Research Trends on Pillared Interlayered Clays (PILCs) Used as Catalysts in Environmental and Chemical Processes: Bibliometric Analysis.

Over the last four decades, a large number of studies have been published on pillared interlayered clays (PILCs) used as adsorbent materials and catalysts or supports for transition metals in heterogeneous catalysis. Particularly, PILCs have been used for water treatment through advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to remove organic pollutants. They have also been studied in various chemical and environmental processes. Because of the growing interest in PILCs, this article is focused on analyzing scientific publications such as research/review articles and book chapters from the last four decades (from 1980 to 2019) through a bibliometric analysis (BA) to visualize and describe research trends on PILCs. By narrowing the bibliographic search to titles, keywords, and abstracts of publications related to PILCs, using Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) (the two scientific databases), a total of 3425 documents have been retrieved. The bibliometric dataset was analyzed by VantagePoint®. The main research trends identified in the last four decades were the use of PILCs in environmental processes (34.4% of total publications) along with chemical processes (petrochemical reactions 17.5%, SCR NOx 10.8%, and decomposition 8.2%). In environmental processes, PILCs have been used in photo-oxidation (32%), CWPO (21.1%), and heterogeneous catalysis (19.4%). Phenols, dyes, and VOCs have been the main pollutants studied using PILCs as catalysts. Fe, Ti, Zr, Cu, and Co are the most supported active phases in PILCs. Other research trends grouped by characterization techniques, countries, research areas, institutes, scientific journals that have published the most on this topic, number of publications per 5-year period, and most frequently used keywords through the last four decades have been identified. It was determined that the number of publications on PILCs has increased since 1980 and the countries with the highest number of publications are China, Spain, and The United States of America.

A critical review on N-modified TiO2 limits to treat chemical and biological contaminants in water. Evidence that enhanced visible light absorption does not lead to higher degradation rates under whole solar light.

Intensive research has been focused on the synthesis of N-modified TiO2 materials having visible light absorption in order to get higher solar photocatalytic degradation rates of pollutants in water. However, an exhaustive revision of the topic underlines several controversial issues related to N-modified TiO2 materials; these issues concern (a) the methodology used for preparation, (b) the assessment of the structural characteristics, (c) the mechanistic action modes and (d) the raisons argued to explain the limited performances of the prepared materials for organic and biological targets photodegradation in water. Taking advantage of last year's progress in analytical chemistry and in material characterization methods, the authors show, for example, that some works in the literature controversially attribute the term nitrogen doping without enough analytical evidence. Additionally, some papers describe N-modified TiO2 photocatalysts as being able to generate holes with enough oxidative potential to form hydroxyl radicals under visible light. This last assertion often derives from a no pertinent use of illumination sources, light filters, or targets or a limited understanding of the thermodynamic aspects of the studied systems. None of N-containing materials prepared by herein presented methods leads, under solar light, to a significant enhancement in pollutants degradation and microorganism's inactivation kinetics.

Resistance and induction of viable but non culturable states (VBNC) during inactivation of E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae by addition of H2O2 to natural well water under simulated solar irradiation.

Inactivation of E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae by addition of H2O2 10 mg L-1 into natural well water samples containing natural total iron concentrations (around 0.3 mg L-1) under simulated solar light was followed by bacterial culturability (plate count) and viability (DVC-FISH). Results showed that culturability of both bacteria was totally reduced while viability was only completely depleted for E. coli in well water samples depending of total iron concentration. Post-irradiation effects in presence of residual H2O2 showed that viability of both bacteria kept dropping being totally reduced for E. coli cells while K. pneumoniae decreased only 1-log. SEM micrographs showed that E. coli and K. pneumoniae cells underwent morphological changes and size reduction according to VBNC states. Different dark and photo-induced processes where physical-chemical features of groundwater samples play an important role could be responsible of bacteria abatement.

Associations of History of Displacement, Food Insecurity, and Stress With Maternal-Fetal Health in a Conflict Zone: A Case Study.

Background: In populations with a history of conflict, early identification of pregnant women who are at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes is challenging, especially if sonography is not available. We evaluated the performance of symphysis-fundal height (SFH) for identification of high-risk pregnancies and investigated if food security and diet quality, clinical biomarkers, and stress were associated with SFH and two known indicators of maternal-fetal well-being, sonography-estimated fetal weight and amniotic fluid index (AFI). Methods: For this cross-sectional study, 61 women with high-risk pregnancies were recruited after referral to the obstetrics and gynecology unit at San José Hospital in Popayán, Colombia. Multiple stepwise linear and ordered logistic regressions were used to identify associations of SFH, sonography-estimated fetal weight and AFI classification with history of displacement, food insecurity, post-traumatic stress symptoms as well as biopsychosocial risk evaluated through the Colombian risk scale. Results: History of displacement was associated with lower SFH Z-scores, but higher hemoglobin, taking iron supplements and a higher diastolic blood pressure were associated with higher SFH Z-scores. SFH was also associated with AFI but not with sonography-estimated fetal weight. Stress indicators were associated with a higher AFI. In contrast family support, an element of the Colombian biopsychosocial risk assessment, was associated with a higher sonography-estimated fetal weight, whereas more hours of sleep/day were associated with lower sonography-estimated fetal weight. Conclusion: SFH was not only associated with biological factors known to affect maternal/fetal health but also with history of displacement, thus validating its use in conflict areas for pregnancy assessment. Associations of biopsychosocial stressors with maternal-fetal outcomes highlight the need for a systematic assessment of stress in pregnant women from conflict zones.

