High on-chip gain spiral Al2O3:Er3+ waveguide amplifiers.

We demonstrate reactively sputtered Al2O3:Er3+ waveguide amplifiers with an erbium concentration of 3.9 × 1020 ions/cm3, capable of achieving over 30 dB small signal net gain at 1532 nm using bidirectional pumping at 1480 nm. We observe on chip output powers of 10.2-13.6 dBm of amplified signal power at 1532 nm for a 12.9 cm waveguide amplifier considering -25.4 dB of lumped coupling losses per facet. Annealing was used to improve the performance of the devices, which were patterned using electron beam lithography and reactive ion etching. This result, to our knowledge, represents record breaking on-chip internal net gain for Al2O3:Er3+ waveguide amplifiers, which show promise over other technologies due to wafer scalability and promise of easy monolithic integration with other material platforms to support a wide variety of applications.

Quantitative analysis of Tr1 lymphocytes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is usually accompanied by a low-grade inflammatory phenomenon, which participates in the pathogenesis of different complications of this condition. The inflammatory response is under the regulation of different mechanisms, including T regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes. However, the possible role of type 1 T regulatory (Tr1) cells in T2DM has not been explored so far. AIM: To carry out a quantitative analysis of Tr1 lymphocytes and other immune cell subsets in patients with T2DM and correlate these results with clinical findings and treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with T2DM and twenty-three healthy controls were included in the study. Biochemical and anthropometric variables were evaluated, and Tr1 lymphocytes (CD4+CD49+LAG-3+IL-10+) and other cell subsets (Th17, Th22 and Foxp3 + Treg cells) were analyzed in peripheral blood samples by multiparametric flow cytometry. RESULTS: Significant increased levels of Tr1 cells were detected in patients with severe and mild disease, compared to healthy controls. In addition, CD4+IL-10+ lymphocytes were also increased in patients with T2DM. In contrast, similar levels of Foxp3+ Treg cells, Th17 and Th22 lymphocytes were observed in patients and controls. Likewise, no significant associations were detected between Tr1 cell levels and different clinical and laboratory parameters. However, those patients receiving glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RA) showed similar levels of Tr1 cells than healthy controls, and significant lower numbers than untreated patients. CONCLUSION: We observed an increase in Tr1 and CD4+IL10+ lymphocyte levels in T2DM. Moreover, GLP1-RA treatment was significantly associated with normalization of the Tr1 levels. This highlights another potential immune dysfunction in patients with T2DM, which could participate in the pathogenesis of this condition.

Lobectomías robóticas y cáncer de pulmón. Experiencia inicial en nuestro centro / Robotic lobectomies and lung cancer. Initial experience in our center

Objetivo: Analizar la seguridad y factibilidad en términos de resultados obtenidos en las primeras lobectomías robóticas realizadas en nuestro centro. Metodología: Estudio prospectivo desde mayo hasta diciembre de 2021 en 13 pacientes (11 hombres y 2 mujeres, edad media 59 años) con carcinoma de pulmón en estadios precoces tributarios de lobectomía robótica.Se utilizó el sistema da Vinci Xi con cuatro puertos y uno asistente. Resultados: Se realizaron 13 lobectomías robóticas. La conversión a cirugía videoasistida fue necesaria en 2 pacientes (15,4%). Se produjeron complicaciones en 3 pacientes (23%). La mediana de tiempo quirúrgico fue180 minutos [IQR 150-210]. La mediana de estancia hospitalaria fue de 4 días [IQR 3 - 6]. La mediana de duración del drenaje pleural fue de 4 días [IQR3 - 6]. La histología predominante fue carcinoma epidermoide en5 pacientes (39%). La media de ganglios linfáticos resecados fue de 15 (IC 95%: 11 - 19) y la de estaciones ganglionares de 5 (IC 95%: 4 - 5). No hubo mortalidad postoperatoria. El estadio postquirúrgico fue IA2 en 4 pacientes (31%), IB en 3 (23%), IIB en 2 (15%), y IIIA en 1 (7%). No se establecen diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre el IMC, el lóbulo resecado y la presencia de complicaciones (p = 0,5; p = 0,2), ni entre el número de ganglios resecados/número de estaciones ganglionares, y el estadio tumoral (p = 0,4; p = 0,9). Conclusiones: La lobectomía robótica con linfadenectomía hiliomediastínica es factible y segura. Es necesaria mayor experiencia y seguimiento a largo plazo para una adecuada evaluación de los resultados postoperatorios, la eficacia oncológica, y la comparación con las vías de abordaje convencionales. (AU)

