Safety performance of dedicated and preferential bus lanes using multivariate negative binomial models for Bogotá, Colombia.

Public transport priority systems such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Buses with High Level of Service (BHLS) are top-rated solutions to mobility in low-income and middle-income cities. There is scientific agreement that the safety performance level of these systems depends on their functional, operational, and infrastructure characteristics. However, there needs to be more evidence on how the different characteristics of bus corridors might influence safety. This paper aims to shed some light on this area by structuring a multivariate negative binomial model comparing crash risk on arterial roads, BRT, and BHLS corridors in Bogotá, Colombia. The analyzed infrastructure includes 712.1 km of arterial roads with standard bus service, 194.1 km of BRT network, and 135.6 km of BHLS network. The study considered crashes from 2015 to 2018 -fatalities, injuries, and property damage only- and 30 operational and infrastructure variables grouped into six classes -exposure, road design, infrastructure, public means of transport, and land use. A multicriteria process was applied for model selection, including the structure and predictive power based on [i] Akaike information criteria, [ii] K-fold cross-validation, and [iii] model parsimony. Relevant findings suggest that in terms of observed and expected accident rates and their relationship with the magnitude of exposure -logarithm of average annual traffic volumes at the peak hour (LOG_AAPHT) and the percentage of motorcycles, cars, buses, and trucks- the greatest risk of fatalities, injuries, and property damage occurs in the BHLS network. BRT network provides lower crash rates in less severe collisions while increasing injuries and fatalities. When comparing the BHLS network and the standard design of arterial roads, BHLS infrastructure, despite increasing mobility benefits, provides the lowest safety performance among the three analyzed networks. Individual factors of the study could also contribute to designing safer roads related to signalized intersection density and curvature. These findings support the unique characteristics and traffic dynamics present in the context of Bogotá that could inform and guide decisions of corresponding authorities in other highly dense urban areas from developing countries.

Participation in the International Judo Federation World Tour competitions and performance in Tokyo Olympic Games.

Introduction: The International Judo Federation introduced a ranking system in 2009 that determines top athletes for the Olympic Games and seeds them in competitions. Previous research indicated that this ranking list and past performances predicted 19%-27% of performance in the Olympic Games and World Championships. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the relationship between Judo World Tour competitions and Olympic Games performance may have been affected. This study aimed to examine the relationship between athletes' performance in Judo World Tour competitions and their competitive performance at the Olympic Games. Methods: Data from 393 athletes who participated in the Tokyo Olympics were analyzed considering both long and short-term performance measures. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between variables and multiple linear regressions were used to predict performance for each sex and the entire sample. Results: The results revealed a range of magnitudes in the correlation between variables, varying from small to large. In terms of regression analyses, it was observed that, for females, the percentage of matches won during the classification period and competition in the year prior to the Olympic Games predicted 37% of their performance. For males, the percentage of matches won during the classification period and competition in the six months before the Olympic Games predicted 36% of their performance. Discussion: Thus, athletes' quality and reduced exposure to competition near the Olympic Games appear to be important factors in their performance at the event.

Semilleros de investigación como espacio de reconocimiento de personas con altas capacidades / Research hotbeds as a space for the recognition of gifted people / Semilleros de investigación como espaço de reconhecimento de pessoas com altas habilidades

Resumen (analítico) Se presentan los resultados de una investigación sobre semilleros de investigación como espacio de reconocimiento de personas con altas capacidades y talentos. Ejecutado a partir de la ruta fenomenológica y hermenéutica, utilizó como técnica la entrevista semiestructurada a cinco participantes con más de cinco años en semilleros de investigación, la cual fue interpretada a través de un análisis estructural. Se logra refigurar el concepto de semilleros de investigación y plantearlos como espacios de reconocimiento que configuran nuevas identidades y agenciamientos para la constitución de personas capaces, con apertura de sentidos hacia las posibilidades del reconocimiento mutuo y agenciamiento de nuevas prácticas en el ámbito académico, laboral y social. Las líneas de sentido son construidas por los semilleristas en contraposición a los procesos escolares; lo cual deja abierta la posibilidad de otros procesos de reconocimiento.

