[Communication with a culturally and linguistically diverse population from Primary Care]. / La comunicación con población cultural y lingüísticamente diversa desde la Atención Primaria.

The care of a culturally and linguistically diverse population is a challenge in primary health care due to language barriers and cultural differences. For this reason, good communication and cultural competence of health personnel is key within medical consultation. Thus, during consultations with this group of people, it is the doctor's duty to identify the patient's culture, their perception of the concept of health, in what way and to what extent they want to be informed, and the role they want to assign to the members of their family before the treatment process begins. For this reason, there are interventions that seek to optimize the care provided to these patients and mitigate the cultural barrier, including the use of multimodal digital tools, the use of translators or interpreters, and training of health personnel in communication and intercultural skills.

Perfil de resistencia a la tetraciclina de Cutibacterium acnes en pacientes con acné vulgar en un centro dermatológico de Colombia / Cutibacterium Acnes Tetracycline Resistance Profile in Patients with Acne Vulgaris, in a Colombian Dermatologic Center

Introducción El acné es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica, en cuya patogenia intervienen diferentes actores, siendo Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) uno de ellos. La resistencia de esta bacteria a los diferentes fármacos antimicrobianos utilizados en su tratamiento ha sido descrita en diferentes regiones del mundo. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la resistencia de C. acnes a las ciclinas en pacientes mayores de 18 años con acné de moderado a severo. Materiales y métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico. Se obtuvieron muestras de las lesiones inflamatorias con un extractor de comedones. Se incubó el contenido de las muestras en ambiente anaeróbico para aislar C. acnes. Por último, se estimó la susceptibilidad de C. acnes a la tetraciclina, minociclina y doxiciclina. Resultados Se obtuvieron muestras de 147 pacientes, observándose crecimiento de C. acnes en 129 de ellos, y encontrándose que el 5,43% de las cepas era resistente a tetraciclina, el 5,43% a doxiciclina, el 0,78% a minociclina, y una resistencia cruzada entre doxiciclina y tetraciclina en todos los casos. Se encontró una asociación entre resistencia y edad igual o superior a 25 años. No se encontró asociación con el uso previo de antibióticos, historia de mal uso de antibióticos orales o tópicos y otras características demográficas y clínicas evaluadas. Conclusiones La resistencia a las ciclinas encontrada en C. acnes fue menor que la reportada en otros estudios. Aunque no se encontró relación con el uso previo de antibióticos, se trata de un factor descrito en estudios previos, por lo que el uso correcto de los mismos es imperativo para evitar la aparición de resistencia (AU)

Introduction Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease, in which different events intervene in its pathogenesis, one of which is Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes). Resistance of this bacteria to different antimicrobials used in treatment has been described in different regions of the world. The purpose of the study is to estimate the resistance of C. acnes to cyclins in patients with moderate and severe acne over 18 years of age. Materials and Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out. Samples were taken from inflammatory lesions with a comedone extractor. The content of the samples was incubated in an anaerobic atmosphere to grow C. acnes. Finally, the susceptibility of C. acnes to tetracycline, minocycline and doxycycline was determined. Result Samples were taken from 147 patients, of which 129 showed growth of C. acnes, finding that 5.43% of the strains were resistant to tetracycline, 5.43% to doxycycline, 0.78% to minocycline and cross resistance between doxycycline and tetracycline in all the cases. An association was found between resistance and being 25 years of age or older. No association was found with the prior use of antibiotics, a history of misuse of oral or topical antibiotics, and other demographic and clinical characteristics evaluated. Conclusions The resistance found of C. acnes to cyclines was lower than that reported in other studies. Although no relationship was found with the previous use of antibiotics, it is a factor described in previous studies, which is why the proper use of antibiotics is imperative to avoid the appearance of resistance (AU)

Bioactive pectic polysaccharides from bay tree pruning waste: Sequential subcritical water extraction and application in active food packaging.

