Schoenoplectus americanus as a potential phytoremediator: in vitro assessment of its ability to remove contaminants in domestic and tannery wastewater.

Growing industrialization and urbanization have led to increased water pollution due to the inadequate treatment and disposal of domestic wastewater (DW) and wastewater produced by industries such as tanneries (TW). These wastewaters are characterized by high concentrations of organic matter, nutrients, sulphates, chlorides and high microbial load. TW also contains phenols and chromium, which disturb and harm the ecosystem the local. The decontamination of wastewater prior to their discharge through biological tools, especially the use of species that are native to the site in need of treatment, has been described as effective and advantageous. This study evaluated the ability of Schoenoplectus americanus, a native plant species from Cordoba (Argentina), to phytoremediate local DW and TW samples at a laboratory scale. The aim was to ascertain whether this system could potentially be considered for the remediation of wastewater in real-world scenarios. S. americanus was able to tolerate pure DW and a 1/20 (v/v) dilution of TW for 30 days under hydroponic conditions. Removal rates ranging from 50% to 89% were obtained for residual organic matter (determined as chemical oxygen demand or COD), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP). Significant removal of total chromium (TCr) and total phenols (TPhs) was also observed in TW (85% and 98%). The number of total coliforms (TC), was reduced by about 96% and 99%. These results indicate that S. americanus is a good candidate for the phytoremediation of regional DW and TW. For this reason, it may be considered for full-scale applications in the future.

Histological characterization of the human masticatory oral mucosa. A histochemical and immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND: Histology of human oral mucosa is closely related with its function and anatomical location, and a proper characterization of the human masticatory oral mucosa could be very useful in periodontal pathology. OBJECTIVE: In the present work, we have carried out a comprehensive study in order to determine the main histological features of parakeratinized (POM) and orthokeratinized (OOM) masticatory human oral mucosa using light and electron microscopy. METHODS: To perform this, we have used several histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical methods to detect key markets at the epithelial, basement membrane and connective tissue levels. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that POM and OOM share many histological similarities, as expected. However, important differences were observed at the epithelial layer of POM, that was significantly thicker than the epithelial layer found in OOM, especially due to a higher number of cells at the stratum spinosum. The expression pattern of CK10 and filaggrin revealed intense signal expression in OOM as compared to POM. Collagen and proteoglycans were more abundant in OOM stroma than in POM. No differences were found for blood vessels and basement membrane. CONCLUSION: These results may contribute to a better understanding of the pathological conditions affecting the human masticatory oral mucosa. In addition, these findings could be useful for the generation of different types of oral mucosa by tissue engineering techniques. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Microscopical features of parakeratinized and orthokeratinized masticatory human oral mucosa showed important differences at both, epithelial and stromal levels. Parakeratinized masticatory human oral mucosa exert thicker epithelial layer, especially, at the stratum spinosum in comparison to orthokeratinized human oral mucosa. Cytokeratin 10 and filaggrin human epithelial markers were intensively expressed in orthokeratinized masticatory human oral mucosa in comparison to parakeratinized masticatory human oral mucosa. At the stromal level, orthokeratinized masticatory human oral mucosa exhibit higher levels of collagen and proteoglycans than parakeratinized masticatory oral mucosa. The deep knowledge of histological features of masticatory oral mucosa could lead to a better understanding of oral mucosa pathology and advanced treatments.

Intoxicación por monóxido de carbono: estudio observacional de pacientes que acudieron a Urgencias durante 2020 / Carbon monoxide poisoning: an observational study of patients admitted to Emergency Department during 2020

