Characterization of the boron profile and coordination in altered glass layers by EEL spectroscopy.

Electron energy-loss spectroscopy was used to characterize the boron profile and its coordination (BIII and BIV), along the complex alteration layer of glass samples altered for 511 days at 50 °C in solution containing FeCl2, MgCl2 and/or CaCl2. To reach this goal, the impact of both TEM operating conditions and sample preparation on the determination of the boron coordination was first studied using mineralogical and pristine glasses reference samples. Then, the boron concentration profiles were characterized in the glass alteration layer. These profiles were found to be S-shaped with a thickness around forty nanometers. The proportion of BIII was found to decrease with the boron total concentration (from the pristine glass to the gel layer), which suggests a higher bonding strength for BIV bonds than that of BIII bonds under the alteration conditions. These findings are of tremendous interest to advance further in the understanding of glass alteration mechanisms.

Feasibility of NIR interactance hyperspectral imaging for on-line measurement of crude composition in vacuum packed dry-cured ham slices.

There is a growing market for packaged slices of dry-cured ham. The heterogeneity of the composition of slices between packages is an important drawback when aiming to offer consumers a product with a known and constant composition which fits individual consumer expectations. The aim of this work was to test the feasibility of NIR interactance imaging for on-line analysis of water, fat and salt and their spatial distribution in dry-cured ham slices. PLSR models for predicting water, fat and salt contents with NIR spectra were developed with a calibration set of samples (n=82). The models were validated with an external validation set (n=42). The predictive models were accurate enough for screening purposes. The errors of prediction were 1.34%, 1.36% and 0.71% for water, fat and salt, respectively. The spatial distribution of these components within the slice was also obtained.

Intercomparison exercise on external gamma dose rate under field conditions at the laboratory of natural radiation (Saelices el Chico, Spain).

The last nuclear accident in Fukushima nuclear power plant has increased the necessity for measuring radiation in the environment. Therefore, radiation monitors providing results traceable throughout the country become essential and it is very important to test them under the same environmental conditions. The first intercomparison of natural radioactivity under field conditions was held in Saelices el Chico (Salamanca, Spain) in May 2011, including an exercise on environmental dose rate. This article presents the results achieved by 19 instruments belonging to 12 institutions from 7 different countries. The tested detectors are proportional counters, ionisation chambers, Geiger-Müller and scintillators measuring dose rate in three stations with reference values from 110 to 1800 nGy h(-1). All the results were given in terms of air kerma (nGy h(-1)) and the measurements show agreement within 25 % in all the sites. Evaluation criteria based on accuracy and statistical uncertainty were also carried out and 25 % of participants passed the test in all sites.

Feasibility of X-ray microcomputed tomography for microstructure analysis and its relationship with hardness in non-acid lean fermented sausages.

X-ray microcomputed tomography (µCT) was used for microstructure analysis on four different types of non-acid pork lean fermented sausages, three of them supplemented with 5% pork back fat, sunflower oil or diacylglycerols (DAGs). The data from the µCT analysis were related to instrumental texture (hardness). Although µCT analysis identified fat particles and air holes, the technique was not accurate enough to distinguish between pork lean and fat when these constituents were emulsified. Only µCT geometrical parameters related to the meat matrix (emulsion of pork lean and fat) provided useful information on the microstructure of the product. Parameters such as percent object volume (POV), object surface/volume ratio (OSVR), degree of anisotropy (DA), structure thickness (ST) and number of objects (NO) were correlated with instrumental hardness.

Biomass and lipid production of dinoflagellates and raphidophytes in indoor and outdoor photobioreactors.

