Forecasting daily total pollen concentrations on a global scale.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence that global anthropogenic climate change may be impacting floral phenology and the temporal and spatial characteristics of aero-allergenic pollen. Given the extent of current and future climate uncertainty, there is a need to strengthen predictive pollen forecasts. METHODS: The study aims to use CatBoost (CB) and deep learning (DL) models for predicting the daily total pollen concentration up to 14 days in advance for 23 cities, covering all five continents. The model includes the projected environmental parameters, recent concentrations (1, 2 and 4 weeks), and the past environmental explanatory variables, and their future values. RESULTS: The best pollen forecasts include Mexico City (R2(DL_7) ≈ .7), and Santiago (R2(DL_7) ≈ .8) for the 7th forecast day, respectively; while the weakest pollen forecasts are made for Brisbane (R2(DL_7) ≈ .4) and Seoul (R2(DL_7) ≈ .1) for the 7th forecast day. The global order of the five most important environmental variables in determining the daily total pollen concentrations is, in decreasing order: the past daily total pollen concentration, future 2 m temperature, past 2 m temperature, past soil temperature in 28-100 cm depth, and past soil temperature in 0-7 cm depth. City-related clusters of the most similar distribution of feature importance values of the environmental variables only slightly change on consecutive forecast days for Caxias do Sul, Cape Town, Brisbane, and Mexico City, while they often change for Sydney, Santiago, and Busan. CONCLUSIONS: This new knowledge of the ecological relationships of the most remarkable variables importance for pollen forecast models according to clusters, cities and forecast days is important for developing and improving the accuracy of airborne pollen forecasts.

The Impact of Shared Assistance between Dermatology and Internal Medicine on Patients with Psoriasis.

Background: The care of psoriatic patients requires a multidisciplinary approach that addresses not only skin involvement but also cardiovascular risk factors. Coordination between dermatology and internal medicine departments, with a specific focus on treatment and long-term follow-up, can substantially improve the course of a disease and its associated complications. Objective: to evaluate the effects of the holistic management of patients with psoriasis by a multidisciplinary team consisting of dermatology and internal medicine specialists. Methods: We conducted an observational, prospective, single-center case-control study between October 2016 and December 2019 in San Jorge University Hospital (Huesca, Spain). Cases included patients undergoing follow-up in the combined dermatology and internal medicine clinic. The control group consisted of an equivalent number of randomly selected, age- and sex-matched patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who were seen in the general dermatology department of the same hospital during the same time period. Main outcomes and measures: The primary outcome was the control of psoriatic disease and cardiovascular risk factors such as weight, blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), SCORE index (Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation), and blood test parameters, as well as diet, physical exercise, and habits such as tobacco and alcohol consumption. To compare data collected over time, data were grouped into three time periods: baseline (t1), intermediate (t2), and final (t3). Results: The case group consisted of 27 patients, and the control group consisted of 25 patients. Multivariate analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between the 10-year risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event (SCORE) and the clinical characteristics and analytical variables of patients with psoriasis and controls (n = 52). The variables that were significantly associated with a higher 10-year risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event were age (OR, 1.33; CI95% 1.21-1.50; p < 0.001); smoking (OR, 5.05, CI95% 1.07-27.37; p = 0.047); PASI (OR, 7.98, CI95% 2.32-35.86; p = 0.003); BSA (OR, 1.22, CI95% 1.01-1.49; p = 0.044); and being a control patient (OR, 3.26; CI95% 0.84-13.56; p = 0.029). Conclusions: Pharmacological and behavioral interventions carried out as part of the procedure of the multidisciplinary clinic resulted in improvements in the following variables relative to the control group: PASI, BSA, DLQI, PSOLIFE, lipid profile, insulin and HOMA-IR GGT levels, vitamin D levels, and SCORE. These findings indicate the beneficial effect of the multidisciplinary clinic, which reduced the risk of cardiovascular events in psoriatic patients with metabolic comorbidities.

Evaluation of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) in Urine Samples for the Diagnosis of Imported Schistosomiasis.

