Tear film osmolarity variation between weeks in healthy and dry eye disease subjects / Variação semanal da osmolaridade do filme lacrimal em indivíduos saudáveis e com síndrome do olho seco

ABSTRACT Purpose: The possible variability in diagnostic test results is a statistical feature of dry eye disease patients. The clinician should consider tear film variations over time since the timing of tear film measurements is important for proper diagnosis. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the inter-week variation of osmolarity measurement in healthy and dry eye disease participants. Methods: Based on the Dry Eye Workshop II (DEWS-II) diagnostic methodology report criteria, a battery of tests (Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI] questionnaire, breakup time, and corneal staining) was administered to rule out the presence of dry eye disease. A total of 40 qualified volunteers were recruited into two groups: with only 20 healthy and 20 dry eye disease participants. The inter-week variation of osmolarity in the two groups was measured using a TearLab osmometer in two sessions one-week apart. The differences between the results were calculated. Results: There were no significant differences in osmolarity between the two sessions for either the healthy (paired t-test; p=0.085) or dry eye disease (paired t-test; p=0.093) participants. Moreover, there was no significant correlation between the means and differences in either session on healthy (Pearson correlation: r=0.020; p=0.935) or dry eye disease (Pearson correlation: r=-0.022; p=0.928) participants. In session 1, there was a significant difference in osmolarity values between groups (unpaired t-test; p=0.001), but no difference was found in session 2 (unpaired t-test; p=0.292). Conclusions: The present study discovered no inter-week variation in the tear film osmolarity of healthy and dry eye disease participants classified based on the DEWS-II criteria.

RESUMO Objetivo: A possível variabilidade nos resultados de testes diagnósticos é uma característica estatística dos pacientes com síndrome do olho seco. O médico deve considerar as variações do filme lacrimal ao longo do tempo, pois o momento em que o filme lacrimal é medido pode ser crítico para o diagnóstico adequado. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a variação semanal da osmolaridade do filme lacrimal em participantes saudáveis e em outros com síndrome do olho seco. Métodos: Com base nos critérios da metodologia de diagnóstico do relatório da Dry Eye Workshop II (DEWSII), foi aplicada uma bateria de testes (questionário do índice de doença da superfície ocular [OSDI], tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal e coloração da córnea) para descartar a presença de síndrome do olho seco. Um total de 40 voluntários qualificados foi recrutado e distribuído em dois grupos de 20 participantes saudáveis e 20 participantes com síndrome do olho seco. A variação da osmolaridade entre semanas foi medida com um osmômetro TearLab em duas sessões com uma semana de intervalo nos dois grupos. As diferenças entre os resultados foram então calculadas. Resultados: Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na osmolaridade entre as medidas obtidas nas duas sessões, nem no grupo de participantes saudáveis (teste de t pareado; p=0,085), nem no de participantes com síndrome do olho seco (teste de t pareado; p=0,093). Não foi detectada nenhuma correlação significativa entre as médias e diferenças entre as duas sessões entre participantes saudáveis (correlação de Pearson: r=0,020, p=0,935) e aqueles com síndrome do olho seco (correlação Pearson: r=-0,022, p=0,928). Foi encontrada uma diferença significativa nos valores de osmolaridade entre os dois grupos na primeira sessão (teste de t não pareado; p=0,001), mas nenhuma diferença foi encontrada na segunda sessão (teste de t não pareado; p=0,292). Conclusões: O presente estudo não encontrou variação entre semanas consecutivas na osmolaridade do filme lacrimal em participantes saudáveis e com síndrome do olho seco, classificados com base nos critérios do DEWSII.

Evolução das desigualdades na distribuição de dentistas no Brasil / The evolution of inequalities in the distribution of dentists in Brazil

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a evolução da distribuição de dentistas e cursos de graduação em odontologia no Brasil entre 1960 e 2022, a partir de dados institucionais e de sua correlação com dados econômicos e demográficos. Foram calculadas as proporções entre número de dentistas e população para as unidades federativas em diferentes períodos, e para determinar a concentração de dentistas, da população e dos cursos de graduação em odontologia,foi utilizado o índice Herfindahl-Hirschman (HHI). Para testar a correlação entre variáveis foi empregado o teste de Pearson, com um nível de significância de 95%. Entre 1960 e 2022, a proporção de dentistas por 10 mil habitantes aumentou de 3,3 para 16,9. Ainda em 2022, as unidades federativas com maior renda média domiciliar per capita estavam fortemente correlacionadas à maior concentração de dentistas (R2 = 0,90; p < 0,00). Entretanto, de 1975 a 2022, a concentração de dentistas medida pelo HHI caiu de 45,1 para 33,4. A diminuição da concentração geográfica dos cursos de odontologia foi ainda mais pronunciada, tendo o HHI passado de 39,3 em 1991 para 25,6 em 2022.

