Bioaccessibility of chlorogenic acid and curcumin co-encapsulated in double emulsions with the inner interface stabilized by functionalized silica nanoparticles.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioaccessibility of chlorogenic acid (CA) and curcumin co-encapsulated in Pickering double emulsions (DEs) with the inner interface stabilized by hydrophobically modified silica nanoparticles with myristic acid (SNPs-C14) or tocopherol succinate (SNPs-TS). Both SNPs-C14 and SNPs-TS showed contact angles > 90°. Pickering W1/O emulsions were formulated with 4 % of both types of SNPs. Pickering DEs showed higher creaming stability (5-7 %, day 42) and higher CA encapsulation efficiency (EE; 80 %) than control DE. The EE of curcumin was > 98 % in all the DEs. CA was steadily released from Pickering DEs during digestion, achieving bioaccessibility values of 58-60 %. Curcumin was released during the intestinal phase (∼80 % bioaccessibility in all DEs). Co-loaded DEs showed similar bioaccessibility for CA and curcumin than single-loaded. SNPs-C14 and SNPs-TS were suitable to stabilize the W1:O interface of DEs as co-delivery systems of bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties.

Intraoperative Accidental Extubation during Thyroidectomy in a Known Difficult-Airway Patient: An Adult Simulation Case for Anesthesiology Residents.

Intraoperative accidental extubation on a known difficult-airway patient requires prompt attention. A good understanding of the steps to re-establish the airway is critical, especially when the patient is known to have a difficult airway documented or discovered on induction or acquires a difficult airway secondary to intraoperative events. The situation becomes even more complicated if the case has been handed off to another anesthesiologist, where specific and detailed information may not have been conveyed. This simulation was designed to train first-year clinical anesthesia residents. It was a 50 min encounter that focused on the management of complete loss of an airway during a thyroidectomy on a known difficult-airway patient. The endotracheal tube dislodgement was simulated by deliberate tube manipulation through the cervical access window of the mannequin. Learners received a formative assessment of their performance during the debrief, and most of the residents met the educational objectives. Learners were asked to complete a survey of their experience, and the feedback was positive and constructive. The response rate was 68% (17/25). Our simulation program helped anesthesiology residents develop intraoperative emergency airway management skills in a safe environment, as well as foster communication skills among anesthesiologists and the surgery team.

3D-Printed Liquid Cell Resonator with Piezoelectric Actuation for In-Line Density-Viscosity Measurements.

The in-line monitoring of liquid properties, such as density and viscosity, is a key process in many industrial areas such as agro-food, automotive or biotechnology, requiring real-time automation, low-cost and miniaturization, while maintaining a level of accuracy and resolution comparable to benchtop instruments. In this paper, 3D-printed cuboid-shaped liquid cells featuring a rectangular vibrating plate in one of the sides, actuated by PZT piezoelectric layers, were designed, fabricated and tested. The device was resonantly excited in the 3rd-order roof tile-shaped vibration mode of the plate and validated as a density-viscosity sensor. Furthermore, conditioning circuits were designed to adapt the impedance of the resonator and to cancel parasitic effects. This allowed us to implement a phase-locked loop-based oscillator circuit whose oscillation frequency and voltage amplitude could be calibrated against density and viscosity of the liquid flowing through the cell. To demonstrate the performance, the sensor was calibrated with a set of artificial model solutions of grape must, representing stages of a wine fermentation process. Our results demonstrate the high potential of the low-cost sensor to detect the decrease in sugar and the increase in ethanol concentrations during a grape must fermentation, with a resolution of 10 µg/mL and 3 µPa·s as upper limits for the density and viscosity, respectively.

A Novel Automated Calculation of Basal Cistern Effacement Status on Computed Tomographic Imaging in Traumatic Brain Injury.

