Monitoring of a microbial community during bioaugmentation with hydrogenotrophic methanogens to improve methane yield of an anaerobic digestion process.

Methane production by microbial fermentation of municipal waste is a challenge for better yield processes. This work describes the characterization of a hydrogenotrophic methanogen microbial community used in a bioaugmentation procedure to improve the methane yield in a thermophilic anaerobic process, digesting the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. The performance of the bioaugmentation was assessed in terms of methane production and changes in the microbial community structure. The results showed that bioaugmentation slightly improved the cumulative methane yield (+ 4%) in comparison to the control, and its use led to an acceleration of the methanogenesis stage. We observed associated significant changes in the relative abundance of taxa and their interactions, using high throughput DNA sequencing of V3-16S rRNA gene libraries, where the abundance of the archaeal hydrogenotrophic genus Methanoculleus (class Methanomicrobia, phylum Euryarchaeota) and the bacterial order MBA08 (class Clostridia, phylum Firmicutes) were dominant. The relevant predicted metabolic pathways agreed with substrate degradation and the anaerobic methanogenic process. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of hydrogenotrophic methanogens in the generation of methane, while treating organic waste through anaerobic digestion.

Neutronics Simulations for DEMO Diagnostics.

One of the main challenges in the development of a plasma diagnostic and control system for DEMO is the need to cope with unprecedented radiation levels in a tokamak during long operation periods. A list of diagnostics required for plasma control has been developed during the pre-conceptual design phase. Different approaches are proposed for the integration of these diagnostics in DEMO: in equatorial and upper ports, in the divertor cassette, on the inner and outer surfaces of the vacuum vessel and in diagnostic slim cassettes, a modular approach developed for diagnostics requiring access to the plasma from several poloidal positions. According to each integration approach, diagnostics will be exposed to different radiation levels, with a considerable impact on their design. This paper provides a broad overview of the radiation environment that diagnostics in DEMO are expected to face. Using the water-cooled lithium lead blanket configuration as a reference, neutronics simulations were performed for pre-conceptual designs of in-vessel, ex-vessel and equatorial port diagnostics representative of each integration approach. Flux and nuclear load calculations are provided for several sub-systems, along with estimations of radiation streaming to the ex-vessel for alternative design configurations. The results can be used as a reference by diagnostic designers.

Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspectives of Microwave Reflectometry for Plasma Position and Shape Control on Future Nuclear Fusion Devices.

Providing energy from fusion and finding ways to scale up the fusion process to commercial proportions in an efficient, economical, and environmentally benign way is one of the grand challenges for engineering. Controlling the burning plasma in real-time is one of the critical issues that need to be addressed. Plasma Position Reflectometry (PPR) is expected to have an important role in next-generation fusion machines, such as DEMO, as a diagnostic to monitor the position and shape of the plasma continuously, complementing magnetic diagnostics. The reflectometry diagnostic uses radar science methods in the microwave and millimetre wave frequency ranges and is envisaged to measure the radial edge density profile at several poloidal angles providing data for the feedback control of the plasma position and shape. While significant steps have already been given to accomplish that goal, with proof of concept tested first in ASDEX-Upgrade and afterward in COMPASS, important, ground-breaking work is still ongoing. The Divertor Test Tokamak (DTT) facility presents itself as the appropriate future fusion device to implement, develop, and test a PPR system, thus contributing to building a knowledge database in plasma position reflectometry required for its application in DEMO. At DEMO, the PPR diagnostic's in-vessel antennas and waveguides, as well as the magnetic diagnostics, may be exposed to neutron irradiation fluences 5 to 50 times greater than those experienced by ITER. In the event of failure of either the magnetic or microwave diagnostics, the equilibrium control of the DEMO plasma may be jeopardized. It is, therefore, imperative to ensure that these systems are designed in such a way that they can be replaced if necessary. To perform reflectometry measurements at the 16 envisaged poloidal locations in DEMO, plasma-facing antennas and waveguides are needed to route the microwaves between the plasma through the DEMO upper ports (UPs) to the diagnostic hall. The main integration approach for this diagnostic is to incorporate these groups of antennas and waveguides into a diagnostics slim cassette (DSC), which is a dedicated complete poloidal segment specifically designed to be integrated with the water-cooled lithium lead (WCLL) breeding blanket system. This contribution presents the multiple engineering and physics challenges addressed while designing reflectometry diagnostics using radio science techniques. Namely, short-range dedicated radars for plasma position and shape control in future fusion experiments, the advances enabled by the designs for ITER and DEMO, and the future perspectives. One key development is in electronics, aiming at an advanced compact coherent fast frequency sweeping RF back-end [23-100 GHz in few µs] that is being developed at IPFN-IST using commercial Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMIC). The compactness of this back-end design is crucial for the successful integration of many measurement channels in the reduced space available in future fusion machines. Prototype tests of these devices are foreseen to be performed in current nuclear fusion machines.

