Análisis bibliométrico de la producción científica cubana sobre asma en Scopus

Introducción: El asma es una entidad con alta prevalencia a nivel mundial y en Cuba, que ha suscitado nuevas investigaciones. Objetivo: Caracterizar la producción científica cubana sobre asma en la base de datos Scopus. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y bibliométrico de los artículos publicados sobre asma en Scopus con autores cubanos, desde 1973 hasta 2021. Para la recuperación de los registros se empleó una fórmula de búsqueda. Para el análisis de los datos se usaron los software Bibexcel y VOSviewer. Resultados: Se publicaron 154 investigaciones sobre asma, con predominio de artículos originales (136) y de revisión (12). Las áreas más productivas fueron Medicina (144) e Inmunología y Microbiología (34). Los artículos fueron publicados en 48 revistas; de ellas, 11 fueron cubanas, con la Revista Cubana de Medicina como la más productiva. México aportó el mayor número de colaboraciones (10). El Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Docente General Calixto García (15) fue el más productivo. Se identificaron tres clústeres de palabras clave, con "human", "asthma" y "Cuban" como términos centrales y de mayor ocurrencia. Conclusiones: Existió una baja producción científica sobre asma, centrada principalmente en artículos originales, en el área de Medicina y en revistas nacionales. Se evidenció colaboración internacional. Los ejes principales de investigación fueron el diagnóstico, tratamiento, investigación básica en modelos animales, nuevas terapéuticas, factores de riesgo y prevención.

Introduction: Asthma is an entity with high prevalence worldwide and in Cuba, which has prompted new research. Objective: To characterize Cuban scientific production on asthma in the Scopus database. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive and bibliometric study was carried out on articles on asthma published in Scopus by Cuban authors, from 1973 to 2021. A search formula was used to retrieve the records. Bibexcel and VOSviewer were used for data analysis. Results: 154 research papers on asthma were published; with a predominance of original (136) and review articles (12). The most productive areas were Medicine (144) and Immunology and Microbiology (34). Articles were published in 48 journals, of which 11 were Cuban, with the Revista Cubana de Medicina (Cuban Journal of Medicine) being the most productive. Mexico contributed the highest number of collaborations (10). The Teaching Hospital General Calixto García (15) was the most productive. 3 key word clusters were identified, with "human", "asthma" and "Cuban" as central and most occurring terms. Conclusions: There was a low scientific production on asthma, mainly focused on original articles, in the area of Medicine and in national journals. International collaboration was evident. The main areas of research were diagnosis, treatment, basic research in animal models, new therapeutics, risk factors and prevention.

Release of phenolic compounds from fermented cocoa powder during fast heating in a novel hot plate reactor.

This article studies the release of phenolic compounds during cocoa heating under vacuum, N2, and air atmospheres, and proposes fast heating (60 °C • s-1) as a methodology that allows the release of polyphenols from fermented cocoa powder. We aim to demonstrate that gas phase transport is not the only mechanism to extract compounds of interest and that convective-type mechanisms can facilitate the process by reducing their degradation. The oxidation and transport phenomena were evaluated both in the extracted fluid and in the solid sample during the heating process. Polyphenols transport phenomena were assessed based on the fluid (chemical condensate compounds) that was collected cold with an organic solvent (methanol) in a hot plate reactor. Out of all the polyphenolic compounds present in cocoa powder, we assessed specifically the release of catechin and epicatechin. We found that high heating rates combined with vacuum or N2 favor the ejection of liquids; then, it is possible to extract compounds such as catechin-which is dissolved/entrained and transported in the ejected liquids-and avoid degradation phenomena.

Aspectos clínicos-epidemiológicos de la COVID-19 en pacientes de Pinar del Río / Clinical-epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 patients from Pinar del Rio

RESUMEN Introducción: la COVID-19 es una enfermedad infecciosa causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2, que puede provocar un síndrome respiratorio agudo por lo que constituye en la actualidad una emergencia de salud pública internacional. Objetivo: identificar los factores clínicos epidemiológicos de la COVID-19 en el período de marzo de 2020 a mayo de 2021 en Pinar del Río. Métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal descriptivo en la provincia de Pinar del Río. Se exploraron los datos tomados de los informes estadísticos de la Unidad Provincial de Higiene y Epidemiología de los pacientes egresados por COVID-19. Se identificaron variables clínicas y epidemiológicas. Resultados: los grupos etarios de 41-50 años, 51-60 años representaron el 17,16 % para ambos seguido del grupo de 21-30 años que representó 16,23 %. El sexo masculino predominó sobre el femenino, para un 52,82 %. Predominaron los casos con evolución asintomática, lo que representó el 53,28 %. El curso sintomático fue mayor en los grupos etarios de 21-30 años y 51-60 años. Los síntomas predominantes fueron tos y fiebre, seguidos por rinorrea y odinofagia. La hipertensión arterial fue la enfermedad más frecuente seguida del asma y diabetes mellitus tipo 2. El municipio de Pinar del Río presentó el mayor número de casos positivos. Conclusiones: existió un ligero predominio de pacientes asintomáticos. La fiebre y los síntomas respiratorios fueron predominantes. Las enfermedades crónicas más frecuentes fueron la hipertensión arterial y el asma. El municipio Pinar del Río fue el más afectado.