Photo-Fenton process at natural conditions of pH, iron, ions, and humic acids for degradation of diuron and amoxicillin.

Effect of ferric ions at concentrations typically found in natural waters (0.05 to 1.06 mg L-1) and low H2O2 concentrations (between 0.5 and 17.9 mg L-1) on simulated sunlight-induced (300 W m-2) photo-Fenton degradation at initial neutral pH (7.0) of amoxicillin and diuron in Milli-Q water was studied using an rotatable central composite experimental design 22 with a central and two axial points. H2O2 concentration was the parameter playing the key role on the degradation of both pollutants. Despite that initial pH was 7.0 in Milli-Q water, this latter decreased rapidly in the first minutes, reaching values of 3.5 and 5.0 for diuron and amoxicillin respectively after 15 min of simulated sunlight irradiation. In contrast, in presence of bicarbonate/carbonate (HCO3-/CO3=), fluoride (F-), and humic acids (HAs) at concentrations found often in surface and well waters with ferric ion and H2O2 concentrations of 0.3 and 9.7 and 15.2 mg L-1 respectively, both pollutants exhibited a strong degradation keeping the circumneutral pH. Amoxicillin and diuron degradation byproducts found by HPLC/MS were compatible with HO• and/or CO3-• radical attack. Several photo-induced processes such as photo-Fenton (by dissolved ferric-HA complexes), heterogeneous photocatalysis (by colloidal iron), UV-B H2O2 photolysis, irradiated-dissolved organic matter, and their reactions with pollutants would be the main oxidative route responsible of degradations. These findings demonstrated that it could be possible using iron concentrations often found in natural waters to oxidize via photo-Fenton processes among other events, organic pollutants at natural pH conditions.

Abatement of 2,4-D by H2O2 solar photolysis and solar photo-Fenton-like process with minute Fe(III) concentrations.

The Photo-Fenton-like (PF-like) process with minute Fe(III) concentrations and the Hydrogen Peroxide Photolysis (HPP), using Xe-lamp or solar light as sources of irradiation, were efficiently applied to eliminate the herbicide 2,4-D from water. PF-like experiments concerning ferric and H2O2 concentrations of 0.6 mg L-1 and 20 mg L-1 respectively, using Xenon lamps (Xe-lamps) as a source of irradiation and 2,4-D concentrations of 10 mg L-1 at pH 3.6, exhibited complete 2,4-D degradation and 77% dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal after 30 min and 6 h of irradiation respectively whereas HPP (in absence of ferric ions) experiments showed a 2,4-D reduction and DOC removal of 90% and 7% respectively after 6 h of irradiation. At pH 7.0, HPP process achieved a 2,4-D abatement of approximately 75% and a DOC removal of 4% after 6 h. PF-like exhibited slightly improved 2,4-D and DOC removals (80% and 12% respectively) after the same irradiation time probably due to the low pH reduction (from 7.0 to 5.6). Several chlorinated-aromatic intermediates were identified by HPLC-MS. These by-products were efficiently removed by PF at pH 3.6, whereas at neutral PF-like and acid or neutral HPP, they were not efficiently degraded. With natural solar light irradiation, 10 and 1 mg L-1 of 2,4-D were abated using minor H2O2 concentrations (3, 6, 10 and 20 mg L-1) and iron at 0.6 mg L-1 in Milli-Q water. Similar results to Xe-lamp experiments were obtained, where solar UV-B + A light H2O2 photolysis (HPSP) and solar photo-Fenton-like (SPF-like) played an important role and even at low H2O2 and ferric concentrations of 3 and 0.6 mg L-1 respectively, 2,4-D was efficiently removed at pH 3.6. Simulated surface water at pH 3.6 containing 1 mg L-1 2,4-D, 20 mg L-1 H2O2 and 0.6 mg L-1 Fe(III) under natural sunlight irradiation efficiently removed the herbicide and its main metabolite 2,4-DCP after 30 min of treatment while at neutral pH, 40% of herbicide degradation was achieved. In the case of very low iron concentrations (0.05 mg L-1) at acid pH, 150 min of solar treatment was required to remove 2,4-D.