El objetivo fue describir las intoxicaciones monóxido de carbono. Se diseñó un corte transversal que incluyó una muestra consecutiva de mediciones de carboxihemoglobina (COHb), realizadas Enero y Diciembre 2020 en la Central de Emergencias del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Se utilizaron bases secundarias y revisión manual de historias clínicas para recolección de varia-bles de interés. Durante el período de estudio hubo 20 pacientes confirmados, con media de 50 años (DE 20), 55% sexo masculino, 20% tabaquistas, y una única embarazada. El 70% correspondieron al trimestre Junio-Julio-Agosto. La fuente de intoxicación más frecuente se debió a accidentes domésticos (calefón, estufa, brasero, hornalla, salamandra) que representaron el 50% de los casos, 30% por incendios, y el 20% restante explicado por tabaco o factor desconocido. Los estudios de laboratorio más solicitados fueron: 95% recuento de glóbulos blancos, 85% glucemia, 70% CPK, y 55% troponina. Los hallazgos relevantes fueron COHb con mediana de 7.15%, CPK con mediana de 89 U/mL, y troponina con mediana de 8.5 pg/mL. La totalidad se realizó electrocardiograma: 15% presentaron arritmia como hallazgo patológico, y ninguno isquemia. En cuanto la presentación clínica: 30% presentó cefalea, 15% síncope, 15% coma, 10% mareos y 10% convulsiones. Sólo 25% tuvieron tomografía y 15% resonancia de cerebro, sin hallazgos críticos. Sin embargo, 15% fueron derivados para trata-miento con cámara hiperbárica. La mayoría ocurrieron en invierno y explicados por accidentes domésticos. Será necesario un fortalecimiento del rol preventivo que apunte al control de la instalación y el buen funcionamiento de artefactos, como mantener los ambientes bien ventilados (AU)

The objective was to describe carbon monoxide poisoning. A cross sectional was designed, which included a consecutive sample of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) measurements, carried from January to December 2020 at the Emergency Department of tHospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Secondary databases and manual review of medical records were used to collect variables of interest. During the study period there were 20 confirmed patients, with a mean age of 50 (SD 20), mostly male (55%), 20% smokers, and only one pregnant woman, 70% corresponded to June-July-August. The most frequent source of poisoning was explained to domestic accidents (water heater, stove, brazier, stove, salamander) which represented 50% of cases, 30% due to fires, and the remaining 20% by tobacco or unknown factor. The most laboratory studies were: 95% white blood cell count, 85% glycemia, 70% CPK, and 55% troponin. Meanwhile, relevant findings were carboxyhemoglobin with a median of 7.15%, CPK with a median of 89 U/mL, and troponin with a median of 8.5 pg/mL. All underwent an electrocardiogram: 15% presented arrhythmia as a pathological finding, and none ischemia. Regarding the clinical presentation: 30% presented headache, 15% syncope, 15% coma, 10% dizziness and 10% seizures. Only 25% had brain tomography and 15% MRI, without pathological findings. However, 15% were referred for treatment with a hyperbaric chamber. Most of the cases occurred in winter and explained by domestic accidents. It will be necessary to strengthen the preventive role that aims to control the installation and the proper functioning of devices, such as keeping rooms well ventilated (AU)

Osteogenesis Imperfecta: A Case Series and Literature Review.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a hereditary disease of connective tissue characterized by the loss of bone density and mass, which increases the fragility of the bones, thus presenting multiple fractures throughout the years followed by bone deformity and articular instability. This condition has various clinical presentations. We present four cases of OI, one case with type I, two cases with type II, and one case with type III. The clinical diagnosis in most of the cases was clinical; only one of them was confirmed with genomic sequence. The treatment of these cases was based on medication, orthopedic surgery, and recovery and physical therapy. The evolution was torpid in these cases but with prolonged life expectancy despite the severity and type of OI. It is important to highlight that the patients did not have a neurocognitive compromise. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary medical management are crucial in obtaining better outcomes for this disease, improving the quality of life, and avoiding complications.

Indicación de N-acetilcisteína en distintas formas de toxicidad por paracetamol / Indication of n-acetylcysteine in differents forms of paracetamol toxicity

Introducción: la hepatotoxicidad por paracetamol está relacionada con la formación del metabolito N-acetil-parabenzoquinoneimina (NAPQI) y su falta de detoxificación a través del glutatión, cuyas reservas se deplecionan en el contexto de una sobredosis. La administración de N-acetilcisteína (NAC) como sustancia dadora de grupos tioles (-SH) contribuye a la prevención del daño hepático que puede desarrollarse con dosis terapéuticas o tóxicas. Métodos: se comentan 5 casos de exposición a paracetamol en los cuales se administró NAC por alteración de la función hepática. La gravedad de los cuadros varió en función de las dosis y del tiempo de latencia hasta la consulta. Resultados: cuatro pacientes ingirieron una única dosis tóxica y una paciente recibió la dosis diaria máxima de paracetamol de 4000 mg/día durante 5 días. La paciente que consultó dentro de las 4 horas posteriores a la ingesta no presentó elevación de transaminasas. Todas las pacientes recibieron NAC y sus valores de enzimas hepáticas se normalizaron al momento del alta. Conclusión: la administración temprana de NAC puede ser útil para prevenir daño hepático tanto en ingestas de dosis tóxicas, como en casos de utilización de dosis terapéuticas máximas durante varios días. (AU)

