Periodontal health of a low socioeconomic level population in Yucatan (Mexico): A cross-sectional study.

With the objective of assessing the periodontal health status, treatment needs, and oral hygiene habits of the population of Mérida, in Mexico, a descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. Four hundred forty individuals individually completed a questionnaire on oral health, oral hygiene habits, and quality of life. Additionally, a complete clinical dental examination was performed for each. For the statistical analysis, continuous variables (means and standard deviation) and categorical variables (frequencies) were studied. The associations were made using the analysis of variance test for continuous variables and the Chi-square test for categorical variables. The critical value to identify statistically significant differences was P < .05. The main concern of the population was the possible untreated caries they thought they had, with 36.21% followed by pain with 14.62%. Possible periodontal issues were the main discomfort for only 9%. The percentage of the sample that required periodontal intervention by a specialist was 21.14%. Statistically significant differences were found between age, place of residence, socioeconomic level, and schooling. There are great deficiencies in oral health in the studied group, which is accompanied by a great need for periodontal treatment. Periodontal health is closely related to oral hygiene, so the related sociocultural level should also be taken into account for the study of oral health in the most vulnerable populations. It is crucial to establish strategies to promote oral health.

Marine Microalgae as a Nutritive Tool to Mitigate Ruminal Greenhouse Gas Production: In Vitro Fermentation Characteristics of Fresh and Ensiled Maize (Zea mays L.) Forage.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of marine microalgae (Dunaliella salina) as a food additive on biogas (BG), methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production kinetics, as well as in in vitro rumen fermentation and the CH4 conversion efficiency of different genotypes of maize (Zea mays L.) and states of forage. The treatments were characterized by the forage of five maize genotypes (Amarillo, Montesa, Olotillo, Tampiqueño, and Tuxpeño), two states of forage (fresh and ensiled), and the addition of 3% (on DM basis) of microalgae (with and without). The parameters (b = asymptotic production, c = production rate, and Lag = delay phase before gas production) of the production of BG, CH4, CO, and H2S showed an effect (p < 0.05) of the genotype, the state of the forage, the addition of the microalgae, or some of its interactions, except for the time in the CO delay phase (p > 0.05). Moreover, the addition of microalgae decreased (p < 0.05) the production of BG, CH4, and H2S in most of the genotypes and stages of the forage, but the production of CO increased (p < 0.05). In the case of fermentation characteristics, the microalgae increased (p < 0.05) the pH, DMD, SCFA, and ME in most genotypes and forage states. With the addition of the microalgae, the fresh forage from Olotillo obtained the highest pH (p < 0.05), and the ensiled from Amarillo, the highest (p < 0.05) DMD, SCFA, and ME. However, the ensiled forage produced more (p < 0.05) CH4 per unit of SFCA, ME, and OM, and the microalgae increased it (p < 0.05) even more, and the fresh forage from Amarillo presented the highest (p < 0.05) quantity of CH4 per unit of product. In conclusion, the D. salina microalga showed a potential to reduce the production of BG, CH4, and H2S in maize forage, but its effect depended on the chemical composition of the genotype and the state of the forage. Despite the above, the energy value of the forage (fresh and ensiled) improved, the DMD increased, and in some cases, SCFA and ME also increased, all without compromising CH4 conversion efficiency.

Analysis and Evaluation of Dental Caries in a Mexican Population: A Descriptive Transversal Study.

Oral diseases are an important public health problem owing to their high prevalence and strong impact on people, particularly in disadvantaged populations. There is a strong relationship between the socioeconomic situation and the prevalence and severity of these diseases. Mexico is among the countries with a higher frequency range in oral diseases, highlighting dental caries, which affect more than 90% of the Mexican population. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational study was carried out in 552 individuals who underwent a complete cariogenic clinical examination in different populations of the state of Yucatan. All individuals were evaluated after providing informed consent and with the consent of their legal guardians for those under legal age. We used the caries measurement methods described by the World Health Organization (WHO). Prevalence of caries, DMFT, and dft indexes were measured. Other aspects were also studied, such as oral habits and the use of public or private dental services. RESULTS: The prevalence of caries in permanent dentition was 84%. Moreover, it was found to be statistically related to the following variables: place of residence, socioeconomic level, gender, and level of education (p < 0.05). For primary teeth, the prevalence was 64% and there was no statistical relation with any of the variables studied (p > 0.05). Regarding the other aspects studied, more than 50% of the sample used private dental services. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high need for dental treatment in the population studied. It is necessary to develop prevention and treatment strategies considering the particularities of each population, driving collaborative projects to promote better oral health conditions in disadvantaged populations.

