[Quality indicators in hip fracture care after the implementation of an orthogeriatrics team]. / Indicadores de calidad en atención a fractura de cadera tras la implementación de un equipo de ortogeriatría.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of hip fracture will increase dramatically in the coming decades. It has been associated with high mortality and morbidity. Orthogeriatric programs have improved outcomes in fragility hip fracture worldwide. There is little evidence in Mexico on the impact of orthogeriatrics and adherence to quality indicators. OBJECTIVE: To compare adherence to quality indicators in hip fracture before and after the implementation of an orthogeriatrics team compared to the traditional model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Quasi-experimental study conducted in León, Mexico. Adherence to quality indicators before and after an interconsultant orthogeriatrics team was compared. The indicators measured were: surgical delay, treatment for osteoporosis, early mobilization, type of implant and delirium. RESULTS: We included 83 patients. The surgical delay was reduced from 144 to 116 hours (28 hours), the percentage of patients with early surgery was increased from 7.9 to 18%, in addition the percentage of patients with treatment for osteoporosis was increased and the incidence of delirium was reduced. CONCLUSION: Adherence to indicators is low, however, it was possible to discreetly increase adherence to these indicators. Internal policies must be generated in public hospitals to improve this adherence and see its impact on long-term outcomes.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La incidencia de fractura de cadera se incrementará radicalmente en las siguientes décadas. Se ha asociado a una mortalidad y morbilidad elevada. Los programas de ortogeriatría en hospitales públicos han demostrado mejorar los resultados asistenciales. Hay poca evidencia en México sobre el impacto de la ortogeriatría y el apego a indicadores de calidad. OBJETIVO: Comparar el apego a indicadores de calidad en fractura de cadera antes y después de la implementación de un equipo de ortogeriatría comparado con el modelo tradicional. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio cuasiexperimental realizado en León, México. Se comparó la adherencia a indicadores de calidad antes y después de un equipo interconsultante de ortogeriatría. Los indicadores medidos fueron: demora quirúrgica, tratamiento para osteoporosis, movilización temprana, tipo de implante y delirium. RESULTADOS: Incluimos 83 pacientes. La demora quirúrgica se disminuyó de 144 a 116 horas (28 horas), se incrementó el porcentaje de pacientes con cirugía temprana de 7.9 a 18%, además se incrementó el porcentaje de pacientes con tratamiento para osteoporosis y se logró disminuir la incidencia de delirium. CONCLUSIÓN: El apego a indicadores es bajo; sin embargo, se logró incrementar discretamente el apego a estos indicadores. Se deben generar políticas internas en los hospitales públicos para mejorar esta adherencia y ver su impacto en los resultados a largo plazo.

[Functional and quality of life results after a total knee replacement per year and five years of follow-up]. / Resultados funcionales y de calidad de vida tras una artroplastía total de rodilla al año y cinco años de seguimiento.

