Una rara causa de falla cardíaca: reporte de un caso

Durante décadas el estudio de las enfermedades cardiacas ha sido una de las principales preocupaciones de los profesionales del área de la salud, más aún aquellos casos donde la patología es de tipo congénita, debido a las múltiples complicaciones que se pueden generar en la calidad de vida de los pacientes diagnosticados, por falta de un manejo adecuado. Tal es el caso de la fistula coronaria, que es una anomalía de este tipo de arterias, los síntomas más frecuentes son la dificultad respiratoria, ángor, taponamiento cardiaco y muerte súbita, por ello, entre más precoz sea el diagnostico existirán mayores posibilidades de la reducción de los riesgos agravados de la enfermedad. Se presenta el caso de un paciente pediátrico cuyos estudios demostraron la presencia de una fistula coronaria proveniente de la arteria coronaria izquierda hacia la aurícula derecha, cuya frecuencia no es muy alta y por lo cual puede ser considerada como una enfermedad rara, así que también se describe el tratamiento recibido para dicha malformación congénita y los resultados obtenidos luego del manejo dado. Objetivo: Describir el caso de un paciente pediátrico con falla cardiaca secundario a una fistula coronaria. Conclusiones: La fistula coronaria es una cardiopatía congénita poco frecuente, sin embargo, la presencia de esta anomalía pone en riesgo la vida de los pacientes que tienen esta afectación en cuanto al funcionamiento o estructura de su corazón, la descripción de este caso clínico aporta información relevante para el conocimiento científico del área de la salud, en lo que respecta al diagnóstico y manejo temprano de esta afectación en la función cardiaca de los pacientes pediátricos, ya que, se logró tener un estatus exitoso post cierre endovascular de la fistula coronaria identificada, que favorecerá al comportamiento normal de las funciones del corazón y por consiguiente la calidad y el pronóstico de vida del paciente tratado. (provisto por Infomedic International)

For decades, the study of heart disease has been one of the main concerns of health professionals, especially in cases where the pathology is congenital, due to the multiple complications that can be generated in the quality of life of diagnosed patients, for lack of proper management. Such is the case of coronary fistula, which is an anomaly of this type of arteries, the most frequent symptoms are respiratory distress, angina, cardiac tamponade and sudden death, therefore, the earlier the diagnosis, the greater the possibilities of reducing the aggravated risks of the disease. We present the case of a pediatric patient whose studies showed the presence of a coronary fistula from the left coronary artery to the right atrium, whose frequency is not very high and therefore can be considered a rare disease, and we also describe the treatment received for this congenital malformation and the results obtained after the management given. Objective: To describe the case of a pediatric patient with heart failure secondary to a coronary fistula. Conclusions: Coronary fistula is a rare congenital heart disease, however, the presence of this anomaly puts at risk the life of patients who have this affectation in terms of the function or structure of their heart, the description of this clinical case provides relevant information for the scientific knowledge of the health area, regarding the diagnosis and early management of this affectation in the cardiac function of pediatric patients, since a successful status was achieved after endovascular closure of the identified coronary fistula, which will favor the normal behavior of the heart functions and consequently the quality and prognosis of life of the treated patient. (provided by Infomedic International)

Encefalitis por SARS-CoV-2 asociado a debut de Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico

A través del tiempo se han identificado distintos virus, con efectos nocivos sobre el sistema nervioso central, provocando alteraciones permanentes o transitorias de sus funciones. Reportes previos, derivados del SARS del 2002 y del MERS-CoV del 2012, sugieren que el coronavirus tiene como presentación atípica compromiso neurológico, ya que tiene capacidad neuroinvasora y neurotrópica, pudiendo ocasionar polineuropatías, convulsiones, psicosis o incluso promover accidentes cerebrovasculares. A través de este artículo, se da a conocer el caso de una paciente de 16 años, con alteraciones neurológicas y reumatológicas asociadas a infección por virus SARS-CoV-2, así como la importancia del reconocimiento oportuno del cuadro clínico, ayudas diagnósticas, evolución, diagnóstico, tratamiento y complicaciones. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Over time, different viruses have been identified with harmful effects on the central nervous system, causing permanent or transitory alterations of its functions. Previous reports, derived from SARS in 2002 and MERS-CoV in 2012, suggest that the coronavirus has neurological involvement as an atypical presentation, since it has neuroinvasive and neurotropic capacity, and can cause polyneuropathies, seizures, psychosis or even promote cerebrovascular accidents. This article reports the case of a 16-year-old patient with neurological and rheumatological alterations associated with SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, as well as the importance of timely recognition of the clinical picture, diagnostic aids, evolution, diagnosis, treatment and complications. (provided by Infomedic International)

Aproximación a las mediciones a nivel nano, con énfasis en la biomedicina

Este artículo pretende alertar acerca de la relevancia de las nanociencias y la nanotecnología acompañada por la nanometrología para el desarrollo de las naciones en el siglo XXI. Se utilizó SciElo como base de datos, con las palabras clave: nanotecnología, nanomedicina, unidades de salud cubanas. El artículo realiza una aproximación a la nanotecnología con enfoque internacional y regional. Describe algunas aplicaciones de las nanotecnologías, con énfasis en la nanomedicina, así como los dilemas y consideraciones éticas asociadas a estas. Advierte acerca de la nocividad para la salud del hombre de algunos de estos desarrollos. Defiende la idea de que la nanometrología, resulta imprescindible para el logro de desarrollos tecnológicos, con mayor relevancia en el campo de la nanomedicina, así como que la nanotecnología debe ser tratada como la ciencia del siglo XXI por el impacto social, cultural y económico que tendrá, y con esto puede cambiar al mundo.

This article aims to alert about the relevance of nanosciences and nanotechnology accompanied by nanometrology for the nations development in the 21st century. Scielo was used as a database, with the keywords: nanotechnology, nanomedicine, Cuban health units. The article makes an approach to nanotechnology with an international and regional approach. It describes some applications of nanotechnologies, with an emphasis on nanomedicine, as well as the dilemmas and ethical considerations associated with them. It advises about these developments' harmfulness to human health, also defends the idea that nanometrology is essential for the technological developments achievement, with greater relevance in the nanomedicine field, as well as that nanotechnology should be treated as the 21st century science due to the social, cultural and economic impact that will have, and this can change the world.

Coral taxonomy and local stressors drive bleaching prevalence across the Hawaiian Archipelago in 2019.

The Hawaiian Archipelago experienced a moderate bleaching event in 2019-the third major bleaching event over a 6-year period to impact the islands. In response, the Hawai'i Coral Bleaching Collaborative (HCBC) conducted 2,177 coral bleaching surveys across the Hawaiian Archipelago. The HCBC was established to coordinate bleaching monitoring efforts across the state between academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and governmental agencies to facilitate data sharing and provide management recommendations. In 2019, the goals of this unique partnership were to: 1) assess the spatial and temporal patterns of thermal stress; 2) examine taxa-level patterns in bleaching susceptibility; 3) quantify spatial variation in bleaching extent; 4) compare 2019 patterns to those of prior bleaching events; 5) identify predictors of bleaching in 2019; and 6) explore site-specific management strategies to mitigate future bleaching events. Both acute thermal stress and bleaching in 2019 were less severe overall compared to the last major marine heatwave events in 2014 and 2015. Bleaching observed was highly site- and taxon-specific, driven by the susceptibility of remaining coral assemblages whose structure was likely shaped by previous bleaching and subsequent mortality. A suite of environmental and anthropogenic predictors was significantly correlated with observed bleaching in 2019. Acute environmental stressors, such as temperature and surface light, were equally important as previous conditions (e.g. historical thermal stress and historical bleaching) in accounting for variation in bleaching during the 2019 event. We found little evidence for acclimation by reefs to thermal stress in the main Hawaiian Islands. Moreover, our findings illustrate how detrimental effects of local anthropogenic stressors, such as tourism and urban run-off, may be exacerbated under high thermal stress. In light of the forecasted increase in severity and frequency of bleaching events, future mitigation of both local and global stressors is a high priority for the future of corals in Hawai'i.

