Valorization of a by-product of the yerba mate industry by assembling with cassava starch adhesive for packaging material production.

Yerba mate industrial processing produces tons of powder as a by-product, this yerba mate powder (YMP) is an excellent source of biomass to develop biodegradable materials. Cassava starch modified with 1,2,3,4-butane tetracarboxylic acid (BA) in the presence of sodium propionate as a catalyst is an eco-friendly option to obtain bioadhesives. This work aimed to develop sustainable laminates from starch-based adhesives and yerba mate powder and to study their physico-chemical, structural, and mechanical properties. Blends of bioadhesive and YMP were prepared (1:1, adhesive:YMP). Monolayer materials were obtained by thermo-compression and later assembled with adhesive to obtain bilayer laminates. Bioadhesive was able to bind the yerba mate by-product fibers, as evidenced by SEM microstructure analysis, the interactions of adhesive:substrate were elucidated by ATR-FTIR and supported by chemometrics analysis. The incorporation of the catalyst decreased the rugosity of materials and their mechanical performance was improved by the action of both acid concentration and catalyst presence, requiring higher energy for puncture. Thus, it was feasible to obtain mono and bilayer laminates as an eco-compatible alternative for the design of sustainable tray-like materials based on the industrial by-product of yerba mate.

PSCF and CWT methods as a tool to identify potential sources of 7Be and 210Pb aerosols in Granada, Spain.

This research is focused on studying the preferred source regions and the pathways of the air masses with high particulate concentrations impacting on the activity concentrations of 7Be and 210Pb aerosols in Granada atmosphere. For this purpose, three different source-receptor methods have been used: Cluster Analysis, Potential Source Contribution Function (PSCF), and Concentration Weighted Trajectory (CWT). Air filter samples were weekly collected and analysed in Granada university (Spain 37.177N, 3.598 W, 687m a.s.l.) during 12 years (2006-2017) for the activity concentration of 7Be, and during 5 years (2010-2014) for the one of 210Pb. The time series of the collected data indicate that the concentration of both radiotracers present a cyclical and seasonal pattern, in association with their origins and atmospheric conditions. Clustering analysis showed that the air masses arriving to Granada can be classified as: (1) tropical continental air masses coming from the Mediterranean Sea, (2) tropical and warm polar maritime air masses produced over the Atlantic Ocean, and (3) continental air masses originated over Europe and Northern Africa. The PSCF and CWT methods confirmed that the main source areas of 7Be are located in the Atlantic coast of southern Morocco, and Northern Africa. On the other hand, southern France and the Algerian desert were found to be the main region sources of 210Pb. In addition, the Mediterranean Basin has been postulated as a strong source region for 7Be and 210Pb. Furthermore, the PSCF and CWT models show that the regions with larger 7Be/210Pb ratios are located in the Atlantic Ocean, due to frequent stratospheric intrusions specially during the winter months.

Position statement of the Latin American Dysphagia Society for the management of oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the COVID-19 disease is transmitted through the inhalation of droplets or aerosols and inoculation via the oronasal or ocular routes, transforming the management of swallowing disorders into a challenge for healthcare teams, given their proximity to the aerodigestive tract and the high probability of aerosol generation during patient evaluation and treatment. AIM: To provide essential guidance for Latin American multidisciplinary teams, regarding the evaluation and treatment of oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia, at the different levels of healthcare. The position statement was formulated for the purpose of maintaining medical service continuity, in the context of a pandemic, and minimizing the propagation and infection risks of the virus. METHODS: Thirteen experts in swallowing disorders were summoned by the Latin American Dysphagia Society to formulate a series of clinical suggestions, based on available evidence and clinical experience, for the management of dysphagia, taking the characteristics of Latin American healthcare systems into account. RESULTS: The position statement of the Latin American Dysphagia Society provides a series of clinical suggestions directed at the multidisciplinary teams that manage patients with oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia. It presents guidelines for evaluation and treatment in different contexts, from hospitalization to home care. CONCLUSIONS: The present statement should be analyzed by each team or healthcare professional, to reduce the risk for COVID-19 infection and achieve the best therapeutic results, while at the same time, being mindful of the reality of each Latin American country.

