Tumor de células gigantes esternal: esternectomía total y reconstrucción con barras de titanio más malla de polipropileno / Sternal Giant Cell Tumor: Total Sternectomy and Reconstruction with Titanium Rods Plus Polypropylene Mesh

El tumor de células gigantes (TCG) constituye un tumor óseo benigno relativamente frecuente. Se caracteriza por ser localmente agresivo y el lugar de presentación más frecuente es a nivel del esqueleto axial (fémur distal o tibia proximal). Hasta la actualidad, existen escasos informes de presentaciones atípicas, como a nivel del esternón. En este informe, se presenta el caso de una paciente mujer de 24 años que presenta tumoración indurada a nivel de la región esternal de crecimiento progresivo asociado a dolor. Los hallazgos radiológicos revelan tumoración osteolítica que tiene como origen el cuerpo del esternón y lo compromete casi en su totalidad. Este se proyecta hacia las partes blandas y llega al plano superficial. Debido a la extensión de la enfermedad y al compromiso extenso en el cuerpo del esternón, se realiza la resección del cuerpo y manubrio esternal. El defecto es reconstruido con malla de polipropileno, barras de titanio, parche de epiplón y autoinjerto de piel; se obtiene una adecuada estabilidad de la caja torácica y resultados estéticos favorables. El caso tiene un adecuado manejo oncológico puesto que la resección es completa con márgenes microscópicos libres (resección R0).

Giant cell tumor (GCT) constitutes a relatively common benign bone tumor, characteri-zed by its local aggressiveness. The most frequent site of occurrence is in the axial ske-leton (distal femur or proximal tibia). To date, there have been few reports of atypical presentations, such as at the level of the sternum. In this report, we present the case of a 24-year-old female patient who presented with an indurated mass in the sternal region, progressively growing and associated with pain. Radiological findings revealed an osteolytic mass originating from the body of the sternum, involving almost its entire extent and projecting into the soft tissues, reaching the superficial plane. Due to the extent of the disease and the extensive involvement of the sternal body, resection of the body and manubrium of the sternum was performed. The surgical defect was reconstructed with polypropylene mesh, titanium bars, an omental patch and a skin graft, achieving adequate stability of the thoracic cage and favorable cosmetic results.

Assessment of particulate matter (PM) in ambient air of different settings and its associated health risk in Haripur city, Pakistan

Abstract Particulate matter (PM) is a major air pollutant causing serious health problems. The aim of the present study was to find out concentration of PM in ambient air and its associated health risk in Haripur city, Pakistan. Twenty-three samples were taken at various educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas and industries in Haripur city. Concentration of PM2.5 (µg/m3) and PM10 (µg/m3) was measured with Youngteng YT-HPC 3000A portable PM counter. The results revealed that values of both PM2.5 and PM10 were above the permissible limits (35 µg/m3 for PM2.5 and 150 µg/m3 for PM10) set by Environmental Protection Agency Pakistan (Pak-EPA) in all the educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas and industries investigated. Furthermore, significant (p 0.05) variation was found in the concentration of both PM2.5 and PM10 in all the educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas, and industries studied. The concentration of PM2.5 was positively correlated with the concentration of PM10 in all the sampling sites. Therefore, from 1-14 scale standard of health index, the values of PM2.5 and PM10 exhibited that the ambient air quality of Haripur city Pakistan is under high risk. If the regulatory authorities such as Environmental Protection Agency, Health Department and Local Government monitor PM pollution in different settings of Haripur city, then a decrease can be possible in the pollution level. The remedies that can be taken to overcome the problem of ambient air pollution such as PM are plantation of trees at the sites where there are higher levels of air pollutants and use of masks on personal protection basis along with implementation of pollution control system in industries of Hattar Industrial Estate Haripur city, Pakistan.

Resumo O material particulado (MP) é um importante poluente do ar que causa sérios problemas de saúde. O objetivo do presente estudo foi descobrir a concentração de MP no ar ambiente e sua associação com o risco à saúde na cidade de Haripur, Paquistão. Vinte e três amostras foram coletadas em várias instituições de ensino, hospitais, áreas recreativas e indústrias na cidade de Haripur. A concentração de MP2,5 (µg/m3) e MP10 (µg/m3) foi medida por meio do contador de MP portátil Youngteng YT-HPC 3000A. Os resultados revelaram que os valores de MP2,5 e MP10 estavam acima dos limites permitidos (35 µg/m3 para MP2,5 e 150 µg/m3 para MP10) estabelecidos pela Agência de Proteção Ambiental do Paquistão (Pak-EPA) em todas as instituições de ensino, hospitais, áreas recreativas e indústrias investigadas. Além disso, foi encontrada variação significativa (p 0,05) na concentração de MP2,5 e MP10 em todos os locais estudados. A concentração de MP2,5 correlacionou-se positivamente com a concentração de MP10 em todos os locais de amostragem. Portanto, a partir da escala padrão 1-14 do índice de saúde, os valores de MP2,5 e MP10 mostraram que a qualidade do ar ambiente na cidade de Haripur, Paquistão, está sob alto risco. Se as autoridades reguladoras, como a Pak-EPA, o Departamento de Saúde e o governo local, monitorarem a poluição por MP em diferentes configurações da cidade de Haripur, pode ser que haja uma diminuição no nível de poluição. As medidas que podem ser tomadas para superar o problema da poluição do ar ambiente, como o MP, são o plantio de árvores nos locais onde há maiores níveis de poluentes atmosféricos, o uso de máscaras e a implantação de sistema de controle de poluição nas propriedades industriais de Hattar, na cidade Haripur, Paquistão.

