Collagen-polyurethane-dextran hydrogels enhance wound healing by inhibiting inflammation and promoting collagen fibrillogenesis.

Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious complication of uncontrolled diabetes, emphasizing the need to develop wound healing strategies that are not only effective but also biocompatible, biodegradable, and safe. We aimed to create biomatrices composed of semi-interpenetrated polymer networks of collagen, polyurethane, and dextran, to enhance the wound healing process. The hydrogels were extensively characterized by various analytical techniques, including analysis of their structure, crystallinity, thermal properties, gelation process, reticulation, degradation, cell proliferation, and healing properties, among others. Semi-interpenetrated hydrogels containing dextran at levels of 10%, 20%, and 30% exhibited porous interconnections between collagen fibers and entrapped dextran granules, with a remarkable crosslinking index of up to 94% promoted by hydrogen bonds. These hydrogels showed significant improvements in mechanical properties, swelling, and resistance to proteolytic and hydrolytic degradation. After 24 h, there was a significant increase in the viability of several cell types, including RAW 264.7 cells, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and dermal fibroblasts. In addition, these hydrogels demonstrated an increased release of interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-beta1 while inhibiting the release of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha after 72 h. Furthermore, these hydrogels accelerated the wound healing process in diabetic rats after topical application. Notably, the biomaterial with 20% dextran (D20) facilitated wound closure in only 21 days. These results highlight the potential of the D20 hydrogel, which exhibits physicochemical and biological properties that enhance wound healing by inhibiting inflammation and fibrillogenesis while remaining safe for application to the skin.

Torque Teno Virus (TTV) in Renal Transplant Recipients: Species Diversity and Variability.

Torque Teno Virus (TTV) is a nonpathogenic and ubiquitous ssDNA virus, a member of the Anelloviridae family. TTV has been postulated as a biomarker in transplant patients. This study aimed to determine the TTV species diversity and variability in renal transplant recipients and to associate species diversity with the corresponding TTV viral load. From 27 recipients, 30 plasma samples were selected. Viral load was determined using two real-time PCR assays, followed by RCA-NGS and ORF1 phylogenetic analysis. The TTV diversity was determined in all samples. Variability was determined in three patients with two sequential samples (pre- and post-transplantation). Most of the samples presented multiple TTV species, up to 15 different species were detected. In the pre-transplant samples (n = 12), the most prevalent species were TTV3 (75%) and TTV13 (75%), and the median number of species per sample was 5 (IQR: 4-7.5). TTV3 was also the most prevalent (56%) in the post-transplant samples (n = 18), and the median number of species was 2 (IQR: 1.8-5.5). No significant correlation between the number of species and viral load was found. The number and type of TTV species showed total variability over time. We report high TTV species diversity in Argentinian recipients, especially in pre-transplant period, with total intra-host variability. However, we found no significant correlation between this high diversity and TTV viral load.

Pd:In-Doped TiO2 as a Bifunctional Catalyst for the Photoelectrochemical Oxidation of Paracetamol and Simultaneous Green Hydrogen Production.

The integration of clean energy generation with wastewater treatment holds promise for addressing both environmental and energy concerns. Focusing on photocatalytic hydrogen production and wastewater treatment, this study introduces PdIn/TiO2 catalysts for the simultaneous removal of the pharmaceutical contaminant paracetamol (PTM) and hydrogen production. Physicochemical characterization showed a high distribution of Pd and In on the support as well as a high interaction with it. The Pd and In deposition enhance the light absorption capability and significantly improve the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in the absence and presence of paracetamol compared to TiO2. On the other hand, the photoelectroxidation of PTM at TiO2 and PdIn/TiO2 follows the full mineralization path and, accordingly, is limited by the adsorption of intermediate species on the electrode surface. Thus, PdIn-doped TiO2 stands out as a promising photoelectrocatalyst, showcasing enhanced physicochemical properties and superior photoelectrocatalytic performance. This underscores its potential for both environmental remediation and sustainable hydrogen production.

Methemoglobinemia in Hemodialysis Patients due to Acute Chlorine Intoxication: A Case Series Calling Attention on an Old Problem.

