A comparison of the marginal adaptation of composite overlays fabricated with silicone and an intraoral scanner.

BACKGROUND: Intraoral scanners have been developing during last years. The aim of this study was to know if digital impressions achieve a marginal adaptation in overlays as well as conventional impressions with silicone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-two extracted molars were selected. The samples were prepared for MOD overlays. The teeth were divided into two groups (n=31). Group 1: impressions were made with silicone (Express™ Impression, 3M ESPE) and overlays were manufactured with Sinfony composite (3M ESPE) by the laboratory technician. Group 2: impressions were taken with the scanner True Definition (TD, 3M ESPE) and under Lava Ultimate CAD/CAM Restorative composite (3M ESPE) were produced the restorations. Under 32x magnification images of vestibular, lingual, mesial and distal were capture in all the samples. Then the fit of the restorations was evaluated before and after cementation. Data were analysed statistically applying ANOVA and Bonferroni test. RESULTS: The marginal gap was better in TD group before (169,76 ± 54,15 µm) and after (145,16 ± 57,89 µm) cementation than in the silicone group (190,89 ± 58,18 µm) (187,47 ± 81,29 µm). The lowest marginal gap was in oclusal surface and the higher value was in the proximal margin for all the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Digital impressions regarding marginal adaptation achieve better results than conventional impressions. Key words:Composite onlays, overlays, restorative, CAD/CAM, intraoral scanner, silicone impressions, marginal adaptation.

Evaluation of the bactericidal activity of secondary metabolites isolated from Heliotropium genus against Piscirickettsia salmonis / Evaluación de la actividad bactericida de metabolitos secundarios aislados desde especies del género Heliotropiumcontra Piscirickettsia salmonis

The intracellular bacteria Piscirickettsia salmonis is the most prevalent pathogen in the Chilean salmon industry, responsible for 50 percent of losses in recent years. So far, there are no effective treatments to control infections by this pathogen due to the emergence of antibiotics resistance. Therefore, it is extremely important to conduct research to find successful antibacterial therapies. In this paper, we evaluated the in vitro bactericidal activity of flavonoids and aromatic geranyl derivatives isolated from the resinous exudate of species Heliotropium filifolium, H. sinuatum y H. huascoense. The results showed that the compounds Filifolinone, Naringenine and 3-O- methylgalangine cause different percentage of mortality of bacteria and therefore they are good candidates to continue its evaluation in vitro and in vivo.

La bacteria intracelular Piscirickettsia salmonis es el patógeno de mayor incidencia en la industria salmonera chilena siendo responsable de un 50 por ciento de las pérdidas en los últimos años. Hasta ahora no hay tratamientos efectivos para este patógeno que permitan controlar las infecciones provocadas por él debido a la aparición de resistencia a antibióticos. Por lo tanto, resulta de gran importancia investigar para encontrar terapias antibacterianas efectivas. En este trabajo nosotros evaluamos la actividad bactericida in vitro de flavonoides y derivados aromáticos geranilados aislados desde el exudado resinoso de las especies vegetales Heliotropium filifolium, H. sinuatum y H. huascoense. Los resultados mostraron que los compuestos Filifolinona, Naringenina y 3-O-metilgalangina provocan diferentes porcentajes de mortalidad de la bacteria y, por lo tanto, son candidatos para seguir siendo evaluados tanto in vitro como in vivo.

Derivatives of 3H-spiro1-benzofuran-2, 1’-cyclohexanes: immunostimulants for veterinary use / Derivados de 3H-espiro1-benzofurano-2, 1’-ciclohexanos: inmunoestimulantes de uso veterinario

Four 3H-spiro1-benzofuran-2, 1’-cyclohexanes were synthesized from filifolinol, two of which are reported for the first time. Docking molecular studies were carried out to determine in silico whether these derivatives have similar immunostimulant activity to that reported for filifolinol, and its oxidation product, filifolinone. Through of the study of interactions of these compounds with the heterodimer of the protein present in teleost TLR1-TLR2, filifolinol, 3’-filifolinchloride and filifolinyl acetate shows similar interactions between them, allowing to predict that they would have similar immunostimulant activity, but different to filifolinone and filifolinane or that they would act by a different mechanisms.

