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Polypill is a medication designed for preventing heart attacks through a combination of drugs. Current formulations contain blood pressure-lowering drugs and others, such statins or acetylsalicylic acid. These drugs exhibit different physical chemical features, and consequently different release kinetics. Therefore, the concentration in plasma of some of them after the release process can be out of the therapeutic range. This paper investigates a new methodology for the control dosage of a polypill recently reported containing hydrochlorothiazide, amlodipine, losartan and simvastatin in a 12.5/2.5/25/40 weight ratio. The procedure is based onmesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) with MCM-41 structure (MSN-41) used as carrier, aimed to control release of the four drugs included in the polypill. In vitro release data were obtained by HPLC and the curves adjusted with a kinetic model. To explain the release results, a molecular model was built to determine the drug-matrix interactions, and quantum mechanical calculations were performed to obtain the electrostatic properties of each drug. Amlodipine, losartan and simvastatin were released from the polypill-MSN-41 system in a controlled way. This would be a favourable behavior when used clinically because avoid too quick pressure decrease. However, the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide was quickly released from our system in the first minutes, as is needed in hypertensive urgencies. In addition, an increase in the stability of amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide occurred in the polypill-MSN-41 system. Therefore, the new way of polypill dosage proposed can result in a safer and effective treatment. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ion-doped binary SiO2-CaO and ternary SiO2-CaO-P2O5 mesoporous bioactive glasses were synthesised and characterised to evaluate the influence of P2O5 in the glass network structure. Strontium, copper and cobalt oxides in a proportion of 0.8 mol% were selected as dopants because the osteogenic and angiogenic properties reported for these elements. Although the four glass compositions investigated presented analogous textural properties, TEM analysis revealed that the structure of those containing P2O5 exhibited an increased ordered mesoporosity. Furthermore, 29Si NMR revealed that the incorporation of P2O5 increased the network connectivity and that this compound captured the Sr2+, Cu2+ and Co2+ ions preventing them to behave as modifiers of the silica network. In addition, 31P NMR results revealed that the nature of the cation directly influences the characteristics of the phosphate clusters. In this study, we have proven that phosphorous oxide entraps doping-metallic ions, granting these glasses with a greater mesopores order., Comment: 16 pages, 9 figures

We have installed a hybrid detection system for air showers generated by cosmic rays with energies greater than 3 × 10 15 eV at Mount Chacaltaya (5200 m above the sea level), in order to study the mass composition of cosmic rays above the knee region. This detection system comprises an air shower array with 49 scintillation counters in an area of 500 m×650 m, and seven new Cherenkov light detectors installed in a radial direction from the center of the air shower array with a separation of 50 m. It is known that the longitudinal development of a particle cascade in the atmosphere strongly depends on the type of the primary nucleus, and an air shower initiated by a heavier nucleus develops faster than that by a lighter primary of the same energy, because of the differences in the interaction cross-section and the energy per nucleon. This can be measured by detecting the Cherenkov radiation emitted from charged particles in air showers at higher altitudes. In this paper we describe the design and performance of our new non-imaging Cherenkov light detectors at Mount Chacaltaya that are operated in conjunction with the air shower array. The arrival directions and energies of air showers are determined by the shower array, and information about the primary masses is obtained from the Cherenkov light data including the time profiles and lateral distributions. The detector consists of photomultiplier tube (PMT), high-speed ADCs, other control modules, and data storage device. The Cherenkov light signals from an air shower are typically 10–100 ns long, and the waveforms are digitized with a sampling frequency of 1 GHz and recorded in situ without long-distance analog signal transfers. All the Cherenkov light detectors record their time-series data by receiving a triggering signal transmitted from the trigger module of the air shower array, which is fired by a coincidence of shower signals in four neighboring scintillation counters. The optical characteristics of the detectors and the control and the data acquisition systems are discussed.

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is an important pest of citrus in the United States of America primarily because it vectors ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’, the bacterium putatively responsible for Asiatic huanglongbing (HLB). Asiatic HLB is considered one of the most serious diseases of citrus. In the United States where Asiatic HLB was first found in the state of Florida, vector control is considered an essential component to mitigate pathogen infection and spread of the disease. Therefore commercial citrus growers in Florida have adopted intensive insecticide programs to manage psyllid populations. However, the repetitive use of insecticides for ACP control is expensive and interferes with biological control of ACP and other citrus pests. As an alternative to insecticides, reports from Vietnam indicated that infestations of ACP in citrus (and consequently incidence of HLB) were reduced when citrus was interplanted with white guava, Psidium guajava L. Speculations were that guava volatiles reduced ACP infestations in citrus by either repelling ACP or interfering with ACP ability to locate and infest citrus grown next to guava. We present the results of two studies conducted in Florida (where both ACP and HLB occur) to assess ACP infestations and HLB incidence in citrus interplanted with either white or pink guava compared to infestations and disease incidence in citrus grown as a monoculture, both in orchards and nurseries. In the field study, the effect of guava on ACP infestations was assessed alone and in combination with insecticide or oil applications. Significant reductions in ACP infestations in citrus interplanted with pink guava were identified, but there was no reduction in citrus interplanted with white guava. The effect of pink guava on ACP infestations could be investigated further. However, intercropping citrus with either white or pink guava did not prevent the introduction and spread of HLB. Conclusions from field studies regarding guava as a management tactic against ACP were difficult to make due to persistent nematode problems and freeze damage to guava, which could have interfered with the production of guava volatiles responsible for deterring ACP infestations. Conversely, citrus nursery trees interspersed with guava did show reduced HLB incidence and disease progression over time. However, vector and disease reduction resulting from guava intercropping in citrus nurseries was not adequate to recommend it as a management strategy.

