Tunable structure of TiO2 deposited by DC magnetron sputtering to adsorb Cr (VI) and Fe (III) from water.

TiO2 thin films with mixtures of the anatase, rutile, and brookite phases were deposited on glass substrates via magnetron sputtering. Based on XRD and Raman results, the TiO2-0.47 and TiO2-3.47 films principally contained the brookite phase, while the TiO2-1.27 and TiO2-2.13 films were primarily anatase. The capacities of the TiO2 films to adsorb heavy metals were tested with Cr(VI) and Fe(III) solutions, and the maximum Cr(VI) and Fe(III) adsorption capacities were realized with the TiO2-0.47 film (334.5 mg/g) and TiO2-3.47 film (271.3 mg/g), respectively. SEM‒EDS results revealed the presence of Cr and Fe on the surfaces of the films, thus corroborating the ability of the TiO2 films to adsorb and remove heavy metals. They are strong candidates for use in wastewater treatment plants.

Identification of prognostic factors for survival in patients with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma in a Mexican population.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Gastric adenocarcinoma is among the high-ranking tumors, with respect to frequency and mortality, worldwide. The inflammatory process and immune system activity are associated with oncologic control. Our aim was to identify whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and other variables are prognostic factors for survival in patients with metastatic gastric cancer in a Mexican population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma, hospitalized within the time frame of December 2011 to 2021, were analyzed. The NLR, PLR, and albumin and hemoglobin levels obtained from blood samples were calculated. Functional status (ECOG and Karnofsky), sex, histology, and the presence of signet ring cells were also considered possible prognostic factors. Each factor's prognostic value for overall survival was determined through univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: The study included 956 patients diagnosed with metastatic gastric cancer, of whom 494 (51.7%) were men and 462 (48.3%) were women. The main histologic finding was diffuse adenocarcinoma (n = 619, 64.7%), followed by intestinal adenocarcinoma (n = 293, 30.6%), and the presence of signet ring cells was found in 659 (68.9%) patients. Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed on 238 patients (24.9%) to confirm peritoneal carcinomatosis. The multivariate analysis showed that an NLR above 3.2 (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.27-1.8; p < 0.001), albumin below 3.5 g/dl (HR 1.25, CI 1.06-1.47; p = 0.006), and an ECOG performance status of 2 or higher (HR 1.39, CI 1.10-1.76; p = 0.005) were independent factors that predicted a lower survival rate, whereas a Karnofsky score above 70% (HR 0.69, CI 0.53-0.91; p = 0.008) was associated with a better survival rate. Lastly, the PLR was not statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The NLR, nutritional status assessed through albumin measurement, and functional status can act as independent prognostic survival factors in hospitalized Mexican patients diagnosed with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma and be taken into account during therapeutic decision-making.

Altermagnetic lifting of Kramers spin degeneracy.

Lifted Kramers spin degeneracy (LKSD) has been among the central topics of condensed-matter physics since the dawn of the band theory of solids1,2. It underpins established practical applications as well as current frontier research, ranging from magnetic-memory technology3-7 to topological quantum matter8-14. Traditionally, LKSD has been considered to originate from two possible internal symmetry-breaking mechanisms. The first refers to time-reversal symmetry breaking by magnetization of ferromagnets and tends to be strong because of the non-relativistic exchange origin15. The second applies to crystals with broken inversion symmetry and tends to be comparatively weaker, as it originates from the relativistic spin-orbit coupling (SOC)16-19. A recent theory work based on spin-symmetry classification has identified an unconventional magnetic phase, dubbed altermagnetic20,21, that allows for LKSD without net magnetization and inversion-symmetry breaking. Here we provide the confirmation using photoemission spectroscopy and ab initio calculations. We identify two distinct unconventional mechanisms of LKSD generated by the altermagnetic phase of centrosymmetric MnTe with vanishing net magnetization20-23. Our observation of the altermagnetic LKSD can have broad consequences in magnetism. It motivates exploration and exploitation of the unconventional nature of this magnetic phase in an extended family of materials, ranging from insulators and semiconductors to metals and superconductors20,21, that have been either identified recently or perceived for many decades as conventional antiferromagnets21,24,25.

