Avaliação dos parâmetros de qualidade físico-químicos de creme-géis à base de ácido hialurônico adquiridos em farmácias magistrais do município de Campo Grande-MS / Evaluation of the physicochemical quality parameters of cream-gels based on hyaluronic acid purchased in compounding pharmacies in the city of Campo Grande-MS / Evaluación de parámetros de calidad fisicoquímica de geles-crema a base de ácido hialurónico adquiridos en farmacias magistrales de la ciudad de Campo Grande-MS

RESUMO Introdução: ao longo dos anos, a busca pela melhora do autocuidado estendeu-se às farmácias com manipulação, onde o cosmético pode ser manipulado de acordo com as preferências de cada indivíduo. Dessa forma, é necessário prover a estabilidade para cada produto manipulado, garantindo que um cosmético seguro e eficaz será dispensado. O ácido hialurônico é um ativo que tem se tornado popular devido à sua capacidade de realizar a manutenção da elasticidade da pele e exercer função hidratante, além de atuar na redução de linhas de expressão. Objetivo: analisar a qualidade de dermocosméticos manipulados a base de ácido hialurônico de diferentes farmácias com manipulação no município de Campo Grande-MS, através de análises laboratoriais físico-químicas e de rotulagem. Material e métodos: quatro amostras de creme-gel à base de ácido hialurônico 5% foram adquiridas em farmácias magistrais, e realizadas as seguintes análises de controle de qualidade: análise organoléptica, determinação de pH, densidade, teste de centrífuga, espalhabilidade e análise de rotulagem. Resultados: em relação às análises, os resultados obtidos foram satisfatórios. A análise organoléptica, o teste de centrifugação e de espalhabilidade se encontraram dentro dos padrões estipulados; porém, destaca-se o ensaio de densidade, em que duas amostras obtiveram valores abaixo do estipulado; e para a análise de rótulos, nenhum produto continha lista de componentes da formulação. Conclusão: ao final das análises, pode ser apontado que os produtos apresentaram desempenho satisfatório em grande parte dos testes propostos e são uma opção segura, de boa qualidade e custo acessível ao público.

SUMMARY Introduction: Over the years, the search for improving self-care has extended to compound pharmacy, where the cosmetic can be manipulated according to the preferences of each person. Thus, it is necessary to provide stability for each product handled, ensuring that a safe and effective cosmetic will be dispensed. Hyaluronic acid is an active that has become popular due to its ability to maintain skin elasticity and exert a moisturizing function, in addition to acting in the reduction of fine lines. Aim: To analyze the quality of cosmetics manipulated with the active ingredient of Hyaluronic Acid from different compound pharmacies in the city of Campo Grande-MS, through physical-chemical laboratory analysis and labeling. Material and methods: Four samples of 5% hyaluronic acid-based cream-gel were acquired from master pharmacies, and the following quality control analyzes were carried out: organoleptic analysis, pH determination, density, centrifuge test, spreadability and labeling analysis. Results: Regarding the analyses, the results obtained were satisfactory. The organoleptic analysis, the centrifugation test and the spreadability were within the stipulated standards; however, the density test stands out, in which two samples obtained results below the stipulated; and for label analysis, no product contained a list of formulation components. Conclusion: At the end of the analyses, it can be pointed out that the products presented satisfactory performance in most of the proposed tests and are a safe option, of good quality and accessible to the public.

RESUMEN Introducción: a lo largo de los años, la búsqueda por mejorar el autocuidado se ha extendido a las farmacias, donde los cosméticos pueden ser manipulados según las preferencias de cada individuo. Por lo tanto, es necesario proporcionar estabilidad a cada producto manipulado, asegurando que se dispensará un cosmético seguro y eficaz. El ácido hialurónico es un activo que se ha popularizado por su capacidad para mantener la elasticidad de la piel e hidratarla, además de actuar para reducir las líneas de expresión. Objetivo: analizar la calidad de los dermocosméticos manipulados a base de ácido hialurónico de diferentes farmacias en Campo Grande-MS, mediante análisis de laboratorio físico-químico y marcaje. Material y métodos: se adquirieron en farmacias magistrales cuatro muestras de crema-gel a base de ácido hialurónico al 5%, y se realizaron los siguientes análisis de control de calidad: análisis organoléptico, determinación de pH, densidad, prueba de centrifugación, untabilidad y análisis de marcaje. Resultados: en cuanto a los análisis, los resultados obtenidos fueron satisfactorios. Las pruebas de análisis organoléptico, centrifugado y untabilidad estuvieron dentro de los estándares estipulados, sin embargo, se destaca la prueba de densidad, en la que dos muestras obtuvieron valores por debajo del valor estipulado y para el análisis de etiquetas, ningún producto contenía una lista de componentes de la formulación. Conclusión: los productos se desempeñaron satisfactoriamente en la mayoría de las pruebas propuestas y son una opción segura, con buena calidad y su costo accesible al público.

