CFAP45, a heterotaxy and congenital heart disease gene, affects cilia stability.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common and lethal birth defect, affecting 1.3 million individuals worldwide. During early embryogenesis, errors in Left-Right (LR) patterning called Heterotaxy (Htx) can lead to severe CHD. Many of the genetic underpinnings of Htx/CHD remain unknown. In analyzing a family with Htx/CHD using whole-exome sequencing, we identified a homozygous recessive missense mutation in CFAP45 in two affected siblings. CFAP45 belongs to the coiled-coil domain-containing protein family, and its role in development is emerging. When we depleted Cfap45 in frog embryos, we detected abnormalities in cardiac looping and global markers of LR patterning, recapitulating the patient's heterotaxy phenotype. In vertebrates, laterality is broken at the Left-Right Organizer (LRO) by motile monocilia that generate leftward fluid flow. When we analyzed the LRO in embryos depleted of Cfap45, we discovered "bulges" within the cilia of these monociliated cells. In addition, epidermal multiciliated cells lost cilia with Cfap45 depletion. Via live confocal imaging, we found that Cfap45 localizes in a punctate but static position within the ciliary axoneme, and depletion leads to loss of cilia stability and eventual detachment from the cell's apical surface. This work demonstrates that in Xenopus, Cfap45 is required to sustain cilia stability in multiciliated and monociliated cells, providing a plausible mechanism for its role in heterotaxy and congenital heart disease.

Linear Regression Modeling Based Scoring System to Reduce Benign Breast Biopsies Using Multi-parametric US with Color Doppler and SWE.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To develop a simple ultrasound (US) based scoring system to reduce benign breast biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women with BI-RADS 4 or 5 breast lesions underwent shear-wave elastography (SWE) imaging before biopsy. Standard US and color Doppler US (CDUS) parameters were recorded, and the size ratio (SzR=longest/shortest diameter) was calculated. Measured/calculated SWE parameters were minimum (SWVMin) and maximum (SWVMax) shear velocity, velocity heterogeneity (SWVH=SWVMax-SWVMin), velocity ratio (SWVR=SWVMin/SWVMax), and normalized SWVR (SWVRn=(SWVMax-SWVMin)/SWVMin). Linear regression analysis was performed by converting continuous parameters into categorical corresponding equivalents using decision tree analyses. Linear regression models were fitted using stepwise regression analysis and optimal coefficients for the predictors in the models were determined. A scoring model was devised from the results and validated using a different data set from another center consisting of 187 cases with BI-RADS 3, 4, and 5 lesions. RESULTS: A total of 418 lesions (238 benign, 180 malignant) were analyzed. US and CDUS parameters exhibited poor (AUC=0.592-0.696), SWE parameters exhibited poor-good (AUC=0.607-0.816) diagnostic performance in benign/malignant discrimination. Linear regression models of US+CDUS and US+SWE parameters revealed an AUC of 0.819 and 0.882, respectively. The developed scoring system could have avoided biopsy in 37.8% of benign lesions while missing 1.1% of malignant lesions. The scoring system was validated with a 100% NPV rate with a specificity of 74.6%. CONCLUSION: The linear regression model using US+SWE parameters performed better than any single parameter alone. The developed scoring method could lead to a significant decrease in benign biopsies.

SH-It happens: S-H bonds as intrinsic 2D-IR labels in proteins.

Cysteine S-H bonds have a spectroscopically convenient stretching frequency of ∼2550 cm-1. However, their cross section is low, and the band can be strongly broadened in heterogeneous environments, making detection very challenging. With two-dimensional infrared (2D-IR) setups achieving ever higher sensitivities in recent years, systematic use of the weak cysteine sulfhydryls (Cys-SHs) absorption band is now within reach, even at low millimolar protein concentrations. Here, we demonstrate the capabilities of Cys-SH as an intrinsic 2D-IR label in pyruvate oxidase from E. coli, an enzyme with ten cysteines in its native sequence. 1D-IR measurements on the wild-type and individual cysteine knock-out variants show that two such residues have especially narrow SH signatures, caused by their intrahelical hydrogen bonding. 2D-IR analysis of these bands reveals an extraordinarily high anharmonicity (∼110 cm-1) and a long vibrational lifetime (∼4 ps). This allows monitoring spectral diffusion via center line slope analysis for up to 10 ps-separately for both the ground and excited states. The unique spectroscopic features and its ease of introduction make Cys-SH a useful IR spectroscopic label.

