Fast-ADT: A fast and automated electron diffraction tomography setup for structure determination and refinement.

Electron crystallography has focused in the last few years on the analyses of microcrystals, mainly organic compounds, triggered by recent publications on acquisition methods based on direct detection cameras and continuous stage tilting. However, the main capability of a transmission electron microscope is the access to features at the nanometre scale. In this context, a new acquisition method, called fast and automated diffraction tomography (Fast-ADT), has been developed in form of a general application in order to get the most of the diffraction space from a TEM. It consists of two subsequent tilt scans of the goniometric stage; one to obtain a crystal tracking file and a second one to acquire an electron diffraction tomography. This setup has been implemented on both TEM and STEM modes of the microscope, thus it can be installed on any TEM regardless of the availability of a scanning unit. BaSO4 crystals have been measured to demonstrate the validity of the technique for structure determination and refinement. A recently solved layered silicate, RUB-5, has been used to prove the method advantages for fine identification of disorder details. Last, a new polymorph of a DRED1 organic molecule has been solved ab initio and refined by X-ray powder diffraction to show the full application of the presented method.

Quasi-parallel precession diffraction: Alignment method for scanning transmission electron microscopes.

A general method to set illuminating conditions for selectable beam convergence and probe size is presented in this work for Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM) fitted with µs/pixel fast beam scanning control, (S)TEM, and an annular dark field detector. The case of interest of beam convergence and probe size, which enables diffraction pattern indexation, is then used as a starting point in this work to add 100 Hz precession to the beam while imaging the specimen at a fast rate and keeping the projector system in diffraction mode. The described systematic alignment method for the adjustment of beam precession on the specimen plane while scanning at fast rates is mainly based on the sharpness of the precessed STEM image. The complete alignment method for parallel condition and precession, Quasi-Parallel PED-STEM, is presented in block diagram scheme, as it has been tested on a variety of instruments. The immediate application of this methodology is that it renders the TEM column ready for the acquisition of Precessed Electron Diffraction Tomographies (EDT) as well as for the acquisition of slow Precessed Scanning Nanometer Electron Diffraction (SNED). Examples of the quality of the Precessed Electron Diffraction (PED) patterns and PED-STEM alignment images are presented with corresponding probe sizes and convergence angles.

The Patient's Comorbidity Burden Correlates with the Erectile Dysfunction Severity. / El peso de la comorbilidad del paciente se correlaciona con la gravedad de la disfunción eréctil.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED), low testosterone levels, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study on patients referred to the andrology unit in 7 Spanish centers. The ED was diagnosed and graded using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score. Total testosterone, the prevalence of each comorbidity, and the CCI were compared between patients with different grades of ED. Besides, the correlation between total testosterone and the CCI score, the influence of each comorbidity, and the ED severity on the CCI was assessed in a multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The study included 430 men with a mean age of 61 years. The mean CCI was 3.5, and mean total testosterone 15.2 nmol/L; 389 (91%) subjects had some grade of ED: 97 (23%) mild, 149 (35%) mild-to-moderate, 86 (20%) moderate, and 57 (13%) severe. The increase in ED severity was significantly associated with a decrease in total testosterone (P=.002), and an increase in the CCI score (P<.001). Testosterone levels were significantly lower in patients with obesity, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia (P<.05). However, only the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension was significantly associated with the severity of ED. The multivariate analysis including variables related to all assessed comorbidities, total testosterone levels, and the DE severity significantly predicted the CCI score (P<.001, R2=.426). The severity of ED significantly contributed to this model (P=.011), but total testosterone did not (P=.204). CONCLUSIONS: The CCI is significantly associated with the ED severity, but it shows a weak correlation with the testosterone levels.