ABSTRACT Introduction: COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which can cause acute respiratory syndrome and is currently an international public health emergency. Objective: to identify the epidemiological clinical factors of COVID-19 in the period from March 2020 to May 2021 in Pinar del Rio. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Pinar del Rio province. Data collected from the statistical reports of the Provincial Unit of Hygiene and Epidemiology of COVID-19 discharged patients were explored. Clinical and epidemiological variables were identified. Results: the age groups 41-50 years, 51-60 years represented 17,16 % for both, followed by the group 21-30 years which represented 16,23 %. Male sex predominated over the female sex, representing 52,82 %. Cases with asymptomatic evolution predominated, representing 53,28 %. The symptomatic course of the disease predominated in the age groups 21-30 and 51-60 years old. The most predominant symptoms were cough and fever, followed by rhinorrhea and odynophagia. Hypertension was the most frequent disease followed by asthma and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Pinar del Rio municipality presented the highest number of positive cases. Conclusions: there was a slight predominance of asymptomatic patients. Fever and respiratory symptoms prevailed. The most frequent chronic diseases were hypertension and asthma. Pinar del Rio municipality was the most affected region.

Infecciones en pacientes con inmunodeficiencias primarias en Pinar del Río / Infections in patients with primary immunodeficiencies in Pinar del Rio

RESUMEN Introducción: los errores innatos de la inmunidad son trastornos cuya causa es un defecto genético en uno o más componentes del sistema inmune. A pesar de que la forma de presentación varía según el defecto genético, la mayoría cursa con enfermedades infecciosas que presentan características de recurrencia y persistencia. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de los procesos infecciosos en los pacientes registrados con diagnóstico de Inmunodeficiencia Primaria en el Servicio de Inmunología del Hospital Pediátrico Provincial Docente "Pepe Portilla" de Pinar del Río, en el periodo comprendido de 1994 a marzo de 2021. Métodos: estudio transversal descriptivo. Se analizaron los registros médicos de 125 pacientes diagnosticados de inmunodeficiencias que aparecen registrados en la Base de Datos del Servicio de Inmunología del Hospital Pediátrico Provincial Docente "Pepe Portilla" de Pinar del Río. Resultados: el 85,6 % de pacientes presentaron diagnóstico de algún déficit predominante de anticuerpos. Predominó el sexo masculino, y el rango etario de 6 a 10 años. Las infecciones de mayor presencia fueron la faringoamigdalitis aguda catarral (77,6 %), seguido de la neumonía (58,4 %) y la amigdalitis (56 %). De los signos de alarma que se relacionan con infecciones solo cuatro se encontraron en los pacientes del registro. Conclusión: la susceptibilidad a infecciones no es necesariamente el rasgo clínico preponderante en las inmunodeficiencias primarias, pero el fenotipo infeccioso es el mejor indicador sugestivo para algún defecto de la inmunidad. Aunque es necesario plantear nuevos criterios de manifestaciones infecciosas que faciliten el diagnóstico probable de inmunodeficiencia de forma general y por grupos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: inborn errors of immunity are disorders whose cause is a genetic defect in one or more components of the immune system. Although the form of presentation varies according to the genetic defect, most of them present infectious diseases with recurrent and persistent characteristics. Objective: to determine the prevalence of infectious processes in patients registered with diagnosis of Primary Immunodeficiency in the Immunology Service at Pepe Portilla Provincial Pediatric Teaching Hospital, Pinar del Rio in the period from 1994 to March 2021. Methods: descriptive, cross-sectional study. The medical records of 125 patients diagnosed with immunodeficiencies registered in the database of the Immunology Service at Pepe Portilla Provincial Pediatric Teaching Hospital of Pinar del Rio were analyzed. Results: the 85,6 % of patients presented diagnosis of some predominant antibody deficit. The predominant sex was male and the age range was from 6 to 10 years old. The most frequent infections were acute catarrhal pharyngotonsillitis (77,6 %), followed by pneumonia (58,4 %) and tonsillitis (56 %). Of the alarm signs related to infections only 4 were found in the patients in the registry. Conclusions: susceptibility to infections is not necessarily the predominant clinical feature in primary immunodeficiencies, but the infectious phenotype is still the best suggestive indicator for a defect in immunity. Although it is necessary to propose new criteria for infectious manifestations that facilitate the probable diagnosis of immunodeficiency in general and by groups.