INTRODUCTION: Classically the results of any joint replacement surgery are evaluated at a minimum of 5 years. This period could be considered excessive to evaluate the functional results of this procedure. The objective of this study is to compare functional and quality of life results to 1 and five years of follow-up following a total knee replacement (TKR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational study. All patients visited one year after the implantation of TKR were included. All of these filled out the SF-36 questionnaire and the KSS valuation scale. Both were administered again at age five after surgery. RESULTS: 689 patients were initially included in the study (163 men [23.7%] and 526 women [76.3%]) with an average age of 72.2 years. At age 5,585 (84.9%) of these patients were re-analyzed. While the knee section of the KSS scale remained similar in these two periods, the function section of the KSS titration scale showed a slight worsening over time (p = 0.008). With respect to SF-36, the physical summation worsened at five years (p = 0.00) and the mental summation remained stable (n.s.) between the year and five years after surgery. DISCUSSION: Five years after a TKR, the physical exam does not vary from the year of surgery. However, the subjective evaluation measured by the function-KSS section and the physical SF-36, worsen slightly during this period. This could be due to aging patients.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Clásicamente los resultados de cualquier cirugía de reemplazo articular se evalúan en un mínimo de cinco años. Este período podría considerarse excesivo para evaluar los resultados funcionales de este procedimiento. El objetivo de este estudio es comparar los resultados funcionales y de calidad de vida a uno y cinco años de seguimiento tras una artroplastía total de rodilla (ATR). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo observacional. Se incluyeron todos aquellos pacientes visitados un año después de la implantación de una ATR. Todos ellos rellenaron el cuestionario SF-36 y la escala de valoración KSS. Ambos fueron administrados nuevamente al cabo de cinco años de la cirugía. RESULTADOS: 689 pacientes fueron incluidos inicialmente en el estudio (163 hombres [23.7%] y 526 mujeres [76.3%]) con una edad media de 72.2 años. A los cinco años, 585 (84.9%) de estos pacientes fueron analizados de nuevo. Mientras que la sección rodilla de la escala KSS se mantenía similar en estos dos períodos, la sección función de la escala de valoración KSS mostraba un leve empeoramiento con el tiempo (p = 0.008). Con respecto al SF-36, el sumatorio físico empeoraba a los cinco años (p = 0.00) y el sumatorio mental se mantenía estable (n.s.) entre un año y cinco años tras la cirugía. DISCUSIÓN: Después de cinco años de una ATR, el examen físico no varía con respecto al año de la cirugía. Sin embargo, la evaluación subjetiva medida mediante la sección función-KSS y el SF-36 físico empeoran ligeramente durante este período. Esto podría ser debido al envejecimiento de los pacientes.

[Fragile hip fracture in Mexico: Where are we today? Where do we want to go?] / Fractura de cadera por fragilidad en México: ¿En dónde estamos hoy? ¿Hacia dónde queremos ir?

INTRODUCTION: Hip fracture is considered the most serious consequence of falls and osteoporosis. 18% of women will suffer one and 25% die in the first year. Only 73% of survivors will walk as they did previously. We know little about the assistance and evolution of it in Mexico. Our goal was to review the current state of Mexican literature on hip fracture, compare Mexican studies with each other and with quality indicators. METHODS: We conducted a search of Mexican articles published between 2000-2017 with the key words: hip fracture, elderly, Mexico and hip fracture (in English) in the databases PubMed, EBSCO and Bibliomed. RESULTS: Twenty-one articles were included. No clinical trials, multidisciplinary unit reports, records, or meta-analyses were found. The average age was 76.9 years and 67.2% were women. No papers were found to report quality indicators. Comorbidity is reported little. The most common complications of hip fractures were delirium, pneumonia and pressure ulcers. Mortality in the acute phase was 0.97 to 12.5%. Special units were not reported. The cost of care oscillated between 1,261 and 13,641 USD. CONCLUSIONS: The scientific information on hip fractures in Mexico is sparse, heterogeneous and does not allow for conclusive results. Increasing the amount and quality of research in hip fractures in Mexico is required. It would also be advisable to disseminate the usefulness of multidisciplinary teams and registry of hip fractures, which would help to improve attention.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La fractura de cadera (FC) se considera la consecuencia más grave de las caídas y la osteoporosis. Dieciocho por ciento de las mujeres sufrirán una FC y 25% muere en el primer año. Sólo 73% de los supervivientes caminará como lo hacía previamente. Conocemos poco de la asistencia y evolución de la FC en México. OBJETIVO: Revisar el estado actual de la literatura mexicana sobre FC, comparar estudios mexicanos entre sí y con los indicadores de calidad. METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó una búsqueda de artículos mexicanos publicados entre 2000 y 2017 con las palabras clave: fractura de cadera, ancianos, México y hip fracture en las bases de datos PubMed, EBSCO y Bibliomed. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 22 artículos. No se encontraron ensayos clínicos, informes de unidades multidisciplinarias, registros, ni metaanálisis. La media de edad fue de 76.9 años y 67.2% fueron mujeres. No se encontraron trabajos que reportaran indicadores de calidad. La comorbilidad se describe poco. Las complicaciones más frecuentes de la FC fueron delirium, neumonía y úlceras por presión. La mortalidad en la fase aguda fue de 0.97 a 12.5%. No se reportaron unidades ortogeriátricas. El costo de atención osciló entre 1,261 y 13,641 dólares estadounidenses (USD). CONCLUSIONES: La información científica sobre FC en México es escasa, heterogénea y no permite obtener resultados concluyentes. Se requiere aumentar la cantidad y la calidad de la investigación en FC en México. Sería también conveniente difundir la utilidad de los equipos multidisciplinarios y registros de FC, lo que contribuiría a mejorar la atención.

