Preparation of synthetic micro- and nano plastics for method validation studies.

Microplastic (MP) pollution is a persisting global problem. Accurate analysis is essential in quantifying the effects of microplastic pollution and develop novel technologies that reliably and reproducibly measure microplastic content in various samples. The most common methods for this are FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. Coloured, standardized beads are often used for method validation tests, which limits the conclusions to a very specific case rarely observed in the natural environment. This study focuses on the preparation of reference micro- and nanoplastics via cryogenic milling and shows their use for FTIR and Raman method validation studies. MPs can now be reproducibly milled from various plastics, offering the advantages of a better representation of MPs in real environment. Moreover, this study highlights issues with the current detection methods, up to now considered as the most reliable ones for MP detection and identification. Such issues, e.g. misidentification, will need to be addressed in the future. Additionally, milled MPs were used in experiments with commercial high-resolution imaging device, enabling a possible in-situ optical detection of microplastics. These experiments represent a step forward in understanding MPs in a water sample and provide a basis for a more accurate detection and identification directly from water, which would considerably reduce the time of analysis.

An umbrella review of systematic reviews on interventions of physical activity before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and postpartum to control and/or reduce weight gain.

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity worldwide represents a (chronic) complex public health problem. This is also seen among women of childbearing age despite increased efforts to promote physical activity (PA) interventions. Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is associated with negative health outcomes for both mothers and offspring. OBJECTIVES: To summarize current systematic reviews (SRs) on PA interventions during pregnancy and postpartum to prevent excessive GWG and identify the most effective approaches. SEARCH STRATEGY: A literature search was conducted on major electronic databases (MEDLINE/Pubmed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Epistemonikos) from inception to March 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA: This study included SRs and meta-analyses of studies involving women aged 18 years or older from diverse ethnic backgrounds, who were either in the preconception period, pregnant, or within 1 year postpartum and who had no contraindications for exercise. Women with chronic diseases, such as pre-existing diabetes (type 1 or type 2) were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers extracted data from selected studies assessing the impact of PA in preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum. Methodologic quality was assessed with the AMSTAR-2 tool. A narrative summary of results addresses relationships between PA and weight before, during, and after pregnancy, informing future research priorities for preventing excessive weight gain. This study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD420233946666). MAIN RESULTS: Out of 892 identified articles, 25 studies were included after removing duplicates, unrelated titles, and screening titles and abstracts for eligibility. The results demonstrate that PA can help prevent excessive GWG and postpartum weight retention. Structured and supervised moderate-intensity exercise, at least twice a week, and each session lasting a minimum of 35 min seems to provide the greatest benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Women who comply with the PA program and recommendations are more likely to achieve adequate GWG and return to their pre-pregnancy body mass index after delivery. Further research is warranted to explore how preconception PA influences pregnancy and postpartum outcomes given the absence of identified preconception-focused interventions.

Isolation, characterization, and immunomodulatory activity evaluation of probiotic strains from colostrum and canine milk.

Background: This study aimed to characterize potential probiotic strains for use in dogs to prevent infectious enteropathies. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from canine milk and colostrum were characterized according to their functional properties, including their resistance to gastrointestinal conditions, inhibitory effect against pathogens, and intestinal adhesion. Methods: The immunomodulatory effects of the strains were also analyzed in in vitro and in vivo studies. Among the strains evaluated, two LAB strains (TUCO-16 and TUCO-17) showed remarkable resistance to pH 3.0, bile salts, and pancreatin, as well as inhibitory effects against pathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., and Clostridium perfringens. Results: The TUCO-16 and TUCO-17 strains induced a significant increase in the expression of TNF-α, IL-8, and TLR2 in canine macrophages. The oral administration of TUCO-16 and TUCO-17 strains to mice significantly augmented their resistance to pathogenic E. coli or Salmonella intestinal infections. Both canine strains reduced intestinal damage and pathogen counts in the liver and spleen and avoided their dissemination into the bloodstream. These protective effects were related to the ability of TUCO-16 and TUCO-17 strains to differentially modulate the production of IFN-γ, IFN-ß, TNF-α, IL-6, KC, MCP-1, and IL-10 in the intestinal mucosa. Conclusion: Both strains, TUCO-16 and TUCO-17, are potential probiotic candidates for improving intestinal health in dogs, particularly for their ability to inhibit the growth of Gram-negative pathogens common in gastrointestinal infections and modulate the animal's immune response. Further studies are required to effectively demonstrate the beneficial effects of TUCO-16 and TUCO-17 strains in dogs.

