Sargassum natans I Algae: An Alternative for a Greener Approach for the Synthesis of ZnO Nanostructures with Biological and Environmental Applications.

In this work, the influence of the Sargassum natans I alga extract on the morphological characteristics of synthesized ZnO nanostructures, with potential biological and environmental applications, was evaluated. For this purpose, different ZnO geometries were synthesized by the co-precipitation method, using Sargassum natans I alga extract as stabilizing agent. Four extract volumes (5, 10, 20, and 50 mL) were evaluated to obtain the different nanostructures. Moreover, a sample by chemical synthesis, without the addition of extract, was prepared. The characterization of the ZnO samples was carried out by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the Sargassum alga extract has a fundamental role in the stabilization process of the ZnO nanoparticles. In addition, it was shown that the increase in the Sargassum alga extract leads to preferential growth and arrangement, obtaining well-defined shaped particles. ZnO nanostructures demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory response by the in vitro egg albumin protein denaturation for biological purposes. Additionally, quantitative antibacterial analysis (AA) showed that the ZnO nanostructures synthesized with 10 and 20 mL of extract demonstrated high AA against Gram (+) S. aureus and moderate AA behavior against Gram (-) P. aeruginosa, depending on the ZnO arrangement induced by the Sargassum natans I alga extract and the nanoparticles' concentration (ca. 3200 µg/mL). Additionally, ZnO samples were evaluated as photocatalytic materials through the degradation of organic dyes. Complete degradation of both methyl violet and malachite green were achieved using the ZnO sample synthesized with 50 mL of extract. In all cases, the well-defined morphology of ZnO induced by the Sargassum natans I alga extract played a key role in the combined biological/environmental performance.

Bimetallic AgPt Nanoalloys as an Electrocatalyst for Ethanol Oxidation Reaction: Synthesis, Structural Analysis, and Electro-Catalytic Activity.

In the present work, the chemical synthesis of AgPt nanoalloys is reported by the polyol method using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a surfactant and a heterogeneous nucleation approach. Nanoparticles with different atomic compositions of the Ag and Pt elements (1:1 and 1:3) were synthesized by adjusting the molar ratios of the precursors. The physicochemical and microstructural characterization was initially performed using the UV-Vis technique to determine the presence of nanoparticles in suspension. Then, the morphology, size, and atomic structure were determined using XRD, SEM, and HAADF-STEM techniques, confirming the formation of a well-defined crystalline structure and homogeneous nanoalloy with an average particle size of less than 10 nm. Finally, the cyclic voltammetry technique evaluated the electrochemical activity of bimetallic AgPt nanoparticles supported on Vulcan XC-72 carbon for the ethanol oxidation reaction in an alkaline medium. Chronoamperometry and accelerated electrochemical degradation tests were performed to determine their stability and long-term durability. The synthesized AgPt (1:3)/C electrocatalyst presented significative catalytic activity and superior durability due to the introduction of Ag that weakens the chemisorption of the carbonaceous species. Thus, it could be an attractive candidate for cost-effective ethanol oxidation compared to commercial Pt/C.

Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized by a Green Method Using Sargassum Extracts.

The present work shows the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles through a green method, using sargassum extracts, which provide the reducing and stabilizing compounds. The conditions of the medium in which the reaction was carried out was evaluated, that is, magnetic stirring, ultrasound assisted, and resting condition. UV-Vis, FTIR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction results confirmed the synthesis of ZnO with nanometric crystal size. The scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the morphology and size of the particles depends on the synthesis condition used. It obtained particles between 20 and 200 nm in the sample without agitation, while the samples with stirring and ultrasound were 80 nm and 100 nm, respectively. ZnO nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive S. aureus and Gram-negative P. aeruginosa. A quantitative analysis was performed by varying the concentration of ZnO nanoparticles. In all cases, the antibacterial activity against Gram-positives was greater than against Gram-negatives. Ultrasound-assisted ZnO nanoparticles showed the highest activity, around 99% and 80% for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, respectively. Similar results were obtained in the study of the anti-inflammatory activity of ZnO nanoparticles; the ultrasound-assisted sample exhibited the highest percentage (93%), even above that shown by diclofenac, which was used as a reference. Therefore, the ZnO nanoparticles synthesized with sargassum extracts have properties that can be used safely and efficiently in the field of biomedicine.

