Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enfermedades transmitidas por los alimentos: Análisis del riesgo microbiológico

Las metas basicas del analisis de riesgo incluyen las siguientes: identificar las situaciones potencialmente peligrosas, aplicar los metodos apropiados para estimar la probabilidad que un peligro ocurra, y en la incertidumbre en esa estimacion, proporcionar las soluciones alternativas para reducir el riesgo, estimar la eficacia de esas soluciones, proporcionar la informacion sobre las que se base una decision de la gestion de riesgos, y estimar la incertidumbre asociada a la evaluacion. El analisis de riesgos constituye un sistema de referencia coherente para reunir y analizar indicios sobre los factores de riesgo, y tambien para presentar los resultados de modo inteligible y obrar despues eficazmente. Pero los progresos realizados no pueden excusar la arrogancia. La presente revision no pretende sentar catedra sobre el analisis de riesgo microbiano, mas bien esta pensado como una etapa mas de un proceso necesario y permanente, como un jalon que describe el estado de cosas en 2010.
Assessing the eligibility of a non-invasive continuous blood pressure measurement technique for application during total intravenous anaesthesia

Abstract Objective: To assess the eligibility for replacement of invasive blood pressure as measured “within” the arterial vessel (IBP) with non-invasive continuous arterial blood pressure (cNIP) monitoring during total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA), the ability of cNiP to track fast blood pressure changes needs to be quantified. A new method of statistical data analysis is developed for this purpose. Methods: In a pilot study on patients undergoing neurosurgical anaesthesia, mean arterial pressure MAPIBP measured with IBP was compared to MAPCNP measured by the CNAP Monitor 500 in ten patients (age: 63±13 a). Correlation analysis of changes of device differences ΔeMAP=ΔMAPCNP-ΔMAPIBP with changes of MAPIBP (ΔMAPIBP) during intervals of vasoactivity was conducted. An innovative technique, of linear trend analysis (LTA) applied to two signals, is described to perform this analysis without a priori knowledge of intervals of vasoactivity. Results: Analysis of ΔeMAP during vasoactivity revealed that ΔMAPCNP systematically underestimated ΔMAPIBP by 37%. This was confirmed in the complete data set using LTA technique showing a systematic, yet patient specific, underestimation in tracking ΔMAPIBP (16…120%). Conclusion: The proposed LTA technique is able to detect systematic errors in tracking short-term blood pressure changes otherwise masked by established analysis. LTA may thus be a useful tool to assess the eligibility of cNIP to replace IBP during TIVA.
Wheat germ agglutinin-functionalised crosslinked polyelectrolyte microparticles for local colon delivery of 5-FU: in vitro efficacy and in vivo gastrointestinal distribution

We have previously reported the development and characterisation of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)-functionalised chitosan-Ca-alginate (CTS-Ca-ALG) microparticles (MPs) loaded with acid-resistant particles of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). In the present work, our goal was to evaluate the potential of these carriers for efficient treatment of colon cancer by studying in vitro permeability and cell association of 5-FU and [methyl-3H]thymidine uptake in Caco-2 cells, as well as in vivo gastrointestinal distribution. The amount of 5-FU permeated through Caco-2 cells was 15.1, 7.7 and 6.5% for 5-FU solution, CTS-Ca-ALG MPs and WGA conjugates. The concentration of 5-FU associated with Caco-2 cells was significantly greater when delivered from MPs. By incorporation of 5-FU into MPs and further decoration with WGA, an increased [methyl-3H]thymidine uptake was observed few hours after continuous drug treatment followed by significantly reduced uptake after 6 h. Gastrointestinal distribution was in favour of increased localisation and concentration of the particles in colon region.
Telescopic crowns in adult case with lip and palate cleft: Update on the etiology and management