Abnormal functional connectivity in radiologically isolated syndrome: A resting-state fMRI study.

BACKGROUND: Radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) patients might have psychiatric and cognitive deficits, which suggests an involvement of major resting-state functional networks. Notwithstanding, very little is known about the neural networks involved in RIS. OBJECTIVE: To examine functional connectivity differences between RIS and healthy controls using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). METHODS: Resting-state fMRI data in 25 RIS patients and 28 healthy controls were analyzed using an independent component analysis; in addition, seed-based correlation analysis was used to obtain more information about specific differences in the functional connectivity of resting-state networks. Participants also underwent neuropsychological testing. RESULTS: RIS patients did not differ from the healthy controls regarding age, sex, and years of education. However, in memory (verbal and visuospatial) and executive functions, RIS patients' cognitive performance was significantly worse than the healthy controls. In addition, fluid intelligence was also affected. Twelve out of 25 (48%) RIS patients failed at least one cognitive test, and six (24.0%) had cognitive impairment. Compared to healthy controls, RIS patients showed higher functional connectivity between the default mode network and the right middle and superior frontal gyri and between the central executive network and the right thalamus (pFDR < 0.05; corrected). In addition, the seed-based correlation analysis revealed that RIS patients presented higher functional connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex, an important hub in neural networks, and the right precuneus. CONCLUSION: RIS patients had abnormal brain connectivity in major resting-state neural networks and worse performance in neurocognitive tests. This entity should be considered not an "incidental finding" but an exclusively non-motor (neurocognitive) variant of multiple sclerosis.

Update and New Epidemiological Aspects about Grapevine Yellows in Chile.

To date, phytoplasmas belonging to six ribosomal subgroups have been detected to infect grapevines in Chile in 36 percent of the sampled plants. A new survey on the presence of grapevine yellows was carried out from 2016 to 2020, and 330 grapevine plants from the most important wine regions of the country were sampled and analyzed by nested PCR/RFLP analyses. Phytoplasmas enclosed in subgroups 16SrIII-J and 16SrVII-A were identified with infection rates of 17% and 2%, respectively. The vineyards in which the phytoplasma-infected plants were detected were further inspected to identify alternative host plants and insects of potential epidemiological relevance. Five previously unreported plant species resulted positive for 16SrIII-J phytoplasma (Rosa spp., Brassica rapa, Erodium spp., Malva spp. and Rubus ulmifolius) and five insect species were fully or partially identified (Amplicephalus ornatus, A. pallidus, A. curtulus, Bergallia sp., Exitianus obscurinervis) as potential vectors of 16SrIII-J phytoplasmas. The 16SrVII-A phytoplasmas were not detected in non-grape plant species nor in insects. This work establishes updated guidelines for the study, management, and prevention of grapevine yellows in Chile, and in other grapevine growing regions of South America.