Abstract The scope of this article is to analyze the evolution of the distribution of dentists and undergraduate courses in Dentistry in Brazil between 1960 and 2022, based on institutional data and its correlation with economic and demographic data. The proportions between number of dentists and population were calculated for the federative units in different periods, and the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) was used. to determine the concentration of dentists, population and undergraduate courses in Dentistry. The Pearson test was used, with a significance level of 95%, to test the correlation between variables. In the period from 1960 to 2022, the ratio of dentists per 10,000 inhabitants increased from 3.3 to 16.9. Moreover in 2022, the federative units with the highest average household income per capita were closely correlated with the highest concentration of dentists (R2= 0.90; p < 0.00). However, from 1975 to 2022, the concentration of dentists measured by the HHI dropped from 45.1 to 33.4. The decrease in the geographic concentration of Dentistry courses was even more pronounced, with the HHI rising from 39.3 in 1991, to 25.6 in 2022.

O pH da região vulvar no ciclo vital: revisão de escopo / The pH of the vulvar region in the life cycle: scoping review / El pH de la región vulvar en el ciclo vital: revisión del alcance

Introdução: mapear os estudos que mensuraram o potencial Hidrogeniônico (pH) da região vulvar no ciclo vital da mulher. Métodos: revisão de escopo conforme recomendações do Manual for Evidence Synthesis do Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), nas bases SCOPUS, Web of Science, Academic Search Premier, PubMed, Bielefeld Academic Search Engine e Google Acadêmico em janeiro de 2022. Foram incluídos estudos publicados em português, espanhol, francês e inglês, sem limite temporal. Resultados: dos 954 documentos recuperados, 13 foram selecionados. Apurou- se que os estudos utilizaram diferentes procedimentos para as medições quanto aos equipamentos, ambiente e preparo das participantes. A média de idade apresentada pela população feminina estudada variou entre 31 e 43 anos. Os locais de medição vulvar foram os grandes e pequenos lábios, dobra interlabial e períneo. O menor valor do pH aferido foi 4,6 e o maior 6,3. Conclusões: constatou-se baixa produção de estudos acerca do pH vulvar e ênfase das pesquisas na população de mulheres adultas. A diversidade de procedimentos e locais de aferição encontrados não permite afirmações seguras sobre uma faixa de valor de pH da superfície da pele vulvar.

Introduction: to map the studies that measured the Potential of Hydrogen (pH) of the vulvar region in women's life cycle. Methods: scoping review according to recommendations from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Manual for Evidence Synthesis in the SCOPUS, Web of Science, Academic Search Premier, PubMed, Bielefeld Academic Search Engine and Google Scholar databases in January 2022. Studies published in Portuguese, Spanish, French, and English, without time limit, were included. Results: of the 954 documents retrieved, 13 were selected. Different measurement procedures in relation to equipment, environment and preparation of participants were used in the studies. The average age of the female population ranged between 31 and 43 years. The vulvar measurement sites were the labia majora and minora, interlabial sulci and perineum. The lowest pH value measured was 4.6 and the highest was 6.3. Conclusions: there was a low production of studies on vulvar pH and an emphasis of studies on the population of adult women. The diversity of procedures and measurement sites found does not allow for safe statements about a range of pH values on the surface of the vulvar skin.

Introducción: mapear los estudios que midieron el Potencial de Hidrógeno (pH) de la región vulvar en el ciclo vital de las mujeres. Métodos: revisión del alcance según las recomendaciones del Manual for Evidence Synthesis del Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), en las bases de datos SCOPUS, Web of Science, Academic Search Premier, PubMed, Bielefeld Academic Search Engine y Google Scholar en enero de 2022. Se incluyeron estudios publicados. en portugués, español, francés e inglés, sin límite de tiempo. Resultados: de los 954 documentos recuperados, se seleccionaron 13. En los estudios se utilizaron diferentes procedimientos de medición en relación con el equipo, el entorno y la preparación de los participantes. La edad media de la población femenina osciló entre 31 y 43 años. Los sitios de medición vulvar fueron los labios mayores y menores, el pliegue interlabial y el perineo. El valor de pH más bajo medido fue 4,6 y el más alto fue 6,3. Conclusiones: hubo una baja producción de estudios sobre pH vulvar y un énfasis de estudios en población de mujeres adultas. La diversidad de procedimientos y sitios de medición encontrados no permite realizar afirmaciones seguras sobre un rango de valores de pH en la superficie de la piel vulvar.

Research progress in therapy drug monitoring of levetiracetam / 中国药房

Levetiracetam （LEV） is the second generation of broad-spectrum anti-epileptic drug. LEV has the advantages of rapid absorption， short half-life， precise efficacy， good tolerance and few drug interactions. In order to improve the clinical efficacy of LEV， and reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions， children， pregnant women， the elderly， and patients with renal insufficiency should receive therapeutic drug monitoring （TDM）. Clinically， the samples are usually plasma or serum， and the TDM methods are mostly immunoassay or chromatography. There is currently no consensus on the effective concentration range of LEV， and the correlation between plasma concentration and adverse reactions is also unclear. The main factors affecting LEV plasma concentration include age， pregnancy， and patient compliance. How to interpret TDM results and adjust dosage based on the results will be the focus of future work.

