Synthesis and Electron Microscopy Study of the Quaternary Misfit Layer Chalcogenides {(Bi,Nd)S}1+δCrS2 and {(Pb,Nd)Se}1+δ(NbSe2)2.

In the present work, two compounds, in the Bi-Nd-Cr-S and Pb-Nd-Nb-Se systems, not reported to date were synthesized. The chemical composition and the structural determination of these complex compounds, at atomic resolution, was performed through conventional and aberration-corrected electron microscopy including selected area electron diffraction, high resolution (HR) transmission electron microscopy (TEM), HR scanning TEM, and the analytical associated techniques X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy. The average compositions are [(Bi0.4,Nd0.6)S]1.25CrS2 and [(Pb0.5,Nd0.5)Se]1.15(Nb1.0Se2)2, respectively. By using these electron microscopy techniques, we confirmed that both compounds can be described in term of two interpenetrated sublattices that fit along a but do not fit along b, giving rise to an incommensurate modulation. A closer inspection along the stacking direction of the subcell has provided an ideal structural model for [(Bi0.4,Nd0.6)S]1.25CrS2 based on the intergrowth of one layer of CrS2, three atoms thick, (111) B1 type, and one layer of (Bi, Nd)Se, two atoms thick, (100) B1 type. In [(Pb0.5,Nd0.5)Se]1.15(Nb1.0Se2)2 we found that two layers of NbSe2, which adopt the 2H-NbSe2 polytype, alternate with one layer of (Pb, Nd)Se B1 type. In addition, crystals showing extended defects, associated with the weak interaction between the layers, were frequently found.

Inhibitory potential of prickly pears and their isolated bioactives against digestive enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes and inflammatory response.

BACKGROUND: Prickly pears are potential candidates for the development of low-cost functional foods because they grow with low water requirements in arid regions of the world. They are sources of betalains and phenolic compounds, which have been reported to contribute to human health. The study of the biological activity of different varieties and of their isolated bioactive constitutes is fundamental in the design of functional foods. In this context, our objective is the assessment of the ability of Spanish and Mexican prickly-pear cultivars to inhibit enzymes related to type 2 diabetes and the inflammatory response, and the contribution of their bioactive compounds to their nutra-pharmaceutical potential. RESULTS: Prickly pear peels presented the highest antioxidant activity due to their high isorhamnetin glycoside content. Isorhamnetin glycosides showed significantly higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity than aglycone, particularly isorhamnetin glucosyl-rhamnosyl-pentoside (IG2), which also reported antihyperglycemic activity. Morada, Vigor, and Sanguinos whole fruits exhibited moderate α-amylase inhibition and higher α-glucosidase inhibition, which is ideal for lowering glucose absorption in hyperglycemia management. Sanguinos peels presented the highest anti-inflammatory activity because of their high indicaxanthin content and isorhamnetin glycoside profile. CONCLUSIONS: In the design of prickly pear functional foods, technological processing should prioritize the retention or concentration of these bioactive compounds to preserve (or increase) their natural antioxidant, antihyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory activity. Peels of red and orange varieties should be further evaluated for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory purposes while whole fruits of red and purple varieties could be considered possible candidates for hyperglycemia management. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Randomized Trial of Dexamethasone Versus Prednisone for Children with Acute Asthma Exacerbations.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether 2 doses of dexamethasone is as effective as 5 days of prednisolone/prednisone therapy in improving symptoms and quality of life of children with asthma exacerbations admitted to the emergency department (ED). STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a randomized, noninferiority trial including patients aged 1-14 years who presented to the ED with acute asthma to compare the efficacy of 2 doses of dexamethasone (0.6 mg/kg/dose, experimental treatment) vs a 5-day course of prednisolone/prednisone (1.5 mg/kg/d, followed by 1 mg/kg/d on days 2-5, conventional treatment). Two follow-up telephone interviews were completed at 7 and 15 days. The primary outcome measures were the percentage of patients with asthma symptoms and quality of life at day 7. Secondary outcomes were unscheduled returns, admissions, adherence, and vomiting. RESULTS: During the study period, 710 children who met the inclusion criteria were invited to participate and 590 agreed. Primary outcome data were available in 557 patients. At day 7, experimental and conventional groups did not show differences related to persistence of symptoms (56.6%, 95% CI 50.6-62.6 vs 58.3%, 95% CI 52.3-64.2, respectively), quality of life score (80.0 vs 77.7, not significant [ns]), admission rate (23.9% vs 21.7%, ns), unscheduled ED return visits (4.6% vs 3.3%, ns), and vomiting (2.1% vs 4.4%, ns). Adherence was greater in the dexamethasone group (99.3% vs 96.0%, P < .05). CONCLUSION: Two doses of dexamethasone may be an effective alternative to a 5-day course of prednisone/prednisolone for asthma exacerbations, as measured by persistence of symptoms and quality of life at day 7. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrialsregister.eu: 2013-003145-42.

