Effect of the addition of silica obtained from rice husk on physicochemical and mechanical properties of fibercement.

After replacing asbestos with other types of fibers used as reinforcement of cementitious matrices, it has been found that rice husk, an agro-industrial waste with high silica content, can be used to improve the properties of fibercement. In this work, the effect of adding different forms of silica (rice husk, rice husk ash, and silica microparticles) on fibercement's physicochemical and mechanical properties was investigated. Rice husk ash and silica microparticles were extracted from the rice husk incineration and acid leaching process. The chemical composition of silica was determined by X-Ray Fluorescence, and the ash leached with hydrochloric acid was found to contain more than 98% silica. Cement, fiberglass, additives, and different forms of silica were used to manufacture fibercement specimens in their different forms. Concentrations of 0%, 3%, 5%, and 7% were taken for each form of silica, and four replicates were performed. The setting time was 28 days, during which absorption, density, and humidity tests were performed. Experiments were statistically analyzed at a 95% confidence value, and it was determined that there are significant differences in the compressive resistance, density, and absorption in relation to the type of additive and the interaction between the type of additive and its percentage of addition, but not whit percentage of addition. It was found that the fibercement specimens with 3% of rice husk present a modulus of elasticity of 9.4% higher than de control sample. The use of rice husk as an additive in fibercement composites seems to be interesting because these agro-industrial wastes are inexpensive and easily available everywhere to utilize in the cement industry and also helpful in reducing environmental pollution due to their cost and the positive effect on their properties.

Role of 5-HT2 receptors family in the allergy-induced increased aorta contractile responses to 5-HT.

Asthma poses an increased risk for cardiovascular disorders, suggesting that allergy, which is an underlying process in asthma, causes atypical functioning of organs other than lungs. In a previous study in a guinea pig asthma model, we concluded that allergic sensitization increased aorta contractile responses to 5-HT. To further characterize these responses, here we explored the role of the 5-HT2 receptors family. We found that TCB-2 (5-HT2A agonist) and WAY161503 (5-HT2C agonist) induced aorta contractions resembling those elicited by 5-HT but less intense (~43 % and ~25 %, respectively). In these experiments, aortas from sensitized guinea pigs showed increased contractions to TCB-2, but not to WAY161503. In turn, MDL 100907 (5-HT2A antagonist) and RS-102221 (5-HT2C antagonist) caused a notably and a mild reduction of the 5-HT-induced contractions, respectively, with no differences seen between sensitized and non-sensitized tissues. BW723C86 (5-HT2B agonist) did not induce contractile responses and RS-127445 (5-HT2B antagonist) did not modify the contractile responses to 5-HT. In non-sensitized aortas, the pattern of protein expression of receptors was 5HT2B>5-HT2A=5-HT2C, which did not change in sensitized animals. In conclusion, we found that allergic sensitization increased the aorta contractile responses to 5-HT, partly mediated by enhanced responses of 5-HT2A receptors, which was unrelated to changes in the expression of these receptors.

Perfil de caries de la infancia temprana / Profile of early childhood caries

La Caries de la Infancia Temprana (CIT) se ha descrito como una patología de origen multifactorial en niños hasta los 71 meses de edad. Se considera como Ca-ries de la Infancia Temprana Severa (CITS) cuando a los 3 años el índice ceod es ≥ 4; a los 4 años, ≥ 5, y a los 5 años ≥ 6. La rehabilitación de las lesiones provo-cadas por esta patología puede ser compleja debido a la calidad y cantidad de estructura remanente y a la edad de los pacientes afectados. Objetivos: Estimar la frecuencia de CIT y CITS en niños menores a 72 me-ses que concurrieron para su atención, e identificar el tipo de práctica realizada, y la adhesión al trata-miento. Métodos: Diseño retrospectivo observacional sobre las historias clínicas de pacientes menores a 72 meses asistidos por los cursantes de la Especiali-zación en Odontopediatría, entre febrero 2021 y julio 2022. Resultados: La muestra quedó constituida por 101 niños, de 46+13,5 meses. El 91% presentó CITS. La totalidad de los pacientes mantuvieron lactancia nocturna prolongada después del año, siendo en el 72,3% a libre demanda durante el sueño, en un perío-do de 23+6 meses. Se registró un total de 1010 lesio-nes de caries. El 29,3% de los pacientes abandonaron el tratamiento. Conclusiones: La mayor parte de los niños presentaron Caries de la Infancia Temprana Severa, con altos valores de patología y lactancia noc-turna prolongada a libre demanda después del año Los tratamientos recomendados en estos casos son muy prolongados y requieren de prácticas invasivas, complejas y de alto costo, lo que provoca el abandono del tratamiento (AU)