Lip and palatal clefts are among the most important congenital craniofacial malformations to be taken into account in general dental practice, due to their high incidence and important repercussions upon the oral cavity. The under- lying causes are genetic and fundamentally environmental, and the disorders manifest as early as in the embryonic period. Males are predominantly affected, with a 7:3 ratio versus females. Our patient, a 20-year-old male, presented the most common association, i.e., total unilateral hare lip with palatal cleft. A description is provided of the treat- ment for his dental problem, together with an update on the etiology and management of adults with malformations of this kind.
Revisión sistemática de la farmacorresistencia en enterobacterias de aislamientos hospitalarios en Colombia

Introduccion. La resistencia bacteriana es un problema de salud publica a nivel mundial que compromete seriamente la capacidad de tratar las infecciones. Objetivo. Describir el perfil de resistencia a los antimicrobianos marcadores en enterobacterias identificadas en hospitales colombianos. Materiales y metodos. Se hizo una revision bibliografica sistematica de las publicaciones indexadas en Medline, Embase y Lilacs, ademas de la busqueda manual de todos los numeros de revistas colombianas reconocidas en el campo de la infectologia y otros afines para identificar referencias no disponibles electronicamente. Resultados. Se identificaron 43 estudios y reportes de vigilancia epidemiologica con informacion sobre la resistencia de las enterobacterias en hospitales, principalmente de Bogota, Cali y Medellin. La tasa de resistencia en Escherchia coli oscila entre 3 y 11 %, 5 y 20 % y 0,2 a 0,8 % para piperacilina-tazobactam, cefalosporinas de tercera generacion y carbapenemicos, respectivamente. En aislamientos de Klebsiella pneumoniae , la resistencia oscila entre 21,8 y 48,1 % frente a piperacilina-tazobactam, 20 y 35 % frente a cefalosporinas de amplio espectro y 3 y 8 % frente a carbapenemicos, con variaciones importantes por ciudades, niveles de atencion y circunstancias clinicas. Conclusiones. La diseminacion de la resistencia bacteriana en enterobacterias aisladas en hospitales colombianos es un problema creciente que requiere medidas prontas para cortar las cadenas de transmision.
Bone plates for osteosynthesis – a systematic review of test methods and parameters for biomechanical testing

Abstract Bone plates for osteosynthesis are subject to biomechanical testing for safety and regulatory purposes. International standards applicable for those devices are designed for bone plates used in the surgical fixation of the skeletal system but not necessarily for all device variants available. We intend to summarize the test methods and parameters presented in the literature to evaluate bone plates in a clinical environment, especially for modern anatomically shaped implants. We conducted a systematic review on published biomechanical studies for lower and upper extremities (clavicle, humerus, ulna, radius, metacarpal, femur, tibia, fibula, metatarsal). The search process led to the identification of 159 relevant articles containing 330 individual tests, which were analyzed concerning various test criteria including test methods and parameters per bone segment for static and dynamic loading tests, as well as number of cycles, chosen bone model and outcome variables. The biomechanical literature for bone plates is diverse, inconsistent and heterogeneous. Test methods are not commonly applied per bone plate location and test parameters are not uniformly specified and displayed. They vary in particular for bending and torsion tests as well as for the number of loading cycles for dynamic testing. Outcome variables are not commonly applied nor defined. Consequently this paper is the first in a planned chronological series of three to identify the need (this publication), to develop a systematic procedural approach (2. publication) and to apply the process exemplary on a bone plate sample (3. publication).
Evaluation of anticancer activity of celastrol liposomes in prostate cancer cells

Abstract Context: Celastrol, a natural compound derived from the herb Tripterygium wilfordii, is known to have anticancer activity, but is not soluble in water. Objective: Formation of celastrol liposomes, to avoid the use of toxic solubilising agents. Materials and methods: Two different formulations of PEGylated celastrol liposomes were fabricated. Liposomal characteristics and serum stability were determined using dynamic light scattering. Drug entrapment efficacy and drug release were measured spectrophotometrically. Cellular internalisation and anticancer activity was measured in prostate cancer cells. Results: Liposomal celastrol displayed efficient serum stability, cellular internalisation and anticancer activity, comparable to that of the free drug reconstituted in dimethyl sulfoxide. Discussion and conclusion: Liposomal celastrol can decrease the viability of prostate cancer cells, while eliminating the need for toxic solubilising agents.
Optimisation of rosemary oil encapsulation in polycaprolactone and scale-up of the process