The potential isolation of bio-active polysaccharides from bay tree pruning waste was studied using sequential subcritical water extraction using different time-temperature combinations. The extracted polysaccharides were highly enriched in pectins while preserving their high molecular mass (10-100 kDa), presenting ideal properties for its application as additive in food packaging. Pectin-enriched chitosan films were prepared, improving the optical properties (≥95% UV-light barrier capacity), antioxidant capacity (˃95% radical scavenging activity) and water vapor permeability (≤14 g·Pa-1·s-1·m-1·10-7) in comparison with neat chitosan-based films. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of chitosan was maintained in the hybrid films. Addition of 10% of pectins improved mechanical properties, increasing the Young's modulus 12%, and the stress resistance in 51%. The application of pectin-rich fractions from bay tree pruning waste as an additive in active food packaging applications, with triple action as antioxidant, barrier, and antimicrobial has been demonstrated.

Cutibacterium Acnes Tetracycline Resistance Profile in Patients with Acne Vulgaris, in a Colombian Dermatologic Center. / Perfil de resistencia a la tetraciclina de Cutibacterium acnes en pacientes con acné vulgar en un centro dermatológico de Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease, in which different events intervene in its pathogenesis, one of which is Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes). Resistance of this bacteria to different antimicrobials used in treatment has been described in different regions of the world. The purpose of the study is to estimate the resistance of C. acnes to cyclins in patients with moderate and severe acne over 18 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out. Samples were taken from inflammatory lesions with a comedone extractor. The content of the samples was incubated in an anaerobic atmosphere to grow C. acnes. Finally, the susceptibility of C. acnes to tetracycline, minocycline and doxycycline was determined. RESULTS: Samples were taken from 147 patients, of which 129 showed growth of C. acnes, finding that 5.43% of the strains were resistant to tetracycline, 5.43% to doxycycline, 0.78% to minocycline and cross resistance between doxycycline and tetracycline in all the cases. An association was found between resistance and being 25 years of age or older. No association was found with the prior use of antibiotics, a history of misuse of oral or topical antibiotics, and other demographic and clinical characteristics evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The resistance found of C. acnes to cyclines was lower than that reported in other studies. Although no relationship was found with the previous use of antibiotics, it is a factor described in previous studies, which is why the proper use of antibiotics is imperative to avoid the appearance of resistance.

[Family physician's role in the primary and secondary prevention and in the treatment of depression in the elderly]. / Rol del médico de familia en la prevención primaria y secundaria de la depresión en el adulto mayor.

In recent years, the demographic transition has resulted in an aging population, which has increased the number of illnesses such as depression. Often, the family physician is the first contact with these patients, therefore, comprehensive patient management is essential, emphasizing the primary and secondary prevention of depression in the elderly population. From primary health care, all risk and protective factors related to depression should be comprehensively evaluated. Among the former, widowhood, disability, and chronic diseases stand out. Likewise, the diagnostic criteria must be known to provide timely treatment. And, on the other hand, knowing the appropriate treatment will reduce the symptoms of depression, suicidal behavior, relapse, or recurrence of symptoms. Treatment usually consists of psychotherapy, psychosocial interventions, antidepressants, and electroconvulsive therapy. Therefore, the objective of this review is to offer family physicians a guide on the primary prevention, secondary prevention, and treatment of depression in the elderly.

Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics: useful for athletes and active individuals? A systematic review.

The purpose of this review was to synthesise available knowledge on the main health effects associated with the use of probiotics, prebiotics and/or synbiotics in athletes and active individuals, including their effects on the immune system, oxidative stress, the gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms, as well as other possible clinical outcomes. A systematic and comprehensive search in electronic databases, including Web of Science (WOS, Scielo), PubMed-MEDLINE, Biblioteca virtual de la Salud (LILACS, IBECS), EBSCO (Academic Search Complete CINAHL; SPORTDiscus) and Cochrane Library, focused on generic articles about probiotics, prebiotics and/or synbiotics and their functionality and effects on human health. The search process was completed using the keywords: 'probiotics', 'prebiotics', 'synbiotics', 'athletes' and 'health'. The only exclusion criterion was experimental studies with animals. A total of 31 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The vast majority were experimental studies about probiotics and health effects (n=28), while only a few demonstrated the results of consuming prebiotics and/or synbiotics (n=3) in athletes and active individuals. Although most of the studies reported positive health effects in athletes and active individuals, there is still no substantial scientific evidence to suggest that probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics play an important role in improving an athlete´s performance. These studies are currently limited in number and quality, hence it is necessary to improve the selection of functional biomarkers and methodological approaches, as well as determining the specific nutritional supplement and exercise doses.

