Drug-free targeted thrombolytic strategy based on gold nanoparticles-loaded human serum albumin fusion protein delivery system / 药学学报

Thrombus is a major factor leading to cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Although fibrinolytic anti-thrombotic drugs have been widely used in clinical practice, they are still limited by narrow therapeutic windows, short half-lives, susceptibility to inactivation, and abnormal bleeding caused by non-targeting. Therefore, it is crucial to effectively deliver thrombolytic agents to the site of thrombus with minimal adverse effects. Based on the long blood circulation and excellent drug-loading properties of human serum albumin (HSA), we employed genetic engineering techniques to insert a functional peptide (P-selectin binding peptide, PBP) which can target the thrombus site to the N-terminus of HSA. The fusion protein was expressed using Pichia pastoris and purified by Ni-chelating affinity chromatography. After being loaded with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), the fusion protein formed homogeneous and stable nanoparticles (named as PBP-HSA@Au) with a diameter of 17.7 ± 1.0 nm and a zeta potential of -11.3 ± 0.2 mV. Cytotoxicity and hemolysis tests demonstrated the superb biocompatibility of PBP-HSA@Au. Platelet-targeting experiments confirmed the thrombus-targeting ability conferred by the introduction of PBP into PBP-HSA@Au. Upon near-infrared ray (NIR) irradiation, PBP-HSA@Au rapidly converted light energy into heat, thereby disrupting fibrinogen and exhibiting outstanding thrombolytic efficacy. The designed HSA fusion protein delivery system provides a precise, rapid, and drug-free treatment strategy for thrombus therapy. This system is characterized by its simple design, high biocompatibility, and strong clinical applicability. All animal experiments involved in this study were carried out under the protocols approved by the Animal Experiment Ethics Committee of Jiangnan University [JN. No20230915S0301015(423)].

Preparation and cytotoxicity of doxorubicin-containing gold nanoparticles / 药学实践杂志

Objective To construct methoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG) modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) AuNPs-mPEG@DOX in order to reduce the toxicity and side effects of DOX. Methods AuNPs-mPEG@DOX was prepared and characterized by Z-Average, Zeta potential and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The impact of thiol-linked DOX (HS-DOX) at various dosage concentrations on the drug adsorption rate and drug loading of AuNPs-mPEG@DOX was investigated. Furthermore, a HPLC method was developed to accurately determine the content of unadsorbed HS-DOX in AuNPs-mPEG@DOX. The specificity, linearity, precision, stability and average recovery of this method were thoroughly investigated. The cytotoxic effect of AuNPs-mPEG@DOX on MCF-10A and MCF-7 cells was evaluated using a CCK-8 assay. Results AuNPs-mPEG@DOX was successfully prepared with Z-Average of (46.12±0.49) nm, Zeta potential of (18.60±1.51) nm and the maximum absorption wavelength of 530 nm. An efficient HPLC method for the detection of unadsorbed HS-DOX in AuNPs-mPEG@DOX was devised. The optimal dosage concentration of HS-DOX for AuNPs-mPEG@DOX was determined to be 11.18 μg/ml, resulting in a drug adsorption rate of (9.21±2.88)% and a drug loading rate of (2.01±0.62)%. Cytotoxicity experiments demonstrated that AuNPs-mPEG@DOX significantly reduced the toxic and side effects of DOX on normal breast cells. Additionally, AuNPs-mPEG@DOX and free DOX exhibited comparable cytotoxic effects on breast tumor cells when DOX concentration was equal to or greater than 4.75 μmol/L. Conclusion AuNPs-mPEG@DOX effectively reduce the toxicity of DOX, providing a reference for future research on reducing the toxicity of AuNPs-linked drugs.

In vitro study on cyclic fatigue resistance of three types of nickel titanium files in preparation for bending root canals / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in the anti cyclic fatigue performance of Woride KS (WKS), Proteper Gold (PTG), and Hyflex CM (HCM) nickel titanium instruments with different tip diameters in curved root canal models, and to provide reference for the targeted selection of suitable nickel titanium instruments in clinical preparation of curved root canals.

