Dataset of the synthesis parameters to deposit YSZ on stainless steel AISI 316L by sputtering technique.

The data presented in this article are related to the research previously published "improvement of adhesion and barrier properties of biomedical stainless steel by deposition of YSZ coatings using RF magnetron sputtering". It contains the structural, morphological, compositional and electrochemical characterization of bare AISI 316L substrate which was used as a substrate to coat with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The chemical composition and topography analyses from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and micrographs from atomic force microscopy (AFM) as well as the roughness value of the YSZ-sputtered coating on AISI 316L substrates are presented as complementary data of the article.

Dataset on electrochemical reduced graphene oxide production: Effect of synthesis parameters.

Structural and microstructural characterization combined with vibrational, rotational modes are quite important to determinate reduction degree during synthesis of reduced graphene oxide. These data and analysis support the research article "Electrochemical alternative to obtain reduced graphene oxide by pulse potential: effect of synthesis parameters and study of corrosion properties" (López-Oyama et al., 2018). The data and analysis presented here included raw data for selected reduction potentials (V SCE) and different temperatures values (°C). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the exfoliated graphite are shown to corroborate the effect of the applied voltage to obtain electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) on commercial 304L stainless steel (304L SS). The data provided in this article has not been previously published and are available to enable critical or extended analyses.

Geriatric oncology in Spain: survey results and analysis of the current situation.

INTRODUCTION: Geriatric oncology (GO) is a discipline that focuses on the management of elderly patients with cancer. The Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) created a Working group dedicated to geriatric oncology in February 2016. OBJECTIVES: The main goal of this study was to describe the current situation in Spain regarding the management of elderly cancer patients through an online survey of medical oncologists. METHODS: A descriptive survey was sent to several hospitals by means of the SEOM website. A personal e-mail was also sent to SEOM members. RESULTS: Between March 2016 and April 2017, 154 answers were collected. Only 74 centers (48%) had a geriatrics department and a mere 21 (14%) medical oncology departments had a person dedicated to GO. The vast majority (n = 135; 88%) had the perception that the number of elderly patients with cancer seen in clinical practice had increased. Eighteen (12%) oncologists had specific protocols and geriatric scales were used at 55 (31%) centers. Almost all (92%) claimed to apply special management practices using specific tools. There was agreement that GO afforded certain potential advantages. Finally, 99% of the oncologists surveyed believed it and that training in GO had to be improved. CONCLUSIONS: From the nationwide survey promoted by the Spanish Geriatric Oncology Working Group on behalf of SEOM, we conclude that there is currently no defined care structure for elderly cancer patients. There is an increasing perception of the need for training in GO. This survey reflects a reality in which specific needs are perceived.

Measuring improvement in knowledge of drug policy reforms following a police education program in Tijuana, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Mexico's 2009 "narcomenudeo reform" decriminalized small amounts of drugs, shifting some drug law enforcement to the states and mandating drug treatment diversion instead of incarceration. Data from Tijuana suggested limited implementation of this harm reduction-oriented policy. We studied whether a police education program (PEP) improved officers' drug and syringe policy knowledge, and aimed to identify participant characteristics associated with improvement of drug policy knowledge. METHODS: Pre- and post-training surveys were self-administered by municipal police officers to measure legal knowledge. Training impact was assessed through matched paired nominal data using McNemar's tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of improved legal knowledge, as measured by officers' ability to identify conceptual legal provisions related to syringe possession and thresholds of drugs covered under the reform. RESULTS: Of 1750 respondents comparing pre- versus post training, officers reported significant improvement (p < 0.001) in their technical understanding of syringe possession (56 to 91%) and drug amounts decriminalized, including marijuana (9 to 52%), heroin (8 to 71%), and methamphetamine (7 to 70%). The training was associated with even greater success in improving conceptual legal knowledge for syringe possession (67 to 96%) (p < 0.001), marijuana (16 to 91%), heroin (11 to 91%), and methamphetamine (11 to 89%). In multivariable modeling, those with at least a high school education were more likely to exhibit improvement of conceptual legal knowledge of syringe possession (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.6, 95% CI 1.4-3.2) and decriminalization for heroin (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.3-4.3), methamphetamine (aOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4-3.2), and marijuana (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.6-4). CONCLUSIONS: Drug policy reform is often necessary, but not sufficient to achieve public health goals because of gaps in translating formal laws to policing practice. To close such gaps, PEP initiatives bundling occupational safety information with relevant legal content demonstrate clear promise. Our findings underscore additional efforts needed to raise technical knowledge of the law among personnel tasked with its enforcement. Police professionalization, including minimum educational standards, appear critical for aligning policing with harm reduction goals.