Reduction of maternal mortality due to preeclampsia in Colombia--an interrupted time-series analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia is the most important cause of maternal mortality in developing countries. A comprehensive prenatal care program including bio-psychosocial components was developed and introduced at a national level in Colombia. We report on the trends in maternal mortality rates and their related causes before and after implementation of this program. METHODS: General and specific maternal mortality rates were monitored for nine years (1998-2006). An interrupted time-series analysis was performed with monthly data on cases of maternal mortality that compared trends and changes in national mortality rates and the impact of these changes attributable to the introduction of a bio-psychosocial model. Multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate correlations between the interventions. RESULTS: Five years after (2002 - 2006) its introduction the general maternal mortality rate was significantly reduced to 23% (OR=0.77, CI 95% 0.71-0.82).The implementation of BPSM also reduced the incidence of preeclampsia in 22% (OR= 0.78, CI 95% 0.67-0.88), as also the labor complications by hemorrhage in 25% (OR=0.75, CI 95% 0.59-0.90) associated with the implementation of red code. The other causes of maternal mortality did not reveal significant changes. Biomedical, nutritional, psychosocial assessments, and other individual interventions in prenatal care were not correlated to maternal mortality (p= 0.112); however, together as a model we observed a significant association (p= 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: General maternal mortality was reduced after the implementation of a comprehensive national prenatal care program. Is important the evaluation of this program in others populations.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La preeclampsia es la causa más importante de mortalidad materna en los países en desarrollo. Se desarrolló e introdujo en Colombia y a nivel nacional un programa de cuidado prenatal que incluyó componentes bio-psicosociales. Se muestran las tendencias de las tasas de mortalidad materna y las causas relacionadas antes y después de la implementación del programa. MÉTODOS: Las tasas de mortalidad general y específica fueron monitoreadas durante 9 años (1998-2006). Un análisis de series de tiempo ininterrumpido se realizó con datos mensuales de casos de mortalidad materna y se compararon las tendencias de cambio en las tasas de mortalidad nacional y el impacto de los cambios atribuibles a la introducción del modelo. Se hizo un análisis multivariado para evaluar la asociación entre las intervenciones. RESULTADOS: Cinco años después de la introducción del programa (2002-2006) la tasa de mortalidad maternal se redujo significativamente en 23% (OR=0.77, CI 95% 0.71-0.82). La implementación del MBPS redujo la incidencia de la preeclampsia en 22% (OR= 0.78, CI 95% 0.67-0.88), igual la mortalidad materna por complicación del parto por hemorragias en 25% (OR=0.75, CI 95% 0.59-0.90). Otras causas de mortalidad materna no mostraron cambios significativos. No se correlacionó la mortalidad materna con intervenciones de cuidado prenatal individuales como las biomédicas, nutricionales y psicosociales (p= 0.112), sin embargo, ellas en conjunto como un modelo (biopsicosocial) si observaron una asociación significativa (p= 0.042). CONCLUSIONES: La mortalidad maternal general se redujo después de la implementación de un programa nacional de cuidado prenatal. Es importante evaluar este programa en otras poblaciones.

Reduction of maternal mortality due to preeclampsia in Colombia - an interrupted time-series analysis / Reducción de la mortalidad materna por preeclampsia en Colombia - un análisis de series de tiempo interrumpido

Abstract Introduction. Preeclampsia is the most important cause of maternal mortality in developing countries. A comprehensive prenatal care program including bio-psychosocial components was developed and introduced at a national level in Colombia. We report on the trends in maternal mortality rates and their related causes before and after implementation of this program. Methods: General and specific maternal mortality rates were monitored for nine years (1998-2006). An interrupted time-series analysis was performed with monthly data on cases of maternal mortality that compared trends and changes in national mortality rates and the impact of these changes attributable to the introduction of a bio-psychosocial model. Multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate correlations between the interventions. Results: Five years after (2002-2006) its introduction the general maternal mortality rate was significantly reduced to 23% (OR= 0.77, CI 95% 0.71-0.82).The implementation of BPSM also reduced the incidence of preeclampsia in 22% (OR= 0.78, CI 95% 0.67-0.88), as also the labor complications by hemorrhage in 25% (OR= 0.75, CI 95% 0.59-0.90) associated with the implementation of red code. The other causes of maternal mortality did not reveal significant changes. Biomedical, nutritional, psychosocial assessments, and other individual interventions in prenatal care were not correlated to maternal mortality (p= 0.112); however, together as a model we observed a significant association (p= 0.042). Conclusions: General maternal mortality was reduced after the implementation of a comprehensive national prenatal care program. Is important the evaluation of this program in others populations.

