Fluid intake of Latin American adults: results of four 2016 Liq.In7 national cross-sectional surveys.

PURPOSE: To report total fluid intake (TFI) and the intake of different fluid types in adults (≥ 18 years old) from Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. To compare intakes between countries and with recommended adequate intake (AI) of water from fluids. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected using a validated liquid intake 7-day record (Liq.In 7 ) in populations from Argentina (n = 1089), Brazil (n = 477), Mexico (n = 1677) and Uruguay (n = 554). Population characteristics, including age, gender, body mass index and socioeconomic level were recorded. Mean TFI was compared with the AI of water from fluids set by the USA Institute of Medicine. RESULTS: The lowest TFI was recorded in Mexican women (1748 mL/day) and the highest in Argentinean men (2318 mL/day). Median daily TFI was significantly different between countries; Uruguay and Argentina had higher values than Mexico and Brazil. In the former, plain water contributed to only 25% of TFI, the remainder being predominantly from hot beverages. Approximately, a third of adults did not drink enough fluid to meet the recommended AI. High SSB consumption was reported, which was significantly different between countries (p < 0.05), the highest being in Mexico (median 25-75th percentiles): 531 (300-895 mL/day. CONCLUSIONS: This survey highlights the need to increase water consumption and reduce SSB intake in this region to avoid potential associated health risks. These findings may be useful information in monitoring public health policy strategies.

Fluid intake of Latin American children and adolescents: results of four 2016 LIQ.IN 7 National Cross-Sectional Surveys.

PURPOSE: The primary aim of this survey was to report total fluid intake (TFI) and different fluid types for children (4-9 years) and adolescents (10-17 years) in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. The second aim was to compare TFI with the adequate intake (AI) of water from fluids as recommended by the USA Institute of Medicine. METHODS: Data were collected using a validated liquid intake 7-day record (Liq.In 7 ). Participants' characteristics, including age, sex and anthropometric measurements were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 733 children and 933 adolescents were recruited. Over 75% of children in Uruguay met the IOM's recommended intake. Fewer children in Argentina (64-72%) and Brazil (41-50%) obtained AI and the lowest values were recorded in Mexico (33-44%), where 16% of boys and 14% girls drank 50% or less of the AI. More adolescents in Argentina (42%) met the AIs than other countries; the lowest was in Mexico (28%). Children and adolescents in Mexico and Argentina drank more sugar sweetened beverages than water. CONCLUSIONS: Large numbers of children and adolescents did not meet AI recommendations for TFI, raising concerns about their hydration status and potential effects on mental and physical well-being. Given the negative effects on children's health, the levels of SSB consumption are worrying.

Combined antibacterial/tissue regeneration response in thermal burns promoted by functional chitosan/silver nanocomposites.

We report the combined antibacterial/tissue regeneration responses to thermal burns promoted by functional chitosan/silver nanocomposites (CS/nAg) with ultralow silver content (0.018wt.%, 7-30nm). Our approach allows one to produce CS/nAg nanocomposites without silver nanoparticles (nAg) agglomeration, with bactericide potency higher than 1wt.% of nAg (ca. 10nm) content and, promoting the healing process in controlled thermal burns. CS/nAg films exhibit high antibacterial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa after 1.5h of incubation, demonstrating the bacterial penetration into hydrated films and their interaction with nAg. Additionally, exceptional healing of induced thermal burns was obtained by increasing myofibroblasts, collagen remodeling, and blood vessel neoformation. These factors are associated with epiderma regeneration after 7days of treatment with no nAg release. Our results corroborate the controlled synthesis of nAg embedded in CS matrix with combined antibacterial/biocompatibility properties aiming to produce functional nanocomposites with potential use in wound dressing and health care applications.

Preparación y Caracterización de Nanocompositos Quitosano-Cobre con Actividad Antibacteriana para aplicaciones en Ingeniería de Tejidos / Preparation and characterization of Copper Chitosan Nanocomposites with Antibacterial Activity for Applications in Tissue Engineering

RESUMEN: El presente trabajo describe la preparación de nanocompositos formulados a partir de quitosano (QS)/nanopartículas de cobre (nCu) con características antibacterianas y aplicación potencial en ingeniería de tejidos. Para ello, se prepararon nanocompositos mediante mezclado en solución asistido con ultrasonido con el objetivo de incrementar la dispersión de la carga nanométrica en el biopolímero. El análisis de FTIR demostró que la presencia de nCu en la matriz de QS favorece la interacción del nCu con los grupos amino/hidroxilo de la molécula del QS. Se determinó mediante UV-Vis que los nanocompositos QS/nCu presentan absorción asociada con la presencia de nanopartículas y la posible liberación de iones Cu2+ en medio líquido. Mediante AFM se determinó que el QS hidratado forma una malla con microporos, que puede favorecer la penetración de bacterias en el nanocomposito y su interacción con las nCu. Finalmente, se determinó el efecto antibacteriano del material al contacto con la bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, en donde se presenta una actividad antibacteriana superior al 90% entre los 90 y 180 min de interacción. Dichos resultados sugieren que es posible obtener nanomateriales antibacterianos biocompatibles para su posible aplicación en ingeniería tisular.