CT Findings of the Massive Air Embolism in a Case with Thoracic Gunshot Wound: A Special Case Report as if a Whole Body Pneumo- Angiography was Performed.

BACKGROUND: Massive Systemic Arterial Air Embolism (SAAE) associated with penetrating trauma is a rare condition. A few cases were reported for massive arterial air embolism in the literature. Computed tomography is a fast and easily accessible modality for detecting air in the vasculature. We report CT findings of a rare case with a thoracic gunshot wound, which demonstrate air almost in all systemic vessels like ''full body pneumoangiography''. CASE PRESENTATION: A 42-year-old male patient with a thoracic gunshot wound was admitted to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) unit in a state of cardiac arrest. Postmortem Computed Tomography (CT) was performed and extensive air was revealed in several great vessels. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the underline causes of massive air embolism in our case are two main mechanisms: firstly, massive air enters the vasculature via bronchovascular fistula as there was bilateral lung contusion and directly through cardiac truncus, secondly while CPR was being conducted, massive air was pumped to the systemic circulation.

High-precision background correction and artifact suppression for ultrafast spectroscopy by quasi-simultaneous measurements in a split-sample cell.

Alternating acquisition of background and sample spectra is often employed in conventional Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy or ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy for accurate background subtraction. For example, for solvent background correction, typically a spectrum of a cuvette with solvent is measured and subtracted from a spectrum of a cuvette with solvent and solute. Ultrafast spectroscopies, though, come with many peculiarities that make the collection of well-matched, subtractable background and sample spectra challenging. Here, we present a demountable split-sample cell in combination with a modified Lissajous scanner to overcome these challenges. It allows for quasi-simultaneous measurements of background and sample spectra, mitigating the effects of drifts of the setup and maintaining the beam and sample geometry when swapping between background and sample measurements. The cell is moving between subsequent laser shots to refresh the excited sample volume. With less than 45 µl of solution for 150 µm optical thickness, sample usage is economical. Cell assembly is a key step and covered in an illustrated protocol.

Imaging Features to Predict Response to Olfactory Training in Post-Traumatic Olfactory Dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Prognosis of post-traumatic olfactory dysfunction is poor, with medical treatment options showing limited success rates. Olfactory training (OT) has been introduced as a potential therapeutic option in olfactory dysfunction. We aimed to identify the imaging features that would predict a better response to OT and create an imaging-based prognostic scale. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 52 patients that underwent OT at our center for post-traumatic olfactory dysfunction. Olfactory functions at the time of initial presentation and at completion of OT were evaluated using Sniffin' Sticks test and threshold discrimination identification (TDI) scores were calculated. Patients were divided into responders (ROT group: 16 cases) and non-responders (n-ROT group: 36 cases) to OT based on TDI score change (cut-off 5.5 point). Morphological measurements of olfactory fossa, olfactory bulb volume and signal abnormalities, olfactory nerve filia integrity, siderosis, encephalomalacic changes in olfactory cortex, and other cortical regions were reviewed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender distribution, olfactory dysfunction duration, head-trauma severity, and initial TDI scores. A model incorporating five variables: cribriform plate fracture, olfactory fossa depth (cut-off: 4.9 mm), olfactory bulb encephalomalacia, olfactory bulb volume (cut-off: 27.1 mm3 ), and siderosis was developed. This model had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.950, and a cut-off value of 1 had 76.5% sensitivity and 97.1% specificity in prediction of response to OT. CONCLUSIONS: We developed an imaging-based scoring system with good specificity that can be used as an adjunctive tool for patient counseling, and optimal selection of management options. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2243-E2250, 2021.