Application of 3D image reconstruction in robotic urological surgery / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of three-dimensiomal (3D) image reconstruction in the urologic robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery.Methods From Sept.2017 to Jun.2018,7 patients (3 male cases,4 female cases) diagnosed with genitourinary tumors in Beijing United Family Hospital were involved in this study.The median age was 55 years(IQR 36-64 years).There were 1 case of renal tumor,1 case of adrenal gland tumor,1 case of retroperitoneal tumor,1 case of metastatic tumor post-nephrectomy,1 case of bladder neuroendocrine tumor and 1 case of urachal tumor.All the patients underwent four-phase enhanced CT scan and the CT images were imported into 3D visualization system for 3D image reconstruction,aiming to assist surgery planning and tumor locating.The main parameters of 3D image reconstruction included tumor size,location and the relationships among tumor,organs and blood vessels.All the 7 patients underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic surgeries,including 2 cases of partial nephrectomy (1 case with no blockage of renal artery),1 case of excision of right adrenal gland tumor,1 case of transperitoneal excision of left renal hilus chromaffinoma,1 case of transperitoneal excision of right adrenal gland and postcaval metastatic tumors,1 case of transperitoneal radical cystectomy + orthotopic bladder substitution + extended pelvic lymph node dissection,1 case of transperitoneal excision of urachal tumor + partial cystectomy + pelvic lymph node dissection.Results 3D image reconstruction svstem allows accurate evaluation of tumors,related vessels,surrounding tissue and organs before operation.All the 7 cases surgeries were uneventful,no case was converted to open or conventional laparoscopic surgery,the median operation time was 225 min (IQR 135-280 min),the median blood loss was 50 ml (IQR 20-600 ml).One patient had fever post-operation and there was no over Clavien Dindo Ⅱ perioperative complication.Conclusions 3D image reconstruction shows the great clinical value in approach selection,reduction of tissue and organ damage,reduction of surgery related complication and improving the success rate in robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery.

[Reversible alterations in the dentate nuclei and rapid-onset cerebral atrophy due to neurotoxicity caused by lithium]. / Alteraciones reversibles en los nucleos dentados y atrofia cerebral de rapida instauracion debido a neurotoxicidad por litio.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment with lithium can cause several neurological side effects, even at therapeutic levels. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 49-year-old woman, with bipolar disorder and depression, undergoing treatment with lithium, antidepressants and antipsychotics, who was admitted to hospital due to a clinical picture of visual hallucinations with an elevated lithaemia of 2.1 mEq/L (therapeutic range: 0.6-1.2 mEq/L). The patient developed a severe encephalopathy that required the use of assisted ventilation in the intensive care unit. Initial magnetic resonance imaging showed a reversible bilateral symmetrical hyperintensity in the dentate nuclei in T2 and T2-FLAIR sequences. Over the following months she gradually developed a pancerebellar syndrome with evidence of a marked loss of bilateral volume in the cerebellum, above all at the expense of the vermis, which was accompanied by a permanent and disabling cerebellar syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Although treatment with lithium can cause a variety of neurological side effects, they are usually reversible. However, they occasionally give rise to permanent and disabling sequelae, as in the case of the patient reported here, with a marked and progressive cerebellar atrophy, accompanied by permanent sequelae in the form of a disabling cerebellar syndrome. The cerebellar neurotoxicity of lithium must be taken into account in the broad differential diagnosis of cerebellar ataxia in adults.

TITLE: Alteraciones reversibles en los nucleos dentados y atrofia cerebral de rapida instauracion debido a neurotoxicidad por litio.Introduccion. El tratamiento con litio puede ocasionar diversos efectos adversos neurologicos, incluso con niveles terapeuticos. Caso clinico. Mujer de 49 años, con trastorno bipolar y depresion, en tratamiento con litio, antidepresivos y antipsicoticos, que ingreso por un cuadro de alucinaciones visuales con una litemia elevada de 2,1 mEq/L (rango terapeutico: 0,6-1,2 mEq/L). Progreso a una encefalopatia grave que requirio asistencia respiratoria en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. La resonancia magnetica cerebral inicial mostro una hiperintensidad simetrica bilateral reversible en los nucleos dentados en las secuencias T2 y T2-FLAIR. A lo largo de los meses posteriores desarrollo de forma progresiva un sindrome pancerebeloso con evidencia de una marcada perdida de volumen bilateral en el cerebelo, sobre todo a expensas del vermis, que se acompaño clinicamente de un sindrome cerebeloso permanente e invalidante. Conclusiones. Aunque el tratamiento con litio ocasiona efectos adversos neurologicos variados, estos suelen ser reversibles. Puede dar lugar a secuelas permanentes e incapacitantes, como la paciente descrita, con una atrofia cerebelosa marcada y progresiva, acompañada de secuelas permanentes en forma de sindrome cerebeloso invalidante. La neurotoxicidad cerebelosa del litio debe considerarse en el amplio diagnostico diferencial que representa la ataxia cerebelosa del adulto.

