Novel Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Ferroptosis in a Panel of Cancer Cell Lines.

The use of nanomaterials rationally engineered to treat cancer is a burgeoning field that has reported great medical achievements. Iron-based polymeric nano-formulations with precisely tuned physicochemical properties are an expanding and versatile therapeutic strategy for tumor treatment. Recently, a peculiar type of regulated necrosis named ferroptosis has gained increased attention as a target for cancer therapy. Here, we show for the first time that novel iron oxide nanoparticles coated with gallic acid and polyacrylic acid (IONP-GA/PAA) possess intrinsic cytotoxic activity on various cancer cell lines. Indeed, IONP-GA/PAA treatment efficiently induces ferroptosis in glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, and fibrosarcoma cells. IONP-GA/PAA-induced ferroptosis was blocked by the canonical ferroptosis inhibitors, including deferoxamine and ciclopirox olamine (iron chelators), and ferrostatin-1, the lipophilic radical trap. These ferroptosis inhibitors also prevented the lipid hydroperoxide generation promoted by the nanoparticles. Altogether, we report on novel ferroptosis-inducing iron encapsulated nanoparticles with potent anti-cancer properties, which has promising potential for further in vivo validation.

Highly Branched Neo-Fructans (Agavins) Attenuate Metabolic Endotoxemia and Low-Grade Inflammation in Association with Gut Microbiota Modulation on High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice.

Highly branched neo-fructans (agavins) are natural prebiotics found in Agave plants, with a large capacity to mitigate the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Here, we investigated the impact of agavins intake on gut microbiota modulation and their metabolites as well as their effect on metabolic endotoxemia and low-grade inflammation in mice fed high-fat diet. Mice were fed with a standard diet (ST) and high-fat diet (HF) alone or plus an agavins supplement (HF+A) for ten weeks. Gut microbiota composition, fecal metabolite profiles, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), pro-inflammatory cytokines, and systemic effects were analyzed. Agavins intake induced substantial changes in gut microbiota composition, enriching Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Prevotella, Allobaculum, and Akkermansia genus (LDA > 3.0). l-leucine, l-valine, uracil, thymine, and some fatty acids were identified as possible biomarkers for this prebiotic supplement. As novel findings, agavins supplementation significantly decreased LPS and pro-inflammatory (IL-1α, IL-1ß, and TNF-α; p < 0.05) cytokines levels in portal vein. In addition, lipid droplets content in the liver and adipocytes size also decreased with agavins consumption. In conclusion, agavins supplementation mitigate metabolic endotoxemia and low-grade inflammation in association with gut microbiota regulation and their metabolic products, thus inducing beneficial responses on metabolic disorders in high-fat diet-fed mice.

Phthalates in the diet of Mexican children of school age. Risk analysis.

Phthalates are widely used as plasticizers, additives, or solvents. Its extensive use has generated environmental and food contamination, which implies continuous population exposure. The aim of this work was to determine the probability of health risk of Mexican children exposed to phthalates through the consumption of contaminated food. A survey was applied to 384 Mexican school-age children (between 6 and 12 years old), to find out the type of food they eat most frequently, based on this, a research was made to know the concentration of phthalates contained in these foods. The daily intake had been calculated with the concentration of phthalates reported in food, obtaining: DEHP (19.50 µg/kg body weight/day), DnBP (5.52 µg/kg body weight/day) y for DEP (1.12 µg/kg body weight/day). The hazard index (HI) for DEP y DEHP was 0.49 to 42.5 for internal organs damage reported. HI for reproductive health damage due to exposure to DnBT and DEHP was of 0.04 to 5.58, so that there is a high probability that children's health is at risk. Therefore, it is necessary to a quantitative analysis of phthalates in food consumed in Latin American countries and establish the TDI of phthalates especially, to DEHP, which was obtained the higher HI.

