Chitosan-coated manganese ferrite nanoparticles enhanced Rhodotorula toruloides carotenoid production.

The present study aims to analyze the interaction between Rhodotorula toruloides and magnetic nanoparticles and evaluate their effect on carotenoid production. The manganese ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized without chitosan (MnFe2O4) and chitosan coating (MnFe2O4-CS) by the co-precipitation method assisted by hydrothermal treatment. XRD (X-ray diffraction), Magnetometry, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), are used to characterize the magnetic nanoparticles. The crystallite size of MnFe2O4 was 16 nm for MnFe2O4 and 20 nm for MnFe2O4-CS. The magnetic saturation of MnFe2O4-CS was lower (39.6 ± 0.6 emu/g) than the same MnFe2O4 nanoparticles (42.7 ± 0.3 emu/g), which was attributed to the chitosan fraction presence. The MnFe2O4-CS FTIR spectra revealed the presence of the characteristic chitosan bands. DLS demonstrated that the average hydrodynamic diameters were 344 nm for MnFe2O4 and 167 nm for MnFe2O4-CS. A kinetic study of cell immobilization performed with their precipitation with a magnet demonstrated that interaction between magnetic nanoparticles and R. toruloides was characterized by an equilibrium time of 2 h. The adsorption isotherm models (Langmuir and Freundlich) were fitted to the experimental values. The trypan blue assay was used for cell viability assessment. The carotenoid production increased to 256.2 ± 6.1 µg/g dry mass at 2.0 mg/mL MnFe2O4-CS. The use of MnFe2O4-CS to stimulate carotenoid yeast production and the magnetic separation of biomass are promising nanobiotechnological alternatives. Magnetic cell immobilization is a perspective technique for obtaining cell metabolites.

Perceptions of Animal Welfare on Livestock: Evidence from College Agronomy Students in Costa Rica.

Ethical considerations regarding our treatment of animals have gained strength, leading to legislation and a societal focus across various disciplines. This is a subject of study within curricula related to agri-food sciences. The aim was to determine the perceptions of agronomy university students concerning animal welfare in livestock production systems. A survey was conducted to encompass various aspects, from participants' sociodemographic attributes to their attitudes and behaviors regarding animal welfare and the consumption of animal products. Statistical analysis, performed using R software, delved into the associations between participants' characteristics and their perspectives on the ethical, bioethical, and legal dimensions of animal welfare. Associations between demographic factors and ethical viewpoints among students were identified. Gender differences emerged in animal treatment perceptions, while rural and urban environments impacted perspectives on various animals. Bioethical considerations revealed distinctive disparities based on gender and education in concerns regarding animal welfare, value perceptions, evaluations of animal behaviors, and opinions on animal research. It is crucial to distinguish between animal welfare and the ethical considerations arising from coexisting with sentient beings capable of experiencing suffering. Ethical theories provide a lens through which we perceive our obligations toward animals. The responsibility to ensure animal welfare is firmly rooted in recognizing that animals, like humans, experience pain and physical suffering. Consequently, actions causing unjustified suffering or mistreatment, particularly for entertainment purposes, are considered morally unacceptable.

Phytochemical Characterization of Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum as Mexican Mistletoe Plants with Antimicrobial Activity.

In Mexico, mistletoes have several applications in traditional medicine due to the great variety of compounds with biological activities that have not been characterized to date. The goals of the present study are to analyze the composition of minerals and phytochemical compounds in Mexican mistletoes Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum qualitatively and quantitatively, identify the compounds using HPLC-MS, and assess the antimicrobial potential in phytopathogenic microorganism control. Mineral content was evaluated with X-ray fluorescence. Three types of extracts were prepared: ethanol, water, and aqueous 150 mM sodium chloride solution. Characterization was carried out using qualitative tests for phytochemical compound groups, analytical methods for proteins, reducing sugars, total phenol, flavonoids quantification, and HPLC-MS for compound identification. The antimicrobial activity of mistletoe's liquid extracts was evaluated by microplate assay. K and Ca minerals were observed in both mistletoes. A qualitative test demonstrated alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and quinones. Ethanolic extract showed flavonoids, 3845 ± 69 and 3067 ± 17.2 mg QE/g for Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum, respectively, while aqueous extracts showed a total phenol content of 65 ± 6.9 and 90 ± 1.19 mg GAE/g Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum, respectively. HPLC-MS identified largely hydroxycinnamic acids and methoxycinnamic acids. Clavibacter michiganenses was successfully inhibited by aqueous extract of both mistletoes.