A model combustor for studying a reacting jet in an oscillating crossflow.

This paper discusses a novel model combustion experiment that was built for studying the structure and dynamics of a reacting jet in an unsteady crossflow. A natural-gas-fired dump combustor is used to generate and sustain an acoustically oscillating vitiated flow that serves as the crossflow for transverse jet injection. Unlike most other techniques that are limited in operating pressure or acoustic amplitude, this method of generating an unsteady flow field is demonstrated at a pressure of 10 atm with peak-to-peak oscillation amplitudes approaching 20% of the mean pressure. An optically accessible test section designed for these conditions provides access for advanced laser and optical diagnostic measurements. Detailed measurements provide insight into the complex acoustic-hydrodynamic-combustion coupling processes and offer high-quality, high-resolution validation data for numerical simulations. Careful instrumentation port design considerations for the higher amplitude acoustics are detailed. As a whole, this paper focuses on select representative segments of the experiment operational space that highlight our strategy of providing an oscillatory flowfield. This includes presenting the acoustic operational space such as acoustic amplitudes, frequencies, and mode shapes. Select imaging results are then reported to support our strategies capability to produce high-fidelity measurements.

Análisis retrospectivo de la ventilación mecánica no invasiva frente a la ventilación mecánica invasiva en pacientes con exacerbación de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos / Retrospective analysis of the Noninvasive mechanical ventilation in front of mechanical ventilation invasive in patients with exacerbation of the disease chronic obstructive pulmonary in a Care Unit Intensive

Objetivo: Análisis comparativo de la ventilación no invasiva frente a la ventilación mecánica invasiva en la exacerbación de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Diseño: Cohorte retrospectiva (enero 2006- diciembre 2012). Ámbito: Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos médico-quirúrgica. Pacientes: Se analizaron 142 pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda hipercápnica. Intervenciones: Ninguna. Variables de interés: Infecciones (bacteriemia, neumonía intrahospitalaria, infección urinaria), necesidad de traqueotomía, insuficiencia renal aguda, síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda, estancias en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos y hospitalaria, duración de la ventilación mecánica y mortalidad en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, hospitalaria y a los 6 meses.Resultados: Ciento veintiún pacientes (86%) recibieron ventilación no invasiva y 20 (14%), ventilación invasiva. Un paciente no recibió soporte ventilatorio. Al ingresar, el grupo de ventilación invasiva presentaba mayor deterioro gasométrico, hemodinámico y neurológico que el grupo de ventilación no invasiva. No hubo diferencias en la tasa de infecciones, la necesidad de traqueotomía, las complicaciones, la duración de la ventilación mecánica, las estancias, ni la mortalidad. Los pacientes en quienes fracasó la ventilación no invasiva presentaron mayor mortalidad comparados con el otro grupo. Conclusiones: La ventilación no invasiva fue el soporte ventilatorio más frecuente en los pacientes con exacerbación de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en nuestra Unidad. Los pacientes con ventilación invasiva tuvieron una evolución clínica muy semejante a la de aquellos sometidos a ventilación invasiva, sin que ello haya supuesto una mayor mortalidad. (AU)

Objective: Comparative analysis of non-invasive ventilation versus invasive ventilation in patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Design: Retrospective cohort (January 2006-December 2012). Setting: Medical-surgical Intensive Care Unit. Patients: One hundred and forty-two patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were analyzed. Variables of interest: Infections (bacteremia, nosocomial pneumonia, urinary infection), need for tracheostomy, acute renal failure, acute respiratory disease syndrome, lenght of stay at the Intensive Care Unit and hospital, duration of mechanical ventilation and mortality at the Intensive Care Unit, hospital and after 6 months. Results: One hundred and twenty-one patients (86%) underwent non-invasive ventilation and 20 (14%) received invasive ventilation. One patient did not receive ventilatory support. At admission, blood gases, and hemodynamic and neurological parameters were worse in the invasive ventilation group compared with the non-invasive ventilation group. Infection rate, need for tracheostomy, complications, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay, and mortality did not show differences. Mortality was higher in patients who failed non-invasive ventilation. Conclusions: Non-invasive ventilation was the most common ventilatory support in patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in our Intensive Care Unit. Patients with invasive ventilation had the same clinical course compared to the non-invasive group, without entailing increased mortality.(AU)

