Physical-Chemical Assessment of Azo Dye Basic Violet I (BVI) Discoloration Using the Corona Plasma in Batch and Flow Systems.

The decolorization of the Basic violet I (BVI) dye when interacted with a corona discharge is studied in the present work, taking in account two systems, batch and flux. The current and voltage were measured during the whole process in which a corona plasma was generated, with an applied power of 51.9 and 167.72 W where the transport gas was air. A batch reactor and a flow reactor were used, where 500 and 5000 mL of samples were treated, respectively. Optical emission spectra (OES) were measured where the oxidizing species ·OH were at wavelengths of 307.597 and 310.148 nm, associated with the A2∑+ - X2Π transition. The absorption spectra for the batch system showed a discoloration of 85.7% in the first 10 min, while in the flow system, the absorption was 93.9% at the same time and 4.5% at the same time by conventional heating. Characteristics of the final sample included an acidic solution with an electrical conductivity of 449.20 ± 55.44 and 313.6 ± 39.58 µS/cm, a dissolved oxygen concentration of 7.74 ± 0.2 and 6.37 ± 0.23 mg/L, an absorbance of 0.04 ± 0.01 and 0.03 ± 0.01 au, with turbidity measuring 1.22 ± 1.59 and 10.34 ± 4.96 NTU, and an energy cost of 1.1 × 10-1 and 6.3 × 10-1 g/kWh in the batch and continuous flow systems, respectively. The interaction of the corona plasma with water promoted the production of reactive species, resulting in the discoloration of the Basic Violet I dye.

Gentamicin Release Study in Uniaxial and Coaxial Polyhydroxybutyrate-Polyethylene Glycol-Gentamicin Microfibers Treated with Atmospheric Plasma.

The skin is the largest organ and one of the most important in the human body, and is constantly exposed to pathogenic microorganisms that cause infections; then, pharmacological administration is required. One of the basic medical methods for treating chronic wounds is to use topical dressings with characteristics that promote wound healing. Fiber-based dressings mimic the local dermal extracellular matrix (ECM), maintaining an ideal wound-healing climate. This work proposes electrospun PHB/PEG polymeric microfibers as dressings for administering the antibiotic gentamicin directed at skin infections. PHB-PEG/gentamicin fibers were characterized before and after plasma treatment by Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, and XRD. SEM was used to evaluate fiber morphology and yarn size. The plasma treatment improved the hydrophilicity of the PHB/PEG/gentamicin fibers. The release of gentamicin in the plasma-treated fibers was more sustained over time than in the untreated ones.

Urinary Cell-Cycle Arrest Biomarkers as Early Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury After Ventricular Assist Device Implantation or Cardiac Transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a leading source of morbidity and mortality after cardiothoracic surgery. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2), are novel early-phase renal biomarkers that have been validated as sensitive predictors of AKI. Here the authors studied the efficacy of these biomarkers for predicting AKI after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation and cardiac transplantation. DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS/INTERVENTIONS: This was a prospective study of 73 patients undergoing LVAD implantation (n = 37) or heart transplant (n = 36) from 2016 to 2017 at the authors' center. TIMP-2 and IGFBP7 were measured with the NephroCheck Test on urine samples before surgery and one-to-six hours after surgery. NephroCheck scores were assessed as predictors of moderate/severe AKI (Kidney Disease International Global Outcomes 2/3 creatinine criteria) within 48 hours of surgery, and the association with survival to one year was investigated. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The LVAD and transplant cohorts overall were similar in demographics and baseline creatinine (p > 0.05), with the exception of having more African-American patients in the LVAD arm (p = 0.003). Eleven (30%) LVAD and 16 (44%) transplant patients developed moderate/severe AKI. Overall, AKI was associated with postsurgery NephroCheck (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] for 0.1 mg/dL increase: 1.36 [1.04-1.79]; p = 0.03), but not with baseline NephroCheck (p = 0.92). When analyzed by cohort, this effect remained for LVAD (1.68 [1.05-2.71]; p = 0.03) but not for transplant (p = 0.15). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed postoperative NephroCheck to be superior to baseline creatinine in LVAD (p = 0.046). Furthermore, an increase of 0.1 mg/dL in postoperative NephroCheck was associated with a 10% increase in the risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.11 [1.01-1.21]; p = 0.04) independent of age and body mass index. CONCLUSION: Assessment of TIMP-2 and IGFBP7 within six hours after surgery appeared effective at predicting AKI in patients with LVADs. Larger studies are warranted to validate these findings.