Two Cases of Consecutive Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome after Uneventful Trabeculectomy Surgeries in a Tertiary Center.

Toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) is a severe, acute, sterile intraocular inflammation that occurs the same day or in the early stages after intraocular surgery. It has been most commonly reported after phacoemulsification. We report 2 cases that developed TASS after sequential uneventful trabeculectomy surgeries, in which a quaternary ammonium compound was used for the disinfection of surgical instruments. Good outcomes were achieved, possibly related to the fast treatment initiation.

Biomédicos y desarrollos tecnológicos: binomio indispensable para las unidades de salud en tiempos de COVID-19

RESUMEN La preocupación que tiene la sociedad en todos los países acerca de la salud sigue siendo mayor que sobre cualquier otro aspecto. Una calidad de vida óptima solo es posible con una salud favorable. Ante los recientes eventos de la COVID-19, la importancia de la tecnología médica en la atención del paciente ha resultado evidente. El trabajo pretende mostrar el relevante papel que juega la rama biomédica, su influencia e impacto en los procesos de las unidades de salud. Resume algunos de los desarrollos tecnológicos logrados desde el contexto internacional hasta el local en el complejo escenario epidemiológico en el que se encuentra el planeta. Describe la necesaria cronología del sistema electromédico en Cuba con énfasis en Cienfuegos. Defiende la idea de que es necesario un cambio conceptual acerca del importante papel que juega la rama biomédica, su influencia e impacto en los procesos de las unidades y que los ingenieros biomédicos y electromédicos, así como los licenciados y técnicos en electromedicina, merecen un adecuado reconocimiento ante la comunidad científica por sus tangibles logros en tiempos de Covid-19. Ellos también salvan vidas.

ABSTRACT The concern that society has in all countries about health continues to be greater than about any other aspect. An optimal quality of life is only possible with favorable health. Given the recent COVID-19 events, the importance of medical technology in patient care has become apparent. The aim of this work is to show the relevant role played by the biomedical branch, its influence and impact on the processes of health units. It summarizes some of the technological developments achieved from the international to the local context in the complex epidemiological scene in which the planet finds itself. It describes the necessary chronology of the electromedical system in Cuba with an emphasis on Cienfuegos. It defends the idea that a conceptual change is necessary about the important role played by the biomedical branch, its influence and impact on the processes of the units and that biomedical and electromedical engineers, as well as electromedical graduates and technicians, deserve an adequate recognition before the scientific community for their tangible achievements in Covid-19 times. They also save lives.

Exploring the Impact of Reflecting upon Pharmacy Experts' Written Career Guidance on Student Professional Identity Formation.

Study Objective: To explore the impact of reading and critically reflecting upon professional development guidance provided by pharmacy experts upon student professional identity formation (PIF). Methods: Fifteen second professional year student pharmacists completed an elective course assignment to read 20 published personal letters from Letters to a Young Pharmacist, in which pharmacy experts offer career and life guidance to novice or student pharmacists. From those, each student selected four letters and for each composed a 500 to 600-word critical reflection describing the impact of the letter, yielding 60 reflections for thematic analysis. Each author individually analyzed and coded de-identified reflections for up to 3 types of impact. Data were then grouped for similarity and collapsed into themes; overarching evidence of transformative thinking and "eye-opening" were also coded. Results: Of 60 reflections, 160 types of impact were identified, and were grouped into five themes. Most often, students described an impact from Personal Growth (41.3%), followed by Professional Growth (16.9%), Forging Relationships (16.2%), Making an Impact (15%) and Morality (10.6%). "Eye-opening" and "transformative thinking" was evidenced in 21 of 60 (35%) and 53 of 60 (88.3%) reflections, respectively. Conclusions: Student pharmacists experienced growth in PIF by reflecting upon published excerpts from pharmacy experts, as demonstrated by coding for impact and transformative thinking. This novel method of students' critically reflecting upon expert's readings, followed by instructor feedback to reinforce the learning, offers a streamlined and easily implemented modality to enable students PIF development during their didactic curriculum.