Caracterización clínica de pacientes con blefaritis y demodecosis / Clinical characterization of patient with blefaritis and demodecosis

RESUMEN Fundamento: la blefaritis es una enfermedad común en la práctica oftalmológica, de curso crónico con crisis de exacerbación y causa multifactorial, a menudo se le asocia a Demodex spp., ácaro del folículo piloso, parásito extendido y frecuente; su infestación en humano se conoce como demodecosis. Objetivo: caracterizar desde el punto de vista clínico a pacientes con blefaritis y demodecosis. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, en el Hospital Militar Clínico Quirúrgico Docente Dr. Octavio de la Concepción y de la Pedraja de la provincia Camagüey desde septiembre de 2017 a noviembre de 2018. La población objeto de estudio quedó conformada por 84 pacientes con diagnóstico de blefaritis en quienes se confirmó presencia de Demodex spp. que cumplieron criterios definidos por el autor. Se estudiaron variables biológicas (edad y sexo), clínica (síntomas y signos). Los resultados se expusieron en tablas, se utilizó estadística descriptiva para distribuciones de frecuencias. Se respetaron aspectos éticos para investigación en humanos. Resultados: en más de la mitad de los pacientes con diagnóstico de blefaritis se confirmó la presencia de Demodex spp., predominó los enfermos mayores de 61 años, así como del sexo femenino, las manifestaciones clínicas con mayor incidencia fueron: presencia de caspa cilíndrica, alteraciones de las pestaña, escozor y prurito, seguidos por inestabilidad de la película lagrimal, alteraciones de bordes palpebrales, queratitis superficial y sensación de cuerpo extraño. Conclusiones: el estudio demostró la presencia del Demodex spp. en un importante número pacientes con blefaritis lo que contrasta que, en Cuba no existe suficiente literatura documentada que muestre su prevalencia, comportamiento o técnicas diagnósticas, así como variantes terapéuticas eficientes en esta enfermedad.

ABSTRACT Background: the blepharitis is a common illness in the ophthalmological practice, of chronic course with exacerbation crisis and multifactorial etiology, often associated with Demodex spp., mite of the hair follicle, extended and frequent parasite; its infestation in human is known as demodecosis. Objective: to characterize from the clinical point of view patients with blepharitis and demodecosis. Methods: a descriptive, traverse study was carried out in the Educational Surgical Clinical Military Hospital Dr. Octavio of the Concepción and of the Pedraja of Camagüey in the period of September, 2017 to November, 2018. The population study object was conformed by 84 patients with diagnostic of blepharitis who were confirmed with the presence of Demodex spp. and they completed criteria defined by the author. Biological variables were studied (age and sex) and clinic (symptoms and signs). The results were exposed in charts using descriptive statistic for distributions of frequencies. Ethical aspects for investigation in human were respected. Results: in more than half of the patients with diagnostic of blepharitis was confirmed the presence of Demodex spp., the sick persons older than 61 years prevailed, as well as of the feminine sex, the clinical manifestations with more incidence were: presence of cylindrical dandruff, alterations of the lash, smarting and pruritus, continued by uncertainty of the lachrymal movie, alterations palpebral embroider, superficial keratitis and sensation of strange corpse in the eye. Conclusions: the study demonstrates the presence of the Demodex spp. in an important number patient with blepharitis which contrasts with, in Cuba there isn´t enough documented literature that shows their prevalence, behavior or diagnostic techniques, as well as efficient therapeutic variants in this illness.

DNA-Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Conjugates: Functional Magnetic Nanoplatforms in Biomedical Applications.

The use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), such as iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), in biomedicine is considered to be a valuable alternative to the more traditional materials due to their chemical stability, cost-effectiveness, surface functionalization, and the possibility to selectively attach and transport targeted species to the desired location under a magnetic field. One of the many main applications of MNPs is DNA separation, which enables genetic material manipulation; consequently, MNPs are used in numerous biotechnological methods, such as gene transfection and molecular recognition systems. In addition, the interaction between the surfaces of MNPs and DNA molecules and the magnetic nature of the resulting composite have facilitated the development of safe and effective gene delivery vectors to treat significant diseases, such as cancer and neurological disorders. Furthermore, the special recognition properties of nucleic acids based on the binding capacity of DNA and the magnetic behavior of the nanoparticles allowing magnetic separation and concentration of analytes have led to the development of biosensors and diagnostic assays; however, both of these applications face important challenges in terms of the improvement of selective nanocarriers and biosensing capacity. In this review, we discuss some aspects of the properties and surface functionalization of MNPs, the interactions between DNA and IONPs, the preparation of DNA nanoplatforms and their biotechnological applications, such as the magnetic separation of DNA, magnetofection, preparation of DNA vaccines, and molecular recognition tools.