Effect of Process Parameters on the Graphite Expansion Produced by a Green Modification of the Hummers Method.

Adsorption stand out among other standard techniques used for water treatment because of its remarkable simplicity, easy operation, and high removal capability. Expanded graphite has been selected as a promising agent for oil spill adsorption, but its production involves the generation of corrosive remnants and massive amounts of contaminated washing waters. Although the advantageous use of the H2O2-H2SO4 mixture was described in 1978, reported works using this method are scarce. This work deals with the urgent necessity for the development of alternative chemical routes decreasing their environmental impact (based on green chemistry concepts), presenting a process for expanded graphite production using only two intercalation chemicals, reducing the consumption of sulfuric acid to only 10% and avoiding the use of strong oxidant salts (both environmentally detrimental). Three process parameters were evaluated: milling effect, peroxide concentration, and microwave expansion. Some remarkable results were obtained following this route: high specific volumes elevated oil adsorption rate exhibiting a high oil-water selectivity and rapid adsorption. Furthermore, the recycling capability was checked using up to six adsorption cycles. Results showed that milling time reduces the specimen's expansion rate and oil adsorption capacity due to poor intercalant insertion and generation of small particle sizes.

Thermoregulatory Response of Blackbelly Adult Ewes and Female Lambs during the Summer under Tropical Conditions in Southern Mexico.

High environmental temperatures cause heat stress in ewes, resulting in thermoregulatory problems. In this study, the thermoregulatory responses of Blackbelly adult ewes (G1, n = 14) and female lambs (G2, n = 7), during the summer under tropical conditions, in southern Mexico were analyzed. Different physiological variables and skin temperatures (ST) of the ewes were recorded. Breathing frequency (BF) values were similar between groups at 116.73 ± 33.598 bpm (G1) and 113.661 ± 34.515 bpm (G2) (p > 0.05). In the case of skin elasticity (SE), there were no significant differences between the time of day and the age of the ewes (p > 0.05). Significant differences were observed between groups for BF, rectal temperature (RT), and heart rate (HR) values (p < 0.05). All ST values, for both groups, were significantly higher during the afternoon (p < 0.001). In general, all Blackbelly adult ewes and female lambs during the summer present severe heat stress conditions as a result of an increase in physiological constants and ST. It is concluded that all ewes thermoregulate body temperature by modifying different physiological variables to counteract the effect of heat stress.

Recent Progress in Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems: A Systematic Patent Review (2011-2020).

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) are lipid-based isotropic mixtures that enhance the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs and reduce the possible side effects, offering a wide variety of treatments for several pathologies. The aim of this review is to discuss the state of the art of patents for this drug delivery system by studying recent patent applications (2011 to 2020). We performed a thorough screening using the European Patent Office's Espacenet database, from which 37 inventions were selected and fully studied. China had more patent applications, and the articles published about SEDDS exceeds both in number and technological advance the submitted inventions. Nevertheless, the patents presented herein are innovative to address known issues to traditional SEDDS, including storage and formulation stability, solid formulations, acute gastrointestinal toxicity from surfactants, and drug delivery through alternative routes of administration. This study also revealed that release behavior for SEDDS and associated pharmacokinetics were not completely disclosed by the inventors of the patents and that further studies are required.

In vitro and in vivo biological performance of hydroxyapatite from fish waste.

The aim of this study was to evaluate biocompatibility of hydroxyapatite (HAP) from fish waste using in vitro and in vivo assays. Fish samples (whitemouth croaker - Micropogonias furnieri) from the biowaste was used as HAP source. Pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells were used in vitro study. In addition, bone defects were artificially created in rat calvaria and filled with HAP in vivo. The results demonstrated that HAP reduced cytotoxicity in pre-osteoblast cells after 3 and 6 days following HAP exposure. DNA concentration was lower in the HAP group after 6 days. Quantitative RT-PCR did not show any significant differences (p > 0.05) between groups. In vivo study revealed that bone defects filled with HAP pointed out moderate chronic inflammatory cells with slight proliferation of blood vessels after 7 and 15 days. Chronic inflammatory infiltrate was absent after 30 days of HAP exposure. There was also a decrease in the amount of biomaterial, being followed by newly formed bone tissue. All experimental groups also demonstrated strong RUNX-2 immoexpression in the granulation tissue as well as in cells in close contact with biomaterial. The number of osteoblasts inside the defect area was lower in the HAP group when compared to control group after 7 days post-implantation. Similarly, the osteoblast surface as well as the percentage of bone surface was higher in control group when compared with HAP group after 7 days post-implantation. Taken together, HAP from fish waste is a promising possibility that should be explored more carefully by tissue-engineering or biotechnology.

