Case Report: Could topical epidermal growth factor be considered a new therapy for skin injuries in premature infants?

In this case report, we present the experience of a premature neonate born at 28 weeks of gestation who, following prolonged respiratory support, developed a pressure injury on the columella despite the implementation of all appropriate preventive techniques. This injury did not improve with standard therapies; therefore, it was necessary to apply a topical galenic therapy containing epidermal growth factor, resulting in complete healing of the lesion

Efecto de la malla de sombreo sobre la distribución de la luz y la calidad de frutos y hojas de dardos de manzano cv. Fuji

The upper region of the Río Negro and Neuquén valley, Argentina (latitude: 38 degrees 55 minutes South) experiences high temperatures and light intensities before the apple harvest. This hinders these fruits turning red and increases the risks of them becoming sunburnt. In the December of two growing seasons (when the fruits were about 43 mm in diameter), still some 80 days before harvest, 15% and 55% density shade nets were placed over "Fuji" apple trees. At harvest time, light distribution was determined at two canopy heights (1 and 3 m) on either side of the trees. Fruiting spurs were examined, and colour, sunburn damage, weight, soluble solid content and flesh firmness of the fruits determined. Specific leaf weight (SLW) was also established. Shade nets notably decreased the amount of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) available; they also reduced fruit colour (redness), soluble solid content and flesh firmness, and the SLW. The 55% density net decreased fruit sunburn, but no differences were found between the 15% density net and control treatments. Spurs at the bottom of the canopy received less light, and the SLW, as well as the colour and soluble solid content of their fruit, was lower than observed for the higher spurs. The impossibility of exporting fruits damaged by high temperatures and intense solar radiation during ripening requires shade nets be used, their density depending on the conditions experienced.La región del Alto Valle de Río Negro y Neuquén, Argentina (latitud 38 grados 55 minutos Sur) presenta temperaturas e intensidades lumínicas altas durante los meses anteriores a la cosecha. Esto dificulta el desarrollo de color rojo y aumenta el riesgo de golpe de sol en los frutos. Durante dos temporadas, en diciembre, con los frutos en estado fenológico de crecimiento (43 mm de diámetro) y a 80 días de la cosecha, se colocaron mallas de sombreo de densidades 15 y 55% sobre plantas de manzano cv. Fuji. Durante la cosecha, en cada árbol y a ambos lados de la fila se determinaron dos alturas (1 y 3 m) para la medición de luz y muestreo de frutos y hojas de dardos, evaluándose golpe de sol, color rojo de la piel, peso del fruto, contenido de sólidos solubles, firmeza de pulpa y peso específico de hoja. Las mallas redujeron notablemente la radiación fotosintéticamente activa (PAR) disponible para las plantas, observándose un menor color de los frutos, contenido de sólidos solubles, firmeza de pulpa y peso específico de hoja (PEH). La malla de 55% redujo el golpe de sol, no observándose diferencias entre la malla de 15% y el testigo. Dardos en alturas inferiores de la copa del árbol presentaron menor cantidad de luz, frutos con menor color, contenido de sólidos solubles y PEH respecto a los dardos de las partes altas de la planta. La imposibilidad de exportar frutos de calidad por falta de color o golpes de sol debido a la influencia de la radiación, la temperatura y la amplitud térmica durante la maduración del fruto, determina la colocación de mallas de sombreo y la densidad de las mismas en el cv. Fuji

Shade nets effect on canopy light distribution and quality of fruit and spur leaf on apple cv. Fuji

