Laboratory multi-technique study of Spanish decorated leather from the 12th to 14th centuries.

This work comprises an exhaustive study of Spanish decorative leathers dating from the 12th to 14th centuries. These paintings are considered a key example of a crucible of artistic styles: Gothic, Islamic and Florentine Trecento. The goal of this work was to use the scientific information provided by a number of experimental techniques - namely EDX, micro-FTIR, micro-Raman and micro-XRD - to assess the dating of the wooden vault, leather preparation and filling fibres. Another goal was to assess the artistic technique based on the characterization of pigments and the differentiation between original materials and those added throughout its history. Gypsum was the original preparation layer extended over the leather. A new preparation stratum was added in further interventions with the artwork. The original pictorial materials and those used during refurbishments have been identified. Original pigments were: red lead, Mars red, red lake, cinnabar, lapis lazuli, red ochres, raw sienna, white lead and charcoal black. Gilding was also found. Pigments added during restoration were: barite, emerald green, rutile, anatase, Mars red, cadmium red, lithopone, cadmium yellow, charcoal black and orpiment.

Spanish and Portuguese Gilding Threads: Characterization Using Microscopic Techniques.

Gilding threads collected from Spanish and Portuguese palaces and from the embroideries and adornments of sculptures of the Virgin and Christ that form part of Sevillian Holy Week were analyzed and compared (20 artifacts were evaluated). The study covered a broad time period with examples from the 13th to 14th centuries, 18th to 20th centuries, and also including modern embroideries. A combination of scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used. The knowledge of the layered structures of the threads has provided very valuable information regarding the manufacturing techniques. The different metal threads found in the embroidery studied consisted of gold, silver, copper, and alloys of these metals and aluminium. The fabrication procedures often differed in the different workshops and changed with time. In the modern embroideries, a decrease of precious metal concentration was detected. The threads were wound around a core of silk threads.

A new approach to the determination of the synthetic or natural origin of red pigments through spectroscopic analysis.

This work suggests a way of differentiation between the natural or synthetic origin of inorganic materials that were historically used in the Cultural Heritage field. An exhaustive review of different reported procedures of synthesis of pigments was conducted, as well as a review of the accompanying minerals in case of natural pigments. The natural or synthetic origin of the pigments studied in this work was performed through the characterization of the accompanying minerals, in the case of the natural pigments, or the trace elements that are present as part of synthesis by-products or washing/purifying reagents and/or reactants that have only been partly removed in the final steps of these processes. This work characterized red pigments due to their wide variety, complexity and possibility of use in different mixtures. The following pigments were studied: cinnabar-vermilion, red lead and iron pigments. Also mixtures of these pigments between them and with red lake were also studied. Natural cinnabar was accompanied by silicon oxide (opal, chalcedony or quartz), calcite, clay minerals and, sometimes, pyrite. K together with S indicated a synthetic pigment (vermilion) obtained through the wet method. Nevertheless, K has not been found in layers containing only vermilion in our samples. The presence of Sn in some cases indicated vermilion that came from the dry process. K from the synthesis always appeared in the red lead pigment. The red natural ochre was confirmed by presence of clay minerals and iron. It should be said that Ca and S, and sometimes Al and K, were usually found in Mars red pigment. The presence of Al and Ca allowed the identification of carmine lake.

Eficacia terapéutica de exenatida en una paciente con síndrome de Prader-Willi / Therapeutic effectiveness of exenatide in a patient with Prader-Willi syndrome

No disponible

Immediate effects of active versus passive scapular correction on pain and pressure pain threshold in patients with chronic neck pain.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of active vs passive scapular correction on pain and pressure pain threshold at the most symptomatic cervical segment in patients with chronic neck pain. METHODS: Twenty-three volunteers with chronic, idiopathic neck pain were recruited (age, 38.9 ± 14.4 years; sex [man/woman], 3/20; Neck Disability Index, 28.1% ± 9.9%). Subjects were randomly allocated to 2 groups: active scapular correction or passive scapular correction. Pressure pain threshold and pain intensity rated on a numerical rating scale during a posteroanterior glide over the most symptomatic cervical segment were measured before and immediately after the active or passive scapular intervention. RESULTS: Only the active scapular correction produced a reduction in pain (pre, 6.3 ± 1.2; post, 3.7 ± 2.4; P < .05) and increase in pressure pain threshold (pre, 8.7 ± 4.2 kg/cm(2); post, 10.1 ± 3.8 kg/cm(2); P < .05) at the most painful cervical segment. CONCLUSIONS: An active scapular correction exercise resulted in an immediate reduction of pain and pressure pain sensitivity in patients with chronic neck pain and scapular dysfunction.

Wall paintings studied using Raman spectroscopy: a comparative study between various assays of cross sections and external layers.

