Image of nurses in Chile through children's drawings: An iconographic study / A imagem de enfermeiras(os) no Chile por meio de desenhos infantis: um estudo iconográfico / Imagen de enfermeras(os) en Chile a través del dibujo infantil: un estudio iconográfico

Abstract Objective To reveal the image of nursing professionals in Chile through the analysis of children's drawings. Method This is an exploratory qualitative study, involving the collection of information through nine drawings made by children aged between 7 and 10 years, using free technique, and then were analyzed with the Iconographic Method proposed by Erwin Panofsky. Results Most drawings depict clinical activities of nurses, focusing predominantly on the technical dimension of the profession. Although nursing is commonly associated with a mostly female occupation, permeated by gender stereotypes, some participants were able to identify the presence and importance of the male role in this professional field. No iconographic elements were identified that would reinforce stigmas associated with nursing professionals, such as the view that they are supporters, aides, or mere medical assistants. Conclusions and implications for practice Children's drawings serve as a reflection of the collective imagination of society. By studying them in relation to nursing, we can identify the advances of the profession and glimpse its near future. This research contributes to understanding the current image of the profession in society, and allows an analysis that goes further, helping to establish future directions and the evolution of this collective perception.

Resumo Objetivo Revelar a imagem do profissional de enfermagem no Chile por meio da análise iconográfica de desenhos infantis. Método Estudo qualitativo exploratório, envolvendo a coleta de informações por meio de nove desenhos elaborados por crianças com idades entre 7 e 10 anos, utilizando técnica livre e posteriormente examinados com base no Método Iconográfico proposto por Erwin Panofsky. Resultados A maioria retrata as atividades clínicas do enfermeiro, enfocando predominantemente em sua dimensão técnica. Embora a enfermagem seja comumente associada a uma ocupação majoritariamente feminina, permeada por estereótipos de gênero, alguns participantes conseguiram identificar a presença e a importância do papel masculino nesse campo profissional. Não foram identificados elementos iconográficos que reforçassem estigmas associados aos profissionais de enfermagem, como a visão de serem simples assistentes, ajudantes ou meros auxiliares dos médicos. Conclusões e implicações para a prática Os desenhos infantis são reflexo do imaginário coletivo da sociedade. Ao estudá-los em relação à enfermagem, podemos identificar avanços na profissão e vislumbrar seu futuro próximo. Esta pesquisa contribui para compreender a imagem atual da profissão na sociedade e possibilita uma análise que ajuda a estabelecer direções futuras e a evolução dessa percepção coletiva.

Resumen Objetivo Revelar la imagen de los profesionales de enfermería en Chile a través del análisis de dibujos infantiles. Método Estudio cualitativo exploratorio, que involucra la recolección de información a través de nueve dibujos en técnica libre realizados por niños entre siete y diez años, posteriormente analizados mediante el Método Iconográfico propuesto por Erwin Panofsky. Resultados La mayoría representa las actividades clínicas de las enfermeras, centrándose predominantemente en la dimensión técnica. Aunque la enfermería se asocia comúnmente a una ocupación mayoritariamente femenina, impregnada de estereotipos de género, algunos participantes identificaron la presencia y la importancia del papel masculino en la profesión. No se identificaron elementos iconográficos que reforzaran estigmas asociados a los profesionales de enfermería, como la visión de que son simples asistentes, ayudantes o meros auxiliares médicos. Conclusiones e implicaciones para la práctica Los dibujos son reflejo del imaginario colectivo de la sociedad. Al estudiarlos en relación con la enfermería, podemos identificar avances en la profesión y vislumbrar su futuro próximo. Esta investigación contribuye a comprender la imagen actual de la profesión en la sociedad y permite un análisis que ayuda a establecer las orientaciones futuras y la evolución de esta percepción colectiva.

Antibacterial Effect of Ethanolic Extracts of Dodonaea viscosa L. Jacq. and Mammea americana L. against Staphylococci Isolated from Skin Lesions.