Necesidad del enfoque de riesgo metrológico en unidades de salud / Need for a metrological risk approach in health units

RESUMEN El empleo de pruebas complementarias en que intervienen equipos biomédicos, que llevan implícitos instrumentos de medición, indicadores para corroborar las hipótesis médicas y lograr diagnósticos certeros se hace más cada vez más común. Un error en las mediciones puede acarrear compromiso para la vida del paciente. De ahí la importancia de considerar el riesgo metrológico en la evaluación del Sistema de Gestión de las mediciones en salud. Este trabajo tiene como propósito contribuir a la visualización de la necesidad del enfoque de riesgo metrológico en las unidades de salud. Como criterios para la selección de las 80 fuentes consultadas se tomaron la declaración explícita de los autores referida al posicionamiento acerca del constructo riesgo y su visión de la importancia de este enfoque en las organizaciones de salud, durante el período del 2009 al 2020, que justifica plenamente el nivel de actualización de la información. Aparecen referenciados 21 textos con el 67 % de actualización. Se concluye que el índice de riesgo metrológico constituye un instrumento valioso al que deben acceder los gestores en salud promoviendo así la incorporación de nuevas técnicas en su gestión, lo que resultaría valioso para la toma de decisiones. El enfoque de riesgo en la evaluación del desempeño metrológico en salud es necesario, lo que evidenciaría un pensamiento avanzado científicamente, profundo y práctico.

ABSTRACT The use of complementary tests in which biomedical teams intervene, which implicitly carries measuring instruments, indicators to corroborate medical hypotheses and achieve accurate diagnoses is becoming more and more common. An error in measurements can compromise the life of the patient. Hence the importance of considering the metrological risk in the evaluation of the Health Measurements Management System. The purpose of this work is to contribute to the visualization of the need for a metrological risk approach in health units. As criteria for the selection of the 80 sources consulted, the explicit declaration of the authors referring to the position regarding the risk construct and their vision of the importance of this approach in health organizations, during the period from 2009 to 2020, which fully justifies the update information level. 21 texts are referenced with the 67% update. It is concluded that the metrological risk index constitutes a valuable instrument that health managers must access, thus promoting the incorporation of new techniques in their management, which would be valuable for decision-making. The risk approach in the evaluation of metrological performance in health is necessary, which would show a scientifically advanced, deep and practical thinking.

La educación a distancia, acciones para su implementación en la carrera Sistemas de Información en Salud / Distance education, actions for its implementation in the career Health Information Systems / Educação a distância, ações para sua implantação na carreira de Sistemas de Informação em Saúde