The role of education in executive functions, behavioral problems and functional performance in people with schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study examined the influence of education on executive functions, behavioral problems and functional performance in people with chronic schizophrenia. METHOD: Our sample was composed of 116 subjects with a schizophrenia diagnosis (evolution time = 17.5 ± 9.5 years) from consecutive referrals to the Rehabilitation Unit of Benito Menni Hospital (Valladolid, Spain). All participants completed an extensive standardized protocol including a neuropsychological testing of executive functions (processing speed, working memory, inhibition, interference control, mental flexibility), the assessment of behavioral symptoms, and functional performance. Hierarchical regression models (HRMs) were carried out to determine whether education (in years) relates to executive functions after controlling for the effect of demographics, IQ, and clinical factors. RESULTS: Both IQ and years of education were associated with a later onset of the illness. Specifically, high education (in years) significantly correlated with fewer behavioral problems and better functional performance in daily life. Further, HRMs showed that education was associated with digit span and sematic verbal fluency tasks after controlling for the effect of age, sex, and IQ as covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Higher education may ameliorate executive deficits in patients with chronic schizophrenia and, in turn, diminish the behavioral and functional problems of the illness. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Controlling for race/ethnicity: a comparison of California commercial health plans CAHPS scores to NCBD benchmarks.

BACKGROUND: Because California has higher managed care penetration and the race/ethnicity of Californians differs from the rest of the United States, we tested the hypothesis that California's lower health plan Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS(R)) survey results are attributable to the state's racial/ethnic composition. METHODS: California CAHPS survey responses for commercial health plans were compared to national responses for five selected measures: three global ratings of doctor, health plan and health care, and two composite scores regarding doctor communication and staff courtesy, respect, and helpfulness. We used the 2005 National CAHPS 3.0 Benchmarking Database to assess patient experiences of care. Multiple stepwise logistic regression was used to see if patient experience ratings based on CAHPS responses in California commercial health plans differed from all other states combined. RESULTS: CAHPS patient experience responses in California were not significantly different than the rest of the nation after adjusting for age, general health rating, individual health plan, education, time in health plan, race/ethnicity, and gender. Both California and national patient experience scores varied by race/ethnicity. In both California and the rest of the nation Blacks tended to be more satisfied, while Asians were less satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: California commercial health plan enrollees rate their experiences of care similarly to enrollees in the rest of the nation when seven different variables including race/ethnicity are considered. These findings support accounting for more than just age, gender and general health rating before comparing health plans from one state to another. Reporting on race/ethnicity disparities in member experiences of care could raise awareness and increase accountability for reducing these racial and ethnic disparities.

Impact of high hydrostatic pressure and thermal treatment on the stability and bioaccessibility of carotenoid and carotenoid esters in astringent persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb, var. Rojo Brillante).

The carotenoid and carotenoid ester profile in astringent persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb., var. Rojo Brillante) was composed by 13 free xanthophylls, 8 hydrocarbon carotenes and 17 carotenoid esters. The stability and biaoccessibility of these carotenoids was determined by an adaptation of the INFOGEST protocol. Results showed that the stability of persimmon carotenoids ranged from 61 to 74%, depending on the digestion phase, being (all-E)-ß-cryptoxanthin and (all-E)-antheraxanthin 3-O-palmitate the most stable carotenoids. At the final step of the digestion (oral + gastric + duodenal phase), only traces of (all-E)-antheraxanthin, (all-E)-lutein and (all-E)-ß-cryptoxanthin were found in control samples due to the low efficiency of carotenoid micellization, which was affected by the high pectin content naturally present in persimmon tissues. Processing increased the overall carotenoid bioaccessibility to 54% in pressurized samples and to 25% in thermal treated ones. This effect depended on the processing technology as well as on the chemical structure of the carotenoid, being (all-E)-ß-cryptoxanthin and (all-E)-ß-cryptoxanthin laurate the most bioaccessible carotenoids in pressurized samples and (all-E)-ß-cryptoxanthin laurate and (all-E)-antheraxanthin the most bioaccessible ones in pasteurized ones.

