Effect of monocultures and polycultures of Typha latifolia and Heliconia psittacorum on the treatment of river waters contaminated with landfill leachate/domestic wastewater in partially saturated vertical constructed wetlands.

Partially Saturated Vertical Constructed Wetlands (PSV-CWs) are novel wastewater treatment systems that work through aerobic and anaerobic conditions that favor the removal of pollutants found in high concentrations, such as rivers contaminated with domestic wastewater and landfill leachate. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of PSV-CWs using monocultures and polycultures of Typha latifolia and Heliconia psittacorum to treat river waters contaminated with leachates from open dumps and domestic wastewater. Six experimental units of PSV-CWs were used; two were planted with Typha latifolia monoculture, two with Heliconia psittacorum monoculture and two with polycultures of both plants. The results indicated better organic matter and nitrogen removal efficiencies (p < 0.05) in systems with polycultures (TSS:95%, BOD5:83%, COD:89%, TN:82% and NH4+:99%). In general, the whole system showed high average removal efficiencies (TSS:93%, BOD5:79%, COD:85%, TN:79%, NH4+:98% and TP:85%). Regarding vegetation, both species developed better in units with monocultures, being Typha latifolia the one that reached a more remarkable development. However, both species showed high resistance to the contaminated environment. These results showed higher removals than those reported in the literature with conventional Free Flow Vertical Constructed Wetlands (FFV-CWs), so PSV-CWs could be a suitable option to treat this type of effluent.

The research addresses the contamination of water resources in developing countries by landfill leachate and domestic wastewater discharges. It proposes treatment through Partially Saturated Vertical Constructed Wetlands (PSV-CWs), which, despite the limited information available, have been shown to be effective in removing pollutants in effluents with high concentrations. In addition to evaluating PSV-CWs, the study examines the impact of different types of vegetation on pollutant removal efficiency, concluding that PSV-CWs are a promising and viable option for the treatment of these effluents.

References values and predictive factors for thyroid volume in pregnant women.

Objective: Thyroid volume varies within each population according to different clinical and biochemical factors and can change during pregnancy. The present investigation was aimed to determine the reference values for thyroid volume in pregnant women and their predictive factors. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 360 healthy pregnant women. The following variables were examined: maternal age, gestational age, skin color, current smoking status, parity, use of iodinated supplements, body mass index, thyrotropin, total and free thyroid hormones, thyroglobulin, antithyroid antibodies, chorionic gonadotropin, cholesterol and triglycerides. Results: The mean thyroid volume was 5.3 ± 1.3 mL, 5.4 ± 1.6 mL and 5.6 ± 2.5 mL in the first trimester, second trimester and third trimester, respectively. The reference interval was 2.47-9.49 mL in the first trimester, 3.17-9.01 mL in the second trimester, and 3.00-12.38 mL in the third trimester. Free triiodothyronine and triglycerides were predictors of thyroid volume (corrected R2 = 0.12; p = 0.000). Conclusion: This study is the first to determine the reference values for thyroid volume and its predictive factors in pregnant women from Cuba, a Caribbean island with sustainable elimination of iodine deficiency disorders.

[Results of abdominal wall closure using the 4:1 suture/wound lenght technique]. / Resultados del cierre de pared abdominal utilizando técnica longitud sutura/herida 4:1.

Background: Laparotomy is a daily procedure for the general surgeon and its main complication is the formation of hernias. Objective: To determine if the suture length to wound length ratio 4:1 for wall closure decreases the incidence of hernia. Material and methods: Data from patients (n = 86) in whom abdominal wall closure was performed from August 2017 to January 2018 were prospectively reviewed. Patients who could not undergo adequate follow-up, those managed with open abdomen, or those with use of non-absorbable suture materials were excluded. 2 groups were formed: in one, the suture length to wound length ratio 4:1 technique was used as wall closure, and in the other it was used conventional suture; the length of the wound-suture length was measured, and the follow-up was post-surgical. For statistical analysis it was used descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (chi-squared and Mann-Withney's U). Results: The 2 groups had similar characteristics in all the inclusion criteria. There was a statistically significant difference in dehiscence and hernias. For both complications, the 4:1 suture is a protective factor. For the first it was obtained: p = 0.000, relative risk (RR) 0.114 with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.030-0.437, and for the second, p = 0.000, RR .091, 95% CI 0.027-0.437. Conclusions: Abdominal wall closure using 4:1 suture/wound length was shown to decrease the incidence of hernia.