Spray-drying encapsulation of microwave-assisted extracted polyphenols from Moringa oleifera: Influence of tragacanth, locust bean, and carboxymethyl-cellulose formulations.

In this work, polyphenols from Moringa oleifera (Mor) leaves were extracted by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and encapsulated by spray-drying (SD). Particularly, we explored the influence of tragacanth gum (TG), locust bean gum (LBG), and carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC) as wall-materials on the physicochemical behavior of encapsulated Mor. Single or combined wall-material treatments (100:00 and 50:50 ratios, and total solid content 1%) were tested. The results showed the wall-material had a significant effect on the process yield (55.7-68.3%), encapsulation efficiency (24.28-35.74%), color (yellow or pale-yellow), total phenolic content (25.17-27.49 mg GAE g-1 of particles), total flavonoid content (23.20-26.87 mg QE g-1 of particles), antioxidant activity (DPPH• = 5.96-6.95 mg GAE g-1; ABTS•+ = 5.61-6.18 mg TE g-1 of particles), and particle size distribution (D50 = 112-1946 nm) of the encapsulated Mor. On the other hand, SEM analysis showed smooth and spherical particles, while TGA and DSC analyses confirmed the encapsulation of bioactive compounds based on the changes in thermal peaks. Finally, XRD analysis showed that the particles have an amorphous behavior. The encapsulated Mor produced with individual TG or CMC demonstrated better properties than those obtained from mixed gums. Thus, TG or CMC might be feasible wall materials for manufacturing encapsulated Mor that conserve the phenolic content and antioxidant activity.

Production of fatty acid methyl esters and bioactive compounds from citrus wax.

Citrus wax is a waste generated during the purification process of the citrus essential oil. A lot of citrus wax wastes are globally produced, despite this, its composition and properties are not well known. Here we present comprehensive results proving the chemical composition and the physical properties of citrus wax. Additionally, our study provides the basis for obtaining value-added products from citrus wax wastes. The qualitative/quantitative analysis revealed the presence of different compounds, which range from flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, unsaturated compounds, phenolic hydroxyls, and long-chain fatty acid esters. Given that citrus wax is a source of many bioactive compounds, they were preferably extracted with ethanol. The ethanolic extracts demonstrated the presence in citrus wax of different bioactives, such as 5-5'-dehydrodiferulic acid, 3,7-dimethylquercetin, 5,6-dihydroxy-7,8,3',4'-tetramethoxyflavone, tangeretin, and limonene. After the extraction of bioactives from citrus wax, a washed waxy material with high content of long-chain fatty acid esters was obtained. It was shown that this washed wax can be used for the production of biodiesel. The transesterification reactions in acid media was the preferred process because higher content of fatty acid methyl esters (such as hexadecanoic acid methyl ester and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, methyl ester) were obtained. Currently, citrus wax does not have any industrial application, here we shown that under the concept of waste biorefinery, the citrus wax wastes are useful sources for producing value-added products such as bioactive compounds and biodiesel.