Enfermedad de Addison en un niño con adrenoleucodistrofia ligada al cromosoma X / Primary adrenal failure associated to X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: report of one case

Primary adrenal failure (PAF) can be congenital or acquired. X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD-X), produced by the mutation of the ABDC1 gene (Xq28), that leads to the plasma accumulation of very long chain fatty acids, is one of the congenital diseases associated to adrenal destruction. We report a 7 years old boy with fast progression of right strabismus and general symptoms as weariness, weakness and mucosal and skin pigmentation. A brain magnetic resonance image showed a leukoencephalopathy, characteristic of ALD-X. Low plasma cortisol, high ACTH levels and lack of response to ACTH test, confirmed the diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency. High plasma levels of C26:0 fatty acids, and C24/22, C26/22 ratios confirmed ALD-X.

Fern Distortion Syndrome of Leatherleaf Fern in Costa Rica: Symptoms, Incidence, and Severity.

A syndrome has been recognized on leatherleaf fern (Rumohra adiantiformis) in Costa Rica for many years that causes widespread damage but has not been described in the literature. A full description of the syndrome, termed fern distortion syndrome (FDS), is reported here, along with evidence that FDS is a new disease and that it is associated with endophytic fluorescent pseudomonads but not with any other major groups of pathogens or pests. The main aboveground symptoms of FDS are twisting and distortions of fronds, which make the fronds unmarketable. In advanced cases of FDS, fronds are often thickened, new frond growth ceases or slows dramatically, and uneven sporulation is apparent on the underside of fronds. Symptoms of FDS belowground are reduced diameter of rhizomes and reduced overall root mass. The incidence of FDS in Costa Rica was typically over 80%, and severity typically ranged from 1.26 to 2.48 using a 0 to 3 rating scale in fields propagated vegetatively with rhizomes from fields with FDS. In contrast, in three fields planted 1.5 to 4 years previously with rhizomes derived from tissue culture, incidence and severity were markedly lower: 23 to 34% and 0.24 to 0.36, respectively. Paired sampling of symptomatic and asymptomatic plants revealed significantly greater populations of fluorescent pseudomonads inside rhizomes of symptomatic plants.

Microbial production of C13-norisoprenoids and other aroma compounds via carotenoid cleavage.

Carotenoids are important precursors of a variety of compounds: the C(20)-retinoids, the C(15)-phytohormones, and the C(9)- to C(13)-aromas. Among the last type, C(13)-carotenoid-derived compounds (norterpenoids/norisoprenoids) such as ionones and damascones, constitute an essential aroma note in tea, grapes, roses, tobacco, and wine. Extraction of carotenoid-derived aroma compounds from plant sources is not economically realistic or considerably expensive. The biotechnological production of aroma compounds represents a feasible alternative and offers the production of enantiomerically pure molecules which can be labeled as "natural." To date, research in the production of ionones or the C(10)-compound, safranal, has mainly been focused on plant dioxygenases that cleave carotenoids in the positions between carbons 9 and 10 (9'-10') or 7 and 8 (7'-8'), respectively. Although relatively little is known about the microbial conversion of carotenoids into compounds with aroma due to the well known advantages of manipulating microorganisms, the aim of this work is to review the current state of the research in microbial production of norisoprenoids and other aroma compounds derived from carotenoid cleavage.

Novel method for aroma recovery from the bioconversion of lutein to beta-ionone by Trichosporon asahii using a mesoporous silicate material.