Objectives: analyze the safety and feasibility in terms of results obtained in the first robotic lobectomies performed in our center. Method: prospective study from May to December 2021 in 13 patients (11 men and 2 women, mean age 59 years) with lung carcinoma in early stages requiring robotic lobectomy. The da Vinci Xi system was used with four ports and one assistant. Results: 13 robotic lobectomies were performed. Conversion to video-assisted surgery was necessary in 2 patients (15.4%). Complications occurred in 3 patients (23%). The median surgical time was 180 minutes [IQR 150-210]. The median hospital stay was 4 days [IQR 3 - 6]. The median duration of pleural drainage was 4 days [IQR3 - 6]. The predominant histology was squamous cell carcinoma in 5 patients (39%). The mean number of lymph nodes resected was 15 (95% CI: 11 - 19) and the number of lymph nodes resected was 5 (95% CI: 4 - 5). There was no postoperative mortality. The postsurgical stage was IA2 in 4 patients (31%), IB in 3 (23%), IIB in 2 (15%), and IIIA in 1 (7%). No statistically significant differences were established between BMI, the resected lobe and the presence of complications (p = 0.5; p = 0.2), nor between the number of resected lymph nodes/number of lymph node stations, and the tumor stage ( p = 0.4; p = 0.9).Conclusions: robotic lobectomy with hiliomediastinal lymphadenectomy is feasible and safe. Greater experience and long-term follow-up are necessary for an adequate evaluation of postoperative results, oncological efficacy, and comparison with conventional approaches. (AU)

Estadificación mediastínica quirúrgica en el carcinoma de pulmón de células no pequeñas / Mediastinal surgical staging in non-small cell lung carcinoma

La estadificación ganglionar mediastínica es crucial en el diagnóstico, pronóstico y tratamiento del cáncer de pulmón. Si no existe enfermedad metastásica a distancia, la decisión terapéutica depende de la afectación ganglionar mediastínica. Existen distintas técnicas quirúrgicas dependiendo del tamaño, lateralidad y localización de las adenopatías, así como del tumor primitivo. (AU)

Mediastinal lymph node staging is crucial in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of lung cancer. If there is no distant metastatic disease, the therapeutic decision depends on mediastinal lymph node involvement. There are different surgical techniques depending on the size, laterality and location of the adenopathies, as well as the primitive tumor. (AU)

Probing intra- and inter-molecular interactions through rotational spectroscopy: The case of the odorant 2'-aminoacetophenone and its 1:1 water and neon complexes.

The chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectrum of 2'-aminoacetophenone, an aromatic chemical species with odorant properties, has been recorded in the 2-8 GHz frequency range and analyzed, obtaining precise information on the structure of the monomer and its neon and water complexes. The conformation of the monomer is determined by the formation of a resonance-assisted hydrogen bond (RAHB) between the carbonyl and amino groups, which leads to the formation of a bicyclic-like aromatic structure. Accordingly, the cycle formed by the non-covalent bond is preferred to the phenyl ring as the interaction site for neon. In the 1:1 complex, water lies in the molecular plane and forms a strong hydrogen bond with the carbonyl group coupled to an ancillary interaction with the methyl group, leaving the intramolecular RAHB unchanged. The experimental findings are supported by atoms in molecules and symmetry-adapted perturbation theory, which allowed for determining the hydrogen bond and intermolecular interaction energies, respectively.

