A dynamical measure of the black hole mass in a quasar 11 billion years ago.

Tight relationships exist in the local Universe between the central stellar properties of galaxies and the mass of their supermassive black hole (SMBH)1-3. These suggest that galaxies and black holes co-evolve, with the main regulation mechanism being energetic feedback from accretion onto the black hole during its quasar phase4-6. A crucial question is how the relationship between black holes and galaxies evolves with time; a key epoch to examine this relationship is at the peaks of star formation and black hole growth 8-12 billion years ago (redshifts 1-3)7. Here we report a dynamical measurement of the mass of the black hole in a luminous quasar at a redshift of 2, with a look back in time of 11 billion years, by spatially resolving the broad-line region (BLR). We detect a 40-µas (0.31-pc) spatial offset between the red and blue photocentres of the Hα line that traces the velocity gradient of a rotating BLR. The flux and differential phase spectra are well reproduced by a thick, moderately inclined disk of gas clouds within the sphere of influence of a central black hole with a mass of 3.2 × 108 solar masses. Molecular gas data reveal a dynamical mass for the host galaxy of 6 × 1011 solar masses, which indicates an undermassive black hole accreting at a super-Eddington rate. This suggests a host galaxy that grew faster than the SMBH, indicating a delay between galaxy and black hole formation for some systems.

Abnormalities in Cortical GABAergic Interneurons of the Primary Motor Cortex Caused by Lis1 (Pafah1b1) Mutation Produce a Non-drastic Functional Phenotype.

LIS1 (PAFAH1B1) plays a major role in the developing cerebral cortex, and haploinsufficient mutations cause human lissencephaly type 1. We have studied morphological and functional properties of the cerebral cortex of mutant mice harboring a deletion in the first exon of the mouse Lis1 (Pafah1b1) gene, which encodes for the LisH domain. The Lis1/sLis1 animals had an overall unaltered cortical structure but showed an abnormal distribution of cortical GABAergic interneurons (those expressing calbindin, calretinin, or parvalbumin), which mainly accumulated in the deep neocortical layers. Interestingly, the study of the oscillatory activity revealed an apparent inability of the cortical circuits to produce correct activity patterns. Moreover, the fast spiking (FS) inhibitory GABAergic interneurons exhibited several abnormalities regarding the size of the action potentials, the threshold for spike firing, the time course of the action potential after-hyperpolarization (AHP), the firing frequency, and the frequency and peak amplitude of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSC's). These morphological and functional alterations in the cortical inhibitory system characterize the Lis1/sLis1 mouse as a model of mild lissencephaly, showing a phenotype less drastic than the typical phenotype attributed to classical lissencephaly. Therefore, the results described in the present manuscript corroborate the idea that mutations in some regions of the Lis1 gene can produce phenotypes more similar to those typically described in schizophrenic and autistic patients and animal models.

La utilización de pilares transmucosos definitivos de colocación inmediata / The use of immediate placement of definitive transmucosal abutments

El uso de pilares de cicatrización transmucosos previos a la colocación del pilar protésico definitivo es una técnica que se ha desarrollado durante muchos años en la implantología clásica. La desconexión y conexión de forma repetida de estos pilares o aditamentos dan lugar a una respuesta ósea negativa que se manifiesta en forma de pérdida de hueso a nivel de la cresta marginal, acompañada por una migración apical de tejidos blandos. Este artículo pretende realizar una revisión de la literatura del estado actual del uso de los pilares transmucosos definitivos con colocación inmediata el día de la inserción de los implantes y el mantenimiento del sellado biológico, minimizando la pérdida ósea periimplantaria y remodelando de forma adecuada los tejidos blandos adyacentes, frente al protocolo tradiciónal del uso de aditamentos que se desconectan en multiples ocasiones produciendo pérdida ósea periimplantaria. La evidencia científica sugiere que los mejores resultados biológicos, estéticos y funciónales se consiguen con el uso del pilar definitivo colocado de forma inmediata a la inserción del implante, especialmente en implantes colocados de forma yuxtacrestal y en implantes postextracción

