Ecology of the free-living stages of cattle nematodes in the dry season in the Lerma Valley, Salta province, Argentina.

The objective of this work was to describe the dynamics of development and survival of the free-living stages of cattle gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in fecal matter (FM) and pasture during the dry season in the Lerma Valley, Salta province, northwestern Argentina (NWA) to contribute to GIN management. The climate in the region is characterized by a rainy summer followed by a dry season from middle autumn to early spring. Fecal matter from calves naturally infected with GIN was deposited on three experimental field plots in April, July and October 2019, corresponding to the beginning, middle and end of the dry season, respectively. Each experimental unit consisted of 7 stools of about 800 g and had four repetitions. To determine the development from egg to infective larvae (L3), the first sampling (5 g fecal matter) was performed from the 10th day post-contamination and continued every 3 days until L3 were found. Subsequently, a monthly sampling was made until two consecutive negative results were obtained. Sampling of pasture began three days after the L3 recovery from FM, and continued monthly until two negative results were obtained. The following parameters were evaluated: development time and development rate from egg to L3; permanence time of L3 in feces; time of appearance on pasture; migration rate; and permanence time of L3 on pasture. The main genera of parasites present were Cooperia and Haemonchus. Significant differences were observed in the development time among contamination months (p < 0.001); development time was highest in the July contamination (28 days), with October and April contamination averaging 9 and 10 days, respectively. Development time also showed significant differences (p < 0.01) among contamination months, being highest in October (31.48%). The highest permanence time in fecal matter values were recorded in the July contamination (183 days) and migration rate was highest in the October contamination (42.49%). The highest time of appearance on pasture value was recorded in the July contamination (117 days). Finally, the highest permanence time of L3 in feces values were detected in the October contamination (148 days). The results of this work show that fecal contamination in the NWA region in the dry season would play an epidemiological role in the GIN cycle as a source of infection for the next productive cycle in the rainy season.

Design and fabrication of a lightweight 3D first surface mirror aluminized by DC magnetron sputtering.

Aluminum thin films were deposited on a 3D prototype employing the direct current magnetron sputtering technique to fabricate a lightweight 3D first surface mirror. Before the aluminizing, the surface of the prototypes was evaluated with interferometry and atomic force microscope (AFM). The thin films were characterized using profilometry, UV-Vis spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, AFM, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy. High adherence and homogeneous deposition of the aluminum's thin films were achieved. In addition, the purity of the material was confirmed by XPS analysis.

Effect of nisin, EDTA, and abuse temperature on the growth of Salmonella Typhimurium in liquid whole egg during refrigerated storage.

Salmonella spp. can be present in pasteurized liquid egg products because of its heat resistance or post-processing contamination, thereby representing a food safety risk. The effect of 1000 IU nisin/ml plus 20 mM disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), two refrigerated temperatures (7 °C and 10 °C), and two inoculation levels (103 and 105 cfu/ml) were studied in the growth of S. Typhimurium in pasteurized liquid whole egg (LWE). Two mathematical models were used to fit the microbial curves. Physicochemical characteristics of LWE, such as pH and color, were assessed for 31 days at the two storage temperatures, and no significant changes (p < 0.05) were observed for most of the samples. Results showed the significant impact of temperature on microbial growth. Samples kept at 7 °C showed the decay of microbial cells during storage; meanwhile, the effect at 10 °C was shown as fast growth. The combination of nisin plus EDTA and 7 °C accelerated the decay of microbial cells during the storage showing a synergistic effect. The Weibull model described the decline of cells during the shelf-life. Meanwhile, the logistic model fitted the growth of Salmonella in LWE at 10 °C. Adding these additives to LWE, combined with the correct temperature during pasteurization and adequate conditions during the cold chain, can minimize the food safety risk related to Salmonella.

