DNA fragmentation of lymphocytes and sperm cells induced by nickel released from orthodontic archwires: A preliminary study.

Orthodontic brackets and archwires placed intraorally are subject to corrosion, leading to the release of cytotoxic metal ions. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of orthodontic NiTi archwires increases systemic Ni levels and cause alterations on the DNA of cells unrelated to the oral environment such as lymphocytes and sperm cells. Human urine, semen and blood samples were collected before (baseline) sham placement of orthodontic archwires and 15 and 30 days after placement. Lymphocytes and sperm cells cells were evaluated by comet assay. Ni concentration levels in urine increased significantly between baseline and 15 days (p<0.01) and 15 and 30 days of exposure (p<0.01). Progressive decrease in sperm viability and motility was observed between the sampling periods. Lymphocytes and sperm cells showed DNA fragmentation. The increase in systemic concentration of nickel induced structural damage in the DNA of lymphocytes and human sperm cells.

Building national patient registries in Mexico: insights from the MexOMICS Consortium.

Objective: To introduce MexOMICS, a Mexican Consortium focused on establishing electronic databases to collect, cross-reference, and share health-related and omics data on the Mexican population. Methods: Since 2019, the MexOMICS Consortium has established three electronic-based registries: the Mexican Twin Registry (TwinsMX), Mexican Lupus Registry (LupusRGMX), and the Mexican Parkinson's Research Network (MEX-PD), designed and implemented using the Research Electronic Data Capture web-based application. Participants were enrolled through voluntary participation and on-site engagement with medical specialists. We also acquired DNA samples and Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans in subsets of participants. Results: The registries have successfully enrolled a large number of participants from a variety of regions within Mexico: TwinsMX (n = 2,915), LupusRGMX (n = 1,761) and MEX-PD (n = 750). In addition to sociodemographic, psychosocial, and clinical data, MexOMICS has collected DNA samples to study the genetic biomarkers across the three registries. Cognitive function has been assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in a subset of 376 MEX-PD participants. Furthermore, a subset of 267 twins have participated in cognitive evaluations with the Creyos platform and in MRI sessions acquiring structural, functional, and spectroscopy brain imaging; comparable evaluations are planned for LupusRGMX and MEX-PD. Conclusions: The MexOMICS registries offer a valuable repository of information concerning the potential interplay of genetic and environmental factors in health conditions among the Mexican population.

MEX-PD: A National Network for the Epidemiological & Genetic Research of Parkinson's Disease.

Background: Parkinson's Disease (PD) has a complex etiology, involving genetic and environmental factors. Most of our current understanding of the disease comes from studies in populations with mostly European ancestry, representing challenges in generalizing findings to other populations with different genetic, social, and environmental contexts. There are scarce studies focused in Latin American populations. The Mexican population is genetically diverse because its admixture from Native American, European, and African ancestries, coupled with the unique environmental conditions, stressing the relevance of establishing genetic studies in this population. Thus, we have established the Mexican Parkinson's Research Network (MEX-PD), a consortium to research the clinical, genetical, environmental, and neurophysiological bases of the phenotypic diversity in Mexican PD patients. Objectives: Describing how MEX-PD was established, the methods and instruments and presenting the first results. Methods: Patients and controls were recruited from medical centers in 20 states of Mexico. Initial recruitment included neurological evaluation, cognitive assessment, and DNA collection. Results: MEX-PD has registered 302 controls and 262 PD patients with a mean age of diagnosis of 61 years (SD=10.86). There were 19.8% PD patients identified with early onset. Levodopa was the most common pharmacological treatment. Conclusions: MEX-PD contributes to understand PD nationally. The information gathered here will allow us to understand the prevalence of mental health, neurological symptoms, and cognitive function in the PD Mexican population and how genetical and environmental factors contributes to those outcomes. These will advocate for personalized treatments and improving quality of life in the Mexican population.

3D wildlife skull models for wildlife veterinary training.