In Xenopus ependymal cilia drive embryonic CSF circulation and brain development independently of cardiac pulsatile forces.

BACKGROUND: Hydrocephalus, the pathological expansion of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled cerebral ventricles, is a common, deadly disease. In the adult, cardiac and respiratory forces are the main drivers of CSF flow within the brain ventricular system to remove waste and deliver nutrients. In contrast, the mechanics and functions of CSF circulation in the embryonic brain are poorly understood. This is primarily due to the lack of model systems and imaging technology to study these early time points. Here, we studied embryos of the vertebrate Xenopus with optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging to investigate in vivo ventricular and neural development during the onset of CSF circulation. METHODS: Optical coherence tomography (OCT), a cross-sectional imaging modality, was used to study developing Xenopus tadpole brains and to dynamically detect in vivo ventricular morphology and CSF circulation in real-time, at micrometer resolution. The effects of immobilizing cilia and cardiac ablation were investigated. RESULTS: In Xenopus, using OCT imaging, we demonstrated that ventriculogenesis can be tracked throughout development until the beginning of metamorphosis. We found that during Xenopus embryogenesis, initially, CSF fills the primitive ventricular space and remains static, followed by the initiation of the cilia driven CSF circulation where ependymal cilia create a polarized CSF flow. No pulsatile flow was detected throughout these tailbud and early tadpole stages. As development progressed, despite the emergence of the choroid plexus in Xenopus, cardiac forces did not contribute to the CSF circulation, and ciliary flow remained the driver of the intercompartmental bidirectional flow as well as the near-wall flow. We finally showed that cilia driven flow is crucial for proper rostral development and regulated the spatial neural cell organization. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support a paradigm in which Xenopus embryonic ventriculogenesis and rostral brain development are critically dependent on ependymal cilia-driven CSF flow currents that are generated independently of cardiac pulsatile forces. Our work suggests that the Xenopus ventricular system forms a complex cilia-driven CSF flow network which regulates neural cell organization. This work will redirect efforts to understand the molecular regulators of embryonic CSF flow by focusing attention on motile cilia rather than other forces relevant only to the adult.

Anticoagulation and antibacterial functional coating on vascular implant interventional medical catheter.

Vascular implant interventional medical catheter will contact with blood firstly after implantation. The anticoagulation and antibacterial functions of this device will determine the success or failure. Copper (Cu) has been verified to possess multi-biofunctions, but it was challenging to add the Cu metal to most materials. Take advantage of its functionality; Cu has been grafted on the material surface to improve the anticoagulation function and accelerate endothelialization. In this study, a Cu-bearing chitosan coating was prepared on the catheter to endow the anticoagulation and anti-infection functions. Besides, properties characterization and functional evaluation of the coated medical catheter were investigated. Dynamic blood clotting and platelet adhesion tests were carried out to evaluate the anticoagulation property. Besides this, the antibacterial test was used to estimate the anti-infection function. The surface energy and Cu ions release from the coating were detected and calculated by contact angles and immersion tests, respectively. The results of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that Cu ions were grafted in the chitosan coating. Thermogravimetric analysis (TA) result showed the concentration of Cu ions in the coating. The results of dynamic blood clotting, platelet adhesion, and antibacterial tests revealed that Cu grafted in chitosan would improve the blood compatibility and anti-infection property. The surface properties and Cu ions release behavior of Cu-bearing coating revealed the reasons for multi-biofunctions. This study indicated that the Cu-bearing chitosan coating could endow the vascular implant interventional device anticoagulation and anti-infection functions, which has excellent potential for clinical application.

Quasi-binomial zero-inflated regression model suitable for variables with bounded support.

