Green Synthesis for Carbon Quantum Dots via Opuntia ficus-indica and Agave maximiliana: Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Sensing Applications.

In this study, we present an alternative method for synthesizing carbon quantum dots (CQDs) using a green synthesis approach via extracts from Agave maximiliana and Opuntia ficus-indica(Ofi). The extracts from both plants were used as the carbon source for the CQDs. The synthesis method employs mesoporous zeolite 4A as a refractory for the thermal treatment of the samples. Transmission electron microscopy analysis established that the size of the CQDs shows a narrow distribution centered around 2 nm with a maximum size of less than 3 nm for both cases. The CQDs exhibit absorption bands associated with π-π* transitions located around 220 nm. In both cases, photoluminescence (PL) phenomenon was detected by irradiating the samples with a UV wavelength and detecting emissions close to the blue wavelength. Additionally, both kinds of CQDs were tested as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates against methylene blue (MB), indicating an enhancement associated with ring deformation and stretching modes of the v(C-C) and v(C-N) bonds located around 1400 and 1620 cm-1, respectively. Complementarily, in the framework of density functional theory, H2nC2(2m+1) structures (with n = 3-5 and m = 1-3) were used as a theoretical representation of CQDs in interaction with the MB molecule. It is used for developing the analysis of charge transfer effects between both systems and for specifying elements that generate the SERS effect associated with the chemical enhancement mechanism.

Anisotropic behavior of mechanical properties for thea- andc-domains in a (001) BaTiO3single crystal.

Barium titanate (BaTiO3) single crystal with a tetragonal phase was characterized by nanoindentation. Elastic and elastic-plastic deformation regimes were obtained. The main objective was the evaluation of the anisotropic behavior related to mechanical properties associated with the cross-section of the ferroelectrica- andc-domains (In-plane and out-of-plane) in (001) configuration domains. This behavior was evaluated along a line perpendicular to the between domains, which demonstrated that the mechanical properties of the BaTiO3single crystal depend on the distance from due to the effect of the influence of the neighbor domain. A three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model was developed to simulate mechanical effects revealed by the nanoindentations test. The FE simulation demonstrated that there is no simple isotropic mechanical behavior associated with the domain type. Numerical simulations and experiments performed to study ferroelastic switching domains in BaTiO3crystals revealed the interaction of the 90°-cadomain with the indentation position.

Prótesis total de rodilla primaria en un paciente con ruptura no reciente del tendón rotuliano, tratado en 2 tiempos quirúrgicos / Total primary knee prosthesis in a patient with non-recent rupture of the patellar tendon, treated in 2 surgical times

Resumen: Introducción: La ruptura de tendón rotuliano en pacientes mayores se relaciona con enfermedades sistémicas como la artritis reumatoide, el lupus eritematoso y aquéllos con tratamiento prolongado con corticoides o antibioticoterapia. Es ocasionado por traumatismo con la rodilla en flexión acompañado de una contracción del cuádriceps o fuerza excéntrica, su diagnóstico puede omitirse hasta en 38% de los casos. El tratamiento en las rupturas no recientes es más complejo ya que después de 45 días de la lesión ocurre retracción del cuádriceps, fibrosis, formación de adherencias e hipotrofia muscular. Las opciones de tratamiento son variadas utilizando desde autoinjertos hasta injertos sintéticos con túneles óseos y anclas de fijación. Reporte de caso: Hombre de 71 años con ruptura del tendón rotuliano de 18 años de evolución tratado en dos tiempos, comenzando por la reparación del aparato extensor con tendones de la pata de ganso preservando la inserción de los mismos y realizando después prótesis total de rodilla en un segundo tiempo quirúrgico y mostramos su evolución.