Elimination of E. faecalis and C. albicans Biofilm: A comparison between single and multiple file systems in an Ex Vivo study

To evaluate whether the WaveOne Gold and Reciproc single file instrumentation systems, are effective in reducing the microbial load of a mixed biofilm and the cleaning of apical third compared to the Twisted File Adaptive system (multiple- file system). Seventy mesial roots of the first and second molars were included and randomly divided into three experimental groups (n=20, n=10 controls). Biofilms were formed inside canals over 31 days. After instrumentation with the unique file systems, WaveOne Gold and Reciproc and the multiple file system Twisted File Adaptive, using 2.25% sodium hypochlorite as an irrigant in all cases, a count of colony forming units was performed using serial dilutions, cleaning of the apical third was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. Comparisons amongst groups were made by using parametric and non-parametric statistics, according to a normal or non-normal data distribution, respectively. No significant differences in the reduction of the microbial load after employing a single-file system in comparison to the multiple-file system were found; in addition, the cleaning of the apical third was similar for the three different instrumentation systems. The single-file system is equal in effectiveness compared with the multiple-file system in reducing the microbial load.

Evaluar si los sistemas de instrumentación de lima única, como WaveOne Gold y Reciproc son efectivos para reducir la carga microbiana de un biofilm mixto y la limpieza del tercio apical, comparado con los sistemas de limas múltiples, como Twisted File Adaptive. Setenta raíces mesiales de primeros y segundos molares fueron incluidos y divididos de forma aleatoria en tres grupos experimentales (n=20, n=10 controles). El biofilm fue formado en el interior de los conductos durante 31 días. Después se instrumentó con los sistemas de lima única (WaveOne Gold y Reciproc) y el sistema de limas múltiples Twisted File Adaptive, usando hipoclorito de sodio al 2.5% en todos los casos. El conteo de unidades formadoras de colonias se realizó usando diluciones seriales, la limpieza del tercio apical se evaluó empleando el microscopio electrónico de barrido. La comparación entre grupos se realizó con pruebas paramétricas y no paramétricas, de acuerdo con la distribución normal y no normal de los datos, respectivamente. No hubo una diferencia significativa en la reducción de la carga microbiana después de emplear los sistemas de lima única en comparación a los de limas múltiples, además, la limpieza del tercio apical fue similar en los 3 diferentes sistemas de instrumentación. Los sistemas de lima única son igual de efectivos para reducir la carga microbiana comparados con los sistemas de limas múltiples.

Evaluation-of-pulmonary-function-test-in-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive inflammatory disease that affects the airways, alveoli, and pulmonary vasculature, leading to irreversible airflow limitation and loss of elastic recoil. This disease is highly prevalent in clinical practice, affecting approximately 10% of adults over 40 years of age, and it is expected to become the third leading cause of death by 2030. The study was conducted on 54 COPD patients diagnosed based on GOLD guidelines. The study observed a statistically significant association between Spirometric staging and the duration of symptoms. The mean value of FEV1/FVC, FEV1 in %, and 6MWD in meters decreased significantly as the grade of GOLD stage increased from stage II to stage III and stage IV. The study showed that COPD is associated with various co- morbidities, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and coronary artery disease. The study concludes that FEV1, BMI, MMRC grading, and the 6-minute walk test are significant predictors of morbidity among COPD patients. The study recommends early detection and management of COPD to prevent its progression and associated morbidity

Preparation of colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strip for rapid detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To develop a colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strip for rapid and accurate detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P.aeruginosa,Pa).Methods After bioinformatics analysis of Pa outer membrane protein OprF,the gene sequence with abundant antigenic determinants and high intraspecific homology was chemically synthesized,and then connected to pET-28a(+)vector to construct the expression vector pET-28a-OprF,which was transformed into E.coli BL21(DE3)and induced by IPTG. The recombinant OprF protein was purified by Ni Sepharose~(TM)6 Fast Flow and used to immunize two female BALB/c mice for 3～4 times by multi-point subcutaneous injection in the back at the first immunization and intraperitoneal injection at subsequent immunizations. The monoclonal antibodies were screened by animal cell fusion technique,and the colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strip for rapid detection of Pa was prepared by using monoclonal antibody and double antibody sandwich immunochromatography technique. The specificity,sensitivity and stability of the test strip were evaluated.Results Two monoclonal antibodies,Pa-1# and Pa-2#,were obtained with the titer of 1∶409 600,and both of them recognized OprF specifically. The prepared colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strip showed a sensitivity of 1. 0×10~6CFU/mL and had no cross reaction with 9 common respiratory pathogens with a good stability.Conclusion The prepared colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strip can detect Pa rapidly within 15 min,with high specificity and good stability.

