RESUMEN

Molybdenum- or tungsten-dependent formate dehydrogenases have emerged as significant catalysts for the chemical reduction of CO2 to formate, with biotechnological applications envisaged in climate-change mitigation. The role of Met405 in the active site of Desulfovibrio vulgaris formate dehydrogenase AB (DvFdhAB) has remained elusive. However, its proximity to the metal site and the conformational change that it undergoes between the resting and active forms suggests a functional role. In this work, the M405S variant was engineered, which allowed the active-site geometry in the absence of methionine Sδ interactions with the metal site to be revealed and the role of Met405 in catalysis to be probed. This variant displayed reduced activity in both formate oxidation and CO2 reduction, together with an increased sensitivity to oxygen inactivation.

Asunto(s)

Desulfovibrio vulgaris , Formiato Deshidrogenasas , Desulfovibrio vulgaris/enzimología , Desulfovibrio vulgaris/genética , Formiato Deshidrogenasas/química , Formiato Deshidrogenasas/genética , Formiato Deshidrogenasas/metabolismo , Dominio Catalítico , Cristalografía por Rayos X , Oxidación-Reducción , Modelos Moleculares , Formiatos/metabolismo , Formiatos/química , Dióxido de Carbono/metabolismo , Dióxido de Carbono/química , Proteínas Bacterianas/química , Proteínas Bacterianas/genética , Proteínas Bacterianas/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Formate dehydrogenases (FDHs) catalyze the two-electron oxidation of formate to carbon dioxide. FDHs can be divided into several groups depending on their subunit composition and active-site metal ions. Metal-dependent (Mo- or W-containing) FDHs from prokaryotic organisms belong to the superfamily of molybdenum enzymes and are members of the dimethylsulfoxide reductase family. In this short review, recent progress in the structural analysis of FDHs together with their potential biotechnological applications are summarized.

Asunto(s)

Biotecnología , Formiato Deshidrogenasas , Dióxido de Carbono , Catálisis , Electrones , Formiato Deshidrogenasas/genética

RESUMEN

Metal-based formate dehydrogenases are molybdenum or tungsten-dependent enzymes that catalyze the interconversion between formate and CO2 . According to the current consensus, the metal ion of the catalytic center in its active form is coordinated by 6 S (or 5 S and 1 Se) atoms, leaving no free coordination sites to which formate could bind to the metal. Some authors have proposed that one of the active site ligands decoordinates during turnover to allow formate binding. Another proposal is that the oxidation of formate takes place in the second coordination sphere of the metal. Here, we have used electrochemical steady-state kinetics to elucidate the order of the steps in the catalytic cycle of two formate dehydrogenases. Our results strongly support the "second coordination sphere" hypothesis.

Asunto(s)

Formiato Deshidrogenasas , Molibdeno , Formiato Deshidrogenasas/metabolismo , Molibdeno/química , Dominio Catalítico , Formiatos/química , Oxidación-Reducción , Cinética

RESUMEN

Replacing the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with thermodynamically favorable urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is an appealing tactic in the energy-saving water splitting system. Herein, by a facile composite electrodeposition method, an electrocatalyst with Mo particles anchored on the Ni-P matrix (Mo/Ni-P) was fabricated and utilized for urea-assisted water electrolysis of hydrogen production. As expected, the urea-involved electrolytic cell with the as-obtained Mo/Ni-P served as both the anode and cathode merely needs a voltage of 1.55 V to sustain a current density of 50 mA cm-2 (0.16 V less than that of the conventional water splitting at 50 mA cm-2) and can maintain the stability for 12 h. Additionally, the solar-driven urea-assisted water electrolysis system was constructed under lab conditions and solar-hydrogen-electricity energy conversion processes were also simulated. Moreover, it was demonstrated that tungsten (W) particles can also serve as an accelerant for promotion both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and UOR activity of pristine Ni-P. This work will present a facile method for rational integration of metal particles with Ni-P layer for highly efficient electrocatalysts applied in economic production of H2.