Assessment of particulate matter (PM) in ambient air of different settings and its associated health risk in Haripur city, Pakistan / Avaliação de material particulado (MP) no ar ambiente de diferentes configurações e sua associação com o risco à saúde na cidade de Haripur, Paquistão

Particulate matter (PM) is a major air pollutant causing serious health problems. The aim of the present study was to find out concentration of PM in ambient air and its associated health risk in Haripur city, Pakistan. Twenty-three samples were taken at various educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas and industries in Haripur city. Concentration of PM2.5 (µg/m3) and PM10 (µg/m3) was measured with Youngteng YT-HPC 3000A portable PM counter. The results revealed that values of both PM2.5 and PM10 were above the permissible limits (35 µg/m3 for PM2.5 and 150 µg/m3 for PM10) set by Environmental Protection Agency Pakistan (Pak-EPA) in all the educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas and industries investigated. Furthermore, significant (p<0.05) variation was found in the concentration of both PM2.5 and PM10 in all the educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas, and industries studied. The concentration of PM2.5 was positively correlated with the concentration of PM10 in all the sampling sites. Therefore, from 1-14 scale standard of health index, the values of PM2.5 and PM10 exhibited that the ambient air quality of Haripur city Pakistan is under high risk. If the regulatory authorities such as Environmental Protection Agency, Health Department and Local Government monitor PM pollution in different settings of Haripur city, then a decrease can be possible in the pollution level. The remedies that can be taken to overcome the problem of ambient air pollution such as PM are plantation of trees at the sites where there are higher levels of air pollutants and use of masks on personal protection basis along with implementation of pollution control system in industries of Hattar Industrial Estate Haripur city, Pakistan.

O material particulado (MP) é um importante poluente do ar que causa sérios problemas de saúde. O objetivo do presente estudo foi descobrir a concentração de MP no ar ambiente e sua associação com o risco à saúde na cidade de Haripur, Paquistão. Vinte e três amostras foram coletadas em várias instituições de ensino, hospitais, áreas recreativas e indústrias na cidade de Haripur. A concentração de MP2,5 (µg/m3) e MP10 (µg/m3) foi medida por meio do contador de MP portátil Youngteng YT-HPC 3000A. Os resultados revelaram que os valores de MP2,5 e MP10 estavam acima dos limites permitidos (35 µg/m3 para MP2,5 e 150 µg/m3 para MP10) estabelecidos pela Agência de Proteção Ambiental do Paquistão (Pak-EPA) em todas as instituições de ensino, hospitais, áreas recreativas e indústrias investigadas. Além disso, foi encontrada variação significativa (p < 0,05) na concentração de MP2,5 e MP10 em todos os locais estudados. A concentração de MP2,5 correlacionou-se positivamente com a concentração de MP10 em todos os locais de amostragem. Portanto, a partir da escala padrão 1-14 do índice de saúde, os valores de MP2,5 e MP10 mostraram que a qualidade do ar ambiente na cidade de Haripur, Paquistão, está sob alto risco. Se as autoridades reguladoras, como a Pak-EPA, o Departamento de Saúde e o governo local, monitorarem a poluição por MP em diferentes configurações da cidade de Haripur, pode ser que haja uma diminuição no nível de poluição. As medidas que podem ser tomadas para superar o problema da poluição do ar ambiente, como o MP, são o plantio de árvores nos locais onde há maiores níveis de poluentes atmosféricos, o uso de máscaras e a implantação de sistema de controle de poluição nas propriedades industriais de Hattar, na cidade Haripur, Paquistão.

Effect of type of carrier material on the in vitro properties of solid dispersions of progesterone / 药学学报

This study investigated the effect of different carrier materials on the in vitro properties of progesterone solid dispersions. The solid dispersions of the insoluble drug progesterone were prepared by hot melt extrusion technique using rheological properties as the index of investigation, and the in vitro properties of the solid dispersions were characterized. Scanning electron microscope revealed solid dispersions with rough surfaces and agglomerated microstructures into irregular lumpy particles. Differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction showed the change of progesterone crystalline form in solid dispersions from crystalline to amorphous state. In vitro dissolution studies showed that solid dispersions prepared with different carrier materials can effectively improve the dissolution rate of drugs. The results of the study showed that the type of carrier material had a significant effect on the in vitro properties of solid dispersions, providing a reference for the study of solid dispersions in the controlled release of insoluble drugs.

Preparation of an amino hybrid mesoporous silica-based nanotopography protective coating on a titanium implant surface and evaluation of its osteogenic effect / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To deposit degradable amino-hybrid mesoporous silica (AHMS) in situ on the surface of titanium nanotube (TNT) and explore its protective effect on nanomorphology and osteogenesis.@*Methods@#TNT and TNT@AHMS were sequentially prepared via an anodizing method: the oil-water two-phase method (experimental group) and the acid-etched titanium method [control group (Ti)]. The parameters for synthesis were explored by changing the silicon source dosage ratio (3∶1, 1∶1, 1∶3); the surface morphology was observed by scanning electron microscope(SEM), hydrophilicity was detected by Water Contact Angle Tester, elemental composition was detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); nanoindentation test and ultrasonic oscillator were used to observe the morphological holding effect as mechanical strength of TNT@AHMS in vitro; simulated immersion experiments in vitro was used to observe the degradation behavior of the material. the MC3T3-E1 cell line was used to observe the effect of cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation on the material; and an SD rat femoral implant model and micro-CT were used to verify the protective effect and osseointegration effect of AHMS on TNT morphology.@*Results@#The morphologies of TNT and TNT@AHMS were successfully prepared, and the silicon source ratio was 1:3. SEM showed that the titanium nanotubes were uniformly covered with AHMS coating, and the mesoporous pore size was about 4 nm. After AHMS was incorporated, the surface of the material was hydrophilic (12.78°), the presence of amino groups (NH2-) was detected, the material was completely degraded within 12 h in vitro, and the active morphology of the TNT was re-exposed with a cumulative silicon release of 10 ppm. Nanoindentation test showed that TNT@AHMS exhibited more ideal surface mechanical strength. SEM revealed that TNT maintains its own morphology under the protection of AHMS, and the TNT group suffered severe exfoliation. In addition, the early adhesion and proliferation rates, ALP activity, and bone volume fraction of cells on the TNT@AHMS surface 4 weeks after implantation were significantly higher than those in the TNT group.@*Conclusion@#By depositing AHMS on the surface of TNT, the nanotopography can be protected. It not only prevents the active base topography from exerting subsequent biological effects but also further endows the material with the ability to promote bone regeneration, laying a foundation for the future development of nanotopography-modified titanium implants.

