Intervención educativa sobre salud bucal en adultos mayores de unconsultorio médico

Introducción: los cambios morfológicos y funcionales que tienen lugar en la cavidad bucal relacionados con la edad, formanparte del envejecimiento general del organismo. Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad de una intervención educativa sobre salud bucalen adultos mayores. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio no observacional, cuasi-experimental, antes-después sin grupocontrol, mediante una intervención educativa en adultos mayores de marzo a octubre de 2019, que incluyó 79 pacientes delConsultorio Médico de la Familia 2 del área Centro de Sancti Spíritus. Las variables estudiadas fueron nivel de conocimientossobre salud bucal, conocimientos sobre uso y cuidado de la prótesis, actitudes, higiene bucal y práctica del autoexamen bucal.Resultados: antes de la intervención el 53,2 % presentaba un nivel de conocimiento sobre salud bucal insuficiente, siendo sufi-ciente en el 82,3 % posterior a esta. Las actitudes, eran desfavorables en el 63,3 % inicialmente, siendo favorables después de laintervención en un 92,4 %. La higiene bucal fue deficiente en el 67,1 % y se logró después de la intervención una buena higienebucal en el 91,1 %; el autoexamen bucal no lo practicaban el 86,1 %, al concluir la intervención lo practicaban el 77,2 %. El cono-cimiento sobre uso y cuidado de la prótesis era inadecuado en el 60,8 %, lográndose modificar en el 87,3 %. Conclusiones: laintervención educativa fue efectiva, pues logró elevar el nivel de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de los adultos mayoressobre salud bucal.[AU]

First-time detection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection in Uruguay.

Within the last two decades, several high-impact viruses have emerged in the global swine population, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). In Uruguay, the more recent serological survey for PRRSV and other notifiable diseases such as Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV) and classical swine fever virus (CSFV) dated from year 2000. The main purpose of this study was to update our information on the infection status of PRRSV, ADV and CSFV in Uruguayan pig herds, in order to keep informed about the epidemiological situation of these notifiable infections in the country. For serological testing, a total of 524 swine serum samples collected during the period 2014-2016 were assayed by commercial ELISAs. Our results revealed the (unexpected) presence of PRRSV antibodies in Uruguayan domestic swine herds and confirmed the absence of ADV and CSFV antibodies in all of the assessed samples. Following such initial finding, PRRSV antibodies were further investigated in 23 retrospective samples collected during 2010-2014. Thirteen of these 23 samples resulted seropositive. Subsequently, a molecular detection approach in frozen serum samples was implemented to confirm PRRSV infection, and viral RNA was identified by reverse transcription-nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR). Fourteen of 86 evaluated 2014-2016 samples resulted positive for viral RNA, while molecular analysis of four retrospective samples also revealed the presence of PRRSV type 2. Viral isolation of selected samples was carried out in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAM) and MARC 145 simian kidney cells, and the virus identity was confirmed by cytopathic effect (CPE) and immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using specific monoclonal antibodies for PRRSV nucleocapsid. Data reported here evidence for the first time the circulation of PRRSV type 2 in Uruguay, and retrospective serology results suggest that the virus has been infecting pigs in this country at least since 2011.

First report of anthelmintic resistance of equine cyathostomins in Cuba.

Anthelmintic resistance in equine cyathostomins has been described worldwide, with resistance to the benzimidazole class being particularly widespread. The status of anthelmintic efficacy in Cuba has been virtually unknown due to the lack of equine labelled products. One recent report documented suboptimal efficacy levels of extra-label albendazole products against cyathostomins, but it remains unknown to which extent benzimidazole resistance exists in the population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of two benzimidazole products labelled for equines, fenbendazole and oxibendazole. A fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) was carried out on 132 horses aged 4 months to 18 years in 14 herds, belonging to six provinces. Ten herds exhibited signs of resistance to at least one of the benzimidazoles (mean FECRT<90%). Overall, oxibendazole exhibited higher efficacy than fenbendazole (p = 0.0062), and higher efficacy levels were found in horses never dewormed before compared to those treated within 3-12 months prior to the study (p = 0.0015). Pre-treatment larval cultures revealed the presence of large strongyles and cyathostomin larvae in all herds, while only cyathostomin larvae were detected post treatment. The present work is the first report of anthelmintic resistance in equine cyathostomins in Cuba, and suggests pre-selection for resistant strains by extra-label use of albendazole on the studied farms.