Interventions to increase the pharmacological adherence on arterial hypertension in Latin America: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This review aims to summarize evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to improve antihypertensive drug adherence in Latin America and the Caribbean. METHODS: A systematic search from January 2000 to October 2018 was conducted through LILACS, SciELO, MEDLINE, Health Evidence, Cochrane Library and Embase. Search terms were in English, Portuguese and Spanish through the MeSH and DECS. RESULTS: Seven articles were included in the study. The main discoveries indicate that implemented interventions to increase the adherence are very varied. Likewise, a high variability in levels of adherence was found (46-94%) and we could evidence that indirect measurements were used. Lastly, it was evidenced that the obstacles for adherence were mainly associated with the adverse effects of antihypertensive medication, the dosage and forgetfulness of the medication intake given the age of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: There is no single strategy to increase pharmacological adherence in Latin America since the studies used different strategies. Additional efforts are required to standardize cost-effective interventions to increase pharmacological adherence in Latin America.

Intellectual performance of kidney transplant recipients' offspring: a cross-sectional, multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: The number of successful pregnancies in kidney transplant (KT) recipients has increased in recent years. Little evidence is available about the risk of in utero immunosuppressive exposure for long-term cognitive consequences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of immunosuppression during pregnancy on intellectual performance of children born to KT recipients. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, women who had undergone KT and their children (aged 4+ years) were recruited at the outpatient follow-up in five transplant centers. Women who did not receive immunosuppression during pregnancy with similar distributions of socioeconomic status and length of gestation and their children were also recruited. Children were assessed with Wechsler Intelligence Scales. RESULTS: The study sample included 50 exposed and 50 unexposed children. No differences between groups in all the proposed confounding factors were found. Full-scale IQ did not differ significantly between both groups. Also, significant differences in any index or subscale score were not observed, with the exception of time required to complete the Wechsler preschool and primary scale of intelligence (WPPSI) Zoo locations subtest, which was done quicker in the unexposed group (p = .007). Exposure to immunosuppression during pregnancy was not a significant predictor of low IQ in logistic regression after adjustment for other factors. CONCLUSIONS: Immunosuppression therapy during pregnancy of KT women did not affect global intellectual performance of their offspring, except maybe for visuospatial working memory in preschool children.

Caracterización clínica e histopatológica del pterigion primario / Clinical and histopathologic characterization of the primary pterigion

Fundamento: el pterigion es una lesión tumoral benigna de causa multifactorial, con proliferación de la conjuntiva y crecimiento fibrovascular hacia la córnea más común en climas cálidos. Puede ser primario o recidivante de acuerdo al nivel y de acuerdo al nivel de invasión corneal se describen IV grados. Es una masa de tejido subepitelial con degeneración elastótica, sobre un fondo de degeneración hialina, neovasos y cambios inflamatorios, el epitelio que lo cubre puede mostrar acantosis, disqueratosis y displasia; y con estas características se tipifica en: angiomatosos, fibrosos y mixtos. Objetivo: identificar las características clínicas e histopatológicas en pacientes operados de pterigion primario.Métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal, en el Hospital Militar Clínico Quirúrgico Docente Dr. Octavio de la Concepción y de la Pedraja desde septiembre hasta diciembre de 2016, el universo lo constituyeron 77 pacientes operados. Resultados: el mayor número de enfermos tenían entre 40 a 59 años del sexo femenino y europoides. Fue más frecuente el grado de invasión corneal III, seguido por el II y el IV. En las muestras examinadas se informó hiperplasia epitelial, degeneración hialina y elastótica, displasia ligera, estructuras vasculares asociadas o no a otros cambios fibrosos, células caliciformes en el epitelio, inflamación crónica y depósito de pigmentos y el pterigion de tipo fibroso predominó sobre el fibroso y al angiomatoso. Conclusiones: se tuvo en cuenta que el pterigion es una enfermedad que incide con gran frecuencia en la población cubana, el estudio de sus características clínicas e histopatológicas es vital para las buenas prácticas oftalmológicas. El resultado del estudio histopatológico fue similar a los descritos por otros autores, su histopatología se manifiesta como un tejido benigno de la conjuntiva(AU)