Migratory flows and international travel are triggering an increase in imported cases of schistosomiasis in non-endemic countries. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the LAMP technique on patients' urine samples for the diagnosis of imported schistosomiasis in a non-endemic area in comparison to a commercial immunochromatographic test and microscopic examination of feces and urine. A prospective observational study was conducted in sub-Saharan migrants attending the Tropical Medicine Unit, Almería, Spain. For schistosomiasis diagnosis, serum samples were tested using an immunochromatographic test (Schistosoma ICT IgG-IgM). Stool and urine samples were examined by microcopy. Urine samples were evaluated by combining three LAMP assays for the specific detection of Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium, and for the genus Schistosoma. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, a latent class analysis (LCA) was performed. In total, 115 patients were included (92.2% male; median age: 28.3 years). Of these, 21 patients (18.3%) were diagnosed with schistosomiasis confirmed by microscopy, with S. haematobium being the most frequent species identified (18/115; 15.7%). The Schistosoma ICT IgG-IgM test result was 100% positive and Schistosoma-LAMP was 61.9% positive, reaching as high as 72.2% for S. haematobium. The sensitivity and specificity estimated by LCA, respectively, were: 92% and 76% for Schistosoma ICT IgG-IgM, 68% and 44% for Schistosoma-LAMP, and 46% and 97% for microscopy. In conclusion, the Schistosoma-LAMP technique presented a higher sensitivity than microscopy for the diagnosis of imported urinary schistosomiasis, which could improve the diagnosis of active infection, both in referral centers and in centers with limited experience or scarce resources and infrastructure.

Estimation of parasitaemia in imported falciparum malaria using the results of a combined rapid diagnostic test. No big help from haematological parameters.

BACKGROUND: Microscopy continues to be the mainstay for the evaluation of parasitaemia in malaria but requires laboratory support and microbiological experience. Other fast and simple methods are necessary. METHODS: A retrospective observational study of imported malaria treated from July-2007 to December-2020 was carried out to evaluate the association between the degree of parasitaemia and both rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) reactivity patterns and haematological parameters. Plasmodium falciparum monoinfections diagnosed by peripheral blood smear and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR),which also had a positive RDT result in the same blood sample, were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 273 patients were included. Most of them were male (n = 256; 93.8%) and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travellers (n = 252; 92.3%). Patients with plasmodial lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) or aldolase and histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP-2) co-reactivity (Pan/Pf pattern) had a parasitaemia range between 0 and 37% while those with just HRP-2 reactivity (P. falciparum pattern) had ranges between 0 and 1%. Not a single case of P. falciparum pattern was found for parasitaemia ranges greater than 1%, showing a negative predictive value of 100% for high parasitaemia. All the correlations between haematological parameters and parasitaemia resulted to be weak, with a maximum rho coefficient of -0.35 for lymphocytes and platelets, and of 0.40 for neutrophils-to-lymphocytes count ratio. Multivariate predictive models were constructed reflecting a poor predictive capacity. CONCLUSIONS: The reactivity pattern of RDT allows a rapid semi-quantitative assessment of P. falciparum parasitaemia in travellers with imported malaria, discriminating patients with lower parasite loads. Haematological parameters were not able to estimate parasitaemia with sufficient precision.

Latent factors on the design and adoption of gamified apps in primary education.

The main objective of this research is to determine the perception of teachers about the elements that increases the educational effectiveness of gamified apps in primary education. A methodology based on an importance-performance analysis was daeveloped, using a structural equations model to calcuate the degree of importance of each variable. The sample was formed of 212 Spanish teachers with experience using educational apps in the teaching-learning process. Six categories were identified as precursors of educational effectiveness: (1) curriculum connection, (2) feedback and operational experience, (3) assessment and learning analytics, (4) sustainability (Protection Personal data), (5) equal access and (6) flow. These six categories enhance the three traditional areas of gamification intervention: cognitive, emotional and social. In this sense, the design and adoption of an educational gamified app should: (1) establish a clear link between the game and curricular content and competence development; (2) promote self-regulated learning through individual and collaborative activities; (3) offer adapted learning by integrating differentiated personalized learning pathways; (4) integrate learning analytics that can be consulted by teacher, student and family; (5) comply with data protection regulation and promote a safe, sustainable and ethical use of the information generated; (6) take into account different levels of functional diversity. When the gamified app design incorporates these attributes, primary education teachers perceive that such resources can be integrated effectively into the teaching-learning processes.

