Exploring the self-assembly dynamics of novel steroid-coumarin conjugates: a comprehensive spectroscopic and solid-state investigation.

The design, synthesis, and characterization of seven novel steroid-coumarin conjugates with diverse steroidal nuclei as lipophilic fluorescent materials for bioimaging applications are presented. The conjugates were synthesized through amidation, characterized using spectroscopic and spectrometric methods, and their main photophysical properties were determined. Dioxane : water titration experiments revealed their ability to self-assemble, forming J-aggregates as evidenced by new spectral bands at higher wavelengths. Monocrystal X-ray diffraction analysis disclosed distinctive aggregation patterns exhibiting J- or H-aggregates for selected compounds. Bioimaging studies demonstrated cell membrane localization for most conjugates, with some of them displaying an interesting selectivity for lipid droplets. Notably, the presence of the steroid fragments significantly influenced both the self-assembly patterns and the cellular localization of the fluorescent probes.

Impact of Remote Monitoring on Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology-Peritoneal Dialysis.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the association between the use of remote patient monitoring (RPM) in patients on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and the Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology in peritoneal dialysis (SONG-PD) clinical outcomes. Methods: A prospective and multicenter cohort study was conducted on patients with advanced chronic kidney disease on APD, recruited at 16 Spanish Hospitals, between June 1 and December 31, 2021. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts, namely patients on APD with RPM (APD-RPM) and patients on APD without RPM. The primary endpoints were the standardized outcomes of the SONG-PD clinical outcomes: PD-associated infection, cardiovascular disease (CVD), mortality rate, technique survival, and life participation (assessed as health-related quality of life [QoL]). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to evaluate the association of RPM exposure with the clinical outcomes. Results: A total of 232 patients were included, 176 (75.9%) in the APD-RPM group and 56 (24.1%) in the APD-without-RPM group. The mean patient follow-up time was significantly longer in the APD-RPM group than in the APD-without-RPM group (10.4 ± 2.8 vs. 9.4 ± 3.1 months, respectively; P = 0.02). In the overall study sample, the APD-RPM group was associated with a lower mortality rate (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01 to 0.69; P = 0.020) and greater technique survival rate (HR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.59; P = 0.001). After PSM, APD-RPM continued to be associated with better technique survival (HR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.83; P = 0.024). Conclusion: The use of RPM programs in patients on APD was associated with better survival of the technique and lower mortality rates. However, after PSM, only technique survival was significant.

Lessons from the implementation of residential methamphetamine contamination policies in New Zealand.

INTRODUCTION: Methamphetamine contamination of housing has been discussed as a significant issue in New Zealand. However, scientific evidence to determine a threshold level at which health harms occur is inconclusive, resulting in conflicting and changing guidance. The initial strong precautionary policy, with significant unintended impacts on vulnerable public housing tenants, dramatically changed following a scientific review. This study explores the policy response to residential methamphetamine contamination in New Zealand over the past decade. METHODS: Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 13 key stakeholders involved in policy development/implementation, including those from government, industry, residential housing and academic sectors. RESULTS: Consistent application of a methamphetamine contamination threshold for housing has been problematic due to legislative and regulatory gaps. Stakeholders in the residential sector have been influenced by perceptions of methamphetamine contamination as a health risk, political views on drug use, media coverage and the testing industry's business practices. Public housing tenants have faced disadvantages when resolving methamphetamine contamination disputes. The testing industry's participation in committees shaping the regulatory response presents a possible conflict of interest. Wide media coverage heightened public anxiety about the problem but may also have stimulated policy changes to alleviate unintended consequences of the precautionary approach. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: New Zealand's fragmented policy response to residential methamphetamine contamination is likely rooted in the lack of scientific evidence, with some key actors further exacerbating the response. Future policy development should seek to produce overarching regulation that guides the whole sector while balancing powers of the stakeholders involved.

[Perception of the staff in training on patient's safety during the COVID-19 pandemic]. / Percepción del personal en formación sobre seguridad del paciente durante pandemia de COVID-19.