This work describes a comparative study between in situ applications of portable Raman spectroscopy and direct laboratory measurements using micro-Raman spectroscopy on the surface of small samples and of cross sections. The study was performed using wall paintings from different sites of the Alcazar of Seville. Little information was obtained using a portable Raman spectrometer due to the presence of an acrylic polymer, calcium oxalate, calcite and gypsum that was formed or deposited on the surface. The pigments responsible for different colours, except cinnabar, were not detected by the micro-Raman spectroscopy study of the surface of small samples taken from the wall paintings due to the presence of surface contaminants. The pigments and plaster were characterised using cross sections. The black colour consisted of carbon black. The red layers were formed by cinnabar and white lead or by iron oxides. The green and white colours were composed of green emerald or atacamite and calcite, respectively. Pb3O4 has also been characterised. The white layers (plaster) located under the colour layers consisted of calcite, quartz and feldspars. The fresco technique was used to create the wall paintings. A wall painting located on a gypsum layer was also studied. The Naples yellow in this wall painting was not characterised due to the presence of glue and oils. This study showed the advantage of studying cross sections to completely characterise the pigments and plaster in the studied wall paintings.

Association of angiotensin II type 1-receptor gene polymorphisms with the risk of developing hypertension in Mexican individuals.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a complex disease in which a significant interaction between genetic and environmental factors takes place. The renin-angiotensin system plays an important role regulating blood pressure to maintain homeostasis and vascular tone. In the present work, the role of angiotensin II type 1-receptor (AGTR1) gene polymorphisms as susceptibility markers for hypertension was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five polymorphisms in the AGTR1 gene were genotyped by 5' exonuclease TaqMan genotyping assays in 239 hypertensive and 371 non-hypertensive individuals. RESULTS: A similar distribution of rs275651, rs275652, rs275653, and rs5183 polymorphisms was observed in both studied groups. Different distribution of rs5182 genotypes was observed between the studied groups (p = 0.016). According to the co-dominant model, individuals with rs5182 CC genotype have a 1.83-fold increased risk of developing hypertension (p = 0.009). Polymorphisms were distributed in two blocks: block 1 included the rs275651, rs275652, and rs275653 polymorphisms, whereas block 2 included the rs5183 and rs5182 polymorphisms. Individuals with hypertension showed increased frequency of 'CA' haplotype of block 2 when compared to non-hypertensive individuals (p = 0.015, odds ratio = 1.33). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the rs5182 gene polymorphism could be involved in the risk of developing hypertension in Mexican individuals.

Timing of suture removal in sequential surgery: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To study the appropriate timing of corneal suture removal in sequential surgery (penetrating keratoplasty [PK]-phacoemulsification [PE]) procedures. METHODS: In a pilot study, patients with a PK double running suture in place requiring cataract surgery were randomized to suture removal 1 month before PE or during PE (n = 14; 7 in each group). Visual acuity, refraction, manual keratometry, Pentacam analysis, biomicroscopy, biometry, endothelial cell count, and funduscopy were determined before suture removal/PE and after PE (except biometry). Outcome measures at 6 months were corneal refractive change (induced by PE plus suture removal) analyzed by conversion to corneal power vector, index of surface variance change, and postoperative spherical equivalent, corrected, and uncorrected visual acuity. RESULTS: Average corneal refractive change induced was 1.63, -2.98 x 96 degrees in the preoperative suture removal group and 2.14, -2.84 x 90 degrees in the intraoperative suture removal group. Difference in parameters of the corneal power vector change were statistically significant but not clinically relevant (M, spherical component, 0.14 vs 0.72, P = 0.01, respectively; J, astigmatic component, 1.49 vs 1.42, P = 0.01, respectively). Postoperative spherical equivalent, index of surface variance change, and corrected and uncorrected visual acuity were not significantly different in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in refractive state and visual acuity of the eye are not observed between patients with PK continuous suture removal (1 month) before PE and during PE.

Sonication induced redox reactions of the Ojén (Andalucía, Spain) vermiculite.

Sonication in a 1:1 mixture (volume ratio) of water and concentrated H(2)O(2) (30%) is a soft method for particle size reduction of phyllosilicate minerals like vermiculites. Repeated sonication causes a particle size reduction to about 70 nm for the Santa Olalla and to 45 nm for the Ojén-vermiculite. In this context the question arises whether the strong oxidising effect of the hydrogen peroxide affects the oxidation state of the iron in the vermiculites. Therefore, the Fe(3+)/Fe(total) ratio before and after sonication was determined by means of Mössbauer spectroscopy. Whereas this ratio was found to remain almost constant in the Santa Olalla vermiculite, it increased from 0.79 to 0.85 in case of the Ojén sample. In the latter case, the oxidation is accompanied by a decrease of the layer charge. Surprisingly, sonication in pure water leads to a decrease of the Fe(3+)/Fe(total) ratio in the case of the Ojén-vermiculite, i.e., to an increase of the Fe(2+) fraction to roughly twice the value before sonication. Again the Fe(3+)/Fe(total) ratio of the Santa Olalla vermiculite remains unchanged. The surface area S(BET) of the reduced Ojén-vermiculite amounts to 50 m(2)/g, which is close to the value obtained in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The results presented should be taken as a warning that particle size reduction by sonication may be accompanied by a change of the redox state and the layer charge of the material.

