Oral pathology and oral medicine in Latin American countries: current stage.

BACKGROUND: Oral Pathology (OP) and Oral Medicine (OM) are specialties in dentistry whose main objective is the diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial diseases, and aspects related to the academic training of professionals and fields of practice are distinct and heterogeneous around the world. This study aimed to evaluate professional training and areas of activity in OP and OM in Latin American countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 11 countries, with a professional in each country responsible for answering it. The questionnaire had 21 questions related to the process of professional training, areas of practice, the existence of scientific events in each country, and also collected demographic and population information. RESULTS: OP and OM are practiced in all the countries studied, but the specialty is not recognized in all of them. Brazil was the first to recognize both as a specialty. Postgraduate programs designed to train specialists are available in various countries. Two countries offer residency programs, 6 countries provide specialization courses, 6 offer master's programs, and 3 have doctoral programs. Brazil boasts the highest number of undergraduate courses (n=412), while Uruguay has the lowest (n=2). Professional societies representing the specialty exist in ten countries. Brazil has the highest number of OP and OM specialists (n=422 and 1,072), while Paraguay has the smallest number (n=1 and 3). CONCLUSIONS: Although both specialties are widely practiced around the globe, professional training, the number of dentists trained and the fields of professional practice are very different between the countries studied.

Role of ethylene and related gene expression in the interaction between strawberry plants and the plant growth-promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense.

Induced systemic resistance (ISR) is one of the indirect mechanisms of growth promotion exerted by plant growth-promoting bacteria, and can be mediated by ethylene (ET). We assessed ET production and the expression of related genes in the Azospirillum-strawberry plant interaction. Ethylene production was evaluated by gas chromatography in plants inoculated or not with A. brasilense REC3. Also, plants were treated with AgNO3 , an inhibitor of ET biosynthesis; with 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), a precursor of ET biosynthesis; and with indole acetic acid (IAA). Plant dry biomass and the growth index were determined to assess the growth-promoting effect of A. brasilense REC3 in strawberry plants. Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to analyse relative expression of the genes Faetr1, Faers1 and Faein4, which encode ET receptors; Factr1 and Faein2, involved in the ET signalling pathway; Faacs1 encoding ACC synthase; Faaco1 encoding ACC oxidase; and Faaux1 and Faami1 for IAA synthesis enzymes. Results showed that ET acts as a rapid and transient signal in the first 12 h post-treatment. A. brasilense REC3-inoculated plants had a significantly higher growth index compared to control plants. Modulation of the genes Faetr1, Faers1, Faein4, Factr1, Faein2 and Faaco1 indicated activation of ET synthesis and signalling pathways. The up-regulation of Faaux1 and Faami1 involved in IAA synthesis suggested that inoculation with A. brasilense REC3 induces production of this auxin, modulating ET signalling. Ethylene production and up-regulation of genes associated with ET signalling in strawberry plants inoculated with A. brasilense REC3 support the priming activation characteristic of ISR. This type of resistance and the activation of systemic acquired resistance previously observed in this interaction indicate that both are present in strawberry plants, could act synergistically and increase protection against pathogens.

Physiological, structural and molecular traits activated in strawberry plants after inoculation with the plant growth-promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense REC3.

The plant growth-promoting strain REC3 of Azospirillum brasilense, isolated from strawberry roots, prompts growth promotion and systemic protection against anthracnose disease in this crop. Hence, we hypothesised that A. brasilense REC3 can induce different physiological, structural and molecular responses in strawberry plants. Therefore, the aim of this work was to study these traits activated in Azospirillum-colonised strawberry plants, which have not been assessed until now. Healthy, in vitro micropropagated plants were root-inoculated with REC3 under hydroponic conditions; root and leaf tissues were sampled at different times, and oxidative burst, phenolic compound content, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, callose deposition, cell wall fortification and gene expression were evaluated. Azospirillum inoculation enhanced levels of soluble phenolic compounds after 12 h post-inoculation (hpi), while amounts of cell wall bound phenolics were similar in inoculated and control plants. Other early responses activated by REC3 (at 24 hpi) were a decline of lipid peroxidation and up-regulation of strawberry genes involved in defence (FaPR1), bacterial recognition (FaFLS2) and H2O2 depuration (FaCAT and FaAPXc). The last may explain the apparent absence of oxidative burst in leaves after bacterial inoculation. Also, REC3 inoculation induced delayed structural responses such as callose deposition and cell wall fortification (at 72 hpi). Results showed that A. brasilense REC3 is capable of exerting beneficial effects on strawberry plants, reinforcing their physiological and cellular characteristics, which in turns contribute to improve plant performance.

