístico XLSTAT con análisis univariado. Resultados: el grupo entre 1-3 años obtuvo 53,7 por ciento, y el sexo masculino el 68,5 por ciento. Las lesiones cutáneas fueron más frecuentes en la cara, las extremidades, los glúteos y el tronco (68,6 por ciento), seguido de la zonas de la cara, las extremidades y el tronco (29,6 por ciento). El enantema fue apreciado en el 48,1 por ciento, la fiebre en el 61,1 por ciento, la fiebre más secreción nasal en el 44,4 por ciento y el prurito en el 70,3 por ciento. El conteo leucocitario alcanzó 11,1 x 109 células. Los polimorfonucleares obtuvieron promedio de 37,9 y los linfocitos 70,3. En 49 de los 54 pacientes se aisló el virus Coxsackie A6. Conclusiones: se describe la enfermedad boca, mano, pie en forma atípica, cuyo cuadro clínico coincide con lo aparecido en la literatura(AU)

Introduction: mouth, hand and foot disease is an eruptive febrile illness caused by the infection of Coxsackie viruses, and it consists in fever, papulo-vesicular exanthema in the hands, feet and an ulcer enanthema in the mouth. Objectives: to investigate the viral etiology and describe the clinical epidemiological characteristics of the entity. Methods: prospective descriptive study in 54 patients under 18 years old diagnosed with mouth, hand and foot disease, and whom were attended at the Pediatric Teaching Hospital of Cerro from September to November 2017. Those with vesicular lesions or vesicular papules distributed in the skin, and ulcers in the oral mucosa were included in the research; and patients with other exanthematic or vesicular entities were excluded. The variables investigated were: age, sex, signs, clinical symptoms of infection, leukogram and virological study. The selection of the sample was consecutive non-probabilistic. The data was processed by the XLSTAT statistical package with univariate analysis. Results: the group from 1 to 3 years old represented the 53.7 percent, and the male sex the 68.5 percent y. Skin lesions were more frequent on the face, extremities, buttocks and trunk (68.6 percent), followed by facial, limbs and trunk areas (29.6 percent). Enanthem was visible in 48.1 percent, and fever appeared in 61.1 percent, fever plus nasal discharge in 44.4 percent and itching in 70.3 percent y The leukocyte count reached 11.1 x 109 cells. Polymorphonuclear cells obtained an average of 37.9 and lymphocytes of 70.3. In 49 of the 54 patients the Coxsackie A6 virus was isolated. Conclusions: mouth, hand, and foot disease is described in an atypical form, whose clinical manifestations coincide with what appeared in the literature(AU)

Atention neuropsychologic evaluation: symbols and digits test / Evaluación neuropsicológica de la atención: test de símbolos y dígitos

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The symbol digit modality test is a reactive which provides great support in neuropsychological evaluation. Its execution permits to evaluate brain functions such as visual perception, stimuli recognition, attention (focal, selective and sustained), task supervision, interference control among others. OBJECT: The purpose of the current research study was to analyze the normative percentiles of the execution of the test, to identify the performance activity of the reactive according to age group and gender; applying the test in a sample of college students. METHOD: The sample included 250 university students,142 (56.8%) males and 108 (43.2%) females. The age range of the participants was between 18 and 34 years old (M=21.53, DE=2.25). A transversal, non-experimental, quantitative research model with a correlational scope was used. RESULTS: The correct answer average for the test was 52.83 (DE=13,60) and for percentile P5 31,55 right answers were found; for percentile P75 60,00 right answers, P25 had 46,00 right answers, and for P95 74,45 right answers were found. No significant differences were found for the mean of errors in the test in terms of age group f(3, 246)=0,67, p=0,57 and gender t(248)=0,68, p=0,49 of the participants as comparison factor. CONCLUSIONS: Results were discussed based on prior research pointing out the importance of counting with a first statistical parameter of the test as ground for neuropsychological clinical practice in Ecuador.

