Highly active Ru/TiO2 nanostructures for total catalytic oxidation of propane.

Ruthenium is a robust catalyst for a variety of applications in environmental heterogeneous catalysis. The catalytic performance of Ru/TiO2 materials, synthesized by using the deposition precipitation with urea method, was assessed in the catalytic oxidation of C3H8, varying the ruthenium loading. The highest catalytic reactivity was obtained for a Ru loading of 2 wt. % in comparison with the 1, 1.5, 3, and 4 wt. % Ru catalysts. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized materials were investigated by XRD, N2 adsorption, TEM, FT-IR pyridine, H2-TPR, and XPS. The size of ruthenium particles was found to be greatly dependent on the pretreatment gas (air or hydrogen) and the catalytic activity was enhanced by the small-size ruthenium metal nanoparticles, leading to changes in the reduction degree of ruthenium, which also increased the Brönsted and Lewis acidity. Metal to support charge transfer enhanced the reactant adsorption sites while oxygen vacancies on the interface enabled the dissociation of O2 molecules as revealed through DFT calculations. The outstanding catalytic activity of the 2Ru/TiO2 catalysts allowed to convert C3H8 into CO2 at reaction temperatures of about 100 °C. This high activity may be attributed to the metal/support interaction between Ru and TiO2, which promoted the reducibility of Ti4+/Ti3+ and Ru4+/Ru0 species, and to the fast migration of TiO2 lattice oxygen in the catalyst. Furthermore, the Ru/TiO2 catalyst exhibited high stability and reusability for 30 h under reaction conditions, using a GHSV of 45,000 h-1. The underlying alkane-metal interactions were explored theoretically in order to explain the C-H bond activation in propane by the catalyst.

COVID-19 stressor reduces risk taking: the role of trait interoception.

The Framing Effect (FE) demonstrated that the way two alternatives are displayed affects people's inclination to make a specific choice, showing a risk aversion when alternatives are displayed on positive frames and risk seeking in negative frames. Risk seeking in negative frames is closely linked to loss aversion. Moreover, classical research and the salience-of-losses hypothesis argues that stress may enhance the FE and loss aversion. Recent studies also suggest that the trait interoception and alexithymia could interact and moderate the framing susceptibility. However, experimental paradigms on stress could ignore variables such as threat perception. In this sense, COVID-19 pandemic has become a powerful real-life stressor in many countries. We aimed to study how real-life stressors influence decision-making under risk. A total of 97 participants were divided into a control (n = 48) and an experimental group (n = 49). The experimental group were exposed to a stressor manipulation, a 5 min COVID-19 lockdown documentary. Our results show that COVID-19-related stressors significantly decreased bet acceptance regardless of the frame, also reducing loss aversion. Moreover, interoception was a significant predictor of loss aversion under stress conditions. Our results do not support classical research on stress and FE.

Cribaje visual en la Atención Primaria de Salud en menores de tres años / Visual screening in under three-year old children at the primary health care

Objetivos: determinar el grado de concordancia entre los resultados de la aplicación, por pediatras de Atención Primaria, del cribaje visual que establece una guía de práctica clínica, propuesta para cuidados visuales preventivos en edad pediátrica y el criterio de verdad dado por el examen de especialistas en Oftalmología. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal en una muestra de 481 pacientes de 6 a 35 meses de edad, en la consulta de Oftalmología del hospital pediátrico Marfán, de febrero del año 2014 a enero de 2015. Participaron dos especialistas en Pediatría, de Atención Primaria, dos especialistas en Oftalmología y un licenciado en Óptica y Optometría. El análisis de la concordancia entre los resultados del cribado visual realizado por pediatras y el criterio de verdad se realizó mediante el cálculo del índice Kappa a partir de cuatro variables, empleando el programa epitat 4. Resultados: la estimación de la fuerza de concordancia fue buena en el examen del comportamiento visual y del reflejo de fondo de ojo con K= 0,649 y 0,754; muy buena en el examen externo de anexos, globo ocular y alineación ocular, con K= 0,817 y 0,899. Conclusiones: el nivel de concordancia diagnóstica encontrado entre pediatras y oftalmólogos hace factible la aplicación de los procedimientos de examen que establece la Guía de Práctica Clínica propuesta(AU)