The use of transmucosal healing abutments before the placement of the definitive prosthetic abutment is a technique that has been developed for many years in classical implantology. Repeated disconnection and connection of theses abutments result in a negative bone response that manifests as bone loss at the marginal ridge level, accompanied by apical soft tissue migration. This article aims to review the current status in the scientific literature of the use of the definitive transepithelial abutments with immediate placement on the day of implant insertion and maintenance of the biological seal, minimizing peri-implant bone loss and adequately remodeling the adjacent soft tissues, compared to the traditional protocol of the use of abutments that are disconnected on multiple occasions producing peri-implant bone loss. Scientific evidence suggests that the best biological, aesthetic, and functional results are achieved with the use of the definitive abutment placed immediately after implant insertion, especially in yuxtacrestal implants and post-extraction implants

Publisher Correction: Measuring the ionisation fraction in a jet from a massive protostar.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Measuring the ionisation fraction in a jet from a massive protostar.

It is important to determine if massive stars form via disc accretion, like their low-mass counterparts. Theory and observation indicate that protostellar jets are a natural consequence of accretion discs and are likely to be crucial for removing angular momentum during the collapse. However, massive protostars are typically rarer, more distant and more dust enshrouded, making observational studies of their jets more challenging. A fundamental question is whether the degree of ionisation in jets is similar across the mass spectrum. Here we determine an ionisation fraction of ~5-12% in the jet from the massive protostar G35.20-0.74N, based on spatially coincident infrared and radio emission. This is similar to the values found in jets from lower-mass young stars, implying a unified mechanism of shock ionisation applies in jets across most of the protostellar mass spectrum, up to at least ~10 solar masses.

Presentación atípica de neumotórax tras canalización venosa yugular ecoguiada / Atypical presentation of a pneumothorax after ultrasound-guided venous jugular cannulation

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Black hole physics. Black hole lightning due to particle acceleration at subhorizon scales.

Supermassive black holes with masses of millions to billions of solar masses are commonly found in the centers of galaxies. Astronomers seek to image jet formation using radio interferometry but still suffer from insufficient angular resolution. An alternative method to resolve small structures is to measure the time variability of their emission. Here we report on gamma-ray observations of the radio galaxy IC 310 obtained with the MAGIC (Major Atmospheric Gamma-ray Imaging Cherenkov) telescopes, revealing variability with doubling time scales faster than 4.8 min. Causality constrains the size of the emission region to be smaller than 20% of the gravitational radius of its central black hole. We suggest that the emission is associated with pulsar-like particle acceleration by the electric field across a magnetospheric gap at the base of the radio jet.

Retrospective case-control study of viral pathogen screening in proliferative verrucous leukoplakia lesions.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to survey the presence of known oncoviruses in oral biopsies from patients diagnosed with the aetiologically undetermined proliferative verrucous leukoplakia and compare results to those from milder oral leukoplakia (OL) cases, oral squamous cell carcinoma, a common outcome of the lesions of interest, and healthy controls. DESIGN: Blind, retrospective, case-control study. SETTING: A stomatology unit in an academic Hospital and a Public Health laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Forty patients were divided in four groups. Ten patients had been diagnosed with proliferative verrucous leukoplakia, 10 with OL and 10 with OSCC, and 10 were healthy subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The presence or absence of oncovirus DNA was assayed with the amplification of viral genetic markers using PCR and subsequent gel electrophoresis confirmation. Amplified fragments were sequenced and identified bioinformatically. RESULTS: No DNA from the herpesvirus, papillomavirus or polyomavirus species was detected in the samples. CONCLUSIONS: No association between proliferative verrucous leukoplakia and target viruses was detected. A higher throughput viral metagenomic approach may prove valuable for future analyses, as it would not be restricted to a priori knowledge of potential targets.