Two-dimensional antiferromagnetic nodal-line semimetal and spin Hall effect in MnC4.

Nodal-line semimetals, characterized by Dirac-like crossings along one dimensionalk-space lines, represent a unique class of topological materials. In this study, we investigate the intriguing properties of room-temperature antiferromagneticMnC4and its nodal-line features both with and without spin-orbit coupling (SOC). In the absence of SOC, we identify a doubly degenerate Dirac-nodal line, robustly protected by a combination of time-reversal, mirror, and partial-translation symmetries. Remarkably, this nodal line withstands various external perturbations, including isotropic and anisotropic strain, and torsional deformations, due to the ionic-like bonding between Mn atoms and C clusters. With the inclusion of SOC, we observe a distinctive quasi-Dirac-nodal line that emerges due to the interplay between antiferromagnetism and SOC-induced spin-rotation symmetry breaking. Finally, we observed a robust spin Hall conductivity that aligns with the energy range where the quasi-nodal line appears. This study presents a compelling example of a robust symmetry-protected Dirac-nodal line antiferromagnetic monolayer, which has potential for applications in next-generation spintronic devices.

Description of Intensive Care and Intermediate Care resources managed by Anaesthesiology Departments in Spain and their adaptation capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: It is essential to understand the strategic importance of intensive care resources in the sustainable organisation of healthcare systems. Our objective has been to identify the intensive and intermediate care beds managed by Anaesthesiology and Resuscitation Services (A-ICU and A-IMCU) in Spain, their human and technical resources, and the changes made to these resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational study performed between December 2020 and July 2021 to register the number and characteristics of A-ICU and A-IMCU beds in hospitals listed in the catalogue published by the Spanish Ministry of Health. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 313 hospitals (98% of all hospitals with more than 500 beds, 70% of all hospitals with more than 100 beds). One hundred and forty seven of these hospitals had an A-ICU with a total of 1702 beds. This capacity increased to 2107 (124%) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three hundred and eight hospitals had an A-IMCU with a total of 3470 beds, 52.9% (2089) of which provided long-term care. The hospitals had 1900 ventilators, at a ratio of 1.07 respirators per A-ICU; 1559 anaesthesiologists dedicated more than 40% of their working time to intensive care. The nurse-to-bed ratio in A-ICUs was 2.8. DISCUSSION: A large proportion of fully-equipped ICU and IMCU beds in Spanish hospitals are managed by the anaesthesiology service. A-ICU and A-IMCUs have shown an extraordinary capacity to adapt their resources to meet the increased demand for intensive care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quantitative analysis of Tr1 lymphocytes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is usually accompanied by a low-grade inflammatory phenomenon, which participates in the pathogenesis of different complications of this condition. The inflammatory response is under the regulation of different mechanisms, including T regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes. However, the possible role of type 1 T regulatory (Tr1) cells in T2DM has not been explored so far. AIM: To carry out a quantitative analysis of Tr1 lymphocytes and other immune cell subsets in patients with T2DM and correlate these results with clinical findings and treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with T2DM and twenty-three healthy controls were included in the study. Biochemical and anthropometric variables were evaluated, and Tr1 lymphocytes (CD4+CD49+LAG-3+IL-10+) and other cell subsets (Th17, Th22 and Foxp3 + Treg cells) were analyzed in peripheral blood samples by multiparametric flow cytometry. RESULTS: Significant increased levels of Tr1 cells were detected in patients with severe and mild disease, compared to healthy controls. In addition, CD4+IL-10+ lymphocytes were also increased in patients with T2DM. In contrast, similar levels of Foxp3+ Treg cells, Th17 and Th22 lymphocytes were observed in patients and controls. Likewise, no significant associations were detected between Tr1 cell levels and different clinical and laboratory parameters. However, those patients receiving glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RA) showed similar levels of Tr1 cells than healthy controls, and significant lower numbers than untreated patients. CONCLUSION: We observed an increase in Tr1 and CD4+IL10+ lymphocyte levels in T2DM. Moreover, GLP1-RA treatment was significantly associated with normalization of the Tr1 levels. This highlights another potential immune dysfunction in patients with T2DM, which could participate in the pathogenesis of this condition.