Abstract (analytical) The present study is the result of the research on research hotbeds (semilleros de investigación) as a space for the recognition of gifted and talented people. Using phenomenological and hermeneutical approaches, semi-structured interviews were used as a data collection technique with five participants who have more than 5 years of experience in research hotbeds. The data was interpreted using a structural analysis. It is possible to redefine the concept of research hotbeds and propose them as a space of recognition that configure new identities and methods for the constitution of capable people, opening up the possibilities of mutual recognition and developing new practices in academic, labor and social dimensions. Meanings are constructed by participants in the research hotbeds in contrast to school processes, creating the possibility of other forms of recognition.

Resumo (analítico) O presente trabalho é o resultado da pesquisa sobre o focos de pesquisa (semilleros de investigación) como espaço de reconhecimento de pessoas com altas capacidades e talentos. Executado a partir do percurso fenomenológico e hermenêutico, utilizando a entrevista semiestruturada como técnica para cinco participantes com mais de cinco anos em focos de pesquisa, interpretada através de uma análise estrutural. É possível reconfigurar o conceito de semilleros de investigación propôlos como um espaço de reconhecimento que configura novas identidades e agenciamentos para a constituição de pessoas capazes com abertura de sentidos para as possibilidades de reconhecimento mútuo e montagem de novas práticas no meio acadêmico, laboral e esferas sociais. As linhas de sentido são construídas pelas semilleristas em contraposição aos processos escolares. A possibilidade de outros processos de reconhecimento é deixada em aberto.

AutoMH: Automatically Create Evolutionary Metaheuristic Algorithms Using Reinforcement Learning.

Machine learning research has been able to solve problems in multiple domains. Machine learning represents an open area of research for solving optimisation problems. The optimisation problems can be solved using a metaheuristic algorithm, which can find a solution in a reasonable amount of time. However, the time required to find an appropriate metaheuristic algorithm, that would have the convenient configurations to solve a set of optimisation problems properly presents a problem. The proposal described in this article contemplates an approach that automatically creates metaheuristic algorithms given a set of optimisation problems. These metaheuristic algorithms are created by modifying their logical structure via the execution of an evolutionary process. This process employs an extension of the reinforcement learning approach that considers multi-agents in their environment, and a learning agent composed of an analysis process and a process of modification of the algorithms. The approach succeeded in creating a metaheuristic algorithm that managed to solve different continuous domain optimisation problems from the experiments performed. The implications of this work are immediate because they describe a basis for the generation of metaheuristic algorithms in an online-evolution.

Assessing ecological disturbance in neotropical forest landscapes using high-level diversity and high-level functionality: surprising outcomes from a case study with spider assemblages

Spiders have been increasingly used as environmental and ecological indicators in conservation and ecosystem management. In the Neotropics, there is a shortage of information regarding spiders’ taxonomies and ecological responses to anthropogenic disturbances. To unravel these hitches, we tested the possibility of using high-level diversity and high-level functionality indicators to evaluate spider assemblages’ sensitivity to landscape changes. This approach, if proven informative, might overcome the relevant limitations of taxonomic derived indexes, which are considered time-consuming, cost-demanding and dependent on the (few) expert taxonomists’ availability. Our results highlight the pertinence of both indicators’ responses to the structural changes induced by increasing anthropogenic disturbance, and are associated with reductions in ecosystem complexity, microclimates, and microhabitats. Overall, both indicators were sensitive to structural changes induced by anthropogenic disturbance and should be considered a useful resource for assessing the extent of ecosystems’ disruptions in the Neotropics, and also to guide managers in landscapes’ restoration.