Detección de tornillos prominentes en la articulación radiocarpiana mediante la proyección tangencial del escafoides dorsal / Detection of protruding screws in the radiocarpal joint using the "scaphoid skyline view"

INTRODUCCIÓN: Una de las complicaciones de la osteosíntesis retrógrada del escafoides es la protrusión del tornillo en la articulación radiocarpiana, dada la limitada visualización intraoperatoria del polo proximal del escafoides con las proyecciones tradicionales. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la capacidad de una nueva proyección radiológica, la proyección "tangencial del escafoides dorsal", o TED, para identificar tornillos prominentes radiocarpianos durante la osteosíntesis retrógrada del escafoides con tornillos canulados. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio cadavérico en muñecas frescas congeladas. Se introdujo en el escafoides un tornillo canulado con técnica retrógrada estándar. La proyección TED fue evaluada en 5 muñecas, con angulaciones del antebrazo de 15°, 30° y 45° para definir la mejor visualización del polo proximal del escafoides y del tornillo. Se comparó la capacidad para identificar la prominencia del tornillo en el polo proximal de la proyección TED de 30° con 5 proyecciones tradicionales de escafoides en 9 muñecas. El tornillo se posicionó a nivel de la superficie del escafoides, y luego se avanzó a intervalos de 0,5 mm bajo visualización directa por artrotomía dorsal. Tras cada intervalo, se repitieron todas las proyecciones para determinar su capacidad de detectar tornillos prominentes en el escafoides. RESULTADOS: La mejor visualización del polo proximal del escafoides se logró con la proyección TED de 30°. Al comparar la proyección TED de 30° y las tradicionales, con la TED se logró identificar tornillos prominentes a 0,8 mm promedio, seguida por la proyección posteroanterior con cubitalización y extensión a 1.3 mm (p » 0.014), con una alta precisión y correlación interobservador de estas proyecciones. CONCLUSIÓN: La proyección TED demostró ser la más sensible para detectar tornillos prominentes en la articulación radiocarpiana. Su uso rutinario podría evitar complicaciones durante la osteosíntesis.

INTRODUCTION: One of the complications of the retrograde percutaneous scaphoid fixation is the protrusion of the screw in the radiocarpal joint due to the limited intraoperative visualization of the proximal pole of the scaphoid with the traditional radiographic views. OBJETIVE: To evaluate the sensitivity of a novel radiographic view (the skyline scaphoid view, SSV) to detect screws protruding in the radiocarpal joint during the retrograde fixation of the scaphoid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied nine cadaverous fresh frozen wrists. A retrograde cannulated screw was inserted in the scaphoid. To validate the SSV, 5 wrists were studied, comparing 3 forearm angulations (15°, 30° and 45°) to get the best visualization of the proximal pole and screw. We compared the ability to identify the protrusion of the screw in the proximal pole of the 30° SSV with that of 5 standard scaphoid radiographic views in 9 wrists. The screw was positioned at the level of the surface of the scaphoid, and was sequentially protruded in 0.5 mm increments, with direct visualization of its tip through a dorsal capsulotomy. After each increment, all views were repeated to determine if they were able to detect screws projecting from the scaphoid. RESULTS: The best visualization of the proximal pole of the scaphoid was found with the 30° SSV. In the comparison of the 30° SSV and the standard views, with the SSV we were able to identify the protrusion of the screws at an average of 0.8 mm, followed by the posterior-anterior view with ulnar deviation and extension at 1.3 mm (p » 0.014), with high precision and interobserver agreement regarding these views. CONCLUSION: The SSV was the most sensitive view to detect protruding screws in the proximal pole of the scaphoid. Its routine use could avoid complications during osteosynthesis.

