Bone modification of the college american football player: longitudinal study / Modificaciones óseas del jugador de futbol americano universitario: estudio longitudinal

The purpose of this study was to know the bone changes of college football (FA)players. A total of 39 male FA players participated, ranging in age from 18 to 25 years old. They were grouped according to each playing position they play in the team such as: Linemen (n = 15), players of great skills (n = 7), players of skill (n = 13) and quarterbacks (n = 4). For the assessment of BMD (g/cm2) a Double X-ray Bone Densitometry (DXA) was used. The results of this study showed a significant decrease (p<.05) of BMD in head and legs, in contrast, the CMO showed an increase in legs, however, in the pelvic region showed a significant decrease (p<.05). In conclusion, significant changes were found for BMD and CMO in the head, leg and pelvis regions in college AF players over a one-year span of competition (AU)

El propósito de este estudio fue conocer los cambios óseos de los jugadores de futbol americano (FA) universitario. Participaron un total de 39 jugadores de FA masculino, con rangos de edad de 18 a 25 años. Se agruparon acorde a cada posición de juego que desempeñan en el equipo como: Linieros (n=15), jugadores de grandes habilidades (n=7), jugadores de habilidad (n=13) y mariscales de campo (n=4). Para la valoración de DMO (g/cm2) se utilizó un Densitometría Ósea Doble de Rayos X (DXA). Los resultados de este estudio mostraron una disminución significativa (p<.05) de DMO en cabeza y piernas, en cambio, el CMO mostró un aumento en piernas, sin embargo, en la región de pelvis mostro una disminución significativa (p<.05). En conclusión, se encontraron cambios significativos para la DMO y CMO en las regiones de cabeza, piernas y pelvis en los jugadores de FA universitario en un lapso de un año de competencia (AU)

Evaluación del mineral óseo con la DEXA en futbolistas juveniles / Evaluation of Bone Mineral with DEXA in Youth Soccer Players

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) y el contenido mineral óseo (CMO) de los segmentos corporales durante un periodo de entrenamiento de seis meses. Se evaluaron a 41 futbolistas juveniles profesionales en dos momentos, una al comienzo (TI) y otra al final (TF) de la intervención con el equipo de absorciometría dual de rayos X (DEXA). Se lograron aumentos significativos en la DMO en los segmentos corporales de la cadera, columna lumbar, triangulo de Ward, tronco y del cuerpo total (p<0.05). También se obtuvo un incremento significativo del CMO en la cadera, columna lumbar, pierna, tronco y costillas (p<0.05). El entrenamiento de futbol fortaleció el CMO y la DMO del hueso de la extremidad inferior y de la caja torácica, con lo cual el fútbol podría ser una actividad útil para la mejorar la mineralización y fortalecimiento del hueso, para prevenir lesiones y fracturas

The objective of this study was to assess bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of body segments for a six months training period. 41 professional youth players were evaluated in two moments, one at the beginning (TI) and another at the end (TF) of the intervention with the dual energy x-ray absorptiometry equipment (DEXA). Significant increases in BMD were achieved in the body segments of the hip, lumbar spine, ward triangle, trunk and total body (p <0.05). There was also a significant increase in BMC in the hip, lumbar spine, leg, trunk and ribs (p <0.05). Soccer training strengthened the BMC and BMD of the lower limb bone and the rib cage, which could be a useful activity to improve bone mineralization and strengthening, to prevent injuries and fractures

Análisis de la evidencia disponible para el consumo de edulcorantes no calóricos. Documento de expertos / Analysis of the available evidence for the intake of non-caloric sweeteners. Expert document

Resumen Los edulcorantes no calóricos representan una buena alternativa para sustituir los sabores dulces sin la respuesta fisiológica que genera el consumo de azúcares. Por sí solos no son herramientas para el control de peso. Su consumo debe ir acompañado de una dieta correcta y un estilo de vida saludable que incluya actividad física. Su utilidad radica en proporcionar el agradable sabor dulce sin el aporte energético. La inocuidad de cada uno de los compuestos aprobados está comprobada y se reevalúa constantemente para tomar en cuenta los resultados de nuevos estudios. Debido a que no existe un edulcorante perfecto, la variedad ayuda a que se desarrollen productos cada vez más agradables para el consumidor. Este trabajo es fruto de una revisión exhaustiva de la bibliografía y de las discusiones de un panel de expertos de diversas especialidades: toxicología, ginecoobstetricia, pediatría, endocrinología, nutrición, medicina interna, salud pública y medicina preventiva, en el que se analizó extensamente la bibliografía se revisó una variedad de trabajos científicos que responden a las interrogantes que habitualmente se hacen los profesionales de la salud acerca de seguridad en diferentes grupos etáreos y con afecciones específicas, ingestión diaria admisible, etc.

