Recently Reported Biological Activities and Action Targets of Pt(II)- and Cu(II)-Based Complexes.

Most diseases that affect human beings across the world are now treated with drugs of organic origin. However, some of these are associated with side effects, toxicity, and resistance phenomena. For the treatment of many illnesses, the development of new molecules with pharmacological potential is now an urgent matter. The biological activities of metal complexes have been reported to have antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective and antiparasitic effects, amongst others. Metal complexes are effective because they possess unique properties. For example, the complex entity possesses the effective biological activity, then the formation of coordination bonds between the metal ions and ligands is controlled, metal ions provide it with extraordinary mechanisms of action because of characteristics such as d-orbitals, oxidation states, and specific orientations; metal complexes also exhibit good stability and good physicochemical properties such as water solubility. Platinum is a transition metal widely used in the design of drugs with antineoplastic activities; however, platinum is associated with side effects which have made it necessary to search for, and design, novel complexes based on other metals. Copper is a biometal which is found in living systems; it is now used in the design of metal complexes with biological activities that have demonstrated antitumoral, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, amongst others. In this review, we consider the open horizons of Cu(II)- and Pt(II)-based complexes, new trends in their design, their synthesis, their biological activities and their targets of action.

Colonic duplication cyst, a diagnosis to consider in young patients with abdominal pain.

We present the case of a 22-year-old woman with cesarean section 11 days before with abdominal pain in the left flank of one week of evolution associated with self-limited liquid stools. In the analytical control, leukocytes at the expense of neutrophils, as well as CRP 147 gr/L were highlighted. An abdominal CT scan was requested without contrast iv, which showed inflammatory changes in the pericolonic fat adjacent to the descending colon associated with concentric mural thickening with oval lesion. Due to the characteristics of the patient continuing with abdominal pain and the CT findings, abdominal MRI was requested in which concentric mural thickening of a segment of descending colon with longitudinal diameter of approximately 6 cm, associated with infiltration-rarefaction of the pericolonic fat, and cystic image that protrudes on the left lateral wall of the colon of approximately 3.7x5 cm was observed.

Synthesis of TiO2-Cu2+/CuI Nanocomposites and Evaluation of Antifungal and Cytotoxic Activity.

Fungal infections have become a significant public health concern due to their increasing recurrence and harmful effects on plants, animals, and humans. Opportunistic pathogens (among others from the genera Candida and Aspergillus) can be present in indoor air, becoming a risk for people with suppressed immune systems. Engineered nanomaterials are novel alternatives to traditional antifungal therapy. In this work, copper(I) iodide (CuI) and a copper-doped titanium dioxide-copper(I) iodide (TiO2-Cu2+/CuI) composite nanomaterials (NMs)-were synthesized and tested as antifungal agents. The materials were synthesized using sol-gel (TiO2-Cu2+) and co-precipitation (CuI) techniques. The resulting colloids were evaluated as antifungal agents against Candida parapsilosis and Aspergillus niger strains. The NMs were characterized by XRD, HRTEM, AFM, and DLS to evaluate their physicochemical properties. The NMs present a high size dispersion and different geometrical shapes of agglomerates. The antifungal capacity of the NMs by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) was below 15 µg/mL against Candida parapsilosis and below 600 µg/mL against Aspergillus niger for both NMs. Holotomography microscopy showed that the NMs could penetrate cell membranes causing cell death through its rupture and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Cytotoxicity tests showed that NMs could be safe to use at low concentrations. The synthesized nanomaterials could be potential antifungal agents for biomedical or environmental applications.

Health Sciences Students' Perceptions of the Role of the Supervisor in Clinical Placements.

The supervision of clinical placements is essential to achieving a positive learning experience in the clinical setting and which supports the professional training of those being supervised. The aim of this study was to explore health sciences students' perceptions of the role of the supervisor in the supervision of clinical placements. A quantitative methodology was used, administering a previously validated questionnaire, by means of an expert panel and a pre-test, to 134 students from the Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry at the University of Seville (Spain). The analysis of variables was carried out by means of a data matrix. The results revealed a statistically significant difference in the perception of placement supervision depending on the degree, with Nursing producing the highest degree of affirmation in the variables studied and the greatest satisfaction with placement supervision; in contrast, Physiotherapy produced the greatest dissatisfaction and the lowest degree of affirmation. The study and analysis of these perceptions facilitates the collection of relevant information in order to formulate actions that help to improve the supervision experience during placements. They also allow a greater understanding of what factors most influence the experience of supervision during clinical placements.