[Position statement of the Latin American Dysphagia Society for the management of oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia during the COVID-19 pandemic]. / Posicionamiento de la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Disfagia para el manejo de la disfagia orofaríngea y esofágica durante la pandemia COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the COVID-19 disease is transmitted through the inhalation of droplets or aerosols and inoculation via the oronasal or ocular routes, transforming the management of swallowing disorders into a challenge for healthcare teams, given their proximity to the aerodigestive tract and the high probability of aerosol generation during patient evaluation and treatment. AIM: To provide essential guidance for Latin American multidisciplinary teams, regarding the evaluation and treatment of oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia, at the different levels of healthcare. The position statement was formulated for the purpose of maintaining medical service continuity, in the context of a pandemic, and minimizing the propagation and infection risks of the virus. METHODS: Thirteen experts in swallowing disorders were summoned by the Latin American Dysphagia Society to formulate a series of clinical suggestions, based on available evidence and clinical experience, for the management of dysphagia, taking the characteristics of Latin American healthcare systems into account. RESULTS: The position statement of the Latin American Dysphagia Society provides a series of clinical suggestions directed at the multidisciplinary teams that manage patients with oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia. It presents guidelines for evaluation and treatment in different contexts, from hospitalization to home care. CONCLUSIONS: The present statement should be analyzed by each team or healthcare professional, to reduce the risk for COVID-19 infection and achieve the best therapeutic results, while at the same time, being mindful of the reality of each Latin American country.

Extraction and Characterization of Proteins from Pachyrhizus ahipa Roots: an Unexploited Protein-Rich Crop.

Pachyrhizus ahipa is an unexploited crop known to be rich in proteins compared to other edible roots and tubers. These proteins are not prolamins, thus ahipa represents an interesting new source of ingredients for gluten-free foods. In this work, ahipa proteins (AP) were extracted and partially characterized in pursuit of their use as food ingredients. The effect of ultrasound treatment on protein extraction efficiency was evaluated. AP were characterized by their size, amino acid composition, surface hydrophobicity, intrinsic fluorescence, FTIR spectra, solubility, and thermal and emulsifying properties. AP were efficiently removed from the vegetal tissue using PBS or water, regardless of the use of ultrasound, but not easily recovered by precipitation. This protein fraction was composed of small proteins, with sizes ranging from 9 to 30 kDa, and highly polar. AP resulted particularly rich in aspartic acid (59% of the total amino acid content), for which they can be classified as Asp-rich proteins. Their elevated content of acidic groups was evidenced in the ATR-FTIR spectrum. The amide I band deconvolution as well as the low surface hydrophobicity and denaturation enthalpy indicated that these proteins are mainly unordered structures. The emulsifying properties of AP were enhanced when the concentration was increased from 0.1 to 1% (w/v) but resulted lower than those of soy protein. The high polarity, small size, and low isoelectric point make AP particularly suitable for acidic food matrices.

Predictive and prognostic value of total tumor load in sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer patients after neoadjuvant treatment using one-step nucleic acid amplification: the NEOVATTL study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive and prognostic value of total tumor load (TTL) in sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in patients with infiltrating breast cancer after neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST). METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study used data from a Spanish Sentinel Lymph Node database. Patients underwent intraoperative SLN biopsy after NST. TTL was determined from whole nodes using a one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) assay and defined as the total sum of CK19 mRNA copies in all positive SLNs. Cox-regression models identified independent predictive variables, which were incorporated into a nomogram to predict axillary non-SLN metastasis, and identified prognostic variables for incorporation into a disease-free survival (DFS) prognostic score. RESULTS: A total of 314 patients were included; most had no lymph node involvement prior to NST (cN0; 75.0% of patients). Most received chemotherapy with or without biologic therapy (91.7%), and 81 patients had a pathologic complete response. TTL was predictive of non-SLN involvement (area under the concentration curve = 0.87), and at a cut-off of 15,000 copies/µL had a negative predictive value of 90.5%. Nomogram parameters included log (TTL + 1), maximum tumor diameter and study-defined NST response. TTL was prognostic of disease recurrence and DFS at a cut-off of 25,000 copies/µL. After a 5-year follow-up, DFS was higher in patients with ≤ 25,000 copies/µL than those with > 25,000 (89.9% vs. 70.0%; p = 0.0017). CONCLUSIONS: TTL > 15,000 mRNA copies/µL was predictive of non-SLN involvement and TTL > 25,000 mRNA copies/µL was associated with a higher risk of disease recurrence in breast cancer patients who had received NST.