Biomass waste-to-energy is an attractive alternative to fossil feedstocks because of essentially zero net CO 2 impact. A viable option consists in an integrated process, in which biomass is partly used to produce valuable chemicals with residual fractions employed for hydrogen production. One example of a biomass waste is the apple pomace, which is the residue generated in the process of extraction of apple juice. In this research, a kinetic study of the pyrolysis of apple pomace biomass (APB) was performed by TGA aiming its liquid and gaseous products be utilized for the production of valuable chemicals and hydrogen. Characterization of APB consisted in calorific value, compositional, proximal and elemental analyzes. Kinetics were evaluated using three iso-conversional TGA models at 5, 10, 15 and 20 °C/min. Activation energy values of 213.0 and 201.7 kJ/mol were within the range for hemicellulose and cellulose, respectively, which are the main components of biomass.

This paper presents results of thermodynamic analysis and experimental evaluation of hydrogen production by steam reforming of ethanol (SRE) combined with CO2 absorption using a mixture of a solid absorbent (CaO, CaO*MgO and Na2ZrO3) and a Ni/Al2O3 catalyst. Thermodynamic analysis results indicate that a maximum of 69.5% H2 (dry basis) is feasible at 1 atm, H2O/C2H5OH = 6 (molar ratio) and T = 600 °C. whereas, the addition of a CO2 absorbent at 1 atm, T = 600 °C and H2O/C2H5OH/Absorbent = 6:1:2.5, produced a H2 concentration of 96.6, 94.1, and 92.2% using CaO, CaO*MgO, and Na2ZrO3, respectively. SRE experimental evaluation achieved a maximum of 60% H2. While combining SRE and a CO2 absorbent exhibited a concentration of 96, 94, and 90% employing CaO, CaO*MgO, and Na2ZrO3, respectively at 1 atm, T = 600 °C, SV = 414 h−1 and H2O/C2H5OH/absorbent = 6:1:2.5 (molar ratio).

Background:The association between light-intensity activity and cardiovascular disease risk is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the association of light-intensity activity with census-based occupational activity classifications and cardiovascular risk factors among Mexican American adults.Methods:118 Mexican American adults (68.6% female) provided cross-sectional accelerometer and biological data. Self-reported occupations were classified by activity level (sedentary, low, moderate). Participants were classified as At-Risk for BMI, glucose, triglycerides, HDL, blood pressure, waist circumference, and percent body fat.Results:Participants engaged in > 5 hours of light-intensity activity on average, and those in sedentary occupations engaged in fewer light-intensity activity minutes than low-active or moderately active workers (P < .001). Self-reported occupation explained 14% of the variation in light-intensity activity (P < .001). Participants in moderately active occupations were at increased risk for high %body fat than other workers (P = .01), but no other associations between occupation and cardiovascular risk were detected.Conclusion:Early work in physical activity underscored the importance of occupational activity. This study presents evidence of a dose-response association for light-intensity activity by occupational category such that workers in sedentary occupations had less light-intensity activity than employees in more active occupations. Future research on how light-intensity activity derived from occupation may reduce the risk of chronic disease will contribute to improved interventions as light-intensity activity participation may be more feasible than meeting current physical activity guidelines.

In this paper, two dynamic models of a quadrotor are presented, where the traslational dynamic is obtained using the Euler-Lagrange method, and the rotational dynamic is obtained using the Newton-Euler method. The difference between both models is due to the sense in which the rotational matrices are used. A simulation shows the effectiveness of the presented methods.

Objectives To determine the prevalence of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) symptoms in Malaga and its province and to identify associated risk factors. Method A cross-sectional study was carried out in Malaga and its province, involving subjects aged 18–65 years throughout a non-probability sampling by quotas ( n = 887), stratified by sex, age and counties. All participants completed the QCPP-M, a self-administered questionnaire, validated tool due to its ability to discriminate patients with and without CPP. Results Prevalence of symptoms of CPP in subjects aged between 18 and 65 years was 22.8% in general population (30.9% women and 15.6% men) (RR = 1.974 for women versus men, 95% CI 1.53–2.55, P P Conclusions High prevalence of CPP symptoms in Malaga (22.8%); this is related to several significant risk factors.

Resumen Objetivos Evaluar las propiedades psicometricas de la version en castellano del cuestionario ICIQ-Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-MLUTS): factibilidad (porcentaje de cumplimentacion y efecto suelo y techo), fiabilidad (test-retest), validez convergente (vs. Cuestionario de Autoevaluacion del Control de la Vejiga [CACV] y vs. International Prostate Symptom Score [I-PSS]) y validez de criterio (segun presencia o no de sintoma). Material y metodos Estudio observacional, no intervencionista y multicentrico. Participaron 223 pacientes varones de 18-65 anos con sintomas del tracto urinario inferior (STUI), predominantemente de llenado. Los pacientes cumplimentaron el ICIQ-MLUTS (test-retest), el I-PSS y el CACV y refirieron sus sintomas urinarios en visita unica, a excepcion de un subgrupo de 49 pacientes que lo cumplimentaron 15 dias despues para evaluar la fiabilidad test-retest. El cuestionario contiene 13 items en 2 subescalas: Vaciado (V), de 0-20, e Incontinencia (I), de 0-24. Resultados Porcentaje de pacientes que responden a todos los items: 98,84%. Efecto suelo, 0%, y techo menor de 6% en las 2 subescalas del cuestionario. Fiabilidad test-retest: el coeficiente de correlacion intraclase (CCI) oscilo entre 0,66 y 0,88, salvo en Retardo. El kappa muestra buen acuerdo, entre 0,60 y 0,81, a excepcion de Nicturia. Validez convergente: la correlacion (Spearman) entre las puntuaciones de las subescalas del cuestionario y el resto de medidas es estadisticamente significativa (p Conclusion El ICIQ-MLUTS version en espanol muestra adecuada factibilidad, fiabilidad y validez.

