The feasibility of masks and face shields designed by 3D printing makers; some considerations of their use against the COVID-19.

The use of mask and face shield has been established as one of the main preventive measures for the control of COVID 19 spread. In Mexico, as well as in other regions of the world, 3D printing has been employed for the design and production of masks and face shields as personal protective equipment (PPE). These models have been fabricated mainly by the makers, industries, and university communities; therefore, it is necessary to analyze the feasibility of the 3D printed PPE to understand its advantages and limitations. In this work, some characteristics of masks and face shields fabricated by additive manufacturing were studied to explore their viability as protection against flow fluids similar to human sneeze. In the present paper, the PPE was designed, and 3D printed utilizing three types of polylactic acid (PLA) as base material. The morphology and the surface elemental analyses of sectioned samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersion x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Showing spacing between printed layers, porous areas, and dispersed copper particles. On the other hand, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was carried out, the results demonstrated the importance of using PPE for protection of a possible exposure to a "contaminated" aerosol and human sneeze. Based on the abovementioned results, it is possible to consider the commercial PLA as suitable material for the manufacturing of PPE due to its capability to be disinfected employing isopropanol, ethanol, or commercial disinfectants.

Effects of exercise on cations/anions in blood serum of English Thoroughbred horses / Efeito do exercício sobre cátions/ânions em soro sanguíneo de equinos da raça Puro-Sangue-Inglês

English Thoroughbred horses, are widespread in Mexico and due to the lack of data on their exercise physiology, it is important to conduct exercise tests in order to obtain information the effects of exercise on more essential cations/anions in blood serum, as these horses are submitted to constant efforts. The study was carried out with 150 blood samples of English Thoroughbred horses clinically healthy. The blood sample collection was performed during three periods: 1) rest, 2) 30min after exercise (speed race of 12km/h for 30min with no rest) and 3) 60min after exercise. Mean values were calculated for cations (sodium and potassium) and anions (chloride and bicarbonate). The resulting data set was analyzed using Gaussian distribution and descriptive statistics. Confidence intervals of 95% were established. The linear relationships between ions were quantified, and an analysis of variance was performed to compare the mean values between groups. The concentrations of the described analytes are consistent with values reported by international literature. The comparison between groups, revealed that during exercise, sodium ion did not show changes 30min after exercise and increase 60min after. Potassium ion showed increase 30min after exercise and decrease 60min after. Chloride ion showed a decrease 30min after exercise, to recover gradually 60min after. Meanwhile, bicarbonate ion showed increase 30min after exercise, decreasing slightly in the final stage. Negative correlation between bicarbonate ion and chloride ion were determined. It was concluded that exercise tests are useful for the determination of acid-base balance and osmotic balance, and their main role is to evaluate the athletic ability of horses.Considering that chloride ion excretion and metabolic adjustments of potassium ion and bicarbonate ion are superior to water loss, compared to the normal osmolarity of blood serum. The results found can be used to structure an adequate replacement program of electrolytes lost in sweat.(AU)

Equinos da raça Puro-Sangue-Inglês são difundidos no México e, devido à falta de dados sobre sua fisiologia do exercício, é importante fazer testes de exercício para obter informações sobre os efeitos do exercício em cátions/ânions mais essenciais no soro do sangue, pois esses equinos são submetidos a esforços constantes. O estudo foi realizado com 150 amostras de sangue de equinos Puro-Sangue-Inglês, clinicamente saudáveis. A coleta de sangue foi realizada em três períodos: 1) descanso, 2) 30min após o exercício (corrida de velocidade de 12km/h por 30min, sem descanso) e 3) 60min após o exercício. Os valores médios foram calculados para cátions (sódio e potássio) e ânions (cloreto e bicarbonato). O conjunto de dados resultante foi analisado utilizando-se distribuição gaussiana e estatística descritiva. Intervalos de confiança de 95% foram estabelecidos. As relações lineares entre os íons foram quantificadas, e uma análise de variância foi realizada para se compararem os valores médios entre grupos. As concentrações dos analitos descritos são consistentes com os valores relatados na literatura internacional. A comparação entre os grupos revelou que, durante o exercício, o sódio íon não mostrou alterações 30min após o exercício e aumentou 60min após. O potássio íon mostrou aumento 30min após o exercício e diminuiu 60min após. O cloreto íon mostrou uma diminuição 30min após o exercício, para recuperar gradualmente 60min depois. O bicarbonato íon mostrou aumento 30min após o exercício, diminuindo ligeiramente no estágio final. Correlação negativa entre bicarbonato íon e cloreto íon foi encontrada. Concluiu-se que os testes de exercício são úteis para a determinação do equilíbrio ácido-base e do equilíbrio osmótico, e seu principal papel é avaliar a capacidade atlética dos equinos. Considerando-se que a excreção de cloro íon e ajustes metabólicos de potássio íon e bicarbonato íon são superiores à perda de água, comparada à osmolaridade normal do soro sanguíneo,os resultados encontrados podem ser usados para estruturar um programa adequado de reposição de eletrólitos perdidos no suor.(AU)

Sofosbuvir and daclatasvir therapy in patients with hepatitis C-related advanced decompensated liver disease (MELD ≥ 15).