Recommendations for the prevention and diagnosis of asthma in children: Evidence from international guidelines adapted for Mexico.

BACKGROUND: With the availability of high-quality asthma guidelines worldwide, one possible approach of developing a valid guideline, without re-working the evidence, already analysed by major guidelines, is the ADAPTE approach, as was used for the development of National Guidelines on asthma. METHODS: The guidelines development group (GDG) covered a broad range of experts from medical specialities, primary care physicians and methodologists. The core group of the GDG searched the literature for asthma guidelines 2005 onward, and analysed the 11 best guidelines with AGREE-II to select three mother guidelines. Key clinical questions were formulated covering each step of the asthma management. RESULTS: The selected mother guidelines are British Thoracic Society (BTS), GINA and GEMA 2015. Responses to the questions were formulated according to the evidence in the mother guidelines. Recommendations or suggestions were made for asthma treatment in Mexico by the core group, and adjusted during several rounds of a Delphi process, taking into account: 1. Evidence; 2. Safety; 3. Cost; 4. Patient preference - all these set against the background of the local reality. Here the detailed analysis of the evidence present in BTS/GINA/GEMA sections on prevention and diagnosis in paediatric asthma are presented for three age-groups: children with asthma ≤5 years, 6-11 years and ≥12 years. CONCLUSIONS: For the prevention and diagnosis sections, applying the AGREE-II method is useful to develop a scientifically-sustained document, adjusted to the local reality per country, as is the Mexican Guideline on Asthma.

Enhancement of VP6 immunogenicity and protective efficacy against rotavirus by VP2 in a genetic immunization.

VP2/VP6 virus like particles (VLPs) are very effective in inducing protection against the rotavirus infection in animal models. Individually, VP6 can also induce protection. However, there is no information about the immunogenicity of VP2. The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of DNA vaccines codifying for VP2 or VP6, alone or combined, to induce protection against the rotavirus infection. Murine rotavirus VP2 and VP6 genes were cloned into the pcDNA3 vector. Adult BALB/c mice were inoculated three times by intramuscular (i.m.) injections with 100 or 200µg of pcDNA3-VP2 or pcDNA3-VP6 alone or co-administered with 100µg of pcDNA3-VP2/100µg of pcDNA3-VP6. Two weeks after the last inoculation, mice were challenged with the wild type murine rotavirus strain epizootic diarrhea of infant mice (EDIMwt). We found that both plasmids, pcDNA3-VP2 and pcDNA3-VP6, were able to induce rotavirus-specific serum antibodies, but not intestinal rotavirus-specific IgA; only 200µg of pcDNA3-VP6 induced 35% protection against the infection. A similar level of protection was found when mice were co-administered with 100µg of pcDNA3-VP2/100µg of pcDNA3-VP6 (1:1 ratio). However, the best protection (up to 58%) occurred when mice were inoculated with 10µg of pcDNA3-VP2/100µg of pcDNA3-VP6 (1:10 ratio). These results indicate that the DNA plasmid expressing VP6 is a better vaccine candidate that the one expressing VP2. However, when co-expressed, VP2 potentiates the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of VP6.