Cuatro 3H-spiro1-benzofuran-2, 1'-ciclohexanos se sintetizaron a partir de filifolinol, dos de los cuales son reportados por primera vez. Se llevaron a cabo estudios de docking molecular para determinar in silico si estos derivados tienen actividad inmunoestimulante similar a la reportada para filifolinol y su producto de oxidación, filifolinona. A través del estudio de las interacciones de estos compuestos con el heterodímero de la proteína presente en teleósteos TLR1-TLR2 se estableció que el filifolinol, 3'-cloruro de filifolinilo y acetato de filifolinilo tienen interacciones similares con el heterodímero, lo que permite predecir que entre ellos tendrían una actividad simi- lar, pero diferente a la de la filifolinona y filifolinano o que estos últimos actuarían por diferentes mecanismos.

Immunomodulatory effects of the aromatic geranyl derivative filifolinone tested by the induction of cytokine expression.

Fish farming crops are constantly exposed to infectious diseases due to intensive production conditions under which microorganisms develop and spread easily, resulting in severe economic losses. The massive use of antibiotics to control these diseases has lead to the accumulation of residues and the development of drug resistance. Consequently, it is urgent to develop new pharmacological tools to stimulate protective immune responses in salmonids to combat infectious diseases. We evaluated the immunostimulant activity of terpenoid derivatives isolated from species of the Heliotropium genus, which had previously shown antiviral activity in salmon. The immunomodulatory effects of the 3 H-spiro [1-benzofuran-2,1'-ciclohexane] derivative called filifolinone, were studied in vitro using the SHK-1 cell line derived from leucocytes of salmon head kidney and in vivo in Atlantic salmon. For the evaluation, we studied the effect of this compound in the expression of various cytokines. The results showed that Filifolinone increases the levels of expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. This suggests that Filifolinone is a potential alternative immunomodulator for veterinary purposes.

Characterization of Diaporthe australafricana and Diaporthe spp. Associated with Stem Canker of Blueberry in Chile.

Stem canker and dieback are important factors that limit the longevity and reduce the yield of blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) in Chile. In this study, species of Diaporthe associated with blueberry were isolated and identified. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of ribosomal DNA of 30 isolates and the translation elongation factor 1-α (EF1-α) of 14 isolates were sequenced, analyzed, and compared with their morphological and pathological characteristics. The molecular analysis of ITS sequences by alignment with those of ex-type strains deposited in GenBank and morphological characteristics allowed the identification of Diaporthe ambigua, D. australafricana, D. neotheicola, D. passiflorae, and Diaporthe sp. 1. However, morphology alone was insufficient to identify these species. The combined analysis of ITS and EF1-α gene sequences grouped the Chilean blueberry isolates in the same five groups obtained in the ITS analysis. Pathogenicity tests conducted with attached and detached blueberry shoots (<1 year old) and stems (1 to 2 years old) confirmed that isolates of these Diaporthe spp. were pathogenic. The symptoms were reproducible and consisted of necrotic reddish-brown cankers on blueberry shoots and stems. These isolates were capable of infecting blueberry fruit, causing a soft decay, suggesting that they were tissue nonspecific and were also pathogenic on shoots of apple, grapevine, and pear. D. australafricana was the most frequently isolated species and D. ambigua, D. australafricana, and D. passiflorae were highly virulent in shoots, stems, and fruit of blueberry. This study showed that at least four species of Diaporthe are primary pathogens, capable of causing stem canker symptoms on blueberry, and this is the first report of D. ambigua, D. neotheicola, and D. passiflorae attacking this host.

Synthesis and classical pathway Complement inhibitory activity of C7-functionalized filifolinol derivatives, inspired in K-76 COOH.