Introduction To predict patient outcomes in traumatic brain injury (TBI) lesions, various scores have been proposed, which use objective assessments. These scores, however, rely on the observer's ability to determine them. This study presents a comprehensive, reproducible, and more anatomically stratified objective measurement of the degree of basal cistern effacement in brain computed tomographic (CT) scan images. Methods Patients with TBI admitted from August 2015 to February 2016 were included. The control group consisted of non-trauma patients, who had normal brain CT scans. The images were analyzed by an automated volumetric compression ratio (CR) defined as the volume ratio between the parenchymal tissue and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the basal cisterns. This value was compared with the TBI severity recorded at each patient's admission and a consensus score of the basal cisterns' degree of effacement by manual analysis. Results Seventy-three TBI patients were admitted. The mean admission Glasow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 9. In the non-TBI control group, 29 patients were enrolled. The average kappa value for the inter-observer agreement was 0.583. The CR had an inverse linear relationship with the severity of the TBI and the degree of effacement of the basal cisterns. The correlation between the CR value in the midbrain and the specialists' consensus determination was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The CR also showed a difference between the TBI and the control groups (p 0.0001). Conclusions The automated CR is a useful objective variable to determine the degree of basal cistern effacement. The proposed ratio has a good correlation with the classical basal cistern effacement classification and TBI severity.

Técnica bulk-fill comparada con técnica incremental para restauraciones posteriores en pacientes con dentición permanente / Bulk-fill technique versus conventional resin composite for posterior restorations in permanent teeth

RESUMEN: Introducción: Las restauraciones en el sector posterior son generalmente manejadas mediante el uso de resinas convencionales con técnica incremental. Debido a diversas limitaciones de la técnica convencional, la técnica bulk-fill ha ganado relevancia en la práctica clínica. Este resumen tiene como objetivo evaluar la efectividad de ambas técnicas al momento de realizar restauraciones clase I y clase II de Black en dientes posteriores permanentes. Métodos: Realizamos una búsqueda en Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante el cribado de múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, analizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. Resultados y conclusiones: Identificamos cinco revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyeron 15 estudios primarios, todos correspondientes a ensayos aleatorizados. Concluimos que la técnica bulk-fill podría aumentar levemente el fracaso de la restauración a mediano plazo, podría resultar en poca o nula diferencia en el fracaso de la restauración a largo plazo y podría resultar en poca o nula diferencia en el desarrollo de caries secundaria, pero la certeza de la evidencia es baja. La técnica bulk-fill probablemente resulta en poca o nula diferencia en el riesgo de sensibilidad postoperatoria.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Conventional resin composite has been widely used in the restoration of posterior teeth. However, due to its limitations, the bulk-fill technique has been adopted by clinicians. This evidence summary aims to evaluate the effectiveness of both techniques for class I and II restorations in permanent posterior teeth. Methods: We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. Results and conclusions: We identified five systematic reviews including fifteen studies overall, of which all were randomized trials. We conclude that bulk-fill technique may slightly improve the risk of medium-term restoration failure, may make little or no difference to long-term restoration failure and may make little or no difference to secondary caries but the certainty of the evidence has been assessed as low. Finally, bulk-fill technique probably makes little or no difference to postoperative sensibility.

Reparación comparada con reemplazo de restauraciones directas posteriores defectuosas en pacientes con dentición permanente / Repair versus complete replacement for defective direct restorations in permanent teeth

RESUMEN: Introducción: Las restauraciones directas posteriores defectuosas han sido tratadas tradicionalmente a través del reemplazo de la restauración. Sin embargo, por las posibles complicaciones de este procedimiento, la reparación de las restauraciones ha sido ampliamente utilizado en la práctica clínica, pero su uso sigue siendo controvertido. Métodos: Realizamos una búsqueda en Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante el cribado de múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, analizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. Resultados y conclusiones: Identificamos una revisión sistemática que incluyó nueve estudios primarios, todos correspondientes a ensayos aleatorizados. Como conclusión podemos señalar que la reparación comparado con el reemplazo de restauraciones directas posteriores defectuosas podría aumentar el riesgo de necesidad de reintervención, podría resultar en poca o nula diferencia en el riesgo de sensibilidad postoperatoria y podría aumentar el riesgo de caries secundaria, pero la certeza de la evidencia es baja.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Traditionally, restoration replacement has been widely used for the treatment of defective restorations in permanent teeth. Due to complications related to total replacement, restoration repair has been incorporated into dental practice. However, the use of repair over replacement for defective restorations is still controversial. Methods: We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. Results and conclusions: We identified one systematic review including nine studies overall, of which all were randomized trials. We conclude that repair versus complete replacement may improve the risk of reintervention, may make little or no difference to risk of postoperative sensibility and may improve the risk of secondary caries, but the certainty of the evidence has been assessed as low.