Astigmatic change induced by 2.8-mm corneal incisions for cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To study the induced refractive change caused by different 2.8-mm corneal incision locations in phacoemulsification. METHODS: One hundred ten patients were randomly assigned to nasal or temporal incision or to superior incision, depending on preexisting astigmatism. The authors fulfilled visual acuity, refraction, keratometry, and eye scanner analysis before and after phacoemulsification. Outcome measures were induced corneal refractive change (Fourier power vector analysis), index of surface variance (ISV) change, and visual acuity at 6 months. A comparative interventional case series was used for the study design. RESULTS: Induced refractive change caused by different incision locations showed differences in parameter J0 (JCC at axis 0 degrees ), which was smaller after temporal than after nasal or superior incision, with marginal clinical significance and influence in uncorrected visual acuity. ISV changes did not differ between incisional groups. CONCLUSIONS: Small differential effects of incisions by location may be useful, depending on preexisting astigmatism. Temporal incisions are recommended for negligible astigmatism, whereas nasal and superior incisions are preferable when the steep axis is located at approximately 180 degrees and 90 degrees, respectively. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00742950).

Surface and interlayer structure of vermiculite intercalated with methyl viologen.

Molecular modeling using empirical force field revealed the differences between the surface and interlayer arrangement of the dye guest molecules in vermiculite intercalated with the divalent methyl viologen cation (MV(2+)). Conformation and anchoring of MV(2+) cations on the silicate layer in the interlayer space of vermiculite host structure is different from that on the crystal surface. A preferential position has been found for the anchoring of guests on the silicate layer. Anyway the arrangement of guests in the interlayer space as well as on the crystal surface exhibits a high degree of disorder due to a certain flexibility in guest molecules arrangement and first of all due to the presence of water molecules in the interlayer space. The presence of water disturbs not only the regularity in guest positions and orientations but also in conformation of guest molecules in the interlayer space of the host structure.

Enriquecimiento de la asignatura Psicología Médica II vinculada a la atención primaria de salud en el curso 2002 2003

Antes las crecientes necesidades que impone nuestras sociedad y con vista a crear cada dia un médico de familia mejor preparado y capaz de enfrentar los retos de nuestras sociedad, los profesores de psicología del departamento de salud pública realizaron un enriquesemiento del perfecionamiento inicial de la asignatura psicología médica II con los objetivos de vincularlo más a la atención primaria de salud, preparar mejor a los estudiantes y culminar el período docente educativo de manera más completa e integral. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo contribuir el perfeccionamiento de psicología II a través de la valoración de los estudiantes , profesores, y médicos acerca de las transformaciones realizadas a la misma. Para dar cumpliemto a este se entrevistaron a los profesores y médicos tutores y se realizó una encuesta a todos los estudiantes que recibieron la docencia. Los cambios realizados además de necesarios fueron oportuno y aceptados por los estudiantes pues tuvieron criterios favorables y se motivaron para la asignatura , los profesores consideraron que de esta forma respondían más a las necesidades de los estudiantes y lo preparó en la prevención de salud, con ayuda del médico que a la vez aprendió la utilización de las técnicas diferentes de la salud, los estudiantes lograron resultados en el trabajo que realizaron en la comunidad, sobre todo determinado por que los pacientes atendidos en grupo ganaran en información acerca de su problema de salud y como enfrentarlo(AU)

Estudio comparativo del desarrollo sexual en adolescentes masculinos de dos municipios de Ciudad de la Habana / Comparative study of sexual development in male adolescents from two municipalities of the City of Havana