Abstract: Introduction: Patellar tendon rupture has a higher prevalence in older patients related to systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus and those with prolonged treatment with corticosteroids or antibiotic therapy. It is caused by trauma with the knee in flexion accompanied by a contraction of the quadriceps or eccentric force, the diagnosis can be omitted in up to 38% of cases. Treatment of non-recent tendon ruptures is more difficult with end-to-end techniques are complicated and difficult to perform 45 days after injury due to quadriceps retraction, fibrosis, adhesion formation, and muscle hypotrophy. Treatment options are varied, ranging from autografts to synthetic grafts using bone tunnels and fixation anchors. Case report: Our case is a 71-year-old patient with an 18-year-old patellar tendon rupture treated in two stages, starting with repairing the extensor apparatus with pes anserinus tendons, preserving their insertion and subsequently performing total knee replacement in a second surgical time and we show its evolution.

[Total primary knee prosthesis in a patient with non-recent rupture of the patellar tendon, treated in 2 surgical times]. / Prótesis total de rodilla primaria en un paciente con ruptura no reciente del tendón rotuliano, tratado en 2 tiempos quirúrgicos.

INTRODUCTION: Patellar tendon rupture has a higher prevalence in older patients related to systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus and those with prolonged treatment with corticosteroids or antibiotic therapy. It is caused by trauma with the knee in flexion accompanied by a contraction of the quadriceps or eccentric force, the diagnosis can be omitted in up to 38% of cases. Treatment of non-recent tendon ruptures is more difficult with end-to-end techniques are complicated and difficult to perform 45 days after injury due to quadriceps retraction, fibrosis, adhesion formation, and muscle hypotrophy. Treatment options are varied, ranging from autografts to synthetic grafts using bone tunnels and fixation anchors. CASE REPORT: Our case is a 71-year-old patient with an 18-year-old patellar tendon rupture treated in two stages, starting with repairing the extensor apparatus with pes anserinus tendons, preserving their insertion and subsequently performing total knee replacement in a second surgical time and we show its evolution.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La ruptura de tendón rotuliano en pacientes mayores se relaciona con enfermedades sistémicas como la artritis reumatoide, el lupus eritematoso y aquéllos con tratamiento prolongado con corticoides o antibioticoterapia. Es ocasionado por traumatismo con la rodilla en flexión acompañado de una contracción del cuádriceps o fuerza excéntrica, su diagnóstico puede omitirse hasta en 38% de los casos. El tratamiento en las rupturas no recientes es más complejo ya que después de 45 días de la lesión ocurre retracción del cuádriceps, fibrosis, formación de adherencias e hipotrofia muscular. Las opciones de tratamiento son variadas utilizando desde autoinjertos hasta injertos sintéticos con túneles óseos y anclas de fijación. REPORTE DE CASO: Hombre de 71 años con ruptura del tendón rotuliano de 18 años de evolución tratado en dos tiempos, comenzando por la reparación del aparato extensor con tendones de la pata de ganso preservando la inserción de los mismos y realizando después prótesis total de rodilla en un segundo tiempo quirúrgico y mostramos su evolución.

BoLA-DRB3 exon2 polymorphisms among tuberculous cattle: Nucleotide and functional variability and their association with bovine tuberculosis pathology.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is caused by Mycobacterium bovis and disseminated worldwide. In Argentina, the highest prevalence occurs in dairy areas. BoLA DRB3.2 is related to the adaptive immunity in mycobacterial infections. Genetic polymorphisms of this marker have been associated with resistance or susceptibility to bovine diseases. We evaluated the association between BoLA DRB3.2 polymorphisms and bTB pathology scores in dairy and beef cattle breeds of Argentina. Most bovines exhibited visible lesions compatible with tuberculosis and, furthermore, 150 (85.7%) were also positive by bacteriology. A pathology index showed a variable degree of disease, from 3 to 76 (median pathology score = 9 (IQR: 7-15)). Thirty-five BoLA DRB3.2 alleles were identified with an associated frequency from 16% to 0.3%, distributed 73% (n = 128) in heterozygosis and 27% (n = 47) in homozygosis, with 12 BoLA DRB3.2 alleles (*0101, *1101, *1501, *0201, *2707 *1001, *1002, *1201, *14011, *0501 *0902 and *0701) representing the 74.7% of the population variability. A functional analysis grouped them in 4 out of 5 clusters (A-D), suggesting a functional overlapping. Among the 90 identified genotypes, *1101/*1101, *1101/*1501 and *0101/*0101 were the most frequent (10%, 8.9% and 8.9%, respectively). No association was detected between the pathology scores and a specific DRB3.2 allele (p > .05). Animals infected with M. bovis spoligotype SB0153 showed a significantly higher pathology score than those affected by the spoligotype SB0145 (p = .018). Furthermore, the Aberdeen Angus breed exhibited highest pathological scores (p < .0001), which were associated with disseminated lesion, thus suggesting that the host component could be important to the disease progression.