Abstract Non-caloric sweeteners are a good alternative to replace the sweet flavors without the physiological response generated by the consumption of sugars. Alone they are not tools for weight control. Its intake must be accompanied by a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity. Its usefulness lies in providing a pleasant sweet taste without the energy intake. The safety of each of the compounds is tested and approved and constantly reassessed to take into account the results of new studies. Since there is no perfect sweetener, variety helps that more and more pleasing to the consumer products are developed. This work is the result of a comprehensive review of the literature and discussions of a panel of experts from various specialties: toxicology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, endocrinology, nutrition, internal medicine, public health and preventive medicine, where literature was widely analyzed reviewing a variety of scientific papers that address the questions that usually are made by health professionals on safety in different age groups and with specific diseases, acceptable daily intake, etc.

La web Familia y Salud como fuente de promoción de la salud de niños, familias y adolescentes / Familia y Salud web as source of health promotion for children, families and teens

Introducción: las tecnologías de la información y comunicación se han convertido en un recurso donde el paciente busca información sobre salud y puede compartir experiencias. Objetivos: analizar el flujo de comunicación generado por la web Familia y Salud desde su inicio en abril del 2012. Metodología: se analiza el programa estadístico Google Analytics agregado a la web: número de vistas, usuarios, tiempo de duración de la sesión, porcentaje de rebote, perfil sociodemográfico, artículos más visitados y satisfacción. Resultados: se observa un notable incremento del número de visitas, usuarios y seguimiento en el último año, con un elevado nivel de satisfacción. Se reciben visitas de un gran número de países hispano hablantes. Conclusiones: la web Familia y Salud se está convirtiendo en una poderosa herramienta de Internet para trasmitir información fiable relacionada con la salud infanto-juvenil (AU)

Introduction: information and communication technologies have become a resource where the patient seeks health information and shares experiences. Objective: to analyze the flow of communication generated by the web Familia y Salud from the beginning, in April 2012. Methodology: we have analyzed Google Analytics, a statistical program added to the web: number of views, users, duration of the session, bounce rate, socio-demographic profile, most popular articles and satisfaction. Results: we observed a significant increase in the number of visits, users and followers in the last year, with a high level of satisfaction. We received many visits from Spanish speaking countries. Conclusions: the web Familia y Salud is becoming a powerful Internet tool for transmiting reliable information related to child and adolescent health (AU)

3D surgical planning in patients affected by lipodystrophy.

Lipodystrophy is a pathological condition characterized by the focal or general absence of adipose tissue. Surgeons reset the patient's surface contours using injectable materials to recreate a normal physical appearance. However, due to difficulties in preoperative planning and intraoperative assessment, about 15% of the surgical procedures involved are reinterventions to improve volume or symmetry. This increases the need for an available, efficient tool capable of providing the surgeon with a good estimation of the volumes to be injected before the intervention proper begins. This work describes a virtual reality-based application for the surgical planning of facial lipodystrophy correction (FLIC). The tool uses points selected interactively by the surgeon to compute a curve that delimits the surface area to be operated on. It then automatically computes an estimated natural reconstructed surface and the quantity of volume that needs to be implanted during the intervention. Experiments have been carried out in which the filling volumes estimated using FLIC and ZBrush software were compared with the real volumes injected by the surgeon. ICCs higher than 0.97 indicate that there were no significant differences between the respective measurements, thus validating the tool proposed in this paper.

El residente de Pediatría: entusiasmo por la Atención Primaria / The Pediatrics’ resident: enthusiasm for Primary Care

No disponible

Design and implementation of an integrated management system for ochratoxin A in the coffee production chain.