Gold microneedling radio-frequency treatment for depression scar of facial acne: a meta-analysis / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gold micrhenedle radiofrequency and other photoelectric methods in the treatment of facial acne depression scar by using a meta-analysis.Methods:From January 2015 to August 2022, gold microneedles and radio frequence for treatment of facial acne depression scar of randomized controlled trial were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP, China Biomedical Literature Service System, PubMed database, Cochrane Library and Embase database, including 12 papers. There were 6 Chinese and 6 English literatures, with a sample size of 612 cases.Results:Gold microneedling radio-frequency showed better efficacy in the treatment of facial acne depression scar ( P<0.05). After subgroup analysis, the effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group after 4 treatments, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Clinical acne scarring assessment scale, pain score and recovery time had statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Gold microneedling radiofrequency alone or in collaboration with other photoelectricity in the treatment of acne depression scar has short rest period, slight pain, and obvious improvement of scar effect. However, the improvement effect on icicle depression scar is limited.

Addressing the problem of hook effect in sandwich lateral flow immunoassay: review and impact on future solutions / 中华检验医学杂志

Lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) is a rapid detection technique that allows researchers to move the antigen-antibody reaction from a test tube or laboratory vessel to a test strip. Due to the chromatographic effect of the test strip, the solution would move to a specified direction based on the test and complete the whole antigen-antibody specific reaction. A qualitative judgment can be made with the naked eye by observing the color change of the reagent strip at a specific location. Because of its advantages of being fast, simple, specific, inexpensive, and requiring no specialized personnel, LFIA is now widely used in medical testing, food quality monitoring, environmental monitoring, agriculture and animal husbandry. A major bottleneck for the development of LFIA technology is the hook effect. This paper summarizes the current methods, means and research progresses to combat the hook effect, hoping to provide a strong technical reference for researchers to design test strips, select suitable nanoparticles, and achieve quantitative LFIA detection.

Evaluation of NG-Test Carba5 for rapid detection of carbapenemases / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical value of NG-Test Carba5 for rapid detection of carbapenemases produced by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) strains. Methods:A total of 1 210 CRE strains were collected during 2018-2022 from 77 hospitals in 21 provinces of China and were subjected to NG-Test Carba5 for rapid detection of carbapenemase. The whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis was referenced as the gold standard method.Results:Overall, the NG-Test Carba5 demonstrated excellent performance in detection of five kinds of carbapenemases [Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM), imipenemase metallo-β-lactamase (IMP), Verona integron-encoded metallo-beta-lactamase (VIM) and oxacillinase-48-type carbapenemases(OXA-48)] from CRE strains, with a sensitivity of 98.47% (1 161/1 179), specificity of 100% (31/31), and positive predictive value of 100% (1 161/1 161). The sensitivity for detection of NDM, IMP, OXA and VIM reached 100% (307/307), and 97.70% (763/781) for KPC. For 11 strains carrying blaKPC-25, blaKPC-78, or blaKPC-93, NG-Test Carba5 reported positive KPC detection (11/11). For strains carrying blaKPC-33 and blaKPC-77, however, NG-Test Carba5 delivered negative results. Additionally, for those strains co-producing two or three kinds of carbapenemases, NG-Test Carba5 was able to report all of the targets with a sensitivity of 100% (91/91). Conclusions:NG-Test Carba5 showed excellent performance in rapid and accurate detection of carbapenemases from CRE strains. Nonetheless, for those strains with negative results, some other phenotypic and genotypic methods should be implemented alongside to avoid missing targets.