Adaptation of a DBT Intervention to Reduce Self-harm in Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is characterized by instability that often leads to Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) and greater healthcare utilization. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is useful although its long duration and the need for specialized therapists make it difficult to implement in low-resources settings, so brief interventions can complement DBT. The objective of the present study was to undertake cultural adaptation of a Brief, Manualized Intervention to reduce NSSI in the Mexican population with BPD. An experimental design with a single-case pilot study with replicas was used with seven women with a BPD diagnosis. Five to six online sessions were implemented and emotional dysregulation, experiential avoidance and NSSI were measured weekly. NAP index was calculated to assess the effect of the intervention. Most participants showed a large effect size in reducing NSSI and a moderate effect size in reducing emotional dysregulation. Moderate and small effect sizes were obtained in experiential avoidance. The intervention adapted and validated seems to be useful and serve as an additional therapeutically tool to complement usual treatment of patients with BPD (AU)

Influenza vaccination strategy in acute coronary syndromes: the VIP-ACS trial.

AIMS: To evaluate whether a strategy of double-dose influenza vaccination during hospitalization for an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) compared with standard-dose outpatient vaccination (as recommended by current guidelines) would further reduce the risk of major cardiopulmonary events. METHODS AND RESULTS: Vaccination against Influenza to Prevent cardiovascular events after Acute Coronary Syndromes (VIP-ACS) was a pragmatic, randomized, multicentre, active-comparator, open-label trial with blinded outcome adjudication comparing two strategies of influenza vaccination following an ACS: double-dose quadrivalent inactivated vaccine before hospital discharge vs. standard-dose quadrivalent inactivated vaccine administered in the outpatient setting 30 days after randomization. The primary outcome was a hierarchical composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina, hospitalization for heart failure, urgent coronary revascularization, and hospitalization for respiratory causes, analysed by the win ratio method. Patients were followed for 12 months. During two influenza seasons, 1801 participants were included at 25 centres in Brazil. The primary outcome was not different between groups, with 12.7% wins in-hospital double-dose vaccine group and 12.3% wins in the standard-dose vaccine group {win ratio: 1.02 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79-1.32], P = 0.84}. Results were consistent for the key secondary outcome, a hierarchical composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke [win ratio: 0.94 (95% CI: 0.66-1.33), P = 0.72]. Time-to-first event analysis for the primary outcome showed results similar to those of the main analysis [hazard ratio 0.97 (95% CI: 0.75-1.24), P = 0.79]. Adverse events were infrequent and did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Among patients hospitalized with an ACS, double-dose influenza vaccination before discharge did not reduce cardiopulmonary outcomes compared with standard-dose vaccination in the outpatient setting. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT04001504.

Maximizing the Impact of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention in Zambia by Targeting High-Risk Men: A Pre/Post Program Evaluation.

A well-documented barrier to voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is financial loss due to the missed opportunity to work while undergoing and recovering from VMMC. We implemented a 2-phased outcome evaluation to explore how enhanced demand creation and financial compensation equivalent to 3 days of missed work influence uptake of VMMC among men at high risk of HIV exposure in Zambia. In Phase 1, we implemented human-centered design-informed interpersonal communication. In Phase 2, financial compensation of ZMW 200 (~ US$17) was added. The proportion of men undergoing circumcision was significantly higher in Phase 2 compared to Phase 1 (38% vs 3%). The cost of demand creation and compensation per client circumcised was $151.54 in Phase 1 and $34.93 in Phase 2. Financial compensation is a cost-effective strategy for increasing VMMC uptake among high-risk men in Zambia, and VMMC programs may consider similar interventions suited to their context.