BACKGROUND: Antiviral therapy for hepatitis C has the potential to improve liver function in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. AIMS: To examine the virological response and effect of viral clearance in patients with decompensated hepatitis C cirrhosis all with MELD scores ≥15 following sofosbuvir/daclatasvir ± ribavirin. METHODS: We prospectively collected data on patients who commenced sofosbuvir/daclatasvir for 24-weeks under the Australian patient supply program (TOSCAR) and analysed outcomes including sustained viral response at 12 weeks (SVR12), death and transplant. RESULTS: 108 patients (M/F, 79/29; median age 56years; Child-Pugh 10; MELD 16; genotype 1/3, 55/47) received sofosbuvir/daclatasvir and two also received ribavirin. On intention-to-treat, the SVR12 rate was 70% (76/108). Seventy-eight patients completed 24-weeks therapy. SVR12 was achieved in 56 of these patients on per-protocol-analysis (76%). SVR12 was 80% in genotype 1 compared to 69% in genotype 3. Thirty patients failed to complete therapy. In patients achieving SVR12, median MELD and Child-Pugh fell from 16(IQR15-17) to 14(12-17) and 10(9-11) to 8(7-9), respectively (P<.001). In those who died, MELD increased from 16 to 23 at death (P=.036). Patients who required transplantation had a significantly higher baseline MELD (20) compared to those patients completing treatment (16) (P=.0010). The odds ratio for transplant in patients with baseline MELD ≥20 was 13.8(95%CI 2.78-69.04). CONCLUSIONS: SVR12 rates with sofosbuvir/daclatasvir in advanced liver disease are lower than in compensated disease. Although treatment improves MELD and Child-Pugh in most patients, a significant proportion will die or require transplantation. In those with MELD ≥20, it may be better to delay treatment until post-transplant.

Análisis de la actividad y coordinación motora en ratas con cirugía estereotáxica e implante de cánula en el hipocampo dorsal / Analysis of activity and motor coordination in rats undergoing stereotactic surgery and implantation of a cannula into the dorsal hippocampus

Introducción: La cirugía estereotáxica permite el implante de electrodos o cánulas para estudiar el funcionamiento de diversas estructuras cerebrales a nivel preclínico. El hipocampo ha sido ampliamente estudiado con esta metodología, debido a su participación en desórdenes neurológicos, cognitivos, emocionales y afectivos. Sin embargo, el efecto per se de esta metodología sobre la coordinación y la actividad motora, para identificar o descartar alteraciones neurológicas que pudieran influir en los resultados de protocolos que la utilizan, requiere ser explorado. Métodos: Se evaluó el efecto de la cirugía estereotáxica y el implante de cánula en el hipocampo de ratas hembra Wistar en las pruebas de actividad locomotora, nado y Rota-rod. El análisis estadístico consideró la fase del ciclo estral de las ratas. Resultados:Ninguna de las variables evaluadas en las pruebas de actividad locomotora (cuadros cruzados, tiempo de acicalamiento y conducta vertical), nado (giros, nado lateral, latencia a la primera inmovilidad y tiempo de inmovilidad) o Rota-rod (latencia a la caída), fueron modificadas por la manipulación quirúrgica, en relación con ratas intactas. Independientemente de la manipulación quirúrgica, las ratas en metaestro-diestro cruzaron más cuadros y tuvieron mayor tiempo de inmovilidad, que las ratas en proestro-estro. Conclusión: La cirugía estereotáxica y el implante de cánula en el hipocampo dorsal carecen de efectos sobre la coordinación y la actividad locomotora de la rata, por lo que se descarta algún daño neurológico que pudiera interferir en la interpretación de resultados en protocolos que incluyen esta manipulación experimental (AU)