Background: The resistance to antibiotics shown by some dermatological pathogenic microorganisms has increased the interest of pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries in developing natural products that possess different biological activities, including antimicrobial effects. Methods: In the present investigation, the antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of Dodonaea viscosa aerial part and Mammea americana leaves and seed was evaluated against resistant strains of Staphylococcus isolated from skin lesions and against S. aureus ATCC 25923 (reference strain). Column chromatography (CC) and preparative thin-layer chromatography (PTLC) were used to obtain separate fractions of the seed extract of M. americana. We also determined the antimicrobial resistance of the strains against antibiotics using the agar disc diffusion assay. In addition, phytochemical screening was performed by colorimetric standard techniques. Results: M. americana seed extract showed the highest antibacterial activity with MBC from 2.3 µg/mL to 19.5 µg/mL without differences with gentamicin (p = 0.998). The isolated strain S. epidermidis I showed the highest antimicrobial resistance against the tested antibiotics. PTLC-fractions of M. americana seed extract showed MBC from 3.2 µg/mL to 40.7 µg/mL against S. epidermidis I and S. aureus 25923 (reference), respectively, which suggests a synergistic effect of the secondary metabolites present in the crude ethanolic extract compared to its active PTLC-fractions, where only coumarins and compounds with lactone groups were detected in the phytochemical screening. Conclusion: M. americana seed extract has promising effects that should be considered in further studies as an alternative or adjuvant in treating skin infections caused by staphylococci.

Evaluación antimicrobiana y coagulante de extractos de cinco vegetales de interés etnobotánico / Antimicrobial and coagulating evaluation of extracts of five vegetables of ethnobotanical interest

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la actividad antibacteriana de los extractos de Mimosa tenuiflora, Equisetum arvense, Syzygium aromaticum, Lippia graveolens y Aloe vera contra cepas bacterianas de S. mutans (ATCC700611) y S. sobrinus (ATCC33478) comparado con clorhexidina a 1200 µg/mL (0.12%) y la actividad coagulante en sangre humana. Materiales y métodos: Estudio comparativo, abierto, experimental, prospectivo y transversal in vitro. Se realizaron diluciones a 500 y 1000 µg/mL de cinco extractos y se probaron por triplicado contra microorganismos orales por medio de técnica de pozo en agar y en la evaluación de la actividad coagulante se probaron los cinco extractos por triplicado en sangre humana evaluando TP (tiempo de protrombina) y TTPa (tiempo de tromboplastina parcial activado) mediante coagulómetro. Resultados: El extracto de Lippia graveolens a 500 y 1000 µg/mL mostró un promedio de halos de inhibición sobre S. mutans de 26mm con respecto a clorhexidina a 1200 µg/mL que mostró un promedio de 15mm. Contra cepas de S. sobrinus mostraron un promedio de 19mm a 500 µg/mL y 23mm a 1000 µg/mL con respecto a 15mm de clorhexidina. El valor de TP (tiempo de protrombina) de la muestra de sangre fue 12.27 segundos, al aplicarle E. arvense y S. aromaticum ambos a 1000 µg/mL presentaron tiempos de 13.37 segundos. En cuanto al tiempo de tromboplastina parcial activada (TTPa) el valor de la muestra sin extracto fue 32.63 segundos, al aplicar M. tenuiflora a 500 µg/mL se aumentó el tiempo a 39.17 segundos. Conclusiones: Se concluye que Lippia graveolens tiene mejor efecto antibacteriano contra micrrorganismos orales y M. tenuiflora fue el extracto que aumentó por más tiempo el valor de TTPa.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial and coagulating activity from five vegetables of ethnobotanical interest extracts (Mimosa tenuiflora, Equisetum arvense, Syzygium aromaticum, Lippia graveolens and Aloe vera). Materials and methods: It was a Comparative, open, experimental, prospective and cross-sectional study through antimicrobial evaluation of the five extracts against bacterial strains of S. mutans (ATCC700611) and S. sobrinus (ATCC33478) by means of agar well technique and an evaluation of coagulating activity by measuring TP (prothrombin time) and APTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) using a coagulometer and comparing the results with those of a healthy patient. Results: It was found that the antimicrobial activity of the extracts on S. mutans at 500 and 1000ppm is statistically significant in the extracts of E. arvense and L. graveolens (p= 0.0057) and (p= 0.0000) respectively and on strains of S. sobrinus from the extracts of A. vera (p= 0.0011) and L. graveolens (p= 0.0089) in both concentrations, which show an antimicrobial effect superior to chlorhexidine. The PT patient's (prothrombin time) value was 12.27 seconds, no statistical difference was observed with a value of (p<0.05), however, E. arvense and S. aromaticum, both at 1000ppm, presented times of 13.37 seconds and at the activated partial thromboplastin time (PTPA) the value of the patient was 32.63 seconds, highlighting M. tenuiflora at 500 ppm, which presented times of 39.17 seconds. Conclusions: The extracts described above contain chemical compounds that are valuable alternatives against microorganisms and oral treatments, and it is also very important that research suggests materials and medications that are effective in the treatment of patients and that do not represent a health risk.