Early childhood caries (ECC) is defined as a multifactorial disease in children 71 months of age or younger. When the dmft index is ≥4 (age 3), ≥5 (age 4), or ≥6 (age 5) it is referred to as Severe early childhood caries (SECC). Management of ECC is complex due to the quality and quantity of remaining structure of teeth at an early age. Objectives: To estimate the frequency of ECC and SECC in children < 72 months of age undergoing comprehensive treatment, to identify the type of treatment provided and treatment compliance. Methods: Retrospective observational design on dental records of patients under 72 months of age treated by Pediatric Dentistry Specialty Program students between February 2021 and July 2022. Results: The sample included 101 children, mean age 46+13.5 months, 91% of patients with SECC. All patients were fed nightly for over 1 year, 72.3% of whom were fed nightly on demand over a period of 23±6 months. A total of 1010 caries lesions were detected. 29.3% of children discontinued treatment. Conclusions: Most of the children presented severe early childhood caries with high values of pathology and prolonged nocturnal breastfeeding on demand after one year. The recommended treatments in these cases are very long and require invasive, complex and expensive practices, which causes abandonment of the treatment (AU)

Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions to Drugs in Latin America: The RACGRAD Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Severe cutaneous adverse reactions to drugs (SCARs) are associated with high morbidity and mortality and with sequelae. Objective: To characterize patients with SCARs in 8 health care institutions in Latin America. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional, descriptive, multicenter study of patients diagnosed with SCARs in Latin America between January 2009 and December 2018. The analysis was carried out using a database in BD Clinic. RESULTS: We collected 70 patients, of whom 42 (60%) were women. Mean age was 38.7 years. Forty-two patients (60%) had DRESS-DIHS, 12 (17.1%) TEN, 5 (7.1%) SJS, 6 (8.5%) AGEP, 4 (5.7%) other reactions not classified as SCARs, and 1 (1.4%) overlapping SJS-TEN. The main causative drugs were aromatic anticonvulsants in 31 cases (44.3%), ß-lactam antibiotics in 11 cases (15.7%), and non-ß-lactam antibiotics in 6 cases (8.6%). In all of the cases, the suspected drug was withdrawn at the first sign of a SCAR. Sixty-six patients (94.2%) received anti-inflammatory treatment, mostly systemic corticosteroids. Complications occurred in 53 cases (75.7%), and 3 patients died (4.3%). Thirteen patients (18.6%) had sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first multicenter report on SCARs in Latin America. DRESS-DIHS was the most frequently reported clinical entity, and anticonvulsants were the main triggers. Most of the patients received systemic corticosteroids. Complications were frequent, and 3 patients died.

Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions to Drugs in Latin America: The RACGRAD Study

Background: Severe cutaneous adverse reactions to drugs (SCARs) are associated with high morbidity and mortality and with sequelae. Objective: To characterize patients with SCARs in 8 health care institutions in Latin America. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional, descriptive, multicenter study of patients diagnosed with SCARs in Latin America between January 2009 and December 2018. The analysis was carried out using a database in BD Clinic. Results: We collected 70 patients, of whom 42 (60%) were women. Mean age was 38.7 years. Forty-two patients (60%) had DRESS-DIHS, 12 (17.1%) TEN, 5 (7.1%) SJS, 6 (8.5%) AGEP, 4 (5.7%) other reactions not classified as SCARs, and 1 (1.4%) overlapping SJS-TEN. The main causative drugs were aromatic anticonvulsants in 31 cases (44.3%), ß-lactam antibiotics in 11 cases (15.7%), and non–ß-lactam antibiotics in 6 cases (8.6%). In all of the cases, the suspected drug was withdrawn at the first sign of a SCAR. Sixty-six patients (94.2%) received anti-inflammatory treatment, mostly systemic corticosteroids. Complications occurred in 53 cases (75.7%), and 3 patients died (4.3%). Thirteen patients (18.6%) had sequelae. Conclusions: This is the first multicenter report on SCARs in Latin America. DRESS-DIHS was the most frequently reported clinical entity, and anticonvulsants were the main triggers. Most of the patients received systemic corticosteroids. Complications were frequent, and 3 patients died (AU)