Seasonal characteristics of scarlet fever in Songjiang District, Shanghai in 2012-2021 / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To analyze the seasonal characteristics of scarlet fever in Songjiang District from 2012 to 2021, and to provide references for the prevention and control of scarlet fevers. Methods The incidence data of scarlet fever in Songjiang District from 2012 to 2021 were collected through the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The seasonal characteristics and peak of scarlet fever incidence were analyzed using concentration and circular distribution methods. Results The average annual reported incidence rate of scarlet fever in Songjiang District from 2012 to 2021 was 20.15/100 000. The M value of the concentration analysis was 0.18. The results of the circular distribution method showed that the peak day of scarlet fever from March to August was May 12, and the epidemic peak period was from April 3 to June 20. From September to February of the next year, the peak day of scarlet fever was December 21, and the epidemic peak period was from December 2 to January 9 of the next year. The differences were all statistically significant (P values were all less than 0.05). Conclusion The peaks of scarlet fever in Songjiang District mainly occur in May and December. It is suggested that the monitoring methods and prevention strategies should be adjusted in time according to Seasonal characteristics of scarlet fever.

Clinical treatment and management of invasive fungal disease in recipients of solid organ transplantation / 器官移植

With widespread application of solid organ transplantation (SOT), the incidence of postoperative invasive fungal disease (IFD) in SOT recipients has been increased year by year. In recent years, the awareness of preventive antifungal therapy for SOT recipients has been gradually strengthened. However, the problem of fungal resistance has also emerged, leading to unsatisfactory efficacy of original standardized antifungal regimens. Drug-drug interaction and hepatorenal toxicity induced by drugs are also challenges facing clinicians. In this article, the characteristics of drug-drug interaction and hepatorenal toxicity among triazole, echinocandin and polyene antifungal drugs and immunosuppressants were reviewed, and postoperative preventive strategies for IFD in different types of SOT recipients and treatment strategies for IFD caused by infection of different pathogens were summarized, aiming to provide reference for physicians in organ transplantation and related disciplines.

Whole-process individualized pharmaceutical care for a case of melioidosis sepsis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To provide reference for the adjustment of antibiotic treatment regimens， identification of adverse reactions， and individualized pharmaceutical care for melioidosis sepsis （MS）. METHODS Clinical pharmacists participated in the intensive and eradicating therapeutic processes for an MS patient by using blood concentration and gene detection. Based on the literature， antibiotic treatment regimens of MS were adjusted by determining the blood concentrations of β-lactam and trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole （TMP/SMZ） and calculating PK/PD parameters. The causes of adverse drug reactions were analyzed and addressed by detecting drug-related gene polymorphisms through high-throughput sequencing. RESULTS Clinical pharmacists used blood concentration and genetic testing methods to propose adjustments to imipenem-cilastatin sodium dosage and analyze the causes of various adverse drug reactions. PK/PD targets were calculated by measuring the blood concentrations of β-lactam and TMP/SMZ. Clinical pharmacists explained to clinical doctors the compliance status of patients with melioidosis in sepsis and non- sepsis stages through reviewing guidelines and literature； the results of blood concentration and genetic test were used to analyze the correlation of neurotoxicity of MS patients with B14） IMP cmin， and it was found that nephrotoxicity was not related to the cmax of TMP/SMZ， but to the patient’s water intake. After whole-process antibiotic treatment， the patient’s condition improved and was discharged， and the adverse reactions were effectively treated. CONCLUSIONS Clinical pharmacists use blood concentration and genetic tests to assist clinicians in formulating MS treatment regimens， and provide whole-course pharmaceutical care for a MS patient. This method has improved the safety and effectiveness of clinical drug therapy.

Radios comunitarias, alternativas y populares en la provincia de san luis, argentina: condiciones, trayectorias y estrategias

Este trabajo busca indagar características y prácticas comunicacionales particulares de radios comunitarias, alternativas y populares (CAP) en la provincia de San Luis (Argentina) en el período 20102020, de acuerdo con la normativa vigente desde la sanción de la Ley 26.522. En San Luis se pueden reconocer tres radios CAP: La Bulla, Radio Masi y Radio Rebelde, todas ellas surgieron después de la sanción de la ley. La metodología es cualitativa e incluye consulta de registros, relevamientos previos, publicaciones académicas, entrevistas y conversaciones informales con miembros de los medios. Se propone analizar qué prácticas comunicacionales se despliegan a fin de construir sostenibilidad y en qué medida lo consiguen. También se incluye el estudio respecto a cómo relacionan con otros actores sociales relevantes como el Estado, en sus tres niveles, medios, organizaciones de la sociedad civil y la comunidad, en un sistema infocomunicacional caracterizado por la concentración y centralización. Las radios comunitarias de San Luis sintieron las repercusiones de los cambios de gestión a nivel nacional, y la parálisis en las políticas de comunicación de la provincia, pero aun así continúan al aire. Sin embargo, la falta de nuevas experiencias de comunicación comunitaria invitan a reflexionar sobre las condiciones sociopolíticas que contribuyen a perpetuar su marginalidad en el ecosistema de medios de la provincia.