Prácticas comunicativas de extensión universitaria en profesores de Ciencias Médicas / Communicative practices of university extension in professors of the Medical Sciences

Introducción: Las prácticas comunicativas de extensión universitaria de los profesores permiten integrar coherentemente las funciones sustantivas de la universidad; así como el cumplimiento de la misión social de la Educación Superior. Deben ser objeto de especial atención, al igual que las mediaciones presentes en este proceso. Objetivos: Caracterizar las prácticas comunicativas de extensión universitaria y determinar las mediaciones presentes en las prácticas comunicativas de los profesores de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana. Material y Métodos: Se desarrolló una investigación cualitativa de carácter descriptivo con estudio de caso único inclusivo, con profesores de Medicina, Enfermería y Estomatología de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana durante 2018 y 2019. Se realizaron entrevistas individuales y grupos de discusión con profesores y estudiantes. Resultados: Se evidenció predominio del paradigma biologicista, de una comunicación transmisiva, de niveles bajos de participación, y una concepción distorsionada de la extensión universitaria. En estos aspectos median factores socioculturales, profesionales y sociales. Conclusiones: El enfrentamiento sistemático a resistencias culturales y la aplicación consecuente de la concepción inherente a un elevado nivel de participación, permitirá avanzar paulatinamente en la aplicación por los profesores, de prácticas comunicativas extensionistas más eficaces(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Communicative practices of university extension carried out by the professors contribute decisively to a coherent integration of the essential functions in higher education. These practices comply with the social mission of higher education and should deserve special attention, as well as the mediations that are present in this process. Objectives: To characterize the communicative practices of university extension and to determine the mediations of the communicative practices of the professors of university extension in the University of Medical Sciences of Havana. Material and Methods: A qualitative descriptive research was conducted with a single, inclusive case study that included professors of Medicine, Nursing, and Dentistry of the University of Medical Sciences of Havana between 2018 and 2019. Individual interviews and discussion groups were carried out with professors and students. Results: A predominance of a biologic paradigm of transmissive communication with low levels of participation and a distorted conception of university extension was evidenced. It was also determined that sociocultural, professional, and social factors influence upon these aspects. Conclusions: The systematic confrontation with cultural resistance and consequent application of the conception linked with a higher level of participation will allow to move progressively toward the implementation of more efficient communicative extension practices by the professors(AU)

High Prevalence of the aac(6')-Ie-aph(2'')-Ia Gene in Hospital Isolates of Enterococcus faecalis Co-Resistant to Gentamicin and Penicillin.

Objectives: This study aimed to characterize the molecular mechanism of resistance to gentamicin among penicillin-resistant, ampicillin-susceptible Enterococcus faecalis (PRASEF) isolates by investigating the presence of the aac(6')-Ie-aph(2'')-Ia gene. The co-resistance to antimicrobials of other classes was also evaluated. Results: Among the 151 isolates evaluated, 70 were PRASEF and 81 were penicillin-susceptible and ampicillin-susceptible E. faecalis (PSASEF). No ß-lactamase producing isolate was detected. Eighty-three (55.0%) and 35 (23.2%) out of the 151 E. faecalis isolates showed high-level gentamicin resistance (HLGR) and high-level streptomycin resistance (HLSR) phenotypes. However, a significantly higher rate of PRASEF (88.6%) showed HLGR phenotype in comparison with PSASEF (23.5%) (p < 0.01). Conversely, a significantly lower rate of PRASEF (14.3%) showing HLSR was observed in comparison with PSASEF (30.9%) (p = 0.02). The prevalence of isolates displaying multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the group of PRASEF (81.4%) than in PSASEF (18.6%). The majority of PSASEF (61.9%) and PRASEF (90.3%) isolates showing HLGR phenotype was harboring the aac(6')-Ie-aph(2'')-Ia gene, which encodes a bifunctional enzyme that inactivates all aminoglycosides except streptomycin. Conclusion: The aac(6')-Ie-aph(2'')-Ia gene was prevalent among the Brazilian PRASEF isolates that usually exhibit co-resistance to gentamicin and to multiple other drugs.

High-Level Modeling and Simulation Tool for Sensor Conditioning Circuit Based on Artificial Neural Networks.