Blackground: pterygium is a tumoral lesion of benign behavior and multifactorial ethiology, where conjunctive proliferates with fibro vascular growing and it invades cornea in warmer climates. It can be primary or recidivant and according to the level that reaches the corneal invasion four grades are described. It is a mass of subepitelial tissue with elastotic degeneration, on a bottom of hyaline degeneration, new blood vessels and inflammatory changes, the epithelium that covers it can show acanthosis, dyskeratosis and dysplasia. Taking into account these characteristics, it is classified as angiomatous, fibrous and mixed.Objective: to identify clinical and histopathologic characteristics in operated patients of primary pterygium.Methods: a descriptive, transverse study was carried out in the Educational Surgical Hospital Dr. Octavio de la Concepción y de la Pedraja in Camagüey from September to December 2016. The universe was constituted by 77 operated patients.Results: the biggest number of sick persons was among 40 to 59 years of age, and those studied were white. According to the grade of corneal invasion the biggest frequencies were for grade III, followed by grade II and grade IV. In the examined samples epithelial hyperplasia was informed, hyaline and elastotic degeneration, slight dysplasia, vascular structures associated or not to other fibrous changes, chaliciforms cells in the epithelium, chronic inflammation and deposit of pigments. Pterygium of fibrous type prevailed over the fibrous one and on the angiomatous.Conclusions: keeping in mind that the pterigion is an illness that impacts with great frequency in the Cuban population, the study of its clinical and histopathologic characteristics is vital for good ophthalmologic practices The result of the histopathologic study was similar to those described by other authors. Its histopathology continues showing as a benign tissue of the conjunctiva(AU)

Helicobacter pylori infection does not protect against eosinophilic esophagitis: results from a large multicenter case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Rising trends in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) have been repeatedly linked to declining Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, mostly in retrospective studies. We aimed to prospectively evaluate this inverse association. METHODS: Prospective case-control study conducted in 23 centers. Children and adults naïve to eradication therapy for H. pylori were included. Cases were EoE patients, whereas controls were defined by esophageal symptoms and <5 eos/HPF on esophageal biopsies. H. pylori status was diagnosed by non-invasive (excluding serology) or invasive testing off proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy for 2 weeks. Atopy was defined by the presence of IgE-mediated conditions diagnosed by an allergist. RESULTS: 808 individuals, including 404 cases and 404 controls (170 children) were enrolled. Overall H. pylori prevalence was 38% (45% children vs. 37% adults, p 0.009) and was not different between cases and controls (37% vs. 40%, p 0.3; odds ratio (OR) 0.97; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73-1.30), neither in children (42% vs. 46%, p 0.1) nor in adults (36% vs. 38%, p 0.4). Atopy (OR 0.85; 95%CI 0.75-0.98) and allergic rhinitis (OR 0.81; 95%CI 0.68-0.98) showed a borderline inverse association with H. pylori infection in EoE patients. This trend was not confirmed for asthma or food allergy. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori infection was not inversely associated with EoE, neither in children nor in adults. A borderline inverse association was confirmed for atopy and allergic rhinitis, but not asthma of food allergy. Our findings question a true protective role of H. pylori infection against allergic disorders, including EoE.

Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Agavins to Generate Branched Fructooligosaccharides (a-FOS).

Recently, agavins (branched neo-fructans) of short degree of polymerization have shown beneficial effects on the health of both healthy and overweight individuals. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to investigate the potential use of Agave angustifolia agavins on the generation of branched fructooligosacharides (a-FOS). A. angustifolia agavins were hydrolyzed using exo-, endo-inulinase, and a mixture of both (25 and 75%, respectively). Exo- and the inulinase mixture degraded quickly the agavins in relation to endo-inulinase treatment. Only endo-inulinase and the inulinase mixture generated a-FOS formation. Endo-inulinase degraded 31% of agavins, yielding approximately 20% of a-FOS after 48 h, whereas the inulinase mixture hydrolyzed 33% of agavins in just 90 min, but only yielded 10% of a-FOS. These results suggest that agave plants could be an abundant raw material for a-FOS production, which might have a huge prebiotic potential as new branched fructooligosaccharides with many applications in the alimentary and pharmaceutical industry.

