Sticky Multicolor Mechanochromic Labels.

Sticky-colored labels are an efficient way to communicate visual information. However, most labels are static. Here, we propose a new category of dynamic sticky labels that change structural colors when stretched. The sticky mechanochromic labels can be pasted on flexible surfaces such as fabric and rubber or even on brittle materials. To enhance their applicability, we demonstrate a simple method for imprinting structural color patterns that are either always visible or reversibly revealed or concealed upon mechanical deformation. The mechanochromic patterns are imprinted with a photomask during the ultraviolet (UV) cross-linking of acrylate-terminated cholesteric liquid crystal oligomers in a single step at room temperature. The photomask locally controls the cross-linking degree and volumetric response of the cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers (CLCEs). A nonuniform thickness change induced by the Poisson's ratio contrast between the pattern and the surrounding background might lead to a color-separation effect. Our sticky multicolor mechanochromic labels may be utilized in stress-strain sensing, building environments, smart clothing, security labels, and decoration.

Management and outcome of children with neuroendocrine tumors of the appendix in Spain: Is there room for improvement?

PURPOSE: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are, after lymphomas, the most frequent gastrointestinal tumors in children, mainly located in the appendix. Best management remains unclear, given the absence of pediatric guidelines. We present the first Spanish series of pediatric patients with NETs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of all pediatric patients (<18 years) with NET treated in four oncology reference institutions in Spain between 1994 and 2015. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were included. All patients presented with acute abdomen. TNM stage was T1a (82%) and T1b (12%). Extension study was heterogenous, with only 4 patients undergoing an OctreoScan. Four patients met criteria for second surgery (affected surgical margins or mesoappendix invasion), but it was only performed in two. Despite the diverse management, none of the patients relapsed during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The disparity in diagnostic tests, second surgery criteria and follow-up shown in this study highlights the need for specific pediatric guidelines.

Incidence and Mortality of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Our understanding of the acute respiratory distress syndrome in children is limited, and literature is dominated by investigations in adult patients. Recent preclinical studies suggest that the susceptibility to and severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome in children could differ from that in adults. We assessed the incidence and mortality of acute respiratory distress syndrome reported in children in studies published in the last two decades. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched up to August 2014. STUDY SELECTION: Articles reporting study data on population- or PICU-based incidence and mortality of acute respiratory distress syndrome in children (> 36 wk gestation and < 18 yr old) were selected. DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors independently collected data and assessed methodological quality and risk of bias of selected studies. Pooled estimates of incidence and mortality were calculated using random-effects models. To explore heterogeneity, influence of study characteristics, including median year of conduct, study location, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and study design and quality, was assessed by meta-regression analysis. DATA SYNTHESIS: Twenty-nine studies reported on incidence and 32 on mortality. Pooled weighted estimate of the population-based and PICU-based incidence of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome was 3.5 (95% CI, 2.2-5.7) cases per 100,000 person years and 2.3% (95% CI, 1.9-2.9), respectively. Pooled weighted mortality was 33.7% (95% CI, 28.6-39.7). There were no trends over time, but mortality was significantly associated with study location. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis shows a low incidence but a high mortality. Its results also indicate that both incidence and mortality of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome have not changed over the last two decades and that mortality depends on the geographic location of studies.

Diversidad alimentaria y factores asociados en beneficiarios de 77 multihogares de cuidado diario: región central de Venezuela / Dietary diversity and associated factors among beneficiaries of 77 child care centers: Central Regional, Venezuela

The aim of this study was to estimate household measure diet quality, using a dietary diversity score, and its associated demographic and socio-economic factors. One hundred fifty three households representatives of the Capital District and Miranda State belonging of seventy seven day care children centers were studied. To gather data on dietary diversity, we used the food register method, collecting data on household food availability during a month. Dietary diversity at day care centers of the Capital District was 46 foods differed from that found, in Miranda State was 39 foods (p = 0.005). Likewise it differed in beneficiaries' households of the Capital District was 33 foods compared to those in Miranda State was 25 foods (p = 0.000). There were 13 and 14 foods more between day care centers and the households in both states. State (Capital District or Miranda), money spent on food per person, households size and social level were variables that explained 28.9 per cent of dietary diversity variation in households studied. Households in the Capital District had less members, spent more money on food, and a greater proportion were non-poor compared to those in Miranda. These factors could partially explain differences in diet quality among households in the two States. Whatever perspective studied indicates that the dietary diversity had a statistically significant difference between day care centers and households in states studied. Miranda State was more deficiency than Capital District. Higher dietary diversity reflects a better quality diet at day care centers compared to households studied.

[The adaptation and validation of the food security scale in a community of Caracas, Venezuela]. / La adaptación y validación de una escala de seguridad alimentaria en una comunidad de Caracas, Venezuela.

This paper describes the process of modifying and validating a hunger index developed in the United States by Wehler et al (1992). It is part of a research whose main objective is to develop and validate a simple method that measures both quantitative (food sufficiency) and qualitative (female self-perception) dimensions of household food insecurity. In a pilot study, the original instrument was modified from a 2 point 8 item to a 4 point 12 item scale. Precision measured with Alpha Chronbach's coefficient was high (0.871) suggesting consistency in the scale's items. The instrument was applied to a sample of 238 poor and very poor households in a peri-urban barrio of Caracas. To determine overall internal validity of the scale the relationship between possible economic, social and behavioral determinants and food security level measured with the scale, was analyzed. Construct validity of the scale was established with factor and principal components analysis. Finally, with multiple regression analysis evidence is presented for overall validity of the scale. Four determinants: predictors of food sufficiency score, monthly income per capita, social class, and number of children in the household predict in the expected direction self-perceived food security level (R2 = 0.343). Results suggest that this instrument, together with an abbreviated measure of food sufficiency, based on strategic foods may be a valid, precise, and simple method for identifying and monitoring households that suffer from some degree of food insecurity in poor urban communities.

[Personal experience in monitoring examination of intracranial pressure]. / Nuestra experiencia en el examen monitorizado de la presión intracraneal.

In our Department of Neurosurgery, during the last two years, we have measured the intracranial pressure (IPC) with an extradural transducer, in cases of head trauma, subarachnoid haemorrhages, pseudotumor cerebri, dilated ventricles and microcephalies. We remark the importance of the continuous measuring of the ICP and its value in relation with the use of hyperosmolar solutions in the diagnosis, treatment and outcome of this patients.