Representaciones y perspectivas de los cuidadores principales de niños con enfermedad renal crónica

Resumen: Introducción: La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) pediátrica es un problema de salud grave, que repercute en la vida de adulto y genera impacto psicosocial en la red familiar. Objetivo: Develar las representaciones y perspectivas de los cuidadores principales de hijos con enfermedad renal crónica. Metodología: Estudio con diseño fenomenológico administrado en 9 informantes, recolección de la información a través de entrevistas en profundidad, análisis de categorías, triangulación por investigador, resguardo de criterios de rigor de Guba y Lincoln, y respeto de los principios éticos de Ezekiel Emanuel. Resultados: Emergieron las metacategorías "viviendo la enfermedad", "enfermedad altamente demandante" y "redes de apoyo presentes". Discusión: El afrontamiento hacia la enfermedad se ve amenazado por el cansancio físico, incertidumbre y alteración del apoyo dentro y fuera de la estructura familiar; similar resultado se encuentra en el estudio base. El manejo del niño lo realiza la madre en casi la totalidad de las actividades asociadas al tratamiento. Conclusiones: La mujer proporciona cuidados en forma invisible y continua. Es necesario que se visibilice como problemática social, se establezcan políticas con enfoque de género que determinen correcciones de inequidades que proporcionan los estereotipos culturales, al igual que se visibilice la necesidad de una mayor intervención de enfermería como apoyo al cuidado informal.

Resumo: Introdução: A doença renal crônica infantil (DRC) é um grave problema de saúde que afeta a vida adulta e gera impacto psicossocial na rede familiar. Objetivo: Desvelar as representações e perspectivas de cuidadores primários de filhos com doença renal crônica. Metodologia: Estudo com desenho fenomenológico aplicado em 9 informantes, coleta de informações por meio de entrevistas em profundidade, análise de categorias, triangulação por pesquisador, resguardando os rigorosos critérios de Guba e Lincoln, e respeito aos princípios éticos de Ezekiel Emanuel. Resultados: Emergiram as metacategorias "vivendo a doença", "doença muito exigente" e "redes de apoio presentes". Discussão: O enfrentamento da doença é ameaçado pelo cansaço físico, incerteza e alteração do suporte dentro e fora da estrutura familiar, resultado semelhante é encontrado no estudo de base. O manejo da criança é realizado pela mãe em quase as atividades associadas ao tratamento desta Conclusões: As mulheres prestam cuidados de forma invisível e contínua. É necessário torná-la visível como problema social, estabelecer políticas com perspectiva de gênero que determinem correções das iniquidades que os estereótipos culturais proporcionam, bem como tornar visível a necessidade de maior intervenção da enfermagem como suporte para o cuidado informal.

Abstract: Introduction: Pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health problem that affects the life of the adults and generates psychosocial impact on the family network. Objective: To reveal the representations and perspectives of primary caregivers of children with chronic kidney disease. Methodology: Study with phenomenological design administered in 9 informants, collection of information through in-depth interviews, category analysis, triangulation by researcher, safeguarding the rigorous criteria of Guba and Lincoln, and respect for the ethical principles of Ezekiel Emanuel. Results: The meta categories "living the disease", "highly demanding disease" and "support networks present" emerged. Discussion: Coping with the disease is threatened by physical fatigue, uncertainty, and alteration of support within and outside the family structure. A similar result is found in the base study. The management of the child is carried out by the mother in almost all the activities associated with its treatment. Conclusions: Women provide care invisibly and continuously. It is necessary to make it visible as a social problem, to establish policies with a gender perspective that determine corrections of inequities that cultural stereotypes provide, as well as to make visible the need for greater nursing intervention as support for informal care.

