Resumen La encapsulación es una tecnología que proporciona barreras entre los compuestos de interés en un producto y el medio ambiente. Ella brinda una mejor estabilidad fisicoquímica durante el procesamiento y/o almacenamiento del producto, por lo tanto, ayuda a tener una menor degradación de los compuestos de interés, enmascara olores y sabores indeseables, controla la liberación del principio activo y puede incrementar su bioaccesibilidad y su biodisponibilidad. El objetivo de esta revisión fue recopilar y discutir la literatura reciente enfocada en investigaciones científicas sobre la encapsulación mediante gelación iónica de compuestos bioactivos, de microorganismos, de enzimas y su uso en diferentes aplicaciones de interés científico y/o industrial. La revisión bibliográfica se realizó en las principales bases de datos indexadas, utilizando descriptores como tamaño de cápsula, eficiencia de encapsulación, matrices mixtas, alginato de sodio y gelación iónica. De acuerdo con los resultados se observó que la utilización de este tipo de encapsulación presenta ventajas muy variables que se centran en la mejora de diversos factores como la biodisponibilidad de compuestos bioactivos, estabilidad de diferentes compuestos, características físicas, liberación del compuesto de interés y la protección contra efectos ambientales adversos. En conclusión, existe una amplia gama de aplicaciones que puede tener la metodología de gelación iónica para encapsular ingredientes alimenticios, microorganismos y fármacos, entre otros. Finalmente, el estudio pretende que esta revisión sea de utilidad en la dirección de investigaciones sobre gelación iónica, debido a la diversidad de aplicaciones abordadas durante la investigación.

Abstract Encapsulation, a technology that creates a barrier between a compound of interest and the environment, improves the physicochemical stability of products during processing and/or storage. Therefore, it helps to reduce the degradation of compounds of interest, masks undesirable odors and flavors, controls the release of the bioactive compound, and can increase its bioaccessibility and bioavailability. The objective of this review was to collect and discuss recent scientific literature about encapsulation by ionic gelation of bioactive compounds, microorganisms, and enzymes, as well as its use in different applications of scientific and/or industrial interest in several fields. A literature review was carried out in indexed databases using descriptors such as capsule size, encapsulation efficiency, mixture matrices, sodium alginate, and ionic gelation. The results show that using of this kind of encapsulation offers variable advantages regarding the bioavailability of bioactive compounds, the stability of different compounds, the improvement of physical characteristics, the release of compounds, and the protection against adverse environmental effects. In conclusion, the ionic gelation method can have a wide range of applications to encapsulate food ingredients, microorganisms, drugs, etc. This review can guide further research into ionic gelation because it examines the diversity of its applications.

Abstract Natural colorants have become important due to the health-benefits for humans. In that sense, it is important to evaluate the degradation kinetics of these components, in order to establish the stability under different processing and/or storage conditions. This study provides experimental and simulated results about the degradation of betalains in microencapsulated beetroot juice. Maltodextrin solution (MDX 10%) and sweet potato starch solution (SPS 2%) in proportions of 40MDX:60SPS, 20MDX:80SPS and 0MDX:100SPS were used as microencapsulating agents. The thermal degradation of betalains in the microencapsulated powders was evaluated at three temperatures (6, 19 and 30 °C) in order to predict the behavior under different conditions, using the first-order kinetic model. The kinetic parameters were identified using linear regression on the logarithmic curves of the experimental data to obtain the Arrhenius equations. The highest content of betalains was 2.58 mg/g and the lowest activation energy value was 48.71 KJ/mol, with both values corresponding to the powder that was microencapsulated with 20MDX:80SPS. The above results suggest high betalain stability in this powder, since there was less sensitivity to temperature in comparison to the rest of the powders. Additionally, some thermodynamic parameters were evaluated, which confirmed that the process is non-spontaneous and irreversible. The results obtained from this study, could be a useful tool to predict the minimal losses during processing, and gives the possibility to improve and select the food products where this kind of natural colorant can be applied.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Searching in the history of the development of Orthopedics and Traumatology as an specialty in Matanzas province, the name of Dr. Alberto Jiménez Plá rises, a professional who is not known as he should, if one takes into account the importance of his work during the first four decades of the last century in the care of Matanzas population, he is an example of professional growth. Objective: To show the historical evidence of the outstanding professional life of Matanzas orthopedic Alberto Jiménez Plá. Method: The document review method was used, which included documents published from 1941 to 2009. We reviewed the articles by Dr. Jiménez Plá published in Revista de Médica found in the Gener del Monte at Matanzas Library (unique copies), and other investigations on the history of Matanzas medicine. Conclusions: This paper constitutes a tribute from Matanzas orthopedists to the memory of Alberto Jiménez Plá, to bring his life and work to new generations of specialists.

