Differences and similarities between COVID-19 related-headache and COVID-19 vaccine related-headache. A case-control study. / Diferencias y similitudes entre la cefalea relacionada con la COVID-19 y la cefalea relacionada con la vacuna de la COVID-19. Un estudio de casos y controles.

INTRODUCTION: Headache is a frequent symptom at the acute phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and also one of the most frequent adverse effects following vaccination. In both cases, headache pathophysiology seems linked to the host immune response and could have similarities. We aimed to compare the clinical phenotype and the frequency and associated onset symptoms in patients with COVID-19 related-headache and COVID-19 vaccine related-headache. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection and COVID-19-vaccine recipients who experienced new-onset headache were included. A standardised questionnaire was administered, including demographic variables, prior history of headaches, associated symptoms and headache-related variables. Both groups were matched for age, sex, and prior history of headache. A multivariate regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 238 patients fulfilled eligibility criteria (143 patients with COVID-19 related-headache and 95 subjects experiencing COVID-19 vaccine related-headache). Patients with COVID-19 related-headache exhibited a higher frequency of arthralgia, diarrhoea, dyspnoea, chest pain, expectoration, anosmia, myalgia, odynophagia, rhinorrhoea, cough, and dysgeusia. Further, patients with COVID-19 related-headache had a more prolonged daily duration of headache and described the headache as the worst headache ever experienced. Patients with COVID-19 vaccine-related headache, experienced more frequently pain in the parietal region, phonophobia, and worsening of the headache by head movements or eye movements. CONCLUSION: Headache caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination related-headache have more similarities than differences, supporting a shared pathophysiology, and the activation of the innate immune response. The main differences were related to associated symptoms.

TITLE: Diferencias y similitudes entre la cefalea relacionada con la COVID-19 y la cefalea relacionada con la vacuna de la COVID-19. Un estudio de casos y controles.Introducción. La cefalea es un síntoma frecuente en la fase aguda de la enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) y también uno de los efectos adversos más comunes tras la vacunación. En ambos casos, la fisiopatología de la cefalea parece estar relacionada con la respuesta inmunitaria del huésped y podría presentar similitudes. Nuestro objetivo fue comparar el fenotipo clínico y la frecuencia de los síntomas asociados y los síntomas de inicio en pacientes con cefalea relacionada con la COVID-19 y cefalea relacionada con la vacuna de la COVID-19. Sujetos y métodos. Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles. Se incluyó a pacientes con infección confirmada por COVID-19 y receptores de la vacuna de la COVID-19 que experimentaron un nuevo inicio de cefalea. Se administró un cuestionario estandarizado que incluyó variables demográficas, antecedentes previos de cefaleas, síntomas asociados y variables relacionadas con la cefalea. Ambos grupos se emparejaron por edad, sexo y antecedentes previos de cefaleas. Se realizó un análisis de regresión multivariante. Resultados. Un total de 238 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de elegibilidad (143 pacientes con cefalea relacionada con la COVID-19 y 95 sujetos con cefalea relacionada con la vacuna de la COVID-19). Los pacientes con cefalea relacionada con la COVID-19 presentaron una mayor frecuencia de artralgia, diarrea, disnea, dolor torácico, expectoración, anosmia, mialgia, odinofagia, rinorrea, tos y disgeusia. Además, los pacientes con cefalea relacionada con la COVID-19 experimentaron una duración diaria más prolongada de la cefalea y describieron la cefalea como la peor que habían experimentado. Los pacientes con cefalea relacionada con la vacuna de la COVID-19 experimentaron con más frecuencia dolor en la región parietal, fonofobia y empeoramiento de la cefalea por movimientos de la cabeza o de los ojos. Conclusión. La cefalea causada por la infección por el SARS-CoV-2 y la cefalea relacionada con la vacunación de la COVID-19 presentan más similitudes que diferencias, lo que respalda una fisiopatología compartida y la activación de la respuesta inmunitaria innata. Las principales diferencias estuvieron relacionadas con los síntomas asociados.