Visual Detection of Plant Viral RNA Based on Gold Nanoparticles and Hybrid Chain Reaction / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

The harm of plant virus disease is serious, which significantly restricts the sustainable development of agriculture and can cause huge economic losses. Monitoring plant health and early detection of viral pathogens are essential to reduce the spread of disease. Therefore, in order to realize the early detection of plant viral diseases in the field, a sensitive, specific and efficient colorimetric visual technique for plant viral RNA was designed by combining the colorimetric method based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and hybrid chain reaction (HCR). In this study, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) was used as a model to design two hairpin structures H1/ H2 with single-stranded tails based on TMV-specific conserved fragments. TMV could open the hairpin structure to alternately form long double-straight DNA. The binding difference between AuNPs and two nucleic acid states before and after HCR reaction resulted in colorimetric signal generation, thus realizing visual detection of TMV. After optimizing the concentration of Tris-HAc, the concentration of hairpin structure and the reaction time of HCR, the best detection conditions were obtained. The sensitivity and specificity of the technique were analyzed and real samples were tested under optimal conditions. The results showed that the absorbance ratio of AuNPs (A

Preparation of colloidal gold test strips for the detection of antibodies to peste des petits ruminants based on monoclonal antibodies to N protein / 生物工程学报

A simple, fast, and visual method for detecting antibodies against peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) using colloidal gold strips was developed. In this study, the pET-32a-N was transformed into Escherichia coli Rosetta (DE3) for expression. Hybridoma cell lines were generated by fusing SP2/0 myeloma cells with splenocytes from immunized mice with the expressed and purified N protein of PPRV. The PPRV N protein was labeled with colloidal gold particles as the gold-labeled antigen. The N protein served as the gold standard antigen and as the test (T) line-coated antigen, while the monoclonal antibody served as the quality control (C) line-coated antibody to assemble the colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strips for detecting antibodies against the N protein of PPRV. Hybridoma cell line designated as 1F1 was able to stably secrete the monoclonal antibody against the N protein of PPRV. The titer of 1F1 monoclonal antibody in ascites was 1:128 000 determined by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and the immunoglobulin subtype of the monoclonal antibody was IgG1, with kappa chain. The obtained monoclonal antibody was able to specifically recognize the N protein of PPRV, as shown by Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA). The developed colloidal gold test strip method was able to detect PPRV antibodies specifically, and there was no difference between different batches of the test strips. Testing of a total of 122 clinical sera showed that the compliance rate of the test strip with ELISA test was 97.6%.The test strip assay developed in this study has good specificity, reproducibility, and sensitivity, and it can be used for the rapid detection of PPRV antibodies.

Performance evaluation of colloidal gold test paper for Legionella pneumophila / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#ObjectiveTo prepare colloidal gold immunochromatographic test paper for rapid detection of Legionella pneumophila(LP)and test its performance to ensure that it meets the national clinical diagnostic standards.MethodsLP colloidal gold immunochromatographic test paper was prepared based on double antibody sandwich ELISA,and tested for the cross reactivity,anti-interference,sensitivity,hook effect,stability and other aspects.ResultsLP colloidal gold immunochromatography test paper showed no cross reaction with 22 common pathogens in respiratory tract such as Moraxella catarrhalis,and was not affected by internal and external interferences in respiratory tract;The minimum detection limit for LP was 2.00 × 105cfu/mL,with good sensitivity and no hook effect;Under the conditions of accelerated aging at 45 ℃,simulated high temperature transportation and frozen transportation,the repeatability and stability of test paper were not affected,and the stability was good in the same batch and between different batches.ConclusionThe prepared LP colloidal gold immunochromatographic test paper realized rapid detection of LP,which was simple to operate and had good application prospect and popularization value.