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: El test de símbolos y dígitos es un reactivo de gran apoyo en la evaluación neuropsicológica. Su ejecución permite la valoración de funciones cerebrales como la percepción visual, el reconocimiento de estímulos, la atención (focalizada, selectiva y sostenida), supervisión de tareas, control de la interferencia y otras. OBJETIVO: En el presente artículo se reporta una investigación que tuvo como finalidad analizar los percentiles normativos de la ejecución del test, identificar las diferencias en el rendimiento del reactivo, según grupo etario y género de los valores del test al ser aplicado en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios. MÉTODO: La muestra estuvo conformada por 250 estudiantes universitarios, 142 (56,8%) hombres y 108 (43,2%) mujeres. El rango de edad de los participantes fue entre 18 y 34 años de edad (M=21,53, DE=2,25). Se utilizó un diseño de investigación cuantitativo, transversal, no experimental y alcance correlacional. RESULTADOS: Se encontró que la media de aciertos en el test es de 52,83 (DE=13,60) y en el percentil P5 se encontraron 31,55 aciertos; el el percentil P25 existieron 46,00 aciertos, en el percentil P75 se hallaron 60,00 aciertos y en el percentil P95 se encontraron 74,45 aciertos. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la media de errores del test, considerando el grupo etario f(3, 246)=0,67, p=0,57 y género t(248)=0,68, p=0,49 de los participantes como factor de comparación. CONCLUSIONES: Se discuten los resultados en torno a investigaciones previas, mencionando la importancia de contar con un primer parámetro estadístico del test como base para la práctica clínica neuropsicológica en Ecuador.

Prevalencia del asma bronquial en una población pediátrica / Prevalence of bronchial asthma in a pediatric population

INTRODUCCIÓN: la prevalencia de asma bronquial en la atención primaria, así como los factores que más inciden en ella, facilitan el tratamiento de esta enfermedad en la población pediátrica. OBJETIVO: determinar la prevalencia de asma bronquial en la población infantil del municipio 10 de Octubre. MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio poblacional descriptivo, con el propósito de determinar la prevalencia de asma bronquial en la población infantil del municipio 10 Octubre, a partir de los casos identificados con esta enfermedad. El marco muestral estuvo constituido por los pacientes en edades comprendidas entre los 0-19 años, pertenecientes al universo poblacional de 8 policlínicos del municipio. Se aplicó la distribución por grupos de edades y sexo de la población en estudio, particularizando los dispensarizados por asma. RESULTADOS: el área de salud que aportó el mayor número de pacientes dispensarizados fue la correspondiente al Policlínico "Raúl Gómez García", con 20,4 %. El grupo etario más afectado fue el de 15 a 19 años, con 33,7 % (adolescencia tardía). La prevalencia de asma bronquial en edad infantil del municipio 10 de Octubre fue de un 15,9 %. CONCLUSIONES: el grupo de edad 15-19 años resultó ser el más representativo, y el que, a su vez, mostró superioridad en cuanto a pacientes afectados por asma, condición que puede incrementar los riesgos en el seguimiento de la enfermedad. Existió correspondencia de la prevalencia identificada en el municipio 10 de Octubre, con los estándares nacionales e internacionales de prevalencia del asma.

INTRODUCTION: the prevalence of bronchial asthma at the primary health care and the most incidental factors help to treat this disease in the pediatric population. OBJECTIVE: to determine the prevalence of bronchial asthma in the infant population of 10 de Octubre municipality. METHODS: a descriptive population-wide study was conducted to determine the prevalence of bronchial asthma in the pediatric population of "10 de Octubre" municipality on the basis of identified cases. The sampling frame was those patients aged 0 to 19 years who were attended to by eight polyclinics in the municipality. Age group and sex distribution in the study population, specifying those classified as asthmatics, was applied. RESULTS: the health area with the highest number of classified patients was "Raul Gomez Garcia" polyclinics accounting for 20.4 %. The most affected age group was 15 to 19 years with 33.7 % (late adolescence). Prevalence of bronchial asthma at infant age was 15.9 % in the municipality. CONCLUSIONS: the 15-19 years old age group proved to be the most representative, with the highest number of asthma patients, a condition that might increase risks in the follow-up of the disease. The prevalence that was determined in 10 de Octubre municipality correlated with the national and international standards of asthma prevalence.