Wildlife veterinarians are necessary for zoonotic diseases and species loss management, and there is a rising interest to enroll at veterinary schools with the wish to work in zoo and wildlife medicine. However, teaching wildlife is challenging due to the difficulty faced by universities to work with wild animal specimens. The aim of the present was to evaluate the understanding efficiency of some anatomical and behavioral aspects using 3D printed models of four wildlife species skulls, the kinkaju (Potos flavus), the white-nosed coati (Nasua narica), the northern anteater (Tamandua mexicana), and the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus). This study was performed on 85 third-year veterinary students, divided into an experimental and a control group, who used and not used 3D printed skulls, respectively. Results show that the experimental group shows higher scores, in three of the four variables evaluated, than the control group. Then, 3D wildlife printed skulls constitute a promising teaching tool for veterinary students. In fact, it may be as good as real skulls, since new 3D printers can print on high endurance and firmness stock with high accuracy at reduced costs. In this context, it is important to encourage its use for the training of new generations and keep professionals up to date.

Face mask and protective eyewear-associated headache among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence, clinical features, and factors related to personal protective-associated headaches. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among healthcare workers using an online questionnaire. RESULTS: We surveyed 305 participants. The N95 face-mask was the most used device by 93%. Of 305 respondents, 206 experienced headaches while wearing protective equipment; 36.06% suffered from a headache disorder before the pandemic. The prevalence of de novo headache was 39.01%. Gender, age, or exposure to coronavirus disease were not determining factors to develop headache. Headache intensity was higher in front-line healthcare workers and was correlated (r = 0.728) with the time wearing protective equipment. The more days per month the participants wore personal protective equipment the shorter the time to headache onset after donning equipment. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the relationship between frequent and prolonged use of protection devices with headaches and reaffirms the implication of external pressure as a primary mechanism.

OBJETIVO: Investigar la prevalencia, las características clínicas y los factores relacionados con las cefaleas asociadas al equipo de protección personal. MÉTODOS: Realizamos un estudio transversal entre trabajadores de la salud por medio de un cuestionario en línea. RESULTADOS: Encuestamos a 305 participantes. La mascarilla N95 fue el dispositivo más utilizado opor 93%. Del total de encuestados, 206 experimentaron cefalea mientras usaban el equipo de protección; el 36.06% padecía algun trastorno cefalálgico antes del inicio de la pandemia. La prevalencia de cefalea de novo fue del 39.01%. El género, la edad o la exposición a la enfermedad por coronavirus no fueron factores determinantes para desarrollar cefalea. La cefalea fue de mayor intensidad en los trabajadores de primera línea y se correlacionó (r = 0.728) con el tiempo que se uso el equipo de protección personal. Mientras más días por mes los participantes usaron el equipo de protección personal menor fue el tiempo de inicio de la cefalea tras la colocación del equipo cada vez. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestro estudio confirma la asociación del uso frecuente y prolongado de dispositivos de protección con el desarrollo de cefalea y reafirma la implicación de la compresión externa como mecanismo primario.

Comparative Biomonitoring of Arsenic Exposure in Mothers and Their Neonates in Comarca Lagunera, Mexico.

Multiple comorbidities related to arsenic exposure through drinking water continue to be public problems worldwide, principally in chronically exposed populations, such as those in the Comarca Lagunera (CL), Mexico. In addition, this relationship could be exacerbated by an early life exposure through the placenta and later through breast milk. This study conducted a comparative analysis of arsenic levels in multiple biological samples from pregnant women and their neonates in the CL and the comparison region, Saltillo. Total arsenic levels in placenta, breast milk, blood, and urine were measured in pregnant women and their neonates from rural areas of seven municipalities of the CL using atomic absorption spectrophotometry with hydride generation methodology. The average concentrations of tAs in drinking water were 47.7 µg/L and 0.05 µg/L in the exposed and non-exposed areas, respectively. Mean levels of tAs were 7.80 µg/kg, 77.04 µg/g-Cr, and 4.30 µg/L in placenta, blood, urine, and breast milk, respectively, in mothers, and 107.92 µg/g-Cr in neonates in the exposed group, which were significantly higher than those in the non-exposed area. High levels of urinary arsenic in neonates were maintained 4 days after birth, demonstrating an early arsenic exposure route through the placenta and breast milk. In addition, our study suggested that breastfeeding may reduce arsenic exposure in infants in arsenic-contaminated areas. Further studies are necessary to follow up on comorbidities later in life in neonates and to provide interventions in this region.