Abstract Rosemary essential oil (REO) has many biological activities, such as antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, cognition-enhancing, analgesic and antimicrobial activities. The aim of this study was to prepare, at laboratory scale and larger scale, nanoencapsulating REO in order to reduce its volatilisation, light sensitivity and to enhance its water solubility. The nanoprecipitation method was applied to prepare polycaprolactone (PCL)-based nanocapsules loaded with REO at laboratory scale and then the optimal formulation obtained was scaled-up (×6) using the membrane contactor technique. The effect of several parameters, such as the evaporation method, the type of emulsifiers and the amount of the formulation products (PCL, REO, emulsifiers, etc.) on the REO-loaded nanocapsules properties (mean size, polydispersity index (PdI), zeta potential and REO loss) was evaluated at laboratory scale in order to obtain the optimal formulation. REO-loaded nanocapsules obtained from nanoprecipitation presented a nanometric mean size (220 ± 10 nm) with a PdI below 0.25, indicating an adequate homogeneity of the system, a negative zeta potential (−19.9 ± 4.6 mV) and a high encapsulation efficiency (∼99% for the major components). In addition, the membrane contactor technique gave similar results using an adequate pressure of the organic phase (0.8–1.2 bar). It is then suggested that the nanoprecipitation method can be suitable for the preparation of essential oil-loaded nanocapsules.
Images in electroconvulsive therapy: Pilot impressions suggesting that ECT reduces excitatory synapses in the basolateral amygdala

Background: In animal models, stress and depression are associated with excitatory changes in the amygdala; this aberrant neuroplasticity may represent increased fear learning, explaining the anxiety, fear, and related symptoms that characterize clinical depression. Materials and Methods: In a pilot investigation, we treated adult, male, Wistar rats with sham electroconvulsive shocks (ECS; n=3), low-dose ECS (10 mC; n=3), and high-dose ECS (60 mC; n=3). The rats were sacrificed 1 month after the last of 6 once-daily ECS and, after dissection, sections of the basolateral amygdala were examined using transmission electron microscopy under low (×11,000) and high (×30,000) magnification. Results: In each group, 4 fields were examined under low magnification and 6 fields under high magnification. The number of excitatory synapses and the ratio of excitatory to inhibitory synapses were both numerically lower with ECS than with sham ECS, and the effect was stronger in the high-dose ECS group (statistical analyses were not performed because this was a pilot study). Conclusions: By reducing the number of excitatory synapses and the ratio of excitatory to inhibitory synapses, ECT (especially high-dose ECT) may reduce stress-induced excitatory changes in the amygdala. These changes may help explain a part of the benefits observed with ECT in conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO FUNCIONAL DE INDIVÍDUOS ACOMETIDOS POR ACIDENTE VASCULAR ENCEFÁLICO ASSISTIDOS EM UMA UNIDADE DE TERAPIA INTENSIVA

Objective: To characterize socio-demographic and clinical data as well as to identify risk factors and investigate functional capacity of individuals affected by stroke assisted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative study, consisting of 21 individuals affected by stroke and assisted in the ICU of the Regional Hospital of Emergency and Trauma Dom Luiz Gonzaga Fernandes, in the city of Campina Grande - PB, from March to September 2011. We used as evaluation tools a socio demographic and clinical form and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Data were analyzed and expressed as frequency, percentile, mean and standard deviation using the software GraphPad Prism 4.0. Results: The sample was mainly composed by men (52.4%) with mean age of 67.6 ± 11.9 years, of which 42.8% were married. With regard to clinical data, 57.2% of the individuals had hemorrhagic stroke, 61.9% had the right hemibody affected and 90.4% had cardiovascular diseases as a risk factor. As to functionality, 81% of them were sedated, 38% had complete deficiency to move several joints and 71% to lie down. Conclusion: Individuals affected by stroke assisted in an Intensive Care Unit are mostly men in their sixties, married, with hemorrhagic stroke, right hemibody affected, having cardiovascular diseases and severe functional deficits. DESCRIPTORS Funcionality. Stroke. Intensive Care Units. ICF.
Study on the effects of microencapsulated Lactobacillus delbrueckii on the mouse intestinal flora