Introduction: Stereotactic surgery is used to place electrodes or cannulas in the brain in order to study the function of several brain structures in preclinical research. The hippocampus has been extensively studied with this methodology due to its involvement in a wide range of neurological, cognitive, emotional, and affective disorders. However, the effects of stereotactic surgery on coordination and motor activity should be evaluated in order to determine whether this surgical procedure causes any neurological alterations that may bias the results of studies incorporating this technique. Methods: We evaluated the effects of stereotactic surgery and implantation of a cannula into the hippocampus of female Wistar rats on the motor activity, forced swim, and rotarod tests. The stage of the oestrous cycle was included in the statistical analysis. Results: Stereotactic surgery had no impact on any of the motor activity variables assessed in the open field (squares crossed, time spent in grooming, and rearing), forced swim (turning behaviour, lateral swimming, latency to first immobility, and time spent immobile), and rotarod (latency to fall) tests, compared with intact rats. Regardless of surgical manipulation, rats in the metestrus and diestrus stages crossed a greater number of squares and displayed longer immobility times than those in the proestrus and estrus stages. Conclusion: Stereotactic surgery for cannula placement in the dorsal hippocampus does not affect coordination and motor activity in rats. We can therefore conclude that this procedure has no neurological complications that may interfere in the interpretation of results of studies applying this technique (AU)

[Stress in parents of hospitalized newborns in a neonatal intensive care unit]. / Estrés en padres de recién nacidos hospitalizados en una unidad de paciente crítico neonatal.

The birth of a child that requires hospitalization in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can be very stressful for parents. OBJECTIVE: To determine the stress level of parents of newborns (NB) hospitalized in a level III NICU in Santiago, and its association with clinical and sociodemographic variables. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Descriptive cross-sectional study. 373 admissions were evaluated. The sampling was non-probabilistic and included parents of RN admitted to the UPCN between 7 and 21 days of hospitalization. Only parents which have visited the RN at least three times were included. INSTRUMENTS: i) Questionnaire to obtain data which could not be obtained from the medical record; ii) Parental Stress Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PSS:NICU) which measures the perception of parents about stressors from the physical and psychological environment of the UPCN. RESULTS: 100 parents of 59 hospitalized NB participated in the study. The average parental stress was 2.87±0.69. The subscale scores got higher was “Relationship with the baby and parental role”. Complications in pregnancy, prenatal diagnosis or prenatal hospitalization, did not affect the stress level or the presence of prematurity, respiratory diseases, congenital malformations, genopathies or requirement of mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: Stress levels presented in parents are unrelated to gender and to the studied clinical variables.

Estrés en padres de recién nacidos hospitalizados en una unidad de paciente crítico neonatal / Stress in parents of hospitalized newborns in a neonatal intensive care unit

El nacimiento de un hijo que requiere de hospitalización en una Unidad de Paciente Crítico Neonatal (UPCN) puede ser una situación muy estresante para sus padres. Objetivo: Conocer el nivel de estrés de padres de recién nacidos (RN) hospitalizados en una UPCN nivel III y su asociación con variables clínicas y sociodemográficas. Pacientes y Método: Estudio descriptivo y transversal, se recibieron 373 ingresos en la UPCN. El muestreo fue no probabilístico y se incluyó a padres y madres de RN ingresados a la UPCN que tuvieran al momento de la entrevista una hospitalización mayor a 7 días y menor a 21 días y que al menos hayan visitado al RN en tres oportunidades. Las mediciones se realizaron entre los 7 y 21 días de hospitalización. Instrumentos: i) Cuestionario para datos que no pudieron obtenerse de la ficha clínica; ii) Escala de Estrés Parental: Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales (PSS:NICU) que mide la percepción de los padres acerca de los estresores provenientes del ambiente físico y psicológico de las UPCN. Resultados: Participaron 100 padres y madres de 59 RN hospitalizados. El estrés parental promedio fue de 2,87 ± 0,69. La subescala que obtuvo puntajes más altos fue “Relación con el bebé y rol parental”. La presencia de complicaciones del embarazo, diagnóstico prenatal u hospitalización prenatal, no afectó el nivel de estrés, como tampoco la prematurez, patología respiratoria, malformaciones congénitas, genopatías o requerimiento de ventilación mecánica. Conclusiones: Los niveles de estrés no presentan diferencias de género y no guardan relación con las variables clínicas estudiadas.

