Association of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension with arsenic in drinking water in the Comarca Lagunera province (north-central Mexico).

Chronic endemic regional hydroarsenicism (CERHA) is a global issue that affects over 200 million people exposed to arsenic (As) in drinking water. This includes 1.75 million individuals residing in La Comarca Lagunera, a region in north-central Mexico. Arsenic levels in this region typically exceeds the WHO guideline of 10 µg L-1. Biochemical alterations related to the human As metabolism may increase the risk of overweight and obesity (O&O), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and hypertension (AHT). In our study, we investigated the role of As in drinking water as a risk factor for these metabolic diseases. We focused on populations with historically moderate (San Pedro) and low (Lerdo) drinking water As levels and people with no historical evidence of As water contamination. The exposure assessment to As was based on measurements of the drinking water (medians 67.2, 21.0, 4.3 µg L-1) and urinary As concentrations in women (9.4, 5.3, 0.8 µg L-1) and men (18.1, 4.8, 1.0 µg L-1). A significant correlation between As in drinking water and urine evidenced the As exposure in the population (R2 = 0.72). Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals evidenced higher chances of being diagnosed with T2D (1.7, 1.2-2.0) and AHT (1.8, 1.7-1.9) in individuals living in San Pedro than those in Lerdo. Still, there was no significant association with obesity. Individuals living in CERHA towns were found to have a higher risk of obesity (1.3-1.9), T2D (1.5 to 3.3), and AHT (1.4 to 2.4) compared to those residing in non-CERHA towns. Finally, obesity is more probable in women [inverse of OR and 95%CI 0.4 (0.2-0.7)] compared to men, while men is more likely to be diagnosed with T2D [OR = 2.0 (1.4-2.3)] and AHT [OR = 2.0 (1.5-2.3)] than women, independently of the municipality.

Factores asociados al inicio de las relaciones sexuales en los adolescentes de los centros educativos de Cushcanday-Agallpampa y San Isidro-Otuzco, en el año 2021-2022

Objetivo: Determinar los factores asociados al inicio de las actividades sexuales en adolescentes de los centros educativos de Cushcanday-Agallpampa y San Isidro-Otuzco. Material y métodos: Entre septiembre de 2021 y marzo de 2022, se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico transversal en 265 escolares del nivel secundario de los centros educativos de Cushcanday-Agallpampa y San Isidro-Otuzco que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión aplicando como instrumento la encuesta sobre sexualidad. Resultados: 129 hombres y 126 mujeres. Con una edad media de 15.41 años. Con un 11% que ha iniciado su vida sexual. El factor de riesgo asociado de mayor peso para el inicio de la vida sexual es la nomofobia con un OR de 22.55 (IC = 5.24 - 96.97), seguido del analfabetismo, con un OR de 6.41 (IC = 1.22 - 6.74). La visita de páginas web sin contenido erótico es un factor protector para la coitarquia. Conclusiones: 1 de cada 10 adolescentes de la zona rural Cushcanday-Agallpampa y San Isidro-Otuzco-La Libertad ha iniciado su vida sexual. La nomofobia moderada en la adolescencia incrementa 22 veces el riesgo de tener relaciones sexuales. Los hijos de padres analfabeto tienen 6.41 veces mayor probabilidad de iniciar las relaciones sexuales en la adolescencia.

Objective: To determine the factors associated with the beginning of sexual activities in adolescents from the educational centers of Cushcanday-Agallpampa and San Isidro-Otuzco. Material and methods: Between September 2021 and March 2022, an observational, cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in 265 secondary school students from the educational centers of CushcandayAgallpampa and San Isidro-Otuzco who met the inclusion criteria applying as an instrument the sexuality survey. Results: 129 men and 126 women with an average age of 15.41 years. With 11% who have started their sexual life. The risk factor associated with the greatest weight for the beginning of sexual life is nomophobia with an OR of 22.55 (CI = 5.24 - 96.97), followed by illiteracy, with an OR of 6.41 (CI = 1.22 - 6.74). Visiting web pages without erotic content is a protective factor for coitarche. Conclusions: 1 out of every 10 adolescents in the rural area Cushcanday-Agallpampa and San Isidro-Otuzco-La Libertad has started their sexual life. Moderate level nomophobia in adolescence increases the risk of having sexual intercourse by 22 times. Children of illiterate parents are 6.41 times more likely to start sexual relations in adolescence.