In recent years, a variety of regression models, including zero-inflated and hurdle versions, have been proposed to explain the case of a dependent variable with respect to exogenous covariates. Apart from the classical Poisson, negative binomial and generalised Poisson distributions, many proposals have appeared in the statistical literature, perhaps in response to the new possibilities offered by advanced software that now enables researchers to implement numerous special functions in a relatively simple way. However, we believe that a significant research gap remains, since very little attention has been paid to the quasi-binomial distribution, which was first proposed over fifty years ago. We believe this distribution might constitute a valid alternative to existing regression models, in situations in which the variable has bounded support. Therefore, in this paper we present a zero-inflated regression model based on the quasi-binomial distribution, taking into account the moments and maximum likelihood estimators, and perform a score test to compare the zero-inflated quasi-binomial distribution with the zero-inflated binomial distribution, and the zero-inflated model with the homogeneous model (the model in which covariates are not considered). This analysis is illustrated with two data sets that are well known in the statistical literature and which contain a large number of zeros.

Note: An automatic liquid nitrogen refilling system for small (detector) Dewar vessels.

Many infrared spectroscopy setups are in principle stable enough to run overnight or longer, but the detector's Dewar vessel must be refilled manually with liquid nitrogen (LN2) every couple of hours. Commercial automatic LN2 refilling systems work reliably only for large Dewars. Here, we present a refilling system which can non-invasively be applied to already installed small Dewars. The system reliably refills LN2 once it has dropped below an adjustable level, with quick refilling (<3 min) for a 0.6 l Dewar. Our design protects the setup and the detector from overflowing or running without LN2.

A case report of metastasis of malignant mesothelioma to the retromolar trigone.

BACKGROUND: Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis. Distant metastases are very rare, and the oral cavity metastases are exceedingly rare. Only a few cases with metastasis to oral gingiva are reported. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of pleural mesothelioma metastasized to the retromolar trigone. CASE PRESENTATION: A 59-year-old male was referred with a painless growth at retromolar trigone area. It had been present for 2 months and had increased in size during this period of time. Past medical history revealed a malignant mesothelioma. Intraoral examination showed a soft, haemorrhagic, ulcerated lesion at the right retromolar trigone area. There was no destruction of the bony architecture. An incisional biopsy was performed under local anaesthesia. Based on the histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, a final diagnosis of metastatic mesothelioma was made. The patient was informed about the possibility of multiple metastases within the body, but he succumbed after 45 days following deterioration of his medical condition. CONCLUSIONS: Biopsy, history of the patient and clinical picture were provided to the clinicians to make an efficient differential diagnosis. Differential diagnosis must be performed with other oral cancers, because the management is totally different.

Burkitt lymphoma after transplant: an aggressive lymphoproliferative disease.

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (Burkitt lymphoma) may occur after liver transplant. A 3.5-year-old boy who was 17 months after liver transplant developed multiple millimeter-sized nodular lesions in the liver. Before transplant, the patient tested seronegative for Epstein-Barr virus; within 1 month after transplant, he tested seropositive for Epstein-Barr virus (1000 copies). Biopsy of the liver nodules showed posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (Burkitt lymphoma). Tacrolimus was stopped, sirolimus was started, and the patient was treated with chemotherapy (etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, corticosteroids and intrathecal methotrexate). Remission was achieved, and follow-up at 76 months after transplant showed no recurrence of the posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder. In conclusion, posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (Burkitt lymphoma) may occur after liver transplant, and monitoring Epstein-Barr virus level may helpful after transplant because of the association between Epstein-Barr virus and Burkitt lymphoma.