Uso de la manzanilla en el tratamiento de las enfermedades periodontales / Chamomile use in the treatment of periodontal diseases

RESUMEN Fundamento: existe una gama de productos naturales, dentro de los que están los fitoterapéuticos, donde se destaca la manzanilla para tratar la enfermedad periodontal inflamatoria debido a la acción antiinflamatoria, cicatrizante, antialérgica, analgésica, antiséptica y bacteriostática que esta planta posee. Se ha demostrado que la manzanilla actúa también sobre la placa dentobacteriana, principal factor de riesgo de la enfermedad periodontal y es utilizada para el tratamiento de procesos agudos y crónicos periodontales. Objetivo: establecer las bases científicas del empleo de la manzanilla en el tratamiento de las enfermedades periodontales. Métodos: la búsqueda de la información se realizó en un periodo de seis meses y se emplearon las siguientes palabras: manzanilla, matricaria recutita; a partir de la información obtenida se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de un total de 150 artículos publicados en las bases de datos PubMed, Hinari, SciELO y Medline mediante el gestor de búsqueda y administrador de referencias EndNote, de ellos se utilizaron 52 citas seleccionadas para realizar la revisión, 40 de ellas de los últimos cinco años. Resultados: la manzanilla es nativa en muchos países de Europa, y se cultivan en países como Alemania, Egipto, Francia, España, Italia, Marruecos, y en partes de Europa del Este. Las diversas plantas de manzanilla son muy distintas y requieren su propio conjunto de condiciones para crecer. Sus propiedades, acciones terapéuticas y principios activos varían de una especie a otra. Conclusiones: la Matricaria chamomilla y la Phania matricarioides son de probada eficacia terapéutica en el tratamiento de enfermedades periodontales agudas y crónicas.

ABSTRACT Background: there is a range of natural products, including phytotherapeutic, which highlights the chamomile to treat inflammatory periodontal disease due to the anti-inflammatory, healing, antiallergic, analgesic, antiseptic and bacteriostatic that this plant possesses. It has been shown that chamomile also acts on dentobacterial plaque, the main risk factor for periodontal disease and is used for the treatment of acute and chronic periodontal processes. Objective: to establish the scientific basis of the use of chamomile in the treatment of periodontal diseases. Methods: the search of the information was carried out in a period of six months and the following words were used: chamomile, matricaria recutita; Based on the information obtained, a bibliographic review was made of a total of 150 articles published in the PubMed, Hinari, SciELO and Medline databases by means of the search manager and the EndNote reference manager. Of these, 52 selected citations were used to perform the review, 40 of them from the last five years. Results: Chamomile is native to many countries in Europe, and is grown in countries such as Germany, Egypt, France, Spain, Italy, Morocco, and in parts of Eastern Europe. The various chamomile plants are very different and require their own set of conditions to grow. Its properties, therapeutic actions and active principles vary from one species to another. Conclusions: Matricaria chamomilla and Phania matricarioides are of proven therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of acute and chronic periodontal diseases.

Cellulases immobilization on chitosan-coated magnetic nanoparticles: application for Agave Atrovirens lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysis.

In the present study, Trichoderma reesei cellulase was covalently immobilized on chitosan-coated magnetic nanoparticles using glutaraldehyde as a coupling agent. The average diameter of magnetic nanoparticles before and after enzyme immobilization was about 8 and 10 nm, respectively. The immobilized enzyme retained about 37 % of its initial activity, and also showed better thermal and storage stability than free enzyme. Immobilized cellulase retained about 80 % of its activity after 15 cycles of carboxymethylcellulose hydrolysis and was easily separated with the application of an external magnetic field. However, in this reaction, K m was increased eight times. The immobilized enzyme was able to hydrolyze lignocellulosic material from Agave atrovirens leaves with yield close to the amount detected with free enzyme and it was re-used in vegetal material conversion up to four cycles with 50 % of activity decrease. This provides an opportunity to reduce the enzyme consumption during lignocellulosic material saccharification for bioethanol production.