Introducción: la laparotomía es un procedimiento cotidiano del cirujano general y una su principales complicaciones es la formación de hernias. Objetivo: determinar si la relación 4:1 longitud de sutura-largo de herida para cierre de pared disminuye la incidencia de hernia. Material y métodos: datos de pacientes (n = 86) en quienes se realizó cierre de pared abdominal de agosto de 2017 a enero de 2018 fueron revisados prospectivamente. Fueron excluidos los pacientes a quienes no se les pudo realizar el seguimiento adecuado, los manejados con abdomen abierto, o en los que se utilizaron de materiales de sutura no absorbibles. Se formaron 2 grupos: en uno se utilizó la técnica 4:1 longitud de sutura-largo de herida como cierre de pared, y en el otro la sutura convencional; se midió la longitud de herida-largo de sutura y el seguimiento fue en el postquirúrgico. Para el análisis estadístico, se usó estadística descriptiva y estadística inferencial (chi cuadrada y U de Mann-Withney). Resultados: los 2 grupos tuvieron características semejantes en todos los criterios de inclusión. Hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa en dehiscencia y hernias; para ambas complicaciones, la sutura 4:1 es un factor protector. Para la primera se obtuvo una p = 0.000, razón de riesgo (RR) 0.114 con intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC 95%) 0.030-0.437 y en la segunda una p = 0.000, RR 0.091, IC 95% 0.027-0.437. Conclusiones: el cierre de pared abdominal con longitud sutura/herida 4:1 demostró que disminuye la incidencia de hernia.

Valores de referencia para la tirotropina y hormonas tiroideas en embarazadas cubanas / Reference values for thyrotropin and thyroid hormones in pregnant women in Cuba

Introducción: Los parámetros de función tiroidea en las embarazadas se modifican durante el embarazo y son específicos para cada población. Objetivo: Establecer los valores de referencia para la tirotropina y las hormonas tiroideas en una población de embarazadas cubanas. Métodos: Estudio transversal, en el municipio Plaza de la Revolución de La Habana, Cuba, a 362 gestantes sin antecedentes personales o familiares de enfermedad tiroidea, con anticuerpos anti-tiroideos negativos y ausencia de lesiones en el ultrasonido tiroideo. Se analizaron edad materna, edad gestacional, raza, hábito de fumar, paridad, uso de suplementos yodados, índice de masa corporal, tirotropina, tiroxina total y libre, triyodotironina total y libre. Se establecieron los intervalos de referencia para cada parámetro mediante los percentiles 2,5 y 97,5 como límites inferior y superior, respectivamente. Resultados: Los valores de referencia en el primer, segundo y tercer trimestres fueron para la tirotropina 0,1-3,3 mUI/L, 0,6-3,4 mUI/L y 0,3-3,9 mUI/L; para la TT4 90,1-204,1 nmol/L, 92,2-189,2 nmol/L y 79,8-170,4 nmol/L; para la FT4 7,3-16,7 pmol/L, 6,3-17,3 pmol y 5,6-12,7 pmol/L; para la TT3 1,8-3,9 nmol/L, 1,8-3,9 nmol/L y 1,7-4,0 nmol/L y para la FT3 1,0-7,4 pmol/L, 0,7-6,3 pmol/L y 0,7-5,4 pmol/L, respectivamente. Conclusiones: Se determinaron por primera vez los valores de referencia para la tirotropina y las hormonas tiroideas en una población de embarazadas cubanas; estos difieren de los establecidos por los kits diagnósticos y de los recomendados por las guías internacionales previas (AU)

Introduction: Thyroid function parameters in pregnant women are modified during pregnancy and are specific for each population. Objective: To establish reference values for thyrotropin and thyroid hormones in a population of Cuban pregnant women. Methods: Cross-sectional study, in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality, of 362 pregnant women without personal or family history of thyroid disease, with negative anti-thyroid antibodies and absence of lesions in the thyroid ultrasound. Maternal age, gestational age, race, smoking, number of pregnancies, use of iodine supplements, body mass index, thyrotropin, total (TT4) and free (FT4) thyroxine, total (TT3) and free (FT3) triiodothyronine were analyzed. Reference intervals were established for each parameter using the 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles as lower and upper limits, respectively. Results: The reference values in the first, second and third trimesters were for thyrotropin 0.1-3.3 mIUI/L, 0.6-3.4 mIU/L and 0.3-3.9 mIU/L; for TT4 90.1-204.1 nmol/L, 92.2-189.2 nmol/L and 79.8-170.4 nmol/L; for FT4 7.3-16.7 pmol/L, 6.3-17.3 pmol and 5.6-12.7 pmol/L; for TT3 1.8-3.9 nmol/L, 1.8-3.9 nmol/L and 1.7-4.0 nmol/L and for FT3 1.0-7.4 pmol/L, 0.7-6.3 pmol/L and 0.7-5.4 pmol/L, respectively. Conclusions: Reference values for thyrotropin and thyroid hormones were determined for the first time in a population of Cuban pregnant women. These values differ from those established by the manufacturer of the diagnostic kits and from those recommended by previous international guidelines (AU)

References values and predictive factors for thyroid volume in pregnant women

ABSTRACT Objective: Thyroid volume varies within each population according to different clinical and biochemical factors and can change during pregnancy. The present investigation was aimed to determine the reference values for thyroid volume in pregnant women and their predictive factors. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 360 healthy pregnant women. The following variables were examined: maternal age, gestational age, skin color, current smoking status, parity, use of iodinated supplements, body mass index, thyrotropin, total and free thyroid hormones, thyroglobulin, antithyroid antibodies, chorionic gonadotropin, cholesterol and triglycerides. Results: The mean thyroid volume was 5.3 ± 1.3 mL, 5.4 ± 1.6 mL and 5.6 ± 2.5 mL in the first trimester, second trimester and third trimester, respectively. The reference interval was 2.47-9.49 mL in the first trimester, 3.17-9.01 mL in the second trimester, and 3.00-12.38 mL in the third trimester. Free triiodothyronine and triglycerides were predictors of thyroid volume (corrected R2 = 0.12; p = 0.000). Conclusion: This study is the first to determine the reference values for thyroid volume and its predictive factors in pregnant women from Cuba, a Caribbean island with sustainable elimination of iodine deficiency disorders.