Logic-gated tumor-microenvironment nanoamplifier enables targeted delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 for multimodal cancer therapy

Recent innovations in nanomaterials inspire abundant novel tumor-targeting CRISPR-based gene therapies. However, the therapeutic efficiency of traditional targeted nanotherapeutic strategies is limited by that the biomarkers vary in a spatiotemporal-dependent manner with tumor progression. Here, we propose a self-amplifying logic-gated gene editing strategy for gene/H2O2-mediated/starvation multimodal cancer therapy. In this approach, a hypoxia-degradable covalent-organic framework (COF) is synthesized to coat a-ZIF-8 in which glucose oxidase (GOx) and CRISPR system are packaged. To intensify intracellular redox dyshomeostasis, DNAzymes which can cleave catalase mRNA are loaded as well. When the nanosystem gets into the tumor, the weakly acidic and hypoxic microenvironment degrades the ZIF-8@COF to activate GOx, which amplifies intracellular H+ and hypoxia, accelerating the nanocarrier degradation to guarantee available CRISPR plasmid and GOx release in target cells. These tandem reactions deplete glucose and oxygen, leading to logic-gated-triggered gene editing as well as synergistic gene/H2O2-mediated/starvation therapy. Overall, this approach highlights the biocomputing-based CRISPR delivery and underscores the great potential of precise cancer therapy.

Research progress on direct pulp capping of primary teeth / 口腔疾病防治

@#The timely treatment of dental caries and pulp disease in primary teeth holds significant importance for maintaining children's oral health. Direct pulp capping (DPC) is a vital pulp treatment that involves covering the exposed pulp with bioactive materials to promote dentin bridge formation. DPC is commonly used in primary teeth with vital pulp and mechanical pulp exposure not exceeding 1 mm. DPC offers advantages such as minimal invasiveness, comfort, simplicity of operation and short chair-side time, making it suitable for pediatric dental clinical practice. Early studies suggested negative treatment outcomes for DPC in primary teeth with carious pulp exposure. Over the years, there have been advancements in materials and technology demonstrating positive outcomes in the clinical research of primary teeth with deep caries. However, due to the limited quality of related studies, DPC has not been widely recommended for the treatment of primary teeth with carious pulp exposure, and its widespread use needs further support by more high-quality evidence-based medical research. The success rate of DPC in primary teeth is influenced by factors including pulp status, clinical operations (such as isolation and caries removal), pulp capping material, cavity type, tooth position, coronal sealing, and dental fear. In clinical operation, dentists should accurately assess pulp status and minimize bacterial contamination. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a DPC agent with relatively sufficient evidence and good therapeutic effects, and the crown should be tightly sealed after pulp capping. Additionally, the effects of novel biocompatible materials such as iRoot BP Plus used in DPC of primary teeth, and the influence of other factors like hemostatic methods on the prognosis of affected teeth, need further exploration.

Historical Evolution and Modern Research Progress of Processing of Scutellariae Radix / 中国实验方剂学杂志

By consulting ancient herbal books and modern literature， this paper systematically sorted out and researched the processing history， relevant processing norms in recent years， modern processing technology， chemical composition changes of processed products and their pharmacological mechanism of Scutellariae Radix， in order to provide a basis for the further development of Scutellariae Radix decoction pieces. According to the textual research of ancient books， there were many kinds of processing auxiliary materials of Scutellariae Radix， such as wine， vinegar， salt， honey， pig bile and so on， among which the wine processing was the most diverse and detailed， and the processed products such as raw products， stir-fried products， wine-processed products， fried charcoal products were still in use. The modern processing techniques of Scutellariae Radix mainly focus on the processing aspects of softening and slicing， wine processing and charcoal frying， and the research methods are relatively unified. At present， it is found that the changed chemical constituents of Scutellariae Radix after processing are flavonoids， polysaccharides， volatile oils and trace elements， etc. Pharmacological effects of processed products are hemostasis， antibacterial， anti-inflammatory， antioxidant， analgesic and antipyretic， treatment of lung diseases， treatment of colitis， etc. However， in the studies of Scutellariae Radix processing， there is a lack of research on the structural changes of chemical components caused by processing and a comprehensive comparative study on the pharmacological effects of various processed products. Based on this， it is suggested to carry out systematic research on the processing technology to processing mechanism， further explore the relationship between the change rule of material basis and pharmacological action before and after processing of Scutellariae Radix， and deepen the exploration of molecular mechanism and clinical application of processed products of Scutellariae Radix， in order to clarify the scientific connotation of the processing mechanism of Scutellariae Radix， and lay a foundation for the subsequent expansion of the application of Scutellariae Radix decoction pieces and the formulation of processing standards.