A critical test of twelve methods for estimating age using radiographic staging of developing teeth on a sample of 6- to 15-year-old children from Mérida, Yucatán (México).

Cross-population applicability of osteological and dental methods is a known issue in forensic anthropology, but very little is known about whether differences between populations are due to ancestry, environment effects, or even the statistical approach utilized for developing the methods. This study wishes to add to the discussion of population-specificity of dental age estimation methods and examine the impact of their statistical basis on their accuracy and precision. These parameters were estimated by testing 12 different dental age estimation techniques on a sample of 182 panoramic radiographs of children between the ages of 6 and 15 years (110 girls and 72 boys) from the city of Mérida in Yucatán, México. None of the 12 methods selected is based on Mexican samples. Dental maturation was scored following and methods tested employed two dental scoring schemes: Moorrees, Fanning, and Hunt's (MFH) 13-/14-stage system and Demirjian's 8-stage system. Results show that methods derived from more geographically specific groups do not fare better or worse than methods developed on more diverse and inclusive international samples, even if no methods specific to Mexicans were tested. While some of the methods performed very well, and they were not based on a Mexican sample, this suggests that population-specific dental age estimation methods may be relatively unimportant or that population differences in dental maturation are very small. Other issues seemed to have a greater impact on accuracy and precision, such as age dependency, inclusion of the third molar in age assessments, age truncation and age heaping in reference samples, the dental scoring scheme used, and how predicted age is calculated mathematically. As such, findings in this study suggest that validation tests of age estimation methods may not be a useful or reliable means to assess population differences and that these differences need to be more systematically assessed if an argument is to be made for the increased accuracy and precision of population-specific methods. The statistical basis of dental prediction methods seems to have a more significant role in their accuracy and precision outside of their reference sample.

[Transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation under conscious sedation. Experience in 15 patients]. / Implante de válvula aórtica percutánea con técnica de sedación consciente.

BACKGROUND: Transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is the standard of treatment for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AE) and intermediate or high surgical risk. The use of conscious sedation (CS) could reduce complications and allow an early discharge of these patients. AIM: To report our experience with TAVI under conscious sedation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of medical records of 15 patients aged 79 ± 6 years (53% women) undergoing a transfemoral TAVI implant under conscious sedation. RESULTS: The indications for the procedure were severe AE in 13 patients and biological prosthetic dysfunction in two. The mean Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality score was 7.3. The valves used were Edwards Sapien 3 in three patients, Medtronic Evolut in five, Boston Acurate Neo in four and Meril Myval in three. A successful implant was achieved in all cases and there were no hospital mortality or pacemaker requirements. One patient had a stroke, and one patient had a vascular access complication. Early discharge (< 72 h) was achieved in 80% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: TAVI under conscious sedation was a safe procedure and associated with a complication rate similar to previous reports, allowing for an early hospital discharge in most patients.

Hybrid Methacrylated Gelatin and Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Scaffolds. Preparation and Systematic Characterization for Prospective Tissue Engineering Applications.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) and gelatin (Gel) are major components of the extracellular matrix of different tissues, and thus are largely appealing for the construction of hybrid hydrogels to combine the favorable characteristics of each biopolymer, such as the gel adhesiveness of Gel and the better mechanical strength of HA, respectively. However, despite previous studies conducted so far, the relationship between composition and scaffold structure and physico-chemical properties has not been completely and systematically established. In this work, pure and hybrid hydrogels of methacroyl-modified HA (HAMA) and Gel (GelMA) were prepared by UV photopolymerization and an extensive characterization was done to elucidate such correlations. Methacrylation degrees of ca. 40% and 11% for GelMA and HAMA, respectively, were obtained, which allows to improve the hydrogels' mechanical properties. Hybrid GelMA/HAMA hydrogels were stiffer, with elastic modulus up to ca. 30 kPa, and porous (up to 91%) compared with pure GelMA ones at similar GelMA concentrations thanks to the interaction between HAMA and GelMA chains in the polymeric matrix. The progressive presence of HAMA gave rise to scaffolds with more disorganized, stiffer, and less porous structures owing to the net increase of mass in the hydrogel compositions. HAMA also made hybrid hydrogels more swellable and resistant to collagenase biodegradation. Hence, the suitable choice of polymeric composition allows to regulate the hydrogels´ physical properties to look for the most optimal characteristics required for the intended tissue engineering application.