ABSTRACT: The Present work describes the preparation of nanocomposites based on chitosan (QS)/copper nanoparticles (nCu) with antibacterial properties and potential application in tissue engineering. For this purpose, nanocomposites were prepared by solution blending with ultrasound assisted, aiming to increase the nanoparticles dispersion in the biopolymer. FTIR analyses demonstrates that nCu supported in QS increase their interaction of nanoparticles with amine/hydroxyl groups of QS molecule. UV-Vis analyses demonstrates that QS/nCu nanocomposites have an absorption signal associated with the presence of nanoparticles and the possible Cu2+ ions release in liquid media. AFM analyses shown that hydrated QS form a mesh with micro pores, improving the bacterial penetration and the direct contact with nCu. This behavior was corroborated by antibacterial assays, where QS/nCu nanocomposites shown an antibacterial activity higher than 90% between 90-180 minutes of interaction. Our results suggest that is possible to obtain combined antibacterial/biocompatible nanomaterials with potential application in tissue engineering.

[Microbial etiology of mild and moderate pelvic inflammatory disease]. / Etiología microbiana de la enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica leve y moderada (EIP).

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is one of the most severe complications of sexually transmitted disease (STD). It can be due to the ascending of normal endogenous microorganisms of the female genital tract or the infection by microorganisms related to STD as Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. PID leads to serious gynecoobstetric consequences as infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Clinicians face the problem of knowing the ethiology of PID in order to treat appropriatly patients with this clinical diagnosis. So that, this work pretends to establish what kind of microorganisms are implicated in PID. A proper isolation and identification of microorganisms achieved by culture of lower genital tract samples from endocervix, endometrium and peritoneal fluid, leading to a betther, specific and proper treatment of this disease.

Oral clindamycin and ciprofloxacin versus intramuscular ceftriaxone and oral doxycycline in the treatment of mild-to-moderate pelvic inflammatory disease in outpatients.

This multicenter, prospective, double-blind study compared the safety and efficacy of clindamycin and ciprofloxacin versus ceftriaxone and doxycycline in the treatment of outpatients with mild to moderate pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) diagnosed by laparoscopy. Samples taken from the endocervix, endometrium, and abdominal cavity before treatment and from the endocervix after treatment were cultured for aerobes, anaerobes, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Chlamydia trachomatis. Of the 138 patients enrolled, 131 were evaluable for efficacy. The most prevalent bacteria were streptococci, staphylococci, and Escherichia coli (among aerobes) and Bacteroides species and peptostreptococci (among anaerobes). N. gonorrhoeae was present in 2% (3) of the 131 evaluable patients, and C. trachomatis was in 11% (15). The clinical cure rate was 97% (65 of 67) in the clindamycin and ciprofloxacin group and 95% (61 of 64) in the ceftriaxone and doxycycline group. Side effects were similar in both groups. In conclusion, the two regimens for the outpatient treatment of mild to moderate PID were similarly effective and safe.

[Evidence of antimicrobial activity of the follicular fluid: an evaluation and analytical study of samples obtained in an assisted reproduction program]. / Evidencia de actividad antimicrobiana del líquido folicular: estudio evaluatorio y analítico de muestras obtenidas en un programa de reproducción asistida.

Due to lack of evidence of infection in patients for ovarian punction for ovular capture, the hypothesis of possible antibacterial action that could exist in follicular fluid, was evaluated. One hundred and ten samples of such fluid, were taken for antibacterial analysis, 37 of which, were studied, as they were the clearest ones and not contaminated. Such samples were obtained from hyperstimulated patients, ready for ovular capture through vagina by ultrasonographic guide. A bacterial inoculum, was prepared, in order to evaluate antimicrobial activity of follicular fluid against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. agalactiae, L. monocytogenes and C. albicans. Counting of bacterial colonies, at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours. Results summary shows bacteriostatic activity in all studied colonies, and E. coli and S. agalactiae seem to be the most sensitive, followed by P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and L. monocytogenes; and still present in C. albicans. It is concluded that follicular fluid has an antibacterial action, probably selective; and that keeping this research line will confirm this finding, and possibly will determine the concerned factors.

Identification and partial characterization of an immunoglobulin A protease associated with human sperm.

The ability of human sperm to evade local humoral immune response at the female genital tract has received little attention. As some microorganisms inactivate secretory immunoglobulin A (S-IgA) by enzymatic degradation as a part of their pathogenic mechanism, we decided to test the hypothesis that there is an IgA protease in human semen that helps sperm to progress through the cervix uteri. Incubation of different semen fractions in the presence of S-IgA revealed IgA protease activity associated with raw semen or sperm but not with seminal plasma; raw semen and sperm produced two split products of 66 kDa and 45 kDa, respectively, in SDS-PAGE. The enzymatic activity was blocked with EDTA. IgG and IgM were not digested under the same experimental conditions. Degradation of S-IgA by an IgA protease on the sperm surface may be among the mechanisms present in semen that enable sperm to evade an immune response in the female genital tract.