Effect of Adding Curcumin on the Properties of Linseed Oil Organogels Used as Fat Replacers in Pâtés.

Beeswax-based organogels were formulated with linseed oil and curcumin according to a statistical design to increase the oxidative stability of spreadable meat products (pâté) where these organogels (OGCur) were incorporated as fat substitutes. The organogels obtained under optimal conditions (9.12% beeswax, 0.54% curcumin) showed a mechanical strength similar to pork backfat determined by back extrusion and high oil binding capacity (OBC; over 90%). The incorporation of curcumin at this concentration did not lead to any change in the arrangement of the crystal network, OBC, and mechanical, thermal, or rheological properties of the organogels. Beeswax organogels with and without curcumin, with a ß' orthorhombic subcell structure, showed a predominant elastic behavior and a melting event wider and shifted to lower temperatures than pure beeswax, suggesting a plasticizer effect of the oil in the wax crystals. The oxidative stability of the organogels under accelerated oxidation conditions increased due to the incorporation of curcumin. A decrease in the curcumin content was found from day 4 at 60 °C, together with a significantly lower formation of both peroxides and malonaldehyde. When pork backfat was partially or totally replaced by OGCur in pâtés, a noticeable protective effect of curcumin against lipid oxidation was found during chilled storage.

Bidirectional Linear Motion by Travelling Waves on Legged Piezoelectric Microfabricated Plates.

This paper reports the design, fabrication and performance of MEMS-based piezoelectric bidirectional conveyors featuring 3D printed legs, driven by linear travelling waves (TW). The structures consisted of an aluminium-nitride (AlN) piezoelectric film on top of millimetre-sized rectangular thin silicon bridges and two electrode patches. The position and size of the patches were analytically optimised for TW generation in three frequency ranges: 19, 112 and 420 kHz, by the proper combination of two contiguous flexural modes. After fabrication, the generated TW were characterized by means of Laser-Doppler vibrometry to obtain the relevant tables of merit, such as the standing wave ratio and the average amplitude. The experimental results agreed with the simulation, showing the generation of a TW with an amplitude as high as 6 nm/V and a standing wave ratio as low as 1.46 for a device working at 19.3 kHz. The applicability of the fabricated linear actuator device as a conveyor was investigated. Its kinetic performance was studied with sliders of different mass, being able to carry a 35 mg silicon slider, 18 times its weight, with 6 V of continuous sinusoidal excitation and a speed of 0.65 mm/s. A lighter slider, weighting only 3 mg, reached a mean speed of 1.7 mm/s at 6 V. In addition, by applying a burst sinusoidal excitation comprising 10 cycles, the TW generated in the bridge surface was able to move a 23 mg slider in discrete steps of 70 nm, in both directions, which is a promising result for a TW piezoelectric actuator of this size.

Mexico ants: incidence and abundance along the Nearctic-Neotropical interface.