Enfermedades crónicas y tabaquismo en la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en Pinar del Río / Chronic diseases and smoking in SARS-CoV-2 infection in Pinar del Rio

RESUMEN Introducción: el mundo enfrenta una nueva pandemia ante el brote de SARS-CoV-2 iniciado en Wuhan, China en diciembre de 2019. Las diferencias genéticas del hospedero y factores de riesgo como: antecedentes personales, estilos de vida y factores ambientales pueden contribuir a la marcada variabilidad clínica interindividual en la COVID-19. Objetivo: identificar los antecedentes patológicos personales (enfermedades crónicas y tabaquismo) asociados a la infección por SARS-CoV-2. Métodos: estudio observacional analítico de casos y controles en Pinar del Río en el período comprendido entre marzo de 2020 a marzo de 2021. Se exploraron antecedentes personales de enfermedades crónicas y el antecedente de tabaquismo como factor ambiental. Resultados: los antecedentes patológicos personales de alergia y asma constituyeron factores de riesgo para desarrollar síntomas. Se presenta el antecedente de fumador activo como un factor de riesgo para la infección. Conclusiones: se demuestra la contribución de los antecedentes patológicos personales (alergia y asma), y ambientales (fumador activo) a la infección por SARS-CoV-2 y al desarrollo de síntomas en pacientes de COVID-19 en Pinar del Río.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the world deals with a new pandemic because of SARS-CoV-2 outbreak initiated in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Host genetic differences and risk factors such as: personal history, lifestyles and environmental factors may contribute to the marked inter-individual clinical variability in COVID-19. Objective: to identify personal pathological history (chronic diseases and smoking) associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: analytical, observational study of cases and controls in Pinar del Rio in the period from March 2020 to March 2021. Personal history of chronic diseases and smoking as an environmental factor were explored. Results: personal pathological history of allergies and asthma constituted risk factors to develop symptoms. History of active smoking is presented as a risk factor for infection. Conclusions: the contribution of personal pathological history (allergy and asthma) and environmental (active smoking) to SARS-CoV-2 infection and to the development of symptoms in COVID-19 patients in Pinar del Rio is confirmed.

Modelo para historia clínica en inmunodeficientes primarios, Pinar del Río / Model for clinical history in primary immunodeficient patients, Pinar del Rio

RESUMEN Introducción: los errores innatos de la inmunidad o inmunodeficiencias primarias se caracterizan por susceptibilidad incrementada a infecciones por defectos del desarrollo o función del sistema inmune. Para el diagnóstico debe incluirse la evaluación clínica, la analítica inmunológica, la evaluación genética, el seguimiento rutinario, la rediscusión diagnóstica y del tratamiento clínico. No existe una guía clara respecto a este asunto en condiciones de recursos limitados. Objetivo: diseñar un modelo para la confección de historia clínica en el paciente con sospecha de error innato de la inmunidad. Métodos: se realizó un trabajo de revisión de síntomas a contemplar en la historia clínica de pacientes con errores innatos de la inmunidad. Se formaron grupos de trabajo entre miembros del grupo provincial de Inmunología de Pinar del Río, con la posterior discusión de los aspectos que se incluyen en la historia. Resultados: se diseñaron cinco tablas que recogen: consentimiento informado; antecedentes patológicos personales relacionados con 148 manifestaciones clínicas en correspondencia con los fenotipos alérgico, infeccioso, inflamatorio, autoinmune, no inmunológico, neoplásico y otros. Se exponen antecedentes patológicos familiares y árbol genealógico; el examen físico y el resumen de los fenotipos clínicos, discusión diagnóstica y clasificación del paciente. Conclusiones: el interrogatorio, el examen físico, los antecedentes patológicos personales y familiares, así como la confección adecuada de la historia clínica son elementos imprescindibles para la aproximación al diagnóstico de los errores innatos de la inmunidad. Se debe contar con un registro de pacientes que posibilite el diagnóstico precoz y el tratamiento oportuno de la inmunodeficiencia primaria.