Treatment of melasma with platelet-rich plasma: A self-controlled clinical trial.

Melasma is a common circumscribed hypermelanosis of sun-exposed areas of the skin. Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy has been evidenced to inhibit melanin synthesis in animals and humans. To determine the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma as a treatment for melasma. Twenty female patient with melasma were involved in this study. The intervention included three Platelet-Rich Plasma application sessions at 15-day intervals. Patients were evaluated before and after treatment. Variables measured included the facial melanin concentration using the melasma area and severity index score, melasma quality of life scale satisfaction grade, and histologic changes. Mean age was 41 ± 7 years. An initial MELASQOL score of 42 ± 14.8 and final score of 16.6 ± 7.2 (p = 0.008) were reported; the initial and final MASI score were 15.5 ± 8.4 and 9.5 ± 7.2 (p = 0.001), respectively. The dermatoscopy examination revealed a decrease in pigmentation after intervention (p = 0.001). Histopathologic improvement was detected in reductions in cutaneous atrophy (14 [70%] vs. 11 [55%]), solar elastosis (15 [75%] vs.11 [55%]), and inflammatory infiltrate (9 [45%] vs. 6 [30%]), before and after treatment, respectively. The intervention was associated with decreased intensity of the melasma patch and improved skin quality, shown by the MELASQOL and MASI scores.

Performance Analysis of Geiger-Müller and Cadmium Zinc Telluride Sensors Envisaging Airborne Radiological Monitoring in NORM Sites.

Radiological monitoring is fundamental for compliance with radiological protection policies in the aftermath of radiological events, such as nuclear accidents, terrorism, and out-of-commission uranium mines. An effective strategy for radiation monitoring is to use radiation detectors coupled with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), enabling for quicker surveillance of large areas without involving the need of human presence in the target area. The main aim of this study was to formulate the parameters for a UAV flight strategy in preparation for future field measurements using Geiger-Muller Counters (GMC) and Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) spectrometers. As a proof of concept, the prepared flight strategy will be used to survey out-of-commission uranium mines in northern Portugal. Procedures to assure the calibration of the CZT and verification of the GMCs were conducted, as well as a sensitivity analysis of the sensors considering different acquisition times, distance to source, and detector response time. This article reports specific parameters, such as UAV distance to ground, time of exposition, speed, and the methodology to perform the identification and calculate the activity of possible radioactive sources. An effective flight strategy is also presented, aiming to use radiation detectors coupled with UAVs to undertake extensive monitoring of areas with enhanced levels of environmental radiation, which is of prime importance due to the lasting hazardous effects of enhanced environmental radiation in the nearby ecosystem and population.

Changing Statistical Significance with the Amount of Information: The Adaptive α Significance Level.

We put forward an adaptive alpha which changes with the amount of sample information. This calibration may be interpreted as a Bayes/non-Bayes compromise, and leads to statistical consistency. The calibration can also be used to produce confidence intervals whose size take in consideration the amount of observed information.

Mobile App for Enhanced Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Assessment in Conscious Subjects: "Pivot-Shift Meter".