Background: The recent pandemic has presented several challenges in relation to patient safety with the increase of cognitive, depressive and anxiety symptoms in health workers due to the fear of being infected from COVID-19. Objective: To determine the relationship between anxiety, depression and fear of COVID-19, with the perception of the patient safety environment in medical residents. Material and methods: Observational, cross-sectional, prospective and analytical study. 258 subjects were surveyed. Medical residents who agreed to participate, whose age or sex was of no importance, were included. It was assessed the perception of the patient safety environment through the self-administered Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) questionnaire; the depression and anxiety symptoms by using Beck's self-applied inventories for each entity, and the fear of COVID-19 by using a scale developed with the same name. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated. Results: A negative linear relationship was found within most of the dimensions explored by the AHRQ questionnaire and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. This relationship was observed too with the Beck Depression Inventory, except in 3 of those dimensions. No statistically significant relationship was found in the Fear of COVID-19 scale. Conclusions: There is a relationship between the degree of anxiety and depression symptoms in residents with the results in the AHRQ questionnaire; however, this result is not reproducible with the Fear of COVID-19 test or other sociodemographic measurement parameters.

Introducción: la reciente pandemia ha presentado varios retos sobre la seguridad del paciente con el aumento de síntomas cognitivos, de depresión y ansiedad en los trabajadores de la salud por el miedo de contagiarse de COVID-19. Objetivo: determinar la relación entre síntomas de ansiedad, depresión y miedo al COVID-19 con la percepción del clima de seguridad del paciente en médicos residentes de un hospital de tercer nivel de atención. Material y métodos: estudio observacional, transversal, prospectivo y analítico. Se encuestaron 258 sujetos. Se incluyeron médicos residentes que aceptaran participar, independientemente de su edad y sexo. Se evaluó la percepción del clima de seguridad del paciente con el cuestionario autoaplicado de la Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), la presencia de síntomas de depresión y ansiedad mediante los inventarios autoaplicados de Beck para cada entidad, y el miedo a COVID-19 mediante una escala previamente validada con el mismo nombre. Se calculó el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. Resultados: se encontró una relación lineal negativa con la mayoría de las dimensiones exploradas por el cuestionario AHRQ y el Inventario de ansiedad de Beck (BAI) y con el Inventario de depresión de Beck (BDI), excepto en tres de las dimensiones. No se encontró relación estadísticamente significativa en la encuesta de miedo a COVID-19. Conclusiones: hay una relación entre el grado de síntomas de ansiedad y depresión en residentes con los resultados en el cuestionario AHRQ; sin embargo, este resultado no es reproducible con el test de Miedo a COVID-19 u otros parámetros sociodemográficos de medición.

Exploring the Adjudication of Methamphetamine-related Housing Contamination Cases in New Zealand.

Residential methamphetamine contamination in New Zealand has resulted in substantial clean-up costs and evictions. Disputes between tenants and landlords have been adjudicated by the New Zealand Tenancy Tribunal (NZTT). However, the adjudication processes applied are not covered in specific legislation, and scientific advice and related regulatory standards have evolved over time, leading to uncertainty about the consistency of decisions. This study explores the factors that have influenced adjudicators' decisions by thematically analysing 685 NZTT orders from 2014 to 2019. Landlords filed 84% of applications and tenants were deemed liable for 96% of the NZ$2.8 million damages awarded. The Tribunal's decisions were unevenly influenced by baseline testing, presence of children, experience of health issues, police intervention, and neighbours' reports. Several factors contributed to inconsistent decisions, including the contamination threshold applied, sampling methodology, establishing liability for contamination, and assessing "cleanliness". This study suggests more judicial guidance and legislation is required to resolve these cases more equitably.

Screening Wild Yeast Isolated from Cocoa Bean Fermentation Using Volatile Compounds Profile.