The principal fatty acids from the lipid profiles of two autochthonous dinoflagellates (Alexandrium minutum and Karlodinium veneficum) and one raphidophyte (Heterosigma akashiwo) maintained in bubble column photobioreactors under outdoor culture conditions are described for the first time. The biomass production, lipid content and lipid productivity of these three species were determined and the results compared to those obtained when the strains were cultured indoors. Under the latter condition, the biotic values did not significantly differ among species, whereas under outdoor conditions, differences in both duplication time and fatty acids content were observed. Specifically, A. minutum had higher biomass productivity (0.35 g·L⁻¹ day⁻¹), lipid productivity (80.7 mg lipid·L⁻¹ day⁻¹) and lipid concentration (252 mg lipid·L⁻¹) at harvest time (stationary phase) in outdoor conditions. In all three strains, the growth rate and physiological response to the light and temperature fluctuations of outdoor conditions greatly impacted the production parameters. Nonetheless, the species could be successfully grown in an outdoor photobioreactor and were of sufficient robustness to enable the establishment of long-term cultures yielding consistent biomass and lipid production.

Salting, drying and sensory quality of dry-cured hams subjected to different pre-salting treatments: skin trimming and pressing.

The effects of skinning in a V-shape and pressing of hams on salting, drying and sensory characteristics of dry-cured hams were assessed. Salt and water contents and a(w) were determined in the central part of the ham during processing by computed tomography. Overall salt and water contents were also chemically analysed. Sensory analyses were performed on the final product. Partial skinning or pressing increased both salt uptake and final weight loss, but did not reduce the intra-batch variability in salt uptake. Moreover, trimmed hams exhibited a higher salt content in the inner areas of the hams after resting. Trimmed dry-cured hams showed less metallic flavour, higher saltiness and more mature flavour in the biceps femoris muscle, and lower pastiness and adhesiveness as well as higher crumbliness and aged flavour in both the biceps femoris and the semimembranosus muscles. Pressing treatment caused less metallic flavour only in biceps femoris muscle and higher saltiness.

Improvement of lipid production in the marine strains Alexandrium minutum and Heterosigma akashiwo by utilizing abiotic parameters.

Two different strains of microalgae, one raphidophyte and one dinoflagellate, were tested under different abiotic conditions with the goal of enhancing lipid production. Whereas aeration was crucial for biomass production, nitrogen deficiency and temperature were found to be the main abiotic parameters inducing the high-level cellular accumulation of neutral lipids. Net neutral lipid production and especially triacylglycerol (TAG) per cell were higher in microalgae (>200% in Alexandrium minutum, and 30% in Heterosigma akashiwo) under treatment conditions (25°C; 330 µM NaNO(3)) than under control conditions (20°C; 880 µM NaNO(3)). For both algal species, oil production (free fatty acids plus TAG fraction) was also higher under treatment conditions (57 mg L(-1) in A. minutum and 323 mg L(-1) in H. akashiwo). Despite the increased production and accumulation of lipids in microalgae, the different conditions did not significantly change the fatty acids profiles of the species analyzed. These profiles consisted of saturated fatty acids (SAFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in significant proportions. However, during the stationary phase, the concentrations per cell of some PUFAs, especially arachidonic acid (C20:4n6), were higher in treated than in control algae. These results suggest that the adjustment of abiotic parameters is a suitable and one of the cheapest alternatives to obtain sufficient quantities of microalgal biomass, with high oil content and minimal changes in the fatty acid profile of the strains under consideration.

Renal failure is a risk factor for cefepime-induced encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: Cefepime is a widely used antibiotic. However, it can cause encephalopathy, which has been increasingly described in the literature, occurring mainly in patients with impaired renal function. The primary objective in this study was to measure the incidence of cefepime-induced encephalopathy and determine potential risk factors for its occurrence. METHODS: In the period from February 2005 to February 2006, a prospective cohort study was conducted, which followed 498 patients using cefepime. Other metabolic problems were ruled out for all patients with clinical suspicion of encephalopathy and, when cefepime was the probable cause, electroencephalographic (EEG) tests were performed to assist in the diagnosis, with the first performed during cefepime use and another performed at least 48 hours following drug discontinuation and/or clinical improvement. RESULTS: Among patients selected for this study (n=498), 5 were diagnosed with cefepime-induced encephalopathy, thus indicating a cumulative incidence of approximately 1% (0.01), 387 had glomerular filtration rate (GFR) >or=60 ml/min and 111 had GFR <60 ml/min. Among the latter, 5 patients developed cefepime-induced encephalopathy. Mean GFR value in patients with encephalopathy (n=5) was 17.20 ml/min (SD +/-10.75 ml/min) and, in patients without encephalopathy (n=106) it was 32.59 ml/min (SD +/-14.89 ml/min) (p=0.025). CONCLUSION: The development of cefepime-induced encephalopathy seems to be related to the severity of impairment in glomerular filtration.