Objectives: to determine the level of agreement between the results of the application by primary health carepediatricians of the visual screening that sets a clinical practice guideline for preventive visual care at pediatric ages and the true criteria from the test performed by ophthalmologists. Methods: descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional study of a sample of 481 children aged 6 to 35 months old, who were seen at the ophthalmology service of Marfan pediatric hospital from February 2014 to January 2015. Two primary health care pediatricians, two ophthalmologists and a certified optometrist participated. The analysis of the level of agreement between the results of the visual screening by pediatricians and the truth criterion was made through the calculation of Kappa´s agreement index based on four variables by using Epidat 4 program. Results: the estimation of the force of agreement was good in the visual behavior and in the fundus reflection, with k= 0.649 and 0.754, respectively; it was very good in the external exam of the adnexa, the eyeball and the ocular alignment with k= 0.817 and 0.899, respectively. Conclusions: the level of diagnostic agreement found between ophthalmologists and pediatricians makes the application of the examination procedures established by the suggested clinical practice guideline possible(AU)

Validación de la Guía de Práctica Clínica propuesta para el tamizaje de trastornos visuales en niños / Validation of a clinical practice guideline for the screening of visual disorders in children

Objetivo: validar los procedimientos de examen que establece la Guía de Práctica Clínica propuesta para el tamizaje de trastornos visuales en edad pediátrica a nivel de las consultas de cuidados de salud. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal en una muestra de 633 pacientes de 3 a 5 años de edad, en consulta de Oftalmología del Hospital Pediátrico Marfán, de febrero del año 2014 a enero de 2015. Participaron dos Especialistas en Pediatría de Atención Primaria y una Licenciada en Psicología, quienes realizaron el tamizaje establecido en la Guía de Práctica Clínica; dos especialistas en Oftalmología: uno como observador profesional, quien supervisó y controló que se cumpliera la aplicación del cribaje con el protocolo establecido, y el otro -junto con una Licenciada en Óptica y Optometría- realizó las pruebas seleccionadas como criterios de verdad. El estudio de la capacidad predictiva de los procedimientos de examen de la Guía de Práctica Clínica propuesta se realizó a partir de cuatro variables: agudeza visual, estereopsis, alineación ocular y examen del reflejo de fondo de ojo. Los datos se procesaron utilizando el software Statistic y Epidat 4. Resultados: se alcanzaron globalmente valores de sensibilidad de 88,15 por ciento; especificidad 97,21 por ciento, valor predictivo positivo 79,07 por ciento, valor predictivo negativo 98,57 por ciento y fuerza de concordancia muy buena, con K= 0,813. Conclusiones: los resultados obtenidos hacen fiable que la Guía de Práctica Clínica propuesta es un instrumento válido para ser recomendada en la pesquisa de trastornos visuales en las condiciones de la sociedad cubana en este grupo de edad(AU)

Objective: to validate the examination procedures established by the Clinical Practice Guideline suggested for the screening of visual disorders at pediatric ages in the primary health care. Methods: a descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional study of a sample of 633 patients aged 3-5 years was conducted at Marfan teaching pediatric hospital from February 2014 to January 2015. Two primary health care pediatricians and a psychologist performed the screening set by the clinical practice guideline; one ophthalmologist supervised and controlled the application of screening in line with the set protocol whereas the other, aided by an optometrist, made the selected tests as truth criteria. The study of the predictive capacity of the exam procedures in the suggested clinical practice guideline was based on four variables, i.e. visual acuity, stereopsis, eye alignment and fundus reflex examination. Data processing used Statistic software and Epidat 4. Results: the overall values for sensitivity was 88.15 percent, specificity 9.21 percent, positive and negative predictable values reached 79.07 percent and 98.57 percent, respectively. The agreement force was very good, with K= 0.813. Conclusions: the results confirm that the suggested Clinical Practice Guideline should be recommended as a valid tool to detect visual disorders at pediatric ages under the present conditions of the Cuban society(AU)

Cribaje visual en la Atención Primaria de Salud en menores de tres años / Visual screening in under three-year old children at the primary health care

Objetivos: determinar el grado de concordancia entre los resultados de la aplicación, por pediatras de Atención Primaria, del cribaje visual que establece una guía de práctica clínica, propuesta para cuidados visuales preventivos en edad pediátrica y el criterio de verdad dado por el examen de especialistas en Oftalmología.Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal en una muestra de 481 pacientes de 6 a 35 meses de edad, en la consulta de Oftalmología del hospital pediátrico Marfán, de febrero del año 2014 a enero de 2015. Participaron dos especialistas en Pediatría, de Atención Primaria, dos especialistas en Oftalmología y un licenciado en Óptica y Optometría. El análisis de la concordancia entre los resultados del cribado visual realizado por pediatras y el criterio de verdad se realizó mediante el cálculo del índice Kappa a partir de cuatro variables, empleando el programa epitat 4. Resultados: la estimación de la fuerza de concordancia fue buena en el examen del comportamiento visual y del reflejo de fondo de ojo con K= 0,649 y 0,754; muy buena en el examen externo de anexos, globo ocular y alineación ocular, con K= 0,817 y 0,899. Conclusiones: el nivel de concordancia diagnóstica encontrado entre pediatras y oftalmólogos hace factible la aplicación de los procedimientos de examen que establece la Guía de Práctica Clínica propuesta(AU)