Preliminary effects of a preoperative nursing consultation for patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery: A pre-experimental study / Effets préliminaires d'une consultation préopératoire infirmière auprès des patients devant subir une arthroplastie de la hanche ou du genou : une étude préexpérimentale

Introduction: A large proportion of patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery experience preoperative anxiety, a predictor of postoperative pain. Objective: To evaluate the preliminary effects of a preoperative nursing consultation incorporating therapeutic education with relaxation on pre- and postoperative anxiety and postoperative pain in patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery. Method: Pre-experimental study conducted with a single group and several measurement times: before and after the consultation with a nurse; the day before surgery; and during the hospital stay. Results: A total of 92 people participated in the study. There was a significant and progressive decrease in levels of pain and anxiety. The reduction in anxiety levels before/after the consultation (T0-T1) correlated with anxiety levels the day before surgery (T2), anxiety levels during the hospital stay (T3), and postoperative pain. Discussion: This preoperative nursing consultation appears to have been effective in reducing levels of pre- and postoperative anxiety, as well as postoperative pain, in the patients studied. Conclusion: This randomized clinical trial demonstrates the relevance of continuing to study this combined therapeutic approach in the management of pre- and postoperative anxiety and pain.

Introduction: Une grande proportion de personnes devant subir une arthroplastie de la hanche ou du genou éprouvent de l'anxiété préopératoire, prédictive de douleur postopératoire. Objectif: Évaluer les effets préliminaires d'une consultation infirmière préopératoire intégrant de l'éducation thérapeutique avec de la relaxation sur l'anxiété pré- et postopératoire et la douleur postopératoire dans cette population. Méthode: Devis préexpérimental avec un seul groupe en plusieurs temps de mesure, avant et après la consultation infirmière, la veille de la chirurgie et durant le séjour hospitalier. Résultats: Au total, 92 personnes ont participé à l'étude. Il y a une diminution significative et progressive de l'anxiété et de la douleur. La diminution de l'anxiété avant/après la consultation (T0-T1) est corrélée à l'anxiété la veille de la chirurgie (T2), l'anxiété pendant le séjour (T3) et la douleur postopératoire. Discussion: Cette consultation infirmière en préopératoire semble efficace pour diminuer l'anxiété pré- et postopératoire et la douleur postopératoire dans cette population. Conclusion: Cette étude démontre la pertinence de continuer à étudier cette combinaison thérapeutique dans la gestion de l'anxiété et la douleur pré- et postopératoire dans un essai clinique à répartition aléatoire.

The Relational Virtual Nursing Practice Model: A Web-Based Nursing Intervention.

This discussion paper aimed to reflect on the development of relational connections in the context of a web-based, tailored, asynchronous nursing intervention (VIH-TAVIETM) aimed at empowering people living with HIV in taking their antiretroviral treatment. Our reflection culminates in the Relational Virtual Nursing Practice Model. This paper builds on nurse-researchers and people living with HIV's experiences, nursing theories, and cross-disciplinary work on relational engagement. The model shows the disciplinary principles underpinning VIH-TAVIETM, engagement processes used to create humanistic and supportive relational environment and people's relational experiences and it contributes to the development of conceptual nursing knowledge on how generating meaningful relational nursing care in virtual environments.

Geographical Influence on Morphometric Variability of Genetically "Pure" Schistosoma haematobium Eggs from Sub-Saharan Migrants in Spain.

Schistosome eggs play a key role in schistosomiasis diagnosis and research. The aim of this work is to morphogenetically study the eggs of Schistosoma haematobium found in sub-Saharan migrants present in Spain, analyzing their morphometric variation in relation to the geographical origin of the parasite (Mali, Mauritania and Senegal). Only eggs considered "pure" S. haematobium by genetic characterization (rDNA ITS-2 and mtDNA cox1) have been used. A total of 162 eggs obtained from 20 migrants from Mali, Mauritania and Senegal were included in the study. Analyses were made by the Computer Image Analysis System (CIAS). Following a previously standardized methodology, seventeen measurements were carried out on each egg. The morphometric analysis of the three morphotypes detected (round, elongated and spindle) and the biometric variations in relation to the country of origin of the parasite on the egg phenotype were carried out by canonical variate analysis. Mahalanobis distances, when all egg measurements were analyzed, showed differences between: (i) Mali-Mauritania, Mali-Senegal and Mauritania-Senegal in the round morphotype; (ii) Mali-Mauritania and Mauritania-Senegal in the elongated morphotype; and (iii) Mauritania-Senegal in the spindle morphotype. Mahalanobis distances, when spine variables were analyzed, showed differences between Mali-Senegal in the round morphotype. In conclusion, this is the first phenotypic study performed on individually genotyped "pure" S. haematobium eggs, allowing the assessment of the intraspecific morphological variations associated with the geographical origin of the schistosome eggs.

