Focal cone high harmonic generation driven by a 400 TW laser.

The generation of self-focusing beams of extreme ultraviolet (XUV) radiation using the focal cone high harmonic generation (FCHHG) technique is examined for high energy lasers. The FCHHG geometry is created by passing a focusing laser beam through a gas sheet prior to reaching focus and thus creating a converging beam of high harmonic radiation. This leads to a larger interaction area that increases the total area of XUV emission while not exceeding the saturation intensity of the target atoms or increasing the density of the atoms. Such a method allows for scaling of HHG to any incident laser power. An experiment was conducted demonstrating such scaling to incident 400 TW pulses, showing both the expected spectral signature of HHG and the converging cone of XUV radiation. It was found that this technique is very sensitive to spatial non-uniformity in the driving laser, which has become more prevalent in high energy laser systems.

Queratitis secundaria a Fusarium spp. en España 2012-2014 / Keratitis secondary to Fusarium spp. in Spain 2012-2014

OBJETIVO: Describir las características clinicoepidemiológicas de una serie de casos de queratitis fúngica asociada con Fusarium spp., en España durante los años 2012 a 2014. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de una serie de casos. Se identificaron los centros sanitarios que se encontraban en las capitales provinciales (n = 250), obteniéndose una muestra aleatoria sistemática del 10%. Se les preguntó si habían presentado casos de queratitis por Fusarium spp. caracterizados mediante métodos microbiológicos, 23 centros respondieron, detectando casos en 14 de ellos, aceptando participar 13, completando el estudio 11 instituciones, a los que se les envió el cuestionario previamente validado. Las variables analizadas fueron: edad, sexo, residencia habitual, profesión, antecedentes patológicos y médicos (enfermedades sistémicas y oculares previas, cirugías oculares previas) y su evolución. RESULTADOS: La tasa de respuesta fue del 92%, identificando 23 casos de Fusarium spp.; 21 casos (91,3%) vivían en zonas urbanas. Los profesionales fueron los más afectados por la enfermedad (chef, administrativo, técnico) con 13 casos (56,5%). Las pautas de tratamiento establecidas antes de la confirmación de la infección evidenciaron el uso combinado de antibióticos tópicos asociados a agentes antivirales y/o antifúngicos, siendo el principal factor de riesgo el uso de lentes de contacto (86,9%). DISCUSIÓN: Es una enfermedad poco frecuente en nuestro medio, un gran porcentaje de las personas residían en áreas urbanas y su trabajo se realizaba en entornos cerrados, enfocando la atención en los microtraumas causados por el uso de lentes de contacto

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of a case series of fungal keratitis associated with Fusarium spp.., in Spain during the years 2012 to 2014. METHODS: A retrospective study of a case series was conducted on a systematic random sample of 10% of patients identified in Health Centres of provincial capitals (n = 250). The centres were asked whether they had been presented with cases of Fusarium spp. keratitis characterised by microbiological methods. Of the 23 centres that responded, 14 had detected cases, with 13 of them accepting to participate, and 11 of them completing the study. The latter being sent a previously validated questionnaire. The variables analysed were: age, gender, habitual residence, profession, disease and medical history (previous systemic and ocular diseases, previous eye surgeries), and their outcomes. RESULTS: The response rate was 92%, identifying 23 cases of Fusarium spp.. of which 21 (91.3%) of them lived in urban areas. The professions most affected by the disease included chefs, administrative, and technical, with 13 cases (56.5%). The treatment guidelines established to confirm the infection showed the combined use of topical antibiotics associated with antiviral and/or antifungal agents. The use of contact lenses (86.9%) was the main risk factor. DISCUSSION: This study showed that this is a rare disease in Spain, but that a large percentage of people who present with the disease are resident in urban areas, and they work in closed environments, focusing attention on microtraumas caused by use of contact lenses

Spectral characterization of laser-accelerated protons with CR-39 nuclear track detector.

CR-39 nuclear track material is frequently used for the detection of protons accelerated in laser-plasma interactions. The measurement of track densities allows for determination of particle angular distributions, and information on the kinetic energy can be obtained by the use of passive absorbers. We present a precise method of measuring spectral distributions of laser-accelerated protons in a single etching and analysis process. We make use of a one-to-one relation between proton energy and track size and present a precise calibration based on monoenergetic particle beams. While this relation is limited to proton energies below 1 MeV, we show that the range of spectral measurements can be significantly extended by simultaneous use of absorbers of suitable thicknesses. Examples from laser-plasma interactions are presented, and quantitative results on proton energies and particle numbers are compared to those obtained from a time-of-flight detector. The spectrum end points of continuous energy distributions have been determined with both detector types and coincide within 50-100 keV.