This article aims to describe characteristics andcommunicational practices of community, alternative, and popular radio stations in San Luis Province, Argentina, between 2010 and 2020, considering the latest regulation in force: LSCA law 26.522, 2009. In San Luis, there are three radio stations that fall under the categories of community, alternative, and popular, according to the law: La Bulla, Masi Radio, and Radio Rebelde, all of them born after the law was sanctioned. The methodology is qualitative, and the analysis is based on empirical research that includes official registries, previous research, academic papers, interviews, and informal conversations with media members. The study analyzes the practices that these radio stations develop to build sustainability, and whether or not they achieve it. Their relationship to other socially relevant actors, such as the State in its three levels, other civil organizations, within a concentrated and centralized media system, is also considered, reflecting those characteristics from the province's political power configuration. Community radios in San Luis suffered the consequences of the national government changes and the paralysis in local communication policies, nevertheless, they are still operative. However, the lack of new community experiences requires further thoughts about how social and political conditions contribute to its marginal position in the communicational system of the province.

Sensibilidad ante 2 concentraciones de extractos alergénicos de ácaros / Sensibility considering 2 concentrations of mite allergenic extracts i: en

Introducción: Los extractos alergénicos Valergen® (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Blomia tropicalis y Dermatophagoides siboney), desarrollados en el Centro Nacional de Biopreparados para usarlos en pruebas cutáneas de pacientes con alergia, han demostrado altas sensibilidad y especificidad. Objetivo: Determinar la sensibilidad ante 2 concentraciones diferentes de extractos alergénicos de ácaros mediante pruebas cutáneas por punción. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de 230 pacientes de 5 a 49 años de edad, atendidos en el Policlínico Docente Ernesto Guevara de la Serna de Niquero, provincia de Granma, durante el 2022. Las variables analizadas fueron respuestas positivas según la edad, tipo de extractos alergénicos, sensibilización según enfermedades alérgicas, así como reacción adversa local. Resultados: En ambas concentraciones, la de 20 000 UB/ml y la de 2000 UB/ml, predominaron el grupo etario de 5 a 13 años (47,0 %), las respuestas positivas (27,8 y 25,7 % para cada dilución) y el extracto alergénico Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (con 93,9 y 89,1 %, respectivamente). La rinitis fue la enfermedad alérgica con mayor sensibilización (29,1 % en la primera concentración y 28,3 % en la segunda). Los efectos adversos locales se presentaron solo en la de 20 000 UB/ml (3,9 %), con un diámetro promedio del habón de 15,9 mm (IC 95 %: 15,4 - 16,4 mm) para la reacción superior. Conclusiones: Los extractos alergénicos de ácaros con una concentración de 2000 UB/ml resultaron igualmente sensibles y seguros que la dilución establecida de 20 000 UB/ml, la cual es reconocida a escala nacional por su calidad como medio diagnóstico.

Introduction: The Valergen® allergenic extracts (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Blomia tropicalis and Dermatophagoides siboney), developed in the National Center for Biopreparations to use them in cutaneous tests to the patients with allergy, have demonstrated a high sensibility and specificity. Objective: To determine the sensibility considering 2 different concentrations of mite allergenic extracts by means of needle cutaneous tests. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study of 230 patients aged 5 to 49 was carried out. They were assisted in Ernesto Guevara de la Serna Teaching Polyclinic in Niquero, Granma province, during 2022. The analyzed variables were positive responses according to age, type of allergenic extracts, sensitization according to allergic diseases, as well as local adverse reaction. Results: In both concentrations, 20 000 UB/ml and 2000 UB/ml, there was a prevalence of the 5 to 13 age group (47.0%), the positive responses (27.8 and 25.7% for each dilution) and the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergenic extract (93.9 and 89.1%, respectively). Rhinitis was the allergic disease with more sensitization (29.1 in the first concentration and 28.3% in the second one). The local adverse events were just presented in that of 20 000 UB/ml (3.9%) with an average wheal diameter of 15.9 mm (IC 95%: 15.4 - 16.4 mm) for the higher reaction. Conclusions: Mite allergenic extracts with a concentration of 2000 UB/ml were equally sensitive and safe than the established dilution of 20 000 UB/ml, which is recognized on a national scale by its quality as diagnosis method.

Feasibility in the use of the UV-Visible region for the characterization of glucose in deionized water using Arduino 1 / Viabilidad en el uso de la región UV-Visible para la caracterización de glucosa en agua desionizada mediante Arduino 1

ABSTRACT With an estimated approximately 2 million deaths per year, diabetes is one of the top 5 deadliest noncommunicable diseases globally. Although this disease is not fatal, the degradation of the patient's health due to a bad plan to control their glucose levels can have a fatal outcome. In order to lay the foundations for the development of a device that allows estimating glucose levels in some body fluid, we present the results obtained not only for the estimation of glucose in deionized water, but also describe the development and configuration of the created device. After analyzing 50 signals obtained from 5 different glucose concentrations, the feasibility of using the developed device for the analysis is evident, since, considering the K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) algorithm, all the signals were associated correctly to the glucose group to which they belong.

RESUMEN Con un estimado de aproximadamente 2 millones de muertes por año, la diabetes es una de las 5 enfermedades no transmisibles más mortales a nivel mundial. Aunque esta enfermedad no es mortal, el deterioro de la salud del paciente por un mal plan para controlar sus niveles de glucosa puede tener un desenlace fatal. Con el fin de sentar las bases para el desarrollo de un dispositivo que permita estimar los niveles de glucosa en algún fluido corporal, presentamos los resultados obtenidos no solo para la estimación de glucosa en agua desionizada, sino que también describimos el desarrollo y configuración del dispositivo creado. Luego de analizar 50 señales obtenidos a partir de 5 concentraciones de glucosa diferentes, se evidencia la factibilidad de utilizar el dispositivo desarrollado para el análisis, ya que, considerando el algoritmo K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), todas las señales se asociaron correctamente al grupo de glucosa al que pertenecen.