Proximal composition and fatty acid profile of Hemigrapsus crenulatus (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) as one of the main foods of "patagonian blenny"Eleginops maclovinus (Cuvier, 1830) / Composição proximal e perfil de ácidos graxos de Hemigrapsus crenulatus (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) como um dos principais alimentos da "blenny patagônica" Eleginops maclovinus (Cuvier, 1830)

Abstract The Patagonian blenny (Eleginops maclovinus) is species endemic to South America with physiological characteristics that would facilitate its incorporation into Chilean aquaculture. However, there is currently no specific artificial food that can be used to raise E. maclovinus. In light of this problem, this study describes the proximal composition and fatty acid profile of the crab Hemigrapsus crenulatus, one of the main foods of E. maclovinus. The purpose of the study is to serve as basic information for the development of a specific artificial diet for juveniles of this fish species. The proximal analysis of the complete body of H. crenulatus indicates that it is mainly composed of ash (35.9%), proteins (32.2%), glucides (19.8%) and minor lipids (3.6%). The fatty acid profile is 40.7% PUFAs, 29.7% MUFAs and 29.5% SAFAs, and the most abundant acids are Eicosapentaenoic (18.8%), Oleic (6.8%) and Palmitic (16.6%), respectively. H. crenulatus has highest level of proteins, lipids and PUFAs among the species of the Brachyura infraorder.

Resumo O "blenny da patagônia" (Eleginops maclovinus) é uma espécie endêmica da América do Sul, com características fisiológicas que facilitariam sua incorporação na aquicultura chilena. No entanto, atualmente não há alimento artificial específico que possa ser usado para criar E. maclovinus. Diante desse problema, este estudo descreve a composição proximal e o perfil de ácidos graxos do caranguejo Hemigrapsus crenulatus, um dos principais alimentos de E. maclovinus. O objetivo do estudo é servir como informação básica para o desenvolvimento de uma dieta artificial específica para espécies juvenis desse peixe. A análise proximal do corpo completo de H. crenulatus indica que ele é composto, principalmente, de cinzas (35,9%), proteínas (32,2%), glicídios (19,8%) e lipídios menores (3,6%). O perfil de ácidos graxos é 40,7% PUFA, 29,7% MUFA e 29,5% SAFA, e os ácidos mais abundantes são eicosapentaenoico (18,8%), oleico (6,8%) e palmítico (16,6%), respectivamente. H. crenulatus possui o mais alto nível de proteínas, lipídios e PUFAs entre as espécies da infraordem de Brachyura.

Environmental and economical assessment for a sustainable Zn/air battery.

Metal/Air batteries are being developed and soon could become competitive with other battery technologies already in the market, such as Li-ion battery. The main problem to be addressed is the cyclability, although some progress has been recently achieved. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the manufacturing process of a Zn/Air battery is presented in this article, including raw extraction and process of materials and battery assembly at laboratory scale (cradle to gate approach). The results indicate that Zn/Air battery can be fabricated with low environmental impacts in most categories and only four deserve attention (still being low impacts), such as Human Toxicity (cancer and non-cancer), Freshwater Ecotoxicity and Resource Depletion (the later one depending mainly on Zn use, which is not a critical material, but has a strong impact on this category). Cathode fabrication arises as the subassembly with higher impacts, followed by membrane, then anode and finally electrolyte. An economic cost calculation indicates that if cyclability of Zn/Air batteries is achieved, they can become competitive with other technologies already in the market.

Características antropométricas y somatotipo en seleccionados chilenos de remo / Anthropometric characteristics and somatotype in elite Chilean rowers

El objetivo del estudio fue describir las características antropométricas y somatotipo de los seleccionados chilenos de remo. Se evaluaron a 21 deportistas (6 mujeres y 15 hombres) con edades promedio de 18,66 ± 2,58 años para las mujeres y de 22,06 ± 4,71 años para los hombres. El estudio se realizó previo al clasificatorio Panamericano Lima 2019, al momento de las evaluaciones, los deportistas se encontraban concentrados en el centro de entrenamiento olímpico (CEO) ubicado en Curauma en la región de Valparaíso en Chile. Las evaluaciones antropométricas se realizaron en base al perfil restringido de 25 variables propuesto por Ross & Kerr (1991), que permitió fraccionar la masa corporal en 5 componentes (tejidos: piel, residual, óseo, adiposo y muscular). Se midieron también la envergadura, la altura ilioespinal y los pliegues del bíceps y supracrestídeo, todas las medidas se realizaron en base al protocolo de marcaje y evaluación propuesto por ISAK. Se uso el método de Carter y Heath para calcular el somatotipo, describiendo los componentes de endomorfía, mesomorfía y ectomorfía respectivamente. Los resultados mostraron un porcentaje de grasa en hombres de 19,34 ± 1,59 % y en mujeres de 27,08 ± 3,6 % (p=0,003), la masa muscular de hombres fue de 52,69 ± 1,78 % y en mujeres de 45,68 ± 4,19 % (p=0,003), se apreció un somatotipo mesomorfo balanceado tanto en hombres (1,7-5,3-2,2) como mujeres (2,5-3,7-2,7). Se concluye que los seleccionados chilenos de remo presentan un alto desarrollo de masa muscular y un bajo porcentaje de masa grasa, además de un somatotipo mesomorfo balanceado.

