Beneficios de la estimulación temprana en la prevención de alteraciones del neurodesarrollo en los primeros mil días: una revisión narrativa

Las alteraciones del neurodesarrollo en la primera infancia tienen una alta prevalencia a nivel mundial, representando un desafío para los especialistas porque deben lograr minimizar alteraciones en el niño desde la etapa prenatal. El objetivo de esta revisión es realizar un análisis narrativo de la evidencia disponible sobre el neurodesarrollo y el impacto positivo que tiene la estimulación temprana, particularmente durante los primeros mil días de vida, en la prevención de alteraciones del neurodesarrollo. Existen diversas pruebas estandarizadas de cribado del desarrollo infantil, para identificar posibles signos de alarma en el neurodesarrollo como la BINS, PRUNAPE, ASQ-3, Test de Denver, entre otras. Una de las alternativas de tratamientos no invasivos para tratar y prevenir alteraciones en el niño es la estimulación temprana. A través de la intervención integral en el niño se logra adquirir, compensar y/o potencializar las habilidades del neurodesarrollo; dando como resultado un ser adaptado al medio que lo rodea. Es importante diseñar y validar una guía integral para la vigilancia del neurodesarrollo infantil, desde la etapa prenatal para la prevención de alteraciones o evitar secuelas en el niño; así como diseñar políticas públicas que promuevan una adecuada infancia.  (provisto por Infomedic International)

Neurodevelopmental disorders in early childhood have a high prevalence worldwide, which represents a challenge for specialists because they must manage it to minimize alterations in children from the prenatal stage. The objective of this review is to carry out a narrative analysis of the available evidence on neurodevelopment and its positive impact that early stimulation, particularly during the first thousand days of life, has on the prevention of neurodevelopmental disorders. There are various child development standardized screening tests to identify possible neurodevelopmental alarm signs, such as the EDI, the Bayley, or the M-CHAT checklist. One of the non-invasive treatment alternatives to treat and prevent alterations in the child is early stimulation. Through comprehensive intervention in the child, it is possible to acquire, compensate and/or enhance neurodevelopmental skills, resulting in a being adapted to the environment that surrounds them. In conclusion, it is important to design and validate a comprehensive guide for monitoring child neurodevelopment, from the prenatal stage to prevent alterations or avoid sequelae in the child and public policies that promote an adequate childhood. (provided by Infomedic International)

Impact of diseases of the hard tissues of teeth on oral health-related quality of life of schoolchildren in area with a high concentration of fluoride in drinking water.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of caries, Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH), and fluorosis on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of schoolchildren aged 8-10 years living in area with different fluoride levels in the drinking water. SUBJECT AND METHODS: The prevalence of caries and fluorosis were assessed among 663 Mexican schoolchildren using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II) and the Thylstrup and Fejerskov Index (TFI), respectively. MIH was recorded using the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria and OHRQoL using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10). Poisson regression models were used in data analysis. RESULTS: Schoolchildren presenting two of the three conditions (cavitated lesions and TFI≥4, cavitated lesions and MIH or TFI≥4 and MIH) experienced worse quality of life than children who did not [RR=4.18; (95% CI 3.83, 4.56)]. Children with all three conditions had worse quality of life than children who did not [RR=5.64; (95% CI 5.13, 6.20)]. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorosis, MIH, and caries have a negative impact on the OHRQoL of schoolchildren living in area with a high concentration of fluoride in their drinking water.

Access to healthcare services between insured and uninsured adults aged ≥50 years with diabetes in Mexico: the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS-2018).