Self-therapeutic metal-based nanoparticles for treating inflammatory diseases

Inflammatory diseases are key contributors to high mortality globally and adversely affect the quality of life. Current treatments include corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories that may cause systemic toxicity and biologics that may increase the risk of infection. Composite nanoparticles that bear not only the drug payload but also targeting ligands for delivery to inflammation sites at lowered systemic toxicity are established in the nanomedicine field, but their relatively large size often leads to systemic clearance. Metal-based nanoparticles with intrinsic anti-inflammatory properties represent attractive alternatives. They are not only designed to be compact for crossing biological barriers (with the nanoparticle serving as a dual carrier and drug), but also support label-free tracking of their interactions with cells. The review commences with an outline of the common inflammatory diseases, inflammatory pathways involved, and conventional drug-loaded nanoparticles for anti-inflammation. Next, the review features the emerging applications of self-therapeutic metal-based nanoparticles (e.g., gold, coper oxide, platinum, ceria, and zinc oxide) for managing inflammatory diseases in animals over the past three years, focusing on therapeutic outcomes and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The review concludes with an outlook on the biodistribution, long-term toxicity, and clinical translation of self-therapeutic metal-based nanoparticles.

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles from Sophora flavescens extract and their antibacterial effect against some pathogenic bacteria

Aims@#The current study was aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of biogenic synthesized golden nanoparticles from Sophora flavescens Aiton roots aqueous extract against multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical bacterial isolates.@*Methodology and results@#The green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was accomplished using S. flavescens roots aqueous extract and examined using many accepted techniques. The antibacterial activity of S. flavescens extract and the aqueous AuNPs at concentrations (7% and 9%) ppm were investigated against two clinical MDR bacteria, including Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The findings demonstrate inhibitory activity against the selected MDR bacterial isolates for the aqueous extract of S. flavescens and the aqueous AuNPs noted by the significant decrease in the number of bacteria after treatment with highly significant differences (P≤0.01) compared to the untreated control.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Sophora flavescens root extracts and their biosynthesized AuNPs with antibacterial activity may find broad applications in fighting MDR pathogenic bacteria and therapeutic manufacturing.

Influencia de la Experiencia del Operador en la Conformación de Canales Radiculares Simulados Utilizando Waveone Gold

Evaluar la influencia del operador sobre el transporte apical y centrado de la instrumentación endodóntica utilizando WaveOne Gold en canales radiculares simulados de resina acrílica. Se asignaron 32 canales simulados de resina acrílica a dos grupos (n = 16). El grupo 1 conformado por estudiantes inexpertos y el grupo 2 por especialistas en el área de endodoncia. Estos canales se instrumentaron hasta un tamaño apical de 25/07 con lima Primary WaveOne Gold. Para evaluar el transporte apical y el centrado de la instrumentación se utilizaron imágenes fotográficas que fueron analizadas mediante los software de edición de imagen Photoshop e Image J. Además fue registrada la incidencia de fractura de instrumentos. Los datos fueron registrados mediante un formulario Google Forms y analizados mediante el software estadístico R. Se evaluó la normalidad de los dato s mediante el test Shapiro-Wilk y para establecer diferencias entre los grupos se realizó la prueba t. El nivel de significancia estadística fue establecido en p < 0,05. La mayor diferencia al evaluar el centrado se evidenció a nivel de los 6 mm y en cuanto al transporte apical la mayor discrepancia fue a nivel de 1 mm. Sin embargo, no se observaron diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos e n ninguno de los puntos evaluados. Se reportó una baja incidencia de fractura de instrumentos. La experiencia del operador no influye en la conformación del canal radicular simulado al evaluar centrado y transporte apical al utilizar limas WaveOne Gold.

To evaluate root canal transportation and centering ability as influenced by operator experience using WaveOne Gold files in simulated acrylic resin root canals. Thirty-two simulated acrylic resin canals were distributed to two groups (n = 16). Group 1 is made up of inexperienced students, and group 2 by specialists in the field of endodontics. These canals were shaped to an apical size of 07/25 with the Primary WaveOne Gold file. Photographic images were used to evaluate apical transport and centering of the instrumentation, which was analyzed using Photoshop and Image J image editing software. File separation was also recorded. The data were recorded using Google Forms and analyzed using the R statistical program. The normality of the data was evaluated using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and the t-test was performed to establish differences between the groups. The level of statistical significance was established as p <0.05. The normality of the data was evaluated using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Then statistical significance was analyzed using the T-test. The most remarkable difference when evaluating centering was evident at the 6 mm level. In terms of apical transport, the major discrepancy was at the 1 mm level. However, no significant differences were observed between both groups in any of the points evaluated. A low incidence of instrument fracture was reported. According to our results, the operator's experience does not influence shaping in simulated root canals in terms of centering ability and apical transportation when using WaveOne Gold files.