Síndrome de Burnout en el personal de enfermería y su relación con cuatro variables laborales / Burnout syndrome among nursing staff and its association with four work-related variables / Síndrome de Burnout no pessoal de enfermagem e sua relação com quatro variáveis laborais

Objetivo: Determinar si las variables: turno de trabajo, situación laboral, el realizar horas laborales extras y servicio en el que se encuentra actualmente, establecen diferencias en el nivel con que se presenta el síndrome de Burnout en los profesionales de enfermería del Hospital Materno Infantil de la ciudad de Durango. Método: Se realizó un estudio correlacional, transversal y no experimental a partir de la aplicación del Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey, a 204 enfermeras/os del Hospital Materno Infantil de la ciudad de Durango, en México. Resultados: De las cuatro variables estudiadas (turno de trabajo, situación laboral, el realizar horas laborales extras y servicio en el que se encuentra actualmente), es la del turno laboral la que marca una diferencia significativa en el nivel en que se presenta el síndrome de Burnout en el personal de enfermería. Conclusiones: Las condiciones laborales pueden desencadenar situaciones estresantes que a la larga generen el síndrome de Burnout, tal es el caso de variables como turno en que se labora o el tipo de nombramiento laboral que se posea. La aparición de este síndrome afecta el desempeño profesional del personal de enfermería.

Abstract: Objective: To determine if the variables Work Shift, Labor Situation, Extra Hours, and Service Area, make differences in the levels of Burnout among nursing personnel working in the Mother and Child Hospital of the city of Durango, Mexico. Method: This is a correlational, transversal, and not-experimental study which uses the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey to estimate the level of Burnout of 204 nurses working in the Mother and Child Hospital of the City of Durango, Mexico. Results: From the four studied variables, Work Shift induced significant differences on the levels of reported Burnout. Conclusions: Conditions such as Shift and Position can trigger stressful situations which in the long term can make the nursing personnel develop the Burnout syndrome which profoundly affects their professional performance.

Resumo: Objetivo: Determinar se as variáveis mudam, status de emprego, horas de trabalho e realizar serviço extra que está atualmente, estabelecer diferenças na prevalência da síndrome de Burnout em enfermeiros Hospital Materno-Infantil na cidade de Durango. Método: Um estudo transversal de correlação, não experimental foi conducido a partir da aplicação do Inventário-geral Pesquisa Maslach Burnout 204 enfermeiras/os Hospital Materna e infantil na cidade de Durango, México. Resultados: De las quatro variáveis estudadas (turno de trabajo, situacão laboral, realização de exercícios laborais extras e serviço em que se encontra ativo), é o mercado de trabalho que marca a diferença significativa no nível com que se apresenta o síndrome de Burnout en personal of enfermería. Conclusões: As condições laborales podem gerar situações estresantes que a larga generada o síndrome de Burnout, tal é o caso de variáveis como virar em que se labora ou o tipo de nomeação laboral que se posea. A aparição deste síndrome afecta o desempenho profissional do pessoal da enfermagem.