Coffee is an important export product of Ecuador. Producers are challenged by the implementation of regulatory limits for ochratoxin A. Ecuador has four coffee production areas and the potential for mycotoxin contamination varies due to different environmental conditions and cultural differences in harvesting, storage, processing and commercialization. The major contributors to contamination are the lack of selection during harvesting, delays in drying or rewetting, the lack of proper drying and storage conditions, the mixing of products with different levels of moisture, and the potential for cross-contamination. The long commercialization chain involves different intermediaries that use foreign materials to increase the weight of the product without consideration of quality. An integrated mycotoxin management system using the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Systems (HACCP) principles was developed to prevent mycotoxin contamination at each stage of production. Critical control points were developed based on the resources available at the different stages of the production chain. Training programmes helped increase awareness about the impact of contamination, but failed to transform knowledge into improved practices. Thus, different demonstrative models specific for each productive region at all production levels were developed to show the application of prevention mechanisms using limited resources and to demonstrate the increased commercial value of coffee produced using good practices throughout the chain so producers have a better disposition to adopt improved practices. Preliminary results show that coffee managed using the models had a better quality, a lower contamination, a higher yield and better commercial value. The use of local resources and low-cost technology was important in demonstrating the practical approach.

Partial chemical/structural elucidation of anti-mutagenic compounds from corn.

In this study, corn fractions obtained from an isolation process of anti-mutagenic factors in our previous research work (Burgos-Hernández et al., 2001), were subjected to several analyses for chemical/structural elucidation. The anti-mutagenic activity of these fractions was tested against aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) and 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), a mutagen that does not require bioactivation. Two concentrations of this agent in the corn fractions were tested for anti-mutagenicity in the Salmonella/microsomal mutagenicity assay, using tester strain TA100 with no metabolic activation. Corn fractions tested showed evidence of anti-mutagenic activity by producing a dose-response type of relationship between a constant amount of MNNG and several concentrations of tested corn fraction. Five different varieties of yellow corn were tested in order to determine if the anti-mutagenic factors were intrinsic to corn. Variety of the corn did not show an effect on the reduction of the mutagenic potential of AFB(1) suggesting that anti-mutagenic compounds are intrinsic to corn. Four corn fractions, previously obtained after the isolation process were analyzed by MALDI-MS and GC-MS. MALDI-MS showed the presence of two groups of molecules or molecular fragments. The molecular mass of one group ranged from 250 to 370 m/z, the other ranged from 540 to 640 m/z. GC-MS identified linoleic acid as one of the compounds responsible for the anti-mutagenic activity present in corn.

Anti-mutagenic compounds from corn.

In previous studies with aflatoxin-contaminated corn an uncharacteristic response for AFB1 in the Salmonella/microsomal mutagenicity assay (Ames test) was observed and the presence of anti-aflatoxin factors in the corn was suggested. In the current study, corn was extracted and fractionated using thin layer chromatography (TLC) using different developing solvent systems and the Ames test was used to monitor for anti-mutagenic activity in the corn fractions. Both Salmonella tester strains TA98 and TA100 with metabolic activation (S9) were used. Several corn fractions, at different stages in the isolation and purification process, showed anti-mutagenic dose-responses when exposed to pure AFB1. Corti extracts were non-toxic to the tester strains and TLC fractions that showed the best anti-mutagenic dose-responses were selected for further partial characterization analyses.

Aquatic biotoxins: design and implementation of seafood safety monitoring programs.

Naturally occurring toxicants are usually odorless, tasteless, and generally undetectable by any simple chemical test. Various programs have been established that are effective in reducing risks associated with these toxicants in food. These programs include setting regulatory limits, monitoring susceptible commodities for toxin levels, and using decontamination procedures. Bioassays have been used traditionally to monitor suspect products. All traditional bioassays, however, have one common disadvantage, i.e., the lack of specificity for individual toxins. The lack of available reference standards for specific toxins has also hampered implementation of monitoring programs. Utilizing the knowledge gained with regulatory monitoring and decontamination programs for other toxins, e.g., aflatoxin, similar seafood safety programs can be developed for aquatic biotoxins that will reduce risks and hazards associated with the contaminant to practicable levels and help to preserve an adequate food supply. Research is needed in several areas identified in this article. International cooperation has an important role in achieving these essential elements. Global programs will help in the adequate management of risks associated with aquatic biotoxins. To have an effective monitoring program, it is necessary to define precisely the local needs for information in a short or long time range. It is necessary to have basic knowledge about the biological, chemical, and physical conditions as well as temporal and geographic variations within the region of interest (2). Regardless of the overall success of fish/shellfish toxin monitoring plans, emergencies will occur. Therefore, contingency plans should be developed so there will be no misunderstanding of what actions to take (148). In general, however, the structure of the program must be kept as simple as possible to facilitate fast and uncomplicated flow of information among the various organizations and individuals involved (2). Public health and safety requires the removal of any toxic shellfish from the market, within practicability, and closure of any suspect harvest area. It should be important to remember that economic value of the fish or shellfish resource is always secondary to public health and safety (148).

