The impact of methylene blue photosensitizer, aPDT and a calcium hydroxide-based paste on the physicochemical and mechanical characteristics of root canal dentin and the bonding interface of fiberglass posts.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of methylene blue (MB)-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and calcium hydroxide (CH) medication on the mechanical characteristics, degree of conversion (DC), quantification, and volume of gaps at the adhesive interface of glass fiber posts (GFPs) luted to distinct thirds of root canal dentin. Additionally, the microhardness (MH), elastic modulus (Eit), morphology, and chemical structure of the intraradicular dentin were assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 6 experimental groups were formed by sorting 102 bovine incisors. Canals receiving deionized water irrigation as a negative control; canals receiving deionized water irrigation and filled with CH as a positive control; groups treated with CH + MB at 50 and 100 mg/L without irradiation; and groups treated with CH + MB at 50 and 100 mg/L irradiated by red laser for 60 s (660 nm; 100 mW; 6.5 J; 72 J/cm2). MH, Eit, and DC properties were evaluated for both the resin cement layer and root dentin substrate (n = 8). Volume and quantification of gaps at the bonding interface (n = 6), and dentin morphology and chemical content were investigated (n = 3). Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures 2-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc analysis (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The distinct intraradicular thirds and treatment with MB-mediated aPDT, whether activated or not, in combination with CH, had a significant impact on the mechanical characteristics of the root dentin. This effect was also observed in the MH, Eit, DC, quantification, and volume of gaps at the luting interface (P < .05). In general, a higher concentration of MB, whether activated by a red laser or not, led to lower values in the mechanical properties of the root dentin, as well as in MH, Eit, and DC at the adhesive interface (P < .05). Additionally, these groups exhibited higher values for quantification and volume of gaps at the luting substrate (P < .05). Scanning electron micrographs and energy dispersive X-ray spectra showed qualitative similarity among all groups, except for the negative experimental control group. CONCLUSIONS: MB-mediated aPDT at 50 mg/L, in combination with CH, demonstrated favorable physico-chemical and mechanical characteristics in intraradicular dentin, along with satisfactory mechanical features and the adhesive interface integrity for GFPs at all intraradicular depths. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: MB-mediated aPDT at a concentration of 50 mg/L combined to CH medication represents a suitable choice for photosensitization in the context of intracanal disinfection following the biomechanical procedure and prior to luting of intraradicular restorations.

Helical 6-Strand Cruciate Tenorrhaphy: Description of a New Technique and Biomechanical Comparative Analysis With 2 Standard Techniques.

Background: Multiple flexor tendon repair techniques have been developed over the last years. Despite all this, there is no standard technique that has proven to be superior to others, leading to great variability in the use of techniques in surgical practice. We describe a novel tendon repair technique and compare its biomechanical characteristics with 2 conventional techniques. Methods: Comparative experimental biomechanical study in ex vivo animal models. In all, 66 deep flexor tendons of the pig's front legs were taken and it's repair was performed by 1 of 3 techniques (helical 6-strand cruciate tendon repair, Adelaide tendon repair, or modified Kessler). These repairs were subjected to biomechanical study, measuring, and registering the ultimate tensile strength, load to 2-mm gap force, and stiffness. Results: The helical 6-strand cruciate tenorrhaphy compared with the Adelaide and modified Kessler techniques carries statistically significant greater ultimate tensile strength before failure (65.5, 46, and 36 N, respectively, P < .001). It also required a greater load to 2-mm gap force and is less stiff, allowing greater strain before failure. This technique does not generate significant changes in the dimensions of the tendons compared to the others, and there was no significant difference in the strength of repair between surgeons. Conclusions: The helical 6-strand cruciate tenorrhaphy is a novel technique, useful for the repair of flexor tendons in the hand that holds up the necessary forces to initiate early mobilization in the postoperative period and has better biomechanical properties than 2 standard techniques.

Performance evaluation of Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen immunoassay for diagnostic of COVID-19.

