Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing in the State of Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Tuberculosis remains a serious threat to human health as an infectious disease in Mexico. Data about the genotypes of circulating Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates (MTB) in the State of Nuevo Leon, Mexico are scarce. We aimed to determine the genotypes of circulating MTB belonging to the Beijing lineage recovered from patients in the State of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. A total of 406 MTB isolates from this state were genotyped using the spoligotyping method and 18-locus MIRU-VNTR. Lineage classification and MTB transmission analysis were performed. Based on the spoligotyping analysis, we found 24 strains belonging to the Beijing genotype that were characterized phylogenetically. The MIRUs showed greater discriminatory power than the standard RFLP-IS6110 method; therefore, the greatest allelic diversity among the Beijing strains was observed with MIRU10, MIRU31, MIRU39, MRU40, and MIRU 26. MVLA analysis showed a profile variation between Beijing and non-Beijing strains. The minimum spanning tree (MST) showed that 79% (19) of the strains are related. All Beijing strains exhibited the deletion of region TbD1, which is a characteristic of modern strains. The application of spoligotyping and MIRU-VNTR-18 methods together proved to be more sensitive, discriminatory, and rapid than the standard method for the epidemiological analysis of Mycobacterium Beijing isolates. This study is one of the first to describe the genomic diversity of M. Beijing in the State of Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Surgical outcomes in patients with acromegaly: Microscopic vs. endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery.

Transsphenoidal resection of growth hormone-secreting pituitary neuroendocrine tumors remains the first-line treatment for acromegaly. This can be performed through microsurgery or endoscopic surgery. For the past decades, endoscopic surgery has become the preferred technique in an increasing number of centers worldwide. However, whether it offers superior clinical outcomes has yet to be determined. In this paper, we performed a narrative review of the literature comparing both techniques in the treatment of acromegaly. We critically assessed available comparative studies from an objective perspective to determine their suitability for defining superiority of either technique. Available evidence displays substantial methodological variations and reports conflicting findings. Although endoscopic surgery provides a wider exposure and enhanced visibility of the surgical field, this does not consistently translate into better clinical outcomes, as most tumors are equally accessible through both techniques. Postoperative outcomes such as remission and complication rates are similar between both techniques. The management of acromegaly should be performed by experienced pituitary neurosurgeons, regardless of the approach. The involvement of a multidisciplinary team in a dedicated pituitary center is critical to ensure optimal outcomes.

In vitro evaluation of the osteogenic and antimicrobial potential of porous wollastonite scaffolds impregnated with ethanolic extracts of propolis.

Context: The development of porous devices using materials modified with various natural agents has become a priority for bone healing processes in the oral and maxillofacial field. There must be a balance between the proliferation of eukaryotic and the inhibition of prokaryotic cells to achieve proper bone health. Infections might inhibit the formation of new alveolar bone during bone graft augmentation. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro osteogenic behavior of human bone marrow stem cells and assess the antimicrobial response to 3D-printed porous scaffolds using propolis-modified wollastonite. Methodology: A fractional factorial design of experiments was used to obtain a 3D printing paste for developing scaffolds with a triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) gyroid geometry based on wollastonite and modified with an ethanolic propolis extract. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was characterized using free radical scavenging methods (DPPH and ABTS). Cell proliferation and osteogenic potential using Human Bone Marrow Stem Cells (bmMSCs) were assessed at different culture time points up to 28 days. MIC and inhibition zones were studied from single strain cultures, and biofilm formation was evaluated on the scaffolds under co-culture conditions. The mechanical strength of the scaffolds was evaluated. Results: Through statistical design of experiments, a paste suitable for printing scaffolds with the desired geometry was obtained. Propolis extracts modifying the TPMS gyroid scaffolds showed favorable cell proliferation and metabolic activity with osteogenic potential after 21 days. Additionally, propolis exhibited antioxidant activity, which may be related to the antimicrobial effectiveness of the scaffolds against S. aureus and S. epidermidis cultures. The mechanical properties of the scaffolds were not affected by propolis impregnation. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that propolis-impregnated porous wollastonite scaffolds might have the potential to stimulate bone repair in maxillofacial tissue engineering applications.

