RESUMEN

Europium oxide (Eu2O3) was used to evaluate the affinity of this rare earth element for interacting with double-stranded (ds) DNA molecules. To perform the study, we used single molecule force spectroscopy with optical tweezers and gel electrophoresis assays. Force spectroscopy experiments show that Eu2O3 presents a strong interaction with dsDNA, and the binding is independent on the ionic strength used in the surrounding environment. Among the main characteristics of the interaction, Eu2O3 tends to bind in a cooperative way, forming bound clusters of ∼ 3 molecules, and presents a high equilibrium association binding constant on the order of 105 M-1. In addition, gel electrophoresis confirm the weak electrostatic character of the interaction and explicit show that Eu2O3 does not interfere on drug intercalation into the double-helix. Such results demonstrate the potential of europium for interacting with nucleic acids and strongly suggest that this rare earth element may be considered for the design of new metal-based anticancer drugs in the future.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Diseño de Fármacos , Europio/farmacología , ADN/química , Modelos Moleculares , Imagen Individual de Molécula

RESUMEN

Chronic diseases are the primary health burden among Mexican-origin populations and health promotion efforts have not been able to change negative population trends. This research presents behavioral and subjective health impacts of two related community health worker (CHW) interventions conducted in the US-Mexico border region. Pasos Adelante (United States) and Meta Salud (Mexico) are 12-13 week CHW-led preventive interventions implemented with Mexico-origin adults. Curricula include active learning modules to promote healthy dietary changes and increasing physical activity; they also incorporate strategies to promote social support, empowerment and group exercise components responsive to their communities. Questionnaire data at baseline (N = 347 for Pasos; 171 for Meta Salud), program completion and 3-month follow-up were analyzed. Results showed statistically significant improvements in multiple reported dietary, physical activity and subjective health indicators. Furthermore, at follow-up across both cohorts there were ≥10% improvements in participants' meeting recommended physical activity guidelines, consumption of whole milk, days of poor mental health and self-rated health. While this study identifies some robust health improvements and contributes to the evidence base for these interventions current dissemination, the lack of change observed for some targeted behaviors (e.g. time sitting) suggests they may have stronger overall impacts with curricula refinement.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedad Crónica/prevención & control , Agentes Comunitarios de Salud/organización & administración , Conductas Relacionadas con la Salud/etnología , Educación en Salud/organización & administración , Estado de Salud , Adulto , Anciano , Dieta , Dieta Saludable , Ejercicio Físico , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Salud Mental , México/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Apoyo Social , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Estados Unidos

RESUMEN

Experimental evidence has been observed for energy transfer from CdS nanocrystals, synthesized by the fusion method, to Nd(3+) ions embedded in vitreous substrates. These dot samples doped with neodymium have been investigated by combined optical absorption (OA), photoluminescence (PL), and time-resolved photoluminescence (PLRT) techniques. Radiative and nonradiative energy transfers between CdS dot and Nd(3+) ion levels, to our knowledge not reported before, can be clearly observed in the PL spectra where the emission band valleys correspond exactly to the energy absorption peaks of the doping ion. The PLRT data reinforce these energy transfer mechanisms in which the increasing overlap between the CdS PL band and the OA to the Nd(3+) levels decreases stimulated emissions from the doping ions.

RESUMEN

The objective was to investigate the frequency of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (CCP) antibodies in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), utilizing a new "third generation" anti-CCP ELISA (anti-CCP3) kit and a conventional anti-CCP2 assay. Patients with PBC, SSc, RA, and normal controls were included in the study. Serum samples were screened for autoantibodies by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), antibodies to CCP by a second- and third-generation ELISA, antibodies to "scleroderma" antigens (CENP B, Scl-70, PM/Scl and fibrillarin-Scl-34) by a line immunoassay (LIA), and IgM RF by ELISA. The frequency of anti-CCP2 antibodies in SSc and PBC samples was 14.8% (11/74) and 6.2% (5/80), respectively, and the frequency of anti-CCP3 antibodies in SSc was 13.5% (10/74) and in PBC was 3.7% (3/80). By comparison, in the RA group the frequency of anti-CCP3 and anti-CCP2 antibodies was 79.1% (38/48) and 77% (37/48), respectively. Anti-CCP3 ELISA had a sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR) of 79% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 64-89%), 93% (95% CI = 88-96%), 11.8 (95% CI = 6.8-20.3), and 0.22 (95% CI = 0.12-0.38), respectively. By comparison, the anti-CCP2 assay had a sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative LRs of 77% (95% CI = 62-87), 90% (95% CI = 85-94), 8.3 (95% CI = 5.2-13.2), and 0.25 (95% CI = 0.15-0.42), respectively. In patients with SSc, there was an association of anti-CCP2 antibodies with the presence of arthritis, but there was no association of anti-CCP2 or anti-CCP3 with anti-CENP B, anti-Scl 70, or RF. This study confirmed the high specificity and sensitivity of both anti-CCP assays for the diagnosis of RA. The presence of anti-CCP antibodies in SSc was only correlated with the presence of arthritis.