Insight into the Burden of Malignant Respiratory Tumors and their Relationship with Smoking Rates and Lead Contamination in Mexico.

We aimed to report the results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 related to respiratory malignant tumors (tracheal, bronchial, and lung) in Mexico. We also evaluated the relationship between the burden of these neoplasms and the proportion of daily smokers and total lead emissions in 2019. A cross-sectional analysis of ecological data was performed. The burden of these tumors was 152,189 disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and years of life lost (YLL) contributed to 99% of them. The highest DALYs rates (per 100,000) were observed in the states of Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Baja California Sur, Sonora, and Nayarit. We documented a linear relationship between the DALYs rates and the prevalence of daily smokers (ß = 8.50, 95% CI 1.58-15.38) and the total lead emissions (tons/year: ß = 4.04, 95% CI 0.07-8.01). If later replicated, our study would provide insight into the major relevance of regulating tobacco use and the activities associated with the production of lead dust and other hazardous contaminants.

Evaluación del ángulo de fase por bioimpedancia vectorial eléctrica en mujeres con cáncer cervicouterino / Phase angle assessment by electrical vector bioimpedance in women with cervical cancer

Introducción: el cáncer cervicouterino es el segundo cáncer más común en las mujeres en el mundo. Se asocia a un índice de masa corporal elevado. Sin embargo, no se ha determinado el ángulo de fase en las mujeres con cáncer cervicouterino. La bioimpedancia vectorial eléctrica está validada para evaluar la composición corporal, el estado nutricional y la integridad de la membrana celular en pacientes con cáncer mediante el ángulo de fase. Objetivo: evaluar el ángulo de fase, la composición corporal por bioimpedancia vectorial eléctrica y el consumo dietético en mujeres con diagnóstico de cáncer cervicouterino usuarias de un hospital de segundo nivel de atención en San Luis Potosí, México. Métodos: estudio observacional, transversal y analítico. Se estudiaron 70 mujeres con diagnóstico de cáncer cervicouterino en el servicio de oncología. Se realizó la medición del ángulo de fase y se aplicó la frecuencia de alimentos del Sistema de Evaluación de Hábitos Nutricionales, así como un cuestionario para medir el nivel socioeconómico. Resultados: el ángulo de fase presentó una media de 4,66° ± 0,87° con un rango de 2,9° a 6,2°. El modelo de regresión lineal múltiple formado para el ángulo de fase como variable dependiente y la evolución del cáncer cervicouterino, el índice de masa corporal, la masa de músculo esquelético, el agua extracelular, la fructosa, los ácidos grasos saturados y los ácidos grasos trans como variables independientes, tuvo un valor de R2 de 0,748 con un valor de p de 0,001. Conclusión: las mujeres con cáncer cervicouterino mostraron daños en la integridad de la membrana celular, con un ángulo de fase menor que el de la población de referencia. (AU)