RESUMEN

PVAH is a mixture of solid and fluid, but its mechanical behavior has usually been described using solid material models. The purpose of this study was to obtain material properties that can reflect the mechanical behavior of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel (PVAH) using finite element analysis, a biphasic continuum model, and to optimize the composition ratio of PVAH to replace the nucleus pulposus (NP) of the human intervertebral disc. Six types of PVAH specimens (3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20 wt%) were prepared, then unconfined compression experiments were performed to acquire their material properties using the Holmes-Mow biphasic model. With an increasing weight percentage of PVA in PVAH, the Young's modulus increased while the permeability parameter decreased. The Young's modulus and permeability parameter were similar to those of the NP at 15 wt% and 20 wt%. The range of motion, facet joint force, and NP pressures measured from dynamic motional analysis of the lumbar segments with the NP model also exhibited similar values to those with 15~20 wt% PVAH models. Considering the structural stability and pain of the lumbar segments, it appears that 20 wt% PVAH is most suitable for replacing the NP.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Railroad maintenance of way (MOW) workers are exposed to many workplace hazards, including diesel fuel and exhaust, ballast (silica) dust, asbestos, solvents, herbicides, welding fumes, heavy rolling equipment, vibration and extreme weather. AIMS: Due to the number of excess deaths we found in a companion standardized mortality ratio (SMR) study for union members <65 years, we hypothesized that these workers may have elevated mortality risks among all ages for many chronic conditions. METHODS: Proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) were calculated for 37 661 male MOW workers ages 20 and older who were members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED). A data set was submitted to the National Death Index (NDI) to identify decedents and to determine cause of death for workers who died between 1979 and 2014. The CDC WONDER database was used to determine expected mortality for US males. RESULTS: For certain diseases and cancers the SMR and PMR findings have parallel mortality excesses. Examples include septicaemia and anaemia; diabetes; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); nephritis; and transportation accidents. Among cancers, we found excess oesophageal, stomach, colorectal, lung, prostate, kidney and in situ cancers. Two excess SMR findings were not replicated in the PMR assessment-Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. CONCLUSIONS: The PMR findings suggest that some of the mortality excesses from the SMR study are elevated, which adds support to their being consistently raised among BMWED members. The shared excess causes of death in the PMR and SMR studies should be focused on for future prevention and surveillance activities.

Asunto(s)

Amianto , Neoplasias , Enfermedades Profesionales , Vías Férreas , Adulto , Causas de Muerte , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Morinda officinalis is a well-known Chinese tonic herb that has shown clinical efficacy in the treatment of bone disease. However, its anti-osteoporotic potential and the M. officinalis polysaccharides (MOPs) responsible for activity require further investigation. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the anti-osteoporotic effects of different MOP fractions in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, and to identify the osteoprotective components by bioassay-guided isolation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MOPs were prepared by hot water and alkali extraction, separated into three fractions (MO50, MO70, and MOB) and evaluated in the classic OVX rat model and in MC3T3-E1 cells for anti-osteoporotic activity. RESULTS: Administration of MOPs (400 mg/kg/day) provided significant protection against ovariectomy-induced bone loss and biomechanical dysfunction in rats. Treated animals exhibited reduced deterioration of trabecular microarchitecture and lower levels of bone turnover markers. Bioactivity-guided fractionation led to the isolation of two inulin-type fructans from MO50, MOW50-1 and MOP50-2, with potential anti-osteoporotic activities. These consisted of (2 → 1)-linked ß-D-fructosyl residues with degrees of polymerization (DP) of 7 and 13, respectively. Furthermore, MOW50-1 promoted osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells by increasing alkaline phosphatase activity. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest very strongly that MOPs, especially MO50 and MOW50-1, may play important roles in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Asunto(s)

Bioensayo , Conservadores de la Densidad Ósea/farmacología , Remodelación Ósea/efectos de los fármacos , Fémur/efectos de los fármacos , Vértebras Lumbares/efectos de los fármacos , Morinda , Osteoblastos/efectos de los fármacos , Osteoporosis Posmenopáusica/prevención & control , Polisacáridos/farmacología , Células 3T3 , Animales , Densidad Ósea/efectos de los fármacos , Conservadores de la Densidad Ósea/aislamiento & purificación , Fraccionamiento Químico , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Femenino , Fémur/patología , Fémur/fisiopatología , Humanos , Vértebras Lumbares/patología , Vértebras Lumbares/fisiopatología , Ratones , Morinda/química , Osteoblastos/metabolismo , Osteoblastos/patología , Osteogénesis/efectos de los fármacos , Osteoporosis Posmenopáusica/patología , Osteoporosis Posmenopáusica/fisiopatología , Ovariectomía , Polisacáridos/aislamiento & purificación , Ratas Sprague-Dawley