Helminth egg excretion in horses kept under tropical conditions-Prevalence, distribution and risk factors.

Increasing levels of anthelmintic resistance observed in equine cyathostomin parasites have led to recommendations of selective anthelmintic treatment strategies to lower the selection pressure favoring resistant populations. This principle is based on determining strongyle fecal egg counts from all herd members, and treating those exceeding a predetermined treatment cutoff. However, epidemiological information is lacking from horses kept under tropical conditions, where parasite burdens may be of a different composition and magnitude compared to those of horses kept under temperate climate conditions. The aim of the present work was to characterize the strongylid fauna in horses kept in tropical Camagüey, Cuba and identify risk factors associated with strongylid and ascarid egg counts. A total of 396 horses from eight different establishments were included in the study. Coprocultures revealed that Strongylus vulgaris and cyathostomins, sensu lato, were detected in all of those establishments. Prevalence and mean value of strongylid eggs per gram of feces were 97% and 1436, respectively. Eggs of Parascaris spp. were observed in 10% of horses. A multivariate mixed linear model identified sex (p=0.022), month (p=0.044), operation type (p=0.037) and time since last deworming (p<0.001) to be significantly associated in with the magnitude of strongylid fecal egg counts. A multivariate logistic regression identified horses less than two years of age (p=0.010) and horses not receiving anthelmintic treatment (p<0.001) to be significantly more likely to harbor Parascaris spp. parasites. The high magnitude and prevalence of strongylid fecal egg counts observed and the common occurrence of S. vulgaris suggest that strongylid parasite burdens are substantially different from those typically observed in managed equines kept under more temperate conditions.

Monodentate phosphine substitution in [Pd(κ3-dppf)(PR3)][BF4]2 (dppf = 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) compounds.

The ligand 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf) is commonly employed in a variety of catalytic systems. There are a variety of coordination modes known for dppf, the least studied being the κ3 coordination mode, in which both phosphorus atoms and the iron atom of dppf interact with another metal center. One such compound is the previously reported [Pd(κ3-dppf)(PPh3)]2+. A series of related compounds, [Pd(κ3-dppf)(P(p-C6H4R)3)]2+ (R = OCH3, CH3, F and CF3), has been synthesized and characterized. The X-ray crystal structure of [Pd(dppf)(P(p-C6H4F)3)][BF4]2 was determined. Electrochemical and computational studies indicate that the electron donor ability of the P(p-C6H4R)3 ligands influences the properties of these compounds. Substitution reactions of the P(p-C6H4R)3 ligands have been examined, and, in general, the more electron donating P(p-C6H4R)3 ligands completely replace the less electron donating ones. The kinetics of the reaction of [Pd(κ3-dppf)(P(p-C6H4F)3)]2+ with P(p-C6H4OCH3)3 indicate that the reaction proceeds through a dissociative mechanism, contrary to the associative substitutions prevalent in square planar palladium(ii) chemistry.

A Citizen Science Approach: A Detailed Ecological Assessment of Subtropical Reefs at Point Lookout, Australia.

Subtropical reefs provide an important habitat for flora and fauna, and proper monitoring is required for conservation. Monitoring these exposed and submerged reefs is challenging and available resources are limited. Citizen science is increasing in momentum, as an applied research tool and in the variety of monitoring approaches adopted. This paper aims to demonstrate an ecological assessment and mapping approach that incorporates both top-down (volunteer marine scientists) and bottom-up (divers/community) engagement aspects of citizen science, applied at a subtropical reef at Point Lookout, Southeast Queensland, Australia. Marine scientists trained fifty citizen scientists in survey techniques that included mapping of habitat features, recording of substrate, fish and invertebrate composition, and quantifying impacts (e.g., occurrence of substrate damage, presence of litter). In 2014 these volunteers conducted four seasonal surveys along semi-permanent transects, at five sites, across three reefs. The project presented is a model on how citizen science can be conducted in a marine environment through collaboration of volunteer researchers, non-researchers and local marine authorities. Significant differences in coral and algal cover were observed among the three sites, while fluctuations in algal cover were also observed seasonally. Differences in fish assemblages were apparent among sites and seasons, with subtropical fish groups observed more commonly in colder seasons. The least physical damage occurred in the most exposed sites (Flat Rock) within the highly protected marine park zones. The broad range of data collected through this top-down/bottom-up approach to citizen science exemplifies the projects' value and application for identifying ecosystem trends or patterns. The results of the project support natural resource and marine park management, providing a valuable contribution to existing scientific knowledge and the conservation of local reefs.