Contextualización de las ecuaciones para la estimación de la estatura a partir de la hemibraza en una población santiaguera / Equations for the height estimate from the hemimainbrace in Santiago de Cuba population

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 265 adultos (101 hombres y 164 féminas) de la Facultad de Medicina No. 1 de Santiago de Cuba, desde septiembre hasta octubre del 2014, con vistas a determinar las ecuaciones para la estimación de la estatura y verificar si las que fueron validadas en adultos de otras nacionalidades tienen aplicabilidad en esta población. Se encontró una elevada correlación entre la estatura y la hemibraza (p<0,001), r=0,889; 0,803 y 0,765 para hombres y mujeres, respectivamente. El error entre los modelos y la estatura medida fue menor (0,27 para ellos y 0,36 para ellas) en el propuesto que en los de Bassey (8,83; 9,89) y Shahar (11,72; 12,11). La correlación entre la estatura y la hemibraza posibilitó la obtención de ecuaciones contextualizadas en este medio, lo cual reafirmó la necesidad de poseer dichas ecuaciones para cada población.

A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 265 adults (101 men and 164 women) of the Medicine Faculty No. 1 in Santiago de Cuba, was carried out from September to October, 2014, aimed at determining the equations for the height estimate and verifying if those that were validated in adults of other nationalities have applicability in this population. A high correlation between the height and the hemimainbrace (p<0.001), r=0.889; 0.803 and 0.765 for men and women, respectively was found. The error between the models and the measured height was lower (0.27 for men and 0.36 for women) in the proposed model than in Bassey (8.83; 9.89) and Shahar models (11.72; 12.11). The correlation between height and hemimainbrace facilitated the obtaining of contextualized equations in this mean, which confirmed the necessity to possess these equations for each population.

Anestesia epidural para artrodesis e instrumentación de columna lumbar porvia posterior en paciente con tromboastenia de glanzmann - informe de caso y revisión sistematica / Epidural anesthesia for posterior spinal fusion and lumbar surgery in a patient with glanzmann's thrombasthenia - Case report and systematic review

Introduction: Lumbar spine arthrodesis under regional epidural anesthesia provides adequate hemodynamic stability and timely treatment of acute postoperative pain to patients undergoing the procedure. However, the presence of intimidating comorbidities limits its widespread practice. Objetives: To describe the use of epidural anesthesia for spinal fusion in a patient with Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia and high anesthetic risk of cardiovascular complications. Methodology: Case reports and clinical discussion based on a systematic search of the medical literature. Results: Upon selecting the strategies for a literature search on various databases, some articles were selected from Pubmed, LILACS, and sciencedirect. The articles were screened based on title and abstract and 19 full text articles were analyzed and submitted for discussion of an appointed panel of experts (Anesthesiology Group) for inclusion herein. Conclusion: The use of epidural anesthesia in spinal surgery of a patient with significant hematological and cardiovascular complications was a successful approach and represents one further step forward in the implementation of protocols and robust clinical trials for the management of complex patients like the one herein described.

Introducción: La artrodesis de columna lumbar, bajo anestesia regional epidural, permite a los pacientes programados para éste tipo de procedimiento mantener una adecuada estabilidad hemodinámica y ser tratados oportunamente de su dolor postoperatorio agudo. Sin embargo, la presencia de intimidantes comorbilidades limita su práctica de forma generalizada. Objetivos: Describir la utilización de anestesia epidural para artrodesis lumbar en un paciente con Tromboastenia de Glanzmann y alto riesgo anestésico de complicaciones de predominio cardiovascular. Metodologia: Reporte de Casos y discusión clínica basada en búsqueda sistemática de la literatura médica. Resultados: Tras la selección de estrategias para la búsqueda de la literatura en diferentes bases de datos, se obtuvieron artículos de Pubmed, LILACS y sciencedirect. Posterior a exclusión por titulo y resumen, analizamos 19 artículos en texto completo, los cuales fueron sometidos a sesiones de discusión por parte de un panel de expertos designado (Grupo de Anestesiología), y fueron incluidos en esta revisión. Conclusión: Para este caso, el uso de la anestesia epidural en cirugía de columna, en un paciente con importantes comorbilidades hematológicas y cardiovasculares, fue una medida exitosa, y representa un paso más en la implementación de protocolos y estudios clínicos robustos para su uso en pacientes complejos como el descrito.