For current microelectronic integrated systems, the design methodology involves different steps that end up in the full system simulation by means of electrical and physical models prior to its manufacture. However, the higher the circuit complexity, the more time is required to complete these simulations, jeopardizing the convergence of the numerical methods and, hence, meaning that the reliability of the results are not guaranteed. This paper shows the use of a high-level tool based on Matlab to simulate the operation of an artificial neural network implemented in a mixed analog-digital CMOS process, intended for sensor calibration purposes. The proposed standard tool enables modification of the neural model architecture to adapt its characteristics to those of the electronic system, resulting in accurate behavioral models that predict the complete microelectronic IC system behavior under different operation conditions before its physical implementation with a simple, time-efficient, and reliable solution.

High Level 3D Structure Extraction from a Single Image Using a CNN-Based Approach.

High-Level Structure (HLS) extraction in a set of images consists of recognizing 3D elements with useful information to the user or application. There are several approaches to HLS extraction. However, most of these approaches are based on processing two or more images captured from different camera views or on processing 3D data in the form of point clouds extracted from the camera images. In contrast and motivated by the extensive work developed for the problem of depth estimation in a single image, where parallax constraints are not required, in this work, we propose a novel methodology towards HLS extraction from a single image with promising results. For that, our method has four steps. First, we use a CNN to predict the depth for a single image. Second, we propose a region-wise analysis to refine depth estimates. Third, we introduce a graph analysis to segment the depth in semantic orientations aiming at identifying potential HLS. Finally, the depth sections are provided to a new CNN architecture that predicts HLS in the shape of cubes and rectangular parallelepipeds.

The Postinjury Psychological Sequelae of High-Level Jamaican Athletes: Exploration of a Posttraumatic Stress Disorder-Self-Efficacy Conceptualization.

CONTEXT: Athletes at the highest levels appear to be most affected by sport-related injuries and suffer both physiologically and psychologically. Established models of psychological responses to injury, however, do not offer a comprehensive explanation based on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), although some studies suggest that injuries may be interpreted as traumatic. Studies also suggest that perceived self-efficacy may be a mediator of PTSD development. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the psychological sequelae experienced by high-level athletes as a result of sport-related injuries based on a PTSD-self-efficacy framework. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey design was used. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-six athletes (30 males and 16 females) from 4 different sports were conveniently sampled and completed a questionnaire battery assessing injury characteristics, trauma sequelae, and self-efficacy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Present injury status, PTSD symptomatology, and general self-efficacy. RESULTS: Injury was found to be associated with elevated levels of PTSD symptomatology. The presence of injury was a significant predictor of general PTSD and, specifically, hyperarousal symptoms; however, general self-efficacy was not found to predict trauma-related symptoms. There were indications, however, that self-efficacy beliefs may affect injury-related factors. CONCLUSIONS: This research highlights the presence of PTSD-related psychological dysfunction associated with sport injury, and further uncovers the possible impacts of self-efficacy beliefs in managing the stress of injury. These findings highlight the need for psychological support as injured athletes undergo rehabilitation.

Impact on Public Health of the Spread of High-Level Resistance to Gentamicin and Vancomycin in Enterococci.

