Surface Modification of Graphene Nanoplatelets by Organic Acids and Ultrasonic Radiation for Enhance Uremic Toxins Adsorption.

Ultrasound energy is a green and economically viable alternative to conventional techniques for surface modification of materials. The main benefits of this technique are the decrease of processing time and the amount of energy used. In this work, graphene nanoplatelets were treated with organic acids under ultrasonic radiation of 350 W at different times (30 and 60 min) aiming to modify their surface with functional acid groups and to improve the adsorption of uremic toxins. The modified graphene nanoplatelets were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT⁻IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The optimum time for modification with organic acids was 30 min. The modified nanoplatelets were tested as adsorbent material for uremic toxins using the equilibrium isotherms where the adsorption isotherm of urea was adjusted for the Langmuir model. From the solution, 75% of uremic toxins were removed and absorbed by the modified nanoplatelets.

New records of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) from Argentina.

A taxonomic inventory of oribatid mites from lenga forests in Patagonia Argentina was carried out to assess the taxonomic diversity and to increase the knowledge of their distribution. Nine new records of soil oribatid mites from Argentina are reported. Those species were collected in Chubut province and Tierra del Fuego province. The new registered species belong to the genera Lamellozetes, Hermannia (Phyllhermannia), Crotonia, Kokoppia, Acutoppia, Lanceoppia (Baioppia), Loboppia, Membranoppia(Membranoppia) and Graptoppia (Stenoppia).

A comparative study on karyotypic diversification rate in mammals.

Chromosomal rearrangements have a relevant role in organismic evolution. However, little is known about the mechanisms that lead different phylogenetic clades to have different chromosomal rearrangement rates. Here, we investigate the causes behind the wide karyotypic diversity exhibited by mammals. In particular, we analyzed the role of metabolic, reproductive, biogeographic and genomic characteristics on the rates of macro- and microstructural karyotypic diversification (rKD) using comparative phylogenetic methods. We found evidence that reproductive characteristics such as larger litter size per year and longevity, by allowing a higher number of meioses in absolute time, favor a higher probability of chromosomal change. Furthermore, families with large geographic distributions but containing species with restricted geographic ranges showed a greater probability of fixation of macrostructural chromosomal changes in different geographic areas. Finally, rKD does not evolve by Brownian motion because the mutation rate depends on the concerted evolution of repetitive sequences. The decisive factors of rKD evolution will be natural selection, genetic drift and meiotic drive that will eventually allow or not the fixation of the rearrangements. Our results indicate that mammalian karyotypic diversity is influenced by historical and adaptive mechanisms where reproductive and genomic factors modulate the rate of chromosomal change.

Chromosomal diversity in tropical reef fishes is related to body size and depth range.

Tropical reef fishes show contrasting patterns of karyotypic diversity. Some families have a high chromosomal conservatism while others show wide variation in karyotypic macrostructure. However, the influence of life-history traits on karyotypic diversity is largely unknown. Using phylogenetic comparative methods, we assessed the effects of larval and adult species traits on chromosomal diversity rates of 280 reef species in 24 families. We employed a novel approach to account for trait variation within families as well as phylogenetic uncertainties. We found a strong negative relationship between karyotypic diversity rates and body size and depth range. These results suggest that lineages with higher dispersal potential and gene flow possess lower karyotypic diversity. Taken together, these results provide evidence that biological traits might modulate the rate of karyotypic diversity in tropical reef fishes.

Incisivo lateral superior con dos raíces y dos conductos: caso clínico / Upper lateral incisor with two roots and two canals: a clinical case

Las anomalías en la morfología del incisivo lateral superior son de muy baja frecuencia. Las anomalías de desarrollo radicular pueden presentarse como alteraciones tanto en el número de conductos, como en el número de raíces, así como en ambas regiones a la vez. En el presente trabajo, se reporta el caso de un paciente que se presenta a la consulta con malestar en el incisivo lateral superior izquierdo. En laradiografía preoperatoria se detectó la presencia de dos conductos y dos raíces, sin anomalía morfológica de su corona clínica, con requerimiento de tratamiento endodóntico. Concluimos que una correcta interpretación de las imágenes radiográficas preoperatorias es esencial, para poder detectar estas variantes y tomar las consideraciones necesarias para el adecuado tratamiento endodóntico

Abnormalities in the morphology of the maxillary lateral incisor are very low frequency. Root development abnormalities can occur as alterations in the number of ducts and the number of roots, as well as two regions at once. In this paper, we report the case of a patient presenting with discomfort in the upper left lateral incisor. In preoperative radiography, we detected the presence of two channels and two roots, without morphological abnormality in clinical crown, with endodontic treatment requirement. We conclude that a correct interpretation of preoperative radiographic imaging is essential in order to detect these variants and take the necessary considerations for proper endodontic treatment.