Inhibition of Mertk Signaling Enhances Bone Healing after Tooth Extraction.

Regeneration of alveolar bone is an essential step in restoring healthy function following tooth extraction. Growth of new bone in the healing extraction socket can be variable and often unpredictable when systemic comorbidities are present, leading to the need for additional therapeutic targets to accelerate the regenerative process. One such target is the TAM family (Tyro3, Axl, Mertk) of receptor tyrosine kinases. These proteins have been shown to help resolve inflammation and maintain bone homeostasis and thus may have therapeutic benefits in bone regeneration following extraction. Treatment of mice with a pan-TAM inhibitor (RXDX-106) led to accelerated alveolar bone fill following first molar extraction in a mouse model without changing immune infiltrate. Treatment of human alveolar bone mesenchymal stem cells with RXDX-106 upregulated Wnt signaling and primed the cells for osteogenic differentiation. Differentiation of human alveolar bone mesenchymal stem cells with osteogenic media and TAM-targeted inhibitor RXDX-106 (pan-TAM), ASP-2215 (Axl specific), or MRX-2843 (Mertk specific) showed enhanced mineralization with pan-TAM or Mertk-specific inhibitors and no change with Axl-specific inhibitor. First molar extractions in Mertk-/- mice had increased alveolar bone regeneration in the extraction socket relative to wild type controls 7 d postextraction. Flow cytometry of 7-d extraction sockets showed no difference in immune cell numbers between Mertk-/- and wild type mice. RNAseq of day 7 extraction sockets showed increased innate immune-related pathways and genes associated with bone differentiation in Mertk-/- mice. Together, these results indicate that TAM receptor signaling, specifically through Mertk, can be targeted to enhance bone regeneration after injury.

Methyl esters of 23,24-Dinor-5α-cholan-22-oic acids as brassinosteroid Analogues. Synthesis, evaluation of plant growth promoting activity and Molecular docking.

Five new brassinosteroid analogues were synthetized from 3ß-acetoxy-23,24-dinorchol-4-en-22-oic acid. All the obtained compound showed significant activity in the Rice Lamina Inclination Test. Interestingly the effects of the methyl ester of 3ß-hydroxy-6-oxo-23,24-dinorcholan-22-oic acid (14) at concentrations of 1 × 10-7 and 1 × 10-6 M proved to be higher than those produced by brassinolide. In silico Molecular Docking and Induced fit docking (IFD) simulations for the compounds with the highest biological activity data were carried out to investigate the binding mode interactions into the brassinolide-binding groove which revealed that the compound 14 had high binding energy values and a good affinity.

A guide to classify tattoo motives in Mexico as a tool to identify unknown bodies.

JUSTIFICATION: In Mexico, the number of unidentified bodies has been steadily rising for years. By now, more than 50,000 bodies are considered unidentified. Forensic laboratories that could perform comparative molecular genetic investigation are often overburdened and examinations can take months. Therefore, pragmatic approaches that can help to identify more unknown bodies must be sought. The increased use of distinctive physical features might be one, and the high rate of tattooed people in Mexico points towards a great potential of tattoos as a tool for identification. The prerequisite for a comparison of antemortem (missing persons) and postmortem (unknown bodies) data is an objective description of the particularities, e.g., of the tattoos. The aim of this study was to establish an objective classification for tattoo motives, taking into consideration local preferences. METHODS: In the database of the medicolegal services of the Instituto Jaliscience de Ciencias Forenses (IJCF) in Guadalajara, postmortem data of 1000 tattooed bodies from 2019 were evaluated. According to sex and age, the tattooed body localization and the tattoo motives were categorized. RESULTS: The 1000 tattooed deceased showed tattoos on 2342 body localizations. The motives were grouped and linked to the following 11 keywords (with decreasing frequency): letters/numbers, human, symbol (other), plant, symbol (religious), animal, object, fantasy/demon/comic, tribal/ornament/geometry, other, unrecognizable. CONCLUSION: Using the proposed classification, tattoo motives can be described objectively and classified in a practical way. If used for antemortem (missing persons) and postmortem (unknown bodies) documentation, motives can be searched and compared efficiently-helping to identify unknown bodies.