Revisiting the metallothionein genes polymorphisms and the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma in a Brazilian population.

BACKGROUND: Metallothioneins (MTs) gene polymorphisms have been associated with the ability of free radical scavenging and detoxification of heavy metals leading to cancer development. Our aim was to revisit, in a Brazilian population, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the MT gene family previously associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case-control investigation with 28 OSCC patients and 45 controls was conducted, using conventional risk factors (tobacco use and alcohol consumption) as covariates. SNPs genotyping for rs8052334 (MT1B), rs964372 (MT1B), and rs1610216 (MT2A) was performed by PCR-RFLP, and SNPs for rs11076161 (MT1A) were analyzed by TaqMan assay. RESULTS: The only SNP associated with increased risk for OSCC was the MT-1A AA genotype (OR = 4.7; p = 0.01). We have also evidenced for the first time a significant linkage disequilibrium between the SNPs of MT-2A and MT-1A in this population with the highest frequency (30%) of the unfavorable haplotype G/A/C/T (rs1610216 / rs11076161 / rs964372 / rs8052334) of MT gene polymorphisms (OR = 6.2; p = 0.04). Interestingly, after removing the effects of conventional risk factors, we have uncovered the significance of the AA genotype of the rs11076161 with increased odds of 19-fold higher towards OSCC development. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first demonstration that a significant linkage disequilibrium among gene polymorphisms of the MT family may affect susceptibility to oral cancer, which is conditioned by the G/A/C/T haplotype (rs1610216/rs11076161/rs964372/ rs8052334) and the MT-1A gene polymorphism has a potential clinical utility for the OSCC risk assessment.

Toxicological Screening of Four Bioactive Citroflavonoids: In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Approaches.

Many studies describe different pharmacological effects of flavonoids on experimental animals and humans. Nevertheless, few ones are confirming the safety of these compounds for therapeutic purposes. This study aimed to investigate the preclinical safety of naringenin, naringin, hesperidin, and quercetin by in vivo, in vitro, and in silico approaches. For this, an MTT-based cytotoxicity assay in VERO and MDCK cell lines was performed. In addition, acute toxicity was evaluated on Wistar rats by OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals (Test No. 423: Acute Oral Toxicity-Class Method). Furthermore, we used the ACD/Tox Suite to predict toxicological parameters such as hERG channel blockade, CYP450 inhibition, and acute toxicity in animals. The results showed that quercetin was slightly more cytotoxic on cell lines (IC50 of 219.44 ± 7.22 mM and 465.41 ± 7.44 mM, respectively) than the other citroflavonoids. All flavonoids exhibited an LD50 value > 2000 mg/kg, which classifies them as low-risk substances as OECD guidelines established. Similarly, predicted LD50 was LD50 > 300 to 2000 mg/kg for all flavonoids as acute toxicity assay estimated. Data suggests that all these flavonoids did not show significant toxicological effects, and they were classified as low-risk, useful substances for drug development.