Metahemoglobinemia relacionada con ingesta de puré de acelgas / Methemoglobinemia due to ingestion of chard puree

La metahemoglobinemia es un síndrome clínico dado por la presencia de una forma aberrante de hemoglobina, ocasionada por diversos agentes oxidantes. Se describe un caso clínico de metahemoglobinemia severa asociada a la ingesta de puré de acelgas con alto contenido en nitratos y nitritos. Paciente de un año, con antecedentes de comunicación interauricular (CIA), que presentó un cambio en coloración de la piel 7 h antes, en forma progresiva, acompañado de vómitos. Ingresó al Departamento de Emergencia con cianosis generalizada que no mejoró con oxigenoterapia, taquicardia y tendencia a hipotensión arterial. En cuidados intensivos se realizó ecocardiograma que evidenció CIA sin repercusión hemodinámica. Metahemoglobinemia 37%. Se realizó dosis de azul de metileno al 1% por vía intravenosa, con franca mejoría clínica a la hora de la administración del antídoto y descenso de niveles de metahemoglobina. Alta médica a las 36 horas del ingreso. Existía una relación cronológica entre la exposición a nitratos por ingesta de un puré de acelgas y la aparición del cuadro. Los niveles de nitratos hallados en dicho alimento fueron muy elevados considerando estándares internacionales, lo que sumado a una inadecuada conservación del alimento cocido los días previos, permitió confirmar el planteo etiológico realizado. Resulta importante sospechar esta entidad patológica poco frecuente frente a cianosis que no mejora con oxígeno, y prevenir cuadros similares al descrito mediante una adecuada manipulación y conservación de las verduras con alto contenido en nitratos.

Metahemoglobinemia relacionada con ingesta de puré de acelgas / Methemoglobinemia due to ingestion of chard puree

La metahemoglobinemia es un síndrome clínico dado por la presencia de una forma aberrante de hemoglobina, ocasionada por diversos agentes oxidantes. Se describe un caso clínico de metahemoglobinemia severa asociada a la ingesta de puré de acelgas con alto contenido en nitratos y nitritos. Paciente de un año, con antecedentes de comunicación interauricular (CIA), que presentó un cambio en coloración de la piel 7 h antes, en forma progresiva, acompañado de vómitos. Ingresó al Departamento de Emergencia con cianosis generalizada que no mejoró con oxigenoterapia, taquicardia y tendencia a hipotensión arterial. En cuidados intensivos se realizó ecocardiograma que evidenció CIA sin repercusión hemodinámica. Metahemoglobinemia 37%. Se realizó dosis de azul de metileno al 1% por vía intravenosa, con franca mejoría clínica a la hora de la administración del antídoto y descenso de niveles de metahemoglobina. Alta médica a las 36 horas del ingreso. Existía una relación cronológica entre la exposición a nitratos por ingesta de un puré de acelgas y la aparición del cuadro. Los niveles de nitratos hallados en dicho alimento fueron muy elevados considerando estándares internacionales, lo que sumado a una inadecuada conservación del alimento cocido los días previos, permitió confirmar el planteo etiológico realizado. Resulta importante sospechar esta entidad patológica poco frecuente frente a cianosis que no mejora con oxígeno, y prevenir cuadros similares al descrito mediante una adecuada manipulación y conservación de las verduras con alto contenido en nitratos.

Methemoglobinemia is a clinical syndrome due to the presence of an aberrant form of hemoglobin, caused by various oxidizing agents. The study reports a case of severe methemoglobinemia associated with the ingestion of chard puree with high levels of nitrates and nitrites. A 1-year-old patient with a history of atrial septal defect (ASD), who progressively showed change of skin color 7 hours earlier, accompanied by vomiting. She was admitted to the Emergency Department with generalized cyanosis not improving with oxygen therapy, tachycardia and tendency to hypotension. In the intensive care unit, an echocardiogram showed ASD without hemodynamic complications. Methemoglobinemia 37%. A 1% methylene blue dose was administered intravenously, with clinical improvement one hour after antidote administration and decrease in methemoglobin levels. Medical discharge at 36 hours of admission. There was a chronological relationship between nitrates exposure by ingestion of chard puree and the clinical onset of methemoglobinemia. The toxic cause was confirmed after high nitrates levels were found in this vegetable considering international standards, and an inadequate preservation of the cooked chard on previous days. It is important to suspect this rare pathological entity when cyanosis fails to improve with oxygen, and to prevent poisonings similar to those described by an adequate manipulation and preservation of vegetables with high nitrate levels.