Efecto genotóxico del material particulado PM2.5 recolectado en la zona urbana de Cuenca - Ecuador sobre la línea celular de ovario de hámster chino CHO-K1 / Genotoxic effect of PM2.5 particulate material collected in the urban area of the city of Cuenca - Ecuador in the Chinese hamster ovary cells line CHO-K1

Estudios toxicológicos y epidemiológicos ponen de manifiesto que el material particulado (PM) específicamente el PM2.5 tiene efectos negativos significativos en la salud humana, asociado con mortalidad, insuficiencia cardíaca, trastornos respiratorios, enfermedades pulmonares y cáncer. La toxicidad y el efecto inflamatorio de estas partículas están relacionados con su tamaño y características químicas. En este estudio se determinaron las características químicas de las fracciones acuosas y orgánicas solubles del PM2.5 recolectado en tres sitios de monitoreo del área urbana de la ciudad de Cuenca-Ecuador y se evaluó su actividad genotóxica mediante el ensayo del cometa en la línea celular de ovario de hámster chino, CHO-K1. El análisis gravimétrico de las muestras reveló que dos de los sitios de estudio superaron el límite de 25 mig/m3 establecido por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. En la caracterización de las fracciones acuosas y orgánicas se determinó la presencia de metales como el hierro y zinc e hidrocarburos aromáticos tales como el benzo(a) antraceno respectivamente. Las células fueron expuestas a 3,26 m3 de aire /mL de los extractos acuosos y 1,63 m3 de aire/mL de los extractos orgánicos. Finalmente se observó que los extractos obtenidos de PM2.5 inducen daño genotóxico en la longitud del largo de cola medido mediante el ensayo del cometa; este tipo de daño pueden atribuirse a la combinación de las especies químicas detectadas

Toxicological and epidemiological studies have a manifesto that particulate matter (PM), specifically PM2.5 has negative effects on human health, associated with mortality, heart failure, respiratory disorders, lung diseases, and cancer. The toxicity and inflammatory effect of these particles are related to their size and chemical characteristics. The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of the soluble aqueous and organic fractions of the particulate material PM 2.5 collected in the monitoring sites of the urban area of ​​the city of Cuenca-Ecuador and to evaluate its genotoxic activity by means of the test of the comet of in the Chinese hamster ovary cells line CHO-K1. The gravimetric analysis of the samples revealed that two of the study sites exceeded the limit of 25 ug / m3 established by the WHO. In the characterization of water and organic fractions, the presence of metals such as Fe and Zn and aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo(a) anthracene determined, respectively. Cells were exposed to 3,26 m3 of air /mL of aqueous extracts and 1,63 m3 of air/ mL of organic extracts. Finally, it was observed that the extracts obtained from PM2.5 induce genotoxic in the length of tail length measured by the comet assay; this type of damage can be attributed to the combination of the detected chemical species

Managing the open abdomen: negative pressure closure versus mesh-mediated fascial traction closure: a randomized trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of abdominal wall closure using the vacuum-assisted closure (NPC) as described by Barker et al. with an institutional protocol using a double polyvinyl bag in the first surgery, which is changed in subsequent surgeries to a polyvinyl bag placed over the bowel loops and a prolene mesh attached to the abdominal fascia (MMFC). METHODS: Randomized controlled trial. Patients with open abdomen (OA) due to a traumatic or a medical cause were included in the study. Variables studied included demographics, indication for surgery, number of interventions, hospital length of stay (HLOS), ICU length of stay, abdominal wound care costs, complication rates, and method and time to definitive fascial closure. RESULTS: From June 2011 to April 2013, 75 patients were enrolled in the study. Patients who died within 48 h were excluded; therefore, 53 patients in total were assessed. NPC achieved fascial closure in 75% of patients, and MMFC achieved closure in 71.9% of patients. The closure rates in patients with OA secondary to medical causes (80% by NPC vs. 71.4% by MMFC) or traumatic causes (70% by NPC vs. 73.7% by MMFC) were similar in both treatment groups. There were no differences between the groups with respect to cause of OA, complications, length of hospital stay, or the length of stay in the intensive care unit. CONCLUSION: MMFC is a method comparable to NPC for the temporary management of OA that results in similar closure and complication rates.