The birth of a child that requires hospitalization in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can be very stressful for parents. Objective: To determine the stress level of parents of newborns (NB) hospitalized in a level III NICU in Santiago, and its association with clinical and sociodemographic variables. Patients and Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study. 373 admissions were evaluated. The sampling was non-probabilistic and included parents of RN admitted to the UPCN between 7 and 21 days of hospitalization. Only parents which have visited the RN at least three times were included. Instruments: i) Questionnaire to obtain data which could not be obtained from the medical record; ii) Parental Stress Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PSS:NICU) which measures the perception of parents about stressors from the physical and psychological environment of the UPCN. Results: 100 parents of 59 hospitalized NB participated in the study. The average parental stress was 2.87±0.69. The subscale scores got higher was “Relationship with the baby and parental role”. Complications in pregnancy, prenatal diagnosis or prenatal hospitalization, did not affect the stress level or the presence of prematurity, respiratory diseases, congenital malformations, genopathies or requirement of mechanical ventilation. Conclusions: Stress levels presented in parents are unrelated to gender and to the studied clinical variables.

Cáncer de pulmón: ¿qué hay de nuevo? / No disponible

El carcinoma de pulmón es la primera causa de muerte por cáncer a nivel mundial. Esta revisión profundiza en aspectos novedosos en el diagnóstico-screening, el tratamiento y la estadificación: los cambios introducidos en la TNM, la última clasificación de tumores pulmonares de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), los tratamientos dirigidos, la inmunoterapia y los ensayos que se están haciendo en la actualidad sobre radioterapia estereotáxica extracraneal (SBRT)

Bronchogenic carcinoma is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. This review explores new aspects about diagnosis-screening, treatment, and staging: the changes introduced in TNM clasification, the 2015 World Health Organization classification of lung tumors, targeted treatments, immunotherapy, and current trials about stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)

Tasa de éxito subjetivo y objetivo en pacientes operados con cinta suburetral transobturatriz: ocho años de seguimiento / Subjective and objective success rate in patients operated with transobturator suburethral tape: eight years of follow-up

Antecedentes: La Incontinencia Urinaria de Esfuerzo (IOE) representa el 50% de las incontinencias urinarias en la mujer, produciendo un gran impacto en su calidad de vida. Actualmente el TOT es una de las técnicas quirúrgicas más utilizadas para su tratamiento. Objetivos: Determinar la tasa de éxito objetiva y subjetiva de las pacientes operadas por IOE e incontinencia de orina mixta (IOM) mediante TOT, y determinar la tasa de complicaciones perioperatorias. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de cohorte de 8 años de seguimiento, en el que se evaluó mediante anamnesis, examen físico y protocolos quirúrgicos la tasa de éxito objetivo y subjetivo del TOT. Resultados: La tasa de éxito objetivo y subjetivo fue 92% y 76% respectivamente. El 8,3% de las pacientes presentó alguna complicación y la tasa de exposición de malla fue de 1,2%. Conclusiones: El TOT es una excelente alternativa para el tratamiento de la IOE en el Hospital de Quilpué.

Background: Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) represents 50% of urinary incontinence among women, causing a considerable impact on quality of life. Currently, the Mid-urethral slings such as the TOT are among the most common surgical technique for the treatment SUI. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine objective and subjective success rate in female patients with SUI and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) treated with a transobturator mid urethral sling and to determine perioperative complications rate. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients' records analyzing patients clinical history, physical examination and surgical records to evaluate the rate of objective and subjective success from TOT was performed. Results: objective and success rate was 92% and 76% respectively. The complications rate was 8,3% and mesh exposure was 1.2 %. Conclusions: TOT is an excellent alternative for the treatment of SUI in Quilpue's Hospital.

Estrategia educativa breve para mantenimiento del conocimiento sobre el virus del papiloma humano y prevención del cáncer en adolescentes / Brief educational strategy on maintenance of knowledge on human papillomavirus and cancer prevention in adolescents

Introducción: Hay un bajo nivel de conocimiento por parte de los adolescentes sobre la infección por el virus del papiloma humano (VPH) y su vacuna, así como sobre las infecciones de transmisión sexual y sus consecuencias. Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio fue explorar el impacto de un programa breve de intervención sobre adolescentes. Material y métodos: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva en estudiantes mujeres de séptimo y octavo grados (escuelas secundarias) con el objetivo de identificar los conocimientos sobre prevención del VPH y del cáncer cérvico-uterino en los adolescentes usando un muestreo probabilístico por conglomerados monoetápico. Resultados: Se aplicó un cuestionario en la escuela, siendo muy pocas las adolescentes que identificaron el VPH como factor de riesgo en la génesis del cáncer. El bajo nivel de conocimientos para la prevención de este cáncer predominó en la muestra inicial; sin embargo, fue significativa la modificación positiva del nivel de conocimiento y su mantenimiento en el tiempo. Discusión: Se concluye que en el grupo de adolescentes estudiadas hay pobre conocimiento sobre el VPH como agente causal de esta morbilidad y que una estrategia educativa breve puede ser efectiva y suficiente si se da un refuerzo anual