In this work, we report on the synthesis and ability of the mesoporous material MCM-41 to adsorb the norisoprenoid beta-ionone. This compound, with a violet aroma note, can be produced from lutein by the yeast Trichosporon asahii through a bioconversion process. We found that beta-ionone inhibited the yeast growth and constrained aroma formation. Growth inhibition was overcome using silicate MCM-41 as sorbent device in a fermentation system that allowed product removal from the culture medium by headspace manipulation. Compared to a commercial silica gel, the mesoporous material exhibited a 4.5-fold higher beta-ionone adsorption. Contrasting to cultures without the sorbent device, the presence of MCM-41 allowed a marked increase (14-fold) in beta-ionone production. Our results suggested that confinement of the norisoprenoid into the sorbent material bypassed its toxicity which allowed a better beta-ionone production. This study represents the first report on the use of MCM-41 to recover an aroma produced by fermentation and therefore, a novel application for a mesoporous material.

Inhibition of mouse in vitro fertilization by an antibody against a unique 18-amino acid domain in the polysulfate-binding domain of proacrosin/acrosin.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the contribution of the polysulfate-binding domain (PSBD) of acrosin during sperm penetration. DESIGN: To inhibit the in vitro fertilization of mouse zona-intact oocytes by using a polyclonal antibody raised against an 18-amino acid peptide of proacrosin (anti-PSBD). SETTING: Unit of Reproduction and Development, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. PATIENT(S): None. INTERVENTION(S): A polyclonal antibody against the 43IFMYHNNRRYHTCGGILL(60) peptide was raised in New Zealand female rabbits. The specificity of the antibody was evaluated by an ELISA. Zona-intact mouse oocytes were coincubated with capacitated spermatozoa for 3 hours in the presence of 0.63 mg/mL of the antibody or preimmune serum. As a control, we used zona-free mouse oocytes under the same experimental conditions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): We evaluated the fertilization rate of zona-intact and zona-free mouse oocytes by phase-contrast microscopy. An oocyte was considered fertilized when at least one decondensed sperm head was found within the egg cytoplasm. We evaluated 50-60 mouse oocytes in each group in three independent experiments. RESULT(S): The anti-PSBD antibody inhibited the fertilization of zona-intact, but not zona-free, mouse oocytes, by capacitated spermatozoa. In addition, the binding of the anti-PSBD to proacrosin/acrosin in a solid-phase assay was inhibited in the presence of polysulfates (fucoidan). CONCLUSION(S): The anti-PSBD directed against the PSBD of proacrosin/acrosin inhibited the penetration of capacitated mouse spermatozoa through the zona pellucida. This antibody may be a useful tool to define the roles of the different domains of proacrosin/acrosin during gamete interaction.

[Mitral and/or aortic infectious endocarditis. The correlation between transesophageal echocardiography, surgery and pathological anatomy]. / Endocarditis infecciosa mitral y/o aórtica. Correlación entre ecocardiografía transesofágica, cirugía y anatomía patológica.

The aim of this study was to correlate the findings obtained by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with those obtained during surgery and histopathologic studies in patients with mitral and/or aortic infective endocarditis. Twenty eight patients were studied. In all of them clinical history, bacteriological study and TEE. In 15 cases a positive blood culture was found and in 13 the blood culture was negative. The TEE demonstrate infective aortic vegetations in 12 cases, in mitral valve in 11 and in five in both valves. The endocarditis-associated complications were found in 53% of cases and the incidence of embolic events was of 25%. TEE findings related with the presence of vegetations were confirmed in the studies of pathologic anatomy in 92.8% and at surgery in 89.2%. These data suggest that the TEE leads to a significant improvement in the diagnosis and prognosis of mitral and/or aortic infective endocarditis, because it has a high correlation with the studies of pathologic anatomy and surgery.

[Assessment of bone status in intermittent and continuous alcoholics, without evidence of liver damage]. / Evaluación del compromiso óseo en alcohólicos intermitentes y continuos, sin daño hepático evidente.