Accuracy of Three Serological Techniques for the Diagnosis of Imported Schistosomiasis in Real Clinical Practice: Not All in the Same Boat.

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease despite of being a major public health problem affecting nearly 240 million people in the world. Due to the migratory flow from endemic countries to Western countries, an increasing number of cases is being diagnosed in non-endemic areas, generally in migrants or people visiting these areas. Serology is the recommended method for screening and diagnosis of schistosomiasis in migrants from endemic regions. However, serological techniques have a highly variable sensitivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the sensitivity of three different serological tests used in real clinical practice for the screening and diagnosis of imported schistosomiasis in sub-Saharan migrant patients, using the detection of schistosome eggs in urine, faeces or tissues as the gold standard. We evaluated three different serological techniques in 405 sub-Saharan patients with confirmed schistosomiasis treated between 2004 and 2022: an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA) and an immunochromatographic test (ICT). The overall sensitivity values obtained with the different techniques were: 44.4% for IHA, 71.2% for ELISA and 94.7% for ICT, respectively. According to species, ICT showed the highest sensitivity (S. haematobium: 94%, S. mansoni: 93.3%; and S. intercalatum/guineensis: 100%). In conclusion, our study shows that Schistosoma ICT has the best performance in real clinical practice, when compared to ELISA and IHA, in both S. mansoni and S. haematobium infections.

Effect of autogenic training on quality of life and symptoms in people living with HIV: A mixed method randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Quality of life of people living with HIV is strongly affected by sleep problems, fatigue, pain, anxiety, and depression symptoms. This study set out to evaluate the effects of autogenic training (AT) on quality of life and symptoms within this population. METHODS: A mixed method randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to either the AT group (n = 32) or the control group (CG) (n = 31). Quality of life and symptoms were measured in both groups three times: prior to intervention (T0), immediately after intervention (T3), and three months after intervention (T6). Fourteen individual interviews were conducted. RESULTS: Results show a significant improvement in social and mental dimensions of quality of life for the two groups at T6. They also show a significant improvement in sleep for AT participants at T3. Qualitative results are consistent with quantitative ones. CONCLUSION: AT seems to improve sleep quality and could improve some dimensions of quality of life and other symptoms among people living with HIV. Further studies are needed to confirm these results. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01901016.

Dolor facial atípico asociado a craneoplastia: ¿un encaje demasiado perfecto? / Atypical facial pain after cranioplasty: A too perfect design?

La craneoplastia es un procedimiento habitual en la práctica neuroquirúrgica. Está asociada a una considerable morbilidad y a varios tipos de complicaciones posquirúrgicas, especialmente infecciones, reabsorción ósea y hematomas. La aparición de dolor facial neuropático no ha sido descrita como complicación posquirúrgica. Presentamos un caso de una paciente que, en el postoperatorio inmediato de una craneoplastia, desarrolló un dolor facial atípico resistente a tratamiento médico y al bloqueo del ganglio esfenopalatino. Finalmente, desapareció tras una revisión quirúrgica de la plastia (AU)

Cranioplasty is a procedure routinely performed in neurosurgery. It is associated with significant morbidity and several types of postsurgical complications. The most common are infections, bone flap resorption and hematomas. Atypical facial pain has not been documented yet as a potential postoperative complication. We present a case of atypical facial pain reported at immediate postoperative period after cranioplasty. The pain was refractory to medical treatment and sphenopalatine ganglion block. Eventually, the pain totally disappeared after surgical revision of the cranial implant (AU)