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the protective effects of microencapsulation on Lactobacillus delbrueckii by random, parallel experimental design. Materials and methods: Lincomycin hydrochloride-induced intestinal malfunction mouse model was successfully established; then the L. delbrueckii microcapsule was given to the mouse. The clinical behaviour, number of intestinal flora, mucous IgA content in small intestine, IgG and IL-2 level in peripheral blood were monitored. The histological sections were also prepared. Results: The L. delbrueckii microcapsule could have more probiotic effects as indicated by higher bifidobacterium number in cecal contents. The sIgA content in microcapsule treated group was significantly higher than that in non-encapsulated L. delbrueckii treated group (p < 0.05). Intestine pathological damage of the L. delbrueckii microcapsule-treated group showed obvious restoration. Conclusion: The L. delbrueckii microcapsules could relieve the intestinal tissue pathological damage and play an important role in curing antibiotic-induced intestinal flora dysfunction.
Encapsulation of cosmetic active ingredients for topical application – a review

Abstract Microencapsulation is finding increasing applications in cosmetics and personal care markets. This article provides an overall discussion on encapsulation of cosmetically active ingredients and encapsulation techniques for cosmetic and personal care products for topical applications. Some of the challenges are identified and critical aspects and future perspectives are addressed. Many cosmetics and personal care products contain biologically active substances that require encapsulation for increased stability of the active materials. The topical and transdermal delivery of active cosmetic ingredients requires effective, controlled and safe means of reaching the target site within the skin. Preservation of the active ingredients is also essential during formulation, storage and application of the final cosmetic product. Microencapsulation offers an ideal and unique carrier system for cosmetic active ingredients, as it has the potential to respond to all these requirements. The encapsulated agent can be released by several mechanisms, such as mechanical action, heat, diffusion, pH, biodegradation and dissolution. The selection of the encapsulation technique and shell material depends on the final application of the product, considering physical and chemical stability, concentration, required particle size, release mechanism and manufacturing costs.
Intra-individual Variability of the Electrocardiogram: Assessment and exploitation in computerized ECG analysis

textabstractComputer interpretation of the electrocardiogram (ECG) was one of the first applications of computers in health care. The first systems were developed in the early sixties by Pipberger and Caceres. In the last decades, computerized ECG analysis has become one of the most widespread computer applications for decision support in health care. For example, over 50 million ECGs were analyzed by computer in the United States already in 1988. Large research efforts have been made to bring the performance of these systems to a level acceptable for routine use. In an international cooperative study, called 'Common Standards for Quantitative Electrocardiography' (CSE), most present-day ECG computer programs were evaluated. This evaluation was done by comparing measurements and interpretations computed by these systems with those of a panel of experienced cardiologists on the one hand, and with a diagnosis based on clinical evidence, not involving the EeG, on the other. It was concluded that ECG analysis programs can assist clinicians in achieving lllore unifornl and consistent interpretations of ECGs. However, continued testing and refinenlent was deelned necessary to enhance the perfonnance of these systenls. Despite their good diagnostic performance, ECG analysis programs suffer from a number of drawbacks that limit their practical utility. One of the most important shortcomings is the vulnerability for individual ECG variability. Identical ECG signals will result in identical measurements and interpretations, but small (and diagnostic inconsequential) differences between signals may result in an entirely different diagnostic interpretation. This variability can already be a problem when, e.g., multiple ECGs of the same patient are interpreted that have been recorded only minutes apart. Instable interpretations will not only considerably diminish the practical use of ECG computer prograrlls, users will also lose confidence in their performance. Furthernlore, variation in interpretations of shnilar ECGs suggests that the accuracy of programs can still be improved.
Atrioventricular Canal Defect, Pulmonary Artery Sling, and Aortic Arch Anomaly in a Patient With Down Syndrome