RESUMEN Introducción: En la búsqueda de la historia del desarrollo de la especialidad de Ortopedia y Traumatología en la provincia de Matanzas, aparece el nombre del Dr. Alberto Jiménez Pla, un profesional que no se conoce como debería, si se tiene en cuenta la importancia del trabajo que desarrolló en las primeras cuatro décadas del siglo pasado en la atención de esta población, y el ejemplo que constituye su desarrollo profesional. Objetivo: Exponer las evidencias históricas que muestran la vida profesional del destacado ortopédico matancero Alberto Jiménez Plá. Método: Se utilizó el método de revisión documental que contempló documentos editados desde 1941 hasta 2009. Se revisaron los artículos del Dr. Jiménez Plá publicados en la Revista de Médica que se encuentran en la Biblioteca Gener del Monte, de Matanzas (ejemplares únicos), y otras investigaciones sobre la historia de la medicina matancera. Conclusiones: El presente trabajo constituye un homenaje de los ortopédicos matanceros a la memoria de Alberto Jiménez Plá, para llevar su vida y obra a las nuevas generaciones de ortopédicos.

Abstract Methemoglobinemia is a clinical syndrome secondary to the oxidation of iron in hemoglobin, preventing its adequate binding to oxygen. Subsequently, red blood cells are unable to appropriately capture oxygen and deliver it to the tissues, causing hypoxia. We describe a case of a patient who presented neurological symptoms in the context of methemoglobinemia as an adverse reaction to the administration of EMLA.

Resumen La metahemoglobinemia es un síndrome clínico que se produce por la oxidación del hierro de la hemoglobina impidiendo su adecuada unión al oxígeno, de forma que existe dificultad por parte de los glóbulos rojos tanto para captar el oxígeno, como para cederlo a los tejidos ocasionando hipoxia tisular. Describimos el caso de una paciente que presentó síntomas neurológicos y metahemoglobinemia como reacción adversa por contacto con crema de anestésico tópico (EMLA).

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION The consequences of de novo balanced structural chromosome aberrations diagnosed antenatally are unpredictable, and, as a result, they introduce uncertainty into genetic counseling decisions. OBJECTIVE Describe de novo balanced structural aberrations present at antenatal diagnosis in samples from pregnant women in five Latin American countries and determine their effect on carrier individuals. METHODS This was a retrospective observational study based on analysis of 109,011 antenatal tests conducted from January 1981 to December 2016 in Cuba, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Colombia. Thirteen cytogenetic laboratories provided information that included the cases analyzed during the study period; number of de novo balanced structural aberrations diagnosed antenatally; number of diagnoses with de novo balanced structural aberrations that resulted in termination of pregnancy; detailed descriptions of the karyotypes of de novo balanced structural aberration carriers, and descriptions of the form of diagnosis, including types of samples used (amniotic fluid, chorionic villus or fetal blood). Each laboratory also provided pathology reports and genetic counseling at time of diagnosis. Postnatal followup for pregnancies carried to term continued for at least two years. RESULTS Of the 109,011 antenatal tests studied, 72 (0.07%) showed de novo balanced structural aberrations. These events primarily involved chromosomes 1, 2, 7, 14, 18, and 20. Of the 79 breakpoints identified, the most common were 5p15.3, 7q11.2, 7q22, and 14q24. We identified three breakpoints corresponding to 3.8% (3q13.1, 3q13.2, and 9p12) that were not reported in other studies of de novo balanced structural aberrations diagnosed antenatally in patients from other geographic regions or in studies of chromosomal fragile sites. Two of these breakpoints (3q13.1 and 3q13.2) were associated with high risk of phenotypic abnormalities. Information on antenatal or postnatal followup was available for 62 (86%) of de novo balanced structural aberration carriers; of the 44 carriers with postnatal followup, 10 had phenotypic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Three new de novo breakpoints were identified, presumably related to genetic admixture characteristics in Latin America. Since some diseases associated with de novo balanced structural aberrations detected antenatally have a late onset, followup for at least two years is recommended for carriers of these aberrations. The information in this study is useful in genetic counseling for pregnant women in Latin America.