INTRODUCTION: Hemodialysis uses municipal water that must be strictly purified and sterilized to be used for that procedure. Large amounts of decontaminants are often used, such as chlorine, and if these compounds are not subsequently removed they can be transferred to the blood of patients causing complications including methemoglobinemia. METHODS: In this case series study, dialysis patients in one unit were evaluated. We reviewed clinical characteristics and laboratory findings obtained on the day when the water supply was disinfected with chlorine, with the aim to quantify methemoglobin concentrations. Our objective was to characterize the clinical presentation and management of patients who presented with methemoglobinemia on a specific index day. We also reviewed reported cases in the literature regarding this underreported complication. RESULTS: Eight patients who presented with chlorine intoxication were evaluated. The methemoglobin concentrations were between 1.3% and 7.9% (reference value 0-1%). We believe this to be caused by water containing 0.78 mg/L of total chlorine. Seven patients presented with cyanosis, 4 with dizziness, 6 with dark brown blood, 4 with dyspnea, and 4 with headache and hemolytic anemia. Subjects were treated with supplemental oxygen, methylene blue, intravenous vitamin C, blood transfusions, and increased doses of erythropoietin. No patient died, and all continued with their usual hemodialysis sessions. CONCLUSION: Acute chlorine intoxication transferred by the water used during hemodialysis sessions can present with methemoglobinemia accompanied by cyanosis, oxygen desaturation, and hemolytic anemia. Chlorine levels should be carefully monitored in the water used for hemodialysis treatment.

Hyperbilirubinemia Among Infants Born Preterm: Peak Levels and Association with Neurodevelopmental Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the distribution of peak bilirubin levels among infants born before 29 weeks of gestation in the first 14 days of life and to study the association between quartiles of peak bilirubin levels at different gestational ages and neurodevelopmental outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter, retrospective, nationwide cohort study of neonatal intensive care units in the Canadian Neonatal Network and Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network, including neonates born preterm at 220/7 to 286/7 weeks of gestation born between 2010 and 2018. Peak bilirubin levels were recorded during the first 14 days of age. Main outcome was significant neurodevelopmental impairment, defined as cerebral palsy with Gross Motor Function Classification System ≥3, or Bayley III-IV scores of <70 in any domain, or visual impairment, or bilateral hearing loss requiring hearing aids. RESULTS: Among 12 554 included newborns, median gestational age was 26 weeks (IQR 25-28) and birth weight was 920 g (IQR 750-1105 g). The median peak bilirubin values increased as gestational age increased (112 mmol/L [6.5 mg/dL] at 22 weeks and 156 mmol/L [9.1 mg/dL] at 28 weeks). Significant neurodevelopmental impairment was identified in 1116 of 6638 (16.8%) of children. Multivariable analyses identified an association between peak bilirubin in the highest quartile and neurodevelopmental impairment (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.01-1.60) and receipt of hearing aid/cochlear implant (aOR 3.97, 95%CI: 2.01-7.82) compared with the lowest quartile. CONCLUSION: In this multicenter cohort study, peak bilirubin levels in neonates of <29 weeks of gestation increased with gestational age. Peak bilirubin values in the highest gestational age-specific quartile were associated with significant neurodevelopmental and hearing impairments.

Development and Control of a Real Spherical Robot.

This paper presents the design and implementation of a spherical robot with an internal mechanism based on a pendulum. The design is based on significant improvements made, including an electronics upgrade, to a previous robot prototype developed in our laboratory. Such modifications do not significantly impact its corresponding simulation model previously developed in CoppeliaSim, so it can be used with minor modifications. The robot is incorporated into a real test platform designed and built for this purpose. As part of the incorporation of the robot into the platform, software codes are made to detect its position and orientation, using the system SwisTrack, to control its position and speed. This implementation allows successful testing of control algorithms previously developed by the authors for other robots such as Villela, the Integral Proportional Controller, and Reinforcement Learning.

Evaluación renal y multiorgánica en el paciente con encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica / Renal and multiorgan evaluation in infants with post-asphyxial hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy

Resumen Introducción: La encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica (EHI) moderada-grave secundaria a asfixia perinatal puede afectar a cualquier órgano, empeorando el pronóstico. Objetivo: Evaluar la afectación renal y multiorgánica de estos pacientes. Material y método: Se incluyó a recién nacidos > 35 semanas con EHI moderada-grave tratados con hipotermia activa entre 2010 y 2020. Se evaluó la creatinina en tres periodos: 48-72 horas de vida, entre el 3.o y 7.o día de vida y del 7.o al 28.o día de vida. Resultados: Se incluyeron 135 pacientes: 112 con EHI moderada y 23 con EHI grave. Al comparar ambos grupos, se obtuvieron diferencias significativas a las 48-72 horas y entre 3.o-7.o día de vida. No hubo diferencias al comparar el método de hipotermia. Los pacientes con EHI grave presentaron mayor afectación hemodinámica, respiratoria y hepática. Conclusiones: Neonatos con EHI grave presentan aumento de los niveles de creatinina sérica y mayor afectación multiorgánica respecto a aquellos con EHI moderada.