Intervenciones para el carcinoma basocelular cutáneo (revisión Cochrane): Resumen de las principales comparaciones e interpretación práctica de los resultados / Interventions for Basal Cell Carcinoma: Summary of Main Comparisons From a Cochrane Review and a Practical Interpretation of Findings

Existen numerosas modalidades de tratamiento para el manejo de los carcinomas basocelulares (CBC), pero se desconoce la real eficacia y seguridad entre las alternativas quirúrgicas y no quirúrgicas disponibles. Este artículo resume la evidencia encontrada en la reciente revisión Cochrane de Thomson et al. y facilita la interpretación de sus resultados entre la comunidad científica iberolatinoamericana. La gran mayoría de la evidencia evaluada proviene de estudios individuales que impidieron la realización de una revisión sistemática cuantitativa. La escisión quirúrgica convencional continúa siendo la terapia más eficaz para el tratamiento de los CBC de bajo riesgo. La mayoría de estudios incluyeron tamaños de muestra pequeños y algunos tuvieron problemas con el cegamiento, lo que influiría en resultados subjetivos tales como el dolor o la cosmesis. Existe una falta de estandarización en relación con los desenlaces de recurrencia y de resultados cosméticos, lo que en conjunto afecta no solo la validez interna sino también la validez externa y la reproducibilidad de los estudios (AU)

Numerous surgical and nonsurgical modalities are available to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC), but their true effectiveness and safety is unknown. This article summarizes the evidence presented in a recent Cochrane review and aims to facilitate the interpretation of the review's findings for the Spanish and Latin American scientific communities. Much of the evidence the reviewers found came from single studies, preventing meta-analysis. Conventional surgical excision continues to be the most effective treatment for low-risk BCC. Most studies had small sample sizes, and some had problems with blinding, limitations which will have affected the assessment of subjective outcomes, such as pain and cosmetic results. The authors identified a lack of standardization in relation to recurrences and cosmetic outcomes that threatens not only the internal validity of the studies but also their external validity and reproducibility (AU)

[Translated article] Interventions for Basal Cell Carcinoma: Summary of Main Comparisons From a Cochrane Review and a Practical Interpretation of Findings / Intervenciones para el carcinoma basocelular cutáneo (revisión Cochrane): Resumen de las principales comparaciones e interpretación práctica de los resultados

Numerous surgical and nonsurgical modalities are available to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC), but their true effectiveness and safety is unknown. This article summarizes the evidence presented in a recent Cochrane review and aims to facilitate the interpretation of the review's findings for the Spanish and Latin American scientific communities. Much of the evidence the reviewers found came from single studies, preventing meta-analysis. Conventional surgical excision continues to be the most effective treatment for low-risk BCC. Most studies had small sample sizes, and some had problems with blinding, limitations which will have affected the assessment of subjective outcomes, such as pain and cosmetic results. The authors identified a lack of standardization in relation to recurrences and cosmetic outcomes that threatens not only the internal validity of the studies but also their external validity and reproducibility (AU)

Existen numerosas modalidades de tratamiento para el manejo de los carcinomas basocelulares (CBC), pero se desconoce la real eficacia y seguridad entre las alternativas quirúrgicas y no quirúrgicas disponibles. Este artículo resume la evidencia encontrada en la reciente revisión Cochrane de Thomson et al. y facilita la interpretación de sus resultados entre la comunidad científica iberolatinoamericana. La gran mayoría de la evidencia evaluada proviene de estudios individuales que impidieron la realización de una revisión sistemática cuantitativa. La escisión quirúrgica convencional continúa siendo la terapia más eficaz para el tratamiento de los CBC de bajo riesgo. La mayoría de estudios incluyeron tamaños de muestra pequeños y algunos tuvieron problemas con el cegamiento, lo que influiría en resultados subjetivos tales como el dolor o la cosmesis. Existe una falta de estandarización en relación con los desenlaces de recurrencia y de resultados cosméticos, lo que en conjunto afecta no solo la validez interna sino también la validez externa y la reproducibilidad de los estudios (AU)

Interventions for Basal Cell Carcinoma: Summary of Main Comparisons From a Cochrane Review and a Practical Interpretation of Findings. / Intervenciones para el carcinoma basocelular cutáneo (revisión Cochrane): Resumen de las principales comparaciones e interpretación práctica de los resultados.

Numerous surgical and nonsurgical modalities are available to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC), but their true effectiveness and safety is unknown. This article summarizes the evidence presented in a recent Cochrane review and aims to facilitate the interpretation of the review's findings for the Spanish and Latin American scientific communities. Much of the evidence the reviewers found came from single studies, preventing meta-analysis. Conventional surgical excision continues to be the most effective treatment for low-risk BCC. Most studies had small sample sizes, and some had problems with blinding, limitations which will have affected the assessment of subjective outcomes, such as pain and cosmetic results. The authors identified a lack of standardization in relation to recurrences and cosmetic outcomes that threatens not only the internal validity of the studies but also their external validity and reproducibility.