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) instability poses a considerable challenge in traumatology and orthopedic medicine, demanding precise diagnostics for optimal treatment. The pivot-shift test, a pivotal assessment tool, relies on subjective interpretation, emphasizing the need for supplementary imaging. This study addresses this limitation by introducing a machine learning classification algorithm integrated into a mobile application, leveraging smartphones' built-in inertial sensors for dynamic rotational stability assessment during knee examinations. Orthopedic specialists conducted knee evaluations on a cohort of 52 subjects, yielding valuable insights. Quantitative analyses, employing the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), demonstrated robust agreement in both intraobserver and interobserver assessments. Specifically, ICC values of 0.94 reflected strong concordance in the timing between maneuvers, while signal amplitude exhibited consistency, with the ICC ranging from 0.71 to 0.66. The introduced machine learning algorithms proved effective, accurately classifying 90% of cases exhibiting joint hypermobility. These quantifiable results underscore the algorithm's reliability in assessing knee stability. This study emphasizes the practicality and effectiveness of implementing machine learning algorithms within a mobile application, showcasing its potential as a valuable tool for categorizing signals captured by smartphone inertial sensors during the pivot-shift test.

U-Dos Double-Bundle and Single-Bundle Allograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Comparative Study.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are very common among athletes. If these injuries are not repaired, meniscus and cartilage damage will arise, with serious consequences in the joint. Different options for ACL reconstruction have been described, aiming for anteroposterior, lateral, and rotational stability. Using single- or double-bundle grafts has been one of the most discussed topics, aiming for better rotational stability. We performed a prospective randomized study to evaluate the outcomes of ACL reconstruction using double- or single-bundle grafts for 72 patients with acute ACL injuries. Patients were blindly randomized into 2 groups of 36 knees before surgery using a blind envelope that contained the technique to be used: double-bundle U-Dos technique (DB group) or single-bundle technique (SB group). All patients had a preoperative and postoperative evaluation and were followed with the same parameters at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 months. Both anteroposterior and rotational stability were evaluated using a KT-1000 arthrometer (MEDmetric) and an experimental Pivot-Shift Meter (ORMEDS) device. Functional outcomes were measured using the Tegner-Lysholm scale. The DB group had fewer ACL re-tears, fewer meniscal injuries, and better Tegner-Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores. This group also had better KT-1000 and Pivot-Shift Meter values. After 2-year follow-up, the DB group had significantly better results than the SB group. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(1):13-18.].

Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli Characterization in a Tertiary Care Center from El Bajio, Mexico.

Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (CR-GNB) are a major public health concern. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of CR-GNB and the frequency of carbapenemase-encoding genes in a tertiary referral center from El Bajio, Mexico. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and October 2022; Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) were screened for in vitro resistance to at least one carbapenem. CR-GNB were further analyzed for carbapenemase-production through phenotypical methods and by real-time PCR for the following genes: blaKPC, blaGES, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaIMP, and blaOXA-48. In total, 37 out of 508 GNB were carbapenem-resistant (7.3%, 95% CI 5.2-9.9). Non-fermenters had higher rates of carbapenem resistance than Enterobacterales (32.5% vs. 2.6%; OR 18.3, 95% CI 8.5-39, p < 0.0001), and Enterobacter cloacae showed higher carbapenem resistance than other Enterobacterales (27% vs. 1.4%; OR 25.9, 95% CI 6.9-95, p < 0.0001). Only 15 (40.5%) CR-GNB had a carbapenemase-encoding gene; Enterobacterales were more likely to have a carbapenemase-encoding gene than non-fermenters (63.6% vs. 30.8%, p = 0.08); blaNDM-1 and blaNDM-5 were the main genes found in Enterobacterales; and blaIMP-75 was the most common for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The mcr-2 gene was harbored in one polymyxin-resistant E. cloacae. In our setting, NDM was the most common carbapenemase; however, less than half of the CR-GNB showed a carbapenemase-encoding gene.

The global prevalence of human fascioliasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Fascioliasis is a parasitic zoonosis that can infect humans and be a source of significant morbidity. The World Health Organization lists human fascioliasis as a neglected tropical disease, but the worldwide prevalence of fascioliasis data is unknown. Objective: We aimed to estimate the global prevalence of human fascioliasis. Data sources and methods: We performed a systematic review and prevalence meta-analysis. We used the following inclusion criteria: articles published in the English, Portuguese, or Spanish languages from December 1985 to October 2022 and studies assessing the prevalence of Fasciola in the general population with an appropriate diagnostic methodology, including longitudinal studies, prospective and retrospective cohorts, case series, and randomized clinical trials (RCTs). We excluded animal studies. Two reviewers independently reviewed the selected studies for methodological quality, performing critical standard measures from JBI SUMARI. A random-effects model was conducted of the summary extracted data on the prevalence proportions. We reported the estimates according to the GATHER statement. Results: In all, 5617 studies were screened for eligibility. Fifty-five studies from 15 countries were selected, including 154,697 patients and 3987 cases. The meta-analysis revealed a pooled prevalence of 4.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.1-6.1; I2 = 99.4%; T2 = 0.07]. The prevalence in South America, Africa, and Asia was 9.0%, 4.8%, and 2.0%, respectively. The highest prevalence was found in Bolivia (21%), Peru (11%), and Egypt (6%). Subgroup analysis showed higher prevalence estimates in children, in studies from South America, and when Fas2-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used as a diagnostic method. A larger study sample size (p = 0.027) and an increase in female percentage (p = 0.043) correlated with a decrease in prevalence. Multiple meta-regression showed a higher prevalence for hyperendemic than hypoendemic (p = 0.002) or mesoendemic (p = 0.013) regions. Conclusion: The estimated prevalence and projected disease burden of human fascioliasis are high. Study findings support that fascioliasis continues to be a globally neglected tropical disease. Strengthening epidemiological surveillance and implementing measures to control and treat fascioliasis is imperative in the most affected areas.

Unaccompanied minors from the Northern Central American countries in the migrant stream: social differentials and institutional contexts.

The migration of minors unaccompanied by adults from the northern countries of Central America (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) to the United States has risen sharply in recent years, surpassing the numbers that migrated during the political conflicts in the region in the 1980s and early 1990s. While the migration of minors from the northern region of Central America may appear as a homogeneous flow, significant sociodemographic and regional differentials exist in their migration. A conceptual model of institutional conditions is presented to conceptualise how changing institutional conditions in communities of origin can produce 'push' effects for the unaccompanied migration of minors in the northern countries of Central America. The goal of the model is to conceptually advance the analysis of migration by the unaccompanied minors to the root level of structural change. US response to the migration of unaccompanied minors in the future is uncertain given that a new administration has taken charge of the Executive Branch, promising to further restrict unauthorised immigration at the southwest border.

Pulmonary endarterectomy. Initial report in a cardiology hospital / Endarterectomía pulmonar. Reporte inicial en un hospital de cardiología

Background: Currently the options for treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension can be pulmonary endarterectomy, pulmonary angioplasty and pharmacological treatment. Objective: To show the feasibility of performing pulmonary endarterectomy in a cardiology hospital. Methods: From December 2013 to June 2014 a serie of consecutive cases was studied according to the guidelines of the Fifth World Symposium of Pulmonary Hypertension. Its antecedents, clinical characteristics, functional class, hemodynamics, exercise capacity were defined in pre and post-operative conditions. Results: Three cases, two males with A + blood group and one female O + with presence of antiphospholipid antibodies; the three patients with prior history of pulmonary embolism, obese, with dyspnea and syncope; preoperative systolic pulmonary pressures were 60, 50, 59 mm Hg, and post-operative 43, 33, 21 mm Hg; functional class III/IV vs. I/IV; walked meters 320, 266, 252 vs. 480, 527, 0, respectively. One patient died, not related to surgery, due to multiple organ failure 40 days after surgery. Conclusions: Pulmonary endarterectomy is a feasible procedure with clinical and hemodynamic improvement.

Introducción: actualmente, las opciones de tratamiento de la hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica pueden ser la endarterectomía pulmonar, la angioplastía pulmonar y el tratamiento farmacológico. Objetivo: mostrar la factibilidad de realizar la endarterectomía pulmonar en un hospital de cardiología. Métodos: de diciembre del 2013 a junio del 2014 se estudió una serie de casos consecutivos de acuerdo con las guías del 5to Simposio Mundial sobre Hipertensión Pulmonar. Se indagaron sus antecedentes, características clínicas, clase funcional, hemodinámica y capacidad de ejercicio, en condiciones pre- y posoperatorias. Resultados: se operaron tres pacientes, dos varones con grupo sanguíneo A+ y una mujer O+ con presencia de anticuerpos antifosfolípidos; los tres pacientes tenían antecedentes de embolia pulmonar previa, obesos, con disnea y síncope; las presiones pulmonares sistólicas preoperatorias fueron de 60, 50, 59 mm Hg, respectivamente, y posoperatorias de 43, 33, 21 mm Hg; clase funcional III/IV frente a I/IV; metros caminados 320, 266, 252 frente a 480, 527 y cero, respectivamente. Un paciente falleció por falla orgánica múltiple a 40 días del posoperatorio, el desenlace no estuvo relacionado con la cirugía. Conclusiones: la endarterectomía pulmonar es un procedimiento factible de realizar con mejoría clínica y hemodinámica.

Comparación cuantitativa de la ejecución de la maniobra de Lachman para su estandarización a través de software para dispositivo móvil / Quantitative comparison of the execution of the Lachman maneuver for its standardization through software for mobile devices

Introducción: la maniobra de Lachman es ampliamente empleada como recurso diagnóstico para detectar lesiones en el ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) y, por su simplicidad, se tiende a pensar que no existe una variabilidad significativa en su ejecución. El presente estudio comparativo está centrado en utilizar los sensores integrados en un dispositivo móvil para encontrar, a través del índice de correlación intraclase, si las variaciones tanto intraobservador como interobservador son significativas. Materiales y métodos: se efectuaron dos ensayos llamados "Lachmatón", con doce residentes de ortopedia a modo de evaluadores y sujetos de prueba; el primer ensayo ayudó a identificar y describir las diferencias de los gestos de ejecución entre los evaluadores, mientras que el segundo permitió medir el incremento de la similitud de ejecución entre estos al ser instruidos, en contraste con el primer ensayo, donde no habían recibido ninguna instrucción; esto fue posible al medir la similitud características estadísticas y morfológicas de las señales adquiridas a través del índice de correlación intraclase. Resultados: se identificaron dos gestos importantes y que emiten señales con distinta forma al aplicarse, o no, a la ejecución de la maniobra: 1) fijar el pie y, 2) fijar el fémur. Se encontró una diferencia significativa entre ambos ensayos, así como entre los dos estilos más usados por los evaluadores. Conclusión: el uso de los sensores integrados en un dispositivo móvil para medir diferencias en la ejecución de la maniobra de Lachman ayudó a determinar los gestos que permiten una mayor reproducibilidad de esta maniobra. Nivel de Evidencia: III

Introduction: the Lachman maneuver was amplified as a diagnostic resource to detect injuries in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and it tends to be thought, due to its simplicity, that there is no significant accumulation in its execution. This comparative study focuses on using the sensors integrated into a mobile device to find out whether the intraobserver or interobserver variations are significant, through the intraclass correlation coefficient. Materials and methods: two trials called "Lachmatón" will be carried out with twelve orthopedic residents as evaluators and test subjects; the first trial helped to identify and describe the differences in performance gestures between raters, while the second allowed measuring the increase in performance similarity between raters as instructors, in contrast to the first trial, where neither could instruction; This was possible by measuring the similarity of the statistical and morphological characteristics of the signals obtained through the intraclass achievement index.Results: two important gestures were identified, which emit signals in different ways when applied or not to the execution of the maneuver: 1) fix the foot and, 2) fix the femur. You will find that there is a significant difference between you and the evaluators. Conclusion: the use of sensors integrated into a mobile device to measure differences in the execution of the Lachman maneuver helped to determine the gestures that allow a greater reproducibility of this maneuver. Level of Evidence: III

[Consensus on Systemic Arterial Hypertension In México]. / Consenso de Hipertensión Arterial Sistémica en México.

This Consenso Nacional de Hipertensión Arterial Sistémica (National Consensus on Systemic Arterial Hypertension) brings together experiences and joint work of 79 specialists who have been in contact with the patient affected by systemic arterial hypertension. All concepts here presented were outlined on the basis of the real world practice of Mexican hypertensive population. The consensus was developed under strict methodological guidelines. The Delphi technique was applied in two rounds for the development of an appropriate statistical analysis of the concepts exposed by all the specialists, who posed key questions, later developed by the panel of experts of the Hospital de Cardiología, and specialists from the Centro Médico Nacional. Several angles of this illness are shown: detection, diagnosis, pathophysiology, classification, treatment and prevention. The evidence analysis was carried out using PRISMA method. More than 600 articles were reviewed, leaving only the most representative in the references. This document concludes with practical and useful recommendations for the three levels of health care of our country.

Este Consenso Nacional de Hipertensión Arterial Sistémica reúne las experiencias y el trabajo conjunto de 79 especialistas que han estado en contacto con el paciente que padece hipertensión arterial sistémica. Todos los conceptos aquí presentados se plantearon con base en la práctica del mundo real de la población hipertensa de México. El consenso se desarrolló bajo lineamientos metodológicos estrictos. La técnica de Delphi se aplicó en dos vueltas para el desarrollo de un análisis estadístico apropiado de los conceptos vertidos por todos los especialistas con preguntas clave que desarrolló el panel de expertos del Hospital de Cardiología y especialistas del Centro Médico Nacional. Se presentan los aspectos de detección, diagnóstico, fisiopatología, clasificación, tratamiento y prevención. El análisis de la evidencia en la literatura se hizo utilizando el método de PRISMA para análisis de evidencia. Se revisaron más de 600 artículos y se dejaron en la bibliografía solo los más representativos. Este documento concluye con recomendaciones prácticas y de utilidad para los tres niveles de atención en salud de nuestro país.

Iron and zinc fortification of corn tortilla made either at the household or at industrial scale.

Fe and Zn deficiencies among the Mexican population are widespread, and one-third of children and women of childbearing age are anemic. Since diets that are Fe-deficient are most probably also Zn-deficient, a proprietary process was developed to fortify corn tortilla with these trace elements at the first stage of treatment with lime. Phytic acid (PA), Ca, Fe, and Zn content were determined, as well as the molar ratios of phytate/Fe, phytate/Zn, and Ca x phytate to Zn in traditional and fortified tortillas; the Student's t-test was used to detect differences between the treatments (p < 0.001). Contents of Fe and Zn in the fortified tortilla relative to the traditional tortilla were 1.9 and 3.4 times greater than the latter, whereas PA contents showed the opposite result, i.e. traditional tortillas had 1.65 times more PA than the fortified tortilla. Consequently the calculated molar ratios were statistically more favorable for fortified than for traditional tortillas (p < 0.001). The process developed allows making iron- and zinc-fortified tortillas by lime-treating or nixtamalizing corn either at the household, at small-scale tortilla shops, or at industrial scale by using lime fortified with both trace elements. The cost of this fortification is negligible.

Fluoride content by ion chromatography using a suppressed conductivity detector and osmolality of bitterns discharged into the Pacific Ocean from a saltworks: feasible causal agents in the mortality of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Ojo de Liebre lagoon, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

On December 1997, 94 corpses of green turtles, Chelonia mydas, were found at the Ojo de Liebre lagoon (OLL) adjacent to the industrial operation of Exportadora de Sal S. A (ESSA), the largest saltworks in the world, owned by the Mexican Government and Mitsubishi Corporation, located in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Every year about 551 x 10(6) m3 of seawater is solar evaporated, producing 7 x 10(6) tons of salt and 24.6 x 10(6) m3 of bitterns, the latter being discharged into the OLL, which is a costal lagoon of the Pacific Ocean. ESSA claimed that bitterns contain the same salts present in seawater, but 20-fold more concentrated than the former. Ion chromatography with a conductivity detector and ion suppression was used to determine the F-, Cl-, SO4(2-) and CO3(2-) contents of seawater, brines and bitterns collected at ESSA. Furthermore, the osmolality of brines and bitterns from ESSA was measured. F- content in bitterns was 60.5-fold more than that in seawater. The bitterns osmolality was 11,000 mosm/kg of water, whereas the turtle's plasma osmolality was about 400 mosm/kg of water. We concluded that the dumping of bitterns into the ocean should be avoided.

Novel Organotin(IV) Schiff Base Complexes with Histidine Derivatives: Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Activity.

Five novel tin Schiff base complexes with histidine analogues (derived from the condensation reaction between L-histidine and 3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde) have been synthesized and characterized. Characterization has been completed by IR and high-resolution mass spectroscopy, 1D and 2D solution NMR ((1)H, (13)C and (119)Sn), as well as solid state (119)Sn NMR. The spectroscopic evidence shows two types of structures: a trigonal bipyramidal stereochemistry with the tin atom coordinated to five donating atoms (two oxygen atoms, one nitrogen atom, and two carbon atoms belonging to the alkyl moieties), where one molecule of ligand is coordinated in a three dentate fashion. The second structure is spectroscopically described as a tetrahedral tin complex with four donating atoms (one oxygen atom coordinated to the metal and three carbon atoms belonging to the alkyl or aryl substituents), with one molecule of ligand attached. The antimicrobial activity of the tin compounds has been tested against the growth of bacteria in vitro to assess their bactericidal properties. While pentacoordinated compounds 1, 2, and 3 are described as moderate effective to noneffective drugs against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, tetracoordinated tin(IV) compounds 4 and 5 are considered as moderate effective and most effective compounds, respectively, against the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains (Gram-positive).

Utilidad del índice de choque como valor predictivo para el requerimiento de trasfusión en hemorragia obstétrica / Utility of the shock index in obstetric hemorrhage as a predictive value for the transfusion requirement

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar el punto de corte del índice de choque obstétrico asociado con trasfusión masiva en mujeres con hemorragia obstétrica. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, transversal y analítico efectuado con base en la revisión de los expedientes clínicos de pacientes que ingresaron a la unidad de cuidados intensivos. Cálculo del índice de choque obstétrico al momento del diagnóstico de hemorragia obstétrica. Análisis de los signos vitales, gasometría, tipo de componentes sanguíneos trasfundidos y cantidad de líquidos administrados. Resultados: Se incluyeron 105 pacientes con hemorragia obstétrica; en 65 (61%) el resultado del índice de choque fue ≥ 0.9, de éstas 38 (58%) requirieron trasfusión masiva. El índice de choque obstétrico ≥ 0.9 se asoció, significativamente, con trasfusión masiva (p < 0.001). La pérdida sanguínea fue de 3000 mL (RIC 2000 mL) en pacientes con índice de choque obstétrico ≥ 0.9 vs 2500 mL (RIC 1000 mL) en pacientes con índice de choque obstétrico < 0.9 (p = 0.04). Las mujeres con índice de choque obstétrico ≥ 0.9 mostraron mayor requerimiento de trasfusión de concentrados globulares (p = 0.03) y plaquetarios (p = 0.01). Conclusiones: Un índice de choque obstétrico ≥ 0.9 se asoció con altos requerimientos de trasfusión sanguínea y mayor incidencia de eventos adversos graves, por lo que se recomienda este valor como el punto de corte para predicción de la necesidad de trasfusión masiva.

Abstract Objective: To determine the cut-off point of obstetric shock index associated with massive transfusion in women with obstetric hemorrhage. Materials and methods: We designed a cross-sectional study in women who were admitted to the intensive care unit. The obstetric shock index was calculated at the time of the diagnosis of obstetric hemorrhage. We analyzed vital signs, arterial blood gas, loss of blood, fluid replacement and transfused blood products. Results: One hundred and five women with obstetric bleeding were included, in 65 (61%) the obstetric shock index was ≥ 0.9, of whom 38 (58%) needed massive transfusion. Obstetric shock index ≥ 0.9 was significantly associated with massive transfusion (p < 0.001). The blood loss was of 3000 mL (RIC 2000 mL) in the patients with obstetric shock index ≥ 0.9 compared to 2500 mL (RIC 1000 mL) in patients with obstetric shock index < 0.9 (p = 0.04). Women with obstetric shock index ≥ 0.9 showed more significant requirement of transfusion of package red blood (p = 0.03) and platelets (p = 0.01). Conclusions: An obstetric shock index ≥0.9 was associated with high transfusión requirements and a higher incidence of serious adverse events, this value is recommended as the cut-off point for predicting the need for massive transfusion.