Resumen Introducción. La preeclampsia es la causa más importante de mortalidad materna en los países en desarrollo. Se desarrolló e introdujo en Colombia y a nivel nacional un programa de cuidado prenatal que incluyó componentes bio-psicosociales. Se muestran las tendencias de las tasas de mortalidad materna y las causas relacionadas antes y después de la implementación del programa. Métodos: Las tasas de mortalidad general y específica fueron monitoreadas durante 9 años (1998-2006). Un análisis de series de tiempo ininterrumpido se realizó con datos mensuales de casos de mortalidad materna y se compararon las tendencias de cambio en las tasas de mortalidad nacional y el impacto de los cambios atribuibles a la introducción del modelo. Se hizo un análisis multivariado para evaluar la asociación entre las intervenciones. Resultados: Cinco años después de la introducción del programa (2002-2006) la tasa de mortalidad maternal se redujo significativamente en 23% (OR= 0.77, CI 95% 0.710.82). La implementación del MBPS redujo la incidencia de la preeclampsia en 22% (OR= 0.78, CI 95% 0.67-0.88 , igual la mortalidad materna por complicación del parto por hemorragias en 25% (OR= 0.75, CI 95% 0.59-0.90). Otras causas de mortalidad materna no mostraron cambios significativos. No se correlacionó la mortalidad materna con intervenciones de cuidado prenatal individuales como las biomédicas, nutricionales y psicosociales (p= 0.112), sin embargo, ellas en conjunto como un modelo (biopsicosocial) si observaron una asociación significativa (p= 0.042). Conclusiones: La mortalidad maternal general se redujo después de la implementación de un programa nacional de cuidado prenatal. Es importante evaluar este programa en otras poblaciones.

Atención primaria y mortalidad materno-infantil en Iberoamérica / Primary care and maternal and infant mortality in Latin American countries

Introducción: La reducción de la mortalidad infantil es una meta del milenio. Los médicos de familia han demostrado ser coste-efectivos en la reducción de la mortalidad infantil en los países desarrollados; este efecto en los países en vías de desarrollo no se conoce. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en 11 países de Iberoamérica para observar sus indicadores de salud y la posible asociación entre la presencia de los médicos de familia en la atención primaria y las cifras de la mortalidad materno-infantil. Las asociaciones científicas nacionales de medicina de familia y comunitaria de la región reportaron la información para cada país. Se realizó un análisis estadístico centralizado. Resultados: Se observaron brechas entre los diferentes países con respecto a sus características sociodemográficas, a las desigualdades, a la inversión pública para la atención primaria, a la proporción de médicos de familia dentro del gremio médico y a los indicadores en salud. Los indicadores en salud estuvieron correlacionados con el nivel de desarrollo y con los recursos destinados para la salud en cada país. La mortalidad materna no se correlacionó con la presencia de los médicos de familia (R2: 0,003), tampoco su presencia en conjunto con la presencia de otras especialidades médicas (R2: 0,07), en contraste la razón de mortalidad infantil sí se correlacionó con la presencia de los médicos de familia (R2: 0,37; IC 95% 0,04-0,95; p < 0,05). Conclusión: La presencia de los médicos de familia en los países de Iberoamérica se asoció con las cifras de mortalidad infantil contribuyendo a su reducción dentro del cumplimiento de las metas del milenio (AU)

Introduction: Family physicians, as leaders of primary healthcare teams, have demonstrated to be cost-effective in reducing infant mortality in developed nations, but their effect in developing nations is yet unknown. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in 11 Latin American countries to observe their health indicators, and the possible association of the presence and actions of their family physicians regarding achieving a reduction in maternal and infant mortality. National scientific associations of family and community medicine in the region provided information for each country; a centralized statistical analysis was made. Results: There was a wide variation between the different countries, as regards their socio-demographic characteristics, inequalities, public investment in primary care, the proportion of family physicians within the medical profession, healthcare indicators, those relating to the level of development, and to the resources assigned to healthcare in each country. Maternal mortality was not associated to the presence and actions of family physicians in each country (R2: 0.003) nor together with other medical specialties (R2: 0.07); in contrast, infant mortality was associated with the presence and actions of family physicians (R2: 0.37; 95% CI 0.04-0.95; P<0.05). Conclusion: The presence and actions of family physicians in primary healthcare in Latin America was associated to a reduction of infant mortality, with the Millenium challenges contributing to this reduction (AU)

[Primary care and maternal and infant mortality in Latin American countries]. / Atención primaria y mortalidad materno-infantil en Iberoamérica.

INTRODUCTION: Family physicians, as leaders of primary healthcare teams, have demonstrated to be cost-effective in reducing infant mortality in developed nations, but their effect in developing nations is yet unknown. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted in 11 Latin American countries to observe their health indicators, and the possible association of the presence and actions of their family physicians regarding achieving a reduction in maternal and infant mortality. National scientific associations of family and community medicine in the region provided information for each country; a centralized statistical analysis was made. RESULTS: There was a wide variation between the different countries, as regards their socio-demographic characteristics, inequalities, public investment in primary care, the proportion of family physicians within the medical profession, healthcare indicators, those relating to the level of development, and to the resources assigned to healthcare in each country. Maternal mortality was not associated to the presence and actions of family physicians in each country (R(2): 0.003) nor together with other medical specialties (R(2): 0.07); in contrast, infant mortality was associated with the presence and actions of family physicians (R(2): 0.37; 95% CI 0.04-0.95; P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The presence and actions of family physicians in primary healthcare in Latin America was associated to a reduction of infant mortality, with the Millenium challenges contributing to this reduction.