Setting up regional diagnostic reference levels for pediatric interventional cardiology in Latin America and the Caribbean countries: preliminary results and identified challenges.

The goal of the present study was to propose a set of preliminary regional diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for pediatric interventional cardiology (IC) procedures in Latin America and the Caribbean countries, classified by age and weight groups. The study was conducted in the framework of the Optimization of Protection in Pediatric Interventional Radiology in Latin America and the Caribbean program coordinated by the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The first step of the program was focused on pediatric IC. Dose data from diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were collected between December 2020 and December 2021. Regional DRLs were set as the third quartile of patient dose data (kerma area product) collected in 18 hospitals from 10 countries in an initial sample of 968 procedures. DRLs were set for four age bands and five weight ranges. The values obtained for the four age bands (<1 yr, 1 to <5 yr, 5 to <10 yr and 10 to <16 yr) were 2.9, 6.1, 8.8 and 14.4 Gy cm2for diagnostic procedures, and 4.0, 5.0, 10.0 and 38.1 Gy cm2for therapeutic procedures, respectively. The values obtained for the five weight bands (<5 kg, 5 to <15 kg, 15 to <30 kg, 30 to <50 kg and 50 to <80 kg) were 3.0, 4.5, 8.1, 9.2 and 26.8 Gy cm2for diagnostic procedures and 3.7, 4,3, 7.3, 16.1 and 53.4 Gy cm2for therapeutic procedures, respectively. While initial data were collected manually as patient dose management systems (DMSs) were not available in most of the hospitals involved in the program, a centralized automatic DMS for the collection and management of patient dose indicators has now been introduced and is envisaged to increase the sample size. The possibility of alerting on high dose values and introducing corrective actions will help in optimization.

First record of clinical coccidiosis (Eimeria ovinoidalis) in adult sheep from northwestern Argentina.

Coccidiosis of sheep is an intestinal infection caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria. An outbreak of the disease in adult sheep from Salta province, northwestern Argentina, was studied to establish its clinical, epidemiological, pathological and etiological aspects. The affected animals were part of a flock of 20 sheep brought from Formosa province about 10 days before. Most sheep (80% incidence) showed hemorrhagic diarrhea, dehydration and loss of body condition; six of them died and two that became permanently recumbent were euthanized. Three necropsied sheep showed mild mesenteric lymphadenomegaly, diffuse proliferative enteritis in the small and large intestines, and mucosal thickening. Histopathological studies exhibited diffuse proliferative enteritis and presence of structures compatible with intracellular coccidia at different stages of development. Parasitological studies (n = 12) resulted in an average of 16,636.6 (± 15,266.8) Eimeria oocysts per gram of feces (range 1680-46,400). Taxonomy of Eimeria species based on analysis of sporulated oocysts derived from 4 fecal samples (n = 100 oocyst per sample) showed, on average, a high prevalence of E. ovinoidalis (61.5%), followed by E. parva (27.2%), and lower proportions of E. crandallis (5.3%), E. ahsata (3.2%) and E. intricata (2.8%). Clinical and pathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of coccidiosis in the affected sheep; parasitological results showed that E. ovinoidalis was the main species responsible for the clinical signs. Clinical coccidiosis is considered unusual in adult sheep, but the present case shows that under favorable environmental and/or management conditions, this infection may be highly deleterious for adult sheep.

First report of group A rotavirus and bovine coronavirus associated with neonatal calf diarrhea in the northwest of Argentina.