OBJECTIVES: Analyze the association between health insurance coverage and the use of health care services, dentist visits, and self-medication in a national sample of Mexican adults aged ≥50 years with diabetes. METHODS: Participants with diabetes taken from a subsample of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS-2018) (n = 3667) were examined, with data pertaining to the frequency of their doctor and dentist visits, residence, years of education, self-medication, and health insurance coverage (insured/uninsured) also collected. A logistic regression model was used to identify the association between independent variables and health insurance coverage, whereas Poisson regression models were also estimated to ascertain whether health insurance coverage was associated with the number of doctor and dentist visits. RESULTS: The prevalence of self-reported diabetes was 24.6%, whereas approximately 93.3% of subjects had visited a doctor, 40.6% had visited a dentist, and 20.3% self-medicated. Individuals with insurance coverage were 75% (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.75 [95% confidence interval {CI}1.32-2.31]; P < 0.001) more likely to have visited a doctor and 57% more likely to have visited a dentist (OR = 1.57 [95% CI 1.35-1.83]; P < 0.001) than uninsured adult subjects, while adults living in rural areas were 77% less likely to be insured than adults living in urban areas. Doctor and dentist visits [rate ratio {RR} = 1.32 (95% CI 1.28-1.35); P < 0.001] and [RR = 1.47 (95% CI 1.37-1.58); P < 0.001, respectively] were found to be positively associated with the insured members of the study population. CONCLUSION: A positive association was found between doctor and dentist visits in the population insured with diabetes. A major public health challenge is the population of diabetics who report being uninsured, wherein this population requires coverage to access the necessary clinical follow-up and control to prevent complications.

Salivary parameters and oral health status amongst adolescents in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: In the last years an increased interest in the use of salivary parameters in connection with caries experience and caries prediction has been shown. In schoolchildren investigations are known, where the relationship between caries prevalence and salivary parameters has been assessed, but in the adolescent population studies are scarce. The aim of the study was evaluate of the association among salivary parameters, oral health status and caries experience in adolescents in Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 256 (DMFT≥5) and 165 (DMFT< 5) 12-to- 14-year-old adolescents. From all the adolescents, unstimulated mid-morning saliva samples were collected, after which the salivary flow rate was calculated, and the salivary pH and buffer capacity was measured. The caries was evaluated via the application of the DMFT score. Clinical variables such as oral hygiene and dental calculus were examined in the adolescent's oral cavity. The adolescents provided data on their personal characteristics by completing a questionnaire, while socioeconomic data were collected from their parents. Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression model analyses were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of caries was 61.1% (DMFT≥5) in permanent dentition, with 72.7% of subjects presenting poor oral hygiene. The mean levels of salivary flow rate, pH, and buffer capacity was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in adolescents with caries score of DMFT≥5 than in those with caries score of DMFT < 5. Salivary flow and buffer capacity were higher in boys than in girls. The logistic regression model applied showed that adolescents with a salivary flow rate < 1 ml per min were more likely to present caries [OR = 1.58 (CI95% 1.04-2.40); p = 0.033] than adolescents with a flow rate ≥ 1 ml per-min, and that, for each unit of increased pH, the probability of presenting caries reduced by 76% [OR = 0.24 (CI95% 0.10-0.55); p = 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Significant association was found in salivary flow rate, pH and buffer capacity in adolescents with caries (DMFT≥5). In addition to differences of these parameters by sex, the results suggest saliva parameters may act as indicators of caries in adolescents.

Marginalization and fluorosis its relationship with dental caries in rural children in Mexico: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Examine the association between marginalization and fluorosis with caries experience in Mexican rural children aged 8-12, in Oaxaca, Mexico. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 283 rural schoolchildren selected from two locations with high and medium levels of marginalization where the water fluoride concentration ranged from 2.0 to 2.5 ppm/F. Caries was evaluated using the DMFT index and dental fluorosis with the Thylstrup-Fejerskov Index (TFI). Socioeconomic data were collected from participants' parents, with data on the children's characteristics collected from them via a questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of caries was 72.4% (DMFT ≥1) in the permanent dentition. The prevalence of fluorosis was 98.0% (TFI ≥4=71.4%). 54.8% of the children brushed their teeth two or more times daily. In logistic regression children living in high levels of marginalization were more likely to present caries (OR=2.11, 95% CI 1.13 - 3.93) than children living in medium levels. Children with severe fluorosis (TFI ≥4) (OR=1.93, 95% CI 1.06 - 3.53) were more likely have caries than those with TFI ⟨3. CONCLUSION: Rural children with a high level of marginalization and fluorosis (TFI ≥4) were more likely to present caries. Poor oral hygiene and low dental service levels were found in both marginalized areas. Populations with medium/high marginalization are more susceptible to caries.