Objectives To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the ICIQ-Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Questionnaire (ICIQ-MLUTS): feasibility (% of completion and ceiling/ground effects), reliability (test-retest), convergent validity (vs. Bladder Control Self-Assessment Questionnaire [BSAQ] and vs. International Prostate Symptom Score [I-PSS]) and criterion validity (according to presence or absence of symptoms). Materials and methods This was an observational, non-interventionist and multicenter study. 223 male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), predominantly storage symptoms and aged 18–65, took part in the study. Patients completed the ICIQ-MLUTS (test), I-PSS and BSAQ questionnaires and referred their urinary symptoms in a single visit, with the exception of a subgroup composed by 49 patients who completed the questionnaire again 15 days after initial visit to evaluate test-retest reliability. The questionnaire includes 13 items divided in 2 sub-scales: Voiding symptoms (V) from 0 to 20 and Incontinence symptoms (I) from 0 to 24. Results Percentage of patients who completed all items: 98.84%. Ground effect is 0 and ceiling effect was under 6% in both sub-scales. Test-retest reliability: Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.68 to 0.88, except on Delay. Kappa shows a good agreement, between 0.60 and 0.81, except for Nocturia. Convergent validity: Correlation (Spearman) between the questionnaire sub-scales scores and the rest of measures is statistically significant (p Conclusion The Spanish version of the ICIQ-MLUTS questionnaire shows adequate feasibility, reliability and validity.

Statement of problem Long-term practice-based clinical evaluations of various contemporary ceramic crown restorations from multiple practitioners are limited. Purpose The aims of this study were to evaluate the clinical performance of ceramic single crowns and to identify factors that influence their clinical performance. Material and methods Ceramic single crowns that had been placed at the Mayo Clinic and in function since 2005 were identified and included in the study. The restorations were examined clinically, radiographically, and with photographs. Modified United States Public Health Services criteria were used for the clinical evaluation. The ceramic systems evaluated were bilayer and monolayer. Results Fifty-nine patients (41 women, 18 men) with 226 single teeth and implants restored with single ceramic crowns were identified. The mean duration from insertion date to study examination date was 6.1 years. Thirteen restorations (6%) were replaced at a mean 3.3 years after insertion date (range, 0.1-6.1 years). Estimated replacement-free survival rates (95% confidence interval [CI]; number of teeth/implants still at risk) at 5 years after insertion date were 95.1% (95% CI, 92.2-98.1; 153) and at 10 years were 92.8% (95% CI, 89.1-96.8; 8). The most common reason for replacement was fracture to the core of posterior layered ceramic crowns. The most commonly used luting agent was resin-modified ionomer cement. Most restorations exhibited clinically acceptable marginal integrity, shade, no caries recurrence, and no periapical pathology. Conclusions The clinical performance of ceramic single crowns at 5 and 10 years supports their application in all areas of the mouth. With the majority of fractures to the core occurring early in the lifetime of layered ceramic posterior crowns, consideration of other monolithic ceramic systems for posterior crowns is advised.

Purpose The goals of part 2 of the study presented here were 1) to assess whether there is a difference in failure mode of different thicknesses (2.0, 1.5, 1.0, and 0.5 mm) of anatomically standardized full contour monolithic lithium disilicate restorations for posterior teeth, and 2) to assess if there is a difference among various crown thicknesses when these restorations are subjected to dynamic load forces common for posterior teeth. Materials and Methods Four groups (n = 10), each with a different thickness of anatomically appropriate all-ceramic crowns, were to be tested as established from the statistical analysis of the preliminary phase. Group 1: 2.0 mm; group 2: 1.5 mm; group 3: 1.0 mm; group 4: 0.5 mm. The specimens were adhesively luted to the corresponding die, and underwent dynamic cyclic loading (380 to 390 N) completely submerged in an aqueous environment until a failure was noted by graphic recording and continuous monitoring. Results There was a statistically significant difference of the fatigue cycles to failure among four groups (p < 0.001; Kruskal-Wallis test). The mean number of cycles to fail for 2.0 mm specimens was 17 times more than the mean number of cycles to fail for 1.0 mm specimens and 1.5 times more than the mean number of cycles to fail for 1.5 mm specimens. The 0.5 mm specimens failed with one cycle of loading. A qualitative characteristic noted among the 2.0 mm specimens was wear of the area of indenter contact followed by shearing of the material and/or crack propagation. Conclusion Based on the findings of this study, it may be reasonable to consider a crown thickness of 1.5 mm or greater for clinical applications of milled monolithic lithium disilicate crowns for posterior single teeth.

Aims To evaluate the feasibility (% of completion), reliability (test–retest and inter-observer) and validity (convergent vs. questionnaires and vs. urodynamic study-UDS) of the 3-day bladder diary (3dBD) in women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Methods Epidemiological, descriptive, cross-sectional and prospective study. Fourteen Functional Urology and Urodynamic Units participated. One hundred thirty-six women with mean age (SD) 55.2 (13.8) years with LUTS, without bladder catheterization and who were able to fill in the 3dBD were included. An UDS was performed. They filled in the 3dBD in two times separated by 15 days (test and retest), the International Consultation on Incontinence—Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) and the Bladder Control Self-Assessment Questionnaire (BSAQ). Results One hundred ten women completed 3dBD for test and retest. Feasibility: each 3dBD has 42 variables, 77.2% women completed 80%. Test–retest reliability: there were not differences in the proportion of patients classified as positive for each symptom (urgency: P = 0.3173; incontinence: P = 1; nocturia: P = 0.0522; frequency: P = 0.4386). The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.67 to 0.92, except for night time VVmax which was lower (0.54). Inter-observer reliability: ICC ranged from 0.64 to 0.99, except for day time VVmax (0.29) and the number of urgency episodes (0.45). Validity: Spearman correlation coefficients for ICIQ-UI SF and BSAQ ranged from 0.4 to 0.6 (P

