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In this work, the removal of the Cephalexin by Chlorella sp., nonliving modified by extraction of lipids was evaluated. First, the microalga was grown to completing 20 days and later, the biomass of crop was centrifuged and the extraction of lipids was performed. Two adsorption experiments were performed: (1) with nonliving Chlorella sp. (control), and (2) the obtained biomass after lipid extraction. The high antibiotic removal, 71.19% and 82.77% (control), were obtained at the lowest initial concentration. The contact time between the biosorbent and the antibiotic was 2 h. The adsorption isotherm follows the Freundlich model and the obtained maximum absorption capacity was 63.29 mg of antibiotic/g of biosorbent for lipid-extracted biomass, while the control follows best to the Langmuir model with 129.87 mg/g in maximum absorption capacity. In summary, this biosorbent provides a potential alternative in the removal of Cephalexin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Assessing the impact of a training programme is important for quality assurance and further development. It also can helps with accountability and marketing purposes. This study evaluated the impact of King's College London ( KCL) Master of Science programme in Dental Public Health in terms of graduates' perceived learned skills and professional development. Methods An online questionnaire was sent to individuals who completed successfully the KCL Master of Science programme in Dental Public Health and had a valid email address. Participants provided information on demographic characteristics, perceived learned skills (intellectual, practical and generic) and professional development (type of organisation, position in the organisation and functions performed at work before and after the programme). Learned skills' scores were compared by demographic factors in multiple linear regression models, and the distribution of responses on career development was compared using nonparametric tests for paired groups. Results Although all scores on learned skills were on the favourable side of the Likert scale, graduates reported higher scores for practical skills, followed by intellectual and generic skills. No differences in scores were found by sex, age, nationality or time since graduation. In terms of career development, there were significantly higher proportions of graduates working in higher education institutions and taking leadership/managerial roles in organisations as well as greater number and variety of functions at work after than before the programme. Conclusion This online survey shows that the programme has had a positive impact on graduates in terms of perceived learned skills and professional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In environmental toxicology, the most commonly used techniques used to visualise lysosomes in order to determine their responses to pollutants (LSC test: lysosomal structural changes test; LMS test: lysosomal membrane stability test) are based on the histochemical application of lysosomal marker enzymes. In mussel digestive cells, the marker enzymes used are β-glucuronidase (β-Gus) and hexosaminidase (Hex). The present work has been aimed at determining the distribution of these lysosomal marker enzymes in the various compartments of the endo-lysosomal system (ELS) of mussel digestive cells and at exploring whether intercellular transfer of lysosomal enzymes occurs between digestive and basophilic cells. Immunogold cytochemistry has allowed us to conclude that β-Gus is present in every compartment of the digestive cell ELS, whereas Hex is not so widely distributed. Moreover, Hex is intimately linked to the lysosomal membrane, whereas β-Gus appears to be not necessarily membrane-bound. Therefore, two populations of heterolysosomes with different enzyme load and membrane stability have been distinguished in the digestive cell. In addition, heterolysosomes of different electron density have been commonly observed merging together by contact; we suggest that some might act as storage granules for lysosomal enzymes. On the other hand, β-Gus seems to be released to the digestive alveolar lumen in secretory lysosomes produced by basophilic cells and endocytosed by digestive cells. Regarding the implications of the present study on the interpretation of lysosomal biomarkers, we conclude that β-Gus, but not Hex, histochemistry provides an appropriate marker for the LSC test and that, although both lysosomal marker enzymes can be employed in the LMS test, different values would be obtained depending on the marker enzyme employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To compare the response of erythropoiesis to an angiotensin receptor blocker, irbesartan with an angiotensin conversing enzyme inhibitor, fosinopril, in essential hypertensive patients with normal renal function. Design and METHODS: Thirty patients were randomized to receive either irbesartan(150 