Yeasts are one of the main ingredients responsible for flavor precursors production associated with sensorial characteristics in chocolate. Using wild yeast isolated from cocoa beans fermentation is emerging as a strategy for developing starter cultures. However, the volatile compounds (VCs) produced by yeasts are not yet known. This study aimed to select wild yeasts with the potential to produce volatile compounds associated with desirable flavor attributes. A total of 150 wild yeasts strains were isolated from the spontaneous cocoa beans fermentation, of which 40 were identified by morphology and physiological features. VCs produced were identified and quantified using SPME-GC-MS and GC-FID and profiles were evaluated statistically by PCA and cluster analysis for the compounds that had a high odor threshold value. Thirty-six VCs produced by these yeasts were identified into six main families, namely esters, alcohols, acids, aldehydes, ketones, and pyrazines. PCA showed the separation of the yeasts into two main clusters. Strains, Y195 and Y246, belong to the first cluster and are the highest producers of alcohols related to floral perceptions. In the second cluster, thirty-three yeasts were grouped by their ability to produce esters. Of all of them, Y110MRS stood out for producing 2-phenyl ethyl acetate and isoamyl acetate associated with fruity perceptions. This screening allowed us to identify yeasts that produced VCs of technological interest and which could be used to develop a starter culture.

Effectiveness and safety of ferric carboxymaltose therapy in peritoneal dialysis patients: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of intravenous (IV) ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) has been demonstrated in haemodialysis and non-dialysis studies, but evidence is lacking in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). METHODS: This multicentre, retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of FCM in patients on PD over 12 months. We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of PD patients who initiated FCM treatment between 2014 and 2017 across seven Spanish centres. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients were included in the safety population (mean ± SD age 57.7 ± 15.0 years) and 70 in the efficacy population (mean age 50.9 ± 14.5 years). No hypersensitivity reaction, FCM discontinuation or dose adjustment due to a serious adverse event (SAE) was registered in the safety population. The most common non-SAEs reported were headache (four events), mild hypotension (three events) and hypertension (two events), among others. In the efficacy population (n = 70), 68.6% of patients achieved ferritin levels of 200-800 ng/mL, 78.4% achieved transferrin saturation (TSAT) >20%, and 62.8% achieved TSAT >20% and ferritin >200 ng/mL after 12 months of FCM initiation (P < 0.01). Haemoglobin (Hb) levels were maintained at >11 g/dL with a lower dose of darbepoetin throughout the follow-up. The sub-analysis of patients naïve to IV iron and with absolute or relative iron deficiency (n = 51) showed that 76.5% reached ferritin >200 ng/mL, 80.4% TSAT >20% and Hb increased (1.2 g/dL) after 4 months of FCM treatment (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In this multicentre, retrospective, real-world study conducted in the PD population, FCM was effective, safe and easy to administer during routine clinical visits.

Investigating the New Zealand policy response to methamphetamine-contaminated houses.

The contamination of houses from clandestine methamphetamine manufacture emerged as an issue in New Zealand in the early 2000s. This perspective reviews and discusses the series of policies developed to address methamphetamine contamination in New Zealand houses over a 15-year period, ending with the reversal of the established policy approach in 2018. The policies addressing methamphetamine contamination of New Zealand properties were influenced by a range of sources including overseas scientific guidelines, local scientific reviews, public housing agency policies, and the local methamphetamine testing industry. A post-remediation methamphetamine level of 0.5 µg/100 cm2 was initially implemented in 2010, leading to the termination of public housing tenancies, suspensions from the public housing list, and financial charges for decontamination on public housing tenants. Subsequent reviews of the policy led to some increase in the thresholds (up to 1.5-3.8 µg/100 cm2 ) and the adoption of less punitive sanction processes. A scientific review in 2018 recommended a substantial threshold increase to 15 µg/100 cm2 (a 30-fold increase on the 2010 standard), resulting in HNZ initiating a plan to compensate previously sanctioned tenants. Overreliance on the "precautionary principle"; strict interpretation of scientific guidelines; and the public housing agency's "zero tolerance approach" to drug use, contributed to an overly punitive policy approach to methamphetamine contamination in New Zealand that negatively impacted vulnerable public housing tenants, landlords, and property owners. Investigation into the extent that all possible influences had on the development of the policies, as well as the consequences of their implementation, should be undertaken.