Resumen Theobroma cacao L. es un cultivo de gran importancia por sus posibles aplicaciones en la farmacia y la agricultura. Contiene metabolitos que resultan de gran interés por sus funciones biológicas naturales en la respuesta de la planta a los diferentes tipos de estrés, tanto bióticos como abióticos. La presencia, tipo y concentración de los metabolitos (primarios y secundarios) pueden variar de acuerdo al genotipo analizado y se pueden acumular en estructuras asociadas a la arquitectura de la hoja como son los tricomas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar 26 clones del banco de germoplasma de Padrón, INIA-Miranda, Estado Miranda, Venezuela y estudiar la relación existente entre los indicadores bioquímicos y el número de tricomas. Se determinó el contenido de compuestos fenólicos, proteínas solubles, prolina libre, carbohidratos totales, ligninas, el número de tricomas y la relación existente entre ellos. Los resultados mostraron que en el espacio bidimensional que explica el 46,68% de la variabilidad total, se definieron cinco grupos homogéneos: diez clones se asociaron con el máximo gradiente de prolina, carbohidratos totales y contenido de ligninas, nueve con alto contenido de proteínas y fenoles y siete con mayor número de tricomas en hojas. Se comprobó que el número de tricomas no se relacionó con la concentración de compuestos fenólicos. Los clones de cacao del tipo forastero mostraron mayor concentración de fenoles totales y carbohidratos, en tanto que los trinitarios presentaron mayor concentración de proteínas y prolina.

Abstract Theobroma cacao L. is a crop of major importance for their potential applications in pharmacy and agriculture. It contains metabolites that are of great interest for its natural biological functions in plant response to different types of stress, both biotic and abiotic. The presence, type and concentration of both primary and secondary metabolites may vary depending on the genotype analyzed and these compounds can accumulate in the architecture associated structures such as leaf trichomes. The aim of this study was to characterize 26 clones of the germplasm bank of Padrón, INIA-Miranda, Miranda State, Venezuela and study the relationship between biochemical indicators assessed and the number of trichomes. The content of phenolic compounds, soluble protein, free proline, total carbohydrates, lignins, the number of trichomes and the relationship between all traits was determined. The results showed that in the two dimensional space explained 46.68% of the variability, five homogeneous groups were defined: 10 clones were associated with the maximum gradient of proline, total carbohydrate and lignin content. Nine clones were associated with high content of phenols and a group of seven clones with the highest number of trichomes on leaves. It was found that the number of trichomes was not related to the concentration of phenolic compounds. The clones of Forastero cocoa type showed higher concentration of total phenols and carbohydrates, meanwhile the Trinitario type presented higher concentration of proteins and prolina.