Noninferior Red Cell Concentrate Quality after Repeated Air Rescue Mission Transport for Prehospital Transfusion.

Background: Transfusion of red cell concentrates (RCCs) is an integral therapy after severe hemorrhage or trauma. Prehospital transfusion offers an immediate intervention in emergency cases. Air ambulance-based prehospital transfusion, already used in different countries, is currently established in Germany. Limited information is available for regulatory-compliant transport logistics of RCCs and their quality after repeated air rescue missions. Thus, the aim of this study was (i) to validate regulatory-compliant logistics and (ii) to assess product quality, analyzing biochemical parameters and RBC morphology. Study Design and Methods: Due to regulatory requirements, we adapted a rotation system of 1 day transport, 1 day quarantine storage and 1 day storage over the entire RCC shelf life. RCCs transported on air rescue missions (flight group) were compared against a control group, treated identically except for helicopter transport. RCCs were visually inspected, and their temperature was documented throughout the entire rotation cycles. RCCs at the end of shelf life (end point samples) were assessed for levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, free hemoglobin, hemolysis, mean corpuscular volume, potassium and pH. In addition, morphological changes were assessed using flow morphometry. Results: In total 81 RCCs were assessed in the flight group and 50 in the control group. Within the flight group, 30 RCCs were transfused. RCCs were dispatched on average 11 times (7-13 times). The average flight time was 18.3 h (6.6-28.8 h). The rotation system ensured adherence to regulatory guidelines, especially compliance to storage conditions of +2 to +6°C of intermediate storage. Biochemical and morphological quality parameters did not exhibit any changes upon repeated air rescue missions. A correlation with respect to the flight time was not observed either. Discussion: The quality of RCCs after repeated air rescue missions is noninferior to control samples regarding biochemical and morphological parameters. The product quality is within German regulations for up to 42 days of storage. The logistics and maintenance of the thermal conditions are safe and feasible. Thus, a rotation system of RCCs offers a regulatory-compliant option to supply air rescue missions with RCCs to allow life-saving prehospital transfusions at the incident scene.

Developing a CNT-SPE Sensing Platform Based on Green Synthesized AuNPs, Using Sargassum sp.

Detection and quantification of diverse analytes such as molecules, cells receptor and even particles and nanoparticles, play an important role in biomedical research, particularly in electrochemical sensing platform technologies. In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) prepared by green synthesis from Sargassum sp. were characterized using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential (ζ) obtaining organic capped face-centered cubic 80-100 nm AuNPs with an excellent stability in a wide range of pH. The AuNPs were used to modify a carbon nanotubes-screen printed electrode (CNT-SPE), through the drop-casting method, to assemble a novel portable electrochemical sensing platform for glucose, using a novel combination of components, which together have not been employed. The ability to sense and measure glucose was demonstrated, and its electrochemical fundamentals was studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV). The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) to glucose were 50 µM and 98 µM, respectively, and these were compared to those of other sensing platforms.

The relationship between open versus normal contact point and inter-proximal papilla dimensions in periodontally healthy young adults: A controlled clinical trial.

AIM: The gingival architecture is determined by the spatial orientation of the gingival zenith (GZ) and the inter-dental papillae (IP). Among the factors commonly associated with the presence and morphology of the IP, the contact point (CP) and the inter-dental distance relationships have been considered the most important. The objective of the present controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the role of the CP in determining the clinical and morphometric parameters of the inter-dental papilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The inter-dental papillae of sixty patients with unilateral diastemas were evaluated by means of periodontal probing, transgingival probing, the papilla presence index and morphometric measurement with a digital calliper and were analysed with a paired t-test, with significance set at alpha value of 0.05 or lower. RESULTS: All the papillae exhibited PPI score = 1. Papillary measurements were significantly increased in the experimental (diastema) group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with gingival health, the dimensions of the IP are significantly increased in teeth without a contact point in comparison with their contra-lateral controls with a contact point. The contact point does not determine the presence and size of the inter-dental papilla, in patients with a healthy gingiva and without periodontal attachment loss.

