In this study, bioactive hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were prepared by two different methods: wet chemical precipitation and biomimetic precipitation. The aim was to evaluate the morphology, particle-size, crystallinity and phases of the powders obtained by traditional wet chemical precipitation and the novel biomimetic precipitation using a supersaturated calcium solution. The nanoparticles were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results revealed that the nanoparticles were formed by hydroxyapatite with a high crystallinity and controlled morphology. Additionally, it was found that the shape and size of the nanoparticles can be modified with each preparation method.

Coralina® HAP-200 (coralline hydroxyapatite obtained by hydrothermal treatment of marine corals) and POVIAC® (polymeric matrix based on PVAc), commercial trade marks were mixed with a natural product from the Cuban sea costs, i.e. calcium carbonate from Porites Porites coral, to obtain a novel bioactive composite with potential use as bone restoration material. The samples were characterized by physical-chemical (FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDS) and mechanical studies. It was shown that there is no chemical interaction between the inorganic filler and the polymer matrix, each conserving the original properties of the raw materials. The studied formulation had a compressive strength similar to that reported for trabecular bone. Scanning electron microscopy examination revealed that the addition of CaCO3 induces a change on the morphologic structure of the composite obtained after 30 days of SBF immersion. These composites generate novel biomaterials capable of promoting the deposition of a new phase, a Ca-P layer due to the bioactivity of a Ca2+ precursors.

Tuberculosis causes pulmonary structural and functional disorders, persisting even after bacterological cure (sequelaes). Hemoptysis is frequent and causes great morbidity and increase health services demand. Objective: To know the epidemiological characteristics and risk factors, a descriptive, analytic study was carried out with unique cohort method of patients from Tuberculosis Control Programme (PCT) of the Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia (HNCH) between january 1984 and december 1996. Home visits were programmed. Material and Method: We evaluated 109 patients. A baciloscopy assay was done for symptomatic patients. Results: Hemoptysis was found in 15 cases (13.76%), 7 of them had bacteriological relapse. Baciloscopy was negative in all of cases. Hemoptysis was more frequent in males (p = 0.0017. RR = 10.61) and in the group of < 28 years (p = 0.022 RR = 2.92). The incidence was major in the first and fourth years after treatment finish. None of the factors potencially cause of lung disease previous to tuberculosis diagnostic show assotiation with hemoptysis. Twelve cases (80%) appeared in 3 years after treatment finish. Bloody sputum in the first tuberculosis episode show assotiation with the presence of hemoptysis after PCT discharge (p = 0.036 RR = 2.75). Hemoptysis was more frequent in patients who persist sypmtomatic after treatment finish. A relevant result was the finding of the important assotiation between hemoptysis and bacteriological relapse after the treatment finish (p < 0.0001 RR = 7.8). Conclusion: In patients discharged from PCT of HNCH, the hemoptysis prevalence is 13.76% and the risk is increased in males, age minor than 28 years, patients with bloody sputum in the first tuberculosis episode, patients who persist symptomatic after discharge and patients who have bacteriological relapse.

La tuberculosis produce alteraciones estructurales y de función pulmonar que persisten pese a la cura bacteriológica (secuelas). La hemoptisis es frecuente y causa gran morbilidad y demanda a los servicios de salud. Objetivo: Con el propósito de conocer sus características epidemiológicas y sus factores de riesgo, se diseñó un estudio descriptivo, analítico, con metodología de cohorte única de casos en el Programa de Control de Tuberculosis (PCT), en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia (HNCH) entre enero de 1984 y diciembre de 1996. Material y Método : Se programó visitas domiciliarias evaluando 109. Se realizó una prueba de baciloscopía en los pacientes sintomáticos. Resultados: Hemoptisis estuvo presente en 15 casos (13.76%), de los cuales 7 experimentaron recaída bacteriológica. Todos los casos tuvieron baciloscopía negativa al momento de la encuesta. Se encontró mayor frecuencia en varones (p = 0.0017 RR = 10.61) y en el grupo etáreo < 28 años (p = 0.022 RR = 2.92). Se tuvo mayor incidencia en el primer y cuarto año luego del alta. Doce casos (80%) aparecieron en los primeros tres años. Ningún factor previo al diagnóstico se asoció con hemoptisis luego del alta. Esputo hemoptoico en el cuadro inicial de tuberculosis se asoció con la presencia de hemoptisis luego del alta (p = 0.036 RR = 2.75). Hemoptisis fue estadísticamente más frecuente en pacientes que persisten sintomáticos luego del alta (tos y expectoración crónicas y ataques de sibilancias y disnea). Se observó una fuerte asociación entre recaída bacteriológica y presencia de hemoptisis luego del alta (p < 0.0001 RR = 7.8). Conclusiones: En pacientes dados de alta del PCT del HNCH, la prevalencia de hemoptisis es 13.76%, teniendo más riesgo los varones, el grupo etáreo menor de 28 años, los pacientes que presentan esputo hemoptoico en el cuadro inicial de tuberculosis, los que permanecen sintomáticos luego del alta y los que experimentan al menos un episodio de recaída bacteriológica.