Implante de válvula aórtica percutánea con técnica de sedación consciente / Transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation under conscious sedation: experience in 15 patients

Background: Transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is the standard of treatment for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AE) and intermediate or high surgical risk. The use of conscious sedation (CS) could reduce complications and allow an early discharge of these patients. Aim: To report our experience with TAVI under conscious sedation. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of 15 patients aged 79 ± 6 years (53% women) undergoing a transfemoral TAVI implant under conscious sedation. Results: The indications for the procedure were severe AE in 13 patients and biological prosthetic dysfunction in two. The mean Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality score was 7.3. The valves used were Edwards Sapien 3 in three patients, Medtronic Evolut in five, Boston Acurate Neo in four and Meril Myval in three. A successful implant was achieved in all cases and there were no hospital mortality or pacemaker requirements. One patient had a stroke, and one patient had a vascular access complication. Early discharge (< 72 h) was achieved in 80% of patients. Conclusions: TAVI under conscious sedation was a safe procedure and associated with a complication rate similar to previous reports, allowing for an early hospital discharge in most patients.

Predictive and prognostic value of total tumor load in sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer patients after neoadjuvant treatment using one-step nucleic acid amplification: the NEOVATTL study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive and prognostic value of total tumor load (TTL) in sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in patients with infiltrating breast cancer after neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST). METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study used data from a Spanish Sentinel Lymph Node database. Patients underwent intraoperative SLN biopsy after NST. TTL was determined from whole nodes using a one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) assay and defined as the total sum of CK19 mRNA copies in all positive SLNs. Cox-regression models identified independent predictive variables, which were incorporated into a nomogram to predict axillary non-SLN metastasis, and identified prognostic variables for incorporation into a disease-free survival (DFS) prognostic score. RESULTS: A total of 314 patients were included; most had no lymph node involvement prior to NST (cN0; 75.0% of patients). Most received chemotherapy with or without biologic therapy (91.7%), and 81 patients had a pathologic complete response. TTL was predictive of non-SLN involvement (area under the concentration curve = 0.87), and at a cut-off of 15,000 copies/µL had a negative predictive value of 90.5%. Nomogram parameters included log (TTL + 1), maximum tumor diameter and study-defined NST response. TTL was prognostic of disease recurrence and DFS at a cut-off of 25,000 copies/µL. After a 5-year follow-up, DFS was higher in patients with ≤ 25,000 copies/µL than those with > 25,000 (89.9% vs. 70.0%; p = 0.0017). CONCLUSIONS: TTL > 15,000 mRNA copies/µL was predictive of non-SLN involvement and TTL > 25,000 mRNA copies/µL was associated with a higher risk of disease recurrence in breast cancer patients who had received NST.

Statistical control of processes applied to geometric uncertainties for CTV expansion margins determination in prostate cancer patients treated with VMAT: a prospective study in 57 patients.

PURPOSE: To study the control graphs applicability for the geometric uncertainties of VMAT treatments in prostate cancer patients, and their use to verify the hypothesis of the data obtained randomness, to apply the margins of Van Herk expression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the first 5 days of treatment, and then once a week, a Kv CBCT was performed, compared with the simulation CT and adjusted the displacements, to determine the inter-fraction errors. Immediately after radiation therapy, another CBCT was performed (for intra-fraction errors). With these data, the X, R position control charts have been made. The patients, not maintained the deviations within the charts control limits, were called "anomalies". Then, we compared the deviations and margins calculated with the van Herk expression for all patients and for those without anomalies. RESULTS: The margins determined show appreciable differences if there were calculated for the total set of patients or for the set of them without anomalies in the control charts. For the overall set of patients, the lateral, longitudinal, and vertical margins were 0.45 cm, 0.52 cm, 0.56 cm, while for the set of patients without anomalies were 0.29 cm, 0.35 cm, and 0.38 cm. CONCLUSIONS: The use of control charts allows tracking geometric deviations both inter and intra-fraction, variability real-time control and to detect situations in which it can change for non-random reasons, and require immediate investigation. Maintaining geometric deviations in the control state decreases the margins needed to administer a high dose to CTV in a high percentage of cancer prostate patients.