An inverse relationship between obesity and dental caries in Mexican schoolchildren: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between caries experience and obesity in Mexican schoolchildren aged 8-12 years. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. METHODS: This study was conducted on 522 schoolchildren selected from public schools. The prevalence of caries was evaluated by applying the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index and ascertaining the subjects' dental caries experience from the mean DMFT value. Socio-economic data were collected from the parents, with data on the children's characteristics collected from them via a questionnaire. Their weight and height were then measured and used to calculate their body mass index (BMI)-for-age Z-score, which was then adjusted by age and sex. RESULTS: The prevalence of caries was 79.9% (DMFT≥1) in permanent dentition. Of all children, 47.5% of them brushed their teeth two or more times per day, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 20.1% and 17.6%, respectively. The logistic regression model showed that children with obesity (a >2 Z-score on the BMI-for-age growth chart) were less likely to have dental caries (odds ratio [OR] = 0.53 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.31-0.89]; P = 0.017) than children without obesity, with schoolchildren who consume more sweets per day (OR = 1.65 [95% CI: 1.03-2.62]; P = 0.035) more likely to present caries than schoolchildren who consume fewer sweets per day. CONCLUSION: Children with obesity are less likely to present dental caries. Comprehensive strategies aimed at risk factors can be useful in controlling nutritional status and improving oral health.

[Comparison of the NINDS-AIREN and VASCOG criteria for the diagnosis of major vascular cognitive impairment in a memory clinic]. / Comparacion de los criterios NINDS-AIREN y VASCOG para el diagnostico de deterioro cognitivo vascular mayor en una clinica de memoria.

INTRODUCTION: Major vascular cognitive impairment has a high prevalence in elder population over 60 years old. Its diagnosis is complex, and there are multiple criteria with a high degree of heterogeneity between them. Validation studies of the VASCOG criteria are required, and comparison with the other groups of criteria available for the diagnosis of major vascular cognitive impairment. AIM: To compare NINDS-AIREN and VASCOG criteria to diagnose major vascular cognitive impairment in a memory clinic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An analytical transversal observational study was performed in elder adults who attended to university memory clinic for one year. Clinical records of patients were collected, verifying inclusion and exclusion criteria by applying NINDS-AIREN and VASCOG criteria. Subsequently cerebral magnetic resonance imaging results were assessed and yet again defined criteria were applied. RESULTS: Major vascular cognitive impairment diagnosis rate was greater by applying VASCOG criteria. Concordance between NINDS-AIREN and VASCOG criteria was very high (100%), with a substantial consistence level (kappa = 0.698) for a final diagnosis. Before performing a magnetic resonance imaging, concordance level was reduced (55.6%) with a substantial consistence level (kappa = 0.620). CONCLUSIONS: NINDS-AIREN and VASCOG criteria have a high consistence level for major vascular cognitive impairment diagnosis, with a moderate concordance level in clinical criteria, to different assessed domains. Depending on criteria used, diagnosis prevalence changes, being higher with VASCOG criteria.

