Successful pulp revascularization of an autotransplantated mature premolar with fragile fracture apicoectomy and plasma rich in growth factors: a 3-year follow-up.

AIM: This case report demonstrates a positive outcome of the adjuvant use of fragile fracture (FF), which is a technique used to harvest dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in a mandibular premolar (tooth 44) with a completely formed root that was transplanted into a surgically created socket and which maintained pulp vitality and function. SUMMARY: After virtual surgical planning, a 3D tooth replica of tooth 44 was fabricated. A surgical socket was created in the position of tooth 14; then, tooth 44 was extracted and the root dentine was abraded using a turbine diamond bur 3 mm from the apex until a circular groove was prepared around the outer circumference of the root; and then, an FF was performed without damaging the pulp tissue. PRP was placed in the socket, after which the donor tooth was inserted in the recipient area. At 2 weeks post-treatment, orthodontic traction was applied. At 3-year follow-up, the tooth had adequate alignment and was asymptomatic. Response to pulp testing was positive, and the presence of pulp canal obliteration was observed as a sign of pulpal healing. KEY LEARNING POINTS: Autotransplantation is a good alternative for replacing missing teeth, with repair of tissues and pulp revascularization. Revascularization of an autotransplanted mature tooth using the fragile fracture technique and PRP scaffold is a feasible option and might have positive effects on the long-term outcome of the procedure. Including completely formed teeth as donors in autotransplantation, maintaining vitality and their functions is an option that warrants further study.

In vitro and in vivo effects of neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) products on larvae of the sheep nose bot fly (Oestrus ovis L. Díptera: Oestridae).

Two studies were carried out in order to test the effects of neem tree extracts (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) on sheep bot fly larvae (Oestrus ovis L. Diptera: Oestridae). First, aqueous extracts from neem seeds (ASNE) at 0, 5 y 10% (w/v) concentrations were tested on larval mortality in vitro. In a second study, the effect of oral administration with neem seed meal (0, 100 y 200mg/kg) and neem leaves (1% of diet) on number of larvae found at necropsy and larval development was evaluated in experimentally O. ovis-infected sheep. Results in Experiment 1 showed a significant (P<0.05) effect of ASNE on time to L1 mortality in a dosis-dependent manner. In Experiment 2, oral administration of seeds or leaves did not affect the number of larvae found at necropsy of the sheep, but interfered with larval development and there was a tendency to reduce larval weight at the end of the infection period (55d).

Non-targeted metabolomic approach reveals urinary metabolites linked to steroid biosynthesis pathway after ingestion of citrus juice.

Citrus juice intake has been highlighted because of its health-promoting effects. LC-MS based metabolomics approaches are applied to obtain a better knowledge on changes in the concentration of metabolites due to its dietary intake and allow a better understanding of involved metabolic pathways. Eight volunteers daily consumed 400 mL of juice for four consecutive days and urine samples were collected before intake and 24h after each citrus juice intake. Urine samples were analysed by nanoHPLC-q-TOF, followed by principal component analysis (PCA) and Student's t-test (p<0.05). PCA showed a separation between two groups (before and after citrus juice consumption). This approach allowed the identification of four endocrine compounds (tetrahydroaldosterone-3-glucuronide, cortolone-3-glucuronide, testosterone-glucuronide and 17-hydroxyprogesterone), which belonged to the steroid biosynthesis pathway as significant metabolites upregulated by citrus juice intake. Additionally, these results confirmed the importance of using the non-targeted metabolomics technique to identify new endogenous metabolites, up- or down-regulated as a consequence of food intake.

A community-based approach to linking injection drug users with needed services through pharmacies: an evaluation of a pilot intervention in New York City.

Studies suggest that community-based approaches could help pharmacies expand their public health role, particularly pertaining to HIV prevention. Thirteen pharmacies participating in New York's Expanded Syringe Access Program, which permits nonprescription syringe sales to reduce syringe-sharing among injection drug users (IDUs), were enrolled in an intervention to link IDU syringe customers to medical/social services. Sociodemographics, injection practices, beliefs about and experiences with pharmacy use, and medical/social service utilization were compared among 29 IDUs purchasing syringes from intervention pharmacies and 66 IDUs purchasing syringes from control pharmacies using chi-square tests. Intervention IDUs reported more positive experiences in pharmacies than controls; both groups were receptive to a greater public health pharmacist role. These data provide evidence that community-based participatory research aided in the implementation of a pilot structural intervention to promote understanding of drug use and HIV prevention among pharmacy staff, and facilitated expansion of pharmacy services beyond syringe sales in marginalized drug-using communities.