Introduction: paracetamol hepatotoxicity is related to the formation of the metabolite N-acetyl-parabenzoquinoneimine (NAPQI) and its lack of detoxification through glutathione, whose reserves are depleted in paracetamol overdose. The administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as a donor of sulfhydryl groups (-SH) can prevent liver damage that could even occur with therapeutic or toxic doses. Methods: 5 cases of exposure to paracetamol are discussed, in which NAC was administered due to impaired liver function. These manifestations presented different severity depending on the drug doses and the time until medical consultation. Results: four patients ingested single toxic doses and one patient received the maximum daily dose of paracetamol of 4000 mg/day for 5 days. The patient who consulted within 4 hours after ingestion did not present elevation of transaminases. All patients received NAC, with normal liver enzymes at discharge. Conclusion: the early administration of NAC may be useful to prevent liver damage both in toxic dose intakes and in cases of use of maximum therapeutic doses for several days. (AU)

Consultorio de Salud Ambiental en un Hospital Privado de Comunidad de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires / Environmental Health consulting office in a Private Community Hospital of the Buenos Aires City

En los últimos años surge el concepto de Una Sola Salud que reconoce la interdependencia sistémica al observar que los cambios en la salud humana se expresan de manera sincrónica e indivisible de la salud del ambiente. Nuevas enfermedades y daños crónicos inespecíficos ocurren a la par de la pérdida de biodiversidad y vitalidad. En las últimas décadas venimos observando el surgimiento de "adaptaciones sistémicas" que requieren un abordaje desde la clínica y la toxicología a nivel individual y desde la epidemiología de la complejidad a nivel poblacional. Luego de un largo recorrido de investigaciones, el Hospital Italiano formalizó el consultorio de Salud Ambiental con la intención de brindar respuesta a la demanda de pacientes que atribuyen síntomas y signos a la polución ambiental. (AU)

In recent years, the concept of One Health has emerged, recognizing the systemic interdependence and the changes in human health that are expressed synchronously and indivisible from the environment. New diseases and nonspecific chronic damage are occuring in parallel with the loss of biodiversity and vitality.In recent decades we have observed the appearance of "systemic adaptations" that require a clinical and toxicological approach at the individual level, and address the population level from an epidemiological and complexity science paradigm. After many years of research, the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires formalized the Environmental Health consulting office and the measurement of glyphosate levels, giving answer to the demand of patients who associate their signs and symptoms to environmental pollution. (AU)

Impacto del diagnóstico prenatal del Programa Nacional para la Prevención de Anemia Falciforme en la incidencia de hemoglobinopatías en Santiago de Cuba / Impact of the prenatal diagnosis of the National Program for the prevention of sickle-cell anemia in the incidence of hempoglobimopathies in Santiago de Cuba

Introducción: El nacimiento de personas con hemoglobinas SS y SC promovió la creación en Cuba de un programa de prevención que incluye el diagnóstico prenatal de estas hemoglobinopatías. Objetivo: Mostrar el impacto del diagnóstico prenatal en la incidencia de anemia drepanocítica y de enfermedad heterocigótica compuesta SC. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal, en el Departamento Provincial de Genética Médica del Hospital Docente Infantil Sur Dr. Antonio María Béguez César en Santiago de Cuba, que abarcó un período de tres decenios más un sexenio (de 1984 a 2019), de los 713 fetos y niños en los que se detectó anemia de células falciformes. Para establecer el diagnóstico prenatal se realizó electroforesis de hemoglobina a las embarazadas -durante los primeros años con el equipo Habana y a partir del 2012 con la tecnología Hydrasys-. Resultados: Del total de casos diagnosticados, se interrumpió el embarazo en 44,3 %, con un incremento significativo de los abortos provocados por esta causa al transcurrir los años, a saber: 23,7 % en el primer decenio, 46,1 % en el segundo y 68,1 % en el tercero; mientras que en el período 2014-2019 fue de 59,3 %. Por consiguiente, disminuyó el nacimiento de niños enfermos de 76,3 % en los inicios del estudio a 53,9 y 31,9 % en el segundo y tercero decenios, respectivamente, y por último a 40,7 % en el sexenio. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico prenatal de la anemia de células falciformes SS y la enfermedad heterocigótica compuesta SC constituye el pilar fundamental para la prevención de estas hemoglobinopatías.