Introduction: cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the world. It is associated with a high body mass index. However, the phase angle has not been determined in women with cervical cancer. Electrical vector bioimpedance has been validated to assess body composition, nutritional status, and cell membrane integrity in cancer patients using phase angle. Objetive: to evaluate phase angle, body composition by electrical vector bioimpedance, and dietary intake in women with cervical diagnosis who are users of a second-level care hospital in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Methods: an observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study. Seventy women with a diagnosis of cervical cancer were studied in the oncology service. Phase angle was measured, and the frequency of food from the Nutritional Habits Assessment System and a questionnaire to measure socioeconomic level were applied. Results: the data of the phase angle in a mean of 4.66° ± 0.87° with a range of 2.9° to 6.2°. In a multiple linear regression model formed for phase angle as a dependent variable, and evolution of the cervical cancer, body mass index, skeletal muscle mass, extracellular water, fructose, saturated fatty acids, and trans fatty acids as independent variables, had an R2 value of 0.748 with a p-value of 0.001. Conclusion: women with cervical cancer have integrity damage of the cell membrane with a lower phase angle than the reference population. (AU)

[Phase angle assessment by electrical vector bioimpedance in women with cervical cancer]. / Evaluación del ángulo de fase por bioimpedancia vectorial eléctrica en mujeres con cáncer cervicouterino.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the world. It is associated with a high body mass index. However, the phase angle has not been determined in women with cervical cancer. Electrical vector bioimpedance has been validated to assess body composition, nutritional status, and cell membrane integrity in cancer patients using phase angle. Objetive: to evaluate phase angle, body composition by electrical vector bioimpedance, and dietary intake in women with cervical diagnosis who are users of a second-level care hospital in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Methods: an observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study. Seventy women with a diagnosis of cervical cancer were studied in the oncology service. Phase angle was measured, and the frequency of food from the Nutritional Habits Assessment System and a questionnaire to measure socioeconomic level were applied. Results: the data of the phase angle in a mean of 4.66 ° ± 0.87 ° with a range of 2.9 ° to 6.2 ° In a multiple linear regression model formed for phase angle as a dependent variable, and evolution of the cervical cancer, body mass index, skeletal muscle mass, extracellular water, fructose, saturated fatty acids, and trans fatty acids as independent variables, had an R2 value of 0.748 with a p-value of 0.001. Conclusion: women with cervical cancer have integrity damage of the cell membrane with a lower phase angle than the reference population.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: el cáncer cervicouterino es el segundo cáncer más común en las mujeres en el mundo. Se asocia a un índice de masa corporal elevado. Sin embargo, no se ha determinado el ángulo de fase en las mujeres con cáncer cervicouterino. La bioimpedancia vectorial eléctrica está validada para evaluar la composición corporal, el estado nutricional y la integridad de la membrana celular en pacientes con cáncer mediante el ángulo de fase. Objetivo: evaluar el ángulo de fase, la composición corporal por bioimpedancia vectorial eléctrica y el consumo dietético en mujeres con diagnóstico de cáncer cervicouterino usuarias de un hospital de segundo nivel de atención en San Luis Potosí, México. Métodos: estudio observacional, transversal y analítico. Se estudiaron 70 mujeres con diagnóstico de cáncer cervicouterino en el servicio de oncología. Se realizó la medición del ángulo de fase y se aplicó la frecuencia de alimentos del Sistema de Evaluación de Hábitos Nutricionales, así como un cuestionario para medir el nivel socioeconómico. Resultados: el ángulo de fase presentó una media de 4,66 ° ± 0,87 ° con un rango de 2,9 ° a 6,2 °. El modelo de regresión lineal múltiple formado para el ángulo de fase como variable dependiente y la evolución del cáncer cervicouterino, el índice de masa corporal, la masa de músculo esquelético, el agua extracelular, la fructosa, los ácidos grasos saturados y los ácidos grasos trans como variables independientes, tuvo un valor de R2 de 0,748 con un valor de p de 0,001. Conclusión: las mujeres con cáncer cervicouterino mostraron daños en la integridad de la membrana celular, con un ángulo de fase menor que el de la población de referencia.