Degradation of Acid Red 1 Catalyzed by Peroxidase Activity of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Detected by SERS.

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONPs) were synthesized using tannic acid and characterized by Raman, FTIR, UV, and DRX spectroscopy. In a heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction, the catalytic peroxidase-like activity of MIONPs in the degradation of Acid Red 1 (AR 1) dye was investigated. TEM/STEM was used to determine the quasi-spherical morphology and particle size (3.2 nm) of the synthesized MIONPs. The XRD powder patterns were indexed according to the reverse spinel structure of magnetite, and SEM-EDS analysis confirmed their chemical composition. At pH = 3.5, the decomposition of H2O2 in hydroxyl radicals by MIONPs results in high AR 1 degradation (99%). This behavior was attributed to the size and surface properties of the MIONPs. Finally, the Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) technique detected intermediary compounds in the degradation process.

Chemical elemental analysis of single acoustic-levitated water droplets by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is presented for trace element detection of liquid samples by analyzing a single droplet levitated by ultrasonic waves. A single liquid droplet is placed in the node of a standing acoustic wave produced by a uniaxial levitator for further chemical analysis. The acoustic levitator consists of a commercial Langevin-type transducer, attached to a concave mechanical amplifier, and a concave reflector. A micro-syringe was used to manually place individual liquid droplet samples in the acoustic levitation system. For chemical analysis, a laser-induced plasma is produced by focusing a single laser pulse on the levitated water droplet after it partially dries. The performance of the acoustic levitator on micron-sized droplets is discussed, and the detection of Ba, Cd, Hg, and Pb at parts per million (milligrams/liter) and sub-parts per million levels is reported. The process, starting from placing the sample in the acoustic levitator and ending on the chemical identification of the traces, takes a few minutes. The approach is particularly interesting in applications demanding limited volumes of liquid samples and relative simple and inexpensive techniques.

Enhanced self-mixing interferometry based on volume Bragg gratings and laser diodes emitting at 405-nm wavelengths.

Self-mixing interferometry (SMI) represents a robust, self-aligned technique for metrology applications. Recently, it has been shown that the detection of the frequency-modulated (FM) signal enhances the conventional SMI signal based on the amplitude modulation. Here, an all-optical, simple and effective alternative approach to detect the FM self-mixing signal is presented. We demonstrate the enhanced self-mixing approach using a laser diode emitting at 405 nm and a volume Bragg grating (VBG) to map frequency to intensity modulations for further optical detection. Our approach overcomes the spectral range limitation of the edge filtering approach based on molecular absorption filters, since the VBGs can be fabricated at any spectral range.

[Flexible endoscopic treatment for Zenker's diverticulum: preliminary results in a single center experience in a public hospital in Argentina.] / Tratamiento del divertículo de Zenker con endoscopio flexible: experiencia en us hospital público de la Arfgentina.

Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is an acquired protrusion of the esophageal wall. Treatment is reservedfor symptomatic cases. In Argentina, ZD has historically managed exclusively by surgical intervention. In 1995, Ishioka, et al and Mulder, et a1published their experience using flexible endoscopes for diverticulotomy. Since then, a wide variety ofdifferent techniques have been published. Objetive. To present technique modifications and results ofour center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the database of57patients (36 men), with a mean age of 71.9 years (range 37-98), with symptomatic Zenker ' diverticulum, who underwent endoscopic myotomy, from December 1997 to April 2015. All procedures were performed in our center, by the same endoscopist (HM). The most common symptom was dysphagia (94.7%), which was recorded by a 0-4 score (0=no dysphagia, 1 =solids, 2=semisolids, 3=liquids, 4=saliva). The first nine cases were done exposing the septum with a nasogastric tube, and the others with a soft diverticuloscope. Allprocedures were carried out with the patient under deep sedation, adminis- tered by an anesthesiologist. A myotomy was done in all cases with a needle-knife, using a coagulation current, to prevent bleeding. Clips were placed to close mucosalilaps, decrease the risk of unsuspected perforation and postprocedure bleeding. RESULTS: Seventy procedures were performed, in 56 patients. One patient was excluded because of incomplete myotomy due to a severe adverse event. Ninety-eight percent ofpatients had resolution or improvement of the dysphagia score, at 30 days. Three patients with regurgitation as their sole complaint completely resolved their symptom. Median follow-up was 25 months (1-99). Thirty-seven patients were followed for at least 1 year and 97.3% showed a favorable outcome. In 13 cases (22.8%) a reintervention was needed, with positive results in all cases. Bleeding occurred in one patient (1.4%), who required surgery. Another patient required surgical intervention due to technical issues. There were no perforations or infections. CONCLUSION: Treatment of ZD with flexible endoscope is a safe and effective option, with good long-term results. We need randomized clinical trials comparing different therapeutic options to be able to recommend a definitive strategy. Until then, we suggest using the technique with which each center has the most experience and feels most comfortable performing.

Comportamiento epidemiológico de la rabia paralítica bovina en la región central de México, 2001-2013 / Epidemiological trends in bovine paralytic rabies in central Mexico, 2001-2013

OBJETIVO:Determinar la distribución geoespacial de los casos de rabia paralítica bovina transmitida por Desmodus rotundus en los estados de Guanajuato, Querétaro y San Luis Potosí, México. MÉTODOS: Estudio epidemiológico transversal a partir de los casos notificados por las campañas estatales de control de la rabia paralítica bovina en Guanajuato (2008-2013), Querétaro (2005-2013) y San Luis Potosí (2001-2013). Se confirmaron los casos por inmunofluorescencia directa. Se elaboraron mapas de distribución de los casos por año y por especie, mediante el software ArcMap versión 10.1. Para identificar áreas con condiciones apropiadas para la presencia de casos se combinaron las variables bioclimáticas con los casos georreferenciados, mediante el programa MaxEnt versión 3.3.3. RESULTADOS: Se registraron 1 037 casos, de los cuales, 911 (87,9%) ocurrieron en San Luis Potosí, 82 (7,9%) en Querétaro y 44 (4,2%) en Guanajuato. Del total, 87,4% ocurrió en alturas menores de 1 500 msnm. En Guanajuato y Querétaro, 77,3% y 42,3% de los casos, respectivamente, ocurrieron en alturas mayores de 1 500 msnm. Los meses de mayor incidencia fueron de diciembre a marzo. La variante antigénica viral V11 fue la más frecuente (173 casos), presente en los tres estados estudiados. En el canal endémico, el promedio de casos se mantiene en la zona de seguridad de enero a marzo, pero de abril a junio excede la mediana. La distribución espacial de los casos muestra la diseminación reciente de la enfermedad, lo que coincide con la presencia del murciélago vampiro. CONCLUSIONES: La rabia paralítica bovina se ha extendido a regiones anteriormente libres de esta enfermedad. Las características ambientales y la altura sobre el nivel del mar no limitan la presentación de casos. Se debe mantener un monitoreo constante para la detección oportuna de casos. La vacunación se debe realizar antes del comienzo de las lluvias, sin esperar la aparición de brotes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the geospatial distribution of bovine paralytic rabies cases transmitted by Desmodus rotundus in the Mexican states of Guanajuato, Querétaro, and San Luis Potosí. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study based on cases reported during statewide campaigns for the control of bovine paralytic rabies in Guanajuato (2008-2013), Querétaro (2005-2013) and San Luis Potosí (2001-2013). All cases were confirmed by direct immunofluorescence. Maps showing the distribution of cases by year and species were constructed using ArcMap version 10.1. To identify areas where conditions favor the appearance of cases, bioclimatic variables were combined with georeferenced cases using MaxEnt version 3.3.3. RESULTS: Of the 1037 cases recorded, 911 (87.9%) occurred in San Luis Potosí, 82 (7.9%) in Querétaro, and 44 (4.2%) in Guanajuato. Of the total number of cases, 87.4% occurred at altitudes of less than 1500 meters above sea level. In Guanajuato and Querétaro, 77.3% and 42.3% of the cases, respectively, occurred at altitudes greater than 1 500 meters above sea level. Peak incidence was recorded from December to March. The V11 antigenic variant of the virus was the most common (173 cases); it was found in all three states. In the endemic channel, the average number of cases remains within the security zone from January to March but exceeds the median value from April to June. The spatial distribution of cases shows that the disease has spread recently, which correlates with the presence of the vampire bat. CONCLUSIONS: Bovine paralytic rabies has spread to areas that were formerly free of the disease. Environmental characteristics and the altitude above sea level do not limit the appearance of cases. Constant monitoring should be conducted for early case detection. Vaccination should take place before the rainy season starts, without waiting for outbreaks to occur.