Fruit quality, antioxidant contents and activity, and antiproliferative activity of strawberry fruit stored in elevated CO2 atmospheres.

The effects of CO2 in the storage atmosphere on color, firmness, ascorbic acid (AA), anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolics, total antioxidant activity, and antiproliferative activity of strawberry fruit have been investigated. "Northeaster" and "Earliglow" strawberries were stored in air or in 20% CO2 (in air) at 3 degrees C for 20 d. Color changes in Northeaster were delayed more by CO2 treatment than in Earliglow. Firmness of CO2-stored fruit increased slightly compared with those stored in air. The increases in total and reduced AA concentrations during air storage were usually prevented by CO2 storage in both cultivars. Dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) concentrations increased during CO2 storage. Anthocyanins and flavonoids, and total antioxidant activity of both cultivars were higher in air-stored fruit than in CO2-stored fruit. The total phenolic concentration was lower in CO2-stored Earliglow fruit than in air, but storage treatment did not affect that of Northeaster. A 40 mg/mL concentration of Northeaster strawberry extract inhibited about 80% of HepG2 human liver cancer cell proliferation. CO2 treatment did not affect the antiproliferative activity of strawberry fruits, but antiproliferative activity was greater at harvest than after storage.

Monolithic silica columns with chemically bonded beta-cyclodextrin as a stationary phase for enantiomer separations of chiral pharmaceuticals.

An enantioselective silica rod type chiral stationary phase (CSP) is presented; a novel combination of the well known enantiomer separation properties of beta-cyclodextrin and the unique properties concerning the flow behavior of silica monoliths. Two different synthesis routes are described, and it was found that the in situ modification of a plain silica rod column turned out to be the best. The chromatographic behaviour of the beta-cyclodextrin silica rod was studied and compared with a very similar commercially available beta-cyclodextrin bonded particulate material (ChiraDex). Even if the amount of beta-cyclodextrin bound to the silica rod was only about half of the amount of beta-cyclodextrin bound to ChiraDex) particles, good resolutions were achieved for a set of chiral test components like Chromakalin, Prominal, Oxazepam, Methadone and some other drugs. By taking advantage of the unique features of the silica rods relating to their flat H/u (Van Deemter) curves, fast enantiomer separations could be demonstrated.

Distribution and characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis on the phylloplane of species of piper (Piperaceae) in three altitudinal levels.

Bacillus thuringiensis is found naturally on the phylloplane. In this study 35 samples from 13 species of the genus Piper (Piperaceae) were collected from three altitudinal levels located between 1800 and 2900 m above sea level in the Colombian Andean forest of Central Cordillera. Two hundred and fifty-six isolates of B. thuringiensis were obtained from 74% of the samples studied. B. thuringiensis index (number of isolates of B. thuringiensis/number of isolates of sporulated bacilli) was 0.2. The isolates were characterized by crystal morphology, the presence of cry genes by PCR, and toxicity against insects. Fifty-five percent of the isolates found presented bipyramidal-crystal morphology, and 42% had round-crystal morphology. Seventy percent of the isolates amplified cry1 [cry one] genes (generally toxic to lepidopterans); 41.4% amplified cry4 and/or cry11 [cry eleven] genes (generally toxic to dipterans), and none of the isolates amplified cry3 genes (generally toxic to coleopterans). The most abundant genotype of cry genes (54.7% of the total) was cry1Aa, cry1Ab, cry1Ac, cry1Ad, and cry1B. From the total isolates found, 7.8% presented both cry1 and cry11 genes, and five isolates (2.0%) harbored cry1, cry4, and cry11 genes; all these isolates were toxic to Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera) but not to Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera). To our knowledge, these genotypes have not been previously reported. Overall, almost 60% of the isolates were toxic to S. frugiperda, and a little more than 40% of the isolates were toxic to C. quinquefasciatus. The populations of viable vegetative cells and spores per unit area were estimated and studied statistically. No significant differences in the number of B. thuringiensis isolates per cm2 of leaf among the three altitudinal levels were found, nor were they found among the different Piper species evaluated. This study increases the knowledge of the ecology of B. thuringiensis.