Abstract Background: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) secondary to perinatal asphyxia can affect any organ, worsening the prognosis. Objective: To describe renal and multiorgan involvement in moderate-severe HIE. Material and method: Newborns > 35 weeks diagnosed with moderate-severe HIE who required active hypothermia between 2010-2020 were included. To assess renal involvement, serum creatinine was measured in three different periods: at 48-72 hours, between the 3rd and the 7th day, and from the 7th to the 28th day. Results: A total of 135 patients were included, 112 (83%) with moderate and 23 (17%) with severe HIE. Significant differences were obtained when comparing median creatinine levels at 48-72 hours and between 3-7 days in both groups. There were no differences in creatinine according to the hypothermia method. Patients with severe HIE presented greater hemodynamic, respiratory, and hepatic involvement. Conclusions: Neonates with severe HIE present increased serum creatinine levels and greater multi-organ involvement than those with moderate HIE.

Improved charge-transfer resonance in graphene oxide/ZrO2 substrates for plasmonic-free SERS determination of methyl parathion.

This work reports a sensitive SERS substrate based on graphene oxide (GO) and quantum-sized ZrO2 nanoparticles (GO/ZrO2) for label-free determination of the organophosphate pesticide methyl parathion (MP). The enhanced light-matter interactions and the consequent SERS effect in these substrates resulted from the effective charge transfer (CT) mechanism attributed to synergistic contributions of three main factors: i) the strong molecular adherence of the MP molecules and the ZrO2 surface which allows the first layer-effect, ii) the relatively abundant surface defects in low dimensional ZrO2 semiconductor NPs, which act as intermediate electronic states that reduce the large bandgap barrier, and iii) the hindered charge recombination derived from the transference of the photoinduced holes to the GO layer. This mechanism allowed an enhancement factor of 8.78 × 104 for GO/ZrO2-based substrates, which is more than 5-fold higher than the enhancement observed for platforms without GO. A detection limit of 0.12 µM was achieved with an outstanding repeatability (variation ≤4.5%) and a linear range up to 10 µM, which is sensitive enough to determine the maximal MP concentration permissible in drinking water according to international regulations. Furthermore, recovery rates between 97.4 and 102.1% were determined in irrigation water runoffs, strawberry and black tea extracts, demonstrating the reliability of the hybrid GO/ZrO2 substrate for the organophosphate pesticides quantification in samples related to agri-food sectors and environmental monitoring.

Modeling and Control of a Spherical Robot in the CoppeliaSim Simulator.

This article presents the development of a model of a spherical robot that rolls to move and has a single point of support with the surface. The model was developed in the CoppeliaSim simulator, which is a versatile tool for implementing this kind of experience. The model was tested under several scenarios and control goals (i.e., position control, path-following and formation control) with control strategies such as reinforcement learning, and Villela and IPC algorithms. The results of these approaches were compared using performance indexes to analyze the performance of the model under different scenarios. The model and examples with different control scenarios are available online.

Poly(allylamine)-copper(II) coordination complex grafted on core@shell upconversion nanoparticles for ultrafast and sensitive determination of the phytohormone salicylic acid in plant extracts.