Mexico is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with an important proportion of endemism mainly because of the convergence of the Nearctic and Neotropical biogeographic regions, which generate great diversity and species turnover at different spatial scales. However, most of our knowledge of the Mexican ant biota is limited to a few well-studied taxa, and we lack a comprehensive synthesis of ant biodiversity information. For instance, most of the knowledge available in the literature on Mexican ant fauna refers only to species lists by states, or is focused on only a few regions of the country, which prevents the study of several basic and applied aspects of ants, from diversity and distribution to conservation. Our aims in this data paper are therefore (1) to compile all the information available regarding ants across the Mexican territory, and (2) to identify major patterns in the gathered data set and geographic gaps in order to direct future sampling efforts. All records were obtained from raw data, including both unpublished and published information. After exhaustive filtering and updating information and synonyms, we compiled a total of 21,731 records for 887 ant species distributed throughout Mexico from 1894 to 2018. These records were concentrated mainly in the states of Chiapas (n = 6,902, 32.76%) and Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave (n = 4,329, 19.92%), which together comprise half the records. The subfamily with the highest number of records was Myrmicinae (n = 10,458 records, 48.12%), followed by Formicinae (n = 3,284, 15.11%) and Ponerinae (n = 1,914, 8.8%). Most ant records were collected in the Neotropical region of the country (n = 12,646, 58.19%), followed by the Mexican transition zone (n = 5,237, 24.09%) and the Nearctic region (n = 3,848, 17.72%). Native species comprised 95.46% of the records (n = 20,745). To the best of our knowledge, this is the most complete data set available to date in the literature for the country. We hope that this compilation will encourage researchers to explore different aspects of the population and community research of ants at different spatial scales, and to aid in the establishment of conservation policies and actions. There are no copyright restrictions. Please cite this data paper when using its data for publications or teaching events.

Nuevos conceptos en neuromodulación cerebral: rol de DTI y estimulación de tractos / New concepts in brain neuromodulation: role of DTI and tract stimulation

Introducción: La estimulación cerebral profunda es una técnica difundida y validada para eltratamiento de múltiples dolencias neurológicas y psiquiátricas, entre ellas el temblor esencial. Objetivo: Evaluar si existe un correlato clínico-anatómico, para un paciente con TE, entre la mejor estimulación lograda y los tractos involucrados. Para esto se realiza una descripción de la técnica utilizada, incluyendo el procesamiento de imágenes necesario. Material y métodos: Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 53 años de edad, con una historia de 23 años de temblor esencial progresivo e incapacitante. Se realizó un implante de DBS bilateral en Vim. Se realizó un post procesamiento de imágenes con un método desarrollado por nuestro equipo a través del cual se permitió evaluar gráficamente el área de estimulación cerebral y sus relaciones con los tractos implicados en la patología (dento-rubro-talámico, haz piramidal y haz lemniscal). Resultados: El paciente presentó una mejoría del 55% medido por escala de temblor de Tolosa. Se obtuvo una correlación anatómica y funcional de lo esperado según imágenes y la respuesta clínica del paciente. Se constataron efectos adversos cuando la estimulación implicaba fibras del haz piramidal y lemniscal, presentando los mejores efectos clínicos cuando el haz dento-rubro-talámico era influenciado por el área de acción del campo eléctrico. Conclusiones: En este reporte mostramos la aplicabilidad de DTI y tractografía para explicar los efectos de la programación de los pacientes con estimulación cerebral profunda.

Introduction: Deep brain stimulation is a widespread and validated technique for the treatment of multiple neurological and psychiatric disorders, including essential tremor. Objective: To evaluate if there is a clinical-anatomical correlate, for a patient with essential tremor, between the best stimulation achieved and the tracts involved. For this, a description of the technique used is made, including the necessary image processing. Methods: We present the case of a 53-year-old patient with a 23-year history of progressive and disabling essential tremor. A bilateral DBS implant was performed on Vim. We performed a post-processing of images with a method developed by our team through which we were able to graphically evaluate the area of brain stimulation and its relationships with the tracts involved in the pathology (dento-rubro-thalamic tract, pyramidal tract and lemniscal tract). Conclusions: In this report we showed the applicability of DTI and tractography to explain the clinical effects of the programming features in patients with deep brain stimulation.

Piezoelectric MEMS Resonators for Cigarette Particle Detection.