Linfoma vitreorretiniano: un reto diagnóstico / Vitreoretinal lymphoma: A diagnostic challenge

Se presenta el caso de un varón de 66años remitido por uveítis posterior con edema macular quístico recurrente en relación con posible enfermedad de Lyme previamente tratada. Debido a la recurrencia del edema macular pese al tratamiento corticoideo sistémico y local con dexametasona intravítrea, se instaura tratamiento biológico con adalimumab. Durante el seguimiento el paciente desarrolla lesiones subretinianas bilaterales compatibles con linfoma vitreorretiniano, por lo que se realiza vitrectomía, confirmando el diagnóstico de linfoma de célulaB grande.Se inicia tratamiento con quimioterapia sistémica con BRAM (carmustina, metotrexato, ara-C y rituximab), con buena respuesta. Dos años después, el paciente permanece sin recurrencias a nivel ocular ni sistémico.El linfoma vitreorretiniano es un tipo poco frecuente de linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central. El diagnóstico se ve frecuentemente retrasado debido a la inespecificidad de su sintomatología, que simula una uveítis posterior crónica; de ahí la importancia de la sospecha diagnóstica. (AU)

A 66-year-old man with posterior uveitis and recurrent cystic macular edema related to possible previously treated Lyme disease is presented. Due to the recurrence of macular edema despite systemic and local corticosteroid treatment with intravitreal dexamethasone, biological treatment with adalimumab was established. During follow-up, the patient developed bilateral subretinal lesions compatible with vitreoretinal lymphoma, so vitrectomy was performed, confirming the diagnosis of large B-cell lymphoma.Treatment with systemic chemotherapy with BRAM (carmustine, metotrexate, ara C, and rituximab) was started with a good answer. Two years later, the patient remains without ocular or systemic recurrences.Vitreoretinal lymphoma is a rare type of primary central nervous system lymphoma. The diagnosis is frequently delayed due to the nonspecific symptoms, which mimic chronic posterior uveitis, hence the importance with a diagnostic suspicion. (AU)

Ensayo clínico aleatorizado en pacientes COVID- 19 sobre el efecto de la fisioterapia precoz en su acondicionamiento físico / Randomized clinical trial in Covid-19 patients on the effect of early physiotherapy on their physical condition

Introducción La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) recomienda las intervenciones tempranas de rehabilitación y movilización en pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19. Los beneficios de la fisioterapia precoz, durante la estancia hospitalaria, no han sido probados en ensayos clínicos. Objetivo Evaluar los efectos de la fisioterapia precoz y educación para la salud en pacientes COVID-19 hospitalizados, en relación con los síntomas descritos en estudios previos, analizando diferencias entre grupos respecto a su acondicionamiento físico, necesidad de oxigenoterapia y estancia hospitalaria. Metodología Ensayo clínico aleatorizado con dos brazos, desarrollado en unidades de hospitalización y cuidados respiratorios intermedios (UCRI), con pacientes COVID-19. Se incluyeron 64 sujetos en el grupo experimental (implementación de un programa de fisioterapia precoz tras 48-72 horas de ingreso) y 62 en el grupo control (tratamiento habitual del centro). Variables sociodemográficas y clínicas: escala de disnea modified Medical Research Council (Mmrc), oxigenoterapia, Medical Research Council Scale sum score (MRC-SS), 30 segundos sit to stand test (30 s-STST), fuerza de prensión manual (FPM), Tinetti, escala de fragilidad (FRAIL-España) y escala Post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS). Se evaluaron al ingreso, al alta y a los dos meses del alta. Resultados Los experimentales tuvieron menos días de ingreso y de oxigenoterapia convencional. Al alta, presentan menor riesgo de caída (72,9 vs. 95,8%) y menor debilidad en MRC-SS (2,1 vs. 14,6%). A los dos meses tenían menor fragilidad (5,0 vs. 14,5%), mayor fuerza de prensión manual, menos disnea, mejores resultados en 30s-STST y menos limitaciones post-COVID (86,5 vs. 96,4%) (AU)