The Mating System of the Wild-to-Domesticated Complex of Gossypium hirsutum L. Is Mixed.

The domestication syndrome of many plants includes changes in their mating systems. The evolution of the latter is shaped by ecological and genetic factors that are particular to an area. Thus, the reproductive biology of wild relatives must be studied in their natural distribution to understand the mating system of a crop species as a whole. Gossypium hirsutum (upland cotton) includes both domesticated varieties and wild populations of the same species. Most studies on mating systems describe cultivated cotton as self-pollinated, while studies on pollen dispersal report outcrossing; however, the mating system of upland cotton has not been described as mixed and little is known about its wild relatives. In this study we selected two wild metapopulations for comparison with domesticated plants and one metapopulation with evidence of recent gene flow between wild relatives and the crop to evaluate the mating system of cotton's wild-to-domesticated complex. Using classic reproductive biology methods, our data demonstrate that upland cotton presents a mixed mating system throughout the complex. Given cotton's capacity for outcrossing, differences caused by the domestication process in cultivated individuals can have consequences for its wild relatives. This characterization of the diversity of the wild relatives in their natural distribution, as well as their interactions with the crop, will be useful to design and implement adequate strategies for conservation and biosecurity.

[Verapamil in conjunction with pressure therapy in the treatment of pathologic scar due burn injury]. / Verapamilo en conjunto con prendas de compresión en el tratamiento de cicatriz patológica causada por quemadura.

BACKGROUND: Keloids and hypertrophic scars are dermal fibro-proliferative disorders unique to humans. Their treatment is a true challenge with multiple options, but not all the time with good results. Unfortunately this problem is not uncommon in patients with history of burn injury. The aim of this article is to evaluate the use of verapamil and pressure garments in patients with hypertrophic or keloid scar caused by burn injury. METHODS: We included patients with a hypertrophic or keloid scar caused by burn injury candidate to treatment with pressure garment. The pathologic scars were evaluated by serial photographic records, Vancouver and Posas scales. The scales of Vancouver and Posas were compared with t Student. RESULTS: We included 13 scars in 11 patients. Four scars were located in the legs, 4 in the arms, 4 in the face-neck and 1 in the abdomen. The dose of verapamil was calculated .03mg per kg. Injections were scheduled every 7 to 10 days until complete 6 sessions. Taking in count Posas scale, patients referred improvement in pigmentation (.01), thickness (.005), pliability (.01) and surface area (.004). In the Vancouver scale the observers mentioned improvement in elevation (.008), pigmentation (.014), vascularity (.022), flexibility (.014) and pruritus (.003). No adverse effects were found in verapamil injection. CONCLUSIONS: Verapamil was useful in conjunction with pressure garment to improve the condition of the keloid and hypertrophic scar caused by burn.

Introducción: la cicatriz queloide y la hipertrófica son desordenes fibro-proliferativos únicos de los humanos, su tratamiento representa un reto en con pocas opciones. El uso de prendas de compresión resulta útil, sin embargo el proceso de maduración no es tan rápido; decidimos usar verapamilo para facilitar este proceso y poder mejorar la calidad de vida de nuestros pacientes. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el uso del verapamilo y las prendas de compresión en pacientes con cicatrización patológica como consecuencia de quemadura. Métodos: incluimos pacientes con cicatrización patológica, ya sea queloide o hipertrófica, causada por quemadura. La cicatriz fue evaluada con fotografías seriadas, escala de Vancouver y Posas. Los resultados fueron comparados con la prueba de t de Student. Resultados: incluimos 13 cicatrices en 11 pacientes. La localización de las cicatrices fue en: brazos 4, piernas 4, cara y cuello 1, y abdomen 1. La dosis de verapamilo se calculó a .03 mg por kg de peso. Las inyecciones se aplicaron de manera intralesional y se administraron cada 7 a 10 días, hasta completar 6 sesiones. Encontramos mejoría en los siguientes parámetros de la escala de Posas: pigmentación, pliabilidad, endurecimiento y superficie. En la escala de Vancouver: elevación, pigmentación, vascularidad, flexibilidad y prurito. No encontramos efectos adversos con la administración de verapamilo. Conclusiones: el verapamilo fue útil en conjunto con las prendas de compresión para mejorar las condiciones de la cicatriz queloide e hipertrófica causadas por lesiones por quemadura.

17Beta-estradiol inhibits the adhesion of leukocytes in TNF-alpha stimulated human endothelial cells by blocking IL-8 and MCP-1 secretion, but not its transcription.