One of the challenges for control and prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is the early diagnostic at the point of care. Several tests based on qualitative antigen detection have been developed; one of these is Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen immunoassay (Roche Diagnostics). In total, 523 nasopharyngeal swabs were randomly selected with the aims to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, cross-reactivity, positive and negative predictive value (PPV, NPV), and agreement of Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen immunoassay using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) STAT-NAT® coronavirus disease-2019 as reference test. Cross-reactivity was estimated using samples positive by RT-PCR to other respiratory viruses (influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, rhinovirus, coronavirus OC43, and HKU1). The overall sensitivity of Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen was 89.72% (288/321); specificity was 90.59% (183/202); and cross-reactivity to other respiratory viruses were not detected. Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen immunoassay showed a high sensitivity in samples with cycle threshold value <30, which ranged from 92.81% to 95.40%, independently of symptoms. PPV and NPV were 93.81% and 84.72%, respectively. The κ coefficient was 0.79 (95% confidence interval: 0.73-0.84), showing substantial agreement between both tests. The results suggest Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen immunoassay could be used as an alternative to RT-PCR testing, or in complement with it, to identify infectious individuals and reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Impacto de la teledermatología en pacientes con cáncer cutáneo durante la COVID-19

RESUMEN Fundamento: durante la pandemia de la COVID-19 hubo dificultad para acceder a las interconsultas de dermatología por lo que se imposibilitaba priorizar los casos de cáncer de piel. Se diseñó e implementó un sistema de teledermatología, a través de la telefonía móvil, para el estudio de pacientes con esta patología. Objetivo: evaluar el impacto del sistema de teledermatología para el estudio del cáncer de piel, en pacientes atendidos en Hospital Dermatológico Guillermo Fernández Hernández-Baquero durante la pandemia de la COVID-19. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo para evaluar el impacto de la teledermatología en 88 pacientes con lesiones sospechosas de cánceres de piel, remitidos, de la Atención Primaria y atendidos en el Hospital Dermatológico Guillermo Fernández Hernández-Baquero en el período desde el primero de abril de 2020 hasta el primero de abril de 2021. Se diseñó un sistema de teledermatología, de tipo teleconsulta con la posibilidad de telediagnóstico, basado en el intercambio de imágenes y textos, en un dispositivo móvil Android. Se utilizó el método estadístico descriptivo. Los resultados se expresaron en tablas para su mayor comprensión. Resultados: el carcinoma basocelular predominó en el 63,6 %. La correlación clínico-patológica para el carcinoma basocelular fue de 96,4 %, por teledermatología y por consulta presencial, respectivamente. La concordancia simple fue de 93,2 %. Las discordancias fueron leves para un 6,8 %. El nivel de satisfacción fue de 95,5 %, muy satisfechos con el sistema de teledermatología aplicado. Conclusiones: el sistema de teledermatología tiene viabilidad técnica, es eficiente, útil, con exactitud diagnóstica, fiabilidad y reproductibilidad, siendo efectivo en el diagnóstico del cáncer de piel, en condiciones epidemiológicas desfavorables como la pandemia de la COVID-19.

ABSTRACT Background: during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was difficulty in accessing dermatology consultations, making it impossible to prioritize skin cancer cases. A teledermatology system was designed and implemented, through mobile telephony, for the study of patients with this pathology. Objective: to evaluate the impact of the teledermatology system for the study of skin cancer in patients treated at the Guillermo Fernández Hernández-Baquero Dermatological Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: a descriptive study was carried out to evaluate the impact of teledermatology in 88 patients with lesions suspected of skin cancers, referred from Primary Care and treated at the Guillermo Fernández Hernández-Baquero Dermatological Hospital in the period since April 1 2020 until April 1, 2021. A teledermatology system was designed, of the teleconsultation type with the possibility of remote diagnosis, based on the exchange of images and texts, on an Android mobile device. The descriptive statistical method was used. The results were expressed in tables for better understanding. Results: basal cell carcinoma predominated in 63.6 %. The clinic pathological correlation for basal cell carcinoma was 96.4 %, by teledermatology and by face-to-face consultation, respectively. Simple agreement was 93.2 %. Disagreements were slight for 6.8 %. The level of satisfaction was 95.5 %, very satisfied with the applied teledermatology system. Conclusions: the teledermatology system has technical feasibility, is efficient, useful, with diagnostic accuracy, reliability and reproducibility, being effective in the diagnosis of skin cancer, in unfavorable epidemiological conditions such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Morbilidad en pacientes hemodializados / Morbidity in hemodialyzed patients

RESUMEN Fundamento: cada día se incrementa el número de enfermos con una enfermedad renal crónica, tributarios de hemodiálisis, procedimiento que no está exento de producir complicaciones por la complejidad de su realización, en la que intervienen el ambiente y condiciones de la unidad de hemodiálisis, la calidad del agua empleada y el buen funcionamiento de la planta de tratamiento de esta agua. Objetivo: caracterizar la morbilidad infecciosa de los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal. La población de estudio estuvo constituida por 85 pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica que fueron atendidos en el servicio de hemodiálisis del Hospital General Provincial Universitario Camilo Cienfuegos de Sancti Spíritus durante el período comprendido entre el 1ro de Octubre de 2016 al 31 de Marzo de 2018. Resultados: la mayor cantidad de casos hemodializados se correspondió con el grupo de edad mayor de 60 años del género masculino. Los factores ambientales y microbiológicos indicaron que la calidad del agua utilizada en el proceso de atención de pacientes hemodializados fue satisfactoria y el peligro de riesgo en la planta de tratamiento, en la categoría de bajo riesgo. El tipo de acceso vascular de los pacientes que con mayor frecuencia se utilizó y el de mayor morbilidad infecciosa fue el catéter transitorio. Conclusiones: la mayoría de los enfermos eran hombres en la sexta década de la vida, la calidad del agua utilizada fue adecuada, con escaso riesgo en la planta de tratamiento y el catéter transitorio mostró mayor proporción de infecciones asociadas.