Research on Material Basis of Homologous and Heterogeneous Effect of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus and Aurantii Fructus Based on Total Statistical Moment Analysis and Molecular Connectivity Index / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the material basis of homologous and heterogeneous effect of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus（AFI） and Aurantii Fructus（AF） based on the total statistical moment analysis and molecular connectivity index（MCI）. MethodRelevant literature at home and abroad and Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform（TCMSP） were consulted to establish the chemical composition database of AFI and AF， and set up their fingerprints by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography（UPLC）， and the total statistical moments and similarity parameters of the fingerprint were calculated. According to MCI， all components of AFI and AF were divided into different component groups， the average values of 0-8th order（0χ-8χ） MCI of the common component groups of AFI and AF were calculated. ResultThe values of total zero-order moment（AUCT） of AFI and AF were （10.57±2.45）×106， （5.09±0.89）×106 μV·s， the values of total first-order moment（MCRTT） were （11.57±1.58）， （12.10±1.29） min， the values of total second-order moments（VCRTT） were（24.49±2.30）， （26.49±2.54） min2， respectively. It showed that qualitative and quantitative parameters of AFI and AF were significantly different. The components with high similarity such as neohesperidin， hesperidin and narirutin were screened as the common potential pharmacodynamic components of AFI and AF. The non-common components of AFI， such as alysifolinone and imperatorin， and the non-common components of AF， such as neoeriocitrin and isosakuranin， with high similarity were screened out as potential heterogeneous components of AFI and AF. The composition groups of AFI and AF were classified into six categories， and the similarities between the composition groups of AFI and AF and the total constituents were 0.872-0.979 and 0.918-0.997， the average values of 0χ-8χ MCI of alkaloids in AFI and AF were 3.65 and 3.14， the average values of 0χ-8χ MCI of flavonoids were 8.47 and 8.47， the average values of 0χ-8χ MCI of volatile oils were 2.71 and 3.48， respectively. It showed that there were some differences in MCI of chemical constituents（groups） between AFI and AF. ConclusionThe chemical constituents（groups） of AFI and AF not only differ in content and species， but also in structural characteristics and structure-activity relationship， which can provide a basis for further explaining the scientific connotation of homologous and heterogeneous effect of AFI and AF.

Research progress of intraocular lens materials / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

With the wide application of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation, many cataract patients have effectively recovered vision. Postoperative intraocular lens opacification is an important indicator for evaluating biocompatibility, as it affects the visual quality of patients. The manifestation and risk factors of opacification vary among different materials used for intraocular lenses. However, better visual quality after surgery is not determined by a single factor. The material of the intraocular lens and the patient's response to the intraocular lens are all factors that affect the postoperative visual quality. With the continuous advancement of technology, an increasing number of new materials are being applied in the field of intraocular lenses. Fully understanding the characteristics of intraocular lens materials, selecting suitable intraocular lens for patients and reducing complications caused by materials will be beneficial to patients. The characteristics of different intraocular lens materials and the risk factors of opacification after intraocular lens implantation were discussed in this paper.

Research progress on dental materials for preventing root caries / 口腔疾病防治

@#The high incidence and untreated rate of root caries, a common and frequently occurring oral disease with challenging treatment in elderly individuals, is the main cause of tooth loss among elderly people, as rapid development results in pulpitis and periapical periodontitis or residual crown and root, which has been regarded as one of the common chronic oral diseases seriously affecting the quality of life of elderly people. Thus, early intervention and prevention are important. Traditional dental materials for preventing root caries have been widely used in clinical practice; however, they have the disadvantages of tooth coloring, remineralization and low sterilization efficiency. A series of new dental materials for preventing root caries have gradually become a research hotspot recently, which have the advantages of promoting the mineralization of deep dental tissue, prolonging the action time and enhancing adhesion. Future caries prevention materials should be designed according to the characteristics of root surface caries and the application population and should be developed toward simplicity, high efficiency and low toxicity. This review describes current research regarding anti-caries prevention material application, serving as a theoretical underpinning for the research of root caries prevention materials, which is important for both promotion in the effective prevention of root caries and improvement in the status of oral health and the quality of life among old people.

Micro duelo: adaptação do jogo Yu-Gi-Oh para o ensino da Microbiologia / Micro duel: adaptation of the game Yu-Gi-Oh for teaching Microbiology / Micro duelo: adaptación del juego Yu-Gi-Oh para la enseñanza de Microbiología

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de professores tutores e professores da Educação Básica, participantes do curso EAD Ensino de Ciências para a Promoção de Saúde na Escola Básica, na construção de um material didático-pedagógico para ser utilizado em sala de aula. Método: Para diversificar a rotina de aulas no ensino de Ciências e Biologia, direcionadas para alunos do ensino médio, os professores da Educação Básica que trabalharam os conteúdos do módulo de Saúde e Educação, desenvolveram um jogo de cartas que aborda a microbiologia, inspirado em Yu-Gi-Oh, uma série animada de mangá (histórias japonesas em quadrinhos), onde os jogadores usam cartas para duelar, em uma batalha simulada. Resultados: O material didático descreve os principais conceitos utilizados nojogo (duelo, pontos de vida, tipos de cartas etc.), as fases do duelo e os passos para iniciar o jogo. As cartas foram adaptadas para os assuntos abordados na microbiologia e continham nome do agente, tipo, descrição, atributo em cores, nível de ação em estrelas, número da carta e os pontos de ataque e de defesa. Conclusão: Espera-se estimular a interação e o aprendizado dos estudantes, através da aquisição de habilidades indispensáveis ao desenvolvimento intelectual e facilitação dos conceitos relacionados à microbiologia.

Objective: Report the experience of tutors and Basic Education teachers, participants in the EAD course Teaching Science for Health Promotion in Basic Schools, in the construction of didactic-pedagogical material to be used in the classroom. Method: To diversify the routine of teaching Science and Biology classes, aimed at high school students, the Basic Education teachers who worked on the contents of the Health and Education module, developed a card game that addresses microbiology, inspired by Yu-Gi-Oh, an animated manga series (Japanese comic books), where players use cards to duel in a simulated battle. Results: The teaching material describes the main concepts used in the game (duel, life points, types of cards, etc.), the phases of the duel and the steps to start the game. The cards were adapted to the subjects covered in microbiology and contained the agent's name, type, description, attribute in colors, action level in stars, card number and attack and defense points. Conclusion: It is expected to stimulate student interaction and learning, through the acquisition of skills essential for intellectual development and facilitation of concepts related to microbiology.