Lesiones en el judo de alta competición, actuación del deportista ante las mismas y valoración de los tratamientos de fisioterapia / Judo injuries in high competition. Sportsman’s performance after injury

El objetivo del presente estudio es valorar en un grupo de deportistas de élite, componentes de la Selección Española de Judo, las lesiones sufridas durante toda su carrera deportiva, así como analizar su forma de actuación ante las mismas. Finalmente se les pregunta sobre el grado de conocimiento que tienen sobre las técnicas más habituales de fisioterapia, así como la valoración de los tratamientos que han recibido en su período de rehabilitación

This study has aimed to study the injures suffered during their entire sportsmen career and their way of dealing with them in a group of top class sportsman, members of the National Spanish Judo Team. The team was also questioned about their most usual physical therapy techniques and how they assessed the treatment received during their recovery period (AU)

Procedimientos fisioterapéuticos aplicados en la mejora de la calidad de vida de los pacientes con sida / Physical therapy procedures can be beneficial to improve the quality of life of AIDS patients

El virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) es causante del síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida, o sida, una afección del sistema inmunológico que, por ahora, aún no siendo mortal, es crónica y afecta a la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Sin duda el tratamiento fisioterapéutico es una manera de mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes. En este sentido y dado que uno de los factores importantes en el seguimiento de la evolución de la enfermedad es la fatiga, todos aquellos mecanismos que podamos establecer como fisioterapeutas para disminuir esta sintomatología ayudarán al bienestar del paciente. Para minimizar y prevenir los efectos de la fatiga en el organismo, se vienen empleando distintos agentes físicos y procedimientos fisioterapéuticos: crioterapia, electroestimulación, masoterapia e incluso otras técnicas llamadas “alternativas”. Se ha sugerido que el ejercicio físico (aeróbico y de resistencia muscular) puede ser beneficioso y mejorar la calidad de vida de sujetos con sida, pero es necesario llevar a cabo más investigaciones para determinar los parámetros óptimos de trabajo; así, en función del estado vital del paciente, se podrán establecer los protocolos de ejercicio físico adecuados, dirigidos por profesionales de la fisioterapia

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a causal factor of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), an immune system disease that is presently not mortal but is a chronic disease that affects that patient’s quality of life. Undoubtedly, physical therapy can improve the patient’s quality of life. In this regards and given that one of the important factors in the follow-up of the disease course is fatigue, all those mechanisms that we can establish such as physical therapy to diminish this symptom, will help to improve the patient. In order to minimize and to prevent the effects of fatigue on the body, different physical agents and physical therapy procedures have been used: cryotherapy, electrical nerve stimulation, massage, and even other so-called “alternative” techniques. It has been suggested that physical exercise (aerobic and muscular resistance) can be beneficial and improve the AID patient’s quality of life. However, more research is needed to determine the ideal work parameters. Thus, based on the vital state of the patient, the best exercise protocols, directed by physical therapy professionals, is to establish adequate physical exercise protocols (AU)

Artrosis de cadera: errores técnicos en artroplastías de cadera operadas por médicos especialistas y residentes: estudio comparativo de radiografías posoperatorias