Salicylic acid (SA) is a phenolic phytohormone with critical roles in plant growth regulation and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. Since low SA concentrations can modulate many plant biochemical responses, innovative analytical tools are required to deeply understand its activity and to control its exogenous application in modern agricultural systems. Herein, a NIR-activated composite based on NaYF4:Yb,Er@NaYF4 core@shell upconversion nanoparticles decorated with the poly(allylamine)-Cu(II) complex [UCNPs-PAAm-Cu(II)] was developed to sensitively determine the SA molecule in plant-derived samples. Accordingly, the PAAm-Cu(II) complex grafted on the UCNPs induces a strategic charge transfer band which triggers a quenching process through a resonance energy transfer (RET) mechanism. Such process is gradually deactivated upon the addition of SA and the consequent formation of the SA-Cu(II) complex, allowing a luminescence recovery in the 1-800 nM linear range. This mechanism is promoted by the strong stability of the SA-Cu(II) complex (log ß2-SA/Cu = 19.01) which is over twelve orders of magnitude stronger than the PAAm-Cu2+ counterpart. Furthermore, the equilibrium and kinetic studies on the involved mononuclear Cu2+ complexes formation permitted instantaneous analytical responses and excellent selectivity against other representative phytohormones and metallic cations. The reliability of this method was demonstrated by determining the SA content of some edible fruits and vegetables comprising apple, lemon, kiwi, tomato, and cucumber, whose concentrations ranged from 0.30 to 2.99 µg g-1, with percent recoveries between 94.6 to 102.3%. Thereby, the reported nanocomplex can help to understand the SA activity in plants with significant applications in crop yield improvement and food quality assessment.

Apexificación en una cita utilizando material biocerámico como tapón apical / Apexification in a single appointment using a bioceramic material as an apical plug

El objetivo fue realizar una técnica de apexificación en una cita, evaluando clínica y radiográficamente la formación de barrera dura apical, con seguimiento a nueve meses, al utilizar material biocerámico en dien-tes permanentes jóvenes. Se trataron 30 incisivos su-periores permanentes con ápice abierto y anteceden-tes de trauma, en pacientes de ambos géneros y 18-40 años. Las piezas (n=30) se dividieron en dos grupos (n=15). Grupo experimental: tratamiento de apexifica-ción con EndoSequence Root Repair Material (EERR), y grupo control: tratamiento con impresión apical. Se determinaron distribuciones de frecuencias y esta-dísticas descriptivas para cada variable, según es-cala de medición y distribución. Se realizaron IC 95%, test de Chi cuadrado con cálculo de residuos estan-darizados ajustados y test de Fisher. Se fijó nivel de significación p=0.05. Las diferencias de manifestacio-nes preoperatorias y postoperatorias según grupo fueron no significativas (p Fisher = 0.9140) y (p Fisher = 0.992), respectivamente. No se hallaron diferencias entre proporciones de hallazgos radiológicos preope-ratorios según grupo. Medidas trimestralmente, no hubo diferencias significativas entre proporciones de piezas con continuidad de cortical ósea y radiolucidez periapical postoperatoria según grupo, (p Fisher = 0.7780) y (p Fisher = 0.7909), respectivamente. Debi-do la escasa cantidad de trabajos que reportan el uso de EERR para esta técnica, se requiere de nuevos en-sayos clínicos con tamaños muestrales amplios, para compararlo con otros materiales y técnicas, y deter-minar si su tasa de éxito a largo plazo es mayor que a de los materiales y técnicas usadas actualmente (AU)

To perform apexification technique in one appointment, clinically and radiographically evaluating the formation of apical hard barrier, with follow-up at nine months, when using bioceramic material in young permanent teeth. Materials and methods: 30 permanent upper incisors with open apex and history of trauma were treated, in patients of both genders and 18-40 years of ages. The teeth (n=30) were divided into two groups (n=15). Experimental group: apexification treatment was performed with EndoSequence Root Repair Material (EERR), control group: treatment with apical impression. Frequency distributions and descriptive statistics were determined for each variable according to scale of measurement and distribution. 95% CI, Chi-square test with calculation of adjusted standardized residuals and Fisher's test were performed. The level of significance p=0.05 was set. The differences in preoperative and postoperative manifestations according to group were not statistically significant (Fisher's p = 0.9140) and (Fisher's p = 0.992), respectively. No differences were found between proportions of preoperative radiological findings according to group. Measured quarterly, there were no significant differences between proportions of teeth with bone cortical continuity and with postoperative periapical radiolucency according to group, (p Fisher = 0.7780) and (p Fisher = 0.7909), respectively. Due to the small number of works that report its use for this technique, is necessary to carry out new clinical trials with larger sample sizes, to compare it with other materials and techniques, and determine if its success rate in the long term is greater than that of currently used materials and techniques (AU)

Parálisis diafragmática asociada al bloqueo interescalénico en cirugía de hombro: la utilidad de la ecografía diafragmática como herramienta diagnóstica / Phrenic paresis associated with interscalene block in shoulder surgery. Utility of diaphragm ultrasound examination