Antibiotic resistance has turned into a global public health issue. Enterococci are intrinsically resistant to many antimicrobials groups. These bacteria colonize dairy and meat products and integrate the autochthonous microbiota of mammal's gastrointestinal tract. Over the last decades, detection of vanA genotype in Enterococcus faecium from animals and from food of animal origin has been reported. Vancomycin-resistant E. faecium has become a prevalent nosocomial pathogen. Hospitalized patients are frequently treated with broad-spectrum antimicrobials and this leads to an increase in the presence of VanA or VanB vancomycin-resistant enterococci in patients' gastrointestinal tract and the risk of invasive infections. In humans, E. faecium is the main reservoir of VanA and VanB phenotypes. Acquisition of high-level aminoglycoside resistance is a significant therapeutic problem for patients with severe infections because it negates the synergistic effect between aminoglycosides and a cell-wall-active agent. The aac(6')-Ie-aph (2″)-Ia gene is widely spread in E. faecalis and has been detected in strains of human origin and in the food of animal origin. Enzyme AAC(6')-Ie-APH(2″)-Ia confers resistance to available aminoglycosides, except to streptomycin. Due to the fast dissemination of this genetic determinant, the impact of its horizontal transferability among enterococcal species from different origin has been considered. The extensive use of antibiotics in food-producing animals contributes to an increase in drug-resistant animal bacteria that can be transmitted to humans. Innovation is needed for the development of new antibacterial drugs and for the design of combination therapies with conventional antibiotics. Nowadays, semi-purified bacteriocins and probiotics are becoming an attractive alternative to the antibiotic in animal production. Therefore, a better understanding of a complex and relevant issue for Public Health such as high-level vancomycin and gentamicin resistance in enterococci and their impact is needed. Hence, it is necessary to consider the spread of vanA E. faecium and high-level gentamicin resistant E. faecalis strains of different origin in the environment, and also highlight the potential horizontal transferability of these resistance determinants to other bacteria.

Preparación del paciente y ambiente quirúrgico / Patient preparation and surgical environment

El presente artículo, analiza los diferentes aspectos relacionadoscon las medidas de prevención, aplicables a la preparación delpaciente y al ambiente quirúrgico, con la finalidad de disminuir laincidencia de infecciones operatorias. Se describen todos los facto-res ambientales y funcionales, que nos ayudarán a blindar las áreasquirúrgicas y las centrales de esterilización, para ofrecer una atención quirúrgica de calidad, siguiendo las normas y procedimientosrecomendados por organismos internacionales como la OMS(AU)

This article analyses the different aspects related to preventionmeasures, applicable to patient preparedness and surgical environ-ment, in order to reduce the incidence of operating infections. Allenvironmental and functional factors are described, which will helpus to shield surgical areas and sterilization plants, to offer qualitysurgical care, following standards and procedures recommendedby international organizations such as WHO(AU)

The prevalence of aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme and virulence genes among enterococci with high-level aminoglycoside resistance in Inner Mongolia, China

ABSTRACT This study highlights the prevalence of aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes and virulence determinants among clinical enterococci with high-level aminoglycoside resistance in Inner Mongolia, China. Screening for high-level aminoglycoside resistance against 117 enterococcal clinical isolates was performed using the agar-screening method. Out of the 117 enterococcal isolates, 46 were selected for further detection and determination of the distribution of aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme-encoding genes and virulence determinants using polymerase chain reaction -based methods. Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis were identified as the species of greatest clinical importance. The aac(6')-Ie-aph(2")-Ia and ant(6')-Ia genes were found to be the most common aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes among high-level gentamicin resistance and high-level streptomycin resistance isolates, respectively. Moreover, gelE was the most common virulence gene among high-level aminoglycoside resistance isolates. Compared to Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis harbored multiple virulence determinants. The results further indicated no correlation between aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme gene profiles and the distribution of virulence genes among the enterococcal isolates with high-level gentamicin resistance or high-level streptomycin resistance evaluated in our study.

The prevalence of aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme and virulence genes among enterococci with high-level aminoglycoside resistance in Inner Mongolia, China

This study highlights the prevalence of aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes and virulence determinants among clinical enterococci with high-level aminoglycoside resistance in Inner Mongolia, China. Screening for high-level aminoglycoside resistance against 117 enterococcal clinical isolates was performed using the agar-screening method. Out of the 117 enterococcal isolates, 46 were selected for further detection and determination of the distribution of aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme-encoding genes and virulence determinants using polymerase chain reaction -based methods. Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis were identified as the species of greatest clinical importance. The aac(6')-Ie-aph(2")-Ia and ant(6')-Ia genes were found to be the most common aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes among high-level gentamicin resistance and high-level streptomycin resistance isolates, respectively. Moreover, gelE was the most common virulence gene among high-level aminoglycoside resistance isolates. Compared to Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis harbored multiple virulence determinants. The results further indicated no correlation between aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme gene profiles and the distribution of virulence genes among the enterococcal isolates with high-level gentamicin resistance or high-level streptomycin resistance evaluated in our study.(AU)

The prevalence of aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme and virulence genes among enterococci with high-level aminoglycoside resistance in Inner Mongolia, China.