[Epidemiological trends in bovine paralytic rabies in central Mexico, 2001-2013]. / Comportamiento epidemiológico de la rabia paralítica bovina en la región central de México, 2001-2013.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the geospatial distribution of bovine paralytic rabies cases transmitted by Desmodus rotundus in the Mexican states of Guanajuato, Querétaro, and San Luis Potosí. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study based on cases reported during statewide campaigns for the control of bovine paralytic rabies in Guanajuato (2008-2013), Querétaro (2005-2013) and San Luis Potosí (2001-2013). All cases were confirmed by direct immunofluorescence. Maps showing the distribution of cases by year and species were constructed using ArcMap version 10.1. To identify areas where conditions favor the appearance of cases, bioclimatic variables were combined with georeferenced cases using MaxEnt version 3.3.3. RESULTS: Of the 1037 cases recorded, 911 (87.9%) occurred in San Luis Potosí, 82 (7.9%) in Querétaro, and 44 (4.2%) in Guanajuato. Of the total number of cases, 87.4% occurred at altitudes of less than 1500 meters above sea level. In Guanajuato and Querétaro, 77.3% and 42.3% of the cases, respectively, occurred at altitudes greater than 1 500 meters above sea level. Peak incidence was recorded from December to March. The V11 antigenic variant of the virus was the most common (173 cases); it was found in all three states. In the endemic channel, the average number of cases remains within the security zone from January to March but exceeds the median value from April to June. The spatial distribution of cases shows that the disease has spread recently, which correlates with the presence of the vampire bat. CONCLUSIONS: Bovine paralytic rabies has spread to areas that were formerly free of the disease. Environmental characteristics and the altitude above sea level do not limit the appearance of cases. Constant monitoring should be conducted for early case detection. Vaccination should take place before the rainy season starts, without waiting for outbreaks to occur.

La historia, ¿para qué sirve? / History, what is it useful for?

La historia no es desechable como basura en los cestos del olvido. La utilidad inmediata que pretende el niño, y más de un odontólogo, es un falso concepto. No disponemos de toda la información necesaria para una tarea inmediata. Sumamos los datos pasados, agregamos nuestro propio aporte y ahí sí estamos listos para actuar.

Doc Holliday, un buen dentista / Doc Holliday, a good dentist

Doc Holliday, buen dentista y jugador y pistolero. Doc Holliday murió en la cama sin tener las botas puestas

A novel application of direct force control to perform in-vitro biomechanical tests using robotic technology.