RESUMEN Introducción: la educación a distancia es un sistema de enseñanza-aprendizaje que se desarrolla parcial o totalmente a través de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación, bajo un esquema bidireccional entre profesor y alumnos. Este sistema sustituye el modelo de interacción personal en el aula por uno de tutoría que responsabiliza al estudiante de su propia formación. Objetivo: Diseñar un sistema de acciones para la implementación de la educación a distancia en la carrera Sistemas de Información en Salud. Método: Para la realización de este trabajo se llevó a cabo una investigación aplicada, descriptiva, con un enfoque dialéctico materialista en la carrera Sistemas de Información en Salud de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Dr. Ernesto Che Guevara de la Serna" de Pinar del Río; como métodos de nivel teórico se utilizó el histórico-lógico; del nivel empírico la revisión documental y la observación participativa. Resultados: Se reflejaron los resultados a través de un análisis crítico del proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje a través de la educación a distancia de la carrera Sistemas de Información en Salud permitiendo el diseño de un sistema de acciones. Conclusiones: Se constata la existencia de dificultades en la preparación teórica, pedagógica y metodológica por parte de los profesores y tutores, así como cognitiva de los estudiantes, en relación con dicho proceso.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Distance education is a teaching - learning system, with partial or total characteristics, which is developed through information and communication technologies, using a bidirectional method between teachers and students. This system substitutes the traditional method used ( personal interaction in the classroom), for a tutoring one in which the students are responsible for their own training process. Objective: To design a system of actions to implement the distance education in the career of Health Information System. Method: To perform this work, an applied and descriptive research with a dialectical materialist approach was carried out in the career - Health Information Systems at the Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Dr. Ernesto Che Guevara de la Serna", Pinar del Rio. The historical-logical method was used as theoretical level techniques and also as empirical level methods, documentary review and participatory observation were used too. Results: The outcomes achieved through a critical analysis of teaching - learning process and the distance education, allowed to design a system of actions to be implemented in the career - Health Information Systems. Conclusions: Many difficulties found have reveled lack of theoretical, pedagogical and methodological preparation on teachers and tutors, as well as lack of cognitive preparation of students concerning this process.

RESUMO Introdução: A educação a distancia é um sistema de enseñanza-aprendizaje que se desarrolla parcial ou totalmente a través de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación, bajo un esquema bidireccional entre profesor y alumnos. Este sistema sustenta o modelo de interação pessoal na aula por um de tutoria que responsabiliza o estudiante de sua formação. Objetivo: Distribuir um sistema de acionamento para a implementação da educação à distância na carrera Sistemas de Informação e Saúde. Método: Para a realização de este trabalho se llevó um cabo de uma investigação aplicada, descritiva, com um enfoque dialéctico materialista na carrera Sistemas de Informação em Saúde da Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Dr. Ernesto Che Guevara de la Serna" de Pinar del Río; como métodos de nivel teórico se utilizó el histórico-lógico; del nivel empírico la revisión documental y la observación participativa. Resultados: Se reflejaron los resultados a través de uma análise crítica del processo de enseñanza y aprendizaje a través de la educación a distancia de la carrera Sistemas de Informação em Salud permitiendo o projeto de um sistema de acciones. Conclusiones: Se constata la existencia de dificultades en la preparación teórica, pedagógica y metodológica por parte de los profesores y tutores, así como cognitiva de los estudiantes, en relación con dicho proceso.

Consideraciones acerca del desempeño metrológico en unidades de salud / Statements about the metrological performance in health units

RESUMEN Los métodos utilizados para el sistema de gestión de las mediciones van desde la verificación del equipo hasta la aplicación de técnicas estadísticas en el control del proceso de medición. En el sector salud se desarrolla básicamente la confirmación metrológica. En dicho sector, sirve para verificar que las mediciones de los equipos sean confiables, tanto los de diagnóstico como los de terapia, lo que redunda directamente en la seguridad del paciente. El empleo de metodologías para la construcción y aplicación de un indicador de desempeño con enfoque de gestión es lo más acertado en estos tiempos. El objetivo de este trabajo es explicar cómo la evaluación del desempeño metrológico es esencial para la evaluación de la calidad en las unidades de salud, sustentado en procedimientos actualizados para contribuir a crear una cultura metrológica en las organizaciones de dicho sector.

ABSTRACT The methods used for the measurement management system range from the verification of the equipment to the application of statistical techniques in the control of the measurement process. In the health sector, metrological confirmation is basically developed. In this sector, it serves to verify that the measurements of the equipment are reliable, both those of diagnosis and those of therapy, which directly results in the safety of the patient. The use of methodologies for the construction and application of a performance indicator with a management approach is the most successful in these times. The objective of this work is to explain how the evaluation of metrological performance is essential for the evaluation of quality in health units, based on updated procedures to contribute to create a metrological culture in organizations of this sector.

Mechanisms of action and historical facts on the use of intravenous immunoglobulins in systemic lupus erythematosus.