ABSTRACT Background: every day the number of patients with chronic kidney disease increases, tributaries of hemodialysis, a procedure that is not exempt from complications due to the complexity of its realization, in which the environment and conditions of the hemodialysis unit intervene, the quality of the water used for it and the proper functioning of the water treatment plant. Objective: to characterize the infectious morbidity of patients with Chronic Kidney Disease. Methods: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, prospective study was carried out. The study population consisted of 85 patients with chronic kidney disease receiving hemodialysis in University General Hospital Camilo Cienfuegos of Sancti Spíritus from October 1st, 2016 to March 31st, 2018. Results: the largest number of hemodialysis cases corresponded to the age group over 60 years of the male gender. The environmental and microbiological factors indicated that the quality of the water used in the process of care of hemodialysis patients was satisfactory and the risk of risk in the treatment plant, in the low risk category. According to the type of vascular access to the patient, the most frequently used route was the transient catheter and the highest infectious morbidity. Conclusions: most of the cases were over 60 years old, of the male gender, the water quality was satisfactory and low risk in the treatment plant, and the transient catheter was used more frequently, who presented the highest proportion of associated infections.

Proteomic Study to Survey the CIGB-552 Antitumor Effect.

CIGB-552 is a cell-penetrating peptide that exerts in vitro and in vivo antitumor effect on cancer cells. In the present work, the mechanism involved in such anticancer activity was studied using chemical proteomics and expression-based proteomics in culture cancer cell lines. CIGB-552 interacts with at least 55 proteins, as determined by chemical proteomics. A temporal differential proteomics based on iTRAQ quantification method was performed to identify CIGB-552 modulated proteins. The proteomic profile includes 72 differentially expressed proteins in response to CIGB-552 treatment. Proteins related to cell proliferation and apoptosis were identified by both approaches. In line with previous findings, proteomic data revealed that CIGB-552 triggers the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, proteins related to cell invasion were differentially modulated by CIGB-552 treatment suggesting new potentialities of CIGB-552 as anticancer agent. Overall, the current study contributes to a better understanding of the antitumor action mechanism of CIGB-552.

Debut sida en el municipio Sancti Spíritus / AIDS debut in Sancti Spíritus municipality

Fundamento: el síndrome de inmunodeficiencia humana es el estadio donde existe un deterioro del sistema inmunológico que favorece la aparición de enfermedades oportunistas. En Cuba pocos trabajos se han publicado sobre el debut sida. Objetivo: caracterizar el debut sida en el municipio de Sancti Spíritus mediante variables sociales, demográficas y de laboratorio. Metodología: se realizó un estudio descriptivo a 10 pacientes diagnosticados como debut sida desde el 1ro de enero de 2000 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2011 mediante variables sociales, demográficas y de laboratorio. Resultados: en el período de estudio hubo 10 casos con debut sida, el sexo masculino a partir de los 40 años tuvo el 70 porciento de casos, el mayor porcentaje fue por ingreso hospitalario, las diarreas se presentaron en 3 de los 10 pacientes y los valores de los linfocitos T CD4+ se mantuvieron por debajo de 200 células/µL en el 70 porciento de los casos y la carga viral mayor de 50000 copias/mL en 5 casos. Conclusiones: se observó un alto grado de deterioro del cuadro clínico y de los resultados de los parámetros de laboratorio de estos pacientes, lo que orienta a la realización de acciones de prevención activa en cada área de salud para disminuir la epidemia(AU)

Background: the human immunodeficiency syndrome is the stage where there is a deterioration of the immunological system that favors the onset of opportunistic diseases. In Cuba only a few studies have been published about the debut of AIDS. Objective: to characterize the debut of AIDS in the municipality of Sancti Spíritus through social, demographic and laboratory variables. Methodology: a descriptive study was carried out on 10 patients diagnosed with AIDS debut from January 1st, 2000 to December 31st. Results: in the study period there were 10 cases with AIDS debut, males above 40 years old were 70 % of the cases being the highest percentage for hospital admission, diarrheas were present in the of the 10 patients and the CD4+ T-lymphocytes values stayed below 200 cells/ul in 70 % of the cases and viral load above 50000 copies/ml in 5 cases. Conclusions: a high degree of deterioration of the clinical condition and in the results of the laboratory parameters of these patients was observed which demands to carry out active prevention actions in each health area to diminish the epidemics(AU)