3D shape and strain measurement of a thin-walled elastic cylinder using fringe projection profilometry.

This paper describes an optical measurement system that is capable of simultaneously measuring a three-dimensional shape and circumferential train in a thin-walled cylinder. We used the fringe projection technique to obtain a three-dimensional shape and out-of-plane displacements, which were then associated with out-of-plane strain. Although 360 deg profilometry is not new, we propose an experimental setup that requires only one camera and one projector, since two mirrors are located at 120 deg with respect to the y-z plane of the reference system to obtain three distinct, complementary views of the sample studied. A sequence of images of the fringe pattern was captured and processed using the phase-shifting method, while the out-of-plane data were determined by comparing the specimen before and after deformation. A latex tube filled with liquid was used to perform mechanical testing. The cylinder was subjected to internal hydrostatic pressure that caused deformation. Experimental results were compared with analytical solutions, and the results show that out-of-plane strains can be accurately measured using the proposed method.

Does the initial level of horizontal force determine the magnitude of improvement in acceleration performance in rugby?

This study aimed to observe the effect of 8 weeks of resisted sled training (RST), with optimal loading for maximal power output production and initial levels of force, on the magnitude of improvement in sprint performance and individual sprint mechanical outputs in female amateur rugby union players. The study examined the horizontal Power-Force-Velocity profile (P-F-V profile), which provides a measure of the athlete's individual balance between force and velocity capabilities (Sfv), theoretical maximum force (F0), theoretical maximum velocity (V0), maximum power (Pmax), the maximum ratio of force (Rfmax) and rate of decrease in ratio of force (Drf). Thirty-one participants (age = 23.7 ± 3.3years, BM = 69 ± 9Kg, height = 167.5 ± 5.2 cm) were divided into a control group and two experimental groups; forwards (FG) and backs (BG). For 8 consecutive weeks (16 sessions), all groups performed the same training programme: 2 sets of 5 × 30 m, but athletes assigned to FG and BG ran towing a resisted sled attached to their waists, with optimal loading for maximal power output production. Both FG and BG significantly improved (p ≤ 0.05) in 5 and 20 m sprint performance, and in the mechanical properties related to the horizontal P-F-V profile. The correlation between the initial level of horizontal strength and the magnitude of improvement in Pmax also suggests that higher levels of horizontal force may lead to greater adaptations in RST. The P-F-V profile is a useful field method for identifying the weakest mechanical variable in rugby players during sprinting and enabling the prescription of individualized training programmes according to specific running performance.

Analysis of the Force-Velocity Profile in Female Ballet Dancers.

Jumping ability has been identified as one of the best predictors of dance performance. The latest findings in strength and conditioning research suggest that the relationship between force and velocity mechanical capabilities, known as the force-velocity profile, is a relevant parameter for the assessment of jumping ability. In addition, previous investigations have suggested the existence of an optimal force-velocity profile for each individual that maximizes jump performance. Given the abundance of ballistic actions in ballet (e.g., jumps and changes of direction), quantification of the mechanical variables of the force-velocity profile could be beneficial for dancers as a guide to specific training regimens that can result in improvement of either maximal force or velocity capabilities. The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical variables of the force-velocity profile during jumping in different company ranks of ballet dancers. Eighty-seven female professional ballet dancers (age: 18.94 ± 1.32 years; height: 164.41 ± 8.20 cm; weight: 56.3 ± 5.86 kg) showed high force deficits (> 40%) or low force deficits (10% to 40%) regardless of their company rank. Our results suggest that dance training mainly develops velocity capabilities, and due to the high number of dramatic elevations that dance performance requires, supplemental individualized force training may be beneficial for dancers. The individualization of training programs addressed to the direction of each individual's imbalance (high force or low force) could help dancers and their teachers to improve jump height and therefore dance performance.