Curcumin is the main component of turmeric which is being used since centuries due to medicinal benefits with no side effects. In this paper, 80%SiO 2 –15%CaO–5%P 2 O 5 mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) containing two different concentrations of Ce 2 O 3 , Ga 2 O 3 (1.0% and 2.0%) and ZnO (2.0% and 4.0%) (in mol%) were synthesized by evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA) method to investigate their potential as drug delivery system (DDS) for curcumin. Impregnation method was applied for incorporating curcumin into MBGs and in vitro release was performed in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C up to 72 h. The substituted MBGs exhibited mesostructure and textural properties good enough for drug delivery. Highest gallium and cerium substituted MBGs incorporated drug more than unsubstituted MBG (B_MBG) due to high affinity of curcumin towards hard Lewis acids. However, during in vitro drug release, B_MBG and lowest cerium, gallium and zinc substituted MBGs showed curcumin release that is capable to exert pharmacological activities. On the other hand, strong interaction between curcumin and substituent caused reduction in drug release from the other set of MBGs with negligible release from 2.0%Ga 2 O 3 . Furthermore, MBGs loaded with curcumin showed quick in vitro response except 4.0%ZnO. Hence, lowest Ce, Ga and Zn substituted MBGs can be considered as drug release system for curcumin because they showed higher drug release with quick in vitro bioactivity and the added values of the substituents.

Purpose To meet functional and esthetic needs in an older adult for treatment of complex skeletal and dentoalveolar deformities using contemporary surgical and prosthodontic protocols. Methods An older adult with dentoalveolar complex and skeletal deformity (mandibular retrognathia) was treated by a combination of virtual planning and current surgical and prosthodontic protocols. Treatment planning steps and sequencing are presented. Results Skeletal, soft tissue, and dental harmonies were attained without biological or mechanical complications. Definitive oral rehabilitation was completed with a maxillary complete denture and a mandibular metal ceramic fixed implant-retained prosthesis. Conclusions A surgical and prosthodontic team approach in combination with technologic advances can predictably optimize esthetic and functional outcomes for patients with complex skeletal and dentoalveolar deformities.

Biomass pyrolysis offers a fast route to produce elevated yields towards highly valued liquid products. This research aims the determination of optimal experimental conditions for a slow and low temperature pyrolysis to produce the highest yield towards condensable (CVM) and non-condensable (NCVM) volatile matter from Mexican cane bagasse and to quantify and characterize the compounds that constitute CVM and NCVM obtained. Results indicate that yield towards volatiles is strongly dependent on temperature. The highest yield was achieved at temperatures greater than 500 °C at a heating rate of 10 °C/min, residence time of 60 min and a particle size between of 420 and 840 μm. Product quantification under isothermal conditions determined that at 550 °C the NCVM, CVM and solid residue was of 26, 57 and 16%, respectively. Preliminary thermodynamic analysis of steam reforming and CO 2 absorption reactions using one of the main CVM products resulted in a potential high hydrogen production yield.

The functional outcomes related to treating patients afflicted with tooth loss are an important hallmark in substantiating prosthodontic intervention. The Oral Rehabilitation Outcomes Network (ORONet) conducted two international workshops to develop a core set of outcome measures, including a functional domain. The process followed the general format used in the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) workshops to develop consensus for clinical outcome measures in arthritis research, which included: developing a comprehensive list of potential outcomes in the literature; submitting them to a filter for validity, clinical discrimination, and feasibility; and ranking those measures meeting all the filter criteria for relative value. The search was conducted to include functional assessments of speech, swallowing, mastication, nutrition, sensation, and motor function as they relate to dental implant therapies. This literature review surveyed 173 papers that produced some result of these descriptors in the functional domain. Of these, 67 papers reported on functional assessments and further defined objective and subjective outcomes. Many of these results were patient-perceived improvements in function, while others were objective assessments based on established methodologies and instruments. Objective evaluations of masticatory function and speech may meet criteria for validity and discriminability for selected interventions, but are generally not feasible for routine use in clinical care settings. The current recommendation is to employ a well-validated survey instrument that covers mastication and speech, such as the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14, short form), recognizing that patient perceptions of function may differ from objective ability.

In the past 30 years, composite microvascular free tissue transfer has become a popular and highly successful option for the reconstruction of defects in the head and neck region. However, inherent shortcomings exist with free tissue transfer in that the imported tissue often fails to adequately replicate the characteristics of the native tissues. This can lead to difficulties when attempting reconstruction from a surgical and prosthetic standpoint. Endosseous implants are often required to adequately retain prostheses, and management of the peri-implant soft tissues represents a critical challenge for the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. This report describes a novel technique for controlling the implant-abutment-soft tissue interface and the advantages of this technique as it pertains to orofacial reconstruction.

Purpose The aim of this retrospective study was to summarize practice-based evidence associated with long-term outcomes (>20 years) in the management of edentulous patients. The patient population was managed with implant-supported prostheses, following the original osseointegration protocol, provided over the period from 1983 to 1991 in the group prosthodontics practice at the Mayo Clinic. The data are an example of practice quality assurance monitoring and are used to refine care delivery when needed and to provide information regarding expected outcomes in a shared decision-making interaction with prospective patients. Materials and Methods Two hundred and sixty four patients with at least one edentulous jaw were identified. Of these, 255 completed their care and follow-up at the Mayo Clinic (209 mandible only, 35 maxilla only, 11 mandible and maxilla). Prosthodontic outcomes categorized as anticipated or unanticipated prosthetic and biologic events and the respective interventions required for each were recorded to assess follow-up event dynamics for this care modality. Results The mean duration of follow-up for 190 of the 255 patients (65 died at a mean follow-up of 12.6 years) was 13.0 years (median 13.6; range 0.3 to 28). At least one prosthetic event was experienced by 148 patients (58%), and 81 (32%) experienced at least one biologic event. Overall, patients experienced 3.8 times more prosthetic events than biologic events. Twenty-four (9%) patients experienced 35 implant failures. Overall survival rates at 20 years were 86% for prostheses, 15% survived free of any event, and 92% experienced survival free of implant failure (95% confidence interval). Conclusion Anticipated and unanticipated prosthetic events occur throughout the life of the hybrid prosthesis. Prosthetic events significantly surpass (four times more) biologic events and occur significantly later in the follow-up. For this patient group, 8.6% (22/255) had implant-supported prostheses remade during follow-up in this patient population. These findings support the recommendation that prosthodontic care for missing teeth be thought of in a “chronic condition” context, recognizing that long-term outcome monitoring to provide realistic care expectations is important for demonstrating care value in oral health promotion.

