Upper storage-capacity limit and multiple occupancy phenomena in H2-hydroquinone clathrates using Monte Carlo and DFT simulations.

The upper hydrogen-storage capacity limit of the ß-hydroquinone clathrate has been investigated using hybrid Grand-Canonical Monte Carlo/Molecular Dynamics simulations, for temperatures ranging from 77 K to 300 K. The evolution with pressure of the cage occupancies has been monitored in detail, describing the progressive nature of the uptake process. It is found that the storage capacity of the pure ß-HQ + H2 clathrate could reach 0.6 wt% (weight percentage) only for pressures above 1400 bar, at ambient temperature. The enhancement of the storage capacities by the multiple occupancy phenomenom was accordingly shown to be very limited by the need for extreme conditions. Following this observation, an unmodified version of the van der Waals & Platteeuw theory was applied allowing for the prediction of experimentally accessible formation pressures. Density functional theory calculations were addittionnaly performed to comprehensively characterize the hydrogen diffusion process within the clathrate crystalline structure, considering different occupancy scenarios.

Transversus abdominis release with biosynthetic mesh for large ventral hernia repair: a 5-year analysis of clinical outcomes and quality of life.

INTRODUCTION: Transversus abdominis release (TAR) may provide an optimal plane for mesh placement for large ventral hernias requiring medial myofascial flap advancement. Long-term outcomes of TAR for large ventral hernia repair (VHR) remains under-studied. This study aims to assess longitudinal clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL) following large VHR with TAR and resorbable biosynthetic mesh. METHODS: Retrospective review of clinical outcomes and prospective QoL was performed for patients undergoing VHR with poly-4-hydroxybutyrate mesh and TAR from 2016 to 2021. Patients with ≤ 24 months of follow-up, defects ≤ 150 cm2, and parastomal hernias were excluded. Cost-related data was collected for each patient's hospital course. QoL was compared using paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients met inclusion criteria. Median age and BMI were 61 years (53.2-68.1 years) and 31.4 kg/m2 (26.1-35.3 kg/m2). Average hernia defect was 390cm2 ± 152.9 cm2. All patients underwent previous abdominal surgery and were primarily Ventral Hernia Working Group 2 (58.6%). Two hernia recurrences (6.9%) occurred over the median follow-up period of 63.1 months (IQR 43.7-71.3 months), with no cases of mesh infection or explantation. Delayed healing and seroma occurred in 27 and 10.3% of patients, respectively. QoL analysis identified a significant improvement in postoperative QoL (p < 0.005), that continued throughout the 5-year follow-up period, with a 41% overall improvement. Cost analysis identified the hospital revenue generated was approximately equal to the direct costs of patient care. Higher costs were associated with ASA class and length of stay (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Large VHR with resorbable biosynthetic mesh and TAR can be performed safely, with a low recurrence and complication rate, acceptable hospital costs, and significant improvement in disease-specific QoL at long-term follow-up.

High molar ratios of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α) soluble receptors I and II to the TNF ligand in human plasma from male veterans with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)

Background and Objectives Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are associated with chronic inflammation, as inferred from increased, but variable, peripheral levels of cytokines. We sought proof of concept for the notion that peripheral cytokine binding proteins and/or soluble receptors can confound measures of cytokines in those with a history of physical and psychological traumatic exposures. Efforts were focused on one of the major cytokines involved in inflammation, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α). Methods We examined blood plasma concentrations of TNF-α, its soluble receptors (TNF-soluble receptors (sR) I and TNFsRII), and C-reactive protein (CRP-1) in a cohort of US Veterans. In a previous study, CRP-1 was shown to be reduced by probiotic anti-inflammatory treatment in this patient cohort. All participants (n = 22) were diagnosed with PTSD and had a history of mild TBI with persistent post-concussive symptoms. Exclusion criteria included medications directly targeting inflammation. Results Molar concentrations of soluble TNFsRI and II exceeded concentrations of the TNF-α ligand. TNFsRI, but not TNFsRII, was significantly associated with CRP-1 (Spearman Rho correlations = 0.518; p=.016 and 0.365; p = .104, respectively). Conclusions TNF soluble receptors may bind to and sequester free TNF-α, suggesting that only measuring ligand concentrations may not provide a fully comprehensive view of inflammation, and potentially lead to inaccurate conclusions. TNFsRI concentration may provide a better estimate of inflammation than TNF-α for those with PTSD and post-acute mTBI with post-concussive symptoms, a hypothesis that invites further testing in larger studies. (AU)