ABSTRACT Introduction: inborn errors of immunity or primary immunodeficiencies are characterized by increased susceptibility to infections due to defects in the development or functioning of the immune system. Diagnosis should include clinical evaluation, immunological analysis, genetic evaluation, routine follow-up, diagnostic re-discussion and clinical management. There is no clear guidance on this issue under resource-limited conditions. Objective: to design a model for clinical history in patients with suspected inborn error of immunity. Methods: a review of symptoms to be considered in the clinical history of patients with inborn errors of immunity was carried out. Working groups were formed among members of the provincial group of Immunology in Pinar del Rio province, with the subsequent discussion of the aspects to be included in the history. Results: five tables were designed to collect: informed consent; personal pathological antecedents related to 148 clinical manifestations in correspondence with allergic, infectious, inflammatory, autoimmune, non-immune, neoplastic and other phenotypes. Family pathologic history and family tree; physical examination and summary of clinical phenotypes, diagnostic discussion and classification of the patient are presented. Conclusions: the interviews, physical examination, personal and family pathologic history, as well as the adequate design of the clinical history, are considered essential elements for the approach to the diagnosis of inborn errors of immunity. A patient registry should be available to enable early diagnosis and timely treatment of primary immunodeficiency.

Modelo de regresión logística binaria para el cálculo de riesgo de asma en Pinar del Río / Binary logistic regression model for calculating asthma risk in Pinar del Río

RESUMEN Introducción: se evidencian progresos metodológicos hacia la optimización de los diseños de estudio y métodos analíticos en las interacciones genoma-ambiente en el asma, entre ellos los modelos de regresión logística. Objetivo: determinar un modelo de regresión logística binaria para identificar el riesgo de asma en pacientes pediátricos. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, de casos y controles en pacientes asmáticos en la provincia de Pinar del Río, Cuba, en el periodo 2015-2019. La muestra quedó constituida por 735 casos, estableciendo una proporción de casos/controles de 1:2. A partir de las variables genéticas, infecciosas y ambientales se realizó un modelo de regresión logística binaria. Resultados: se comprobó estadísticamente la correspondencia entre los valores reales y pronosticados de la variable dependiente (p=0,602). El R2 de Nagelkerke indicó que los predictores utilizados explican el 87 % de la variabilidad de la variable dependiente. El modelo estimado clasificó correctamente el 94 % de los casos, con una sensibilidad del 93 % y una especificidad de 95 %. El modelo resultó del empleo de 11 variables, de ellas, cuatro correspondieron a los antecedentes familiares de asma, cuatro a variables infecciosas y tres variables ambientales. Resultados: se comprobó estadísticamente la correspondencia entre los valores reales y pronosticados de la variable dependiente (p=0,602). El R2 de Nagelkerke indicó que los predictores utilizados explican el 87 % de la variabilidad de la variable dependiente. El modelo estimado clasificó correctamente el 94 % de los casos, con una sensibilidad del 93 % y una especificidad de 95 %. El modelo resultó del empleo de 11 variables, de ellas, cuatro correspondieron a los antecedentes familiares de asma, cuatro a variables infecciosas y tres variables ambientales Conclusiones: el análisis multivariado permitió la conformación de un modelo para el cálculo de la probabilidad de asma a partir de la utilización de las tablas de riesgo en Pinar del Río, lo que conduce a la implementación de la medicina personalizada y el perfeccionamiento de la medicina preventiva en la atención primaria de salud.

ABSTRACT Introduction: there is evidence of methodological progress towards the optimization of study designs and analytical methods in genome-environment interactions in asthma, including logistic regression models. Objective: to determine a binary logistic regression model to identify the risk of asthma in pediatric patients. Methods: an observational, analytical, case-control study was conducted in asthmatic patients in Pinar del Río province, Cuba, in the period 2015-2019. The sample comprised 735 cases, establishing a ratio of cases/controls of 1:2. From the genetic, infectious and environmental variables, a binary logistic regression model was completed. Results: the correspondence between the current and predicted values of the dependent variable was statistically proven (p=0.602). Nagelkerke's R2 indicated that the predictors used explained 87% of the variability of the dependent variable. The estimated model correctly classified 94% of the cases, with a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 95%. The model resulted from the use of 11 variables, of which four corresponded to family history of asthma, four to infectious variables and three to environmental variables. Conclusions: the multivariate analysis allowed designing a model for the calculation of the probability of asthma using the tables of risks in Pinar del Río, which leads to the implementation of personalized medicine and the improvement of preventive medicine in primary health care.

Bilateral maculopathy and cataracts secondary to an accidental high-voltage electrical discharge.