Group A rotavirus (RVA) and bovine coronavirus (BCoV) are the two main viral enteropathogens associated with neonatal calf diarrhea. The aim of the present survey was to investigate the epidemiology and the role of RVA and BCoV in the presentation of dairy and beef calf diarrhea in Lerma Valley of Salta province, within the Northwest region of Argentina. Stool samples of calves with or without diarrhea younger than 2 months of age were collected from 19 dairy farms and 20 beef farms between the years 2014 and 2016. Stool samples were screened for RVA and BCoV detection by ELISA. Heminested multiplex RT-PCR was used for RVA typing and RT-PCR to confirm BCoV. Positive samples were submitted to sequencing analysis. Bovine RVA and BCoV were circulating in 63% (12/19) and 10.52% (2/19) of the dairy farms, respectively, where 9.5% (46/484) of the calves were positives to RVA and 0.4% (2/484) to BCoV. In beef herds, RVA was detected in 40% (8/20) of the farms and in 6.75% (21/311) of the calves, without positives cases of BCoV. Molecular analysis showed that in dairy farms, G6P[11] and G10P[11] were the prevalent RVA strains, while in beef farms, G10P[11] was the prevalent. The main finding was the detection for the first time of a G15P[11] causing diarrhea in beef calves of Argentina that represents a new alert to be consider for future vaccine updates. Analysis of detected BCoV showed that it is related to the other circulating strains of Argentina.

Stability analysis of silver nanoparticle suspensions by cyclic voltammetry.

We report the application of cyclic voltammetry and absorption spectroscopy to the characterization and study of the stability of silver colloids in water. The samples are prepared via chemical reduction and the reactions are catalyzed by irradiation with white light. The electrochemical response is related to the characteristic sample surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in the UV-visible absorption spectra. Cyclic voltammetry shows a characteristic reduction peak whose position is specific to each analyzed sample. Optical analysis of a colloid precursor during a 12 h time span, under low-power white-light irradiation, shows that nanoparticles undergo change in size and surface state (absorption bands splitting and inversion) to attain the "stable" colloidal form. While the absorption spectrum bands of the precursor return almost periodically to similar positions, the cyclic voltammogram characteristic reduction peak is displaced as a function of time. Finally, we follow the SPR changes of one "stable" colloid being subjected to electrolysis, heating, and sunlight irradiation, for environmental remediation purposes. Sunlight exposure produces the most significant SPR intensity drop, but the electrochemical technique shows itself promising as well.

The ß2-adrenergic receptor antagonist ICI-118,551 blocks the constitutively activated HIF signalling in hemangioblastomas from von Hippel-Lindau disease.

One of the major consequences of the lack of a functional VHL protein in von Hippel-Lindau disease, a rare cancer, is the constitutive activation of the HIF pathway. This activation ends up in the generation of Central Nervous System (CNS) Hemangioblastomas among other tumours along the lifespan of the patient. Nowadays, only surgery has been proven efficient as therapy since the systemic attempts have failed. Propranolol, a non-specific ß1-and ß2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, was recently designated as the first therapeutic (orphan) drug for VHL disease. Nevertheless, its ß1 affinity provokes the decrease in blood pressure, being not recommended for low or regular blood pressure VHL patients. In order to overcome the ß1-drawback, the properties of a high specific ß2-adrenergic receptor blocker named ICI-118,551 have been studied. ICI-118,551 was able to decrease Hemangioblastomas cell viability in a specific manner, by triggering apoptosis. Moreover, ICI-118,551 also impaired the nuclear internalization of HIF-1α in Hemangioblastomas and hypoxic primary endothelial cells, reducing significantly the activation of HIF-target genes and halting the tumour-related angiogenic processes. In this work, we demonstrate the therapeutical properties of ICI-118,551 in VHL-derived CNS-Hemangioblastoma primary cultures, becoming a promising drug for VHL disease and other HIF-related diseases.

Construct validity and responsiveness of the Colombian version of Skindex-29.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the need for international, objective, patient-reported outcomes measures has grown as international collaboration has increased. As most quality-of-life scales have been developed in English, there is a growing need to adapt them transculturally to obtain equivalence between the original instrument and the adapted scale. OBJECTIVES: To assess the construct and convergent-discriminant validity and responsiveness of the Colombian version of Skindex-29. METHODS: The cross-sectional and longitudinal validity and responsiveness were tested in both healthy and dermatology patients. Construct validity was tested through a confirmatory factor analysis. The convergent-discriminant validity was assessed by examining the Spearman correlation coefficient. Change sensitivity was tested by means of the standardized response mean. The effect size and the minimum detectable change were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 265 participants were included; 21·1% were healthy individuals, and 78·9% patients had either inflammatory or noninflammatory skin diseases. Confirmatory factor analysis showed an adequate comparative fit index and Tucker-Lewis index adjustment for the root mean square error of approximation. Convergent validity showed moderate correlations between the emotions, functioning and physical function or physical role domains. Discriminant validity showed low correlations between overall domains for both scales. Sensitivity to change at the first and third month showed effect sizes in global Skindex scores of 0·92 and 0·82, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Colombian version of Skindex-29 is a valid and clinically sensitive instrument, which can be used for clinical practice and for research to measure the impact of skin diseases on the quality of life of dermatology patients.