This study highlights the prevalence of aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes and virulence determinants among clinical enterococci with high-level aminoglycoside resistance in Inner Mongolia, China. Screening for high-level aminoglycoside resistance against 117 enterococcal clinical isolates was performed using the agar-screening method. Out of the 117 enterococcal isolates, 46 were selected for further detection and determination of the distribution of aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme-encoding genes and virulence determinants using polymerase chain reaction -based methods. Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis were identified as the species of greatest clinical importance. The aac(6')-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia and ant(6')-Ia genes were found to be the most common aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes among high-level gentamicin resistance and high-level streptomycin resistance isolates, respectively. Moreover, gelE was the most common virulence gene among high-level aminoglycoside resistance isolates. Compared to Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis harbored multiple virulence determinants. The results further indicated no correlation between aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme gene profiles and the distribution of virulence genes among the enterococcal isolates with high-level gentamicin resistance or high-level streptomycin resistance evaluated in our study.

Evaluation of the ability of different detergents and disinfectants to remove and kill organisms in traditional biofilm.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the ability of different detergent and disinfectant combinations to eradicate bacteria in traditional biofilm. METHODS: Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used to develop biofilm over 8 days. The biofilm on each minimum biofilm eradication concentration peg contained 8 log10 colony forming units (CFU)/cm2 of both bacteria. The detergents evaluated were as follows: Prolystica Enzymatic 2X, Prolystica Neutral 2X, Neodisher, and Endozime Bio-Clean. The disinfectants evaluated were as follows: glutaraldehyde, accelerated hydrogen peroxide, and ortho-phthalaldehyde. Biofilm removal was evaluated using viable count, protein and carbohydrate quantitation, and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Only Prolystica Enzymatic 2X and Endozime Bio-Clean killed both E faecalis (3.90 log10 CFU/mL reduction) and P aeruginosa (3.96 log10 CFU/mL reduction) in suspension. None of the detergents tested could provide >1 log10 CFU/cm2 reduction for bacteria within biofilm. Any combination of detergent and high-level disinfectant reduced the level of both E faecalis and P aeruginosa within biofilm by 3-5 log10 CFU/cm2. Although the combination of Endozime Bio-Clean and glutaraldehyde provided a 6 log10 reduction, it could not eliminate both bacteria within biofilm. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that if biofilm accumulates in flexible endoscope channels during repeated rounds of reprocessing, then neither the detergent nor high-level disinfectant will provide the expected level of bacterial removal or killing.

Aplicación del sistema aterométrico en fallecidos por muerte violenta con aterosclerosis coronaria / Application of atherosclerosis indexing system in deceased subjects by violent death with coronary aterosclerosis

INTRODUCCIÓN: la alta morbimortalidad de causa aterosclerótica ha motivado múltiples investigaciones y en Cuba, el Sistema Aterométrico, permite caracterizar las lesiones ateroscleróticas en cualquier sector vascular. OBJETIVO: estudiar la aterosclerosis de los tres vasos coronarios principales en fallecidos por muerte violenta y clínica, analizando comparativamente las lesiones, teniendo en cuenta sexo y grupo de nivel aterosclerótico. MÉTODOS: se aplicó el Sistema Aterométrico para estudiar comparativamente coronaria derecha y coronaria izquierda en sus ramas descendente anterior y circunfleja, en una población de 108 fallecidos por muerte violenta y 472 por muerte clínica, agrupados también según nivel aterosclerótico y sexo. RESULTADOS: la mayor diferencia se encontró en las placas fibrosas del grupo de alto nivel aterosclerótico para la coronaria derecha, que llegó a ser de un 22,3 % mayor en los clínicos, siendo solamente del 17,5 % para la descendente anterior y de 20,3 % en la circunfleja. En este mismo grupo las placas fibrosas fueron 2,59 veces más frecuentes en la descendente anterior que en la coronaria derecha. Las placas fibrosas entre los sexos tuvieron poca diferencia, en ambos grupos, solamente alrededor de 1 % para los tres vasos coronarios. CONCLUSIONES: es mayor la aterosclerosis en los fallecidos por muerte clínica que en los fallecidos por muerte violenta, tanto en la población en su totalidad, como subdividida en los grupos de alto y bajo nivel aterosclerótico así como en hombres y mujeres, resultando el Sistema Aterométrico muy útil en la evaluación del proceso aterosclerótico en fallecidos por muerte violenta.