Objectives: to determine the level of agreement between the results of the application by primary health carepediatricians of the visual screening that sets a clinical practice guideline for preventive visual care at pediatric ages and the true criteria from the test performed by ophthalmologists. Methods: descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional study of a sample of 481 children aged 6 to 35 months old, who were seen at the ophthalmology service of Marfan pediatric hospital from February 2014 to January 2015. Two primary health care pediatricians, two ophthalmologists and a certified optometrist participated. The analysis of the level of agreement between the results of the visual screening by pediatricians and the truth criterion was made through the calculation of Kappa´s agreement index based on four variables by using Epidat 4 program. Results: the estimation of the force of agreement was good in the visual behavior and in the fundus reflection, with k= 0.649 and 0.754, respectively; it was very good in the external exam of the adnexa, the eyeball and the ocular alignment with k= 0.817 and 0.899, respectively. Conclusions: the level of diagnostic agreement found between ophthalmologists and pediatricians makes the application of the examination procedures established by the suggested clinical practice guideline possible(AU)

Validación de la Guía de Práctica Clínica propuesta para el tamizaje de trastornos visuales en niños / Validation of a clinical practice guideline for the screening of visual disorders in children

Objetivo: validar los procedimientos de examen que establece la Guía de Práctica Clínica propuesta para el tamizaje de trastornos visuales en edad pediátrica a nivel de las consultas de cuidados de salud.Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal en una muestra de 633 pacientes de 3 a 5 años de edad, en consulta de Oftalmología del Hospital Pediátrico Marfán, de febrero del año 2014 a enero de 2015. Participaron dos Especialistas en Pediatría de Atención Primaria y una Licenciada en Psicología, quienes realizaron el tamizaje establecido en la Guía de Práctica Clínica; dos especialistas en Oftalmología: uno como observador profesional, quien supervisó y controló que se cumpliera la aplicación del cribaje con el protocolo establecido, y el otro -junto con una Licenciada en Óptica y Optometría- realizó las pruebas seleccionadas como criterios de verdad. El estudio de la capacidad predictiva de los procedimientos de examen de la Guía de Práctica Clínica propuesta se realizó a partir de cuatro variables: agudeza visual, estereopsis, alineación ocular y examen del reflejo de fondo de ojo. Los datos se procesaron utilizando el software Statistic y Epidat 4. Resultados: se alcanzaron globalmente valores de sensibilidad de 88,15 por ciento; especificidad 97,21 por ciento, valor predictivo positivo 79,07 por ciento, valor predictivo negativo 98,57 por ciento y fuerza de concordancia muy buena, con K= 0,813. Conclusiones: los resultados obtenidos hacen fiable que la Guía de Práctica Clínica propuesta es un instrumento válido para ser recomendada en la pesquisa de trastornos visuales en las condiciones de la sociedad cubana en este grupo de edad(AU)

Objective: to validate the examination procedures established by the Clinical Practice Guideline suggested for the screening of visual disorders at pediatric ages in the primary health care. Methods: a descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional study of a sample of 633 patients aged 3-5 years was conducted at Marfan teaching pediatric hospital from February 2014 to January 2015. Two primary health care pediatricians and a psychologist performed the screening set by the clinical practice guideline; one ophthalmologist supervised and controlled the application of screening in line with the set protocol whereas the other, aided by an optometrist, made the selected tests as truth criteria. The study of the predictive capacity of the exam procedures in the suggested clinical practice guideline was based on four variables, i.e. visual acuity, stereopsis, eye alignment and fundus reflex examination. Data processing used Statistic software and Epidat 4. Results: the overall values for sensitivity was 88.15 percent, specificity 9.21 percent, positive and negative predictable values reached 79.07 percent and 98.57 percent, respectively. The agreement force was very good, with K= 0.813. Conclusions: the results confirm that the suggested Clinical Practice Guideline should be recommended as a valid tool to detect visual disorders at pediatric ages under the present conditions of the Cuban society(AU)