Manifestaciones oftalmológicas en pacientes con artritis reumatoide / Ophthalmologic manifestations in patient with rheumatoid arthritis

Fundamento: la artritis reumatoide es el prototipo de enfermedad sistémica autoinmune, afecta sobre todo las articulaciones sinoviales, con menos frecuencia de tejidos extrarticulares. Cuando afecta al órgano de la visión, forma parte de importantes manifestaciones oftalmológicas.Objetivo: identificar las manifestaciones oftalmológicas presentes en pacientes con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide.Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, trasversal, en el Hospital Militar Clínico Quirúrgico Docente Dr. Octavio de la Concepción y de la Pedraja de Camagüey, en el período de enero a diciembre del 2015; el universo estuvo constituido por 55 pacientes remitidos al servicio de Oftalmología, procedentes de la consulta de Reumatología con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide, que presentaron manifestaciones oftalmológicas y que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión definidos por la autora. Los datos se recogieron en una encuesta validada por expertos, en las que se consideraron variables de caracterización clínica como: manifestaciones oftalmológicas y tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad reumática; y biológica como: edad y sexo. Resultados: la queratoconjuntivitis seca fue la manifestación oftalmológica más frecuente, seguida en orden de frecuencia por el síndrome de Sjögren y la epiescleritis; fueron menos frecuentes la uveítis, la escleritis y la catarata. Predominó el sexo femenino, los pacientes entre 40 y 59 años se vieron más afectados, así mismo, los que tenían entre cinco y nueve años de evolución de la enfermedad reumática.Conclusiones: las manifestaciones oftalmológicas de la enfermedad mostraron ser frecuentes, se destacó la queratoconjuntivitis seca, el síndrome de Sjögren y la epiescleritis. Se requiere estudio minucioso y multidisciplinario del enfermo; para el diagnóstico temprano, adecuada terapéutica y prevención de las complicaciones oculares, que pueden llegar a ser discapacitantes(AU)

Background: rheumatoid arthritis is the prototype of systemic autoinmune disease. It affects mainly synovial articulations, with less frequency extrarticular tissues. When it affects the organ of the vision, it is part of important ophthalmological manifestations.Objective: to identify the ophthalmological manifestations found in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.Methods: a descriptive transversal study was carried out in Dr. Octavio de la Concepción y la Pedraja hospital in Camagüey from January to December 2015. The universe was composed of 55 patients remitted to the service of Ophthalmology, coming from Rheumatology consultation diagnosed with AR who presented ophthalmological manifestations and that fulfilled the defined inclusion approaches for the author. The data was picked up in a survey validated by experts. Variables of clinical characterization were considered as: ophthalmological manifestations and time of evolution of the rheumatic illness and age and sex were biological. For the the data processing descriptive statistics was used for the distribution of absolute and relative frequencies.Results: dry queratoconjuntivitis was the most frequent ophthalmological manifestation, followed by Sjögrens syndrome in order of frequency by and epiescleritis. Uveitis, escleritis and cataract were less frequent. Female sex prevailed; patients between 40 and 59 years were more affected, as well as those that had between 5 and 9 years of evolution of the rheumatic disease.Conclusions: ophthalmological manifestations of the AR were frequent, dry queratoconjuntivitis, the syndrome of Sjögren and the epiescleritis stood out. A meticulous and multidisciplinary study of the ill person is required; for the early diagnosis, appropriate therapy and prevention of the ocular complications that can end up being disabling(AU)

Manifestaciones oftalmológicas en pacientes con artritis reumatoide / Ophthalmologic manifestations in patient with rheumatoid arthritis

Fundamento: la artritis reumatoide es el prototipo de enfermedad sistémica autoinmune, afecta sobre todo las articulaciones sinoviales, con menos frecuencia de tejidos extrarticulares. Cuando afecta al órgano de la visión, forma parte de importantes manifestaciones oftalmológicas. Objetivo: identificar las manifestaciones oftalmológicas presentes en pacientes con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, trasversal, en el Hospital Militar Clínico Quirúrgico Docente Dr. Octavio de la Concepción y de la Pedraja de Camagüey, en el período de enero a diciembre del 2015; el universo estuvo constituido por 55 pacientes remitidos al servicio de Oftalmología, procedentes de la consulta de Reumatología con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide, que presentaron manifestaciones oftalmológicas y que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión definidos por la autora. Los datos se recogieron en una encuesta validada por expertos, en las que se consideraron variables de caracterización clínica como: manifestaciones oftalmológicas y tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad reumática; y biológica como: edad y sexo. Para el procesamiento de los datos se utilizó estadística descriptiva para distribución de frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Resultados: la queratoconjuntivitis seca fue la manifestación oftalmológica más frecuente, seguida en orden de frecuencia por el síndrome de Sjögren y la epiescleritis; fueron menos frecuentes la uveítis, la escleritis y la catarata. Predominó el sexo femenino, los pacientes entre 40 y 59 años se vieron más afectados, así mismo, los que tenían entre cinco y nueve años de evolución de la enfermedad reumática. Conclusiones: las manifestaciones oftalmológicas de la enfermedad mostraron ser frecuentes, se destacó la queratoconjuntivitis seca, el síndrome de Sjögren y la epiescleritis. Se requiere estudio minucioso y multidisciplinario del enfermo; para el diagnóstico temprano, adecuada terapéutica y prevención de las complicaciones oculares, que pueden llegar a ser discapacitantes.

