Influence of electrodes on the 448 kHz electric currents created by radiofrequency: A finite element study.

Radiofrequency is a technology used in physical rehabilitation by physicians and physiotherapists for more than fifteen years, although there exist doubts on how it works. Indiba is a particular method that applies a voltage difference of 448 KHz between two electrodes, creating an electric current between them. These electrodes are an active one that is placed on different areas of the body and a passive one that is left on the same position during the treatment. There are two different types of active electrodes: the capacitive one and the resistive one. In this paper, it has been studied how the different electrodes affect the current density inside the body and thus how they affect the efficacy of the treatment. It shows how finite element calculations should help physicians in order to better understand its behavior and improve the treatments.

Traumeel vs. diclofenac for reducing pain and improving ankle mobility after acute ankle sprain: a multicentre, randomised, blinded, controlled and non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Acute ankle sprains are common and activity limiting injuries, and topical diclofenac gel has proven efficacy in alleviating pain and restoring function. This trial aimed to compare a topical natural agent, Traumeel with topical diclofenac gel (1%) in the management of acute ankle sprain. METHODS: This prospective, multicentre, randomised, blinded, active-control and non-inferiority study involved 449 physically active adults sustaining unilateral grade 1 or 2 ankle sprain within the past 24 h. Participants were randomised to receive 2 g of Traumeel ointment (T-O) (n = 152) or Traumeel gel (T-G) (n = 150) or diclofenac gel (D-G) (n = 147), administered topically to the ankle three times a day for 14 days, with 6-weeks follow up. RESULTS: Day 7 median percentage reductions in Visual Analogue Scale pain score were 60.6%, 71.1% and 68.9% for the T-O, T-G and D-G groups, respectively. Total pain relief was reported by 12 (8.5%), 7 (5.0%) and 8 (5.9%) participants in each group, respectively. Median improvements in Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Activities of Daily Living subscale score were 26.2, 26.2 and 25.0 points for T-O, T-G and D-G groups, respectively. Mann-Whitney effect sizes and lower bound confidence intervals demonstrated non-inferiority of Traumeel vs. diclofenac for reducing pain and functional improvement. At 6 weeks, participants reported total pain relief and normal functioning. Adverse events (n = 43) were reported by 31/447 participants (6.9%). Treatments were equally well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: T-O and T-G decreased pain and improved joint function to the same extent as D-G in acute ankle sprain, and were well tolerated.

Isotopic evolution of planetary crusts by hypervelocity impacts evidenced by Fe in microtektites.

Fractionation effects related to evaporation and condensation had a major impact on the current elemental and isotopic composition of the Solar System. Although isotopic fractionation of moderately volatile elements has been observed in tektites due to impact heating, the exact nature of the processes taking place during hypervelocity impacts remains poorly understood. By studying Fe in microtektites, here we show that impact events do not simply lead to melting, melt expulsion and evaporation, but involve a convoluted sequence of processes including condensation, variable degrees of mixing between isotopically distinct reservoirs and ablative evaporation during atmospheric re-entry. Hypervelocity impacts can as such not only generate isotopically heavy, but also isotopically light ejecta, with δ56/54Fe spanning over nearly 5‰ and likely even larger variations for more volatile elements. The mechanisms demonstrated here for terrestrial impact ejecta modify our understanding of the effects of impact processing on the isotopic evolution of planetary crusts.

[Tobacco addiction in primary health care workers in the health area number 4 of Insalud in Madrid: prevalence of consumption and attitude]. / El tabaquismo en los trabajadores de atención primaria del área sanitaria número 4 del Insalud de Madrid: prevalencia de consumo y actitudes.

BACKGROUND: In developed countries, tobaccoism constitutes the main public health problem capable of prevention. Health professionals comprise the sector with the greatest power of influence in reducing smoking habits. Nevertheless, cooperation is determined by their own personal habits and attitudes to smoking. This study describes the prevalence of smoking and attitudes towards tobaccoism amongst primary medical care personnel within Area 4 of Insalud in Madrid. METHODS: Of the 910 workers surveyed, 803 responded (response rate: 88%). 42.3% were smokers (35.3% on a daily basis and 7% occasionally) and the average smoker consumed 17 cigarrettes per day. 25.9% were ex-smokers and 31.7% non-smokers. 95% of non-smokers and 85% of smokers considered that smoking should be forbidden in medical centres (p << 0.001). 11% of smokers did so in front of patients (10% of doctors and 3.3% of nursing staff). 58.4% of smokers stated that they would participate in an assistance scheme designed to help them give up the habit. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that there still exists a large percentage of primary medical care personnel that smoke and that attitudes are not those that would be expected from a group of people seen as an example by others. Priority must be given to intensifying awareness, assisting people to give up smoking and to training courses.