Carbon Pool in Mexican Wetland Soils: Importance of the Environmental Service.

Mexican wetlands are not included in Earth system models around the world, despite being an important carbon store in the wetland soils in the tropics. In this review, five different types of wetlands were observed (marshes, swamps, flooded grasslands, flooded palms and mangroves) in which their carbon pool/carbon sequestrations in Mexican zones were studied. In addition, it was shown that swamps (forested freshwater wetlands) sequestered more carbon in the soil (86.17 ± 35.9 Kg C m−2) than other types of wetlands (p = 0.011); however, these ecosystems are not taken into consideration by the Mexican laws on protection compared with mangroves (34.1 ± 5.2 Kg C m−2). The carbon pool detected for mangrove was statistically similar (p > 0.05) to data of carbon observed in marshes (34.1 ± 5.2 Kg C m−2) and flooded grassland (28.57 ± 1.04 Kg C m−2) ecosystems. The value of carbon in flooded palms (8.0 ± 4.2 Kg C m−2) was lower compared to the other wetland types, but no significant differences were found compared with flooded grasslands (p = 0.99). Thus, the carbon deposits detected in the different wetland types should be taken into account by policy makers and agents of change when making laws for environmental protection, as systematic data on carbon dynamics in tropical wetlands is needed in order to allow their incorporation into global carbon budgets.

A Review of the Presence of SARS-CoV-2 in Wastewater: Transmission Risks in Mexico.

The appearance of SARS-CoV-2 represented a new health threat to humanity and affected millions of people; the transmission of this virus occurs through different routes, and one of them recently under debate in the international community is its possible incorporation and spread by sewage. Therefore, the present work's research objectives are to review the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater throughout the world and to analyze the coverage of wastewater treatment in Mexico to determine if there is a correlation between the positive cases of COVID-19 and the percentages of treated wastewater in Mexico as well as to investigate the evidence of possible transmission by aerosol sand untreated wastewater. Methodologically, a quick search of scientific literature was performed to identify evidence the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (ribonucleic acid) in wastewater in four international databases. The statistical information of the positive cases of COVID-19 was obtained from data from the Health Secretary of the Mexican Government and the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The information from the wastewater treatment plants in Mexico was obtained from official information of the National Water Commission of Mexico. The results showed sufficient evidence that SARS-CoV-2 remains alive in municipal wastewater in Mexico. Our analysis indicates that there is a low but significant correlation between the percentage of treated water and positive cases of coronavirus r = -0.385, with IC (95%) = (-0.647, -0.042) and p = 0.030; this result should be taken with caution because wastewater is not a transmission mechanism, but this finding is useful to highlight the need to increase the percentage of treated wastewater and to do it efficiently. In conclusions, the virus is present in untreated wastewater, and the early detection of SAR-CoV-2 could serve as a bioindicator method of the presence of the virus. This could be of great help to establish surveillance measures by zones to take preventive actions, which to date have not been considered by the Mexican health authorities. Unfortunately, wastewater treatment systems in Mexico are very fragile, and coverage is limited to urban areas and non-existent in rural areas. Furthermore, although the probability of contagion is relatively low, it can be a risk for wastewater treatment plant workers and people who are close to them.

An Exploratory Study of Itolizumab on the Preservation of Beta Cell Function in Adults with Recent-Onset Type 1 Diabetes.

We conducted a phase I-IIa, randomized, monocentric, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the safety and impact of the combination treatment of Itolizumab and insulin on preserving beta cell function in adults with recent-onset type 1 diabetes. Twelve patients were randomly assigned to three treatment groups, each receiving a different Itolizumab dose (0.4/0.8/1.6 mg/kg body weight, respectively) and a placebo group. All patients received concomitant intensive multiple-dose insulin therapy. Endogenous insulin secretion was assessed by the measurement of C-peptide during the mixed-meal tolerance test. No serious adverse events were reported. No changes in the total daily insulin doses, glycated hemoglobin levels, and stimulated C-peptide were observed between the Itolizumab and placebo groups at 52 weeks. A significant decrease in stimulated C-peptide was observed during the follow-up period (p = 0.012). One subject treated with 1.6 mg of Itolizumab showed a marked increase in the levels of stimulated C-peptide three years after completion of the trial. Taken together, this is the first study to demonstrate that combination treatment with Itolizumab and insulin is safe in humans and does not affect the residual function of beta cells up to 52 weeks. The findings from our study show preliminary evidence that high doses of Itolizumab could potentially arrest the loss of beta cell function in the long term. Further studies with a longer follow-up and larger numbers of patients are envisaged to assess the effect with high dose Itolizumab.