Disinfection for decentralized wastewater reuse in rural areas through wetlands and solar driven onsite chlorination.

Increasing water scarcity is of growing concern in Europe, especially in Mediterranean countries along coastlines. Wastewater reuse reduces water stress, but often requires the absence of pathogen indicators and the application of chlorine to assure residual disinfection. However, the effluent qualities of typical Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) show immense chlorine demands. This makes the supply, handling and dosing of typical WWTP effluent challenging, especially in rural regions. In the work presented here, a vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) was combined with a small-scale solar-driven Onsite Chlorine Generation system (OCG) to further improve effluent qualities for different WWTPs and to produce chlorine stock solution directly at the site. To test different operational conditions the VFCW received WWTP effluent from a) an Activated Sludge and b) a High-Rate Algae Pond system. The VFCW reduced TSS by 92%, COD by 80%, and NH4 by over 99% and the chlorine demand by 85%. The log-unit reduction of the VFCW/OCG system reached ≥5.1 for total coliforms and ≥4.6 for E. Coli. During VFCW passage the already high electrical conductivity further increased to beyond permissible reuse limits due to high evapotranspiration (ET) rates of the planted vegetation Arundo donax. Unique aspects of this setup were that neither chemicals nor external electricity were required to run the system. The elevated chloride concentration of the treated WW (819 ± 132 mg/L) proved sufficient for the production of chlorine stock solution. However, the solar-driven OCG system tested here consumed considerably more electricity compared to other OCGs available on the market. Nevertheless, the system presented here may be considered an efficient disinfection alternative for decentralized WW reuse applications at remote sites with both limited access to grid electricity and strict requirements for pathogen indicators.

Effects of Cycling on Subsequent Running Performance, Stride Length, and Muscle Oxygen Saturation in Triathletes.

Running performance is a determinant factor for victory in Sprint and Olympic distance triathlon. Previous cycling may impair running performance in triathlons, so brick training becomes an important part of training. Wearable technology that is used by triathletes can offer several metrics for optimising training in real-time. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of previous cycling on subsequent running performance in a field test, while using kinematics metrics and SmO2 provided by wearable devices that are potentially used by triathletes. Ten trained triathletes participated in a randomised crossover study, performing two trial sessions that were separated by seven days: the isolated run trial (IRT) and the bike-run trial (BRT). Running kinematics, physiological outcomes, and perceptual parameters were assessed before and after each running test. The running distance was significantly lower in the BRT when compared to the IRT, with a decrease in stride length of 0.1 m (p = 0.00) and higher %SmO2 (p = 0.00) in spite of the maximal intensity of exercise. No effects were reported in vertical oscillation, ground contact time, running cadence, and average heart rate. These findings may only be relevant to 'moderate level' triathletes, but not to 'elite' ones. Triathletes might monitor their %SmO2 and stride length during brick training and then compare it with isolated running to evaluate performance changes. Using wearable technology (near-infrared spectroscopy, accelerometry) for specific brick training may be a good option for triathletes.

Start-up of a microalgae-based treatment system within the biorefinery concept: from wastewater to bioproducts.

Within the European project INCOVER, an experimental microalgae-based treatment system has been built for wastewater reuse and added-value products generation. This article describes this new experimental plant and the start-up stage, starting from the new design of three semi-closed horizontal photobioreactors with low energy requirements for microalgae cultivation (30 m3 total), using agricultural runoff and urban wastewater as feedstock. The inflow nutrients concentration is adjusted to select cyanobacteria, microalgae able to accumulate polyhydroxybutyrates, which can be used for bioplastics production. Part of the harvested biomass is used as substrate for anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) with secondary sludge to obtain biogas. This biogas is then cleaned in an absorption column to reach methane concentration up to 99%. The digestate from the AcoD is further processed in sludge wetlands for stabilization and biofertilizer production. On the other hand, treated water undergoes ultrafiltration and disinfection through a solar-driven process, then it is pumped through absorption materials to recover nutrients, and eventually applied in an agricultural field to grow energy crops by means of a smart irrigation system. This plant presents a sustainable approach for wastewater management, which can be seen as a resource recovery process more than a waste treatment.