Factores de riesgo y etiologías del infarto cerebral en pacientes entre 20 y 55 años / Risk factors and etiologies of the stroke in 20 to 55 years-old patients

Introducción: el infarto cerebral en pacientes con edades entre 20 y 55 años es un evento de gran impacto. Diversos factores de riesgo aterotrombóticos, inhabituales y diferentes etiologías intervienen en la patogenia de la lesión produciéndose una variedad de subtipos de infartos cerebrales. Muchos factores de riesgo y etiologías han sido investigados con resultados no claros y/o discrepantes.Métodos: se realizó una investigación descriptiva transversal retrospectiva en 175 pacientes con diagnóstico de infarto cerebral con edades entre 20 y 55 años que ingresaron en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras entre el 1ro de enero del 2004 y el 30 de septiembre del 2014.Objetivo: identificar los factores de riesgo del infarto cerebral y los subtipos etiológicos acorde a los criterios del Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) en pacientes entre 20 y 55 años de edad.Resultados: el promedio de edad encontrado fue de 46 ± 7,6 años y predominó el sexo masculino. El infarto aterotrombótico (45,71 por ciento) fue el subtipo TOAST más frecuente. Los factores de riesgo más comunes fueron la hipertensión arterial, las dislipidemias, el hábito de fumar, el consumo de bebidas alcohólicas y el sobrepeso. Para el origen cardioembólico (14,86 por ciento) primó la fibrilación auricular seguida del infarto del miocardio, y en el caso del origen inhabitual (16,57 por ciento) predominaron las alteraciones de hipercoagulabilidad. El origen indeterminado ocupó el 13,71 por ciento.Conclusiones: la hipertensión arterial resultó el factor de riesgo más frecuente en todos los tipos de infarto, y la fibrilación auricular, la etiología cardioembólica predominante, es el infarto aterotrombótico el más frecuente(AU)

Introduction: Stroke in patients aged 20 to 55 years is an event of great impact. Several unusual atherothrombotic risk factors and different etiologies are involved in the pathogenesis of the lesion, which gives rise to a variety of stroke subtypes. Many risk factors and etiologies have been studied but the results are unclear and/or discordant.Objective: To identify the risk factors for stroke and the etiological subtypes according to the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria in patients aged 20 to 55 years.Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional and descriptive research study was conducted in 175 patients diagnosed with stroke and aged 20 to 55 years. They had been admitted to Hermanos Ameijeiras clinical and surgical hospital from January 1st 2004 to September 30th 2014.Results: The average age was 46 ± 7,6 years and males predominated. The atherothrombotic stroke (45.71 percent) was the most common TOAST subtype. The most frequent factors were blood hypertension, dyslipidemias, smoking, alcohol consumption and overweight. For the cardioembolic origin (14.86 percent), the main one was atrial fibrillation followed by myocardial infarction whereas for the unusual origin (16.57 percent), the hypercoagulation alterations predominated. The undetermined origin accounted for 13.71 percent of cases.Conclusions: Blood hypertension was the most frequent risk factors for all types of strokes and the atrial fibrillation was the predominant cardioembolic etiology; atherothrombotic stroke was the most common(AU)

Influence of endodontic treatment in the post-surgical healing of human Class II furcation defects.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of molar furcation defects remains a considerable challenge in clinical practice. The degree of success in the management of furcation involvement is highly variable and related to the baseline clinical status of these defects. The identification of clinical parameters influential to the treatment outcomes is critical to optimize the results of surgical periodontal therapy. The impact of the endodontic treatment (ET) of the tooth on the healing potential of the periodontium is controversial. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical response of buccal Class II furcation defects to open-flap debridement (OFD) and to determine the influence of ET in the clinical outcomes of therapy. METHODS: Sixty patients were divided into two treatment groups (n = 30): 1) OFD; and 2) OFD in endodontically treated teeth (OFD + ET). The clinical variables evaluated were plaque (full-mouth plaque score), bleeding on probing, gingival recession, probing depth (PD), and vertical (VAL) and horizontal (HAL) attachment levels. Reevaluation was performed 12 months after the surgical procedures. RESULTS: Both treatments resulted in improvements in all the clinical variables evaluated. Postoperative measurements from OFD-treated and OFD + ET-treated sites showed, respectively, 1.2 ± 1.2 and 1.3 ± 1.3 mm reduction in PD, 0.6 ± 0.8 and 0.7 ± 0.6 mm VAL gains, and 0.7 ± 1.1 and 0.8 ± 1.6 mm HAL gains. No significant differences were found between the groups. CONCLUSION: The present findings demonstrate that adequate endodontic therapy performed ≥6 months before surgical treatment does not significantly influence the clinical parameters of healing of human mandibular buccal Class II furcation defects.