Vejez y sexualidad: reflexiones para la práctica de terapia ocupacional / Aging and sexuality: reflections for the practica of occupational therapy

El envejecimiento de la población ha desarrollado un creciente interés por los adultos mayores, siendo un campo de acción importante para los terapeutas ocupacionales. A pesar que uno de los objetivos de nuestra profesión es facilitar el acceso a ocupaciones satisfactorias para cada persona de acuerdo a sus motivaciones e intereses personales, y no solo a aquellas que son socialmente valoradas, la sexualidad ha sido poco explorada con este grupo y en la práctica rara vez se incluyen las necesidades sexuales, más si son personas mayores donde la temática está rodeada de prejuicios y tabús. Durante el siguiente texto se realizará una reflexión y análisis acerca de algunos factores sociales que pueden influir en la expresión sexual de los adultos mayores y por último se procederá a elaborar un acercamiento a las actitudes necesarias para la intervención en este ámbito y las posibilidades de acción desde la profesión. El análisis se realizará considerando que tanto la sexualidad como el envejecimiento son construcciones sociales, donde para su análisis se debe considerar una perspectiva de género y de derechos. Se concluye que los factores socio políticos podrían generar situaciones de privación ocupacional y que los profesionales requieren trabajar sobre sus propios prejuicios para avanzar en intervenciones que tengan como base el empoderamiento de las personas y el respeto por la autonomía.

As the population ages, there has been an increasing interest about older adults, it being an important action area for occupational therapists. Even though the facilitation to satisfactory occupations access for each person according to their own motivations and interests, and not for only those who are socially valued, is one of the goals of our profession, sexuality has been poorly explored, and, in reality, sexual necessities have rarely been included, even more so if we are talking about the elderly, for whom the issue is surrounded by prejudices and taboos. In the present text, a reflexion and an analysis about a few social factors which can influence over sexual expression in older adults will be done, and lastly, an approach to necessary attitudes for intervention in this area, and to the action possibilities from within the profession will be elaborated The analysis will be done considering that both sexuality and aging are social constructs, for which gender and rights perspectives must be considered. The conclusion will be that socio-political factors could generate occupational deprivation and that professionals must work over their own prejudices to advance interventions base is the people’s empowerment and the autonomy respect.

Elemental composition of strawberry plants inoculated with the plant growth-promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense REC3, assessed with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis.

The elemental composition of strawberry plants (Fragaria ananassa cv. Macarena) inoculated with the plant growth-promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense REC3, and non-inoculated controls, was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) analysis. This allowed simultaneous semi-quantification of different elements in a small, solid sample. Plants were inoculated and grown hydroponically in 50% or 100% Hoagland solution, corresponding to limited or optimum nutrient medium, respectively. Bacteria-inoculated plants increased the growth index 45% and 80% compared to controls when grown in 100% and 50% Hoagland solution, respectively. Thus, inoculation with A. brasilense REC3 in a nutrient-limited medium had the strongest effect in terms of increasing both shoot and root biomass and growth index, as already described for Azospirillum inoculated into nutrient-poor soils. SEM-EDS spectra and maps showed the elemental composition and relative distribution of nutrients in strawberry tissues. Leaves contained C, O, N, Na, P, K, Ca and Cu, while roots also had Si and Cl. The organic fraction (C, O and N) accounted for over 96.3% of the total chemical composition; of the mineral fraction, Na had higher accumulation in both leaves and roots. Azospirillum-inoculated and control plants had similar elemental quantities; however, in bacteria-inoculated roots, P was significantly increased (34.33%), which constitutes a major benefit for plant nutrition, while Cu content decreased (35.16%).