This paper presents a novel application of direct force control to test biological specimens using a serial manipulator with 6 degrees of freedom Direct force control compares actual force/moment values with desired values of load. The error is compensated by a proportional/integral controller (PI), a damping factor implemented with the velocity of the robot and acting in the direction of the force and a feedforward compensation. The controller works with a frequency of 0.5 kHz which enhances its performance due to the direct force feedback loop. A fresh porcine cervical spine C2-C4 was used. All muscle tissues were removed while leaving intact all ligaments and bony tissue. The specimen was loaded separately with ±3 Nm in every spatial axis. The mean errors in the unconstrained axes in the present study were less than 1.70 N and 0.32 Nm. Direct force control of 6 axes with a high controller frequency of 0.5 kHz developed in this methodology shows a successful procedure to perform biomechanical in-vitro tests. The controller demonstrated the ability to maintain zero load targets in the unconstrained axes. This control approach allows the application of pure moments in order to perform in vitro biomechanical experiments with spine segments.

[N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate for the treatment of gastric varices]. / N-butil-2-cianoacrilato en el tratamiento de las várices gástricas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the success of the treatment with cyanoacrylate in primary hemostasis, rebleeding, and gastric varices eradication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study 65 patients with gastric varices treated with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Histoacryl) were included from January 1999 to January 2008. We used a solution of 0,5 mL of cyanoacrylate and 0.9 mL of lipiodol, utilizing an average of 3.46 mL of this mixture per session (range 1 to 6 mL). Sclerosing needles of 21 gauge were used. Patients were sedated. Data were analyzed using a chi-squared test. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were included, 42 men and 23 women with an average age of 53.8 years (range 18 to 76 years). The etiology of the portal hypertension (PH) was cirrhosis in 52 patients (80%), prehepatic PH in 7 (10.8%), and segmentary PH in 3 (4.6%), and non-classified in 3 (4.6%). Cirrhotic patients were classified as Child A in 21 cases, Child B in 25 and Child C in 6. According to the Sarin classification, 7 patients had gastric-oesophageal varices (GOV) type 1, 32 GOV2, 8 GOV1 and 2, and 8 isolated gastric varices (IGV) type 1. Fifty-six patients (86%) presented active bleeding or stigmata of recent bleeding at time of initial endoscopy. Primary hemostasis was achieved in 50 of them (89%) and the remaining 6 required a second session. Eleven patients presented rebleeding within the following 6 weeks and were again treated with cyanoacrylate. Hemostasis was achieved in 8 of them, 2 were referred for surgical management, and 1 received endovascular treatment. Follow-up was able in 53 patients for an average period of 11 months (range 1 to 81 months). During this period, 7 patients presented an episode ofrebleeding and were treated with cyanoacrylate, achieving hemostasis. Eradication of varices was documented on 21 patients (39.6%). The global rate of rebleeding was 37%. One patient developed splenic vein thrombosis as a major complication of treatment. CONCLUSION: Definitive hemostasis was achieved in 94.6% of patients, with primary hemostasis in 89%. The global rate of rebleeding was 37% and the rate of major complications associated with treatment 0.6%. Eradication of gastric varices was achieved in 35.8% of cases. As these data show, it can be concluded that butyl-cyanoacrylate constitutes an effective method for the treatment of gastric variceal bleeding.