Introduction The WHO recommends early rehabilitation and mobilization interventions in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. The benefits of early physiotherapy, during the hospital stay, have not been proven in clinical trials. Objective To evaluate the effects of early physiotherapy and health education in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, in relation to the symptoms described in previous studies, analyzing differences between groups regarding their physical conditioning, need for oxygen therapy and hospital stay. Methodology Randomized clinical trial with two arms, developed in hospitalization and intermediate respiratory care units, with COVID-19 patients. Sixty-four patients included in the experimental group (implementation of an early physiotherapy program after 48–72 h of admission) and 62 patients in the control group (usual treatment of the center). Sociodemographic and clinical variables: mMRC, oxygen therapy, MRC-SS, 30 s-STST, FPM, Tinetti, FRAIL-España and PCFS. They were evaluated on admission, discharge and two months after discharge. Results The experimental patients had fewer days of admission and conventional oxygen therapy. At discharge, they present a lower risk of falling (72.9% vs. 95.8%) and less weakness in MRC-SS (2.1% vs. 14.6%). At two months they had less frailty (5.0% vs. 14.5%), greater hand grip strength, less dyspnea, better results in 30s-STST and fewer post-COVID limitations (86.5% vs. 96.4%). Conclusión The intervention of early physiotherapy in COVID-19 patients and the health education received, prevents muscle weakness during admission, improves physical conditioning at discharge and two months later, and reduces the days of hospital stay (AU)

Enterococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. bloodstream infections: epidemiology and therapeutic approach.

Streptococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp. are frequent etiologies of bloodstream infection and endocarditis. In recent years, the incidence of Enterococcus spp. has been increasing, especially with nosocomial involvement, and with a high mortality rate. In this entity, the risk of endocarditis and its relationship with colorectal neoplastic pathology remains to be clarified, in order to establish indications for echocardiography and colonoscopy. In the case of Streptococcus spp., the risk of endocarditis depends on the species and the mortality rates are usually lower. Finally, in recent years, the treatment of endocarditis has been directed towards oral consolidation regimens and new long-term antibiotic treatments.

Current approach to skin and soft tissue infections. Thinking about continuity of care.

Skin and soft tissue infections are a common reason for patients seeking inpatient and outpatient medical care. Surgery is an essential part of managing in many episodes. Careful evaluation of antibiotic therapy could help clinicians in early identification to patients with treatment failure and to consider an alternative approach or a new surgical revision in "focus control". With the arrival of new drugs, there is a need to refine the appropriate drug's decision-making. Drugs with a long half-life (long-acting lipoglycopeptides such as dalbavancin or oritavancin), which allows weekly administration (or even greater), can reduce hospital admission and length of stay with fewer healthcare resources through outpatient management (home hospitalization or day hospitals). New anionic fluoroquinolones (e.g. delafloxacin), highly active in an acidic medium and with the possibility of switch from the intravenous to the oral route, will also make it possible to achieve these new healthcare goals and promote continuity of care. Therefore, management should rely on a collaborative multidisciplinary group with experience in this infectious syndrome.

Vitreoretinal lymphoma: a diagnostic challenge.