In this work, we demonstrate the potential of a piezoelectric resonator for developing a low-cost sensor system to detect microscopic particles in real-time, which can be present in a wide variety of environments and workplaces. The sensor working principle is based on the resonance frequency shift caused by particles collected on the resonator surface. To test the sensor sensitivity obtained from mass-loading effects, an Aluminum Nitride-based piezoelectric resonator was exposed to cigarette particles in a sealed chamber. In order to determine the resonance parameters of interest, an interface circuit was implemented and included within both open-loop and closed-loop schemes for comparison. The system was capable of tracking the resonance frequency with a mass sensitivity of 8.8 Hz/ng. Although the tests shown here were proven by collecting particles from a cigarette, the results obtained in this application may have interest and can be extended towards other applications, such as monitoring of nanoparticles in a workplace environment.

A Geometrical Study on the Roof Tile-Shaped Modes in AlN-Based Piezoelectric Microcantilevers as Viscosity⁻Density Sensors.

Cantilever resonators based on the roof tile-shaped modes have recently demonstrated their suitability for liquid media monitoring applications. The early studies have shown that certain combinations of dimensions and order of the mode can maximize the Q-factor, what might suggest a competition between two mechanisms of losses with different geometrical dependence. To provide more insight, a comprehensive study of the Q-factor and the resonant frequency of these modes in microcantilever resonators with lengths and widths between 250 and 3000 µm and thicknesses between 10 and 60 µm is presented. These modes can be efficiently excited by a thin piezoelectric AlN film and a properly designed top electrode layout. The electrical and optical characterization of the resonators are performed in liquid media and then their performance is evaluated in terms of quality factor and resonant frequency. A quality factor as high as 140 was measured in isopropanol for a 1000 × 900 × 10 µm³ cantilever oscillating in the 11th order roof tile-shaped mode at 4 MHz; density and viscosity resolutions of 10-6 g/mL and 10-4 mPa·s, respectively are estimated for a geometrically optimized cantilever resonating below 1 MHz.

Psychosocial determinants of HIV testing across stages of change in Spanish population: a cross-sectional national survey.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this research is to study the psychosocial determinants of HIV-testing as a function of the decision or change stage concerning this health behavior. The determinants considered in the major ongoing health models and the stages contemplated in the Precaution Adoption Process Model are analysed. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 1,554 people over 16 years of age living in Spain by a computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI). The sample design was randomised, with quotas of sex and age. The survey measured various psychosocial determinants of health behaviors considered in the main cognitive theories, the interviewees' stage of change concerning HIV-testing (lack of awareness, decision not to act, decision to act, action, maintenance, and abandonment), and the signal for the action of getting tested or the perceived barriers to being tested. RESULTS: Approximately two thirds of the population had not ever had the HIV test. The predominant stage was lack of awareness. The most frequently perceived barriers to testing were related to the health system and to the stigma. We also found that the psychosocial determinants studied differed depending on the respondents' stage of change. Perception of risk, perceived self-efficacy, proximity to people who had been tested, perceived benefits of knowing the diagnosis, and a positive instrumental and emotional attitude were positively associated with the decision and maintenance of testing behavior. However, unrealistic underestimation of the risk of HIV infection, stereotypes about the infection, and the perceived severity of HIV were associated with the decision not to be tested. CONCLUSIONS: There are various sociocognitive and motivational profiles depending on people's decision stage concerning HIV-testing. Knowing this profile may allow us to design interventions to influence the psychosocial determinants that characterise each stage of change.

Potential of Piezoelectric MEMS Resonators for Grape Must Fermentation Monitoring.