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: There are two established techniques for high tibial valgisation osteotomy (HTO): medial open wedge (MOW) and lateral closed wedge (LCW). The aim was to analyze the change of the posterior tibial slope (PTS) caused by HTOs dependent on the technique. METHODS: Four hundred fourteen cases of HTOs were analyzed retrospectively. Two hundred seventy-nine osteotomies in 247 patients matched the inclusion criteria and were divided into two treatment groups (MOW/LCW). The PTS was determined on pre- and post-surgical lateral knee X-rays by measuring the proximal posterior tibial angle (PPTA). RESULTS: One hundred ninety of the included 279 cases were assigned to the MOW and 89 to the LCW group. The mean PPTA in MOW HTOs was 79.9° ± 32° (68-88°) and in LCW HTOs 80.6° ± 2.6° (74-88°). There was no statistically significant change of the PPTA in the MOW group comparing the pre- and post-surgical values (delta PPTA 0.07° ±2.9° (- 12 to 11°)). In the LCW group, the surgery resulted in a statistically significant reduction (p< 0.001) of the PTS (delta PPTA - 3.09° ± 4.5° (- 12 to 5°)). CONCLUSION: The important finding of this study is that the thesis of a slope increase in MOW osteotomies found in the literature could not be approved regarding our results as no statistically significant change of PTS in MOW HTOs was observed. The findings support the common thesis that LCW osteotomies cause a slope reduction.

Asunto(s)

Osteotomía/métodos , Tibia/cirugía , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Articulación de la Rodilla/cirugía , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Radiografía , Estudios Retrospectivos

RESUMEN

The biogas technology is a promising approach for the recovery of energy and fertilizer from municipal organic waste (MOW). However, only scarce information on the development of initial nutrient and heavy metal loads during processing is available. Therefore, this study investigates properties of source-separated MOW during treatment in a semi-industrial scale two-stage biogas plant and subsequent digestate composting including impurities removal. Data from 15 batch experiments was investigated by material and substance flow analysis. Results of this study have shown that about 40% of nutrients contained in the MOW inflow are mineralized during anaerobic and subsequent aerobic treatment. A higher nutrient release was observed during the anaerobic treatment step. Additionally, impurities removal causes a significant reduction of final nutrient content. Heavy metal analysis confirmed a high heterogeneity of contamination levels. However, digestion and composting do not seem to significantly impact on total heavy metal loads in the substrate flow.

Asunto(s)

Biocombustibles , Fertilizantes , Metales Pesados , Alimentos , Eliminación de Residuos , Aguas del Alcantarillado

RESUMEN

Municipal organic waste (MOW) is a promising feedstock for biogas plants and separate collection will increase available quantities. To close nutrient circles digestates shall be redistributed to arable land. However, less is known about digestate properties and how they are influenced during digestion. Therefore, changes in nutrient and heavy metal concentration in the solid digestate were investigated during anaerobic treatment of MOW in a two-stage laboratory biogas plant. Results show that the solid digestate is exposed to element accumulation, except for N, P and Mg. The loss of initial N, P and Mg load accounts up to 45%, which must be redistributed elsewhere in the digester system. K load of feedstock was completely rediscovered in the solid digestate. Heavy metal concentration in the digestate increases by factor 1.6 at average. The results emphasize that element retention in the digester system has a decisive impact on nutrient content of digestates.

Asunto(s)

Biocombustibles , Metales Pesados , Aguas del Alcantarillado , Anaerobiosis

RESUMEN

There is a paucity of literature about the nutritional status and energy and protein intakes of Meals on Wheels (MOW) clients. The current study aimed to determine the nutritional status and the adequacy of energy and protein intakes of MOW clients. Forty-two clients were recruited from two MOW services in the Illawarra region of Australia for assessment of their nutritional status, using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA(®)). Estimated energy and protein intakes for a MOW day were compared to a non-MOW day and average daily energy and protein intakes were assessed against estimated daily requirements. A single dietitian performed all assessments and home based interviews to explore the client's perception of the service. Mean daily energy intake (7593 (±2012) kJ) was not significantly different to estimated requirements (7720 (±975) kJ) (P = 0.480), while mean daily protein intake was higher (78.7 (±23.4) g) than calculated requirements (68.4 (±10.8) g; P = 0.009). However 16 clients were identified as at risk of malnutrition and 2 were malnourished; consuming 2072 kJ (P = 0.000) less energy and 20.4 g less protein (P = 0.004) per day compared to well-nourished clients. MOW clients are at risk of being poorly nourished and meals delivered by the service provide an important contribution to overall intakes. These findings support the need for regular nutrition screening and dietary monitoring in this high risk group, to identify those for whom additional strategies may be indicated.