Effects of short-term hyposalinity stress on four commercially important bivalves: A proteomic perspective.

Increased heavy rainfall can reduce salinity to values close to 0 in estuaries. Lethal and sublethal physiological and behavioural effects of decreases in salinity below ten have already been found to occur in the commercially important clam species Venerupis corrugata, Ruditapes decussatus and R. philippinarum and the cockle Cerastoderma edule, which generate an income of ∼74 million euros annually in Galicia (NW Spain). However, studies of the molecular response to hyposaline stress in bivalves are scarce. This 'shotgun' proteomics study evaluates changes in mantle-edge proteins subjected to short-term hyposaline episodes in two different months (March and May) during the gametogenic cycle. We found evidence that the mantle-edge proteome was more responsive to sampling time than to hyposalinity, strongly suggesting that reproductive stages condition the stress response. However, hyposalinity modulated proteome profiles in V. corrugata and C. edule in both months and R. philippinarum in May, involving proteins implicated in protein folding, redox homeostasis, detoxification, cytoskeleton modulation and the regulation of apoptotic, autophagic and lipid degradation pathways. However, proteins that are essential for an optimal osmotic stress response but which are highly energy demanding, such as chaperones, osmoprotectants and DNA repair factors, were found in small relative abundances. In both months in R. decussatus and in March in R. philippinarum, almost no differences between treatments were detected. Concordant trends in the relative abundance of stress response candidate proteins were also obtained in V. corrugata and C. edule in the different months, but not in Ruditapes spp., strongly suggesting that the osmotic stress response in bivalves is complex and possibly influenced by a combination of controlled (sampling time) and uncontrolled variables. In this paper, we report potential molecular targets for studying the response to osmotic stress, especially in the most osmosensitive native species C. edule and V. corrugata, and suggest factors to consider when searching for biomarkers of hyposaline stress in bivalves.

Medicamentos de alto impacto económico y sanitario en la prestación farmacéutica hospitalaria / Medicines with high economic impact in the hospital setting

Objetivos: Los medicamentos de alto impacto económico (MAIE) constituyen un reto para los servicios de salud públicos de los países europeos. Sin embargo, no existe consenso sobre qué constituye un MAIE. El objetivo del estudio fue configurar una lista de MAIE dispensados por los servicios de farmacia hospitalarios y analizar la situación respecto a estos fármacos en España.Métodos: Se consideraron MAIE aquellos fármacos con un coste >10.000 €/año (MAC) o con un elevado volumen de consumo (MEC). Se estimaron los precios (PVL) por dosis diaria definida o dosis diaria prescrita.Resultados: Un total de 147 principios activos fueron considerados MAC, correspondiendo mayoritariamente con los grupos: L (69,4%), J (10,9%) y A (10,2%). El PVL medio diario de los MAC fue 218,6 € (28,6-2.892,5). El 38,8% de los MAC fueron innovadores, 26,5% huérfanos y 34,0% biológicos. Dieciséis medicamentos tuvieron un coste >10.000 €/envase. Los MEC pertenecieron principalmente al grupo L (45,0%) y J (35,0%). El PVL medio diario de los MEC fue 154,4 € (1,1-1.629,3). El 35,5% fueron innovadores, 5,0% huérfanos y 60,0% biológicos.Conclusiones: Un elevado número de MAIE son dispensados por los servicios de farmacia hospitalarios, principalmente antineoplásicos y antiinfecciosos. Aunque el PVL mínimo diario para considerar un medicamento de alto impacto es 27,4 €, el PVL medio diario de los MAC fue >200 €. Sin embargo, el elevado consumo de algunos fármacos, hace que medicamentos con un coste tan bajo como 1,1 € puedan ser considerados MAIE. Se puede establecer una nueva categoría de MAC para aquellos con un coste >10.000 €/envase. (AU)

