Preparation and characterization of metallomicelles of Ru(II). Cytotoxic activity and use as vector.

The use of nanovectors in several medicinal treatments has reached a great importance in the last decade. Some drugs need to be protected to increase their lifetimes in the blood flow, to avoid degradation, to be delivered into target cells or to decrease their side effects. The goal of this work was to design and prepare nanovectors formed by novel surfactants derived from the [Ru(bpy)3]2+ complex. These amphiphilic molecules are assembled to form metallomicelles which can act as pharmaceutical agents and, at the same time, as nanovectors for several drugs. TEM images showed a structural transition from spherical to elongated micelles when the surfactant concentration increased. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed the internalization of these metallomicelles into diverse cell lines and cytotoxicity assays demonstrated specificity for some human cancer cells. The encapsulation of various antibiotics was carried out as well as a thorough study about the DNA condensation by the metallomicelles. To the best of our knowledge, applications of these metallomicelles have not been shown in the literature yet.

A Lotus japonicus mutant defective in nitrate uptake is also affected in the nitrate response to nodulation.

A chlorate-resistant mutant (Ljclo1) of the model legume Lotus japonicus was identified that showed normal levels of nitrate reductase enzyme activity but had decreased uptake of nitrate, as determined from nitrate depletion and electrophysiological measurements. The data suggest that the mutant could be affected specifically in the low-affinity but not in the high-affinity nitrate transport system, and also showed decreased uptake of chlorate. Back-crosses of the mutant plant to the wild type indicated that it is affected in a single Mendelian recessive trait. Thus, the mutation produced in Ljclo1 may be related to some of the low-affinity nitrate transporters or to a regulatory mechanism associated with nitrate/chlorate uptake. Both size and chlorophyll content in young leaves of the mutant plants were significantly reduced compared to the wild type. In addition, nodulation performance of the mutant plants was similar to the wild type in the absence of any exogenous nitrate. However, the nodule:root biomass ratio in mutant plants was considerably reduced in the presence of 1-2 mm nitrate. The levels of several transcripts for nitrate transport and assimilation genes were determined for the wild type and mutant plants and were slightly different. The results suggest interdependence between nitrate uptake, plant growth and nodulation in Ljclo1 mutant plants.

[Study of the nutritional status of elders in Cantabria]. / Estudio del estado nutricional de los ancianos de Cantabria.

INTRODUCTION: Population ageing is a main concern under the biosanitary point of view. AIM: To assess the nutritional status of people 65 year-old and older in Cantabria (Spain) METHOD: A total of 1605 persons were studied by means of the MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment); a) by primary care (59.9% in the unit, and 4.7% at home) and, b) in nursing homes (35.4%). RESULTS: Nutritional score (NS) was 23.4 ± 4.1 for women and 24.4 ± 4 in males (p < 0.001). We emphasize the fact that 22.3% of people studied in the nursing homes were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, compared with 14.2% of those studied at the unit, and only 3.3% of the home visited elders. The correlation between the value of the NS and the subjective estimation of nutrition status showed a high value (0.65). We emphasize the negative correlation (-0.53) between BNI value and the incidence of skin lesions. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the importance of identifying malnutrition or its risk in elders in order to prevent the negative consequences of this deficiency.

La necesidad de un informe de enfermería al alta o traslado en una residencia geriátrica / The need of a nursing report at discharge or transfer to a geriatric residence

Frecuentemente el personal de enfermería se encuentra que al ingreso de un anciano la transmisión de información es deficiente o escasa para el abordaje integral e individualizado de éste. Con el objetivo de salvaguardar este problema y mejorar la continuidad asistencial de los ancianos dados de alta a su domicilio o trasladados a otro centro asistencial, el equipo de enfermería de la Residencia Clínica “Los Robles” ha elaborado un instrumento de registro que denominamos “Informe de enfermería al alta o traslado de una residencia geriátrica”. En el mismo se pretende recoger de una forma esquemática, ágil y completa la realidad y situación biopsicosocial del anciano garantizando una adecuada transmisión de la información y la continuidad de los cuidados de enfermería. Dicha hoja se elaboró basándonos en gran medida en el Modelo de Necesidades de Virginia Henderson (1). En ella se recogen los aspectos básicos del anciano a través de una serie de ítems cerrados y abiertos, abarcando tanto el estado basal del anciano como los procesos agudos si los hubiere, estando dirigida tanto al personal sanitario del centro asistencial de destino como a los propios cuidadores del anciano en el caso de traslado a domicilio

Introduction: As people get older, certain changes happen in the brain that become even more pronounced when the elderly person falls ill. Therefore it is very important to carry out exercises that stimulate the brain of elderly hospitalised people with special focus on the main cerebral functions of orientation and language. Our aims will be directed towards enhancing, stimulating and exercising two main cognitive functions: orientation and language in their diverse forms. Methods and resources: This work was developed in the San Rafael University hospital in Granada. The activities carried out were of orientation and language. Variables: age, sex, main diagnostic, Barthel Index and the Lobo (MEC) mini cerebral test. Results: The sample is constituted by 20 patients with an average age of 84.5 years old. We can note two main predominances: a greater number of women (75% from the total sample) and significant prevalence of neurological diseases (40%). During the initial MEC, before accomplishing the exercises, 35% of the sample showed a moderate cognitive deterioration, whereas minor deterioration prevailed during the subsequent MEC after the exercises, with a 35%. Within orientation exercises, patients obtained higher marks in the temporal-spatial ones. Concerning language exercises, marks reached an acceptable standard overall. Discussions and conclusions: The aged patients showed an acceptable level in temporal and spatial orientation and verbal repetition. It is essential the periodical practice of stimulating cognitive activities to improve aged patients’ life standards

Randomized, double-blind study on effectiveness of intra-alveolar chlorhexidine gel in reducing the incidence of alveolar osteitis in mandibular third molar surgery.

Chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash is a good prophylactic agent for postextraction alveolar osteitis (AO), a very common complication. Recently, a bio-adhesive gel to deliver the active substance, CHX, has been introduced. The intra-alveolar positioning of the bio-adhesive gel allows more direct and prolonged action of CHX, which could be useful in the prevention of AO following extraction of impacted third molars. Presented here is a double-blind, randomised and parallel-group study evaluating the efficacy of the bio-adhesive 0.2% CHX gel (n=53) applied once within the alveolus during third molar surgery, compared to placebo gel only (n=50), in reducing the incidence of impacted third-molar postextraction AO. A 63.33% reduction in the occurrence of AO (P=0.019) was observed in the experimental group. In the control group, the occurrence of AO was 30% compared to 11% in the experimental group. Bio-adhesive 0.2% CHX gel, applied only once within the alveolus site at the time of surgery, may reduce the incidence of AO following removal of impacted third molars.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de las periimplantitis. Actualización en el diagnóstico clínico y en el tratamiento de las periimplantitis / Diagnostic and treatment of the preriimplantitis. Up date in the clinic diagnostic and treatment of periimplantitis

En el presente capítulo realizamos una descripción de las investigaciones y hallazgos más importantes aparecidos recientemente en la literatura implantológica, los cuales inciden de una forma más significativa en el diagnóstico clínico y su aplicación en el tratamiento de las periimplantitis por parte del dentista. Aunque todavía no existe claridad ni consenso en los protocolos de actuación terapéutica, hemos realizado un meticuloso análisis de los conocimientos aportados por los diferentes investigadores, y describimos su aplicación más racional al hilo de las últimas investigaciones (AU)

In the present work, we describe the most important investigations and findings that have appeared in the recent implantology literature and are more significantly related to clinical diagnosis and applications in the treatment of periimplantitis by dentists. Although there is still no clarity or consensus on protocols for therapeutic action, we have performed a meticulous analysis of the knowledge contributed by different investigators and describe its most reasonable application in the light of the latest research (AU)

Use of yohimbine to reverse prolonged effects of xylazine hydrochloride in a horse being treated with chloramphenicol.

A 1-year-old Standardbred gelding had received xylazine hydrochloride (0.75 to 1.00 mg/kg [0.34 to 0.45 mg/lb] of body weight, IV) during 2 surgeries for debridement of a wound. The horse was given chloramphenicol (55 mg/kg [25 mg/lb], PO, q 6 h) for 5 days, and was anesthetized a third time with xylazine (0.75 mg/kg, IM). Five hours after administration of xylazine, the horse remained markedly sedated and had clinical signs of gaseous distention of the large bowel (bloat) requiring trocharization. Administration of yohimbine (0.03 mg/kg [0.01 mg/lb], i.v.) eliminated signs of sedation within 5 minutes. Moderate flatulence developed, and gastrointestinal sounds could be heard within all 4 abdominal quadrants within 15 minutes of yohimbine administration. The remainder of recovery was unremarkable. Xylazine induces bradycardia and decreases gastrointestinal motility in addition to causing sedation, muscle relaxation, and analgesia. Chloramphenicol can inhibit oxidase activity of cytochrome P-450 and inhibit metabolism and elimination of drugs such as xylazine.

[Polydactyly in 26,670 consecutive births. The clinical characteristics, prevalence and risk factors]. / Polidactilia en 26,670 nacimientos consecutivos. Características clínicas, prevalencia y factores de riesgo.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence of polydactyly, its clinical characteristic and its association with some risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, case-control study, of 45 newborn with polydactyly and their controls, in 26,670 consecutive births in the Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara, with 20 weeks or more of gestational age, and birth weight greater than 500 g, since November of 1988 to October of 1992. The information were obtained from the database of the Congenital External Malformation Register, carried out by the University of Guadalajara. The prevalence of polydactyly was obtained and clinical characteristic were documented. Continuous variables were compared using t Student test. For discrete variables, analysis were carried out using X2 test and the odds ratio. RESULTS: The prevalence of polydactyly was of 1.73 x 1,000 alive newborn. The polydactyly of the hands in 26 newborn; preaxial in five and 21 was postaxial. The polydactyly in the foot was present in 19 newborn. The only statistics differences with control group were: low length and the antecedent of other malformation in the family. CONCLUSION: The found prevalence is different to the one informed in the literature. The association with antecedent of another malformation in the family, support the role of hereditary factors in etiology.