The aim of the study was to describe the ocular findings following an accidental high-voltage electrical discharge. A 32-year-old male suffered an accidental electric discharge of 10,000 volts of direct current. He developed cortical, nuclear, and posterior subcapsular opacities in both the eyes. The retinal examination showed bilateral macular cysts. Four months after the event, the macular cyst in the OD spontaneously regressed without visual improvement. The macular cyst in the OS remained unchanged. High-voltage electrical discharge can lead to bilateral maculopathy and cataracts. The visual prognosis is reserved. The visual acuity may not improve despite macular cyst regression.

Vólvulo de vesícula biliar, a propósito de un caso / Gallbladder Volvulus: a case report

RESUMEN Introducción: el vólvulo de la vesícula biliar se define como la torsión del órgano sobre su mesenterio a lo largo del eje del conducto y arteria cística, es una enfermedad rara, que ocurre con mayor frecuencia en mujeres ancianas. Presentación del caso: se trata de una paciente femenina de 46 años de edad, de color de piel blanca, con antecedentes patológicos personales de úlcera duodenal, que practica hábitos tóxicos como el fumar y la ingestión de café. No se ha sometido con anterioridad a procederes quirúrgicos. Acude a cuerpo de guardia de Cirugía General del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Provincial Abel Santamaría Cuadrado de Pinar del Río con dolor en hipocondrio derecho, de leve intensidad y de aproximadamente 24 horas de evolución, acompañado de náuseas y dos vómitos con restos de alimentos. Se le diagnostica vólvulo de vesícula biliar, por lo cual recibe tratamiento quirúrgico. Conclusiones: el vólvulo de vesícula biliar, enfermedad infrecuente de gran similitud clínica a otras patologías de abdomen agudo, hace muy complejo su diagnóstico preoperatorio. No obstante, el advenimiento de las nuevas técnicas imagenológicas maniobradas por especialistas capacitados, junto con la correcta aplicación del método clínico epidemiológico facilitaron la capacidad diagnóstica que permitiera a los cirujanos tomar la decisión terapéutica acertada para el paciente, con resultados satisfactorios.

ABSTRACT Introduction: gallbladder volvulus is defined as the twisting of the organ over its mesentery along the axis of the duct and cystic artery; it is a rare disease, which more frequently occurs in older women. Case report: a 46 year-old, white skin color female patient, with personal pathological history of duodenal ulcer, having smoking and coffee ingestion habits, who has not previously undergone surgical procedures, she comes to the emergency room of the General Surgery Department at Abel Santamaria Cuadrado Provincial General Hospital in Pinar del Río referring pain in right hypochondriac region, of slight intensity and of approximately 24 hours of evolution; accompanied by nausea and two vomits with food remains. He is diagnosed with gallbladder volvulus, undergoing surgical treatment. Conclusions: gallbladder volvulus, an infrequent entity of great clinical similarity to other pathologies of the acute abdomen, makes a very complex pre-surgical diagnosis; nevertheless, the introduction of new imaging techniques performed by trained specialists, together with the accurate application of the clinical epidemiological method facilitated the diagnostic capacity, allowing the surgeons to take a correct and timely therapeutic decision for the patient and with satisfactory results.

Co-gasification and co-combustion of industrial solid waste mixtures and their implications on environmental emissions, as an alternative management.

The primary sludge produced by the wastewater treatment plant of a pulp and paper mill has high physicochemical heterogeneity, which limits the efficiency of thermochemical methodologies for the final disposal of this residue. As a solution, co-pelletization of the Primary Sludge (PS) with two other principal Industrial Solid Residues (ISRs) of the plant, Coal Boiler Ashes (CBA) and Wood Waste chips (WW), was proposed as a way to valorize the PS for energy use, while reducing dewatering costs. The energy potential was evaluated through a series of thermal co-processing tests of disaggregated and pelletized mixtures. Due to their differing fixed-carbon-to-volatile-material ratios, combining the ISRs resulted in a reduction of up to 45% of the mass of the ISR generated, improving the disposal conditions and achieving a minimum thermal power of 5.0 MJ/Nm3 through gasification. Finally, the environmental implications of the thermal co-processing of the wastes were assessed, finding very low impacts due to pollutant emissions, in accordance with the legal environmental regulations in force in Colombia.