Introduction: The birth of people with SS and SC hemoglobine justified the creation of a prevention program in Cuba which includes the antenatal diagnosis of these hemoglobinopathies. Objective: To show the impact of the antenatal diagnosis in the incidence of sickle-cell anemia and of the composed heterocigotic disease SC. Methods: A descriptive restrospective and cross-sectional study was carried out in the Provincial Department of the Teaching Southern Pediatric Hospital Antonio María Béguez César in Santiago de Cuba, which included three decades and a sexennium (from 1984 to 2019), of the 713 fetuses and children in whom sickell-cell anemia was diagnosed. To establish the prenatal diagnosis, hemoglobine electrophoresis to all pregnant women, -During the first years with Havana equipment and from 2012 on, with the technology Hydrasys-. Results: From the total of diagnosed cases, pregnancy was interrupted in 44,3 %, with a significant increase of aborptions provoked due to this cause with the passing of years: 23.7 % in the first decenium, 46.1 in the second and 68.1 % in the third, while in the period 2014-2019 it was 59.3 %. Due to this, the births of sick children to from 76.3 % at the beggining of the study to 53.9 and 31.9 respectively, and finally to 40.7 % in the sexenium 2014-2019. Conclusions: The prenatal diagnosis of sickel-cell anemia SS and SC constitutes the key stone for the prevention of these hemoglobinopathies.

Histological Profiling of the Human Umbilical Cord: A Potential Alternative Cell Source in Tissue Engineering.

The embryonic development of the human umbilical cord (hUC) is complex, and different regions can be identified in this structure. The aim of this work is to characterize the hUC at in situ and ex vivo levels to stablish their potential use in vascular regeneration. Human umbilical cords were obtained and histologically prepared for in the situ analysis of four hUC regions (intervascular-IV, perivascular-PV, subaminoblastic-SAM, and Wharton's jelly-WH), and primary cell cultures of mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSC) isolated from each region were obtained. The results confirmed the heterogeneity of the hUC, with the IV and PV zones tending to show the higher in situ expression of several components of the extracellular matrix (collagens, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans), vimentin, and MSC markers (especially CD73), although isolation and ex vivo culture resulted in a homogeneous cell profile. Three vascular markers were positive in situ, especially vWF, followed by CD34 and CD31, and isolation and culture revealed that the region associated with the highest expression of vascular markers was IV, followed by PV. These results confirm the heterogeneity of the hUC and the need for selecting cells from specific regions of the hUC for particular applications in tissue engineering.

Guía práctica para el perfeccionamiento del control interno de calidad en el laboratorio clínico / Practice guide for the improvement of the quality internal control in the clinical laboratory

El control interno de calidad en el laboratorio clínico es una actividad especializada que monitoriza la calidad de los procesos y resultados, a la vez que permite aceptar o rechazar las corridas analíticas de las diferentes determinaciones. A tales efectos, se presentan los elementos de una guía práctica incluida en un software, diseñada con el objetivo de perfeccionar el control interno de la calidad en dichos laboratorios, donde se definen los principios y conceptos claves del tema, los procedimientos y su secuencia, los requisitos de calidad, las reglas de control, los cálculos estadísticos, la interpretación de los resultados, así como algunos de los indicadores novedosos y necesarios para asegurar la calidad.

The internal control of quality in the clinical laboratory is a specialized activity that monitors the quality of the processes and results at the same time that it allows to accept or to reject the analytic runs on the different determinations. To such effects, the elements of a practical guide included in a software are presented, designed with the objective of perfecting the internal control of the quality in these laboratories, where the principles and key concepts of the topic, procedures and their sequence, requirements of quality, control rules, statistical calculations, the interpretation of the results are defined, as well as some of the novel and necessary indicators to assure the quality.