Antibacterial and osteoinductive properties of wollastonite scaffolds impregnated with propolis produced by additive manufacturing.

Biocompatible ceramic scaffolds offer a promising approach to address the challenges in bone reconstruction. Wollastonite, well-known for its exceptional biocompatibility, has attracted significant attention in orthopedics and craniofacial fields. However, the antimicrobial properties of wollastonite have contradictory findings, necessitating further research to enhance its antibacterial characteristics. This study aimed to explore a new approach to improve in vitro biological response in terms of antimicrobial activity and cell proliferation by taking advantage of additive manufacturing for the development of scaffolds with complex geometries by 3D printing using propolis-modified wollastonite. The scaffolds were designed with a TPMS (Triply Periodic Minimal Surface) gyroid geometric shape and 3D printed prior to impregnation with propolis extract. The paste formulation was characterized by rheometric measurements, and the presence of propolis was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The scaffolds were comprehensively assessed for their mechanical strength. The biological characterization involved evaluating the antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, employing Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Zone of Inhibition (ZOI), and biofilm formation assays. Additionally, SaOs-2 cultures were used to study cell proliferation (Alamar blue assay), and potential osteogenic was tested (von Kossa, Alizarin Red, and ALP stainings) at different time points. Propolis impregnation did not compromise the mechanical properties of the scaffolds, which exhibited values comparable to human trabecular bone. Propolis incorporation conferred antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The implementation of TPMS gyroid geometry in the scaffold design demonstrated favorable cell proliferation with increased metabolic activity and osteogenic potential after 21 days of cell cultures.

An Exploration of the Nature of Vocabulary Change Following Language and Literacy Together Intervention.

PURPOSE: This exploratory study evaluates how bilingual first graders' vocabulary use in narrative changed after a Spanish-language intervention that focuses on connection between language and literacy. METHOD: Ten Spanish-English bilingual first graders produced three English and three Spanish narratives based on the Test of Narrative Language protocol pre- and postintervention. All samples were transcribed. Based on comprehensive word inventories, all words produced by the children were identified as being core words; Tiers 1, 2, and 3 words; and/or cognates in both languages. We also coded all utterances for use of internal state terms (ISTs). We evaluated total and unique production of these kinds of words. RESULTS: Postintervention children increased their total number of cognates and ISTs across languages. They also increased the unique core words, Tier 1 words, and cognates postintervention. They also used more of each of these kinds of words in Spanish-the language of intervention-than in English. CONCLUSIONS: Children make qualitative changes to their vocabulary postintervention. There is greater change in the use of core words and Tier 1 words in Spanish. These increases in productivity and variability were indicated by the number of unique words added to the children's repertoires in ways that supported narrative production.

Modified abaxial sesamoid nerve block provides enhanced proximal diffusion compared to basisesamoid block and lower proximal diffusion than traditional low plantar nerve block in equine hind limbs: ex vivo and in vivo study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the proximal diffusion distance of radiopaque contrast medium and mepivacaine/methylene blue solution and incidence of inadvertent intrasynovial and intravascular injections of modified sesamoid nerve block (MASB) when compared with traditional plantar nerve analgesia techniques of the equine distal hind limb. SAMPLE: Ex vivo model: 18 hind limbs; and in vivo model: 5 horses in a crossover study. METHODS: In the ex vivo model, a mepivacaine/methylene blue solution was used to compare the diffusion distance between MASB, basisesamoid block (BSB), and traditional low plantar block (TLPB). Ten minutes after injection, skin was dissected and proximal diffusion distance of the dye patch was measured. In the in vivo model, both hind limbs were injected with radiopaque contrast medium with either MASB or TLPB. Ten minutes after injection, a radiograph was acquired and the proximal diffusion of the contrast medium patch was measured. RESULTS: In the ex vivo model, solution proximal diffusion distance for MASB was significantly longer than BSB (P < .050) and significantly shorter than TLPB (P < .050). Both techniques reached the proximal aspect of DFTS similarly (P = .289), and no difference in the incidence of intrasynovial or intravascular injections was observed (P = .292). In the in vivo model, contrast medium proximal diffusion of MASB was significantly shorter than TLPB (P < .050). The proportion of injections that diffused subcutaneously to the proximal aspect of the proximal pouch of the DFTS was not significantly different between techniques (P = .136). No difference in the incidence of DFTS intrasynovial or intravascular injections was observed (P = .305). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: MASB presented significantly more proximal diffusion than BSB and less proximal diffusion than TLPB, consistently reached the proximal aspect of DFTS, and presented a very low risk of intrasynovial and intravascular injections.