Designing, planning, and conducting systematic reviews and other knowledge syntheses: Six key practical recommendations to improve feasibility and efficiency.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge syntheses, such as systematic reviews, scoping reviews, and realist reviews, are crucial tools to guide nursing practice, policy, and research. However, conducting high-quality knowledge syntheses is a complex and time-consuming endeavor. It is imperative for nursing students, clinicians, and researchers to be aware of key practical recommendations regarding the conduct of knowledge syntheses to improve the feasibility and efficiency of such projects. AIM: The aim of this paper was to discuss key practical recommendations for designing, planning, and conducting knowledge syntheses relevant to nursing policy, practice, and research. METHODS: The recommendations discussed are based on best-practice guidance about knowledge synthesis methodology proposed by The Campbell Collaboration (Campbell systematic reviews: Policies and guidelines, 2020), Cochrane (Cochrane training, 2019), and the Joanna Briggs Institute (The Joanna Briggs Institute reviewers' manual, 2020) and on strategies used by the authors to improve the feasibility and efficiency of knowledge syntheses. RESULTS: This paper highlights six key practical recommendations that nursing students, clinicians, and researchers should take into account when deciding to embark on a knowledge synthesis project: (1) determining if (and why) knowledge synthesis should be conducted; (2) selecting the appropriate type of knowledge synthesis, as well as the associated methodological guidance and reporting standards; (3) developing a search strategy that balances sensitivity and specificity; (4) writing a protocol and obtaining feedback; (5) determining the resources required to conduct the different stages of the knowledge synthesis; and (6) keeping an audit trail. Fifteen common types of knowledge synthesis are presented with their definitions, relevant methodological guidance, and reporting standards. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: The recommendations discussed, used in conjunction with appropriate methodological guidelines, may help ensure the success of a knowledge synthesis project by providing best-practice and experience-based guidance to newcomers in the field.

Value of Music and Nitrous Oxide for Pain Control during Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL).

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of 4 different analgesic regimens that include music and nitrous oxide during the treatment of renal lithiasis with ambulatory extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-centre, longitudinal, prospective, randomized, open and parallel group study was conducted. Patients with renal lithiasis were included and were randomized to Group A (basal analgesia: midazolam (1 mg), fentanyl (0.05 mg) and dexketoprofen (50 mg)), Group B (basal analgesia and nitrous oxide), Group C (basal analgesia and music) and Group D (basal analgesia, nitrous oxide and music). For the measurement of pain, a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 100 (maximum pain imaginable) was used. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a Likert questionnaire. The epidemiological data of the patients in terms of lithiasis, previous clinical and ESWL sessions, and pain measured with the VAS before, during (maximum) at the end of the session and at discharge were recorded. Data on complications were also collected, as was the patients' subjective evaluation of the treatment and their satisfaction. The ESWL procedure was performed with a Storz Modulith SLX-F2® lithotripter. A maximum of 4000 waves were applied at a frequency of 1.5 Hz. RESULTS: Eighty patients were included (20 per group). None of the analgesia guidelines proved to be superior to the others for pain control during the ESWL session. Patients younger than 50 years had significantly higher values for the maximum VAS. Only 13.75% of patients required rescue analgesia. A total of 77.5% described their experience as good, very good or excellent, regardless of the assigned group. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of nitrous oxide and/or music did not result in a statistically significant improvement over the basal analgesia regimen of midazolam, fentanyl and dexketoprofen; however, the degree of patient satisfaction was very high.

Value of Music and Nitrous Oxide for Pain Control during Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of 4 different analgesic regimens that include music and nitrous oxide during the treatment of renal lithiasis with ambulatory extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Materials and Methods: A single-centre, longitudinal, prospective, randomized, open and parallel group study was conducted. Patients with renal lithiasis were included and were randomized to Group A (basal analgesia: midazolam (1 mg), fentanyl (0.05 mg) and dexketoprofen (50 mg)), Group B (basal analgesia and nitrous oxide), Group C (basal analgesia and music) and Group D (basal analgesia, nitrous oxide and music). For the measurement of pain, a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 100 (maximum pain imaginable) was used. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a Likert questionnaire. The epidemiological data of the patients in terms of lithiasis, previous clinical and ESWL sessions, and pain measured with the VAS before, during (maximum) at the end of the session and at discharge were recorded. Data on complications were also collected, as was the patients’ subjective evaluation of the treatment and their satisfaction. The ESWL procedure was performed with a Storz Modulith SLX-F2® lithotripter. A maximum of 4000 waves were applied at a frequency of 1.5 Hz. Results: Eighty patients were included (20 per group). None of the analgesia guidelines proved to be superior to the others for pain control during the ESWL session. Patients younger than 50 years had significantly higher values for the maximum VAS. Only 13.75% of patients required rescue analgesia. A total of 77.5% described their experience as good, very good or excellent, regardless of the assigned group. Conclusions: The addition of nitrous oxide and/or music did not result in a statistically significant improvement over the basal analgesia regimen of midazolam, fentanyl and dexketoprofen; however, the degree of patient satisfaction was very high (AU)

Misleading eosinophil counts in migration-associated malaria: do not miss hidden helminthic co-infections.