Metabolomic profile of insulin resistance in patients with multiple sclerosis is associated to the severity of the disease.

BACKGROUND: Dysglycemia and adiposity have been related to disability in patients with multiple sclerosis. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of insulin resistance in patients with multiple sclerosis using the metabolomics Quantose score. METHODS: A total of 64 patients were accrued in the study. A blood sample was drawn to estimate the Quantose score, which is derived from fasting measurements of insulin, α-hydroxybutyrate, linoleoyl-glycerophosphocholine, and oleate, three nonglucose metabolites shown to correlate with insulin-stimulated glucose disposal. RESULTS: Insulin resistance was documented in 33 out of 64 patients and it was found in association with the degree of disability and the time from diagnosis. Patients with the secondary progressive form of the disease showed the highest prevalence. CONCLUSION: Insulin resistance is frequent in patients with multiple sclerosis and might contribute to metabolic complications and general disability. Early markers of dysglycemia should be sought for in these patients to avoid additional deterioration of their quality of life.

Safety of early tracheostomy in trauma patients after anterior cervical fusion.

BACKGROUND: Cervical spine injuries (CSIs) can have major effects on the respiratory system and carry a high incidence of pulmonary complications. Respiratory failure can be due to spinal cord injuries, concomitant facial fractures or chest injury, airway obstruction, or cognitive impairments. Early tracheostomy (ET) is often indicated in patients with CSI. However, in patients with anterior cervical fusion (ACF), concerns about cross-contamination often delay tracheostomy placement. This study aimed to demonstrate the safety of ET within 4 days of ACF. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed for all trauma patients admitted to our institution between 2001 and 2015 with diagnosis of CSI who required both ACF and tracheostomy, with or without posterior cervical fusion, during the same hospitalization. Thirty-nine study patients with ET (within 4 days of ACF) were compared with 59 control patients with late tracheostomy (5-21 days after ACF). Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to compare risk of wound infection, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, and mortality between both groups during initial hospitalization. RESULTS: There was no difference in age, sex, preexisting pulmonary or cardiac conditions, Glasgow Coma Scale score, Injury Severity Score, Chest Abbreviated Injury Scale score, American Spinal Injury Association score, cervical spinal cord injury levels, and tracheostomy technique between both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in surgical site infection between both groups. There were no cases of cervical fusion wound infection in the ET group (0%), but there were five cases (8.47%) in the late tracheostomy group (p = 0.15). Four involved the posterior cervical fusion wound, and one involved the ACF wound. There was no statistically significant difference in intensive care unit stay (p = 0.09), hospital stay (p = 0.09), or mortality (p = 0.06) between groups. CONCLUSION: Early tracheostomy within 4 days of ACF is safe without increased risk of infection compared with late tracheostomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Evidence, level III.

Fat tissue and inflammation in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Body weight has been increasing in the general population and is an established risk factor for hypertension, diabetes, and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) gain weight, mainly during the first months of treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between body composition and metabolic and inflammatory status in patients undergoing PD. METHODS: This was a prospective, non-interventional study of prevalent patients receiving PD. Body composition was studied every 3 months using bioelectrical impedance (BCM(®)). We performed linear regression for each patient, including all BCM(®) measurements, to calculate annual changes in body composition. Thirty-one patients in our PD unit met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 26 (range 17-27) months. Mean increase in weight was 1.8 ± 2.8 kg/year. However, BCM(®) analysis revealed a mean increase in fat mass of 3.0 ± 3.2 kg/year with a loss of lean mass of 2.3 ± 4.1 kg/year during follow-up. The increase in fat mass was associated with the conicity index, suggesting that increases in fat mass are based mainly on abdominal adipose tissue. Changes in fat mass were directly associated with inflammation parameters such as C-reactive protein (r = 0.382, P = 0.045) and inversely associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=-0.50, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Follow-up of weight and body mass index can underestimate the fat mass increase and miss lean mass loss. The increase in fat mass is associated with proinflammatory state and alteration in lipid profile.