Prenatal stress induces long term stress vulnerability, compromising stress response systems in the brain and impairing extinction of conditioned fear after adult stress.

Stress is a risk factor for the development of affective disorders, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other anxiety disorders. However, not all individuals who experience either chronic stress or traumatic acute stress develop such disorders. Thus, other factors must confer a vulnerability to stress, and exposure to early-life stress may be one such factor. In this study we examined prenatal stress (PNS) as a potential vulnerability factor that may produce stable changes in central stress response systems and susceptibility to develop fear- and anxiety-like behaviors after adult stress exposure. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were immobilized for 1 h daily during the last week of pregnancy. Controls were unstressed. The male offspring were then studied as adults. As adults, PNS or control rats were first tested for shock-probe defensive burying behavior, then half from each group were exposed to a combined chronic plus acute prolonged stress (CAPS) treatment, consisting of chronic intermittent cold stress (4 °C, 6 h/d, 14 days) followed on day 15 by a single session of sequential acute stressors (social defeat, immobilization, cold swim). After CAPS or control treatment, different groups were tested for open field exploration, social interaction, or cued fear conditioning and extinction. Rats were sacrificed at least 5 days after behavioral testing for measurement of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression in specific brain regions, and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone. Shock-probe burying, open field exploration and social interaction were unaffected by any treatment. However, PNS elevated basal corticosterone, decreased GR protein levels in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and decreased TH mRNA expression in noradrenergic neurons in the dorsal pons. Further, rats exposed to PNS plus CAPS showed attenuated extinction of cue-conditioned fear. These results suggest that PNS induces vulnerability to subsequent adult stress, resulting in an enhanced fear-like behavioral profile, and dysregulation of brain noradrenergic and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) activity.

Reconstrucción de una pieza tratada endodónticamente en una sesión con utilización de poste preformado: reporte de caso / Reconstruction of an endodontically treated tooth in a single session with a preformed post

La realización de un anclaje intra-radicular provisorio para iniciar la confección del definitivo en la sesión siguiente aumenta el riesgo de fractura radicular y el riesgo de filtración coronaria de la obturación endodóntica. En el presente trabajo se reporta el caso clínico de un paciente con diagnóstico de pulpitis infiltrativa de la pieza 2.1, al que se le realizó tratamiento endodóntico y posterior anclaje intra-radicular definitivo. El anclaje intra-radicular fue realizado mediante la instalación de un poste orgánico y a continuación se reconstruyó el muñón coronario con resinas compuestas, colocando una corona de acrílico como elemento provisorio, en una misma sesión.

Tratamiento endodóntico obturado con pasta lentamente reabsorbible: seguimiento de un caso a 6 años / Endodontic treatment filled with slowly resorbable paste: a 6-year follow-up case

Reporte de un caso clínico de un tratamiento endodóntico de incisivo central superior con diagnostico de necrosis pulpar y proceso apical preexistente, obturado con pastalentamente reabsorbible. El seguimiento post tratamiento fue realizado mediante controles radiográficos inmediatos y a distancia, en los cuales se evaluó la calidad de la obturación y la reparación de los tejidos dañados.

Performance of human immunostimulating agents in the improvement of fish cytogenetic preparations.

Inoculation with bacterial or fungal antigens that stimulate cell proliferation has been widely used to obtain metaphases for cytogenetic studies of fish. We evaluated the potential of new pharmaceutical compounds as mitogenic agents in fish, testing the efficacy of Aminovac (mixed antigens and epsilon-acetamidocaproic acid), Broncho-Vaxom (bacterial lysate) and Estimoral (bacterial lysate) to increase the mitotic index in fingerlings of the Neotropical fish Prochilodus brevis (Prochilodontidae) and Hoplias malabaricus (Erythrinidae), which were obtained from an aquaculture facility. The animals were treated with intramuscular or intraperitoneal injections of 1 mL/50 g body weight of each compound. After 24 h, cytogenetic analyses were performed. All immunostimulants tested significantly stimulated cell division, although Aminovac proved to be the most efficient, leading to a 5-fold increase in the number of metaphase cells compared to the control group and to a 2-fold increase compared to conventional yeast inoculation. This compound facilitates fish cytogenetics analyses as it stimulates the proliferation of defense cells and reduces loss of samples. It will be especially useful for the study of specimens that either have a high commercial value or are fragile, small and/or rare.

HCMV seroprevalence and associated risk factors in pregnant women, Havana City, 2007 to 2008.