Enantiomer separation by nonaqueous and aqueous capillary electrochromatography on cyclodextrin stationary phases.

Native beta- and gamma-cyclodextrin bound to silica (ChiraDex-beta and ChiraDex-gamma) were packed into capillaries and used for enantiomer separation by capillary electrochromatography (CEC) under aqueous and nonaqueous conditions. Negatively charged analytes (dansyl-amino acids) were resolved into their enantiomers by nonaqueous CEC (NA-CEC). The addition of a small amount of water to the nonaqueous mobile phase enhanced the enantioselectivity but increased the elution time. The choice of the background electrolyte (BGE) determined the direction of the electroosmotic flow (EOF). With 2-(N-morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid (MES) or triethylammonium acetate (TEAA) as BGE an inverse EOF (anodic EOF) was observed while with phosphate a cathodic EOF was found. The apparent pH (pH*), the concentration of the BGE, and the nature of the mobile phase strongly influenced the elution time, the theoretical plate number and the chiral separation factor of racemic analytes.

[Miliary tuberculosis as a complication of BCG immunotherapy in cancer of the bladder. Case report]. / Tuberculosis miliar como complicacion de inmunoterapia con BCG en el cancer de vejiga. Caso clinico.

Intravesical administration of BCG may be used as an ancillary immunotherapy after endoscopic resection for cancer of the bladder. Local side effects are usually mild. Here is reported a patient who developed miliary tuberculosis after this form of therapy. Radiologic studies of the thorax and liver biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. The patient recovered after treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs (TA-81 scheme). Epithelial trauma may be invoked as an alteration facilitating this complication. Although it develops infrequently, patients with bladder cancer treated with BCG must be monitored for this complication.

Effects of covalently bound silica-nitroimidazole drug particles on Entamoeba histolytica.

Most commonly used antiamoebic drugs are effective in invasive amebiasis, but their response against trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica, present in the lumen of the human colon, is inadequate. We report the development of an antiamoebic drug carrier that may be effective against luminal infections. Our preparation consists of small silica particles (5-10 microns in diameter) covalently linked to a potent antiamoebic drug, 2-(4-aminophenoxymethyl)-5-nitro-1-methyl imidazole. Silica-drug particles were injected into mice, hamsters, and guinea pigs. We found that trophozoites phagocytosed the particles in vivo and in vitro, followed by rapid cell death due to the released drug. Analysis of mouse serum revealed that no drug was absorbed from the intestine after placement of the drug-containing particles in the intestine. The antiamoebic activity of particles recovered from the intestine was almost fully retained. This novel antiamoebic concept may be useful for luminal therapy for asymptomatic amebiasis and may minimize side effects and frequency of administration.

Coupling of ligands to primary hydroxyl-containing silica for high-performance affinity chromatography. Optimization of conditions.

Silicas of different particle and pore sizes were derivatized with three different silanes. The functionalized silica contained either epoxide, methacrylate or amino groups. These groups were further modified to yield primary hydroxyl functions. Activation of the resultant primary hydroxyl groups for the purpose of chemically coupling proteins was studied with a variety of reagents and optimized for p-nitro-phenyl chloroformate. The effect of pH on the efficiency of coupling proteins (BSA and trypsin) to p-nitrophenyl carbonate-silica was studied in detail. Slightly acidic conditions (pH 6) gave the highest yields. In a dynamic recycling process, bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor was immobilized to activated primary hydroxyl-silica packed into a stainless-steel column. The high-performance affinity chromatography purification of trypsin on this column is demonstrated.

Silica containing primary hydroxyl groups for high-performance affinity chromatography.

Primary hydroxyl groups were incorporated into silica by a four-step reaction procedure which includes modification of the silica surface with gamma-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, leading to an epoxide silica; hydrolysis with acid to yield a diol silica; oxidation of the diol silica with periodate to yield a silica resin with aldehyde functions; and reduction with sodium borohydride to obtain the primary hydroxyl-containing silica. The hydroxyl groups were activated with chloroformates or carbodiimidazole. Proteins were coupled under mild conditions in high yield to these activated silica resins. Columns containing these newly developed silica derivatives were used for the fast and efficient purification of antibodies on antigen-containing silica, as well as for the purification of trypsin on a trypsin inhibitor column (or vice-versa). The effect of pressure on association and dissociation of the affinity complex is discussed.