High molar ratios of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α) soluble receptors I and II to the TNF ligand in human plasma from male veterans with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Background and Objectives: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are associated with chronic inflammation, as inferred from increased, but variable, peripheral levels of cytokines. We sought proof of concept for the notion that peripheral cytokine binding proteins and/or soluble receptors can confound measures of cytokines in those with a history of physical and psychological traumatic exposures. Efforts were focused on one of the major cytokines involved in inflammation, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Methods: We examined blood plasma concentrations of TNF-α, its soluble receptors (TNF-soluble receptors (sR) I and TNFsRII), and C-reactive protein (CRP-1) in a cohort of US Veterans. In a previous study, CRP-1 was shown to be reduced by probiotic anti-inflammatory treatment in this patient cohort. All participants (n = 22) were diagnosed with PTSD and had a history of mild TBI with persistent post-concussive symptoms. Exclusion criteria included medications directly targeting inflammation. Results: Molar concentrations of soluble TNFsRI and II exceeded concentrations of the TNF-α ligand. TNFsRI, but not TNFsRII, was significantly associated with CRP-1 (Spearman Rho correlations = 0.518; p=.016 and 0.365; p = .104, respectively). Conclusions: TNF soluble receptors may bind to and sequester free TNF-α, suggesting that only measuring ligand concentrations may not provide a fully comprehensive view of inflammation, and potentially lead to inaccurate conclusions. TNFsRI concentration may provide a better estimate of inflammation than TNF-α for those with PTSD and post-acute mTBI with post-concussive symptoms, a hypothesis that invites further testing in larger studies.

Sincronismo muscular en patrones de movimiento de miembros superiores descritos por Kabat: latencia al inicio del pico de la máxima activación electromiográfica / Muscle timing in upper limb movement patterns described by Kabat: Latency at the beginning of the peak of maximum electromyographic activation

Introducción El método Kabat sostiene que el sincronismo normal se produce de distal a proximal, lo cual requiere evidencia electromiográfica. Objetivo Describir el sincronismo muscular de patrones motores de miembros superiores descritos por Kabat, en posiciones sedente y supina, a partir de la medición de la latencia al inicio del pico de la máxima activación electromiográfica (IPMA-EMG) de músculos seleccionados. Material y métodos Se realizó un estudio analítico comparativo. Se evaluó a 20 hombres y 20 mujeres entre 19 y 26 años. Cada participante realizó 3repeticiones activas sin resistencia externa de cada uno de los patrones de movimiento (flexor y extensor) de las 2diagonales. Se registró la latencia del IPMA-EMG para cada uno de los 8músculos evaluados en los 4patrones de movimiento, tanto en supino como en sedente. Estos se promediaron y se ordenaron de menor a mayor para obtener la secuencia de contracciones musculares en cada patrón de movimiento. Se compararon las secuencias obtenidas para cada patrón en sedente y supino y se valoró la existencia de correlaciones entre ellas. Resultados Se observó correlación significativa en las secuencias del IPMA-EMG entre posiciones supina y sedente, en todos los patrones de movimiento (p<0,05), excepto en el patrón extensor de la primera diagonal (p=0,139). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre posiciones en ninguno de los patrones (p>0,05). Conclusiones Aunque con variaciones en la IPMA-EMG, se halló, en general, un sincronismo muscular de proximal a distal, más evidenciado en la posición sedente y en los patrones flexores (AU)