Meningoencefalitis bacteriana en niños de Guantánamo. Su comportamiento durante 2007-2013 / Bacterial meningoencephalitis in Guantanamo children. Your behavior during 2007-2013

Introducción: en la unidad de cuidados intensivos no siempre se conocen los factores que determinan el pronóstico del paciente con peritonitis. Objetivo: precisar los factores determinantes de la mortalidad por peritonitis secundaria en esta unidad en el Hospital "Dr. Agostinho Neto" durante los años 2014-2016. Método: se realizó un estudio analítico prospectivo y longitudinal de todos los pacientes ingresados en la citada UCI por peritonitis secundaria en los años 2014-2016 (n=70), los que se agruparon según fueran egresados vivos o fallecidos. Se precisaron las variables más relacionadas con la probabilidad de que el paciente falleciera y las más frecuentes en los fallecidos. Se calculó el riesgo absoluto (RA) de cada variable. Resultados: los factores más frecuentes fueron: fiebre (n=53), Síndrome respuesta inflamatoria sistémica (n=51) y la leucocitosis/desviación izquierda (n=51). Los factores con mayor probabilidad de determinar la muerte fueron: fallo multiorgánico (RA 17.8), fluido peritoneal fecaloideo (RA 7.8) y choque séptico (RA 7.3). Conclusión: Los factores que determinan la mortalidad por peritonitis secundaria son: la peritonitis difusa, presencia de fallo multiorgánico, hipoxemia ? 85 mmHg y/o Sp02 ? 90 por ciento, edad ? 60 años, presión intrabdominal poscirugía ? 21 cm H2O (15 mmHg), síntomas ? 24 h antes de cirugía, choque séptico, fluido peritoneal fecaloideo, origen colónico de la peritonitis(AU)

A retrospective longitudinal descriptive study was carried out to determine the behavior of children with bacterial meningoencephalitis at the Pediatric Hospital Pedro A Pérez in the period from 2007 to 2013. The study universe was composed of 58 patients. We studied a series of variables such as: behavior by age, age, main symptoms and signs at admission, evolution in intensive care, and prognosis. The data were collected from the medical records. The main results were: 2009 was the year of greatest morbidity, infants were the most affected, the main symptoms were: fever, headache and vomiting; electrolytic disorders and shock were the main complications and the favorable evolution prevailed. Conclusions and recommendations were issued(AU)

Meningoencefalitis bacteriana en niños de Guantánamo. Su comportamiento durante 2007-2013 / Bacterial meningoencephalitis in Guantanamo children. Your behavior during 2007-2013

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo longitudinal retrospectivo para conocer el comportamiento en niños con meningoencefalitis bacteriana en el Hospital Pediátrico Docente "General Pedro Agustín Pérez" en el período comprendido de 2007 a 2013. El universo de estudio quedó constituido por 58 pacientes. Se estudiaron las variables: comportamiento por años, edad, principales síntomas y signos al ingreso, evolución en cuidados intensivos, y pronóstico. Los datos fueron recogidos de las historias clínicas. Los principales resultados fueron: el año 2009 el de mayor morbilidad, los lactantes más afectados, los principales síntomas fueron: fiebre, cefalea y vómitos; los trastornos electrolíticos y el shock constituyeron las principales complicaciones y predominó la evolución favorable. Se emitieron conclusiones y recomendaciones(AU)

A retrospective longitudinal descriptive study was carried out to determine the behavior of children with bacterial meningoencephalitis at the Pediatric Hospital "Pedro A. Pérez" in the period from 2007 to 2013. The study universe was composed of 58 patients. We studied a series of variables such as: behavior by age, age, main symptoms and signs at admission, evolution in intensive care, and prognosis. The data were collected from the medical records. The main results were: 2009 was the year of greatest morbidity, infants were the most affected, the main symptoms were: fever, headache and vomiting; electrolytic disorders and shock were the main complications and the favorable evolution prevailed. Conclusions and recommendations were issued.

Arsenic Removal from Groundwater by Solar Driven Inline-Electrolytic Induced Co-Precipitation and Filtration-A Long Term Field Test Conducted in West Bengal.