Validez de la evaluación del consumo de alcohol establecido en la norma técnica de atención integral del adulto con infección por el VIH

Objetivos: Determinar la validez de la evaluación de consumo de alcohol realizado en la Estrategia Nacional de Salud para la Prevención y Control de ITS-VIH / SIDA (ESNITSS) a pacientes con VIH que iniciaron tratamiento antirretroviral (TARV). Material y métodos: El tipo de estudio fue de evaluación de prueba diagnóstica en pacientes en TARV de un hospital del Ministerio de Salud (MINSA), entre septiembre de 2017 y enero de 2018; en base al análisis de datos de la Fase I del estudio "Efectividad de la Consejería en Enfermería en la Mejora de la Adherencia al TARV en pacientes con VIH y Conducta de Consumo de Alcohol". 4000 pacientes conformaron la población de estudio y 350 pacientes fueron seleccionados aleatoriamente. Se procedió a la validación de la evaluación del consumo de alcohol realizado por la ESNITSS con dos Gold estándar: i. la evaluación del consumo de alcohol en el último mes y ii. el consumo de riesgo identificado con el Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Se calculó sensibilidad, especificidad, seguridad de la evaluación y razones de probabilidad. Resultados: La sensibilidad y especificidad fue regular para la evaluación de consumo de alcohol en el último mes (S=0,64, E=0,57), la especificidad fue mala para la evaluación de consumo de riesgo (E=0,48). Las razones de verosimilitud positivas demuestraron que la evaluación no tiene utilidad diagnóstica para ninguno de los casos (<2). Conclusiones: La evaluación de "consumo actual de alcohol" realizada por la ESNITSS no mostró utilidad diagnóstica.

SUMMARY Objectives: To determine the validity of the evaluation of alcohol consumption established by the national strategy to prevent and control STI-HIV-AIDS (ESNITSS) of HIV-infected adults that started anti-retroviral treatment (ART). Methods: Diagnostic study of HIV patients in a single hospital in Lima from September 2017 to January 2018 using data from a phase one study "Effectiveness of nursing counseling in improving adherence to ART among patient with alcohol consumption". Three hundred and fifty patients were randomly selected among 4000 participants. Two gold standards evaluated alcohol consumption: 1. Last month alcohol consumption and ii; alcohol consumption identified by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Sensitivity, specificity, safety of the evaluation and probability rates. Results: sensitivity and specificity were moderate for last month alcohol consumption (s=0.64; e=0.57); specificity was low for evaluation of consumption risk (e=0.48). Positive validity rates demonstrated that the evaluation is not useful (<2). Conclusions: The evaluation of alcohol consumption followed by the ESNITSS has no diagnostic utility.

El material restaurador ideal en la era de la odontología de invasión mínima. Rescatando al oro directo / The ideal restorative material at the minimal invasive dentistry era. Rescuing direct gold

Los logros de los avances obtenidos en el manejo actual de la caries han dado la oportunidad a los odontólogos de detectar lesiones de caries en sus estadios incipientes. A pesar de la existencia de una gran variedad de materiales restauradores directos disponibles en el mercado actual y que pueden utilizarse para restaurar lesiones pequeñas de caries, el material que tiene más posibilidades de éxito para este tipo de lesiones es sin duda alguna el oro cohesivo, también conocido como oro directo (AU)

The goals obtained with the current management of dental caries has given the dentists the opportunity to detect incipient caries lesions in early stages. Although, the current existence of a great variety of direct restorative materials available in the market to restore small caries lesions, the material that may show better success for these type of lesions, is without any doubt: the gold foil or direct gold (AU)

