Topological signatures in the entanglement of a topological insulator-quantum dot hybrid.

In the present work, we consider a hybrid plexciton composed of a semiconductor quantum dot interacting with a topological insulator nanoparticle subject to an external magnetic field. Due to the topological magnetoelectricity of the nanoparticle, long-living plasmonic surface modes are induced, which are quantized and coupled with the quantum dot through its polarization operator. We consider the hybrid as an open quantum system, such that environment effects are accounted by the master equation in the Born-Markov approximation. Then, we apply the Peres' positive partial transpose criterion to quantify the entanglement of the hybrid. We show that this entanglement is a direct signature of the [Formula: see text] invariant of topological insulators.

Changes in steroid hormone profile and tumour progression after genistein treatment of canine inflammatory mammary cancer xenotransplanted mice.

Isoflavones, such as genistein, have been proposed to have beneficial effects on health, including preventive or therapeutic actions in carcinogenesis. Their structural similarity to oestrogens allows them to bind at the cellular level with oestrogen receptors. Therefore, this study attempted to determine the antitumoural effects of genistein administered in a canine inflammatory mammary cancer xenograft model, in terms of tumour proliferation, appearance of metastases and steroid hormone regulation. Using histology and immunohistochemical analyses as well as the EIA technique for hormonal determinations, the antitumoural effects of genistein on an inflammatory mammary cancer xenograft model were assessed for 3 weeks. Mice treated with genistein showed higher Ki-67 levels than the control group. There were significantly more distant metastases in the genistein-treated xenografts versus the control group. Intratumoural and serum progesterone, androstenedione and oestrogen levels in treated mice were elevated, whereas intratumoural testosterone levels were decreased compared to the control group. These results revealed that genistein ingestion promotes tumour proliferation and elevates metastatic rates by increasing intratumoural and circulating oestrogen levels in a mammary cancer xenograft model.

Immunohistochemical vascular factor expression in canine inflammatory mammary carcinoma.

Human inflammatory breast carcinoma (IBC) and canine inflammatory mammary carcinoma (IMC) are considered the most malignant types of breast cancer. IMC has similar characteristics to IBC; hence, IMC has been suggested as a model to study the human disease. To compare the angiogenic and angioinvasive features of IMC with non-IMC, 3 canine mammary tumor xenograft models in female SCID mice were developed: IMC, comedocarcinoma, and osteosarcoma. Histopathological and immunohistochemical characterization of both primary canine tumors and xenografts using cellular markers pancytokeratin, cytokeratin 14, vimentin, and α-smooth muscle actin and vascular factors (VEGF-A, VEGF-D, VEGFR-3, and COX-2) was performed. Tumor cell proliferation index was measured by the Ki-67 marker. The xenograft models reproduced histological features found in the primary canine tumor and preserved the original immunophenotype. IMC xenografts showed a high invasive character with tumor emboli in the dermis, edema, and occasional observations of ulceration. In addition, compared with osteosarcoma and comedocarcinoma, the IMC model showed the highest vascular factor expression associated with a high proliferation index. Likewise, IMC xenografts showed higher COX-2 expression associated with VEGF-D and VEGFR-3, as well as a higher presence of dermal lymphatic tumor emboli, suggesting COX-2 participation in IMC lymphangiogenesis. These results provide additional evidence to consider vascular factors, their receptors, and COX-2 as therapeutic targets for IBC.

Satisfacción de los pacientes atendidos en una consulta externa de medicina preventiva / Patient and caregiver satisfaction with rehabilitation services after stroke

ObjetivoEvaluar la satisfacción con el programa rehabilitador del ictus de pacientes y cuidadores. Identificar los factores dependientes del propio paciente y del proceso asistencial relacionados con mayor insatisfacción en nuestra área.Material y métodosEstudio transversal en 74 pacientes ingresados en Rehabilitación con el diagnóstico de ictus (el 70,3% eran varones, con edad media de 65,4±12,2, índice de Barthel al alta de 70,5±27) desde junio de 2005 hasta junio de 2006. La satisfacción con la rehabilitación seguida durante el ingreso y el soporte al alta hospitalaria se evaluaron mediante el cuestionario de satisfacción de Pound, administrado telefónicamente 13 meses de media después del alta hospitalaria. Se entrevistó a 85 cuidadores, de los que el 71% era familiar directo (cónyuge o relación filial) y el 80,9% era de sexo femenino.ResultadosEl 52,9% de los pacientes cumplimentó el cuestionario: más del 80% refirió estar completamente satisfecho con el trato y la información recibidos durante el ingreso. En cuanto al tratamiento, el 52,7% se mostró satisfecho; la cantidad de tratamiento recibido fue el aspecto peor valorado. La menor satisfacción correspondió al soporte recibido tras el alta hospitalaria, con menos del 25% de satisfechos. Un 83,1% de cuidadores cumplimentó el cuestionario: el 74,1% estaba satisfecho con la información recibida, el 63,5% con la formación sobre el tratamiento del paciente y el 42,4% con el soporte al alta. Sólo la depresión y el tiempo de evolución tras el ictus se relacionaron con mayor insatisfacción (p<0,05).ConclusionesAunque la satisfacción de pacientes y cuidadores con la información recibida es alta, se detectan elevados porcentajes de insatisfacción con la cantidad de tratamiento recibido y el soporte social al alta hospitalaria, por lo que es necesario incluir medidas sistemáticas de información, formación y soporte al alta en el programa de rehabilitación del ictus(AU)

ObjectivesTo assess patient and caregiver satisfaction with the regular rehabilitation care after stroke. To identify patient features or aspects of the rehabilitation programme related to lower rates of satisfaction in our area.Material and methodsCross-sectional study of 74 stroke in-patients admitted from June 2005 to June 2006 (70.3% men, age 65.4±12.2 years, Barthel discharge 70.5±27). A telephone Satisfaction questionnaire (Pound 1999) was administered at 13.6±3.1 months to assess satisfaction regarding in-patient care, therapy and recovery, and services after hospital discharge. Three items addressed to caregiver satisfaction were also included. A total of 84 caregivers were identified: 71% relatives (partner or children), of which 80.9% were women.ResultsThe satisfaction questionnaire was completed by 52.9% of patients. Over 80% of interviewed patients were completely satisfied with in-patient care, and 52.7% were satisfied with therapy and recovery during admission, but more patients were dissatisfied with the amount of therapy received. The lowest rate of satisfaction was related to the services after discharge, with less than 25% of patients satisfied. A total of 83.1% of caregivers completed the questionnaire, of which 74.1% were satisfied with the information provided. Stroke educational training was given to 63.5% of caregivers, and 42.4% were given support after discharge. Only the presence of depression during admission and time passed after stroke were significantly related to patient satisfaction. (p<0.05).ConclusionsDissatisfaction with some aspects of stroke rehabilitation is considerable in our care area. Despite general patient and caregiver satisfaction regarding information provided, high dissatisfaction rates are also detected related to the amount of therapy and the social support provided after hospital discharge...(AU)

[Satisfaction among patients attending outpatient preventive medicine clinic]. / Satisfacción de los pacientes atendidos en una consulta externa de medicina preventiva.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate satisfaction among patients attending the outpatient clinics of a Preventive Medicine Department and to identify any problems with the care they receive. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study in outpatient clinics of the Preventive Medicine Department, at Hospital General Universitario in Alicante, during January 2009. A questionnaire was given to all patients after their visit. Patients were satisfied if the final score was > or = 8. Socio-demographic variables were: age, sex, educational level, marital status and type of user (external or internal). chi(2) were used to study the association between these variables and satisfaction. RESULTS: The response rate was 84.4% (119/141), 94.1% were correctly completed (112/119), and 82.1% had a final score of > or = 8. The worst aspects were: comfort of waiting room, signs and wait time (percentage dissatisfied: 54.5%, 46.4% and 30.4%, respectively). The rest of the items obtained the following satisfaction percentages: medical treatment (97.3%), privacy of care (95.5%), information received (93.7%), easy next appointment (93.7%), visit length (92.9%), clarity of information (92.9%), to arrange the first appointment (90.2%), nursing treatment (87.5%), time to date of appointment (81.2%). Educational level was the only variable significantly associated with satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: General satisfaction was good, although aspects like waiting time and signs could be better, if changes were made to management of appointments and the signs in the Hospital Department were increased.

Efectos tóxicos del tabaco / Tobacco toxic effect

A partir de los años 40 se inician investigaciones para relacionar el tabaquismo con la aparición de determinadas enfermedades, principalmente respiratorias y pulmonares. Desde entonces se genera una cascada de información epidemiológica y médica, que termina por considerar el consumo de tabaco como un problema de salud mundial. Como protección y promoción de la salud, la OMS insta a los gobiernos para que desarrollen programas específicos antitabaco. En este artículo se hace una revisión sobre la toxicidad de los componentes químicos del tabaco y los estudios más actuales sobre sus efectos en el organismo (AU)

As of 1940, investigations begin to relate nocotinism with the appearance of certain illnesses, mainly respiratory and pulmonary diseases. subsequently, a cascade of epidemic and medical information is generated and concludes that the consumption of tobacco is a universal problem. in order to promote and protect health, the oms urges the governments to develop specific antitobacco programs. in this article reviews the toxicity of the chemical components of tobacco and the most current studies regarding the effects of said components on the organism (AU)