Arsenic contamination in drinking water resources is of major concern in the Ganga delta plains of West Bengal in India and Bangladesh. Here, several laboratory and field studies on arsenic removal from drinking water resources were conducted in the past and the application of strong-oxidant-induced co-precipitation of arsenic on iron hydroxides is still considered as the most promising mechanism. This paper suggests an autonomous, solar driven arsenic removal setting and presents the findings of a long term field test conducted in West Bengal. The system applies an inline-electrolytic cell for in situ chlorine production using the natural chloride content of the water and by that substituting the external dosing of strong oxidants. Co-precipitation of As(V) occurs on freshly formed iron hydroxide, which is removed by Manganese Greensand Plus® filtration. The test was conducted for ten months under changing source water conditions considering arsenic (187 ± 45 µg/L), iron (5.5 ± 0.8 mg/L), manganese (1.5 ± 0.4 mg/L), phosphate (2.4 ± 1.3 mg/L) and ammonium (1.4 ± 0.5 mg/L) concentrations. Depending on the system setting removal rates of 94% for arsenic (10 ± 4 µg/L), >99% for iron (0.03 ± 0.03 mg/L), 96% for manganese (0.06 ± 0.05 mg/L), 72% for phosphate (0.7 ± 0.3 mg/L) and 84% for ammonium (0.18 ± 0.12 mg/L) were achieved-without the addition of any chemicals/adsorbents. Loading densities of arsenic on iron hydroxides averaged to 31 µgAs/mgFe. As the test was performed under field conditions and the here proposed removal mechanisms work fully autonomously, it poses a technically feasible treatment alternative, especially for rural areas.

Hipertensión arterial en pediatría. estudio de tres años / Arterial hypertension in pediatrics. three year study

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo con el objetivo de analizar algunos factores relacionados con la hipertensión arterial en pacientes que fueron atendidos en el Hospital Pediátrico Pedro A Pérez, desde el mes de enero del 2014 hasta el mes de enero de 2016. El universo de estudio quedo constituido por 58 pacientes diagnosticados con hipertensión arterial. Los datos primarios se obtuvieron de la revisión de las historias clínicas. Las variables estudiadas fueron: grupos de edades, sexo, procedencia, factores de riesgo, y tipo de hipertensión. Los resultados más relevantes fueron: predominio de los adolescentes, el sexo masculino, la procedencia urbana, el factor de riesgo obesidad. Y la hipertensión esencial. Se emitieron conclusiones y recomendaciones(AU)

A descriptive study was carried out with the objective of analyzing some factors related to arterial hypertension in patients who were treated at the Pedro A Perez Pediatric Hospital from January 2014 to January 2016. The study universe consisted of 58 patients diagnosed with hypertension. Primary data were obtained from review of medical records. The variables were studied: age, sex, origin, risk factors, and type of hypertension. The most relevant results were: predominance of adolescents, male sex, urban origin, obesity risk factor. Essential hypertension. Conclusions and recommendations were issued.

Meningoencefalitis bacteriana, estudio de algunos factores / Bacterial meningoencephalitis, study of some factors

La meningoencefalitis bacteriana constituye una de las causas de ingreso en las unidades de cuidados intensivos con una morbilidad en todas las edades pediátricas. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo longitudinal retrospectivo para conocer el comportamiento de algunos factores en niños con meningoencefalitis bacteriana en el Hospital Pediátrico Pedro A. Pérez en el período comprendido de 2007 a 2013. El universo de estudio quedo constituido por 58 pacientes. Se tomaron los datos de las historias clínicas, las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, procedencia, factores de riesgo sociales (hacinamiento, contactos con personas enfermas, la falta de inmunización) y factores de riesgos biológicos (antecedente de infección respiratoria aguda siete días antes, pretérmino, desnutrido, inmunodeprimido, tratamiento antibiótico menos de 48 horas, egreso menos de 72 horas). Los principales resultados fueron: hubo predominio de lactantes, del sexo masculino y procedencia urbana; como factores de riesgo biológico lo constituyeron las infecciones respiratorias agudas siete días antes, y la desnutrición, y como riesgos sociales el hacinamiento y el contacto con enfermos. Se emitieron conclusiones y recomendaciones(AU)