Evaluación radiológica del vaciamiento gástrico de medio de contraste hidrosoluble: nuevos datos de seguridad de un estudio longitudinal / Radiologic assessment of gastric emptying of water-soluble contrast media: New data security from a longitudinal study

Antecedentes y objetivos: En la actualidad, las guías de práctica clínica para ayuno preoperatorio no han establecido claramente el tiempo de espera necesario tras la administración de un medio de contraste hidrosoluble. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar el tiempo requerido para el vaciamiento gástrico posterior a la administración de un medio de contraste hidrosoluble en pacientes con abdomen agudo. Materiales y métodos: Este estudio longitudinal prospectivo incluyó 68 pacientes, mayores de 18 años, con abdomen agudo, a quienes se administró un medio de contraste hidrosoluble para la realización de una tomografía abdominal. Se obtuvieron radiografías cada hora hasta completar el vaciamiento gástrico del medio de contraste. Se excluyeron pacientes con sospecha de obstrucción intestinal. Resultados: Treinta y uno (45,6%), 54 (79,4%) y 64 (94,1%) pacientes alcanzaron la eliminación gástrica completa de bario en 1, 2 y 3 h, respectivamente. La totalidad de los pacientes alcanzó el vaciamiento gástrico completo dentro de las 6 primeras h. No se encontraron diferencias respecto al género (P=0,44), índice de masa corporal (P=0,35), tiempo de ayuno previo al contraste (P=0,12), administración de opioides en urgencias (P=0,7), ni presencia de comorbilidades (P=0,36). Conclusión: El 94% de los pacientes con abdomen agudo alcanzaron el vaciamiento gástrico completo dentro de las primeras 3 h posteriores a la administración de medio de contraste. A las 6 h, la totalidad de los participantes habían aclarado el medio de contraste. Consideramos relevante esperar las 6 h de ayuno posteriores a la ingesta oral del medio de contraste para asegurar el tránsito completo a través del estómago y evitar riesgos innecesarios

Background and objectives: Practice guidelines for preoperative fasting have not clearly established the fasting time needed after oral administration of water-soluble contrast media. The aim of this study was to determine the time required for the gastric emptying during the water-soluble contrast media in patients with acute abdominal pain. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study included sixty-eight patients older than 18 years of age with acute abdominal pain, who required a water-soluble contrast media enhanced abdominal computed tomography study. Plain radiographs were obtained hourly until complete the gastric emptying. Patients with probable bowel obstruction were not included in the study. Results: A total of 31 (45,6%), 54 (79,4%), and 64 (94,1%) patients achieved a complete gastric clearance of barium in 1, 2 and 3 hours, respectively. All patients achieved complete emptying of water-soluble contrast media within 6 hours. Gastric emptying time was not associated with gender (P=0,44), body mass index (P=.35), fasting time prior to water-soluble contrast media intake (P=0,12), administration of opioids in the emergency room (P=0,7), and the presence of comorbidities (P=0,36). Conclusion: Ninety-four percent of the patients with acute abdominal pain achieved complete gastric emptying within 3hours after the administration of water-soluble contrast media. All of them achieved complete gastric emptying within 6hours. The results suggested 6hours after oral intake of the contrast media is enough to complete transit of water-soluble contrast media through the stomach and avoid unnecessary risks