Contribuir a reducir las barreras de acceso al sistema sanitario para jóvenes migrantes de origen marroquí que viven en Granada: una aproximación a través de técnicas cualitativas / Contribute to overcome barriers to healthcare service access for young Morroccans migrants living in Granada: a qualitative approach

Objetivo: Conocer las principales necesidades, problemas de salud y barreras de acceso al sistema sanitario identificadas por jóvenes marroquíes en situación administrativa irregular en un barrio de Granada. Material y métodos: Estudio cualitativo descriptivo con perspectiva fenomenológica mediante grupos focales. El ámbito de estudio fue el barrio del Albayzin de Granada. El tamaño final de la muestra se determinó por la saturación del discurso en relación con el objetivo (29 personas). Las entrevistas se grabaron y transcribieron literalmente. Se llevó a cabo un análisis narrativo del contenido. Las categorías del análisis se generaron de forma mixta. Para asegurar la calidad del estudio se triangularon los datos. Resultados: La tarjeta sanitaria es un elemento clave para el acceso al sistema sanitario, pero su obtención se presenta como inalcanzable para algunos entrevistados. La posesión de permisos de residencia y/o de trabajo es identificada como la principal necesidad de salud. El idioma, el miedo a ser denunciados o la discriminación en el trato también son señaladas como barreras de acceso. Las patologías agudas y de salud mental son identificadas como principales problemas de salud, condicionadas por sus determinantes sociales. Todas estas categorías tienen consecuencias sobre el uso de los servicios sanitarios. Conclusiones: La situación de exclusión social de la población entrevistada afecta a su salud física y mental. Las barreras de acceso al sistema sanitario condicionan el uso que estos hacen de los recursos sanitarios. Son necesarias intervenciones destinadas a disminuir las barreras de acceso al sistema sanitario y las desigualdades sociales. (AU)

Objective: To recognize the most important health needs, health problems and access barriers to the Health System that determine the use of health services of young Moroccan migrants in an irregular administrative situation living in a Granada neighbourhood. Material and methods: A descriptive, qualitative study with phenomenological perspective was conducted using focus groups. The study area was Albayzin, a neighbourhood in Granada. Definitive sample size was determined by saturation of the discourse in relation to the objective (29 people). Interviews were recorded and transcribed literally. A narrative analysis of the content was performed. The analysis categories were generated in mixed form. To ensure the quality of the study, data were triangulated. Results. The Health Card is a basic element to access the Health System but obtaining this is reported as unattainable for some migrants. Obtaining Spanish residency and/or a work permit are identified as major health needs. Language, fear of being reported and discrimination are also barriers to access the health system. Acute and mental health pathologies are the main health problems, determined by their social conditions. All these categories have consequences on the use of health services. Conclusions. The physical and mental health of the population interviewed are affected by social exclusion. Access barriers to the healthcare system limit use of health resources. Interventions are needed to reduce access barriers to the healthcare system and social inequality. (AU)

Características clínicas y evolutivas de pacientes rehabilitados con prótesis oculares / Clinical and evolutive characteristics of patients rehabilitated with ocular prosthesis

Introducción: La prótesis ocular es un medio artificial con fines funcional y estético, que posibilita la rehabilitación física, psíquica y social de pacientes con defectos en los ojos. Objetivo: Describir la evolución de los pacientes con prótesis ocular según signos de infección en las cavidades oculares rehabilitadas, factores de riesgos asociados, así como modificaciones en la forma de la cavidad y/o en la prótesis ocular. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, longitudinal y prospectivo de 74 pacientes aquejados por defectos oculares, que recibieron tratamiento protésico en el período de 2018 a 2019 en la Clínica de Rehabilitación Bucomaxilofacial de Santiago de Cuba, los cuales fueron evaluados a través de una encuesta y un examen clínico en tres momentos durante un año de evolución. Para establecer la asociación entre variables, se emplearon la prueba de la Χ2 de Pearson y la exacta de Fisher de acuerdo con el cumplimiento de supuestos. Resultados: De los 222 exámenes efectuados a las cavidades oculares rehabilitadas, 31 revelaron la presencia de secreciones en 23 pacientes, con recurrencia en 8 de ellos; dicho signo clínico se manifestó de manera similar a la hipercoloración de la conjuntiva en cuanto al momento del hallazgo y al grupo etario afectado, con mayores porcentajes al año de evolución y una incidencia superior en los pacientes de 60 y más años de edad. Asimismo, se constató una asociación estadísticamente significativa de las variables higiene diaria de la cavidad y de la prótesis con la existencia de secreciones, para un intervalo de confianza de 95 %. Conclusiones: Se demostró la ventaja del aseo semanal de la cavidad ocular y de la prótesis en sus portadores, pues con ello se disminuye la frecuencia de los signos inflamatorios e infecciosos de la mucosa, lo que debe observarse con mayor rigurosidad en los ancianos, quienes resultan ser los más afectados.

