[Quadratus femoris muscle tear]. / Ruptura del músculo cuadrado crural.

BACKGROUND: Quadratus femoris tear is an uncommon injury that usually cause hip pain, it incidence is unknown. The patient can suffer of posterior gluteal pain or groin pain or both, which makes accurate diagnosis difficult, because the differential diagnosis of hip pain is broad. CLINICAL CASE: A 65 years old male, with gluteal and groin pain presented during tennis; evaluated by neurologist with lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (normal) and referred to physical therapy, a pelvic MRI was required, finding an unsuspected quadratus femoris tear. CONCLUSION: MRI with its superior soft-tissue resolution and multiplanar capability is an excellent adjunct to physical examination because it shows the anatomic location of the abnormality, aiding the clinician to make unsuspected diagnoses.

ANTECEDENTES: La ruptura del músculo cuadrado crural es una lesión poco frecuente que se manifiesta por dolor en cadera y cuya incidencia se desconoce. El paciente puede manifestar dolor en región glútea y/o inguinal, su diagnóstico clínico es difícil por su rareza y porque el diagnóstico diferencial de problemas de cadera es amplio. CASO CLÍNICO: Masculino de 65 años con dolor en regiones glútea e inguinal derechas manifestadas durante la práctica de tenis, evaluado por neurología con resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN) lumbosacra (normal) y canalizado a rehabilitación. Se solicitó RMN de pelvis, la cual reveló ruptura del cuadrado crural derecho no sospechada previamente. CONCLUSIÓN: La RMN por su capacidad para mostrar cortes multiplanares es el estudio de elección en problemas de tejidos blandos en cadera, ya que permite localización y auxilia en diagnóstico de problemas no sospechados.

Double-pulse and calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy at low-ablative energies.

The use of double-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (DP-LIBS) in quantitative analysis generally depends on standards and calibration curves. To our knowledge, in this Letter, we report the first quantitative analysis based on DP-LIBS at low ablative energies with a self-calibrated method. We compare the effects of plasmas on the calibration-free LIBS technique, generated by DP-LIBS, and the traditional single-pulse (SP) LIBS on a steel sample. Our analyses reveal that when SP-LIBS and DP-LIBS reach comparable emission line intensities, plasma parameters and quantitative analysis are practically the same for both experiments. Additionally, we report the behavior of the emission enhancement of some elements (Fe and Cr) at low ablative pulse energies (0.2-8 mJ) using the orthogonal reheating DP-LIBS configuration.

UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and multivariate analysis as a method to discriminate tequila.

Based on the UV-vis absorption spectra of commercially bottled tequilas, and with the aid of multivariate analysis, it is proved that different brands of white tequila can be identified from such spectra, and that 100% agave and mixed tequilas can be discriminated as well. Our study was done with 60 tequilas, 58 of them purchased at liquor stores in various Mexican cities, and two directly acquired from a distillery. All the tequilas were of the "white" type, that is, no aged spirits were considered. For the purposes of discrimination and quality control of tequilas, the spectroscopic method that we present here offers an attractive alternative to the traditional methods, like gas chromatography, which is expensive and time-consuming.

A role for the p38 MAP kinase pathway in the nuclear shuttling of NFATp.

Calcium signals lead to the translocation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. This process is regulated by the calcium-activated phosphatase calcineurin, which can be cotransported with NFAT to the nucleus to maintain it transcriptionally active for the duration of calcium signaling. When the calcium signal ceases, NFAT is exported to the cytoplasm, and different NFAT kinases have been reported to oppose calcineurin activities and regulate the nuclear export of NFAT. Here we show that p38 MAPK phosphorylates in vitro and interacts in vivo with NFATp. Furthermore, the activation of this pathway in HeLa cells by cotransfection with activated MKK6 and p38 counteracts the calcium-induced nuclear accumulation of NFATp but not that of NFATc. By contrast, activation of JNK or ERK pathways failed to modify the nuclear shuttling of NFATp. Consistently, activation of p38, but not the JNK MAPK pathway, results in the inhibition of NFATp-driven transcription. In addition, the inhibition of the nuclear accumulation of NFATp by p38 appears to be mediated through the activation of NFATp nuclear export and takes place in a Leptomycin B-sensitive fashion, suggesting the involvement of the exportin CRM1 in this process. Thus, the p38 signal transduction pathway appears to play an important role in the regulation of the nuclear shuttling of NFATp and in cellular homeostasis.

Narcissistic resistances in the analytic experience.