Inflammation, and especially mononuclear cell adhesion to endothelium, is an important physiopathological component of atherosclerosis. Since coronary heart disease in women of reproductive age and/or with estrogen replacement therapy is reduced, our aim was to determine if 17beta-estradiol had a regulatory effect on the adhesion of lymphocytes to the endothelium. We performed U-937 cells adhesion assays in TNF-alpha-stimulated HUVECs, and we also quantitated IL-8 and MCP-1 in culture supernatants, in the presence or not of 17beta-estradiol. The presence of alpha- and beta-estrogen receptors was determined by Western blot and RT-PCR, respectively, whereas the transcription of both chemokines was evaluated by RT-PCR. The results showed a 35% decrease in the adhesion of U-937 monocyte cells to TNF-alpha-stimulated HUVECs, and a 54% and 65% inhibition of TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 and MCP-1 secretion by physiological and physiologically high doses of 17beta-estradiol. The hormone did not affect the transcription of both chemokine genes. Tamoxifen reverted the inhibitory effect induced by 17beta-estradiol. In conclusion, 17beta-estradiol modifies the adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells by inhibiting the secretion, but not the gene transcription, of proinflammatory chemokines.

[Current estate of biotechnology in Costa Rica]. / Estado actual de la biotecnología en Costa Rica.

A study was carried out on the construction of indicators in biotechnology in Costa Rica as part of the project "SYMBIOSIS, Cooperative Program for the Construction of Indicators in Biotechnology adapted to Latin American and Caribbean countries, to motivate the application and transference of industrial technologies". The study focused on two units: researchers and research projects developed in Costa Rica, between 1998 and 2002. For researchers, information was collected about indicators related to sex, age, teaching activities, number of projects, academic degree, area of speciality and number of publications. For research projects we obtained information about: speciality, sector of application, duration of projects and number of researchers per project. Very interesting results include the high participation of the women in this area of investigation (54%); the low participation of young researchers (13% younger than 30), and a high proportion of the investigators that are responsible for 4 or more projects (42%). With relation to the specialities of the projects, the majority are in the category Bio-Agro (39%) whereas in Acuaculture only 1% was found. The sectors of application with the most number of projects are: Agriculture and Livestock (37%) and Human Health (35%). The main strengthts and limitatations for the development of biotechnology in Costa Rica are discussed.

Verapamilo en conjunto con las prendas de compresión en el tratamiento de la cicatriz patológica causada por quemadura / Verapamil in conjunction with pressure therapy in the treatment of pathologic scar due burn injury

Abstract Introduction: Keloids and hypertrophic scars are dermal fibro-proliferative disorders unique to humans. Their treatment is a true challenge with multiple options, but not all the time with good results. Unfortunatelythis problem is not uncommon in patients with history of burn injury. Aim: To evaluate use of verapamil andpressure garments in patients with hypertrophic or keloid scar caused by burn injury. methods: We includedpatients with a hypertrophic or keloid scar caused by burn injury that report non-response to treatment withpressure garment. The pathologic scars were evaluated by serial photographic records, Vancouver and Posasscales. The scales of Vancouver and Posas were compared with t Student. Results: We included 13 scars in11 patients. Four scars were located in the legs, 4 in the arms, 4 in the face-neck and 1 in the abdomen. Thedose of verapamil was calculated 0.03 mg per kg. Injections were scheduled every 7 to 10 days until complete 6 sessions. Taking in count Posas scale, patients referred improvement in pigmentation (0.01), thickness(0.005), pliability (0.01), pruritus (0.003) and irregular surface (0.004). In the Vancouver scale the observers mentioned improvement in elevation (0.008), pigmentation (0.014), vascularity (0.022) and flexibility (0.014).No adverse effects were found in verapamil injection. Conclusion: Verapamil was useful in conjunction withpressure garment to improve the condition of the keloid and hypertrophic scar caused by burn.