Seroprevalencia de anticuerpos anti-Leptospira spp. en estudiantes de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia de la Costa Grande de Guerrero, México / Seroprevalence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies among Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics students from Costa Grande of Guerrero, Mexico

Introducción: La leptospirosis humana es una enfermedad zoonótica con manifestaciones clínicas inespecíficas (cefalea y mialgia), las cuales pueden confundirse con otras enfermedades febriles como: gripe, malaria, dengue, fiebre amarilla, hepatitis vírica y rickettsiosis. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de anticuerpos anti-Leptospira en estudiantes de la carrera de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia de la Costa Grande de Guerrero. Métodos: Se aplicó un cuestionario a los estudiantes de la Escuela Superior de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia No. 3 con la finalidad de conocer algunos factores de riesgo asociados a la presencia de anticuerpos anti-Leptospira spp. La determinación de anticuerpos anti-Leptospira y la identificación de las serovariedades se realizaron con la técnica de microaglutinación. Se consideró un suero positivo cuando se observó una aglutinación en una dilución igual o mayor a 1:100. Resultados: En el estudio la seroprevalencia de anticuerpos anti-Leptospira spp. fue de 12,1 por ciento (8/66). Se detectaron anticuerpos a 8 serovariedades de Leptospira spp. El 62,5 por ciento (5/8) de los sueros presentó más de una serovariedad. Las serovariedades y frecuencia fueron icterohaemorrhagiae 25 por ciento (4/16), hardjo 18,8 por ciento (3/16), pyrogenes 18,8 por ciento (3/16), pomona 12,5 por ciento (2/16), canicola 6,2 por ciento (1/16) wolffi 6,2 por ciento (1/16) tarassovi 6,2 por ciento (1/16) y bratislava 6,2 por ciento (1/16). Los factores de riesgo estudiados no se relacionaron con la presencia de anticuerpos anti-Leptospira. Conclusiones: En el presente estudio se encontraron anticuerpos a Leptospira spp. en estudiantes de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Por tanto, es pertinente proporcionar información a los estudiantes para prevenir el contacto con el agente causal de la leptospirosis(AU)

Introduction: Human leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of unspecific clinical manifestations (headache and myalgia) which may be confused with those of other febrile diseases, such as influenza, malaria, dengue, yellow fever, viral hepatitis and rickettsiosis. Objective: Determine the prevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies among Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics students from Costa Grande de Guerrero. Methods: A questionnaire was applied to students from the Higher Education Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics School No. 3 to obtain information about risk factors associated to the presence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies. Microagglutination technique was used to determine anti-Leptospira antibodies and identify serovars. A serum sample was considered positive when agglutination was observed at a dilution equal to or greater than 1:100. Results: Seroprevalence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies was found to be 12.1 percent (8/66). Antibodies were detected for 8 serovars of Leptospira spp. Of the serum samples analyzed, 62.5 percent (5/8) contained more than one serovar. The serovars and their frequency were the following: icterohaemorrhagiae 25 percent (4/16), hardjo 18.8 percent (3/16), pyrogenes 18.8 percent (3/16), pomona 12.5 percent (2/16), canicola 6.2 percent (1/16), wolffi 6.2 percent (1/16), tarassovi 6.2 percent (1/16) and bratislava 6.2 percent (1/16). The risk factors studied were not related to the presence of anti-Leptospira antibodies. Conclusions: Leptospira spp. antibodies were found in Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics students. It is therefore advisable to provide students with the information required to prevent contact with the causative agent of leptospirosis(AU)

El sobrepeso y obesidad en estudiantes de primaria de dos municipios de la Costa Chica de Guerrero, México / Overweight and obesity in elementary students from two municipalities of the Costa Chica de Guerrero, Mexico / Sobrepeso e obesidade em estudantes do ensino fundamental de dois municípios da Costa Chica de Guerrero, México