Efecto de Microemulsiones de Aceites Esenciales Sobre el Eritrocito Humano y Bacterias Patógenas / Effect of Microemulsions of Essential Oils on Human Erythrocyte and Pathogens Bacteria

RESUMEN: El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de las microemulsiones de aceite esencial de romero (AER) y árbol de té (AET) sobre el eritrocito humano y microorganismos patógenos. Para ello, se elaboraron microemulsiones de AER y AET al 8.0% (v/v), 5.0% (v/v) y 2.5% (v/v). Las microemulsiones fueron probadas sobre el eritrocito humano para determinar el porcentaje de hemólisis, el porcentaje de inhibición de hemólisis y su actividad antibacterial contra E. coli O157:H7 y S. aureus. Las microemulsiones con AER no presentaron actividad hemolítica significativa, caso contrario con las microemulsiones de AET al 8.0% (≈70%) y 5.0% (33%) que presentaron mayor actividad hemolítica. Las microemulsiones de AER protegieron significativamente al eritrocito contra la presencia de radicales libres, en comparación con aquellas de AET (p< 0.05). Además, las emulsiones de AET al 8.0% mostraron efectos antibacterianos contra E. coli O157:H7 y S. aureus mientras que AER al 8.0% solo mostraron efecto contra E. coli O157:H7. La limitante del estudio fue que no utilizamos células nucleadas para establecer si los aceites esenciales dañan el material nuclear. Sin embargo, observamos que el tipo y la cantidad de aceite utilizado pueden tener implicaciones serias sobre la membrana eritrocitaria. Se concluye que las microemulsiones de AER presentaron mejor efecto protector eritrocitario, mientras que las microemulsiones de AET presentaron mejor actividad antibacterial contra las bacterias estudiadas, pero con mayor efecto tóxico sobre el eritrocito.

ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of microemulsions of rosemary (AER) and tea tree (AET) essential oils on human erythrocyte and pathogen bacteria. Microemulsions of each oil were prepared at 8.0% (v/v), 5.0% (v/v) and 2.5% (v/v), and they were tested on human erythrocyte to determine the hemolysis percentage, hemolysis inhibition percentage and the antibacterial capacity against E. coli O157:H7 and S. aureus. All AER microemulsions showed no significant hemolytic activity. On the contrary, AET microemulsions showed hemolytic effect but those in concentrations of 8.0% (≈70 %) and 5.0% (33%) showed the highest effect. In addition, AER microemulsions showed protective effect against free radicals in comparison with the AET microemulsions (p< 0.05). On the other hand, the AET microemulsion at 8.0% showed antibacterial effect against E. coli O157:H7 and S. aureus, and the AER at 8.0% showed antibacterial effect against E. coli O157:H7. The limitation of this study was that nucleated cells were not used to observe the damage of the essential oils on nuclear material. However, the observed damage of erythrocyte's membrane is depending on type and amount of used oil. Therefore, it can be concluded that the AER microemulsions showed better protective effect of erythrocytes, while AET microemulsions showed better antibacterial effect against the tested bacteria, although with toxic effect on the erythrocytes.

Membrana de Quitosano con Aceites Esenciales de Romero y Árbol de Té: Potencial como Biomaterial / Membrane of chitosan with essential oils of Romero and Tree of Tea: Potential as biomaterial

RESUMEN: El quitosano (CH) tiene propiedades hemostáticas, cicatrizantes y estimulantes del sistema inmune del hospedero contra infecciones virales y bacterianas. Además es biodegradable, no tóxico, antimicrobiano, biocompatible y filmogénico. Estas propiedades han sido utilizadas para acarrear y liberar compuestos bioactivos para sus posibles usos en la salud humana. Por otro lado, los compuestos bioactivos como los aceites esenciales de gran volatilidad como romero (RMO) [Rosmarinus officinalis] y árbol de té (TTO) [Melaleuca alternifolia], pueden ser alternativa importante de uso como antioxidantes y antimicrobianos que podrían inducir cambios favorables en la membrana de CH. Por lo tanto, se incorporaron aceites esenciales de TTO y RMO (0.25, 0.50 y 1.00% v/v) en membranas de CH por el método de casting y se evaluaron su solubilidad, PVA, transparencia y capacidad de bloqueo de la luz ultravioleta, capacidad antioxidante y de protección del eritrocito humano. RMO y TTO redujeron la solubilidad (28-58%) y PVA (entre 28-58%) de las membranas de CH. Todas las membranas fueron amarillas, ligeramente opacas y con capacidad de bloquear la luz ultravioleta. También, las membranas mostraron relativa baja capacidad antioxidante por el radical ABTS (≈ 6 at 9 %), pero con excelente efecto protector sobre el eritrocito humano (> 63 %).