mg once daily)(n = 15, mean age 65.2 ± 8.7 years) or fosinopril(20 mg once daily)(n = 15, mean age 57.4 ± 11.5 years, difference is not significant) during 12 weeks. Plasma erythropoietin, hemoglobin(Hb) and hematocrit(Hc) levels were measured at start and monthly after receiving the treatment. All values are expressed as mean ± 1SD. RESULTS: Irbesartan decreased erythropoietin levels(baseline 20.7 ± 1.3 vs. 18.1 ± 3.7 mU/mL, p = 0.019), but they remained unchanged with fosinopril(baseline 18.8 ± 1.3 vs. 18.6 ± 1.6 mU/mL). Hb levels lowered in irbesartan group(baseline 13.8 ± 1.2 vs. 13.5 ± 1.1 g/dL, p = 0.029), but they did not change in fosinopril-treated patients(baseline 14.6 ± 1.3 vs. 14.5 ± 1.3 g/dL). Hc did not show any change neither in irbesartan group(baseline 40.9 ± 3.7 vs. 40.8 ± 3.3%) nor in fosinopril group(baseline 14.6 ± 1.3 vs. 14.5 ± 1.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Irbesartan lowered erythropoietin secretion and hemoglobin levels in essential hypertensives. Fosinopril can neither influence erythropoietin secretion nor decrease hemoglobin levels. Angiotensin receptor blockers seem to get higher efficacy for antagonism angiotensin effects. Safety of angiotensin receptor blockers in anemic hypertensive patients should be studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract European wild rabbits originated in southwestern Europe but have been introduced into many other countries world-wide, becoming serious pests in many instances. As a consequence of rabbits being regarded so differently, applied research for their management often has opposing goals, namely their conservation or their control. Furthermore, modern gene technology has led to the concept of using genetically modified myxoma viruses for rabbit management, again with quite contrary aims in mind. In this paper we explain the possible ecological and economic consequences of using these genetically modified viruses inappropriately and we consider whether national and international regulations are sufficient to prevent improper use. If international regulations are inadequate, molecular biologists and ecologists must consider the consequences of their research and advice beyond their own country to avoid unwanted impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducción. A partir de la década de los años ochenta, los cambios en las intervenciones obstétricas, las técnicas agresivas de reanimación y los avances de la terapia intensiva neonatal, han permitido disminuir en forma lenta, pero progresiva, el límite de viabilidad en los recién nacidos (RN) extremadamente prematuros. En la literatura existen porcentajes diferentes reportados de supervivencia en estos RN por lo que es indispensable conocer y revisar la experiencia con los neonatos menores de 1 000 g en la UCINEX. Material y métodos. Se revisaron todos los expedientes en un estudio de manera retrospectiva, transversal descriptivo, y en los análisis estadísticos, de los RN prematuros menores de 1 000 g que ingresaron a la UCINEX en el período comprendido entre enero de 2001 a diciembre 2003. Se excluyeron todos los RN que murieron antes de las 48 horas del ingreso y/o con malformaciones congénitas mayores incompatibles con la vida. Resultados. Se ingresaron 1 750 RN en la UCINEX, de éstos, 61 (3.5%) fueron < de 1 000 g. De éstos, 29 (48%) masculinos y 32 (52%) femeninos. El promedio de días al ingreso fue de 1.7, la mortalidad general fue de 43.75%; 78% fallecieron antes de 7 días, el promedio de estancia hospitalaria fue de 69 días, el peso promedio de 834 g, con peso mínimo de 550 g y máximo de 1 000 g; se excluyeron 12 RN que murieron en las primeras 48 horas. Todos los pacientes que tuvieron calificación de Apgar al minuto menor de 3 fallecieron. Conclusiones. Las cifras encontradas en lo que respecta a supervivencia no difiere de lo reportado en la literatura nacional, es interesante resaltar que un número alto de estos bebés rebasaron las 72 horas y fallecieron en la primera semana. El Apgar al nacimiento se asoció como un dato predictor de mortalidad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin color in poultry is achieved by the addition of natural or synthetic pigments to feed. Crops used routinely in feed formulations offer an alternative cost-effective strategy to replace color additives if they are biofortified with sufficient levels of carotenoids. We tested the hypothesis that high-carotenoid (HC) maize, which was genetically engineered to accumulate high levels of β‐carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin in the endosperm, can replace carotenoid additives in poultry feed by performing two feeding trials using diets incorporating different maize lines with diverse carotenoid compositions: control (wild-type M37W, the parental line), HC, and standard yellow commercial maize supplemented with color additives (marigold flowers and red paprika extracts). The effects of dietary treatments on growth performance, health