A series of carboxylic acids carrying various functionalization on C-7 of their common 3H-spiro[benzofuran-2,1'-cyclohexane] skeleton were synthesized from filifolinol, as analogs of the natural Complement inhibitor K-76 COOH. In order to probe the relevance of the C-7 functionalization on their bioactivity, the ability of the analogs to inhibit Complement activation through the classical pathway was determined. The observed results suggest that functionalization of C-7 can modulate the inhibitory activity of the tested compounds. The 7-trifluoromethyl derivative was the compound with the lowest IC(50) value among the tested analogs (IC(50) = 100 µM), being more potent than K-76 COOH (IC(50) = 570 µM).

In vitro immunostimulant activity of the aromatic geranyl derivative Filifolinone / Actividad inmunoestimulante in vitro del derivado aromático geranilado Filifolinona

The in vitro effect of the 3 H-spiro [1-benzofuran-2,1’-ciclohexane] derivative (Filifolinone), was evaluated on mouse dendritic cells through the level of expression of MHC molecules class II by flow cytometry. The results show that Filifolinone increases the expression of MHC promoting maturation of dendritic cells. The results suggest that Filifolinone is a potential immunomodulator for veterinary use.

La actividad in vitro del derivado 3H-espiro [1-benzofurano-2,1’-ciclohexano] (Filifolinona), fue evaluado en células dendríticas de ratón a través del nivel de expresión de moléculas MHC clase II utilizando citometría de flujo. Los resultados muestran que Filifolinona incrementa la expresión de MHC promoviendo la maduración de las células dendríticas. Estos resultados permiten sugerir que Filifolinona es un potencial inmunomodulador de uso veterinario.

In vitro antiproliferative activity of 3 H-spiro [1-benzofuran-2,1'-cyclohexane] derivatives / Actividad antiproliferativa in vitro de derivados de 3 H-spiro [1-benzofuran-2, 1'-cyclohexano]

The in vitro effect of the resinous exudate of Heliotropium filifolium, of the 3 H-spiro[1-benzofuran-2,1 '-cyclohexane] derivative called filifolinol 1, isolated from the resin and the semi-synthetic compounds filifolinone 2 and filifolinoic acid 3, obtained from filifolinol 1, were evaluated on the proliferation of an immortalized cell line, UCHT1, derived from rat thyroid. We evaluated the effect of these compounds on UCHT1 cell growth parameters by calculating doubling time; and toxicity using the LIVE/DEAD™ in vitro test. The results showed that the resin is not active, while filifolinone 2, filifolinoic acid 3 and filifolinol 1 produced a significant inhibition of cell doubling time, in concentrations equal or greater than 50, 25 and 75 uM, respectively. The LIVE/DEAD test showed no significant toxicity at these concentrations, compared to cultures kept in absence of compounds. These results suggest a possible cytostatic effect of these compounds, and could therefore constitute potential alternatives for antineoplasic therapy.

Se evaluó el efecto in vitro de la resina aislada desde Heliotropium filifolium y del derivado 3 H-spiro[1-benzofuran-2,1'-cyclohexano] llamado filifolinol 1, obtenido desde este exudado resinoso y los compuestos semi-sintéticos filifolinona 2 y ácido filifolinoico 3, obtenidos a partir de filifolinol 1, sobre la proliferación de la línea celular inmortal, UCHT1, derivada de tumor de tiroide de rata. Evaluamos el efecto de estos compuestos en el desarrollo celular de UCHT1 a través de los parámetros tiempo de doblaje y citotoxicidad usando el test LIVE/DEAD™ in vitro. Los resultados mostraron que la resina no presentó actividad y que filifolinona, ácido filifolinoico y filifolinol producen una inhibición significativa del tiempo de doblaje celular, en concentraciones iguales o superiores a 50, 25 y 75 uM, respectivamente. El test LIVE/DEAD no mostró toxicidad significativa en comparación con los cultivos mantenidos en ausencia de compuestos. Estos resultados sugieren un posible efecto citostático de estos compuestos y por lo tanto, constituirían alternativas potenciales para terapia antineoplásica.