Effects of Propolis Impregnation on Polylactic Acid (PLA) Scaffolds Loaded with Wollastonite Particles against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Their Coculture for Potential Medical Devices.

Several diseases and injuries cause irreversible damage to bone tissues, which may require partial or total regeneration or replacement. Tissue engineering suggests developing substitutes that may contribute to the repair or regeneration process by using three-dimensional lattices (scaffolds) to create functional bone tissues. Herein, scaffolds comprising polylactic acid and wollastonite particles enriched with propolis extracts from the Arauca region of Colombia were developed as gyroid triply periodic minimal surfaces using fused deposition modeling. The propolis extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25175) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228), which cause osteomyelitis. The scaffolds were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, contact angle, swelling, and degradation. Their mechanical properties were assessed using static and dynamic tests. Cell viability/proliferation assay was conducted using hDP-MSC cultures, while their bactericidal properties against monospecies cultures (S. aureus and S. epidermidis) and cocultures were evaluated. The wollastonite particles did not affect the physical, mechanical, or thermal properties of the scaffolds. The contact angle results showed that there were no substantial differences in the hydrophobicity between scaffolds with and without particles. Scaffolds containing wollastonite particles suffered less degradation than those produced using PLA alone. A representative result of the cyclic tests at Fmax = 450 N showed that the maximum strain reached after 8000 cycles is well below the yield strain (i.e., <7.5%), thereby indicating that even under these stringent conditions, these scaffolds will be able to work properly. The scaffolds impregnated with propolis showed a lower % of cell viability using hDP-MSCs on the 3rd day, but these values increased on the 7th day. These scaffolds exhibited antibacterial activity against the monospecies cultures of S. aureus and S. epidermidis and their cocultures. The samples without propolis loads did not show inhibition halos, whereas those loaded with EEP exhibited halos of 17.42 ± 0.2 mm against S. aureus and 12.9 ± 0.5 mm against S. epidermidis. These results made the scaffolds possible bone substitutes that exert control over species with a proliferative capacity for the biofilm-formation processes required for typical severe infectious processes.

Stroke Outcomes Among English- and Spanish-Speaking Mexican American Patients.

OBJECTIVES: We examined whether language preference was associated with 90-day poststroke outcomes among Mexican American (MA) patients. METHODS: Patients with ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage from the population-based Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi project (2009-2018) were compared by language preference in 90-day neurologic, functional, and cognitive outcomes using weighted Tobit regression. Models were adjusted for demographics, initial NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), medical history, stroke characteristics, and insurance status. RESULTS: Of 1,096 stroke patients, 926 were English-speaking and 170 were Spanish-only-speaking. Spanish speakers were older (p < 0.01), received less education (p < 0.01), had higher initial NIHSS values (p = 0.02), had higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (p < 0.01), and had lower prevalence of smoking (p = 0.01) than English speakers. In fully adjusted models, Spanish-only speakers had worse neurologic outcome (NIHSS, range 0-44 [higher worse], mean difference: 1.93, p < 0.01) but no difference in functional outcome measured by activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living or cognitive outcome compared with English speakers. DISCUSSION: This population-based study found worse neurologic but similar functional and cognitive stroke outcomes among Spanish-only-speaking MA patients compared with English-speaking MA patients.

Fabrication of polycaprolactone/calcium phosphates hybrid scaffolds impregnated with plant extracts using 3D printing for potential bone regeneration.