Introduction: Ocular prosthesis is an artificial means with functional and cosmetic ends that facilitates the physical, psychic and social rehabilitation of patients with eyes defects. Objective: To describe the evolution of patients with ocular prosthesis according to infection signs in the rehabilitated ocular cavities, associated risk factors, as well as modifications in the form of the cavity and/or in the ocular prosthesis Methods: An observational, longitudinal and prospective study of 74 patients suffering from eye defects that received prosthetist treatment from 2018 to 2019 in the oral maxillofacial Rehabilitation Clinic was carried out in Santiago de Cuba, who were evaluated through a survey and a clinical exam in three moments during a year of evolution. To establish the association between variables, the Pearson chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used with the fulfillment of suppositions. Results: Of the 222 exams made to the rehabilitated ocular cavities, 31 revealed the presence of secretions in 23 patients, with recurrence in 8 of them; this clinical sign became evident in a similar way to the hypercoloring of the conjunctiva as for the moment of the finding and the age group affected, with higher percentages at the year of evolution and a higher incidence in the patients of 60 years and over. Also, an association statistically significant of the daily hygiene of the cavity and prosthesis variables with the existence of secretions was verified, for a confidence interval of 95 %. Conclusions: The advantage of the ocular cavity and prosthesis weekly personal cleanliness was demonstrated, because with it the frequency of the inflammatory and infectious signs of the mucous is reduced, what should be strictly observed in elderly, who are the most affected.

Generation of a novel model of bioengineered human oral mucosa with increased vascularization potential.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to generate novel models of bioartificial human oral mucosa with increased vascularization potential for future use as an advanced therapies medicinal product, by using different vascular and mesenchymal stem cell sources. BACKGROUND: Oral mucosa substitutes could contribute to the clinical treatment of complex diseases affecting the oral cavity. Although several models of artificial oral mucosa have been described, biointegration is a major issue that could be favored by the generation of novel substitutes with increased vascularization potential once grafted in vivo. METHODS: Three types of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were obtained from adipose tissue, bone marrow, and dental pulp, and their in vitro potential was evaluated by inducing differentiation to the endothelial lineage using conditioning media. Then, 3D models of human artificial oral mucosa were generated using biocompatible fibrin-agarose biomaterials combined with human oral mucosa fibroblasts and each type of MSC before and after induction to the endothelial lineage, using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) as controls. The vascularization potential of each oral mucosa substitute was assessed in vitro and in vivo in nude mice. RESULTS: In vitro induction of MSCs kept in culture was able to increase the expression of VEGF, CD31, and vWF endothelial markers, especially in bone marrow and dental pulp-MSCs, and numerous proteins with a role in vasculogenesis become overexpressed. Then, in vivo grafting resulted in a significant increase in blood vessels formation at the interface area between the graft and the host tissues, with significantly positive expression of VEGF, CD31, vWF, and CD34 as compared to negative controls, especially when pre-differentiated MSCs derived from bone marrow and dental pulp were used. In addition, a significantly higher number of cells committed to the endothelial lineage expressing the same endothelial markers were found within the bioartificial tissue. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the use of pre-differentiated MSCs could contribute to a rapid generation of a vascular network that may favor in vivo biointegration of bioengineered human oral mucosa substitutes.

Biofabrication of a Tubular Model of Human Urothelial Mucosa Using Human Wharton Jelly Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.