Clinical and demographic profile of traumatic spinal cord injury: a Mexican hospital-based study.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of clinical data. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and demographical profile of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) admitted to a single center. SETTING: Unidad de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación Centro, México. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with TSCI attending rehabilitation for the first time. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Age, gender, educational level, occupational activity, causes of injury, level of injury, neurological level, injury severity and category were recorded. RESULTS: Four hundred and sixty-four clinical files of patients with TSCI were collected. The mean age was 37.9 ± 15.9 years; 78.2% (363/464) were male, basic educational level predominated in 63.6% (296/464) and 73.1% (339/464) were employed. A fall was the main mechanism of the injury in 41.6% (193/464), replacing automobile accidents from the first place. The mean age of persons who suffered falls was 44 ± 16 years. Injuries sustained by younger persons were due to violence (28.4 ± 10.1 years) and the cause of injury associated with male gender was violence. Thoracic level was most often affected (in 56.7%, 263/464) and neurological level C4 in 13.4% (62/464). In regard to the extent of the injury, lesions classified as American Spinal Injury Association A predominated (56.2%, 261/464) as with complete paraplegia in 43.3% (201/464). CONCLUSIONS: The mean age of our patients was 37 years. Men are affected in a higher proportion. Our population has <9 years of study. Physical labor was the usual pre-injury activity. The main mechanism of injury was falls. Thoracic spine was the most affected.

Involvement of globus pallidus and midbrain nuclei in pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration: measurement of T2 and T2* time.

PURPOSE: To quantify involvement of globus pallidus and two midbrain nuclei (substantia nigra and red nucleus) in Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed T2 and T2* weighted imaging with calculation of the corresponding relaxation times on a subset of 5 patients from a larger group of 20 patients with PKAN from the southwest part of the Dominican Republic. Examinations were carried out on a 3T scanner and included a multi-echo spin-echo as well as a multi-echo gradient echo sequence. Results were compared to a control group of 19 volunteers. RESULTS: T2 and T2* weighted sequences showed abnormal signal reduction in the globus pallidus of all patients. On T2* weighted imaging, abnormal signal in the substantia nigra could reliably be detected in 75% of cases, but differentiation from normal was less reliable in T2 weighted scans. Correspondingly, relaxation times differed from normal with very high significance (p < 0.0001) in the globus pallidus, but with with less significance in the substantia nigra (p ≤ 0.03). The red nucleus was not affected. CONCLUSIONS: Signal reduction in the globus pallidus, which probably is due to abnormal accumulation of iron, is severe in PKAN and can be differentiated from normal with high reliability. The substantia nigra is affected to a lesser degree, and the red nucleus is not involved. The reason for this selective susceptibility of normally iron-rich brain structures for pathological accumulation of iron remains speculative. Our quantitative results might be helpful to assess the value of an iron chelation approach to therapy.

Caracterización fisicoquímica de la variedad castilla del lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam) en seis estados de maduración / Physicochemical characterization of the lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam) castilla variety in six ripening stages

Background: Lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam) is considered a fruit with a high potential for exportation due to its exotic aroma, its bittersweet taste and the bright green color of its pulp. As a climacteric fruit is harvested when the fruit has reached full development, and 75% of the ripening is apparent by its characteristic yellow color with some small green points. However, this parameter is not enough to decide the right time for the crop, due to the irregularity of the fruits, especially for selling purposes in international markets, hence studies have been conducted to establish the changes during ripening and postharvest. Objectives: The aim of this work was to determine the relationship between color measurement and the other physicochemical parameters in the six ripening stages of lulo Castilla variety, in order to define the optimal harvesting time. Methods: Three fruits were studied for each stage, and were analyzed in the fresh state: ° Brix, pH, titratable acidity and color changes in the cortex, according to CIELab system. Results: The ranges obtained for the six evaluated stages were: ° Brix: 4.2 - 10.3, pH: 3.67 - 3.90, acidity: 2.63 - 3.00 and color (ΔE): 0 - 53. We found that the epicarp of the fruit varies from green to yellow intense, indicating the maturity for consumption. Total soluble solids increased with fruit maturation and the tritatable acidity decreased reaching a minimum values at stage 3, which was considered optimum for harvesting. The pH increased in stage 5 due to the drop of vacuolar H+ ion concentration. Conclusion: By measuring color parameters, 3 ripening stages were defined: green (0, 1, 2); semi ripe (3, 4) and ripe (5).