Mexican Americans have demonstrated lower than what would be expected mortality rates and disease prevalence, given their overrepresentation among those living in poverty. However, Mexican Americans living along the US-Mexico border have been documented as carrying a higher burden of disease and disability that seems to contradict or at least challenge evidence in support of a “Hispanic Paradox”. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the concept of border health as it relates to the conceptualization and measurement of health outcomes in older Mexican Americans living in the Southwest United States. Data for this study comes from the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (Hispanic EPESE) wave 1 and mortality files up to wave 5. Border residence was determined using La Paz Agreement county and distance from a port of entry classifications. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess border versus non-border differences in cause of death, disability, disease prevalence and premature mortality. Adjusted regression models were used to predict cause of death, disability and disease-free life expectancy and premature mortality (i.e. occurring before life expectancy). Interaction models between border/non-border and median income were also performed. Finally, distance from the US-Mexico border was used to determine the effect of distance to the US-Mexico border in border-residing participants. The findings from this study indicate that participants in the HEPESE were more likely to be alive at Wave 5 if they resided in a border county, however more likely to transition into ADL disability status. These findings were not explained by behaviors, duration in the US or sociocultural characteristics of where they lived. Additionally, Hispanic EPESE subjects that lived in the border region were more likely to have died from old age and were less likely to be lost to follow up. Interaction models revealed significant effects for diabetes as a cause of death. Moreover, distance from a US-Mexico port of entry was significant for being alive at wave 5 for border-residing participants. Relative to non-border residing participants, border residing Mexican Americans in the Hispanic EPESE did not carry a uniformly higher burden of disease, however had a significantly greater odds of 10 year survival. These findings bring up issues of measurement and the importance of geographic location when it comes to evaluating disease burden and mortality in Mexican Americans.

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue realizar un estudio de los productos forestales no madereros en la Región de Aysén y constituye un primer acercamiento a los actores dedicados a la actividad para visualizar los principales recursos y los productos con mayor potencial económico. El estudio se concretó a través de la aplicación de encuestas y entrevistas a personas que se dedican a la actividad de recolección y comercialización de PFNM, reuniendo información sobre los recursos recolectados y las prácticas de generación de valor asociadas. Para el análisis de la información se elaboraron matrices sistematizadas para la obtención de frecuencias y medidas de variabilidad, utilizando un enfoque comparativo entre variables. Los resultados obtenidos, indican que la actividad de recolección, dentro de la diversidad de labores que se efectúa en el espacio rural, genera sobre el 20% del ingreso total en más de un tercio de la población entrevistada. Es una actividad desarrollada esencialmente por mujeres, en el 87% de los casos, y el aprendizaje se origina principalmente en la familia (45%). Los productos que poseen mayor potencial comercial en la región son maqui, rosa mosqueta, calafate y morchella. Sin embargo, en la región hay un largo listado de PFNM identificados y otros que no fueron posibles catastrar.

The Oral Rehabilitation Outcomes Network (ORONet) Longevity Working Group undertook a search of the literature from 1995 to 2009 on randomized controlled trials related to longevity of osseointegrated implants. Outcomes measures used in these studies were identified and subjected to the OMERACT component criteria of truth, validity, and feasibility. Through this process, it was a challenge to identify clinical outcomes measures that fully met the criteria. An attenuated version of the component criteria was applied, and clinical measures were identified for implant outcomes, prosthetic outcomes, and indices. A recommendation on standardized reporting periods was also presented for future consideration. The endpoint of the evaluation process is to develop consensus on clinical outcomes measures that can be applied across broad populations for osseointegrated implant care. The present ORONet initiative represents a beginning toward continual improvement and consensus development for clinical outcomes measures for osseointegrated implants.

The presence of visible multilamellar bodies in the cytoplasm of pollen grains of at least seven species of the family Papaveraceae has led us to study the behaviour of these bodies during pollen-grain ontogeny and in growing pollen tubes of Sarcocapnos pulcherrima C. Morales & R. Garcia germinated in vitro. Our transmission-electron-microscope (TEM) studies in pollen grains show that the multilamellar bodies may be classified as: 1) small, isolated and placed in the region of apertures in the cytoplasm; and 2) large, in clusters and in contact with the active plasmalemma apertures only when tubules are being formed in the apertural intine. Similar types of multilamellar bodies to those observed in the pollen apertures can be seen near the apex of the growing pollen tube (small and isolated) and in contact with the apex plasmalemma (large and clustered). Our results support the hypothesis that the multilamellar bodies are functionally linked to moments when the cytoplasmic membrane is very active. We have also linked the multilamellar bodies to Golgi vesicles as they both react positively to acid-phosphatase (AP) staining and also to the plasmalemma by the thiocarbohydrazide-silver proteinate-staining (TCH-Sp) electron-contrasting technique.