Objetivo: Reportar la experiencia de tutores y docentes de Educación Básica, participantes del curso EADEnseñanza de Ciencias para la Promoción de la Salud en Escuelas Básicas, en la construcción de material didáctico-pedagógico para ser utilizado en aula. Método: Para diversificar la rutina de enseñanza de las clases de Ciencias y Biología, dirigidas a estudiantes de secundaria, los docentes de Educación Básica que trabajaron los contenidos Salud y Educación desarrollaron un juego de cartas que aborda la microbiología, inspirado en Yu-Gi-Oh, una serie animada de manga (cómics japoneses), donde los jugadores usan cartas para batirse en duelo en una batalla simulada. Resultados: El material didáctico describe los principales conceptos utilizados en el juego (duelo, puntos de vida, tipos de cartas, etc.), las fases del duelo y los pasos para iniciar el juego. Las tarjetas estaban adaptadas a los temas tratados en microbiología y contenían el nombre del agente, tipo, descripción, atributo en colores, nivel de acción en estrellas, número de tarjeta y puntos de ataque y defensa. Conclusión: Se espera estimular la interacción y el aprendizaje de los estudiantes, a través de la adquisición de habilidades esenciales para el desarrollo intelectual y la facilitación de conceptos relacionados con la microbiología.

Concentración atmosférica de material particulado previo a la pandemia por COVID-19 en Colombia

Introducción: El SARS-CoV-2 se transmite principalmente por vía aérea, en la cual influyen factores ambientales como el material particulado. Objetivos: Determinar la concentración media de material particulado 10 en cinco estaciones de monitoreo ambiental en Santa Marta (Colombia) para evaluar el riesgo incremental o predisposición de morbimortalidad por COVID-19, previo inicio de la pandemia. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en una muestra de cinco estaciones de monitoreo ambiental sobre la concentración de material particulado. La información se obtuvo de la base de datos "Calidad de Aire del Departamento del Magdalena" del sitio web de datos abiertos del Gobierno de Colombia. Resultados: En las cinco estaciones ambientales la concentración media anual de material particulado superó o se acercó a 50 µg/m3, el límite permitido por año en Colombia, y casi triplicó lo establecido por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Entre el 13-30 % de las concentraciones diarias de material particulado 10 superaron los 75 µg/m3: umbral en el país. Entretanto, el 50-75 % de las concentraciones excedieron la dosis diaria de referencia en organismos internacionales. Los mayores niveles de contaminación se observaron en el sector sur. Conclusiones: En todas las estaciones gran parte de las concentraciones diarias y la media anual sobrepasaron el límite de material particulado 10. Esto aumentó el riesgo establecido de COVID-19, y se presume la predisposición para morbimortalidad por esta enfermedad, en la ciudad de Santa Marta, antes del inicio de la pandemia.

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted mainly by the airborne route, which is influenced by environmental factors such as particulate matter. Objectives: To determine the mean concentration of particulate matter 10 in five environmental monitoring stations in Santa Marta (Colombia) to evaluate the incremental risk or predisposition of morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19, prior to the onset of the pandemic. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study in a sample of five environmental monitoring stations on the concentration of particulate matter. The information was obtained from the database "Calidad de Aire del Departamento del Magdalena" of the open data website of the Colombian government. Results: In the five environmental stations the annual average concentration of particulate matter exceeded or approached 50 µg/m3, the limit allowed per year in Colombia, and almost tripled that established by the WHO. Between 13-30% of the daily concentrations of particulate matter exceeded 75 µg/m3: the threshold in the country. Meanwhile, 50-75 % of the concentrations exceeded the daily reference dose in international organizations. The highest pollution levels were observed in the southern sector. Conclusions: In all stations a large part of the daily concentrations and the annual mean exceeded the limit for particulate matter 10. This increased the established risk of COVID-19, and the predisposition for morbimortality due to this disease in the city of Santa Marta, before the beginning of the pandemic, is presumed.

Direct spectrofluorimetric methods as alternatives to compendial ones used for the quality control of biopharmaceuticals: development, validation and application

Abstract A simple, rapid, precise, accurate and sustainable spectrofluorimetric method (SFM) was developed, validated and applied for the determination of 4-aminobenzoic acid and aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine, tryptophan and tyrosine). These compounds are used in biopharmaceutical formulations and therefore must be analyzed by quality control laboratories to meet the criteria established in pharmacopoeias. In general, potentiometric titration (PT) is described in the compendia as the official analytical technique. However, this method showed low sensitivity and selectivity, and moreover was performed with a non-aqueous solvent (acetic acid), which led to higher consumption of reagents and consequently to the formation of residues. Therefore, the SFM was developed in aqueous medium at pH 7.2 using phosphate buffer. It was successfully validated according to the ICH guidelines and showed good linearity range (r>0.999), specificity, accuracy and precision (within and between days) and robustness. The test results were compared between the SFM and PT using raw material samples, while according to the F- and t-tests at 95% confidence level, no statistical difference was found between the methods

Comparative study of physical-chemical properties of bioactive glass ionomer cement