El entrenamiento en artroplastía de cadera forma parte de los programas de residencias médicas. El médico especialista debe cumplir con su función docente y brindar excelencia en los tratamientos que indica. El propósito de este trabajo es evaluar diferencias en radiografías posoperatorias de artroplastías de cadera realizadas por residentes y especialistas. Se seleccionaron 96 radiografías posoperatorias inmediatas de 44 artroplastías realizadas por especialistas y 52 efectuadas por residentes para determinar en cada una los siguientes parámetros: discrepancia en longitud de miembros, inclinación, cementación y orientación del cótilo, centro de rotación obtenido, alineación y cementado del tallo femoral, alambrado y contacto de los bordes de la osteotomía del trocánter mayor y presencia de falsa vía inadvertida o fractura del fémur. Las diferencias entre los grupos fueron estadísticamente significativas para la ubicación del centro de rotación y el cementado del tallo femoral. Se discuten los resultados con aportes de la bibliografía y las probables implicancias de los hallazgos para la sobrevida de la prótesis. A pesar de una estrecha vigilancia existen diferencias entre artroplastías de cadera realizadas por cirujanos en formación y especialistas. Recomendamos estudios similares en servicios con residentes para determinar las diferencias y orientar el proceso de entrenamiento

[Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Vagus nerve sarcoma]. / Tumor maligno de vaina de nervio periférico. Sarcoma de nervio vago.

A young man was seen for a mass on the left side of the neck. Computed tomography revealed a round mass suggesting a lymph node metastasis with a necrotic center. Fine needle aspiration found mesenchymal cells. The tumor excised from its location on the Xth left cranial nerve was found to be a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Treatment was complemented by regional irradiation. After concluding complementary treatment in April 1996, the patient currently is disease-free. This type of soft-tissue sarcoma is reviewed. Survival depends on tumoral size and cellular differentiation.

[Comparison of the effects of digoxin or enalapril in the treatment of heart failure due to mitral insufficiency]. / Comparación de digoxina y enalapril en insuficiencia cardíaca secundaria a insuficiencia mitral.

BACKGROUND: There is not much evidence about the usefulness of digoxin or enalapril in the treatment of heart failure due to mitral insufficiency. AIM: To compare digoxin and enalapril in the treatment of heart failure due to mitral insufficiency. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with mitral insufficiency, in sinus rhythm, with a heart failure grade II or III and with echocardiographic left ventricular dilatation were eligible for the study. They received sequentially, during 12 weeks each, digoxin 0.25 mg/day or enalapril in doses up to 20 mg/day, with a washout in-between period of 2 weeks. The order of the sequence was determined randomly. At the start and end of treatment, functional class according to NYHA and maximal exercise tolerance in the treadmill were assessed and a color Doppler echocardiogram was done to measure ventricular dimensions, function and degree of mitral insufficiency. RESULTS: Nine patients on enalapril and 12 on digoxin improved their functional capacity. Digoxin improved exercise time in 76 +/- 168 sec (p = 0.022), whereas this change was not significant with enalapril (38 +/- 158 sec; p = 0.2). With enalapril treatment, ventricular diastolic dimension decreased from 59.3 +/- 8.1 to 58 +/- 9.3 mm and the area of mitral insufficiency decreased from 8.1 +/- 3.5 to 6.6 +/- 3.1 cm2. Digoxin did not induce any significant echocardiographic change. CONCLUSIONS: In these patients, digoxin and enalapril improved functional class. Digoxin improved exercise time and enalapril reduced ventricular dimensions and mitral insufficiency.

Artrosis de cadera: errores técnicos en artroplastías de cadera operadas por médicos especialistas y residentes: estudio comparativo de radiografías posoperatorias

El entrenamiento en artroplastía de cadera forma parte de los programas de residencias médicas. El médico especialista debe cumplir con su función docente y brindar excelencia en los tratamientos que indica. El propósito de este trabajo es evaluar diferencias en radiografías posoperatorias de artroplastías de cadera realizadas por residentes y especialistas. Se seleccionaron 96 radiografías posoperatorias inmediatas de 44 artroplastías realizadas por especialistas y 52 efectuadas por residentes para determinar en cada una los siguientes parámetros: discrepancia en longitud de miembros, inclinación, cementación y orientación del cótilo, centro de rotación obtenido, alineación y cementado del tallo femoral, alambrado y contacto de los bordes de la osteotomía del trocánter mayor y presencia de falsa vía inadvertida o fractura del fémur. Las diferencias entre los grupos fueron estadísticamente significativas para la ubicación del centro de rotación y el cementado del tallo femoral. Se discuten los resultados con aportes de la bibliografía y las probables implicancias de los hallazgos para la sobrevida de la prótesis. A pesar de una estrecha vigilancia existen diferencias entre artroplastías de cadera realizadas por cirujanos en formación y especialistas. Recomendamos estudios similares en servicios con residentes para determinar las diferencias y orientar el proceso de entrenamiento