Reduction of risks associated with fumonisin contamination in corn.

Fumonisins, produced by Fusarium moniliforme, have been recognized as an important group of chemicals which cause health risks in domestic animals and humans. Decontamination procedures for fumonisin B1 (FB1) were evaluated to determine chemical modification and reduction in toxic/carcinogenic potentials. Ammoniation, a procedure used for decontamination of aflatoxins, yielded a 79% reduction in FB1 levels in naturally contaminated corn. Authentic FB1 and FB1-contaminated corn were exposed to alternative treatments containing various combinations of Ca(OH)2, NaHCO3, and H2O2 simulating a modified nixtamalization procedure. Treatments also included NH4Cl alone or in combination with H2O2 or horseradish peroxidase. The brine shrimp assay (Artemia spp.) was used to monitor toxicity of reaction products and the Salmonella/microsomal mutagenicity assay, using tester strains TA-100 and TA-102, was used to evaluate mutagenicity. Treatments of FB1-contaminated corn simulating modified nixtamalization (Ca(OH)2 alone or with Na-HCO3 + H2O2) gave 100% reduction of FB1 and reduced brine shrimp toxicity by ca. 40%. The positive mutagenic potential (without S-9) for extracts of corn naturally contaminated with FB1 was eliminated following exposure to modified nixtamalization. Reaction products formed when pure FB1 was treated with Ca(OH)2 and H2O2/NaHCO3 were inhibitory to Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, and B. megaterium. No inhibitory potential was evident for contaminated corn extracts following the chemical treatments.

Antimicrobial activity of Visnea mocanera leaf extracts.

A chemical study of Visnea mocanera leaves was carried out giving lupeol and beta-sitosterol fatty esters, as well as beta-sitosterol and the triterpenic betulinic, ursolic, platanic and 2 alpha,3 beta-dihydroxy-ursan-12-en-28-oic and 2 alpha,3 beta-dihydroxy-olean-12-en-28-oic acids. Studies of the antimicrobial activity of acetone and methanol extracts as well as an aqueous infusion were also performed and the good experimental results obtained justify the folk use of this species as a cicatrizant and vulnerary agent.

[The role of vibroacoustic stimulation in antenatal fetal assessment]. / Papel de la estimulación vibroacústica en la evaluación fetal anteparto.

The value of antepartum fetal heart rate testing has been debated in the last few years. According to several research works, the fetal sleeping periods lead to falsely nonreactive tests. These increase the risk and costs of obstetric care. A randomized prospective clinical trial was undertaken in high risk pregnancies to compare the standard nonstress test with the fetal vibroacoustic stimulation. Acoustic stimulation during 5 seconds with a 75 Hz frequency and 74 dB intensity device was applied to the patients in the study group. Nonreactive results were obtained in 11% of the control group and 3.4% in the study group (z = 2.07, p = 0.00116). A reduction of 5 minutes in the length of the test was observed in the study group. Fetal acoustic stimulation should be considered an alternative to improve the efficacy of nonstress testing, by reducing falsely nonreactive tests results and the time it takes to perform them.

Essential oils and antimicrobial activity of two varieties of Cedronella canariensis (L.) W. et B.

The qualitative and quantitative determination of the essential oils of the aerial part of two varieties of Cedronella canariensis (L.) W. et B., namely, C. canariensis var. canariensis and C. canariensis var. anisata have been performed, together with the study of the antimicrobial activity of both oils. The noteworthy inhibition exhibited against Bordetella bronchiseptica and Cryptococcus albidus may justify the popular use of the these plants in the treatment of certain diseases of the respiratory tract.

[Medical treatment of uterine leiomyomatosis with an agonist of pituitary gonadotropins (GnRH). Presentation of a case]. / Tratamiento médico de leiomiomatosis uterina con un agonista de gonadotropinas hipofisarias (GnRH). Presentación de un caso.