Neuropatía sensible a la presión tras un parto bajo analgesia epidural / Pressure-sensitive neuropathy after obstetric delivery with epidural analgesia

Presentamos el caso de una gestante que solicitó analgesia epidural durante el trabajo de parto, con cateterización difícil del espacio epidural (múltiples punciones) y posteriormente expulsivo muy dilatado en el tiempo en camilla obstétrica. En el postparto inmediato desarrolló un cuadro de disestesias y debilidad en miembros inferiores. El seguimiento de la paciente y el estudio clínico, neurofisiológico y genético llevaron al diagnóstico de neuropatía sensible a la presión o neuropatía tomacular. Ésta es una enfermedad hereditaria que afecta a la mielina periférica, se caracteriza por episodios recidivantes de neuropatía desmielinizante focal tras traumatismos mínimos o compresión de nervios periféricos. Está probablemente infradiagnosticada, siendo muy escasas las referencias que en la literatura la relacionan con la anestesia(AU)

We report the case of a woman who requested epidural analgesia for labor in whom catheterization of the epidural space was difficult, requiring multiple punctures; furthermore, the epidural block was followed by a long expulsion phase in the delivery room. Shortly after delivery the patient experienced paresthesia and weakness in her lower limbs. A diagnosis of pressuresensitive, or tomaculous neuropathy was based on clinical observation and neurophysiologic and genetic studies. This hereditary disease, which affects peripheral nerve myelin, involves recurrent episodes of focal demyelination when nerves are injured slightly or compressed. This condition is probably underdiagnosed, as there are very few references to it in the literature on anesthesia(AU)

[Pressure-sensitive neuropathy after obstetric delivery with epidural analgesia]. / Neuropatía sensible a la presión tras un parto bajo analgesia epidural.

We report the case of a woman who requested epidural analgesia for labor in whom catheterization of the epidural space was difficult, requiring multiple punctures; furthermore, the epidural block was followed by a long expulsion phase in the delivery room. Shortly after delivery the patient experienced paresthesia and weakness in her lower limbs. A diagnosis of pressure-sensitive, or tomaculous neuropathy was based on clinical observation and neurophysiologic and genetic studies. This hereditary disease, which affects peripheral nerve myelin, involves recurrent episodes of focal demyelination when nerves are injured slightly or compressed. This condition is probably underdiagnosed, as there are very few references to it in the literature on anesthesia.

[Spanish adaptation and diagnostic validity of the Yale Global Tics Severity Scale]. / Adaptación al español y validez diagnósticade la Yale Global Tics Severity Scale.

AIM: The aim of the study is to analyse the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Yale Global Tics Severity Scale (YGTSS). In addition, we analysed the sensitivity of this Scale for measuring change, as an instrument for quantifying the clinical evolution of patients with Tourette syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Analysis of the properties of the adapted version of the YGTSS questionnaire is focused on the validity of the concept (principal component factor analysis), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), intra-observer reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) and sensitivity to change (Wilcoxon rank sum test). RESULTS: The factor analysis confirmed the existence of two dimensions on the scale, which account for 76.3% of the variability. The internal consistency, measured by Cronbach's alpha, was 0.997 for the motor tic dimension and 0.996 for the phonic tic dimension. The intra-observer reliability, assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient, was equal to or greater than 0.95, both for the 10 items related to tics (motor and phonic) and for the item related to disability. In the global scores for motor tics, phonic tics and disability, there were statistically significant differences between the mean score for the first interview (incorporation into the study group) and the second one (after 15 days' treatment). CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the YGTSS adequately reflects the three psychometric properties examined in our study population. Its validity and reliability is greater in the motor and phonic tic dimensions than in that of disability.

Adaptación al español y validez diagnóstica de la Yale Global Tics Severity Scale / Spanish adaptation and diagnostic validity of the yale global tics severity scale

El instrumento de medida habitualmente utilizado para valorar la gravedad clínica del síndrome deTourette es la Yale Global Tics Severity Scale (YGTSS), originariamente escrita en inglés, y no existe una versión validada enespañol que permita su aplicación directa a los pacientes hispanohablantes. Objetivo. Analizar las propiedades psicométricasde la versión de la YGTSS, traducida al español, y su sensibilidad para medir cambios, como instrumento para cuantificar laevolución en pacientes con síndrome de Tourette. Pacientes y métodos. El análisis versa sobre la validez del concepto (análisisfactorial de componentes principales), consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach), fiabilidad intraobservadores (coeficientede correlación intraclase) y sensibilidad al cambio (test de rangos de Wilcoxon). Resultados. El análisis factorial confirmó laexistencia de dos dimensiones en la escala, que explican el 76,3% de la variabilidad. La consistencia interna fue de 0,997 parala dimensión tics motores, y de 0,996 para la dimensión tics fónicos. La fiabilidad intraobservadores fue igual o superior a0,95, tanto en los 10 ítems referidos a los tics (motores y fónicos) como en el ítem de discapacidad. En las puntuaciones globalesde tics motores, tics fónicos y discapacidad, hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la media de puntuaciónentre la primera entrevista (entrada en el estudio) y la segunda entrevista (a los 15 días de tratamiento). Conclusiones.La adaptación efectuada al español de la YGTSS cumple adecuadamente las tres propiedades psicométricas en nuestra poblaciónde estudio. La validez y fiabilidad es mayor en las dimensiones de tics motores y fónicos que en la discapacidad