ABSTRACT: Chitosan (CH) has hemostatic properties and accelerated healing ability to stimulate the host immune system against viral and bacterial infections. It is also biodegradable, nontoxic, antimicrobial, biocompatible, and capable of forming membranes and to carry and to release bioactive compounds. These properties of CH can be useful to carry some volatile essential oils having bioactive compounds (antioxidants and antimicrobials) with potential application in human health as those as rosemary (RMO) [Rosmarinus officinalis] and tea tree (TTO) [Melaleuca alternifolia]. These essential oils were incorporated into the chitosan by the casting method in this study. The physical properties (solubility, PVA, transparency and blocking ultraviolet light) of these membranes with TTO and RMO (0.25, 0.50 and 1.00% v/v), antioxidant capacity and protection human erythrocyte were evaluated. TTO and RMO reduced solubility (28-58%) and PVA (between 28-58%) of CH membranes. All membranes were yellow, slightly opaque and they were able to block the ultraviolet light. Membranes also showed relatively low antioxidant capacity by the radical ABTS (≈ 6 at 9%), but it was accompanied by an excellent protective effect on the human erythrocyte (> 63%).

Descriptive vs. mechanistic network models in plant development in the post-genomic era.

Network modeling is now a widespread practice in systems biology, as well as in integrative genomics, and it constitutes a rich and diverse scientific research field. A conceptually clear understanding of the reasoning behind the main existing modeling approaches, and their associated technical terminologies, is required to avoid confusions and accelerate the transition towards an undeniable necessary more quantitative, multidisciplinary approach to biology. Herein, we focus on two main network-based modeling approaches that are commonly used depending on the information available and the intended goals: inference-based methods and system dynamics approaches. As far as data-based network inference methods are concerned, they enable the discovery of potential functional influences among molecular components. On the other hand, experimentally grounded network dynamical models have been shown to be perfectly suited for the mechanistic study of developmental processes. How do these two perspectives relate to each other? In this chapter, we describe and compare both approaches and then apply them to a given specific developmental module. Along with the step-by-step practical implementation of each approach, we also focus on discussing their respective goals, utility, assumptions, and associated limitations. We use the gene regulatory network (GRN) involved in Arabidopsis thaliana Root Stem Cell Niche patterning as our illustrative example. We show that descriptive models based on functional genomics data can provide important background information consistent with experimentally supported functional relationships integrated in mechanistic GRN models. The rationale of analysis and modeling can be applied to any other well-characterized functional developmental module in multicellular organisms, like plants and animals.

Feasibility of an endoscopic approach to the axillary nerve and the nerve to the long head of the triceps brachii with the help of the Da Vinci Robot.

Surgery to transfer the axillary nerve and the nerve of the long head of the triceps presents two obstacles: 1) the access portals are not standardized and 2) the nerves are for their larger part approached through large incisions. The goal of this study was to explore the feasibility of an endoscopic microsurgical approach. The posterior aspect of a cadaver shoulder was approached through three communicating mini-incisions. The Da Vinci robot camera was installed on a central trocart, and the instrument arms on the adjacent trocarts. A gas insufflation distended the soft tissues up to the lateral axillary space. The branches of the axillary nerve and the nerve to the long head of the triceps brachii muscle were identified. The dissection of the axillary nerve trunk and its branches was easy. The posterior humeral circumflex veins and artery were dissected as well without any difficulty. Finding the nerve to the long head of the triceps brachii was found to be more challenging because of its deeper location. Robots properties allow performing conventional microsurgery: elimination of the physiologic tremor and multiplication of the movements. They also facilitate the endoscopic approach of the peripheral nerves, as seen in our results on the terminal branches of the axillary nerve and the nerve to the long head of the triceps brachii.