IgG antibody response against salivary gland antigens from Oestrus ovis L. larvae (Diptera: Oestridae) in experimentally and naturally infected goats.

The aims of this study were to analyze the systemic IgG responses against third-instar salivary gland (L3SG) antigens by ELISA in Oestrus ovis experimentally infected kids (EIK) and in naturally exposed adult goats (NEG). Firstly, kids (n=4 per group) were assigned to receive intranasally 0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 first-instars in experimental infections. Blood samples were taken from EIK at Days 0, 14, 42 and 67 post-infection. At necropsy (Day 67), larval number and developmental instars were recorded. In an epidemiological study, blood serum samples were collected from 448 grazing NEG (n=20 flocks) in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Results showed that larval establishment rate was similar in EIK groups. Systemic IgG response reached the threshold after Day 42, but humoral response was not statistically different among EIK groups receiving experimental infections. In NEG, all surveyed flocks (100%) showed specific systemic IgG antibodies to L3SG antigens and the overall goat oestrosis prevalence was 59.2%. In conclusion, larval L3SG antigens were effective in detection of specific systemic IgG antibodies against O. ovis infected kids and goats by ELISA.

Effects of immunization of Pelibuey lambs with Oestrus ovis digestive tract protein extracts on larval establishment and development.

Larval midgut proteins of hematophagous parasites contain strong antigens that can be used for host immunization. This concept has been applied for immunization of Pelibuey sheep against Oestrus ovis L. (Diptera: Oestridae). The aim of this study was to examine the effect of immunization on larval establishment (LE) and development. Immunized lambs (I, n = 6) received two injections of crude gut membrane protein extracts (GMPE) from third instar larvae with Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) on days 0 (Day of first immunization) and 21 (0.4 and 0.45 mg GMPE/lamb, respectively). The control group (C, n = 5) received physiological saline with FIA. Lambs were challenged with first instars on Day 29 (20 larvae) and Day 43 (25 larvae). Blood samples were collected biweekly and IgG titers were analyzed by ELISA. All lambs were slaughtered on Day 90 and number of larvae recovered, larval stage and larval weight were recorded at necropsy. No significant effect of immunization on LE (C = 28.9%; I = 31.0% P > 0.05) was observed. Antibody titers were higher in the immunized group on Day 28 (P < 0.05), but subsequently similar in both groups. Larval physiological age and weight were also significantly (P < 0.05) affected by immunization. Immunization of Pelibuey lambs with GMPE did not affect LE but did delay O. ovis larval development.

Community-based programme to promote physical activity among elderly people: the GeroBilbo study.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity in the elderly contributes to maintain muscle function and tone, mobility of joints and fosters social relationships when practised in a social setting, thus contributing to physical, psychological and social well-being. OBJECTIVE: To assess objective and perceived health of elderly people involved in the physical activity programme of Bilbao. DESIGN: Community-based cross-sectional study. Study protocol considered length of involvement in the programme; age, gender, perceived health, remarkable facts in personal and family disease history, as well as consumption of pharmaceutical drugs, tobacco, alcohol and physical activity (n=1500). In a subsample, (n=596; 122 men and 474 women), age range 60 to 89 years, anthropometrical measurements were collected. RESULTS: A considerable proportion (69%) had an active lifestyle and practised other physical exercise or sports, apart from the programme gymnastic sessions. Improvement in physical well-being, entertainment and social contacts were key motivations to participate in the programme. About 70% of the sample had been involved in the programme at least for three years. Mean weight was 75.8 +/-10 kg for men and 66 +/- 9.14 kg for women; mean height was 164.6 +/- 6.5 cm for men and 153 +/- 5.5 cm in the female subgroup. Body Mass Index was (BMI) 27.8 +/-2.8 kg/m2 in the male group and 28.1 +/- 3.6 kg/m2 among females. Prevalence of obesity (BMI > or = 30) was 22.7% for men and 28.9 % for women. CONCLUSION: Community interventions targeted to the elderly with a focus in physical activity, particularly when they are based in group physical exercise and implemented through existing networks are rewarding for old people and highly accepted. They are perceived as a positive influence in their health. Such interventions provide a forum which facilitates implementation of other community health initiatives addressed to this population group.