The aim of the study is to analyse the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Yale Global TicsSeverity Scale (YGTSS). In addition, we analysed the sensitivity of this Scale for measuring change, as an instrument forquantifying the clinical evolution of patients with Tourette syndrome. Patients and methods. Analysis of the properties of theadapted version of the YGTSS questionnaire is focused on the validity of the concept (principal component factor analysis),internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), intra-observer reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) and sensitivity to change(Wilcoxon rank sum test). Results. The factor analysis confirmed the existence of two dimensions on the scale, which account for76.3% of the variability. The internal consistency, measured by Cronbach’s alpha, was 0.997 for the motor tic dimension and0.996 for the phonic tic dimension. The intra-observer reliability, assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient, was equal to orgreater than 0.95, both for the 10 items related to tics (motor and phonic) and for the item related to disability. In the globalscores for motor tics, phonic tics and disability, there were statistically significant differences between the mean score for thefirst interview (incorporation into the study group) and the second one (after 15 days’ treatment). Conclusions. The Spanishversion of the YGTSS adequately reflects the three psychometric properties examined in our study population. Its validity andreliability is greater in the motor and phonic tic dimensions than in that of disability

Positional regulation of Pax2 expression pattern in mesencephalic and diencephalic alar plate.

Regionalization of the neural tube is a fundamental event in the development of the CNS. The isthmic organizer controls the development of the mesencephalic-rhombencephalic junction by means of fibroblast growth factor 8 (Fgf8) expression. The transcription factor paired box 2 (Pax2) is expressed early in the midbrain and is later progressively restricted to the mid-hindbrain region, playing an important role in the development of the mesencephalon and the cerebellum. In this study, by implanting Fgf8-beads in the chick neural tube, we show that Fgf8 induces a heterogeneous pattern of Pax2 expression in the diencephalon. To explore the mechanisms controlling this asymmetric induction and the down-regulation of Pax2 in the anterior mesencephalon we performed antero-posterior inversions of diencephalic and/or mesencephalic neuroepithelium, with or without Fgf8-bead implantation. We show that anterior factors do not play a role in Pax2 regionalization, while posterior factors could explain these expression patterns. We conclude that the anterior mesencephalon and the diencephalon are able to retain or activate Pax2 expression under caudal influences, and to develop as a tectal structure at later developmental stages.

[Prevalence of immunity to hepatitis viruses in pregnant women from the health area of Gijón (Spain)]. / Prevalencia de inmunidad frente a los virus de la hepatitis en gestantes del Area Sanitaria de Gijón.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B or C chronic infection, and hepatitis A or E immunity among pregnant women from Gijón, as well as their clinical and epidemiological antecedents. PATIENTS AND METHOD: HBsAg and anti-HCV were determined in 2287 pregnant women consecutively attended in the Cabueñes Hospital, Gijón. Ninety nine of them, non-European or Gipsy, were also tested for anti-HAV IgG and anti-HEV IgG as were a sample of 325 and 365 respectively of the remaining 2188. Several clinical and epidemiological parameters were checked in all of them. RESULTS: Hepatitis B virus: 10.8% (246/2287) were previously vaccinated. Among the 2043 non vaccinated, 0.8% (17 cases) were HBsAg+. None of them had HBV replication and in 59% (10/17) the HBV infection was unknown. Hepatitis C virus: 1.44% (33/2287) women were anti-VHC+, 1.26% (29/2287) anti-VHC and PCR+. In 28% of them (8/29) no parenteral risk factor was identified. Again, the infection was unknown in 58% (17/29) previously unknown. Hepatitis A virus: excluding non-European and Gipsy women, with a rate of immunity against HAV in younger than 29 years-old of 57% (12/21) and 89% (16/18), respectively, the anti-HAV IgG was positive in 17% (22/128) of the women younger than 29 years-old, 28% (60/214) between 29 and 36 years-old, and in 56% (13/23) of those older than 36 years-old. Hepatitis E virus: anti-HEC IgG was found in 2% (2/99) non European or Gipsy pregnant women and in 0.6% of the rest (2/325). CONCLUSIONS: a). Vaccination rate against hepatitis B virus is still low among pregnant women in Gijón; b). most of HBsAg+ or anti-VHC+ ignore it and many of them have not an evident risk factor; c). susceptibility to hepatitis A infection is high, with progress towards adult age, and d). remember the possibility of infection by hepatitis E virus.