The increase in critical bone diseases and defects in the world's population increases the need for bone substitutes to restore form and function. Organic and inorganic scaffolds with antibacterial properties could provide advantages for bone regeneration. In this study, we obtained scaffolds of polycaprolactone (PCL) charged with calcium phosphates nanoparticles and impregnated with extracts of Colombian plants as an alternative for potential bone regeneration. Calcium phosphate nanoparticles were obtained via auto-combustion synthesis. The nanoparticles were incorporated into the PCL with a chemical dissolution-disperse process. The composite obtained was used to produce a filament to print Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) based scaffolds. Such geometry facilitates cellular growth thanks to its interconnected porosity. The scaffolds were impregnated with extracts of Justicia cf colorifera (Acanthaceae), and Billia rosea (Sapindaceae) due to their ancestral medical applications. A physical and biological characterization was conducted. The process to print scaffolds with an enhanced geometry to facilitate the flux of biological fluids was successful. The scaffolds loaded with B. rosea showed strong antibacterial behavior, suggesting the presence of reported terpenoids with antibacterial properties. The approach used in this study evidenced promising prospects for bone defect repair.

Population trends of seabirds in Mexican Islands at the California Current System.

The Baja California Pacific Islands (BCPI) is a seabird hotspot in the southern California Current System supporting 129 seabird breeding populations of 23 species and over one million birds annually. These islands had a history of environmental degradation because of invasive alien species, human disturbance, and contaminants that caused the extirpation of 27 seabird populations. Most of the invasive mammals have been eradicated and colonies have been restored with social attraction techniques. We have recorded the number of breeding pairs annually for most of the colonies since 2008. To assess population trends, we analyzed these data and show results for 19 seabird species on ten island groups. The maximum number of breeding pairs for each nesting season was used to estimate the population growth rate (λ) for each species at every island colony. We performed a moving block bootstrap analysis to assess whether seabird breeding populations are increasing or decreasing. San Benito, Natividad, and San Jerónimo are the top three islands in terms of abundance of breeding pairs. The most widespread species is Cassin's Auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus) with 14 colonies. Thirty-one populations of 14 species are significantly increasing while eleven populations of seven species are decreasing. We did not find statistical significance for 19 populations, however, 15 have λ>1 which suggest they are growing. Twelve of the 18 species for which we estimated a regional population trend are significantly increasing, including seven surface-nesting species: Brandt's Cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus), Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia), Double-crested Cormorant (P. auritus), Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans), Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) and Western Gull (Larus occidentalis), and five burrow-nesting species: Ainley's (Hydrobates cheimomnestes), Ashy (H. homochroa) and Townsend's (H. socorroensis) Storm-Petrels, and Craveri's (Synthliboramphus craveri) and Guadalupe (S. hypoleucus) Murrelets. The BCPI support between 400,000 and 1.4 million breeding individuals annually. Our results suggest that these islands support healthy and growing populations of seabirds that have shown to be resilient to extreme environmental conditions such as the "Blob", and that such resilience has been strengthen from conservation and restoration actions such as the eradication of invasive mammals, social attraction techniques and island biosecurity.

Síndrome de Angelman

Introducción: El síndrome de Angelman es un trastorno del neurodesarrollo hereditario poco frecuente que afecta a 1 de cada 10 mil a 24 mil nacimientos. Esta condición incluye retraso del desarrollo, discapacidad intelectual, discapacidad severa para hablar, problemas con el movimiento y el equilibrio (ataxia), epilepsia y cabeza muy pequeña. Las personas con síndrome de Angelman parecen estar siempre de buen humor y sonríen mucho. Objetivo: Sistematizar los conocimientos sobre las características del síndrome de Angelman, los aspectos clínicos y genéticos de la enfermedad y las estrategias de tratamientos actuales. Método: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en la Universidad Regional Autónoma de los Andes, mediante la búsqueda en bases de datos tanto nacionales como internacionales, como PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, Web of Science y Google Scholar. Para la investigación se empleó una estrategia de búsqueda. Se encontraron 45 artículos, de los cuales 15 fueron seleccionados para esta revisión. Resultados: Se elaboró un texto sintetizado donde se abordaron aspectos tales como: etiología, diagnóstico, principales síntomas clínicos y tratamiento de este trastorno genético. Conclusiones: Por su naturaleza de necesidades clínicas que no son satisfechas en cuanto al área motora, la comunicación, el sueño y el comportamiento, el síndrome de Angelman hace necesario que los profesionales de enfermería desarrollen un plan de acción que permita un diagnóstico precoz y desarrollen un plan de cuidados específico para el individuo y el entorno íntimo de actuación para responder a las necesidades a demanda.