The current existing therapies for severe cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are still limited. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIGs), which are purified from the plasma of thousands of healthy human donors, have been profiled as efficacious and life-saving options for SLE patients refractory to conventional therapy. The specific mechanism of action by which IVIGs generate immunomodulation in SLE is not currently understood. In this manuscript, we reviewed some of the hypothesis that have been postulated to explain the IVIG effects, including those on T and B cell intracellular signalling and activation, as well as the interferon signalling pathways involved in the detection of nucleic acids and the defective removal of immune complexes and debris.

Multi-centre audit of VMAT planning and pre-treatment verification.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We performed a multi-centre intercomparison of VMAT dose planning and pre-treatment verification. The aims were to analyse the dose plans in terms of dosimetric quality and deliverability, and to validate whether in-house pre-treatment verification results agreed with those of an external audit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The nine participating centres encompassed different machines, equipment, and methodologies. Two mock cases (prostate and head and neck) were planned using one and two arcs. A plan quality index was defined to compare the plans and different complexity indices were calculated to check their deliverability. We compared gamma index pass rates using the centre's equipment and methodology to those of an external audit (global 3D gamma, absolute dose differences, 10% of maximum dose threshold). Log-file analysis was performed to look for delivery errors. RESULTS: All centres fulfilled the dosimetric goals but plan quality and delivery complexity were heterogeneous and uncorrelated, depending on the manufacturer and the planner's methodology. Pre-treatment verifications results were within tolerance in all cases for gamma 3%-3mm evaluation. Nevertheless, differences between the external audit and in-house measurements arose due to different equipment or methodology, especially for 2%-2mm criteria with differences up to 20%. No correlation was found between complexity indices and verification results amongst centres. CONCLUSIONS: All plans fulfilled dosimetric constraints, but plan quality and complexity did not correlate and were strongly dependent on the planner and the vendor. In-house measurements cannot completely replace external audits for credentialing.

Crosslinked fibrin gels for tissue engineering: two approaches to improve their properties.

Fibrin is a protein that can be used as an ideal scaffolding material to promote tissue regeneration. In order to enhance its physical properties in this study a natural crosslinker, genipin (GP), was employed with the aim to obtain a hydrogel with tuneable properties for tissue engineering applications. The fibrin gel was crosslinked by two different methods using four concentrations of GP to get a stable hydrogel network. Crosslinking density, mechanical properties, swelling, and enzymatic degradation of the hydrogels were tested for each GP content and method employed. The method I: Crosslinking after gel formation promotes a high crosslinking and retains the gel shape for long term whilst the method II: Simultaneous gel formation and crosslinking improves the mechanical properties of the gel. This study confirms the use of GP at different concentrations as a suitable crosslinker of fibrin that promotes the cellular viability of L929 for 21 days of in vitro culture.

Impacto del manejo con neuroestimulación en un paciente con síndrome doloroso complejo y cambios tróficos severos. Reporte de caso / Impact of the use of neurostimulation for the management of a patient with complex pain syndrome and severe trophic changes. Case report

Introducción: Causas frecuentes de síndrome doloroso regional complejo (SDRC) son el trauma y la cirugía en extremidades. Algunos casos resultan demuy difícil manejo a pesar de la utilización de altas dosis de analgésicos, antiinflamatorios y terapia física lo cual motiva la búsqueda de terapias intervencionistas que frenen su progresión. Descripción del caso y resultados: Presentamos el caso de un paciente a quien se le diagnosticó SDRC tipo i con cambios tróficos severos y marcada limitación funcional, que fue manejado con múltiples terapias farmacológicas y bloqueos nerviosos sin mejoría evidente, a quien posteriormente se decidió realizar una prueba con neuroestimulación, la cual fue favorable. Meses después se obtuvo una mejoría sustancial ya que presentó mejoría del dolor «de un 100%¼; disminución del edema y retorno progresivo al aspecto normal de la mano, recuperación parcial de la fuerza y disminución de su limitación funcional, explicable por la adición de esta terapia de manera definitiva. Conclusión: La neuroestimulación ejerce un impacto notable sobre la evolución del SDRC con cambios tróficos en pacientes con pobre respuesta al manejo farmacológico indicado. El inicio temprano de esta intervención facilita la recuperación funcional y psicológica al paciente que, usualmente, se encuentra en una etapa productiva de su vida.