Abstract This study analyzed the physical-chemical properties of bioactive ionomer materials. Cention N bioactive materials were evaluated chemically activated (CN) and light-cured (CN-LC), Equia Forte Fill (EQUI); conventional resin composite Filtek Z350 XT (Z350); resin glass ionomer cement Riva light Cure (RIVA) and flowable resin composite Filtek Bulk Fill Flow (BULK-F) were evaluated. Sixty specimens (n=10) were prepared for sorption (SR), solubility (SL), flexural strength (FS), shrinkage stress (SS), conversion degree (CD), microhardness (MI), and surface roughness (SR) tests. Non-cured and light-cured materials were assessed on FTIR. 30 human molar teeth were used in the bond strength test (BS). Data were subjected to ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey's test (5% of significance). EQUI showed more sorption in SR and no statistical difference from RIVA and CN-LC. CN group showed more solubility and EQUI presented less (p<0.05). BULK-F showed higher FS (MPa), without differences from CN and Z350, whereas EQUI presented the lowest FS not differing from RIVA. BULK-F and CN-LC showed more shrinkage stress differing from EQUI. CN-LC and CN showed higher CD differing from the other which showed no differences (p>0.05) between them. EQUI showed the highest hardness (p<0.05) in MI. There were no differences (p>0.05) in SR (µm). Z350 and BULK-F presented higher BS, whereas CN-LC showed the lowest, although not differing from EQUI and RIVA. Equia Forte's solubility and microhardness make it a good alternative as a restorative material. Cention N degree of conversion and flexural strength making it an esthetic option to amalgam.

Resumo Este estudo analisou as propriedades físico-químicas dos materiais de ionômero bioativo. Os materiais bioativos Cention N quimicamente ativados (CN) e fotopolimerizados (CN-LC), Equia Forte Fill (EQUI); resina composta convencional Filtek Z350 XT (Z350); resina de ionômero de vidro Riva light Cure (RIVA) e resina composta fluida Filtek Bulk Fill Flow (BULK-F) foram avaliados. Sessenta espécimes (n=10) foram preparados para testes de sorção (SR), solubilidade (SL), resistência à flexão (FS), tensão de contração (SS), grau de conversão (CD), microdureza (MI) e rugosidade da superfície (SR). Os materiais não curados e curados com luz foram avaliados por FTIR. 30 dentes molares humanos foram usados no teste de resistência de união (BS). Os dados foram submetidos a ANOVA e teste de post-hoc Tukey (5% de significância). O EQUI apresentou maior sorção no SR e não mostrou diferença estatística em relação aos grupos RIVA e CN-LC. O grupo CN apresentou maior solubilidade e o EQUI apresentou menor (p<0,05). O BULK-F apresentou maior FS (MPa), sem diferir do CN e do Z350, enquanto o EQUI apresentou o menor FS, não diferindo do RIVA. O BULK-F e o CN-LC apresentaram maior estresse de contração, diferindo do EQUI. O CN-LC e o CN apresentaram maior CD (%), diferindo dos demais, que não apresentaram diferenças (p>0,05) entre si. A EQUI apresentou a maior dureza (p<0,05) no MI. Não houve diferenças (p>0,05) na SR (µm). Z350 and BULK-F apresentaram BS, enquanto a CN-LC apresentou a menor, embora não diferindo da EQUI e da RIVA. A solubilidade e a microdureza do Equia Forte o tornam uma boa alternativa como material restaurador. O grau de conversão e a resistência à flexão do Cention N o tornam uma opção estética ao amálgama.

Effects of LED Lights on Bulk Fill Resin Polymerization

The present study analyzed the microhardness and degree of conversion of three Bulk Fill resins (M1 - Filtek Bulk Fill; M2 - Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill and M3 - Opus Bulk Fill) polymerized by single peak and polywave Light-emitting Diode Curing Lights. A total 90 test specimens (n=10) were obtained using a Teflon matrix for the purpose of testing microhardness; and for degree of conversion: 135 specimens (n=5) by using a 2 x 6 cm matrix. The specimens were light polymerized using 3 light sources (L1 - Optilight Max, L2 - Bluephase, L3 - VALO). They were kept in artificial saliva om an oven at 37±1°C during the experiment. The degree of conversion was measured by FTIR 24 h after obtaining each test specimen. The microhardness readouts were performed with a microdurometer at the time intervals of 48 hours (T0), 7 days (T1), 14 days (T2) and 21 days (T3). M1L3 was found to show the highest microhardness values in T2, and M1 showed the lowest degree of conversion in the deep third with L1. It was concluded that Filtek Bulk Fill resin showed the best results in comparison with the other resins.

El presente estudio analizó la microdureza y el grado de conversión de tres resinas Bulk Fill (M1 - Filtek Bulk Fill; M2 - Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill y M3 - Opus Bulk Fill) polimerizadas por lámparas de curado de diodo emisor de luz de pico único y polionda. Se obtuvieron un total de 90 especímenes de prueba (n=10) utilizando una matriz de teflón con el propósito de probar la microdureza; y para grado de conversión: 135 especímenes (n=5) utilizando una matriz de 2 x 6 cm. Las muestras se fotopolimerizaron utilizando 3 fuen- tes de luz (L1 - Optilight Max, L2 - Bluephase, L3 - VALO). Se mantuvieron en saliva artificial en estufa a 37 ±1°C durante el experimento. El grado de conversión se midió por FTIR 24 h después de obtener cada muestra de prueba. Las lecturas de microdureza se realizaron con un microdurómetro en los intervalos de tiempo de 48 horas (T0), 7 días (T1), 14 días (T2) y 21 días (T3). Se encontró que M1L3 mostraba los valores más altos de microdureza en T2, y M1 mostraba el grado más bajo de conversión en el tercio profundo con L1. Se concluyó que la resina Filtek Bulk Fill mostró los mejores resultados en comparación con las demás resinas.