Resumen Introducción: La cicatriz queloide o la cicatriz hipertrófica son desórdenes fibro-proliferativos únicos de los humanos, cuyo tratamiento representa un reto en donde existen pocas opciones con buenos resultados.Objetivo: Evaluar el uso de verapamilo y las prendas de compresión en pacientes con cicatrización patológicacomo consecuencia de quemadura. material y método: Incluimos pacientes con cicatrización patológica,ya sea queloide o hipertrófica, causada por quemadura que mencionaron no haber tenido beneficio con el usode prendas de compresión. La cicatriz fue evaluada con fotografías seriadas, escala de Vancouver y Posas.Los resultados fueron comparados con la prueba de t de Student. Resultados: Incluimos 13 cicatrices en 11pacientes. La localización de las cicatrices fue en brazos 4, piernas 4, cara y cuello 1, y abdomen 1. La dosisde verapamilo se calculó a 0,03 mg por kg. Las inyecciones se aplicaron intralesionales y se administraroncada 7 a 10 días hasta completar 6 sesiones. Encontramos mejoría en los siguientes parámetros de la escalade Posas: pigmentación (0,01), pliabilidad (0,01), endurecimiento o grosor (0,005), prurito (0,003) e irregular (0,004). En la escala de Vancouver elevación (0,008), pigmentación (0,014), vascularidad (0,022) yflexibilidad (0,014). No encontramos efectos adversos con la administración de verapamilo. Conclusión: Elverapamilo fue útil en conjunto con las prendas de compresión para mejorar las condiciones de la cicatrizqueloide e hipertrófica causadas por lesiones por quemadura.

Estado actual de la biotecnología en Costa Rica / Current estate of biotechnology in Costa Rica

A study was carried out on the construction of indicators in biotechnology in Costa Rica as part of the project "SYMBIOSIS, Cooperative Program for the Construction of Indicators in Biotechnology adapted to Latin American and Caribbean countries, to motivate the application and transference of industrial technologies". The study focused on two units: researchers and research projects developed in Costa Rica, between 1998 and 2002. For researchers, information was collected about indicators related to sex, age, teaching activities, number of projects, academic degree, area of speciality and number of publications. For research projects we obtained information about: speciality, sector of application, duration of projects and number of researchers per project. Very interesting results include the high participation of the women in this area of investigation (54%); the low participation of young researchers (13% younger than 30), and a high proportion of the investigators that are responsible for 4 or more projects (42%). With relation to the specialities of the projects, the majority are in the category Bio-Agro (39%) whereas in Acuaculture only 1% was found. The sectors of application with the most number of projects are: Agriculture and Livestock (37%) and Human Health (35%). The main strengthts and limitatations for the development of biotechnology in Costa Rica are discussed.

Dispositivo intrauterino en ampolla tubárica: comunicación de un caso / Intrauterine device in fallopian ampulla: communication a case

Se presenta un caso de expulsión de dispositivo intrauterino (DIU), modelo TCu 200 Ag, por la ampolla tubárica cuya extracción se realizó mediante laparatomía

Percepciones y actitudes frente al embarazo en gestante del estrato socioeconómico pobre, Centro de Salud Progreso y Puesto de Salud Luis Enrique del Distrito de Carabayllo: Febrero - Marzo 1996 / Perceptions and attitudes as opposed to the pregnancy in gestantes of the poor socioeconomic layer. Centro de Salud Progreso and Puesto de Salud Luis Enrique of the district of Carabayllo: February - March 1996

El propósito de este estudio fue contribuir a un conocimiento más amplio, profundo y sistemático de las Percepciones y Actitudes frente al Embarazo en Gestantes del estrato socioeconómico pobre, que acudieron a los consultorios externos de obstetricia del Centro de Salud Progreso y Puesto de Salud Luis Enrique. El método utilizado fue descriptivo con un enfoque cualitativo y un análisis social. El tamaño muestral se obtuvo por saturación y el muestreo fue a base de criterios y se obtuvo por saturación y el muestreo fue a base de criterios y seleccionaron a 39 mujeres de 15 a 49 años con veinte semanas de gestación, excluyendo a las de alto riesgo. La técnica de recolección de datos fue la entrevista a profundidad a través de: Una guía de lineamientos temáticos y una guía socioeconómica cuyas respuestas fueron grabadas. Mayoritariamente las gestantes tiene la percepción de maternidad sola o acompañada por el placer sexual como realización de género y se distinguen nítidamente en actitudes previas de desear la maternidad y de no esperar. Desear al hijo y esperar el embarazo, desear al hijo y sin embargo no esperar el embarazo y, no desear al hijo y sin embargo no esperar el embarazo y, no desear al hijo y tampoco esperar el embarazo. En relación a estas tres posibles actitudes previas, se diferenciaron tres subgrupos. Las gestantes que desean y esperan el embarazo (14 por ciento), mayoritariamente son multigestas de 19 a 34 años, con uniones conyugales de hecho y con un nivel de educación secundaria completa, incompleta y superior no universitaria incompleta. Mayoritariamente ellas expresaron alegría y valoraron al hijo como unión de pareja. En este subgrupo el planificar implicó suspender el uso de métodos anticonceptivos por un lado y por el otro lado el no usarlos por desconocimiento...