The effect of chronic alcoholism on bone mass and density has been a subject of considerable controversy. The goal of the present study was to evaluate bone mineral content and density in 2 groups of alcoholic men without evidence of liver damage and determine if the modality of alcohol consumption could cause an alcohol-mediated bone loss. We studied 70 alcoholic non cirrhotic men divided into intermittent (n = 38) and continuous (n = 32) drinkers. They were compared to 109 normal men. Dual photon densitometry technique using a Gd 153 source was utilized and bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine, femoral neck, Ward's triangle, trochanter, total body bone density (TBBD) and mineral (TBBM) were measured. Hematologic, serum and urinary tests of mineral metabolism were also carried out. No significant differences were found in lumbar spine BMD between normals and alcoholics regardless of the type of alcohol consumption and duration of alcoholism. In the femoral neck a significant decrease in BMD was found in alcoholics when plotted as regression curves (r = 25; p = 0.02). In this site duration of alcoholism was significantly correlated to decreased BMD in the total group of alcoholics (r = 0.27; p = 0.02) and also in the continuous drinker group (r = 0.39; p = 0.02) but not in the intermittent drinker group. At the whole body level, BMD did not significantly differ between alcoholics and normals (p = 0.08) except in continuous (r = 0.40; p = 0.02) when considered duration of alcohol abuse. Total bone mineral was significantly lower in alcoholics (p < 0.001) and the subgroups compared to normals, and correlated with duration of alcohol abuse (p = 0.01). Chemical values revealed normal calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatases, PTH and Ca/Cr concentration. Only serum magnesium was found diminished in 16.6% of studied subjects. We conclude, that pure alcoholism may affect femoral neck density and total body mineral content, being proportional to the duration of alcohol abuse. Spine density appears unaffected. The type of alcoholic abuse was less important than its duration to cause bone mass abnormalities.

[Effects of Casimiroa edulis (Rutacea) on blood pressure and heart rate in albino rats]. / Acciones de Casimiroa edulis (Rutacea) sobre la presión arterial media y frecuencia cardiaca en ratas albinas.

Aqueous extracts of Casimiroa edulis leaves injected intravenously to 20 normal Sprague-Dawley rats produced a rapid and transitory increase in blood pressure. The amplitude of the blood pressure rise was dose dependent. The increase was statistically significant (p < or = 0.01) at a concentration of 220 mOsm/l, and was associated with a significant heart rate decrease (p < or = 0.01) probably secondary to barorreceptor stimuli. The application of 130 mOsm/l of the extract did not produce a significant increase in blood pressure, which was followed by a rapid pressure normalization. The slight increase in cardiac rate during the pressure lift was probably due to sympathetic stimuli.

Hidatidosis pulmonar: estudio epidemiológico de casos urbanos en el Hospital Hipólito Unanue de Lima / Pulmonary hydatid: epidemiological study of cases urbanes in the Hospital Hipolito Unanue at Lima

Con la finalidad de identificar la existencia de casos urbanos de Hidatidosis Pulmonar en la ciudad de Lima Metropolitana, se diseño un estudio epidemiológico de tipo descriptivo. En una primera etapa del estudio se identificaron los casos de hidatidosis pulmonar en base a los registros hospitalarios de los pacientes operados en el Hospital Hipólito Unanue, entre loa años 1980 y 1986. Los casos identificados fueron clasificados en "metropolitanos", "provinciales", "migrantes" y "transeúntes", según el lugar de procedencia. La segunda etapa del estudio consistió en visita domiciliaria a los casos "metropolitanos", a fin de confirmar dicha situación. Se estudiaron 261 casos de hidatidosis pulmonar, de los cuales 57 (21.8 por ciento) eran "metropolitanos". En el 72.2 por ciento de los casos ubicados por visita domiciliaria se confirmó la condición de "metropolitanos". En estos casos se observó un promedio de edad menor que en el resto de los casos, no habían ganaderos, agricultores ni matarifes, el nivel educativo era principalmente secundario y superior, el promedio de tiempo de enfermedad también fue menor que en los grupos restantes. No hubo diferencias en las características clínicas. Este estudio constata la existencia de casos urbanos de hidatidosis en Lima Metropolitana. Sin embargo, no permite determinar la prevalencia e incidencia de esta enfermedad en la ciudad, siendo indispensable continuar investigando en este campo.