The aim of the study was to describe the anthropometric characteristics and somatotype of the Chilean selected rowers. Twenty one 21 athletes (6 women and 15 men) with an average age of 18.66 ± 2.58 years for women and 22.06 ± 4.71 years for men were evaluated. The study was conducted prior to the Pan American qualification in Lima 2019. At the time of the evaluations, the athletes were concentrated in the Olympic Training Center (CEO) located in Curauma in the Valparaíso region of Chile. The anthropometric evaluations were carried out based on the restricted profile of 25 variables proposed by Kerr and Ross that allowed the fractionation of the body mass into 5 components (tissue: skin, residual, bone, adipose and muscle). The wingspan, the iliospinal height and the folds of the biceps and supracrestide were also measured; all measurements were based on the protocol of marking and evaluation proposed by ISAK. Carter and Heath method was used to calculate the somatotype, describing the components of endomorphy, mesomorphy and ectomorphy respectively. The results showed a percentage of fat in men of 19.34 ± 1.59 % and in women of 27.08 ± 3.6 % (p = 0.003), the muscle mass of men was 52.69 ± 1.78 % and in women of 45.68 ± 4.19 % (p = 0.003), a balanced mesomorphic somatotype was observed in both men (1.7-5.3-2.2) and women (2.5-3, 7-2.7). It is concluded that the Chilean rowing selected have a high development of muscle mass and a low percentage of fat mass, in addition to a balanced mesomorphic somatotype.

Fluorescence enhanced BA-LIFT for single cell detection and isolation.

Laser bioprinting is a term that refers to a group of laser-based techniques for printing living cells with high precision and good viability. Most of these techniques are based on modifications of the standard laser induced forward transfer technique (LIFT). When it comes to printing living material, direct laser irradiation should be avoided, therefore an indirect LIFT technique comprising an energy absorption layer should be used. This work presents a blister actuated-LIFT (BA-LIFT) technique which uses a commercial polyimide tape as a uniform energy absorption layer. To increase the potential of the technique for cell selection and printing accuracy, we take advantage of the high optical transmission of the polyimide layer to implement an in-line fluorescence and conventional imaging vision system coaxial with the laser path. With this system and using the appropriate staining methodology it is possible to track and identify different cell types, selecting those to be transferred and tracking cell survival both in the donor and acceptor substrates. We studied the BA-LIFT printability map for sodium alginate and methylcellulose hydrogels in the fluence range from 6.1 to 2.0 J cm-2 together with the cell viability assessment measured by our fluorescence system. The study has revealed that less concentrated, therefore less viscose hydrogel shows better results with lower fluences, whereas hydrogels with higher concentrations present better results at higher fluences. Also, at low fluences 98 % of cell viability was obtained, besides both primary cells and cell lines keep their integrity, proliferating and functional activity. The technique was tested by tracking and targeting mouse hematopoietic progenitor stem cells transferred to assess colony forming units; moreover, natural killer cells were isolated and its activation in a stimulation media was tracked with the fluorescence system.

Proximal composition and fatty acid profile of Hemigrapsus crenulatus (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) as one of the main foods of "patagonian blenny"Eleginops maclovinus (Cuvier, 1830).

The Patagonian blenny (Eleginops maclovinus) is species endemic to South America with physiological characteristics that would facilitate its incorporation into Chilean aquaculture. However, there is currently no specific artificial food that can be used to raise E. maclovinus. In light of this problem, this study describes the proximal composition and fatty acid profile of the crab Hemigrapsus crenulatus, one of the main foods of E. maclovinus. The purpose of the study is to serve as basic information for the development of a specific artificial diet for juveniles of this fish species. The proximal analysis of the complete body of H. crenulatus indicates that it is mainly composed of ash (35.9%), proteins (32.2%), glucides (19.8%) and minor lipids (3.6%). The fatty acid profile is 40.7% PUFAs, 29.7% MUFAs and 29.5% SAFAs, and the most abundant acids are Eicosapentaenoic (18.8%), Oleic (6.8%) and Palmitic (16.6%), respectively. H. crenulatus has highest level of proteins, lipids and PUFAs among the species of the Brachyura infraorder.