Tratamiento de la inestabilidad anterior de hombro con remplissage para lesiones de Hill-Sachs y lesión de Bankart comparado con lesiones de Bankart pura / Treatment of anterior shoulder instability with remplissage for Hill-Sachs injuries and Bankart injury compared to pure Bankart injuries

Resumen: Introducción: Las luxaciones anteriores de hombro ocurren en > 90% de las inestabilidades de hombro, la principal causa es traumática, describiéndose dos principales lesiones en esta patología: la lesión de Bankart y la de Hill-Sachs, existiendo una tasa de recurrencia similar en la reparación quirúrgica abierta y con ventaja de la cirugía artroscópica de realizar incisiones pequeñas, menor pérdida del rango de movimiento, menor riesgo de daño del músculo subescapular, retorno más rápido a las actividades diarias y mayor satisfacción de los pacientes. Objetivo: Valorar la funcionabilidad, movilidad y estabilidad postquirúrgica del hombro de los pacientes sometidos a tratamiento con dos técnicas artroscópicas: reparación de lesión de Bankart pura versus reparación Bankart + remplissage. Material y métodos: Se revisaron expedientes clínicos, se valoraron pacientes con inestabilidad de hombro y con lesiones de Hill-Sachs y Bankart; con un total de 21 pacientes postquirúrgicos se realizaron exploraciones físicas para valoración de los arcos de movimiento y aplicación de escalas funcionales de Rowe y Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, con el fin de medir la estabilidad postquirúrgica. Resultados: No hubo recurrencia de luxación con ninguna de las dos técnicas, se observó mayor satisfacción en el grupo de remplissage; sin embargo, la limitación del arco de movimiento es mayor. Conclusión: Ambas técnicas artroscópicas fueron capaces de restaurar la función, disminuir el dolor y satisfacer en su mayoría a los pacientes de nuestra serie de casos en el seguimiento a corto y mediano plazo.

Abstract: Background: Anterior shoulder dislocation occurs in more than 90% of the time, the main cause is traumatic, describing two main lesions in this pathology: Bankart's and Hill-Sachs's injury, the recurrence rate is not similar in open repair and with a possible advantage of arthroscopic surgery with less loss of movement range, lower risk of subscapular muscle damage, faster return to daily activities and increased patient satisfaction. Objective: Assessing functionality, mobility and stability of the shoulder in patients treated: arthroscopic Bankart repair versus arthroscopic Bankart repair + remplissage. Methods: Clinical records of patients with shoulder instability were reviewed Hill-Sachs and Bankart lesions were doumented; 21 post-surgical patients and were physically examined to evaluate the range of motion, Rowe functional scales and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index were used. 13 months of follow up as an average. Results: There was no recurrence of dislocation with either technique, greater satisfaction was observed in the remplissage group; however, the limitation of the motion arc is greater. Conclusion: Both groups reduce instability, control pain and mostly satisfy patients in the 13-month follow-up.

Arsenic contamination of rural community wells in Nicaragua: A review of two decades of experience.

Several surveys have been conducted in Nicaragua between 1996 and 2015 confirming the presence of high levels of arsenic (>10 µg/L). In this paper, these peer-reviewed (n = 2) and non-peer reviewed sources (n = 14) have been combined to provide an extensive overview of the arsenic contamination of drinking water sources in Nicaragua. So far, arsenic contamination has been detected in over 80 rural communities located in 34 municipalities of the country and arsenic poisoning has been identified in at least six of those communities. The source of arsenic contamination in Nicaragua is probably volcanic in origin, both from volcanic rocks and geothermal fluids which are distributed across the country. Arsenic may have directly entered into the groundwater by geothermally-influenced water bodies, or indirectly by reductive dissolution or alkali desorption, depending on the local geochemical conditions.

[Treatment of anterior shoulder instability with remplissage for Hill-Sachs injuries and Bankart injury compared to pure Bankart injuries]. / Tratamiento de la inestabilidad anterior de hombro con remplissage para lesiones de Hill-Sachs y lesión de Bankart comparado con lesiones de Bankart pura.