Cranial bone regeneration with collagen type I and polyvinylpyrrolidone (Fibroquel®) combined with hyaluronic acid in Wistar rats: morphological study / Regeneración ósea craneal con colágeno tipo I y polivinilpirrolidona (Fibroquel®) combinado con ácido hialurónico en ratas Wistar: estudio morfológico

SUMMARY: The purpose of this study was to evaluate by morphological methods, if a mixture of Fibroquel® and hyaluronic acid implanted in an animal model of cranial bone injury could promote bone regeneration. 12 Wistar rats were divided in three groups, control group, bone injury without treatment and bone injury with treatment. After experimental period, bone samples were taken and stained with H & E, Masson trichrome, PAS-D, immunohistochemistry with anti-PCNA monoclonal antibody and applied a semiquantitative morphometric method. Treatment group showed extensive areas of collagen fibers in contact with normal bone tissue, areas of normal histology, PAS positive material and less cellular proliferation. We demonstrated for the first time that a mixture of Fibroquel® and hyaluronic acid implanted in an animal model of cranial bone injury promotes bone regeneration.

RESUMEN: El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar por métodos morfológicos, si una mezcla de Fibroquel® y ácido hialurónico implantado en un modelo animal de lesión del hueso craneal podría promover la regeneración ósea. Se dividieron 12 ratas Wistar en tres grupos, grupo control, lesión ósea sin tratamiento y lesión ósea con tratamiento. Después del período experimental, se tomaron muestras de hueso y se tiñeron con H & E, tricrómico de Masson, PAS-D, inmunohistoquímica con anticuerpo monoclonal anti-PCNA y se aplicó un método morfométrico semicuantitativo. El grupo de tratamiento mostró áreas extensas de fibras de colágeno en contacto con tejido óseo normal, áreas de histología normal, material PAS positivo y menor proliferación celular. Demostramos por primera vez que una mezcla de Fibroquel® y ácido hialurónico implantado en un modelo animal de lesión del hueso craneal promueve la regeneración ósea.

Transgenerational effects in DNA methylation, genotoxicity and reproductive phenotype by chronic arsenic exposure.

An emerging concern is the influences of early life exposure to environmental toxicants on offspring characteristics in later life. Since recent evidence suggests a transgenerational transference of aberrant phenotypes from exposed-parents to non-exposed offspring related to adult-onset diseases including reproductive phenotype. The transgenerational potential of arsenic a well know genotoxic and epigenetic modifier agent has not been assessed in mammals until now. In this experimental study, we evaluated the transgenerational effects of arsenic in a rat model with chronic exposure to arsenic. Rats chronically exposed to arsenic in drinking water (1 mg As2O3/mL) (F0) were mated to produce the arsenic lineage (F1, F2, and F3). The arsenic toxic effects on were evaluated over the four generations by analyzing the DNA methylation percentage, genotoxicity in WBC and physical and reproductive parameters, including sperm quality parameters and histopathological evaluation of the gonads. Chronic exposure to arsenic caused genotoxic damage (F0-F3) different methylation patterns, alterations in physical and reproductive parameters, aberrant morphology in the ovaries (F0 and F1) and testicles (F1-F3), and a decrease in the quality of sperm (F0-F3, except F2). Parental chronic arsenic exposure causes transgenerational genotoxicity and changes in global DNA methylation which might be associated with reproductive defects in rats. Combined with recent studies reveal that disturbances in the early life of an individual can affect the health of later generations.

RADIOGRAPHIC ANATOMY OF THE FORELIMB IN THE NORTHERN TAMANDUA (TAMANDUA MEXICANA).

The thoracic limb anatomy of anteaters in the family Myrmecophagidae is specialized for accessing termite and ant nests and for defense purposes. In the case of the northern tamandua (Tamandua mexicana), the forelimbs are also adapted for arboreal and terrestrial locomotion. Unfortunately, this species faces many conservation threats, such as habitat loss and traffic accidents, and injured individuals are frequently taken to wildlife rehabilitation centers. However, lack of knowledge of the radiographic osteoanatomy of this species may prevent appropriate management of injuries and thereby reduce the chances of successful release and survival. In order to fill this knowledge gap, this article describes for the first time the radiographic anatomy of the thoracic limb of the northern tamandua using four standard views and one additional view. The additional orthogonal view helps visualize structures, such as the hamatus process and the sesamoid bone, that are otherwise difficult to visualize due to the natural forearm position of anteaters. Additionally, some fractures and physeal growth plates were identified in one juvenile individual. Further radiographic investigations should be conducted on anteaters to provide more tools for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of these animals.