Introducción: El bloqueo interescalénico se utiliza de forma estandarizada durante la cirugía mayor de hombro, sin embargo, ninguna técnica realizada por encima de la clavícula ha demostrado reducir la tasa de bloqueo del nervio frénico por debajo del 20%. El interés en buscar una prueba diagnóstica que permita identificar la afectación del nervio frénico ha ido en incremento en los últimos años y varias han sido las pruebas diagnósticas empleadas. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la utilidad clínica del ultrasonido para identificar la parálisis hemidiafragmática posterior al bloqueo interescalénico para la cirugía de hombro.Materiales y métodos: estudio diagnóstico observacional prospectivo en treinta y tres pacientes programados para cirugía de hombro. Se les realizó una espirometría forzada y se evaluó el grosor del músculo diafragma. Estas determinaciones se realizaron antes y a los veinte minutos de realizar el bloqueo interescalénico.Resultados: el total de los pacientes estudiados (100%) presentó bloqueo del nervio frénico según uno o los dos métodos utilizados en este estudio para su diagnóstico. Todos los pacientes presentaron variaciones en la ratio del grosor diafragmático en el lado del bloqueo frénico por debajo de 1.2.Conclusión: la exploración ecográfica del diafragma es una gran herramienta para la examinación de una víscera cuya alteración implica graves trastornos en el paciente crítico, a su vez el índice del grosor diafragmático <1.2 puede ser de utilidad en el diagnóstico de paresia frénica asociada al bloqueo del plexo braquial a nivel interescalénico. Tipo de Estudio: Diagnóstico prospectivo. Nivel de Evidencia: II

Introduction: the interscalene block is used in a standardized way during major shoulder surgery, however, no technique performed above the clavicle has been shown to reduce the rate of phrenic nerve block below 20%. The interest for a diagnostic test to allows identifying the involvement of the phrenic nerve has been increasing in recent years and several diagnostic tests have been used. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the clinical utility of ultrasound to identify hemidiaphragmatic paralysis after interscalene block for shoulder surgery.Materials and methods: prospective observational diagnostic study in thirty-three patients scheduled for shoulder surgery. A forced spirometry was performed and the thickness of the diaphragm muscle was evaluated with ultrasound. These determinations were made before and twenty minutes after performing the interscalene block.Results: all the patients studied (100%) presented phrenic nerve block according to one or the two methods used in this study for its diagnosis. All patients presented variations in the diaphragm thickness ratio on the side of the phrenic block below 1.2.Conclusion: the ultrasound examination of the diaphragm is a great tool for the examination of a viscera whose alteration implies serious disorders in the critical patient, in turn, the diaphragm thickness index <1.2 can be useful in the diagnosis of phrenic paresis associated with interscalene brachial plexus block. Level of Evidence: II

Estudio comparativo de los tiempos registrados por los instrumentos TruNatomy y ProTaper Next para alcanzar la longitud de trabajo en conductos curvos simulados obturados con GuttaCore / Comparative study of the times recorded by the TruNatomy and ProTaper Next instruments to reach the working length in simulated curved canals filled with GuttaCore

Objetivo: Comparar el tiempo empleado por los instrumen- tos TruNatomy Medium y ProTaper Next X3 para penetrar hasta la longitud de trabajo la masa de obturaciones realizadas con Gut- taCore Primary y sellador en conductos curvos simulados. Materiales y métodos: Se prepararon 20 conductos curvos simulados con instrumentos rotatorios WaveOne Gold Primary y se obturaron con GuttaCore Primary y AH Plus. Las muestras fueron divididas en dos grupos de 10 cada uno. Grupo 1: El material de obturación fue penetrado hasta la lon- gitud de trabajo con instrumentos TruNatomy Medium. Gru- po 2: El material de obturación fue penetrado hasta la longitud de trabajo con instrumentos ProTaper Next X3. Se registraron los tiempos de penetración requeridos para cada grupo y los valores obtenidos fueron analizados mediante la prueba t de Student. Resultados: Los instrumentos ProTaper Next X3 pe- netraron la masa del material de obturación más rápidamente que los instrumentos TruNatomy MediumTM. Las diferencias observadas entre ambos instrumentos fueron estadísticamente significativas (P <0.01). Conclusión: Si bien los instrumentos ProTaper Next X3 y TruNatomy MediumTM penetraron la masa de Gutta- Core Primary de manera eficiente, ProTaper Next X3 penetró hasta la longitud de trabajo más rápidamente (AU)