Gestão de recursos das unidades de terapia intensiva em tempos de pandemia por COVID-19

Objetivo: Analisar aspectos de gestão em recursos das unidades de terapia intensiva (UTI) em tempos de COVID-19 na microrregião Cariri cearense. Método: Estudo descritivo do tipo transversal em quatro hospitais da microrregião do Cariri, com 91 profissionais da equipe interdisciplinar que atuam em UTI desde o início da pandemia. A pesquisa foi realizada através de e-mail, Instagram e/ou WhatsApp e os dados analisados em teste do qui-quadrado, teste-T e gráfico de clusters. Resultados: Acerca dos recursos humanos, 73,6 % dos profissionais realizaram curso de manejo do paciente em UTI durante a COVID-19 e 67,0 % sobre controle de infecções relacionados a serviços de saúde. Um 64,8 % conseguiram lidar como as dificuldades na UTI, 69,2 % foram remanejados de outros setores hospitalares para atender demandas da UTI e grande parte dos profissionais (76,9 %) não tiveram aporte psicológico para a pandemia. Nos recursos estruturais, 100 % dos leitos de UTI adulto foram ocupados durante a pandemia, apresentando diferença entre antes e durante, durante e após a crise com aumento exponencial da capacidade de leitos (p<0,001), e não apresentando diferenças significativas em momentos antes e após a pandemia (p=0,035). Recursos materiais estiveram em escassez e diminuição, como equipamentos de proteção individual, oxigênio, medicamentos, entre outros. Conclusão: Foi possível identificar a reorganização dos recursos humanos, materiais e estruturais dos hospitais da pesquisa. Houve aumento exponencial de leitos durante a crise pandêmica quando comparado a capacidade relatada pelos profissionais de momentos antes da pandemia. Portanto, esta pesquisa contribui para o conhecimento de gestão em saúde e reestruturação hospitalar em tempos de pandemia.

Objetivo: Analizar aspectos de la gestión de recursos de las unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) en tiempos de COVID-19 en la microrregión de Cariri, Ceará Método: Estudio descriptivo transversal en cuatro hospitales de la microrregión de Cariri, con 91 profesionales del equipo interdisciplinario que trabajan en UCI desde el inicio de la pandemia. La encuesta se realizó por correo electrónico, Instagram y/o WhatsApp y los datos se analizaron mediante la prueba chi-cuadrado, prueba T y gráfico de conglomerados Resultados: Respecto a los recursos humanos, el 73.6 % de los profesionales realizó un curso de manejo de pacientes en UCI durante la COVID-19 y el 67.0 % sobre control de infecciones relacionadas con los servicios sanitarios. El 64.8 % pudo hacer frente a las dificultades en la UCI, el 69,2 % fue reasignado de otros sectores hospitalarios para atender las demandas de la UCI y la mayoría de los profesionales (76.9 %) no tuvo apoyo psicológico para la pandemia. En cuanto a los recursos organizativos, el 100 % de las camas de la UCI de adultos estuvieron ocupadas durante la pandemia, con una diferencia entre antes y durante, durante y después de la crisis, con un aumento exponencial de la capacidad de camas (p<0,001), y sin diferencias significativas entre antes y después de la pandemia (p=0,035). Los recursos materiales escasearon y disminuyeron, como equipos de protección personal, oxígeno, medicamentos, entre otros Conclusión: Se pudo identificar la gestión de los recursos humanos, materiales y organizativos en los hospitales encuestados. Hubo un aumento exponencial de camas durante la crisis pandémica en comparación con la capacidad reportada por los profesionales antes de la pandemia. Por lo tanto, esta investigación contribuye al conocimiento de la gestión sanitaria y la reestructuración hospitalaria en tiempos de pandemia

Objective: To analyze resource management aspects in intensive care units (ICU) in times of COVID-19 in Cariri microregion of Ceará. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study in four hospitals in the Cariri microregion, with 91 professionals from interdisciplinary teams who have been working in the ICU since the beginning of the pandemic. Research was conducted through email, Instagram and/or WhatsApp and the data were analyzed in the chi-square test, T-test and cluster chart Results: Regarding human resources, 73.6 % of professionals took a course on patient management in ICU during COVID-19 and 67.0 % on control of healthcare-associated infections. Of these professionals, 64.8 % were able to deal with the difficulties in the ICU, 69.2 % were relocated from other hospital sectors to meet ICU demands and most professionals (76.9 %) did not have psychological support for the pandemic. In structural resources, 100 % of adult ICU beds were occupied during the pandemic, presenting a difference between before and during, during and after the crisis with an exponential increase in bed capacity (p<0.001), and showing no significant differences in moments before and after the pandemic (p=0.035). Material resources were in short supply and decreased, such as personal protective equipment, oxygen, medicines, among others Conclusion: Identifying the reorganization of human, material and structural resources was possible in the researched hospitals. There has been an exponential increase in beds during the pandemic crisis when compared to the capacity reported by staff from moments before the pandemic. Therefore, this research contributes to the knowledge of health management and hospital restructuring in pandemic times

Construção de procedimento operacional padrão como ferramenta facilitadora de gestão em saúde em uma faculdade de odontologia / Construction of standard operating procedure as a facilitating tool for health management in a school of dentistry / Construcción de procedimiento operativo estándar como herramienta facilitadora para la gestión en salud en una facultad de odontología

O Procedimento Operacional Padrão é uma relevante ferramenta de gestão para otimizar o processo de trabalho dentro da perspectiva da resolutividade definida nos princípios do Sistema Único de Saúde.Objetivo:elaborar um Procedimento Operacional Padrãopara estandardizar o funcionamento do fluxo de materiais do almoxarifado da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal do Pará. Metodologia:Estudo descritivo que propôs a criação de uma ferramenta de tecnologia leve dividido em três etapas: aprofundamento teórico, elaboração e refinamento. Resultados:A equipe envolvida no processo de trabalho da unidade de saúde colaborou com a construção do instrumento, favorecendo o estabelecimento de vínculo e assertividade. O Procedimento Operacional Padrãoelaborado constitui subsídio para organização do fluxo com o objetivo de esclarecer, facilitar e padronizar o uso do almoxarifado, promovendo estratégias de uso adequado no manejo dos materiais e a racionalização dos mesmos, com a finalidade de tirar máximo proveito e reduzir custos. Conclusões:A elaboração da ferramenta promoveu aprimoramento do processo de trabalho no manejo dos materiais e equipamentos odontológicos. A participação dos sujeitos envolvidos gerou fortalecimento do vínculo e co-responsabilização (AU).