Evaluación de calidad de vida en usuarios con úlcera venosa activa / Quality of life evaluation in users with active venous ulcer / Avaliação da qualidade de vida em usuários com úlcera venosa ativa

Las úlceras vasculares crónicas, tienen escasa tendencia a la cicatrización espontánea, dificultan la movilidad, la calidad de vida y afectan a la población de menores ingresos, siendo un problema de salud pública. Objetivo: evaluar la curación avanzada y calidad de vida en usuarios con úlcera venosa activa, al 1er y 6 mes de seguimiento. Metodología: estudio longitudinal, en usuarios portadores de UV. Recolección de información con: Diagrama de Valoración de Úlceras Venosas y Charing Cross Venous Ulcer Questionnaire (CCVUQ), con α de Cronbach de 0,94. Se analiza con estadística inferencial; prueba exacta de Fisher, y prueba de signos y rangos de Wilcoxon y nivel de signifi cancia para un valor de p< 0,05. Resultados: edad 69,8±14,1 años, 34,2% de rural, 47,4% tenía al menos un apellido mapuche, pensionados 55,3%, años de estudio 6,5±3,8 años, ingreso familiar aproximado 200 dólares mensuales. Obesidad 50 %; hipertensión arterial, 86.8%; dm 39.5%. Al comparar el mes 1 con el mes 6 en la curación de la herida, se observan diferencias signifi cativas, con una tendencia a la mejoría, igualmente en calidad de vida, se observa mejoría. Discusión: estudios comparten resultados similares en la población y determinantes sociales. Conclusiones: se devela la necesidad de constar con enfermeras especialistas en manejo avanzado de heridas, para el control, seguimiento y prevención de complicaciones. Enfermería es fundamental, por la cronicidad de la enfermedad y la posibilidad de recidivas e implicaciones en la vida del paciente.

Chronic vascular ulcers have little tendency to spontaneous healing, hinder mobility, quality of life and affect the lower-income population, being a public health problem. Objective: to evaluate advanced healing and quality of life in users with active venous ulcers, at the 1st and 6th month of follow-up. Methodology: longitudinal study, in UV carriers. Information collection with: Venous Ulcer Assessment Diagram and Charing Cross Venous Ulcer Questionnaire (CCVUQ), with Cronbach's α of 0.94. It is analyzed with inferential statistics; Fisher's exact test, and Wilcoxon sign-and-rank test and significance level for a value of p <0.05. Results: age 69.8 ± 14.1 years, 34.2% rural, 47.4% had at least one Mapuche last name, 55.3% retired, years of study 6.5 ± 3.8 years, family income approximate $200 per month. Obesity 50%; arterial hypertension, 86.8%; dm 39.5%. When comparing month 1 with month 6 in wound healing, significant differences are observed, with a trend towards improvement, also in quality of life, improvement is observed. Discussion: studies share similar results in the population and social determinants. Conclusions: it is revealed the need to have specialized nurses in advanced wound management, for the control, follow-up and prevention of complications. Nursing is essential, due to the chronicity of the disease and the possibility of recurrences and implications in the life of the patient.