URBANIZATION IN KARNATAKA; A GEOGRAPHICAL APPROACH

Urbanization is a world-wide process and it is a cause and effect of heightened economic progress in a region. It plays an enormous role in social transformation and economic mobility all over the world. In fact, the process and level of urbanization has been transforming the developing countries from 'countries of villages' to 'countries of towns and cities'. With 31.16 percent urbanites lived in 2011, India is at a low level of urbanization compared with the developed nations. There exists large inter-regional disparities in different parts of the nation as far as level of urbanization is concerned. The present paper is an attempt to study the trends, degrees and tempo of urbanization and urban morphology in Karnataka from 1901 to 2011. It is the 7th largest state in India with 38.67 percent of urbanites living in 347 towns and cities as of 2011, which is 7.51 points above the national average in terms of urbanization and plays a signicant role in the state's as well as country's economy and progress of IT and BT sector. The paper is an effort to analyses the regional disparity in the process and level of urbanization among the districts of the state from 1991 to 2011. Finally, the study also enlightens the socio-economic consequences of this inter-regional disparity in urbanization in Karnataka. Present study is mainly based on the secondary sources of data and is collected from Indian Census Handbooks of Karnataka and other related reports. After collecting data, these were analysed in a suitable manner by using appropriate statistical and cartographic techniques. Results show that the state exhibits a uctuating trend in level of urbanization with a high regional variation and a high disparity in the concentration of urbanities. Disparities exist at the levels of urbanization in state shown that, Bangalore is the most urbanized district with 90.94 percent followed by Dharwad (56.82 percent) district and on the other end of this scale Kodagu with 14.61 percent, was the least urbanized district in the state. 78.24 percent of urbanities lived in only 19 percent of urban centres and the remaining 81 percent of towns contained only 21.76 percent of the state's urbanities. Thus, urbanization in Karnataka is a by-product of the demographic explosion, poverty encouraged rural-urban migration and reclassication of towns and it also reects uneven economic progresses across the state and needs special attention.

A novel study on recently discovered fatty acid taste detection threshold among young lean and overweight individuals

Background: It is likely that the sense of taste evolved to alert humans to the nutritive or poisonous nature of possible foods. This study has been undertaken to unravel and highlight a possible relationship between the fat taste threshold and obesity, especially among young population. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to detect the fat taste threshold in young lean and overweight individuals and to compare the threshold in these individuals with age- and sex-matched normal individuals. Materials and Methods: The taste threshold for fat was detected in 50, normal (Body mass index [BMI] (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), lean (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), and overweight individuals (BMI of 25.0–29.9 kg/m2) of both sexes with the age between 18 and 30 years. The statistical analysis was done using Analysis of variance test. Results: Young lean individuals could detect the fatty acid taste at the lower concentration compared to overweight individuals, who detected at higher concentration (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Lean male and female showed a significant taste detection threshold for fat at low concentration compared to overweight male and female as well as with normal individual. Fatty acid taste detection is very important in day-to-day life for the disease-free life.

Índice de Dieta Mediterránea y pH Salival en Mujeres Adultas. Estudio Observacional / Mediterranean Diet Index and Salivary pH in Adult Women. Observational Study

El ser humano en el transcurso de la evolución ha cambiado la percepción de la alimentación dejando de lado el consumo de carne y sus derivados por factores éticos y morales, donde se sabe la dieta tiene gran relevancia en la salud general, siendo un factor de riesgo para la aparición de diversas enfermedades motivo por cual la saliva se ha utilizado como instrumento de diagnóstico Describir y comparar el índice de Dieta mediterránea según pH salival en mujeres estudiantes de Odontología de entre 20 a 30 años. Estudio descriptivo transversal comparativo. Participaron 17 mujeres adultas seleccionadas por criterio no probabilístico en la carrera de Odontología, quienes fueron evaluadas en su índice de Dieta mediterránea y pH salival. Se aplicó la prueba T de Student para muestras independientes y U Mann-Whitney para comparar características entre grupos en función del pH salival. Existen diferencias significativas entre grupos para la frecuencia de consumo de cereales integrales (p = 0,026), carnes magras (p = 0,021) y pH salival (p < 0,001). Existe un predominio hacia la baja adherencia a una dieta mediterránea, existiendo diferencias significativas en la frecuencia de consumo de cereales integrales y carnes magras, siendo el consumo de estos un indicador del riesgo de la cavidad oral determinado por pH.