Effects of Remineralizing Agents Based on Calcium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate, or Sodium Fluoride on Eroded Cervical Dentin.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of remineralizing agents on collagen matrix pattern, precipitate formation, and dentinal tubule obliteration in eroded cervical dentin. METHODS AND MATERIALS: One hundred bovine cervical dentin specimens were previously eroded (0.6% hydrochloric acid, pH 2.3, 5 minutes) and then randomized into five groups (n=20): G1, control (without treatment); G2, Desensibilize Nano P (FGM); G3, MI Paste Plus (Recaldent); G4, Regenerate (NR-5); and G5, Desensibilize KF 2% (FGM). These treatments were applied in four sessions with 7-day intervals. During this period, the samples were subjected to an erosive challenge with orange juice (pH 3.8, 5 minutes). The specimens were analyzed by polarized light microscopy with picrosirius red staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). RESULTS: The G3 showed a higher concentration of type I collagen than G2 and G5 (p<0.05). The G3 showed greater formation of surface precipitates than that of G1 and G5 (p<0.05). In addition, G4 and G5 showed a greater number of open dentinal tubules than that of G3 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Calcium phosphate-based remineralizing agents have shown to be a promising alternative treatment for preventing deleterious effects on the eroded dentin collagen matrix. In addition, they promoted precipitate formation and dentinal tubule obliteration on the eroded dentin.

Protocols for Mechanical Cleaning of the Post Space on the Bond Strength Between Root Dentin and Cementation System.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of mechanical versus chemical cleaning protocols for cleaning the root dentin surface before cementation of fiberglass posts for their effect on the bond strength, failure mode, and dentinal penetration of the cementing agent using an etch-and-rinse adhesive system on dentin prepared to receive a fiberglass post. METHODS: Forty roots of bovine teeth were endodontically treated and prepared for fiber post cementation. The specimens were randomized into 4 groups of 10: Control group (CO) - irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl; DW group- irrigation with distilled water; RB group - rotating brush for cleaning root canals, and CUI group - continuous ultrasonic irrigation. The fiberglass posts were cemented, and the specimens were immersed in distilled water for 6 months. A push-out test was performed on the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of the samples. Dentinal penetration of the cementing agent and the fracture pattern were evaluated by laser confocal microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey tests (α=0.05). Results: The RB and CUI groups showed significantly higher bond strength values when compared to the Control and DW groups (p<0.05). In addition, in the control and DW groups, the apical third presented lower bond strength values when compared to middle and cervical thirds. CONCLUSION: While DW showed the highest incidence of adhesive type failure, CUI resulted in the highest dentinal penetration of the cementing agent (p<0.05). RB and CUI resulted in the highest bond strength between cementation system and root dentin. In addition, CUI favored greater dentinal penetration of fiberglass post cementing agent.

Evaluation of the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a recombinant CS6-based ETEC vaccine in an Aotus nancymaae CS6 + ETEC challenge model.