BACKGROUND: Lower eosinophil counts observed during acute malaria episodes could hide helminth-related eosinophilia. METHOD: Retrospective observational study with sub-Saharan migrants with imported malaria from May-2007 to May-2020. Absolute eosinophil count was determined upon diagnosis at hospital admission and at least once after clearance of parasitemia. Helminthic co-infections were investigated by searching for stool and urine parasites, serology for Strongyloides spp. and Schistosoma spp., and Knott and/or saponin tests for blood microfilariae. RESULTS: A total of 259 patients were included. Most of them were male (n = 237; 91.5%) and VFR travelers (n = 241; 93.1%). 131 patients (50.6%) were diagnosed with probable schistosomiasis, 15 (5.8%) with confirmed schistosomiasis, 16 (6.2%) with strongyloidiasis, 4 (1.6%) with soil-transmitted helminthiasis, and 4 (1.6%) with filariasis (Mansonella perstans). Prevalence of eosinophilia increased from 2.7% on admission to 32.5% during outpatient follow-up. Eosinophilia did not appear until several weeks after hospital discharge in up to 24% of the confirmed helminthic co-infections and in 61.1% of patients with probable schistosomiasis. Eosinophilia was associated with confirmed schistosomiasis and mansonellosis while 56.2% and 75% of cases with strongyloidiasis and soil-transmitted worms did not present eosinophilia at any time, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the absence of eosinophilia, patients hospitalized because of acute imported malaria might benefit from the screening of the main parasitic diseases, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment.

A Device to Register Temperature in Boreholes in Northwest Spain for Geothermal Research.

This paper presents a device used to measure and register temperature for long-term subsoil measurements in boreholes. The borehole of this study is located in Gijón (Asturias, Spain). The measurements were made through two fixed sets of sensors coupled to the geothermal pipe, constituting two independent installations: (a) a commercial device called "Hobo", which uses TMCx-HD-specific sensors based on resistors with variable resistance; and (b) a device built by this research group, which uses DS12B20 Maxim sensors, a bus 1-wire, and a recording device based on a conventional Arduino board. Temperature was registered every 5 min across several years. These measurements were used to thermally characterize the subsoil, determining the apparent thermal diffusivity, and to study the thermo-hydrogeology of the Lower Jurassic Gijón's formation made of Liassic limestones and dolomites. This work is part of the Q-Thermie group's research called "Shallow Thermal Energy".

Intra- and inter-operator concordance of the resonance frequency analysis. A cross-sectional and prospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) provides an evaluation of implant stability over time. This analysis is a non-invasive, precise, and objective method. Several studies compare the RFA system with other devices. However, few investigations analyze repeatability and reproducibility between different operators. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intra- and inter-operator concordance of the Osstell® ISQ. MATERIAL AND METHODS: RFA measurements were performed with Osstell® ISQ in a total of 37 implants placed in 21 patients. At the time of implant placement, 6 measurements per implant were taken by three different experienced operators. Three measurements were carried out consecutively and three by removing and placing the SmartPeg-Osstell® to assess intra-operator and inter-operator agreement. RESULTS: Intra-operator concordance according to the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) showed high concordance. The ICC values were higher than 0.9 (p < 0.0001) for consecutive measures and alternative measures, being almost perfect of Landis & Koch classification. For inter-operator concordance The ICC was 0.709 (p < 0.0001) and 0.670 (p < 0.0001) for consecutive and alternative measures, respectively, both estimates being in the substantial category. In torque and ISQ values, no statistically significant differences were observed when operators and measurements were compared. CONCLUSIONS: Osstell® ISQ system was stable both in intra-operator and inter-operator measurements. This device has excellent repeatability and reproducibility, demonstrating reliability to measure the stability of dental implants. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) is a non-invasive, objective, and reliable diagnostic method to determine the ideal moment to load the implant, as well as to predict possible failures.

Atypical facial pain after cranioplasty: A too perfect design?: Dolor facial atípico asociado a craneoplastia: ¿un encaje demasiado perfecto?

Cranioplasty is a procedure routinely performed in neurosurgery. It is associated with significant morbidity and several types of postsurgical complications. The most common are infections, bone flap resorption and hematomas. Atypical facial pain has not been documented yet as a potential postoperative complication. We present a case of atypical facial pain reported at inmediate postoperative period after cranioplasty. The pain was refractory to medical treatment and sphenopalatine ganglion block. Eventually, the pain totally disappeared after surgical revision of the cranial implant.