Introduction The Kabat method argues that normal synchronism occurs from distal to proximal, which requires electromyographic evidence. Objective To describe the muscular timing of motor patterns of the upper limbs described by Kabat, in seated and supine positions, from the measurement of the latency at the beginning of the peak of the maximum electromyographic activation (BPM-EMG-A) of selected muscles. Material and methods A comparative analytical study was carried out. Twenty men and 20 women between 19 and 26 years old were evaluated. Each participant performed 3active repetitions without external resistance of each of the movement patterns (flexor and extensor) of the 2diagonals. BPM-EMG-A latency was recorded for each of the 8muscles tested in the 4movement patterns, both supine and seated. These were averaged and ordered from lowest to highest to obtain the sequence of muscle contractions in each movement pattern. The sequences obtained for each pattern in seated and supine were compared and the existence of correlations between them was assessed. Results Significant correlation was observed in the BPM-EMG-A sequences between supine and seated positions, in all movement patterns (P<0.05), except in the extensor pattern of the first diagonal (P=0.139). There were no statistically significant differences between positions in any of the patterns (P>0.05). Conclusion Although with variations in BPM-EMG-A, muscle timing was generally found from proximal to distal, more evident in the sitting position and in flexor patterns (AU)

Interactions of Glutamate and Gamma Amino Butyric Acid with the insulin-like growth factor system in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and/or cardiovascular accidents (CVA or stroke): A systematic review.

The brain maintains homeostasis of neural excitation in part through the receptor-mediated signaling of Glutamate (Glu) and Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA), but localized injuries cause cellular release of excess Glu leading to neurotoxicity. The literature strongly supports the role of Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in adult brain neuroprotection and repair, and research supporting the existence of molecular interactions between Glu, GABA, and IGF-1 in vitro and in normal animals raises the question of whether and/or how the Glu/GABA system interacts with IGF-1 post-injury. This systematic review was undertaken to explore works addressing this question among adults with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and/or cerebrovascular accident (CVA; stroke). The literature was searched for human and animal studies and only four animal papers met inclusion criteria. The SYRCLE criteria was used to evaluate risk of bias; results varied between categories and papers. All the included studies, one on TBI and three on stroke, supported the molecular relationship between the excitatory and IGF-1 systems; two studies provided direct, detailed molecular evidence. The results point to the importance of research on the role of this protective system in pathological brain injury; a hypothetical proposal for future studies is presented.

Density functional theory of alkali metals at the IL/graphene electrochemical interface.

The mechanism of charge transfer between metal ions and graphene in the presence of an ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) is investigated by means of density functional theory calculations. For that purpose, two different comparisons are established: (i) the behavior of Li+ and K+ when adsorbed onto the basal plane of graphene and (ii) the differences between Li+ approaching the carbon surface from the basal plane and being intercalated through the edge plane of trilayer graphene. In the first case, it is found that the metal ions must overcome high energy barriers due to their interaction with the ionic liquid before reaching an equilibrium position close to the interface. In addition, no significant charge transfer between any of the metals and graphene takes place until very close energetically unfavorable distances. The second configuration shows that Li+ has no equilibrium position in the proximity of the interface but instead has an equilibrium position when it is inside the electrode for which it has to cross an energy barrier. In this case, the formation of a LiC12 complex is observed since the charge transfer at the equilibrium distance is achieved to a considerable extent. Thus, the interfacial charge transfer resistance on the electrode in energy devices based on ionic liquids clearly depends not only on the binding of the ionic liquid to the metal cations and their ability to form a dense solvation shell around them but also on the surface topography and its effect on the ion packing on the surface.