An accurate diagnosis of osteosarcoma of the jaws (OS) is determined by proper documentation and interpretation of clinical symptoms, radiologic findings, meticulous histologic survey, and a characteristic growth pattern. The characteristics of high-grade OS include a chief complaint of swelling/pain, a ‘‘fluffy’’ radiologic appearance with or without corticomedullary involvement, osteoblasts as the predominant cell type on histologic examination, and a highly aggressive growth pattern arising from the periosteal tissue. OSs of the mandible and maxilla are collectively known as gnathic osteosarcomas (GOSs) and usually exhibit long-standing pain or swelling. Emphasis on multidisciplinary oncologic, surgical, and prosthetic treatment planning of GOSs improves the treatment outcome and long-term prognosis. The treatment of GOSs, especially in the mandible, requires careful consideration of adjacent bone, soft tissue, surrounding perioral musculature, teeth, interocclusal relationships, and facial aesthetics. Integration of oncologic therapy is of predictive value in the treatment of GOSs. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy assesses the responsiveness of the tumor to chemotherapy and minimizes the potential for the presence of distant micrometastasis. The benefits of adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy protocols have continued to be evaluated, with a reported local recurrence risk of 1.1% to 13.5%. It has been reported

Bioactive glasses play an important role for the bone defects treatment. Forty years ago, it was discovered the first bioactive glass, Bioglass®, obtained by melting and used in Orthopedics and Dentistry. Twenty years ago, another family of bioactive glasses obtained by solgel processing was reported. Solgel glasses exhibit high textural properties and quicker bioactive response than melt glasses. However, their presence in the market is scarce which could be explained considering that the improvements they bring do not justify the costs of their translation to product. In the last decade, so-called template glasses exhibiting greater bioactivity than solgel glasses were described. These glasses display high pore volume and ordered mesopore structure, which makes them optimal candidates for hosting biologically active substances. For these characteristics, template glasses are being considered ideal candidates for the scaffolds manufacture used in bone engineering. This article shows the main features of three families of bioactive glasses and the importance of their nanostructure in the bioactivity. We demonstrate here that glasses with identical composition may exhibit very different properties, specifically bioactivity, as a function of their nanostructure. This fact demonstrates the importance of controlling this nanostructure in the design of new bioactive materials for bone regeneration.

The study aims to determine whether place of origin has an effect on Mexican American cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk on the South Texas Border. Although many studies have investigated the effect of immigration on Mexican American health, few have considered how region of origin may impact CVD risk. Subjects in the Cameron County Cohort Study were divided into 3 groups according to place of origin: Southern Mexico, Northern Mexico, and U.S. Border States. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were conducted using CVD biomarkers and self-reported angina, stroke, and elevated blood pressure. Logistic regression revealed that subjects born in U.S. Border States and Northern Mexico states were significantly less likely to have high glucose levels (p < .05) than those born in Southern Mexico. Subjects born in Northern Mexico were less likely to have high triglycerides (p = .05). This study illustrates the importance of considering region of origin in studying the effect of immigration on Mexican American health beyond the standard: number of years in the United States.

Semen preservation and artificial insemination in South American camelids are reviewed giving emphasis to work done in Peru and by the authors. Reports on semen evaluation and the preservation process indicate that semen of alpacas and llamas can be manipulated by making it liquid first. Collagenase appears to be the best enzyme to eliminate viscosity. Tris buffer solution maintains a higher motility than egg-yolk citrate, phosphate buffered saline (PBS), Triladyl, and Merck-I extenders. Cooling of semen took 1 h after collected, and equilibrated with 7% glycerol presented a better motility and spermatozoa survival at 1, 7, 15 and 30 days after being slowly frozen in 0.25 mL plastic straws. Trials of artificial insemination with freshly diluted semen and frozen–thawed semen are encouraging and needs to be tested extensively under field conditions. Recently, fertility rates varied from 3 to 67%. Semen preservation and most important, artificial insemination appear to be a reality, and could be used to improve the genetic quality of alpacas and llamas.

Purpose Patients' preferences of the type of sample collections for clinical testing are currently unknown. The aims of this study were: (1) to assess patients' preferences of three types of samples for clinical testing (saliva, urine and blood) both before and after collection and (2) to assess whether prior experiences with collection of saliva impacted patients responses. Methods Adult outpatients underwent collection of one sample each of saliva, urine and blood. Patients' perceptions of comfort, convenience and easiness were assessed in pre-collection and post-collection questionnaires. Results Post-collection, patients' endorsement of saliva as being the "most comfortable" and "most convenient" significantly declined (pre vs. post, 61.5% vs. 37.5% and 73.1% vs. 42.3%). However, saliva was still endorsed as the "most convenient" post-collection (compared to urine 33.7% and blood 24.0%). Although not statistically significant, the proportion of patients who changed their response in terms of what sample was "easiest to collect at home" was considerably higher in the group with vs. without prior experience giving saliva (54.6% vs. 32.6%, p =0.19 Fisher's exact test). Conclusions Overall, saliva remained as the most highly preferred sample to donate despite a decline in patients' preferences of saliva donation after sample collection. The results of the study are promising for future widespread patient acceptance of saliva as a diagnostic fluid.

Biomimetics takes advantage of natural strategies for the solution of technological problems, including the proper design of biomaterials. Living bone exhibits a hierarchical porosity with both giant and nanometric pores which must be reproduced for the design of biomaterials for hard tissue repair. Bioactive and degradable bioceramics are a good alternative for the manufacture of scaffolds. Tissue engineering approaches to improve bone regeneration include strategies supporting endogenous osteoblast adhesion, proliferation (osteoconduction), osteoinduction by growth factors, and osteoprogenitors. Understanding the natural ossification mechanisms and the role of biomolecules involved in this process is a requirement for the design of bone tissue scaffolds. Mesoporous bioactive ceramics, namely mesoporous silica and templated glasses with nanometric pores to host growth factors, conformed into 3D scaffolds with micrometric porosity by rapid prototyping, are a good option for bone regeneration. In this regard, biomolecules such as well characterized bone morphogenetic proteins and others under current research, such as osteostatin and osteoprogenitors, are promising strategies in bone tissue engineering applications. Future developments in biomaterials will come in both micro- and nano- scales, and molecular and cell biology approaches will provide suitable solutions to the demanding needs of these compounds.