Factores bioquímicos relacionados con el estado nutricional del binomio madre-hijo / Biochemical factors related to the nutritional state of the binomial mother-son

Se efectuó una investigación descriptiva, longitudinal y prospectiva de 53 embarazadas, atendidas en el Policlínico Docente "30 de Noviembre'' de Santiago de Cuba, con vistas a determinar la relación entre los factores bioquímicos y el estado nutricional del binomio madre-hijo, durante el 2014. Para la realización de las determinaciones bioquímicas, se hicieron extracciones de sangre en el primer y tercer trimestres de la gestación. Se utilizó la prueba de Ji al cuadrado de independencia con un nivel de significación de 5 %. Existió asociación entre las variables bioquímicas en relación con el estado nutricional del binomio madre-hijo. Entre los efectos adversos asociados a la mala nutrición de las gestantes sobresalieron: anemia, diabetes gestacional y dislipidemias.

A descriptive, longitudinal and prospective investigation of 53 pregnant women, assisted at "30 de Noviembre" Teaching Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba was carried out, aimed at determining the relationship between the biochemical factors and the nutritional state of the binomial mother-son, during 2014. Blood extractions were made in the first and third trimester of pregnancy in order to make biochemical determinations. The chi-square test of independence was used with a 5 % level of significance. There was an association between the biochemical variables in connection with the nutritional state of the binomial mother-son. Among the adverse effects associated to the pregnant women poor nutrition there were: anemia, gestational diabetes mellitus and dyslipemias.

Sex and age related differences in drug induced QT prolongation by dofetilide under reduced repolarization reserve in simulated ventricular cells.

The aim of this study was to investigate sex and age related differences in drug induced QT prolongation by dofetilide under reduced repolarization reserve in simulated ventricular cells. Left ventricular endocardial action potentials were simulated using a modified Luo Rudy model. Sex, age and regional differences in currents I(CaL), IK(r), IK(s), and I(to) were incorporated into the model by modifying the equations representing them. A model of dofetilide, a class III antiarrhythmic drug, was developed and included into a ventricular cell models. The reduced repolarization reserve was reproduced decreasing the IKs current. Our results shown that the adult female cells had longer action potentials, a steeper APD-BCL relationship and a higher susceptibility to EADs than adult male cells, under control, drug induced and reduced repolarization reserve conditions. On the other hand, young female and young male cells had similar action potentials under control conditions. However, young male cells had longer action potentials and higher susceptibility to EADs than young female cells under drug induced and reduced repolarization reserve conditions. Sex and age dependent differences in I(CaL), IKr, IKs, and Ito may explain the age and sex disparities in prolongation of APD by the action of dofetilide.

Importancia del consumo de hierro y vitamina C para la prevención de anemia ferropénica / Importance of the iron and vitamin C consumption for the prevention of iron-deficiency anemia

El déficit de hierro ha sido señalado como la causa más frecuente de anemia en el mundo, tanto en países con bajo grado de desarrollo como en los altamente industrializados. En Cuba, la anemia ferropénica constituye un problema de salud que afecta fundamentalmente a lactantes mayores, adolescentes, mujeres en edad fértil y embarazadas. Se revisó la bibliografía especializada desde elementos nutricionales, balance y metabolismo del hierro hasta aspectos socioculturales que inciden directa e indirectamente en esa condición. Lo revisado y compilado en este artículo sentó pautas para una intervención educativa, durante la cual se demostró la validez de acciones específicas para enfrentar el problema identificado.