[Mortality rate after a hip fracture in a low-income population in an orthopedic training hospital]. / Tasa de mortalidad después de una fractura de cadera en población con bajos ingresos económicos, en un hospital de entrenamiento ortopédico.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fracture are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in old patients. The one-year mortality after a hip fracture increase between 14 to 47%. The main objective was to analyze the risk factors associated with mortality after a hip fracture in a low-income population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with traumatic hip fracture in a four-year period in an orthopedic training hospital. The data collected was age, gender, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), delay time in days for surgery, duration in hours for surgical procedure, transfusion. Two groups were analyzed, alive patients and deceased patients. RESULTS: A total of 96 patients with traumatic hip fracture was analyzed. Mortality rate in the first year was pf 16.6%, and at the end of the follow-up was 32.2%. The alive patients showed better values of CCI with a value of 4.2 ± 1.1 versus 5.2 ± 1.0 in the deceased patients. When compared delay time for surgery and duration of surgical procedure did not observe significant difference between patients alive and deceased. CONCLUSION: The delay time of surgery did not affect the mortality after a traumatic hip fracture in old patients with economic low-income.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las fracturas de cadera representan una causa importante de morbimortalidad en los adultos mayores. La mortalidad a un año posterior a una fractura de cadera incrementa entre 14 y 47%. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los factores de riesgo que impactan la tasa de mortalidad posterior a una fractura de cadera en una población de bajos recursos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se analizaron de manera retrospectiva pacientes con fractura de cadera traumática en un período de cuatro años en un hospital universitario con entrenamiento ortopédico. Los datos recolectados incluyeron edad, género, índice de comorbilidad de Charlson (CCI), tiempo en días para la cirugía y duración del procedimiento quirúrgico, así como necesidad de transfusión. Se analizaron dos grupos, pacientes vivos y pacientes fallecidos. RESULTADOS: Se evaluó un total de 96 adultos mayores con fractura de cadera. La tasa de mortalidad durante el primer año fue de 16.6%, mientras que al final del seguimiento fue de 32.2%. El grupo de sobrevivientes presentó una mejor evaluación de acuerdo con el CCI con valor de 4.2 ± 1.1 versus 5.2 ± 1.0 en los pacientes fallecidos. No se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la mortalidad entre ambos grupos al comparar los días de espera de tiempo quirúrgico y la duración de la cirugía. CONCLUSIÓN: El retraso de la cirugía no afecta la tasa de mortalidad después de una fractura de cadera en pacientes de edad avanzada con bajo ingreso económico.

Tasa de mortalidad después de una fractura de cadera en población con bajos ingresos económicos, en un hospital de entrenamiento ortopédico / Mortality rate after a hip fracture in a low-income population in an orthopedic training hospital

Resumen: Introducción: Las fracturas de cadera representan una causa importante de morbimortalidad en los adultos mayores. La mortalidad a un año posterior a una fractura de cadera incrementa entre 14 y 47%. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los factores de riesgo que impactan la tasa de mortalidad posterior a una fractura de cadera en una población de bajos recursos. Material y métodos: Se analizaron de manera retrospectiva pacientes con fractura de cadera traumática en un período de cuatro años en un hospital universitario con entrenamiento ortopédico. Los datos recolectados incluyeron edad, género, índice de comorbilidad de Charlson (CCI), tiempo en días para la cirugía y duración del procedimiento quirúrgico, así como necesidad de transfusión. Se analizaron dos grupos, pacientes vivos y pacientes fallecidos. Resultados: Se evaluó un total de 96 adultos mayores con fractura de cadera. La tasa de mortalidad durante el primer año fue de 16.6%, mientras que al final del seguimiento fue de 32.2%. El grupo de sobrevivientes presentó una mejor evaluación de acuerdo con el CCI con valor de 4.2 ± 1.1 versus 5.2 ± 1.0 en los pacientes fallecidos. No se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la mortalidad entre ambos grupos al comparar los días de espera de tiempo quirúrgico y la duración de la cirugía. Conclusión: El retraso de la cirugía no afecta la tasa de mortalidad después de una fractura de cadera en pacientes de edad avanzada con bajo ingreso económico.