Resumen El objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar la prevalencia de sobrepeso, obesidad y factores asociados en estudiantes de 5° y 6° grado de primaria en dos municipios de la Costa Chica de Guerrero. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo transversal. Para la recopilación de información se utilizó una báscula digital para registrar las medidas antropométricas y, se aplicó un cuestionario, que incluyó variables relacionadas con hábitos alimenticios, actividad física, tiempo dedicado a ver televisión (TV) y tiempo dedicado a dormir. Se encontró que el 16% de los estudiantes tuvo sobrepeso y 15% obesidad. Hubo mayor riesgo de padecer la enfermedad metabólica en los participantes que ven TV más de 5 h/día (ORns Cl adj = 1.72.IC 95% 1.27-2.34), mientras que comer cuatro o más veces al día tuvo un efecto protector (ORns Cl adj = 0.47, IC 95% 0.31-0.72). En los municipios de Cruz Grande y San Marcos los estudiantes de 5° y 6° de primaria tienen un grado medio de sobrepeso y obesidad; ya que el sedentarismo no es tan marcado y existe la tendencia a practicar el deporte. Se concluye que disminuir el número de horas frente al televisor y la correcta alimentación son acciones que pueden contribuir a la prevención y disminución del sobrepeso y la obesidad en estudiantes de primaria.

Abstract The objective of this research was to study the prevalence of overweight, obesity and associated factors in students of 5th and 6th grade of primary school in two municipalities of the Costa Chica, Guerrero. A crosssectional descriptive study was carried out. For the collection of information, a digital scale was used to record the anthropometric measurements and, a questionnaire was applied, which included variables related to eating habits, physical activity, time spent watching television (TV) and time spent sleeping. It was found that 16% of the students were overweight and 15% obese. There was an increased risk of metabolic disease in participants who watched TV more than 5 h / day (ORns Cl adj = 1.72.IC 95% 1.27-2.34), while eating four or more times a day had a protective effect (ORns Cl adj = 0.47, 95% CI 0.31-0.72). In the municipalities of Cruz Grande and San Marcos, students in grades 5 and 6 have a medium degree of overweight and obesity; since sedentary lifestyle is not as marked and there is a tendency to practice sports. It is concluded that reducing the number of hours in front of the television and the correct feeding are actions that can contribute to the prevention and reduction of overweight and obesity in elementary students.

Resumo O objetivo desta pesquisa foi estudar a prevalência de sobrepeso, obesidade e fatores associados em estudantes da 5ª e 6ª séries do ensino fundamental de dois municípios da Costa Chica de Guerrero. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo transversal. Para a coleta de informações, utilizou-se uma escala digital para registro das medidas antropométricas e aplicou-se um questionário, que incluiu variáveis relacionadas aos hábitos alimentares, atividade física, tempo gasto assistindo televisão (TV) e tempo gasto dormindo. Verificou-se que 16% dos estudantes estavam com sobrepeso e 15% com obesidade. Houve um risco aumentado de doença metabólica nos participantes que assistiram TV mais de 5 h / dia (ORns Cl adj = 1,72.IC 95% 1,27-2,34), enquanto comer quatro ou mais vezes por dia teve um efeito protetor (ORns Cl adj = 0,47, IC 95% 0,31-0,72). Nos municípios de Cruz Grande e San Marcos, os alunos das séries 5 e 6 apresentam sobrepeso e obesidade médios; uma vez que o estilo de vida sedentário não é tão acentuado e existe uma tendência a praticar esportes. Conclui-se que reduzir o número de horas em frente à televisão e a alimentação correta são ações que podem contribuir para a prevenção e redução do sobrepeso e obesidade em alunos do ensino fundamental.

Hydroxyapatite from Fish for Bone Tissue Engineering: A Promising Approach.

Natural or synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) has been frequently used as implant materials for orthopaedic and dental applications, showing excellent bioactivity, adequate mechanical rigidity and structure, osteoconductivity and angiogenic properties, no toxicity, and absence of inflammatory or antigenic reactions. HA can be easily synthesized or extracted from natural sources, such as bovine bone. However, the manufacturing costs to obtain HA are high, restricting the therapy. Herein, much effort has been paid for obtaning alternative natural sources for HA. The potential of HA extracted from skeleton of animals has been investigated. The aim of this review is to exploit the potential of HA derived from fish to fulfill biological activities for bone tissue engineering. In particular, HA from fish is easy to be manufactured regarding the majority of protocols that are based on the calcination method. Furthermore, the composition and structure of HA from fish were evaluated; the biomaterial showed good biocompatibility as a result of non-cytotoxicity and handling properties, demonstrating advantages in comparison with synthetic ones. Interestingly, another huge benefit brought by HA from bone fish is its positive effect for environment since this technique considerably reduces waste. Certainly, the process of transforming fish into HA is an environmentally friendly process and stands as a good chance for reducing costs of treatment in bone repair or replacement with little impact into the environment.