BACKGROUND: Anterior shoulder dislocation occurs in more than 90% of the time, the main cause is traumatic, describing two main lesions in this pathology: Bankarts and Hill-Sachss injury, the recurrence rate is not similar in open repair and with a possible advantage of arthroscopic surgery with less loss of movement range, lower risk of subscapular muscle damage, faster return to daily activities and increased patient satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: Assessing functionality, mobility and stability of the shoulder in patients treated: arthroscopic Bankart repair versus arthroscopic Bankart repair + remplissage. METHODS: Clinical records of patients with shoulder instability were reviewed Hill-Sachs and Bankart lesions were doumented; 21 post-surgical patients and were physically examined to evaluate the range of motion, Rowe functional scales and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index were used. 13 months of follow up as an average. RESULTS: There was no recurrence of dislocation with either technique, greater satisfaction was observed in the remplissage group; however, the limitation of the motion arc is greater. CONCLUSION: Both groups reduce instability, control pain and mostly satisfy patients in the 13-month follow-up.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las luxaciones anteriores de hombro ocurren en 90% de las inestabilidades de hombro, la principal causa es traumática, describiéndose dos principales lesiones en esta patología: la lesión de Bankart y la de Hill-Sachs, existiendo una tasa de recurrencia similar en la reparación quirúrgica abierta y con ventaja de la cirugía artroscópica de realizar incisiones pequeñas, menor pérdida del rango de movimiento, menor riesgo de daño del músculo subescapular, retorno más rápido a las actividades diarias y mayor satisfacción de los pacientes. OBJETIVO: Valorar la funcionabilidad, movilidad y estabilidad postquirúrgica del hombro de los pacientes sometidos a tratamiento con dos técnicas artroscópicas: reparación de lesión de Bankart pura versus reparación Bankart + remplissage. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se revisaron expedientes clínicos, se valoraron pacientes con inestabilidad de hombro y con lesiones de Hill-Sachs y Bankart; con un total de 21 pacientes postquirúrgicos se realizaron exploraciones físicas para valoración de los arcos de movimiento y aplicación de escalas funcionales de Rowe y Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, con el fin de medir la estabilidad postquirúrgica. RESULTADOS: No hubo recurrencia de luxación con ninguna de las dos técnicas, se observó mayor satisfacción en el grupo de remplissage; sin embargo, la limitación del arco de movimiento es mayor. CONCLUSIÓN: Ambas técnicas artroscópicas fueron capaces de restaurar la función, disminuir el dolor y satisfacer en su mayoría a los pacientes de nuestra serie de casos en el seguimiento a corto y mediano plazo.

Picaduras por aracnomorfos en la ciudad de Sucre (Chuquisaca, Bolivia) / Arachnomorph´s pitting in the city of Sucre (Chuquisaca, Bolivia)

Se realizó un estudio de picaduras de aracnomrofos en la ciudad de Sucre (Chuquisaca). El método comprendió el uso de encuestas semiestructuradas, donde se consultó sobre la percepción que tienen, sintomatologías y conocimiento local sobre métodos de curación. Los resultados obtenidos evidencian que la mayoría tiene fobia hacia los arácnidos. El conocimiento local, permite conocer los diferentes tipos de arañas y escorpiones que residen en los domicilios. Se describe los síntomas que causan debido al efecto de las picadas, además de los métodos convencionales y naturales de curación.

We study of pitting Arachnomorph´s was held in the city of Sucre (Chuquisaca). The method realized using semistructured interviews, which were consulted on the perception, symptom and local knowledge of healing methods. The results show that most have phobia of arachnids. Local knowledge, allows to know the different types of spiders and scorpions that live in the homes. They are causing symptoms due to the effect of bites and of natural and using the conventional and natural healing methods.

Clinicopathological significance of miR-26, miR-107, miR-125b, and miR-203 in head and neck carcinomas.

OBJECTIVES: MicroRNAs play a role in the development and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Our aim was to study the expression of miR-26, miR-107, miR-125b, and miR-203 in primary HNSCC with and without lymph node metastasis and their clinicopathological significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of microRNAs in primary HNSCC with lymph node metastasis (n = 16) and their matched lymph node, as well as primary tumors without metastasis (n = 16), were determined by quantitative RT-PCR and analyzed with clinicopathological features and survival. RESULTS: The expression levels of miR-26 (p < .05) and miR-125b (p < .01) were higher in metastatic primary HNSCC, while levels of miR-203 (p < .01) were lower. The expression of the microRNAs was associated with clinicopathological features, including miR-26 high expression and N stage (p = .04), poor differentiation (p = .005) and recurrence (p = .007), miR-125b high expression and N stage (p = .0005) and death (p = .02), and low levels of miR-203 and N stage (p = .04). The high expression of miR-26 was associated with shortened disease-free survival, and high miR-125b expression was an independent risk factor for poor disease-specific survival. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that miR-26 and miR-125b may be associated with the progression and metastasis of HNSCC and that miR-203 is associated with a more favorable prognosis.