Introduction: Angelman Syndrome is a rare inherited neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 1 in 10,000 to 24,000 newborns. This condition includes developmental desability, intellectual disability, severe speech disability, movement and balance problems (ataxia), seizures and very small head. People with Angelman Syndrome always seem to be in a good mood and smile a lot. Objective: To systematize knowledge about the characteristics of Angelman Syndrome, clinical and genetic aspects of the disease and current treatment strategies. Method: A bibliographic review was carried out at the Universidad Regional Autónoma de los Andes, by searching in national and international databases such as PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, Web of Science and Google Scholar. For the investigation a search strategy was used. Forty-five articles were found, of which 15 were selected for this review. Results: A synthesized text was elaborated where aspects such as etiology, diagnosis, main clinical symptoms and treatment of this genetic disorder were addressed. Conclusions: Due to its nature of clinical needs that are not met in terms of the motor area, communication, sleep and behavior, Angelman syndrome makes it necessary for nursing professionals to develop an action plan that allows an early diagnosis and develop a plan specific care for the individual and the intimate environment of action to respond to the needs on demand.

Introdução: A síndrome de Angelman é um distúrbio hereditário raro do neurodesenvolvimento que afeta 1 em 10.000 a 24.000 nascimentos. Essa condição inclui atraso no desenvolvimento, deficiência intelectual, deficiência grave da fala, problemas de movimento e equilíbrio (ataxia), epilepsia e cabeça muito pequena. Pessoas com síndrome de Angelman parecem estar sempre de bom humor e sorrir muito. Objetivo: Sistematizar o conhecimento sobre as características da síndrome de Angelman, os aspectos clínicos e genéticos da doença e as estratégias atuais de tratamento. Método: Foi realizada revisão bibliográfica na Universidad Regional Autónoma de los Andes, por meio de busca em bases de dados nacionais e internacionais, como PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, Web of Science e Google Acadêmico. Para a investigação, foi utilizada uma estratégia de busca. Foram encontrados 45 artigos, dos quais 15 foram selecionados para esta revisão. Resultados: Foi elaborado um texto sintetizado onde foram abordados aspectos como: etiologia, diagnóstico, principais sintomas clínicos e tratamento desta doença genética. Conclusões: Devido à sua natureza de necessidades clínicas não satisfeitas ao nível da área motora, comunicação, sono e comportamento, a síndrome de Angelman torna necessário que os profissionais de enfermagem desenvolvam um plano de ação que permita o diagnóstico precoce e desenvolvam um plano de cuidados específico para o indivíduo e o ambiente íntimo de ação para responder às necessidades sob demanda.

Translucency of a Dental Porcelain Mixed by Two Ceramic Slurry Methods: A Bayesian Comparison.

Background: The ceramics industry produces porcelain pastes using a controlled ratio of water and porcelain powder. Two methods are used to produce a dental porcelain paste: one-step mixing or incremental mixing. Objective: To evaluate the optical properties of a feldspathic dental ceramic using two different ceramic paste preparation methods using a Bayesian approach. Materials and Methods: Two groups of feldspathic porcelain discs, an incremental mixing group (n = 40) and a one-step mixing group (n = 40), were assessed. Groups were evaluated using spectrophotometry, and the translucency parameter (TP) of each sample was calculated. Surfaces were characterized by AFM and SEM. Statistical analysis was performed using a Bayesian approach. Results: Translucency parameter values of the incremental mixing group ranged from 1.65 to 3.41, while values for the one-step mixing group ranged from 3.62 to 5.74, this difference being statistically significant. The lowest roughness was obtained on the surface of discs in the one-step mixing group. Conclusions: Feldspathic porcelain with lower translucency and higher roughness was obtained using the incremental mixture method.