Colonization factors or Coli surface antigens (CFs or CS) are important virulence factors of Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) that mediate intestinal colonization and accordingly are targets of vaccine development efforts. CS6 is a highly prevalent CF associated with symptomatic ETEC infection both in endemic populations and amongst travelers. In this study, we used an Aotus nancymaae non-human primate ETEC challenge model with a CS6 + ETEC strain, B7A, to test the immunogenicity and protective efficacy (PE) of a recombinant CS6-based subunit vaccine. Specifically, we determined the ability of dscCssBA, the donor strand complemented recombinant stabilized fusion of the two subunits of the CS6 fimbriae, CssA and CssB, to elicit protection against CS6 + ETEC mediated diarrhea when given intradermally (ID) with the genetically attenuated double mutant heat-labile enterotoxin LT(R192G/L211A) (dmLT). ID vaccination with dscCssBA + dmLT induced strong serum antibody responses against CS6 and LT. Importantly, vaccination with dscCssBA + dmLT resulted in no observed diarrheal disease (PE = 100%, p = 0.03) following B7A challenge as compared to PBS immunized animals, with an attack rate of 62.5%. These data demonstrate the potential role that CS6 may play in ETEC infection and that recombinant dscCssBA antigen can provide protection against challenge with the homologous CS6 + ETEC strain, B7A, in the Aotus nancymaae diarrheal challenge model. Combined, these data indicate that CS6, and more specifically, a recombinant engineered derivative should be considered for further clinical development.

Efectos de la terapia hormonal con drospirenona / 17 ß - estradiol sobre los parámetros del síndrome metabólico en posmenopáusicas / Effects of hormone therapy with drospirenone / 17 ß - estradiol on the parameters of the metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women

Evaluar los efectos de la terapia hormonal (TH) con Drospírenona (DRSP)/17 ß -estradiol (E2), sobre los parámetros del Síndrome Metabólico (SM) en pacientes postmenopáusicas. Métodos: Investigación comparativa y aplicada, con diseño cuasi experimental, de casos y controles a simple ciego, prospectivo y de campo; realizada en la Consulta de Ginecología. Hospital "Dr. Manuel Noriega Trigo". San Francisco, Estado Zulia. Venezuela. Participaron 120 mujeres separadas al azar para recibir la combinación DRSP/E2 (Grupo A) o un placebo (Grupo B). Se evaluaron los componentes del SM antes y posterior a 6 meses de haber recibido la TH. Resultados: Se encontró una alta prevalencia de SM en ambos grupos antes de recibir el tratamiento (53,3% y 48%; grupo A y B respectivamente). Posterior al tratamiento, DRSP/E2 al compararse con un placebo, redujo significativamente tanto la prevalencia del SM como el riesgo de padecerlo (21,7% versus 48,3%, OR [IC95%]= 0,29 [0,13-0,65]; p < 0.001), con reducción significativa (p< 0.001) de la hipertensión arterial, glicemia basal alterada, hipertrigliceridemia y obesidad central; además de una reducción significativa de los síntomas vasomotores, síntomas psicológicos e incontinencia urinaria (p< 0.001). En el grupo B la prevalencia del SM se mantuvo sin cambios, salvo para la glicemia basal alterada y los síntomas vasomotores y psicológicos que mostraron una reducción significativa (p< 0.001). Conclusión: DRSP/E2 (2mg/1 mg) demostró ser eficaz luego de 6 meses de tratamiento tanto para el control de los parámetros que definen al SM; con pocos y leves efectos indeseados(AU)

To assess the effects of hormone therapy (HT) with drospirenone (DRSP)/17 ß -estradiol (E2) on the parameters of the metabolic syndrome (MS) in postmenopausal patients. Methods: We performed a comparative and applied research, with quasiexperimental, case-control, single-blind, prospective and field design. The study was realized in the Gynecology consultation. Hospital "Dr. Manuel Noriega Trigo". San Francisco, Estado Zulia. Venezuela. 120 women were included, they were separated to receive either the combination DRSP/E2 (Group A) or placebo (Group B). We assess MS components before and ather 6 months of receiving HT. Results: We found a high prevalence in both groups before receiving treatment (53.3% and 48%, group A and B respectively). A ther treatment, DRSP/E2 when compared to placebo, significantly reduced both the prevalence of MS as the risk of setting it (21.7% versus 48.3%, OR [95%] = 0.29 [0.13-0.65] p <0.001), with a significant reduction (p <0.001) of hypertension, impaired fasting glucose, hypertriglyceridemia, central obesity; and a significant reduction in vasomotor symptoms, psychological symptoms and urinary incontinence (p <0.001). In group B the prevalence of MS was unchanged, except for impaired fasting glycemia and vasomotor and psychological symptoms showed a significant reduction (p <0.001). Conclusion: DRSP/E2 (2mg /1mg), proved to be effective a ther 6 months of treatment both for the control of the parameters that define the SM, with few and mild side effects(AU)

The emergence of vampire bat rabies in Uruguay within a historical context.