Qualitative study on WIC Program strategies to promote breastfeeding practices in Puerto Rico: what do nutritionist/dietician's think?

The purpose of this study is to better understand Nutritionist-Dietician opinions concerning WIC Program strategies to promote breastfeeding in Puerto Rico. Four groups of nutritionists-dietitians were recruited to take part in focus group discussions. Each focus group lasted for approximately 1 h and the researchers completed a debriefing sheet after each meeting. The group discussions were taped and transcribed. The participants identified hospital barriers, lack of family support and problems related to the mother as the three principal reasons that Puerto Rican mothers do not breastfeed their babies or stop breastfeeding early. An individual meeting was the most frequently mentioned WIC strategy that was meant to convince mothers to breastfeed their infants. Nevertheless, the focus group participants recognized that the effort and time available for such meetings is limited. From these groups, one theme that emerged is that the WIC Program in Puerto Rico should collaborate with hospitals to arrange for WIC-sponsored nutritionist-dietitians to visit the WIC participants during their maternity hospital stay, and in their homes.

The impact of managed care on psychiatric hospitalizations and length of stay in Puerto Rico.

The objective of this paper is to estimate the impact of managed care on psychiatric hospitalizations and length of stay of medically indigent residents in Puerto Rico. A quasi-experimental design and three waves of data from a random community sample were used. Results indicate that, after 2 years, managed care had minimal impact on the number of psychiatric hospitalizations; while the mean length of hospitalization decreased after implementation of managed care, this change was not significant. Based on the data in this study, the managed care initiative developed as part of health reform in Puerto Rico did not appear to affect rates of psychiatric hospitalization and produced only a nonsignificant reduction in the average length of psychiatric hospital stays. Additional research is needed to determine trends in mental health care provision in Puerto Rico based on more recent data.

Inhibitory effect of aromatic geranyl derivatives isolated from Heliotropium filifolium on infectious pancreatic necrosis virus replication.

Infectious pancreatic necrosis is a disease caused by a birnavirus affecting several wild and commercial aquatic organisms. This infectious disease results in significant losses in the farming industry and therefore effective therapeutic agents are needed to control outbreaks caused by this pathogen. Our goal was to evaluate in vitro antiviral effect of a group of natural compounds (geranyl aromatic derivatives) isolated from the resinous exudate of the plant Heliotropium filifolium (Heliotropiaceae), semi-synthetics compounds obtained from them, and the resinous exudate, on CHSE-214 cell line infected with infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) using a virus plaque inhibition assay at various concentrations. The compound ester filifolinyl senecionate was the best antiviral with EC(50) 160 microg/mL and a cytotoxic concentration required to reduce cell viability by 50% up to 400 microg/mL. In order to obtain information about the mechanism of the antiviral action, was evaluated the influence of ester filifolinyl senecionate on the viral RNA synthesis. This compound produced inhibition of the synthesis of viral genomic RNA, suggesting that the ester could be interacting with the viral RNA during the viral cycle. Additionally, a preliminary study of the interaction between ester and a sample of single-stranded RNA was studied at the level of theory Restricted Hartree Fock PM3 method. The results showed that the ester formed hydrogen bonds mainly with nitrogenous bases but not with ribose and phosphate. These results allow propose that the ester filifolinyl senecionate is a good candidate for used as antiviral therapy for IPN virus in salmon fry.

Exploratory study: barriers for initiation and/or discontinuation of breastfeeding in mothers of children with Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to identify the barriers associated with breastfeeding in mothers of Puerto Rican children with Down. METHOD: A non-probabilistic sample (n = 26) of mothers was used in the study. The sample was obtained in an institution in Puerto Rico specializing in care of infants with Down Syndrome [IDS]. A self-administered questionnaire was used consisting of six sections. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The majority of interviewed mothers (80.8%) had 70.0% or higher correct answers regarding the benefits of breastfeeding. 84.6% of the mothers who decided not to breastfeed or who discontinued breastfeeding reported as the main reason that the baby presented sucking problems and 50.0% of the participants were not allowed to have their baby with them during their stay in the hospital. 84.3% of the participants indicated having breastfed their IDS and 61.5% stated that they would not breastfeed in public places. CONCLUSION: Active support, instruction, and collaboration among members of the health care team are essential for breastfeeding success.