Asunto(s)

Proteínas en la Dieta/administración & dosificación , Ingestión de Energía , Servicios de Alimentación , Evaluación Geriátrica , Desnutrición , Necesidades Nutricionales , Estado Nutricional , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Australia/epidemiología , Servicios de Salud Comunitaria , Femenino , Servicios de Alimentación/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Masculino , Desnutrición/epidemiología , Desnutrición/etiología , Desnutrición/prevención & control , Evaluación Nutricional , Riesgo

RESUMEN

Over the past decades, a number of authors have reported the presence of inactive species in as-prepared samples of members of the Mo/W-bisPGD enzyme family. This greatly complicated the spectroscopic studies of these enzymes, since it is impossible to discriminate between active and inactive species on the basis of the spectroscopic signatures alone. Escherichia coli nitrate reductase A (NarGHI) is a member of the Mo/W-bisPGD family that allows anaerobic respiration using nitrate as terminal electron acceptor. Here, using protein film voltammetry on NarGH films, we show that the enzyme is purified in a functionally heterogeneous form that contains between 20 and 40% of inactive species that activate the first time they are reduced. This activation proceeds in two steps: a non-redox reversible reaction followed by an irreversible reduction. By carefully correlating electrochemical and EPR spectroscopic data, we show that neither the two major Mo(V) signals nor those of the two FeS clusters that are the closest to the Mo center are associated with the two inactive species. We also conclusively exclude the possibility that the major "low-pH" and "high-pH" Mo(V) EPR signatures correspond to species in acid-base equilibrium.

RESUMEN

O objetivo deste artigo foi adaptar e validar um inventário de significado do trabalho feito com uma amostra de profissionais das indústrias criativas. A base teórica utilizada é o modelo de significado do trabalho desenvolvido pelo Meaning of Work Research Team (MOW). O referido inventário foi originalmente validado por pesquisadores espanhóis. Após validação semântica, o inventário foi aplicado a 230 profissionais das indústrias criativas no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Os dados foram submetidos à análise fatorial exploratória, resultando em cinco fatores, coerentes com os domínios conceituais do modelo teórico de referência. Os índices de confiabilidade, tanto da medida em geral como dos cinco fatores da estrutura empírica encontrada, sugerem a adequação do instrumento. Discutem-se implicações de desdobramentos dos achados...

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This paper aims to adapt and validate a meaning-of-work inventory using a sample of professionals working in creative industries. It relies on the theoretical model of meaning of work developed by the Meaning of Work (MOW) Research Team. The inventory was originally validated in Spain. It was first submitted for semantic validation into Portuguese, and then applied to 230 professionals working in Rio Grande do Norte-State creative industries. An exploratory factor analysis was carried out, resulting in a five-factor structure consistent with the theoretical frame of reference. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of both the scale and the subscales exhibited satisfactory levels of reliability, suggesting the adequacy of the instrument. Implications and consequences of these findings are discussed...

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El objetivo de este artículo fue adaptar y validar un inventario de significado del trabajo con una muestra de profesionales de las industrias creativas. La base teórica utilizada fue el modelo de significado del trabajo desarrollado por el Meaning of Work Research Team (MOW). El referido inventario fue originalmente validado por investigadores españoles. Una vez realizada la validación semántica, dicho inventario fue aplicado a 230 profesionales de las industrias creativas actuantes en el Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Los datos fueron sometidos a análisis factorial exploratorio, resultando en cinco factores coherentes con los dominios conceptuales del modelo teórico de referencia. Los índices de confiabilidad, tanto de la medida como un todo como de los cinco factores de la estructura empírica encontrada, sugieren la adecuación del instrumento. Se discuten implicaciones de desdoblamientos de los resultados...