Estudio retrospectivo de diferentes opciones de tratamiento conservador con Bacilo de Calmette-Guèrin en el carcinoma urotelial vesical T1G3: terapia de mantenimiento / Retrospective study of various conservative treatment options with bacille Calmette-Guérin in bladder urothelial carcinoma T1G3: Maintenance therapy

Objetivo: Comparar diferentes opciones de tratamiento conservador del tumor vesical no músculo-invasivo (TVNMI) T1 de grado alto. El bacilo de Calmette-Guérin (BCG) es el tratamiento intravesical preferido para los tumores T1 de grado alto; sin embargo, algunos expertos aún cuestionan la necesidad de la BCG de mantenimiento. Materiales y métodos: Se analizaron retrospectivamente los datos de 1.039 pacientes con TVNMI T1G3 primario y recurrente. Todos los pacientes fueron tratados mediante una resección transuretral del tumor vesical (RTUTV) completa, con músculo en la muestra y múltiples biopsias de la vejiga. Los pacientes fueron tratados con solo una RTUTV inicial (n = 108), re-RTUTV (n = 153), inducción con 27 mg de BCG (cepa Connaught) (n = 87), inducción con 81 mg de BCG (n = 489) o inducción con 81 mg de BCG + mantenimiento (n = 202). El tiempo hasta la primera recidiva, progresión (a T2 o mayor, o a enfermedad metastásica) y mortalidad específica de la enfermedad se evaluaron mediante la función de supervivencia de Kaplan-Meier y se compararon utilizando la prueba de logaritmo del rango (log-rank) y el modelo multivariado de regresión de Cox de riesgos proporcionales. Resultados: El seguimiento medio fue de 62 ± 39 meses. El riesgo de recurrencia fue significativamente menor en los pacientes tratados con terapia de mantenimiento con 81 mg de BCG que en los otros grupos de tratamiento (p < 0,001). El riesgo de progresión del tumor también fue significativamente más bajo en los pacientes tratados con mantenimiento con BCG que en los pacientes tratados solo con una RTUTV, re-RTUTV y con terapia de inducción con 27 mg de BCG (p = 0,0003). La mortalidad específica de la enfermedad fue significativamente más baja con el mantenimiento con BCG (9,4%) que con solo una RTUTV (27,8%; p = 0,003). Conclusiones: En el caso del TVNMI T1G3, la dosis completa de BCG con mantenimiento va asociada a mejores resultados de recurrencia que otras modalidades de tratamiento conservador. Los resultados de progresión y de supervivencia específica de la enfermedad también fueron mejores con la BCG de inducción, con o sin mantenimiento

Objective: To compare various conservative treatment options for high-grade T1 nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the preferred intravesical treatment for high-grade T1 tumours; however, a number of experts still question the need for maintenance BCG. Material and methods: We retrospectively analysed data from 1039 patients with primary and recurrent T1G3 NMIBC. All patients underwent complete transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBT), with muscle in the sample and multiple bladder biopsies. The patients were treated with the following: only one initial TURBT (n = 108), re-TURBT (n = 153), induction with 27 mg of BCG (Connaught strain) (n = 87), induction with 81 mg of BCG (n = 489) or induction with 81 mg of BCG + maintenance (n = 202). The time to first recurrence, progression (to T2 or greater or to metastatic disease) and specific mortality of the disease was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier survival function and were compared using the log-rank test and the Cox multivariate regression model of proportional risks. Results: The mean follow-up was 62 ± 39 months. The risk of recurrence was significantly lower for the patients treated with maintenance therapy of 81 mg of BCG than in the other treatment groups (P<.001). The risk of tumour progression was also significantly lower for the patients treated with maintenance BCG than for the patients treated only with one TURBT, re-TURBT and with induction therapy with 27 mg of BCG (P=.0003). The specific disease mortality was significantly lower with BCG maintenance (9.4%) than with only one TURBT (27.8%; P=.003). Conclusions: In the case of T1G3 NMIBC, a complete dose of BCG with maintenance is associated with better recurrence results than are other conservative treatment modalities. The results of progression and survival specific to the disease were also better with induction BCG, with or without maintenance

Retrospective study of various conservative treatment options with bacille Calmette-Guérin in bladder urothelial carcinoma T1G3: Maintenance therapy. / Estudio retrospectivo de diferentes opciones de tratamiento conservador con Bacilo de Calmette-Guèrin en el carcinoma urotelial vesical T1G3: terapia de mantenimiento.