A 66-year-old man with posterior uveitis and recurrent cystic macular edema related to possible previously treated Lyme disease is presented. Due to the recurrence of macular edema despite systemic and local corticosteroid treatment with intravitreal dexamethasone, biological treatment with Adalimumab was established. During follow-up, the patient developed bilateral subretinal lesions compatible with Vitreoretinal Lymphoma (VRL), so vitrectomy was performed, confirming the diagnosis of large B-cell lymphoma. Treatment with systemic chemotherapy with BRAM-Carmustine, Metrotexate, Ara C, and Rituximab was started with a good answer. Two years later, the patient remains without ocular or systemic recurrences. Vitreoretinal Lymphoma is a rare type of primary central nervous system lymphoma. The diagnosis is frequently delayed due to the nonspecific symptoms, which mimic chronic posterior uveitis, hence the importance with a diagnostic suspicion.

Discovery of Gamma Rays from the Quiescent Sun with HAWC.

We report the first detection of a TeV γ-ray flux from the solar disk (6.3σ), based on 6.1 years of data from the High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) observatory. The 0.5-2.6 TeV spectrum is well fit by a power law, dN/dE=A(E/1 TeV)^{-γ}, with A=(1.6±0.3)×10^{-12} TeV^{-1} cm^{-2} s^{-1} and γ=3.62±0.14. The flux shows a strong indication of anticorrelation with solar activity. These results extend the bright, hard GeV emission from the disk observed with Fermi-LAT, seemingly due to hadronic Galactic cosmic rays showering on nuclei in the solar atmosphere. However, current theoretical models are unable to explain the details of how solar magnetic fields shape these interactions. HAWC's TeV detection thus deepens the mysteries of the solar-disk emission.

Influencia de la longitud axial ocular en el grosor de la capa de fibras nerviosas peripapilar medido con tomografía de coherencia óptica / Ocular axial length influence on peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurement with optical coherence tomography

Antecedentes La tomografía de coherencia óptica (OCT) permite la medición del grosor de la capa de fibras del nervio óptico (CFNR) peripapilar. El efecto de la longitud axial ocular (LA) sobre el grosor de la CFNR puede ser relevante en la interpretación de los resultados de OCT en el diagnóstico de enfermedades del nervio óptico. Objetivos Evaluar la influencia de la longitud axial ocular en el grosor de la CFNR y en los parámetros topográficos del disco óptico (área del disco óptico, área del anillo neurorretiniano y volumen de la excavación papilar) medidos por OCT en individuos sanos. Método Se estudió una muestra de 109 ojos sanos clasificados en 3 grupos según la LA (A: LA<22mm; B: LA 22-24,5mm; C: LA>24,5mm). La medición del grosor de la CFNR y de los parámetros topográficos del disco óptico se realizó mediante Swept-Source OCT Triton (Topcon Corporation, Tokio, Japón), y se compararon entre grupos mediante análisis de la varianza. La correlación entre la longitud axial y las variables de estudio se realizó mediante correlación de Pearson. Resultados El grosor de la CFNR fue menor en ojos con longitud axial más alta en el cuadrante superior (r=−0,41; p<0,001), inferior (r=−0,58; p<0,001) y nasal (r=−0,43; p<0,001), en el valor medio de la CFNR (r=−0,49; p<0,001), área del disco óptico (r=−0,40;p<0,001) y área del anillo neurorretiniano (r=−0,25; p=0,01). Conclusión La LA se correlaciona negativamente con el grosor de la CFNR y los parámetros topográficos del disco óptico medidos mediante Swept-Source OCT Triton (Topcon) (AU)