Programa de entrenamiento con resistencia en la rehabilitación de pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica

Introducción: la incorporación del entrenamiento de resistencia a bajas intensidades en los programas derehabilitación cardiaca resulta importante para potenciar grupos musculares específicos luego de un síndrome coronario agudo en pacientes en régimen de rehabilitación cardiovascular e impone un reto a los profesionales dedicados a este campo de la cardiología.Objetivo: describir el comportamiento de la rehabilitación cardiovascular con entrenamiento con resistencia para pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica.Método: se realizó un estudio cuasi experimental de tipo antes-después sin grupo de control con 39 pacientes luego de un síndrome coronario agudo. Se diseñó un programa de entrenamiento y tras seguimiento durante seis meses de implementado los ejercicios de resistencia se compararon los resultados con los del inicio de la investigación.Resultados: predominó el sexo masculino y el diagnóstico principal fue el síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST. La media en las mediciones de la tensión arterial nunca superó los rangos de normalidad en reposo ni en esfuerzo. El consumo de oxígeno máximo mejoró de 15,6 ml/kg/min a 24,3 ml/kg/min. No hubo ninguna alteración de las variables electrocardiográficas de seguridad.Conclusiones: la inclusión del ejercicio de resistencia al entrenamiento aeróbico en programas supervisados de entrenamiento para pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica mejora su capacidad funcional y la fuerza muscular perdida con los cambios fisiológicos del envejecimiento.[AU]

Neurocognitive Disorders in Heart Failure: Novel Pathophysiological Mechanisms Underpinning Memory Loss and Learning Impairment.

Heart failure (HF) is a major public health issue affecting more than 26 million people worldwide. HF is the most common cardiovascular disease in elder population; and it is associated with neurocognitive function decline, which represent underlying brain pathology diminishing learning and memory faculties. Both HF and neurocognitive impairment are associated with recurrent hospitalization episodes and increased mortality rate in older people, but particularly when they occur simultaneously. Overall, the published studies seem to confirm that HF patients display functional impairments relating to attention, memory, concentration, learning, and executive functioning compared with age-matched controls. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underpinning neurocognitive decline in HF. The present review round step recent evidence related to the possible molecular mechanism involved in the establishment of neurocognitive disorders during HF. We will make a special focus on cerebral ischemia, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, Wnt signaling, and mitochondrial DNA alterations as possible mechanisms associated with cognitive decline in HF. Also, we provide an integrative mechanism linking pathophysiological hallmarks of altered cardiorespiratory control and the development of cognitive dysfunction in HF patients. Graphical Abstract Main molecular mechanisms involved in the establishment of cognitive impairment during heart failure. Heart failure is characterized by chronic activation of brain areas responsible for increasing cardiac sympathetic load. In addition, HF patients also show neurocognitive impairment, suggesting that the overall mechanisms that underpin cardiac sympathoexcitation may be related to the development of cognitive disorders in HF. In low cardiac output, HF cerebral infarction due to cardiac mural emboli and cerebral ischemia due to chronic or intermittent cerebral hypoperfusion has been described as a major mechanism related to the development of CI. In addition, while acute norepinephrine (NE) release may be relevant to induce neural plasticity in the hippocampus, chronic or tonic release of NE may exert the opposite effects due to desensitization of the adrenergic signaling pathway due to receptor internalization. Enhanced chemoreflex drive is a major source of sympathoexcitation in HF, and this phenomenon elevates brain ROS levels and induces neuroinflammation through breathing instability. Importantly, both oxidative stress and neuroinflammation can induce mitochondrial dysfunction and vice versa. Then, this ROS inflammatory pathway may propagate within the brain and potentially contribute to the development of cognitive impairment in HF through the activation/inhibition of key molecular pathways involved in neurocognitive decline such as the Wnt signaling pathway.