Methylmercury (MeHg) in the most consumed fish in a municipality of La Mojana, Colombia

La Mojana is a biodiverse area of wetlands that offers environmental services to its inhabitants. Despite its ecological relevance and for the food security of its inhabitants, this ecoregion has been strongly impacted by contamination from mining that takes place in the riverbeds that drain into it. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the levels of MeHg in foods of relevance to the population of the area, such as fish. Thus, current research seeks to determine the levels MeHg in the most consumed ichthyofauna in the region and its possible impacts on public health. Therefore, MeHg concentrations were determined in the most consumed fish species in San Marcos, Colombia. Using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry (CVAAS) the concentrations of MeHg in the dorsal muscle of the most consumed species were quantified. Pseudoplatystoma magdaleniatum, Plagioscion surinamensis, and Hoplias malabaricus registered the highest levels of MeHg with concentrations of 0.396 ± 0.025 µg/g; 0.377 ± 0.049 µg/g and 0.355 ± 0.028 µg/g, respectively. No species exceeded the maximum permissible concentration in the muscle of 0.5 µg/g for fresh fish established by the European Union. However, all carnivorous species exceed the threshold for a vulnerable population of 0.2 µg/g. It is concluded that the ichthyofauna of the Mojana is contaminated with MeHg, which constitutes a public health problem and a risk factor for the fauna and the inhabitants of this region, due to the habitual consumption of contaminated fish.

La Mojana es una zona biodiversa de humedales que ofrece servicios ambientales a sus habitantes. A pesar de su relevancia ecológica y para la seguridad alimentaria de sus pobladores, dicha ecorregión ha sido fuertemente impactada por la contaminación, proveniente de la minería que se desarrolla en los cauces de los ríos, que drenan en ella. Por lo anterior, es necesario monitorear los niveles de MeHg, en alimentos de relevancia para la población de la zona, como los peces. Así, la actual investigación busca determinar los niveles de MeHg en la ictiofauna de mayor consumo en la región y sus posibles impactos en la salud pública. Por lo tanto, se determinaron las concentraciones de MeHg en las especies de peces más consumidas en San Marcos, Colombia. Usando espectrofotometría de absorción atómica por vapor frío (CVAAS), se cuantificaron las concentraciones de MeHg, en músculo dorsal de las especies más consumidas. Pseudoplatystoma magdaleniatum, Plagioscion surinamensis y Hoplias malabaricus registraron los niveles más altos de MeHg, con concentraciones de 0,396 ± 0,025 µg/g; 0,377 ± 0,049 µg/g y 0,355 ± 0,028 µg/g, respectivamente. Ninguna especie superó los valores de concentración máxima permisible en músculo de 0,5 µg/g, para peces frescos, que establece la Unión Europea; sin embargo, todas las especies carnívoras superaron el umbral para población vulnerable, de 0,2 µg/g. Se concluye, que la ictiofauna de La Mojana, se encuentra contaminada con MeHg, lo que constituye un problema de salud pública y factor de riesgo para la fauna y los habitantes de esta región, debido al consumo habitual de peces contaminados.

Revegetación natural de áreas afectadas por minería de oro en la selva pluvial tropical del Chocó, Colombia / Natural revegetation of areas impacted by gold mining in the tropical rain forest of Chocó, Colombia