Hospitalización por infecciones bacterianas cutáneas / Bacterial skin infections requiring hospitalization

Objetivo: Análisis epidemiológico de las infecciones bacterianas cutáneas que requirieron hospitalización en nuestra área; se valoraron: diagnósticos, etiología, asociación con otras enfermedades, tasa de hospitalización, y parámetros clínicos y analíticos. Métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de los casos hospitalizados en el servicio de Pediatría del Hospital Universitario “Príncipe de Asturias” desde enero de 1993 a diciembre de 2000. Diagnósticos revisados: celulitis, impétigo, erisipela y fascitis necrotizante. Resultados: Se hallaron 128 casos; 81% celulitis, 17% impétigo y 2% erisipela. El 59,5% de los niños eran menores de 5 años. Ningún hemocultivo fue positivo y en el 45,5% de los casos en que se cultivaron exudados se aisló Staphylococcus aureus. La asociación más frecuente fue con celulitis y varicela. Dos casos evolucionaron a fascitis necrotizante, ambos asociados a varicela. El 50% presentó fiebre al ingreso. La principal localización fue en extremidades inferiores. En el 29,9% de los casos se observó leucocitosis (leucocitos >15 x 103/µL); el valor medio de la proteína C reactiva (PCR) fue 108 mg/dL (normal <5). Se evidenció una tendencia creciente en la hospitalización por infecciones cutáneas bacterianas. Conclusiones: Las infecciones cutáneas bacterianas son más frecuentes en niños del sexo masculino, menores de 5 años y en extremidades inferiores. El hemocultivo no ayudó a esclarecer el diagnóstico en ningún caso. La leucocitosis y la PCR pueden ayudar al diagnóstico y seguimiento. La varicela es la enfermedad más frecuentemente asociada. Es recomendable la antibioticoterapia parenteral y la hospitalización en infecciones cutáneas bacterianas asociadas con varicela, ante la posibilidad de complicaciones (AU)

Objective. Epidemiological analysis of bacterial skin infections requiring hospitalization in our area. The factors studied were diagnoses, etiology, association with other diseases, rate of hospitalization and clinical and analytical parameters. Methods. Retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the Department of Pediatrics of “Principe de Asturias” University Hospital from January 1993 to December 2000. Diagnoses reviewed included cellulitis, impetigo, erysipleas and necrotizing fasciitis. Results. Eighty-one percent of the 128 patients reviewed had cellulitis, 17% impetigo and 2% erysipelas. Fifty-nine percent of the patients were under five years age. None of the blood cultures were positive, and Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the skin lesion in 45.5% of cases. Cellulitis and varicella constituted the most frequent association. Two patients developed necrotizing fasciitis, associated with varicella in both cases. Fifty percent of the patients presented fever at the time of admission. The main site of the infection was the lower extremities. Leukocytosis (WBC count >15 x 103/µL) was found in 29,5% of the patients. The mean value for C-reactive protein was 108 mg/dl (normal value <5). We observed an increasing trend in hospitalization due to bacterial skin infections. Conclusions. Bacterial skin infections occur primarily in boys under five years of age and in the lower extremities. Blood culture was not useful for diagnosis in any patient. The WBC count and the C-reactive protein level can be of help in the diagnosis and follow-up. Varicella is the most frequently associated disease. To prevent complications, parenteral antibiotic therapy and hospitalization are recommended in those cases associated with varicella (AU)

Dolor torácico y colitis ulcerosa / Toracic pain and ulcerous colitis

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