Síndrome de burnout y dependencia al alcohol en estudiantes de medicina

RESUMEN Introducción: el síndrome de Burnout es una enfermedad mental causada por el estrés laboral, situación ampliamente asociada con los médicos y otros profesionales de salud, asimismo, el abuso de sustancias y la depresión también son problemas psiquiátricos que están relacionados con este ámbito. Objetivo: identificar la frecuencia de estudiantes de medicina del área clínica de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción con sospecha de Síndrome de Burnout y trastorno de abuso de alcohol. Metodología: estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal en estudiantes de medicina del área clínica de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción de Paraguay. Se utilizaron encuestas con la prueba de identificación de desórdenes de uso del alcohol (AUDIT-C), el inventario de Maslach y el screening de depresión PHQ-2. Resultados: de las 157 encuestas, el 43,9% cumplió con los criterios de Síndrome de Burnout, el 49% cumplió los criterios de abuso/dependencia de alcohol y el 38,9% tuvo criterios de alta probabilidad de trastorno depresivo mayor, de ellos la mayoría presentó ideación suicida en los últimos 12 meses. Conclusión: los resultados fueron parecidos a los hallados en la literatura, sin embargo, ciertos aspectos fueron mayores en este estudio, como el porcentaje que cumple los criterios de Síndrome de Burnout, abuso de sustancias e ideación suicida. El Síndrome de Burnout y la dependencia al alcohol son frecuentes en estudiantes de medicina y se asocian comúnmente a trastornos depresivos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Burnout Syndrome is a mental disorder caused by occupational stress, a situation widely prevalent in doctors and other health professionals. Substance abuse and depression are also psychiatric problems that are related to this area. Objective: To identify the frequency of Burnout Syndrome and its association with Alcohol misuse in medical students in their clinical years at the National University of Asunción. Methodology: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study in medical students from the clinical area of the National University of Asunción, Paraguay. Surveys were used with the alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT-C), the Maslach inventory and the PHQ-2 depression screening. Results: Of the 157 surveys, 43.9% met the criteria for Burnout Syndrome, 49% met the criteria for alcohol misuse / dependence and 38.9% had high probability crite-ria for major depressive disorder. Most of them presented suicidal ideation in the last 12 months. Conclusion: The results were similar to those found in the literature, however, certain aspects were greater in this study, such as the percentage that meets the criteria for Burnout Syndrome, alcohol misuse and suicidal ideation. Burnout Syndrome and alcohol misuse are frequent in medical students and are commonly associated with depressive disorders.

Feasibility and learning curve of unsupervised colorectal endoscopic submucosal hydrodissection at a Western Center.

OBJECTIVES: Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (CR-ESD) is an evolving technique in Western countries. We aimed to determine the results of the untutored implementation of endoscopic submucosal hydrodissection for the treatment of complex colorectal polyps and establish the learning curve for this technique. METHODS: This study included data from 80 consecutive CR-ESDs performed by a single unsupervised western therapeutic endoscopist. To assess the learning curve, procedures were divided into four groups of 20 each. RESULTS: En bloc resection was achieved in 55, 75, 75 and 95% cases in the consecutive time periods (period 1 vs. 4, P = 0.003). Curative resection was achieved in 55, 75, 70 and 95%, respectively (P = 0.037). Overall, series results demonstrated R0 resection in 75% of cases, with 23.7% requiring conversion to endoscopic piecemeal mucosal resection, and 1.25% incomplete resections. Complications included perforations (7.5%) and bleeding (3.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed factors more likely to result in association with non en bloc vs. En bloc resection, where polyp size ≥35 mm [70 vs. 23.4%; odds ratio (OR) 13.2 (1.7-100.9); P = 0. 013], severe fibrosis [40 vs. 11.7%; OR 10.2 (1.2-86.3); P = 0.033] and where carbon dioxide for insufflation was not used [65 vs. 30%; OR 0.09 (0.01-0.53); P = 0.008]. CONCLUSION: CR-ESD by hydrodissection has good safety and efficacy profile and offers well tolerated and effective treatment for complex polyps. As such, this technique may be useful in the West, in centers, where previous gastric ESD is not frequent or Japanese mentoring is not possible.

Is fatty acid composition of human bone marrow significant to bone health?

The bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) is a conserved component of the marrow microenvironment, providing storage and release of energy and stabilizing the marrow extent. Also, it is recognized both the amount and quality of BMAT are relevant to preserve the functional relationships between BMAT, bone, and blood cell production. In this article we ponder the information supporting the tenet that the quality of BMAT is relevant to bone health. In the human adult the distribution of BMAT is heterogeneous over the entire skeleton, and both BMAT accumulation and bone loss come about with aging in healthy populations. But some pathological conditions which increase BMAT formation lead to bone impairment and fragility. Analysis in vivo of the relative content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (FA) in BMAT indicates site-related bone marrow fat composition and an association between increased unsaturation index (UI) and bone health. With aging some impairment ensues in the regulation of bone marrow cells and systemic signals leading to local chronic inflammation. Most of the bone loss diseases which evolve altered BMAT composition have as common factors aging and/or chronic inflammation. Both saturated and unsaturated FAs originate lipid species which are active mediators in the inflammation process. Increased free saturated FAs may lead to lipotoxicity of bone marrow cells. The pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory or resolving actions of compounds derived from long chain poly unsaturated FAs (PUFA) on bone cells is varied, and depending on the metabolism of the parent n:3 or n:6 PUFAs series. Taking together the evidence substantiate that marrow adipocyte function is fundamental for an efficient link between systemic and marrow fatty acids to accomplish specific energy or regulatory needs of skeletal and marrow cells. Further, they reveal marrow requirements of PUFAs.

Unsaturation level decreased in bone marrow fat of postmenopausal women with low bone density using high resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) 1H NMR spectroscopy.

There are increasing evidences suggesting bone marrow adiposity tissue (MAT) plays a critical role in affecting both bone quantity and quality. However, very limited studies that have investigated the association between the composition of MAT and bone mineral density (BMD). The goal of this study was to quantify MAT unsaturation profile of marrow samples from post-menopausal women using ex vivo high-resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, and to investigate the relationship between MAT composition and BMD. Bone marrow samples were obtained by iliac crest aspiration during surgical procedures from 24 postmenopausal women (65-89years) who had hip surgery due to bone fracture or arthroplasty. Marrow fat composition parameters, in particular, unsaturation level (UL), mono-unsaturation level (MUL) and saturation level (SL), were quantified using HRMAS 1H NMR spectroscopy. The patients were classified into three groups based on the DXA BMD T-scores: controls, osteopenia and osteoporosis. Marrow fat composition was compared between these three groups as well as between subjects with and without factures using ANOCOVA, adjusted for age. Subjects with lower BMD (n=17) had significantly lower MUL (P=0.003) and UL (P=0.039), and significantly higher SL (P=0.039) compared to controls (n=7). When separating lower BMD into osteopenia (n=9) and osteoporosis (n=8) groups, subjects with osteopenia had significantly lower MUL (P=0.002) and UL (P=0.010), and significantly higher SL (P=0.010) compared to healthy controls. No significant difference was observed between subjects with osteopenia and osteoporosis. Using HRMAS 1H NMR, significantly lower unsaturation and significantly higher saturation levels were observed in the marrow fat of subjects with lower BMD. HRMAS 1H NMR was shown to be a powerful tool for identifying novel MR markers of marrow fat composition that are associated with bone quality and potentially fracture, and other bone pathologies and changes after treatment. A better understanding of the relationship between bone marrow composition and bone quality in humans may identify novel treatment targets, and provide guidance on novel interventions and therapeutic strategies for bone preservation.

Real-Time H2 O2 Measurements in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Show Increased Antioxidant Capacity in Cells From Osteoporotic Women.