INTRODUCTION: the high morbidity and mortality of atherosclerotic causes has motivated multiple investigations and in Cuba, the atherometric system to characterize atherosclerotic lesions in any vascular sector. OBJECTIVE: Study atherosclerosis of the three main coronary vessels in violent deaths from clinical death and comparatively analyzing the injury, considering sex and level of atherosclerosis. METHODS: Atherometric system was used to comparatively study right and left coronary artery in their anterior descending coronary artery branches and circumflex, in a population of 108 violently dead subjects and 472 clinical dead subjects, also grouped according to atherosclerotic level and sex. RESULTS: The main difference was found in fibrous plaques of the atherosclerotic high level group for the right coronary, which reached 22.3% higher in clinical, and only 17.5% for the descending left anterior and 20.3% in the circumflex. In this same group, fibrous plaques were 2.59 times more frequent in the anterior descending coronary right. Fibrous plaques according to genders had little difference in both groups, only about 1% for the three coronary vessels. CONCLUSIONS: the atherosclerosis is higher clinical dead subjects than violently dead subjects, as much in the overall population, as subdivided in the groups of high and low atherosclerotic level, as in men and women, proving to be the very useful Atherometric System for assessing the atherosclerotic process in violently dead subjects.

Gingivoplastia y frenillectomía labial con láser de alta intensidad: presentación de caso / Gingivoplasty and labial frenectomy with high intensity laser: presentation of a case

En los últimos años la estética se ha convertido en motivo de consulta odontológica frecuente. Los pacientes creen que la estética de la sonrisa depende de los dientes; sin embargo, al realizar la evaluación clínica, el profesional puede detectar inconformidad estética del paciente condicionada por factores del medio bucal como los tejidos blandos del periodonto de protección, específicamente la encía aumentada o la inserción muy baja de la mucosa de los frenillos labiales, lo que puede ocasionar que los pacientes manifiesten ver sus dientes de tamaño reducido; además al sonreír pueden exponer gran cantidad de encía. A continuación se expone el caso de una paciente mujer que acude a consulta por inconformidad estética en la sonrisa y tamaño dental; tras la valoración intraoral se diagnostica gingivitis localizada asociada a placa bacteriana y presencia de frenillo papilar alargado, provocando apariencia de dientes cortos o pequeños. Se decide realizar procedimiento quirúrgico mínimamente invasivo para reposicionar los tejidos blandos y mejorar la armonía, respetando espacios biológicos, utilizando terapia con láser de alta intensidad considerando las ventajas de su uso como tiempo de intervención menor, no requerir anestesia local, menor sangrado, tiempo de cicatrización más corto y haciendo innecesario el uso de suturas al compararle con la cirugía convencional con bisturí. Al finalizar el procedimiento la paciente manifiesta satisfacción y ausencia de dolor. Tras control posquirúrgico a los 15 días se aprecia ausencia de edema en el tejido gingival, reposicionamiento de la inserción del frenillo labial superior y borde libre de encía marginal en los órganos dentarios anterosuperiores reposicionados en sentido apical.

