Bone samples' behavior in sunlight, IR light, and temperature increase with FEM simulation.

Biological and environmental factors produce biochemical processes that modify the bone structure. A few studies have attempted to show the adverse biological effects of sun radiation. The bone tissue exposures to infrared and sunlight radiation are analyzed by using focused sound, characterization spectroscopy techniques, and image processing. The study is complemented with a finite element method simulation on temperature behaviors. The crystal morphology on the bone hydroxyapatite and functional groups was characterized by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. The infrared spectra confirmed the hydroxyl group of bovine hydroxyapatite, amines, and lipids are also correlated with modifications of the hydroxyapatite. The diffractograms showed the characteristic peaks of hydroxyapatite, with the main intensity at 2θ = 32.02°. Bone samples exposed to sun radiation presented a peak at 2θ = 27.5°, evidencing the possible formation of ß-TCP y α-TCP. The analysis with the spectroscopy techniques about the structural changes in the samples suggests interpreting an increase of sound obtained by expanding the exposure time. It is possible to verify that there are some structural changes in the bone samples due to exposure to non-ionizing radiation. These results show an increase in the registered intensity sound correlated with the interpretation of the structural changes of bone. Thanks to the different novel analysis techniques established in the present study, it could establish the changes that experienced the bone structure under different sources of radiation, which will help to better detect scenarios of bone deficiency.

Immobilized mesoporous materials for carvacrol delivery to the germination and early growth of tomato plants (Solanum Lycopersicum).

The immobilization of TiO2-SiO2 (TSO) materials on seed mats stands as a practical way to help the germination and early growth of tomato plants (Solanum Lycopersicum). Mesoporous materials are functionalized with triethanolamine (TEA) and loaded with the biocide molecule of carvacrol (CAR). The effect of CAR on the parameters of germination percentage, germination time, root, shoot length, and chlorophyll content of seeds and/or tomato seedlings are investigated. The germination experiments were carried out using seed mats coated with the TSO materials, also TSO powdered materials were put directly on the tomato seeds to study their effect on germination. Direct deposition of TSO composites achieved the complete germination and longer shoots due to the cooperative interactions among nanomaterials, carvacrol, and the tomato seed. However, the handling of the seeds and the detrimental effect of powder in the germination system made difficult the application with agricultural purposes. The plastic seed mats provide a practical system with lower germination, but more homogenous growth of root/shoot is possible. Surprisingly, in this methodology the carvacrol presents a detrimental effect on germination due to less interaction with the seeds. The handling of seeds and recover of the nanomaterials and its reuse are advantages of the plastic seed mats, which together with less wastage of seeds suggest a potential use in agriculture. The as-synthetized TSO NPs, together with the functionalization of triethanolamine and carvacrol used to promote the health germination of the seeds, allows the control of the time for seed germination, germination %, and length for the root/shoot of seed tomato germination. The immobilization of mesoporous materials results in an alternative to help the germination and early growth of agricultural plants searching to avoid the lixiviation of nanomaterials to the environment.

Enhancing the Photocatalytic Activity of Sr4 Al14 O25 : Eu2+ , Dy3+ Persistent Phosphors by Codoping with Bi3+ Ions.

The photocatalytic activity of Bismuth-codoped Sr4 Al14 O25 : Eu2+ , Dy3+ persistent phosphors is studied by monitoring the degradation of the blue methylene dye UV light irradiation. Powder phosphors are obtained by a combustion synthesis method and a postannealing process in reductive atmosphere. The XRD patterns show a single orthorhombic phase Sr4 Al14 O25 : Eu2+ , Dy3+ , Bi3+ phosphors even at high Bismuth dopant concentrations of 12 mol%, suggesting that Bi ions are well incorporated into the host lattice. SEM micrographs show irregular micrograins with sizes in the range of 0.5-20 µm. The samples present an intense greenish-blue fluorescence and persistent emissions at 495 nm, attributed to the 5d-4f allowed transitions of Eu2+ . The fluorescence decreases as Bi concentration increases; that suggest bismuth-induced traps formation that in turn quench the luminescence. The photocatalytic evaluation of the powders was studied under both 365 nm UV and solar irradiations. Sample with 12 mol% of Bi presented the best MB degradation activity; 310 min of solar irradiation allow 100% MB degradation, whereas only 62.49% MB degradation is achieved under UV irradiation. Our results suggest that codoping the persistent phosphors with Bi3+ can be an alternative to enhance their photocatalytic activity.