Aim: Compare the time required by the instruments TruNatomy Medium and ProTaper Next X3 to penetrate up to the working length the mass of fillings made with GuttaCore Primary and sealant in simulated curved canals. Materials and methods: The simulated canals of 20 EndoTraining Blocks were prepared with WaveOne Gold Pri- mary and obturated with GuttaCore Primary and AH Plus. The sample was divided into two groups of 10 each. Group 1: The sealing material was penetrated up to working length with TruNatomy Medium. Group 2: The sealing material was penetrated up to working length with ProTaper Next X3. The penetration time was recorded in each group and the obtained values were statistically analyzed with the Student's t test. Results: ProTaper Next X3 instruments penetrated the sealing material mass faster than TruNatomy Medium. Statis- tically significant differences were observed between the two instruments (P <0.01). Conclusion: While the ProTaper Next X3 and TruNat- omy Medium penetrated the GuttaCore mass to the working length efficiently, the ProTaper Next X3 did it in less time (AU)

Electrokinetic elucidation of the interactions between persistent luminescent nanoprobes and the binary apolipoprotein-E/albumin protein system.

The affinity between functional nanoparticles (NPs) and proteins could determine the efficacy of nanoprobes, nanosensors, nanocarriers, and many other devices for biomedical applications. Therefore, it is necessary to develop analytical strategies to accurately evaluate the magnitude of these protein corona interactions in physiological media. In this work, different electrokinetic strategies were implemented to accurately determine the interactions between PEGylated ZnGa1.995Cr0.005O4 persistent luminescent NPs (ZGO-PEG) and two important serum proteins: human serum albumin (HSA), the most abundant serum protein, and apolipoprotein-E (ApoE), associated with the active transport of NPs through the blood-brain barrier. Firstly, the injection of ZGO-PEG in a background electrolyte (BGE) containing individual proteins allowed an affinity study to separately characterize each NP-protein system. Then, the same procedure was applied in a buffer containing a mixture of the two proteins at different molar ratios. Finally, the NPs were pre-incubated with one protein and thereafter electrokinetically separated in a BGE containing the second protein. These analytical strategies revealed the mechanisms (comparative, cooperative or competitive systems) and the magnitude of their interactions, resulting in all cases in notably higher affinity and stability between ZGO-PEG and ApoE (Ka = 1.96 ± 0.25 × 1010 M-M) compared to HSA (Ka = 4.60 ± 0.41 × 106 M-M). For the first time, the inter-protein ApoE/HSA interactions with ZGO-PEG were also demonstrated, highlighting the formation of a ternary ZGO-PEG/ApoE/HSA nanocomplex. These results open the way for a deeper understanding of the protein corona formation, and the development of versatile optical imaging applications for ZGO-PEG and other systemically delivered nanoprobes ideally vectorized to the brain.

Effective Feature Selection Method for Class-Imbalance Datasets Applied to Chemical Toxicity Prediction.

During the drug development process, it is common to carry out toxicity tests and adverse effect studies, which are essential to guarantee patient safety and the success of the research. The use of in silico quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) approaches for this task involves processing a huge amount of data that, in many cases, have an imbalanced distribution of active and inactive samples. This is usually termed the class-imbalance problem and may have a significant negative effect on the performance of the learned models. The performance of feature selection (FS) for QSAR models is usually damaged by the class-imbalance nature of the involved datasets. This paper proposes the use of an FS method focused on dealing with the class-imbalance problems. The method is based on the use of FS ensembles constructed by boosting and using two well-known FS methods, fast clustering-based FS and the fast correlation-based filter. The experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposal in terms of the classification performance compared to standard methods. The proposal can be extended to other FS methods and applied to other problems in cheminformatics.

Maximum common property: a new approach for molecular similarity.

The maximum common property similarity (MCPhd) method is presented using descriptors as a new approach to determine the similarity between two chemical compounds or molecular graphs. This method uses the concept of maximum common property arising from the concept of maximum common substructure and is based on the electrotopographic state index for atoms. A new algorithm to quantify the similarity values of chemical structures based on the presented maximum common property concept is also developed in this paper. To verify the validity of this approach, the similarity of a sample of compounds with antimalarial activity is calculated and compared with the results obtained by four different similarity methods: the small molecule subgraph detector (SMSD), molecular fingerprint based (OBabel_FP2), ISIDA descriptors and shape-feature similarity (SHAFTS). The results obtained by the MCPhd method differ significantly from those obtained by the compared methods, improving the quantification of the similarity. A major advantage of the proposed method is that it helps to understand the analogy or proximity between physicochemical properties of the molecular fragments or subgraphs compared with the biological response or biological activity. In this new approach, more than one property can be potentially used. The method can be considered a hybrid procedure because it combines descriptor and the fragment approaches.