Asunto(s)

Artritis Reumatoide/inmunología , Autoanticuerpos/análisis , Cirrosis Hepática Biliar/inmunología , Péptidos Cíclicos/inmunología , Esclerodermia Sistémica/inmunología , Artritis Reumatoide/diagnóstico , Autoanticuerpos/inmunología , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Femenino , Técnica del Anticuerpo Fluorescente Indirecta , Humanos , Cirrosis Hepática Biliar/diagnóstico , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Esclerodermia Sistémica/diagnóstico

RESUMEN

Retrospective data from 18 tunnel-ventilated and 41 conventional houses in Barbados were evaluated in order to compare the effects of the two types of housing using the following indices: feed conversion ratio at 1500 grammes (FCR 1500), European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF), and net income per bird (NIPB). The data were obtained from the records of 200 and 282 grow-outs for tunnel-ventilated and conventional houses, respectively. The effects of season of placement and month of placement on the above performance variables were also evaluated. The analyses revealed that the performance variables NIPB, EPEF, and FCR 1500 were superior for tunnel -ventilated housing (P=0.02, 0.0001 respectively); were less variable from month to month for tunnel- ventilated housing; and except for NIPB, were better when birds were placed during the dry season (P=0.08, 0.0005 and 0.007 respectively). Financial anlaysis also showed that tunnel -ventilated house was more profitable venture than the conventional house. The net profit margin (15.38vs 3.59%) net profit per kg, (0.51 vs 0.12 BDS$, (BDS$1.00~ US $0.50)), and net profit per m squared (94.83vs13.13BDS$) were also higher for the tunnel-ventilated house.

Asunto(s)

Animales , Aves de Corral , Vivienda , Vivienda para Animales , Barbados , Medicina Veterinaria

RESUMEN

Retrospective data from 18 tunnel-ventilated and 41 conventional houses in Barbados were evaluated in order to compare the effects of the two types of housing using the following indices: feed conversion ratio at 1500 grammes (FCR 1500), European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF), and net income per bird (NIPB). The data were obtained from the records of 200 and 282 grow-outs for tunnel-ventilated and conventional houses, respectively. The effects of season of placement and month of placement on the above performance variables were also evaluated. The analyses revealed that the performance variables NIPB, EPEF, and FCR 1500 were superior for tunnel -ventilated housing (P=0.02, 0.0001 respectively); were less variable from month to month for tunnel- ventilated housing; and except for NIPB, were better when birds were placed during the dry season (P=0.08, 0.0005 and 0.007 respectively). Financial anlaysis also showed that tunnel -ventilated house was more profitable venture than the conventional house. The net profit margin (15.38vs 3.59%) net profit per kg, (0.51 vs 0.12 BDS$, (BDS$1.00~ US $0.50)), and net profit per m squared (94.83vs13.13BDS$) were also higher for the tunnel-ventilated house.

Asunto(s)

Animales , Aves de Corral , Vivienda , Vivienda para Animales , Barbados , Medicina Veterinaria

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Excitotoxicity is an important mechanism in secondary neuronal injury after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Excitatory amino acids (EAAs) are increased in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in adults after TBI; however, studies in pediatric head trauma are lacking. We hypothesized that CSF glutamate, aspartate, and glycine would be increased after TBI in children and that these increases would be associated with age, child abuse, poor outcome, and cerebral ischemia. METHODS: EAAs were measured in 66 CSF samples from 18 children after severe TBI. Control samples were obtained from 19 children who received lumbar punctures to rule out meningitis. RESULTS: Peak and mean CSF glycine and peak CSF glutamate levels were increased versus control values. Subgroups of patients with TBI were compared by using univariate regression analysis. Massive increases in CSF glutamate were found in children <4 years old and in child abuse victims. Increased CSF glutamate and glycine were associated with poor outcome. A trend toward an association between high glutamate concentration and ischemic blood flow was observed. CONCLUSIONS: CSF EAAs are increased in infants and children with severe TBI. Young age and child abuse were associated with extremely high CSF glutamate concentrations after TBI. A possible role for excitotoxicity after pediatric TBI is supported.