Oxidative stress (OS) derived from an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a major determinant of aging and lifespan. It has also been associated with several age-related disorders, like postmenopausal osteoporosis of Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs are the common precursors for osteoblasts and adipocytes; appropriate commitment and differentiation of MSCs into a specific phenotype is modulated, among other factors, by ROS balance. MSCs have shown more resistance to ROS than differentiated cells, and their redox status depends on complex and abundant anti-oxidant mechanisms. The purpose of this work was to analyze in real time, H2 O2 signaling in individual h-MSCs, and to compare the kinetic parameters of H2 O2 management by cells derived from both control (c-) and osteoporotic (o-) women. For these purposes, cells were infected with a genetically encoded fluorescent biosensor named HyPer, which is specific for detecting H2 O2 inside living cells. Subsequently, cells were sequentially challenged with 50 and 500 µM H2 O2 pulses, and the cellular response was recorded in real time. The results demonstrated adequate expression of the biosensor allowing registering fluorescence from HyPer at a single cell level. Comparison of the response of c- and o-MSCs to the oxidant challenges demonstrated improved antioxidant activity in o-MSCs. This was further corroborated by measuring the relative expression of mRNAs for catalase, superoxide dismutase-1, thioredoxine, and peroxiredoxine, as well as by cell-surviving capacity under short-term H2 O2 treatment. We conclude that functional differences exist between healthy and osteoporotic human MSCs. The mechanism for these differences requires further study. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 585-593, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Qualitative Aspects of Bone Marrow Adiposity in Osteoporosis.

The function of marrow adipocytes and their origin has not been defined although considerable research has centered on their presence in certain conditions, such as osteoporosis. Less work has focused on the qualitative aspects of marrow fat. Bone marrow serum is composed of multiple nutrients that almost certainly relate to functional aspects of the niche. Previous studies using non-invasive techniques have shown that osteoporotic individuals have more marrow fat and that the ratio of saturated: unsaturated fatty acid is high. We recently reported that bone marrow sera from osteoporotic patients with fracture showed a switch toward decreased content of total saturated versus unsaturated fatty acids, compared to patients without fracture highlighting a dynamic relationship between the composition of fatty acids in the bone microenvironment and the metabolic requirements of cells. The relative distribution of fatty acids differed considerably from that in the serum providing further evidence that energy utilization is high and that marrow adipocytes may contribute to this pool. Whether these lipids can affect osteoblast function in a positive or negative manner is still not certain but will require further investigation.

Characterization of Fatty Acid Composition in Bone Marrow Fluid From Postmenopausal Women: Modification After Hip Fracture.

Bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) is associated with low bone mass, although the functional consequences for skeletal maintenance of increased BMAT are currently unclear. BMAT might have a role in systemic energy metabolism, and could be an energy source as well as an endocrine organ for neighboring bone cells, releasing cytokines, adipokines and free fatty acids into the bone marrow microenvironment. The aim of the present report was to compare the fatty acid composition in the bone marrow supernatant fluid (BMSF) and blood plasma of postmenopausal women women (65-80 years old). BMSF was obtained after spinning the aspirated bone marrow samples; donors were classified as control, osteopenic or osteoporotic after dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Total lipids from human bone marrow fluid and plasma were extracted, converted to the corresponding methyl esters, and finally analyzed by a gas chromatographer coupled with a mass spectrometer. Results showed that fatty acid composition in BMSF was dynamic and distinct from blood plasma, implying significance in the locally produced lipids. The fatty acid composition in the BMSF was enriched in saturated fatty acid and decreased in unsaturated fatty acids as compared to blood plasma, but this relationship switched in women who suffered a hip fracture. On the other hand, there was no relationship between BMSF and bone mineral density. In conclusion, lipid composition of BMSF is distinct from the circulatory compartment, most likely reflecting the energy needs of the marrow compartment. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2370-2376, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Clinical, genetics and bioinformatics characterization of a campomelic dysplasia case report.

Campomelic dysplasia is a rare disorder characterized by skeletal and extraskeletal defects. Up to two-thirds of affected XY individuals have a gradation of genital defects or may develop as phenotypic females. This syndrome is caused by alterations in SRY-related HMG-Box Gene 9 (SOX9), a transcription factor essential in both chondrocyte differentiation and sex determination. We report a 27-week fetus with ambiguous genitalia and upper and lower extremities bone malformations. Gross photographs, radiologic and pathological studies led the clinical diagnosis to campomelic dysplasia. A new frameshift mutation (p.Pro415Serfs*163) was identified in the SOX9 gene by genetic analysis. This mutation not only alters almost the entire sequence of the C-terminal transactivation (TA) domain of SOX9, but also enlarges it. This altered sequence does not resemble any other existing sequence. Since TA domain is entirely affected, SOX9 could not establish its normal function. The comparison between p.Pro415Serfs*163 and other frameshift mutations that enlarges SOX9 showed the same nucleotides added. This new sequence is not conserved either. We speculate that the fact of adding a sequence downstream of the C-terminal domain alters SOX9 and leads to campomelic dysplasia. The clinical information is essential not only to achieve a correct diagnosis in fetuses with pathologic ultrasound findings, but also to offer a proper genetic counseling.