Anticuerpos anti-Fya con reacción anamnésica asociada con anti-D en transfusión intrauterina: reporte de un caso / Anti-Fya antibodies with anamnestic reaction associated to anti-D in intrauterine transfusion: A case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES La enfermedad hemolítica perinatal ocurre después de una transfusión sanguínea, que sensibiliza con antígenos eritrocitarios, hemorragia materno-fetal durante el embarazo o al momento del parto. La incidencia de anticuerpos anti-D ha disminuido de 14 a 0.1% en las madres D-negativas. No existe una inmunoglobulina que evite o disminuya la aloinmunización por otros antígenos eritrocitarios durante el embarazo. La incompatibilidad del grupo sanguíneo Duffy es una causa común de enfermedad hemolítica perinatal. OBJETIVO Exponer el caso de una paciente con hijo con enfermedad hemolítica perinatal por anticuerpos anti-Fya y anti-D tratado con transfusión intrauterina. CASO CLÍNICO Paciente de 22 años, con antecedente de múltiples transfusiones sanguíneas y datos clínicos de síndrome anémico. En la semana 28 del embarazo fue valorada para aplicarle inmunoglobulina anti-D. Luego de aplicarle dos unidades de concentrado eritrocitario Rh negativo se observó incompatibilidad (++) en fase de antiglobulina humana (Coombs), por esto se realizó el escrutinio de anticuerpos irregulares en gel, que resultó positivo en células I y II (+++). Enseguida se inició el protocolo de identificación de anticuerpos irregulares con un panel de 11 células, que reportó aglutinación en las células 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 y 11, sin mostrar especificidad. El estudio de adsorción del anticuerpo anti-D mostró células de antígeno D+ con las que se estableció el diagnóstico de anticuerpos anti-Fya y anti-D. El embarazo finalizó mediante cesárea con el nacimiento de un varón con grupo y Rh O positivo, de 30.1 semanas de gestación (talla de 40 cm y peso de 2000 g) con hidrops fetal. Se le realizaron ciclos de reanimación e ingresó a la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales, sin tratamiento farmacológico, y después de una hora de vida extrauterina falleció. La madre se dio de alta del hospital 36 horas después del puerperio, sin complicaciones adicionales. CONCLUSIÓN Los anticuerpos antieritrocitarios anti-Fya, solos o en combinación con otros anticuerpos, provocan enfermedad hemolítica perinatal severa. El laboratorio de inmunohematología tiene participación importante en el diagnóstico, seguimiento y tratamiento de la enfermedad hemolítica perinatal.

Abstract BACKGROUND Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn occurs after alloimmunization with red blood cells antigens by blood transfusion, maternal-fetal hemorrhage during pregnancy or at delivery. Currently, the incidence of alloimmunization by anti-D antibody has been reduced from 14% to 0.1% of D-negative mothers, however, there is no immunoglobulin that prevents or decreases alloimmunization by other red blood cells antigens during pregnancy. The incompatibilities of the Duffy blood group are a common cause of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. OBJECTIVE To present the case of a neonate with perinatal hemolytic disease secondary to anti-Fya and anti-D antibodies managed with intrauterine transfusion. CLINICAL CASE A 22-year-old patient with a history of multiple blood transfusions and clinical data of anemic syndrome. In the 28th week of pregnancy it was evaluated for the application of anti-D immunoglobulin. The blood bank was asked for two units of Rh negative erythrocyte concentrate. Incompatibility (++) in the human antiglobulin phase (Coombs) was observed, so the irregular antibody gel was screened, which was positive in cells I and II (+++). An identification protocol for irregular antibodies was initiated with a panel of 11 cells, which reported agglutination in cells 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 11, without specificity. The adsorption study of the anti-D antibody showed D + antigen cells. The diagnosis of anti-Fya and anti-D antibodies was established. The pregnant woman was terminated by caesarean section, from which a male with a group was born and Rh O positive, of 30.1 weeks of gestation (size of 40 cm and weight of 2000 g) with fetal hydrops. He underwent resuscitation cycles, entered the neonatal intensive care unit, without pharmacotherapy and died after one hour of extrauterine life. The mother withdrew 36 hours after the puerperium, without additional complications. CONCLUSION The antibodies anti-Fya alone or next to other alloantibodies produce severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. The laboratory of immunohematology in the blood bank is an essential tool in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) as a possible biomarker in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the Western world, and a major cause of this disease is atherosclerosis. Research has demonstrated that pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) plays a role in cardiovascular disease, as evidenced by the association between PAPP-A and severity of heart damage. AIM: The aim of this work was to investigate the correlation between PAPP-A concentrations in coronary and peripheral blood and certain clinicopathological factors and antioxidant enzyme activities in patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease. METHODS: For 65 patients, arterial blood was obtained by puncturing the femoral or radial artery, and coronary blood was obtained via percutaneous coronary intervention. PAPP-A, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1), and superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD-2) levels were measured using spectrometric methods. RESULTS: Coronary PAPP-A levels were slightly higher than peripheral PAPP-A levels (81.25 ± 2.34 and 62 ± 3 ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.0001); these levels were correlated with each other (r = 0.6629, P < 0.001) but not with clinicopathological factors (P > 0.05). Coronary PAPP-A levels were significantly elevated among patients at risk for cardiovascular disease (P < 0.05). Antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly higher in coronary samples than in peripheral samples from subjects with ischemic cardiopathy secondary to atherosclerosis (P < 0.001). Neither coronary nor peripheral PAPP-A levels were correlated with antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with cardiopathy secondary to atherosclerosis (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PAPP-A levels could be used as biomarkers to identify patients at risk of coronary artery disease.