Introduction: Limb trauma and surgery are frequent causes of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Some cases are very difficult to manage despite the use of high-dose analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents and physical therapy; hence the need to look for interventional therapies to slow its progression. Case description and results: We present the case of a patient diagnosed with CRPS type I with severe trophic changes and marked functional limitation, managed with multiple pharmacological therapies and nerve blocks without apparent improvement. The patient decided to try neurostimulation with favourable results and substantial improvement months later reported as «100% improvement¼ of pain; reduced oedema; progressive recovery of the normal appearance of the hand; partial recovery of strength, and improved function attributable to the use of this additional therapy. Conclusion: Neurostimulation has a noticeable impact on the course of the complex regional pain syndrome accompanied by trophic changes in patients with a poor response to there commended pharmacological management. Early initiation of this intervention facilitates functional and psychological recovery of the patients, who are usually in the productive stage of their lives.

PCL-coated hydroxyapatite scaffold derived from cuttlefish bone: in vitro cell culture studies.

In the present study, we examined the potential of using highly porous poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-coated hydroxyapatite (HAp) scaffold derived from cuttlefish bone for bone tissue engineering applications. The cell culture studies were performed in vitro with preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells in static culture conditions. Comparisons were made with uncoated HAp scaffold. The attachment and spreading of preosteoblasts on scaffolds were observed by Live/Dead staining Kit. The cells grown on the HAp/PCL composite scaffold exhibited greater spreading than cells grown on the HAp scaffold. DNA quantification and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed a good proliferation of cells on the scaffolds. DNA content on the HAp/PCL scaffold was significantly higher compared to porous HAp scaffolds. The amount of collagen synthesis was determined using a hydroxyproline assay. The osteoblastic differentiation of the cells was evaluated by determining alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and collagen type I secretion. Furthermore, cell spreading and cell proliferation within scaffolds were observed using a fluorescence microscope.

New concept for a regenerative and resorbable prosthesis for tendon and ligament: physicochemical and biological characterization of PLA-braided biomaterial.

We present a concept for a new regenerative and resorbable prosthesis for tendon and ligament and characterize the physicomechanical and biological behavior of one of its components, a hollow braid made of poly-lactide acid (PLA) which is the load-bearing part of the prosthesis concept. The prosthesis consists of a braid, microparticles in its interior serving as cell carriers, and a surface non-adherent coating, all these parts being made of biodegradable materials. The PLA braid has a nonlinear convex stress-strain behavior with a Young modulus of 1370 ± 90 MPa in the linear, stretched state, and after 12 months of hydrolytic degradation the modulus shows a reduction by a factor of four. Different disinfection methods were tested as to their efficiency in cleansing the braid and preparing it for cell culture. Fibroblasts of L929 line were grown on the PLA braid for 14 days, showing good adherence and proliferation. These studies validate the PLA braid for the intended purpose in the regenerative prosthesis concept.

Aplicación del análisis modal de fallos y efectos en el proceso de donación de sangre total / Application of modal analysis of failures and effects in the process of total blood donation

La búsqueda constante de medidas para garantizar la calidad y seguridad de la sangre y hemocomponentes constituye una necesidad para el logro de la seguridad transfusional. Aunque las buenas prácticas de producción tienen el objetivo de disminuir los riesgos para obtener productos puros, seguros y eficaces, es necesario complementarlas con herramientas que permitan prevenir los posibles fallos y detectar dichos riesgos. Tal es el caso de la aplicación del Análisis Modal de Fallos y Efectos en el Banco de Sangre Provincial de Villa Clara, donde se identificaron y evaluaron las posibles fallas del proceso de donación de sangre total, lo que permitió caracterizar este proceso, identificar sus variables críticas, proporcionar las bases para proponer nuevos puntos críticos de control y establecer las acciones necesarias para la reducción o eliminación de las fallas detectadas. Esto contribuyó al aumento de la satisfacción de los servicios de transfusión hospitalarios y de los pacientes