Complete essential oils of Laurus nobilisinducing antinociceptiveaction by opioid mechanism in C-Reflex and spinal Wind-Up model in rat / Aceites esenciales totales de Laurus nobilis inducen acción antinociceptivamediante mecanismo opioide en el modelode Reflejo-C y Wind-Up espinal en ratas

The essential oil of Laurus nobilis L. was used to test their antinociceptive efficacy. It was applied intraperitoneally (i.p.) to rats subjected to a nociception test (C reflex and spinal wind-up). The results showed that the essential oil applied at higher doses (0.06 mg/Kg) causes a complete abolition of the spinal wind-up, while the C reflex was unchanged, indicating a clear antinociceptive effect. At lower concentrations (0.012 mg/Kg), there was a lowering in the wind-up by 85% within ten minutes of the essential i.p. oil application. Interestingly, there was an effect of naloxone (0.08 mg/Kg i.p.) When applied, a change occurs that almost entirely reversed the antinociception caused by the essential oil from Laurus nobilis. We conclude that there is a significant antinociceptive effect of the essential oil of Laurus nobilis subjected to electric nociception. In addition, it was observed that naloxone reversed the antinociceptive effect (wind-up) produced by Laurus nobilis.

El aceite esencial de Laurus nobilis L. se usó para probar su eficacia antinociceptiva. Se aplicó por vía intraperitoneal (i.p.) a ratas sometidas a una prueba de nocicepción (reflejo-C y wind-up espinal). Los resultados mostraron que el aceite esencial aplicado a dosis más altas (0.06 mg/Kg) abolió completamente el wind-up espinal, mientras que el reflejo-C no cambió, lo que indica un claro efecto antinociceptivo. A concentraciones más bajas (0.012 mg/Kg), hubo una disminución en el wind-up en un 85% dentro de los diez minutos del i.p. la aplicación del aceite esencial. Curiosamente, hubo un efecto de la naloxona (0.08 mg/Kg i.p.) la cual revierte casi por completo la antinocicepción causada por el aceite esencial de Laurus nobilis. Concluimos que existe un efecto antinociceptivo significativo del aceite esencial de Laurus nobilis sometido a nocicepción eléctrica. Además, se observó que la naloxona revirtió el efecto antinociceptivo (wind-up) producido por Laurus nobilis.

Assessment of energy potential of wood industry wastes through thermochemical conversions.

Three kinds of waste resulting from woods from the Colombian industry were selected (PinusPátula, Tectona Grandis and Acacia Mangium) in order to assess their energy potential. Several techniques of physicochemical characterization were used to predict the most appropriate energy exploitation process in each case; which was validated at laboratory scale by carrying out the torrefaction, gasification and combustion process. Results allowed us to the identification of the high energy potential of such wood waste as well as their feasibility to generate torrefied products and synthesis gas as products with greater added values. As a special case, the species Tectona Grandis displayed the greatest conversion and synthesis gas quality on the basis of the gasification process, due to its physicochemical characteristics. These samples can be torrefacted in order to get a new product with higher energy potential than the original sample. Experimental study carried out, allowed us to demonstrate that there is a relationship between biomass chemical composition, yield, and process products. In addition, applying an additivity law of individual effects of the component, it is not possible to predict the process performances.

Antinociceptive antibiotics-loaded into solid lipid nanoparticles of prolonged release: Measuring pharmacological efficiency and time span on chronic monoarthritis rats.

Pain is a sensory experience of a complex physiological nature in which is not only involved the nervous system. Among its many features is the development of chronic pain that is more complicated to treat because of the central somatization processes involved, becoming inefficient treatments used in other forms of pain. Among them is the role of glial cells, whose participation is such that some authors have proposed to chronic pain as a gliopathy. Because of this, the drug target of possible treatments focuses on modulating nociceptive response affecting transduction into the central nervous system through affecting synapses in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Solid lipid nanoparticles enter the central nervous system, protecting the drug, and in addition to the advantage of having greater absorption surface, all factors that improve drug activity. This work is based on the development and characterization of lipid nanoparticles of solid phase incorporating two antibiotics, minocycline, and ciprofloxacin with antinociceptive properties and challenged them with a rat monoarthritis model using Sprague-Dawley adult male rats. The solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared to modify the lipid, and surfactant amounts to obtain the best encapsulation capacity of the antibiotics, size and z potential. By using the Randall-Selitto test, we measured its pharmacological efficiency as an anti-inflammatory and measuring the time span the antibiotics are active. The encapsulated antibiotics were at least 50% more efficient than the antibiotic alone, and that is possible to measure anti-inflammatory activity up to seven days after the antibiotic application. The former is important for example, in the veterinary field, since a single application of the antibiotic will be necessary for the complete treatment, avoiding excessive stress for the animals. We can conclude that antinociceptive antibiotics encapsulation is a very effective, environmentally safe and inexpensive method for improving the pharmacological efficiency and time span the antibiotics are acting. Since these antibiotics are both anti-microbial and antinociceptive, his use in the field of veterinary presents the advantage of being adequate in single doses, with the saving of time and stress to the animals under treatment.