Recurring hydatide cyst in abdominal cavity. A case report.

Hydatid cyst (hydatidosis or echinococcosis) is an endemic zoonosis caused by ingestion of Echinococcus eggs. This disease is localized to the liver, but can be found elsewhere. It may be asymptomatic or present with compression discomfort or anaphylactic shock due to cyst rupture. The disease can recur. The diagnosis is made by the symptoms and imaging findings. Serological tests are sometimes done. The diagnosis is confirmed with direct observation of the parasite. Treatment is a combination of anthelmintic with minimally invasive or surgical drainage. This report is from a patient with recurrent hydatid cysts in the abdomen.

El quiste hidatídico (hidatidosis o equinococosis) es una zoonosis endémica causada por la ingesta de huevos de Echinococcus. Esta enfermedad se localiza en el hígado, pero también puede encontrarse en otros sitios. Puede ser asintomática o presentarse con molestias por compresión o choque anafiláctico por rotura del quiste. Puede tener recurrencias. El diagnóstico se realiza por los síntomas y los hallazgos en imagenología. En ocasiones se realizan pruebas serológicas. El diagnóstico se confirma con la observación directa del parásito. El tratamiento es una combinación de antihelmíntico con drenaje mínimamente invasivo o quirúrgico. Se reporta el caso de una paciente con quistes hidatídicos recurrentes en el abdomen.

Enfermedad nodular tiroidea en personas con diagnóstico de acromegalia / Nodular thyroid disease in people diagnosed with acromegaly

La aparición de nódulos tiroideos en las personas con acromegalia es una consecuencia de la elevación crónica de la hormona de crecimiento y el factor de crecimiento similar a la insulina tipo 1. Su naturaleza varía según la zona geográfica, suficiencia de yodo y antecedentes patológicos familiares, entre otros factores. No se han publicado estudios cubanos sobre la enfermedad nodular tiroidea en estas personas. Objetivos: Describir las características clínicas, bioquímicas y ultrasonográficas de la glándula tiroidea, según la presencia o no de la enfermedad nodular tiroidea. Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo, transversal, que incluyó 73 pacientes con acromegalia entre enero de 2003 y diciembre de 2017. Se estudiaron las variables: edad, sexo, color de la piel, antecedentes familiares de la enfermedad nodular tiroidea, niveles de la hormona de crecimiento, hormona estimulante del tiroides, T4 libre, anticuerpos contra la peroxidasa tiroidea y contra la tiroglobulina, volumen tiroideo, patrón ecográfico nodular y estudio citológico. Resultados: La enfermedad nodular tiroidea se presentó en el 75,3 por ciento de los casos, con predominio del bocio multinodular. La edad al diagnóstico fue menor en los pacientes con la enfermedad (43,53 ± 9,67), que en los que no la tenían (49,33 ± 6,96 años) (p = 0,02). La hormona de crecimiento al diagnóstico de acromegalia, resultó menor en los pacientes con este padecimiento (18,73 ± 11,33 µg/L vs. 35,91 ± 21,68 µg/L; (p = 0,00). El volumen tiroideo mostró diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos (14,2 ± 4,5 mL en los casos positivos de la enfermedad nodular tiroidea y 10,5 ± 2,8 mL en los casos negativos; p = 0,002), siendo el nódulo de baja sospecha de malignidad el más frecuente. El resto de las variables resultaron similares entre los pacientes con y sin la enfermedad. La citología se informó como benigna en el 75 por ciento en los nódulos únicos, el 80 por ciento de los bocios nodulares y el 90 por ciento de los bocios multinodulares (p = 0,51). Conclusiones: La enfermedad nodular tiroidea fue frecuente en los casos de acromegalia, y se asoció a la menor edad y los niveles inferiores de la hormona de crecimiento al diagnóstico. El bocio multinodular constituyó la forma clínica más frecuente y los parámetros hormonales y de autoinmunidad no se asociaron al tipo de la enfermedad nodular tiroidea(AU)

The appearance of thyroid nodules in people with acromegaly is a consequence of chronic elevation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF-1). Its nature varies according to the geographical area, the iodine sufficiency and family pathological history, among other factors. No Cuban studies on thyroid nodular disease (TND) in these people have been published. Objectives: Describe some clinical characteristics, as well as biochemical and ultrasonographic ones related to the thyroid gland, according to the presence or not of TND, and to identify the possible association of clinical, biochemical, ultrasonographic and cytological factors with the different types of TND in patients with acromegaly. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional observational study that included 73 patients with acromegaly between January 2003 and December 2017. The following variables were studied: age, sex, skin color, family history of TND, GH levels, thyroid stimulating hormone, free T4, antibodies against thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin, thyroid volume, nodular ultrasound pattern and cytological study. Results: TND occurred in 75.3 percent of cases, with a predominance of multinodular goiter. The age at diagnosis time was lower in patients with TND (43.53 ± 9.67) than in those who did not have it (49.33 ± 6.96 years) (p=0.02). GH at diagnosis time of acromegaly was lower in patients with TND (18.73±11.33µg/L vs 35.91±21.68µg/L; (p=0.00). The thyroid volume showed significant differences between both groups (14.2±4.5mL in positive cases of TND and 10.5±2.8mL in negative cases; p=0.002), being the most frequent the nodule with low suspicion of malignancy. The rest of the variables were similar between patients with and without TNDs. Cytology was reported as benign in 75 percent in single nodules, 80 percent of nodular goiters and 90 percent of multinodular goiters (p=0.51). Conclusions: TND was frequent in cases of acromegaly, and was associated with lower age and lower GH levels at diagnosis time. Multinodular goiter was the most frequent clinical form and hormonal and autoimmunity parameters were not associated with the type of TND(AU)