Fiebre botonosa mediterránea: a propósito de dos casos en área de asistencia primaria urbana / Mediterranean boutonneuse fever: based on two cases in urban primary care area

La fiebre botonosa mediterránea es una enfermedad infecciosa causada por la Rickettsia conorii que, habitualmente, tiene un curso benigno, aunque sólo un 10% suele presentar complicaciones graves. Su incidencia es en países de la cuenca mediterránea y sobre todo en épocas estivales, donde coincide con el ciclo biológico de su vector, la garrapata Ixodes

Mediterranean boutonneuse fever is an infectious disease caused by Rickettsia conorii which generally has a benign course, although only 10% generally have serious complications. Its incidence is in countries of the Mediterranean Basin and, above all, in summer period, where it coincides with the biological cycle of its vector, the Ixodes tick

Valoración del crecimiento del recién nacido con peso inferior a 2.000 gramos mediante knemometría / No disponible

La kenometría consiste en la medición de la distancia talón-rodilla mediante un aparato electrónico denominado knemómetro. Gracias a su elevada precisión (0,01 mm) detecta variaciones acontecidas en períodos de tiempo tan cortos como el día a día. Objetivos. Valoración knemométrica del crecimiento lineal de los recién nacidos con peso al nacimiento inferior a 2.000 gramos. Métodos. Se realiza un estudio longitudinal y prospectivo del crecimiento de la pierna mediante knemometría, de los recién nacidos ingresados en una Unidad neonatal, con peso al nacer inferior a 2.000 gramos y ausencia de malformaciones congénitas. Comenzando en las primeras 24 horas, se establece una periodicidad cada 72 horas durante los 30 primeros días de vida. Estadística analítica: T de Student, test de Friedman, test de Levene y test de Bland y Altman. Nivel de significación admitido, p<0,05. Resultados. El valor medio de la velocidad de crecimiento de la pierna fue de 0,26 mm/día (rango: -0,03-0,53). Analizando patrones individuales, la knemometría detectó alteraciones del crecimiento, no captadas por la somatometría covencional. Conclusiones. Utilidad de la knemometría para valorar el crecimiento de los recién nacidos prematuros durante períodos cortos de tiempo. Potencial indicación en su monitorización, como reflejo de la evolución clínica (AU)

Knemometry is the measurement of heel-knee distance using an electronic device known as a kenmometer. Its high degree of precision (0.01 mm) enables detection of variations over periods as short as a single day. Objectives. Knemometric evaluation of linear growth in less than 2,000 grams infants. Methods. Knemometry was used in a prospective longitudinal study of lower-leg growth rate in infants at a neonatal unit; infants weighed less than 2,00 grams at birth, and presented no congenital malformations. Starting during the first 24 hours, measurements were made every 72 hours over the first 30 days of life. Statistical analysis: Student´s T test, Friedman´s Test, levene´s test and Bland and Altman´s test. Level of significance p<0,05. Results. Mean lower-leg growth rate was 0,26 mm/day (range: 0.03-0.53). Analysis of individual patterns showed that knemometry detected variations ingrowth not identified using conventional somatometric techniques. Conclusion: Knemometry is a useful technique for evaluating growth in low weight infants over short intervals. It is potentially indicated for monitoring growth as a reflection of the clinical development of these infants (AU)

Manejo quirurgico de las fracturas orbitarias: Hospital de San Jose 1997-2002 / Surgical management of orbital fractures: Hospital de San Jose 1997-2002

El Hospital de San José como pionero del manejo del trauma facial en Colombia presenta una enorme experiencia en el manejo de las fracturas orbitarias, en el cual se incluyen 25 pacientes. Se decidió recopilar en este trabajo descriptivo, de los casos manejados mediante cirugía en los últimos cinco años, el comportamiento epidemiológico de esta patología, su manejo al igual que las secuelas.

Cambios en la via aerea superior inducidos por cirugia ortognatica / Changes in the upper air way induced by orthognatic surgery

Introducción: Las indicaciones tradicionales de la cirugía ortognática son el tratamiento de los desarreglos oclusales no susceptibles de tratamiento exclusivamente ortodóntico, y de las alteraciones de desarrollo del esqueleto facial. Desde hace unos años, la reconstrucción de la vía aérea superior es la nueva indicación surgida para la realización de este tipo de procedimientos. Pacientes y métodos: Realizamos una revisión de 10 pacientes clase II intervenidos de genioplastias y mandibulotomías de avance, por indicaciones estéticas y oclusales. Medimos las dimensiones de los espacios faríngeos superior e inferior en la radiografía lateral de cráneo siguiendo el método de McNamara. Resultados: La media de incremento en el espacio faríngeo superior fue de un 19,1 por ciento. La media de avance en el espacio faríngeo inferior fue de un 41,2 por ciento. Discusión / conclusiones: La cirugía ortognática, gracias a las modificaciones esqueléticas que produce en el maxilar superior y la mandíbula, es un método eficaz para aumentar las dimensiones de la vía aérea superior. Los cambios en el armazón óseo de puntos concretos de esta región tienen repercusiones generalizadas en el espacio aéreo surpraglótico.