TruNatomy: ¿un nuevo instrumento o un concepto diferente? / TruNatomy: a new instrument or a different concept?

La alta incidencia de fracturas dentarias producidas a distancia del tratamiento endodóntico ha llevado a desarrollar cambios en los procedimientos operatorios, con el objeto de conservar la mayor cantidad de estructura dentaria durante la terapia de conductos radiculares. En relación con esta idea, el sistema TruNatomy trabaja sobre el concepto de endodoncia mínimamente invasiva. Una zona altamente sensible a ser considerada es el área pericervical, delimitada 4 mm por encima y 4 mm por debajo de la cresta ósea. El objetivo del presente informe es analizar las propiedades y las características técnicas del sistema de instrumentación Tru- Natomy y los cambios conceptuales que su utilización implica (AU)

The high incidence of dental fractures in the long-term after endodontic treatment has led to analyzed how to change the endodontic procedures to preserve the dental structure during root canal therapy. The TruNatomy system was developed based on the concept of Minimally Invasive Endodontics. A highly sensitive zone to be considered is the pericervical area, restricted to 4 mm above and 4 mm below the bone crest. The objective of this report is to analyze the properties and technical characteristics of the TruNatomy instrumentation system and the changes in the concepts in the clinical treatment procedures as a result of its use (AU)

Exantema periflexural asimétrico de la infancia: reporte de 2 casos / Asymmetric periflexural exanthem of childhood: 2 case reports

El exantema periflexural asimétrico de la infancia es una entidad subdiagnosticada, de etiología incierta, que afecta, predominantemente, a niñas alrededor de los dos años de edad. Se caracteriza por ser un exantema que solo afecta a un hemicuerpo y que se resuelve sin tratamiento específico.Se reportan dos casos clínicos acerca de esta entidad. El primero, referente a una niña de 14 meses con exantema papuloeritematoso de inicio en la axila siete días antes y extensión a la extremidad superior y el hemitronco ipsilateral sin otras alteraciones. El segundo, referente a una niña de 24 meses de edad con exantema papuloeritematoso pruriginoso de inicio en la extremidad inferior izquierda y la posterior extensión por el hemicuerpo izquierdo.Dadas las características del exantema y la edad de las pacientes, se diagnosticó exantema periflexural asimétrico y recibió tratamiento sintomático, con resolución del cuadro de forma espontánea

The asymmetric periflexural exanthema of childhood is an underdiagnosed entity of unknown etiology that affects, most commonly, girls around two years of age. Clinically, it affects only one side of the body and it eventually disappears without the need of any specific treatment.We report two cases of this entity. The first case is a 14-month-old female patient with an erythematosus papular eruption that initiates near the axilla and progresses, in a period of seven days, towards the ipsilateral upper limb and hemithorax, with no other alterations. The second case is a 24-month-old female with a pruriginous erythematosus papular exanthema that begins on the left lower extremity and extends throughout the left hemibody.Due to the characteristics of the exanthema and the age range of the patients, they were diagnosed with asymmetric periflexural exanthema. They both received symptomatic treatment with spontaneous resolution of the condition

[Asymmetric periflexural exanthem of childhood: 2 case reports]. / Exantema periflexural asimétrico de la infancia: reporte de 2 casos.

The asymmetric periflexural exanthema of childhood is an underdiagnosed entity of unknown etiology that affects, most commonly, girls around two years of age. Clinically, it affects only one side of the body and it eventually disappears without the need of any specific treatment. We report two cases of this entity. The first case is a 14-month-old female patient with an erythematosus papular eruption that initiates near the axilla and progresses, in a period of seven days, towards the ipsilateral upper limb and hemithorax, with no other alterations. The second case is a 24-month-old female with a pruriginous erythematosus papular exanthema that begins on the left lower extremity and extends throughout the left hemibody. Due to the characteristics of the exanthema and the age range of the patients, they were diagnosed with asymmetric periflexural exanthema. They both received symptomatic treatment with spontaneous resolution of the condition.