OBJECTIVE: To compare various conservative treatment options for high-grade T1 nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the preferred intravesical treatment for high-grade T1 tumours; however, a number of experts still question the need for maintenance BCG. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed data from 1039 patients with primary and recurrent T1G3 NMIBC. All patients underwent complete transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBT), with muscle in the sample and multiple bladder biopsies. The patients were treated with the following: only one initial TURBT (n=108), re-TURBT (n=153), induction with 27mg of BCG (Connaught strain) (n=87), induction with 81mg of BCG (n=489) or induction with 81mg of BCG+maintenance (n=202). The time to first recurrence, progression (to T2 or greater or to metastatic disease) and specific mortality of the disease was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier survival function and were compared using the log-rank test and the Cox multivariate regression model of proportional risks. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 62±39 months. The risk of recurrence was significantly lower for the patients treated with maintenance therapy of 81mg of BCG than in the other treatment groups (P<.001). The risk of tumour progression was also significantly lower for the patients treated with maintenance BCG than for the patients treated only with one TURBT, re-TURBT and with induction therapy with 27mg of BCG (P=.0003). The specific disease mortality was significantly lower with BCG maintenance (9.4%) than with only one TURBT (27.8%; P=.003). CONCLUSIONS: In the case of T1G3 NMIBC, a complete dose of BCG with maintenance is associated with better recurrence results than are other conservative treatment modalities. The results of progression and survival specific to the disease were also better with induction BCG, with or without maintenance.

Microcytic carcinoma of the urinary bladder: Experience over 22 years.

INTRODUCTION: Microcytic carcinoma of the urinary bladder or bladder Small Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a rare entity, characterised by an aggressive behaviour, with a poor prognosis, elevated metastatic potential, and is commonly found in older patients and in advanced disease stages. Here we present our experiences with the behaviour of the disease and the treatments applied. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a retrospective study on patients diagnosed with bladder SCC in our hospital between February 1992 and February 2014. We analysed the demographic and clinical characteristics of the tumour, the applied treatments and survival. We performed a descriptive statistical analysis of the median follow-up time, Overall Survival (OS) and Cancer-Specific Survival (CSS), using the SPSS statistical package v. 15.0. RESULTS: Over 22 years, 20 patients with an average age of 75 years were diagnosed with bladder SCC (2 female). The predominant symptom was macroscopic haematuria (75%). After the first transurethral resection (TUR) of the bladder and the histological diagnosis, 35% (7 patients) did not receive additional treatment, 15% (3 patients) were treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT), 10% (2 patients) with TUR, 15% (3 patients) with chemotherapy (QT), 5% (1 patient) with TUR associated to CRT, 5% (1 patient) with radical surgery, 5% (1 patient) with radical surgery treatment followed by adjuvant CRT, 5% (1 patient) with palliative surgery (hypogastric arteriae ligation) followed by adjuvant QT and 5% (1 patient) with hemostatic radiotherapy (RT). With a median follow-up time of 13.8 months, the OS was 14.48 months (95% CI: 6.22 - 22.75) and the CSS 18.04 months (95% CI: 6.51-29.57). Only 10% (2 patients) survived till the end of the study. CONCLUSION: Microcytic carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a rare and aggressive entity commonly diagnosed in males of advanced age and in advanced disease stages. It has a poor prognosis and reduced survival. Due to its aggressiveness previous to the initial diagnosis, a cystectomy is only possible in very few cases; therefore multimodal treatment is necessary. This treatment is yet to be defined.