TITLE: Comparacion de los criterios NINDS-AIREN y VASCOG para el diagnostico de deterioro cognitivo vascular mayor en una clinica de memoria.Introduccion. El deterioro cognitivo vascular mayor tiene una alta prevalencia en la poblacion mayor de 60 años. El diagnostico es complejo y existen multiples criterios con alto grado de heterogeneidad entre ellos. Se requieren estudios de validacion de los criterios VASCOG y la comparacion con los otros grupos de criterios disponibles para el diagnostico de deterioro cognitivo vascular mayor. Objetivo. Comparar los criterios NINDS-AIREN y VASCOG para el diagnostico de deterioro cognitivo vascular mayor en una clinica de memoria. Pacientes y metodos. Se realizo un estudio descriptivo observacional de corte transversal analitico en adultos mayores que asistieron a una clinica de memoria universitaria durante un año. Se recopilo la historia clinica de los pacientes, se verificaron los criterios de inclusion y exclusion y se aplicaron los criterios NINDS-AIREN y VASCOG. Posteriormente se evaluaron los resultados de la resonancia magnetica cerebral y se aplicaron nuevamente los criterios definidos. Resultados. La frecuencia de diagnostico de deterioro cognitivo vascular mayor fue mayor utilizando los criterios VASCOG. La concordancia entre los criterios NINDS-AIREN y VASCOG fue muy alta (100%), con un nivel de consistencia sustancial (kappa = 0,698) para un diagnostico definitivo. Antes de realizar la resonancia, el nivel de concordancia se redujo (55,6%), con un nivel de consistencia sustancial (kappa = 0,620). Conclusiones. Los criterios NINDS-AIREN y VASCOG tienen un alto nivel de consistencia para el diagnostico de deterioro cognitivo vascular mayor, con un nivel moderado de concordancia en los criterios clinicos. Dependiendo de los criterios utilizados, la prevalencia de diagnostico cambia y es mayor para los criterios VASCOG.

Transmitted drug-resistance in human immunodeficiency virus-infected adult population in El Salvador, Central America.

El Salvador harbours one of the largest Central American human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemics, but few studies have analysed it in depth. Here, we describe the presence of transmitted drug resistance (TDR) and HIV variants in the HIV-infected adult population in El Salvador. Dried blood spots from 119 HIV-infected antiretroviral-naive adults attended in El Salvador were collected in 2011. The TDR was assessed according to the list recommended by the WHO. HIV-1 variants were described using phylogeny. Pol sequences could be amplified in 88 patients (50.6% men), with a mean age of 35 years. Almost all (96.7%) were infected with HIV through sexual practice and 58.7% were recently diagnosed. The mean CD4(+) count was 474 cells/mm(3) and 43.1% and 15.5% of patients showed moderate (<500 CD4 cells) or severe (<200) immune suppression, respectively. HIV-1 viral load was >100 000 copies/mL in 24.7% of patients and <2000 copies/mL in 9.1%. Five samples (5.7%) harboured any TDR mutation: 2.3% for nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), and 1.4% for protease inhibitor (PI). All showed only one TDR single-class resistance mutation: M184I (two cases) for NRTI, K101E and K103N for NNRTI and L23I for PI. All viruses excepting one (URF_BG) belonged to subtype B. No phylogenetic TDR networks were found. In conclusion, we report a TDR prevalence of 5.7% in El Salvador, lower than in other Central American studies. Periodical studies are essential to monitor and prevent TDR emergence in low-income and middle-income regions. Also, more efforts are needed to promote early diagnosis and prevention of infection in El Salvador.

Biochemical characterization of two purified proteins of the IB-16 Bacillus thuringiensis strains and their toxicity against the sheep nematode Haemonchus contortus in vitro.

The aim of this study was to characterize the biochemical composition of two main IB-16 Bacillus thuringiensis proteins and to determine their toxicity on the blood-feeder nematode, Haemonchus contortus. The soluble toxin of IB-16 strain of B. thuringiensis produces five main bands of proteins, the chemical composition of which might play an important role on the lethal activity. Two bands of proteins around 25 and 70 kDa were chosen and purified by HPLC using a hydrogel column and sephadex-beads G-50. Biochemical analysis was carried out to determine enzyme and carbohydrate moieties on purified fractions of the 25 and 70 kDa proteins. In addition, in vitro assays were carried out using H. contortus histiotropic larvae (L(4)) and the purified fractions. Biochemical results showed only enzyme activity in the purified fraction of the 25 kDa protein using gelatine as the substrate. In contrast, carbohydrate moieties were only observed in the purified fraction of the 70 kDa protein. Moreover, IB-16 B. thuringiensis purified fractions of 70 and 25 kDa showed lethal activity of 67.1% and 17.3% of toxicity on H. contortus L(4), respectively.

[Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in Veracruz City, Mexico: a community-based survey]. / Prevalencia del síndrome de intestino irritable en población abierta de la ciudad de Veracruz, México.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is recognized as the most frequent functional digestive disorder around the world. In Latin America and Mexico there are few studies in order to demonstrate its real prevalence in general population. AIMS: To determine the prevalence of IBS in general population from Veracruz City Mexico, using the Rome II criteria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using basic information given by bureau for planning urban services from Veracruz country, a 10% random population sample was obtained. Subjects between 16-80 years old were interviewed using a questionnaire based on Rome II criteria and a visual analogous scale in order to estimate the negative effect of IBS symptoms on daily activities. RESULTS: We interviewed 459 subjects with a median age of 31.2 +/- 13.6 years old detecting 78 subjects (16.9%) with IBS symptoms: 25 males and 53 females (gender prevalence of 11.3% and 22.1%, respectively). 28.2% of them had IBS with diarrhea, 50% had IBS with constipation and 21.8% alternating bowel movements, diarrhea and constipation. Negative effect of IBS symptoms on daily activities was significant. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of IBS in open population was 16.9% according to Rome II criteria, being higher in those older than 35 years old. Constipation was the predominant pattern. Further studies should evaluate associated factors of these findings.

Nueva generación de stents, con polímero bio-compatible: resultados y seguimiento clínico / New generation of biocompatible polymer coated stents: immediate and follow-up results in 52 patients

Introducción: Una nueva generación de Stents medicados (DES) polímeros bio-compatibles no trombogénicos permitirían una rápida re-epitelización, reduciendo la inflamación y manteniendo la función endotelial de la pared vascular. Por lo tanto, no solo la droga anti-proliferativa del DES, determina la respuesta de la pared vascular sino que la biocompatibilidad del polímero también juega un rol fundamental. Objetivo: Evaluar el resultado intrahospitalario y seguimiento clínico de los pacientes sometidos a angioplastía coronaria electiva con un DES con polímero bio-compatible. Método: Se estudiaron 52 pacientes sometidos a angioplastía con DES, durante un período de seguimiento entre 3 y 15 meses (x 8.6 meses). Se evaluó, MACE definido como muerte, infarto miocárdico, cirugía urgencia, revascularización repetida de lesión objetivo (TLR), a los 30 días, 3, 6, 9 y 12 meses. Además se evaluó la trombosis del Stent, 0-30 días (precoz), 31-360 días (tardía), más de 361 días (muy tardía). Resultados: La edad promedio del grupo fue de 63.8 +/- 10.8 años, hipertensión arterial 71.15 por ciento, diabetes 17.3 por ciento, dislipidemia 50 por ciento, tabaquismo 28.8 por ciento. Un 65.3 por ciento de los pacientes tenían enfermedad de 2 o 3 vasos, con un 51.9 por ciento de compromiso de la arteria descendente anterior (ADA). El 61.2 por ciento de las lesiones eran lesiones B-2 o C (clasificación American Heart Association). Pre procedimiento el diámetro de referencia del vaso (RVD), fue de 3.0 +/- 0.6 mm, con un diámetro luminal mínimo (MLD) de 0.8 +/- 0.5 mm, un porcentaje de estenosis de 77.2 +/- 17.9 por ciento y el largo promedio de las lesiones fue de 14 +/- 8.3 mm. El éxito del dispositivo y del procedimiento fue de 98.1 por ciento. Durante el período de seguimiento el MACE fue 3.8 por ciento y no se registraron trombosis de stents. Conclusiones: Durante el período de estudio, se observó una tasa baja de MACE relacionado al procedimiento, sin trombosis...