Background: rheumatoid arthritis is the prototype of systemic autoinmune disease. It affects mainly synovial articulations, with less frequency extrarticular tissues. When it affects the organ of the vision, it is part of important ophthalmological manifestations. Objective: to identify the ophthalmological manifestations found in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: a descriptive transversal study was carried out in Dr. Octavio de la Concepción y la Pedraja hospital in Camagüey from January to December 2015. The universe was composed of 55 patients remitted to the service of Ophthalmology, coming from Rheumatology consultation diagnosed with AR who presented ophthalmological manifestations and that fulfilled the defined inclusion approaches for the author. The data was picked up in a survey validated by experts. Variables of clinical characterization were considered as: ophthalmological manifestations and time of evolution of the rheumatic illness and age and sex were biological. For the the data processing descriptive statistics was used for the distribution of absolute and relative frequencies. Results: dry queratoconjuntivitis was the most frequent ophthalmological manifestation, followed by Sjögren’s syndrome in order of frequency by and epiescleritis. Uveitis, escleritis and cataract were less frequent. Female sex prevailed; patients between 40 and 59 years were more affected, as well as those that had between 5 and 9 years of evolution of the rheumatic disease. Conclusions: ophthalmological manifestations of the AR were frequent, dry queratoconjuntivitis, the syndrome of Sjögren and the epiescleritis stood out. A meticulous and multidisciplinary study of the ill person is required; for the early diagnosis, appropriate therapy and prevention of the ocular complications that can end up being disabling.

Ecotoxicidad de nanopartículas metálicas y superparamagnéticas de óxido de hierro en dos especies / Ecotoxicity of metalic and superparamagnetics iron oxide nanoparticles in two species

Introducción: la nanotecnología y el empleo de materiales a nano escala son un área relativamente nueva de la ciencia y la tecnología con un gran crecimiento en el mercado global. Muchos de los productos no cuentan con estudios que garanticen su uso seguro, tanto para el hombre como para los ecosistemas. Los estudios ecotoxicológicos permiten evaluar los efectos de un determinado xenobiótico sobre especies representativas de los diferentes compartimentos ambientales. Objetivo: evaluar los efectos tóxicos de nanopartículas de Ag, Au, Ag/Ag y superparamagnéticas de óxido de hierro, en dos especies bioindicadoras de los ecosistemas terrestre y acuático. Métodos: como parte de los estudios de seguridad se realizaron ensayos de toxicidad aguda por contacto en lombriz de tierra de la especie Eisenia andrei, con una duración de 96 horas y estudios en anfibios de la especie Osteopillus septentrionales en diferentes etapas del desarrollo (embrionario y larval). Se evaluó la ocurrencia de mortalidad y de efectos tóxicos, en el caso del ensayo en lombriz de tierra; se determinó además la viabilidad celular. Resultados: los efectos tóxicos más significativos en el caso de la lombriz de tierra fueron, la ocurrencia de alteraciones fisiológicas y conductuales al ser expuesta a NPs de Ag de 3 nm y superparamagnéticas de óxido de hierro, estas últimas provocaron citotoxicidad a la concentración 1,38 mg/mL. En el caso de los anfibios se evidenció toxicidad en NPs de Ag 3 nm y superparamagnéticas de óxido de hierro. Conclusiones: todas las nanopartículas mostraron efectos tóxicos en las especies bioindicadoras evaluadas(AU)