Atopic dermatitis guideline. Position paper from the Latin American Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

As in other regions, the incidence of atopic dermatitis in Latin America has been increasing in recent years. Although there are several clinical guidelines, many of their recommendations cannot be universal since they depend on the characteristics of each region. Thus, we decided to create a consensus guideline on atopic dermatitis applicable in Latin America and other tropical regions, taking into account socio-economic, geographical, cultural and health care system characteristics. The Latin American Society of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (SLAAI) conducted a systematic search for articles related to the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of dermatitis using various electronic resources such as Google, Pubmed, EMBASE (Ovid) and Cochrane data base. We have also looked for all published articles in Latin America on the subject using LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences) database. Each section was reviewed by at least two members of the committee, and the final version was subsequently approved by all of them, using the Delphi methodology for consensus building. Afterward, the final document was shared for external evaluation with physicians, specialists (allergists, dermatologists and pediatricians), patients and academic institutions such as universities and scientific societies related to the topic. All recommendations made by these groups were taken into account for the final drafting of the document. There are few original studies conducted in Latin America about dermatitis; however, we were able to create a practical guideline for Latin America taking into account the particularities of the region. Moreover, the integral management was highlighted including many of the recommendations from different participants in the health care of this disease (patients, families, primary care physicians and specialists). This practical guide presents a concise approach to the diagnosis and management of atopic dermatitis that can be helpful for medical staff, patients and their families in Latin America.