Management of malignant insulinoma.

AIM: Malignant insulinoma is an infrequent functional endocrine tumor of the pancreas. Adequate therapy is a demanding challenge for oncologists and endocrinologists. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of multidisciplinary management of malignant insulinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of patients with malignant insulinoma treated from 1995 to 2011. RESULTS: Seven patients with malignant insulinoma were included: four males and three females; median age was 61.8 years (range 37-78). Six tumors were sporadic and one was diagnosed in a patient with a type 1 multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN-1). Surgery was performed in six cases and one patient was considered unresectable. Hypoglycemias persisted in all cases and somatostatin analogs, glucocorticoids and diazoxide were used. Two patients received everolimus. Other techniques were chemoembolization and internal radiation therapy with yttrium-90. Successful liver transplant was done in the patient with MEN-1. CONCLUSION: Hypoglycemia management is complex and requires multiple therapies. Further evaluations will be necessary to determine the best treatment.

Brachial plexus endoscopy: feasibility study on cadavers.

UNLABELLED: The development of a minimally invasive technique for exploration of the brachial plexus seems a logical step towards refinement of diagnosis and treatment. For certain pathological conditions, minimally invasive techniques have become the method of choice; for others, they remain as an ancillary option for assistance during open surgery. We have developed a full endoscopic technique for brachial plexus exploration. Our endoscopic technique used saline liquid infusion in seven brachial plexus of four cadavers. Five portals have been described and the endoscopic landmarks also. We were able to demonstrate excellent views and adequate possibilities for cadaver plexus dissection and its anatomic landmarks and portals. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Co-occurrence of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, and citreoviridin in rice in Brazil.

A total of 230 samples of processed rice and its sub-products or derived products were analysed to establish the co-occurrence of several mycotoxins. Samples were analysed in the period 2007-2009 due to the outbreak of beriberi associated with the consumption of rice stored in inappropriate conditions in Brazil. According to data from the Ministry of Health, 323 cases of disease were registered in 2006, of which at least 47 cases resulted in death. The occurrence of total aflatoxin (AFT) (aflatoxin B(1) + B(2) + G(1) + G(2)), ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone (ZON), deoxynivalenol (DON), and citreoviridin (CTV) was 58.7%, 40.0%, 45.2%, 8.3% and 22.5%, respectively. From 166 rice samples analysed, 55% had levels <0.11 µg kg(-1) for AFT. For OTA and ZON, of 165 rice samples analysed, 28% and 29% were contaminated with levels from 0.20 to 0.24 µg kg(-1) and from 3.6 to 290.0 µg kg(-1), respectively. One sample (0.6%) was contaminated with 4872.0 µg kg(-1) of ZON. A total of 91% of rice samples (n = 165) did not contain detectable DON (<30.00 µg kg(-1)), although the highest level of contamination was found to be 244 µg kg(-1). From the total of 65 samples analysed, 94% had no detectable CTV (<0.9 µg kg(-1)), with a range from 0.9 to 31.1 µg kg(-1) in 6% of the samples. The highest levels of contamination were found in rice sub-products or derived products from the husk and rice bran. Co-occurrence was observed for AFT and ZON in 17.0%, AFT and OTA in 24.2%, AFT and CTV in 6.2%, OTA and CTV in 4.6%, and ZON and CTV in 3.1%. These fractions were also the major contributors for the co-occurrence. The results found show the necessity of monitoring rice production.

Optimisation and validation of a quantitative and confirmatory method for residues of macrolide antibiotics and lincomycin in kidney by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.