Predictive factors of evolution of patients after pT0 radical cystectomy due to bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the influence of the different pre - cystectomy factors, both clinical and pathological, in the follow up of patients with no residual tumor ( pT0) in the pathological examination of the radical cystectomy specimen as predictors of tumor recurrence. Secondly we intend to compare overall survival, disease free survival and cancer-specific survival with the rest of cystectomy patients in our series. METHODS: Between 1985 and 2010, radical cystectomy was performed in 280 patients with bladder cancer, being 41 pT0 (14.6%). We analyzed potential predictors for overall survival and disease-free survival: age, sex , number of transurethral resections of bladder tumor before cystectomy , tumor type , tumor grade, tumor stage, tumor size, number of tumors, associated Cis and previous instillations. We used univariate analysis of Cox regression. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan - Meier curves and log-rank test. RESULTS: Mean age was 61.7 years and 37 patients were males (90.2%). Stages before cystectomy were pT1 in eight (19.5%) , pT2 in 31 (75.6%) and Cis in two (4.9 %) with tumor grade III in 37 (90.2%). Cystectomy specimens revealed the presence of papillary transitional cell carcinoma in 38 (92.7%) cases. The median number of pre-cistectomy-TURBT was one. Eleven patients (26.8%) received intravesical instillations. Six patients (14.63 %) had tumor recurrence and 10 (24.4 %) died from causes unrelated to the disease. None of the variables analyzed was statistically significant in the univariate analysis as a predictor of tumor recurrence. With a median follow up of 70 months (3-272) disease-free survival and overall survival at five years were 85.9% and 72.8% respectively. Compared to the non pT0 cystectomies in our series, pT0 had a statistically significant difference for better recurrence-free survival (63.4 % and 36.8%, respectively in pT0 and no-pT0 patients) (p〈0,05). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, we have found a better outcome for pT0 patients after cystectomy compared to those with residual tumor. We have not found any pre - cystectomy predictive factor related to disease-free survival and overall survival.

Enfermedad tromboembólica venosa idiopática versus secundaria. Hallazgos del registro RIETE / Idiopathic versus secondary venous thromboembolism. Findings of the RIETE registry

Antecedentes y objetivos. El Registro Informatizado de Enfermedad Tromboembólica (RIETE) es un registro prospectivo que incluye de forma consecutiva pacientes diagnosticados de enfermedad tromboembólica venosa. Hemos comparado la presentación clínica y la respuesta al tratamiento anticoagulante en pacientes con enfermedad tromboembólica venosa idiopática (ETEVI) versus secundaria (ETEVS, asociada a algún factor de riesgo). Pacientes y métodos. Se analizaron las diferencias en las características clínicas, comorbilidad, tratamiento y episodios durante los primeros 3meses tras el diagnóstico de ETEV en los pacientes con ETEVI o ETEVS y según su presentación clínica inicial. Resultados. Se incluyeron 39.921 pacientes, con ETEVI (n=18.029; 45,1%) o ETEVS (n=21.892; 54,9%). Los pacientes con ETEVI mostraron más antecedentes de ETEV que los diagnosticados de ETEVS (p<0,001). El tratamiento inicial fue similar en ambos grupos, pero se colocaron más filtros de vena cava inferior en el grupo de ETEVS (p<0,001). A largo plazo se utilizó con mayor frecuencia heparina de bajo peso molecular en el grupo de ETEVS que en el de ETEVI. A los 90días, la recidiva de ETEV, el sangrado y la muerte fueron significativamente más frecuentes en el grupo con ETEVS. El análisis multivariante confirmó que la ETEVI se asoció a un menor número de sangrados mayores (OR, 0,60; IC95%, 0,50-0,61; p<0,001) y mortales (OR, 0,41; IC95%, 0,29-0,62; p<0,001), menor número de recidivas (OR, 0,58; IC95%, 0,39-0,78; p<0,001) y de embolismo pulmonar mortal (OR, 0,29; IC95%, 0,12-0,52; p<0,001). Estas diferencias se mantuvieron en los pacientes cuya ETEV se inició con un embolismo pulmonar o con una trombosis venosa profunda. Conclusiones. La ETEVI tiene mejor pronóstico que la ETEVS a los 90días del diagnóstico (AU)