Hemodialisis en tiempo de huracanes y desastres en Cuba / Hemodyalisis in hurricanes and disaster situations in Cuba

La Enfermedad Renal Crónica (ERC) es reconocida como un problema de salud y un reto internacionalmente, a considerar como parte central del planeamiento de la salud pública de cada Estado, por su complejidad, frecuencia y crecimiento epidémico. El número real de pacientes prevalentes en cualquier etapa evolutiva de ERC podría afectar a 10-14 por ciento de la población adulta. Sólo en métodos de diálisis y trasplante viven más de 2 millones de personas en todo el mundo. El presupuesto dedicado a estos enfermos es muy alto y existen enormes disparidades en su atención entre los países pobres y ricos, reconocidas internacionalmente. El sistema de Salud Pública en Cuba, estatal, universal, gratuito y accesible para toda la población de más de 11 millones de habitantes, se mantiene en continuo desarrollo y perfeccionamiento para alcanzar la excelencia en la atención y cumple estos mismos preceptos en la garantía de la atención nefrológica. Necesidades y costos crecientes en tiempo de crisis económica, pese a que cada año más y más enfermos requieren de terapia renal de reemplazo por diálisis y trasplante renal, lo cual alcanzó en 2007 un número de pacientes de 284.8 por millón de población en el país. Esta Organización se puso a prueba en los dos recientes huracanes que azotaron catastróficamente a Cuba, lo cual significó una experiencia única en nuestro país y motivó escribir esta reseña.

End-stage renal failure is a health problem in the World. The cuban national careprogram to the pattients with renal failure, has specific guides for action in the primary renal care. It is carried out by family physicians ; and it intends to supply attention at risk population; secondary renal care, and provides clinical nephrology services, for pattients suffering of chronic renal disease, to delay progression of their illness, and avoid complications; and terciary renal care, carried out by renal replacement therapy services, for End Stage Renal Disease pattients, to attain pattient’s social rehabilitation and have the surveillance Systems Give First Alert in Nephrology for abnormal or disasters situations. This role presents the main structural organizational features of the activities in Cuba for renal care aftermath the hurricanes situation.This is the priority for the Cuban State of granting the attendance prescribes and the life of these patients.

Equivalencia y terapeútica entre IOR® Epocim y Epo sin albumina en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica / Therapeutic equivalence between IOR® EPOCIM and EPO without albumin in patients in hemodyalisis with Chronic renal Insufficiency

Ensayo Clínico Fase II-III, controlado, monocéntrico, a doble ciegas y aleatorizado, para evaluar la eficacia y seguridad del tratamiento con EPO Sin/Albúmina con un nuevo estabilizante y determinar la equivalencia terapéutica de esta formulación con el ior® EPOCIM, en enfermos hemodializados. Se incluyeron 60 pacientes, en hemodiálisis iterada 3 veces por semana, Kt/V mayor 1.2, los que mantuvieran niveles iguales o superiores de 10 g/l de Hemoglobina durante al menos 3 meses, tratados con ior Ò EPOCIM, divididos en 2 grupos, con 30 pacientes cada uno. El primero, recibió con EPO S/A la dosis habitual de Eritropoyetina y el segundo, con ior® EPOCIM, ambos por vía subcutánea en dosis 1:1 sin modificación de la dosis, evaluando la respuesta hematológica (hemoglobina/ hematocrito) de ambos productos. Los grupos de tratamiento fueron homogéneos, según las variables analizadas: la edad media para el grupo EPO SA fue de 43.8 años, mientras para el grupo ior® EPOCIM fue de 46.8 años; la media del peso seco fue de 61.1 Kg vs. 60.4 Kg. La dosis de Eritropoyetina administrada solo fue variada en dependencia del cambio de peso del enfermo entre la dosis al inicio y al final de las 12 semanas: EPO S/A 7482.9 vs. 7485.4 UI/Kg/semanal y ior â EPOCIM 8045.3 vs. 8018.6 UI/Kg/semanal. Los resultados iniciales del hematocrito (35.9 por ciento vs. 36.6 por ciento) y de la hemoglobina (11.6 vs. 11.7 g/dl) mostraron que las medias del hematocrito, para ambos grupos, al final del estudio, tuvieron una diferencia inferior a 3 por ciento (33.8 vs. 34.5) y en la hemoglobina inferior a 1 g/dl (10.6 vs. 10.7), con una disminución ligera al final del tratamiento similar para ambos grupos. Los eventos adversos detectados fueron: dolor en el sitio de la inyección (63 por ciento), hipotensión (53.3 por ciento), calambre (31.7 por ciento ) y cefaleas (15 por ciento ) atribuibles al proceder de hemodiálisis, con un perfil de seguridad propio de enfermos en hemodiálisis. No se observaro...