As úlceras vasculares crônicas apresentam pouca tendência à cicatrização espontânea, dificultam a mobilidade, a qualidade de vida e afetam a população de baixa renda, sendo um problema de saúde pública. Objetivo: avaliar a cicatrização avançada e a qualidade de vida em usuários com úlceras venosas ativas, no 1º e 6º mês de seguimento. Metodologia: estudo longitudinal, em portadores de UV. Coleta de informações com: Venous Ulcer Assessment Diagram e Charing Cross Venous Ulcer Questionnaire (CCVUQ), com α de Cronbach de 0,94. É analisado com estatística inferencial; Teste exato de Fisher e teste de sinal e classificação de Wilcoxon e nível de significância para um valor de p <0,05. Resultados: idade 69,8 ± 14,1 anos, 34,2% rural, 47,4% com pelo menos um sobrenome Mapuche, 55,3 % aposentados, anos de estudo 6,5 ± 3,8 anos, renda familiar aproximada de US $200 por mês. Obesidade 50%; hipertensão arterial, 86,8 %; dm 39,5 %. Ao comparar o mês 1 com o mês 6 na cicatrização de feridas, observam-se diferenças significativas, com tendência de melhora, também na qualidade de vida, observa-se melhora. Discussão: os estudos compartilham resultados semelhantes na população e nos determinantes sociais. Conclusões: revela-se a necessidade de enfermeiros especialistas em manejo avançado de feridas, para o controle, acompanhamento e prevenção de complicações. A enfermagem é essencial, devido à cronicidade da doença e à possibilidade de recorrências e implicações na vida do paciente.

Hypoglycemic Activity of Tilia americana, Borago officinalis, Chenopodium nuttalliae, and Piper sanctum on Wistar Rats.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered the epidemic of the 21st century. Traditional medicine uses plants to treat DM; many of these have hypoglycemic effects in both animal models and diabetic patients. Our objective was to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of Tilia americana, Borago officinalis, Chenopodium nuttalliae, and Piper sanctum on diabetic rats. The methanolic extracts of the plants under study were obtained by Soxhlet extraction. Toxicity was evaluated on Artemia salina; the antioxidant potential was evaluated using the DPPH technique. Hypoglycemic capacity at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg was tested on Wistar rats with diabetes induced by alloxan (120 mg/kg). The toxicity on A. salina was null for the extracts of B. officinalis and P. sanctum, moderate for T. americana, and highly toxic for C. nuttalliae. The relevant extract of T. americana var. mexicana showed antioxidant activity. Three plants of the studied plants showed hypoglycemic activity: Tilia Americana (p = 0.0142), Borago officinalis (p = 0.0112), and Piper sanctum (p = 0.0078); P. sanctum was the one that showed the greatest reduction in glucose levels at a lower dose.

Safety of Aqueous Extract of Calea ternifolia Used in Mexican Traditional Medicine.

There is a trend to use medicinal plants for primary medical care or as dietary supplements; however, the safety of many of these plants has not been studied. The objective of this work was to determine the toxic effect of the aqueous extract of Calea ternifolia (C. zacatechichi), known popularly as "dream herb" in vivo and in vitro in order to validate its safety. In vivo, the extract had moderate toxicity on A. salina. In vitro, the extract induced eryptosis of 73% at a concentration of 100 µg·mL-1 and it inhibited CYP3A by 99% at a concentration of 375 µg/mL. After administering 8.5 mg/kg of C. ternifolia to rats, we found a reduction in platelets and leukocytes and an increase in urea and the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Histological analysis showed spongiform changes in the proximal tubules of renal tissue and a lymphoid infiltrate in liver tissue. This plant is used in the treatment of diabetes, and it is commercialized as a dietary supplement in several countries. Our results show renal and hepatic toxicity; therefore, more profound research on the toxicity of this plant is needed.

Miconia sp. Increases mRNA Levels of PPAR Gamma and Inhibits Alpha Amylase and Alpha Glucosidase.