The narcissistic resistances in the clinical experience and the supposed autonomy of the patient to reproduce the narcissistic stage are studied in this paper. The problem is examined through the analysis of a patient, who masturbated compulsively. The relationship between the symptom and the transference is investigated because the symptom related to specific behaviour from the object, and in order to understand the meaning of the phantasy that underlines the auto-erotic activity. It is pointed out that, in order for defensive activity to fulfil its sense of narcissistic refuge, an other (distinct from the subject) must carry out an essential function of support of the narcissistic defence. Narcissistic self-sufficiency is governed by a paradox, as it needs an object to demonstrate that it can subsequently dispense with this object. A second paradox occurs when the narcissistic subject can only succeed in dispensing with the object if the object gives some sign indicating that he is affected by such 'doing without'. In the analytical relationship, this type of defence manifests itself as narcissistic resistance. The analyst participates in the covering-up of the dependency that the defensive system has on the external object and this is a prerequisite for establishing the resistance.

Infrared photorefractive polymers and their applications for imaging.

Photorefractive polymers with high diffraction efficiency in the visible and near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum have been developed. These polymers, which have a large dynamic range because of their high orientational birefringence, incorporate a dye designed to have a large dipole moment and a high linear polarizability anisotropy. Such polymers have enabled demonstrations of imaging through scattering media, using a holographic time-gating technique at a wavelength that is compatible with the transparency of biological tissues and with the emission of low-cost semiconductor laser diodes.

On ambiguity, confusion and the ego ideal.

This paper discusses the problem of ambiguity as a form of narcissistic resistance that alters the meaning of words and hinders communication and access to the unconscious. The ego uses ambiguity to avoid and project confusion. Pathological ambiguity is differentiated from other forms of ambiguity which do not hinder communication. Though they share a common element--oscillation between two opposites--the mechanism involved in this form of ambiguity differs from the mechanism involved in thought processes, ambivalence and metaphor. Two examples are used to investigate the problem of ideals and ego splitting. Ambiguity corresponds to a disorder whereby two contradictory ideals co-exist within the ego ideal. One ideal fixes the discovery of the unconscious as a goal. The other ideal over-values acting out. The result is that the ego tends to obtain self-esteem through goals that lead to error and it is this quest for error that sustains the feeling of omnipotence.

On negative and positive therapeutic reaction.

This paper deals with the differences between the negative therapeutic reaction and other similar pictures with which it can sometimes be confused, particularly with certain positive therapeutic reactions of negative appearance. I also consider there is a motivation for this reaction which is determined by difficulties in the working-through of the separation anxieties which take place after moments of joint work between patient and analyst. I also point out some differences from other disturbances of the analytic process, particularly the psychoanalytic impasse, the incoercible resistances, the negative transferences, and the different psychological disturbances which make up the notion of unanalysability. I consider that the negative therapeutic reaction can be overcome by some patients and can attain a favourable evolution. I present clinical material to exemplify these points of view.

Narcissism and unconscious communication.

In this paper I suggest that analytical material implicitly carries in it a message proceeding from the unconscious and which is transmitted through representations. The message is expressed only when the object is recognized as such by the subject. In the narcissistic situation the unconscious message is not emitted. The analysis of the analytical discourse shows that the narcissistic subject does not recognize the other as the object of the unconscious dialogue. Narcissism reaches its maximum expression in material empty of unconscious meaning. Narcissism is accomplished only by the collaboration of a subject and an object who have established a tie with the aim of maintaining the illusion that this subject can dispense with all objects. This tie is set up on the patient's side by means of the discourse empty of unconscious meaning and on the analyst's side by the pseudo-interpretation. The narcissistic self-esteem resides in the complacency which the patient obtains by keeping the verbal account deprived of unconscious meaning. When the analyst fails to show up the narcissistic resistance, he contributes to the establishment of this pathological self-valuation. Narcissistic regressions always include identifications and in this they differ from the anobjectal stage that regression attempts to reach.

Analyst involvement in the psychoanalytical impasse.

This paper develops the idea that a state of impasse is the objective towards which the patient tends and that this is in response to an unconscious fantasy whose essential aim is to paralyse the object's autonomy and the bond. The fact that in some cases this objective is brought about with the unconscious participation of the analyst is pointed out. This unconscious participation is distinguished from the conscious emotions that permit the diagnosis of the impasse. The manifest content of the verbal material reveals typical features of these states. One of them is the lack, or marked diminution, of representations expressed through visual images. When the representations become evident in the verbal material, it is a sign that the impasse is over and that the process has temporarily resumed its course. The process has unconscious representations which, on becoming evident, reveal the state of deadlock or development through which it is passing. The representations of the impasse situation are typical. Some of these, such as objects endowed with circular movement, static bodies lacking mobility, are pointed out. Verbal material is differentiated in two categories depending on its capacity to transmit or to conceal contents belonging to the unconscious. Material devoid of meaning is inherent to resistance. When the analyst is unconsciously involved in the patient's impasse, he tends to favour a kind of dialogue which is lacking in meaning and symbolic value. The symbol-forming function is not affected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)