Manual de prácticas obstétricas para la atención primaria de salud / Obstetrics practice manual for primary health care

Para reducir los errores en el proceso de atención de las mujeres en edad fértil, y embarazadas, la capacitación tiene que ser permanente. Por ello, este Manual, aunque está lejos de pretender ser un libro acabado de Obstetricia, tiene como objetivo esencial brindar un instrumento de trabajo a los médicos de familia, quienes se encuentran en la primera línea de atención a las mujeres y embarazadas cienfuegueras. Tiene como fundamento la última versión del Consenso de Obstetricia, en circulación este año, y cuenta además con la revisión de varios compañeros especialistas que se desempeñan en diferentes perfiles de la provincia(AU)

In order to reduce errors in the process of care for both women in childbearing age and pregnant women, professionals training needs to be permanent. Therefore, this Manual, though far from pretending to be a finished Obstetrics book, aims to provide an essential working tool for family doctors, who are in the front line of confrontation with the health of women in general and more specifically with pregnant women in Cienfuegos. It is based on the latest version of the Obstetrics Consensus, circulating this year, and includes also a review on the statements of several specialists colleagues who work in different profiles in the province(AU)

Diagnóstico prenatal de un caso de trisomía 8 mosaico, asociado a la existencia de un quiste unilateral de plexos coroideos / Prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 8 mosaicism associated with unilateral chroroid plexus cyst

Presentamos un caso de trisomía del cromosoma 8 mosaico, diagnosticado mediante citogenética con técnicas de hibridación in situ con fluorescencia (FISH) tras amniocentesis a las 18 semanas de la gestación, en una paciente que en el estudio ecográfico mostró imágenes de quiste unilateral de los plexos coroideos, así como un hemangioma placentario. Se hace una valoración de los hallazgos fenotípicos fetales en el estudio necrópsico, que se comparan con los descritos en diferentes casos de trisomías totales y/o parciales del cromosoma 8, y se valora muy especialmente la relación existente entre la presencia de quistes de los plexos coroideos y la aparición de cromosomopatías(AU)

We report a case of trisomy 8 mosaicism, diagnosed by FISH (fluorescent in situ hibridization) after 18 week pregnancy amniocentesis, in a patient whose ultrasound scan showed a unilateral choroid plexus cyst and placental haemangioma. We assessed the foetopathological examination, comparing it with different cases of total and partial trisomies of chromosome 8, paying special attention to the relationship between choroid plexus cyst and chromosomopathies(AU)

Edema vulvar masivo con preeclampsia grave: presentación de un caso / Massive vulval edema with severe preeclampsia: case report

El edema vulvar masivo con preeclampsia grave se presenta como una de las consecuencias que pueden aparecer en pacientes con trastornos de hipertensión en el embarazo, por lo que la atención en el Servicio de Obstetricia debe ser sistemática y permanente. En las mujeres con trastornos hipertensivos del embarazo, los edemas, aunque no son constantes, se manifiestan desde las formas más leves, apenas perceptibles, hasta las más severas, como la anasarca. Una manifestación particular del edema en la preeclampsia, es el edema vulvar masivo, que se presenta como una complicación sumamente rara, en cuya base hay un proceso patológico sistémico y complejo. Se presenta el caso de una embarazada que ingresó con cifras elevadas de presión arterial y aumento de peso exagerado, con edemas generalizados muy acentuados, que durante su estancia desarrolló un edema vulvar masivo. En la bibliografía revisada no se encontraron datos sobre esta complicación. Son pocos los profesionales de mayor experiencia que recuerdan haber tratado en los últimos 15 años casos con similares características, por lo que se decide su publicación(AU)