OBJECTIVE: To prenatally identify pregnant women at risk of developing congenital infection due to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). METHODS: One thousand one hundred and thirty-one pregnant women from three municipalities from Havana City were serologically screened for HCMV infection (IgM/IgG, IgG avidity) from January 2007 to January 2008. Demographical, epidemiological, and clinical variables were correlated to serologic status to identify predictors of seroconversion in pregnancy. RESULTS: The majority of women were seropositive to HCMV (92.6%); 27 women (2.4%) developed HCMV active infection during pregnancy, defined by the detection of IgG+ and IgM+ (7 women), IgM+ and IgG- (2 women), and IgG seroconversion (18 women). Susceptibility of active HCMV infection during pregnancy was associated with maternal age < 20 years and nulligravidity. Primary infection was detected in 20 pregnant women (1.8%), whereas 7 patients (0.6%) had active non-primary infection. CONCLUSION: Although pregnant women in Cuba have high seroprevalence rates for HCMV, those younger than 20 years and nulligravidae are at risk of acquiring infection during pregnancy.

Paleoparasitological records in a canid coprolite from Patagonia, Argentina.

In this note, organic remains identified as a canid coprolite were examined. The material was dated at 6540 +/- 110 B.P.; it was collected in the Perito Moreno National Park, Santa Cruz, Argentina. Paleoparasitological analysis was performed following standard procedures. Coprolite fragments were rehydrated in a trisodium phosphate aqueous solution and subjected to spontaneous sedimentation for microscope analysis. Eggs of nematodes identified as Trichuris sp., Capillaria sp., Uncinaria sp., and an ascaridid (probably Toxascaris sp.) or spirurids (presumably Physaloptera sp.), plus a cestode (Anoplocephalidae), presumably Moniezia sp., were found.

[Depression in the elderly living in a rural area and other related factors]. / La depresión en el anciano en una zona rural y su interacción con otros factores.

INTRODUCTION: We want to determine the prevalence of depression in a rural population (65 years and over) free from cognitive impairment and to evaluate related factors of late life depression. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A total of 265 persons (mean age [SD]: 76.2 [6.7] years; 60.4 % females) residing in the towns of Proaza, Quiros and Santo Adriano (Asturias) were interviewed. The evaluation included sociodemographical and clinical aspects as well as the Mini-Mental State Examination Spanish version (MMSE), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the Oviedo Sleep Questionnaire (OSQ), the CAGE Questionnaire, the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF). RESULTS: A total of 23 subjects out of the total sample were excluded from the study due to scoring less than 18 points on the MMSE. The final sample included 242 subjects (mean age [SD]: 75.59 (6.2) years; 60.3 % females). Prevalence of probable depression was 23.1 % [30.1 % females vs 12.5 % males; p = 0.002]. Depression was statistically associated with a higher number of physical diseases (p = 0.012), higher psychiatric comorbidity (p = 0.031), less cognitive impairment measured by MMSE (p = 0.019), higher prevalence of sleep disorders (p < or = 0.050), higher score in the GHQ-28 (p = 0.000), and worse quality of life evaluated by the WHOQOL-BREF (p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Depression is moderately prevalent in this population. Depression is more frequent in females, those living alone, without studies, working in agricultural sector, with physical or psychiatric comorbidity, with higher cognitive impairment, and with a worse health status and quality of life perception.

Resultados de una encuesta de salud aplicada a trabajadores de un hospital general / Results of a health survey administered to workers of a general hospital

Noventa y seis trabajadores de un hospital general fueron sometidos a una encuesta con el fin de conocer sus características de salud. La gran mayoría refería algún tipo de enfermedad o alteración patológica, predominando las de tipo gastrointestinal. Se observó influencia de la edad en patología osteomuscular, e influencia del sexo en patología gastrointestinal y alteraciones genitourinarias. Se halló asociación entre algunas variables sociolaborales y de salud. La percepción de riesgo profesional era menor por parte de los trabajadores con mayor antigüedad en la profesión, horario de trabajo, y en los trabajadores sin atención directa al paciente (AU)

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Distrés psicológico en trabajadores de un hospital general / Psychological distress in workers of a general hospital