Debut sida en el municipio Sancti Spíritus

Fundamento: el síndrome de inmunodeficiencia humana es el estadio donde existe un deterioro del sistema inmunológico que favorece la aparición de enfermedades oportunistas. En Cuba pocos trabajos se han publicado sobre el debut sida. Objetivo: caracterizar el debut sida en el municipio de Sancti Spíritus mediante variables sociales, demográficas y de laboratorio. Metodología: se realizó un estudio descriptivo a 10 pacientes diagnosticados como debut sida desde el 1ro de enero de 2000 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2011 mediante variables sociales, demográficas y de laboratorio. Resultados: en el período de estudio hubo 10 casos con debut sida, el sexo masculino a partir de los 40 años tuvo el 70 porciento de casos, el mayor porcentaje fue por ingreso hospitalario, las diarreas se presentaron en 3 de los 10 pacientes y los valores de los linfocitos T CD4+ se mantuvieron por debajo de 200 células/µL en el 70 porciento de los casos y la carga viral mayor de 50000 copias/mL en 5 casos. Conclusiones: se observó un alto grado de deterioro del cuadro clínico y de los resultados de los parámetros de laboratorio de estos pacientes, lo que orienta a la realización de acciones de prevención activa en cada área de salud para disminuir la epidemia(AU)

Frecuencia de parasitos intestinales y características epidemiológicas de la población infantil de 1 a 12 años que consulta al ambulatorio urbano tipo II de Cerro Gordo, Barquisimeto, estado Lara: enero-junio 2007 / Frequence of intestinal parasitism and epidemiological characteristics of the 1 to 12 year-old child population treated at the Cerro Gordo type II urban outpatient clinic, Barquisimeto, state Lara: january-june 2007

El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la frecuencia de parasitosis intestinales en el área de influencia del Ambulatorio Urbano Tipo II de Cerro Gordo, Barquisimeto, Estado Lara, realizando un estudio descriptivo transversal. Se evaluaron 106 niños entre 1 y 12 años de edad, realizando a cada uno examen de heces directo y concentrado con la técnica de Ritchie, demostrándo se parasitosis intestinal en 42,5%, predominando en escolares (48,9%), sin diferencias según el género. El agente más frecuente fue B. hominis (42,2%), seguido de G. lamblia (37,8%), Complejo Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (13,3%), H. nana (11,1%) y A. lumbricoides (4,4%). Se encontró parasitado 41,7% de niños con estado nutricional normal y 35,7% de malnutridos. La presencia de parasitos intestinales mostró relación con la disposición inadecuada de basura (p=0.048). El lavado inadecuado de las manos se relacionó con prurito anal (p=0.008). La calidad inadecuada del agua se relacionó con Blastocistosis (p= 0,025) y comensales (p= 0,035). No hubo relación entre parasitosis intestinales y síntomas gastrointestinales, estrato social, disposición de excretas, presencia de vectores en el hogar, lavado y conservación de alimentos, frecuencia de recolección de basura, lavado de manos, antecedente de tratamiento antiparasitario y familiar parasitado

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine intestinal parasitism in children treated at the “Cerro Gordo” Type II Urban Outpatient Clinic in Barquisimeto, Lara. Feces samples were collected from 106 children (1-12 years old) and analyzed using both direct and Ritchie´s technique analyses, demonstrating intestinal parasitism in 42.5% of the children, predominantly of school age (48.9%), but independent of gender. The most frequent agent was Blastocystis hominis (42.2%), followed by Giardia lamblia (37.8%), Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar Complex (13.3%), Hymenolepis nana (11.1%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (4.4%). For children with a normal nutritional condition, 41.7% had parasites, while this value was 35.7% for nutritionally undernourished children. The presence of intestinal parasites showed relations to the community’s trash collection management program status (p=0.048). Poor hand washing habits were significantly associated with anal pruritus (p=0.008). Inadequate water quality was related to blastocystosis (p= 0.025) and comensals (p= 0.035). The presence of parasites was not associated with specific gastrointestinal symptoms, socioeconomic status, disposition of excreta, presence of vectors in the home, food washing and storage, frequency of garbage collection, washing of hands, family parasitism history and anti-parasite treatment antecedents