Several models of bioartificial human urothelial mucosa (UM) have been described recently. In this study, we generated novel tubularized UM substitutes using alternative sources of cells. Nanostructured fibrin-agarose biomaterials containing fibroblasts isolated from the human ureter were used as stroma substitutes. Then, human Wharton jelly mesenchymal stromal cells (HWJSC) were used to generate an epithelial-like layer on top. Three differentiation media were used for 7 and 14 days. Results showed that the biofabrication methods used here succeeded in generating a tubular structure consisting of a stromal substitute with a stratified epithelial-like layer on top, especially using a medium containing epithelial growth and differentiation factors (EM), although differentiation was not complete. At the functional level, UM substitutes were able to synthesize collagen fibers, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, although the levels of control UM were not reached ex vivo. Epithelial differentiation was partially achieved, especially with EM after 14 days of development, with expression of keratins 7, 8, and 13 and pancytokeratin, desmoplakin, tight-junction protein-1, and uroplakin 2, although at lower levels than controls. These results confirm the partial urothelial differentiative potential of HWJSC and suggest that the biofabrication methods explored here were able to generate a potential substitute of the human UM for future clinical use.

Erratum: Blanco-Elices, C. et al. In Vitro Generation of Novel Functionalized Biomaterials for Use in Oral and Dental Regenerative Medicine Applications. Running Title: Fibrin-Agarose Functionalized Scaffolds. Materials 2020, 13, 1692.

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Denaturation Behavior and Kinetics of Single- and Multi-Component Protein Systems at Extrusion-Like Conditions.

In this study, the influence of defined extrusion-like treatment conditions on the denaturation behavior and kinetics of single- and multi-component protein model systems at a protein concentration of 70% (w/w) was investigated. α-Lactalbumin (αLA) and ß-Lactoglobulin (ßLG), and whey protein isolate (WPI) were selected as single- and multi-component protein model systems, respectively. To apply defined extrusion-like conditions, treatment temperatures in the range of 60 and 100 °C, shear rates from 0.06 to 50 s⁻1, and treatment times up to 90 s were chosen. While an aggregation onset temperature was determined at approximately 73 °C for WPI systems at a shear rate of 0.06 s⁻1, two significantly different onset temperatures were determined when the shear rate was increased to 25 and 50 s⁻1. These two different onset temperatures could be related to the main fractions present in whey protein (ßLG and αLA), suggesting shear-induced phase separation. Application of additional mechanical treatment resulted in an increase in reaction rates for all the investigated systems. Denaturation was found to follow 2.262 and 1.865 order kinetics for αLA and WPI, respectively. The reaction order of WPI might have resulted from a combination of a lower reaction order in the unsheared system (i.e., fractional first order) and higher reaction order for sheared systems, probably due to phase separation, leading to isolated behavior of each fraction at the local level (i.e., fractional second order).

Influence of Thermomechanical Treatment and Ratio of ß-Lactoglobulin and α-Lactalbumin on the Denaturation and Aggregation of Highly Concentrated Whey Protein Systems.

The influence of thermomechanical treatment (temperature 60 °C-100 °C and shear rate 0.06 s-1-50 s-1) and mixing ratio of ß-lactoglobulin (ßLG) and α-lactalbumin (αLA) (5:2 and 1:1) on the denaturation and aggregation of whey protein model systems with a protein concentration of 60% and 70% (w/w) was investigated. An aggregation onset temperature was determined at approx. 80 °C for both systems (5:2 and 1:1 mixing ratio) with a protein concentration of 70% at a shear rate of 0.06 s-1. Increasing the shear rate up to 50 s-1 led to a decrease in the aggregation onset temperature independent of the mixing ratio. By decreasing the protein concentration to 60% in unsheared systems, the aggregation onset temperature decreased compared to that at a protein concentration of 70%. Furthermore, two significantly different onset temperatures were determined when the shear rate was increased to 25 s-1 and 50 s-1, which might result from a shear-induced phase separation. Application of combined thermal and mechanical treatment resulted in overall higher degrees of denaturation independent of the mixing ratio and protein concentration. At the conditions applied, the aggregation of the ßLG and αLA mixtures was mainly due to the formation of non-covalent bonds. Although the proportion of disulfide bond aggregation increased with treatment temperature and shear rate, it was higher at a mixing ratio of 5:2 compared to that at 1:1.