Tetrathiafulvalene derivatives as NLO-phores: synthesis, electrochemistry, Raman spectroscopy, theoretical calculations, and NLO properties of novel TTF-derived donor-pi-acceptor dyads.

Novel pi-conjugated donor-acceptor chromophores, based on the strong electron-donating tetrathiafulvalene moiety and different electron-withdrawing acceptors, exhibit large second-order optical nonlinearities. The effect of increasing the length of the polyenic spacer and the influence of the nature of the acceptor moiety on the NLO properties have been studied by using the electric field-induced second-harmonic generation (EFISH) technique as well as by semiempirical and ab initio theoretical calculations. A charge-transfer band has been observed in the absorption spectra of these D-pi-A compounds that undergoes an hypsochromic shift when increasing the number of vinylenic spacer units connecting both donor and acceptor moieties. The degree of the intramolecular charge transfer from the donor to the acceptor has also been analyzed by means of Raman spectroscopy.

Novel C60-based building blocks derived from C60(2-) anion.

[reaction: see text]. Reactions of chemically generated C60(2-) dianion with halo derivatives bearing a second functional group (halo, ester, ketone) give rise to new organo C60 derivatives. Thus, the regioselective formation of 1,2- and 1,4-adducts is observed from long-chain halo derivatives, whereas using 1,3-dihaloalkanes leads to 1,2-fused ring C60 adducts. Such adducts may be used as new synthons in C60 chemistry, thus leading to new C60-based dyads, as exemplified by two examples.

Tetrathiafulvalene crowns: redox-switchable ligands.

A series of redox-responsive ligands that associate the electroactive tetrathiafulvalene core with polyether subunits of various lengths has been synthesized. X-ray structures are provided for each of the free ligands. The requisite structural criteria for reaching switchable ligands are satisfied for the largest macrocycles, that is, planarity of the 1,1',3,3'-tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) pi system and correctly oriented coordinating atoms. The ability of these ligands to recognize various metal cations as a function of the cavity size has been investigated by various techniques (LSIMS, 1H NMR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry). These systems exhibit an unprecedented high coordination ability among TTF crown ethers. Their switchable ligating properties have been confirmed by cyclic voltammetry, and metal-cation complexation has been illustrated by X-ray structures of three of the corresponding metal complexes (Pb2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+). Solid-state structures of these complexes display original packing modes with channel-like arrangements.

School health services and community nutrition: a historical perspective.

The Bilbao School Health Service was created at the beginning of the century with the aim of preventing transmittable diseases among children as well as improving nutrition. At that time such services were established in many other countries. Since then, according to evolving societal changes and emerging needs, the Service has reoriented its scope and structure towards the Health Promotion scheme. Current tasks include health screening examinations and hygiene surveillance as well as preventive and health education programmes.

Factores de riesgo asociados a la tuberculosis respiratoria

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[Clinical features of respiratory tuberculosis and diagnosis delay]. / Estudio de las características clínicas de la tuberculosis respiratoria y su demora diagnóstica.

OBJECTIVE: To make a descriptive analysis of the clinical characteristics of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and find the time of diagnostic delay. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Autonomous Community of Navarre. PATIENTS: 317 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosed between January 1 1993 and June 30 1996. RESULTS: The most commonly observed symptom was coughing (76.8%), followed by expectoration (63.8%) and high temperature (60.3%). The high percentages of high temperature, asthenia, anorexia and weight loss in HIV-infected patients stood out. The mean period of diagnostic delay was 36.9 to 58.5 days, with a median of 15 days. For 76.8% of patients the delay in diagnosis was under a month. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis is essential in tuberculosis control, especially in cases transmitted by bacilli, since these are highly contagious for months.