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder after liver and kidney transplant.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder after solid-organ transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All 2224 solid-organ transplant recipients who underwent transplant between 1985 and 2013 were included. Clinicopathological findings were examined, and all patients with posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder were reclassified to World Health Organization 2008 lymphoma classification. RESULTS: Only 27 of 2224 patients developed posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder. The incidence of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder was 3.3-fold higher in children than in adults. The mean interval between transplant and diagnosis of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder was 65 months. Patients with tacrolimus were associated with a shorter posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder development time compared with cyclosporine patients. Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA positive showed shorter time for development of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder compared with Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA negative patients. The risk of developing posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder within the first year of transplant was higher in patients under tacrolimus protocol compared with patients under cyclosporine. Of 27 patients, 4 showed early lesion and 23 patients showed monomorphic posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder. The development of T-cell monomorphic posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder was significantly late compared with patients with B-cell monomorphic posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder. Eight patients died at 38 ± 50 months after posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder diagnosis. Four patients with early type posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder were alive, and 3 of 4 patients with T-cell monomorphic posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder died shortly after diagnosis. Five of 19 patients with B-cell monomorphic posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder died at a mean 29 ± 18 months. A significant difference was found between the histologic types regarding patient survival. A significant difference was found between the Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA positive and Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA negative patients regarding mean survival time. CONCLUSIONS: To decrease the incidence of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder, risk factors should be evaluated and new approaches must be derived for prophylaxis, diagnosis, and treatment.

Evaluation of micronuclear frequencies in both circulating lymphocytes and buccal epithelial cells of patients with oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid contact reactions.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of micronuclei (MNs) in both circulating lymphocytes and buccal epithelial cells of patients with oral lichenoid contact reactions (OLCRs) or with oral lichen planus (OLP) and compare their MN scores with those of healthy controls (HCs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 21 patients (mean age 51.3 ± 12.4; 6 males, 15 females) with OLCRs and 22 patients (mean age 47.6 ± 14.4; 4 males, 18 females) with OLP who were clinically diagnosed and histopathologically confirmed according to WHO diagnostic criteria (WHO Collaborating Centre for Oral Precancerous Lesions, 1978). All patients with OLCR demonstrated contact allergy to tested dental materials when evaluated by skin patch testing according to International Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG), while all OLP patients tested negative to patch testing. Seventeen individuals with no oral mucosal disorders (mean age 51.7 ± 11.3; 8 males, 9 females) were recruited to constitute the healthy control group. [Correction added on 30 May 2014, after first online publication: the term, 'mean age' has been added to the text in parenthesis throughout the Material and Methods section.] Clinical features including type of OLP, location, disease severity, presence of skin lesions, presence of systemic disease including any allergies and dental (periodontal) status were recorded. MN analyses were performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes and on smears of buccal epithelial cells of all three study groups. RESULTS: Most OLP and OLCR lesions were of reticular type (83%), and OLP lesions were distributed bilaterally on the buccal mucosa (90.5%). The medians of MN frequencies in buccal epithelial cells in OLP and OLCR groups were significantly higher when compared with HC group (P < 0.001). [Correction added on 30 May 2014, after first online publication: in the results, 2nd sentence, the word 'lymphocytes' has been removed.] There was no significant difference between OLP group (14.5 range 3-95) and OLCR group (16.0 range 3-93) in terms of median MN frequencies in buccal epithelial cells (P = 0.724) nor in peripheral lymphocytes between OLP group (2.0 range 0-7) and OLCR group (1.0 range 0-6) (P = 0.92). [Correction added on 30 May 2014, after first online publication: (P = 0.92) was wrongly placed after 'peripheral lymphocytes' and has now been shifted to the end of the last sentence.] CONCLUSIONS: Micronuclei scores do not distinguish OLP from OLCR when using buccal smears. OLP and OLCR both demonstrated significantly higher MN frequencies in buccal cells, compared with healthy controls. MN assessment in both buccal epithelial cells and circulating lymphocytes may serve as a potential biomarker tool for evaluating any cancer risk in OLP and OLCR. [Correction added on 30 May 2014, after first online publication: the first and second sentences in the conclusions have been slightly changed.].