[Effect of periodontal therapy on the subgingival microbiota in preeclamptic patients]. / Efecto del tratamiento periodontal sobre la microbiota subgingival en pacientes con preeclampsia.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have described subgingival microbiota in pregnant women with mild preeclampsia. OBJECTIVE: Clinical periodontal and subgingival microbiota changes were identified in pregnant women with mild preeclampsia after periodontal treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial, 57 preeclamptic women were studied at Hospital Universitario del Valle in Cali, Colombia. Thirty one women were randomized to the periodontal intervention group (subgingival scaling and planing ultrasonic and manual) during pregnancy and 26 to the control group (supragingival prophylaxis). Periodontal clinical parameters and subgingival microbiota were characterized at the time of acceptance into the study and again at postpartum. Eight periodontopathic bacteria and 2 herpesviruses were assessed by polymerase chain reaction. Chi-square, McNemar or Student's t tests were used, with a significance level of p≤0.05. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable in the clinical and microbiological variables at baseline. Periodontal treatment reduced the average pocket depth in the intervention group from 2.4±0.3 to 2.3±0.2 mm (p<0.001) and in control group 2.6±0.4 to 2.44±0.4 mm, (p<0.001) and bleeding index 16.4±1.5% to 7.9±0.7% in the intervention group(p<0.001) and 17.1±1.8% to 10±0.9% in the control group (p=0.002). The frequency of detection of microorganisms did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSION: Scaling/root planning and supragingival prophylaxis significantly reduced the probing depth and gingival bleeding index. Periodontal treatment was not more effective than prophylaxis in reducing periodontopathic organisms or herpesvirus.

Efecto del tratamiento periodontal sobre la microbiota subgingival en pacientes con preeclampsia / Effect of periodontal therapy on the subgingival microbiota in preeclamptic patients

Introducción. Pocos estudios han descrito la microbiota subgingival en mujeres embarazadas con preeclampsia leve. Objetivo. Identificar cambios periodontales y de la microbiota subgingival en mujeres embarazadas con preeclampsia, después del tratamiento periodontal. Materiales y métodos. En un análisis secundario de un ensayo clínico de asignación aleatoria, se estudiaron 57 pacientes con preeclampsia en el Hospital Universitario del Valle de Cali. Se asignaron al azar 31 al grupo de intervención periodontal (detartraje y alisado subgingival ultrasónico y manual) durante su embarazo y otras 26 al grupo control (profilaxis supragingival). Se determinaron los parámetros clínicos periodontales y la microbiota subgingival a la inclusión al estudio y en el posparto. Se evaluaron 8 bacterias periodontopáticas y 2 virus herpes por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Se usaron las pruebas de ji al cuadrado, test de McNemar o t de Student, con un nivel de significancia de p≤ Resultados. Los grupos fueron comparables en las variables clínicas y microbiológicas al inicio del estudio. El tratamiento periodontal redujo el promedio de la profundidad de bolsa en el grupo de intervención de 2,44±0,31 a 2,31±0,24 mm (p=0,000) y en el grupo control de 2,58±0,37 a 2,44±0,39 mm (p=0,000),y el índice de sangrado, de 16,4±1,5 a 7,9±0,7 % en el primero (p=0,000), y de 17,1±1,8 a 10±0,9 %, en el segundo (p=0,002). La frecuencia de detección de microorganismos no varió de manera significativa entre los grupos. Conclusión. El raspaje y alisado radicular, así como la profilaxis supragingival, redujeron de manera significativa la profundidad a la sonda y el índice de sangrado gingival. El tratamiento periodontal no fue más efectivo que la profilaxis para reducir los organismos periodontopáticos o los virus herpes.

Introduction. Few studies have described subgingival microbiota in pregnant women with mild preeclampsia. Objective. Clinical periodontal and subgingival microbiota changes were identified in pregnant women with mild preeclampsia after periodontal treatment. Materials and methods. In a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial, 57 preeclamptic women were studied at Hospital Universitario del Valle in Cali, Colombia. Thirty one women were randomized to the periodontal intervention group (subgingival scaling and planing ultrasonic and manual) during pregnancy and 26 to the control group (supragingival prophylaxis). Periodontal clinical parameters and subgingival microbiota were characterized at the time of acceptance into the study and again at postpartum. Eight periodontopathic bacteria and 2 herpesviruses were assessed by polymerase chain reaction. Chi-square, McNemar or Student´s t tests were used, with a significance level of p≤0.05. Results. Both groups were comparable in the clinical and microbiological variables at baseline. Periodontal treatment reduced the average pocket depth in the intervention group from 2.4±0.3 to 2.3±0.2 mm (p<0.001) and in control group 2.6±0.4 to 2.44±0.4 mm, (p<0.001) and bleeding index 16.4±1.5% to 7.9±0.7% in the intervention group(p<0.001) and 17.1±1.8% to 10±0.9% in the control group (p=0.002). The frequency of detection of microorganisms did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusion. Scaling/root planning and supragingival prophylaxis significantly reduced the probing depth and gingival bleeding index. Periodontal treatment was not more effective than prophylaxis in reducing periodontopathic organisms or herpesvirus.