The uterine leiomyomatosis represents the largest amount of tumors of the uterus, and the treatment in most of the cases is surgical. This tumor of smooth muscle has been associated with the stimulus given of sexual steroids, mainly estrogens. Several analogues by the hypothalamic hormone liberating gonadotropins (GnRH) show an stimulating-inhibiting action upon hypophyseal gonadotropins secretion (LH-FSH), variable effect on ovarian steroidogenesis, depending on the dose and frequency of use. When the decapeptide is used daily and during more than a month, it may block the production of LH, FSH and estrogens, and produces amenorrhea. As uterine myomatosis is a condition that may depend on estrogens, it was decided to treat with an analogue of GnRH (Intranasal Buserelin Acetate), one patient, 28 years old with clinical, histopathologic and ultrasonographic of uterine myomatosis, who presented manifestations of hypochromic, microcytic anemia by frequent intermenstrual bleedings. The application of GnRH analogue was done daily during eight months. The therapeutical result control of the tumor was done by an ultrasonographic study and with hysterosalpingography, before and after. The treatment was stopped because there was a significant diminution in the tumor size and bleeding disappearance. Two months of follow up have not shown changes.

[Human chorionic somatomammotropin (HCS) and placental volume]. / Somatomamotropina coriónica humana (HCS) y volumen placentario.

Human chorionic somatomammotropin (HCS), is synthesize and secreted by the syncytiotrophoblast. Its effects on maternal metabolism are significant but the role of this hormone upon fetal development remains unknown. Nonetheless its measurement during final stages of pregnancy has proved to be useful for prediction of outcome. Since HCS serum levels exhibit progressive augmentation throughout gestation and taking into account its site of origin it has been proposed that could be dependent of changes in placental mass. This has not been totally ascertained, due to the lack of precision of studies designed for this purpose. If a correlation between HCS secretion and placental growth cold be established, it might be expected that determination of both indexes would contribute to obtain a more accurate diagnosis of abnormalities in retroplacental of fetal circulating blood volume. Therefore we studied 55 females without complicated pregnancy whose placental volumes were measured through ultrasound scanning. Serum samples were also collected for HCS quantitation by radioimmunoassay. Determinations were made starting on the 12th week of pregnancy. A progressive as well as a parallel increase of placental volume (154.12-825.01 ml) and HCS (0.48-7.0 Ug/ml) was observed during gestation. The correlation coefficient (r = 0.546) was significant (p less than 0.01). Both parameters correlated also with those obtained for fetal biparietal diameters. These findings support the notion that HCS secretion is proportional to the volume/mL of placental tissue which might be related to the amount of syncytiotrophoblast cells. It was not possible to establish causation upon the correlation observed between HCS and fetal parietal diameters.

[Chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG) in the amniotic fluid in normal pregnant women]. / Gonadotropin coriónica (beta-HCG) en el líquido amniótico de embarazadas normales.

Human chorionic gonadotropin beta subunit (beta-HCG) was measured in amniotic fluid and radioimmunoassay levels compared with those obtained in plasma from normal pregnant women. Amniotic beta-HCG exhibited a secretory pattern similar to that seen in the plasma compartment. Nonetheless amniotic beta-HCG had an elevation peak later than its plasma counterpart, with a progressive decrease that persisted throughout gestation without reaching a nadir as it occurred in plasma. Such a pattern of HCG production contained in the amnion is compatible with an HCG conformation released by the syncytiotrophoblast.

[Clinical characterization of a sample of newborns at risk of presenting with an altered neurologic evaluation]. / Caracterización clínica de una muestra de recién nacidos en riesgo de presentar una evaluación neurológica alterada.

Being the Prachtl's Neurological Sieve a systematic condense analysis of neurologic screening which allows to establish a normal or suspicious neurologic condition at a sensibility of 0.85, and specificity of 0.77 with a predictive value of 0.78 (in our experience), we take it as an axis variable capable to discriminate among the population with and without risk of neurologic injury or sequela. Thirty-five newborn infants with an Apgar score at birth equal or below 6, were taken into study for the purpose of featuring the group of neonates on risk to show an altered neurologic evaluation. The study was held under the hypothesis that: low Apgar score, and morbidity and mortality risk index, need to be complemented with hospital outcome (Casaer) and the estimation of factors affecting physical and mental development (Eggermont), in order to be able to feature those neonates in risk for developing a neurologic injury or sequela. Findings showed that Prechtl's Neurological Sieve is directly influenced by the magnitude of recovery from the one to five minutes Apgar Score, by the Casaer's first or initial score and by the Eggermont's assessment items. It is also related in an indirect way to the birth weight, the gestational age, the morbidity and mortality risk index, the 1 and 5 minutes Apgar score and the final or discharge Casaer evaluation.