Bacterial meningoencephalitis is one of the causes of admission to intensive care units with morbidity in all pediatric ages. A retrospective longitudinal descriptive study was carried out to determine the behavior of some factors in children with bacterial meningoencephalitis at the Pediatric Hospital Pedro A. Pérez in the period from 2007 to 2013. The universe of study was made up of 58 patients. Data were taken from the medical records, age, gender, origin, social risk factors (overcrowding, contacts with sick people, lack of immunization) and biological risk factors (history of acute respiratory infection seven days Before, preterm, malnourished, immunosuppressed, antibiotic treatment less than 48 hours, egress less than 72 hours), the main results were: predominance of infants, males and urban origin; As biological risk factors consisted of acute respiratory infections seven days before, and malnutrition, and as social risks overcrowding and contact with patients. Conclusions and recommendations were issued

Miasis cutánea: presentación de un caso / Cutaneous myiasis: case report

Se presentó un caso de paciente femenina de 5 años de edad, procedente de una familia disfuncional, de escasos recursos que es llevada por la madre al Servicio de Emergencias Pediátricas del Hospital General Guatires Guarenas Eugenio P de Bellard en el estado de Miranda, República Bolivariana de Venezuela, refiriendo notarle aumento de volumen de la cabeza y presencia de gusanos en el pelo. En el examen físico se observó aumento de volumen de la cabeza con numerosos costras que se acompañaban de secreción amarillenta, además de numerosas larvas de gusanos. La paciente fue ingresada, indicándosele tratamiento. Evolucionó satisfactoriamente, siendo egresada a los 21 días. Se realizó además una breve revisión sobre la entidad(AU)

A case of female patient 5 years old, from a dysfunctional family, poor being carried by the mother to the Service Pediatric Emergency General Hospital Guatires Guarenas Eugenio P Bellard in the state of Miranda, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, referring notice in her increase head volume and presence of worms in her hair. On physical examination enlargement of the head with numerous crusts that were accompanied by yellowish discharge and numerous larvae of worms that were observed by doctors. The patient was admitted and be told treatment. It evolved satisfactorily, being graduated at 21 days. A brief review of the company was also carried out(AU)

Neumonía grave en terapia intensiva pediátrica: estudio de algunas variables / Severe pneumonia in pediatric intensive care: study of some variables

Se realiza un estudio en 80 niños que ingresaron en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos pediátricos del Hospital Pedro Agustín Pérez de Guantánamo, con diagnóstico de neumonía grave desde 2011 al 2012, con el objetivo de describir el comportamiento de la mortalidad por dicha enfermedad. El dato primario se obtuvo mediante las revisiones de las historias clínicas. Se estudiaron grupos de edades, estado nutricional, resultados radiológicos y humorales, resultados anatomopatológicos de los fallecidos. Se relaciona estado al egreso, estado nutricional, resultados radiológicos y humorales y edad con la mortalidad. Se considera que las neumonías graves predominaron en los niños preescolares. La mortalidad fue más elevada en el menor de 5 años, mal nutridos por defecto, con leucocitosis, hemoglobina baja, eritrosedimentación acelerada y radiopacidad lobar. El distrés respiratorio constituyó la principal causa directa de muerte y la neumonía lobar la causa básica predominante. Se muestran cuadros para una mejor interpretación del dato estadístico, así como se emitieron conclusiones y recomendaciones(AU)

A study was performed on 80 children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit of the Hospital Pedro Agustín Pérez Guantanamo, diagnosed with severe pneumonia from 2011 to 2012, with the aim of describing the behavior of mortality from this disease. The primary data was obtained from reviews of medical records. Age groups, nutritional status, radiological findings and humoral pathology results of those death people were studied. Relates discharge status, nutritional status, radiological findings and humoral and age with mortality. It is considered that serious pneumonias predominated in preschool children. Mortality was higher in children under 5 years old, malnourished default, leukocytosis, low hemoglobin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and lobar radiopacity. Respiratory distress was the main direct cause of death and lobar pneumonia predominant underlying cause. Tables for better interpretation of statistical data are shown as well as conclusions and recommendations were issued(AU)