Biomarkers of organochlorine pesticides were measured in both venous and umbilical cord blood from 35 pregnant Hispanic women living in Brownsville, Texas, USA. Gas chromatography with an electron capture detector was used to analyze specimens for 30 individual pesticides or their metabolites. Results indicate that blood concentrations were relatively low for most individual compounds, but that high-end (upper 10th percentile) values for total DDT were comparatively high. Although health effects associated with measured blood concentrations are uncertain, there is concern that fetal exposure to low levels of these OC compounds, either individually or in combination, might contribute to subsequent health problems, including neurodevelopmental effects, cancer, endocrine disruption, obesity and diabetes.

Purpose The goals of this study were to: (1) establish a range of the performance of four restorative systems for posterior single-tooth crowns under single load to fracture submerged in an aqueous environment, (2) identify restorative system(s) of interest to be examined in the second study phase under sliding contact step-stress fatigue as full-contour anatomically appropriate single posterior tooth restoration(s), (3) establish a range for loading/testing for phase 2. Materials and Methods Forty specimens (n = 10/group) of 2 mm uniform thickness were tested. Group 1: monolithic lithium disilicate IPS e.max Press; group 2: IPS e.max ZirPress, 0.8 mm zirconia core with 1.2 mm pressed veneering porcelain; group 3: IPS e.max ZirPress, 0.4 mm zirconia core with 1.6 mm pressed veneering porcelain; group 4: IPS InLine PoM. Specimens were bonded to a block of polycast acrylic resin on a 30° sloped surface with resin cement. Specimens were axially single loaded to failure while submerged under water. Results There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in failure load among the four restorative systems. Lithium disilicate showed a mean failure load similar to mean maximum posterior bite forces (743.1 ± 114.3 N). IPS e.max Zirpress with a 0.4 mm zirconia core exhibited the lowest mean failure load (371.4 ± 123.0 N). Conclusion Fracture resistance of monolithic lithium disilicate in an aqueous environment is promising and requires second phase testing to evaluate the potential of various thicknesses appropriate for posterior single tooth applications. Doubling the IPS e.max Zirpress zirconia core from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm increased the fracture resistance of this restorative system threefold.

Mesoporous glasses exhibit the quickest in vitro bioactive response observed to date for a synthetic material. Furthermore, they present mesopore arrangements and very high surface areas and pore volumes. All these characteristics make them promising candidates as implants in the very near future. In this chapter, the state-of-the-art and the development of current research in mesoporous glasses as scaffolds in bone tissue engineering applications, and as matrixes in drug delivery systems, are reviewed.

Neurogenic detrusor hyperactivity (NDH) is a urodynamic observation characterised by involuntary detrusor contractions during the filling phase that are caused by an underlying neurological disease. The common and severe complications that can result from NDH warrant the preparation of healthcare protocols for the proper management of patients with NDH.The aim of this study is to standardise the criteria for the decision-making process in the management of patients with diagnosed or suspected NDH, providing personalised medical care.We performed a systematic noncomprehensive literature review on the aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of NDH. Based on the review, recommendations were issued by nominal consensus of a group of urology specialists.In general, the diagnosis of NDH is arrived at by a proper review of the medical history, physical examination and voiding diary before performing any diagnostic study. The main treatment objectives are to protect the upper urinary tract, restore function of the lower tract and improve these patients' continence and quality of life. The treatment consists of several steps aimed at obtaining proper bladder storage that allows for sufficiently spaced voidings. The follow-up should be personalised based on each patient's needs.The identification and management of NDH is important for positively redirecting the function of the lower urinary tract, in terms of filling and voiding, thereby improving the patients' quality of life.

[EN] This paper presents a wireless system to send biosignals outside a hyperbaric chamber avoiding wires going through the chamber walls. Hyperbaric chambers are becoming more and more common due to new indications of hyperbaric oxygen treatments. Metallic walls physically isolate patients inside the chamber, where getting a patient's vital signs turns into a painstaking task. The paper proposes using a ZigBee-based network to wirelessly transmit the patient's biosignals to the outside of the chamber. In particular, a wearable battery supported device has been designed, implemented and tested. Although the implementation has been conducted to transmit the electrocardiography signal, the device can be easily adapted to consider other biosignals., The authors would like to thanks the University of Balearic Islands (UIB), the Miguel Hernandez University (UMH), MEDIBAROX unit of the Perpetuo Socorro Hospital and the "Catedra de Medicina Hiperbarica" (UMH) for their support allowing the use of its facilities for this work. The authors would also like to thank Borja Mas Boned for his help designing the LabVIEW application. This research has been carried out with funding and promotion of "Catedra de Medicina Hiperbarica" of the Miguel Hernandez University. http://nbio.umh.es/es/2010/12/01/catedra-de-medicina-hiperbarica-medibarox/.

Double J stents are used in Urology in an important number of pathologies. These devices contribute to solve very prevalent pathologies such as upper urinary tract lithiasis. However, there are very frequent symptoms associated with double J catheters that may produce a very important constraint on the quality of life of patients. Although theses symptoms are not severe in most cases, they require medical treatment to be solved in certain patients. Several types of drugs such as analgesics, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, anticholinergics and alpha-blockers have been used for this pathology, with variable results depending on the authors. We consider the use of certain drugs may help patients to solve the symptoms associated with double J catheters, mainly the first days after insertion. In the mid term, urinary symptoms are associated with problems related to double J catheter, so it is necessary to establish the proper measures to have this devices not loose their physical characteristics, that may condition these adverse symptoms.