La incidencia de dermatitis atópica en Latinoamérica muestra un incremento constante, si bien existen muchas guías clínicas de dermatitis atópica, muchas de las recomendaciones no pueden ser válidas de manera universal debido a las particularidades de cada región. Por ello, nos propusimos crear una guía de consenso de dermatitis atópica válida para Latinoamérica y otras regiones tropicales, que tome en cuenta las características socioeconómicas, geográficas, culturales y de los sistemas de salud. La Sociedad Latinoamericana de Alergia, Asma e Inmunología (SLAAI) realizó una búsqueda sistemática de artículos relacionados con la fisiopatología, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la dermatitis atópica usando diversas fuentes electrónicas, como Google, Pubmed, EMBASE (Ovid) y Cochrane. También realizamos una búsqueda extensa de las publicaciones realizadas en Latinoamérica utilizando el buscador LILACS (Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud). Cada sección fue revisada por al menos dos miembros del comité y luego una versión final fue aprobada por todos los participantes, utilizando la metodología Delphi para la construcción de consensos. Finalmente, el documento final fue compartido para la evaluación externa por médicos, otros especialistas (alergólogos, dermatólogos, pediatras), pacientes e instituciones académicas, como universidades y sociedades científicas relacionadas con el tema. Todas las recomendaciones dadas por estos grupos se tomaron en cuenta y se incluyeron en la versión final del documento. Existen pocos estudios realizados en Latinoamérica acerca de dermatitis; sin embargo, fue posible crear una guía que considera las particularidades de la región tropical. Además, destacó el tratamiento integral porque se consideraron muchas de las recomendaciones ofrecidas por los diferentes participantes en el tratamiento de esta enfermedad (pacientes, familiares, médicos de atención primaria, especialistas). atópica, muchas de las recomendaciones no pueden ser válidas de manera universal debido a las particularidades de cada región. Por ello, nos propusimos crear una guía de consenso de dermatitis atópica válida para Latinoamérica y otras regiones tropicales, que tome en cuenta las características socioeconómicas, geográficas, culturales y de los sistemas de salud. La Sociedad Latinoamericana de Alergia, Asma e Inmunología (SLAAI) realizó una búsqueda sistemática de artículos relacionados con la fisiopatología, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la dermatitis atópica usando diversas fuentes electrónicas, como Google, Pubmed, EMBASE (Ovid) y Cochrane. También realizamos una búsqueda extensa de las publicaciones realizadas en Latinoamérica utilizando el buscador LILACS (Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud). Cada sección fue revisada por al menos dos miembros del comité y luego una versión final fue aprobada por todos los participantes, utilizando la metodología Delphi para la construcción de consensos. Finalmente, el documento final fue compartido para la evaluación externa por médicos, otros especialistas (alergólogos, dermatólogos, pediatras), pacientes e instituciones académicas, como universidades y sociedades científicas relacionadas con el tema. Todas las recomendaciones dadas por estos grupos se tomaron en cuenta y se incluyeron en la versión final del documento. Existen pocos estudios realizados en Latinoamérica acerca de dermatitis; sin embargo, fue posible crear una guía que considera las particularidades de la región tropical. Además, destacó el tratamiento integral porque se consideraron muchas de las recomendaciones ofrecidas por los diferentes participantes en el tratamiento de esta enfermedad (pacientes, familiares, médicos de atención primaria, especialistas).

Understanding the relationship between Mycobacterium bovis spoligotypes from cattle in Latin American countries.

Spoligotyping is the most frequently used method for genotyping isolates of Mycobacterium bovis worldwide. In the current work, we compared spoligotypes from 1684 M. bovis isolates from Argentina (816), Brazil (412), Chile (66), Mexico (274) and Venezuela (116), obtained from cattle, humans, pigs, wild boars, farmed deer, goats, buffaloes, cats, and wild animals. A total of 269 different spoligotypes were found: 142 (8.4%) isolates presented orphan spoligotypes, whereas 1542 (91.6%) formed 113 different clusters. In cattle, SB0140 was the most representative spoligotype with 355 (24.6%) isolates, followed by SB0121 with 149 (10.3%) isolates. Clustering of spoligotypes ranged from 95.2% in Argentina to 85.3% in Mexico. Orphan spoligotypes were also variable, ranging from 23.7% in Mexico to 4.1% in Brazil. A large proportion of spoligotypes were common to the neighboring countries Argentina, Brazil and Chile. In conclusion, despite the diversity of spoligotypes found in the five countries studied, there are major patterns that predominate in these neighboring countries. These clusters may reflect a long-lasting active transmission of bovine tuberculosis or common historical origins of infection.

[Multicenter study of satisfaction with fast-dissolving ebastine, 20 mg/ day, in Mexican patients with allergic rhinitis]. / Estudio multicéntrico de satisfacción con ebastina de disolución rápida 20 mg/día en pacientes mexicanos con rinitis alérgica.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa, with common symptoms, which is essentially characterized by nasal itching, nasal congestion, sneezing, hyaline rhinorrhea and repetitive sneezing. The disease is very common, 15% of the population worldwide suffers it. Among many treatments that have been used to relieve the symptoms of this disease there is a selective inhibitor of H1 receptors, ebastine. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patient satisfaction using the scale of Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multicentric, retrospective, observational study performed in 250 Mexican patients with the diagnosis of intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR) or persistent allergic rhinitis (PER), confirmed by prick test, specific IgE, or both, treated with lyophilised ebastine in fast-dissolving (FDT) 20 mg at any time in the last two months, prescribed for at least two weeks by their doctor to relieve the symptoms of intermittent allergic rhinitis or persistent allergic rhinitis. We used a validated questionnaire assessment scales, TSQM. RESULTS: The presentation of ebastine fast-dissolving (FDT) is effective and has good tolerability, over 80% of patients reported comfort and satisfaction using it. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of overall satisfaction, efficacy, tolerability and comfort showed that ebastine in fast-dissolving is an antihistamine with clear benefits to encourage compliance.