INTRODUCTION:Antenatal cytogenetic testing was started in Havana in 1984, as a diagnostic option for fetal chromosome complement. The techniques applied are amniocyte culture, chorionic villus sampling, cordocentesis and fluorescence in situ hybridization in interphase cells. OBJECTIVE: Describe the results of antenatal cytogenetic testing in the cytogenetic laboratory of the Cuba's National Medical Genetics Center in Havana, from 1984 through 2012. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was carried out of the 22,928 pregnant women who had antenatal testing with conclusive results during the period 1984-2012. Information was obtained from laboratory databases for four antenatal diagnostic techniques. Variables studied were: antenatal diagnostic method, indications for genetic testing, type of chromosomal abnormality detected and couple's decision concerning pregnancy continuation if hereditary disease was diagnosed. Results were reported in absolute numbers and percentages. RESULTS: Overall positivity was 2.8% (641 cases). Of the total, 20,565 samples were from amniocyte culture (558 positive cases, 2.7%); 1785 chorionic villus sampling (38 positive, 2.1%); 407 cord blood culture (28 positive, 6.9%); and 171 fluorescence in situ hybridization in interphase cells (17 positive, 9.9%). Advanced maternal age was the predominant indication for amniocyte culture and chorionic villus sampling. Positivity was higher for the two less frequently used methods, cordocentesis (6.9% positivity) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (9.9%). The predominant chromosomal abnormality was Down syndrome, with 45.4% of cases detected (291/641; 279 pure lines and 12 mosaic trisomies), followed by Edward syndrome with 12% (77/641, 71 pure lines and 6 mosaics) and Patau syndrome 4.7% (30/641, 27 pure lines and 3 mosaics). Sexual aneuploidy with pure lines affected 6.9% of cases (44/641) and with mosaicism 4.7% (30/641). Structural chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 22.5% of cases (144/641); of these, 70.8% (102/144) were balanced and 29.2% (42/144) unbalanced. In 78.6% of cases (504/641) with chromosomal abnormalities, whether mosaic or pure, the couple opted to terminate pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Antenatal cytogenetic testing has helped reduce chromosomal abnormalities, mainly in Havana, and has provided reassurance of chromosomally normal children for couples at high genetic risk. The percentage of continuing pregnancies after a diagnosis of major chromosomal abnormality has been low, supporting evidence of broad population acceptance of abortion as an option when severe genetic abnormalities are present.

In this work, fifty yeast strains, isolated from the spontaneous alcoholic fermentation of Agave duranguensis to produce mezcal, were tested using the double coupling system. These yeasts were from the genera Pichia, Torulaspora, Saccharomyces, Kluyveromyces, Deckera, Hanseniaspora, and Candida. P. fermentans ITD00165 was the best isoamyl acetate producer, yielding 0.38 g/L of ester after incubation for 24 h, while K. marxianus ITD00211 produced 0.32 g/L of ester. Thus P. fermentans TD00165 could be considered as an excellent choice for use in optimization studies of the culture medium and bioreactor operating conditions to develop a process for biotechnological production of isoamyl acetate.

This paper discusses the use of an industrial residue to reduce the pollution produced at sawmills in Durango, Mexico. Pine sawdust was alkali, acid and vapor pretreated in order to make an enzymatic hydrolysis of the sawdust coming from three different sawmills in the city of Durango and therefore recover the fermentable sugar present in the sawdust. The alkaline pretreatment at autoclave temperature of 120 °C delivers the best results compared to the sulfuric acid pretreatment and steam explosion at 121 °C. The alkaline pretreatment was optimized by the use of the surface response method. The results show that the highest sugar yield (48 %) happened with a concentration of 8 % NaOH at 120 °C for 85 min and at a hydrolysis pH of 4.5 for 240 h, with an enzyme concentration of 25 FPU/g of total carbohydrates. The results show that the method used may be applied to take advantage of the sawdust.

Con el propósito de aprovechar un recurso que en la actualidad es un desecho contaminante generado durante el aserre de la madera en Durango, México, se probaron los métodos de pretratamiento alcalino, ácido y explosión con vapor a temperatura de autoclave, para realizar la hidrólisis enzimática de aserrín de pino obtenido de tres aserraderos de la ciudad de Durango y recuperar los azúcares contenidos en él. Se encontró que el pretratamiento con NaOH a 120 °C proporciona mejores resultados que los tratamientos con ácido sulfúrico diluido y por explosión con vapor a 121 °C. Se optimizó el pretratamiento alcalino por el método de superficie de respuesta. Los resultados muestran que la concentración óptima de azúcares reductores, con un valor de 48 %, se obtuvo después de un pretratamiento con 8 % de NaOH durante 85 minutos a 120 °C, a un pH de hidrólisis de 4.5, durante 240 h, con una carga enzimática de 25 UPF/g de carbohidratos totales. Por comparación con los resultados reportados en la literatura, se encuentra que el procedimiento obtenido es susceptible de ser utilizado para el aprovechamiento de este recurso.