There is a high prevalence of congenital heart disease in patients with Down syndrome. Atrioventricular (AV) canal defects, ventricular septal defects, and a patent ductus arteriosus are most commonly seen. The authors present a patient with a unique constellation of findings, including an AV canal defect, pulmonary artery sling, and an aberrant right subclavian artery diagnosed on a screening echocardiogram. Additional imaging modalities confirmed this atypical concurrence of congenital heart defects and also proved the accuracy of echocardiography in diagnosing rare combinations of congenital heart disease.
Increased levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and its relationship with lipid peroxidation and antioxidant vitamins in lung cancer

Abstract Background: Reactive oxygen species produced either endogenously or exogenously can attack lipids, proteins and DNA in human cells and cause potentially deleterious consequences. In recent years, their role in the pathogenesis of lung cancer and the preventive effect of antioxidants have been studied extensively. In this study, our aim was to investigate the levels of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) and malondialdehyde as a marker for the effects of reactive oxygen species on DNA and lipids, the levels of antioxidant vitamins and the correlations between these oxidative stress markers and antioxidants in lung cancer. Methods: Serum malondialdehyde, β-carotene, retinol, and vitamins C and E were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography methods in fasting blood samples and 8OHdG was measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in 24-h urine samples of patients with lung cancer (n=39) and healthy controls (n=31). Results: The levels of 8OHdG and malondialdehyde were significantly higher (p<0.05 and p<0.005, respectively) and β-carotene, retinol, and vitamins C and E (p<0.0001, p<0.0001, p<0.0001, and p<0.05, respectively) were significantly lower in patients than in controls. There was a significantly positive correlation between 8OHdG and malondialdehyde (r=0.463, p=0.01) and a negative correlation between the levels of 8OHdG and retinol (r=–0.419, p=0.021) in the patient group. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the oxidant/antioxidant balance was spoiled in favor of lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in lung cancer patients. Significant increases in the levels of malondialdehyde and 8OHdG and decreases in the levels of antioxidants suggest the possible involvement of oxidative stress in lung cancer. Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46:107–12.
Hyperthermia-induced apoptosis in Tca8113 cells is inhibited by heat shock protein 27 through blocking phospholipid scramblase 3 phosphorylation

Purpose: Hyperthermia induces tumour cell apoptosis through the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway; however, the signal transduction mechanism underlying this process still needs to be fully elucidated. Phospholipid scramblase 3 (PLS3), a target of protein kinase C-δ (PKC-δ), resides in mitochondria and plays pivotal roles in regulating apoptotic response. Activated PLS3 facilitates cardiolipin (CL) translocation from the mitochondrial inner membrane to the outer leaflet of the mitochondrial outer membrane and triggers apoptosis. Materials and methods: The tongue squamous cell carcinoma Tca8113 cells were transfected or co-transfected using Lipofectamine 2000 with plasmids pCMV-6×His-PLS3, pCMV-6×His-PLS3 (T21A), pHA-PKC-δ, pHA-PKC-δ-KD (K376R), pHA-Hsp27, and empty control plasmid pcDNA3.1. The transfected cells were heated in water bath at 43°C for 20 min, 40 min and 60 min. Assessments of apoptosis and redistribution of mitochondrial cardiolipin were performed by flow cytometry. PLS3, PKC-δ, Hsp27, phosphorylation of PLS3 and PLS3/PKC-δ interaction were detected by western blotting. Results: In our study the results show that elevated levels of the wild-type PLS3, but not the PLS3 (T21A) mutant, is able to increase hyperthermia-induced CL translocation and apoptosis. Wild-type PKC-δ facilitates PLS3 phosphorylation, PKC-δ/PLS3 interaction, and CL translocation, which consequently promote apoptosis. In contrast, heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) blocks PKC-δ-induced PLS3 phosphorylation, suppresses PKC-δ/PLS3 interaction and CL translocation, and inhibits apoptosis. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that phosphorylation of PLS3 by PKC-δ is involved in the hyperthermia-induced apoptotic signal transduction pathway in Tca8113 cells, and that Hsp27 blocks this pathway to suppress hyperthermia-induced apoptosis.