Diabetes mellitus is a public health problem worldwide. For this reason, ethanolic extract of Miconia sp. from Oaxaca, Mexico, was selected in search of an alternative against this disease. The effect of Miconia sp. on mRNA expression of PPARγ on cell line 3T3-L1, its effect on alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase, lipid accumulation during adipogenesis, and cell viability on VERO cells were evaluated. The mRNA levels of PPARγ increased on 1.393 ± 0.008 folds, lipid accumulation was increased by 29.55% with Miconia sp. extract and 34.57% with rosiglitazone, and α-amylase and α-glycosidase were inhibited with IC50 values from 28.23 ± 2.15 µg/mL and 1.95 ± 0.15 µg/mL, respectively; the IC50 on antiproliferative activity on VERO cells was 314.54 ± 45.40 µg/mL. In case of α-amylase and α-glycosidase assays, IC50 (inhibitory concentration 50) refers to necessary extract amounts to inhibit 50% of enzymatic activity. On the other hand, on antiproliferative activity, IC50 (inhibitory concentration 50) refers to necessary extract amounts to inhibit 50% of cell proliferation. It was concluded that the compounds present in Miconia sp. ethanolic extract increase mRNA expression of PPARγ, inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and increase lipid accumulation. It constitutes an alternative as adjuvant in diabetes mellitus treatment; therefore, we recommend continuing identifying the compounds responsible for its promising in vivo antidiabetic activity.

Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Methanolic Plant Extracts against Nosocomial Microorganisms.

Biofilm is a complex microbial community highly resistant to antimicrobials. The formation of biofilms in biotic and abiotic surfaces is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. New alternatives for controlling infections have been proposed focusing on the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants and their antimicrobial effects. In the present study the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of 8 methanolic plant extracts were evaluated against clinical isolated microorganisms. Preliminary screening by diffusion well assay showed the antimicrobial activity of Prosopis laevigata, Opuntia ficus-indica, and Gutierrezia microcephala. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined ranging from 0.7 to >15 mg/mL. The specific biofilm formation index (SBF) was evaluated before and after the addition of plant extracts (MBC × 0.75). Opuntia ficus-indica caused the major reduction on SBF in dose-dependent manner. Cytotoxic activity of plant extracts was determined using brine shrimp lethality test (Artemia salina L.). Lethal Dose concentration (LD50 values) of the plant extracts was calculated. LD50 values for P. laevigata and G. microcephala were 141.6 and 323.3 µg/mL, respectively, while O. ficus-indica showed a slight lethality with 939.2 µg/mL. Phytochemical analyses reveal the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and coumarines.

Metabolic profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome across adult life.

OBJECTIVE: To assess insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion and metabolic profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in different stages of reproductive life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 190 PCOS women (PCOSw) and 99 controls (Cw) aged between 18 and 55years were included. PCOSw and Cw were distributed into 3 stages of reproductive life: early reproductive age (18-34years old), late reproductive age (35-40years old) and perimenopausal period (41-55years old). Waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) were recorded. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with measurement of glucose and insulin was performed. Sex steroids and lipid profile were also determined in the fasting sample. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by HOMA-IR and ISI composite, and insulin secretion by HOMA-ß and insulinogenic index. Visceral adiposity index (VAI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) were also calculated. Metabolic syndrome (MS) was assessed by the IDF and ATPIII criteria. RESULTS: At early reproductive age, PCOSw showed higher BMI, WC, and VAI and a higher prevalence of MS compared to Cw (p<0.05). In addition, at late reproductive age PCOSw also showed elevated total cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin secretion, LAP and BP. At perimenopausal period, these parameters were not different between Cw and PCOSw. Within the PCOSw group, HOMA-ß was lower at late reproductive and perimenopausal periods compared to the early reproductive age. Regarding control women, a deterioration of anthropometric and metabolic parameters was observed in perimenopausal women compared to early and late reproductive women. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that metabolic derangements associated with PCOS are more evident at the early and late reproductive ages. On the other hand, during perimenopause, there is no further deterioration of metabolic parameters. Nevertheless, a disruption in pancreatic ß-cell function is evidenced at this stage.

In vitro amoebicidal activity of borage (Borago officinalis) extract on Entamoeba histolytica.

Borage (Borago officinalis) is a plant with nutritional value that is also used in traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal disease. This study investigated the amoebicidal activity of a methanol extract of borage. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the extract for Entamoeba histolytica was 33 µg/mL. The 50% lethal dose of the extract for brine shrimp was greater than 1,000 µg/mL. The IC50 of the extract for Vero cells was 203.9 µg/mL. These results support the use of borage to prevent diseases associated with E. histolytica infection.