Background: a new generation of drug-eluting stents (DES) coated with a non-thrombogenic and biocompatible polymer allows a fast re-epithelization, reducing inflammation and maintaining endothelial function of the vascular wall. Therefore, not only the anti-proliferative effect of the drug contained in DES determines the response of the vascular wall, but also the polymer biocompatibility seems to play a fundamental role. Aim: to evaluate the results and clinical follow up of patients submitted to elective coronary angioplasty using a biocompatible polymer coated DES. Method: 52 patients treated with DES were followed from 3 to 15 months (mean 8.6 months) after stent implantation. Overall MACE defined as, death, myocardial infarction, emergent cardiac surgery or repeat revascularization of the target lesion (TLR) was evaluated at 30 days, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Stent thrombosis was also evaluated at 0-30 days (early), 31-360 days (late), and more than 361 days (very late). Results: Mean age was 63.8 +/- 10.8 years; hypertension was present in 71.1 percent, diabetes in 17,3 percent, hyperlipidemia in 50 percent, and 28.8 percent were current smokers. Two or three vessel diseases were present in 65.3 percent of patients: lesions were present in the LAD in 51.9 percent. Lesions were classified as B-2 or C (according to American Heart Association) in 61.2 percent of cases. Pre procedure reference vessel diameter (RVD) was 3.0 +/- 0.6 mm, with a mi ni mu m luminal diameter (MLD) of 0.8 +/- 0.5 mm, percentage stenosis of 77.2 +/- 17.9 percent and lesion length averaged 14 +/- 8.3 mm. Both device and procedure success rates were 98.1 percent. During follow up MACE occurred in 3.8 percent and no stent thrombosis were registered. Conclusion: During the study period, the observed procedure related MACE rate was low, with no instances of probable, possible, or definitive stent thrombosis. The clinical results confirmed the good performance and security of...

The use of ozone during advanced primary treatment of wastewater for its reuse in agriculture: an approach to enhance coagulation, disinfection and crop productivities.

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect that ozone (O(3)) has on the advanced primary treatment (APT) and disinfection of wastewaters for their reuse in agriculture. The enhancement and optimization of APT was done by applying low O(3) doses during coagulation. By applying an ozone dose of 2 mg/L during APT, the required coagulant dose may be reduced by up to 25% to achieve a similar turbidity removal (and up to 50% for total suspended solids removal), when compared to a conventional APT treatment. When the same coagulant dose was applied (60 mg/L), the volume of settleable solids was reduced from 31.0 to 25.5 mL/L, and the settling velocity increased from 0.111 to 0.139 m/min. Disinfection was also improved by the use of ozone, which leads to better plant germination rates than when using chlorination, because of reduced toxicity of the ozonated effluents. Additionally, helminth eggs content was reduced by applying ozone.

Cirugía mínimamente invasiva: promontofijación laparoscópica con malla y anclaje de titanio para prolapso de cúpula vaginal / Minimally invasive surgery: laparoscopic promontofixation with mesh and titanium anchor for vaginal vault prolapse

OBJETIVO: Analizar y evaluar la factibilidad técnica, eficacia y seguridad de la promontofijación laparoscópica con malla y anclajes helicoidales de titanio para el tratamiento del prolapso de cúpula vaginal. MÉTODO: Entre noviembre de 2005 y julio de 2006, en el Servicio de Ginecología del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica, se efectuaron 5 promontofijaciones laparoscópicas, utilizando técnica consistente en malla unida al promontorio del sacro con anclajes helicoidales de titanio. El rango de edad de las pacientes fue entre 46 y 65 años, con paridad vaginal entre 2 y 3. RESULTADOS: La técnica quirúrgica logró corregir el defecto en las 5 pacientes. No hubo complicaciones intraoperatorias, ni post operatorias, con rápida recuperación y reintegración a las actividades habituales. CONCLUSIONES: Nos enfrentamos a una novedosa técnica, segura y reproducible, con las ventajas de la laparoscopia, alta precoz y estéticamente óptima.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and evaluate the technical feasibility, effectiveness and security of the laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with mesh and helical titanium anchorages for the treatment of vaginal vault prolapse. METHOD: Between November 2005 and July 2006, five laparoscopic sacrocolpopexies, using this technique, took place in the Gynecology Service of the Clinical Hospital of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, consisting of mesh joined to the sacro promontory with helical titanium anchorages. The age of the patients was between 46 and 65 years, with vaginal parity between 2 and 3. RESULTS: In all patients the surgical technique corrects the defect. There were no interoperating or postoperating complications, with a prompt recovery and reintegration to usual activities. CONCLUSIONS: We face a novel, safe and reproducible technique, with the advantages of the laparoscopy, early leave hospital and esthetically optimum.