Frecuencia de anticuerpos anti Toxoplasma gondii en gestantes de Cúcuta, Colombia / Frequency of anti Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in pregnant of Cucuta, Colombia

La toxoplasmosis es una infección ocasionada por Toxoplasma gondii, peligrosa durante la gestación. La presencia de anticuerpos IgG específicos implica contacto previo individuo-parásito, mientras que la detección de IgM anti-T. gondii, es considerada marcador de infección aguda, fase en la que se incrementa además el título IgG. Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia y título de anticuerpos contra Toxoplasma gondii en gestantes. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal, se determinó el título de IgG y la presencia de IgM específicas contra el parásito, mediante técnicas de aglutinación y Enzimoinmunoanálisis, respectivamente, en muestras de suero de mujeres en el primer, segundo o tercer trimestre de embarazo que asistieron a su control prenatal en el Centro de Imagenología y Laboratorio Clínico, durante el segundo semestre del año 2014. Resultados: Se evaluaron 167 pacientes, de las cuales 115 (68,9%) fueron negativas y 52 (31,1%) positivas para IgG anti T. gondii; dentro del último grupo se rastreó IgM específica en 35 pacientes, hallándose solo una positiva (3%). La titulación para IgG anti-T. gondii mostró resultados desde 1:1 a 1:8 diluciones en las 34 pacientes negativas para IgM específica y de 1:16 diluciones, en el caso positivo. Conclusión: Los resultados obtenidos en el presente estudio permiten concluir que una tercera parte de la población gestante presenta anticuerpos asociados a memoria inmunológica contra T.gondii a títulos bajos, y sólo una minoría (inferior al 5%) evidencia concomitantemente huella serológica de infección reciente...

Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii and it is especially dangerous during pregnancy. The presence of IgG antibodies against T. gondii indicates past infection, while the presence of IgM indicates acute infection. Objective: To determine the frequency and titers of antibodies against T. gondii in pregnant women in Cucuta, Colombia. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in which titers of IgG and IgM to T. gondii were measured using agglutination and immunoassay methods in serum samples of first, second and third trimester pregnant women who attended pre-natal control in the Center for Imagenology and Clinical Laboratory during the second semester of 2014. Results: 167 women were evaluated; 115 (68.9%) were negative for IgG and 52 (31.1%) were positive; specific IgM was search for in 35 of these IgG positive women, only one was positive (3%). IgG titers varied from 1:1 to 1:8 in the 34 IgM seronegative women, but was 1:16 in seropositive women. Conclusions: One third of the population studied was previously infected showing low titers of IgG, the minority showed evidence of acute infection...

Associations of insulin resistance with cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory cytokines in normal-weight Hispanic women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the associations of markers of insulin resistance with cardiovascular disease risk factors and inflammation in young, normal-weight, Hispanic women. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Seventy-one normal-weight (BMI <25 kg/m(2)) Hispanic women (age, 20-39 years) participated in a fasting blood draw for glucose, insulin, lipids, and inflammatory markers; a glucose tolerance test; anthropometric and blood pressure measurements; body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; and measurements of cardiorespiratory fitness via Vo2max and daily physical activity by accelerometer. RESULTS Six percent of participants had impaired fasting glucose, 14% had impaired glucose tolerance, and 48% had at least one cardiovascular disease risk factor. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and fasting insulin were positively correlated with glucose, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure, and were negatively correlated with adiponectin (P < 0.05). The 2-h insulin was positively correlated with diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. HOMA-IR and fasting insulin remained significantly and positively related to glucose, triglycerides, and blood pressure after adjustment for body composition. The relationships between markers of insulin resistance and adiponectin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were attenuated after adjustment for body composition. CONCLUSIONS: Surrogate markers of insulin resistance were associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors and inflammation in young, normal-weight, Hispanic women. Our findings suggest that HOMA-IR, fasting, and 2-h insulin may be important clinical markers for identifying young, normal-weight, Hispanic women who may be at risk for development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Our findings show the importance of early screening for prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in this population.