Resultados refractivos posqueratoplastia lamelar anterior superficial con láser excimer guiado por topografía en queratocono grado III / Refractive results after topography-guided anterior lamellar keratoplasty with excimer laser in keratoconus grade III

Objetivo: determinar los resultados refractivos y funcionales en operados de queratoplastia lamelar anterior superficial asistida con láser excimer topográfico en queratocono grado III. Materiales y métodos: estudio experimental, abierto, no controlado, longitudinal y prospectivo, en 35 ojos de 31 pacientes con edad promedio de 35,3 años, seguimiento entre 12 y 51 meses, operados en la Clínica Internacional de Retinosis Pigmentaria "Camilo Cienfuegos", entre enero de 2006 y diciembre de 2010. Resultados: la agudeza visual sin corrección mejoró de 0,04 a 0,39 y la agudeza visual con corrección de 0,28 a 0,78; el equivalente esférico se redujo de -13,02 a -1,69; la esfera y el cilindro disminuyeron de -10,13D ± 4,73 a -0,44D ± 3,22 y de -5,67D ± 2,32 a -2,52D ± 1,38, respectivamente. La queratometría disminuyó de 56,8D y 51,53D a 45,02 y 42,02 en el postoperatorio. La densidad celular preoperatoria fue de 2313, 81 cel/mm2 ± 322,10; varió a 2170 cel/mm2 ± 294,92 en el posoperatorio. El lecho residual estromal fue de 153,22μ. Discusión: en correlación con la literatura, el queratocono se presenta en la adolescencia y juventud y conduce al trasplante de córnea con más frecuencia en estas etapas de la vida. La queratometría promedio posoperatoria fue inferior a la reportada por otros investigadores que realizaron estudios con semejante técnica quirúrgica. Conclusiones: la queratoplastia lamelar anterior superficial con láser excimer, puede ser considerada como indicación primaria de tratamiento en el queratocono grado III..

Objective: determine refractive and functional results in patients with excimer laser. Materials and Methods: uncontrolled experimental study, longitudinal and prospective, in 35 eyes of 31 patients with an average age of 35.3 years old, followed between 12 and 51 moths; operated at “Camilo Cienfuegos” International Center of Retinitis Pigmentosa, between January 2006 and December 2010. Results: the uncorrected visual acuity improved from 0.04 to 0.39 and the best corrected visual acuity improved from 0.28 to 0.78; the spherical equivalent was reduced from -13,02 to -1,69D. The sphere and cylinder decreased from -10,13D ± 4.73 to -0.44D ± 3.22 and from -5.67D ± 2.32 to -2.52D ± 1.38, respectively. The average of the keratometry decreased from 56,8D and 51,53D to 45.02 and 42.02 in the post-surgery. The cellular density pre-surgery changed from 2313.81cel/mm2 ± 322.10 to 2170 cel/mm2 ± 294.92 in postoperative. The residual stromal bed was 153.22μ. Discussion: in correlation with the literature, the keratoconus appears in the adolescence and youth, leading to the corneal transplantation more often in these life stages. The average postsurgical keratometry was inferior to the reported by others investigators who practiced procedures with similar surgical technique. Conclusions: superficial anterior lamellar keratoplasty, assisted with excimer laser, can be considered as primary indication of treatment in keratoconus grade III..

A comparative radiographic investigation of femoroacetabular impingement in young patients with and without hip pain.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the existence of radiographic abnormalities in two groups of patients, those with and without hip pain. METHODS: A total 222 patients were evaluated between March 2007 and April 2009; 122 complained of groin pain, and 100 had no symptoms. The individuals in both groups underwent radiographic examinations of the hip using the following views: anteroposterior, Lequesne false profile, Dunn, Dunn 45º, and Ducroquet. RESULTS: A total of 1110 radiographs were evaluated. Female patients were prevalent in both groups (52% symptomatic, 58% asymptomatic). There were statistically significant differences between the groups in age (p<0.0001), weight (p = 0.002) and BMI (p = 0.006). The positive findings in the group with groin pain consisted of the presence of a bump on the femoral head in the anteroposterior view (p<0.0001) or in the Dunn 45º view (p = 0.008). The difference in the a angle in the anteroposterior, Dunn, Dunn 45º, and Ducroquet views for all of the cases studied was p,0.0001. The joint space measurement differed significantly between groups in the Lequesne view (p = 0.007). The Lequesne anteversion angle (ρ) and the femoral offset measurement also differed significantly (p = 0.005 and p = 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the best views for diagnosing a femoroacetabular impingement are the anteroposterior pelvic orthostatic, the Dunn 45º, and the Ducroquet views. The following findings correlated with hip pain: a decrease in the femoral offset, an increase in the α angle, an increase in the Lequesne ρ angle, a decrease in the CE angle of Wiberg, a thinner articular space and the presence of a bump on the femoral head-neck transition.