Radiologic assessment of gastric emptying of water-soluble contrast media: New data security from a longitudinal study. / Evaluación radiológica del vaciamiento gástrico de medio de contraste hidrosoluble: nuevos datos de seguridad de un estudio longitudinal.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Practice guidelines for preoperative fasting have not clearly established the fasting time needed after oral administration of water-soluble contrast media. The aim of this study was to determine the time required for the gastric emptying during the water-soluble contrast media in patients with acute abdominal pain. METHODS: This prospective longitudinal study included sixty-eight patients older than 18 years of age with acute abdominal pain, who required a water-soluble contrast media enhanced abdominal computed tomography study. Plain radiographs were obtained hourly until complete the gastric emptying. Patients with probable bowel obstruction were not included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 31 (45,6%), 54 (79,4%), and 64 (94,1%) patients achieved a complete gastric clearance of barium in 1, 2 and 3 hours, respectively. All patients achieved complete emptying of water-soluble contrast media within 6 hours. Gastric emptying time was not associated with gender (P=0,44), body mass index (P=.35), fasting time prior to water-soluble contrast media intake (P=0,12), administration of opioids in the emergency room (P=0,7), and the presence of comorbidities (P=0,36). CONCLUSION: Ninety-four percent of the patients with acute abdominal pain achieved complete gastric emptying within 3hours after the administration of water-soluble contrast media. All of them achieved complete gastric emptying within 6hours. The results suggested 6hours after oral intake of the contrast media is enough to complete transit of water-soluble contrast media through the stomach and avoid unnecessary risks.

Predicting extracapsular involvement in prostate cancer through the tumor contact length and the apparent diffusion coefficient. / Predicción de la extensión extracapsular en el cáncer de próstata mediante la longitud del contacto tumoral y el coeficiente de difusión aparente.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the length of the tumor contact with the capsule (LTC) and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map in the prediction of microscopic extracapsular extension in patients with prostate cancer who are candidates for radical prostatectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used receiver operating curves to retrospectively study the diagnostic performance of the ADC map and the LTC as predictors of microscopic extracapsular extension in 92 patients with prostate cancer and moderate to high risk who were examined between May 2011 and December 2013. RESULTS: The optimal cutoff for the ADC map was 0.87× 10-3 mm2/s, which yielded an area under the ROC curve of 72% (95% CI: 57%-86%), corresponding to a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 61%. The optimal cutoff for the LTC was 17.5mm, which yielded an area under the ROC curve of 74% (95% CI: 61%-87%), corresponding to a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 57%. Combining the two criteria improved the diagnostic performance, yielding an area under the ROC curve of 77% (95% CI: 62%-92%), corresponding to a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 61%. We elaborated a logistic regression model, obtaining an area under the ROC curve of 82% (95% CI: 73%-93%). CONCLUSIONS: Using quantitative measures improves the diagnostic accuracy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in the staging of prostate cancer. The values of the ADC and LTC were predictors of microscopic extracapsular extension, and the best results were obtained when both values were used in combination.

Modalidades de imagen en la evaluación de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal / Imaging techniques in the evaluation of inflammatory bowel disease

La enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal es una patología crónica, con una incidencia cada vez mayor. Dentro de este grupo de afecciones, la enfermedad de Crohn y la colitis ulcerosa son las más frecuentes. La enterografía por tomografía computada (ETC) y por resonancia magnética (ERM) son las modalidades de elección para la evaluación y seguimiento de la entidad, permitiendo examinar la apariencia de la mucosa, la pared intestinal, las manifestaciones extraintestinales y las complicaciones asociadas. La elección del estudio debe hacerse de acuerdo con la condición clínica de cada paciente

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition with increasing incidence. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the most common pathologies. Computed tomography (CT) enterography and magnetic resonance (MR) enterography are the methods of choice for evaluating and monitoring this entity, assessing the appearance of intestinal wall, mucosa, extra-intestinal manifestations, and associated complications. The preferred imaging methods must be selected according to the clinical conditions of the patient

Comparison of two angiographic systems in paediatric interventional cardiology.

The aim of this work was to analyse the radiation dose for patients and staff between X-ray systems, a new biplane with flat-panel detectors (FDs) and a conventional system equipped with image intensifier (II). Entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) and scatter doses were measured on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantoms of different thicknesses (from 4 to 16 cm). The ESAK values for the different acquisition modes and PMMA thicknesses were higher for the II in comparison with FDs. For the II, the scatter dose rates ranged from 0.67 to 12.2 mSv h(-1) at the eye position of the cardiologist during fluoroscopy and cine modes. At the lower extremities, these values were 1.11 and 24.24 mSv h(-1). In the case of the FDs, these values ranged from 0.24 to 0.67 mSv h(-1) for eye lens and from 0.73 to 2.01 mSv h(-1) for the position of cardiologist's ankle. The newly installed X-ray system showed an average reduction factor of up to 9.7 times for ESAK values. For the staff with an average reduction factor of 15.9 times at the eye position during fluoroscopy and cine modes, no protective tools are used. At the lower extremities, this value was 7.6 times.