Effective determination of ampicillin in cow milk using a molecularly imprinted polymer as sorbent for sample preconcentration.

The aim of this study was to prepare molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with ampicillin (AMP) and to evaluate the feasibility of these materials for being used as solid phase extraction sorbent for the selective preconcentration and determination of AMP in cow milk samples. MIPs were synthesized by bulk polymerization using methacrylic acid or methyl methacrylate as monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross-linker at different ratios. Characterization of the MIPs were carried out by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry. The variables affecting the molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) procedure were optimized. AMP recoveries were higher than 98%, and RSD less than 7%. A preconcentration factor of 20 was reached, which was sufficient to determine AMP at levels allowed by the EU (4µgkg-1) in cow milk. The selectivity of the AMP-MIP was evaluated in presence of other structurally related ß-lactam antibiotics (amoxicillin, oxacillin, penicillin G).

Oxigenoterapia en pediatría / Oxygen therapy in pediatrics

Cada año, cerca de 6 millones de niños mueren por enfermedades prevenibles o fácilmente tratadas. El 95% se produce en países subdesarrollados, siendo la neumonía la causa más prevalente muertes en menores de 5 años (18%). La hipoxemia es la causa de los decesos en estos individuos. La aplicación de O2 como medida terapéutica para tratar o prevenirla es una de las indicaciones más frecuente que debe realizar un clínico. Este escrito trata de integrar en forma muy resumida los conceptos básicos que involucran a la oxigeno terapia, cuándo aplicar O2, con que equipos y aditamentos más apropiados.

Around 6 million children died of preventable or easily treatable diseases each year. Ninety five per cent are produced in undeveloped countries, being pneumonia the leading cause of death of children of 5 years or less (18%) and hypoxemia is the cause of dead. Oxygen therapy to treat or prevent this, as a therapeutic measure, is one of the most commons indicationsthat must be performed by aclinician. The review summarized the basic concepts of oxygen administration, when and how, with which equipment, oxygen delivery devices, dangers and its precautions.

Kinesioterapia respiratoria en pediatría / Respiratory physiotherapy

La kinesiterapia respiratoria, es una especialidad terapéutica que tiene el rol principal de prevenir y tratar las complicaciones pulmonares de forma sencilla, sin incorporar recursos sofisticados en su ejecución. Su objetivo es optimizar la función respiratoria para lograr un adecuado intercambio de gases y mejorar la relación ventilación perfusión. Para esto se efectuan maniobras de permeabilización bronquiales, que cobran especial valor en la infancia, dado que este grupo etáreo, presenta mayor producción de secreciones y una VA de conducción muy estrecha, ambos elementos predisponen a obstrucciones que deben ser manejadas cuando se amerite. La kinesiterapia, también incluye otras técnicas como ejercicios respiratorios, movilización, posicionamientos, maniobras de reexpansión pulmonar asociados con dispositivos especialmente adaptados para este objetivo. En este escrito, se dan las bases de esta terapia física, con énfasis en la edad pediátrica, junto a la descripción global y específica de las principales técnicas, que el pediatra debiese conocer.

Chest physioterapy is a therapeutic specialty that aims to prevent and treat lung complications without adding sophisticated resources for his execution as its main role. Its goal is to optimize the pulmonary function to achieve appropriate gaseous exchange and to improve ventilation/perfusion ratio. To this end airway clearance techniques are performed, these techniques are of special value during childhood, since this age group present higher quantities of secretions and very narrow conducting airways, both elements predispose to obstructions that must be handle if the case merits. Chest physioterapy also include others techniques as deep breathing, early movilizations, lung recruitment maneuvers with specially adapted devices. This paper set the stage of this pshysical therapy with emphasis in pediatric age, adding a global and specific description of the main techniques that the pediatritian should know.