Se realiza un estudio epidemiológico descriptivo transversal sobre una muestra de 96 trabajadores de un hospital general para evaluar psicopatología utilizando como instrumento el General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) de Goldberg. Se demuestra la existencia de elevados niveles de distrés psicológico (son probables casos psicopatológicos el 15,6 por ciento de la muestra). Predominan los trastornos por angustialansiedad, en el 12,5 por ciento, seguida por el 10,4 por ciento que presentan síntomas somáticos de origen psicológico. No se han encontrado diferencias significativas en la distribución de la morbilidad en función de ninguna variable sociodemográfica (edad, sexo, estado civil, lugar de procedencia, hijos), aunque el grupo con niveles inadecuados de distrés psicológico se caracterizaba por estar constituido en el 80 por ciento por mujeres, y el 66,7 por ciento tenía menos de 40 años. Los trabajadores con 15 o más años a turnos con noches poseían los niveles más elevados de morbilidad psicológica, (71,4 por ciento), mientras que los trabajadores con menos de quince años trabajados en ese horario presentaban una tasa del 11,1 por ciento (AU)

Influencia de los trastornos psiquiátricos en la efectividad de un programa de mantenimiento prolongado con metadona / Influence of psychiatric disorders in the effectiveness of a long-term methadone maintenance treatment

Objetivo: Conocer los trastornos mentales y del comportamiento en una población de heroinómanos a tratamiento prolongado con metadona y su influencia en los resultados del tratamiento de la dependencia. Metodología: Se siguieron 132 dependientes de opioides en el PMM de la Unidad de Tratamiento de Toxicomanías de Avilés (Asturias) durante seis años de tratamiento. Al comenzarlo y a los seis años se completó un cuestionario ad hoc con variables sociodemográficas y clínicas. Durante el tratamiento se realizó serología VIH y controles de orina (heroína, cocaína y benzodiacepinas). Se les administró la Escala de Ansiedad y Depresión de Goldberg (EADG) y el International Personality Disorder Examination (IPDE).Resultados: La efectividad del programa fue elevada, con mejora sociofamiliar y clínica evidente. Se diagnosticaron un 29,7 por ciento de trastornos afectivos, un 19,1 por ciento de trastornos por ansiedad, un 11,8 por ciento de trastornos psicóticos y un 51,1 por ciento de trastornos de personalidad. Los trastornos ansiosos y afectivos se relacionaban con el consumo de heroína, de BZDs y con ser VIH+, y los de personalidad con ser mayor de 28 años, estar parado, tener causas pendientes y consumir BZDs y cocaína. La dosis de metadona no se relacionó con ningún trastorno psiquiátrico. Conclusiones: Los trastornos psíquicos asociados (depresión, ansiedad, trastornos de personalidad) en los pacientes en el PMM son frecuentes y condicionan una peor evolución, con mayores consumos de drogas y mayor criminalidad. En ciertos pacientes se crea un triángulo VIHdepresión-consumo y necesitarían una intervención psicosocial específica. La mejora en la eficacia del programa pasaría por una mayor atención a los problemas de salud mental (AU)

[Critical review of conceptual aspects on social phobia]. / Revisión conceptual a propósito de la fobia social (trastorno de ansiedad social).

Two important nosological areas of debate currently exist concerning social phobia. The first focuses on the denomination of this disorder. In this respect, experts recommend a change in the denomination to Social Anxiety Disorder, since this better expresses the magnitude and the impact of the illness and focuses less on the behavioral aspect (avoidance) of the disorder. The second area refers to the current situation of overlap between social phobia and avoidance personality disorder. Experts on this field consider that avoidance personality disorder represents a severe form of generalised social phobia, and therefore, that it should disappear as an independent diagnostical category on Axis II, and become part of social phobia on axis I.

Revisión conceptual a propósito de la fobia social (trastorno de ansiedad social) / Critical review of conceptual aspects on social phobia (social anxiety disorder)

En la actualidad existen dos grandes áreas de debate en torno a la fobia social. La primera se centra en la denominación del trastorno. En este aspecto los expertos recomiendan el cambio de denominación a 'trastorno de ansiedad social', ya que expresa mejor la magnitud y el impacto del trastorno, rompe con la concepción antigua de banalidad que está asociada a 'fobia social', y facilita el diagnóstico diferencial con la fobia simple. La segunda área se refiere a la situación actual de solapamiento entre fobia social y trastorno de la personalidad por evitación y sus posibles soluciones. En este aspecto los expertos consideran que el trastorno de la personalidad por evitación representa una forma grave y generalizada de la fobia social, y por tanto, que debe desaparecer como entidad diagnóstica independiente del eje II, pasando a formar parte de la fobia social en el eje I (AU)

Consumo de MDMA (extasis) en estudiantes de secundaria / MDMA (ecstasy) consumption in secondary school students