Porcentagem de proteína em suplementos para ovinos mantidos em pasto de capim-aruana na época seca / Protein percentage in supplements for sheep grazing Aruana grass on dry season

Objetivou-se avaliar o consumo de forragem e o desempenho de ovinos mantidos em pastagem de capim-aruana, submetidos a porcentagens crescentes de proteína bruta (PB) no suplemento, na época seca. Vinte borregos da raça Santa Inês foram utilizados em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os suplementos foram fornecidos em 1,0% do peso corporal, nas porcentagens de 0, 15, 20, 25 e 30%. O aumento de proteína bruta influenciou o consumo total de matéria seca (kg/dia) e a porcentagem do peso vivo, com valores máximos estimados de 1.296g (3,2% de MS) com 21,48 e 21,89% de PB no suplemento, respectivamente. O consumo de forragem máximo, estimado de 893g/dia, ocorreu com a PB de 21,5%. O aumento de PB nos suplementos resultou em efeito quadrático sobre o ganho médio diário, com valor máximo de 104g/dia com a PB de 23% no suplemento. Recomenda-se o uso de suplementos múltiplos com 21 a 23% de PB fornecidos na proporção de 1% do peso corporal (PC) para ovinos mantidos em pastos de capim-aruana na época seca...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the forage intake and grazing sheep performance keep on Aruana grass subjected to increasing crude protein (CP) levels in the supplement on dry season. Twenty Santa Ines male lambs were used, with initial body weight of 31.80kg by a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications. The supplements were provided daily at 1% of body weight, with protein levels of 0, 15, 20, 25 and 30%. The increase of the crude protein levels promoted a squarely effect on dry matter intake (kg/day and % of BW), with maximum estimated values of 1296g and 3.2% of DM in CP levels of 21.48 and 21.89, respectively. The maximum forage intake estimated of 893g/day occurred in CP level de 21.51%. The increased of crude protein level in supplements increased squarely the average daily gain, with a maximum of 104g/day, for the 23% crude protein in the supplement. Thus, the use of the multiple supplements supplied in 1% of body weight with CP levels ranged 21 a 23% is indicated for sheep grazing Aruana grass on dry season...

Molecular and serological detection of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in donkeys (Equus asinus) in Brazil.

Piroplasmosis in donkeys has been recognized as a serious problem of major economic importance, since the affected animals manifest loss of appetite and decreased working capacity. The present work is aimed at detecting infection or exposure of donkeys in São Paulo, Brazil to Theileria (T.) equi and Babesia (B.) caballi using molecular and serological approaches. EDTA-blood and serum samples were collected from 88 donkeys (Equus asinus). From 88 sampled donkeys, 65 (73.86%; 95% confidence interval, PI=63.41, 82.65) and 82 (93.2%; 95% confidence interval, PI=85.75, 97.46) animals showed IgG antibodies to T. equi (by ELISA) and B. caballi (by IFAT), respectively. Twenty-eight (31.81%; 95% confidence interval, PI=22.3, 42.61) and 18 (20.45%; 95% confidence interval, PI=12.6, 30.39) donkeys were positive to T. equi and B. caballi nested PCR assays, respectively. The results indicated that T. equi and B. caballi are prevalent among donkeys in Brazil.

A comparison of direct and pattern recognition control for a two degree-of-freedom above elbow virtual prosthesis.

Individuals with a transhumeral amputation have a large functional deficit and require basic functions out of their prosthesis. Myoelectric prostheses have used amplitude control techniques for decades to restore one or two degrees of freedom to these patients. Pattern recognition control has also been investigated for transhumeral amputees, but in recent years, has been more focused on transradial amputees or high-level patients who have received targeted muscle reinnervation. This study seeks to use the most recent advances in pattern recognition control and investigate techniques that could be applied to the majority of the transhumeral amputee population that has not had the reinnervation surgery to determine if pattern recognition systems may provide them with improved control. In this study, able-bodied control subjects demonstrated that highly accurate two degree-of-freedom pattern recognition systems may be trained using four EMG channels. Such systems may be used to better control a prosthesis in real-time when compared to conventional amplitude control with mode switching.