[Hepatitis C: New diagnosis and seroconversions in a Madrid sexually transmitted diseases clinic]. / Hepatitis C: nuevos diagnósticos y seroconversiones en una clínica de infecciones de transmisión sexual en Madrid.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of new hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, based on their sexual orientation, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, geographical regions and coinfection with other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). METHODS: This study was carried out at the Sandoval Health Center, reference clinic of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in Madrid. All HCV seronegative individuals who were reanalyzed for this virus were included, between January 2010 and December 2016. RESULTS: A total of 59 new diagnoses of HCV were diagnosed. The proportion of men who have sex with men (MSM) diagnosed with HCV was 37% in 2010 and 75% in 2016 and was even higher in the group of coinfected with HIV/HCV (94%). A total of 67 seroconverters for HCV were detected (1.2%) of which 100% were MSM. The proportion of HCV seroconverters with HIV was 89%. CONCLUSIONS: HCV infection continues to be a current health problem, especially in HIV-positive MSM.

Cuestiones bioéticas relacionadas con el acceso a medicamentos en el ejercicio de la oftalmología en Colombia / Bioethical issues on the access to drugs in the practice of ophthalmology in Colombia

Resumen La oftalmología se constituye como una especialidad de alto costo en lo que respecta a tratamiento médico, quirúrgico y de innovación tecnológica. Es preocupante que en algunos países los pacientes se vean afectados en su salud visual, y por ende en su calidad de vida, por no contar con los recursos necesarios para un acceso oportuno a medicamentos, citas médicas o procedimientos quirúrgicos. A partir de la búsqueda de artículos relacionados con cuestiones bioéticas y el acceso a medicamentos en el ejercicio de la oftalmología en cuatro bases de datos electrónicas (ScienceDirect, MEDLINE/PubMed, ClinicalKey y SciELO ), así como en libros de bioética y leyes de la jurisdicción colombiana, realizamos una reflexión sobre el problema del acceso a los medicamentos oftalmológicos, centrándonos en el interés por la aplicación de la bioética en la práctica clínica y en el acceso a medicamentos de los pacientes con patologías oftalmológicas. Las consideraciones éticas se abordan desde una mirada del modelo principialista de Beauchamp y Childress, en especial considerando el principio de justicia, de modo que brinde a los profesionales de la salud en este campo, argumentos para la toma de decisiones médicas y éticas que beneficien la atención y el acceso a medicamentos de los pacientes con patologías oftalmológicas.

Abstract Ophthalmology is a high-cost specialty in terms of medical, surgical and technological innovation and treatment. It is worrisome that in some countries patients are affected in their visual health, and therefore in their quality of life because they do not have the necessary resources for timely access to medications, medical appointments or surgical procedures. We searched in four electronic databases (ScienceDirect, MEDLINE/PubMed, ClinicalKey and SciELO), as well as in books on bioethics and Colombian laws, for articles related to bioethical issues and access to medicines in the exercise of ophthalmology. We reflect on the problem of access to ophthalmological drugs, with particular interest on how to apply the principles of bioethics on the clinical practice of patients with ophthalmological conditions. Ethical considerations are approached from the principles of Beauchamp and Childress, especially regarding the principle of justice, in order to provide health professionals in this field with arguments for medical and ethical decisions that benefit the healthcare and access to medicines for patients with ophthalmological conditions.