Evaluation of belimumab treatment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in a clinical practice setting: Results from a 24-month OBSErve study in Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical effectiveness of belimumab for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in real-world practice in Argentina. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study analysed medical record data of patients with SLE treated with belimumab in 15 centres in Argentina. Primary endpoint: overall clinical response (assessed on a scale similar to the 6-point Physician Global Assessment) at months 6, 12, 18 and 24, all versus index (belimumab initiation). Secondary endpoints: improvement in disease activity (SELENA-SLEDAI), SLE manifestations, and corticosteroid dose change. RESULTS: Records for 81 patients (91% female) were analysed. Clinical improvements were reported for 95%, 95%, 98% and 100% patients at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post index, respectively. Mean SELENA-SLEDAI score decreased from 11.21 at index to 4.76, 3.77, 3.86 and 2.17 at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post index, respectively. Number of flares decreased from 1.05 at index to 0.21, 0.09, 0.22 and 0.30 at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post index, respectively. Mean corticosteroid dose was 14.59 mg/day at index, and 6.45, 5.18, 5.17 and 4.78 mg/day at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post index, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Real-world patients with SLE treated with belimumab in Argentina demonstrated clinical improvements and reductions in corticosteroid dose.

Factors Related to the Attitude Toward Living Kidney Donation of the Population of Havana.

INTRODUCTION: Living kidney donation (LKD) is one of the most used alternatives in the field of organ transplantation. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the attitude toward LKD among the population of Havana, Cuba. METHODS: Population under study. Population resident in Havana, Cuba. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Sample of population over 15 years stratified by age and sex. INSTRUMENT: Validated questionnaire of attitude toward donation and transplant "PCID-DVR-Ríos," self-administered and anonymously filled out. STATISTICS: χ2, Student t test, and a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 920 respondents have been included in the study. A total of 85.5% (n = 787) are in favor of the related LKD. In our study, 26.5% (n = 244) would remain in favor of unrelated LKD. Regarding the related LKD, the following variables remain independent in the multivariate analysis: 1. having studies (odds ratio [OR] = 3.649; P = .018); 2. attitude toward cadaveric organ donation (OR = 8.547; P < .001); 3. religion (OR = 4.385; P = .001); 4. opinion of the couple (OR = 4.672; P = .028); and 5. risk with living donation (OR = 10.989; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: The population of Havana has a very favorable attitude toward related LKD. Only a quarter of respondents are in favor of unrelated LKD.

Expression of CD47 antigen in Reed-Sternberg cells as a new potential biomarker for classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

INTRODUCTION: CD47 over expression has been reported in several tumor subtypes. CD47 interacts with SIRPalpha on macrophages inhibiting phagocytic signal, providing a survival advantage to tumor. CD47, therefore, represents a valuable target for immunotherapy and is currently under clinical investigation. We aimed to study CD47 expression in Hodgkin Reed Sternberg cells (HRS). METHODS: We tested a polyclonal CD47 antibody (LifeSpan Biosciences, Seattle, WA) expression along with classical HRS cell markers on a tissue array of 16 classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (CHL) tumor biopsies obtained from newly diagnosed, non-selected patients (8 Female, 8 Male patients) in our institution from October 2016 to January 2018. Histologic subtypes were nodular sclerosis in 11 cases, mixed Cellularity in 3 cases and lymphocyte rich in 2 additional cases. Median age was 53 years (Range: 8, 74). Early stage disease was found in three patients without unfavorable prognostic factors according to EORTC and GHSG criteria, one patient with unfavorable prognostic factors and nine patients had advanced disease. Bulk disease was present in one patient. Normal lymphoid tissue and normal prostate epithelium were used as normal controls as recommended by manufacturer. Approval from the Local Ethical committee was obtained before any analysis. RESULTS: CD47 was overexpressed on all HRS cells with a characteristic dot-like pattern in 13/13 cases of CHL. HRS clearly expressed CD47 more intensely than infiltrating T and stromal cells. DISCUSSION: We propose that HRS cells, by up-regulating CD47, might avoid innate immunity check on tumor growth, which could be circumvented using blocking monoclonal antibodies.

Evaluation of the Induction of Cell-Mediated Immunity Against Candida albicans in a Model of Cutaneous Infection in Newborn 0-Day-Old Mice.