Objetivos: Los medicamentos de alto impacto económico (MAIE) constituyen un reto para los servicios de salud públicos de los países europeos. Sin embargo, no existe consenso sobre qué constituye un MAIE. El objetivo del estudio fue configurar una lista de MAIE dispensados por los servicios de farmacia hospitalarios y analizar la situación respecto a estos fármacos en España.Métodos: Se consideraron MAIE aquellos fármacos con un coste >10.000 €/año (MAC) o con un elevado volumen de consumo (MEC). Se estimaron los precios (PVL) por dosis diaria definida o dosis diaria prescrita.Resultados: Un total de 147 principios activos fueron considerados MAC, correspondiendo mayoritariamente con los grupos: L (69,4%), J (10,9%) y A (10,2%). El PVL medio diario de los MAC fue 218,6 € (28,6-2.892,5). El 38,8% de los MAC fueron innovadores, 26,5% huérfanos y 34,0% biológicos. Dieciséis medicamentos tuvieron un coste >10.000 €/envase. Los MEC pertenecieron principalmente al grupo L (45,0%) y J (35,0%). El PVL medio diario de los MEC fue 154,4 € (1,1-1.629,3). El 35,5% fueron innovadores, 5,0% huérfanos y 60,0% biológicos.Conclusiones: Un elevado número de MAIE son dispensados por los servicios de farmacia hospitalarios, principalmente antineoplásicos y antiinfecciosos. Aunque el PVL mínimo diario para considerar un medicamento de alto impacto es 27,4 €, el PVL medio diario de los MAC fue >200 €. Sin embargo, el elevado consumo de algunos fármacos, hace que medicamentos con un coste tan bajo como 1,1 € puedan ser considerados MAIE. Se puede establecer una nueva categoría de MAC para aquellos con un coste >10.000 €/envase. (AU)

Imatinib en leucemia mieloide crónica: resultados en práctica clínica habitual / Imatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia: outcomes in routine clinical practice

Objetivos: Imatinib cambió el paradigma de la leucemia mieloide crónica (LMC), tras lograr en los ensayos clínicos frente a interferón mejor tasa de respuestas y supervivencia libre de progresión, con un aceptable perfil de toxicidad. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la efectividad, seguridad y adherencia de imatinib en LMC en la práctica clínica habitual.Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo en pacientes con LMC en fase crónica tratados con imatinib. Objetivos principales: respuesta completa hematológica (RCH), respuesta completa citogenética (RCyC), respuesta mayor molecular (RMM), adherencia (ADH) y efectos adversos (EA). Las tasas de respuesta fueron definidas según criterios de The European LeukemiaNet y la ADH como dosis totales dispensadas x 100/dosis totales prescritas. Se consideraron adherentes aquellos pacientes con ADH ≥85%. Variables secundarias: supervivencia libre de progresión (SLP) y global (SG).Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 39 pacientes. Tasas de respuesta: RCH 100%, RCyC 84,6% y RMM 66,7%. La ADH media al tratamiento fue de 94,9%, con un 92,3% de pacientes adherentes. Las tasas de SLP y SG estimadas a los 8 años fueron 94,4% (IC95%: 86,9-100,0) y 94,4% (IC95%: 87,3-100,0) respectivamente. EA no hematológicos más frecuentes: edemas (53,8%), dolor músculo-esquelético (43,6%) y calambres (38,5%). Se encontró neutropenia y trombocitopenia grado 3-4 en el 10,3% y 5,1% de los pacientes respectivamente.Conclusiones: Imatinib induce respuestas duraderas en una notable proporción de pacientes, consiguiendo mantener la enfermedad bajo control. Este estudio confirma el beneficio de imatinib en práctica clínica habitual. El perfil de seguridad es consistente con los resultados obtenidos en estudios previos. (AU)