[Neurinoma of the primary facial nerve]. / Neurinoma de la primera porción del nervio facial.

Facial nerve neurinomas are unusual tumors which originate fin the Schwann cells of the nerve sheath. Diagnosis of these tumors has improved in the last years due to radiological and clinical advances. Here presented is a case study of a patient with neurinoma of the primary facial nerve which clinically manifested itself as a recurrent facial paralysis. A high resolution T-C scan was sufficient for tumour identification, treatment consisted in a middle fossa approach and tumour removal followed by hypoglossa-facial anastomosis.

[Value of electrocardiogram in localization of the coronary artery occlusion in acute inferior wall myocardial infarction]. / Valor del electrocardiograma en la localizacion de la arteria coronaria culpable en el infarto agudo del miocardio de pared inferior.

Early EKG changes may contribute to predict the site of coronary artery occlusion during acute inferior myocardial infarction (MI). Its interpretation is relevant to therapeutic clinical decisions. We have prospectively evaluated early EKG changes of 40 consecutive patients with acute inferior MI and correlated them with the site and location of the coronary artery culprit lesion. Proximal right coronary artery occlusion was characterized by negative ST-T wave changes in leads D1 and aVL and ST segment elevation in leads D3 > D2. However the most distinctive EKG pattern of proximal right coronary artery occlusion was ST segment elevation with positive T wave in V4R (specificity 96%, predictive value 89%, p < 0.001). Distal right coronary artery occlusion was characterized by a positive T wave without ST segment elevation in V4R. Finally circumflex coronary artery occlusion was defined by a positive R/S > 1 relationship in V1, ST segment elevation in V5 and V6. Again lead V4R with flat or negative ST-T wave morphology had the highest predictive value for circumflex coronary artery occlusion (100%). Thus early EKG changes may contribute to precise the site and location of coronary artery occlusion and may help to implement clinical therapeutic strategies in patient with inferior MI. Right precordial leads are most useful in the EKG interpretation of inferior MI.

[Sudden death in the young adult without demonstrable cardiopathy: the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics in 3 cases]. / Muerte súbita en el adulto jóven sin cardiopatía demostrable: características clínicas y electrofisiológicas en 3 casos.

We report 3 young adult males who developed spontaneous ventricular fibrillation in the absence of demonstrable heart disease. Extensive clinical and electrophysiologic evaluation failed to disclose a cause for the arrhythmia. Antiarrhythmic drugs were empirically used in all patients but 2 of them eventually died. Thus, unexplained ventricular fibrillation without demonstrable heart disease carries a serious short-term prognosis. An implantable cardio-vector-defibrillator may be the therapy of choice in these cases.

[The identification and localization of multiple accessory pathways in patients with recurrent tachycardia]. / Identificación y localización de haces paraespecíficos múltiples en pacientes con taquicardia recurrente.

Approximately 15% of patients with Wolff Parkinson White's syndrome who undergo electrophysiologic study have more than one accessory pathway. We describe the electrophysiologic testing and findings in 2 patients with multiple pathways. Identification of these is highly relevant since successful surgical therapy depends on section of all pathway.

[Granular-cell tumor of the larynx]. / Tumor de células granulares de laringe.

Laryngeal granular cell tumors are rare. The interest of this subject is their peculiar histogenesis, because there is no general agreement on it. The AA. rapport one case in a woman aged 32, and review closely the related literature.