A solid phase extraction followed by a liquid chromatography (LC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) detection method for the confirmatory analysis of lincomycin (LIN), clindamycin (CLI), tilmicosin (TIM), erythromycin (ERI) and tylosin (TYL) residues in kidney were optimised and validated for monitoring and controlling the use of these antibiotics in food producing-animals. The method optimisation was carried out by testing changes in the extraction buffer pH and in the ammonium/acetonitrile concentrations on SPE eluent solutions. The optimised extraction procedure involved the extraction of the analytes with a pH 8 phosphate buffer, clean-up on a reversed-phase mixed-cation exchange cartridge, followed by the elution of the analytes in a 98:2 acetonitrile/ammonia solution, concentration in air flow and re-dissolved with an 1:1 methanol/water solution. The analytes were detected in an LC-MS/MS system in electrospray positive ionisation mode. The validation was performed according to the European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. Linearity was established for all analytes using the method of least weighted squares and CCα values ranged from 5.3% to 21.1% higher than the minimum residue limit (MRL) values. The addition levels varied from 0.5 to 1.50 MRL for all analytes, with recoveries exceeding 92.5%. The relative standard deviations (RSD%) in terms of repeatability (n = 54) and reproducibility (n = 108) for all analytes were less than 21.6% and 21.4%, respectively. The uncertainties were calculated by simplified methods using the calibration curve uncertainty and the intermediate precision to obtain the combined measurement uncertainty. The results of the validation process demonstrated that this method is suitable for the quantification and confirmation of antibiotic residues for the Brazilian Residue and Contaminant Control Plan (PNCR).

Algorithm for phase extraction from a set of interferograms with arbitrary phase shifts.

The generalized analytical quadrature filter from a set of interferograms with arbitrary phase shifts is obtained. Both symmetrical and non symmetrical algorithms for any order are reported. The analytic expression is obtained through the convolution of a set of two-frame algorithms and expressed in terms of the combinatorial theory. Finally, the solution is applied to obtain several generalized tunable quadrature filters.

Structural, electronic, and vibrational properties of amino-adamantane and rimantadine isomers.

We performed a first principles total energy investigation on the structural, electronic, and vibrational properties of adamantane molecules, functionalized with amine and ethanamine groups. We computed the vibrational signatures of amantadine and rimantadine isomers with the functional groups bonded to different carbon sites. By comparing our results with recent infrared and Raman spectroscopic data, we discuss the possible presence of different isomers in experimental samples.

Atheromatosis extent in coronary artery disease is not correlated with apolipoprotein-E polymorphism and its plasma levels, but associated with cognitive decline.

BACKGROUND: Apolipoprotein-E (apoE) ε4 allele is a known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Polymorphism of apoE is also one of the most important genetic markers for coronary artery disease (CAD). The allelic variation in the apoE gene has a significant effect on inter-individual variation of lipids and lipoprotein plasma levels as well. This study investigated whether apoE polymorphism affects the plasma levels of apoE and the possible association to CAD extent and cognitive functions. METHODS: Plasma apoE levels and apoE genotypes were evaluated of subjects with normal coronary arteries, and individuals with angiographycally confirmed mild/moderate or severe atheromatosis. The cognitive performance of the volunteers was also measured by mini-mental state examination (MMSE). RESULTS: Out of the 6 expected genotypes, only 5 were detected in participants: E3/3 (56.0%), E3/4 (23.6%), E4/4 (8.2%), E2/4 (3.3%), E2/3 (8.9%). The ε3 allele (72%) was the most frequent, followed by ε4 (22%) and ε2 (6%). No difference was found in plasma levels of either apoE or in apoE genotype frequencies among the groups, however MMSE scores of CAD patients irrespective of their atheromatosis extent were significantly lower than that seen in the normal population. CONCLUSIONS: Although neither apoE plasma levels, nor apoE polymorphism in patients presenting with mild/moderate or severe atheromatosis showed to be associated with CAD severity, the presence of atheromatosis in the heart vessels positively correlated with cognitive dysfunction.

Crystal engineering using functionalized adamantane.