Objectives: Imatinib changed the treatment paradigm of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) after yielding better response rates and progression free survival than interferon-α, with an acceptable safety profile. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness, safety and adherence of imatinib in the treatment of CML in clinical practice.Methods: Retrospective study carried out in patients with CML in chronic phase treated with imatinib. Primary endpoints: complete hematological response (CHR), complete cytogenetic response (CCyR), major molecular response (MMR), treatment adherence (ADH) and adverse events (AE). Response rates were defined according to the criteria of The European LeukemiaNet and ADH was estimated as number of dosage units dispensed x 100/ number of dosage units prescribed. Patients were adherent if their ADH was ≥85%. Secondary endpoints: progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).Results: 39 patients were included. Response rates: CHR 100% (39/39); CCyR 84.6% (33/39); and MMR 66.7% (26/39). The mean ADH was 94.9% (59.0%-100%), with a 92.3% of patients considered adherents. PFS and OS rates estimated at 8 years were: 94.4% (95% CI: 86.9-100.0) and 94.4% (95% CI: 87.3-100.0), respectively. Most frequent non-hematological AE: edema 53.8% (21/39), musculoskeletal pain 43.6% (17/39) and muscle cramps 38.5% (15/39). Grade 3-4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were found in 10.3% (4/39) and 5.1% (2/39) of patients, respectively.Conclusions: Imatinib induced sustainable responses in a remarkable proportion of real world patients, managing to keep the disease under control. This study confirms the benefits of imatinib in clinical practice. The safety profile was consistent with earlier reports. (AU)

Finding answers in lipid profile in COVID-19 patients.

INTRODUCTION: A small percentage of patients will develop a severe form of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, it is important to predict the potential outcomes identifying early markers of poor prognosis. In this context, we evaluated the association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with lipid abnormalities and their role in prognosis. METHODS: Single-center, retrospective, observational study of COVID-19 patients admitted from March to October 2020. Clinical and laboratory data, comorbidities, and treatments for COVID-19 were evaluated. Main outcomes including intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality were analyzed with a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: We selected 1489 from a total of 2038 consecutive patients with confirmed COVID-19, who had a complete lipid profile before ICU admission. During the follow-up performed in 1109 patients, we observed a decrease in T-c, HDL-c, and LDL-c in 28.6%, 42.9%, and 30.4% of patients, respectively, and an increase in TG in 76.8%. The decrease of both T-c and HDL- c was correlated with a decrease in albumin levels (r = 0.39 and r = 0.37, respectively). Kaplan-Meier survival curves found an increased ICU admission in patients with lower T-c (HR 0.55, CI 0.36-0.86), HDL-c (HR 0.61, CI 0.45-0.84), and LDL-c (HR 0.85, CI 0.74-0.97). Higher values of T-c (HR 0.45, CI 0.36-0.57), HDL-c (HR 0.66, CI 0.54-0.81), and LDL-c (HR 0.86, CI 0.78-0.94) showed a protective effect on mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormalities in lipid profile are a frequent complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection and might be related to morbidity and mortality. FUNDING: Proyectos de Investigación en Salud (FIS) and cofinanced by FEDER.

Mode-splitting in a microring resonator for self-referenced biosensing.

Self-referenced biosensing based on mode-splitting on a microring resonator is experimentally demonstrated. A Bragg grating integrated on the surface of the ring provides coupling between the clockwise and counterclockwise travelling modes of the pristine ring resonator lifting their degeneracy. The amount of mode-splitting is directly related to the reflectivity of the grating and it is only affected by structurally modifying the grating. Environmental perturbations to the surroundings of the gratings, such as temperature and bulk refractive index variations, have a minor effect on the amount of mode-splitting. This principle allows the realization of a self-referenced sensing scheme based on the detection of variations of the mode-splitting induced by structural changes to the grating. In this work, a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) Bragg grating is integrated onto a ring resonator in Al2O3. It is shown both theoretically and experimentally that the amount of splitting of a resonance varies minimally under temperature or bulk refractive index perturbations. However, the structural change of attaching a layer of biomolecules inside the grating does affect its reflectivity and the amount of mode splitting present. This result represents the first proof-of-concept demonstration of an integrated mode-splitting biosensor insensitive to temperature and refractive index variations of the liquid matrix where the molecules to be detected are embedded. The reported results pave the road towards the realization of truly self-referenced biosensors.