Subacute intoxication with sodium nitrate induces hematological and biochemical alterations and liver injury in male Wistar rats.

Nitrate pollution has emerged as a problem of great importance because in recent years, the levels of nitrate in soil and groundwater have increased, mainly through anthropogenic activities, such as the use of fertilizers in agriculture, domestic wastewater and septic tanks, industrial waste and deforestation. In animals, nitrate reduction to nitrite (NO2) and nitric oxide (NO) promote the formation of methemoglobin in the blood and the generation of highly reactive intermediates that induce oxidative stress in target organs. Exposition to nitrates has been associated with methemoglobinemia, reproductive toxicity, metabolic and endocrine alterations and cancer. This study analyzed acute intoxication with sodium nitrate (NaNO3) in male Wistar rats, aged 12-16 weeks. Four groups with n = 10 rats each were formed: group 1 was the control, and group 2, group 3 and group 4 were treated for 10 days with intragastric doses of 19, 66 and 150 mg/kg/d NaNO3, respectively. Hematological, metabolic and histological biomarkers in the liver were analyzed. The results showed high percentages of methemoglobin, an increase in NO2 in the plasma and an accumulation in the liver. Moreover, there were high counts of white blood cells and platelets in all treated groups. Additionally, there was an increase in the spleen weight in group 4. High levels of glucose, triglycerides, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were observed and were significantly increased in groups 3 and 4. For oxidative stress biomarkers, there were increases in Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS), total GSH and SOD activity, mainly in group 4. Changes in mitochondrial activity were not significant. Histopathological analyses of the liver showed inflammation, infiltration of mononuclear cells, steatosis, ischemia and necrosis, and these findings were more evident at high doses of NaNO3 in which high of S-nitrosylation were found. In conclusion, NaNO3 was reduced to NO2, thereby inducing methemoglobinemia, whereas other reactive species generated oxidative stress, causing hematological and metabolic alterations and injury to the liver.

Concentraciones plasmáticas del factor de crecimiento vascular endotelial total en preeclampsia y eclampsia / Plasma concentrations of total vascular endotelial growth factor in preeclampsia and eclampsia

Objetivo: Comparar las concentraciones plasmáticas de factor de crecimiento vascular endotelial total en eclámpsicas, preeclámpsicas y embarazadas normotensas. Materiales y método: Se incluyó a 30 pacientes con preeclampsia leve (grupo A), 30 pacientes con preeclampsia grave (grupo B) y 30 pacientes con eclampsia (grupo C). El grupo control fue seleccionado por tener edad e índice de masa corporal similar a los grupos en estudio y consistió en 30 embarazadas sanas (grupo D). Solo se incluyó a pacientes nulíparas. Las muestras de plasma se recolectaron antes del parto y, en los grupos en estudio, inmediatamente después del diagnóstico para la determinación de factor de crecimiento vascular endotelial total. Resultados: Los valores más altos de factor de crecimiento vascular endotelial total se observaron en el grupo de pacientes eclámpsicas (141,4 ± 37,9 ng/ml) junto con las preeclámpsicas graves (141,5 ± 48,4 ng/ml). Se encontraron valores más bajos en las preeclámpsicas leves (62,8 ± 22,8 ng/ml). Los grupos en estudio presentaron valores de factor de crecimiento vascular endotelial significativamente superiores a los controles (22,1 ± 3,99 ng/ml; p < 0,05). El análisis de regresión lineal mostró que los factores que se relacionaban significativamente con la concentración plasmática de factor de crecimiento vascular endotelial total fueron la proteinuria en 24 h, ácido úrico, transaminasas y creatinina (p < 0,05). Conclusión: Las pacientes eclámpsicas y preeclámpsicas presentan concentraciones plasmáticas de factor de crecimiento vascular endotelial total más altas que las embarazadas normotensas sin estas complicaciones