Low-frequency ultrasound induces oxygen vacancies formation and visible light absorption in TiO2 P-25 nanoparticles.

Low-frequency ultrasound (LFUS) irradiation induces morphological, optical and surface changes in the commercial nano-TiO(2)-based photocatalyst, Evonik-Degussa P-25. Low-temperature electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements performed on this material provided the first experimental evidence for the formation of oxygen vacancies (V(o)), which were also found responsible for the visible-light absorption. The V(o) surface defects might result from high-speed inter-particle collisions and shock waves generated by LFUS sonication impacting the TiO(2) particles. This is in contrast to a number of well-established technologies, where the formation of oxygen vacancies on the TiO(2) surface often requires harsh technological conditions and complicated procedures, such as annealing at high temperatures, radio-frequency-induced plasma or ion sputtering. Thus, this study reports for the first time the preparation of visible-light responsive TiO(2)-based photocatalysts by using a simple LFUS-based approach to induce oxygen vacancies at the nano-TiO(2) surface. These findings might open new avenues for synthesis of novel nano-TiO(2)-based photocatalysts capable of destroying water or airborne pollutants and microorganisms under visible light illumination.

Dramatic enhancement of solar disinfection (SODIS) of wild Salmonella sp. in PET bottles by H2O2 addition on natural water of Burkina Faso containing dissolved iron.

Disinfection of surface water containing dissolved iron (0.3 mg L(-1)) at natural neutral pH ( approximately 7.5) was carried out via solar disinfection (SODIS) treatment in PET bottles with H(2)O(2) (10 mg L(-1)). Wild coliforms and Salmonella sp. were monitored for 6 h of sunlight irradiation and 72 h of dark post-treatment period. In our conditions, SODIS treatment could not avoid Salmonella sp. re-growth during dark storage, meanwhile the addition of 10 mg L(-1) of H(2)O(2) showed a strong enhancement of the inactivation rate without any re-growth of both bacteria. Finally, total coliforms (Escherichia coli included) demonstrated to be an inappropriate indicator for monitoring bacterial contamination in water during solar disinfection processes.

Relationship between selected hormonal and metabolic parameters at birth and blood pressure during pre-adolescence / Relación entre parámetros endocrino-metabólicos al nacimiento y la presión arterial durante la pre-adolescencia

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between selected hormonal parameters (at birth and at age 8 years) and blood pressure levels at pre-adolescence in a cohort of intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR) and normal birth weight infants (NBW). Methods: A cohort study from early pregnancy to childhood was performed. Seventy-six fetuses/children were evaluated between 1995 and 2004. Cord blood samples were taken at birth and several hormonal and metabolic parameters evaluated. Sixty-four children of the original cohort were available for blood sampling, blood pressure and anthropometric measures at a mean age of 8 years. 27 (42.2%) were IUGR and 37 (57.8%) were NBW. Multiple regression analyses were conducted with cord blood levels of hormonal and metabolic parameters at birth and at 8 years as independent variables and children’s blood pressure as dependent variable adjusted by IUGR status, gender, Body Mass Index and age of the child at the time of blood pressure evaluation. Results: The maternal age (26.6±5.8 vs 26.9±5.8 years old) and the gestational age at birth (39.1±1.4 vs 39.6±1.3 weeks) were similar between the groups. IUGR children were shorter (1.28± 0.09 m vs 1.33± 0.09 m, p=0.04). Growth hormone levels (GH) at birth were negatively associated with systolic blood pressure at 8 years of age (regression coefficients for umbilical cord blood levels: -0.9, 95% CI -2.03 to 0.04 mg/ml, p= 0.04). Conclusion: The alterations on blood pressure can begin in fetal life were levels of GH could have an important role.

Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre parámetros hormonales seleccionados (al nacimiento y a los 8 años de edad) y los niveles de presión arterial a los 8 años de edad en una cohorte de niños con restricción en el crecimiento intrauterino (RCIU) y con peso normal al nacimiento (PNN). Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohortes desde el inicio del embarazo hasta la infancia (1995-2004). Se tomaron muestras de sangre de cordón umbilical al nacimiento y a los 8 años para evaluar parámetros endocrino-metabólicos seleccionados (variable independiente) y la presión arterial a los 8 años de edad (variable dependiente). Se evaluaron 64 niños de la cohorte original; 27 (42.2%) casos pertenecían al grupo de RCIU y 37 (57.8%) al grupo con PNN. El análisis multivariado se ajustó por RCIU, género, índice de masa corporal y edad del niño en el momento de medir la presión arterial. Resultados: La edad de las madres (26.6±5.8 vs 26.9±5.8 años) y la edad gestacional al parto (39.1±1.4 vs 39.6±1.3 semanas) fueron similares entre los grupos. Los niños de 8 años que nacieron con RCIU fueron más bajos (1.28± 0.09 m vs 1.33± 0.09 m, p=0.04). Los niveles de hormona de crecimiento (GH) al nacimiento fueron asociados negativamente con la presión arterial sistólica del niño (coeficiente de regresión: -0.9, 95% CI -2.03 a 0.04 mg/ml, p=0.04). Conclusión: Las alteraciones de la presión arterial pueden comenzar desde la vida fetal y los niveles de GH fetal pueden jugar un papel importante.