Introducción: La minería de oro a cielo abierto ocasiona impactos drásticos sobre los bosques naturales en regiones tropicales de alta biodiversidad, y la eficiencia de "revegetación", un proceso de resembrar y reconstruir el suelo, continúa siendo poco estudiado. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto del tiempo sucesional y la distancia al bosque de referencia sobre la estructura biológica y composición de especies en minas de oro revegetadas. Métodos: Realizamos inventarios de vegetación en minas abandonadas en el bosque tropical lluvioso de Chocó, Colombia. Las minas contaban con 6, 10, 15, 19 y 24 años de sucesión natural. En cada escenario, establecimos cuatro parcelas de 2×50 m: a 50 m y 100 m de distancia desde el borde bosque-mina (ecotono). Resultados: Se identificaron 300 especies (193 géneros y 75 familias). La riqueza, diversidad y equitatividad cambian poco con el tiempo sucesional en las minas, pero alcanzan valores superiores en el bosque de referencia. La composición de especies es similar entre las minas con distinto tiempo sucesional, pero difiere ampliamente del bosque de referencia (solo 7 % de semejanza). La calidad del sustrato y las estrategias reproductivas de plantas herbáceas (principalmente Cyperaceae y Melastomataceae) y arbóreas (Cespedesia spathulata y Miconia reducens) que crecen espontáneamente en las minas, juegan un papel importante en la revegetación natural temprana. Conclusiones: 24 años de sucesión natural es poco tiempo para apreciar una recuperación sustancial de la vegetación en las minas si se compara con el bosque, y la distancia desde el ecotono parece no tener efecto significativo; sin embargo, la calidad de sustrato y estrategias reproductivas de plantas herbáceas son importantes en la etapa temprana de recuperación de las áreas impactadas por la minería de oro en Chocó.

Introduction: Open pit gold mining causes drastic impacts on natural forests in tropical regions of high biodiversity, and the efficacy of "revegetation", a process of replanting and rebuilding the soil, is still poorly studied. Objective: To evaluate the effect of successional time, and distance to the reference forest, on the biological structure and species composition of revegetated gold mines. Methods: We inventoried the adjacent forest and abandoned gold mines in the tropical rain forest of Chocó, Colombia. The mines had 6, 10, 15, 19 and 24 years of natural succession. In each scenario, we set four 2 × 50 m plots: two 50 m and two 100 m from the forest-mine edge (ecotone). Results: We identified 300 plant species (193 genera, 75 families). The richness, diversity and evenness changed little with successional time in the mines but reached higher values in the forest. The species composition was similar between the mines with different successional times but differed widely from the forest (only 7 % similarity). The substrate quality and reproductive strategies of herbaceous plants (mainly Cyperaceae and Melastomataceae) and trees (Cespedesia spathulata and Miconia reducens) that grow spontaneously in the mines, play an important role on the early natural revegetation. Conclusions: The 24 years of natural succession have been insufficient to reach a community of a complexity similar to that of the forest, and distance from the ecotone has no significant effect; however, the substrate quality and reproductive strategies of herbaceous plants are important in the early stages of mine recovery in the Chocó.

Diagnostic accuracy of hysteroscopy in relation to histopathology in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding at a tertiary care centre

Background: : Judicious use of hysteroscopy to manage abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) adds a new dimension in handling this perplexing problem. Hysteroscopy combined with histological examination is the new “Gold Standard” for evaluating a case of abnormal uterine bleeding Objectives: To study Diagnostic accuracy of hysteroscopy in relation to histopathology in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding Methods: A hospital based diagnostic accuracy study was carried out among 100 women with abnormal uterine bleeding. All patients underwent the procedure of hysteroscopy. Samples were collected in all patients for histopathology confirmation of the hysteroscopy findings. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy were calculated for hysteroscopy in comparison to gold standard histopathology. Results: Majority of the women belonged to 40-49 years (41%). Majority (37%) reported after one year of occurrence of the symptoms. Majority (54%) had menorrhagia. Hysteroscopy was found to be having good sensitivity and specificity in comparison to gold standard histopathology. Sensitivity=97.7%; specificity=78.5%, positive predictive value=78.1%; negative predictive value=97.7%; diagnostic accuracy=87% for hysteroscopy in comparison to histopathology. Conclusion: Hysteroscopy is simple to perform and provides direct visualization of the uterus cavity and the endo-cervical canal. In abnormal uterine bleeding, quick and safe diagnosis is possible by hysteroscopy. In cases of endometrial polyp and sub mucous myoma which are pedunculated structures, diagnostic accuracy is greater with hysteroscopy and can be treated during the procedure itself. Thus, Hysteroscopic guided biopsy and histopathology is considered as new “Gold Standard” in diagnosis and often treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding.