Atomic-scale study of TiO2-GR nanohybrid formation by ALD: the effect of the gas phase precursor.

In the present work, we report on a theoretical-computational study of the growth mechanism of the TiO2-Graphene nanohybrid by atomic layer deposition. Hydroxyl groups (OH) are anchoring sites for interacting with the main ALD titanium precursors (Tetrakis (dimethylamino) Titanium, Titanium Tetrachloride, and Titanium Isopropoxide). Results demonstrate that the chemical nature of the precursor directly affects the reaction mechanism in each ALD growth step. Tetrakis(dimethylamino)titanium is the precursor that presents a higher affinity (lower energy barriers for the reaction) to hydroxylated graphene in the growth process. A complete reaction mechanism for each precursor was proposed. The differences between precursors were discussed through the non-covalent interactions index. Finally, the water molecules help reduce the energy barriers and consequently favor the formation of the TiO2-graphene nanohybrid.

On the estimation of sugars concentrations using Raman spectroscopy and artificial neural networks.

In this paper, we present an analysis of the performance of Raman spectroscopy, combined with feed-forward neural networks (FFNN), for the estimation of concentration percentages of glucose, sucrose, and fructose in water solutions. Indeed, we analysed our method for the estimation of sucrose in three solid industrialized food products: donuts, cereal, and cookies. Concentrations were estimated in two ways: using a non-linear fitting system, and using a classifier. Our experiments showed that both the classifier and the fitting systems performed better than a Support Vector Machine (SVM), a Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), a Linear Regression (LR), and interval Partial Least Squares (iPLS). The best-case obtained by an FFNN for water solutions was 93.33% of classification and 3.51% of Root Mean Square Error in Prediction (RMSEP), compared with 82.22% obtained by a LDA. Our proposed method got an RMSEP of 1% for the best-case obtained with the food products.

A first-principles study of the atomic layer deposition of ZnO on carboxyl functionalized carbon nanotubes: the role of water molecules.

The formation of heterostructures that combine a large surface area with high surface activity has attracted the attention of the scientific community due to the unique properties and applications of these heterostructures. In this work, we describe - at the atomic level - the full reaction mechanisms involved in the atomic layer deposition of a hybrid ZnO/CNT inorganic structure. First, the pristine CNTs are chemically activated with a carboxylic acid, a process unique to carbon materials. Diethylzinc (DEZ) and water are used as gas-phase precursors to form ZnO. Our findings show that DEZ is physically adsorbed on the CNTs during the exposure of the first precursor. The ligand-exchange to generate chemisorbed ethyl zinc on the O side of the COOH group needs to overcome an energy barrier of 0.06 eV. This is a very small energy if compared to the values (0.5-0.6 eV) obtained in previous studies for OH functionalized surfaces. The height of the barrier is associated with the C[double bond, length as m-dash]O side, which mediates the H proton's exchange from the OH group to the C2H5 ligand. Furthermore, upon exposure to the oxidizing agent (H2O), ethyl zinc exchanges its last ligand as ethane, and it accepts a hydroxyl group through a self-limiting reaction with an energy barrier of 0.88 eV. Notice that the energy barrier of the second ligand-exchange is larger than of the first. We have also analyzed the effect in the saturation of the second precursor: as the quantity of water molecules increases, the long-range interactions tend to repel them. However, the energy barrier of the second ligand-exchange decreases from 1.53 eV to 0.88 eV for one and two water molecules, showing a clear dependence on the oxidizing agent. Non-covalent interactions are used as a tool to visualize the driving forces that take place during each partial reaction in real space. Our study points out the importance of using the right functionalization agent to achieve a controlled and conformal ALD growth at the initial steps of the formation of hybrid ZnO/CNT structures, as well as the role played by the oxidizing agent to lower the energy barrier on the second ALD step.

Characterization of glycated hemoglobin based on Raman spectroscopy and artificial neural networks.

The World Health Organization has declared the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as a gold standard biomarker for diabetes diagnosis; this has led to relevant research on the spectral behavior and characterization of HbA1c. This paper presents an analysis of Raman peaks of commercial lyophilized HbA1c, diluted in distilled water, using concentrations of 4.76% and 9.09%, as well as pure powder (100% concentration). Vibrational Raman peak positions of HbA1c powder were found at 1578, 1571, 1536, 1436, 1311, 1308, 1230, 1222, 1114, 1106, 969, 799 and 665 cm-1; these values are consistent with results reported in other works. Besides, a nonlinear regression model based on a Feed-Forward Neural Network (FFNN) was built to quantify percentages of HbA1c for unknown concentrations. Using the Raman spectra as independent variables, the regression provided a Root Mean Square Error in Cross-Validation (RMSECV) of 0.08% ±â€¯0.04. We also include a detailed molecular assignment of the average spectra of lyophilized powder of HbA1c.

Effect of a moderate electric field on the salting of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar): An experimental study and phenomenological understanding.

Salting is one of the oldest methods of preserving food. The main limitation of salting is its extended processing time due to slow salt diffusion. A moderate electric field (MEF) can improve the mass transfer rate through electroporation. Regularly, mass transfer processes are modeled with Fick's second law. However, due to the anisotropic nature of food microstructures, it might be more appropriate to use an anomalous model. The main objective of this study was to search for a phenomenological explanation for salt and water diffusion in the salmon brining process coupled with MEF. Salmon fillets were cut into finite cylinders (0.025 × 0.025 m) and brined in two salt concentrations (6 and 24% w/w NaCl) at 6 °C for 20 h. MEFs were applied in the range of 0 to 2 V/cm. The salt and water contents of the salmon were measured during the process. Fick's second law and anomalous model based on fractional calculus were used to describe the diffusion phenomena. The results showed that an MEF tended to reduce the brining processing time and increase the salt content of salmon. This effect is predominantly due to an increase in the equilibrium salt concentration in the salmon tissue. Mathematical analysis shows that the anomalous diffusion model is more suitable for representing the brining process, exhibiting superdiffusion behavior (α > 1). An MEF accelerates the salt mass transfer into salmon tissue even at lower temperatures, significantly reducing the processing time. In addition, the diffusion process can be characterized with an anomalous model.

Understanding the first half-ALD cycle of the ZnO growth on hydroxyl functionalized carbon nanotubes.

We report the adsorption of diethylzinc on hydroxyl functionalized carbon nanotubes. This study intends to understand, at the atomic level, the initial stages of ZnO formation by atomic layer deposition. Our study begins with the molecule physisorbed on the nanotube (initial state of the reaction). The final state of this reaction is when the H atom of the hydroxyl group is abstracted and migrates to one ethyl group of diethylzinc. The oxygen atom relaxes towards the nanotube and forms a strong bond with a carbon atom, while the remaining part of the molecule forms a bond with the H atom and physisorbs on top of the ZnO unit. The probability for this process to happen is very high since the energy to desorb the diethylzinc molecule is higher than the energy needed to break down the O-H bond. Non-covalent interactions and charge density distributions are plotted to confirm the break-down, formation of bonds, and repulsion during the reaction pathway.

Third-order nonlinear optical properties of a multi-layer Al2O3/ZnO for nonlinear optical waveguides.

This is a report of a study of the nonlinear optical properties of samples based on multiple Al2O3/ZnO bilayers fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD) in silica. The multi-layer configuration for samples consists of alternated layers of constant thickness of Al2O3 (Δx) and ZnO (Δy) nanolaminates with a total thickness of ∼ 500 nm. The physical properties of the samples were characterized by means of TEM, spectrophotometry and variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry. The absorptive and refractive contributions to the nonlinearity of the samples were studied by means of z-scan technique using a 100 fs at 800 nm. The nonlinear parameters, ß and n2, are studied using different values of the layers thickness, Δx and Δy, in the nanolaminated stack. The possible applications in optical signal processing system are discussed by means of the figures of merit W and T.

Optimization of hot-air drying conditions for cassava flour for its application in gluten-free pasta formulation.

The design and development of gluten-free foods requires a comprehensive understanding of the behavior of the raw materials to attain the same cooking and nutritional quality as gluten-based food. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal hot-air drying conditions for elaboration of cassava flour to be used in a gluten-free pasta formulation. The results showed that the operational conditions to minimize the hot-air drying time (57 min) to produce cassava flour with higher water holding capacity was 57 ℃ at 3 m/s. Then, the optimal formulation for the pasta was found to be cassava (26 g/100 g), amaranth flour (12 g/100 g), and carboxymethyl cellulose (0.23 g/100 g), which maximized the Aw (0.160), moisture content (3.10 g/100 g), hardness (5.02 N), and protein content (9.30 g/100 g), and it is used for the sensorial analysis, which showed that an earthy taste was the main problem with consumer satisfaction.

Esteatosis hepatica aguda en el tercer trimestre de embarazo gemelar: reporte de caso / Acute hepatic esteatosis during third trimester twin pregnancy: case report

Introducción: La esteatosis hepática aguda del embarazo (EHAE) es una patología metabólica grave e infrecuente caracterizada por esteatosis hepática microvesicular que conduce a insuficiencia hepática aguda. Aparece generalmente en el tercer trimestre de gestación y se reconoce el embarazo gemelar como un factor de riesgo para su desarrollo. Presentación del caso: Paciente femenina de 25 años sin antecedentes médicos, 2 embarazos, 1 parto y 0 abortos, cursando embarazo gemelar de 31 semanas de gestación, consultó por presentar cuadro de dolor abdominal, vómitos e ictericia. Se sospechó hepatitis aguda y se decidió hospitalizar. Al ingreso una ecografía obstétrica precisó latidos fetales ausentes decidiéndose interrupción del embarazo de urgencia. La paciente evolucionó con síndrome confusional y epistaxis masiva requiriendo transfusión. Exámenes de ingreso evidenciaron insuficiencia renal, insuficiencia hepática y trombocitopenia. Ingresó a Unidad de Paciente Crítico con diagnóstico de síndrome de HELLP requiriendo soporte con ventilación mecánica. Persistió con mala evolución clínica por lo que se solicitó tomografía de abdomen y pelvis mostrando signos de pancreatitis aguda y hematoma subcapsular hepático. Exámenes de control objetivaron hiperbilirrubinemia, transaminasas elevadas, hipoalbuminemia, hipocolesterolemia y tiempo de protrombina elevado. Se planteó diagnóstico de esteatosis hepática aguda del embarazo. Ingresó a lista de espera para trasplante hepático. Posteriormente evolucionó con mejoría espontánea de la función hepática y se logró extubar tras dos semanas de hospitalización. Discusión: El desarrollo de esteatosis hepática aguda del embarazo es infrecuente y potencialmente grave debiéndose interrumpir el embarazo precozmente y manejarse en unidades de paciente crítico debido a su alta mortalidad.

Introduction: Acute hepatic esteatosis of pregnancy (AHEP) is a serious and uncommon metabolic pathology characterized by microvesicular liver steatosis leading to acute liver failure. It usually appears in the third trimester of gestation and twin pregnancy is recognized as a risk factor for its development. Case Report: A 25-year-old female patient with no medical history, 2 pregnancies, 1 childbirth and 0 abortions, having a twin pregnancy of 31 weeks' gestation, consulted for abdominal pain, vomiting and jaundice. Acute hepatitis was suspected and it was decided to hospitalize. On admission, an obstetric ultrasonography screened for absent fetal beats, deciding to interrupt the pregnancy. The patient evolved with confusional syndrome and massive epistaxis requiring transfusion. She presented renal failure, hepatic failure, and thrombocytopenia. He entered a Critical Patient Unit with diagnosis of HELLP syndrome requiring support with mechanical ventilation. It persisted with poor clinical evolution, requiring tomography of the abdomen and pelvis showing signs of acute pancreatitis and subcapsular hepatic hematoma. Control examinations aimed at hyperbilirubinemia, elevated transaminases, hypoalbuminemia, hypocholesterolemia and elevated prothrombin time. A diagnosis of acute fatty liver of pregnancy was made. He entered the waiting list for liver transplantation. Subsequently it evolved with spontaneous improvement of the liver function and was able to extubate after two weeks of hospitalization. Discussion: The development of acute fatty liver of pregnancy is infrequent and potentially serious due to early termination of pregnancy and management in critical patient units due to its high mortality.

Prevalencia y epidemiología de Blastocystis sp. en dos comunidades del municipio Maracaibo-Estado Zulia / Prevalence and Epidemiology of Blastocystis Sp. In Two Communties of The Maracaibo Municipality, State of Zulia

Para determinar la prevalencia de Blastocystis sp. y su asociación con características epidemiológicas se realizó una investigación descriptiva en dos comunidades del Municipio Maracaibo del Estado Zulia. Para la recolección de datos se empleó una ficha epidemiológica; participaron 406 individuos seleccionados aleatoriamente realizándoseles a cada uno, un examen coproparasitológico directo con SSF-Lugol. Entre los estudiados predominaron los mayores de 18 años (72,1%) y el género femenino (51,4%). La prevalencia de Blastocystis sp. fue 38,9%, con mayor frecuencia de poliparasitismo (54,4%), identificándose Endolimax nana (36,1%) como especie comensal principalmente asociada, seguida de Giardia intestinalis (22,1%) entre los patógenos. Hubo asociación significativa (p<0.05) entre la prevalencia de la infección con el status de ocupación activa, hacinamiento, consumo de agua no tratada y ausencia de adecuadas condiciones para disponer y eliminar basura. Dichas variables mostraron valores OR 95% IC que evidencian su influencia como factores de riesgo, presentándose para el status de ocupación activa el mayor riesgo de infección (OR = 3,18). No se observó asociación significativa entre presencia de Blastocystis sp. con otras características epidemiológicas (p>0.05). Las limitaciones en los estándares de higiene comunal y personal son determinantes de la prevalencia de Blastocystis sp. en estas comunidades.

To determine the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and its association with epidemiological characteristics, a cross-sectional study was conducted in two communities of the Maracaibo Municipality, State of Zulia. To collect data, an epidemiological record was used; 406 randomly selected individuals participated; for each one, a direct parasitological examination with SSF- Lugol was performed. Individuals over 18 years (72.1%) and females (51.4%) predominated. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infection was 38.9%; poly-parasitism predominated (54.4 %), identifying Endolimax nana (36.1%) as the most frequently associated commensal species, followed by Giardia intestinalis (22.1%), among the pathogens. There was significant association (p<0.05) between the prevalence of infection with active occupation status, overcrowding, untreated water consumption and lack of adequate conditions to dispose of and eliminate waste. These variables showed OR 95% CI values, which demonstrates their influence as risk factors, reporting the greatest risk of infection (OR=3.18) for the active occupation status. No significant association was noted between the presence of Blastocystis sp. and other epidemiological characteristics (p >0.05). Limitations in community and personal hygiene standards are determinants for the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in these communities.

[Analysis of medication prescription in an Argentinian geriatric hospital]. / Análisis de la prescripción de medicamentos en una comunidad geriátrica Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Although polypharmacy may be justified in elderly patients with multiple diseases, it may be dangerous, especially when it includes potentially inappropriate medications (PIM). AIM: To identify inappropriate medication and factors associated with the most relevant prescriptions among older people. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional observational analysis of drugs prescribed during the first trimester of 2010 to 179 older adults aged 77 ± 8 years (98 women), living in a geriatric reference hospital in Argentina. The use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) in elderly patients was analyzed using Beers Criteria updated to 2012. RESULTS: The mean number of drugs prescribed per individual was 6.1 ± 2.7. The most commonly used drugs were anti-ulcer agents (58.1%), agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system (54.2%), antithrombotic medications (50.8%) and benzodiazepines (50.8 %). The use of antacids and anti-ulcer agents, psychotropic drugs and PIM was significantly higher among patients using six or more drugs daily, compared to the less medicated group (odds ratio (OR) = 6.8, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 3.5-13.2; OR=15.0, 95%CI 5.9-38.4; OR=5.0; 95%IC 2.6-9.8, respectively). Thirty one percent of participants using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, were not receiving medications for gastric protection. One to four drugs included in the Beers list were prescribed to 66% of participants. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high prevalence of use of antacids and anti-ulcer agents, these drugs were not prescribed to a significant proportion of patients using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Strategies to optimize pharmacotherapy in the elderly population are urgently required.

Análisis de la prescripción de medicamentos en una comunidad geriátrica Argentina / Analysis of medication prescription in an Argentinian geriatric hospital

Background: Although polypharmacy may bejustified in elderly patients with multiple diseases, it may be dangerous, especially when it includes potentially inappropriate medications (PIM). Aim: To identify inappropriate medication and factors associated with the most relevant prescriptions among older people. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional observational analysis of drugs prescribed during the first trimester of 2010 to 179 older adults aged 77 ± 8 years (98 women), living in a geriatric reference hospital in Argentina. The use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) in elderly patients was analyzed using Beers Criteria updated to 2012. Results: The mean number of drugs prescribed per individual was 6.1 ± 2.7. The most commonly used drugs were anti-ulcer agents (58.1%), agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system (54.2%), antithrombotic medications (50.8%) and benzodiazepines (50.8 %). The use of antacids and anti-ulcer agents, psychotropic drugs and PIM was significantly higher among patients using six or more drugs daily, compared to the less medicated group (odds ratio (OR) = 6.8, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 3.5-13.2; OR=15.0, 95%CI 5.9-38.4; OR=5.0; 95%IC 2.6-9.8, respectively). Thirty one percent of participants using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, were not receiving medications for gastric protection. One to four drugs included in the Beers list were prescribed to 66% of participants. Conclusions: Despite the high prevalence of use of antacids and anti-ulcer agents, these drugs were not prescribed to a significant proportion of patients using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Strategies to optimize pharmacotherapy in the elderly population are urgently required.

Estudio morfológico de testículo de híbridos de alpaca (Lama pacos L.1758) y llama (Lama glama L. 1758) / Morphological study of testis of hybrid alpaca (Lama pacos L. 1758) and llama (Lama glama L. 1758)

En el presente estudio se ha realizado una descripción histológica básica de la estructura de testículos de machos híbridos resultantes del cruce de llama (Lama glama L.1758) y alpaca (Lama pacos L.1758), a los que se llama guarizos o huarizos. Como la fisiología reproductiva de estos híbridos es desconocida, nos pareció importante y necesario realizar estudios histológicos básicos para predecir si tienen capacidad reproductiva, ya que como híbridos se les considera estériles. Para ello se han analizado los testículos izquierdos de 10 híbridos de edades comprendidas entre 2 y 5 años, fijándolos en solución Bouin e incluyéndolos en parafina. Se han estudiado al microscopio óptico cortes histológicos de 5 micras de grosor, conteniendo en todos los casos túbulos seminíferos, para estudiar el epitelio germinal. En algunos casos se incluía el epidídimo, para determinar si su histología es normal y compatible con una posible funcionalidad. Estas secciones fueron teñidas con hematoxilina­eosina (HE) y/o con HE-PAS. El estudio de estas secciones permitió observar en los túbulos seminíferos todos los tipos celulares esperados: células de Sertoli, células de Leydig, espermatogonias y espermatocitos, todos ellos de aspecto normal. En el caso de las células de Sertoli, algunas de ellas presentaban un alto grado de vacuolización, lo que también se considera normal por la gran presencia de gotas lipídicas. En otras ocasiones en ciertas células de Sertoli se detectaron burbujas o huecos esféricos vacíos, que en la literatura se considera que corresponde a los espacios que ocupaban células germinales ya desaparecidas. La constitución histológica del epidídimo resultó normal. Por lo tanto, el estudio histológico de los testículos de estos híbridos permite concluir que la estructura de los túbulos seminíferos es aparentemente normal y que parecen formar espermatocitos también normales, lo que podría sugerir la posibilidad de que estos híbridos tengan cierto grado de fertilidad...

In the present study was carried out a description of the basic histological structure of testes in male hybrids of crossings of llama (Lama glama L.1758) and alpaca (Lama pacos L.1758), which is called guarizos or huarizos. As the reproductive physiology of these hybrids is unknown, it seemed important and basic histological studies are needed to predict if they have reproductive capacity because they are considered as sterile hybrids.To do this we have analyzed the left testes of 10 hybrid aged 2 and 5 years, fixing them in Bouin solution and including them in paraffin. Were studied by light microscopy histological sections of 5 microns in thickness, containing in all cases seminiferous tubules to study the germinal epithelium. In some cases, including the epididymis, to determine if the histology is normal and compatible with a possible functionality. These sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and / or HE-PAS. The study of these sections allowed the seminiferous tubules observed in all cell types expected: Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes, all of them look normal. In the case of Sertoli cells, some of which exhibited a high degree of vacuolization, which is also considered normal by the presence of large lipid droplets. At other times in some Sertoli cells were detected hollow spherical bubbles or voids, in the literature is considered to correspond to the spaces occupied by germ cells and missing. The constitution of the epididymis was histologically normal.Therefore, histologic examination of the testes of these hybrids can be concluded that the structure of seminiferous tubules with apparently normal and spermatocytes also appear to be normal, which could suggest the possibility that these hybrids have some degree of fertility...

Miocardiopatía dilatada en paciente con lupus eritematoso sistémico: reporte de un caso / Dilated cardiomyopathy in patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: case report

INTRODUCCIÓN: El Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico (LES) es una enfermedad autoinmune de etiología desconocida, cuyo cuadro clínico incluye diversas manifestaciones cardiovasculares, lasque se pueden presentar entre el 50 y 60 por ciento de los pacientes. La miocarditis es infrecuente (10 por ciento), pudiendo evolucionar tanto a miocardiopatía dilatada como a la mejoría. PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: Mujer de 40 años con antecedentes de LES diagnosticado el año 2008 y hospitalización anterior por cuadro de síndrome nefrótico, consulta en la urgencia del Hospital Guillermo Grant Benavente el por cuadro clínico de dos semanas de evolución caracterizado por disnea de mínimo esfuerzo, oliguria y edema continuo de extremidades inferiores. Destacan dentro de sus exámenes de ingreso: creatinina de 1,8 mg/dl, PCR <5 mg/l e índice proteinuria/creatininuria aislada >5; radiografía de tórax muestra cardiomegalia. Se hospitaliza en servicio de medicina interna para manejo. Evoluciona con mayor disnea ydolor torácico, por lo que se realiza ecocardiograma que revela miocardiopatía dilatada y disfunción sistólica severa. Se añade al tratamiento esteroidal previo, furosemida, carvedilol, enalapril y bolos de metilprednisolona y ciclofosfamida. Paciente evoluciona satisfactoriamente, con disminución de la disnea y leve edema de las extremidades inferiores, aunque permanece con valores de creatinina alterados. Luego de un mes es dada de alta. DISCUSIÓN: Señalamos que la miocardiopatía dilatada es una complicación infrecuente del LES, y si bien es cierto es la principal explicación para el cuadro clínico de insuficiencia cardiaca en esta paciente, no explica por si sola la sintomatología, considerando el antecedente de compromiso renal.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, whose clinical picture includes various cardiovascular manifestations, which occur in between the 50 and 60 percent of the patients. Myocarditis is a rare complication (10 percent) and may evolve to dilated cardiomyopathy, or to the improvement. CASE REPORT: Forty year old woman with a history of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus diagnosed in 2008 and previous hospitalization for nephrotic syndrome, consultates in the urgency of Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital because of a two weeks clinical picture characterized by small effort dyspnea, oliguria and continuous edema of lower extremities.Stands in their entrance examinations: creatinine 1.8 mg / dl, CRP <5 mg/l, proteinuria /creatinine index >5; X-ray shows cardiomegaly. It is decided to hospitalized the patient. Evolves with increasing respiratory distress and chest pain, so it is decided to do echocardiogram, wich revealed dilated cardiomyopathy and severe systolic dysfunction. It´s added to her prevoiuos steroid treatment, furosemide, carvedilol, enalapril, methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide. The patient has a satisfactory evolution, with decreased dyspnea and mild edema of the lower extremities, although it remains with altered values of creatinine. The patient is sent home and referred to early control. DISCUSSION: We propose that dilated cardiomyopathy is a rare complication of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and though we can say that it is the main explanation for the clinical picture of this patient, it does not explain by itself the symptomatology, considering the history of renal involvement.

[Application of the ubiquicidin 29-41 scan in the diagnosis of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis]. / Utilidad de la gammagrafía con ubiquicidina 29-41 en el diagnóstico de osteomielitis piógena de columna vertebral.

BACKGROUND: The non-invasive diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis is a difficult one. Studies confirm MRI as the gold standard with 92% sensitivity and 94% specificity. Scintigraphy combined with Tc99-Ga67 used to be the procedure of choice before the advent of PET with labeled glucose, which has a high sensitivity and specificity, but cannot distinguish a focus of infection from inflammation. Scintigraphy with UBI29-41 is an infection-specific study that was recently described in the literature. There are no studies showing its value in the diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to show that the Tc99-UBI29-41 scan has 99% sensitivity for vertebral osteomyelitis. METHODS: This is a study of a diagnostic test. The case series was composed of the records of UBI scans performed at the Nuclear Medicine Department, HcHMAE. The scans were interpreted in a blind and independent fashion by 2 experienced observers. The final diagnosis was obtained with the histopathologic study or a microbiologic culture or with the clinical findings after a follow-up of at least 6 months. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the positive and negative probability ratio were determined, always using a 95% confidence interval (CI). The sample size necessary to show 99% sensitivity with a 95% CI and a statistical power of 80% was 15 patients. The concordance with the kappa index was determined. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients with suspected vertebral osteomyelitis were included; 15 males and 12 females, with a mean age of 50 years (SD = 16). Fourteen patients had a history of surgery and 12 had metallic implants. Nine patients had a history if spinal infiltrations. The number of patients with a positive scan was 20. The sensitivity for detecting pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis was 100% (CI: 0.901-1) and the specificity was 87.5% (CI: 0.647-0.875). The positive predictive value was 0.95 (CI: 0.859-0.950), and the negative predictive value was 1 (CI: 0.739-1). The intra- and interobserver kappa value was 1. CONCLUSIONS: The UBI scan showed 100% sensitivity and 88% specificity for vertebral osteomyelitis. Although the role of this method in the diagnostic protocol of the patient with suspected vertebral osteomyelitis has not yet been defined, the scan was useful in this group of patients to arrive at a certain diagnosis.

Osteopoiquilia: comunicación de un caso clínico / Osteopoikilosis: report of one case

Osteopoikilosis is an infrequent sclerotic bone dysplasia with discrete spherical areas of increased bone density. It has an autosomal, dominant inheritance with variable penetrance. It a diagnosed by the observation of characteristic images on x-ray films. Despite its lack of pathological importance, it must be distinguished from osteoblastic bone metastases, tuberose sclerosis, mastocytosis or sarcoidosis. We report a 23 years old male who presented a right ankle sprain. X-ray films showed important lesions in the trabecular bone of the tarsus, metatarsus and phalanges, as numerous small foci of osteosclerosis. The study was complemented with a pelvis, femur and a hand radiological study with similar findings. These findings led to the diagnosis of osteopoikilosis. Among his family members, x-ray films showed that the mother also carried the disease.

Blood biochemical indicators in young and adult Cebus apella of both sexes.

BACKGROUND: A frequent drawback in physiology of non-human primates is that normal values for a variety of indicators (haematological, biochemical and others) are scant. METHODS: We report here the blood values in a series of 92 healthy Cebus apella (divided by sex, age and pregnancy status). Health check-ups indicated that animals were healthy for the month prior to and after the sampling. Dietary intake was estimated on the basis of two semi-balance studies. RESULTS: Values of haematological indicators, serum LDH activity, micronutrient indicators (serum copper, iron and serum ceruloplasmin concentrations, Zn-Cu-superoxide dismutase activity in erythrocytes) agreed with previous results and provide some values that were not available. Activities of liver enzymes were lower than some previously reported. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide valuable information that help understanding the physiology of C. apella.