Objetivos: Describir la prevalencia de consumo de MDMA y el perfil toxicológico y psicológico en una muestra de estudiantes de secundaria.Sujetos y Método: Durante el curso académico 1998-99 se evaluó una muestra compuesta por 2.862 jóvenes de ambos sexos [edad media (SD): 15.87 (1.48); 50.6 por ciento hombres], estudiantes de secundaria de Oviedo (Asturias) Evaluación: Cuestionario de la OMS de consumo de alcohol y drogas, cuestionario de personalidad de Eysenck versión adultos (EPQ-A) y, la escala de búsqueda de sensaciones de Zuckerman (EBS).Resultados: Las prevalencias vida, último año y último mes, de consumo de MDMA fueron 3.8 por ciento, 2.7 por ciento y 1.6 por ciento, ocupando la MDMA la 7ª posición entre las drogas ilegales consumidas alguna vez. Los hombres mostraron mayores prevalencias de consumo, vida, último año y último mes, que las mujeres (p< .05). Comparados con los estudiantes que nunca han consumido MDMA (pero que pueden haber consumido otras drogas ilegales), los usuarios de MDMA refieren una historia más extensa de uso de drogas. La MDMA es, tras la heroína, la droga asociada a un mayor índice de policonsumo. Los jóvenes que han usado MDMA alguna vez obtuvieron puntuaciones más elevadas en la subescala de psicoticismo del EPQ-A y refirieron niveles más elevados de búsqueda de sensaciones.Conclusiones: Los consumidores de MDMA son policonsumidores de otras sustancias legales e ilegales. Aquellos que consumen MDMA tienen un perfil psicológico diferente, caracterizado por elevados niveles de búsqueda de sensaciones y psicoticismo. (AU)

Consumo de drogas ilegales y alcohol antes y a lo largo de 6 años de mantenimiento con metadona y variables relacionadas / Illegal drug and alcohol use before and during 6 years of methadone maintenance and variables related

Ojetivo: conocer el uso de drogas ilegales y alcohol de una población heroinómana antes y durante seis años de permanencia en tratamiento de mantenimiento con metadona Metodología: se estudiaron 132 dependientes de opiáceos que comenzaron PMM, siendo seguidos durante seis años. Se les realizaron urinoanálisis durante el tratamiento (opiáceos, cocaína, benzodiacepinas) y serología de VHB, VHC y VIH. Se les administró un cuestionario "ad hoc" al comenzar tratamiento y a los seis años, incluyendo consumo de drogas.Resultados: al inicio del tratamiento el 100 por ciento usaba heroína, fundamentalmente i.v., el 34 por ciento cocaína, el 53,1 por ciento benzodiacepinas y el 41,4 por ciento mas de 40 gr./d de alcohol. Durante el tratamiento descendió el consumo de heroína y cocaína, especialmente tras el primer año. A los seis años, ó partes se mantenían abstinentes a heroína y cocaína. Apenas se usaba la vía i. v. La mitad habían consumido BZDs. Sólo el 9,5 por ciento bebía mas de 40 gr/d de alcohol. El abuso pretratamiento de cocaína, los antecedentes penales, el ser VIH+ y el tener un trastorno depresivo, por ansiedad o de personalidad se relacionaron con el uso de drogas o abuso de alcohol durante el tratamiento.Conclusiones: el PMM disminuyó claramente el consumo de heroína y las prácticas de riesgo, además de ayudar a descender el de cocaína y alcohol, sin incidir en el de BZDs., concretándose los resultados a partir del primer año de tratamiento. La infección por el VIH, la codependencia y la comorbilidad psiquiátrica empeoran el pronóstico (AU)

[Attempted suicide versus suicidal intention: a study of differential characteristics]. / Tentativa suicida versus intención suicida: un estudio de las características diferenciales.

INTRODUCTION: Suicidal behaviours are internationally considered as a serious health problem and, consequently, considerable efforts are being made in the search for factors related with this behaviour. OBJECTIVES: To determine if there are any differences between those who attempted suicide and those with suicidal ideation. PATIENTS AND METHOD: During 1997-98, we interviewed a total of 134 patients hospitalised due to attempted suicide (n = 49), suicidal ideation (n = 38), and a control group made up of other psychiatric patients (n = 47) in the Psychiatric Unit of the Hospital de Jove (Gijón). All patients completed the "Protocol for Investigation of Suicidal Behaviour" which contains different sociodemographic and clinical variables, and the Scale for Suicide Ideation, Hopelessness Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Adult form. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in sociodemographic or clinical variables between the suicidal ideation and attempted suicide groups. Only the intensity of hopelessness as measured on the Beck scale (greater in the suicidal ideation group) and emotional instability in females (also greater in the suicidal ideation group) are the variables which differentiate those who present suicidal ideation and those who attempt suicide.