Effective diffusion in the region between two surfaces.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a formula for the effective diffusion operator obtained by projecting the three-dimensional diffusion equation onto a two-dimensional plane, assuming reflective boundary conditions at two surfaces in three-dimensional space and a finite transversal stabilization rate.

Analysis of operating costs for producing biodiesel from palm oil at pilot-scale in Colombia.

The present study aims to evaluate the operating costs of biodiesel production using palm oil in a pilot-scale plant with a capacity of 20,000 L/day (850 L/batch). The production plant uses crude palm oil as a feedstock, and methanol in a molar ratio of 1:10. The process incorporated acid esterification, basic transesterification, and dry washing with absorbent powder. Production costs considered in the analysis were feedstock, supplies, labor, electricity, quality and maintenance; amounting to $3.75/gal ($0.99/L) for 2013. Feedstocks required for biodiesel production were among the highest costs, namely 72.6% of total production cost. Process efficiency to convert fatty acids to biodiesel was over 99% and generated a profit of $1.08/gal (i.e., >22% of the total income). According to sensitivity analyses, it is more economically viable for biodiesel production processes to use crude palm oil as a feedstock and take advantage of the byproducts such as glycerine and fertilizers.

Deported Mexican migrants: health status and access to care.

OBJECTIVE To describe the health status and access to care of forced-return Mexican migrants deported through the Mexico-United States border and to compare it with the situation of voluntary-return migrants. METHODS Secondary data analysis from the Survey on Migration in Mexico's Northern Border from 2012. This is a continuous survey, designed to describe migration flows between Mexico and the United States, with a mobile-population sampling design. We analyzed indicators of health and access to care among deported migrants, and compare them with voluntary-return migrants. Our analysis sample included 2,680 voluntary-return migrants, and 6,862 deportees. We employ an ordinal multiple logistic regression model, to compare the adjusted odds of having worst self-reported health between the studied groups. RESULTS As compared to voluntary-return migrants, deportees were less likely to have medical insurance in the United States (OR = 0.05; 95%CI 0.04;0.06). In the regression model a poorer self-perceived health was found to be associated with having been deported (OR = 1.71, 95%CI 1.52;1.92), as well as age (OR = 1.03, 95%CI 1.02;1.03) and years of education (OR = 0.94 95%CI 0.93;0.95). CONCLUSIONS According to our results, deportees had less access to care while in the United States, as compared with voluntary-return migrants. Our results also showed an independent and statistically significant association between deportation and having poorer self-perceived health. To promote the health and access to care of deported Mexican migrants coming back from the United States, new health and social policies are required.

Deported Mexican migrants: health status and access to care / Migrantes mexicanos deportados: exploração do estado de saúde e acesso a serviços de saúde

OBJECTIVE To describe the health status and access to care of forced-return Mexican migrants deported through the Mexico-United States border and to compare it with the situation of voluntary-return migrants. METHODS Secondary data analysis from the Survey on Migration in Mexico’s Northern Border from 2012. This is a continuous survey, designed to describe migration flows between Mexico and the United States, with a mobile-population sampling design. We analyzed indicators of health and access to care among deported migrants, and compare them with voluntary-return migrants. Our analysis sample included 2,680 voluntary-return migrants, and 6,862 deportees. We employ an ordinal multiple logistic regression model, to compare the adjusted odds of having worst self-reported health between the studied groups. RESULTS As compared to voluntary-return migrants, deportees were less likely to have medical insurance in the United States (OR = 0.05; 95%CI 0.04;0.06). In the regression model a poorer self-perceived health was found to be associated with having been deported (OR = 1.71, 95%CI 1.52;1.92), as well as age (OR = 1.03, 95%CI 1.02;1.03) and years of education (OR = 0.94 95%CI 0.93;0.95). CONCLUSIONS According to our results, deportees had less access to care while in the United States, as compared with voluntary-return migrants. Our results also showed an independent and statistically significant association between deportation and having poorer self-perceived health. To promote the health and access to care of deported Mexican migrants coming back from the United States, new health and social policies are required. .