COVID-19 en pediatría: manifestaciones clínicas / COVID-19 in Pediatrics: Clinical Manifestations

Los coronavirus son importantes patógenos humanos y animales. A finales de 2019, se identificó un nuevo coronavirus como la causa de un grupo de casos de neumonía en Wuhan, una ciudad de la provincia de China de Hubei. Se extendió rápidamente, dando como resultado una epidemia en toda China, seguida de un número de casos crecientes en otros países del mundo. El virus que causa COVID-19 se denomina SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus 2 del Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Severo). Los casos pediátricos actualmente, son menos frecuentes que los adultos, con formas de presentación diferente y síntomas más leves y con mejor pronóstico. La mayoría tuvo exposición a miembros del hogar con COVID-19 confirmado. Los niños tienen la misma probabilidad que los adultos de infectarse. En Honduras hasta el 17 Junio de 2020 los casos reportados en el grupo de 0-18 años representan el 6.2%. Los pacientes pediátricos puede presentar cuadros que varían desde un cuadro leve hasta falla multiorgánica. La infección por esta nueva cepa de coronavirus genera una amplia gama de manifestaciones clínicas que van desde afectación respiratoria, dermatológica, neurológica, oftálmicas, gastrointestinal, hepática, renal, cardiaca y hematológicas. Afortunadamente la mayoría de los paciente pediátricos son asintomáticos o con síntomas respiratorios altos, comprendiendo aproximadamente el 90% de los casos, los cuales se recuperan en 1-2 semanas después del inicio de los síntomas. En los casos neonatales la mayoría (>90%) de recién nacidos de madres con COVID-19 son asintomáticos y no presentan complicaciones al nacer, incluidos aquellos en donde se corrobora infección por SARS-CoV-2...(AU)

In Vitro Generation of Novel Functionalized Biomaterials for Use in Oral and Dental Regenerative Medicine Applications. Running Title: Fibrin-Agarose Functionalized Scaffolds.

Recent advances in tissue engineering offer innovative clinical alternatives in dentistry and regenerative medicine. Tissue engineering combines human cells with compatible biomaterials to induce tissue regeneration. Shortening the fabrication time of biomaterials used in tissue engineering will contribute to treatment improvement, and biomaterial functionalization can be exploited to enhance scaffold properties. In this work, we have tested an alternative biofabrication method by directly including human oral mucosa tissue explants within the biomaterial for the generation of human bioengineered mouth and dental tissues for use in tissue engineering. To achieve this, acellular fibrin-agarose scaffolds (AFAS), non-functionalized fibrin-agarose oral mucosa stroma substitutes (n-FAOM), and novel functionalized fibrin-agarose oral mucosa stroma substitutes (F-FAOM) were developed and analyzed after 1, 2, and 3 weeks of in vitro development to determine extracellular matrix components as compared to native oral mucosa controls by using histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Results demonstrate that functionalization speeds up the biofabrication method and contributes to improve the biomimetic characteristics of the scaffold in terms of extracellular matrix components and reduce the time required for in vitro tissue development.

Successful development and clinical translation of a novel anterior lamellar artificial cornea.

Blindness due to corneal diseases is a common pathology affecting up to 23 million individuals worldwide. The tissue-engineered anterior human cornea, which is currently being tested in a Phase I/II clinical trial to treat severe corneal trophic ulcers with preliminary good feasibility and safety results. This bioartificial cornea is based on a nanostructured fibrin-agarose biomaterial containing human allogeneic stromal keratocytes and cornea epithelial cells, mimicking the human native anterior cornea in terms of optical, mechanical, and biological behavior. This product is manufactured as a clinical-grade tissue engineering product, fulfilling European requirements and regulations. The clinical translation process included several phases: an initial in vitro and in vivo preclinical research plan, including preclinical advice from the Spanish Medicines Agency followed by additional preclinical development, the adaptation of the biofabrication protocols to a good manufacturing practice manufacturing process, including all quality controls required, and the design of an advanced therapy clinical trial. The experimental development and successful translation of advanced therapy medicinal products for clinical application has to overcome many obstacles, especially when undertaken by academia or SMEs. We expect that our experience and research strategy may help future researchers to efficiently transfer their preclinical results into the clinical settings.