A strawberry KNOX gene regulates leaf, flower and meristem architecture.

The KNOTTED-LIKE HOMEODOMAIN (KNOX) genes play a central role in maintenance of the shoot apical meristem. They also contribute to the morphology of simple and compound leaves. In this report we characterize the FaKNOX1 gene from strawberry (Fragaria spp.) and demonstrate its function in trasgenic plants. The FaKNOX1 cDNA was isolated from a cultivated strawberry (F.×ananassa) flower EST library. The sequence is most similar to Class I KNOX genes, and was mapped to linkage group VI of the diploid strawberry genome. Unlike most KNOX genes studied, steady-state transcript levels were highest in flowers and fruits. Transcripts were also detected in emerging leaf primordia and the apical dome. Transgenic strawberry plants suppressing or overexpressing FaKNOX1 exhibited conspicuous changes in plant form. The FaKNOX1 RNAi plants presented a dwarfed phenotype with deeply serrated leaflets and exaggerated petiolules. They also exhibited a high level of cellular disorganization of the shoot apical meristem and leaves. Overexpression of FaKNOX1 caused dwarfed stature with wrinkled leaves. These gain- and loss-of-function assays in strawberry functionally demonstrate the contributions of a KNOX domain protein in a rosaceous species.

Microbiological characterization and specific methanogenic activity of anaerobe sludges used in urban solid waste treatment.

This study presents the microbiological characterization of the anaerobic sludge used in a two-stage anaerobic reactor for the treatment of organic fraction of urban solid waste (OFUSW). This treatment is one alternative for reducing solid waste in landfills at the same time producing a biogas (CH(4) and CO(2)) and an effluent that can be used as biofertilizer. The system was inoculated with sludge from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) (Río Frío Plant in Bucaramanga-Colombia) and a methanogenic anaerobic digester for the treatment of pig manure (Mesa de los Santos in Santander). Bacterial populations were evaluated by counting groups related to oxygen sensitivity, while metabolic groups were determined by most probable number (MPN) technique. Specific methanogenic activity (SMA) for acetate, formate, methanol and ethanol substrates was also determined. In the acidogenic reactor (R1), volatile fatty acids (VFA) reached values of 25,000 mg L(-1) and a concentration of CO(2) of 90%. In this reactor, the fermentative population was predominant (10(5)-10(6)MPN mL(-1)). The acetogenic population was (10(5)MPN mL(-1)) and the sulphate-reducing population was (10(4)-10(5)MPN mL(-1)). In the methanogenic reactor (R2), levels of CH(4) (70%) were higher than CO(2) (25%), whereas the VFA values were lower than 4000 mg L(-1). Substrate competition between sulphate-reducing (10(4)-10(5)MPN mL(-1)) and methanogenic bacteria (10(5)MPN mL(-1)) was not detected. From the SMA results obtained, acetoclastic (2.39 g COD-CH(4)g(-1)VSS(-1)day(-1)) and hydrogenophilic (0.94 g COD-CH(4)g(-1)VSS(-1)day(-1)) transformations as possible metabolic pathways used by methanogenic bacteria is suggested from the SMA results obtained. Methanotrix sp., Methanosarcina sp., Methanoccocus sp. and Methanobacterium sp. were identified.