OBJETIVO Analisar o estado de saúde e o acesso aos serviços de saúde de imigrantes mexicanos deportados na fronteira entre México e Estados Unidos. MÉTODOS Foram analisados dados secundários do Inquérito sobre Migração na Fronteira do Norte do México de 2012. O inquérito é contínuo e desenhado para descrever fluxos migratórios na fronteira entre México e Estados Unidos com amostra de população móvel. Foram analisados indicadores de saúde e de acesso aos serviços de saúde dos imigrantes deportados em comparação aos imigrantes que retornaram voluntariamente. Nossa amostra análise incluiu 2.680 migrantes de retorno voluntário, e 6.862 deportados. Foi utilizado modelo de regressão logística ordinal para comparar as probabilidades da pior autopercepção de saúde entre os grupos estudados. RESULTADOS Em comparação com os migrantes de retorno voluntário, deportados foram menos propensos a ter seguro médico em os Estados Unidos (OR = 0,05, IC95% 0,04;0,06). No modelo de regressão uma pior saúde auto-percebida foi associado com ser deportado (OR = 1,71, IC95% 1,52;1,92), bem como a idade (OR = 1,03, IC95% 1,02;1,03) e os anos de escolaridade (OR = 0,94, IC95% 0,93;0,95). CONCLUSÕES De acordo com nossos resultados, deportados tinha menos acesso aos cuidados, enquanto em os Estados Unidos, em comparação com os migrantes de retorno voluntário. Nossos resultados também mostraram uma associação independente e estatisticamente significativa entre a deportação e ter pior saúde auto-percebida. Novas políticas de saúde pública são necessárias para promover a saúde e o acesso aos serviços de saúde nos imigrantes mexicanos deportados dos Estados Unidos. .

Economic family burden of metabolic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

AIM: To appraise the economic burden for families of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) at the Instituto Nacional de Pediatria in Mexico City. PATIENTS AND METHODS: DM1 family direct costs were obtained from a standardized economic survey in 59 children with no chronic severe complications such as kidney failure in 2002-3. RESULTS: Mean family annual direct cost of treatment and monitoring was US $1689.87 which includes government funding given to both outpatients and inpatients. Despite this, DM1 out-of-pocket cost for families is very high compared to the minimum official wage of approximately $4.00 dollar/day versus $4.06 cost DM1/day. No correlation between parents' age, education or socio-economic level and direct cost was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The highest economic burden was due to self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) 53.0% and insulin 14.8%. The costs were higher in children with poor metabolic control who performed SMBG less often.

Mutations in MODY genes are not common cause of early-onset type 2 diabetes in Mexican families.

CONTEXT: Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a monogenic form of diabetes mellitus characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance, early age of onset and a primary insulin secretion defect. Certain MODY gene sequence variants may be involved in polygenic forms of type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the contribution of MODY genes to the etiology of type 2 early-onset diabetes in 23 Mexican families, including five with apparently autosomal dominant inheritance. PATIENTS: Twenty-three unrelated Mexican families with early-onset type 2 diabetes previously screened for the presence of glucokinase mutations, were studied. DESIGN: We screened MODY genes for sequence variants by PCR-SSCP analysis and automated sequencing. We performed a functional analysis of the HNF-1alpha P379H recombinant protein in vitro in both HeLa and RINm5f beta-cell lines. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: MODY gene mutation screening and P379H mutant protein transactivation assay. RESULTS: No mutations were detected in the HNF-4alpha, IPF-1, NEUROD1 or HNF-1beta genes in any of the families studied. A new mutation (P379H) of the HNF-1alpha gene was identified in one MODY family. RINm5f and HeLa cell transfection assays revealed decreased transactivation activity of the mutant protein on the human insulin promoter. CONCLUSIONS: All known MODY genes were screened for abnormalities in this cohort of early-onset diabetes families which included 5 MODY pedigrees. We identified a new HNF-1alpha MODY mutation (P379H) and demonstrated that it reduces the transactivation potential of the mutant protein on the human insulin promoter. No other mutation was identified in this cohort indicating that abnormalities in MODY genes are generally not a common cause of early-onset diabetes and this includes MODY families in Mexico.

Incidencia de Aeromonas spp en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba / Incidence of Aeromonas spp in Santiago de Cuba Province

Se efectuó un estudio ecológico, de tipo exploratorio, sobre la circulación de Aeromonas spp en la vigilancia del cólera en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba durante el 2000, para lo cual se utilizó una base de datos confeccionada con las historias epidemiológicas de 342 pacientes en quienes se aisló coprológicamente dicho microorganismo, se analizó la distribución geográfica del germen y se relacionó con la calidad del agua en las distintas localidades donde residían los afectados. El municipio con mayor número de aislamientos fue Songo-La Maya, sobre todo en el sexo femenino (55,6 por ciento) y en los niños de 0 - 4 años (33,3 por ciento). La fuente de contaminación más frecuente resultó ser el agua y la mayor notificación de casos tuvo lugar en la vigilancia epidemiológica. Se recomienda intensificar las actividades sanitarias informativas y educativas en los territorios con mayor riesgo de infección