Asunto(s)

Ácido Aspártico/líquido cefalorraquídeo , Lesiones Encefálicas/líquido cefalorraquídeo , Lesiones Encefálicas/etiología , Ventrículos Cerebrales , Maltrato a los Niños , Aminoácidos Excitadores/líquido cefalorraquídeo , Ácido Glutámico/líquido cefalorraquídeo , Glicina/líquido cefalorraquídeo , Adolescente , Factores de Edad , Lesiones Encefálicas/diagnóstico por imagen , Lesiones Encefálicas/mortalidad , Isquemia Encefálica/etiología , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Niño , Maltrato a los Niños/estadística & datos numéricos , Preescolar , Personas con Discapacidad/estadística & datos numéricos , Escala de Coma de Glasgow , Escala de Consecuencias de Glasgow , Humanos , Lactante , Pronóstico , Análisis de Supervivencia , Factores de Tiempo , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether bcl-2, a protein that inhibits apoptosis, would be increased in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in infants and children after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to examine the association of bcl-2 concentration with clinical variables. STUDY DESIGN: Bcl-2 was measured in CSF from 23 children (aged 2 months-16 years) with severe TBI and from 19 children without TBI or meningitis (control subjects) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CSF oligonucleosome concentration was also determined as a marker of DNA degradation. Brain samples from 2 patients undergoing emergent decompressive craniectomies were analyzed for bcl-2 with Western blot and for DNA fragmentation with TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase mediated biotin-dUTP nick-end labeling). RESULTS: CSF bcl-2 concentrations were increased in patients with TBI versus control subjects (P =.01). Bcl-2 was increased in patients with TBI who survived versus those who died (P =.02). CSF oligonucleosome concentration tended to be increased after TBI (P =.07) and was not associated with bcl-2. Brain tissue samples showed an increase in bcl-2 in patients with TBI versus adult brain bank control samples and evidence of DNA fragmentation within cells with apoptotic morphology. CONCLUSIONS: Bcl-2 may participate in the regulation of cell death after TBI in infants and children. The increase in bcl-2 seen in patients who survived is consistent with a protective role for this anti-apoptotic protein after TBI.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Lesiones Encefálicas/fisiopatología , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-bcl-2/líquido cefalorraquídeo , Adolescente , Factores de Edad , Análisis de Varianza , Lesiones Encefálicas/líquido cefalorraquídeo , Lesiones Encefálicas/etiología , Lesiones Encefálicas/mortalidad , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Escala de Coma de Glasgow , Humanos , Lactante , Modelos Lineales , Masculino , Análisis Multivariante , Nucleosomas/metabolismo , Pennsylvania/epidemiología , Análisis de Supervivencia , Lóbulo Temporal/metabolismo

RESUMEN

The purpose of this study was to assess use of pain relief measures and satisfaction with postoperative pain management among non-Hispanic white and Mexican American older adults after abdominal surgery. Findings revealed interpatient and intraethnic diversity, endorsing the importance of careful patient assessment and examining patient satisfaction for quality assurance/improvement.

Asunto(s)

Americanos Mexicanos/psicología , Dolor Postoperatorio/etnología , Satisfacción del Paciente/etnología , Cuidados Posoperatorios/psicología , Población Blanca/psicología , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Comparación Transcultural , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Investigación Metodológica en Enfermería , Dimensión del Dolor , Dolor Postoperatorio/tratamiento farmacológico , Dolor Postoperatorio/enfermería , Encuestas y Cuestionarios

RESUMEN

An exploratory study was conducted to determine Mexican American women's attitudes toward menopause and the relationships between these attitudes and socioeconomic status, level of acculturation, menopausal status, symptoms, self-esteem, and social support. The sample included 130 Mexican American women who ranged in age from 28 to 75 years. Attitudes did not differ by socioeconomic status, menopausal status, or number and severity of symptoms. More positive attitudes were reported by less acculturated women and women with higher self-esteem. Menopause was perceived as a potentially disturbing transition, and irritability and depressive mood were expected. Findings support the need for more accessible information to decrease uncertainty and avert negative expectations.