A Visible Light Ru-Catalyzed Photoredox Access to Substituted Dihydrofurans.

An efficient, visible light Ru(bpy)3Cl2-catalyzed method for the preparation of 2,3-dihydrofurans is reported. This approach employs 2-bromoketoesters as radical precursors and alkyl enol ethers as acceptors. The photoredox cycle furnishes an oxonium ion that is captured by an internal nucleophile to render the corresponding dihydrofurans. Moreover, the obtained products contain a versatile acetal moiety at C-2, allowing its transformation into a diverse variety of heteroaromatic and nonaromatic compounds. This method could serve as an important tool in the synthesis of complex tetrahydro- and dihydrofurans as well as heteroaromatic structures.

Differential Relationships Between the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Informant-Rated Cognitive Decline Among Mexican Americans and Non-Hispanic Whites.

OBJECTIVES: We compared the concurrent validity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) with other cognitive screening instruments among Mexican Americans (MA) and non-Hispanic whites (NHW). METHODS: In a community-based study in Nueces county, Texas (5/2/18-2/26/20), participants 65+ with MoCA ≤25 completed the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol. Regressions examined associations between MoCA and: 1) Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE); 2) abbreviated Community Screening Interview for Dementia (CSI-D); 3) Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE). RESULTS: MA (n = 229) and NHW (n = 81) differed by education but not age or sex. MoCA and cognitive performance associations (MMSE, CSI-D-Respondent) did not differ between MA and NHW (p's > .16). MoCA and informant rating associations (IQCODE, CSI-D-Informant) were stronger in NHW than MA (NHW R2 = 0.39 and 0.38, respectively; MA R2 = 0.30 and 0.28, respectively). DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest non-equivalence across cognitive screening instruments among MAs and NHWs.

Ascitis quilosa o quiloperitoneo, un desafío diagnostico y un reto en el tratamiento conservador para el cirujano general: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Chilosa ascites or quiloperitoneo, a diagnostic challenge and a challenge in the conservative treatment for the general surgeon: presentation of a case and review of literature

La "Ascitis Quilosa o Quiloperitoneo", es una entidad clínica rara con incidencia baja y de difícil diagnóstico, poco conocida alrededor del mundo sobre todo en la comunidad quirúrgica, misma que fue descrita por primera vez en 1691. El objetivo del presente artículo es exponer un caso de Ascitis Quilosa o Quiloperitoneo, diagnosticado y tratado en el Centro de Especialidades Clínico - Quirúrgicas Jesús Obrero, en un paciente masculino de 36 años; tras la revisión de antecedentes quirúrgicos, sintomatología, semiología, estudios imagenológicos, laboratoriales, y la revisión sistemática de la literatura; se llegó al diagnóstico final. Además se enfocara no solo conocimientos históricos, etiológicos y fisiopatológicos, sino medios diagnósticos y planes terapéuticos estandarizados conservadores, que implica tomar en cuenta en esta patología una vez diagnosticada; siendo esta una manera de acumular experiencia en el adecuado manejo y a su vez aportar a la literatura médica nacional en el levantamiento epidemiológico y casuístico de esta variedad rara y poco frecuente patología abdominal.

The “Chilosa Ascites or Quiloperitoneo”, is a rare clinical entity with low incidence and difficult to diagnose, little known around the world especially in the surgical community, which was first described in 1691. The objective of this article is to expose a case of Chilosa Ascites or Quiloperitoneo, diagnosed and treated at the Center for Clinical Specialties - Surgical Jesus Obrero, in a male patient of 36 years; after reviewing surgical backgrounds, symptomatology, semiology, imaging, laboratorial studies, and systematic review of literature; the final diagnosis was reached. In addition, it will focus not only historical, etiological and pathophysiological knowledge, but also conservative diagnostic means and standardized therapeutic plans, which involves taking into account this pathology once diagnosed; this being a way to accumulate experience in the proper management and in turn contribute to the national medical literature in the epidemiological and casuistic uprising of this rare and rare abdominal pathology variety.