Background Optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows the measurement of the peripapillary optic nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. The effect of ocular axial length (AL) on RNFL thickness measurement may be relevant in the interpretation of OCT results in diagnosing optic nerve diseases. Purposes To assess the influence of ocular AL on RNFL thickness and on optic disc topographic parameters (optic disc area, rim area and cup volume) measured by OCT, in healthy individuals. Method A sample of 109 healthy eyes classified into three groups according to AL (A: AL <22mm; B: AL 22–24.5mm; C: AL >24.5mm) was studied. RNFL thickness and optic disc topographic parameters were measured using Swept-Source OCT Triton (Topcon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) and were compared between groups using a variance analysis. Correlation between the AL and the study variables was performed using a Pearson's correlation coefficient test. Results The RNFL thickness was lower in eyes with higher AL in the superior (r=−0.41; p<0.001), inferior (r=0.58; p<0.001) and nasal (r=−0.43; p<0.001) quadrants, in the mean value of the RNFL (r=−0.49; p<0.001), optic disc area (r=−0.40; p<0.001) and rim area (r=−0.25; p=0.01). Conclusion AL is negatively correlated with RNFL thickness and optic disc topographic parameters measured by Swept-Source OCT Triton (Topcon) (AU)

A modified micro-solid phase extraction device for in-port elution and injection into portable liquid chromatography: A proof-of-concept study.

A micro-solid phase extraction (micro-SPE) device packed with a C18 sorbent (10 mg) has been developed for the enrichment and purification of organic water pollutants prior to their analysis using a portable liquid chromatograph with a dual UV detector. To this end, the sorbent was immobilized at the inlet of a 4 mm syringe filter (0.20 µm), which was modified to reduce its internal volume. The filter was coupled to the needle of the chromatograph. After loading the sample and cleaning the sorbent for analyte purification, the device was installed into the injection port of the chromatograph, and the target compounds were desorbed and transferred directly to the chromatographic column with a small volume of organic solvent. Under optimized conditions, sample volumes as large as 50 mL could be processed with the micro-SPE device, while the analytes were desorbed with only 60 µL of methanol. As a result, efficient preconcentration could be reached, as demonstrated for different water contaminants, namely aclonifen, bifenox, tritosulfuron, triflusulfuron-methyl and caffeine. The proposed micro-SPE device was applied to the analysis of different types of water (river, well, sea, ditch and wastewater). The recoveries of the target compounds in samples ranged from 76 % to 109 %, which allowed their detection at low to sub µg/L levels. All operations were carried out manually, and thus, no additional laboratory instruments such as centrifuges, stirrers or evaporators were required. This proof-of-concept study shows that the proposed micro-SPE approach can be considered a reliable and effective option for the on-site analysis of pollutants in environmental water samples by portable liquid chromatography.

Lung ultrasound and postoperative follow-up of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Lung ultrasound (LU) has emerged as a valuable tool for assessing pulmonary aeration noninvasively, rapidly, and reliably in different neonatal conditions. However, its role in the preoperative and postoperative evaluation in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is still poorly analyzed. We present a cohort of 8 patients diagnosed with CDH who underwent lung ultrasound examinations at various time points before and after surgical correction. The lung ultrasound patterns were compared between two groups: mechanical ventilation ≤ 7 days (MV ≤ 7) and mechanical ventilation > 7 days (MV > 7). The ultrasound findings were also compared to CT scans and chest X-ray images to assess its diagnostic capacity for identifying postoperative complications: pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and pneumonia. Group MV ≤ 7 exhibited a normal pattern even at 48 h postsurgery, while group MV > 7 presented interstitial or alveolointerstitial pattern in both lungs for prolonged periods (2-3 weeks). Furthermore, contralateral LU pattern may be predictive of respiratory evolution.  Conclusion: Lung ultrasound is a valuable tool for evaluating the progressive reaeration of the lung following surgical correction in CDH patients. It demonstrates the ability to diagnose common postoperative complications without the need for radiation exposure while offering the advantages of quick and serial assessments. These findings highlight the potential of lung ultrasound as an effective alternative to conventional imaging methods in the management of CDH. What is Known: • Lung ultrasound evaluates lung aeration and predicts respiratory outcomes in neonatal patients. What is New: • Lung ultrasound is useful in the postsurgical management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia patients, detecting reaeration and respiratory complications.