A randomized, double blind, controlled, monocentric Clinical Trial Phase II-III is conducted to establish the efficacy and security of the treatment with EPO without/albumin with a new stabilizer and determine the equivalence of this formulation with the ior® EPOCIM in hemodyalized patients. 60 patients were included in iterated hemodyalisis 3 times per week, Kt/V >1,2, those who kept similar or superior levels of 10g/L of Hemoglobin during at least, for 3 months, treated with ior® EPOCIM divided in 2 groups , of 30 patients each. The first, received an EPO W/A, habitual dose of erythropoietin and the second with ior® EPOCIM, both administered s/c in doses of 1:1, no modifications in doses, evaluating the hematological response (hemoglobin, CBC) in both products. The treatment groups were homogeneous, according to the variables: for the group EPO W/A: mean age was 43.8 years, while for the group ior® EPOCIM was 46, 8 years. The media of the dry weight was of a 61,1KG vs. 60, 4 KG. Doses of erythropoietin varied only in dependence with the weight changes of the patient at the beginning and at the end of the 12 weeks. EPO W/A 7482.9 vs.7485.4 U/KG/week and ior® EPOCIM 8045.3 vs. 8018.6 UI/KG/week. Initial results of the CBC (35, 9 percent vs. 36,6 percent ) and hemoglobin (11,6 vs. 11,7 g/dl) showed that medias of CBC for both groups at the end of the study had a difference inferior to 3 percent ( 33,8 vs. 34,5) and in hemoglobin , inferior to 1 g/dl (10,6 vs. 10,7), with a slight decrease at the end of the treatment for both groups. The detected adverse effects were: pain in the site of the injection, (63 percent) hypotension (53, 3 percent ), cramps (31, 7 percent) and headaches (15 percent), all attributable to the hemodyalisis process with a profile very similar to all the patients undergoing hemodyalisis. There were no statistical differences among the groups (p=0.5938). The results allow suggest the equivalence of this new product to establish its...

Chronic kidney disease in Cuba: epidemiological studies, integral medical care, and strategies for prevention.

The experience of the Republic of Cuba regarding epidemiological studies, integral medical care, and strategies for the prevention of chronic kidney disease is summarized in this report. Cuba has a National Program for Chronic Renal Disease, Dialysis, and Renal Transplantation. There is a national nephrology net, integrated by the Institute of Nephrology as the coordinator center, that has 47 nephrology services with a hemodialysis unit (24 of them with peritoneal dialysis unit), 9 transplantation centers, 33 organ procurement hospitals, and 5 histocompatibility laboratories. In 2004, the incidence rate in dialysis patients was 111 pmp, and the prevalence rate was 149 pmp, demonstrating an increasing mean of 17.0% and 10.0% per year, respectively. Renal transplantation rate was 16.6 pmp. The detection, registration, and follow-up of patients with chronic kidney disease (serum creatinine > or =1.5 mg/dL or glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min) by family doctors was 9,761 patients, 0.87 patients per 1,000 inhabitants. In the 1980s, three population-based screening studies were performed to define the burden of chronic renal failure in different regions of Cuba. The prevalence rate was 1.1, 3.3, and 3.5 per 1,000 inhabitants, respectively. At present, another three population-based screening studies are ongoing in order to detect the chronic kidney disease in earliest stages. The continuing medical education activities have been very useful in raising the awareness of medical doctors and the basic health staff about the threats posed by and the strategies to prevent, diagnose, and treat chronic kidney disease.

Comparison of two recombinant erythropoietin formulations in patients with anemia due to end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis: a parallel, randomized, double blind study.