An update on the use of melatonin as a stroke therapeutic.

Delivery of melatonin and targeting melatonin receptors pose as neuroprotective strategies for stroke therapy. The potential of melatonin-based therapeutics for clinical application in stroke patients requires translational research to guide the conduct of clinical trials. We review recent preclinical and clinical data that support the use of melatonin for stroke.

Estrés y factores relacionados en padres con hijos en la unidad / Stress and related factors in parents with children in neonatal intensive care unit

Objetivo: identificar el nivel de estrés y los factores relacionados, en padres con hijos en la Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo neonatal de la Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana. Metodología: estudio cuantitativo, de tipo descriptivo, transversal. Se aplicó la escala de Estrés Parental en la Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo, PSS: NICU, desarrollada y validada por Carter y Miles. En total se estudiaron a 50 padres, escogidos a conveniencia. Resultados: la edad promedio de los padres fue de 30.6 años, el 36.7 por ciento tenían escolaridad universitaria, el 42 por ciento con estrato socioeconómico nivel 3. El 62 por ciento eran empleados, el 76 por ciento de género femenino y para el 42 por ciento era su primer hijo. El principal diagnóstico del neonato fue de enfermedad respiratoria (24 por ciento). El 44 por ciento de los padres señaló que el nivel de estrés frente a lo que vio y escuchó en la unidad fue un poco estresante. El comportamiento, el aspecto y los tratamientos del bebé, fueron un poco estresantes para el 34 por ciento. El 32 por ciento de los padres señaló que era muy estresante su relación y rol de padres, valor que fue significativo estadísticamente. La comunicación con el personal de salud, para el 34 por ciento de los padres, fue poco estresante. Para el nivel de estrés general, el 28 por ciento expresó que la experiencia en general de tener a su hijo en la unidad, fue poco estresante, mientras que el 24 por ciento indicó que fue muy estresante. Conclusión: Los padres presentaron mayor estrés, cuando se desempeñan en su rol de padres, valor con significancia estadística.

Objective: To identify the level of stress and related factors in parents of children in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Clinica Universitaria Bolivariana. Methodology: study quantitative, descriptive, transversal. We applied the Parental Stress Scale in Intensive Care Unit, PSS: NICU, developed and validated by Carter and Miles. A total of 50 parents was studied, chosen for convenience. Results: The mean age of the fathers was 30.6 years; the 36.7 percent had college education, 42 percent with socioeconomic level 3. 62 percent were employed, 76 percent female and in the 42 percent was their first child. The primary diagnosis was neonatal respiratory disease (24 percent). The 44 percent of parents said that the stress level compared to what they had seen and heard in the unit was a bit stressful. The baby behavior, appearance and treatments were a bit stressful for 34 percent. The 32 percent of parents pointed that their relationship and parenting role was very stressful, value which was statistically significant. Communication with health personnel was rushed for the 34 percent of parents. For the general stress level, 28 percent expressed that the overall experience of having your child in the unit, was little stressful, while 24 percent said that it was very stressful. Conclusion: Parents showed more stress when working in their role as parents, statistically significant value.

Study of the inactivation of Escherichia coli and pectin methylesterase in mango nectar under selected high hydrostatic pressure treatments.

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) was applied to fresh mango nectar (FMN) and sterilized mango nectar (SMN) to inactivate Escherichia coli and pectin methylesterase (PME). Pressure was applied at 275, 345 and 414 MPa. The come-up time (CUT) as well as 1, 2 and 4 min of treatment times were applied at the selected pressure to evaluate the inactivation effect on E. coli and PME. Total plate counts (TPC) were also evaluated in FMN. Results showed that mesophiles are inactivated in FMN to an important degree (up to 4 log) only with the CUT; the highest inactivation for mesophiles (7 log) was reported at 414 MPa after 4 min. Meanwhile, for E. coli 345 and 414 MPa after 2 and 1 min, respectively, were able to inactivate all viable cells in FMN. However, in SMN after 4 min at 275 MPa all cells of E. coli were also inactivated, showing the protective effect of the media between FMN and SMN. The PME showed its resistance to be inactivated with high pressure, showing the highest decrease in enzymatic activity (45%) after 4 min at 345 MPa but with an important activation at the highest pressure (414 MPa).