Objective: To compare plasma concentrations of total vascular endothelial growth factor in eclamptic, preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women. Materials and method: We included 30 patients with mild preeclampsia (group A), 30 patients with severe preeclampsia (group B) and 30 patients with eclampsia (group C). A control group with a similar age and body mass index to the study groups was selected, consisting of 30 healthy pregnant women (group D). Only nulliparous patients were selected. Plasma samples were collected in all patients before delivery and in the study groups immediately after diagnosis for plasma total vascular endothelial growth factor determination. Results: Values of total vascular endothelial growth factor were higher in severe preeclamptic patients (141.5 ± 48.4 ng/ml) and in patients with eclampsia patients (141.4 ± 37.9 ng/ml). Values were lower in mild preeclamptic patients (62.8 ± 22.8 ng/ml). Values of total vascular endothelial growth factor were higher in the study groups than in controls (22.1 ± 3.99 ng/ml; P < .05). Linear regression analysis showed that the factors significantly related to plasma total vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations were 24-hour proteinuria, uric acid, transaminases and creatinine (P < .05). Conclusion: The results of this study show that eclamptic and preeclamptic patients had higher plasma total vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations than normotensive pregnant women without these complications

Polymorphisms FTO rs9939609, PPARG rs1801282 and ADIPOQ rs4632532 and rs182052 but not lifestyle are associated with obesity related-traits in Mexican children.

Concerning the genetic factors of obesity, no consistent association between populations has been reported, which may be due to the frequency of polymorphisms, the lifestyle of studied populations and its interaction with other factors. We studied a possible association of polymorphisms FTO rs9939609, PPARG rs1801282, and ADIPOQ rs4632532 and rs182052 with obesity phenotypes in 215 Mexican children. Glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL and LDL were measured. In addition, weight, height, waist circumference and triceps skin thickness were recorded. High-energy diets and sedentary behavior were evaluated with a validated questionnaire. In contrast with other reports, only FTO rs9939609 was associated with obesity related-traits, including BMI (p = 0.03), waist circumference (p = 0.02), triceps skinfold (p = 0.03) and waist/height ratio (p = 0.01), and also with cholesterol levels (p = 0.02) and LDL (p = 0.009). Lower levels of triglycerides (p=0.04) were related with presence of PPARG rs1801282, while ADIPOQ rs4632532 showed an effect on HDL (p = 0.03) levels. On the other hand, diet, physical activity and screen time were not related with obesity. In summary, only FTO rs9939609 was associated with obesity related-traits, while PPARG2 rs1801282 and ADIPOQ rs4632532 were involved in lipid metabolism.

Infiltrados pulmonares alveolares difusos: un reto diagnóstico para el clínico / No disponible

La presencia de infiltrados pulmonares bilaterales es un hallazgo radiológico frecuente en la práctica clínica habitual. En un varón de edad media no siempre es indicativo de infección y hay que considerar otras entidades diagnósticas (procesos no infecciosos). La sospecha de metástasis pulmonares debe incluirse dentro de estas entidades, aunque se trate de un diagnóstico clínico poco frecuente. La clínica es variable y depende del tumor primario, la edad del paciente, la situación cardiorrespiratoria del mismo y del mecanismo de diseminación tumoral. La linfangitis carcinomatosa es un patrón poco frecuente de metástasis pulmonares y el diagnóstico diferencial se realiza con procesos infecciosos (como neumonías atípicas) e inflamatorios (neumonía intersticial, neumonitis por hipersensibilidad o eosinofilias pulmonares). El paciente que se presenta debutó con clínica respiratoria e infiltrados pulmonares bilaterales y fue diagnosticado de linfangitis carcinomatosa, cuyo origen era un adenocarcinoma gástrico