Introduction: Adolescents have a low level of knowledge on human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV vaccination, as well as on sexually-transmitted diseases and their consequences. Objective: The aim of this survey was to explore the impact of a brief, HPV-focused educational intervention programme on adolescents. Material and methods: We conducted a study in female seventh-eighth grade students (secondary school) to investigate knowledge of HIV and cervical cancer prevention in adolescents by using a probabilistic sampling by mono-stage conglomerates. At school adolescents completed a self-administered questionnaire. Results: A questionnaire was administered in the school. Very few students identified HPV as a risk factor for cancer. The initial sample showed little knowledge of prevention of cervical cancer. However, awareness of cervical cancer and perception of HPV vaccination significantly increased after the educational intervention, and this increase was maintained over time. Discussion: Participants in this study showed little knowledge of HPV as a cause of cervical cancer. A brief HPV-focused session is effective in increasing knowledge in adolescent girls, and this knowledge is sustained if followed by an annual reinforcement

Analysis of activity and motor coordination in rats undergoing stereotactic surgery and implantation of a cannula into the dorsal hippocampus. / Análisis de la actividad y coordinación motora en ratas con cirugía estereotáxica e implante de cánula en el hipocampo dorsal.

INTRODUCTION: Stereotactic surgery is used to place electrodes or cannulas in the brain in order to study the function of several brain structures in preclinical research. The hippocampus has been extensively studied with this methodology due to its involvement in a wide range of neurological, cognitive, emotional, and affective disorders. However, the effects of stereotactic surgery on coordination and motor activity should be evaluated in order to determine whether this surgical procedure causes any neurological alterations that may bias the results of studies incorporating this technique. METHODS: We evaluated the effects of stereotactic surgery and implantation of a cannula into the hippocampus of female Wistar rats on the motor activity, forced swim, and rotarod tests. The stage of the oestrous cycle was included in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Stereotactic surgery had no impact on any of the motor activity variables assessed in the open field (squares crossed, time spent in grooming, and rearing), forced swim (turning behaviour, lateral swimming, latency to first immobility, and time spent immobile), and rotarod (latency to fall) tests, compared with intact rats. Regardless of surgical manipulation, rats in the metestrus and diestrus stages crossed a greater number of squares and displayed longer immobility times than those in the proestrus and estrus stages. CONCLUSION: Stereotactic surgery for cannula placement in the dorsal hippocampus does not affect coordination and motor activity in rats. We can therefore conclude that this procedure has no neurological complications that may interfere in the interpretation of results of studies applying this technique.

Capacidades de investigación sobre determinantes sociales de la salud en Brasil, Colombia y México / Research capacities on social determinants of health in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico / Capacidades de investigação sobre determinantes sociais da saúde no Brasil, Colômbia e México