Se informa el desarrollo de los caracteres sexuales en adolescentes de dos municipios de Ciudad de la Habana. En el municipio Plaza se examinó a 78 de 15 años, 60 de 16 años y 33 de 17 años, en tanto que en el Cerro se examinó a 31 jóvenes de 15 años, 43 de 16 años y 61 de 17 años. Se determinó la característica de la voz, el desarrollo de los vellos faciales, axilar y pubiano, así como el tamaño del pene y el volumen de los testículos. La voz parece obtener rápidamente el sonido gutural del adulto, pues todos los jóvenes de 17 y 16 años en ambos municipios y todos los de 15 años de Plaza y el 90 % de los del Cerro lo habían adquirido. La barba se encontró muy similar para las categorías "esbozo", "escasa" y "ausente" en las tres edades y para la "normal" en los jóvenes de 16 años; pero esta última característica fue disímil en la eda de 15 años donde predominó en los adolescentes de Plaza (17, 9%) mientras los del Cerro sólo la alcanzó el 3,2 % y en los jóvenes de 17 años esta característica "normal" predominó en los del Cerro (42,6 %) contra 30,3 % en los de Plaza. El desarrollo piloso de la axila fue semejante para la característica "esbozo", "escasa" y "ausente" para las tres edades y para la "normal" en los de 16 y 17 años, pero en los de 15 años se observó que de los jóvenes de Plaza el 56,4 % la tenían mientras los del Cerro sólo la cumplió el 45,2 %. en el desarrollo del vello pubiano se observó una predominancia de los estadíos de mayor desarrollo sexual en los jóvenes del municipio Plaza en todas las edades, teniendo todos los de 17 años el desarrollo máximo (estadío V). En la medición de la longitud del pene en los jóvenes de 15 años, se apreció una diferencia significativa (P= 0,0433) en favor de los jóvenes de Plaza. En la medida de la circunferencia no se apreció diferencia significativa (P= 0,1379) entre ambos municipios. En los jóvenes de 16 años de ambos municipios no se apreció diferencia significativa entre ellos, tanto en la longitud como en la circunferencia del pene. La longitud del pene en los jóvenes de 17 años no mostró diferencia significativa (P=0,2333) entre ambos municipios. La circunferencia del pene si mostró diferencia de significación (P=0,0106) a favor de los adolescentes del Cerro. El volumen testicular de los jóvenes de 15 años mostró diferencia significativa a favor de los adolescentes del municipio Plaza, tanto para el testículo derecho (P=0,0002), como para el izquierdo (P=0,0004). El volumen del testículo de l

Implantación de prótesis del pene / Implantation of penile prostheses

Se informa el proceder seguido con 2 pacientes afectados de disfunción eréctil de origen vasculogénico, a los que se les implantó prótesis de silicona en el pene. Se consideran los dos primeros pacientes informados en la literatura médica nacional a quienes se les haya aplicado este proceder(AU)

Estudio comparativo del desarrollo sexual en adolescentes masculinos de dos municipios de Ciudad de la Habana / Comparative study of sexual development in male adolescents from two municipalities of the City of Havana

Se informa el desarrollo de los caracteres sexuales en adolescentes de dos municipios de Ciudad de la Habana. En el municipio Plaza se examinó a 78 de 15 años, 60 de 16 años y 33 de 17 años, en tanto que en el Cerro se examinó a 31 jóvenes de 15 años, 43 de 16 años y 61 de 17 años. Se determinó la característica de la voz, el desarrollo de los vellos faciales, axilar y pubiano, así como el tamaño del pene y el volumen de los testículos. La voz parece obtener rápidamente el sonido gutural del adulto, pues todos los jóvenes de 17 y 16 años en ambos municipios y todos los de 15 años de Plaza y el 90 % de los del Cerro lo habían adquirido. La barba se encontró muy similar para las categorías "esbozo", "escasa" y "ausente" en las tres edades y para la "normal" en los jóvenes de 16 años; pero esta última característica fue disímil en la eda de 15 años donde predominó en los adolescentes de Plaza (17, 9%) mientras los del Cerro sólo la alcanzó el 3,2 % y en los jóvenes de 17 años esta característica "normal" predominó en los del Cerro (42,6 %) contra 30,3 % en los de Plaza. El desarrollo piloso de la axila fue semejante para la característica "esbozo", "escasa" y "ausente" para las tres edades y para la "normal" en los de 16 y 17 años, pero en los de 15 años se observó que de los jóvenes de Plaza el 56,4 % la tenían mientras los del Cerro sólo la cumplió el 45,2 %. en el desarrollo del vello pubiano se observó una predominancia de los estadíos de mayor desarrollo sexual en los jóvenes del municipio Plaza en todas las edades, teniendo todos los de 17 años el desarrollo máximo (estadío V). En la medición de la longitud del pene en los jóvenes de 15 años, se apreció una diferencia significativa (P= 0,0433) en favor de los jóvenes de Plaza. En la medida de la circunferencia no se apreció diferencia significativa (P= 0,1379) entre ambos municipios. En los jóvenes de 16 años de ambos municipios no se apreció diferencia significativa entre ellos, tanto en la longitud como en la circunferencia del pene. La longitud del pene en los jóvenes de 17 años no mostró diferencia significativa (P=0,2333) entre ambos municipios. La circunferencia del pene si mostró diferencia de significación (P=0,0106) a favor de los adolescentes del Cerro. El volumen testicular de los jóvenes de 15 años mostró diferencia significativa a favor de los adolescentes del municipio Plaza, tanto para el testículo derecho (P=0,0002), como para el izquierdo (P=0,0004). El volumen del testículo de l (AU)