Asunto(s)

Actitud Frente a la Salud/etnología , Menopausia/etnología , Americanos Mexicanos/psicología , Aculturación , Adulto , Anciano , Femenino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Investigación Metodológica en Enfermería , Autoimagen , Apoyo Social , Factores Socioeconómicos , Estados Unidos

RESUMEN

The pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered clindamycin phosphate was studied in 40 children less than 1 year of age. Mean peak serum concentrations were 10.92 micrograms/ml in premature infants less than 4 weeks of age, 10.45 micrograms/ml in term infants greater than 4 weeks, and 12.69 micrograms/ml in term infants less than 4 weeks of age. Mean trough concentrations were 5.52, 2.8, and 3.03 micrograms/ml, respectively, in the same groups. Serum half-life was significantly longer (8.68 vs 3.60 hours) in premature compared with term infants less than 4 weeks of age. Both premature and term infants less than 4 weeks had significantly decreased clearance when compared with infants greater than 4 weeks (0.294 and 0.678, respectively, vs 1.58 L/hr). Clearance was significantly greater (1.919 vs 0.310 L/hr) and serum half-life less (1.75 vs 7.57 hours) in infants with body weight greater than 3.5 kg. On the basis of these data it is recommended that in infants greater than 4 weeks or greater than 3.5 kg, intravenous clindamycin dosage be 20 mg/kg/day in four divided doses. In premature neonates less than 4 weeks, the dose should be reduced to 15 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. Term infants greater than 1 week of age may also receive 20 mg/kg/day in four doses.

Asunto(s)

Clindamicina/análogos & derivados , Clindamicina/administración & dosificación , Clindamicina/sangre , Clindamicina/metabolismo , Clindamicina/uso terapéutico , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Recien Nacido Prematuro , Cinética , Masculino , Tasa de Depuración Metabólica , Peritonitis/prevención & control

RESUMEN

We studied gastrointestinal tract excretion of sodium and water in seven infants with an abdominal ileostomy (group 1) and three children with a Soave ileoendorectal pull-through (group 2). When the daily sodium intake of the patients was 5 to 7 mEq/kg (twice usual maintenance), average daily ileal sodium losses were 2.4 mEq/kg body weight in group 1 and 3.3 mEq/kg in group 2. Ten days after ileostomy closure in group 1, when the infants' daily sodium intake averaged 2 to 3 mEq/kg/day, gastrointestinal tract sodium losses were reduced to 0.3 mEq/kg body weight/day. The mean daily fecal weight and water also decreased after closure. Mean serum aldosterone concentration before closure was 84 ng/ml, and declined to 58 ng/100 ml after closure; and mean plasma renin values fell from 8.8 to 2.9 ng/ml/hr. In the children with an ileoendorectal pull-through, daily sodium intake was restricted to 0.3 to 0.5 mEq/kg/day, an amount that would maintain balance in a child of similar age with normal sodium conservation. Mean serum aldosterone concentration increased to 501 ng/ml (normal 1 to 22.7). Although renal conservation of sodium occurred promptly, gastrointestinal losses of sodium and water continued and the patients' sodium balance became negative. The diet of a patient with an ileostomy should include increased amounts of sodium until bowel continuity is restored.

Asunto(s)

Ileostomía , Sodio/administración & dosificación , Aldosterona/sangre , Agua Corporal/análisis , Niño , Preescolar , Heces/análisis , Alimentos Fortificados , Humanos , Ileostomía/métodos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Perforación Intestinal/cirugía , Masculino , Necesidades Nutricionales , Peritonitis/complicaciones , Complicaciones Posoperatorias , Recto , Renina/sangre , Sodio/análisis

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades de la Aorta/etiología , Cateterismo/efectos adversos , Insuficiencia Cardíaca/etiología , Trombosis/etiología , Cateterismo/métodos , Femenino , Humanos , Recién Nacido , Masculino , Trombosis/diagnóstico , Arterias Umbilicales

Asunto(s)

Cirugía Torácica , Tórax/cirugía , Humanos , Recién Nacido , Métodos

Asunto(s)