Efectividad y seguridad de un jarabe de isoniazida 50 mg/mL para uso pediátrico / Effectiveness and safety of a 50 mg/mL isoniazid syrup for pediatric use

Introducción: La tuberculosis pediátrica ha sido una epidemia mundial oculta durante décadas con dificultades para su control, entre las que se encuentra el difícil cumplimiento terapéutico debido a la correcta administración del tratamiento en niños que no pueden deglutir presentaciones farmacéuticas sólidas. El tratamiento de la tuberculosis es una terapia combinada, por lo que en su diseño se tiene que tener en cuenta el volumen final a administrar de todas las formulaciones así como su palatabilidad para favorecer la adherencia terapéutica.Objetivo: Evaluación de la efectividad y seguridad de una fórmula magistral de isoniazida 50 mg/mL.Material y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de 5 años de duración, incluyendo a todos los pacientes que recibieron dicha fórmula.Se registraron las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, indicación, reacciones adversas y evolución. Bases de datos: Silicon® (soporte informático de dispensación) y IANUS® (historia clínica electrónica). La efectividad se valoró mediante criterios clínicos, radiológicos y/o analíticos. Para la detección de reacciones adversas se realizaron analíticas de sangre y se evaluó la aparición de síntomas asociados a la ingesta de sorbitol que contiene la fórmula.Resultados: Composición de la fórmula (100 mL): isoniazida 5 g, agua conservans 50 mL (contiene Nipagin® 0,08% y Nipasol® 0,02%) y sorbitol 70% 50 mL. El periodo de caducidad establecido fue de 30 días coincidiendo con el referenciado en la bibliografía. El pH de la fórmula orale líquida (FOL) elaborada fue de 6,45±0,05 que corresponde con el de máxima estabilidad del principio activo. (AU)

Introduction: Pediatric tuberculosis has been a global epidemic hidden for decades with difficulties in its control, among which is difficult compliance with treatment due to the correct administration of treatment in children who cannot swallow solid pharmaceutical presentations. The treatment of tuberculosis is a combined therapy, so its design must take into account the final volume to be administered of all the formulations as well as its palatability to promote therapeutic adherence.Objective: Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of a magisterial formula of isoniazid 50 mg/mL.Material and methods: A 5-year retrospective observational study, including all patients who received this formula.The following variables were recorded: age, sex, indication, adverse reactions and evolution. Databases: Silicon® (dispensing computer support) and IANUS® (electronic medical record). The effectiveness was assessed using clinical, radiological and/or analytical criteria. To detect adverse reactions, blood tests were performed and the appearance of symptoms associated with the intake of sorbitol containing the formula was evaluated.Results: Composition of the formula (100 mL): isoniazid 5 g, preservative water 50 mL (contains Nipagin® 0.08% and Nipasol® 0.02%) and sorbitol 70% 50 mL.The established expiration period was 30 days, coinciding with that referenced in the bibliography. The pH of the elaborated liquid oral formula (LOF) was 6.45±0.05, which corresponds to the maximum stability of the active principle. (AU)

Development of low-loss TiO2 waveguides.

TiO2 channel waveguides were fabricated using a DC sputter deposition process, followed by photolithography and reactive ion etching. A SiO2 cladding was deposited using evaporation. SEM, TEM and Raman measurements indicate the presence of both an amorphous and a crystalline phase. As the layer thickness increases, poly-crystalline structures start forming. Loss measurements were performed by imaging the scattered light from the top of the channel waveguides and fitting an exponential decay to the intensity profile. Propagation losses of 7.8 ± 0.52 dB/cm at a wavelength of 632.8 nm and 0.68 ± 0.46 dB/cm at a wavelength of 1010 nm were experimentally characterized.

Comparative study of multiple thiol-based self-assembled monolayer coatings for the SERS detection of nitrite, nitrate, and perchlorate anions in water.