The presence of bilateral pulmonary infiltrates is a frequent radiological finding in routine clinical practice. In a middle-aged man is not always indicative of infection and you need to consider other diagnostic entities (non-infectious processes). Suspected pulmonary metastases should be included in these entities, although it is a rare clinical diagnosis. The clinical course is variable and depends on the primary tumor, the patient’s age, cardiopulmonary status thereof and the mechanism of tumor dissemination . Carcinomatous lymphangitis is a rare radiographic pattern of pulmonary metastases and the differential diagnosis includes infectious processes (such as atypical pneumonia) and inflammatory diseases (interstitial pneumonia, hypersensitivity pneumonitis or pulmonary eosinophilia). We report the case of a man with respiratory symptoms and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates who was diagnosed of carcinomatous lymphangitis, whose origin was a gastric adenocarcinoma

Puesta a punto de un método analítico mediante cromatografía de gases para la determinación del perfil lipídico en carnes / Refinement of an analytic method for determination of lipid profile in meat by gas chromatography

Antecedentes: La caracterizacion y cuantificacion de perfiles lipidicos, por medio de cromatografia degases, permite establecer las caracteristicas nutricionales y propiedades funcionales de los acidos grasospresentes en los alimentos. Sin embargo, en la determinacion de perfiles lipidicos existen varias condicionesque afectan su cuantificacion; ademas, en los metodos analiticos utilizados para la determinacionde perfiles lipidicos en matrices carnicas no se dispone de un consenso sobre las etapas de extraccion yderivatizacion. Objetivos: Evaluar las mejores condiciones para la cuantificacion de esteres metilicos,variando la cantidad de muestra carnica y el volumen de metoxido de sodio o trifluoruro de boro, empleadosen la etapa de derivatizacion de un metodo analitico utilizado para la determinacion de un perfillipidico en carnes bovinas. Metodos: Las condiciones evaluadas fueron: el tipo y la cantidad de reactivosde derivatizacion (metoxido de sodio 250 ƒÊL y 500 ƒÊL; trifluoruro de boro 700 ƒÊL), cantidad inicial demuestras carnica (3,0 y 6,0 g) y extraccion de grasa segun metodo Folch et al., 1957 (9). La derivatizacionde trigliceridos y metilacion de acidos grasos tuvo una reaccion de 45 minutos para metoxido de sodio y15 minutos para trifluoruro de boro. Finalmente, la cuantificacion de los esteres metilicos de los acidosgrasos se hizo con un cromatografo de gases Agilent 7890a (Agilent, USA), empleando un detector FID.Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias estadisticamente significativas (p > 0,05) al comparar lascombinaciones entre cantidades de muestras, tipo y volumen de reactivos de derivatizacion empleados.Se encontraron valores de esteres metilicos de acidos grasos (%P/P) saturados de 58,694% } 2, monoinsaturadosde 33,999% } 2,4 y poliinsaturados de 7,304% } 2,8...

Healthy volunteer registries and ethical research principles.

The dual enrolling of phase I volunteers is a potential risk to subjects. It can also distort study results, threaten study validity, and possibly cause harm to future patients. Existing subject registries differ in structure, funding, and governance. Although the choice of the ideal system is driven by the scope of the risk and the funding mechanism, and is ultimately a value judgment of freedom versus paternalism, none of the registries significantly impinges on the tenets of ethically based research.

Mesenchymal niches of bone marrow in cancer

Over the last decade, genetic and cell biology studies have indicated that tumour growth is not only determined by malignant cancer cells themselves, but also by the tumour microenvironment. Cells present in the tumour microenvironment include fibroblasts, vascular, smooth muscle, adipocytes, immune cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). The nature of the relationship between MSC and tumour cells appears dual and whether MSC are pro- or anti-tumorigenic is a subject of controversial reports. This review is focused on the role of MSC and bone marrow (BM) niches in cancer (AU)

Aptasensor based on the selective electrodeposition of protein-linked gold nanoparticles on screen-printed electrodes.