Pathogen spillover from wildlife to humans or domestic animals requires a series of conditions to align with space and time. Comparing these conditions between times and locations where spillover does and does not occur presents opportunities to understand the factors that shape spillover risk. Bovine rabies transmitted by vampire bats was first confirmed in 1911 and has since been detected across the distribution of vampire bats. However, Uruguay is an exception. Uruguay was free of bovine rabies until 2007, despite high-cattle densities, the presence of vampire bats and a strong surveillance system. To explore why Uruguay was free of bovine rabies until recently, we review the historic literature and reconstruct the conditions that would allow rabies invasion into Uruguay. We used available historical records on the abundance of livestock and wildlife, the vampire bat distribution and occurrence of rabies outbreaks, as well as environmental modifications, to propose four alternative hypotheses to explain rabies virus emergence and spillover: bat movement, viral invasion, surveillance failure and environmental changes. While future statistical modelling efforts will be required to disentangle these hypotheses, we here show how a detailed historical analysis can be used to generate testable predictions for the conditions leading to pathogen spillover.

A specific gene-microbe interaction drives the development of Crohn's disease-like colitis in mice.

Bacterial dysbiosis is associated with Crohn's disease (CD), a chronic intestinal inflammatory disorder thought to result from an abnormal immune response against intestinal bacteria in genetically susceptible individuals. However, it is unclear whether dysbiosis is a cause or consequence of intestinal inflammation and whether overall dysbiosis or specific bacteria trigger the disease. Here, we show that the combined deficiency of NOD2 and phagocyte NADPH oxidase, two CD susceptibility genes, triggers early-onset spontaneous TH1-type intestinal inflammation in mice with the pathological hallmarks of CD. Disease was induced by Mucispirillum schaedleri, a Gram-negative mucus-dwelling anaerobe. NOD2 and CYBB deficiencies led to marked accumulation of Mucispirillum, which was associated with impaired neutrophil recruitment and killing of the bacterium by luminal neutrophils. Maternal immunoglobulins against Mucispirillum protected mutant mice from disease during breastfeeding. Our results indicate that a specific intestinal microbe triggers CD-like disease in the presence of impaired clearance of the bacterium by innate immunity.

Discurso narrativo en preescolares con trastorno específico del lenguaje y con desarrollo típico / Narrative discourse in preschool children with specific language impairment and typically developing children

En esta investigación se realizó un análisis de la producción y comprensión del discurso en preescolares de la comuna de Talca, Séptima región de Chile. El objetivo fue comparar el desempeño en la producción y comprensión del discurso narrativo de pre escolares con Trastorno Específico de Lenguaje con el desempeño de preescolares que presentan desarrollo típico. Para ello, se evaluó a niñas y niños que se encontraban cursando primer nivel de transición en una escuela de lenguaje y párvulos de la comuna de Talca. Este estudio presenta un enfoque cuantitativo con un diseño descriptivo - explicativo. La muestra contó con 40 estudiantes, 20 con Trastorno específico del lenguaje y 20 con desarrollo típico. Al comparar ambos grupos, los resultados indican que no se apreciandiferencias significativas en la producción narrativa entre ambos grupos de niños, sin embargo, sí se presentan diferencias significativas en la comprensión del discurso, a favor de los niños con desarrollo típico de lenguaje

This study considered the analysis of the production and comprehension of narrative discourse by a group of preschool children in Talca, Chile. The main objective was to compare the production and comprehension of narrative discourse by preschool children with SLI and typically developing children. All children were assessed on both skills. The study adopted a descriptive-comparative design. The sample comprised 40 children: 20 children with SLI and 20 with TLD. After comparing both groups, results showed no significant differences on narrative discourse production. However, significant differences were found in narrative comprehension: children with TLD performed higher than children with SLI

Correction: A study of the depth and size of concave cube Au nanoparticles as highly sensitive SERS probes.