Factores clínicos y bioquímicos asociados con la tirotropina en embarazadas aparentemente sanas / Clinical and biochemical factors associated with thyrotropin in seemingly healthy pregnant women

Introducción: Los valores de tirotropina (TSH) pueden modificarse marcadamente durante el embarazo, en relación con diversos factores clínicos y bioquímicos. Objetivo: Identificar los factores clínicos y bioquímicos asociados con la tirotropina en embarazadas aparentemente sanas. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, con 247 gestantes aparentemente sanas del municipio Plaza de la Revolución., en el periodo comprendido de septiembre de 2015 a enero de 2019. Variables analizadas: edad materna y gestacional, trimestre del embarazo, color de la piel, paridad, hábito de fumar, antecedentes familiares de enfermedad tiroidea (APF), consumo de suplementos con yodo, índice de masa corporal (IMC), presencia de bocio al examen físico, TSH, tiroxina total (T4t) y libre (T4l), triyodotironina total (T3t) y libre (T3l), gonadotropina coriónica (hCG), anticuerpos contra la peroxidasa tiroidea (AcTPO) y la tiroglobulina (AcTg) y yoduria. Resultados: La TSH (1,66 ± 0,91mUI/L) tuvo una asociación negativa con la edad materna (r = -0,17; p = 0,008), la paridad (nulíparas 1,80 ± 0,90 mUI/L, multíparas 1,45 ± 0,89 mUI/L; p = 0,003), los APF (positivos 1,56 ± 0,91 mUI/L, negativos 1,81 ± 0,89 mUI/L; p = 0,03), la T4t (r = -0,15; p = 0,02), la T4l (r = -0,23; p = 0,000) y la hCG (r = -0,52; p = 0,001). Mostraron una relación directa la edad gestacional (r = 0,25; p = 0,000) y el uso de suplementos yodados (consumo 1,96 ± 0,72mUI/L, no consumo 1,62 ± 0,93 mUI/L; p = 0,03). Conclusiones: La tirotropina presenta una relación inversa con la edad materna, la paridad, los antecedentes familiares de enfermedad tiroidea, la T4 total y libre, y la gonadotropina coriónica, y una relación directa con la edad gestacional y el consumo de suplementos con yodo(AU)

Introduction: Thyrotropin (TSH) values can be sharply modified during pregnancy, in relation to various clinical and biochemical factors. Objective: Identify clinical and biochemical factors associated with thyrotropin in seemingly healthy pregnant women. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study with 247 seemingly healthy pregnant women from Plaza de la Revolution municipality in the period from September 2015 to January 2019. Variables analyzed: maternal and gestational age, trimester of pregnancy, skin color, pregnancies, smoking habit, family history of thyroid disease (APF), consumption of iodine supplements, body mass index (BMI), presence of goiter to physical examination, TSH, total and free (T4l) thyroxine (T4t), total (T3t) and free (T3l) triiodothyronine, chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (AcTPO) and thyroglobulin (AcTg) and urinary iodine. Results: TSH (1.66 ± 0.91mUI/L) had a negative association with maternal age (r = -0.17; p x 0.008), pregnancy (nulliparas 1.80 ± 0.90 mUI/L, 1.45 ± 0.89 mUI/L; p x 0.003), APF (positive 1.56 ± 0.91 mUI/L, negative 1.81 ± 0.89 mUI/L; p x 0.03), the T4t (r = -0.15; p s 0.02), the T4l (r = -0.23; p x 0.000) and the hCG (r = -0.52; p x 0.001). They showed a direct relationship with gestational age (r x 0.25; p x 0.000) and the use of iodine supplements (consumption 1.96 ± 0.72mUI/L, not consumption 1.62 ± 0.93 mUI/L; p x 0.03). Conclusions: Thyrotropin has an inverse relationship with maternal age, pregnancies, family history of thyroid disease, total and free T4, and chorionic gonadotropin, and a direct relationship with gestational age and consumption of iodine supplements(AU)

Carbon Fluxes and Stocks by Mexican Tropical Forested Wetland Soils: A Critical Review of Its Role for Climate Change Mitigation.