Natural radioactivity in groundwater and estimates of committed effective dose due to water ingestion in the state of Chihuahua (Mexico).

The activity concentration of 222Rn, 226Ra and total uranium in groundwater samples collected from wells distributed throughout the state of Chihuahua has been measured. The values obtained of total uranium activity concentration in groundwater throughout the state run from <0.03 up to 1.34 Bq l-1. Generally, radium activity concentration was <0.16 Bq l-1, with some exceptions; in spring water of San Diego de Alcalá, in contrast, the value reached approximately 5.3 Bq l-1. Radon activity concentration obtained throughout the state was from 1.0 to 39.8 Bq l-1. A linear correlation between uranium and radon dissolved in groundwater of individual wells was observed near Chihuahua City. Committed effective dose estimates for reference individuals were performed, with results as high as 134 microSv for infants in Aldama city. In Aldama and Chihuahua cities the average and many individual wells showed activity concentration values of uranium exceeding the Mexican norm of drinking water quality.

Evaluation of phytotoxic elements, trace elements and nutrients in a standardized crop plant, irrigated with raw wastewater treated by APT and ozone.

This project studied the benefits of applying Advanced Primary Treatment (APT) and ozone (O3) to raw wastewater destined for reuse in agriculture. The ozone was applied directly to raw wastewater, as well as to wastewater already treated with APT, and the results compared against a control sample of potable water. The experimental conditions that reported the best results was wastewater treated with O3 (at a dose of 4.8 mg/L, at pH 7, temperature 23 degrees C, for 1 hr), given that it met standards in force in Mexico with regard to micro-organism and heavy metal content. Under these conditions, after 15 min of ozonation, 100% destruction of the following bacteria was observed: V. cholerae, S. typhi as well as total and faecal coliforms. Destruction of helminth eggs and Giardia sp. took one hour. No phytotoxic elements or heavy metals were found. The balance of nutrients N:P:K (300:100:200 mg/kg) required for lettuce growth, was found in wastewater subjected to both treatment plans. However, ozone favoured the nitrification and assimilation of the nutrients, by contributing oxygen to the soil. Therefore, these conditions produced the greatest lettuce growth, the entire plant averaging 38 cm in length and 125 g. in weight. Moreover, a better appearance of the leaves was also noted.

Increased mast cell density and protease content in actinic cheilitis.

BACKGROUND: Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a pre-malignant lesion caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation and characterized by epithelial and connective tissue alterations. Mast cells (MCs), key contributors to solar elastosis in murine UV-irradiated skin, were characterized in order to assess their potential contribution to connective tissue degeneration in AC. METHODS: Actinic cheilitis (n = 15) and normal lip (n = 8) biopsies were stained immunohistochemically for tryptase and enzymehistochemically for chymase to determine MC density and protease content. MC subpopulations (i.e. MC(T) containing only tryptase, and MC(TC) containing chymase and tryptase) and their distribution were also determined. RESULTS: Mast cells and their proteases were increased in AC as compared with normal lip (P < 0.0001), and appeared degranulated especially around elastotic areas. MC(T) predominated over MC(TC) in AC and normal lip (P < 0.05). However, in AC MC(T) were increased in the epithelium/connective junction and connective area (P < 0.05), while in normal lip MC(T) predominated in connective and submucosal areas (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that increased MC density and protease content may contribute to elastosis formation in AC. In addition, changes in MC(T) distribution may favor AC malignization.

The design of a new insert for calibration of LDR and HDR 192Ir sources in a well-type ionization chamber.

Some well-type ionization chambers, present a very small sweet spot that are sufficient for small HDR sources. However, if a longer HDR source or LDR wires are calibrated, the positional uncertainty increases and an approximated correction factor must be applied, resulting in an increased uncertainty. One of the ways to avoid this problem would be to flatten the well chamber response by increasing its sweet spot region. This work uses the Monte Carlo code PENELOPE to simulate the response of a well-type chamber HDR-1000, with its original insert, by using an HDR 192Ir source and proposes a new insert design that increases its flatness region from 1.0 cm to approximately 4.0 cm (+/- 2.0 cm about the peak response).