¿Son útiles los trabajos de investigación que se realizan como requisito de grado? Un análisis de los estudios de intervención en la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia / Utility of clinical research studies in pregraduate level in Faculty of Dentistry in National University 1996-2000

Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad y utilidad de los estudios de investigación clínica relacionados con intervenciones en salud oral, efectuados por estudiantes de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia como requisito de grado durante el período 1996 - 2000. Diseño del estudio: Observacional, analítico, transversal. Fuente de los datos: 26 reportes finales de trabajos de investigación disponibles en la biblioteca local de la Facultad de Odontología. Medidas principales de desenlace: Calidad del estudio teniendo en cuenta su contribución para la toma de decisiones clínicas. Utilidad del estudio considerando tanto su calidad como la accesibilidad de los resultados para aplicarlos en la práctica clínica. Resultados: Se encontró baja calidad en un 79 por ciento de los estudios. La baja calidad se asoció al tipo de estudio (revisiones) y a la vinculación a pregrado de los autores. Los sistemas de registro de utilización en la biblioteca local no permiten evaluar tasas de utilización de los documentos resultantes de las investigaciones. Conclusiones: La utilidad de los estudios a nivel de pregrado es cuestionable. La investigación se debe fortalecer mediante políticas relacionadas con entrenamiento en aspectos de investigación y disponibilidad de recursos para publicación de resultados

In-well cell lysis technique reveals two new megaplasmids of 103.0 and 212.6 MDa in the multiple plasmid-containing strain V517 of Escherichia coli.

AIMS: Identification of two new plasmids in the multiple plasmid-containing strain V517 of Escherichia coli. METHOD AND RESULTS: By using an in-well mild cell lysis technique suitable for megaplasmids observation, two plasmids of 103.0 and 212.6 MDa were detected in the multiplasmid-containing E. coli V517. CONCLUSIONS: The two new megaplasmids that were completely overlooked when standard disruptive procedures were used, can now be added to the list of eight plasmids with molecular size from 1.36 to 35.84 MDa reported earlier. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This finding allows to use the strain V517 not only as a size reference of small and moderately large plasmids but as a size reference of megaplasmids as well.

[Modification of nursing practice through reflection: participatory action research]. / Modificación de la práctica enfermera a través de la reflexión: una investigación-acción participativa1

Technology and complex techniques are inevitably playing an increasing role in intensive care units. They continue to characterize nursing care and in some cases dehumanize it. The general aim of this study was to stimulate reflection on nursing care. The study was based on the participation of the investigators with the goal of producing changes in nursing practice. Qualitative methodology in the form of participatory action research and the Kemmis and McTaggart method were used. Data were collected through systematic observation, seven group meetings and document analysis. Eight nurses took part in the study. The meetings were recorded and transcribed verbatim into a computer. This process and the meaning of the verbatim transcription (codification/categorization process and document synthesis cards) were analyzed. The results of this study enabled exploration of the change in nursing practice and showed that the reflection in action method stimulates changes in practice. The new way of conceiving nursing action has increased nursing care quality and its humanization since it shows greater respect for the patient, provides families with closer contact and greater support, improves coordination of nursing care acts and increases collaboration among professionals.In conclusion, participatory action research is a valid and appropriate method that nurses can use to modify their daily practice.