Keratitis secondary to Fusarium spp. in Spain 2012-2014. / Queratitis secundaria a Fusarium spp. en España 2012-2014.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of a case series of fungal keratitis associated with Fusarium spp.., in Spain during the years 2012 to 2014. METHODS: A retrospective study of a case series was conducted on a systematic random sample of 10% of patients identified in Health Centres of provincial capitals (n=250). The centres were asked whether they had been presented with cases of Fusarium spp. keratitis characterised by microbiological methods. Of the 23 centres that responded, 14 had detected cases, with 13 of them accepting to participate, and 11 of them completing the study. The latter being sent a previously validated questionnaire. The variables analysed were: age, gender, habitual residence, profession, disease and medical history (previous systemic and ocular diseases, previous eye surgeries), and their outcomes. RESULTS: The response rate was 92%, identifying 23 cases of Fusarium spp.. of which 21 (91.3%) of them lived in urban areas. The professions most affected by the disease included chefs, administrative, and technical, with 13 cases (56.5%). The treatment guidelines established to confirm the infection showed the combined use of topical antibiotics associated with antiviral and/or antifungal agents. The use of contact lenses (86.9%) was the main risk factor. DISCUSSION: This study showed that this is a rare disease in Spain, but that a large percentage of people who present with the disease are resident in urban areas, and they work in closed environments, focusing attention on microtraumas caused by use of contact lenses.

[Effect of nebulised iloprost combined with inhaled nitric oxide and oral sildenafil on lung transplant patients. Therapeutic efficacy in pulmonary hypertension during surgery]. / Efecto de iloprost nebulizado combinado con óxido nítrico inhalado y sildenafilo oral en las presiones pulmonares de pacientes sometidos a trasplante pulmonar. Eficacia terapéutica en la hipertensión pulmonar intraoperatoria.

OBJECTIVES: There is a high incidence of pulmonary hypertension during the lung transplant peri-operative period, and could lead to a haemodynamic deterioration that may require the need of extracorporeal circulation. Our aim was to study the haemodynamic effects on the pulmonary and systemic circulation of the combination of inhaled nitric oxide and iloprost and oral sildenafil in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension during lung transplant surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients received 10µg of nebulised iloprost during the peri-operative period of the lung transplant when their mean pulmonary pressure exceeded 50mmHg. AU the patients received 50mg of oral sildenafil 30min before anaesthetic induction, 20ppm of inhaled nitric oxide after tracheal intubation. The haemodynamic and respiratory variables were recorded at baseline (after anaesthetic induction), prior to the administering of iloprost, and at 5 and 30min after it was given. RESULTS: The administering of iloprost significantly reduced the pulmonary arterial pressure and significantly increases the cardiac Índex and the right ventrícular ejection fractíon. There were no signíficant changes occurred in the systemic arterial pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The triple combination significantly reduces the pulmonary pressures in the lung transplant peri-operative and should be considered when there is severe pulmonary hypertension during the surgery or during the immediate post-operative period of lung transplantation.

Efecto de iloprost nebulizado combinado con óxido nítrico inhalado y sildenafilo oral en las presiones pulmonares de pacientes sometidos a trasplante pulmonar. Eficacia terapéutica en la hipertensión pulmonar intraoperatoria / Effect of nebulised iloprost combined with inhaled nitric oxide and oral sildenafil on lung transplant patients. Therapeutic efficacy in pulmonary hypertension during surgery

Objetivos: La presencia de hipertensión pulmonar tiene elevada incidencia durante el perioperatorio del trasplante pulmonar y puede condicionar deterioro hemodinámico que obligue a instaurar circulación extracorpórea. Nuestro objetivo es estudiar los efectos hemodinámicos en la circulación pulmonar y sistémica de la asociación de óxido nítrico e iloprost inhalados y sildenafilo por vía oral en pacientes con hipertensión pulmonar severa durante la cirugía de trasplante pulmonar. Pacientes y métodos: Durante el perioperatorio del trasplante pulmonar, 17 pacientes recibieron 10 mg de iloprost nebulizado cuando su presión arterial pulmonar media superó los 50 mmHg. Todos los pacientes recibieron 50 mg de sildenafilo por vía oral 30 min antes de la inducción anestésica y 20 ppm de NO inhalado tras la intubación traqueal. Se registraron las variables hemodinámicas y respiratorias en los tiempos basal (tras la inducción anestésica), previamente a la administración de iloprost, y a los 5 y 30 min de su administración. Resultados: La administración de iloprost redujo de forma significativa la presión arterial pulmonar e incrementó significativamente el índice cardiaco y la fracción de eyección del ventrículo derecho. No se produjeron modificaciones significativas de la presión arterial sistémica. Conclusiones: La triple asociación reduce significativamente las presiones pulmonares en el perioperatorio del trasplante pulmonar y debe considerarse en presencia de hipertensión pulmonar severa durante la intervención quirúrgica o el postoperatorio inmediato del trasplante pulmonar(AU)