Study of the chemical composition of the resinous exudate isolated from Heliotropium sclerocarpum and evaluation of the antioxidant properties of the phenolic compounds and the resin.

Heliotropium sclerocarpum Phil. (Heliotropiaceae) is a resinous bush that grows in the Atacama of northern Chile. The chemical composition of its resinous exudate was analyzed for the first time. One aromatic geranyl derivative: filifolinol (1), one flavanone: naringenin (2) and a new type of 3-oxo-2-arylbenzofuran derivative 3 were isolated and their structures were determined. The antioxidant activity of the phenolic compounds and resin was evaluated using the bleaching of DPPH radical method and expressed as fast reacting equivalents (FRE) and total reacting equivalents (TRE).

New inhibitors of the complement system inspired in K76-COOH. A SAR study of filifolinol derivatives through modifications of the C3' position.

A new series of tricyclic carboxylic acids with a 3H-spiro[benzofuran-2,10-cyclohexane] skeleton were synthesized from filifolinol, as analogs of the natural complement inhibitor K76-COOH. Their complement inhibitory activity was determined aiming to probe the importance of structural characteristics of the alicyclic part of K76-COOH. The presence and stereochemistry of O- and N-functionalities on C3' of the filifolinol derivatives are relevant for biological activity. The IC50 values of the most potent compounds were comparable or surpassed the activity of K76-COOH. The results also suggest that the diol moiety of the natural product may be useful for improving compound solubility.

Chemical analysis of the resinous exudate isolated from Heliotropium taltalense and evaluation of the antioxidant activity of the phenolics components and the resin in homogeneous and heterogeneous systems.

H. taltalense (Phil.) Johnst. (Heliotropiaceae) is an endemic species of the northern coast of Chile that produces a resinous exudate that covers its foliar surface and stems. Its chemical composition was analyzed for the first time, and two aromatic geranyl derivatives: filifolinol and filifolinyl senecionate and three flavonoids - naringenin, 3-O-methylgalangin and 7-O-methyleriodictiol - were isolated. The antioxidant activity of the flavonoids and the resinous exudates was carried out by measuring the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) bleaching effect in ethanolic solution and in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles. The influence of the reaction medium was analyzed. The initial velocity reactions for the pure compounds and for the extract were higher in SDS media than in ethanolic solution. The velocity of reaction observed was interpreted in terms of the reaction medium environment in the micelle.

Ochratoxigenic Aspergillus species on grapes from Chilean vineyards and Aspergillus threshold levels on grapes.

This study reports the incidence of ochratoxigenic strains of Aspergillus on Chilean grapes (Vitis vinifera) and wineries, and production of OTA levels in wines with grapes having different levels of contamination with OTA-producing Aspergillus carbonarius was studied. A. carbonarius, A. niger, A. niveus, A. paradoxus, A. versicolor, A. wentii, and A. westerdijkiae were identified on apparently healthy clusters of red and white grape cultivars. However, A. carbonarius and A. niger were the most frequently identified species, more abundant on red than white grape cultivars. Aspergillus spp. populations increased between veraison and harvest, but the isolation frequencies were relatively low over the entire growing season. At the winery, A. carbonarius, A. niger and A. westerdijkiae were occasionally found in the air, exclusively during winemaking. OTA-producing strains were only found among isolates of A. carbonarius, A. niger, A. wenti, and A. westerdijkiae, producing 2 to 17 microg/L of OTA in liquid medium; however, A. westerdijkiae produced the highest OTA concentration in vitro. Red wines elaborated with 0.5% of grapes infected with an OTA-producing strain of A. carbonarius (Aspuc-SB36) exceeded the 2 microg/L of OTA tolerance established for wines by the European Community. Therefore, a threshold below 0.5% infected berries is proposed for red wines. ELISA tests proved to be useful for detecting OTA in broth culture as in wine samples.