Aspectos sobre diseño y tamaño de muestra en estudios de pruebas diagnósticas / Aspects related with the meaning and development of diagnosis test

En este artículo se presentan algunas consideraciones generales y particulares con respecto al significado y desarrollo de los estudios sobre pruebas diagnósticas. El centro del mismo se dedica a la formulación de los elementos necesarios que subyacen al cálculo del tamaño de muestra en este tipo particular de diseños

Modificación de la práctica enfermera a través de la reflexión: una investigación-acción participativa1 / Modification of nursing practice through reflection: participatory action research

En las unidades de cuidados intensivos, la tecnología y las técnicas complejas ocupan inevitablemente un lugar cada vez mayor y continúan marcando los cuidados enfermeros, llegando, en algunos casos, a deshumanizarlos. Por lo tanto, se hace necesaria la adopción de otro modelo de actuación enfermero. El objetivo general de este estudio es promover la reflexión sobre los cuidados enfermeros a partir de un proceso participativo de los interventores con el fin de aportar cambios en la práctica enfermera. Se ha utilizado una metodología cualitativa de tipo Investigación-Acción Participativa y el modelo Kemmis y McTaggart. La recogida de datos se ha realizado mediante la observación sistemática, 7 reuniones de grupo y análisis de documentos. Han participado 8 enfermeras. Las reuniones se han grabado y transcrito íntegramente al ordenador. Se ha realizado un análisis del proceso y de la significación del verbatim (proceso de codificación/categorización y fichas de síntesis de documentos).Los resultados de este estudio han permitido explorar el cambio de la práctica enfermera y poner en evidencia que el método de la reflexión-acción promueve cambios en la práctica. La nueva manera de concebir la acción enfermera ha provocado un aumento en la calidad y la humanización de los cuidados ya que tiene un mayor respeto del paciente, un mayor acercamiento y soporte a la familia, una mayor coordinación de los cuidados y una mayor colaboración interprofesional. Como conclusión podemos afirmar que la Investigación-Acción Participativa es un método válido y pertinente para que las enfermeras asistenciales modifiquen su práctica cotidiana (AU)

Aspectos generales sobre evaluación y manejo del paciente con conducta suicida / Evaluation and management of suicidal patient

La valoración de las ideas y conductas suicidas y su manejo son temas de gran importancia para todos los clínicos, especialmente aquellos que trabajan en atención primaria y de urgencias. De acuerdo con diversos estudios epidemiológicos muchas de las personas que se suicidan han solicitado consulta médica en el mes anterior a su muerte. Pocos pacientes expresan espontáneamente su ideación o intención suicida a sus médicos, así que los clínicos deben estar alerta ante diversas señales que le pueden indicar que el paciente se encuentra en riesgo suicida. La intervención oportuna por parte del médico general es de gran valor para disminuir las tasas de mortalidad derivadas de las conductas suicidas. El presente artículo pretende describir las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de los pacientes que presentan conductas suicidas y suministrar al clínico una guía de evaluación y manejo de dichos pacientes

Azospirillum amazonense: su presencia en el área cañera de la provincia de Tucumßn / Azospirillum amazonense: its presence in the sugar cane area of the province of Tucumßn

We confirm the presence of Azospirillum amazonense in the sugar cane area of the Province of Tucumßn. Several strains were isolated from sugar-cane roots in different places. Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics coincided with those described for this species. This new one is being added to the other two species, A. brasilense and A. lipoferum, already reported.

Azospirillum amazonense: su presencia en el área cañera de la provincia de Tucumßn / Azospirillum amazonense: its presence in the sugar cane area of the province of Tucumßn

We confirm the presence of Azospirillum amazonense in the sugar cane area of the Province of Tucumßn. Several strains were isolated from sugar-cane roots in different places. Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics coincided with those described for this species. This new one is being added to the other two species, A. brasilense and A. lipoferum, already reported.(AU)

[Azospirillum amazonense: its presence in the sugar cane area of the province of Tucumán]. / Azospirillum amazonense: su presencia en el área cañera de la provincia de Tucumán.

We confirm the presence of Azospirillum amazonense in the sugar cane area of the Province of Tucumán. Several strains were isolated from sugar-cane roots in different places. Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics coincided with those described for this species. This new one is being added to the other two species, A. brasilense and A. lipoferum, already reported.

Azospirillum amazonense: su presencia en el área cañera de la provincia de Tucumán. / [Azospirillum amazonense: its presence in the sugar cane area of the province of Tucumán]

We confirm the presence of Azospirillum amazonense in the sugar cane area of the Province of Tucumán. Several strains were isolated from sugar-cane roots in different places. Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics coincided with those described for this species. This new one is being added to the other two species, A. brasilense and A. lipoferum, already reported.