Encapsulación de probióticos para aplicaciones alimenticias / Encapsulation of probiotics for food applications

Los alimentos funcionales contienen componentes activos que con un consumo habitual favorecen la salud de consumidor. Dentro del concepto de funcional se encuentran los alimentos con microorganismos probióticos, los cuales al ser ingeridos en dosis adecuadas confieren diversos beneficios, estos microorganismos son sensibles a factores tecnológicos y ambientales que pueden reducir su viabilidad, estabilidad y su capacidad funcional. Existen tecnologías como la encapsulación, las cuales permiten mejorar la estabilidad de los probióticos al protegerlos mediante un material de recubrimiento. En este trabajo se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en diversas bases de datos sobre los probióticos más empleados en la industria de alimentos, su capacidad catalítica en matrices alimenticias, métodos de encapsulación, tipos de matrices en la encapsulación, estabilidad bajo condiciones gastrointestinales y los mecanismos de liberación. Se encontró que la encapsulación, además de favorecer la estabilidad de los microorganismos probióticos frente a factores adversos, condiciona según sus características, su aplicación e incorporación en matrices alimenticias de diversas cualidades.

Functional foods contain active components, which under their regular use favor consumers' health. Within the functional concept food with probiotics are found, which when ingested in adequate doses confer various benefits. These microorganisms are sensitive to technological and environmental factors that can reduce their viability, stability, and functional capacity. There are some technologies such as encapsulation, which allow improving the stability of probiotics by protecting them with a coating material. This a systematic search in several databases on the most widely used probiotics in the food industry, their catalytic capacity in food matrices, encapsulation methods, types of matrices in encapsulation, stability in gastrointestinal conditions and release mechanisms. It was found that encapsulation, besides favoring the stability of probiotic microorganisms against adverse factors, conditions, according to their characteristics, their application and incorporation in food matrices of different qualities.

Efecto del aliskireno sobre la angiogénesis en modelo de membrana alantocoriónica (MAC) de pollo / Effect of aliskiren on angiogenesis in chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay

La acción antiangiogénica de los inhibidores del receptor de angiotensina II (ARA II), ha sido documentada previamente, sin embargo, no ha sido descrita la relación entre angiogénesis e inhibidores directos de la renina (DRIs), los cuales participan regulando el sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona (SRAA). El objetivo fue demostrar el efecto antiangiogénico de aliskireno, un DRI, en membranas alantocoriónicas (MAC) de pollo, para lo cual fueron instilados aliskireno y enalapril sobre MAC en distintas concentraciones para realizar su comparación posterior. En secciones histológicas seriadas se registró el número de vasos sanguíneos presentes en 9000 µm2 bajo microscopio de luz a máximo aumento, y se realizó análisis estadístico utilizando ANOVA y el test de Tukey para demostrar posibles diferencias. Los receptores tratados con aliskireno, en ambas concentraciones utilizadas, presentaron menor densidad vascular, en comparación con los controles, siendo ésta estadísticamente significativa a mayor concentración. Aliskireno en concentraciones altas tiene un efecto antiangiogénico en un modelo experimental de MAC. Este hallazgo plantea la necesidad de estudios posteriores, dada la proyección que podría tener el uso inhibidores directos de la renina. A partir de estos resultados, se podría pensar en la factibilidad del uso de aliskireno para la modulación de la angiogénesis en diversas enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles.

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. Antiangiogenic effect of angiotensin receptor blockers has been reported, however, the relationship between direct renin inhibitors and angiogenesis has not been well described. To assess the antiangiogenic effect of aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor, on chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Aliskiren and enalapril were instilled in different concentrations and compared. In serial histological sections, the number of blood vessels per 9000 µm2 area under observation through optical microscope using maximum zoom, was registered. Statistical analysis using Anova and Tukey test in order to show possible differences, was performed. Receptors treated with aliskiren presented lower vascular density, which was statistically significant when a higher concentration was administered. High concentrations of aliskiren have an antiangiogenic effect on CAM assay. This finding means further studies are needed, because of the usefulness direct renin inhibitors could have. These results, also, might enhance the possibility of using aliskiren for regulating angiogenesis in the context of non-transmissible chronic diseases.

Magnetic control of dipolaritons in quantum dots.

Dipolaritons are quasiparticles that arise in coupled quantum wells embedded in a microcavity, they are a superposition of a photon, a direct exciton and an indirect exciton. We propose the existence of dipolaritons in a system of two coupled quantum dots inside a microcavity in direct analogy with the quantum well case and find that, despite some similarities, dipolaritons in quantum dots have different properties and can lead to true dark polariton states. We use a finite system theory to study the effects of the magnetic field on the system, including the emission, and find that it can be used as a control parameter of the properties of excitons and dipolaritons, and the overall magnetic behaviour of the structure.