Pharmacological advances in anesthesia in recent decades have resulted in safer practice and better outcomes. These advances include improvement in anesthesia drugs with regard to efficacy and safety profiles. Although neuromuscular blockers were first introduced over a half century ago, few new neuromuscular blockers and reversal agents have come to market and even fewer have remained as common clinically employed medications. In recent years, newer agents have been studied and are presented in this review. With regard to nondepolarizer neuromuscular blocker agents, the enantiomers Gantacurium and CW002, which are olefinic isoquinolinium diester fumarates, have shown potential for clinical application. Advantages include ultra rapid reversal of neuromuscular blockade via cysteine adduction and minimal systemic hemodynamic effects with administration.

An M6.5-class flare was observed at N12E56 of the solar surface at 16:06 UT on July 8, 2014. In association with this flare, solar neutron detectors located on two high mountains, Mt. Sierra Negra and Chacaltaya and at the space station observed enhancements in the neutral channel. The authors analysed these data and a possible scenario of enhancements produced by high-energy protons and neutrons is proposed, using the data from continuous observation of a solar surface by the ultraviolet telescope onboard the Solar Dynamical Observatory (SDO).

Purpose: To determine the barriers to health care access by chronic disease and depression/anxiety diagnosis in Mexican Americans living in El Paso, TX. Design: A secondary analysis was conducted using data for 1,002 Hispanics from El Paso, TX (2009-2010). Logistic regression was conducted for financial barriers by number of chronic conditions and depression/anxiety diagnosis. Interaction models were conducted between number of chronic conditions and depression or anxiety. Results: Depressed/anxious individuals reported more financial barriers than those with chronic conditions alone. There were significant interactions between number of chronic conditions and depression/anxiety for cost, denied treatment because of an inability to pay, and an inability to pay $25 for health care. Conclusion: Financial barriers should be considered to maintain optimal care for both mental and physical health in this population. Implications for Practice: There should be more focus on the impact of depression or anxiety as financial barriers to compliance.

The purpose of this report is to describe the techniques used in the reconstruction of a complete angle-to-angle mandibular defect in the absence of any remaining mandibular teeth. Because no remaining dental or occlusal landmarks remain in such a case, additional challenges must be considered.

LAGO is an extended cosmic ray observatory composed of water-Cherenkov detectors (WCD) placed throughout Latin America. It is dedicated to the study of various issues related to astrophysics, space weather and atmospheric physics at the regional scale. In this paper we present the design and implementation of the front-end electronics and the data acquisition system for readout of the WCDs of LAGO. The system consists of preamplifiers and a digital board sending data to a computer via an USB interface. The analog signals are acquired from three independent channels at a maximum rate of 1:2 105 pulses per second and a samplingrate of 40 MHz. To avoid false triggers due to baseline fluctuations, we present in this work a baseline correction algorithm that makes it possible to use WCDs to study variations of the environmental radiation. A data logging software has been designed to format the received data. It also enables an easy access to the data for an o-line analysis, together with the operational conditions and environmental information. The system is currently used at dierent sites of LAGO. Fil: Sofo Haro, Miguel Francisco. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina Fil: Arnaldi, Luis Horacio. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina Fil: Alvarez, W.. Universidad de San carlos; Guatemala Fil: Alvarez, C.. Universidad de Chiapas; México Fil: Araujo, C.. Universidad San Antonio Abad del Cusco; Perú Fil: Areso, Omar Antonio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciónes Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio. - Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio; Argentina Fil: Asorey, Hernán Gonzalo. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina Fil: Audelo, M.. Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo; Ecuador Fil: Barros, H.. Universidad Simón Bolivar; Venezuela Fil: Bertou, Xavier Pierre Louis. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina Fil: Bonnett, M.. Universidad San Antonio Abad del Cusco; Perú Fil: Calderon, R.. Universidad de San Carlos; Guatemala Fil: Calderon, M.. Escuela Politécnica Nacional; Ecuador Fil: Campos Fauth, A.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; Brasil Fil: Carramiñana, A.. Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica, Óptica y Electrónica; México Fil: Carrasco, E.. Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica, Óptica y Electrónica; México Fil: Carrera, E.. Universidad San Francisco de Quito; Ecuador Fil: Cazar, D.. Universidad San Francisco de Quito; Ecuador Fil: Cifuentes, E.. Universidad de San Carlos; Guatemala Fil: Cogollo, D.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; Brasil Fil: Conde, R.. Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla; México Fil: Cotzomi, J.. Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla; México Fil: Dasso, Sergio Ricardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciónes Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio. - Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio; Argentina Fil: De castro, A.. Universidad Industrial de Santander; Colombia Fil: Gomez Berisso, Mariano. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina Fil: Gonzalez, M.. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina Fil: Gulisano, Adriana Maria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciónes Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio. - Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio; Argentina Fil: Martin, R.. Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio Interno y Culto. Dirección Nacional del Antártico. Instituto Antártico Argentino; Argentina Fil: Masías Meza, Jimmy Joel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Física de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Física de Buenos Aires; Argentina Fil: The LAGO Collaboration.

3D scaffolds based in mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) are being widely investigated to use in bone tissue engineering (TE) applications. These scaffolds are often obtained by rapid prototyping (RP) and exhibit an array of interconnected pores in a hierarchy of sizes. The ordered mesopore network (around 4 nm in diameter) is optimal for the adsorption and release of bone inductor biomolecules, and the arrangement of macropores over 100 mu m facilitates the bone cell ingrowths and angiogenesis. Nevertheless MBG composition can be varied almost infinitely at the atomic scale by including in the glass network oxides of inorganic elements with a therapeutic action. In this article the synthesis and characterization of MBG scaffolds based on the 80%SiO2-15%CaO-5%P2O5 (in mol-%) glass with substitutions up to 3.5% of Ga2O3 or Ce2O3 or 7.0% of ZnO are revisited. The substituent inclusion and the RP processing slightly decrease the surface area, the pore volume and the mesoporous order as well as their bioactive response in solutions mimicking blood plasma. However, these values still remain useful for bone TE applications. Results exhibiting the bactericide action of MBG scaffolds containing ZnO are also presented. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.