Sistema Digestivo/microbiología , Enterocolitis Seudomembranosa/microbiología , Enfermedades del Recién Nacido , Bacterias/aislamiento & purificación , Enterocolitis Seudomembranosa/etiología , Heces/microbiología , Humanos , Recién Nacido , Klebsiella pneumoniae/aislamiento & purificación , Estómago/microbiología

RESUMEN

Gastric outlet obstruction in infants and children may be due to a partial, prepyloric antral diaphragm. Twelve new patients are added to the 32 described previously. Onset of symptoms varied from shortly after birth to five years. Nonbilious vomiting was the most common presenting symptom. Radiographic evaluation requires specific technique for demonstration of the web and to differentiate this from pylorospasm and pyloric stenosis. Gastroscopy was employed in three patients. Repair usually consisted of incision of the web and construction of a patulous gastric outlet. All patients remained asymptomatic after operation. The etiology of the webs remains unknown, but they may result from an excessive local endodermal proliferation early in gastric development.

Asunto(s)

Antro Pilórico/anomalías , Gastropatías/etiología , Anomalías Múltiples , Niño , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Femenino , Motilidad Gastrointestinal , Gastroscopía , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Masculino , Antro Pilórico/diagnóstico por imagen , Estenosis Pilórica/diagnóstico , Radiografía , Gastropatías/diagnóstico

Asunto(s)

Bacteroides fragilis/aislamiento & purificación , Peptococcus/aislamiento & purificación , Streptococcus/aislamiento & purificación , Tiroiditis/microbiología , Absceso/microbiología , Adolescente , Anaerobiosis , Clindamicina/uso terapéutico , Humanos , Masculino , Supuración , Tiroiditis/tratamiento farmacológico

RESUMEN

Se realiza una investigación basada en los principios de la Higiene del Trabajo, acápite de riesgos ambientales, color e iluminación combinada con riesgos sociales -el stress- de los médicos que salen de guardia o estén en el curso de las guardias médicas.Este trabajop está realizado en el local del dormitorio médico del Hospital Agostinho Neto de Guantánamo. Se incursionó en mejorar o disminuir el stress ocupacional tan patente en el personal médico de guardia (incluyendo especialistas, residentes, internos y alumnos) los cuales acuden a este recinto a desayunar, almorzar, comer o merendar los tres turnos, así como pernoctar dentro del recinto por alguna u otra razón. Realizándose una ambientación cultural, estudiada con los colores y su influencia en todos los sentidos,así como corroborado con una iluminación (luz blanca) en lámparas blancas y colores adecuados en paredes y techos del recinto. La ambientación está dada en pinturas que semejan una danza ritual, así como paisajes de profundidad para la influencia de relajación y descanso de los que se sirven en el local. Estas pinturas influyen psicológicamente en nuestros médicos, sin siquiera miraralas solamente. Sin embargo los que las miran aportan en una encuesta lo que refieren de las mismas. Nos basamos en una bibliografía profunda y actualizada donde se entrelazan conceptos de medicina, arte, pintura, escultura en un trabajo multifacético en equipo. Llegando a conclusiones y recomendfaciones que aportan elementos de juicio para mejorar la atención al hombre en los profesionales médicos de guardia (AU)

Asunto(s)

Arte , Salud Laboral , Condiciones de Trabajo

RESUMEN

Actualmente se está investigando sobre todos los temas que pueden afectar al rendimiento en el trabajo de acualquier profesional en su actividad sobre todo la salud. Dentro del campo de la salud los profesionales médicos, en especial los cirujanos y anestesistas son los que más actividades abarcan. Los trastornos orgánicos y del sueño son muy frecuentes en nuestro personal de salud de alto riesgo de estress, por lo dicho anteriormente. El estudio fue de 320n profesionales (medicina interna, etc) que laboran en la FCM de Guantánamo. Para analizar el posible efecto de la actividad quirúrgica sobre el organismo y en el ciclo sueño vigilia (su efecto). Aplicándoles un cuestionario con diferentes notables recogidas en desviaciones estandard. Los cirujanos cargaron con el peso de los trastornos inclusive con niveles de angustia. Dejando recomendaciones que nos servirán a todos para un futuro (AU)

Asunto(s)

Trastornos del Sueño-Vigilia , Cirugía General , Personal de Salud