Candida albicans is a commensal fungus of the skin and mucous membranes in humans, but it is also responsible for mucocutaneous and systemic infections in immunocompromised patients like low birth weight neonates and premature newborns. The epicutaneous application of C. albicans is widely used to study the immune response against this pathogen in adult mice models. However, the immune response of newborns against infections caused by the genus Candida is poorly understood. In order to mimic premature human infection, we developed a model of C. albicans epicutaneous infection in newborn mice. We found that yeasts were able to colonize while the pseudohyphae invaded the epidermis. Recruitment of polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells at the infection zone was observed. Fungal invasion, fungal burden and cellular infiltration displayed a time- and dose-dependent response. Interestingly, newborn mice were able to control C. albicans primary infection. Finally, we showed that the epicutaneous infection of C. albicans in newborn mice at birth results in the induction of cell-mediated immunity as evinced by delayed-type hypersensitivity assays.

Factors predictive of serious infections over time in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: data from a multi-ethnic, multi-national, Latin American lupus cohort.

AIM: The aim of this study was to identify factors predictive of serious infections over time in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: A multi-ethnic, multi-national Latin American SLE cohort was studied. Serious infection was defined as one that required hospitalization, occurred during a hospitalization or led to death. Potential predictors included were sociodemographic factors, clinical manifestations (per organ involved, lymphopenia and leukopenia, independently) and previous infections at baseline. Disease activity (SLEDAI), damage (SLICC/ACR Damage Index), non-serious infections, glucocorticoids, antimalarials (users and non-users), and immunosuppressive drugs use; the last six variables were examined as time-dependent covariates. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the predictors of serious infections using a backward elimination procedure. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of the 1243 patients included, 1116 (89.8%) were female. The median (interquartile range) age at diagnosis and follow-up time were 27 (20-37) years and 47.8 (17.9-68.6) months, respectively. The incidence rate of serious infections was 3.8 cases per 100 person-years. Antimalarial use (hazard ratio: 0.69; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48-0.99; p = 0.0440) was protective, while doses of prednisone >15 and ≤60 mg/day (hazard ratio: 4.18; 95 %CI: 1.69-10.31; p = 0.0019) and >60 mg/day (hazard ratio: 4.71; 95% CI: 1.35-16.49; p = 0.0153), use of methylprednisolone pulses (hazard ratio: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.10-2.13; p = 0.0124), increase in disease activity (hazard ratio: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.04; p = 0.0016) and damage accrual (hazard ratio: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.11-1.34; p < 0.0001) were predictive factors of serious infections. CONCLUSIONS: Over time, prednisone doses higher than 15 mg/day, use of methylprednisolone pulses, increase in disease activity and damage accrual were predictive of infections, whereas antimalarial use was protective against them in SLE patients.

Increased renal damage in hypocomplementemic patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis: retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The complement system has an important role in the pathogenesis of vasculitis associated with antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (AAV) mainly at the level of the kidneys because patients with complement deposits on the glomerular basal membrane present more aggressive disease compared with those with pauci-immune vasculitis. AIM: To analyze the association of hypocomplementemia with the clinical manifestations, laboratory data, renal histology, progress to renal insufficiency, and mortality of patients with AAV. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study (2000-2007) included 93 patients with AAV. Hypocomplementemia is defined as having C3 values lower than 80 mg/dL or C4 values below 15 mg/dL. Demographic, statistical, clinical, hematological, serological, and histopathological characteristics of all the patients with and without diagnosis of hypocomplementemia were compared. In order to evaluate variable independence, a logistic regression analysis was used. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients were studied of whom 63 (67.7%) had complement dosage at the moment of AAV diagnosis. Seven patients (11.1%) presented hypocomplementemia and a greater kidney involvement compared with normocomplementemic patients. Thirty renal biopsies were analyzed and 4 (13.3%) showed immunocomplex (IC) or complement deposits by an immunofluorescence test (IFT). Patients with "non-pauci-immune" AAV also presented terminal chronic renal disease (TCRD). CONCLUSION: There is an association between low complement and the degree of renal damage in patients with AAV. Patients with renal biopsies confirming IC and/or complement deposits showed more aggressive renal disease. Key Points • The complement system has an important role in the pathogenesis of vasculitis associated to antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody. • The studies in murine models confirming the complement activation by alternative pathway and particularly the receptor C5a (C5aR) is necessary for the development of glomerulonefritis. • Complement deposit observed in the renal biopsies of patients diagnosed with AAV was correlated to greater kidney damage, greater proteinuria and major disease activity compared to patients diagnosed with typical pauci-immune vasculitis. • The presence of hypocomplementemia at the onset of the disease was also associated with a greater organ involvement, poor prognosis and greater mortality.