Massive vulval edema with severe preeclampsia is presented as one of the consequences that may appear on patients with hypertension disorders during pregnancy, therefore the attention in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Service must be systematical and permanent. On women with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, although edemas may not be constant, they may either appear at minor, barely perceptible extents, or even in the most severe ways, such as anasarca. A very peculiar manifestation of edema on preeclampsia is massive vulval edema, which appears as a highly rare complication, in whose basis there is a complex, systemic pathological process involved. We present a case of a pregnant woman who was admitted with high blood pressure values and excessive weight gain, plus very noticeable general edemas, and during her stay developed massive vulval edema. No data on this complication were found in the bibliography reviewed. Very few experienced professionals recall having dealt with similar cases in the last fifteen years, hence the decision to publish it(AU)

Diagnóstico prenatal de una trisomía parcial del cromosoma 1 (q25-qter) por translocación paterna / Prenatal diagnosis of partial trisomy 1 (q25-qter) by paternal translocation

Presentamos el diagnóstico prenatal de un caso de trisomía parcial del cromosoma 1 (1q25-qter) por translocación paterna en una paciente de 31 años, a la que se realizó amniocentesis para estudio cromosómico a las 16 semanas de gestación por la existencia de datos dismorfológicos ecográficos. Se efectúa un estudio necrópsico del feto y las anomalías encontradas se comparan con las referidas en otros casos de trisomía parcial del cromosoma 1

We report the prenatal diagnosis of a case of partial trisomy of chromosome 1 (q25-qter) due to paternal translocation in a 31-year-old patient. Amniocentesis for chromosomal analysis was performed in the 16th week of pregnancy because ultrasound examination had revealed certain anomalies. A necropsy of the foetus was carried out and the anomalies found were compared with those in other cases of partial trisomy of chromosome 1

Chromosomal aberrations, the consequence of refractory hyperparathyroidism: its relationship with biochemical parameters.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that refractory hyperparathyroidism (HPT) correlates biologically with a monoclonal true neoplasm, but the chromosomal changes and their relationship with biochemical variables such as high levels of phosphate, low levels of calcium (Ca), and calcitriol deficiency are still in need of a deeper analysis. METHODS: Comparative genomic hybridization was used to scan for DNA copy number changes in two groups of samples: 57 glands from refractory secondary HPT and 28 glands from refractory HPT after kidney transplantation. Biochemical HPT-related parameters from these patients were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-one percent of the glands from dialysis patients and 53.6% of the glands from transplanted patients suffering severe secondary hyperparathyroidism had clonal chromosomal imbalances. Losses were far more common than gains. The most recurrent changes were losses of 1p (71%), monosomies of chromosomes 19 and 22 (45%), and losses of 20q (44%) and 16p (42%). The most frequent gains were 5q, 6q, and 13q. Biochemical parameters suggested that Ca excess is related to the development of these chromosomal aberrations, although it is not known if it is by playing a role in producing the alterations or merely as a reflection of HPT severity. Phosphate levels, despite their known effect in increasing the proliferation of the parathyroid glands, were not related to the chromosomal aberrations found in severe secondary HPT. CONCLUSION: Clonal recurrent chromosomal changes are present in more than half of the glands from patients with refractory HPT, which undergo extreme biochemical levels in hyperparathyroidism effectors. These changes support the idea of the monoclonal neoplastic nature of this disorder.

Principles of root bark of Hippocratea excelsa (Hippocrataceae) with gastroprotective activity.

The aqueous and ethanol extracts of the root bark of Hippocratea excelsa HBK. Locally known as 'Cancerina', showed an important gastroprotective effect in several experimental ulcer models in rats. Fractionation of the methanol extract led to four pools of active fractions (F1-F4). Sitosterol-3-O-beta-glucoside, beta-sitosterol and (-) epicatechin were isolated from the active fractions and showed an important gastroprotective activity (93.4,85.7 and 72.1% of gastroprotection, respectively), whereas bismuth subsalicylate, used as positive control, showed 46.2% of gastroprotection. A mixture of alpha-amyrin and beta-amyrin showed 50% of gastroprotection. Friedelin, canophyllal and canophyllol were isolated from the active fractions, but they were inactive as gastroprotective compounds. These results provide additional support for the popular use of this plant as an antiulcer remedy in the Mexican traditional medicine.