Aspectos éticos y sociales en la cirugía video laparoscopica / Ethical and social aspects in videolaparoscopic surgery

Con este trabajo se pretende hacer una reflexión sobre la Cirugía Video Laparoscópica y los aspectos bioéticos, que tienen implicación en la misma; realizando consideraciones sicológicas, socioeconómicas y éticas sobre los pacientes que reciben los beneficios de esta nueva tecnología, a fin de mejorar o curar sus dolencias con un mínimo de dolor, un bajo costo y una mejor estética[AU]

With this work it is sought to make a reflection on video laparoscopic surgery and the bioethical aspects implied in it; carrying out psychological, socioeconomic and ethical considerations on the patients that receive the benefits of this new technology, in order to improve or to cure their ailments with a minimum pain, a low cost and a better aesthetics(AU)

Prevalencia de presión arterial elevada y otros factores de riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular en trabajadores de cafetines de la Universidad Central de Venezuela (ciudad universitaria) / Prevalence high blood pressure and others risk factors of cardiovascular disease in workers of cafe the cafeterias the Universidad Central de Venezuela (university city)

Se realizó un estudio transversal en una muestra de 100 sujetos, trabajadores de cafetines de la Universidad Central de Venezuela, en la cual predonimó el sexo masculino con el 62 por ciento y frente a 38 por ciento del femenino, con media 35+6 años de antiguedad en el oficio; el 72 por ciento tenían oficio de cocinero, "lonchero" y personal de limpieza y el 28 por ciento de cajero y personal administrativo o gerencial. En su mayoría el nivel de enseñanza fue de 7° año o menos. La prevalencia de la presión arterial elevada fue de 33 por ciento y presión de pulso elevada 46.7 por ciento. La media de la presión sistólica, ajustada a la edad, en personas con más de 5 años en el oficio (135 Hg./mm) estaba significativamente aumentada

Monoclonal anti-EGFreceptor antibody (ior-R3) pharmacokinetic study in tumor bearing nude mice: role of the receptor-mediated endocytosis on drug clearance.

With the purpose of describing the MAb ior-R3's kinetic behavior in disease state, this paper is focused on the study of this response using a human cancer (lung carcinoma cell line, H125) bearing nude mice animal model. This MAb was administered by a single 16 mg/Kg intravenous bolus dose and the blood samples were collected at several times ranging from 0 to 72 hours for serum drug quantification. The experimental data set was best fitted using a classical two-compartment mammilary pharmacokinetic (PK) model and the corresponding PK parameters were determined. Comparatively, the analysis of the more relevant physiologically-based PK parameters showed a significant enhancing of clearance as compound with the earlier reported study on healthy mice, increasing from 0.09 to 0.19 mL/h (p<0.01). However, the corresponding distribution volumes don't seem to be altered by the tumor xenograft. We conclude that all of these evidences suggest a possible mechanism of receptor-mediated endocytosis (RME) as a major cause of this increased drug clearance which also contributed to the faster decrease of the drug disposition.

Effects of levonorgestrel implant upon TSH and LH levels in male infants during lactation.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of levonorgestrel transferred through breast milk on thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in full breast-fed infants. METHODS: Forty healthy postpartum women and their male newborns were recruited for the study. Women were randomly allocated to two study groups: Group 1, IUD users and group 2, Norplant users. Blood and milk samples were collected on the day of IUD or Norplant insertion and 3 and 6 months later for TSH and levonorgestrel measurements. RESULTS: The results disclosed a significant decrease in TSH levels, and a negative relationship between LNG levels and TSH concentration in breast feeding infants at 3 months after implant insertion. The lowest TSH levels were observed at 6 months in the women from group 2. CONCLUSIONS: The overall data indicate that the LNG levels transferred to fully breast-fed infants through breast milk from Norplant users significantly modified their TSH levels.