A comparative radiographic investigation of femoroacetabular impingement in young patients with and without hip pain

OBJECTIVE: To compare the existence of radiographic abnormalities in two groups of patients, those with and without hip pain. METHODS: A total 222 patients were evaluated between March 2007 and April 2009; 122 complained of groin pain, and 100 had no symptoms. The individuals in both groups underwent radiographic examinations of the hip using the following views: anteroposterior, Lequesne false profile, Dunn, Dunn 45º, and Ducroquet. RESULTS: A total of 1110 radiographs were evaluated. Female patients were prevalent in both groups (52% symptomatic, 58% asymptomatic). There were statistically significant differences between the groups in age (p<0.0001), weight (p = 0.002) and BMI (p = 0.006). The positive findings in the group with groin pain consisted of the presence of a bump on the femoral head in the anteroposterior view (p<0.0001) or in the Dunn 45º view (p = 0.008). The difference in the a angle in the anteroposterior, Dunn, Dunn 45º, and Ducroquet views for all of the cases studied was p,0.0001. The joint space measurement differed significantly between groups in the Lequesne view (p = 0.007). The Lequesne anteversion angle (ρ) and the femoral offset measurement also differed significantly (p = 0.005 and p = 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the best views for diagnosing a femoroacetabular impingement are the anteroposterior pelvic orthostatic, the Dunn 45º, and the Ducroquet views. The following findings correlated with hip pain: a decrease in the femoral offset, an increase in the α angle, an increase in the Lequesne ρ angle, a decrease in the CE angle of Wiberg, a thinner articular space and the presence of a bump on the femoral head-neck transition.

DHS e OPS: estudo comparativo da falência de osteossíntese / DHS and OPS: comparative study of failed internal fixation

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo visa analisar prospectivamente dois tipos de osteossíntese (Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS), Orlando Pinto Souza (OPS)), utilizados para o tratamento de fraturas do fêmur proximal, quanto à ocorrência de "cut out". MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas no período de julho a dezembro de 2003, 52 cirurgias para tratamento de fraturas transtrocanterianas, 38 destas foram alvo do presente estudo. A técnica a ser utilizada foi escolhida por sorteio no ato operatório. RESULTADOS: No grupo onde fora implantado OPS não observamos a presença de "cut out" e no grupo do DHS obtivemos duas falências da síntese, uma em um paciente de sexo feminino portadora de fratura tipo Tronzo IV e outra em paciente do sexo masculino, portador de fratura Tronzo III, ambas classificadas como instáveis após a redução em mesa ortopédica. A média do TAD obtida foi de 31 mm para o grupo do DHS e de 56,63 mm para o OPS. CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos que quando Comparamos ambas as osteossínteses quanto à incidência de "cut out" e sua relação com o índice TAD preconizado por Baumgartner, no OPS o "cut out" não esteve dependente desta medida e que outros fatores como valgização e redução foram prioritários enquanto no DHS o índice TAD deve ser buscado.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study compared the occurrence of cut out in two types of osteosyntheses (Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS), Orlando Pinto Souza (OPS)), used for treating proximal femur fractures. Materials and METHODS: From July to December of 2003, we operated 52 hip fractures, but only 38 cases were included in this study consistently with the inclusion criteria. The surgical technique was randomly determined at the moment of the procedure. RESULTS: In the OPS group, we didn't observe the occurrence of cut out, and, in the DHS group, we found 10 percent of synthesis failure: one in a female with a Tronzo IV fracture and other in a male patient with a Tronzo III fracture, both regarded as unstable after reduction on orthopaedic table. The mean Tip Apex Distance to OPS pin was 56.63 mm, and to DHS, 31 mm. CONCLUSION: We concluded that when we compared both osteosynthesis the incidence of cut out and its correlation with TAD as recommended by Baumgartner, in OPS the cut out wasn't dependent of TAD and other factors like valgusing reduction were most important, in DHS the TAD recommended by Baumgartner must be followed.