Osteoporosis-associated alteration in the signalling status of BMP-2 in human MSCs under adipogenic conditions.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone quality and mineral density. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) found in the bone marrow, are pluripotent cells able to differentiate into several phenotypes, including osteoblasts and adipocytes. In osteoporosis, MSCs' commitment and differentiation into osteoblast/adipocyte is unbalanced, favoring adipocyte formation. The osteo and adipogenic processes are modulated by the bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). This cytokine regulates the expression of transcription factors PPARγ and Runx 2, but its action on cells under adipogenic conditions is poorly understood. In this work we studied BMP-2 signaling in MSCs obtained from bone marrow of control or osteoporotic volunteer postmenopausal women. MSCs were cultured under basal, adipogenic (AD) or AD plus BMP-2 conditions. The protein content of PPARγ, p-PPARγ, Runx2, bone morphogenetic receptor IA (BMPR IA), phosphorylated Smad-1/5/8 (p-Smad) and Smad 4 were determined by specific western blots. mRNA level for BMPRs was determined by PCR and cell localization of p-Smad-1/5/8 were detected by immunocytochemistry. Control MSCs showed a differential response to both AD and AD plus BMP-2 treatments: BMP-2 exerted an anti-adipogenic effect increasing both transcription factors analyzed. Moreover, p-Smads-1/5/8 were detected in nuclei after short term BMP-2 treatment. Osteoporotic MSCs showed no response to exogenous added BMP-2, as shown by p-PPARγ/PPARγ ratio and Runx2 levels, although BMPR-IA level was significantly higher in osteoporotic than in control MSCs. In addition, staining for p-Smad-1/5/8 in o-MSCs was observed around nuclei at all experimental conditions. Taken together results demonstrate failure of BMP-2 signaling in osteoporotic MSCs.

Dermatitis atópica en un infante / Atopic dermatitis in a child

Se describe el caso clínico de un infante de 2 años de edad, producto de un parto distócico por cesárea a las 40 semanas, debido a una desproporción cefalopélvica, alimentado con lactancia materna exclusiva hasta los 6 meses de vida, quien fue llevado a consulta por presentar prurito persistente, más exacerbado en las noches y lesiones eritematopapulosas en los pliegues de codos y rodillas, así como en el axilar izquierdo. Según los resultados de los exámenes complementarios, los niveles de inmunoglobulinas E estaban elevados, por lo cual fue medicado con antihistamínicos, esteroides en ciclos cortos (vías tópica y oral), factor de transferencia e inmunomoduladores tópicos; también se le ofrecieron orientaciones higienoambientales y dietéticas. Después de 2 meses de tratamiento mejoró ostensiblemente el cuadro clínico y se mantuvo en seguimiento por su área de salud(AU)

The case report of a 2-year-old child born of a dystocia cesarian section at 40 weeks due to a cephalopelvic disproportion is described, who was exclusively breastfed until 6 months of age and taken to the clinic because of persistent itching, which was exacerbated at night, and erythematous papulous lesions in elbow and knee folds, as well as in the left axilla. According to the results of complementary tests there were high levels of immunoglobulin E, so that he received antihistamines, short-course steroids (topical and oral routes), transfer factor and topical immunomodulators; hygienic, environmental and dietetic guidances were also given. After 2 months of treatment the clinical pattern improved significantly and he was monitored in the health area(AU)