Asunto(s)

Humanos , Masculino , Adulto , Creatividad , Industrias , Satisfacción en el Trabajo , Valores Sociales , Trabajo/psicología

RESUMEN

O objetivo deste artigo foi adaptar e validar um inventário de significado do trabalho feito com uma amostra de profissionais das indústrias criativas. A base teórica utilizada é o modelo de significado do trabalho desenvolvido pelo Meaning of Work Research Team (MOW). O referido inventário foi originalmente validado por pesquisadores espanhóis. Após validação semântica, o inventário foi aplicado a 230 profissionais das indústrias criativas no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Os dados foram submetidos à análise fatorial exploratória, resultando em cinco fatores, coerentes com os domínios conceituais do modelo teórico de referência. Os índices de confiabilidade, tanto da medida em geral como dos cinco fatores da estrutura empírica encontrada, sugerem a adequação do instrumento. Discutem-se implicações de desdobramentos dos achados.(AU)

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This paper aims to adapt and validate a meaning-of-work inventory using a sample of professionals working in creative industries. It relies on the theoretical model of meaning of work developed by the Meaning of Work (MOW) Research Team. The inventory was originally validated in Spain. It was first submitted for semantic validation into Portuguese, and then applied to 230 professionals working in Rio Grande do Norte-State creative industries. An exploratory factor analysis was carried out, resulting in a five-factor structure consistent with the theoretical frame of reference. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of both the scale and the subscales exhibited satisfactory levels of reliability, suggesting the adequacy of the instrument. Implications and consequences of these findings are discussed.(AU)

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El objetivo de este artículo fue adaptar y validar un inventario de significado del trabajo con una muestra de profesionales de las industrias creativas. La base teórica utilizada fue el modelo de significado del trabajo desarrollado por el Meaning of Work Research Team (MOW). El referido inventario fue originalmente validado por investigadores españoles. Una vez realizada la validación semántica, dicho inventario fue aplicado a 230 profesionales de las industrias creativas actuantes en el Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Los datos fueron sometidos a análisis factorial exploratorio, resultando en cinco factores coherentes con los dominios conceptuales del modelo teórico de referencia. Los índices de confiabilidad, tanto de la medida como un todo como de los cinco factores de la estructura empírica encontrada, sugieren la adecuación del instrumento. Se discuten implicaciones de desdoblamientos de los resultados.(AU)

Asunto(s)

Humanos , Masculino , Adulto , Trabajo/psicología , Satisfacción en el Trabajo , Industrias , Creatividad , Valores Sociales , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados

RESUMEN

Introducción: la terapia con láser es una opción terapéutica para las malformaciones vasculares bucofaciales.Objetivo: se realizó este estudio con el objetivo de caracterizar la muestra socio-demográficamente, clasificar topográficamente las lesiones, determinar la eficacia del tratamiento de la esclerosis endoluminal con diodo láser y las modificaciones en diámetro y permanencia lesional e identificar los accidentes y complicaciones. Método: fue un estudio de serie de casos en 12 pacientes del total de diagnosticados con malformaciones vasculares de bajo flujo que acudieron al Departamento de Cirugía Maxilofacial de la Facultad de Estomatología Raúl González Sánchez, en el período octubre 2011 a febrero 2012. Se trataron mediante esclerosis endoluminal con diodo láser. Se valoró edad, sexo, localización, diámetro y permanencia lesional cronológicamente.Resultados: de los 12 pacientes, 66.7 por ciento de la muestra fue del sexo femenino; 33.3 por ciento de los pacientes tenían entre 30-39 años. El 50 por ciento experimentó regresión de la lesión tras una sesión de tratamiento. El edema postoperatorio fue la complicación más frecuente. Conclusiones: la esclerosis endoluminal con láser de diodo resulta un método eficaz y seguro en el tratamiento de malformaciones vasculares bucofaciales de bajo flujo(AU)

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Introduction: the laser therapy is a therapeutical option to treat vascular malformations. Objective: this study was done with the objectives:, to characterize the sample social-demographically, to classify lesions topographically, to determine effectiveness of endoluminal diode laser sclerosis in the treatment of low flow vascular malformations, to determine changes in diameter and lesions presence, to identify accidents and complications. Method: a study of cases was carried out in 12 patients of the total of patients who attended with the diagnosis of low flow vascular malformations, at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry Raúl González Sánchez, from October 2011 to February 2012.The patients were treated by endoluminal sclerosis with diodo laser. Was assessment age, sex, area, diameter, and lesion presence chronologically. Results: 12 patients was studied, the 66.7 percent of the sample were female, the 33,3 percent of the patients were with age among 30-39 years. The 50 percent had regression of lesion after one session of treatment. The complication most frequent was swelling. Conclusions: the endoluminal laser sclerosis was a safe and efficacy method to treat low flow vascular orofacial lesions(AU)

Asunto(s)