Correction for 'A study of the depth and size of concave cube Au nanoparticles as highly sensitive SERS probes' by J. M. Romo-Herrera et al., Nanoscale, 2016, 8, 7326-7333.

Tiroiditis de Riedel, una entidad fácilmente confundible con carcinoma anaplásico tiroideo / Riedel's thyroiditis, an entity easily confused with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma

INTRODUCTION: Riedel´s thyroiditis is a thyroid inflammation with invasive fibrosis. CASE REPORT: Female 84 years old, studied by dysphagia to liquids and dysphonia, with cervical mass poorly demarcated and immobile. Computed Tomography (CT) (CT) showed tumor that diverted the trachea and esophagus compressed. Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) obtained cells with atypia. Thyroidectomy was performed, appreciating a stony tumor which included the right recurrent laryngeal nerve. Given the high suspicion of thyroid malignancy tracheostomy it was performed. The pathology report as fibrosing Riedel thyroiditis. DISCUSSION: This is the less common type of chronic thyroiditis. Etiology is unknown. The normal thyroid parenchyma is replaced by fibrous connective tissue. Clinically usually a hard mass, fast growing, why is confused with thyroid carcinoma and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It´ss more common in women and is usually bilateral. The CT or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) help assess the extent. Puncturing the mass could give us the diagnosis but is often difficult. Treatment to relieve symptoms or rule out malignancy is surgery. The prognosis is usually good. CONCLUSIONS: Riedel´s thyroiditis is an entity with histopathologic diagnosis essential

Improved method for effective rock microporosity estimation using X-ray microtomography.

Petrophysical analysis using X-ray microtomography provides key textural and compositional information, useful to investigate porous media characteristics of hydrocarbon and geothermal reservoirs. Several approaches, used for rock porosity estimation from tomography data, rely mainly on visual or mathematical segmentation algorithms that attempt to obtain thresholding values to segment a phase solved by pixel analysis resolution. Therefore, porosity is evaluated using only pores above pixel resolution (macroporosity), and dismiss pores sized less than the pixel resolution (microporosity) that can be essential to characterize permeability conditions of geothermal reservoirs. Here we propose an improved method to calculate the total effective porosity and simulate the absolute permeability of rock samples. This method combines the analysis of X-ray computed microtomography (µCT) with the interpretation of data using a powerful thresholding method that is based on the greyscale interclass variance. The 3D volume is segmented into three domains: solid, pores above resolution and, an intermediate region where each pore below resolution is linearly combined with solid matrix resulting in a grey scaled pixel equal to this combination. For the intermediate region, the microporosity was calculated employing a Matlab code that provides a new thresholding value containing pores, both above and below resolution (total porosity). Finally, by using this new calculated thresholding value the total effective porosity was obtained and an absolute permeability simulation was implemented only to the connected pores. Our results show that micropores contribute for nearly 50 percent of the total porosity and that microporosity plays a key role in estimating effective porosity, and assessing the geothermal potential of a rock reservoir.

Mechanisms of inflammation-driven bacterial dysbiosis in the gut.

The gut microbiota has diverse and essential roles in host metabolism, development of the immune system and as resistance to pathogen colonization. Perturbations of the gut microbiota, termed gut dysbiosis, are commonly observed in diseases involving inflammation in the gut, including inflammatory bowel disease, infection, colorectal cancer and food allergies. Importantly, the inflamed microenvironment in the gut is particularly conducive to blooms of Enterobacteriaceae, which acquire fitness benefits while other families of symbiotic bacteria succumb to environmental changes inflicted by inflammation. Here we summarize studies that examined factors in the inflamed gut that contribute to blooms of Enterobacterieaceae, and highlight potential approaches to restrict Enterobacterial blooms in treating diseases that are otherwise complicated by overgrowth of virulent Enterobacterial species in the gut.