El exantema periflexural asimétrico de la infancia es una entidad subdiagnosticada, de etiología incierta, que afecta, predominantemente, a niñas alrededor de los dos años de edad. Se caracteriza por ser un exantema que solo afecta a un hemicuerpo y que se resuelve sin tratamiento específico. Se reportan dos casos clínicos acerca de esta entidad. El primero, referente a una niña de 14 meses con exantema papuloeritematoso de inicio en la axila siete días antes y extensión a la extremidad superior y el hemitronco ipsilateral sin otras alteraciones. El segundo, referente a una niña de 24 meses de edad con exantema papuloeritematoso pruriginoso de inicio en la extremidad inferior izquierda y la posterior extensión por el hemicuerpo izquierdo. Dadas las características del exantema y la edad de las pacientes, se diagnosticó exantema periflexural asimétrico y recibió tratamiento sintomático, con resolución del cuadro de forma espontánea.

Comorbilidades y evolución de la función pulmonar de pacientes con atresia esofágica congénita / Comorbidities and course of lung function in patients with congenital esophageal atresia

Objetivo. Describir las características epidemiológicas, el seguimiento hospitalario y la evolución de los pacientes intervenidos por atresia esofágica y su repercusión en la función pulmonar. Población y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo, longitudinal y analítico. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de pacientes con atresia esofágica nacidos entre 1996 y 2017. Se registraron datos perinatales, tipo de atresia, malformaciones asociadas, complicaciones respiratorias y digestivas, y los datos espirométricos durante tres años. Resultados. Se incluyeron 97 pacientes. El tipo de atresia más frecuente fue el III y el síndrome más frecuente, la trisomía 21. El 13,4 % fallecieron en el período neonatal. El 23,8 % de los pacientes estuvo en seguimiento por Neumología y presentó como complicaciones respiratorias exacerbaciones (el 46,4 %), sibilancias o asma (el 36 %), neumonías (el 26,8 %). El reflujo gastroesofágico fue factor de riesgo de sibilancias (OR 5,31; p = 0,002), exacerbaciones (OR 4,00; p = 0,009) y neumonías (OR 3,24; p = 0,02). En la primera espirometría (n = 20), un 65 % presentaba patrón normal; un 30 %, restrictivo, y un 5 %, mixto. En la segunda espirometría (n = 19), un 42,1 % presentaba patrón normal; un 31,6 %, restrictivo; un 15,8 %, obstructivo, y un 10,5 %, mixto. En la tercera espirometría (n = 14), el 50 % presentaba un patrón espirométrico normal; el 21,4 %, restrictivo; el 14,3 %, obstructivo, y un 14,3 %, mixto. Conclusiones. En nuestra muestra de pacientes, una importante proporción presentó comorbilidades respiratorias y digestivas. La función pulmonar empeoró progresivamente.

Objective. To describe the epidemiological characteristics, hospital follow-up, and course of patients who underwent surgery for esophageal atresia and its consequences on lung function. Population and methods. Retrospective, longitudinal, and analytical study. The medical records of patients with esophageal atresia born between 1996 and 2017 were reviewed. Perinatal data, type of atresia, associated malformations, respiratory and gastrointestinal complications, and spirometry data were recorded over 3 years. Results. A total of 97 patients were included. The most common type of atresia was III, and the most frequent syndrome, trisomy 21; 13.4 % of patients died in the neonatal period; 23.8 % were followed up by the Department of Pulmonology, and their respiratory complications included exacerbations (46.4 %), wheezing or asthma (36 %), and pneumonia (26.8 %). Gastroesophageal reflux was a risk factor for wheezing (OR: 5.31; p = 0.002), exacerbations (OR: 4.00; p = 0.009), and pneumonia (OR: 3.24; p = 0.02). In the first spirometry (n = 20), the pattern was normal in 65 %; restrictive in 30 %; and mixed in 5 %. In the second spirometry (n = 19), the pattern was normal in 42.1 %; restrictive in 31.6 %; obstructive in 15.8 %, and mixed in 10.5 %. In the third spirometry (n = 14), the pattern was normal in 50 %; restrictive in 21.4 %; obstructive in 14.3 %, and mixed in 14.3 %.Conclusions. In our sample of patients, a large proportion had respiratory and gastrointestinal comorbidities. Lung function worsened progressively.