Raman-based sensors represent a promising solution to enable both detection and fingerprinting of anionic pollutants in the water distribution network. Due to the weak nature of Raman scattering, a signal intensity enhancement mechanism, such as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), is required. Given the combination of SERS being a first layer effect and the low affinity for metallic surfaces shown by anions, functionalization of the SERS substrates using positively charged self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) is required to guarantee a strong SERS signal. In this work, the performance of three thiol-based coatings, namely, 2-mercapto-4-methyl-pyrimidine, cysteamine, and 2-dimethyl-amino-ethanethiol, is systematically compared for the detection of nitrite, nitrate, and perchlorate ions in water. For each coating, the limit of detection of those analytes is studied in combination with commercial SERS substrates. Cysteamine-coated SERS substrates are shown to provide the lowest limit of detection for the three analytes of this study. Evaluation of this coating on real drinking water samples is reported.

Utilización de la modalidad B-Learning en la cátedra de Fisiología de la Facultad de Odontología de la UNT

Actualmente, los estilos de aprendizaje, están favorecidos por el uso de las nuevas tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC). Es importante conocer si las TIC como estrategia de enseñanza, impactan en el aprendizaje significativo de los alumnos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer la percepción que tienen los estudiantes del aprendizaje que alcanzan con la modalidad Blended learning (B.learning) o aprendizaje mixto, semipresencial. Para el cumplimiento de tal objetivo, se diseñó y validó una encuesta de opinión estudiantil on-line tipo Likert, con 31 preguntas cerradas y 5 abiertas, en 182 estudiantes. Entre los resultados más relevantes encontramos, 55% en esta actividad b-learning facilitó la relación entre docentes y alumnos, un 63% que los docentes motivaron a los alumnos a buscar respuestas en el aula virtual, 54% las herramientas del aula virtual permitieron la correcta interacción grupal, 54% que la actividad planteada en el aula virtual fue motivadora y de interés, un 57% la metodología utilizada fomentó un aprendizaje constructivo, integrando los nuevos conocimientos con los que ya poseía, 92% respondió que el grado en que se ha sentido guiado por el profesor en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje fue adecuado, un 74% expresaron satisfacción por estar participando en una asignatura que posee aula virtual, el 73% respondieron que trabajar en aula virtual les permitió ahorro en tiempo y desplazamiento. Al realizar esta actividad, un 31% manifestaron desarrollar habilidades investigativas. Conclusión: Con la modalidad B learning, los alumnos refieren ventajas, comprensión de los procesos fisiológicos, motivación, guía, interactúan, despliegan habilidades, competencias, logran integrar Fisiología con la clínica dental, y gran satisfacción.

Al2O3 microring resonators for the detection of a cancer biomarker in undiluted urine.

Concentrations down to 3 nM of the rhS100A4 protein, associated with human tumor development, have been detected in undiluted urine using an integrated sensor based on microring resonators in the emerging Al2O3 photonic platform. The fabricated microrings were designed for operation in the C-band (λ = 1565 nm) and exhibited a high-quality factor in air of 3.2 × 105. The bulk refractive index sensitivity of the devices was ~100 nm/RIU (for TM polarization) with a limit of detection of ~10-6 RIU. A surface functionalization protocol was developed to allow for the selective binding of the monoclonal antibodies designed to capture the target biomarker to the surface of the Al2O3 microrings. The detection of rhS100A4 proteins at clinically relevant concentrations in urine is a big milestone towards the use of biosensors for the screening and early diagnosis of different cancers. Biosensors based on this microring technology can lead to portable, multiplexed and easy-to-use point of care devices.

The role of microbiota and inflammation in self-judgement and empathy: implications for understanding the brain-gut-microbiome axis in depression.