[Nutritional study of alcoholics with specific reference to calcium and phosphorus]. / Estudio nutricional en alcohólicos con particular referencia a calcio y fósforo.

We performed a nutritional study of 80 alcoholic males at least 15 days after an acute episode of alcoholic intake. 43 patients were intermittent drinkers with mean age 37.9 years and 37 patients were continuous drinkers with mean age 440.30 healthy subjects were studied as controls. Body mass index was 23.7 (range 19.2-37.9) in intermittent drinkers compared to 23.1 (range 18.1-29.8) in continuous drinkers (NS). Wine was the main alcoholic beverage in 70% and 89%, respectively. Mean daily alcohol intake was 170 g for 17 years and 358 g for 23 years, respectively. Mean caloric intake and % of calories from alcohol were 3387 and 42% for intermittent compared to 4271 and 66% for continuous drinkers, respectively. Daily calcium intake was 757 g and 774 g in each group. Alcoholic beverages supplied 16% and 34% of calcium intake, respectively. The intake of phosphorus was adequate. Alcoholic subjects did not manifest anemia or hypoalbuminemia, compared to controls. The present study fails to disclose significant caloric and protein undernutrition in alcoholic subjects. However, the intake of calcium is inadequate and a high percentage of it is provided by alcoholic beverages. This deficiency in conjunction with alcoholic damage to intestinal mucosa may lead to osteopenia in alcoholic patients.

Delayed insulin absorption due to subcutaneous edema.

A prospective study to determine if subcutaneous edema interferes with insulin absorption was performed. Forty-six patients entered the study. Three groups were formed. Twenty patients with generalized edema (Group 1), ten of them with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Twenty patients without edema (Group II). 10 of them with NIDDM; and six patients with mild edema (Group III). The disappearance of I125-insulin was measured throughout 360 minutes. The rate of absorption in group I was significantly lower and delayed than in group II. The amount of insulin absorbed at 360 minutes was 3 to 4 fold lower in group I than in group II (p 0.001). Group III had intermediate values. The peak of plasma I125-insulin level was 3 to 4 fold lower in group I than group II. The impairment of insulin absorption in subjects with edema was more evident in those with NIDDM. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that subcutaneous edema impairs insulin absorption. Insulin absorption from subcutaneous tissue varies due to several conditions, resulting in a difficult glycemic control. Previous studies have shown that insulin absorption is affected by several factors as the site of injection, room and skin temperature, physical exercise, the thickness of adipose tissue, local massage, and local degradation of insulin. Edema due to chronic complications such as nephropathy and cardiopathy often occurs in long-standing diabetic subjects. However, the effects of edema of the skin and subcutaneous tissue on insulin absorption has not been previously examined. The aim of this study was to assess if edema affects the absorption of insulin.

[Hypoglycemic action of Opuntia streptacantha Lemaire: study using raw extracts]. / Acción hipoglucemiante de Opuntia streptacantha Lemaire: investigación con extractos crudos.

To find out the extent of the hypoglycemic effect of crude extracts of Opuntia streptacantha eight patients with type II diabetes mellitus were studied. Five tests were performed to each patients with the intake of (A) supernatant, (B) precipitate, (C) complete homogenate of 500 g of crude O. streptacantha stem (D) 400 ml of water, and (E) 500 g of broiled Opuntia stems. Serum glucose levels were measured at 0,30,60,120 and 180 minutes. Crude extracts did not cause a significant decrease of glycemia, and the results were similar to the water control test (P greater than 0.05). The intake of broiled Opuntia stems caused a significant decrease of serum glucose level, that reached 48.3 +/- 16.2 mg/dl lower than basal values at 180 minutes (P less than 0.01). Perhaps heating of O. streptacantha is necessary to obtain the hypoglycemic effect.