The Standard Operating Procedure is a relevant management tool to optimizethe work processwithin the perspective of resolution as defined in the Unified Health Systemprinciples.Objective:to elaborate a Standard Operating Procedureto standardize the flow use of materials in the storeroom of the College of Dentistry of the Federal University of Pará.Methodology:Descriptive study which proposed the creation of a soft technology tool divided into three stages: theoretical deepening, elaboration and refinement. Results:The team involved in the health center'swork process collaborated with the development of the instrument, promoting the establishment of bonding and assertiveness. The elaborated Standard Operating Procedureconstitutes subsidy for the organization of the flow with the goal of clarifying, facilitating and standardizing the use of the storeroom, promoting strategies of adequate use in the handling of materials and the rationalization of them, in order to take full advantage and reduce costs. Conclusions:The tool elaborationpromoted the improvement of the work process in the handling of dental materials and equipment. The participation of the health center's team strengthened the bond and co-responsibility (AU).

El Procedimiento Operativo Estándar es una herramienta de gestiónrelevante para optimizar el proceso de trabajo en la perspectiva de resolución definida en los principios del Sistema Único de Salud.Objetivo: desarrollar un Procedimiento Operativo Estándarpara estandarizar el flujo de materiales en el almacén de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Federal de Pará. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo que propuso la creación de una herramienta de tecnología liviana dividida en tres etapas: profundización teórica, elaboración y refinamiento. Resultados: El equipo involucrado en el proceso de trabajo delaunidad de saludcolaboró con la construcción del instrumento, favoreciendo el establecimiento de un vínculoe asertividad. El Procedimiento Operativo Estándarelaboradoconstituyesubsidio para la organización del flujo con el objetivo de aclarar, facilitar y estandarizar el uso del almacén, promover estrategias de uso adecuado en el manejo de los materiales y la racionalización de los mismos, con el fin de aprovechar al máximo y reducir los costos.Conclusiones: La elaboración de la herramienta promovió la mejora del proceso de trabajo en el manejo de materiales y equipos odontológicos. La participación de los sujetos involucrados fortaleció el vínculo y la corresponsabilidad (AU).

Defectos congénitos y exposición prenatal a material particulado en una población colombiana

Objetivo. Determinar la existencia de asociación entre defectos congénitos y la exposición prenatal de mujeres gestantes a PM10 en una población colombiana. Métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles. Se incluyeron casos de madres de recién nacidos con defectos congénitos confirmados posnatalmente y controles sin defectos congénitos. La exposición a emisiones se determinó mediante disgregación temporo-espacial mediante ArcGIS® y georreferenciación mediante gvSIG, Google Earth y Google Street View®, usando estimaciones previamente publicadas y validadas para la ciudad. El análisis estadístico se realizó utilizando Jamovi-Stats Open now. Resultados . Se incluyeron un total de 101 pacientes, correspondiendo a 31 casos y 70 controles. Existió un aumento del riesgo de desarrollar defectos congénitos tras la exposición a emisiones de PM10 superiores a 2,23 Ton/año/250 m2 (OR: 8,17; IC 95%: 1.61 a 41.46; p = 0,011). Conclusiones. Existió relación entre la exposición a niveles elevados de PM10 y aumento en el riesgo de defectos congénitos en la población estudiada. Se sugiere la realización de futuras investigaciones sobre la relación entre contaminación medioambiental y eventos obstétricos adversos.

Objective: To determine the existence of an association between birth defects and prenatal exposure of pregnant women to PM10 in a Colombian population. Methods: Retrospective case-control study. Cases of mothers of newborns with postnatally confirmed congenital defects and controls without congenital defects were included. Emission exposure was determined by temporo-spatial disaggregation using ArcGIS® and georeferencing using gvSIG®, Google Earth® and Google Street View®, using previously published and validated estimates for the city. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi-Stats Open now®. Results: A total of 101 patients were included, corresponding to 31 cases and 70 controls. There was an increased risk of developing birth defects after exposure to PM10 emissions above 2.23 Ton/year/250m2 (OR: 8.17; 95% CI: 1.61 - 41.46; p = 0.011). Conclusions: There was a relationship between exposure to high levels of PM10 and increased risk of birth defects in the population studied. Future research on the relationship between environmental contamination and adverse obstetric events is suggested.

STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF BRASS AND COPPER ELECTRODES DURING ELECTRIC DISCHARGE MACHINING OF INCONEL 718 USING NANO PARTICLES MIXED DIELECTRIC FLUID.

Electrical Discharge Machine (EDM) parameters have a significant influence on machining characteristic like material removal rate (MMR) and tool wear rate (TWR). Inconel 718, which is widely used in the Medical, Marine, Architectural and food processing industries, is used as a work material. The tool electrode materials used are brass and copper. Experiments are conducted using face centered central composite design to determine the effects of process parameters like current rate, pulse on time, pulse off time and concentration of titanium carbide nano particle in dielectric fiuid. Based upon the experimental outcomes, the effect of brass and copper electrodes during electric discharge machining of Inconel 718 using nano particles mixed dielectric fiuid was investigated.