Monoclonal anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (ior EGF/r3) antibody pharmacokinetic studies on nude mice I: a radio-receptor analysis applied to drug serum quantification.

Due to its antagonistic properties upon ligand-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) interaction, the monoclonal antibody anti-EGFr ior EGF/r3 is considered a potential therapeutic agent against several epithelium-derived tumours. This paper affords further analysis of the relevant corporal interaction of this monoclonal antibody in terms of its pharmacodynamic properties, using nude mice, following a single bolus intravenous dose administration. The radio-receptor assay allows quantification of the serum ior EGF/r3 level. The dose selection procedure, according to the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, suggested using doses of 12.5-16 mg kg(-1) for pharmacokinetic assessments. The experimental data were best fitted to a bi-exponential function (r2 = 0.985), through the classical two-compartment open modelling approach. The model selection was corroborated by the AKAIKE information criteria, and also the SCHWARTZ and ESTRIP test were used. The estimated pharmacokinetic parameters (e.g. t 1/2 beta = 34.65 h, Vc = 2.84 mL, Vss = 4.21 mL and CL = 0.09 mL h(-1)) bear out the strategies for the evaluation of the therapeutic application of this drug. Finally, the radio-receptor analysis has provided a rationale for the proposed serum monoclonal antibody ior EGF/r3 quantification to characterize its concentration-time course.

Maternal or fetal origin of rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) amniotic fluid leukocytes can be identified by polymerase chain reaction using the zinc finger Y gene.

Leukocytes can be found in substantial numbers within the intrauterine tissues and amniotic fluid of women, and play a central role in the pathophysiology of infection-related preterm labor by their production of proinflammatory mediators. It remains unclear whether these leukocytes represent a fetal immune response, a maternal response, or a combination of the two. The objective of this study was to develop a test in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) suitable for determining the percentage of male fetal cells present in a population of leukocytes recovered from blood or amniotic fluid. We found inadequate specificity for rhesus monkey cells using commercial human Y-chromosome paint kits (fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)). Human-specific primers for the repetitive Y chromosome DYZ-1 locus employed in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) produced an unacceptable percentage of false positives. However, we successfully developed a PCR-based test using rhesus-specific primers for the zinc finger Y (ZFY) locus. Densitometry of PCR products from known ratios of male and female adult peripheral leukocytes generated a linear standard curve which provided quantitative results and required only 400 cells per sample. The rhesus beta globin (RBG) gene served as an internal control. The PCR test correctly discriminated the sex of peripheral leukocytes in 20 adult males, 20 adult females, two male fetuses, and one female fetus. Serial samples of amniotic fluid from four chronically catheterized rhesus monkeys bearing male fetuses were used to confirm the utility of this assay for quantifying fetal cells in amniotic fluid. In conclusion, we have developed a PCR test which is suitable for distinguishing male from female cells in adult and fetal blood and in amniotic fluid, which lends itself to a variety of diagnostic and biologic applications in the rhesus monkey and potentially in other nonhuman primates.

Synthesis of a new 5'-O-triphosphate analog of 5-methyl 2'-O-deoxycytidine. Preliminary in vitro labelling for non-radioactive detection of DNA.

We report the synthesis of the triphosphate of 5-methyl 4-N-[6-(p-bromobenzamido)hex-1-yl]-2'-O-deoxycytidine 3A. We also analyzed the formation of intramolecular H-bonds of 5-methyl 4-N-[n-[6-(p-bromobenzamido) caproyl amino]alk-1-yl]-2'-deoxycytidine compounds, and confirmed their presence by 1H-NMR studies. In vitro DNA labeling with modified nucleotides is preliminarily evaluated.