Estimation of absolute risk of fracture due to fragility in Mexican women with early and natural menopause.

BACKGROUND: Menopausal women lose until 5% of their bone density during the first years of menopause. One of 12 Mexican women will suffer a hip osteoporotic fracture after the age of 50. OBJECTIVE: To assess the absolute risk of major fracture (vertebrae, hip and forearm) and hip fracture and to establish the relation between years of menopause and bone mineral density (BMD). METHOD: A cross sectional analytical study, including women over 50 classified by early and natural menopause. Bone densitometry was performed and risk of fracture was calculated with FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool). RESULTS: From 209 women, 32% had early menopause and 68% had natural menopause. The average age were 67.4 ± 9.2 vs. 65.9 ± 8.3 years; they had 27.3 ± 9.4 vs. 15.2 ± 8.4 years of menopause (p ≤ 0.01); the hip BMD was 0.6286 ± 0.115 vs. 0.6789 ± 0.132 g/cm2 (p ≤ 0.05), with a T-score of -2.11 ± 0.979 vs -1.70 ± 1.129 (p ≤ 0.05), respectively. The 10 years risk probability for major fractures was 8.8 ± 4.7 vs. 7.4 ± 4.7 (p ≤ 0.05) and for hip fractures was 3.2 ± 3.0 vs. 2.5 ± 2.9 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend to take into account the clinical importance of the years of menopause and the type of menopause, as factors that influence the bone density decrease and the increase of future fractures risk.

ANTECEDENTES: La mujer pierde hasta un 5% de densidad ósea durante los primeros años de menopausia. En México, una de cada 12 mujeres tendrá una fractura de cadera por fragilidad después de los 50 años. OBJETIVO: Estimar el riesgo absoluto de fractura mayor (vertebrales, cadera y antebrazo) y de fractura de cadera, y establecer la relación entre los años de menopausia y la densidad mineral ósea (DMO). MÉTODO: Diseño transversal, analítico y comparativo. Se incluyeron mujeres mayores de 50 años, agrupadas en menopausia temprana y natural. Se realizó densitometría ósea y se calculó el riesgo de fractura con el FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool). RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 209 mujeres, el 32% con menopausia temprana y el 68% con menopausia natural, de una edad promedio de 67.4 ± 9.2 y 65.9 ± 8.3 años, respectivamente, con 27.3 ± 9.4 y 15.2 ± 8.4 años (p ≤ 0.01) con menopausia. La DMO de cadera fue de 0.6286 ± 0.115 y 0.6789 ± 0.132 g/cm2 (p ≤ 0.05), y la T-score fue de −2.11 ± 0.979 y −1.70 ± 1.129, respectivamente (p ≤ 0.05). Las probabilidades de riesgo a 10 años para fracturas mayores fueron de 8.8 ± 4.7 y 7.4 ± 4.7 (p ≤ 0.05), y para fractura de cadera fueron de 3.2 ± 3.0 y 2.5 ± 2.9 (p > 0.05), respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: Se recomienda considerar la importancia clínica de los años de menopausia y del tipo de menopausia como factores que influyen en la disminución de la DMO y elevan el riesgo para futuras fracturas.