Diagnóstico de neurodiscapacidad en el periodo neonatal en México, resultados de una encuesta realizada al personal de salud / Neurodisability diagnosis in the neonatal period in Mexico, results of a survey of health personnel

Introducción: En México existe incertidumbre acerca de los recursos humanos y tecnológicos disponibles para el diagnóstico de la neurodiscapacidad, es por eso que el objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la disponibilidad de dichos recursos, así como identificar la existencia de programas para establecer el diagnóstico en el periodo neonatal, en los diferentes centros de trabajo del país. Material y métodos: Durante el XVI Congreso Nacional de Neonatología que celebró la Federación Nacional de Neonatología de México, en febrero de 2011 en Cancún, México, se realizó una encuesta entre los pediatras, neonatólogos, enfermeras y personal de salud del país. Resultados: El 65% respondió que en su lugar de trabajo cuentan con programas de tamizaje para retinopatía del prematuro, sordera, parálisis cerebral, epilepsia y retraso mental; también los encuestados mencionaron tener los siguientes especialistas en sus instituciones: neurólogos, oftalmólogos y personal para la detección de problemas de sordera. Conclusiones: El panorama es sombrío, ya que en todas las áreas de cobertura se reporta menos del 70% de estos recursos. Se hace notar que para la detección de la ceguera y la sordera se cuenta con más recursos disponibles. El resto de los problemas investigados presenta graves indicadores negativos, por lo tanto, es urgente legislar en el campo de acción de la neonatología, cuestionando la eficacia y seguridad de algunos de los tratamientos y su contribución al daño neurológico.

Introduction: In Mexico there is uncertainty about the human and technological resources available for the diagnosis of neurodisability, so the objective of the present study was: to determine the availability of those resources and to identify the existence of programs to establish the diagnosis in the neonatal period, in different workplaces in the country. Material and methods: During the Sixteenth National Congress of Neonatology, held by the National Federation of Neonatology of Mexico, in February 2011 in Cancún, Mexico. It was conducted a survey among pediatricians, neonatologists, nurses, and health personnel working in the country. Results: 65% answered that in their workplace have screening programs for: retinopathy of prematurity, deafness, cerebral palsy, mental retardation epilepsy, also the respondents mentioned that count with the following specialists at their institutions: neurologists, ophthalmologist and personal for the detection of deafness. Conclusions: The picture is bleak; in all areas reported coverage less than 70%. It is noted that for detection of blindness and deafness there are more resources available. The rest of the problems investigated have severe negative indicators. So it is urgent to legislate currently in the field of neonatology, questioning the efficacy and safety of some treatments and their contribution to neurological damage.

Los juramentos de Hipócrates / The Hippocratic oaths

Los múltiples juramentos de Hipócrates han variado tanto hasta la fecha que quizás seguir usando su nombre en vano no sea hacer justicia a Hipócrates. Los juramentos odontológicos de los graduados en Argentina son universales y esencialmente similares.

Modelos de dirección de la cura / Cure direction patterns

El presente texto es un resumen de los resultados obtenidos en nuestro proyecto de investigación 2008-9, en el que nos propusimos como objetivo general delimitar y formalizar modelos de dirección de la cura en la obra de Freud y Lacan.

Clío, la memoriosa / Clio, the memory muse

Clío, eterna musa de los historiadores y Fontenelle, longevo historiador de las ciencias, marcan caminos para hacer de la historia un producto inteligente, instructivo y dulce.

Coarse-scale spatial and ecological analysis of tuberculosis in cattle: an investigation in Jalisco, Mexico.

We have tested the hypothesis that coarse-scale environmental features are associated with spatial variation in bovine tuberculosis (BTB) prevalence, based on extensive sampling and testing of cattle in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Ecological niche models were developed to summarize relationships between BTB occurrences and aspects of climate, topography and surface. Model predictions, however, reflected the distributions of dairy cattle versus beef cattle, and the non-random nature of sampling any cattle, but did not succeed in detecting environmental correlates at spatial resolutions of 1 km. Given that the tests employed seek any predictivity better than random expectations, making the finding of no environmental associations conservative, we conclude that BTB prevalence is independent of coarsescale environmental features.

Novelando antihistorias / Making antihistorical novels

Hay escritores de ficción histórica que no son demasiado fieles a los hechos conocidos. Tienen sus propias razones para estimular la lectura de su bora con productos de su imaginación, antihistóricos. El autor de este trabajo enumera algunas.