New transition metal ion complexes with benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrazides with antitumor activity.

Metal complexes of 2-methyl-1H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid hydrazide (4a; L(1)) and its Schiff base 2-methyl-N-(propan-2-ylidene)-1H-benzimidazole-5-carbohydrazide (5a; L(2)) with transition metal ions e.g., copper, silver, nickel, iron and manganese were prepared. The complexes formed were 1:1 or 1:2 M:L complexes and have the structural formulae [Cu(L(1))Cl(H(2)O)]Cl x 3 H(2)O (6), [Ag(L(1))NO(3)(H(2)O)] (7), [Ni(L(1))Cl(2)(H(2)O)(2)] x H(2)O (8), [Fe(L(1))Cl(3)(H(2)O)] x 3 H(2)O (9) and [Mn(L(1))(2)Cl(H(2)O)]Cl x 3 H(2)O (10) for ligand L(1), and [Cu(L(2))Cl(2)(H(2)O)(2)] x H(2)O (11), [Ag(L(2))(2)]NO(3) x H(2)O (12), [Ni(L(2))(2)Cl(2)] x 5 H(2)O (13), [Fe(L(2))(2)Cl(2)]Cl x 2 H(2)O (14) and [Mn(L(2))Cl(2)(H(2)O)(2)] x H(2)O (15) for ligand L(2). The antitumor activity of the synthesized compounds has been studied. The silver complex 7 was found to display cytotoxicity (IC(50)=2 microM) against both human lung cancer cell line A549 and human breast cancer cell line MCF-7.

Síndromes Neurocutáneos identificables por el Médico General Integral mediante examen físico / Identifiable Neurocutaneous Syndromes at General Comprehensive Medical physical examination

Introducción: el Síndrome Neurocutáneo es el término general que se utiliza para referirse a determinados trastornos neurológicos. Constituye un grupo heterogéneo de desórdenes congénitos que afectan principalmente a las estructuras derivadas del neuroectodermo embrionario. Objetivo: caracterizar los hallazgos clínicos de los Síndromes Neurocutáneos identificables al examen físico por el Médico General Integral. Métodos: se realizó un trabajo de revisión donde se utilizaron métodos teóricos en el proceso de revisión de la bibliografía actualizada seleccionada, específicamente en el campo de la neurología, la dermatología y la genética. Resultados: las características clínicas de la Esclerosis Tuberosa, Neurofibromatosis Tipo 1, Tipo 2, Schwannomatosis y Enfermedad de Sturge-Weber (Sindromes Neurocutáneos) se pueden identificar durante el examen físico. Conclusiones: el adecuado conocimiento por el Médico General Integral, de las características clínicas del síndrome neurocutáneo, considerando su heterogeneidad y expresividad clínica, permite realizar al examen físico el diagnóstico oportuno de la enfermedad, lo que favorece el manejo del paciente...

Introduction: the neurocutaneous syndrome is the general term used to refer to certain neurological disorders. It is a heterogeneous group of congenital disorders that primarily affect structures derived from the embryonic neuroectoderm. Objectives: to characterize the clinical features of neurocutaneous syndromes that are identifiable at physical examination by the general comprehensive physician. Methods: a review of the selected current literature was performed for theoretical methods, specifically, in the field of neurology, dermatology and genetics. Results: the clinical characteristics of tuberous sclerosis, types 1and 2 neurofibromatosis, Schwannomatosis and Sturge-Weber disease (Neurocutaneous Syndromes) can be identified during the physical examination. Conclusions: knowledge of clinical features of the neurocutaneous syndrome, considering its clinical heterogeneity and expressiveness, physical examination allows early diagnosis of the disease by general comprehensive physician. This knowledge favors patient management...

Simian virus 40 large T-antigen G-quadruplex DNA helicase inhibition by G-quadruplex DNA-interactive agents.