Exploratory study: knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding and barriers for initiation in mothers of children with spina bifida.

The aim of the study is to identify the level of knowledge on breastfeeding by mothers of infants with spina bifida and the barriers encountered in initiating breastfeeding. A non-probabilisitic sample (n=30) of mothers was used in this study. The sample was obtained in two institutions specializing in care for infants with congenital anomalies in Puerto Rico. A self-administered questionnaire was used consisting of six sections. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Among participants, 56.7% had adequate knowledge on the benefits of breastfeeding. The most frequently encountered barriers in initiating breastfeeding were related to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Problems with the medical and nursing procedures, routines, support from personnel, and adequacy of the environment were the most frequent. It is important to develop a education to encourage nurses and other health care professionals need suggest, support and encourage breastfeeding to mothers of infants with neural tube defects.

Attitudes towards homosexual and lesbians among Puerto Rican Public Health graduate students.

The objective of this study is to identify the attitude toward the homosexuals and lesbians among graduate students of General Public Health and Health Education Program at School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico. A descriptive-92 graduate students of the correlational design was used to carry out the study participated in the study General Public Health and Health Education programs. The data collection was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square and t-test student) were used to data analysis. The 82.6% of the participants had a prejudiced attitude toward the homosexuals and the lesbians. The 79.3% presented a low distance level. There is a significant association among the social distance, homosexual and lesbian educational exposure and the years of studies. To develop appropriate strategies to foment the acceptance and eliminate the prejudice toward the homosexuals and lesbians in the participants, what will impact in a better way of providing quality health services.

Antioxidant activity of a new aromatic geranyl derivative of the resinous exudates from Heliotropium glutinosum Phil.

Heliotropium glutinosum Phil. (Heliotropiceae) is a resinous bush that grows at a height of 2000 m in Chañaral, Chile. From the resinous exudates of Heliotropium glutinosum Phil. a new aromatic geranyl derivative: 4-methoxy-3-[(2)-7'-methyl-3'-hydroxymethyl-2',6'-octadienyl] phenol (1) and three flavonoids: 5,3'-dihydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavanone (2), 5,4'-dihydroxy-7-methoxyflavanone (3) and 4'-acetyl-5-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavanone (4) were isolated and their structures were determined. Their antioxidant activity were evaluated using the bleaching of ABTS and DPPH derived cation radical methods and expressed in terms of FRE (fast reacting equivalents) and TRE (total reacting equivalents), where FRE is a good measure of the quick protection of a given compound against oxidants and TRE measures the degree of long-term protection of the antioxidant, or how effective it is against a strong oxidative stress.

Physicians and nurses: knowledge of clinical management of sexual aggression in children based on the sexual aggression survivors manual in Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge of health professionals about clinical the management of sexual aggression in children based on the sexual aggression survivors manual in Puerto Rico. METHOD: The study population was composed of 150 health professionals (physicians and nurses). For the collected data, a self-administered questionnaire was used. The response rate was 88.7% (n=133). Descriptive statistics, crosstabs tables and Chi-Square were used for the data analysis. RESULTS: 75.9% of the participants were unaware of physical indicators related to sexual aggression in children. Nevertheless, 66.2% of the participants recognized emotional indicators of sexual aggression. 82.7% of the participants think sexual aggression victims should be referred to the physician and nurse, followed by 20.4% that indicated the social worker. 94.7% of the participants were unaware of the correct steps to carry out in a crisis intervention with sexual aggression victims and 91.7% recognized that all information topics should be offered during the intervention. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm the necessity of intervention strategies to increase the knowledge of the participants about the correct clinical management of sexual aggression survivors.