La región del Alto Valle de Río Negro y Neuquén, Argentina (latitud 38° 55' Sur) presenta temperaturas e intensidades lumínicas altas durante los meses anteriores a la cosecha. Esto dificulta el desarrollo de color rojo y aumenta el riesgo de golpe de sol en los frutos. Durante dos temporadas, en diciembre, con los frutos en estado fenológico de crecimiento (43 mm de diámetro) y a 80 días de la cosecha, se colocaron mallas de sombreo de densidades 15 y 55% sobre plantas de manzano cv. Fuji. Durante la cosecha, en cada árbol y a ambos lados de la fila se determinaron dos alturas (1 y 3 m) para la medición de luz y muestreo de frutos y hojas de dardos, evaluándose golpe de sol, color rojo de la piel, peso del fruto, contenido de sólidos solubles, firmeza de pulpa y peso específico de hoja. Las mallas redujeron notablemente la radiación fotosintéticamente activa (PAR) disponible para las plantas, observándose un menor color de los frutos, contenido de sólidos solubles, firmeza de pulpa y peso específico de hoja (PEH). La malla de 55% redujo el golpe de sol, no observándose diferencias entre la malla de 15% y el testigo. Dardos en alturas inferiores de la copa del árbol presentaron menor cantidad de luz, frutos con menor color, contenido de sólidos solubles y PEH respecto a los dardos de las partes altas de la planta. La imposibilidad de exportar frutos de calidad por falta de color o golpes de sol debido a la influencia de la radiación, la temperatura y la amplitud térmica durante la maduración del fruto, determina la colocación de mallas de sombreo y la densidad de las mismas en el cv. Fuji

Phase diagram of binary colloidal rod-sphere mixtures from a 3D real-space analysis of sedimentation–diffusion equilibria

Self-assembly of binary particle systems offers many new opportunities for aterials science. Here, we studied sedimentation equilibria of silica rods and spheres, using quantitative 3D confocal microscopy. We determined not only pressure, density and order parameter profiles, but also the experimental phase diagram exhibiting a stable binary smectic liquid-crystalline phase (Sm2). Using computer simulations we confirmed that the Sm2-phase can be stabilized by entropy alone, which opens up the possibility of combining new materials properties at a wide array of length scales

Phase diagram of binary colloidal rod-sphere mixtures from a 3D real-space analysis of sedimentation–diffusion equilibria

Self-assembly of binary particle systems offers many new opportunities for aterials science. Here, we studied sedimentation equilibria of silica rods and spheres, using quantitative 3D confocal microscopy. We determined not only pressure, density and order parameter profiles, but also the experimental phase diagram exhibiting a stable binary smectic liquid-crystalline phase (Sm2). Using computer simulations we confirmed that the Sm2-phase can be stabilized by entropy alone, which opens up the possibility of combining new materials properties at a wide array of length scales

Behavioral change in chronic patients educated by nurses in community setting. A systematic review

Background: There is an increasing number of studies reporting educational interventions for chronic patients as a fundamental instrument to engage them and improve their health. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence about behavioral changes in life style and disease management, assessed with a validated tool, in chronic patients after a structured educational intervention at a community setting level, delivered by a multidisciplinary team including nurses. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and CINHAL including RCTs, before-after and quasi-experimental studies. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using Cochrane tools. Results: Of the 7,730 papers initially retrieved, 18 met the inclusion criteria. Studies were mainly conducted in USA, Europe, Asia and Australia. The chronic conditions studied were cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and diabetes with or without comorbidities. Included studies were highly heterogeneous in terms of type of intervention and follow-up duration, that ranged from 8 weeks to 18 months (almost half of the studies lasted no more than 4 months). Globally, 27 tools to assess behavioral changes have been used in the studies, the greatest part of which were disease-specific. Half of the studies showed partial or null efficacy. Almost all the studies showed a high risk of bias (only 3 RCTs had a low risk of bias). Conclusions: There is a general agree about the central role of the nurses in educational intervention of chronic patients at primary care level and the assessment of the behavioral changes with appropriate tools after educational interventions is strongly recommended. However, more efforts are requested in designing studies with an appropriate follow-up and with a standardized system to ascertain the actual behavioral changes, as the last is a strong mean to engage patients in the management of their own disease. Key messages: Nurse educational interventions, in a multiprofessional perspective, make an important contribution to a health behavioral changes in chronic patients in community setting. Well-designed studies, with adequate follow-up and a standardized assessment system are needed to consolidate the engagement of the patients