Objectives: There is a high incidence of pulmonary hypertension during the lung transplant peri-operative period, and could lead to a haemodynamic deterioration that may require the need of extracorporeal circulation. Our aim was to study the haemodynamic effects on the pulmonary and systemic circulation of the combination of inhaled nitric oxide and iloprost and oral sildenafil in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension during lung transplant surgery. Patients and methods: Seventeen patients received 10mg of nebulised iloprost during the peri-operative period of the lung transplant when their mean pulmonary pressure exceeded 50 mmHg. All the patients received 50 mg of oral sildenafil 30 min before anaesthetic induction, 20 ppm of inhaled nitric oxide after tracheal intubation. The haemodynamic and respiratory variables were recorded at baseline (after anaesthetic induction), prior to the administering of iloprost, and at 5 and 30 min after it was given. Results: The administering of iloprost significantly reduced the pulmonary arterial pressure and significantly increases the cardiac index and the right ventricular ejection fraction. There were no significant changes occurred in the systemic arterial pressure. Conclusions: The triple combination significantly reduces the pulmonary pressures in the lung transplant peri-operative and should be considered when there is severe pulmonary hypertension during the surgery or during the immediate post-operative period of lung transplantation(AU)

Transient neonatal hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia and neurological outcome: a case report.

Transient neonatal hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (TNHI) is a form of neonatal-onset hyperinsulinism which usually resolves completely in a few days or months. It is secondary to conditions such as maternal diabetes mellitus or intra-uterine growth retardation. Other rare causes of TNHI are perinatal asphyxia and gestational diabetes. Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (HI) is also observed in association with rare metabolic or genetic conditions. It can also occur in newborns without risk factors. TNHI is usually a transient phenomenon. However, some newborns can have prolonged HI that requires treatment with diazoxide, persists for several months and then resolves spontaneously. Neonatal hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia must be promptly and correctly diagnosed and treated in order to avoid neurological consequences. We describe a case of transient neonatal hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in a full-term born without perinatal complications and appropriate for gestational age with an unfavourable neurological outcome.

Condrosarcoma de pared torácica secundario a condroma de larga evolución / Chondrosarcoma of the thoracic wall secondary to long course chondroma

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[Spontaneous pneumothorax associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection]. / Neumotórax espontáneo asociado a la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH).

Spontaneous pneumothorax is a relatively frequent complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Seven hundred sixty-five HIV-infected inpatients were treated at Marques de Valdecilla University Hospital between 1990 and 1996. Spontaneous pneumothorax developed in 9 patients. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia was diagnosed in 6 patients (66%), either before or simultaneous to the appearance of pneumothorax. Pneumothorax was related to active or old tuberculosis infection in 3 patients (33%). Prophylactic therapy with nebulized pentamidine was used in 55% of the patients. Successful initial control of pneumothorax was achieved with simple drains in 58% of the episodes, although the recurrence rate was 71%. Pleurodesis with talcum with a chest tube was used successfully in 3 patients, in 2 because of sings of persistent air leakage uncorrected by simple drainage. Pleurodesis initially failed but later controlled pneumothorax the second time it was used. The mortality rate in this series was 66%, with a mean survival time of 55.6 days. We conclude that spontaneous pneumothorax is associated with poor prognosis in HIV infected patients. Prior or concurrent P. carinni pneumonia or tuberculosis were the etiologic factors identified in our patients. A simple pleural drain was associated with a high rate of recurrence, such that pleurodesis seems warranted in all patients.

[Staging error in bladder carcinoma: anatomo-clinical correlation]. / Error de estadiaje en el carcinoma vesical: correlación anatomo-clínica.

Presentation of clinico-pathological correlation in a series of patients with bladder carcinoma. All of them had a complete pathological and clinical staging following TNM guidelines (UICC 1987). Clinical evaluation consisted of a clinical examination, urography and/or ultrasound, cystoscopy, bimanual palpation under anaesthesia and biopsy. As an option, pelvic CAT, MRI and a bone scan were performed. In all cases a reliable pathological staging was obtained, either from cystectomy or complete TUR. Overall, there is a 66% clinico-pathological correlation (60% for Ta category, 78% for T1, 25% for T2, 57% for T3, and 74% for T4). There is a global error of 34% (40% of cases clinically considered Ta were invasive, 16% T1 were pT2 or more, 42% T2 were pT3 or more, and 10% T3 were pT4; while 6% of those considered T1 were pTa, 33% of T2 were pTa or pT1, 33% of T3 were pT2 or less, and 26% of T4 were pT3 or less). We therefore conclude that when T is lower the risk of being clinically understaged is greater, while higher T values increase the risk of clinical overstaging. From a practical point of view, the most severe errors are in the understaging of T2 and T3 (pT3-pT4) tumours and the overstaging of T2 (pT1) tumours. When cystectomy is performed, the risk of understaging is greater for tumours interpreted as T2-T3 while the risk of overstaging T4 tumours is lower. We conclude that, even when adequate staging of bladder cancer is attempted, pre-treatment tumour classification using the diagnostic methods currently available is far from satisfactory.