Wetland soils are important stores of soil carbon (C) in the biosphere, and play an important role in global carbon cycles in the response strategy to climate change. However, there areknowledge gaps in our understanding of the quantity and distribution in tropical regions. Specifically, Mexican wetlands have not been considered in global carbon budgets or carbon balances for a number of reasons, such as: (1) the lack of data, (2) Spanish publications have not been selected, or (3) because such balances are mainly made in the English language. This study analyzes the literature regarding carbon stocks, sequestration and fluxes in Mexican forested wetlands (Forest-W). Soil carbon stocks of 8, 24.5 and 40.1 kg cm-2 were detected for flooded palms, mangroves, and freshwater or swamps (FW) wetland soils, respectively, indicating that FW soils are the Forest-W with more potential for carbon sinks (p = 0.023), compared to mangroves and flooded palm soils. While these assessments of carbon sequestration were ranged from 36 to 920 g-C m-2 year-1, C emitted as methane was also tabulated (0.6-196 g-C m-2 year-1). Subtracting the C emitted of the C sequestered, 318.2 g-C m-2 year-1 were obtained. Such data revealed that Forest-W function is mainly as carbon sink, and not C source. This review can help to inform practitioners in future decisions regarding sustainable projects, restoration, conservation or creation of wetlands. Finally, it is concluded that Forest-W could be key ecosystems in strategies addressing the mitigation of climate change through carbon storage. However, new studies in this research line and public policies that protect these essential carbon sinks are necessary in order to, hopefully, elaborate global models to make more accurate predictions about future climate.

Cleaner and sustainable processes for extracting phenolic compounds from bio-waste.

The frequent environment-unfriendly treatments of agro-industrial bio-wastes cause severe pollution through air pollution and through residual effluents and hazardous solid waste. These bio-wastes can contain phenolic compounds, forms of phenolic acids and flavonoids in plants. They are however the most abundant class of many phytochemicals and have been given great interest due to their health advantage and high economic value. An interesting upgrading of these bio-wastes may consist in obtaining a concentrated extract of phenolic compounds using no-toxic solvents, hence protecting the environment and human health. In this work, different alternatives of the extraction process were evaluated using an exergetic analysis. The energy and water consumptions, CO2 emissions, exergetic yield, wasted and destroyed exergy were calculated. It was found that several alternatives for recycle streams were convenient (streams with higher chemical exergy were not discharged into the environment). The energy and water consumption for the best alternative (ethanol-water ratio 1/1 including recycle stream, named E-W 1/1 Rec) were 567 MJ/h and 105 kg/h, respectively and the CO2 emission was 105 kg/h. The calculated exergy destruction indicated that the evaporation and distillation stages may be optimized towards a more sustainable operation. It is not advisable to dry the bio-waste if it will be immediately processed once generated.

Utilidad de la prueba de tolerancia de comida mixta con Nutrial I para la evaluación de la función de las células beta en diabetes tipo 1 / Usefulness of the tolerance test of mixed food with Nutrial I for the assessment of beta cells function in diabetes type 1

RESUMEN Introducción: La prueba de tolerancia de comida mixta es considerada la prueba de oro para la medición de la producción de insulina endógena en pacientes con diabetes tipo 1. Objetivo: Determinar la utilidad de la prueba de tolerancia de comida mixta con Nutrial I para evaluar la función de las células ß en diabéticos tipo 1 de diagnóstico reciente y la relación de esa función con algunas características clínicas y bioquímicas. Métodos: Se estudiaron variables bioquímicas como la glucemia, hemoglobina glucosilada (HbA1c), péptido C y fracciones lipídicas. La prueba de tolerancia de comida mixta con Nutrial I se aplicó a 18 sujetos con diabetes tipo 1 de diagnóstico reciente y a 8 voluntarios con edades comprendidas entre 19 y 35 años. El consumo del suplemento Nutrial I se calculó según el peso del paciente. Se obtuvieron muestras para glucemia y péptido C a los -10, 0, 30, 60, 90 y 120 minutos. Resultados: Se observaron concentraciones elevadas de glucemia y disminuidas de péptido C durante la prueba de tolerancia de comida mixta en los diabéticos tipo 1 de diagnóstico reciente, en comparación con los voluntarios, así como, diferencias en las áreas bajo la curva de péptido C (AUC-pc) (p= 0,001). En los diabéticos tipo 1 de diagnóstico reciente se evidenció una correlación negativa entre el AUC-pc con los niveles de glucemia en ayunas (r= -0,747; p ( 0,0001) y la HbA1c (r= -0,535; p= 0,022). Por el contrario, se encontró una correlación positiva entre el AUC-pc y el péptido C en ayunas (r= 0,722; p= 0,001). El AUC-pc después de la prueba de tolerancia de comida mixta es mayor en los sujetos con glucemia en ayunas si GA < 7 mmol/L con respecto a los sujetos con glucemia en ayunas ( 7 mmol/L (p= 0,012). Conclusiones: El empleo del Nutrial I en la prueba de tolerancia de comida mixta fue útil en la evaluación de la función de las células β en diabéticos tipo 1 de diagnóstico reciente. Los valores bajos de glucemia en ayunas durante esta prueba son marcadores indirectos de una función residual de células ( más conservada en los diabéticos tipo 1 de diagnóstico reciente(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: The tolerance test of mixed food is considered the gold standard for the measurement of endogenous insulin production in patients with diabetes type 1. Objective: To determine the usefulness of the tolerance test of mixed food with Nutrial I to assess the ß-cells function in patients with diabetes type 1 of recent diagnosis and the relation of this function with some clinical and biochemical characteristics. Methods: There were studied biochemical variables as the blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), C-peptide and lipid fractions. The tolerance test of mixed food with Nutrial I was applied to 18 individuals with diabetes type 1 of recent diagnosis and in 8 volunteers aged between 19 and 35 years old. The consumption of Nutrial I supplement was calculated according to the weight of the patient. Samples were obtained for blood glucose and C-peptide at -10, 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes. Results: There were observed high concentrations of glycemia and decreased amounts of C-peptide during the tolerance test of mixed food in recently diagnosed type 1 diabetics in comparison with the volunteers, as well as differences in areas under the curve of C-peptide (AUC-pc) (p= 0.001). In the recently diagnosed type 1 diabetics was evident a negative correlation between the AUC-pc with fasting plasma glucose levels (r= -0,747; p(0.0001) and HbA1c (r= -0,535; p= 0.022). On the contrary, it was found a positive correlation between the AUC-pc and fasting C-peptide (r = 0.722; p = 0.001). The AUC-pc after the tolerance test of mixed food was greater in subjects with fasting blood glucose < 7 mmol/L with respect to the subjects with fasting blood glucose ( 7 mmol/L (p= 0.012). Conclusions: The use of Nutrial I in the tolerance test of mixed food was useful in the assessment of the role of the β-cells in patients with recently diagnosed diabetes type 1. Low values of fasting blood glucose during this test are indirect markers of a residual function of (cells more preserved in type 1 diabetics of recent diagnosis(AU)