Introduction: Nanotechnology and the use of nanoscale materials are a relatively new area of science and technology with big growth in the global market. Many of these products don't have studies that guarantee their safe use, both for man and for ecosystems. Ecotoxicological studies allow the evaluation of the effects of a particular xenobiotic on representative species of the different environmental compartments. Objective: To evaluate the toxic effects of nanoparticles of Ag, Au, Ag / Ag and super paramagnetic iron oxide in two bioindicators of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Methods: Acute contact toxicity tests were carried out on ground worm of the Eisenia andrei species, with a duration of 96 hours and studies on amphibians of the species Osteopillus septentrionales at different stages of development (embryonic and larval). The occurrence of mortality and toxic effects was evaluated in the case of earthworm test; cell viability was also determined. Results: The most significant toxic effects in the case of earthworms were the occurrence of physiological and behavioral alterations when exposed to 3 nm Ag of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, where the latter caused cytotoxicity at concentration of 1.38 mg / mL. In the case of amphibians, toxicity was evidenced in Ag 3 nm nanoparticles and superparamagnetic iron oxide. Conclusions: All nanoparticles showed toxic effects in the evaluated bioindicator species(AU)

Neuropsychology in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: This invited paper explores the diverse pathways that have led to the development of neuropsychology in Mexico. METHOD: The authors conducted a review of the literature and their own experiences to describe the seminal events and people relevant to the development of this area of research and practice. RESULTS: The master's degree is the usual level of educational attainment for those who wish to practice clinical neuropsychology. As of now, there is not a board certification process in neuropsychology, although there is one in clinical psychology. CONCLUSIONS: Neuropsychology and other mental health disciplines in Mexico and Latin America have historically been poorly funded, and have lacked optimal means of communication as to research findings and clinical initiatives and standards. However, there is reason to think that this will be improved upon in coming years.

Influence of the chelator structures on the stability of Re and Tc tricarbonyl complexes with iminodiacetic acid tridentate ligands: a computational study.

The development of novel radiopharmaceuticals for nuclear medicine based on M(CO)3 (M = Tc, Re) complexes has attracted great attention. The versatility of this core and the easy production of the fac-[M(CO)3(H2O)3](+) precursor could explain this interest. The main characteristics of these tricarbonyl complexes are the high substitution stability of the three CO ligands and the corresponding lability of the coordinated water molecules, yielding, via easy exchange of a variety of bi- and tridentate ligands, complexes xof very high kinetic stability. Here, a computational study of different tricarbonyl complexes of Re(I) and Tc(I) was performed using density functional theory. The solvent effect was simulated using the polarizable continuum model. These structures were used as a starting point to investigate the relative stabilities of tricarbonyl complexes with various tridentate ligands. These complexes included an iminodiacetic acid unit for tridentate coordination to the fac-[M(CO)3](+) moiety (M = Re, Tc), an aromatic ring system bearing a functional group (-NO2, -NH2, and -Cl) as a linking site model, and a tethering moiety (a methylene, ethylene, propylene butylene, or pentylene bridge) between the linking and coordinating sites. The optimized complexes showed geometries comparable to those inferred from X-ray data. In general, the Re complexes were more stable than the corresponding Tc complexes. Furthermore, using NH2 as the functional group, a medium length carbon chain, and ortho substitution increased complex stability. All of the bonds involving the metal center presented a closed shell interaction with dative or covalent character, and the strength of these bonds decreased in the sequence Tc-CO > Tc-O > Tc-N.

Meningitis tuberculosa en un lactante: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Tuberculous meningitis in an infant: Case report and literature review

La tuberculosis (TBC) sigue siendo uno de los principales problemas de salud pública mundial. Actualmente es considerada una enfermedad reemergente, notificándose un aumento de la incidencia en niños. La meningitis tuberculosa (MT) es la forma más grave y temida de TBC en la infancia, siendo los niños menores los más susceptibles a desarrollarla. Un diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento oportuno son esenciales para mejorar el pronóstico. Se debe iniciar el tratamiento empírico temprano de los casos sospechosos, sin esperar los resultados confirmatorios. Comunicamos el caso de un varón de 5 meses que presentó una MT con manifestaciones clínicas características y mala evolución. Se revisan los mecanismos fisiopatológicos subyacentes y las recomendaciones diagnósticas y terapéuticas actuales.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem worldwide. It is currently considered a re-emergent disease and its incidence in children is increasing. Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most feared and deadly form of TB, being the younger children particularly susceptible to develop it. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to improve outcomes. Empirical treatment in suspected cases without confirmatory tests must be initiated. We analyze the case of a 5 month old infant with typical TBM and poor outcome. We review the underlying pathophysiology and the current diagnostic and management recommendations.