In recent years, aesthetics has become a common reason for a dental visit. Patients believe that the aesthetics of the smile depends on the teeth. However, when the clinical evaluation is carried out, the professional can also detect aesthetic dissatisfaction of a patient, conditioned by factors of the oral environment, such as periodontium soft tissue, in particular the increased gingiva or low insertion of the mucosa of the labial frenulum. These may cause patients to believe that their teeth are reduced in size, due to much more gum being exposed when they smile. The clinical case is presented of a female patient who made a dental appointment because of aesthetic dissatisfaction with her smile and dental size. After the intraoral assessment was carried out, a diagnosis was made of a localized gingivitis associated with plaque and presence of an elongated papillary frenum, giving the appearance of short or small teeth. It was decided to perform a minimally invasive surgical procedure to generate the reposition of soft tissues and improve harmony, respecting biological spaces. High-power laser therapy was performed, due to the advantages of its use, such as reduced intervention time, no requirement of local anesthesia, less bleeding, shorter healing time, and unnecessary use of sutures, compared with conventional surgery carried out with scalpel. Immediately after the procedure, the patient felt satisfaction and no pain. On day 15 post-surgery it was observed that there was no swelling of gingival tissue, reposition of the insertion of the upper frenum, and free edge of marginal gingiva in anterior-superior teeth in an apical direction.

Molecular basis of high-level ciprofloxacin resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains from Shandong Province, China.

In the study, the ciprofloxacin resistance rate was 100%. High-level ciprofloxacin resistance rate was 63.55%. Sixteen different mutation patterns involved in the formation of ciprofloxacin resistance were identified. The most prevalent were patterns P7 (25.2%), P8 (15.0%), P9 (11.2%), P1 (10.3%), and P5 (10.3%). All of the 107 NG isolates analyzed for mutations in the study have demonstrated a change of Ser-91 → Phe in the gyrA gene, and all except one have demonstrated a change in position 95 of the amino acid sequence. All of the 68 high-level QRNG isolates had double mutations in gyrA gene combined with a single or two mutations in parC gene. It is most important that a new mutation site of Ile-97 → Met in gyrA and a new mutation of Leu-106 → Ile in parC were found in the study, both leading to high-level ciprofloxacin resistance (MIC values, 8 µg/mL, 32 µg/mL, respectively). Therefore, we confim that gyrA mutations are necessary for the fluoroquinolone resistance phenotype and parC mutations are correlated intimately with high-level fluoroquinolone resistance. In China fluoroquinolone resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains is very serious and the new mutation sites in the fluoroquinolone resistance-determining regions emerge more and more quickly. Hence, in China fluoroquinolones, which are used to treat gonorrhoea presently, should be substituted by a new antibiotics.

Molecular basis of high-level ciprofloxacin resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains from Shandong Province, China

In the study, the ciprofloxacin resistance rate was 100%. High-level ciprofloxacin resistance rate was 63.55%. Sixteen different mutation patterns involved in the formation of ciprofloxacin resistance were identified. The most prevalent were patterns P7 (25.2%), P8 (15.0%), P9 (11.2%), P1 (10.3%), and P5 (10.3%). All of the 107 NG isolates analyzed for mutations in the study have demonstrated a change of Ser-91 → Phe in the gyrA gene, and all except one have demonstrated a change in position 95 of the amino acid sequence. All of the 68 high-level QRNG isolates had double mutations in gyrA gene combined with a single or two mutations in parC gene. It is most important that a new mutation site of Ile-97 → Met in gyrA and a new mutation of Leu-106 → Ile in parC were found in the study, both leading to high-level ciprofloxacin resistance (MIC values, 8 µg/mL, 32 µg/mL, respectively). Therefore, we confim that gyrA mutations are necessary for the fluoroquinolone resistance phenotype and parC mutations are correlated intimately with high-level fluoroquinolone resistance. In China fluoroquinolone resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains is very serious and the new mutation sites in the fluoroquinolone resistance-determining regions emerge more and more quickly. Hence, in China fluoroquinolones, which are used to treat gonorrhoea presently, should be substituted by a new antibiotics.