Factores a considerar en el análisis de la prescripción de antibióticos en pediatría / Antibiotic use in the pediatric population: factors to consider

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la utilización de antiinfecciosos (excluyendo antivirales y antimicóticos) en las siete áreas de salud de laComunidad Autónoma de Canarias (CCAA), durante el quinquenio 2001-2005, a partir de los datos de facturación de recetas obtenidos delos programas DIGITALIS y pharmaCANARIAS del Servicio Canario de la Salud. Para ello utilizamos el concepto de dosis diaria definida (DDD)como unidad técnica de medida y el de dosis diaria definida/1000 habitantes/día (DHD) como indicador comparativo, de acuerdo con lo recomendadopor la OMS y siguiendo la clasificación ATC. Se trata de un estudio observacional retrospectivo sobre el total de prescripcionesrealizadas por médicos cuyas claves Cias los identifican como pediatras tanto hospitalarios como extrahospitalarios. Los datos demográficosse obtuvieron de las Tarjetas Sanitaria Individuales (TSI) según los cupos asignados a los pediatras de atención primaria de las diferentes áreasde salud de la CCAA. El total de prescripciones en número de envases fue: 277.332 en 2001, 243.702 en 2002, 268.072 en 2003, 210.879en 2004 y 207.347 en 2005. Las especialidades analizadas fueron las de los subgrupos terapéuticos J01 antibióticos sistémicos. También seconsideró la modificación de la clasificación ATC en relación con las fluoroquinolonas. Durante el periodo de estudio, el consumo total de antibióticosen pediatría fue de 1.207.726 envases (646.139 en la provincia de Tenerife y 561.587 en la provincia de Las Palmas), y el importecon cargo al Servicio Canario de la Salud fue de 6.119.679,01 ; en Tenerife y 4.808.654,12 ; en Las Palmas. La acumulación anual de lasDHD varió entre 103,044 en 2001 y 68,168 en 2005, siendo este año el de menor consumo de antibióticos. Se determinó el coste absolutode los cinco años de estudio de todos los principios activos, por provincia y subgrupos terapéuticos de antimicrobianos...(AU)

The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the use of antibiotics in pediatrics in the Canary Islands during the period 2001-2005. Weused the defined daily dose (DDD) as a technical unit of measurement as well as the DDD/1000 habitants/day (DHD), following the ATC classificationsystem. The demographic data were obtained from individual patient health cards assigned to the primary care pediatricians. Duringthe period 2001-2005, the total number of prescriptions for antibióticos in pediatrics was 1,207,726 at a cost of 6,119,679 Euros to theCanarian Health Service in Tenerife and 4,808,654 Euros in Las Palmas. The annual number of DHD in the Canary Islands decreased from103,044 in 2001 to 68,168 in 2005. The cost for 1000 inhabitants/day (CHD) was 27,686 Euros and 19,183 Euros in Tenerife and Las Palmas,respectively. In analyzing the therapeutic classes of antibiotics, we found that the consumption of broad-spectrum penicillins (amoxicillin) inTenerife decreased, while in Las Palmas it remained stable. There was also a significant decrease in the use of tetracyclines in both provinces.The DHD of beta-lactamase inhibitors was more significantly reduced in Tenerife than in LPA. The consumption of cephalosporins, mainly cefixime,was high in Tenerife, while in Las Palmas the second-generation cephalosporins (cefuroxime and cefaclor) were widely consumed. Theuse of macrolide antibiotics gradually decreased. Interestingly, there were 7,939 prescriptions for fluoroquinolones (mainly ciprofloxacin) inTenerife and 4,846 in Las Palmas (mainly norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin). There were differences in the prescribing practices between Tenerifeand Gran Canaria that don't coincide with changes in the microbiological spectrum. Prescribing practices in Las Palmas are based on scientificdata, probably because of the continuing education courses on antibiotherapy that began in 2003(AU)

Importance of electromyography and the electrophysiological severity scale in forensic reports.