The iron deficiency has been pointed out as the most frequent cause of anemia in the world, both in countries with low level of development and in the highly industrialized ones. In Cuba, the iron-deficiency anemia constitutes a problem of health that affects fundamentally older infants, adolescents, women in fertile age and pregnant women. The specialized bibliography was reviewed from nutritional elements, balance and iron metabolism to sociocultural aspects that impact direct and indirectly on that condition. What was reviewed and compiled in this article stated rules for an educational intervention, during which the validity of specific actions was demonstrated to face the identified problem.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor in spinal cord neurons of embryos and adult rats.

Mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and its receptor have been found in the neuroendocrine reproductive axis. However, they can be localized in other extra-pituitary tissues as well including the central nervous system. The present study reports the expression of GnRH receptor and its mRNA in spinal cord neurons of rat embryos and adult rats, using immunohistochemistry and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Immunohistochemistry showed that the spinal cord neurons of rat embryos and adult rats expressed the GnRH receptor. The study of GnRH receptor mRNAs revealed that both cultured spinal cord neurons of rat embryos and adult rats expressed the GnRH receptor mRNA. Additional in vitro experiments showed that the expression of GnRH receptor mRNA was less in the spinal cord neurons exposed to GnRH compared to unexposed ones. These results raise the possibility that GnRH may play other roles independently from its participation in reproductive function.

Síndrome de Boerhaave: Reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura

El síndrome de Boerhaave o perforación esofágica espontánea es una enfermedad grave que pone en riesgo la vida y amerita un diagnóstico oportuno. Sin tratamiento médico o quirúrgico es prácticamente letal. El cuadro clásico es el del paciente que presenta vómito y posteriormente dolor epigástrico o retroesternal. Caso Clínico: se rata de peciente femenina de 23 años de edad quien consulto por presentar Posterior a ingesta de alimentos sensación de deglución incompleta, vómitos de contenido Hematico y dolor retroesternal. Se realiza Gastroscopia evidenciándose en esófago a 25 cm. laceración lineal profunda que se extiende hasta los 33cm TAC de tórax reporto: Neumonediastino, Signos sugestivos de perforación esofágica; Se realizo Toracotomia Posterolateral derecha, encantándose 50cc de liquido libre en cavidad, hematoma mediastinal de 4 x 4 cm y enfisema mediastinal. La paciente permaneció hospitalizada por varios días recibiendo tratamiento medico evolucionando satisfactoriamente sin complicaciones. Conclusiones: el diagnóstico y tratamiento precoces del SB es muy importantes ya que permiten reducir las altas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad asociadas a este cuadro. Sin embargo, el diagnóstico de esta entidad muestra en general retraso en prácticamente todas las series (en la mitad de los casos el diagnóstico se realiza con más de 24 horas de evolución), ya que en muchas ocasiones los síntomas son inespecíficos y no típicos, además los hallazgos clínicos y radiológicos pueden no ser aparentes en las primeras horas tras la perforación. Estudios de Endoscopia, esofagograma, TAC proporcionan el diagnóstico.

Boerhaave syndrome or spontaneous esophageal perforation is a serious condition that endangers the patient´s life and deserves an opportune diagnosis. Without medical or surgical treatment is practically lethal. The classic presentation is the patient who presents with vomits and immediately after with epigastric or retrosternal pain. Clinical case: a 23 years old female patient consulted presenting, after food ingestion, a subsequent sensation of incomplete swallowing, vomits with hematic content and retrosternal pain. A gastroscopy was performed demonstrating deep linear esophagial laceration at 25 cm extending at 33cm CT scan reported pneumonediastin, with suggestive signs of esophageal perforation; She went through a right posterolateral toracotomy, 50cc of free liquid was found in cavity, a 4 x 4 cms mediastinal hematoma and emphysema. The patient remained hospitalized for several days receiving medical treatment without complications. Conclusions: early diagnosis and treatment of BS is important becuase it reduces the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with this syndrome. Nevertheless, the diagnosis is usually delayed in practically all series (in half of the cases the diagnosis is done after more than 24 hours), since in many occasions the symptoms are inespecífic and non-typical. in addition the clinical and radiological findings are not apparent in the first hours after perforation. Studies as endoscopy, esophagogram, CT scan provide the diagnosis.

Expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor in cerebral cortical neurons of embryos and adult rats.

Mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) was initially isolated from hypothalamus and its receptor from anterior pituitary, although extrapituitary GnRH receptors have been reported. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether GnRH receptor and its mRNA are expressed in cerebral cortical neurons of rat embryos and adult rats using immunohistochemical and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques. The immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR analysis showed expression of GnRH receptor and presence of its mRNA, in both cerebral cortical neurons of rat embryos and cerebral cortical tissues of adult rats. Additional experiments showed a decrease in the receptor mRNA expression when cultured neurons of rat embryos were treated with GnRH. It is possible that the presence of GnRH receptors in cortical neurons of rat may be involved in other physiological roles such as neurohormone or neuromodulator.

Toracotomías en un bienio / Toracotomies in a biennium

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, para caracterizar el comportamiento de las toracotomías, en el Hospital “Manuel Ascunce Domenech” de la ciudad de Camagüey, desde enero de 2002 a enero de 2004. El universo estuvo representado por los 69 pacientes operados en este hospital mediante toracotomías mayores. La edad que se presentó con mayor frecuencia fue entre 45 a 64 años, predominó el sexo masculino. La neoplasia de pulmón y el hemotórax traumático fueron los diagnósticos más frecuentes y la incisión más empleada fue la axilar vertical. La lobectomía pulmonar fue la intervención más frecuente, seguida por la sutura del pulmón. Sufrió complicación el 40.6 por ciento de los operados, la atelectasia fue la complicación más frecuente (34.5 por ciento). Falleció el 8.7 por ciento, principalmente por shock hipovolémico

[Acromial osteophyte in shoulder impingement syndrome. Diagnosis and prevalence]. / Osteofito acromial en el síndrome de pinzamiento de hombro. Diagnóstico y prevalencia.

INTRODUCTION: The shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is caused by the compression of the rotator cuff tendon tear and the subacromial bursa between the humeral head and the structures that conforms the subacromial arc. OBJECTIVE: To determine a proportion of the acromial spur in the SIS comparing it with the general population. A second one would be to evaluate the quality of the radiological technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was made in 148 patients, divided in two groups: one conformed by 52 persons, for patients with SIS and the other, conformed by 96, for the general population of similar age. The technique used to detect the acromial spur was the anteroposterior shoulder plate with a ray at 30 degrees in caudal direction in a bilateral way that was blindly interpreted by an orthopedist in two occasions, obtaining a high concordance index of Kappa of 0.90. The criteria to consider positive spur was that the bone growth could exceed a prolongation of an imaginary line at the inferior edge of the clavicle. RESULTS: The average age in both groups was of 48.7 years +/- 14.5 years for the patients with SIS, and of 43.2 years +/- 12.9 for the patients of the control group. It was founded that 84.6% of the patients with SIS had acromial spur and in the ones of the control group, it was founded in a 36%, being this difference significant with OR of 9.3 times more frequent to have spur in patients with SIS. The quality of the technique was good in 92% of the Rx. CONCLUSION: The frequency of spur in SIS is high (84.6%), but it calls our attention that the frequency in general population was moderate (36%).

Democracia directa y referéndum en América Latina

Este primer Cuaderno de Diálogo y Deliberación constituye un feliz acontecimiento para el Organismo Electoral. Primero, poruqe marca el inicio de una serie de cuadernos que, con estas características, se irán publicando como parte del trabajo del Área de Educación Ciudadana. Segundo, pues expresa un compromiso con el conocimiento de una realidad que, esquiva y compleja como la boliviana, requiere muchas reflexión, análisis y debate.