The electrodeposition of DNA-gold nanoparticles previously developed in our group has been used as starting point for the electrodeposition of proteins attached to gold nanoparticles. We have performed a proof of principle by developing a methodology based on the electrodeposition of proteins bound to gold nanoparticles on screen-printed gold microelectrodes using, in a first approach, horseradish peroxide-conjugated gold nanoparticles (gold-HRP). The electrodeposition was achieved at a current positive potential of 800 mV vs. Ag/AgCl and the functionality of the electrodeposited HRP-particles was tested by electrochemical reduction of H(2)O(2). Furthermore, we used this proof of concept in an aptasensor application to detect Leishmania infantum KMP-11. Hence, we have demonstrated not only the functionality of the electrodeposition of proteins bound to gold nanoparticles, but also the utility of the method with the aim of developing a real biosensor containing multiple enzymes or proteins in a multimodular device.

Selective immobilization of oligonucleotide-modified gold nanoparticles by electrodeposition on screen-printed electrodes.

Here, we describe a proof of concept procedure for the selective immobilization of oligonucleotides functionalized gold nanoparticle probes (affinity modules) on arrayed screen-printed gold electrodes. Current microarrays are using many different ways to address their DNA probes onto the transducer area. For that reason, we have mixed the electrodeposition of metals, which is a very well known process, in addition with the DNA-gold nanoparticles formation, which is an area of great interest in biosensing applications in the field of genomics, clinical and warfare applications. Combining these fields, we have developed a novel method for the immobilization of gold nanoparticles conjugated with oligonucleotides (affinity modules) onto screenprinting gold electrodes through electrodeposition at a current positive potential of 800mV vs. Ag/AgCl. The modules were selectively immobilized onto the electrode surface being, afterwards, ready for a successful hybridization. The gold colloids take the advantage of being a carrier that allows the immobilization of any kind of bioreceptor in the same conditions and the capability of quality control analysis before the electrodeposition procedure. With this system, we avoided non-specific interactions between the transduction layer and the bioreceptor and in the case of DNA oligonucleotides allowed us the immobilization of multiple sequences in a multimodular device for a further industrial process of cheaper biochip fabrication.

Phagocytic function in cyclists: correlation with catecholamines and cortisol.

Flow cytometer measurements were made of the basal variations in peripheral blood functional monocytes and granulocytes over the course of a training season (January to November) of a cycling team. Parallel determinations were made of plasma concentration of catecholamines (chromatography) and cortisol (RIA) in a search for neuroendocrine markers. The results showed the greatest phagocytic capacity to occur in the central months (March, May, and July), coinciding with the greatest number and highest level of competitive events with good correlation with a peak in epinephrine during these months (r(2) = 0.998 for monocytes and r(2) = 0.674 for granulocytes). No good correlations were found between phagocytosis and norepinephrine or cortisol. The highest values for phagocytosis and epinephrine concentration were found in May. These results suggest that blood epinephrine concentration could be a good neuroendocrine marker of sportspeople's phagocytic response.

Effect of previous experience of a hurricane on preparedness for future hurricanes.

The purpose of this study was to examine the hypothesis that having experienced a major hurricane will promote better preparedness for future ones. A survey was conducted in November 1999 at Miami children's Hospital. No statistical differences were found between the population that was present in Dade County during hurricane Andrew and the one that was not; in regard of the possession of a generator at home, the obtaining of material to secure their home, the presence of hurricane shutters, the willingness to evacuate their home in case of advise. Only 37% of the families that experienced hurricane Andrew would go to a shelter versus 49% for the families that did not ( P<.05). It was concluded that we can safely reject the hypothesis that having experienced a major hurricane will promote better preparedness for future ones. Those who experienced hurricane Andrew were less willing to go to a shelter compared with the group that did not.

CNS toxicity after topical application of EMLA cream on a toddler with molluscum contagiosum.

EMLA (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) cream is used topically to provide local anesthesia for a variety of painful superficial procedures. Although the side effects of EMLA are usually mild and transient local skin reactions, potential life threatening complications can be encountered. We report a case of central nervous toxicity after EMLA application for curettage of molluscum contagiosum lesions in a pediatric patient. This complication was the result of a therapeutic misadventure that led to an excessive application of EMLA cream over an extensive area causing an overdose of lidocaine and prilocaine with their subsequent systemic toxicities.