Forensic reports on traumatic peripheral nerve injuries include dysfunction degrees of extremities, which are arranged according to the Turkish Penalty Code. The aim of this study is to discuss the role and importance of electromyography while preparing forensic reports in the cases of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries and the usefulness of scoring systems. A modified global scale, recommended by Mondelli et al., was used to assess the electrophysiological impairment of each peripheral nerve. Forensic reports of 106 patients, reported between 2002 and 2004, were evaluated. Thirty-four percent of the cases were reported as "total loss of function," 41.5% were reported as "functional disability," and there were no dysfunctions in the other cases in forensic reports that were prepared based on Council of Social Insurance Regulations of Health Processes and Guide prepared by the Council of Forensic Medicine and profession associations of forensic medicine. When we rearranged these forensic reports based on the electrophysiological severity scale (ESS), it was clearly found that all of the score 2 cases and 86.7% of the score 3 cases corresponded to "functional disability" and 91.4% of the score 4 cases correspond to "total loss of function." We found a significant correlation between the ESS and functional evaluation in peripheral nerve injury cases. Evaluation of functional disabilities in peripheral nerve injuries with the ESS represents a standardized and objective method used for forensic reports.

[Antibiotic use in the pediatric population: factors to consider]. / Factores a considerar en el análisis de la prescripción de antibióticos en pediatría.

The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the use of antibiotics in pediatrics in the Canary Islands during the period 2001-2005. We used the defined daily dose (DDD) as a technical unit of measurement as well as the DDD/1000 habitants/day (DHD), following the ATC classification system. The demographic data were obtained from individual patient health cards assigned to the primary care pediatricians. During the period 2001-2005, the total number of prescriptions for antibiotics in pediatrics was 1,207,726 at a cost of 6,119,679 Euros to the Canarian Health Service in Tenerife and 4,808,654 Euros in Las Palmas. The annual number of DHD in the Canary Islands decreased from 103,044 in 2001 to 68,168 in 2005. The cost for 1000 inhabitants/day (CHD) was 27,686 Euros and 19,183 Euros in Tenerife and Las Palmas, respectively. In analyzing the therapeutic classes of antibiotics, we found that the consumption of broad-spectrum penicillins (amoxicillin) in Tenerife decreased, while in Las Palmas it remained stable. There was also a significant decrease in the use of tetracyclines in both provinces. The DHD of beta-lactamase inhibitors was more significantly reduced in Tenerife than in LPA. The consumption of cephalosporins, mainly cefixime, was high in Tenerife, while in Las Palmas the second-generation cephalosporins (cefuroxime and cefaclor) were widely consumed. The use of macrolide antibiotics gradually decreased. Interestingly, there were 7,939 prescriptions for fluoroquinolones (mainly ciprofloxacin) in Tenerife and 4,846 in Las Palmas (mainly norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin). There were differences in the prescribing practices between Tenerife and Gran Canaria that don't coincide with changes in the microbiological spectrum. Prescribing practices in Las Palmas are based on scientific data, probably because of the continuing education courses on antibiotherapy that began in 2003.

Cranial optic nerve involvements in patients with severe COPD.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between neuropathy and increased morbidity in patients with COPD is clear, but few studies have assessed cranial neuropathies, especially optic nerve involvement, in COPD patients. We evaluated peripheral involvement of the optic nerve and determined factors influencing this condition in patients with severe COPD. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-eight patients, mean age 59.4 +/- 9.4 years, diagnosed with severe stable COPD according to the GOLD criteria, and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals, mean age 55.6 +/- 8.5 years, were included in the study. All subjects underwent visual evoked potential (VEP) assessment together with detailed clinical and laboratory examination to exclude concurrent risk factors for neuropathy. RESULTS: VEP assessment showed significant abnormalities in COPD patients (82.1%) (commonly amplitude abnormalities) when compared with healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: The optic nerve is often involved in patients with severe COPD, possibly as part of a polyneuropathy, and this is related to acidosis, hypercarbia and airway obstruction, independent of disease duration, smoking and age. These results should be taken into consideration when determining management strategies for these patients.