Reflujo gastroesofágico en pediatría / Gastro esophageal reflux disease in pediatrics

Gastro Esophageal Reflux (GER) is the passage of gastric content to the esophagus with or without vomitus or regurgitation. GER is a physiological process that occurs in 50 percent of newborns, spontaneously resolving at 12 to 14 months of age. When this retrograde gastric content reaches the esophagus and produces uncomfortable symptoms or complications, a disease is produced, named Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. Reflux episodes occur due to transient relaxation of the inferior esophagic sphincter, triggered by distension of the gastric fundus. Nursing children show higher frequency of episodes of relaxation due to a higher frequency of feeding than older children do. Most frequent symptoms include frequent regurgitation, with out without vomit, weight loss or poor weight gain, irritability, pyrosis, hematemesis, dysphagia, odinophagia, sibillances, stridor, cough, dysphonia, among others. These are very inespecific symptoms. Studies for GERD include 24 H pHmeasurement, which permits the study of associatrion between one of these symptoms and reflux, as well as the study of those patients with poor response to medical treatment. Unfortunately, it does not detect non-acid reflux. Multichannel intraluminal pH impedance measurement is a relatively new exam that measures the movement of fluids, gas or solids by a change in electric impedance through the esophagus. It allows to detect small volumes, type of content, acid and non acid and correlated with symptoms of GERD. Other useful exams include endoscopy with biopsy of the esophagus for diagnosis of esophagitis, esophageal mannometry for specific cases and gastroesophagic scintigram for pulmonary aspiration. Treatment include change in lifestyle (feeding, position, habits), pharmacological treatment and surgery. Medical treatment includes antacids, PPIs, most frequently omeprazole, H2 blockers such as ranitidine have a lower rate of healing of esophagitis than omeprazole, and appears to show tachyph...

El reflujo gastroesofagico (RGE) es el paso del contenido gástrico hacia el esófago con o sin vómitos o regurgitación. El RGE es un proceso normal fisiológico que ocurre en el 50 por ciento de los lactantes, resolviéndose espontáneamente a los 12 a 14 meses de edad. Cuando este contenido retrógrado gástrico alcanza al esófago y produce síntomas molestos o complicaciones se produce la enfermedad por RGE o ERGE. Los episodios de reflujo se producen principalmente por relajaciones transitorias del esfínter esofágico inferior (LES) gatillado por distensión del fondo gástrico. Los lactantes presentan mayor numero de episodios de relajación del LES debido a que se alimentan con más frecuencia que los niños mayores. Los síntomas más frecuentes asociados con reflujo patológico son regurgitaciones frecuentes con o sin vómitos, pérdida de peso o pobre ganancia de peso, irritabilidad, pirosis, hematemesis, disfagia, odinofagia, sibilancias, estridor, tos, disfonía entre otros, estos síntomas son poco específicos en lactantes y niños menores. Los exámenes para el estudio de ERGE son la pH metría de 24 hrs que permite estudiar la asociación entre un síntoma y el reflujo, también es útil para estudiar aquellos pacientes con mala respuesta al tratamiento médico, sin embargo, tiene el inconveniente que no detecta episodios de reflujo no ácidos. La pH-Impedanciometria Intraluminal multicanal (pH IIM) es un examen relativamente nuevo mide los movimientos de fluidos, gas o sólidos a través de cambios en la impe-dancia eléctrica a lo largo del esófago; permite distinguir pequeños volúmenes refluidos y el tipo de contenido, detecta reflujo acido y no acido y correlaciona síntomas con ERGE. Otros exámenes útiles son la endoscopia con biopsia de esófago para estudio de esofagitis. La Manometría esofágica tiene sus indicaciones específicas y la Cintigrafía gastroesofágica que es otro examen que se utiliza principalmente para estudiar aspiración pulmonar. El tratamiento incluye cambi...

Tracking training evolution: patient with upper limb amputation above the elbow.

This article describes a patient training evolution to achieve myoelectric control in the remnant limb. The methodology is divided in two main stages: (i) the training procedure, where the patient is submitted to a protocol for educating the muscles of the remnant limb, and (ii) myoelectric signal acquisition and analysis, in order to measure the patient evolution to reach different contraction levels along the training sessions. After three training stages, the results suggest that the patient gradually achieved strength control over the muscles of the remnant limb.

Using 'stall detection' as an auxiliary mechanism for sensing obstacles and hand grasping in arm prosthesis.

This paper proposes a novel method for sensing obstacles and hand grasping activities in electromechanical arm prosthesis. The described method is based on indirectly sensing 'Stall' condition in prosthesis actuators through hall-effect sensors already embedded on its dc motors, thus not requiring external sensors. To test the proposed methodology, an electromechanical arm prosthesis of 3 degrees of freedom (DOF), plus 'open-close' of hand, which is being developed at CINVESTAV Mexico, was used. At the end of this paper, experimental measurements performed on the tested prosthesis, using and non using 'Stall Detection', are shown. We demonstrated that methodology can be used successfully for "sensing obstacles", but it cannot be used alone for "hand grasping". In any case, this technique demonstrated to be a good method to simplify and strengthen control of prosthesis.