Levels of interleukin-21 in patients with untreated chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of evidence suggested that interleukin (IL)-21 enhances the effector phase during T-cell responses. The aim of our study is to determine the levels of IL-21 in periodontal sites from patients with chronic periodontitis and controls. METHODS: The population studied consisted of 34 patients (15 with chronic periodontitis and 19 healthy patients). Twenty samples (10 gingival crevicular fluid [GCF] and 10 gingival biopsies) were collected from each group before the patients with periodontitis received periodontal treatment. Total protein concentrations were measured in all samples; the presence of IL-21 was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and IL-21 levels were quantified through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analyses were performed using statistical software. Data were expressed as patient means ± SDs or medians (interquartile ranges) by using the χ(2), Student t, and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: GCF IL-21 was mainly detected in patients with chronic periodontitis (P <0.05). Levels of IL-21 in gingival tissues were significantly higher in patients with chronic periodontitis compared to healthy individuals (P <0.05). The Western blot and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the presence of IL-21 in periodontal tissues and GCF. CONCLUSION: IL-21 was highly expressed in patients with chronic periodontitis, especially in gingival biopsies; therefore, IL-21 might play a role in the T-cell response.

'Todo lo que usted debe saber sobre las enfermedades venéreas': las primeras campañas de educación sexual estatales entre 1927 y 1938 / 'Everything that you must know about the venereal diseases: the first campaigns of state sexual education between 1927 and 1938

Presenta una abordagen sobre la sexualidad y su educación como asuntos de interés y salud públicos. Chile era un país enfermo y se moría poco a poco. En este escenario, y considerando las altas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad, el Estado y sus diversas instituciones se hicieron cargo de las dolencias más comunes de la población, atacando, dentro de sus posibilidades, a aquellas que diezmaban a los chilenos. Las enfermedades venéreas eran una de ellas. El gran número de contagiados por la sífilis y la gonorrea, sumado al carácter hereditario de primera, hizo que estas se convirtieran en uno de los ejes centrales de las nuevas políticas sanitarias de la época.

'Todo lo que usted debe saber sobre las enfermedades venéreas': las primeras campañas de educación sexual estatales entre 1927 y 1938 / 'Everything that you must know about the venereal diseases: the first campaigns of state sexual education between 1927 and 1938

Presenta una abordagen sobre la sexualidad y su educación como asuntos de interés y salud públicos. Chile era un país enfermo y se moría poco a poco. En este escenario, y considerando las altas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad, el Estado y sus diversas instituciones se hicieron cargo de las dolencias más comunes de la población, atacando, dentro de sus posibilidades, a aquellas que diezmaban a los chilenos. Las enfermedades venéreas eran una de ellas. El gran número de contagiados por la sífilis y la gonorrea, sumado al carácter hereditario de primera, hizo que estas se convirtieran en uno de los ejes centrales de las nuevas políticas sanitarias de la época. [AU]

Deficiencia de cinc en niños con desnutrición aguda grave / Zinc deficiency in children with acute and severe malnutrition

El cinc es uno de los minerales más importantes porque cumple con importantes funciones estructurales, catalíticas y regulatorias en las células humanas, razón por la cual su deficiencia se asocia con retraso en el crecimiento lineal, alteración de los sentidos del gusto y del olfato, del crecimiento y de la maduración neuronal, deterioro de la respuesta inmune y aumento en la incidencia de diarrea y neumonía; condiciones comunes en la desnutrición grave. El indicador más usado para medir el estado corporal del cinc es la concentración en suero o en plasma, la cual fluctúa ampliamente en una variedad de procesos fisiológicos y patológicos, especialmente en condiciones de desnutrición donde es común encontrar hipoalbuminemia, hemoconcentración, sobrehidratación e infección. Las concentraciones plasmáticas de cinc en los niños desnutridos graves se encuentran disminuidas en un 50 porciento respecto a los valores de los niños eutróficos, lo que dificulta la ganancia de tejido muscular y el crecimiento compensatorio cuando ellos se someten a tratamiento de recuperación nutricional; lo anterior justifica por qué este mineral hace parte de la suplementación con micronutrientes para el manejo de estos niños. Este artículo revisa la relación entre la deficiencia de cinc y la desnutrición grave.