The human being in the course of evolution has changed the perception of food, leaving aside the consumption of meat and its derivatives due to ethical and moral factors, where it is known that diet has great relevance in general health, being a factor of risk for the appearance of various diseases, which is why saliva has been used as a diagnostic tool. To describe and compare the Mediterranean Diet index according to salivary pH in female dentistry students between 20 and 30 years old. Comparative cross-sectional descriptive study. Seventeen adult women selected by non-probabilistic criteria participated in the Dentistry career, who were evaluated in their Mediterranean Diet index and salivary pH. Student's T test for independent samples and Mann-Whitney U test were applied to compare characteristics between groups based on salivary pH. There are significant differences between groups for the frequency of consumption of whole grains (p = 0.026), lean meats (p = 0.021) and salivary pH (p < 0.001). There is a predominance towards low adherence to a Mediterranean diet, with significant differences in the frequency of consumption of whole grains and lean meats, the consumption of these being an indicator of oral risk determined by pH.

Ozonation of Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K. ): effect of column height on the saturation process and changes in quality / Ozonização de castanha-do-Brasil (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K. ): efeito da altura da coluna no processo de saturação e alterações na qualidade

The objective of this study is to examine the saturation process in a column containing Brazil nuts and possible changes in the quality of the product. Brazil nut samples were initially placed in a cylindrical PVC column 15 cm in diameter and 110 cm in height. The ozone gas concentrations of 2.5, 4.5, 9.0, and 14.0 mg L-1 and a flow rate of 3.0 L min-1 were applied at a temperature of 25 ºC. Ozone gas was injected at the base of the cylindrical column, and the seed column height values adopted were 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 m. Saturation concentration and time were determined. To measure possible changes in the quality of ozonized Brazil nuts, moisture and color, as well as qualitative variables of the crude oil were evaluated at the exposure times of 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 h. To evaluate the quality of the crude oil extracted from ozonized nuts, the free fatty acid content, peroxide value, and iodine value were analyzed. Increasing ozonation times increased ozone concentration at all inlet gas concentrations. Saturation time decreased as the inlet gas concentration was increased, at the different product column heights. There was no change in product moisture in response to ozonation. Ozonation did not induce significant changes in color or in the crude oil, due to the triple interaction between column height, ozone concentration, and exposure time. In conclusion, the height of the product's column influences saturation time and concentration during the ozonation process. Considering the color of the product and characteristics of its crude oil, the use of ozone under the conditions adopted in the present study does not affect the quality of Brazil nuts to the point of rendering them unmarketable.

O objetivo do presente trabalho é estudar o processo de saturação em coluna contendo castanha-do-Brasil e possíveis alterações na qualidade do produto. Inicialmente as amostras de castanha-do-Brasil foram acondicionadas em coluna cilíndrica de PVC de 15 cm de diâmetro e 110 cm de altura. Foram adotadas as concentrações do gás ozônio de 2,5, 4,5, 9,0 e 14,0 mg L-1 e vazão de 3,0 L min-1, na temperatura de 25 ºC. O gás ozônio foi injetado na base da coluna cilíndrica e os valores adotados de altura da coluna de grãos foram de 0,25, 0,50, e 0,75 m. Determinaram-se o tempo e a concentração de saturação. Na avaliação de possíveis alterações na qualidade de castanhas-do-Brasil ozonizadas foram determinados a umidade, coloração e variáveis qualitativas do óleo bruto, com tempos de exposição de 0, 3, 6, 9 e 12 h. Para avaliação da qualidade do óleo bruto extraído de castanhas ozonizadas foram analisadas o teor de ácidos graxos livres, o índice de peróxido e o índice de iodo. A elevação do período de ozonização promoveu aumento da concentração do ozônio para todas as concentrações de entrada do gás. No que se refere aos valores de tempo de saturação, à medida que se elevou a concentração de entrada do gás, houve redução do tempo de saturação, nas diferentes alturas de coluna do produto. Não houve variação da umidade do produto em decorrência da ozonização. A ozonização não provocou alterações significativas na cor e no óleo bruto, em decorrência da interação tripla entre altura da coluna do produto, concentração do ozônio e tempo de exposição. É possível concluir que a altura da coluna do produto influencia o tempo e a concentração de saturação, durante o processo de ozonização. O uso do ozônio nas condições adotadas no presente estudo não afeta a qualidade da castanhado-Brasil, considerando-se a cor do produto e características do óleo bruto, de tal forma a inviabilizar a comercialização.

Antibacterial activity of coffee extract against common human bacterial pathogens in a teaching hospital of semi urban setup

Background: Coffee has a stimulant nature for which it is consumed worldwide, especially in Indian subcontinent. It also contains various antioxidant and antibacterial properties and is good for health. Aims and Objectives: This study done in tertiary care teaching hospital, aims to assess the antibacterial activity of coffee extract in surgical wound infections. Materials and Methods: The antibacterial activity of coffee extract against pathogenic bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) isolated from the surgical wounds was tested. Results: Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were found sensitive to the methanol coffee extract. Conclusion: Our study revealed that coffee extract can be used in the future as a substitute antimicrobial for the treatment of pathogenic bacteria due to its wide antimicrobial activity and we suggest advanced study on coffee extract to explore the bioactive compounds accountable for the detected antimicrobial activity.