parameters, color evolution and carotenoid distribution were determined. We found that chickens fed on the HC diet grew normally and developed similar pigmentation to animals fed on a commercial diet supplemented with color additives, although yellowness was significantly higher in the commercial diet due to the high concentration of yellow xanthophylls. Lightness scores in chickens fed on the control, HC and commercial diets were 45.88 ± 1.31, 44.32 ± 1.10 and 44.29 ± 0.99, respectively, in breast muscle, and 51.62 ± 1.33, 49.66 ± 0.96 and 50.10 ± 1.16, respectively, in thigh muscle. Redness scores in chickens fed on the control, HC, and commercial diets were 0.36 ± 0.26, 3.25 ± 0.29 and 3.58 ± 0.29, respectively, in breast muscle, and 1.28 ± 0.37, 4.79 ± 0.39 and 4.85 ± 0.34, respectively, in thigh muscle. Yellowness scores in chickens fed on the control, HC, and commercial diets were 2.45 ± 0.47, 7.61 ± 0.64 and 9.66 ± 0.73, respectively, in breast muscle, and 3.38 ± 0.64, 10.00 ± 1.10 and 12.64 ± 0.97, respectively, in thigh muscle. High-carotenoid maize is therefore a cost-effective alternative to feed supplementation in the poultry industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The suitability of a new method to determine the minimum number of data required to stabilize a calculation is studied. Five different calculations have been computed, changing the order of data randomly. The statistical reliability of numerical values has also been calculated depending on the successive increase in the number of data included. In our study, when few data are considered, a great variation in the estimations is observed depending on the individual data included.The calculation is stabilized for a sample size between 5 and 15 data points, and the sample can therefore be considered representative enough. Results are in agreement with those presented by other authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the reported reasons to choose dentistry as a career between Peruvian male and female first-year students. A self-completion questionnaire was administered to 75 first-year students registered at the Faculty of Dentistry of the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru. The questionnaire comprised 16 items grouped into four categories (economic, professional, vocational and personal background). Students rated the importance of each item for selecting dentistry as a career on a Likert-type scale of five points. The Mann–Whitney test was used to compare groups and item scores by gender. A male/female proportion of 1/2.1 was found in the pool of participating students. When group and item scores were compared between genders, statistically significant differences were only found for vocational and personal background reasons ( P < 0.05); however, the three reasons that obtained higher scores for each gender were found to be different. It is recommended that further studies be conducted to increase the sample, by extending the study and evaluating not only reasons for choosing dentistry, but also other factors that may influence the decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to contribute to the understanding of the synthesis, maturation and activation of lysosomal enzymes in an invertebrate cellular model: the endo-lysosomal system (ELS) of mussel digestive cells. The activities of 5′–nucleotidase (AMPase), arylsulphatase (ASase) and acid phosphatase (AcPase), which are transported towards acidic compartments as membrane proteins, were localised by enzyme cytochemistry. AcPase activity was found within large heterolysosomes and residual bodies. ASase was located in endosomes, endolysosomes and heterolysosomes. AcPase and ASase activities were recorded within small vesicles and cisterns of the trans-Golgi network. Conversely, AMPase activity was primarily found in microvilli and apical vesicles and, less conspicuously, in lysosomes and the cis-side of the Golgi and the cis-Golgi network (CGN). In order to understand the processes of synthesis and maturation of these lysosomal enzymes, selected glycoconjugates were localised after lectin cytochemistry. N-acetylglucosamine, mannose and fucose residues were almost ubiquitous in the ELS, as were galactose residues, which were apparently less abundant. N-acetylglucosamine residues occurred in the inner membrane co-localised with mannose residues within the lysosomal and pre-lysosomal acidic compartments. Based on these results, glycosylation and sorting pathways are proposed for both soluble and membrane enzymes. Unlike in mammalian cells, O-glycosylation is fully completed in the CGN, mannose addition in N-glycosylation extends beyond the CGN and galactose addition is fully achieved at the intermediate side. Sorting of soluble lysosomal enzymes, as in crustaceans, is mediated by the indirect transport of membrane-linked proteins with GlcNAc1-P6Man residues that are removed in endolysosomes and heterolysosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of