Protective effects of phenolic acids on mercury-induced DNA damage in precision-cut kidney slices.

OBJECTIVES: Precision-cut tissue slices are considered an organotypic 3D model widely used in biomedical research. The comet assay is an important screening test for early genotoxicity risk assessment that is mainly applied on in vitro models. The aim of the present study was to provide a 3D organ system for determination of genotoxicity using a modified method of the comet assay since the stromal components from the original tissue make this technique complicated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A modified comet assay technique was validated using precision-cut hamster kidney slices to analyze the antigenotoxic effect of the phenolic compounds caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and rosmarinic acid in tissue slices incubated with 15 µM HgCl2. Cytotoxicity of the phenolic compounds was studied in Vero cells, and by morphologic analysis in tissue slices co-incubated with HgCl2 and phenolic compounds. RESULTS: A modification of the comet assay allows obtaining better and clear comet profiles for analysis. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of phenolic acids protected kidney tissue slices against mercury-induced DNA damage, and at the same time, were not nephrotoxic. The highest protection was provided by 3 µg/ml caffeic acid, although 6 µg/ml rosmarinic and 9 µg/ml chlorogenic acids also exhibited protective effects. CONCLUSION: This is the first time that a modification of the comet assay technique is reported as a tool to visualize the comets from kidney tissue slices in a clear and simple way. The phenolic compounds tested in this study provided protection against mercury-induced genotoxic damage in precision-cut kidney slices.

Development of a Novel Ex-vivo 3D Model to Screen Amoebicidal Activity on Infected Tissue.

Amoebiasis is a parasitic disease that causes thousands of deaths every year, its adverse effects and resistance to conventional treatments have led to the search of new treatment options, as well as the development of novel screening methods. In this work, we implemented a 3D model of intestine and liver slices from hamsters that were infected ex vivo with virulent E. histolytica trophozoites. Results show preserved histology in both uninfected tissues as well as ulcerations, destruction of the epithelial cells, and inflammatory reaction in intestine slices and formation of micro abscesses, and the presence of amoebae in the sinusoidal spaces and in the interior of central veins in liver slices. The three chemically synthetized compounds T-001, T-011, and T-016, which act as amoebicides in vitro, were active in both infected tissues, as they decreased the number of trophozoites, and provoked death by disintegration of the amoeba, similar to metronidazole. However, compound T-011 induced signs of cytotoxicity to liver slices. Our results suggest that ex vivo cultures of precision-cut intestinal and liver slices represent a reliable 3D approach to evaluate novel amoebicidal compounds, and to simultaneously detect their toxicity, while reducing the number of experimental animals commonly required by other model systems.

Evaluación de la respuesta inflamatoria en ratas Wistar a TheraCalTM LC implantado vía subcutánea / Evaluation of the inflammatory response in Wistar rats to TheraCalTM LC implanted subcutaneously