Hábitos orales de succión y tratamientos utilizados en los pacientes atendidos en el área de odontología infantil y ortodoncia de la Facultad de Odontología de La Universidad de El Salvador / Oral sucking habits and treatments used in patients treated in the area of children's dentistry and orthodontics of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of El Salvador

La succión es un reflejo innato, que con el paso del tiempo, el infante va abandonando y sustituyendo por actividades más maduras. Hay niños que no dejan atrás este patrón infantil y se convierte en un hábito deletéreo, el cual debe de ser eliminado de la manera menos traumática, para así evitar malformaciones óseo-dentarias. Por lo tanto, nuestro objetivo es identificar y clasificar los diferentes tipos de hábitos orales de succión según género y edad; así como también enumerar los tratamientos más utilizados en los pacientes con hábitos orales de succión, atendidos en el área de Odontología Infantil y Ortodoncia de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de El Salvador (FOUES) en el período de 2003 ­ 2005. Materiales y métodos: La investigación que se desarrollo es de tipo Epidemiológica Descriptiva. Los datos se obtuvieron de una muestra de 225 expedientes clínicos correspondientes a pacientes con edades de 3.0 ­ 12.0 años atendidos en el área de Odontología Infantil y Ortodoncia de la FOUES entre los años 2003- 2005. Las variables en el estudio fueron: género, edad, tipos de hábitos y tratamientos más utilizados. Los datos fueros procesados en el programa Statistical Product for Service Solutions 11.0 (SPSS). Resultados: La frecuencia presentada de hábitos es de 25.8%; el género femenino fue el más afectada con un 60.3%; el rango de edad más afectado es de 6.0 ­ 8.11 años con 44.8%; el hábito más frecuente es succión digital con 58.6%; el rompe hábito más utilizado es la rejilla fija con 40%.

Sucking is an innate reflex, which over time, the infant is abandoning and replacing with more mature activities. There are children who do not leave this childhood pattern behind and it becomes a deleterious habit, which must be eliminated in the least traumatic way, in order to avoid bone-dental malformations. Therefore, our objective is to identify and classify the different types of oral sucking habits according to gender and age; as well as list the treatments most used in patients with oral sucking habits, attended in the area of ​​Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of El Salvador (FOUES) in the period 2003 - 2005. Materials and methods: The research that was developed is of the Descriptive Epidemiological type. The data were obtained from a sample of 225 clinical records corresponding to patients aged 3.0 - 12.0 years treated in the Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics area of ​​FOUES between the years 2003-2005. The variables in the study were: gender, age , types of habits and treatments most used. The data were processed in the Statistical Product for Service Solutions 11.0 (SPSS) program. Results: The frequency of habits presented is 25.8%; the female gender was the most affected with 60.3%; the most affected age range is 6.0 - 8.11 years with 44.8%; the most frequent habit is finger sucking with 58.6%; the most used habit breaker is the fixed grid with 40%.

Mucopolisacaridosis tipo I, III y VI: actividad enzimática y determinación cualitativa y cuantitativa de glucosaminoglucanos urinarios / Mucopolysaccharidoses types I, III and VI: enzimatic activity quantitative and qualiatative determination of urinary glycosaminoglycans

Introducción. Las mucopolisacaridosis (MPS) son un grupo heterogéneo de enfermedades hereditarias, originadas por la deficiencia de enzimas lisosomales que catalizan la degradación de los glucosaminoglucanos (GAGs). Actualmente se conocen 11 deficiencias enzimáticas que originan 8 fenotipos distintos y expresan una variedad de síntomas clínicos. Material y métodos. Doce pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de MPS (4 con MPS I, 2 con MPS IIIB y 6 con MPS VI) dos fueron estudiados bioquímicamente mediante la cuantificación de GAGs urinarios, su identificación a través de electroforesis en acetato de celulosa y la correlación con la actividad enzimática en leucocitos. Resultados. En todos los casos la concentración de GAGs/creatinina estuvo elevada en comparación con un grupo control. La electroforesis reveló la presencia de los GAGs esperados en cada tipo de MPS y la actividad enzimática fue deficiente en los 12 pacientes estudiados. Conclusiones. La aplicación de los métodos anteriores en pacientes con MPS, es una poderosa herramienta a utilizar como diagnóstico.