RATIONALE: The gut-brain axis includes bidirectional communication between intestinal microbiota and the central nervous system. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp. have been implicated in psychological health, such as depression, through various pathways (e.g. inflammation). Research needs a better understanding of direct and indirect effects through examination of psychological factors that make people susceptible to, or offer protection against, depression. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the relationships between gut microbiota, inflammation and psychological risk and resilience factors for depression. METHODS: Forty participants (13 m/27 f) recruited from the general population completed self-report questionnaires for depression, self-judgement, over-identification and affective and cognitive empathy. Faecal and blood samples were taken to assay microbiota (Bifidobacterium; Lactobacillus spp.) and pro-inflammatory molecules (C-reactive protein, CRP and interleukin-6, IL-6), respectively. RESULTS: Hierarchical regression analyses (controlling for sex, age and the shared variance of risk and resilience factors) showed that (i) cognitive depression was significantly predicted by negative self-judgement and reduced cognitive empathy; (ii) abundance of Lactobacillus spp. was directly related to positive self-judgement but only indirectly to cognitive depression and lower affective empathy (both through self-judgement); and (iii) CRP was the strongest predictor of reduced cognitive empathy, with suppression effects seen for age (negative) and IL-6 (positive) after controlling for CRP. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that lactobacilli and inflammation may be differentially associated with mood disorder via brain mechanisms underpinning self-judgement and cognitive empathy, respectively. Further trials investigating interventions to increase Lactobacillus spp. in depression would benefit from direct measures of self-judgement and affective empathic distress, whilst those that aim to reduce inflammation should investigate cognitive empathy.

Afectación cardiaca en pacientes con enfermedad hepática avanzada, más allá del síndrome hepatopulmonar / Cardiac involvement in patients with end-stage liver disease, beyond the hepatopulmonary syndrome

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Análisis de la renuncia a la vacunación antigripal (Estudio REGRIVI) / Analysis of the refusal of the flu vaccination (REGRIVI study)

Introducción: El objetivo del presente estudio es conocer las causas de renuncia a la vacunación antigripal en el Centro de Salud de Vilanova de Arousa y evaluar la cobertura vacunal tras una intervención educativa. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental pre- y postintervención educativa incluyendo a los pacientes del Centro de Salud de Vilanova de Arousa que renunciaron a la vacunación antigripal en 2014 y que no cumplieron los criterios de exclusión establecidos (fallecimiento durante las campañas 2014 y 2015, no aceptación de participación, errores de registro de la vacuna, contraindicación o no indicación de la vacuna, imposibilidad de contacto), resultando 73 los sujetos a estudio. Tras realizar una breve intervención educativa, se contrastaron los datos de vacunación de dichos pacientes en las campañas 2015 y 2016. Posteriormente, se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las variables a estudio. Finalizaron el estudio 72 de los 73 pacientes incluidos inicialmente. Resultados: Los principales motivos para rechazar la vacunación fueron el miedo a los efectos adversos y la buena percepción de salud. Se consiguió un 50,7% de vacunación en 2015 y un 48,6% en 2016. Conclusiones: Las causas de renuncia a la vacunación son abordables mediante una intervención breve, ya que disminuye dicha renuncia a la mitad de forma duradera

Introduction: The objective of this study is to determine the reasons for refusing the flu vaccination in the Primary Care Health Centre of Vilanova de Arousa, Spain, as well as to evaluate the flu vaccination coverage after an educational intervention. Material and methods: A quasi-experimental before and after study was conducted after an educational intervention on a total of 73 people that included those Primary Care Health Centre patients from Vilanova de Arousa who had refused the flu vaccination in 2014, and who did not meet the exclusion criteria (death during 2014 and 2015 campaigns, non-acceptance of participation, vaccine registration mistakes, contraindication or no indication for the vaccine, inability to contact). After a brief educational intervention, vaccination data from those patients in the 2015 and 2016 campaigns were checked. A descriptive analysis of the variables under study was then carried out. Of the 73 patients initially included, 72 completed the study. Results: The main reasons for refusing a vaccination were the concerns about the adverse effects and patient perception of good health. Vaccination coverage was 50.7% in 2015, and 48.6% in 2016. Conclusions: The reasons for refusing vaccination are approachable with a brief intervention since the refusal decreases by half in the long-term