Subclinical infection as a cause of inflammation in preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia, a pregnancy-exclusive hypertensive disorder, is the major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality, with a greater importance in developing countries. The role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia has been the object of recent studies by our group. We have described elevated levels of inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein) in preeclamptic patients and demonstrated that Latin-American women present a higher degree of inflammation than women from developed countries. We have results that suggest that chronic subclinical infections and insulin resistance are the most probable causes of the increased inflammation in preeclampsia. Moreover, we showed that early treatment of urinary and vaginal infections decreased the incidence of preeclampsia. We also have evidence that suggests that inflammation leads to endothelial dysfunction, predisposing women to develop preeclampsia. Increased levels of inflammation markers and endothelial dysfunction are found in the early stages of pregnancy in women who later on develop preeclampsia. Appropriate prenatal care programs, including screening and treatment of urinary, vaginal, and periodontal infections in early pregnancy and prevention of factors that predispose to insulin resistance, such as excessive weight gain during pregnancy, may reduce the incidence of preeclampsia in Latin-American women.

Periodontal disease severity is related to high levels of C-reactive protein in pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have shown that pre-eclamptic women present a high prevalence of periodontitis, suggesting that active periodontal disease may play a role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. The present study analysed the effect of periodontal disease in the concentrations of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and its association with pre-eclampsia. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out in Cali-Colombia, comprised of 398 pregnant women (145 cases and 253 controls) who were believed to have periodontal disease, between 28 and 36 weeks of gestational age. Pre-eclampsia cases were defined as blood pressure > or = 140/90 mmHg and proteinuria > or = 0.3 g/24 h. Controls were pregnant women with normal blood pressure, without proteinuria, matched by maternal age, gestational age and body mass index. Sociodemographic data, obstetric risk factors, periodontal state, subgingival microbial composition and hs-CRP levels were determined in both groups. RESULTS: The case and control groups were comparable for sociodemographic characteristics. In women with pre-eclampsia and confirmed periodontal disease (n = 138), hs-CRP levels increased according to the severity of the disease (gingivitis median 4.14 mg/dl; mild periodontitis median 4.70 mg/dl; moderate/severe periodontitis median 8.8 mg/dl; P = 0.01). A similar tendency was observed in controls with periodontal disease (n = 251), but it did not reach statistical significance (gingivitis median 5.10 mg/dl; mild periodontitis median 5.12 mg/dl; moderate/severe periodontitis median 6.90 mg/dl; P = 0.07). A significant difference in hs-CRP levels was observed in pre-eclamptic women with moderate/severe periodontitis compared to controls (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that chronic periodontitis may increase hs-CRP levels in pregnant women and lead to complications such as pre-eclampsia.

Sobrecarga asociada con el cuidado de ancianos dependientes / Caregiver burden in dependent elderly

Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia y los factores asociados con la presencia de sobrecarga para el cuidador en ancianos dependientes. Diseño: Estudio piloto comparativo y observaciones de corte transversal. Pacientes y métodos: Se evaluaron 35 pacientes ancianos (>60 años) residentes en la comunidad de la ciudad de Buenaventura (Valle del Cauca, Colombia), que tuvieran un puntaje en el índice de Barthel <85 puntos y cuidador, entre marzo y mayo de 2006. Se evaluaron las variables socio-demográficas en el anciano y en el cuidador, así como las variables biomédicas. Para evaluar la esfera mental se aplicó la prueba de Minimental y para la depresión la escala de Depresión Geriátrica de Yesavage. En la valoración social se empleó la escala de APGAR familiar, para determinar la carga del cuidado la escala de Zarit y para la valoración funcional se utilizó el índice de Barthel. Resultados: El promedio de edad y la desviación estándar (DE) del grupo de pacientes fue 78.9±10 años. Se observó una mayor proporción de mujeres (68.5%). En los cuidadores, el promedio de edad y la DE fue 49.4±18.8 años, 91% eran mujeres. Se encontró que en 54.2% de los cuidadores no había sobrecarga, 40% presentaban una sobrecarga leve y el resto presentaba una sobrecarga intensa. Al realizar análisis bivariado entre la presencia de sobrecarga para el cuidador con número de enfermedades crónicas, puntajes en las escalas de la prueba de Minimental, depresión geriátrica y APGAR familiar se observaron asociaciones estadísticas (p<0.02). Se observó asociación significativa entre el grado de dependencia en las actividades básicas cotidianas (ABC) en el aspecto físico con la presencia de sobrecarga para el cuidador (p<0.001).