Síndrome de la vena cava superior: diagnóstico y tratamiento / Superior vena cava syndrome: Diagnosis and treatment

Resumen: El síndrome de la vena cava superior es un conjunto de signos y síntomas desencadenados por la obstrucción de la vena cava superior. Los tumores intratorácicos malignos son la principal causa. Sin embargo, en las últimas décadas se han descrito causas benignas, como la trombosis asociada con la colocación de accesos venosos.

Abstract: Superior vena cava syndrome is a set of signs and symptoms due to superior vena cava obstruction. Intratoracic malignant tumors are the main cause. However, in last decades benign causes such as thrombosis related to venous access colocation have been described.

Protective effect of grape or apple juices in bone tissue of rats exposed to cadmium: role of RUNX-2 and RANK/L expression.

The aim of this study was to investigate if grape or apple juices are able to protect bone tissue of rats exposed to cadmium. For this purpose, histopathological analysis and immunohistochemistry for RUNX-2 and RANK-L were investigated in this setting. A total of 20 adult Wistar rats were distributed into four groups (n = 5), as follows: control group, cadmium group, cadmium and grape juice group, and Cadmium and apple juice group. Control group received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) water injection. Cadmium group received a single i.p. injection of cadmium chloride (1.2 mg/kg body weight) diluted in water. Cadmium and grape juice and cadmium and apple juice groups received a single i.p. injection of cadmium chloride (1.2 mg/kg body), and after 15 days, the rats were treated with grape or apple juices for 15 days, by gavage. All animals were euthanized 30 days after the beginning of experiment. Histopathological analysis in rat femur revealed extensive bone loss in rats intoxicated with cadmium. Grape or apple juices were able to increase bone formation. Cadmium inhibited RUNX-2 immunoexpression whereas cadmium increased RANK-L immunoexpression in rat bone cells. Grape or apple juices increased RUNX-2 and decreased RANK-L immunoexpression after cadmium intoxication. Taken together, our results demonstrate that grape or apple juices are able to exert therapeutic activity following cadmium intoxication in rat bone tissue as result of stimulatory effect of bone formation by RUNX-2 upregulation and RANK-L downregulation.

Physico-chemical characterization and biocompatibility of hydroxyapatite derived from fish waste.

The aim of this study was to synthesize hydroxyapatite (HAP) powder from fish waste. The powder was characterized through X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ion exchange chromatography, scanning electron microscopy and plasma emission spectrometry. The cyto- and genotoxicity was carried out to demonstrate biocompatibility in vivo by means of rat subcutaneous tissue test. The results showed that the visible crystalline nature of typical apatite crystal structure when they were calcined at 800 °C. Infrared spectroscopy analysis showed similar composition to HAP standard with the presence of carbonate ion demonstrated by wave number values of 871 cm-1 and 1420 cm-1 for calcinations at 800 °C. The scanning electronmicrographies depicted the crystal morphology and porous nature with average pore size of ~10 µm. Plasma emission spectrometry and ion exchange chromatography confirmed the presence of Ca and P in the samples. The mean of calcium content was 36.8; Mg was 0.8, Na was 0.7 and K was 0.5. Rat subcutaneous tissue test revealed that HAP presented biocompatibility. Furthermore, the lack of cyto- and genotoxicity in blood, liver, kidney and lung were noticed after 30 days of HAP implantation. Taken together, our results demonstrated that HAP from fish waste exhibits a great potential for using as biomaterial since is represents a simple, effective, low-cost process and satisfactory degree of biocompatibility.

The Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Following Experimental Colitis: Role of COX-2 and TNF-Alpha Expression.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive and/or protective action of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia (M. caesalpiniifolia) following experimental colitis in rats. The rats were randomized into ten groups (n=10 per group), as follows: G1 - Sham group:; G2 - TNBS group; G3, G4 -colitis and treated with hydroalcoholic extract of M. caesalpiniifolia 250 mg/kg/day after and before/after inducing colitis, respectively; G5, G6 - colitis and treated with hydroalcoholic extract of M. caesalpiniifolia at 125 mg/kg/day after and before/after inducing colitis respectively; G7,G8 - colitis and treated with ethylacetate fraction of M. caesalpiniifolia at 50 mg/kg/day after and before/after inducing colitis, respectively; G9,G10 - colitis and treated with ethylacetate fraction of M. caesalpiniifolia at 50 mg/kg/day after and before/after inducing colitis, respectively. Rats treated with hydroalcoholic extract of M. caesalpiniifolia for both doses showed lower tissue damage in the distal colon. Ethylacetate fraction was effective at the highest dose only when administrated after inducing colitis. A downregulation of COX-2 was detected to rats suffering colitis and treated with M. caesalpiniifolia at high dose. On the other hand, TNF-alpha immunoexpression decreased in groups treated with M. caesalpiniifolia at low dose after inducing colitis. In summary, our results suggest that M. caesalpiniifolia attenuated the lesions of the colon, reduced inflammation, and modulates the expression of COX-2 and TNF-α during chronic colitis induced by TNBS when using for therapeutic purposes on a dose-dependent manner.