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar las capacidades de investigación sobre determinantes sociales y determinación social de los procesos saludenfermedad (DSS) en Brasil, Colombia y México con base en los sistemas nacionales de ciencia, tecnología e innovación (SNCTI) y la producción científica sobre DSS (2005-2012) de cada país. Metodología: se realiza un estudio exploratorio a partir de revisión de literatura, consulta de plataformas nacionales de cada SNCTI, entrevistas y foros de consulta, contemplando las siguientes categorías de estudio para analizar las capacidades de: 1. Producción científica, formación de investigadores y políticas relativas a capacidades de investigación; 2. Redes de colaboración; 3. Infraestructura para la investigación y 4. Producción y apropiación social del conocimiento. Resultados y Discusión: la investigación sobre DSS se divulga principalmente en revistas científicas de circulación nacional, en Brasil y Colombia, mientras que en México se publica principalmente en revistas extranjeras. Los tres países cuentan con SNCTI consolidados, sin embargo, son escasos los montos de financiamiento para investigación sobre DSS. Conclusiones: es necesario articular acciones de fortalecimiento de capacidades de investigación, fortaleciendo redes y posicionando los DSS en agendas estratégicas.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the research capacities on social determinants and social determination of the health-disease process (SDH) in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico based on the characteristics of the National Systems of Science, Technology and Innovation (SNCTI) and the scientific production on SDH between 2005 and 2012. Methodology: an exploratory study was conducted. Data were obtained from literature reviews, the national platforms for each SNCTI, interviews and forums. The following categories of study were taken into account when analyzing capabilities: 1. Scientific production, training of researchers and policies concerning research capabilities. 2. Collaborative networks; 3. Infrastructure for research and 4. Production and social appropriation of knowledge. Results and discussion: research on SDH is primarily published in scientific journals. In Brazil and Colombia, findings are primarily published in national journals, while the majority of research on SDH from Mexico is published in international journals. All three countries have solid SNCTI. However, funding for research on SDH is scarce. Conclusion: it is necessary to coordinate actions to strengthen the capacities for research on SDH in order to strengthen networks and position SDH on strategic agendas.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar as capacidades de investigação sobre determinantes sociais e determinação social dos processos saúdedoença (DSS) no Brasil, Colômbia e México com base nos sistemas nacionais de ciência, tecnologia e inovação (SNCTI) e a produção científica sobre DSS (2005-2012) de cada país. Metodologia: Se realiza um estudo exploratório a partir da revisão de literatura, consulta de plataformas nacionais de cada SNCTI, entrevistas e foros de consulta, contemplando as seguintes categorias de estudo para analisar as capacidades: 1. Produção científica, formação de investigadores e políticas relativas a capacidades de investigação; 2. Redes de colaboração; 3. Infraestrutura para a investigação e 4. Produção e apropriação social do conhecimento. Resultados e discussão: A investigação sobre DSS se divulga principalmente em revistas científicas de circulação nacional, em Brasil e Colômbia, entanto que no México se publica principalmente em revistas estrangeiras. Os três países contam com SNCTI consolidados, mas, são escassos os montantes de financiamento para investigação sobre DSS. Conclusão: È necessário articular ações de fortalecimento de capacidades de investigação, fortalecendo redes e posicionando os DSS em agendas estratégicas.

[Association between handgrip strength and functional performance in Chilean older people]. / Fuerza de prensión manual según edad, género y condición funcional en adultos mayores Chilenos entre 60 y 91 años.

BACKGROUND: Handgrip strength is an important predictor of functional performance among older adults. AIM: To measure handgrip strength in older adults and relate its values to their clinical functional assessment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Handgrip strength was measured in 1047 older adults living in the community and aged 71.9 ± 7 years (740 and 307 females). The values obtained were grouped by age, gender and functional condition. The latter was assessed using a score validated in Chile (Functional Assessment of Older Adults or EFAM), that classifies participants as autonomous without risk, autonomous in risk and in risk of becoming non-autonomous. RESULTS: In women, hand grip strength values were 17.4 ± 5.6 and 18.7 ± 5.7 kg for left and right hand; figures for men were 30.6 ± 7.8 and 31.8 ± 8.3 kg, respectively. According the functional assessment, the figures for autonomous without risk, autonomous with risk and with risk of becoming non-autonomous participants, were 23.5 ± 9.7, 21.8 ± 9.1 and 19.3 ± 8.2 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between the degrees of functional performance of older people and handgrip strength.

Fuerza de prensión manual según edad, género y condición funcional en adultos mayores Chilenos entre 60 y 91 años / Association between handgrip strength and functional performance in Chilean older people

Background: Handgrip strength is an important predictor of functional performance among older adults. Aim: To measure handgrip strength in older adults and relate its values to their clinical functional assessment. Material and Methods: Handgrip strength was measured in 1047 older adults living in the community and aged 71.9 ± 7 years (740 and 307 females). The values obtained were grouped by age, gender and functional condition. The latter was assessed using a score validated in Chile (Functional Assessment of Older Adults or EFAM), that classifies participants as autonomous without risk, autonomous in risk and in risk of becoming non-autonomous. Results: In women, hand grip strength values were 17.4 ± 5.6 and 18.7 ± 5.7 kg for left and right hand; figures for men were 30.6 ± 7.8 and 31.8 ± 8.3 kg, respectively. According the functional assessment, the figures for autonomous without risk, autonomous with risk and with risk of becoming non-autonomous participants, were 23.5 ± 9.7, 21.8 ± 9.1 and 19.3 ± 8.2 respectively. Conclusions: There is an association between the degrees of functional performance of older people and handgrip strength.

Comparison of two tourniquet application times for regional intravenous limb perfusions with amikacin in sedated or anesthetized horses.