Evaluación de teóricos on-line en la Cátedra de Odontología Integral Niños / Evaluation of online theoreticals at the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry for Children

Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron conocer la percepción de estudiantes y docentes sobre la implementación de la modalidad de clases expositivas on-line, estimar la frecuencia y oportunidad de acceso por parte de los alumnos y comparar los resultados obtenidos en las calificaciones finales obtenidas con la modalidad teórico presencial y la on-line. El recurso resultó positivo para el 80,62% y 73,33% de alumnos y docentes respectivamente. Los primeros ingresaron cada uno un promedio de 2,75±1,45 veces a cada uno de los 15 módulos y el 60.45% lo hizo 15 días antes del examen. No hubo diferencias entre las calificaciones obtenidas entre dos cohortes que utilizaron las diferentes modalidades. Se concluyó que la modalidad on-line con clase de repaso presencial fue percibida como apropiada y con contenidos relevantes. Fue utilizada por los estudiantes como una herramienta de consulta, con amplia flexibilidad horaria y en reiteradas oportunidades, sin restarle horas a la atención de pacientes (AU)

Correction to: Biomarkers in breast cancer: A consensus statement by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology and the Spanish Society of Pathology.

On page 5 of the article, in the last paragraph of the section "Prognostic genetic platforms: molecular phenotypes and translation to the clinic" a relevant discrepancy between the text and Table 1 could be misunderstood, therefore the paragraph was corrected.

Surface morphology of amorphous SiO2 substrates bombarded with 1.0 MeV Si+ ions.

Surface pattern formation on amorphous SiO2 substrates by implantation of 1.0 MeV Si+ ions at a current of 1.3 µA at 70° angle is reported. Surface micrometer sized ripples perpendicular to the ion beam direction are formed, observed by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The morphological features are more or less similar for different fluences. The formation of surface ripples at this energy is discussed in terms of ion stopping mechanisms and patterns obtained within the low- and medium-energy ranges.

Assessment of Multivariate Neural Time Series by Phase Synchrony Clustering in a Time-Frequency-Topography Representation.

Most EEG phase synchrony measures are of bivariate nature. Those that are multivariate focus on producing global indices of the synchronization state of the system. Thus, better descriptions of spatial and temporal local interactions are still in demand. A framework for characterization of phase synchrony relationships between multivariate neural time series is presented, applied either in a single epoch or over an intertrial assessment, relying on a proposed clustering algorithm, termed Multivariate Time Series Clustering by Phase Synchrony, which generates fuzzy clusters for each multivalued time sample and thereupon obtains hard clusters according to a circular variance threshold; such cluster modes are then depicted in Time-Frequency-Topography representations of synchrony state beyond mere global indices. EEG signals from P300 Speller sessions of four subjects were analyzed, obtaining useful insights of synchrony patterns related to the ERP and even revealing steady-state artifacts at 7.6 Hz. Further, contrast maps of Levenshtein Distance highlight synchrony differences between ERP and no-ERP epochs, mainly at delta and theta bands. The framework, which is not limited to one synchrony measure, allows observing dynamics of phase changes and interactions among channels and can be applied to analyze other cognitive states rather than ERP versus no ERP.

DETERMINATION AND DOSE CONTRIBUTION OF URANIUM ISOTOPES AND 210Po ACTIVITY CONCENTRATIONS OF NATURAL SPRING WATERS IN THE PROVINCE OF GRANADA, SPAIN.

The activity concentrations of alpha-emitters comprising isotopes of uranium (238, 234, 235U) and polonium (210Po) were measured using alpha-particle spectrometry in natural spring waters in the province of Granada, Spain. These water are consumed by the population of the zone who live in villages. This is almost half of the population of the whole region. Mean values of activity concentrations found are 42.61 ± 2.66; 49.55 ± 3.03; 1.64 ± 0.28 and 1.74 ± 0.15 mBq L-1 for 238U, 234U, 235U and 210Po, respectively. Finally, the radiological impact of the analysed waters has been determined, in terms of the estimation of the committed annual effective dose due to the ingestion of the water. The assessment has been carried out for five age groups with the aim to cover all the population. The calculated annual effective doses are observed to be below the prescribed dose limit of 100 µSv y-1 recommended by WHO.