LFA-1 Mediates Cytotoxicity and Tissue Migration of Specific CD8+ T Cells after Heterologous Prime-Boost Vaccination against Trypanosoma cruzi Infection.

Integrins mediate the lymphocyte migration into an infected tissue, and these cells are essential for controlling the multiplication of many intracellular parasites such as Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Here, we explore LFA-1 and VLA-4 roles in the migration of specific CD8+ T cells generated by heterologous prime-boost immunization during experimental infection with T. cruzi. To this end, vaccinated mice were treated with monoclonal anti-LFA-1 and/or anti-VLA-4 to block these molecules. After anti-LFA-1, but not anti-VLA-4 treatment, all vaccinated mice displayed increased blood and tissue parasitemia, and quickly succumbed to infection. In addition, there was an accumulation of specific CD8+ T cells in the spleen and lymph nodes and a decrease in the number of those cells, especially in the heart, suggesting that LFA-1 is important for the output of specific CD8+ T cells from secondary lymphoid organs into infected organs such as the heart. The treatment did not alter CD8+ T cell effector functions such as the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and granzyme B, and maintained the proliferative capacity after treatment. However, the specific CD8+ T cell direct cytotoxicity was impaired after LFA-1 blockade. Also, these cells expressed higher levels of Fas/CD95 on the surface, suggesting that they are susceptible to programmed cell death by the extrinsic pathway. We conclude that LFA-1 plays an important role in the migration of specific CD8+ T cells and in the direct cytotoxicity of these cells.

[Postpartum left ovarian vein thrombosis: case report and literature review]. / Trombosis de vena ovárica izquierda posparto: revisión de la bibliografía basada en un caso clínico.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian Vein Thrombosis is an uncommon complication of the puerperium. Its unspecific clinical presentation and its low incidence make it difficult to diagnose. CASE REPORT: A 36-year-old pregnant woman has a vaginal delivery at 39+2 weeks of gestation and develops left lumbar pain irradiated to the left iliac fossa. She is diagnosed of left ovarian vein thrombosis by sonography and TC and receives anticoagulant treatment. DISCUSSION: A high index of suspicion is the key to a correct diagnosis and treatment. Confirmation with modern imaging methods is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment nowadays. CONCLUSION: The best results and lower rate of complications are achieved with an early diagnosis and anticoagulant treatment.

Chitin hydrolysis assisted by cell wall degrading enzymes immobilized of Thichoderma asperellum on totally cinnamoylated D-sorbitol beads.

In this study, cell wall degrading enzymes produced by Thrichoderma asperellum (TCWDE) were immobilized on totally cinnamoylated D-sorbitol (TCNSO) beads and used for chitin hydrolysis. In order to optimize immobilization efficiency, the reaction time was varied from 2 to 12 h and reactions were conducted in the presence or absence of Na2SO4. Immobilized enzymes were analysed concerning to thermal and operational stability. Immobilization in presence of Na2SO4 was 54% more efficient than immobilization in absence of salt. After optimization, 32% of the total enzyme offered was immobilized, with 100% of bounding efficiency, measured as the relation between protein and enzyme immobilized. Free and TCNSO-TCWDE presented very similar kinetics with maximum hydrolysis reached at 90 min of reaction. Thermal stability of both free and TCNSO-TCWDE was similar, with losses in activity after 55 °C. Moreover, free and TCNSO-TCWDE retained 100% activity after 3h incubation at 55 °C. TCNSO-TCWDE were used in a bath-wise reactor during 14 cycles, producing 1825 µg of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) maintaining 83% of initial activity.