Background and objectives. The Computerized Registry of Patients with Venous Thromboembolism (RIETE) is a prospective registry that consecutively includes patients diagnosed with venous thromboembolism. We compared the clinical presentation and response to anticoagulant treatment in patients with idiopathic venous thromboembolism (IVT) versus secondary venous thromboembolism (SVT, associated with a risk factor). Patients and methods. We analyzed the differences in clinical characteristics, comorbidity, treatment and events during the first 3months after the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism in patients with IVT or SVT and according to their initial clinical presentation. Results. A total of 39,921 patients with IVT (n=18,029; 45.1%) or SVT (n=21,892; 54.9%) were enrolled. The patients with IVT had a greater history of venous thromboembolism than those diagnosed with SVT (p<.001). The initial treatment was similar for the 2 groups, but more inferior vena cava filters were placed in the SVT group (p<.001). In the long term, low-molecular-weight heparin was used more often in the SVT group than in the IVT group. At 90days, bleeding, death and the recurrence of venous thromboembolism were significantly more frequent in the SVT group. The multivariate analysis confirmed that IVT was associated with fewer major (OR, 0.60; 95%CI, 0.50-0.61; p<.001) and fatal (OR, 0.41; 95%CI, 0.29-0.62; p<.001) bleedings, fewer relapses (OR, 0.58; 95%CI, 0.39-0.78; p<.001) and fewer fatal pulmonary embolisms (OR, 0.29; 95%CI, 0.12-0.52; p<.001). These differences were maintained in patients whose venous thromboembolism started with a pulmonary embolism or with deep vein thrombosis. Conclusions. IVT has a better prognosis than SVT at 90days of the diagnosis (AU)

Idiopathic versus secondary venous thromboembolism. Findings of the RIETE registry. / Enfermedad tromboembólica venosa idiopática versus secundaria. Hallazgos del registro RIETE.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Computerized Registry of Patients with Venous Thromboembolism (RIETE) is a prospective registry that consecutively includes patients diagnosed with venous thromboembolism. We compared the clinical presentation and response to anticoagulant treatment in patients with idiopathic venous thromboembolism (IVT) versus secondary venous thromboembolism (SVT, associated with a risk factor). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the differences in clinical characteristics, comorbidity, treatment and events during the first 3months after the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism in patients with IVT or SVT and according to their initial clinical presentation. RESULTS: A total of 39,921 patients with IVT (n=18,029; 45.1%) or SVT (n=21,892; 54.9%) were enrolled. The patients with IVT had a greater history of venous thromboembolism than those diagnosed with SVT (p<.001). The initial treatment was similar for the 2 groups, but more inferior vena cava filters were placed in the SVT group (p<.001). In the long term, low-molecular-weight heparin was used more often in the SVT group than in the IVT group. At 90days, bleeding, death and the recurrence of venous thromboembolism were significantly more frequent in the SVT group. The multivariate analysis confirmed that IVT was associated with fewer major (OR, 0.60; 95%CI, 0.50-0.61; p<.001) and fatal (OR, 0.41; 95%CI, 0.29-0.62; p<.001) bleedings, fewer relapses (OR, 0.58; 95%CI, 0.39-0.78; p<.001) and fewer fatal pulmonary embolisms (OR, 0.29; 95%CI, 0.12-0.52; p<.001). These differences were maintained in patients whose venous thromboembolism started with a pulmonary embolism or with deep vein thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: IVT has a better prognosis than SVT at 90days of the diagnosis.

Review of a series of cystectomies in women for bladder cancer:Complications and quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the complications and quality of life after cystectomies performed in women with bladder cancer at our hospital. METHODS: Descriptive analysis of demographic data and early/late complications of cystectomies and urinary diversions performed in women at our hospital between 1990-2010. We also assessed quality of life using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bladder Cancer (ACT-BL) questionnaire and a comparison was drawn between groups of clinical variables. RESULTS: Out of 265 cystectomies, 25 (10%) were performed in women. The predominant urinary diversion was ureterosigmoidostomy (60%), followed by cutaneous ureterostomy (16%), orthotopic ileal neo-bladder Studer pouch (12%), ileal conduit (10%) and permanent nephrostomy (4%). Mean age was 55.75 years. The most commonly occurring early complications were prolonged ileus (20%) and urinary fistula (20%). Late complications included hydronephrosis (32%) and pyelonephritis (32%). The results of quality of life questionnaires were very similar for the different types of urinary diversions, with a mean score of 104.5 out of 156 points. CONCLUSIONS: Radical cystectomy is a high-risk procedure associated with many complications. In women, ureterosigmoidostomy may be a good choice for urinary diversion in selected patients, with a quality of life very similar to those with different urinary diversions.