Regional limb perfusion (RLP) in horses has proven to be a simple and effective technique for the treatment of synovial and musculoskeletal infections in the distal portion of the limbs. The ideal tourniquet time needed to achieve therapeutic synovial concentrations remains unknown. The pharmacokinetic effects of general anesthesia (GA) versus standing sedation (SS) RLP on synovial amikacin concentrations are not completely understood. This study investigated the pharmacokinetic effects of RLP under general anesthesia (GA) versus standing sedation (SS) on synovial amikacin concentration following 20 or 30 min tourniquet time. Using 1 g of amikacin RLP was performed in two groups of six horses (GA and SS). A pneumatic tourniquet was applied proximal to the carpus and maintained for 20 or 30 min. Two weeks later, the opposite treatment (20 or 30 min) was randomly performed in the opposite limb of horses in each group (GA and SS). Synovial fluid samples were collected from the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and radiocarpal (RC) joints. Amikacin was quantified by a fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Regardless of the group, no significant difference in the synovial amikacin concentrations was noted between 20 and 30 min RLP. Mean synovial concentrations of amikacin in the standing sedated horses were significantly higher in the MCP joint at 30 min (P = 0.003) compared to horses under general anesthesia. No significant difference was noted for the RC joint.

Methylphenidate amplifies long-term potentiation in rat hippocampus CA1 area involving the insertion of AMPA receptors by activation of ß-adrenergic and D1/D5 receptors.

Methylphenidate (MPH, Ritalin©) is widely used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and recently as a drug of abuse. Although the effect of MPH has been studied in brain regions such as striatum and prefrontal cortex (PFC), the hippocampus has received relatively little attention. It is known that MPH increases the TBS-dependent Long Term Potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 area. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in this process are still unknown. Using field potential recordings and western blot analysis in rat hippocampal slices of young rats, we found that acute application of MPH enhances LTP in CA3-CA1 synapses in a dose-dependent manner with an EC50 of 73.44±6.32 nM. Using specific antagonists and paired-pulse facilitation protocols, we observed that the MPH-dependent increase of LTP involves not only ß-adrenergic receptors activation but also post-synaptic D1/D5 dopamine receptors. The inhibition of PKA with PKI, suppressed the facilitation of LTP induced by MPH consistent with an involvement of the adenyl cyclase-cAMP-PKA dependent cascade downstream of the activation of D1/D5 receptors. In addition, samples of CA1 areas taken from slices potentiated with MPH presented an increase in the phosphorylation of the Ser845 residue of the GluA1 subunit of AMPA receptors compared to control slices. This effect was reverted by SCH23390, antagonist of D1/D5 receptors, and PKI. Moreover, we found an increase of surface-associated functional AMPA receptors. We propose that MPH increases TBS-dependent LTP in CA3-CA1 synapses through a polysynaptic mechanism involving activation of ß-adrenergic and D1/D5 dopaminergic receptors and promoting the trafficking and insertion of functional AMPA receptors to the plasma membrane.

Methylphenidate has long-lasting metaplastic effects in the prefrontal cortex of adolescent rats.

Methylphenidate (MPH) is widely used as a "nootropic" agent and in the treatment of disorders of attention, and has been shown to modulate synaptic plasticity in vitro. Here we present in vivo evidence that this MPH-induced metaplasticity can last long after the end of treatment. MPH (0, 0.2, 1 and 5mg/kg) was administered daily to male rats from postnatal day 42 for 15 days. The animals were tested daily in a radial maze. Long-term potentiation (LTP), a marker of neural plasticity, was induced in vivo in the prefrontal cortex after 2-3h, 15-18 days or 5 months without treatment. The behavioral performance of the 1mg/kg group improved, while that of animals that had received 5mg/kg deteriorated. In the 1 and 5mg/kg groups LTP induced 2-3h after the last MPH treatment was twice as large as in the controls. Further, 15-18 days after the last MPH administration, in groups receiving 1 and 5mg/kg, LTP was about fourfold higher than in controls. However, 5 months later, LTP in the 1mg/kg group was similar to controls and in the 5mg/kg group LTP could not be induced at all. No significant changes of LTP were seen in the low-dose group of animals (0.2mg/kg). Thus, firstly, doses of MPH that improve learning coincide approximately with those that augment LTP. Secondly, MPH-induced increases in LTP can last for several weeks, but these may disappear over longer periods or deteriorate at high doses.

Adherencia farmacológica al tratamiento antihipertensivo: ¿un reto o una realidad? / Pharmacological aldherence to the antihypertensive treatment, a challenge or a fact? / Medicaçao adesão à terapia anti-hipertensiva? Desafio ou realidade?