On the basis of growing evidence for G-quadruplex DNA structures in genomic DNA and the presumed need to resolve these structures for DNA replication, the G-quadruplex DNA unwinding ability of a prototypical replicative helicase, SV40 large T-antigen (T-ag), was investigated. Here, we demonstrate that this G-quadruplex helicase activity is robust and comparable to the duplex helicase activity of T-ag. Analysis of the SV40 genome demonstrates the presence of sequences that may form intramolecular G-quadruplexes, which are the presumed natural substrates for the G-quadruplex helicase activity of T-ag. A number of G-quadruplex-interactive agents as well as new perylene diimide (PDI) derivatives have been investigated as inhibitors of both the G-quadruplex and the duplex DNA helicase activities of T-ag. A unique subset of these G-quadruplex-interactive agents inhibits the G-quadruplex DNA unwinding activity of T-ag, relative to those reported to inhibit G-quadruplex DNA unwinding by RecQ-family helicases. We also find that certain PDIs are both potent and selective inhibitors of the G-quadruplex DNA helicase activity of T-ag. Surface plasmon resonance and fluorescence spectroscopic G-quadruplex DNA binding studies of these T-ag G-quadruplex helicase inhibitors have been carried out, demonstrating the importance of attributes in addition to binding affinity for G-quadruplex DNA that may be important for inhibition. The identification of potent and selective inhibitors of the G-quadruplex helicase activity of T-ag provides tools for probing the specific role of this activity in SV40 replication.

Duplex and quadruplex DNA binding and photocleavage by trioxatriangulenium ion.

The stable trioxatriangulenium ion (TOTA) has previously been shown to bind to and photooxidize duplex DNA, leading to cleavage at G residues, particularly 5'-GG-3' repeats. Telomeric DNA consists of G-rich sequences that may exist in either duplex or G-quadruplex forms. We have employed electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) to investigate the interactions between TOTA and duplex DNA or G-quadruplex DNA. A variety of duplex decamer oligodeoxynucleotides form complexes with TOTA that can be detected by ESI-MS, and the stoichiometry and fragmentation patterns observed are commensurate with an intercalative binding mode. TOTA also forms complexes with four-stranded and hairpin-dimer G-quadruplex oligodeoxynucleotides that can be detected by ESI-MS. Both the stoichiometry and the fragmentation patterns observed by ESI-MS are different than those observed for G-tetrad end-stacking binding ligands. We have carried out (1)H NMR titrations of a four-stranded G-quadruplex in the presence of TOTA. Addition of up to 1 equiv of TOTA is accompanied by pronounced upfield shifts of the G-tetrad imino proton resonances in the NMR, which is similar to the effect observed for G-tetrad end-stacking ligands. At higher ratios of added TOTA, there is evidence for additional binding modes. Duplex DNA containing either human telomeric repeats (T(2)AG(3))(4) or the Tetrahymena telomeric repeats (T(2)G(4))(4) are readily photooxidized by TOTA, the major sites of oxidation being the central guanine residues in each telomeric repeat. These telomeric repeats were incorporated into duplex/quadruplex chimeras in which the repeats adopt a G-quadruplex structure. Analysis by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis reveals significantly less TOTA photocleavage of these quadruplex telomeric repeats when compared to the duplex repeats.

Características citopatológicas del carcinoma de células acinares (CCA) de glándula salival. A propósito de cuatro observaciones / Cytological characteristics of acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) diagnosed by fi ne-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). A study of four cases