El banco de ojos y el donante idóneo / The ideal eye bank and donor

El acelerado crecimiento y desarrollo de la Oftalmología en tecnología y formación de recursos humanos se extiende también a las actividades relacionadas con bancos de ojos y trasplantes de córnea. Por eso, se necesita fomentar una cultura de la donación en oftalmólogos, trabajadores de la salud y en la sociedad en sentido general. Constituyen objetivos de este trabajo: describir en qué se sustenta la actitud de la sociedad cubana ante la donación de órganos y tejidos para solucionar las crecientes demandas de pacientes que requieren de trasplante de córnea; informar las normas de la Asociación Panamericana de Bancos de Ojos, procedimientos y metodología seguidos ante un donante cadavérico de bulbos oculares. En el Servicio de Oftalmología de Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras se han obtenido 2 395 bulbos oculares, con los que se han realizado 723 trasplantes de córnea y distribuido córneas y otros tejidos a distintas instituciones. Los bulbos oculares no útiles para fines ópticos se utilizaron para trasplantes lamelares predesceméticos o no, práctica quirúrgica e investigaciones. Se detectaron donantes positivos a VIH, hepatitis B y C en 3, 30 y 23 de ellos, respectivamente. No se reportaron enfermedades trasmitidas por el trasplante y, muy pocas oculares posquirúrgicas. Aunque las necesidades de córneas para trasplantes actualmente no se satisfacen, llenar esta demanda no puede conducirnos al incumplimiento de normas y procederes que nos alejarían del donante idóneo

The accelerated growth and development of ophthalmology in terms of technology and formation of human resources also embraces eye banks and corneal transplantation. Therefore, it is necessary to promote a culture of eye donation among ophthalmologists, health workers and the general society. The objectives of this paper were to describe the basis of the Cuban society attitudes towards organ and tissue donation as a way of meeting the growing demands of patients requiring corneal transplantation; to inform about the standards of the Pan American Association of Eye Banks, the procedures and methodologies followed in the face of a cadaver donor of ocular bulbs. The Ophthalmological Service of Hermanos Ameijeiras hospital has obtained 2 396 ocular bulbs that have been used in 723 corneal transplants and has distributed corneas and other tissues for other institutions. Those ocular bulbs that were not useful for optical purposes, were used for lamellar transplants, surgical practice and research. Seropositive HIV donors, Hepatitis B and C affected donors were detected in 3, 30 and 23 of them respectively. No transplant-borne disease was reported. Very few postsurgical ocular diseases were detected. Although the corneal requirements for transplantation are not met yet, this huge demand can not lead us to non-compliance with the set standards and procedures, which will reduce the possibilities of finding the ideal donor

El banco de ojos y el donante idóneo / The ideal eye bank and donor

El acelerado crecimiento y desarrollo de la Oftalmología en tecnología y formación de recursos humanos se extiende también a las actividades relacionadas con bancos de ojos y trasplantes de córnea. Por eso, se necesita fomentar una cultura de la donación en oftalmólogos, trabajadores de la salud y en la sociedad en sentido general. Constituyen objetivos de este trabajo: describir en qué se sustenta la actitud de la sociedad cubana ante la donación de órganos y tejidos para solucionar las crecientes demandas de pacientes que requieren de trasplante de córnea; informar las normas de la Asociación Panamericana de Bancos de Ojos, procedimientos y metodología seguidos ante un donante cadavérico de bulbos oculares. En el Servicio de Oftalmología de Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras se han obtenido 2 395 bulbos oculares, con los que se han realizado 723 trasplantes de córnea y distribuido córneas y otros tejidos a distintas instituciones. Los bulbos oculares no útiles para fines ópticos se utilizaron para trasplantes lamelares predesceméticos o no, práctica quirúrgica e investigaciones. Se detectaron donantes positivos a VIH, hepatitis B y C en 3, 30 y 23 de ellos, respectivamente. No se reportaron enfermedades trasmitidas por el trasplante y, muy pocas oculares posquirúrgicas. Aunque las necesidades de córneas para trasplantes actualmente no se satisfacen, llenar esta demanda no puede conducirnos al incumplimiento de normas y procederes que nos alejarían del donante idóneo(AU)

The accelerated growth and development of ophthalmology in terms of technology and formation of human resources also embraces eye banks and corneal transplantation. Therefore, it is necessary to promote a culture of eye donation among ophthalmologists, health workers and the general society. The objectives of this paper were to describe the basis of the Cuban society attitudes towards organ and tissue donation as a way of meeting the growing demands of patients requiring corneal transplantation; to inform about the standards of the Pan American Association of Eye Banks, the procedures and methodologies followed in the face of a cadaver donor of ocular bulbs. The Ophthalmological Service of Hermanos Ameijeiras hospital has obtained 2 396 ocular bulbs that have been used in 723 corneal transplants and has distributed corneas and other tissues for other institutions. Those ocular bulbs that were not useful for optical purposes, were used for lamellar transplants, surgical practice and research. Seropositive HIV donors, Hepatitis B and C affected donors were detected in 3, 30 and 23 of them respectively. No transplant-borne disease was reported. Very few postsurgical ocular diseases were detected. Although the corneal requirements for transplantation are not met yet, this huge demand can not lead us to non-compliance with the set standards and procedures, which will reduce the possibilities of finding the ideal donor(AU)