Ocular axial length influence on peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurement with optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows the measurement of the peripapillary optic nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. The effect of ocular axial length (AL) on RNFL thickness measurement may be relevant in the interpretation of OCT results in diagnosing optic nerve diseases. PURPOSE: To assess the influence of ocular AL on RNFL thickness and on optic disc topographic parameters (optic disc area, rim area and cup volume) measured by OCT, in healthy individuals. METHODS: A sample of 109 healthy eyes classified into 3 groups according to AL (A: AL<22mm; B: AL 22-24.5mm; C: AL>24.5mm) was studied. RNFL thickness and optic disc topographic parameters were measured using Swept-Source OCT Triton (Topcon) and were compared between groups using a variance analysis. Correlation between the AL and the study variables was performed using a Pearson's correlation coefficient test. RESULTS: The RNFL thickness was lower in eyes with higher AL in the superior (r=-0.41; p<0.001), inferior (r=0.58; p<0.001) and nasal (r=-0.43; p<0.001) quadrants, in the mean value of the RNFL (r=-0.49; p<0.001), optic disc area (r=-0.40; p<0.001) and rim area (r=-0.25; p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: AL is negatively correlated with RNFL thickness and optic disc topographic parameters measured by Swept-Source OCT Triton (Topcon).

Study of the degradation of diphenyl-ether herbicides aclonifen and bifenox in different environmental waters.

The degradation of the diphenyl-ether herbicides aclonifen (ACL) and bifenox (BF) in water samples has been studied under different laboratory conditions, using in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) coupled to capillary liquid chromatography (capLC). The working conditions were selected in order to detect also bifenox acid (BFA), a compound formed as a result of the hydroxylation of BF. Samples (4 mL) were processed without any previous treatment, which allowed the detection of the herbicides at low ppt levels. The effects of temperature, light and pH on the degradation of ACL and BF have been tested using standard solutions prepared in nanopure water. The effect of the sample matrix has been evaluated by analysing different environmental waters spiked with the herbicides, namely ditch water, river water and seawater. The kinetics of the degradation have been studied and the half-life times (t1/2) have been calculated. The results obtained have demonstrated that the sample matrix is the most important parameter affecting the degradation of the tested herbicides. The degradation of both ACL and BF was much faster in ditch and river water samples, where t1/2 values of only a few days were observed. However, both compounds showed a better stability in seawater samples, where they can persist for several months. In all matrices ACL was found to be more stable than BF. In samples where BF had been substantially degraded, BFA was also detected, although the stability of this compound was also limited. Other degradation products have been detected along the study.

Injectable Flowable Resin-based Composite Veneers Prior to Ceramic Veneers.

OBJECTIVES: This case report describes the clinical protocols for using injectable flowable resin-based composite veneers without tooth reduction as long-term prototype restorations, followed by conservative feldspathic veneer restorations. CLINICAL CONSIDERATION: The patient's primary concern was to improve her smile. After clinical evaluation, injectable flowable resin composite veneers were recommended as long-term prototypes followed by conservative tooth preparation and ceramic veneers. Flowable composite veneers were created with a transparent silicone index fabricated from a diagnostic wax-up approved by the patient. No tooth reduction was required to place this type of composite veneer. Later, a printed reduction guide was used to provide conservative tooth preparation followed by the cementation of thin feldspathic porcelain veneers under full isolation with a rubber dam. CONCLUSIONS: Injectable flowable resin-based composite veneers can successfully act as long-term esthetic prototypes before ceramic veneers. The outcome of these restorations is very predictable because the diagnostic wax-up anatomy is transferred to the mouth through the transparent silicone index, and they can be placed without tooth reduction. Conservative tooth preparation can be performed on the composite veneers so that minimal tooth structure is removed to maximize the bonding performance of ceramic veneers.