The constant search of measures to guarantee the quality and the safe of blood and hemocomponents is a need to achieve the transfusion safe. Although the aim of the good practices of production was to decrease the risks to obtain pure, safe and effective products, it is necessary its fulfillment with tools allowing to prevent the potential failures and to detect such risks. That is the case of the application of the Modal Analysis of Failures and Effects in the Provincial Blood Bank of Villa Clara where the potential failures in the process of total blood donation were identified and assessed, allowing to characterize it, to identify its critical variables, to lay the foundations to propose new critical points of control and to establish the actions necessary to reduce or to eliminate the failures detected. All this contributed to the satisfaction of hospital transfusion services and of patients

Aplicación del análisis modal de fallos y efectos en el proceso de donación de sangre total / Application of modal analysis of failures and effects in the process of total blood donation

La búsqueda constante de medidas para garantizar la calidad y seguridad de la sangre y hemocomponentes constituye una necesidad para el logro de la seguridad transfusional. Aunque las buenas prácticas de producción tienen el objetivo de disminuir los riesgos para obtener productos puros, seguros y eficaces, es necesario complementarlas con herramientas que permitan prevenir los posibles fallos y detectar dichos riesgos. Tal es el caso de la aplicación del Análisis Modal de Fallos y Efectos en el Banco de Sangre Provincial de Villa Clara, donde se identificaron y evaluaron las posibles fallas del proceso de donación de sangre total, lo que permitió caracterizar este proceso, identificar sus variables críticas, proporcionar las bases para proponer nuevos puntos críticos de control y establecer las acciones necesarias para la reducción o eliminación de las fallas detectadas. Esto contribuyó al aumento de la satisfacción de los servicios de transfusión hospitalarios y de los pacientes(AU)

The constant search of measures to guarantee the quality and the safe of blood and hemocomponents is a need to achieve the transfusion safe. Although the aim of the good practices of production was to decrease the risks to obtain pure, safe and effective products, it is necessary its fulfillment with tools allowing to prevent the potential failures and to detect such risks. That is the case of the application of the Modal Analysis of Failures and Effects in the Provincial Blood Bank of Villa Clara where the potential failures in the process of total blood donation were identified and assessed, allowing to characterize it, to identify its critical variables, to lay the foundations to propose new critical points of control and to establish the actions necessary to reduce or to eliminate the failures detected. All this contributed to the satisfaction of hospital transfusion services and of patients(AU)

Expression of TrkB in the murine kidney.

Neurotrophins acting through Trk signal-transducing receptors play essential roles in the nervous system, and probably in some nonneuronal tissues. In the present study we used Western-blot and immunohistochemistry to investigate the occurrence and cellular localization of TrkB in the mouse kidney. Furthermore, the structure and ultrastructure of the kidney in mice carrying a mutation in the trkB gene were analyzed. TrkB in the kidney was identical to the cerebral one (145 kDa). Since the antibody used recognize a sequence within the tyrosine-kinase domain of TrkB, the renal TrkB receptor identified here must be regarded as able to mediate biological effects of their ligands. TrkB immunoreactivity was restricted to the juxtaglomerular apparatus, including differentiated vascular cells and extaglomerular mesangial cells. In these cells, TrkB colocalized with renin. The structural analysis revealed no major changes in the kidney structure of TrkB-deficient mice, with the exception of a significant reduction of the glomerular area. Nevertheless, in these animals there was an apparent increase in the number of extraglomerular mesangial cells (which retain the ability to synthesize renin) and absence of the macula densa. Taken together, these results strongly suggest a role of TrkB and their ligands in the control of the normal development and maintenance of the juxtaglomerular apparatus.