Primary antiphospholipid syndrome, Addison disease, and adrenal incidentaloma.

Primary adrenal failure comprises an insufficient production of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids in the adrenal cortex. A rare manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is adrenal failure. The majority of patients with adrenal involvement in APS develop an irreversible cortisol deficiency and atrophy of the adrenal glands. Adrenal incidentalomas are adrenal masses larger than 1 cm that are discovered in the course of diagnostic evaluation or treatment for another medical condition. Its prevalence is calculated in 1.5-9% of individuals. We describe an exceptional case of a 23-year-old male patient with APS with persistent high levels of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) from the time of diagnosis, who developed Addison's disease as a manifestation of APS with atrophy of the adrenal glands, in whom an adrenal incidentaloma was developed later and was corroborated as an aldosterone-producing adenoma. Currently, the patient is asymptomatic and without manifestations of tumor recurrence. The protumoral effect of elevated and persistent aPL is discussed.

New formulation of the Gompertz equation to describe the kinetics of untreated tumors.

BACKGROUND: Different equations have been used to describe and understand the growth kinetics of undisturbed malignant solid tumors. The aim of this paper is to propose a new formulation of the Gompertz equation in terms of different parameters of a malignant tumor: the intrinsic growth rate, the deceleration factor, the apoptosis rate, the number of cells corresponding to the tumor latency time, and the fractal dimensions of the tumor and its contour. METHODS: Furthermore, different formulations of the Gompertz equation are used to fit experimental data of the Ehrlich and fibrosarcoma Sa-37 tumors that grow in male BALB/c/Cenp mice. The parameters of each equation are obtained from these fittings. RESULTS: The new formulation of the Gompertz equation reveals that the initial number of cancerous cells in the conventional Gompertz equation is not a constant but a variable that depends nonlinearly on time and the tumor deceleration factor. In turn, this deceleration factor depends on the apoptosis rate of tumor cells and the fractal dimensions of the tumor and its irregular contour. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that this new formulation has two parameters that are directly estimated from the experiment, describes well the growth kinetics of unperturbed Ehrlich and fibrosarcoma Sa-37 tumors, and confirms the fractal origin of the Gompertz formulation and the fractal property of tumors.

Calidad de vida en pacientes operados de hipercortisolismo endógeno / Quality of life in patients operated for endogenous hypercortisolism