Densidad neuronal en la corteza visual primaria (área 17), en ratas sometidas a estrés crónico / Density in primary visual cortex (17 visual area) from rats subjected to chronic stress

El estrés puede ser definido como una amenaza a la integridad psicológica o fisiológica de un individuo. Por otro lado, se ha verificado que el estrés tiene efecto sobre la morfología y función de diversas estructuras del Sistema Nervioso Central, relacionadas con el aprendizaje, memoria y respuestas emocionales, tales como el hipocampo, amígdala y corteza prefrontal. Es por lo anterior, que el objetivo del presente trabajo fue realizar un estudio de la anatomía de la corteza visual primaria (área 17), en ratas machos (n=9), de la cepa Sprague-Dawley, de 3 meses de edad (250-350g.), sometidas a estrés crónico por inmovilización. Es así como se observó que el grupo estrés (n=3) presentó una menor densidad neuronal que el grupo control (n=3) y una significativa menor densidad neuronal (p<0,05) que el grupo post estrés (n=3) el cual presentó la más alta densidad neuronal observada. Estableciendo una relación inversa entre densidad neuronal y tamaño de los somas neuronales y sus respectivas conexiones y ramificaciones dendríticas. Lo anterior podría tener incidencia en el procesamiento de la información visual.

Stress can be understood as a threat to psychological or physiological integrity of the individual. Stress has previously shown to alter morphology and function of diverse structures of the Central Nervous System related to learning, memory and emotional response, such as hippocampus, amygdala and prefrontal cortex. In the current work we assessed the effect of chronic stress for immobilization on structure of primary visual cortex (area 17) in male adult Sprague-Dawley rats (n=9), of 3 months of age (250-350g.). Stressed rats (n=3) tended to show lower neuronal densities than control rats (n=3) and were significantly lower (p<0.05) than recovered post-stress rats (n=3), which showed the highest neuronal densities observed. Since an inverse correlation between neuronal density and size of neuronal bodies and their respective dendrite branches, these changes might impact processing of visual information.

Immunohistochemical distribution of AMPA-type label in the pigeon (C. livia) hippocampus.

The avian hippocampal formation (HF) is reported to have a role equivalent to that of the mammalian hippocampus, which may involve the glutamatergic system as well. In the present paper we offer evidence of the occurrence and distribution of the subunits composing AMPA-type glutamate receptors on neurons in the hippocampus region of the pigeon brain. The experiment analyzed the immunolabeling of glutamate receptor (GluR)(1)(,) GluR(4,) and GluR(2/3) receptor subunits in adult pigeons and found consistent evidence that neurons located in the five main areas of the avian HF have these AMPA-type subunits, but their incidence varies according to position and neuro-type. About 20%-35% of the irregular and 35%-70% of the triangular neurons on the lateral and medial "V" arms contain GluR(1) and GluR(2/3), while GluR(4) was found only at rounded neurons. The majority of the triangular neurons (over 90%) and about half of the irregular neurons in the medial area contain GluR(1) and GluR(2/3,) whereas the rounded neurons contain primarily GluR(4) (95%). Labeling revealed GluR(1) (40%-60%) and GluR(2/3) (30%) in the dorsomedial and lateral areas but only in irregular neurons, while 60%-80% of the rounded neurons synthesize GluR(4). While triangular and irregular neurons appear to match the description of projecting neurons, rounded ones seem to participate in local circuits. A discussion of the functional significance of the avian HF concentrates on a postulation of the "V" arms as equivalent to the dentate gyrus and the dorsomedial area being similar to the Ammon's horn.

Development of tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the cushion star, Asterina gibbosa, and cross-species amplification.

We describe nine polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci from the starfish, Asterina gibbosa. Loci were isolated from a partial genomic library that had been enriched for AAAC repeat sequences. Number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 14 in a sample of 85 individuals from three populations (two from Spain and one from the UK). Observed and expected heterozygosities per population ranged from 0.000 to 0.400 and from 0.040 to 0.784, respectively. All loci presented significant heterozygote deficits in one or more populations. Eight of these loci were amplified and variable in A. pancerii and A. phylactica. These loci will be used to study population structure in A. gibbosa.