Influence of the true number of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin instillations on the prognosis of non-muscle invasive bladder tumors.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze if the true number of BCG instillations applied in non-muscle invasive bladder tumors has any influence on their prognosis as well as other tumor and clinical characteristics: age, sex, different protocols, BCG dose, whether primary or recurrent, solitary or multiple, tumor size G3 or Cis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 324 high grade NMIBC (15 TaG3, 184 T1G3, 125 Cis) out of 1491 cases included in the CUETO database were analyzed. Following 6 post transurethral resection (RTU) BCG instillations, the patients were scheduled to receive one instillation every two weeks (3-6 times), for a total of 9-12 instillations. One third of the dose (27 mg) (112 cases) or total dose of 81 mg (212 cases). Mean follow-up was 59.6 months. Statistical Analysis: Kaplan-Meier, Cox-regression (uni-multivariate). RESULTS: A higher level of recurrence (p = 0.032) and progression (P = .013) risk as well as worse Ca-specific survival (P = .005) were obtained if there were fewer than 12 instillations with the Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression multivariate analysis. A 27 mg (P = .008) dosage and being a female (P < .001) were independent factors for a higher recurrence risk, but not for progression or Ca-specific survival. The remaining characteristics studied were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: In accordance with the results obtained, we can conclude that the number of BCG instillations applied has some influence on the outcome of high grade NMIBC. The optimum number of instillations as well as their time of application must still be determined. A dose of 27 mg and being a female are predictive factors of recurrence.

Orientation and phase mapping in the transmission electron microscope using precession-assisted diffraction spot recognition: state-of-the-art results.

A recently developed technique based on the transmission electron microscope, which makes use of electron beam precession together with spot diffraction pattern recognition now offers the possibility to acquire reliable orientation/phase maps with a spatial resolution down to 2 nm on a field emission gun transmission electron microscope. The technique may be described as precession-assisted crystal orientation mapping in the transmission electron microscope, precession-assisted crystal orientation mapping technique-transmission electron microscope, also known by its product name, ASTAR, and consists in scanning the precessed electron beam in nanoprobe mode over the specimen area, thus producing a collection of precession electron diffraction spot patterns, to be thereafter indexed automatically through template matching. We present a review on several application examples relative to the characterization of microstructure/microtexture of nanocrystalline metals, ceramics, nanoparticles, minerals and organics. The strengths and limitations of the technique are also discussed using several application examples.

Comparative study of morbidity and mortality between ileal conduit and ureterosigmoidostomy after radical cystectomy for bladder neoplasm.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the growing trend in the development of orthotopic neobladders, the procedure cannot be performed in many cases, thereby retaining the validity of other techniques. We propose a comparative analysis between patients with radical cystectomy for bladder neoplasm and reconstruction using the ileal conduit (IC) or ureterosigmoidostomy (USG). PATIENTS AND METHOD: Observational retrospective study on 255 patients with radical cystectomy between 1985 and 2009, selecting group assignments by the use of IC and USG. Analysis of the demographic and preoperative characteristics, perioperative complications, pathology and medium to long-term complications. Comparison of groups using T-Student, U-Mann-Whitney and chi square tests, with P<.05 indicating statistical significance. Preparation of survival tables according to Kaplan-Meier, establishing comparisons using the log-rank test. RESULTS: There were 41 cases of IC and 55 cases of USG, with a mean patient age of approximately 61 years. USGs were performed on a greater number of females than ICs. There were no differences in the need for transfusion, with similar results as other series. There was a greater trend towards the appearance of intestinal fistulae and greater morbidity and mortality in the postoperative period in USG, although it was not significant. There was a greater long-term presence of eventrations in IC, and of pyelonephritis and the need for taking alkalinizing agents in USG. The appearance of peristomal hernias in IC was less than in previous series. With a mean follow-up greater than 50 months, the overall survival was 40% at 5 years, with no differences according to urinary diversion. CONCLUSIONS: IC and USG are two applicable urinary diversions in the event that orthotopic neobladder surgery cannot be performed. They have a similar long-term complication and survival profile in our series, although with a higher morbidity in postoperative complications for USG.

[Therapeutic options for renal graft tumors]. / Opciones terapéuticas para tumores en el injerto renal.

Renal graft neoplasias are a rare complication,possibly due to the immunosuppressive therapy itself and increased susceptibility to potentially oncogenic viruses. Few case series have been reported in the literature on the treatment of such tumors, so far there is no clear consensus on how to deal with them. We conducted an exhaustive review of the literature to examine the treatment performed by different authors.