Correlação entre fratura por queda em idosos e uso prévio de medicamentos / Correlation between fractures resulting from falls and previous drug use

O uso de medicamentos por idosos é freqüente e tem crescido a cada dia em virtude do aumento da expectativa de vida no Brasil. Algumas destas drogas quando administradas, podem provocar efeitos colaterais como tontura e diminuição dos reflexos podendo ocasionar quedas e conseqüentes fraturas. Este trabalho verificou se o uso de medicamentos pode ser considerado como fator de risco para fratura por queda no idoso. Para isso fez-se um estudo no ano de 2004 com 205 pacientes a partir de 60 anos de idade internados com fratura por queda e comparou-se estatisticamente com grupo-controle de 205 pacientes do mesmo grupo etário sem fratura. Verificou-se que o uso de medicamentos pode ser considerado como fator de risco para fratura por queda. Os resultados também podem servir como orientação para equipe médica, pacientes e seus familiares, no sentido de se tentar evitar quedas, principalmente quando o uso de medicamentos é necessário.

The use of medication by elderly individuals is frequently and is constantly growing due to the increase of life expectance rates in Brazil. When some of these drugs are administered, they can cause collateral effects like dizziness and decreased reflex, potentially causing the occurrence of falls resulting in fractures. This study examined whether the use of medications by the elderly could be regarded as a risk factor to fractures resulting from falls. The study, conducted in 2004, assessed 205 hospitalized patients > 60 years old, with fractures resulting from falls. These patients were statistically compared to a control group (205 patients) in the same age group and without fractures. Weve found that the use of medication can be regarded as a risk factor to fractures resulting from falls. Our results could be useful to raise the awareness of doctors, patients and their families so that to avoid accidents when any drug therapy is required.

Neuregulin 1-erbB signaling is necessary for normal myelination and sensory function.

To investigate the role of erbB signaling in the interactions between peripheral axons and myelinating Schwann cells, we generated transgenic mice expressing a dominant-negative erbB receptor in these glial cells. Mutant mice have delayed onset of myelination, thinner myelin, shorter internodal length, and smaller axonal caliber in adulthood. Consistent with the morphological defects, transgenic mice also have slower nerve conduction velocity and defects in their responses to mechanical stimulation. Molecular analysis indicates that erbB signaling may contribute to myelin formation by regulating transcription of myelin genes. Analysis of sciatic nerves showed a reduction in the levels of expression of myelin genes in mutant mice. In vitro assays revealed that neuregulin-1 (NRG1) induces expression of myelin protein zero (P0). Furthermore, we found that the effects of NRG1 on P0 expression depend on the NRG1 isoform used. When NRG1 is presented to Schwann cells in the context of cell-cell contact, type III but not type I NRG1 regulates P0 gene expression. These results suggest that disruption of the NRG1-erbB signaling pathway could contribute to the pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathies with hypomyelination and neuropathic pain.

Vigilância epidemiológica da presença do vírus da raiva a partir do exame de imunofluorescência direta aplicada ao tecido cerebral de uma amostra da população canina do município de Mogi-Guaçu, SP, Brasil. Ensaio probabilístico a partir de série histórica de 1989 a 1999 / Epidemiologic surveillance of the rabies virus using the brain immunoflorescence test on a sample of a canine population. Probality an analysis with actual cases from Mogi-Guaçu, SP, Brazil, During the 1989-1999 period