Abstract: Introduction: Hip fracture are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in old patients. The one-year mortality after a hip fracture increase between 14 to 47%. The main objective was to analyze the risk factors associated with mortality after a hip fracture in a low-income population. Material and methods: Retrospective study of patients with traumatic hip fracture in a four-year period in an orthopedic training hospital. The data collected was age, gender, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), delay time in days for surgery, duration in hours for surgical procedure, transfusion. Two groups were analyzed, alive patients and deceased patients. Results: A total of 96 patients with traumatic hip fracture was analyzed. Mortality rate in the first year was pf 16.6%, and at the end of the follow-up was 32.2%. The alive patients showed better values of CCI with a value of 4.2 ± 1.1 versus 5.2 ± 1.0 in the deceased patients. When compared delay time for surgery and duration of surgical procedure did not observe significant difference between patients alive and deceased. Conclusion: The delay time of surgery did not affect the mortality after a traumatic hip fracture in old patients with economic low-income.

Transport Properties of Li-TFSI Water-in-Salt Electrolytes.

Water-in-salts are a new family of electrolytes that may allow the development of aqueous Li-ion batteries. They have a structure that is reminiscent of ionic liquids, and they are characterized by a high concentration of ionic species. In this work, we study their transport properties and how they evolve with concentration by using molecular dynamic simulations. We first focus on the choice of the force field. By comparing the simulated viscosities and self-diffusion coefficients with experimental measurements, we select a set of parameters that reproduces well the transport properties. We then use the selected force field to study in detail the variations of the self and collective diffusivities of all the species as well as the transport number of the lithium ion. We show that correlations between ions and water play an important role over the whole concentration range. In the water-in-salt regime, the anions form a percolating network that reduces the cation-anion correlations and leads to rather large values for the transport number compared to other standard electrolytes.

Chemical composition of industrially and laboratory processed Cyperus esculentus rhizomes.

We report here the results of the study of the chemical composition of Cyperus esculentus rhizomes. Ethanolic extracts have been separated by column chromatography and analyzed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Quercetin, stigmasterol, and linoleic and oleic acid glycerol esters, together with 4-chlorobutyl oleate, oleamide, myricetin, tyramine and N-feruloyltyramine, found for the first time in Cyperus esculentus rhizomes, have been isolated and quantified in the extracts. Alkaloids have not been detected, and the presence of flavonoids and sterols is moderate.

Decreased food anticipatory activity of obese mice relates to hypothalamic c-Fos expression.

During daily Food Restriction (FR), obese Neotomodon alstoni mice present decreased Food Anticipatory Activity (FAA) compared to lean mice. Here, we investigated whether FOS expression in hypothalamic nuclei involved in food synchronization and anticipation parallels decreased FAA during daily FR of obese N. alstoni. Locomotor activity of lean and obese mice in ad libitum feeding conditions was monitored for at least two weeks. Then, a gradual restriction of food access was followed to establish a 5h period of daily food access. FR was maintained during at least two weeks before sacrifice of mice at the starting point of the feeding period. Obese mice subjected to FR displayed an overall reduction of FOS-positive (FOS+) hypothalamic neurons, while lean mice in a similar protocol exhibited an increase in FOS+ neurons within the arcuate and dorsomedial hypothalamic nuclei. These results are consistent with decreased FAA displayed by obese mice in comparison to lean mice. Furthermore, limbic system areas of lean mice, such as the cingulate cortex and the hippocampus, showed an increase in FOS during FR, while no responses were observed in obese mice. The daily food intake of obese mice was severely reduced during FR, compared to the ad libitum condition, whereas food intake in lean mice was not affected by FR. Current data suggests that decreased hypothalamic and limbic neuronal activation may contribute to the reduction of FAA in obese N. alstoni mice.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa liver abscess as the first manifestation of X-Linked agammaglobulinemia with a novel mutation