BACKGROUND: Recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) is used for the treatment of last stage renal anemia. A new EPO preparation was obtained in Cuba in order to make this treatment fully nationally available. The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety properties of two recombinant EPO formulations in patients with anemia due to end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis. METHODS: A parallel, randomized, double blind study was performed. A single 100 IU/Kg EPO dose was administered subcutaneously. Heberitro (Heber Biotec, Havana, formulation A), a newly developed product and Eprex (CILAG AG, Switzerland, formulation B), as reference treatment were compared. Thirty-four patients with anemia due to end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis were included. Patients had not received EPO previously. Serum EPO level was measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) during 120 hours after administration. Clinical and laboratory variables were determined as pharmacodynamic and safety criteria until 216 hours. RESULTS: Both groups of patients were similar regarding all demographic and baseline characteristics. EPO kinetics profiles were similar for both formulations; the pharmacokinetic parameters were very close (i.e., AUC: 4667 vs. 4918 mIU.h/mL; Cmax: 119.1 vs. 119.7 mIU/mL; Tmax: 13.9 vs. 18.1 h; half-life, 20.0 vs. 22.5 h for formulations A and B, respectively). The 90% confidence intervals for the ratio between both products regarding these metrics were close to the 0.8-1.25 range, considered necessary for bioequivalence. Differences did not reach 20% in any case and were not determined by a formulation effect, but probably by a patients' variability effect. Concerning pharmacodynamic features, a high similitude in reticulocyte counts increments until 216 hours and the percentage decrease in serum iron until 120 hours was observed. There were no differences between formulations regarding the adverse events and their intensity. The more frequent events were pain at injection site (35.3%) and hypertension (29%). Additionally, further treatment of the patients with the study product yielded satisfactory increases in hemoglobin and hematocrit values. CONCLUSION: The formulations are comparable. The newly developed product should be acceptable for long-term application.

Impacto del programa de inmunización anti-virus de hepatitis B (VHB) en pacientes sometidos a diálisis en la Habana, Cuba / Impact of the anti-hepatitis B immunization program in patients submitted to dialysis in the Habana, Cuba

Se evalúa la efectividad de un programa especial de vacunación, mediante el seguimiento evolutivo de marcadores del virus de la hepatitis B (VHB) en poblaciones seleccionadas de alto riesgo de infección, como son los pacientes de servicios de hemodiálisis peritoneal. Se estudiaron marcadores de infección viral en cortes transversales de prevalencia de toda la población de pacientes, además de registrarse los reportes de casos clínicos de hepatitis B en esos grupos ocurridos durante este período. El programa de prevención consistió en la vacunación de todos los pacientes que resultaran negativos a los marcadores virales y la indicación de vacunarse en el período de la enfermedad previo al inicio del tratamiento en las unidades de hemodialisis para los casos nuevos, además de todos los individuos susceptibles de infección que ya estuvieran incluidos en el programa, independientemente del estadio de la enfermedad. Los resultados muestran el beneficio de la vacunación en estos pacientes, pero es más efectiva en el período previo al tratamiento dialítico donde la posibilidad de exposición al virus es menor y el sistema inmune es aún competente. Después de establecido el programa a los 6 años de seguimiento no se han reportado casos nuevos de hepatitis B y la incidencia de la enfermedad ha ido disminuyendo

Embarazo abdominal / Abdominal pregnancy

El embarazo abdominal (EA) es una gestación ectópica potencialmente fatal que se ubica dentro de la cavidad peritoneal. Esta patología es a menudo no sospechada y es un desafío diagnóstico bastante frecuente para el clínico. La mortalidad materna se estima de 0,5-18 por ciento (1,2) y la mortalidad perinatal alcanza rangos entre 40-95 por ciento (3,4). Existen 10.8 EA por 100.000 nacimientos y 9,2 EA por 1.000 embarazos ectópicos en los Estados Unidos(2). El riesgo de muerte materna con un embarazo abdominal es de 7.7 veces mayor que con un embarazo ectópico tubario y 90 veces mayor que con un embarazo intrauterino. De acuerdo a los múltiples factores de riesgo que abarca esta patología se discuten los métodos diagnósticos y terapeúticos tratando de mejorar de esta forma el pronóstico materno y fetal

Aplicação do Dispositivo de Avaliação Pressórica na Avaliação da Transferência de Carga Entre os Membros Inferiores Após a Reconstrução do Ligamento Cruzado Anterior

A lesão do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) é frequente em pacientes jovens, relacionada à prática esportiva profissional e recreacional. Quando lesado, a instabilidade anterior provocada pode levar a torções repetitivas do joelho, lesões da cartilagem articular, artrose da articulação, alterações do equílibrio postural, da cinestesia articular e da força muscular, levando a limitação funcional nas atividades cotidianas e no rendimento esportivo dos atletas