Humanos

RESUMEN

Introducción: la terapia con láser es una opción terapéutica para las malformaciones vasculares bucofaciales. Objetivo: se realizó este estudio con el objetivo de caracterizar la muestra socio-demográficamente, clasificar topográficamente las lesiones, determinar la eficacia del tratamiento de la esclerosis endoluminal con diodo láser y las modificaciones en diámetro y permanencia lesional e identificar los accidentes y complicaciones. Método: fue un estudio de serie de casos en 12 pacientes del total de diagnosticados con malformaciones vasculares de bajo flujo que acudieron al Departamento de Cirugía Maxilofacial de la Facultad de Estomatología "Raúl González Sánchez", en el período octubre 2011 a febrero 2012. Se trataron mediante esclerosis endoluminal con diodo láser. Se valoró edad, sexo, localización, diámetro y permanencia lesional cronológicamente. Resultados: de los 12 pacientes, 66.7% de la muestra fue del sexo femenino; 33.3% de los pacientes tenían entre 30-39 años. El 50% experimentó regresión de la lesión tras una sesión de tratamiento. El edema postoperatorio fue la complicación más frecuente. Conclusiones: la esclerosis endoluminal con láser de diodo resulta un método eficaz y seguro en el tratamiento de malformaciones vasculares bucofaciales de bajo flujo.

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Introduction: the laser therapy is a therapeutical option to treat vascular malformations. Objective: this study was done with the objectives:, to characterize the sample social-demographically, to classify lesions topographically, to determine effectiveness of endoluminal diode laser sclerosis in the treatment of low flow vascular malformations, to determine changes in diameter and lesions presence, to identify accidents and complications. Method: a study of cases was carried out in 12 patients of the total of patients who attended with the diagnosis of low flow vascular malformations, at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry "Raúl González Sánchez", from October 2011 to February 2012.The patients were treated by endoluminal sclerosis with diodo laser. Was assessment age, sex, area, diameter, and lesion presence chronologically. Results: 12 patients was studied, the 66.7 % of the sample were female, the 33,3% of the patients were with age among 30-39 years. The 50% had regression of lesion after one session of treatment. The complication most frequent was swelling. Conclusions: the endoluminal laser sclerosis was a safe and efficacy method to treat low flow vascular orofacial lesions.

RESUMEN

This study was conducted to evaluate recipients' perception of service quality, satisfaction, and behavioral intention in home delivered meals program in the US. Out of 398 questionnaires, 265 (66.6%) were collected, and 209 questionnaires (52.5%) were used for the statistical analysis. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with a maximum likelihood was first conducted to estimate the measurement model by verifying the underlying structure of constructs. The level of internal consistency in each construct was acceptable, with Cronbach's alpha estimates ranging from 0.7 to 0.94. All of the composite reliabilities of the constructs were over the cutoff value of 0.50, ensuring adequate internal consistency of multiple items for each construct. As a second step, a Meals-On-Wheels (MOW) recipient perception model was estimated. The model's fit as indicated by these indexes was satisfactory and path coefficients were analyzed. Two paths between (1) volunteer issues and behavioral intention and (2) responsiveness and behavioral intention were not significant. The path for predicting a positive relationship between food quality and satisfaction was supported. The results show that having high food quality may create recipient satisfaction. The findings suggest that food quality and responsiveness are significant predictors of positive satisfaction. Moreover, satisfied recipients have positive behavioral intention toward MOW programs.

RESUMEN

This study was conducted to evaluate recipients' perception of service quality, satisfaction, and behavioral intention in home delivered meals program in the US. Out of 398 questionnaires, 265 (66.6%) were collected, and 209 questionnaires (52.5%) were used for the statistical analysis. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with a maximum likelihood was first conducted to estimate the measurement model by verifying the underlying structure of constructs. The level of internal consistency in each construct was acceptable, with Cronbach's alpha estimates ranging from 0.7 to 0.94. All of the composite reliabilities of the constructs were over the cutoff value of 0.50, ensuring adequate internal consistency of multiple items for each construct. As a second step, a Meals-On-Wheels (MOW) recipient perception model was estimated. The model's fit as indicated by these indexes was satisfactory and path coefficients were analyzed. Two paths between (1) volunteer issues and behavioral intention and (2) responsiveness and behavioral intention were not significant. The path for predicting a positive relationship between food quality and satisfaction was supported. The results show that having high food quality may create recipient satisfaction. The findings suggest that food quality and responsiveness are significant predictors of positive satisfaction. Moreover, satisfied recipients have positive behavioral intention toward MOW programs.

Asunto(s)

Calidad de los Alimentos , Intención , Comidas , Encuestas y Cuestionarios