Procuramos determinar a frequência de marcadores sorológicos de infecções em pacientes psiquiátricos da cidade de Durango, México e determinar se existem características epidemiológicas dos pacientes que podem ser associados a estas infecções. Cento e cinco pacientes internados neste hospital psiquiátrico de Durango foram examinados para HBsAg, anticorpos anti-HCV, anticorpos anti-HIV, anticorpos anti-Brucella, reaginas plasmáticos imediatas e anticorpos anti-Cysticercus por testes comerciais. Os anticorpos anti-Cysticercus foram confirmadoss por Western Blot e o HbsAg por testes de neutralização. Dados epidemiológicos de cada participante foram também obtidos. Soroprevalências encontradas de HbsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, anti-Brucella, reagina plasmática imediata e anticorpos anti-Cysticercus foram respectivamente 0,0%, 4,8%, 0,9%, 0,0%, 1,9% e 0,9%. No conjunto, 9 (8,6%) de pacientes internados mostraram soropositividade para marcador infeccioso. Concluímos que nossos pacientes psiquiátricos internados têm evidência sorológica de infecções. HCV é um patógeno importante entre os pacientes psiquiátricos internados. Estratégias de saúde pública para prevenção e controle de infecções em pacientes psiquiátricos do México devem ser consideradas.

We sought to determine the frequency of serological markers of selected infections in a population of psychiatric patients in Durango City, Mexico, and to determine whether there are any epidemiological characteristics of the subjects associated with the infections. One hundred and five inpatients of a public psychiatric hospital of Durango were examined for HBsAg, anti-HCV antibodies, anti-HIV antibodies, anti-Brucella antibodies, rapid plasma reagin and anti-Cysticercus antibodies by commercially available assays. Anti-Cysticercus antibodies were confirmed by Western blot and HBsAg by neutralization assay. Epidemiological data from each participant were also obtained. Seroprevalences of HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, anti-Brucella, rapid plasma reagin and anti-Cysticercus antibodies found were 0.0%, 4.8%, 0.9%, 0.0%, 1.9%, and 0.9%, respectively. Overall, 9 (8.6%) inpatients showed seropositivity to any infection marker. We concluded that our psychiatric inpatients have serological evidence of a number of infections. HCV is an important pathogen among our psychiatric inpatients. Health care strategies for prevention and control of infections in Mexican psychiatric patients should be considered.

SUMMARY: A total number of 1 191 prenatal chromosomal studies were carried out from October 1996 to April 1999 in the City of Havana. The most frequent reason for this was the maternal age (70.36 % of total cases). 47 fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities incluiding 17 Down's syndrome cases, 10 structural chromosomal rearranements and 13 mosaique, among others, were detected. T1though the highest number of positive results were found in old pregnant women, the highest risk groups were those in which one parent was a carrier of balanced chromosomal rearrangement and the fetal malformations detected by ultrasound were often associated to chromosomal diseases. All the couples whose test results indicated fetuses with chromosomal imbalance opted for abortion after they received relevant information in specialized visits, following the principle of non-directive genetic counselling.

Durante el período comprendido desde octubre de 1996 hasta abril de 1999 se realizaron un total de 1 191 estudios cromosómicos prenatales. La indicación más frecuente fue la avanzada edad materna (70,36 % del total de casos). Se diagnosticaron 47 fetos con anomalías cromosómicas, incluyendo 17 casos con síndrome de Down, 10 con reordenamientos cromosómicos estructurales y 13 mosaicos, entre otros. Aunque la mayor cantidad de resultados positivos se encontraron en el grupo de gestantes con avanzada edad, los grupos de mayor riesgo fueron los que se estudiaron por ser un padre portador de reordenamiento cromosómico balanceado y también por hallazgos ultrasonográficos de malformaciones fetales frecuentemente asociadas con enfermedades cromosómicas. La totalidad de parejas en las que se encontraron resultados de fetos con desbalances cromosómicos optaron por realizarse interrupciones de los embarazos, después de recibir la información correspondiente en consultas especializadas, siguiendo el principio del asesoramiento genético no directivo.