La deshidratación osmótica como pretratamiento en la conservación de mora (rubus glaucus) y uchuva (physalis peruviana l. ) / Pretreatment in the conservation of blackberry (rubus glaucus) and uchuva (physalis peruviana l. ) with osmotic dehydration

Este estudio se desarrolla en geometrías semiesféricas (mitades) sometidas a deshidratación osmótica en disoluciones de sacarosa a 25, 35, 45, 55 y 65ºBrix a temperatura ambiente. Los procesos se llevan a cabo a presión atmosférica, con y sin aplicación de pulso a vacío (117 mm Hg durante 10 minutos al inicio del proceso). La cinética se determina en tiempos cortos (300 min), mientras que el equilibrado se realiza en tiempos largos (720 horas). En ambos casos se analiza la ganancia de azúcar, pérdida de agua, variación de masa y volumen de las muestras. La cinética de la mora muestra la mejor respuesta en el tratamiento con disolución de sacarosa a 65ºBrix y con pulso a vacío, y el equilibrio se alcanza entre 72 y 144 horas, mientras que la cinética de deshidratación en la uchuva presenta una buena respuesta en disoluciones a 65 y 55°Brix y presión atmosférica, y el equilibrio es alcanzado a las 72 horas

4-(4-Chlorophenyl)-3,7,7-trimethyl-1-[2-(4-nitrobenzoyl)ethyl]-4,7,8,9-tetrahydro-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinolin-5(6H)-one-ethanol (1/1).

Molecules of the title compound, C(28)H(27)ClN(4)O(4).C(2)H(6)O, form a C(6) chain via an N--H...O hydrogen bond along the c axis by the operation of a c-glide plane, with N...O = 2.761 (3) A and N--H...O = 165 degrees. The molecules are further linked by a weak C--H...O interaction, with C.O = 3.344 (4) A and C--H...O = 150 degrees. Pendant hydrogen-bonded ethanol solvent molecules are attached to the chains by O--H...N hydrogen bonds, with O...N = 2.904 (3) A and O--H...N = 175 degrees.

2-Hydroxyphenyl 2-methylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-6-yl ketone.

The molecules of the title compound, C(14)H(11)N(3)O(2), form a three-dimensional soft hydrogen-bonded network involving C-H...N hydrogen bonds.

5,5-Dimethyl-3-(5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-ylamino)cyclohex-3-en-1-one

The molecules of the title compound, C(12)H(17)N(3)O, are linked by two N-H.O hydrogen bonds to form a three-dimensional network. The N. O distances are 2.804 (3) and 2.766 (3) A, both involving a common acceptor O atom.

[Acute kidney failure associated with the HELLP syndrome. A case report]. / Insuficiencia renal aguda asociada al síndrome de HELLP. Presentación de un caso.

A patient with 36 weeks' gestation with severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome associated to acute renal failure, was studied. Symptomatology, abnormal laboratories results and treatment, are emphasized. The haptoglobin level has been reported like sensitive marker of moderate hemolysis; it could permit an early diagnosis of HELLP syndrome. On the basis at physiopathology mechanism that were described, HELLP syndrome is susceptible of prevention in patients with high risk.

Profilaxis de la oftalmia neonatal en nacidos por cesárea electiva / Prophylaxis of the neonatal ophthalmia in born by elective cesarean

Con el propósito de determinar si existe flora susceptible de profilaxis en conjuntivas de recién nacidos provenientes de cesáreas electivas y si es necesario el uso de tetraciclina en estos pacientes, se hizo un estudio a doble ciego en 42 recién nacidos divididos en 2 grupos de 21 integrantes cada uno; encontrándose lo siguiente: 1.Ausencia de gérmenes en conjuntiva de los recién nacidos previo al uso de antibiótico y placebo. 2. No hubo diferencia estadísticamente signficativa ni en la frecuencia ni en la etiología de conjuntivitis en el grupo experimental y control para flora no susceptible de profilaxis. 3. La incidencia de conjuntivitis neonatal fué de 19 por ciento,la que se adquirió en el hospital o en el domicilio de los pacientes y los gérmenes implicados fueron: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis y Streptococcus B-hemolítico. Se concluye que el uso de profilaxis ocular (tetraciclina) no es necesaria en los recién nacidos por cesáreas electivas