Determination of Nickel in Selected Surface Waters of the Bonaberi Industrial Zone, Douala IV Council, Littoral Cameroon

Aims: To assess the source and level of Nickel in selected surface waters and its impact on the community of the Bonaberi industrial zone. Study Design: Cross-sectional study design that involved semi-quantitative and qualitative data collection method. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the area of Bonaberi industrial zone, Douala IV district between February 2019 to August 2020. Methodology: 25 Different surface water samples were collected from 5 sampling sites. Water samples were collected in polyethylene bottles previously washed with deionized water and rinsed with sample to be collected from different sites and acidified with 5 ml concentrated nitric acid. The contents of the metal were analyzed using Colorimetric merck microquant procedure. Two way ANOVA test and a P-value (<0.05) was considered significant. Results: Spring Water had a significant concentration of nickel in the various sites (0.06 mg/L), industrial waste (0.05 mg/L), River (0.04 mg/L), Well (0.03 mg/L), Tap waters (0.02 mg/L). Conclusion: Nickel is one of the most toxic naturally occurring metal(s) that is very dangerous to environmental sustainability when present in high concentrations. The study justifies the need to ascertain the long-term effects of Nickel contaminant(s) at waste dumping sites. Strengthening waste management systems and water quality monitoring should be implemented in the watersheds to minimize the health effects and deterioration of the aquatic ecosystem. Adequate measures should be taken to educate the community on heavy metals pollution on surface water and their effects to health and environment.

Integridad Del ADN Espermático Y La Toxicidad Reproductiva Del Nitrato De Plomo En Ratones Machos Adultos

Introducción: La toxicidad del plomo se ha relacionado a diferentes patologías en humanos y varias evidencias sugieren una fuerte relación con el daño observado sobre la función reproductiva en humanos y roedores. Método: Se proporcionó a ratones una dosis única de nitrato de plomo (NP) (50mg/kg/pc), los cuales fueron eutanizados siete días postinyección con el objetivo de evaluar los espermatozoides que han salido de los túbulos seminíferos y están en tránsito por el epidídimo; además, se evaluó la fragmentación del ADN espermático mediante el ensayo tunel. Resultados: La disminución del peso corporal en ratones, tratados con NP (p 0,05); de igual manera, los valores fisiológicos como conteo y movilidad espermática no disminuyeron con el tratamiento (p > 0.05). El tránsito y maduración de los espermatozoides en el epidídimo no sería afectado por el NP, y al no observar aumento en la fragmentación del ADN espermático en el grupo tratado (p > 0,05), la protaminación espermática estaría cumpliendo su rol protector sobre el material genético murino, por lo que no hubo daños genotóxicos por el NP. Conclusión: La administración intraperitoneal de 50mg/kg/pc de NP, por siete días, no causa toxicidad sistémica ni efecto en la espermatogénesis en ratón.

Introduction: Lead toxicity has been linked to different diseases in humans and several evidences suggest a strong relationship with the observed damage on reproductive function in humans and rodents. Methods: Mice were given a single dose of lead nitrate (NP) (50mg/kg/bw), which were euthanized seven days post-injection with the aim of evaluating sperm to come out from the seminiferous tubules and are in transit through the epididymis. Also, the Tunel test was done to evaluate the sperm DNA fragmentation. Results: The decrease in body weight in mice treated with ln (p 0.05), in the same way physiological values such as sperm concentration and motility didn´t decrease with the treatment (p > 0.05). Transit and sperm maturation in the epididymis would not be affected by the ln, and because we did not observe increased sperm DNA fragmentation in the treated group (p > 0.05), sperm protamination would be fulfilling its protective role on murine genetic material avoiding genotoxic damage by ln. Conclusion: The intraperitoneal administration of 50mg/kg/pc of ln for seven days does not cause systemic toxicity or effect on spermatogenesis in mice.

Pharmacokinetics of rifampicin, isoniazid & pyrazinamide during daily & intermittent dosing: A preliminary study

Background & objectives: The National Tuberculosis (TB) Control Programme has transitioned from thrice-weekly to daily drug treatment regimens in India. This preliminary study was conceived to compare the pharmacokinetics of rifampicin (RMP), isoniazid (INH) and pyrazinamide (PZA) in TB patients being treated with daily and thrice weekly anti-TB treatment (ATT). Methods: This prospective observational study was undertaken in 49 newly diagnosed adult TB patients receiving either daily ATT (n=22) or thrice-weekly ATT (n=27). Plasma RMP, INH and PZA were estimated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: The peak concentration (Cmax) of RMP was significantly higher (RMP: 8.5 ?g/ml vs. 5.5 ?g/ml; P=0.003) and Cmax of INH was significantly lower (INH: 4.8 ?g/ml vs. 10.9 ?g/ml; P<0.001) in case of daily dosing compared to thrice-weekly ATT. Cmax of drugs and doses was significantly correlated. A higher proportion of patients had subtherapeutic RMP Cmax (8.0 ?g/ml) during thrice-weekly compared to daily ATT (78% vs. 36%; P=0.004). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that Cmax of RMP was significantly influenced by the dosing rhythm, pulmonary TB and Cmax of INH and PZA by the mg/kg doses. Interpretation & conclusions: RMP concentrations were higher and INH concentrations were lower during daily ATT, suggesting that INH doses may need to be increased in case of a daily regimen. Larger studies are, however, required using higher INH doses when monitoring for adverse drug reactions and treatment outcomes.