[Hepatitis C during puerperium]. / Hepatitis C en el puerperio.

Screening of donor blood for hepatitis B led to recognition that most cases of post-transfusion hepatitis were due to an agent known as non-A, non-B. Until recently the causative agent for non-A, non-B hepatitis was identified, being denominated hepatitis C virus. It is estimated that one-half of patient with hepatitis C develop chronic liver disease, and 20% of this will develop cirrhosis. We describe a patient who due to obstetric complications received blood transfusion and during puerperium developed an icteric syndrome which was identified as C hepatitis. We review the diagnostic methodology, clinical characteristics, evolution and preventive measures of the C hepatitis.

Gastric heterotopic mucosa in the rectum with Helicobacter pylori-like organisms: a rare cause of rectal bleeding.

We report the case of a 9-year-old boy who presented with chronic rectal bleeding. On proctosigmoidoscopy, a polypoid elevation in the rectal ampulla measuring 5 x 3 cm was found. Biopsies were reported to show gastric mucosa. The Giemsa stain showed Helicobacter pylori-like organisms. Including our patient, there are now 30 similar cases reported in the medical literature. The usual manifestations of this rare entity are chronic bleeding and rectal pain. In one-half of cases there is chronic rectal ulceration. The recommended treatment is transanal surgical resection unless there is rectal peptic ulceration. H2 receptor blockers are then advised. Surgical excision is carried out after healing has taken place.

Clindamycin vaginal cream vs oral metronidazole in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.

PIP: This study was designed to compare the safety/efficacy of the treatment of 2% clindamycin vaginal cream and oral metronidazole in 184 women with bacterial vaginosis. This was a randomized, prospective, multicenter, double-blind, controlled study. Patients were randomized to either Clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream 2%, 5 gm intravaginally at bedtime, and placebo oral metronidazole capsules taken twice daily, or oral metronidazole capsules, 500 mg, taken twice daily, and placebo clindamycin vaginal cream, 5 gm to be administered intravaginally at bedtime. All treatments were for 7 days. Patients were seen for followup at 4-13 days and 20-43 days after completion of protocol therapy. 2 investigators in Mexico City enrolled a total of 184 patients (91 clindamycin and 93 metronidazole). 1 patient never received drugs after enrollment, leaving 183 valuable for safety. A total of 114 were valuable for efficacy. Protocol regimens were comparable in efficacy (p=0.22) and the percentage of cure/improvement was 87% in the clindamycin group compared to 79% in the metronidazole group. No relapse was observed in the clindamycin group, as opposed to 7% in the metronidazole group. The clindamycin group had a failure of 13% while this was 15% in the metronidazole group. Both treatments were well-tolerated. Most of the events were either vulvovaginal irritation upon application of the study drug, or the development of vaginitis/cervicitis. The 1 event classified as serious in this study (metronidazole group) was generalized rash which, in the opinion of the investigator, was related to the study drug. There were 4 nongenital tract side effects (1 gastrointestinal, 2 dermatologic, and 1 allergy) all in the metronidazole group. The authors can conclude that clindamycin 2% vaginal cream is at least as effective as orally administered metronidazole for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in nonpregnant women.^ieng

Results of treatment of uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhoea with enoxacin compared with ceftriaxone.

The increasing incidence of penicillinase producing Neissreria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) and chromosomally-mediated resistant N. gonorrhoeae (CMRNG) has generated a need for therapy other than penicillin. PPNG constitutes about 30% of the circulating strains of gonococci in the high risk population in Mexico City. The object of the present study was to compare the safety and efficacy of single-dose treatment with either oral enoxacin (400 mg tablet) or intramuscular ceftriaxone (250 mg injection), for the treatment of acute uncomplicated gonococcal urethritis in men, caused by N. gonorrhoeae, including both PPNG and non-PPNG strains. Of the 93 men with uncomplicated gonorrhoea entered into a study, randomly assigned to receive ceftriaxone or enoxacin, 80 completed it. Infections were initially diagnosed by Gram-stained smears of urethral exudate and subsequently confirmed for isolation of N. gonorrhoeae. Chlamydia trachomatis was confirmed by direct immunofluorescence. About 30% of the strains of gonococci were PPNG and 1% were CMRNG. C. trachomatis was coexisting with N. gonorrhoeae in about 25% of the patients and remain positive after treatment. In the study presented, a single dose of either enoxacin or ceftriaxone was highly active against both PPNG or CMRNG. One single dose was enough to achieve a 100% cure rate. There was no difference between the two treatment groups. Thus either regimen has proved to be a useful alternative to the present-day treatment of uncomplicated gonococcal infections.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Complications of chickenpox]. / Complicaciones de la varicela.

A patient with typical varicella (chickenpox) developed several complications: nephrotic syndrome following glomerulonephritis, trombocytopenic purpura, gastrointestinal bleeding, disseminated intravascular coagulation, encephalitis and bronchopneumonia. The course was satisfactory having been given antibiotics, heparin and peritoneal dialysis. Recovery was 100%.