Effect of the Operational Conditions in the Characteristics of Ceramic Foams Obtained from Quartz and Sodium Silicate.

Ceramic foams were fabricated without using melting pots through the direct foaming of compacted powder mixtures of commercial quartz (SiO2) with fluxing agents (Na2CO3 and CaO) and a foaming agent (Na2SiO3·5H2O) at a relatively low temperature range (850-870 °C). The effects of the pressing pressure of the powders, the foaming time, foaming temperature, and mixture content were evaluated. The obtained cellular solid materials presented an acceptable volumetric expansion at a pressing pressure of 4 t. The materials only presented porosity at a minimum temperature of 850 °C and at a minimum time of 30 min. All the foamed samples showed an acceptable symmetric expansion and non-appreciable fissures. The study of the mixture content through the statistical software MODDE® shows that the porosity of the samples was principally affected by the Na2SiO3 content and the foaming temperature. The samples obtained at the optimum controlling factors proposed by this statistical software presented an apparent density, porosity, and mechanical strength of 1.09 ± 0.03 g/cm3, 56.01% ± 1.12%, and 3.90 ± 0.16 MPa, respectively. Glass and ceramics foams such as those obtained in this work become attractive as insulation materials in applications where high temperatures occur due to their higher melting points.

Diversidad de especies de micobacterias no tuberculosas aisladas en ambientes acuáticos de la ciudad de General Pico, La Pampa, Argentina / Species diversity of non-tuberculous mycobacteria isolated from aquatic environments of General Pico city, Province of La Pampa (Argentina)

Las micobacterias no tuberculosas (MNT) no solo se estudian por su importancia como patógenos oportunistas, sino también por sus aplicaciones en biotecnología y biorremediación. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la presencia de micobacterias en los distintos hábitats acuáticos de la ciudad de General Pico (provincia de La Pampa), así como su diversidad. Los porcentajes de muestras positivas a micobacterias fueron los siguientes: 37,5% en el sistema de distribución de agua de red, 32,6% en el acuífero que abastece dicho sistema, 36,8% en el agua proveniente de las precipitaciones, 53,1% en los humedales del área de influencia, 80% en los natatorios cubiertos y 33,3% en las fuentes decorativas ubicadas en plazas públicas. De los 90 aislamientos de MNT obtenidos el 8,9% no logró ser identificado a nivel de especie con los métodos utilizados, que incluyeron pruebas fenotípicas y métodos moleculares. Las especies más frecuentemente aisladas fueron Mycobacterium fortuitum y Mycobacterium gordonae. Algunas especies identificadas han sido reportadas en casos de micobacteriosis en nuestro país, entre ellas M. fortuitum, M. gordonae, M. intracellulare, M. vaccae, M. lentiflavum y M. nonchromogenicum. No se aislaron MNT en muestras de agua de red con concentraciones de cloro activo residual mayores de 0,8mg/l, mientras que en los natatorios la presencia de hasta 1,5mg/l de cloro activo residual no fue una limitante para la proliferación de estos microorganismos. Se puede considerar que la incidencia de micobacterias en los ambientes acuáticos de General Pico es cercana al 35%, y que la presencia de estos microorganismos y su diversidad se ve afectada por el contacto con el hombre y sus actividades, como así también por la existencia de vida animal.

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are studied not only for their importance as emerging opportunistic pathogens but also for their applications in biotechnology and bioremediation. Our aim was to determine the occurrence and diversity of mycobacteria in different aquatic habitats of General Pico city, Province of La Pampa. The percentage of samples with positive cultures for mycobacteria were the following: 37.5% recovered from the water supply distribution system; 32.6% from the aquifer that supplies water to the distribution system; 36.8% from rain water; 53.1% from the two wetlands in the area of influence; 80% from indoor swimming pools; and 33.3% from water fountains in downtown public squares. Of the 90 NTM isolates, 8.9% could not be identified at the species level with any of the used methods, phenotypic tests and molecular methods. Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium gordonae were the most frequently isolated species. Some of the identified species such as, M. fortuitum, M. gordonae, M. intracellulare, M. vaccae, M. lentiflavum and M. nonchromogenicum, have been reported in cases of mycobacteriosis in Argentina. Mycobacteria with values higher than 0.8mg/ml of residual active chlorine were not recovered from the drinking water supply network, whereas in the swimming pools the presence of up to 1.5 mg/l was not a constraint. Based on our results, the presence of mycobacteria in aquatic environments is close to 35% and their occurrence and diversity is affected both by contact with man and his activities as well as by the existence of animal life.