Effect of electrical stimulation of the baso-lateral amygdala nucleus on defensive burying shock probe test and elevated plus maze in rats.

In the present report, the putative effect of a single electrical stimulation (75, 150 or 300 microA) to the baso-lateral amygdala (BLA) nucleus was assessed in shock probe defensive burying behavior test (DB) and elevated plus maze (EPM). These models have been used for measuring anxiety levels and screening putative anxiolytic compounds. A group of 28 rats were randomly divided for the following experimental conditions: Control-control, sham-operated, BLA stimulated groups: 75, 150 and 300 microA tested for DB. The cumulative defensive burying in a 15 min-test, the latency of burying, the number of shock received and the height of the bedding material in the probe were recorded. Another group of 28 individuals was also randomly distributed for the following experimental conditions: Control-control, sham-operated, BLA stimulated animals: 75, 150, 300 microA and tested in the EPM. The time the subjects spent in the open arms, the crosses and the faeces number excreted during the test were recorded. Decreased levels of defensive burying were observed in 75, 150 and 300 microA stimulated groups. The 150 and 300 microA groups reached statistical significance. The fact that 300 microA stimulated group showed statistically significant increase in the latency of defensive burying, in the number of shock received and decreased amount in bedding material suggests a sedative action of electrical stimulation. Increased time in the open arms and augmented number of crossings in 150 microA group was observed. No changes in the number of faeces were observed in any group. The evidence supported the notion of an inhibitory amygdaline mechanism triggered by sub-threshold electrical stimulation.

Reconstruction of the Leaves of Two New Species of Pseudosmodingium (Anacardiaceae) from Oligocene Strata of Puebla, Mexico.

Leaves of two new plants are reconstructed from their isolated leaflets collected from the Oligocene Los Ahuehuetes locality near Tepexi de Rodríguez in Puebla, Mexico. The leaves of Pseudosmodingium mirandae Ramírez-Garduño et al. are compound imparipinnate with leaflets of variable morphology. The leaflets of five leaf morphotypes vary from narrow elliptic to lanceolate or lorate; they are symmetrical to slightly asymmetrical, with acute to attenuate apex, acute to cuneate base, and entire to serrate margin. Venation is simple pinnate craspedodromous, with secondary veins slightly curved near their base; secondary veins may dichotomize near the margin to become tertiary veins, and intersecondary veins are small and oblique to the secondary veins. A small number of leaflets assigned to Pseudosmodingium terrazasiae Ramírez-Garduño et al. are distinguished from P. mirandae by the leaflet shape, length&rcolon;width ratio, base shape, and apex angle. Morphological comparison of the fossil leaves with leaves of extant species of Anacardiaceae based on numerical analyses indicates a close similarity between P. mirandae and Pseudosmodingium multifolium Rose, while P. terrazasiae is more similar to Pseudosmodingium perniciosum (HBK) Engl. The presence of fossil species with extant relatives that are endemic to Mexico, along with previous reports, indicates that by the Oligocene, some lineages were already in place, although today they form part of the more xeric communities in southern North America.

Tiroiditis subaguda y supuración tiroidea concomitante en 1 caso / Subacute thyroiditis and concomitant thyroidal abscedation in 1 case

We report a 41 years old man adnitted with tender goiter, fever, thyrotoxic manifestations and atrial fibrillation. Laboratory confirmed the diagnosis of subacute thyroiditis and treatment with aspirin and propanolol was started, obtaining a rapid relief of symptoms and normalization of heart rate. On the 10th day after admission, severe dysfagia, dysphonia, irritative cough and further enlargement of the neck mass developed. Fine needle aspiration of the mass and thyroid ultrasound lead to the diagnosis of a thyroidal abscess, which was surgically excised, draining 250 ml of purulent material. Cultures were positive for Staphylococcus aureus. Patient was treated during 21 with cloxacilyn and discharged with normal thyroid function. Long term follow-up has been uneventful