Dermatitis atópica en un infante / Atopic dermatitis in a child

Se describe el caso clínico de un infante de 2 años de edad, producto de un parto distócico por cesárea a las 40 semanas, debido a una desproporción cefalopélvica, alimentado con lactancia materna exclusiva hasta los 6 meses de vida, quien fue llevado a consulta por presentar prurito persistente, más exacerbado en las noches y lesiones eritematopapulosas en los pliegues de codos y rodillas, así como en el axilar izquierdo. Según los resultados de los exámenes complementarios, los niveles de inmunoglobulinas E estaban elevados, por lo cual fue medicado con antihistamínicos, esteroides en ciclos cortos (vías tópica y oral), factor de transferencia e inmunomoduladores tópicos; también se le ofrecieron orientaciones higienoambientales y dietéticas. Después de 2 meses de tratamiento mejoró ostensiblemente el cuadro clínico y se mantuvo en seguimiento por su área de salud.

The case report of a 2-year-old child born of a dystocia cesarian section at 40 weeks due to a cephalopelvic disproportion is described, who was exclusively breastfed until 6 months of age and taken to the clinic because of persistent itching, which was exacerbated at night, and erythematous papulous lesions in elbow and knee folds, as well as in the left axilla. According to the results of complementary tests there were high levels of immunoglobulin E, so that he received antihistamines, short-course steroids (topical and oral routes), transfer factor and topical immunomodulators; hygienic, environmental and dietetic guidances were also given. After 2 months of treatment the clinical pattern improved significantly and he was monitored in the health area.

Synthesis of nanostructured porous silica coatings on titanium and their cell adhesive and osteogenic differentiation properties.

Nanostructured porous silica coatings were synthesized on titanium by the combined sol-gel and evaporation-induced self-assembly process. The silica-coating structures were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and nitrogen sorptometry. The effect of the nanoporous surface on apatite formation in simulated body fluid, protein adsorption, osteoblast cell adhesion behavior, and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) is reported. Silica coatings with highly ordered sub-10 nm porosity accelerate early osteoblast adhesive response, a favorable cell response that is attributed to an indirect effect due to the high protein adsorption observed on the large-specific surface area of the nanoporous coating but is also probably due to direct mechanical stimulus from the nanostructured topography. The nanoporous silica coatings, particularly those doped with calcium and phosphate, also promote the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs with spontaneous mineral nodule formation in basal conditions. The bioactive surface properties exhibited by the nanostructured porous silica coatings make these materials a promising alternative to improve the osseointegration properties of titanium dental implants and could have future impact on the nanoscale design of implant surfaces.

Valoración del control del paciente hipertenso / Assessment and control of hypertensive patients

Se realizó una investigación transversal y descriptiva a 150 pacientes hipertensos del Grupo Básico de Trabajo 2 del Policlínico Universitario Luis A. Turcios Lima, municipio Pinar del Río durante el año 2011, con el objetivo de valorar el control. Para la recogida de información se utilizaron las historias de salud familiar e individual y se aplicó un cuestionario bajo la aceptación de las personas a participar en esta investigación. Los datos fueron procesados y analizados con medidas de frecuencias (por cientos). Se encontró que predominó el sexo femenino y las edades entre 45 y 59 años. La tensión arterial promedio fue menor de 130/80 mm de Hg. El mayor por ciento de los casos se chequeó la tensión arterial con una periodicidad de 6 o más veces. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron las cardiovasculares. La mayoría de los pacientes estaban controlados y presentaron menos complicaciones(AU)

A cross-sectional and descriptive research with 150 patients belonging to No-2 basic-team work at Luis A. Turcios Lima Pinar del Rio municipality during 2011 was carried out to assess and control hypertensive patients. To collect the information, familial and individual medical history were revised and a questionnaire under the consent of the subjects to participate in the study was applied. The process and analysis of data were performed considering measures of frequencies (percentages). Female sex and ages between 45 and 49 prevailed. Average blood pressure was less than 130/80 mm Hg. Observing in the greatest percentage of the cases the screen of blood pressure periodically more than 6 or more times. Cardiovascular complications were the most frequent. The majority of patients were controlled and presented less complications(AU)