RESUMEN Introducción: El hipercortisolismo endógeno provoca cambios en diferentes áreas de la vida en el sentido percibido de bienestar, lo que afecta la calidad de vida; esta debe tenerse en cuenta en la atención integral al paciente. Objetivos: Describir la calidad de vida percibida en los pacientes con hipercortisolismo endógeno e identificar si existe relación entre calidad de vida y algunas características clínicas y hormonales. Métodos: Estudio transversal, 60 pacientes: grupo I (con hipercortisolismo endógeno operados con menos de cinco años) y grupo II (personas con sospecha clínica de hipercortisolismo endógeno), edad entre 20 y 60 años. Se aplicaron cuestionarios de calidad de vida relacionados con el hipercortisolismo endógeno: CushingQoL y Tuebingen CD-25 y planilla de recolección de datos generales, clínicos y hormonales. Se determinó mediana (variables cuantitativas) y frecuencia en las cualitativas. La asociación del puntaje de los cuestionarios y variables cuantitativas, mediante el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman. Se compararon los valores promedio del puntaje entre categorías de las variables cualitativas (clínicas y hormonales categorizadas), mediante la prueba U-Mann Whitney; se consideró diferencia estadística significativa con p ≤ 0,05. Resultados: La mediana del puntaje de los dominios psicoemocional, sexualidad, área social, área corporal, y la suma de todos los dominios fueron mayores en el grupo I. La sexualidad (4,5), el área corporal (6,0) y la suma de todos los dominios (36,5) del I vs. 1,0, 4,0 y 28,0 respectivamente (grupo II), del Tuebingen CD-25 mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas, demostrando peor calidad de vida en el grupo I. Con el CushingQoL la mediana del puntaje del grupo I fue menor que la del II (54,1 vs. 74,0), con diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p = 0,00), lo que evidencia peor calidad de vida para el grupo I. Conclusiones: El hipercortisolismo endógeno incide negativamente en la calidad de vida percibida en el grupo de pacientes operados, especialmente en las áreas social, corporal, cognitiva, sexual, y de la conducta alimentaria(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Endogenous hypercortisolism causes changes in different areas of life and the perceived sense of well-being, which affects the quality of life. This should be taken into account in the patient comprehensive care. Objectives: To describe the quality of life perceived in patients with endogenous hypercortisolism and to identify if there is a relationship between quality of life and some clinical and hormonal characteristics. Methods: Cross-sectional study, 60 patients: group I (with endogenous hypercortisolism operated less than five years) and group II (people with clinical suspicion of endogenous hypercortisolism), age between 20 and 60 years. Quality of life questionnaires related to endogenous hypercortisolism were applied: CushingQoL and Tuebingen CD-25 and general, clinical and hormonal data collection form. Median (quantitative variables) and frequency in the qualitative ones were determined. The association of the score of questionnaires and quantitative variables were obtained by means of the Spearman correlation coefficient. The average score values were compared between categories of qualitative variables (clinical and hormonal categorized), using the U-Mann Whitney test; significant statistical difference was considered with p ≤ 0.05. Results: The median score of the psycho-emotional domains, sexuality, social area, body area, and the sum of all domains were higher in group I. Sexuality (4.5), body area (6.0) and the sum of all domains (36.5) of group I vs. 1.0, 4.0 and 28.0 respectively (group II), of the Tuebingen CD-25 showed statistically significant differences, which is worse quality of life in group I. Using the CushingQoL, the median score of group I showed to be lower than in group II (54.1 vs. 74.0) there are statistically significant differences (p = 0.00), which shows worse quality of life in group I. Conclusions: Endogenous hypercortisolism negatively affects the quality of life perceived in the group of operated patients, especially in the social, bodily, cognitive, sexual areas, and eating behaviour(AU)

Nutrición de yodo y salud materno-infantil / Iodine nutrition and maternal and child health

RESUMEN Introducción: El yodo es un componente de las hormonas tiroideas que participan en el metabolismo celular, el crecimiento y el neurodesarrollo. Objetivo: Revisar los aspectos más relevantes de la nutrición de yodo y su relación con la salud materno-infantil. Métodos: Se obtuvieron y referenciaron 51 artículos originales y de revisión en las bases de datos Pubmed, LILACS y SciELO, acordes con el objetivo planteado. Resultados: El mantenimiento de una ingesta adecuada de yodo permite el funcionamiento normal del tiroides. Si esto no ocurre, la glándula mostrará cambios compensatorios en su actividad. En el embarazo se produce un importante incremento de los requerimientos de yodo para cubrir las necesidades materno-fetales. Además de los relativos al embarazo, existen factores que modifican el metabolismo del yodo, como la edad materna y gestacional, la paridad, la etnia y el hábito de fumar. Tanto la deficiencia como el exceso de yodo pueden provocar afectaciones a la salud materno-infantil. Conclusiones: Durante el embarazo resulta imprescindible una nutrición óptima de yodo para garantizar el mantenimiento de la salud de la gestante y el desarrollo adecuado del producto de la gestación(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Iodine is a component of thyroid hormones participating in cell metabolism, growth and neurodevelopment. Objective: To review the most relevant aspects of iodine nutrition and its relation to maternal and child health. Methods: 51 original and review articles were recovered and referenced in Pubmed, LILACS and SciELO databases, in accordance with the stated objective. Results: Maintaining adequate iodine intake allows normal thyroid functioning. If this fails to happen, the gland will show compensatory changes in its activity. In pregnancy there is a significant increase in iodine requirements to meet maternal and fetal needs. In addition to those related to pregnancy, there are factors that modify iodine metabolism, such as maternal and gestational age, parity, ethnicity and smoking habits. Both, iodine deficiency and iodine excess can cause effects on maternal and child health. Conclusions: During pregnancy, optimal iodine nutrition is essential to ensure the health maintenance of the pregnant woman and the adequate development of the pregnancy product(AU)