[{"text": "Problemas como el sedentarismo, tabaquismo, cambios de estilo de vida y dieta traen consigo la presencia de enfer\r\n-\r\nmedades crónicas como diabetes, hipertensión arterial y afecciones cardiovasculares que generan gran preocupación \r\na las organizaciones de salud internacionales. De acuerdo con la revisión bibliográfica realizada, más de la mitad \r\nde las personas con hipertensión arterial en el mundo no tienen un tratamiento efectivo. Las principales causas de \r\nincumplimiento terapéutico en pacientes hipertensos son: características de la enfermedad y de los pacientes; descono\r\n-\r\ncimiento de la definición, secuelas y necesidades terapéuticas de la hipertensión; ausencia de síntomas; características \r\ndel tratamiento; efectos adversos de la medicación; cronicidad del tratamiento, coste y complejidad de las pautas tera\r\n-\r\npéuticas. Entre las intervenciones que los estudios analizados plantean como estrategias para mejorar la adherencia al \r\ntratamiento farmacológico antihipertensivo se encuentran: simplificación del régimen farmacológico, información y \r\neducación del paciente, atención intensificada del paciente como recordatorio e intervenciones conductuales. Se destaca \r\nuna mayor intervención centrada en el paciente con énfasis en la perspectiva y toma de decisiones compartidas con este.", "_i": "es"}, {"text": "Sedentary lifestyles, smoking, and changes in lifes\r\n-\r\ntyle and diet, lead to the development of chronic \r\ndiseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardio\r\n-\r\nvascular diseases, causing great concern among \r\nWorld health organizations. A global survey reveals \r\nthat more than half of people with hypertension \r\nlack effective treatment. Reasons for non-adherence \r\nto antihypertensive medication are: characteristics \r\nof the particular disease and patient; unfamiliarity \r\nwith the definition; sequelae and therapeutic needs \r\nof hypertension; absence of symptoms; treatment \r\ncharacteristics; adverse medication effects; a chronic \r\nnature of the treatment; expenses; and the comple\r\n-\r\nxity of treatment regimens. Intervention strategies to \r\nimprove adherence to antihypertensive drug therapy \r\nrevealed in the analyzed studies include: simplifi\r\n-\r\ncation of drug regimen, information and patient \r\neducation, and enhanced patient care including \r\nreminders and behavioral interventions. Highlighted \r\nis the need for increased intervention with a patient-\r\ncentered perspective through emphasis on shared \r\ndecision-making.", "_i": "en"}, {"text": "Problemas como sedentarismo, fumar cigarros e alte\r\n-\r\nrações de dieta e estilo da vida trazem a desenvolvimento \r\nde doenças crônicas como diabetes, pressão elevada \r\n(hipertensão) e doenças cardiovasculares quem causam \r\ngrandes preocupações para as organizações de saúde em \r\ntodo o mundo. A visão global é que mais da metade das \r\npessoas com hipertensão não têm tratamento eficiente. \r\nAs principais razões de não aderir o remédio em pacientes \r\nhipertensos são: características da doença e dos pacientes, \r\nfalta de definição, consequências e necessidades terapêu\r\n-\r\nticas da hipertensão, ausência de sintomas, características \r\ndo tratamento, efeitos adversos de remédios, trata\r\n-mento crônico, o custo e a complexidade dos regimes \r\nde tratamento. Estratégias de intervenção que foram \r\nrepresentados em os estudos analisados para melhorar a \r\nadesão ao tratamento anti-hipertensão incluem: simplifi\r\n-\r\ncação do regime de drogas, informações e a educação do \r\npaciente, assistência ao paciente melhorar e intervenções \r\ncomportamentais. Também com foco era intervenção \r\naumentada de perspectiva centrada no paciente por um \r\nênfase na tomada de decisão.", "_i": "pt"}]

Evaluation of a commercially available organic acid product on body weight loss, carcass yield, and meat quality during preslaughter feed withdrawal in broiler chickens: a poultry welfare and economic perspective.

The effect of a commercial organic acid (OA) product on BW loss (BWL) during feed withdrawal and transportation, carcass yield, and meat quality was evaluated in broiler chickens. Two experiments were conducted in Brazil. Commercial houses were paired as control groups receiving regular water and treated groups receiving OA in the water. Treated birds had a reduction in BWL of 37 g in experiment 1 and 32.2 g in experiment 2. In experiment 2, no differences were observed in carcass yield between groups. Estimation of the cost benefit suggested a 1:16 ratio by using the OA. In experiment 3, conducted in Mexico, significant differences on water consumption, BWL, and meat quality characteristics were observed in chickens that were treated with the OA (P < 0.05). These data suggest this OA product may improve animal welfare and economic concerns in the poultry industry by reducing BWL and improving meat quality attributes.