Foi analisada a validade do exame laboratorial sistemático do sistema nervoso de uma amostra da população canina de uma dada área, como estratégia destinada a vigilância epidemiológica da circulação do vírus da raiva. Foi empregado o banco de dados do município de Mogi-Guacú, SP, Brasil, referente a série histórica compreendida entre janeiro de 1989 a dezembro de 1999. Neste período foram examinados 1167 animais dos quais 130 (11,2%) foram positivos ao teste de imunofluorescência aplicada a raiva. O tamanho da amostra para a detecção de pelo menos um animal positivo foi calculado pela fórmula n = {1-(1-alfa)1/d} (N - d/2} + 1. No período de 1989 a 1994 o tamanho da amostra foi calculado a partir do número real de casos registrados. Nos anos de 1995 a 1999 como não houve novos casos de raiva canina, a análise considerou hipoteticamente a presença de um caso confirmado. Também foi efetuada a simulação do número de casos de raiva que deveriam ocorrer para que a amostra efetivamente utilizada pelo Serviço de controle da raiva fosse capaz de revelar a presença de pelo menos um animal positivo. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que no período de 1989 a 1994 em que a freqüência anual de casos de raiva canina variou de 5 a 75 o tamanho das amostras ideal seria de 12.400 a 12.922; já no período de 1995 a 1999, em que não foram diagnosticados casos de raiva canina, se ocorresse pelo menos um registro, o tamanho da amostra seria de 13.257 a 14.698. Do exposto depreende-se que em termos probabilisticos, a estratégia proposta não é indicada para a vigilância epidemiológica da presença do vírus da raiva, quando em situação de controle, pois o número de animais a serem examinados é inviável para situações concretas.

Contribuição ao estudo da incidência de doenças da córnea em cães (Canis familiaris - Linnaeus, 1758) / Contribution to the study of the incidence of corneal diseases in dogs (Canis familiaris - Linnaeus, 1758)

Introdução - O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a incidência das doenças da córnea em cães, bem como analisar sua eventual relação com o sexo, idade, raça e outras doenças oculares. Método - Os olhos e seus anexos foram examinados por meio de inspeção direta e indireta em ambientes iluminados e com foco de luz, oftalmoscopia direita e uso de flurosceína colírio. Os animais foram divididos em grupos de acordo com as variáveis a serem avaliadas. Resultados - As alterações da córnea foram observadas em 41,1% dos animais, prevalecendo aquelas acompanhadas de outras doenças oculares, comprometendo com maior frequência os animais de raça definida, sendo a faixa etária predominante de 12 a 48 meses, não apresentou diferença siginificativa em função do sexo e qunato a localização das lesões, uni ou bilateral, também não mostrou diferença significativa. Conclusão - É possível verificar, por meio deste estudo, que as doenças da córnea ocorrem com muita frequência em relação a outras doenças do bulbo ocular, sofrem influência de vários fatores e se relacionam com o período de maior atividade desses animais

Long-term treatment of anterior pituitary cells with nitric oxide induces programmed cell death.

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a complex role in modulating programmed cell death. It can either protect the cell from apoptotic death or mediate apoptosis, depending on its concentration and the cell type and/or status. In this study, we demonstrate that long-term exposition to NO induces cell death of anterior pituitary cells from Wistar female rats. DETA NONOate (Z)-1-[2-(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-ammonioethyl)amino]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate, 1 mm], a NO donor that releases NO for an extended period of time, decreased cellular viability and prolactin release from primary cultures of anterior pituitary cells. Morphological studies showed an increase in the number of cells with chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation at 24 and 48 h after DETA/NO exposure. DNA internucleosomal fragmentation was also observed at the same time. Reversibility of the NO effect on cellular viability and prolactin release was observed only when the cells were incubated with DETA/NO for less than 6 h. Most apoptotic cells were immunopositive for prolactin, suggesting a high susceptibility of lactotrophs to the effect of NO. The cytotoxic effect of NO is dependent of caspase-9 and caspase-3, but seems to be independent of oxidative stress or nitrosative stress. Our results show that the exposition of anterior pituitary cells to NO for long periods induces programmed cell death of anterior pituitary cells.

Estrogen decreases the sensitivity of anterior pituitary to the inhibitory effect of nitric oxide on prolactin release.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of chronic estrogen treatment on the inhibitory action of nitric oxide (NO) on prolactin release. METHODS: The effect of NO on prolactin release was studied in anterior pituitaries of female Wistar rats, intact at random stages, ovariectomized (OVX), and OVX treated for 15 days with 17beta-estradiol (OVX-E(2)). RESULTS: Sodium nitroprusside (NP, 0.5 mM), a NO donor, inhibited prolactin release from anterior pituitaries and was able to stimulate cGMP synthesis in intact and OVX rats. Only a high, supraphysiological concentration of NP (2 mM) inhibited prolactin release from anterior pituitaries of OVX-E(2) rats and increased cGMP synthesis in OVX-E(2) rats. 8-Br-cGMP, a cGMP analogue, decreased prolactin release from anterior pituitaries of OVX rats but did not affect it in OVX-E(2) rats. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that estrogen may modify the sensitivity of the anterior pituitary to the inhibitory effect of NO on prolactin release by affecting guanylyl cyclase activity and the cGMP pathway.