No effect of different bariatric surgery procedures on LINE-1 DNA methylation in diabetic and nondiabetic morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery (BS) is proposed as a highly effective therapy for reducing weight and improving obesity-related co-morbidities. The molecular mechanisms involved in the metabolic improvement after BS are not completely resolved. Epigenetic modifications could have an important role. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different BS procedures (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy) on global DNA methylation (long interspersed nucleotide element 1 [LINE-1]) in a group of nondiabetic and diabetic severely obese patients. SETTING: University hospital, Spain. METHODS: This study included 60 patients (30 nondiabetic and 30 diabetic severely obese patients) undergoing BS: 31 patients underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 29 underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Before and 6 months post-BS, anthropometric data, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters were determined. LINE-1 DNA methylation was quantified by pyrosequencing. We used the methylation levels of tumor necrosis factor-α as a control gene promoter. RESULTS: There were no differences between LINE-1 methylation levels at baseline and at 6 months after surgery (66.3±1.6 versus 66.2±2.06). Likewise, there was no statistically significant difference on LINE-1 methylation levels when we stratified according to metabolic status (diabetic versus nondiabetic), nor was there regarding the BS procedure. A strong correlation was shown between LINE-1 methylation levels and weight at baseline both in diabetic and nondiabetic obese patients (r = .486; P<.001). Tumor necrosis factor-α methylation levels increased significantly after BS in the group of diabetic obese patients. CONCLUSION: After BS, global LINE-1 methylation is not modified in the short term. More studies are required to determine if LINE-1 is a stable epigenetic marker, or, on the contrary, if it is susceptible to modification by external factors such as changes in lifestyle or a surgical intervention.

A study of the depth and size of concave cube Au nanoparticles as highly sensitive SERS probes.

High and uniform near fields are localized at the eight similar sharp corners of cubic gold nanoparticles. Moreover, by introducing concavity in the particle lateral planes, such field intensities can be further increased and tuned in the near infrared region without altering the overall size of the nanoparticles. Herein, we perform a thorough investigation of the morphological, crystallographic and plasmonic properties of concave gold nanocubes (GNCs) in the sub-70 nm size range, for their potential application as highly efficient SERS substrates in size-limiting cases. Theoretical calculations indicate that the highest increment of the near-field is located at the eight sharp tips and, interestingly, a medium near-field increment is also activated over the volume next to the concave surface. Remarkably, the plasmonic response of the concave cubic morphology showed great sensitivity to the concavity degree. Experimental SERS analysis nicely matches the outcome of the theoretical model, confirming that medium-sized concave GNCs (35 nm side length) possess the highest SERS activity upon excitation with a 633 nm laser, whereas larger 61 nm side concave GNCs dominate the optical response at 785 nm. Due to their size-intensity trade off, we envision that such small concave gold nanocubes can provide a highly active and efficient SERS platform for size-limiting applications, especially when near infrared excitations are required.

Insulating Carbon Nanotubes by Atomic Layer Deposition for Electrical Wiring Purposes.

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are coated by an insulator (Al2O3) shell using the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. This is achieved in large quantities (tens of milligrams per batch) for electrical wiring purposes. Here we present a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization together with a detailed high resolution elemental analysis by in-column energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). An excellent conformality of the insulator around the CNTs is obtained. Moreover, the elemental maps show the composition of the shell while the line scan analyses demonstrate an abrupt shell-CNT interface achieved by our ALD approach.