El Theracal TM LC es un cemento silicato de calcio (Ca) modificado con resina (SMCR) que ha demostrado ser un material ideal para el tratamiento dentino-pulpar por su alta tasa de formación de calcio. Los biomateriales por su contenido de Ca tienden a tener un aumento en su biodisponibilidad, estimulando la formación del puente dentario atreves de las células involucradas en la formación de tejidos mineralizados, promoviendo la diferenciación de fibroblastos en odontoblastos y aumentando la actividad de la enzima pirofostasa responsable en la mineralización de la dentina. El presente estudio con el objetivo de evaluar la respuesta inflamatoria a Theracal TM LC subcutáneamente en ratas Wistar. Fueron usados seis ratas cepa Wistar en las cuales se realizaron cuatro bolsillos quirúrgicos subcutáneos. Cada uno de estos bolsillos se determinó como cuadrante distinto, conteniendo los siguientes implantes: 1 Theracal TM LC en tubo polietileno, 2 tubo de polietileno, 3 Theracal TM LC directo y 4 como control. Las muestras histológicas se procesaron y se evaluaron distintos tipos celulares mediante conteo a microscopio de luz a 100X utilizando las tinciones H&E y AT pH 2.3. Los resultados mostraron que existen diferencias significativas en todos los tipos celulares observados durante los diferentes tiempos de exposición. Las diferencias en los tipos celulares observados podrían ser debido al tiempo de exposición al Theracal TM LC, al tubo polietileno y a ambos. El tejido evaluado del implante del tubo polietileno y al tubo polietileno con Theracal TM LC, presentan mayor respuesta inflamatoria, a diferencia en el tejido implantado con Theracal TM LC directamente.

TheraCalTM LC is a resin-modified calcium silicate (Ca) resin (SMCR) that has proven to be an ideal material for dentin-pulp treatment due to its high rate of calcium formation. Biomaterials due to their Ca content tend to have an increase in their bioavailability, stimulating the formation of the dental bridge through the cells involved in the formation of mineralized tissues, promoting the differentiation of fibroblasts in odontoblasts and increasing the activity of the pyrophosphate enzyme responsible in dentin mineralization. The present study aimed to evaluate the inflammatory response to TheracalTM LC subcutaneously in Wistar rats. Six Wistar strain rats were used in which four subcutaneous surgical pockets were made. Each of these pockets was determined as a different quadrant, containing the following implants: 1 TheracalTM LC in polyethylene tube, 2 polyethylene tubes, 3 TheracalTM LC direct and 4 as control. The histological samples were processed, and different cell types were evaluated by light microscopy at 100X using the H&E and AT pH 2.3 stains. The results showed that there are significant differences in all cell types observed during the different exposure times. The differences in the cell types observed could be due to the exposure time to TheracalTM LC, to the polyethylene tube and to both. The evaluated tissue of the polyethylene tube implant and the polyethylene tube with TheracalTM LC present a greater inflammatory response, unlike in the tissue implanted with TheracalTM LC directly.

Evaluación de la actividad antioxidante de Cnidoscolus chayamansa (Chaya), Euphorbia prostrata (Hierba de la Golondrina) y Jatropha dioica (Sangre de Drago) en ratas Wistar inducidas a hiperglicemia / Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of Cnidoscolus chayamansa (Chaya), Euphorbia prostrata (Herb of the Swallow) and Jatropha dioica (Drago blood) in Wistar rats induced to hyperglycemia

RESUMEN: Estudios recientes han demostrado que los compuestos activos presentes en extractos de C. chayamansa, E. prostrata y J. dioica tienen propiedades antioxidantes. Los resultados obtenidos en nuestro estudio fueron compuestos fenólicos solubles mostraron en C. chayamansa 6,34, E. prostrata 10,67, J. dioica 1,83 mg equiv de ácido gálico/gm BS respectivamente. Los antioxidantes solubles en agua por el método ABTS fueron para C. chayamansa 5.9, E. prostrata 12.7 y para J. dioica 2.5 mM equiv. de trolox/gr BS. Los resultados histopatológicos muestran una mejoría en los tejidos tratados con los extractos después de la inducción a hiperglicemia.

SUMMARY: Recent studies have shown that the active compounds present in extracts of C. chayamansa, E. prostrata and J. dioica have antioxidant properties. The results obtained in our study were soluble phenolic compounds showed in C. chayamansa 6.34, E. prostrata 10.67, J. dioica 1.83 mg equiv of gallic acid/gm BS respectively. The antioxidants soluble in water by the ABTS method were for C. chayamansa 5.9, E. prostrata 12.7 and for J. dioica 2.5 mM equiv. of trolox/gr BS. The histopathological results show an improvement in the tissues treated with the extracts after the induction to hyperglycemia.