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Importancia del estudio del humor vítreo para el diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus y cetoacidosis diabética post mortem. A propósito de un caso / Importance of the study of the vitreous body for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and diabetic ketoacidosis post-mortem. About a case

La diabetes mellitus tipo 1 usualmente debuta con cetoacidosis, una de sus complicaciones que puede llevar a la muerte de forma rápida. Esta condición puede pasar inadvertida, requiriéndose la autopsia médico-legal. Dentro de las muestras de mayor interés en la autopsia se encuentra el humor vítreo, el cual se usa para detección de glucosa y electrolitos, entre otros. Presentamos el caso de una joven de 15 años de edad, sin antecedentes importantes, la cual fallece luego de presentar un cuadro de faringoamigdalitis y los hallazgos anatomopatológicos no permiten identificar la causa de la muerte. Sin embargo, el estudio de humor vítreo revela concentraciones elevadas de glucosa, y la química sanguínea muestra valores de acetona aumentados. Discutimos la importancia de la recolección del humor vítreo para el diagnóstico de enfermedades metabólicas (AU)

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus usually begins with ketoacidosis, one of its complications that can lead to death quickly. This condition may go unnoticed, requiring medical and legal autopsy. Among the samples of major interest in the autopsy is the vitreous humor, which is used for detection of glucose levels, electrolytes and others. We present the case of a 15-year-old girl with no significant history, who died after presenting with pharyngotonsillitis and the pathological findings did not allow the cause of death to be identified, however, the vitreous humor study revealed elevated glucose levels and Increased blood levels of acetone. We discussed the importance of collecting the vitreous humor for the diagnosis of metabolic diseases (AU)

Molecular dynamics simulation of the behaviour of water in nano-confined ionic liquid-water mixtures.

This work describes the behaviour of water molecules in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid under nanoconfinement, between graphene sheets. By means of molecular dynamics simulations, the adsorption of water molecules at the graphene surface is studied. A depletion of water molecules in the vicinity of the neutral and negatively charged graphene surfaces, and their adsorption at the positively charged surface are observed in line with the preferential hydration of the ionic liquid anions. The findings are appropriately described using a two-level statistical model. The confinement effect on the structure and dynamics of the mixtures is thoroughly analyzed using the density and the potential of mean force profiles, as well as by the vibrational densities of the states of water molecules near the graphene surface. The orientation of water molecules and the water-induced structural transitions in the layer closest to the graphene surface are also discussed.

Prolactin mediates neuroprotection against excitotoxicity in primary cell cultures of hippocampal neurons via its receptor.

Recently it has been reported that prolactin (PRL) exerts a neuroprotective effect against excitotoxicity in hippocampus in the rat in vivo models. However, the exact mechanism by which PRL mediates this effect is not completely understood. The aim of our study was to assess whether prolactin exerts neuroprotection against excitotoxicity in an in vitro model using primary cell cultures of hippocampal neurons, and to determine whether this effect is mediated via the prolactin receptor (PRLR). Primary cell cultures of rat hippocampal neurons were used in all experiments, gene expression was evaluated by RT-qPCR, and protein expression was assessed by Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. Cell viability was assessed by using the MTT method. The results demonstrated that PRL treatment of neurons from primary cultures did not modify cell viability, but that it exerted a neuroprotective effect, with cells treated with PRL showing a significant increase of viability after glutamate (Glu)--induced excitotoxicity as compared with neurons treated with Glu alone. Cultured neurons expressed mRNA for both PRL and its receptor (PRLR), and both PRL and PRLR expression levels changed after the excitotoxic insult. Interestingly, the PRLR protein was detected as two main isoforms of 100 and 40 kDa as compared with that expressed in hypothalamic cells, which was present only as a 30 kDa variant. On the other hand, PRL was not detected in neuron cultures, either by western blot or by immunohistochemistry. Neuroprotection induced by PRL was significantly blocked by specific oligonucleotides against PRLR, thus suggesting that the PRL role is mediated by its receptor expressed in these neurons. The overall results indicated that PRL induces neuroprotection in neurons from primary cell cultures.