Imaginarios de la educación en salud pública en enfermería / The imaginaries of public health education as seen from the standpoint of the nursing profession / Imaginários da educação em saúde pública em enfermagem

Los imaginarios de la educación en salud pública de enfermería se construyen desde una visión histórica del currículo, los fundamentos normativos en educación y salud, las vivencias de los docentes, estudiantes y egresados; lo cual conlleva a la apropiación conceptual y metodológica de estrategias para fortalecer la calidad de la formación de enfermeras en el siglo XXI. OBJETIVO: develar imaginarios de educación en salud pública en el programa de Enfermería de la Universidad Surcolombiana desde 1993 hasta 2013. METODOLOGIA: estudio cualitativo, de análisis de contenido. Muestreo deliberado de profesores del área de salud pública y estudiantes de Enfermería de último año. Información recolectada mediante entrevista de grupo focal y procesado con el software Atlas Ti. RESULTADOS: en relación con el tema de estudio emergen categorías principales: concepción de la salud pública, comprensión de la salud pública, formación profesional del maestro, la salud pública en el plan de estudios, educación en salud pública en enfermería y lo "no visto, no sentido, no escuchado". CONCLUSIONES: los imaginarios de educación en salud pública de Enfermería en la Universidad Surcolombiana se caracterizan por una crisis epistemológica entre teorías y prácticas disciplinares; las políticas propuestas por la oms/ops y las leyes de la profesión indican la necesidad de robustecer la integración curricular, el desarrollo de competencias específicas y la participación de los estudiantes en la definición de objetivos, métodos y ambientes de aprendizaje desde una visión holística y global pero con perspectiva local.

The imaginaries of Public Health Education in Nursing are built on the basis of a historical view of the curriculum, the normative foundations regarding education and health, and the experiences of teachers, students and alumni. This leads to the conceptual and methodological appropriation of strategies for strengthening the quality of the nurses' training in the XXI century. OBJECTIVE: To reveal the imaginaries of public health education existing within the Nursing program of the Southern Colombia University from 1993 to 2013. METHODOLOGY: a qualitative study with content analysis in which a purposive sampling was carried out with public health professors and senior nursing students. Data was collected via focus groups interviews and processed with the Atlas Ti software. RESULTS: Three main categories emerged in relation to the studied subject: conception of public health, understanding of public health, professor training, public health in the curriculum, public health education in nursing and the "unseen, unfelt, and unheard". CONCLUSIONS: The imaginaries of education in public health of the Nursing training program of the Southern Colombian University are characterized by an epistemological crisis between theories and disciplinary practices in public health. Likewise, the policies proposed by the WHO / PAHO and the laws of the profession point to the need to strengthen curriculum integration, the development of specific skills and student participation in the definition of objectives, methods and learning environments in public health from a holistic and comprehensive viewpoint but with local perspective.

Os imaginários da educação em Saúde Pública de Enfermagem constroem-se desde uma visão histórica do currículo, os fundamentos normativos em educação e saúde, as vivências dos docentes, estudantes e graduados; o que leva à apropriação conceitual e metodológica de estratégias para fortalecer a qualidade da formação de enfermeiras no século XXI. OBJETIVO: Desvelar imaginários de educação em saúde pública no programa de Enfermagem da Universidade Surcolombiana desde 1993 até 2013. METODOLOGIA: estudo qualitativo, de análise de conteúdo.Amostragem deliberada de professores da área de saúde pública e estudantes de Enfermagem de último ano.Informação coletada por meio de entrevista de grupo focal e processado com Atlas Ti. RESULTADOS: Em relação com o tema de estudo emergem categorias principais: concepção da saúde pública, compreensão da saúde pública, formação profissional do professor, a saúde pública no plano curricular, educação em saúde pública em enfermagem e o "não visto, não sentido, não escutado". CONCLUSÕES: Os imaginários de educação em saúde pública de Enfermagem na Universidade Surcolombiana caracterizam-se por uma crise epistemológica entre teorias e práticas disciplinares em saúde pública; as políticas propostas pela OMS/OPS e as leis da profissão indicam a necessidade de fortalecer a integração curricular, o desenvolvimento de competências específicas e a participação dos estudantes na definição de objetivos, métodos e ambientes de aprendizado em saúde pública desde uma visão holística e global mas com perspectiva local.