Telomere length analysis in residents of a community exposed to arsenic.

Differentiated cells telomere length is an indicator of senescence or lifespan; however, in peripheral blood leukocytes the relative shortening of the telomere has been considered as a biological marker of aging, and lengthening telomere as an associated risk to cancer. Individual's age, type of tissue, lifestyle, and environmental factors make telomere length variable. The presence of environmental carcinogens such as arsenic (As) influence as causal agents of these alterations, the main modes of action for As described are oxidative stress, reduction in DNA repair capacity, overexpression of genes, alteration of telomerase activity, and damage to telomeres. The telomeres of leukocytes resulting a finite capacity of replication due to the low or no activity of the telomerase enzyme, therefore, elongation telomere in this kind of cells is a potential biological marker associated with the development of chronic diseases and carcinogenesis.

Percepción materna de los signos, síntomas de alarma y creencias populares sobre el cuidado y las enfermedades neonatales en el departamento de emergencias pediátricas

Introducción: La percepción materna de los signos de alarma y las creencias populares influyen en el cuidado de los neonatos. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue describir la percepción materna de los signos de alarma y las creencias culturales relacionadas al cuidado del neonato. Material y Método: Estudio observacional descriptivo prospectivo. Previo consentimiento informado se realizó una entrevista, con preguntas abiertas y cerradas a madres de neonatos con nivel de prioridad de la atención II y III en el Departamento de emergencias pediátricas (DEP). Variables: Edad materna, escolaridad, procedencia, paridad, edad del neonato, antecedente de haber estado hospitalizado, motivo de la consulta, orientaciones sobre los cuidados neonatales, concepto de fiebre, signos de enfermedad grave y las llamadas enfermedades culturales. Los datos fueron procesados en SPSS v21 utilizando estadísticas descriptivas. Resultados: Se encuestó a 100 madres, la mayoría procedente del departamento Central, con estudios secundarios y más de la mitad era primíparas. El 63% definió correctamente la fiebre. Solo el 25% recibió orientación sobre los cuidados del neonato por personal sanitario. El 90% reconoció la fiebre como signo de alarma. El 25 % manifestó creer en las llamadas enfermedades culturales. El 40% de los neonatos usaba ombliguero, y el 51% llevaba una cinta roja atada a la muñeca como medida de protección contra el mal. Conclusiones: La mayoría de las madres tuvo una adecuada percepción de al menos 2 signos de alarma Un cuarto de estas mujeres creía en las enfermedades culturales y más de la mitad de sus neonatos tenía amuletos contra el mal.

Introduction: Maternal understanding of warning signs and symptoms and popular beliefs influence the care of newborns. The objective of this study was to describe the maternal understanding of warning signs and the cultural beliefs related to newborn care. Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive, observational study. After obtaining informed consent, an interview, using open and closed questions was performed with mothers of newborns presenting with priority levels of care II and III in the Pediatric Emergency Department (PED). Variables: Maternal age, education, prove-nance, parity, age of the newborn, history of having been hospitalized, chief complaint, guidance on newborn care, understanding of fever and signs of serious illness and so-called cultural diseases. The data was processed in SPSS v21 using descriptive statistics. Results: 100 mothers were surveyed, most of them from Central Department and with secondary-level education. More than half were primiparous. 63% correctly defined fever. Only 25% received guidance from health personnel re-garding newborn care. 90% recognized fever as a warning sign. 25% said they believe in the so-called cultural diseases. 40% of neonates wore bellybands, and 51% wore a red ribbon tied to the wrist as a protective measure against evil. Conclusions: Most mothers had an adequate understan-ding of at least 2 warning signs. A quarter of these women believed in cultural diseases and more than half of their neonates had amulets against evil.