Estudio de las características clínicas de la tuberculosis respiratoria y su demora diagnóstica / Study of the clinical characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis and delay in its diagnosis

Objetivo. Realizar un análisis descriptivo de las características clínicas de los pacientes con tuberculosis respiratoria y conocer el tiempo de demora en su diagnóstico. Diseño. Estudio retrospectivo. Emplazamiento. Comunidad Autónoma de Navarra. Pacientes. Trescientos diecisiete casos de tuberculosis respiratoria diagnosticados entre el 1 de enero de 1993 y el 30 de junio de 1996. Resultados. El síntoma más frecuentemente observado fue tos (76,8 por ciento), seguido de expectoración (63,8 por ciento) y fiebre (60,3 por ciento). Destaca el elevado porcentaje de fiebre, astenia, anorexia y pérdida de peso en los pacientes infectados por el VIH. El período medio de la demora diagnóstica fue de 36,9 ñ 58,5 días, con una mediana de 15 días; en un 76,8 por ciento de los pacientes la demora diagnóstica fue inferior a un mes. Conclusiones. En el control de la tuberculosis es fundamental un diagnóstico precoz de los casos, especialmente los bacilíferos, ya que pueden mantener un alto poder contagiante durante meses (AU)

Efficient charge separation in C60-based dyads: triazolino

Triazoline[4,5][60]fullerenes are strong electron acceptors that form with tetrathiafulvalene (TTF), a novel type of donor-acceptor dyad exhibiting efficient improved electron-transfer dynamics. In particular, a rapid photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer, forming a charge-separated state, is followed by a slow charge recombination to generate the fullerene triplet excited state in moderate quantum yields.

pi conjugation across the tetrathiafulvalene core: synthesis of extended tetrathiafulvalene derivatives and theoretical analysis of their unusual electrochemical properties

A series of extended tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) derivatives bearing one or two 1,4-dithiafulven-6-yl substitutents has been prepared. The new compounds present remarkable electrochemical singularities compared with other TTF derivatives, which are strongly affected by the nature of the substitution on the lateral heterocycle(s). This unusual electrochemical behaviour follows a square-scheme sequence and is attributed to structural changes upon oxidation of the pi-donating molecules. Digital simulations of the electrochemical data have been used to reach the values of the kinetic and thermodynamic constants involved in the square scheme. Theoretical calculations establish an important contribution of a highly delocalised resonant form involving a tetravalent sulphur in oxidised species, which could justify the occurrence of an electrochemical behaviour distinct from that of TTF. Finally, third-order susceptibilities chi 3 of two of these systems, for which electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents coexist and are conjugated through the TTF pi system, are given.

Indomethacin inhibits lordosis induced by ring A-reduced progestins: possible role of 3alpha-oxoreduction in progestin-facilitated lordosis.

Progestins with a delta-4-3-keto configuration bind to the progestin receptor (PR) and facilitate estrous behavior in estrogen-primed rats. Some ring A-reduced progestins [5alpha-dihydroprogesterone (alphaDHP), allopregnanolone, and epipregnanolone] are more potent estrus-inducing agents than progesterone when iv injected despite their lower affinity for the PR. Yet the estrus-inducing action of such progestins is reduced by the antiprogestin RU486, suggesting that binding to the PR is required for this effect. Because allo- and epi-pregnanolone are oxidized to alpha- and betaDHP, respectively, by 3alpha-hydroxysteroid oxo-reductase (3alphaHSOR), part of their estrus-inducing action may occur through the binding of such DHPs to the PR. Conversely, because 3alphaHSOR reduces alpha- and betaDHP to allo- or epi-pregnanolone, both of which exert membrane effects, the estrus-inducing effect of DHPs may involve actions independent of the PR. To test these possibilities we assessed the effect of indomethacin, a blocker of 3alphaHSOR, on the estrus-inducing action of such progestins. Because indomethacin also inhibits cyclooxygenases, we selected a dose and treatment schedule that does not interfere with prostaglandin-mediated brain processes (e.g., LHRH release). Indomethacin did not significantly modify the effect of progesterone or megestrol acetate on lordosis. Yet, it significantly reduced the action of all ring A-reduced progestins. Results suggest that: (a) oxidation is essential for lordosis facilitation by 3alpha-pregnanolones and (b) reduction of 3-keto progestins generates 3alpha-hydroxy metabolites which synergize with processes triggered by occupation of the PR by 3-keto progestins. The possible participation in this response of other events influenced by indomethacin (e.g., prostaglandin or melatonin synthesis) is discussed.