Objetivo: Presentar las características citopatológicas del carcinomaacinar (CCA), así como su correlación cito-histológica, comentando los problemas de diagnóstico diferencial de esta entidad en base a cuatro observaciones estudiadas mediante PAAF.Casos clínicos: Dos varones de 52 y 53 años, una mujer de 79 años, y una niña de 12 años que presentaron tumoraciones localizadas en territorio parotídeo (casos 1, 2 y 4), y a nivel laterocervical (caso 3). En tres pacientes, la PAAF fue, junto a los estudios de imagen,la primera aproximación diagnóstica; correspondiendo el caso 3 a una punción de adenopatías laterocervicales metastásicas en una paciente con antecedentes de CCA de parótida. Hallazgos citológicos: Las extensiones citológicas mostraron abundante celularidad tumoral dispuesta en pequeñas placas monocapa, formando estructuras acinares, o como células aisladas. Es de destacar la abundancia de núcleos desnudos en el fondo de los frotis, y la ausencia de grasa y de epitelio ductal. Las células poseían núcleos monomorfos redondeados u ovales, nucleólo poco evidente y abundante citoplasma granular ofinamente vacuolado. Discusión: La PAAF proporciona información esencial en la actuación diagnóstico-terapeútica de las tumoraciones de laglándula salival, resultando esta metodología muy sensibleen su eficacia diagnóstica. La identificación de los CCA frecuentemente presenta dificultades, debido a la gran similitud citológica de las células tumorales con el componente acinar normal propio de la glándula salival. El diagnóstico diferencial se plantea, fundamentalmente, con carcinomas de células claras,con carcinomas mucoepidermoides, con el tumor de Warthiny con los oncocitomas. Nuestras observaciones confirman la validez de la PAAF en una primera aproximación diagnóstica de estas lesiones tumorales accesibles a la punción directa

Objective: To present the cytopathological characteristics of a cinic cell carcinoma (ACC) as well as its cyto-histological correlation, commenting on the differential diagnostic problems of this entity based on four observations studied using fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB).Clinical Cases: Two males of 52 and 53 years of age, one 79 year-old woman and a girl of 12 years of age, who presented tumors located in the parotid area (cases 1, 2 and 4) and at the laterocervical level (case 3).In 3 patients, the FNAB was, together with the image studies,the first diagnostic indication; case 3 corresponding to a puncture of metastatic laterocervical adenopathies in a patient with a history of parotid ACC. Cytological findings: The cytologic smears revealed abundant tumoral cellularity arranged in small monolayered sheets,forming acinar structures or isolated cells. The abundance of bare nuclei at the background of the smears, and the absence of adipose tissue and ductal epithelium are highlighted. The cells possessed round or oval monomorphic nuclei, few nucleoli and abundant granular or finely vacuolate cytoplasm. Discussion: FNAB provides essential information on the diagnostic-therapeutic management of salivary gland tumors; this methodology is highly sensitive in its diagnostic efficacy. The diagnosis of ACCs frequently presents difficulties, owing to the great cytologic similarity of the tumor cells with the normal acinar component of the salivary gland. The differential diagnosis is considered, fundamentally, with clear cell carcinomas, mucoepidermoid carcinomas, Warthin`s tumor, and oncocytomas. Our observations confirm the validity of FNAB in a first diagnostic approximation for those lesions accessible to direct puncture

Hepatitis B, SIDA: Enfermedades Contagiosas un Riesgo en la Profesion Odontologica / Hepatitis B, AIDS: transmitted diseases a Risk in Dentistry Profession

Mediante los estudios investigativos se logro evaluar el alto riesgo de transmision de las enfermedades contagiosas en el area de trabajo profesional. Es de gran importancia el diagnostico del paciente y las posibles implicaciones de un resultado positivo. Se analizaron las medidas profilacticas durante los procedimientos odontologicos, relacionados con la salud integral del paciente y del profesional. Se valoro el estado actual del problema y sus implicaciones tanto clinicas como legales de los pacientes portadores y de los profesionales al transmitir la enfermedad, asi como las complicaciones y secuelas graves que se presentan durante la enfermedad. El virus de estas enfermedades tiene una distribucion mundial, pero la frecuencia de su infeccion no es uniforme, estas se encontraron en areas de alta, media y baja, endemia, no por vivir en zonas con caracteristicas epidemiologicas por fuera del patron general, sino por su estilo de vida, condicion biologica o profesion. El estudio presenta un enfoque sobre recursos de contaminacion, metodos para el control de la infeccion, portadores sintomaticos y asintomaticos, estados clinicos y subclinicos, evidencias serologicas y epidemiologicas, patogenia y parologia..