Stereoselective Total Synthesis of Aspergillide A: A Visible Light-Mediated Photoredox Access to the Trisubstituted Tetrahydropyran Core.

A stereoselective total synthesis of natural product aspergillide A is reported. The adopted strategy relies on the direct access to the key tetrahydropyran core through a visible light-mediated photoredox reaction from an allylic alcohol and iodoacetic acid. In a single manipulation, a γ-iodo-δ-valerolactone is obtained through an atom transfer radical addition followed by in situ acid-catalyzed lactonization. The obtained lactone possesses three functionalized sites, which were seized to link the required substituents in the final product and thus completing the total synthesis of aspergillide A.

Sindrome de Doege Potter tumor fibroso solitario endotoracico Hipoglicemiante ¿cuando y cómo lo diagnostico ? y ¿Cual es mi conducta final?: Presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / "doege - potter syndrome", solitary fibrous tumor intrathoracic hypoglycemic when and as the diagnosis? and what is my final behavior?: report of a case and review of the literature

El Síndrome de "Doege - Potter" es una entidad clínica rara con incidencia baja de difícil diagnóstico, poco conocida alrededor del mundo descrita en 1930, el cual consiste en un tumor intratorácico asociado a hipoglicemi asintomática. El objetivo del presente artículo es exponer un caso de "Síndrome de Doege-Potter", diagnosticado y tratado en el Centro de Especialidades Clínico - Quirúrgicas Jesús Obrero, en un paciente masculino de 55 años; tras la revisión sintomatológica, semiológica/topográfica, estudios imagenologicos, anatomopatologicos, y la revisión sistemática de la literatura internacional se llegó al diagnóstico final. Además se enfocara no solo conocimientos históricos, etiológicos y fisiopatológicos, sino medios diagnósticos estandarizados, que implica tomar en cuenta en esta patología una vez diagnosticada, para poder direccionar el tratamiento más adecuado según los hallazgos y el estado del paciente; siendo esta una manera de aportar en el levantamiento epidemiológico y casuístico de esta variedad rara y poco frecuente patología torácica a nivel mundial.

"Doege - Potter" syndrome is a rare clinical entity with low incidence of difficult diagnosis, little-known around the world described in 1930, which consists of an intrathoracic tumor associated with symptomatic hypoglycemia. The aim of this article is to expose a case of "syndrome of Doege-Potter", diagnosed and treated in the Centre of specialties Clinical - surgical Jesús Obrero, in a 55-year-old male patient; after reviewing symptomatology, / topographic, semiological studies imaging, pathological, and the systematic review of the international literature became the final diagnosis. In addition, focuses not only etiological, historical knowledge and physiopathological, but standardized diagnostic means, which implies taking into account in this disease diagnosed once, to be able to address the most appropriate treatment according to the findings and the patient's condition; this being a way to bring in the epidemiological and case lifting of this rare variety and frequent short thoracic pathology worldwide.

Visible-Light Photocatalytic Preparation of 1,4-Ketoaldehydes and 1,4-Diketones from α-Bromoketones and Alkyl Enol Ethers.

A Ru2+-photocatalyzed, visible-light-mediated ATRA reaction for the straightforward preparation of 1,4-ketoaldehydes, 1,4-diketones, and 1,4-ketoesters, which are of difficult access by other means, is reported herein. This method employs readily accessible α-bromoketones and alkyl vinyl ethers as starting materials, allowing the construction of secondary, tertiary, and challenging quaternary centers. In addition, the synthetic usefulness of this method is illustrated by applying it to the construction of substituted pyrroles.