Evaluación del impacto de un plan de cuidados de enfermería de pacientes con EPOC con diagnóstico enfermero «Manejo inefectivo del régimen terapéutico», en términos de mejora del criterio de resultado de enfermería (NOC) «Conocimiento del régimen terapeutico» / Impact assessment of a plan of nursing care of patients diagnosed with COPD nurse «Ineffective management of therapeutic regimen», in terms of improving the nursing outcomes (NOC) «Knowledge of therapeutic regime»

Objetivo: Conocer el impacto en el ‘Conocimiento del régimen terapéutico’, en pacientes con un plan de cuidados sobre ‘Manejo inefectivo del régimen terapéutico’. Método: Estudio cuasiexperimental, en dos Hospitales Generales Universitarios (junio 2007 - diciembre 2008) pacientes con EPOC. Grupo intervención: plan de cuidados desarrollado mediante taxonomías; grupo control: asistencia hospitalaria habitual. Resultados: 143 pacientes incluidos en el estudio (grupo intervención=56; grupo control =87). Mejora NOC a las 2 semanas (69.2% intervención vs. 10,7% control; p<,008); mejora NOC a las 24 semanas (68.7% vs.10.1%, p<,001). Indicadores descripción justificación régimen terapéutico; actividad prescrita; beneficios del tratamiento mejoran con p<,001. Conclusiones: La implementación de un plan de cuidados dirigido al alta orientado al incremento del Implicaciones para la práctica: La implementación de taxonomías en planificación de cuidados orientados al alta constituyen una herramienta para evaluar resultados de las intervenciones enfermeras y su evolución (AU)

Purpose: To determine the impact on the «Knowledge of the therapeutic regimen», in patients with a care plan on "ineffective management of therapeutic regimen." Methods: Quasi-experimental study in two General Hospitals University (June 2007 - December 2008) COPD patients. Group intervention: care plan developed by taxonomies; Control group: usual hospital care. Findings: 143 patients were Recruited (Intervention group = 56, control group = 87). NOC improvement at 2 weeks (69.2% vs 10.7% intervention control; p <.008); NOC improvement at 24 weeks (68.7% vs.10.1%; p <.001). Indicators "description regimen justification"; "Prescribed activity"; "Treatment benefit" better with p <.001. Conclusions: The implementation of a discharged plan care direct to increase the nursing outcome classification improves management of therapeutic regimen. Implications for nursing practice: The implementation of taxonomies in care planning discharged are a tool that allow to evaluate outcomes of nursing interventions and its evolution (AU)

Cryptosporidium spp, comparative diagnosis and geospatial distribution in diarrheic calves from dairy farms, Valdivia, Chile / Diagnóstico comparativo y distribución geoespacial de Cryptosporidium spp, en terneros diarreicos en lecherías de Valdivia, Chile

Objective. To determine the Cryptosporidium spp. infection frequency by using Ziehl-Neelsen and Auramine stains on samples obtained from diarrheic calves from milking farms of the Valdivia province. To compare both diagnostic tests and to determine the geospatial distribution of the infections caused by this protozoan. Materials and methods. 221 fecal samples of diarrheic calves of 24 milking farms of the Valdivia province were studied. The processing and analysis of the samples was done by Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) and Auramine (AU) staining techniques, and the results were compared by McNemar statistical test and the concordance level was determined by kappa index. A map was also generated to determine the geospatial distribution of Cryptosporidium infections. Results. 57.9% of all the animals tested were classified as positive with the ZN stain test, while 55.6% of all the animals turned out positive for the AU stain test. The McNemar test showed no significant difference between both diagnostic techniques (p>0.05), while the kappa index showed proper concordance between tests (k=0.73). 100% of the farms studied showed protozoan presence demonstrating the broad distribution of the parasite, however, and considering the previous factor, it was not possible to determine geospatial associations for the parasite distribution. Conclusions. The infection frequency of Cryptosporidium is higher than 50% in the milking farms studied from the Valdivia province. No difference between the Ziehl-Neelsen and Auramine staining techniques was demonstrated showing very consistent results. It was possible to detect that the number of farms infected correspond to 100% of the farms analyzed.

Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia de infección por Cryptosporidium spp., mediante las tinciones de Ziehl-Neelsen y Auramina en terneros diarreicos de predios lecheros de la provincia de Valdivia. Comparar ambas pruebas diagnósticas y determinar la distribución geoespacial de las infecciones causadas por este protozoo. Materiales y métodos. Se estudiaron 221 muestras fecales de terneros diarreicos pertenecientes a 24 predios de la provincia de Valdivia. El procesamiento y análisis de las muestras se realizó mediante tinción de Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) y Auramina (AU); y ambas técnicas se compararon mediante la prueba estadística de McNemar y su nivel de concordancia se determinó mediante índice kappa. Se generó además un mapa para determinar la distribución geoespacial de las infecciones por Cryptosporidium. Resultados. Del total de animales muestreados, 57.9% resultaron positivos a ZN, mientras que 55.6% fueron positivo para AU. En la prueba de McNemar no hubo diferencia significativa entre los métodos diagnósticos estudiados (p>0.05), en tanto el índice kappa determinó una concordancia buena entre ambas pruebas (k=0.73). Del total de predios georeferenciados el 100% resultó positivo a la presencia del protozoo; demostrándose que ésta parasitosis tiene una amplia distribución; sin embargo, dado este factor, no fue posible determinar asociaciones geoespaciales sobre la distribución de éste. Conclusiones. La frecuencia de infección por Cryptosporidium supera el 50% en los predios lecheros de la provincia de Valdivia. No hubo diferencia entre las técnicas Ziehl-Neelsen y Auramina con resultados concordantes. Fue posible detectar que el número de predios infectados corresponde al 100% de los predios analizados.

Both prolactin (PRL) and a molecular mimic of phosphorylated PRL, S179D-PRL, protect the hippocampus of female rats against excitotoxicity.

Prolactin (PRL) has many functions in the CNS, including neuroprotection. During lactation, the dorsal hippocampus is protected from excitotoxic kainic acid (KA)-induced cellular damage. We have previously reported that systemic pre-treatment with ovine PRL had similar protective effects in female rats. Here, we asked (1) whether intracerebral human PRL (hPRL) would have the same action, (2) because phosphorylated PRL is high in lactation, whether a mimic of phosphorylated hPRL, human prolactin in which the normally phosphorylated serine at position 179 is replaced with an aspartate (S179D-PRL), had similar activity, and (3) what signaling pathways mediated the protective effect. Female ovariectomized (OVX, 1 month) rats were implanted with micro-osmotic pumps connected to unilateral icv cannulae directed at the right lateral ventricle. The pumps delivered 0.10 ng/h of hPRL, S179D-PRL, a combination of hPRL+S179D-PRL, or saline vehicle for 7 days prior to a systemic dose of 7.5mg/kg of KA. Rats were sacrificed 48 h after KA injection. Immunostaining for neuronal nuclei (Neu-N) revealed a significant KA-induced decrease in cell number in the CA1, CA3, and CA4 hippocampal areas of rats (∼55% of control). Treatment with either hPRL or S179D-PRL or the combination prevented the damaging effect of KA in these hippocampal regions (∼95% of corresponding control), but was not completely effective at preventing early seizure-related behaviors such as staring and wet dog shakes. Analysis of signals generated by hPRL and S179D-PRL showed no activation of signal transducer and activation of transcription 5 (Stat5) or other signaling molecules in the hippocampus, but activation of extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 in the amygdala. These results support a central protective effect of both PRL forms and suggest that PRL could be exerting its protective action by indirectly modulating input signals to the hippocampus and thus regulating excitability.