In this study grape must fermentation is monitored using a self-actuating/self-sensing piezoelectric micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) resonator. The sensor element is excited in an advanced roof tile-shaped vibration mode, which ensures high Q-factors in liquids (i.e., Q ~100 in isopropanol), precise resonance frequency analysis, and a fast measurement procedure. Two sets of artificial model solutions are prepared, representing an ordinary and a stuck/sluggish wine fermentation process. The precision and reusability of the sensor are shown using repetitive measurements (10 times), resulting in standard deviations of the measured resonance frequencies of ~0.1%, Q-factor of ~11%, and an electrical conductance peak height of ~12%, respectively. With the applied evaluation procedure, moderate standard deviations of ~1.1% with respect to density values are achieved. Based on these results, the presented sensor concept is capable to distinguish between ordinary and stuck wine fermentation, where the evolution of the wine density associated with the decrease in sugar and the increase in ethanol concentrations during fermentation processes causes a steady increase in the resonance frequency for an ordinary fermentation. Finally, the first test measurements in real grape must are presented, showing a similar trend in the resonance frequency compared to the results of an artificial solutions, thus proving that the presented sensor concept is a reliable and reusable platform for grape must fermentation monitoring.

Metástasis craneal de tumor maligno de la vaina nerviosa periférica / Cranial metastasis of malignant tumor of the peripheral nerve sheath

Introducción: Los tumores malignos de la vaina nerviosa periférica (TMVNP) son tumores raros y heterogéneos, muy agresivos y localmente invasivos, siendo entre el 5 y 10% de todos los tumores de partes blandas. Alrededor del 50% de los tumores malignos de las vainas nerviosas se asocian a neurofibromatosis tipo 1. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 32 años portadora de neurofibromatosis tipo 1, que consulta por lesión ocupante de espacio en región axilar, encontrándose además en estudio por dolor neurálgico en región facial. Se realiza exéresis completa de la tumoración axilar con diagnóstico de Tumor Maligno de la Vaina Nerviosa Periférica (TMVNP). Debido a la falta de mejoría del dolor neurálgico y al agregado de alteraciones oculares se realiza nueva resonancia magnética por imágenes (RMI) de cráneo donde se visualiza lesión ocupante de espacio craneal. Se procede a la exéresis parcial de la lesión, cuyo diagnóstico anatomopatológico resulta en diagnóstico de neoplasia mesenquimática maligna de alto grado vinculable a Tumor maligno de la vaina nerviosa periférica. La paciente finalmente fallece 57 días post-operatorios. Conclusión: Los TMVNP poseen un mal pronóstico, con tasas de supervivencia a los 2 y 5 años aproximadamente, de 33 y 12%, siendo el tratamiento quirúrgico uno de los factores pronósticos independientes con mayor impacto en la supervivencia.

Introduction: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are rare and heterogeneous tumors, very aggressive and locally invasive, being between 5 and 10% of all soft tissue tumors. Clinical Case: A 32 year old patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis attends to the hospital with an axilar tumour. The patient was in study due to a trigeminal neuralgia. A complete remotion of the axilar lesion was achieved with the diagnosis of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor (MPNST). Since the neuralgic symptom was worsening and new ophthalmological symptoms appeared, a new cerebral magnetic resonance imaging MRI was done. This study evidenced an intra-extra-cranial tumour. A partial resection of the mass was done. The pathological diagnosis was a mesenchymal tumor due to a MPNST metastasis. The patient died 57 days after the second surgery.Conclusion: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors have a poor prognosis, with survival rates at 2 and 5 years of 33 and 12%, respectively, being surgical treatment one of the independent factors with more impact in outcome.

Complicaciones en craneoplastias: hueso autólogo criopreservado vs. polimetilmetacrilato. Análisis retrospectivo de 63 pacientes / Complications in cranioplasties: autologous bone cryopreserved vs. Polymethylmethacrylate. Retrospective analysis of 63 patients