Objectives: To determine the frequency and the associated factors with the presence of care burden imposed by dependent elderly of Buenaventura, Valle; Colombia. Design: A pilot cross-sectional study. Patients and methods: Between March and May of 2006, data were collected on 35 over 60 years old patients who live in the community of Buenaventura, with a score in the Barthel index <85 and their caregiver. Socio-demographic variables were evaluated in the elderly and the caregiver. Medical variables were evaluated. For mental appraisal, the scale of the minimental test was applied and for the elderly depression the scale of geriatric depression of Yesavage was used. For the social evaluation, the family APGAR scale was applied, the care giver’s burden was determined by the Zarit scale, and the functional valuation by the Barthel index. Results: The mean age and the standard deviation of the patient group was 78.9±10 years. There was a larger proportion of women (68.5%). In the care givers, the regular age and the standard deviation was 49.4±18.8 years, where 91% were women. It was found that for 54.2% of the caregivers there was no burden at all, 40% of them had a minimum burden and the others a greater burden. Bivariate analysis between the care giver’s burden and the number of chronic disease, the score on the minimental test, elderly depression and the family APGAR, resulted in statistic association (p<0.02). Significant association was found between level of dependency in the basic common day activities related with physical aspects and the presence of care giver’s burden (p<0.001).

Evaluación periódica del riesgo biopsicosocial prenatal en la predicción de las complicaciones maternas y perinatales en Asia 2002-2003 / Periodical assessment of the prenatal biopsychosocial risk to predict obstetric and perinatal complications in Asian countries 2002-2003

Objetivo: Describir el nivel de predicción de las complicaciones obstétricas y perinatales mediante la evaluación periódica del riesgo biopsicosocial prenatal (RBP) durante el control prenatal en mujeres asiáticas. Materiales y métodos: Durante el 2002 se evaluaron en Shanghai, China y Dhaka, Bangalesh 565 primigrávidas sanas con evaluaciones periódicas del RBP (primera: semana 14-27, segunda: semana 28-32, tercera: semana 33-42) con evaluación prospectiva del resultado materno y perinatal. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 25.1±6.4 años en su mayoría de nivel socioeconómico medio, con formación universitaria y residencia urbana. Se observaron 135 (23.9%) complicaciones obstétricas, 57 (10.1%) recién nacidos con bajo peso y 41 (7.3%) muertes perinatales. El alto riesgo biopsicosocial prenatal se asoció con las complicaciones obstétricas (área bajo la curva ROC) 0.80 IC 95% 0.71-0.89 con el parto prematuro (área bajo la curva ROC) 0.79, IC 95% 0.68-0.90) y con el bajo peso al nacer (área bajo la curva ROC) 0.85, IC 95% 0.77-0.93. El período con mayor efectividad predictiva fue el último (33-42 semanas) tanto para las complicaciones obstétricas (sensibilidad: 84.4%, especificidad: 69.3%), como para el parto prematuro (sensibilidad: 79.2%, especificidad: 67.1%) como para el bajo peso al nacer (sensibilidad: 88% especificidad: 77.3%). A pesar de las diferencias basales sociodemográficas, nutricionales, étnicas, culturales y religiosas de los dos países el efecto predictivo del instrumento fue similar. Conclusión: La evaluación del riesgo biopsicosocial prenatal fue clínicamente válida para predecir complicaciones obstétricas, parto prematuro y bajo peso al nacer en los países asiáticos comparable a los resultados en Latino-América.

Objective: To determine the effect of the periodical use of the prenatal biopsychosocial risk assessment (PBR) to predict obstetric and perinatal complications in pregnant women in Asian countries. Materials and methods: In Shanghai, China, and Dhaka, Bangladesh, 565 healthy primigravids were evaluated with PBR at inclusion (14-27 weeks), in a second time (28-32 weeks) and in a third time (33-42 weeks) with assessment of the perinatal outcome. Results: The average age was 25.1±6.4 years old. Most of the women were from middle socioeconomic level, with university academic degree and urban residence. There were 129 (25.6%) obstetric complications, 54 (10.1%) low birth weight babies and 41 (7.3%) perinatal deaths. The ROC analysis showed that the high PBR score was associated with obstetric complications (area under ROC Curves) 0.80 CI 95% 0.71-0.89, preterm birth (area under ROC curves) 0.79, CI 95% 0.68-0.90, low birth weight (area under ROC curves) 0.85, CI 95% 0.77-0.93. The best predictive period was the last (33-42 weeks) to obstetric complications (sensibility: 84.4%, specificity: 69.3%), preterm delivery (sensibility 79.2%, specificity 67.1%) and to low birth weight (sensibility 88%, specificity 77.3%). The baseline sociodemographic and nutritional characteristics and the perinatal outcome were different between the countries, however, the predictive effect of the instrument was similar. Conclusion: The prenatal biopsychosocial risk assessment was clinically valid to predict obstetric complications, preterm birth and low birth weight in two Asian countries when compared to results in Latin-American countries.