Serum free light-chain concentration and relationship with some characteristics of patients with multiple myeloma

Introduction: Quantifying serum free light-chain is a valuable test to determine the risk at the time of diagnosis, assess the response to treatment, and monitor the recurrence of multiple myeloma. Objective: To investigate the characteristics of serum free light-chain concentration and its relationship with some clinical and subclinical characteristics in patients with multiple myeloma. Methods: Descriptive, retrospective, non-controlled study was conducted, in 74 patients with multiple myeloma. All patients were completed with quantitative tests serum free light-chain κ, and serum free light-chain λ. Results: Intact immunoglobulin multiple myeloma accounted for most patients (81%). Most patients had abnormal serum free light-chain at the time of diagnosis (98.6%). High serum free light-chain concentration was correlated with M protein concentration > 3 g/dL (p< 0.05) and there was no statistically significant correlation between high serum free light-chain and other clinical and subclinical features. Conclusion: Most patients with multiple myeloma have an elevated serum free light-chain at admission time. Correlation of high serum free light-chain with increased serum M protein was noted.

Introducción: La cuantificación de cadenas ligeras libres en el suero es una prueba valiosa para determinar el riesgo al momento del diagnóstico del mieloma múltiple, así como evaluar la respuesta al tratamiento y monitorear la recurrencia. Objetivo: Determinar las características de la concentración de cadenas ligeras libres en el suero y su relación con algunas características clínicas y subclínicas en pacientes con mieloma múltiple. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, no controlado, en 74 pacientes con mieloma múltiple. Todos los pacientes completaron pruebas cuantitativas de cadena ligera libre en el suero κ y cadena ligera libre en suero λ. Resultados: El mieloma múltiple de inmunoglobulina intacta representó a la mayoría de los pacientes (81 %). La mayoría de los pacientes tenían cadenas ligeras libres séricas anormales en el momento del diagnóstico (98,6 %). La concentración elevada de cadenas ligeras libres en el suero correlacionó con concentración de proteína M > 3 g/dL (p< 0,05) y no hubo correlación estadísticamente significativa entre cadenas ligeras libres en el suero elevadas y otras características clínicas y subclínicas. Conclusión: La mayoría de los pacientes con mieloma múltiple tienen cadenas ligeras libres séricas elevadas en el momento del ingreso. Se observa correlación de cadenas ligeras libres séricas altas, con la proteína M sérica aumentada.

Determinación de la concentración mínima inhibitoria de lotes de OLEOZON® tópico frente a Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes y Epidermophyton floccosum

Introducción: En la actualidad las infecciones por hongos afectan entre el 20 y el 25 % de la población. Objetivo: Determinar la concentración mínima inhibitoria de dos lotes de OLEOZON® almacenados a temperaturas de 5 y 30°C en envases de vidrio y polietileno de alta densidad, durante 24 meses como parte del estudio de estabilidad del OLEOZON® tópico. Métodos: Mediante el método dilución en agar fueron evaluadas cinco concentraciones del producto frente a los dermatofitos trichophyton rubrum, trichophyton mentagrophytes y epidermophyton floccosum. Resultados: Se obtuvo que el 8,9 mg/mL fue el valor de la CMI para las cepas evaluadas en el estudio "vida de estante"; se observó en el estudio acelerado el mismo valor frente a las cepas de trichophyton mientras que para epidermophyton floccosum fue de 17,8 mg/mL a excepción del envase frasco de vidrio del lote 803295 donde se obtuvo 8,9 mg/mL. El análisis estadístico, tanto del estudio acelerado como en vida de estante, mostró que existe diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre el primer y el último mes de ensayo, estas son las diferencias más apreciables en los lotes almacenados en frasco de vidrio. El OLEOZON® tópico almacenado en frasco de polietileno de alta densidad presentó mejores valores de actividad frente a los dermatofitos. Conclusiones: Todos los valores de la concentración mínima inhibitoria encontrados, independiente del tipo de envase, el tiempo o la temperatura de almacenamiento, muestran que el producto mantiene su actividad antifúngica. Se evidenció una similitud entre las cepas del género trichophyton en comparación con el género epidermophyton.

Introduction: Currently fungal infections affect between 20 and 25% of the population. Objective: To determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of two batches of OLEOZON® stored at temperatures of 5 and 30 0C in glass and high-density polyethylene containers, for 24 months as part of the stability study of topical OLEOZON®. Methods: Using the agar dilution method, five concentrations of the product were evaluated against the dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum. Results: It was found that 8.9 mg/mL was the MIC value for the strains evaluated in this shelf life study; and the same value was observed in the accelerated study against the trichophyton strains, while for epidermophyton floccosum it was 17.8 mg/mL with the exception of the glass bottle container of batch 803295 where 8.9 mg/mL was obtained. The statistical analysis, both in the accelerated study and in shelf life, showed that there is a statistically significant difference between the first and the last month of the trial, these are the most appreciable differences in the batches stored in glass jars. Topical OLEOZON® stored in a high-density polyethylene bottle presented better activity values against dermatophytes. Conclusions: All the values of the minimum inhibitory concentration found, regardless of the type of container, the time or the storage temperature, show that the product maintains its antifungal activity during the months of study. A similarity was apparent between the strains of the genus trichophyton compared to the genus epidermophyton.