Introducción: se define como craneoplastia a la reparación quirúrgica de los defectos óseos craneanos. En nuestro medio el material utilizado mayormente es el hueso autólogo criopreservado (HACp) y, en caso de no contar con dicho tejido, el Polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA) es de elección. Objetivo: Se plantea un estudio retrospectivo observacional a fin de analizar y comparar complicaciones en pacientes sometidos a craneoplastias con HACp en comparación a un grupo de pacientes a los que se les realizó craneoplastia con PMMA. Materiales y métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes que fueron sometidos a craneopatías durante un periodo de 5 años (2008-2013). El seguimiento delos pacientes fue de al menos 12 meses. Se analizaron variables relacionadas a complicaciones tempranas y tardías. Resultados: 63 pacientes recibieron craneoplastia con HACp (31 pacientes, 52%) o polimetilmetacrilato (31 pacientes, 49%). La tasa de complicación global fue del 36,6%. Doce pacientes (19,04%) requirieron tratamiento quirúrgico. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron las colecciones subcutáneas no infectadas (19%), seguidas por las infecciones de heridas (17%). No existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a para complicaciones, tanto globales como en las distintas categorías (p>0,05), para ambas técnicas quirúrgicas. Conclusión: Las craneoplastias tanto con HACp como aquellas con PMMA presentan una alta tasa de complicaciones. En nuestra serie no se hallaron diferencias entre ambos grupos estudiados.

Introduction: cranioplasty is defined as the surgical procedure to cover a skull bone defect. In our institution, we mainly use cryopreserved autologous bone graft (HACp), and if it is not available, polymethylmethacrylate is chosen (PMMA). Objective: We performed an observational retrospective study to assess complications in both groups of patients. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent cranioplasty between 2008 and 2013 were included. Minimum follow up was 12 months. Variables related with early and late complications were analyzed. Results: 63 patients received cranioplasty consisting of autologous bone graft (32 patients, 52%) or PMMA (31 patients, 48%). The global complications rate was 36.6%. 12 patients (19.04%) required surgical treatment for these complications. The most common complications were sterile persistent subcutaneous fluid collection (19%) and wound infection (17%). No differences in complications rates were found between both groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: Cranioplasty following craniectomy is associated with a high complication rate. In our series, both groups showed no differences in complications rates.

[Factors determining irregular attendance to follow-up visits among human immunodeficiency virus patients: results of the hospital survey of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus]. / Determinantes de la asistencia irregular a consulta médica en pacientes con infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana: resultados de la Encuesta Hospitalaria de pacientes con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana, 2002-2012.

INTRODUCTION: To describe the occurrence of non-regular attendance to follow-up visits among HIV patients and to analyze the determining factors. METHODS: One-day survey carried out annually (2002-2012) in public hospitals. Epidemiological, clinical and behavioral data are collected in all HIV-infected inpatients and outpatients receiving HIV-related care on the day of the survey. "Non-regular attendance to a follow-up visit" was defined as sporadic attendance to the medical appointments, according to the judgment of the attending physician. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed, and factors associated to non-regular attendance to follow-up visits were estimated using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 7,304 subjects were included, of whom 13.7% did not attend medical appointments regularly. Factors directly associated with non-regular attendance were: age between 25-49 years; birth in Sub-Saharan Africa or Latin-America; low educational level; being homeless or in prison; living alone or in closed institutions; being unemployed or retired; being an intravenous drug user; not using a condom at last sexual encounter, and injecting drugs in the last 30 days. Conversely, HIV diagnosis within the last year and being men who have sex with men were factors inversely associated with non-regular attendance to follow-up visits. CONCLUSION: In spite of health care beings free of charge for everyone in Spain, social factors can act as barriers to regular attendance to medical appointments, which, in turn, can endanger treatment effectiveness in some population groups. This should be taken into account when planning HIV policies in Spain.

Abordaje fronto-pterional a mucocele frontal con extensión intracraneana / Fronto-pterional approach to frontal mucocele with intracranial extension