We performed a first-principles investigation on the structural, electronic and optical properties of crystals made of chemically functionalized adamantane molecules. Several molecular building blocks, formed by boron and nitrogen substitutional functionalizations, were considered to build zinc blende and wurtzite crystals, and the resulting structures presented large bulk moduli and cohesive energies, wide and direct bandgaps, and low dielectric constants (low-κ materials). Those properties provide stability for such structures up to room temperature, superior to those of typical molecular crystals. This indicates a possible road map for crystal engineering using functionalized diamondoids, with potential applications ranging from space filling between conducting wires in nanodevices to nano-electromechanical systems.

Can a normal peak expiratory flow exclude severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is underdiagnosed. One barrier to diagnosis is the limited availability of spirometry testing, but in adults at risk for COPD, a normal pre-bronchodilator (pre-BD) peak expiratory flow (PEF) may rule out clinically significant COPD. OBJECTIVE: To identify post-BD airway obstruction using data from 13 708 individuals aged >or=40 years from the PLATINO and BOLD studies. METHODS: We evaluated different cut-off points of pre-BD. The PEF was obtained from a diagnostic-quality spirometer (not a mechanical PEF meter). At least one of the following COPD risk factors was present in 77% of the subjects: chronic respiratory symptoms; exposure to tobacco smoke, biomass smoke or dust in the workplace; or a previous diagnosis of asthma, COPD, emphysema or chronic bronchitis. RESULTS: Although the positive predictive value was low as expected, a pre-BD PEF of >or=70% predicted effectively ruled out Stages III and IV COPD of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Among those with at least one risk factor, only 12% would require confirmatory spirometry using this criterion. CONCLUSIONS: Adding PEF measurement to a screening questionnaire may rule out severe to very severe COPD without the need for pre- and post-BD spirometry testing. Confirmation is needed from a study using inexpensive PEF meters or pocket spirometers with a staged screening protocol.

Preoperative continuous positive airway pressure compliance in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: assessed by a simplified approach.

INTRODUCTION: The frequency of diagnoses of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children is increasing and more and more adenotonsillectomies (A&T) are being performed on severely ill children who have a higher perioperatory risk. The objective of the present study was to describe preoperative compliance in the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in children with OSAS, when this treatment was prescribed as a means of preventing complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We describe data from children with severe OSAS caused by hypertrophy of the adenoids and tonsils, but with no craniofacial abnormalities. CPAP pressure was adjusted either during diurnal polysomnography with sleep deprivation or by self-adjusting devices. Follow-up was conducted through weekly interviews and the downloading of data recorded by the equipment. RESULTS: 48 children were included; 73% of them used a CPAP machine > or =3h per night, and 31% used it for > or =6h per night. The variables associated with good equipment compliance included higher BMI, higher pressure levels in the devices, and a higher number of episodes of apneas and hypopneas. Children who weighed > or =30kg used CPAP for > or =3h per night more often (OR 16, 95% CI 1.9-137). Compliance levels with fixed and self-adjusting CPAP were similar, and side effects in both cases were slight and limited to those caused by the pressure of the masks on patients' skin. One case of excessive bleeding was the only complication reported during A&T. CONCLUSIONS: The mean preoperative use of CPAP equipment by children with severe OSAS was 4.5+/-2.6h. Seventy-three percent of subjects used the equipment for >/=3h.

Comparative study of the degradation of real textile effluents by photocatalytic reactions involving UV/TiO2/H2O2 and UV/Fe2+/H2O2 systems.

This work investigated the treatability of real textile effluents using several systems involving advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) such as UV/H2O2, UV/TiO2, UV/TiO2/H2O2, and UV/Fe2+/H2O2. The efficiency of each technique was evaluated according to the reduction levels observed in the UV absorbance of the effluents, COD, and organic nitrogen reduction, as well as mineralization as indicated by the formation of ammonium, nitrate, and sulfate ions. The results indicate the association of TiO2 and H2O2 as the most efficient treatment for removing organic pollutants from textile effluents. In spite of their efficiency, Fenton reactions based treatment proved to be slower and exhibited more complicated kinetics than the ones using TiO2, which are pseudo-first-order reactions. Decolorization was fast and effective in all the experiments despite the fact that only H2O2 was used.