microbial 3-phytase and glycosidase enzymes, and their interactions, on energy values and nutrient digestibility in diets rich in nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) were studied in diets based on corn, wheat, or barley. Four diets were prepared with each cereal grain. One had no enzymes, a second had 500 units of phytase, a third had glycosidase enzyme, and a fourth had phytase and glycosidase. The glycosidases used were α-galactosidase (corn diet), xylanase (wheat), and β-glucanase (barley). Glycosidase decreased intestinal viscosity, whereas phytase increased this parameter in corn diets. Phytase increased AME in corn diets, whereas β-glucanase in barley diets improved AME and AMEn, and digestibility of dry matter, starch, β-glucans, and lipid. Xylanase in wheat diets improved dry matter and starch digestibility. Phytase increased total phosphorus retention in all diets, and significant interactions between glycosidase enzymes and phytase were detected in wheat and barley diets. Phytase decreased phosphorus excretion in corn and barley diets, whereas α-galactosidase increased phosphorus excretion in corn diets. Phytase in corn diets and β-glucanase in barley diets increased calcium retention, whereas inclusion of xylanase decreased calcium retention in wheat diets. Phytase and β-glucanase decreased calcium excretion in corn- and barley-based diets, respectively. An interaction was detected between phytase and β-glucanase in barley diets, in which calcium excretion was reduced. In general, no negative interactions between phytase and glycosidase enzymes were found, indicating that both types of enzymes may be used together in feeds based on corn, wheat, or barley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hens fed on diets based on studied maize lines produce yolks with higher color and more carotenoids than control and standard yellow maize diets. • A high-carotenoid biofortified maize is a suitable feed component to replace supplements (pigments) in the poultry industry. • This work can have a broad impact because it crosses several research disciplines. • The results can be of broad interest to the poultry community, nutritional scientists and researchers. The raw materials used in poultry feed do not provide sufficient carotenoids to achieve the yolk pigmentation demanded by consumers, so color additives are included usually in the form of carotenoid-rich dried plant extracts. We fed thirty-two laying hens (ISA Brown) on diets supplemented with two genetically engineered maize lines (enriched in carotenoids or ketocarotenoids) to assess egg productivity and quality traits. Four different maize-supplemented diets were compared based on two genetically engineered maize lines (Ph3 and BKT), the white near isogenic wild-type line (M37W) and a commercial feed based on standard commercial (SC) yellow maize. Line M37W-Ph3 (Ph3) accumulates high levels of β-carotene, zeaxanthin and lutein, whereas line NSL76*BKT (BKT) is rich in astaxanthin and other ketocarotenoids. There were no significant differences among the diet groups in terms of egg weight, breaking strength, albumen height, Haugh units, or shell thickness, but there were significant differences in DSM scale values for yolk pigmentation (P < 0.001) that were higher in the Ph3 (10.08) and BKT (11.38) groups than the SC (4.22) and M37W (≤1) groups. At the end of the trial, the total yolk carotenoid content was highest in the Ph3 diet group, followed by BKT, SC and M37W diet groups (56.5, 26.18, 11.54 and 1.81 μg/g freeze-dried yolk, respectively). The Ph3 yolks were enriched in β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin (pro-vitamin A carotenoids) whereas the BKT yolks accumulated astaxanthin and other ketocarotenoids. The diets had no detrimental effects on the health of the hens. We conclude that (keto)carotenoid-enriched maize enhances the (keto)carotenoid content and color of yolks and can replace the color additives used routinely in poultry feed formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducción. Las malformaciones congénitas (MC) son anomalías macro-microscópicas causadas por alteraciones del desarrollo, tienen un efecto adverso en la función y morfología del individuo, causando alteraciones en la viabilidad o desarrollo físico. Objetivo: conocer la incidencia de MC, así como los factores de riesgo en dichos pacientes, en el área de Neonatología del 1 de enero al 31 de diciembre de 2002. Material y métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de todos los recién nacidos (RN) con MC, considerando variables: maternas (edad, gesta, toxicomanías, enfermedades asociadas, exposición a teratógenos, consanguinidad y procedencia). Neonatales (sexo, edad gestacional, valoración de Apgar, características del líquido amniótico). Se realizó una encuesta a las madres con las variables ya mencionadas, así como revisión completa del expediente clínico. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizaron la media, desviación estándar (DE), porcentaje, t de Student y chi cuadrada. Resultados. En 5 302 nacimientos hubo una incidencia de 1.49%, con prevalencia de 14.90 x 1 000 nacimientos, similar a reportes nacionales. Predominó el sexo masculino con una relación de 1.1:1. En su mayoría productos de término (56%). La media del peso fue 2 475 g con DE 0.991 g, esto independientemente de la edad gestacional. No hubo significancia estadística en la edad materna, presentándose la mayoría de los casos en el límite de 24-28 años, así como tampoco la hubo para los síndromes. No hubo significancia al relacionar los factores de riesgo con la presencia de malformaciones; 16.5% se diagnosticó en forma prenatal. El índice de mortalidad fue de 30%, con 4.52 x 1 000 nacimientos. Conclusiones. Se requiere una vigilancia, así como análisis de la incidencia de las MC con el objetivo de mejorar la identificación de las mismas y factores de riesgo asociados para contar con un programa de vigilancia epidemiológica, al mismo tiempo contar con un registro confiable y familiarizarse con sus repercusiones médicas, epidemiológicas y sociales, de tal manera que se enfoque la atención hacia el riesgo y no exclusivamente a reparar el daño, además de otorgar a los padres consejo genético. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducción. Los apéndices preauriculares (AP) son malformaciones menores que ocurren por una falla del desarrollo embrionario del primer y segundo arco faríngeo en los primeros 3 meses. Material y métodos. Con un diseño de casos y controles se estudiaron 254 neonatos con AP detectada al nacimiento y 254 controles entre 1990 y 2003. Se aplicó una entrevista directa a las madres de los sujetos de estudio para buscar factores de riesgo. Se midió la prevalencia de AP, los factores de riesgo fueron contrastados con la prueba de chi cuadrada y exacta de Fisher, y la asociación se determinó con razón de momios (RM) con intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC 95%). Resultados. La prevalencia de AP fue de 1.96 por 1 000 nacidos vivos. La relación masculino/ femenino fue de 2.1. El AP más frecuente fue el péndulo, único y unilateral derecho. Se documentó otra malformación menor en 3.5% y patrón de herencia autosómico dominante en 25%. Los factores de riesgo maternos relacionados con AP fueron: ser mayor de 34 años (RM 1.59, IC 95% 0.89-2.85), consanguinidad (RM 4.06, IC 95% 0.43-96.14), enfermedades durante los 2 primeros trimestres del embarazo (RM 1.6, IC 95% 1.14-2.45), anticonceptivos en el primer trimestre de embarazo (RM 5.08, IC 95% 1.2-38.28). La frecuencia de exposición a medicamentos fue similar en los grupos de estudio. Conclusiones. La prevalencia de AP fue poco diferente a la reportada, el consumo de anticonceptivos orales en el primer trimestre de embarazo y el antecedente de enfermedades en el embarazo se asoció con AP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducción. La satisfacción de usuarios a los sistemas de salud es una prioridad en el ámbito de la salud pública, elevar la calidad de atención con eficiencia y calidez es un reto en las Unidades de Cuidado Intensivo Neonatal. Estos indicadores de calidad no se conocen con exactitud en la región centro-occidente de México y en nuestra terapia UCINEX. Objetivo: determinar el índice de satisfacción de los usuarios externos en la UCINEX. Material y métodos. Mediante el método de encuesta directa y entrevista se practicó por el departamento de trabajo social de nuestra terapia un estudio descriptivo y prospectivo, longitudinal a la totalidad de familiares directos de neonatos ingresados a la UCINEX, del período de agosto a octubre de 2004. Las variables a determinar fueron: con relación a la atención, trato, respeto, información del diagnóstico, consentimiento validado de información, confidencialidad, atención médica, de enfermería, de intendencia y otros. El procesamiento de datos fue en hoja electrónica con el programa epi info 6 y se utilizó únicamente estadísticas descriptivas. Resultados. Se encontró el índice de satisfacción al egreso del bebé en 58 (96%) altamente satisfactorio; en lo que respecta a los siguientes rubros confidencialidad, trato digno y respetuoso, información, validada, confidencialidad 59 (98%) reportaron altos indicadores de calidad. En la evaluación general, de 60 familiares de pacientes ingresados en la UCINEX, 100% respondieron haber recibido un servicio de alta calidad. Conclusiones. Los resultados del presente estudio revelan que el índice de satisfacción del usuario en la UCINEX HCG FA, presentó calificaciones máximas en las evaluaciones; debido a que estos usuarios pertenecen al grupo de extrema pobreza es muy probable que exista un sesgo en la apreciación de estos indicadores, y pueden ser susceptibles de mejorar de acuerdo a la cruzada nacional de la calidad de atención médica. Las acciones que proponemos son elevar el nivel educacional en el personal que trabaja. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]