INTRODUCCIÓN: los mucoceles craneales son lesiones pseudoquísticas, descriptas a principios del siglo XIX, que se originan en una o varias cavidades de los senos paranasales y su evolución depende de la velocidad de expansión de la lesión. El mucocele clásico es una lesión que se expande del seno paranasal debido a una obstrucción de su ostium de drenaje. CASO CLÍNICO: se presenta el caso de un paciente 26 años de edad, que consulta por cuadro de cefalea holocraneana de 72 hs. de evolución, acompañado de sensación subjetiva de fiebre, desorientación y trastornos de la conducta de 24 hs. de evolución, cuyo diagnóstico fue presentación infecciosa de mucocele frontal con extensión intracraneana. INTERVENCIÓN: se evaluó en conjunto con el servicio de otorrinolaringología y se decidió realizar exéresis de mucocele por abordaje fronto-pterional. CONCLUSIÓN: los mucoceles frontales son la variante más frecuente de esta patología. Debido a la anatomía del sector afectado es necesario un abordaje interdisciplinario con otorrinolaringólogos a fin de poder realizar un buen planeamiento quirúrgico y evitar posibles complicaciones

OBJECTIVE: cranial mucocele are cystic lesions that were described in the XIX century. It develops from the paranasal sinus and it´s evolution depends upon the growth rate of the lesion. Classic mucocele is a lesion that grows from the paranasal sinus due to an obstruction of the sinus ostium. CASE REPORT: we present a 26 years old man with a 72 hrs. headache, fever, disorientation and behavioral alteration. The diagnosis was an infectious presentation of a frontal mucocele with intracranial extension. INTERVENTION: the case was discussed with the ORL department and it was decided to remove the frontal mucocele by a fronto-pterional approach. CONCLUSION: frontal mucocele is the most common variation of this pathology. Due to the anatomy of the zone it is important a multi-disciplinary approach with ORL, for the surgery approach could be better planed in order to avoid complications

Ossification of the ligamentum flavum as cause of thoracic cord compression: Case report of a Latin American man and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Ossification of the ligamentum flavum is a widely described pathology in eastern Asia. Cases have been reported in northern Africa, the Middle-East, India, the Caribbean, Europe, and North America, but no cases from Latin America have been published in the literature. It affects mostly elderly men, with a possible association with obesity and type 2 diabetes. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 38-year-old previously healthy Latin American male presented to the emergency room department with severe functional disability and a 3/5 paraparesis. Blood reports showed no abnormalities. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a ligamentum flavum ossification with myelopathy. The patient underwent a T3-T9 laminotomy. At hospital discharge, the patient remained with a 3/5 paraparesis, mild hypoesthesia in both lower limbs and bladder incontinence. Rectal sphincter was continent. At 6 months, he was able to walk with a cane, with no sphincter or sensory alterations. CONCLUSIONS: Ligamentum flavum ossification is rare. To our understanding, this is the first case reported in the Latin American population.

Transformer-4 version 2.0.1, a free multi-platform software to quickly reformat genotype matrices of any marker type, and archive them in the Demiurge information system.

Transformer-4 version 2.0.1 (T4) is a multi-platform freeware programmed in java that can transform a genotype matrix in Excel or XML format into the input formats of one or several of the most commonly used population genetic software, for any possible combination of the populations that the matrix contains. T4 also allows the users to (i) draw allozyme gel interpretations for any number of diploid individuals, and then generate a genotype matrix ready to be used by T4; and (ii) produce basic reports about the data in the matrices. Furthermore, T4 is the only way to optionally submit 'genetic diversity digests' for publication in the Demiurge online information system (http://www.demiurge-project.org). Each such digest undergoes peer-review, and it consists of a geo-referenced data matrix in the tfm4 format plus any ancillary document or hyperlink that the digest authors see fit to include. The complementarity between T4 and Demiurge facilitates a free, safe, permanent, and standardized data archival and analysis system for researchers, and may also be a convenient resource for scientific journals, public administrations, or higher educators. T4 and its converters are freely available (at, respectively, http://www.demiurge-project.org/download_t4 and http://www.demiurge-project.org/converterstore) upon registration in the Demiurge information system (http://demiurge-project.org/register). Users have to click on the link provided on an account validation email, and accept Demiurge's terms of use (see http://www.demiurge-project.org/termsofuse). A thorough user's guide is available within T4. A 3-min promotional video about T4 and Demiurge can be seen at http://vimeo.com/29828406.