Assessment of the iridocorneal angle pigmentation and structures after the implantation of EVO+ Visian Implantable Collamer Lens.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of EVO+ Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) implantation on the iridocorneal angle pigmentation and structures. METHODS: Myopic refractive surgery candidates who underwent posterior chamber EVO+ ICL implantation were evaluated preoperatively and 3 and 6 months postoperatively. High-resolution images of the iridocorneal angle (nasal, superior, temporal and inferior quadrants) were acquired during gonioscopy. A masked observer, blinded to study visits and patients' information, evaluated the angle width, apparent iris root insertion, iris configuration, and trabecular meshwork pigmentation according to the Spaeth scale in two different occasions. The intra-rater reliability was estimated using the weighted Gwet's Agreement Coefficient (AC2). Differences between visits were analyzed using the Cochran Q test or the Friedman test. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (13 females and 8 males) aging 31.3 ± 6.3 years old were recruited. The intra-rater reliability of gonioscopy assessment was excellent for every parameter assessed (AC2 ≥ 0.97). No significant differences were found among the study visits for any quadrant in the angle width (p ≥ 0.74), apparent iris root insertion (p ≥ 0.22), iris configuration (p ≥ 0.21) and trabecular meshwork pigmentation (p ≥ 0.24). Mean pigmentation of trabecular meshwork for the four quadrants did not vary either among visits (p = 0.25). CONCLUSIONS: The EVO+ ICL implantation after uneventful procedures appears not to clinically affect the iridocorneal angle pigmentation and/or structures during a short-medium follow-up using gonioscopy assessment. The intra-rater reliability of glaucoma specialists assessing iridocorneal angle structures using gonioscopy images is very high.

Evaluation of Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields from Smart Utility Meters operating at 868 MHz.

Power density and duty factor values were measured around smart utility meters operating at 868 MHz under laboratory-controlled conditions. The maximum 6-min averaged exposure recorded was 0.1 mWm-2 , which is less than 0.0024% of the corresponding 1998 ICNIRP general public reference level. Duty factors measured were less than 2.8%. This study found that the exposure contribution from Zigbee smart meter devices operating at 868 MHz is generally lower than, if not similar to, those operating at 2.4 GHz. © 2023 Crown copyright. Bioelectromagnetics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Masks thermal degradation as an alternative of waste valorization on the COVID-19 pandemic: A kinetic study.

The COVID-19 pandemic generated a new dynamic around waste management. Personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and face shields were essential to prevent the spread of the disease. However, despite the increase in waste, no technical alternatives were foreseen for the recovery of these wastes, which are made up of materials that can be valued for energy recovery. It is essential to design processes such as waste to energy to promote the circular economy. Therefore, techniques such as pyrolysis and thermal oxidative decomposition of waste materials need to be studied and scaled up, for which kinetic models and thermodynamic parameters are required to allow the design of this reaction equipment. This work develops kinetic models of the thermal degradation process by pyrolysis as an alternative for energy recovery of used masks generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The wasted masks were isolated for 72 h for virus inactivation and characterized by FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and determinate the higher calorific value (HCV). The composition of the wasted masks included polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, and spandex, with higher calorific values than traditional fuels. For this reason, they are susceptible to value as an energetic material. Thermal degradation was performed by thermogravimetric analysis at different heating rates in N2 atmosphere. The gases produced were characterized by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The kinetic model was based on the mass loss of the masks on the thermal degradation, then calculated activation energies, reaction orders, pre-exponential factors, and thermodynamic parameters. Kinetics models such as Coats and Redfern, Horowitz and Metzger, Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose were studied to find the best-fit models between the experimental and calculated data. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the thermal degradation processes demonstrated the feasibility and high potential of recovery of these residues with conversions higher than 89.26% and obtaining long-chain branched hydrocarbons, cyclic hydrocarbons, and CO2 as products.

Estimation of RF and ELF dose by anatomical location in the brain from wireless phones in the MOBI-Kids study.

Wireless phones (both mobile and cordless) emit not only radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) but also extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields, both of which should be considered in epidemiological studies of the possible adverse health effects of use of such devices. This paper describes a unique algorithm, developed for the multinational case-control MOBI-Kids study, that estimates the cumulative specific energy (CSE) and the cumulative induced current density (CICD) in the brain from RF and ELF fields, respectively, for each subject in the study (aged 10-24 years old). Factors such as age, tumour location, self-reported phone models and usage patterns (laterality, call frequency/duration and hands-free use) were considered, as was the prevalence of different communication systems over time. Median CSE and CICD were substantially higher in GSM than 3G systems and varied considerably with location in the brain. Agreement between RF CSE and mobile phone use variables was moderate to null, depending on the communication system. Agreement between mobile phone use variables and ELF CICD was higher overall but also strongly dependent on communication system. Despite ELF dose distribution across the brain being more diffuse than that of RF, high correlation was observed between RF and ELF dose. The algorithm was used to systematically estimate the localised RF and ELF doses in the brain from wireless phones, which were found to be strongly dependent on location and communication system. Analysis of cartographies showed high correlation across phone models and across ages, however diagonal agreement between these cartographies suggest these factors do affect dose distribution to some level. Overall, duration and number of calls may not be adequate proxies of dose, particularly as communication systems available for voice calls tend to become more complex with time.

PPARγ agonists promote the resolution of myelofibrosis in preclinical models.

Myelofibrosis (MF) is a non-BCR-ABL myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with poor outcomes. Current treatment has little effect on the natural history of the disease. MF results from complex interactions between (a) the malignant clone, (b) an inflammatory context, and (c) remodeling of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. Each of these points is a potential target of PPARγ activation. Here, we demonstrated the therapeutic potential of PPARγ agonists in resolving MF in 3 mouse models. We showed that PPARγ agonists reduce myeloproliferation, modulate inflammation, and protect the BM stroma in vitro and ex vivo. Activation of PPARγ constitutes a relevant therapeutic target in MF, and our data support the possibility of using PPARγ agonists in clinical practice.

Cadmium Removal from Giant Squid (Dosidicus gigas) Hydrolysate in Fixed-Bed Columns Packed with Iminodiacetic Resin: Tools for Scaling up the Process.

Giant squid hydrolysate (GSH) elaborated from different batches from a fishing company was evaluated for cadmium removal. Fixed-bed column packed with iminodiacetic resin as adsorbent was used. GSH solution at different cadmium concentrations were fed in the fixed-bed column and breakthrough curves were evaluated. A high degree of metal removal from the solution was achieved and the saturation point (Ce/C0 ≤ 0.8) was achieved more quickly at higher concentrations of cadmium. The maximum capacity of adsorption (q0) was obtained using the Thomas model, where 1137.4, 860.4, 557.4, and 203.1 mg g-1 were achieved using GSH with concentrations of 48.37, 20.97, 12.13, and 3.26 mg L-1, respectively. Five cycles of desorption of the resin with HCl (1 M) backflow and regeneration with NaOH (0.5 M) were also evaluated, where no significant differences (p-value > 0.05) were observed between each cycle, with an average of 935.9 mg g-1 of qmax. The in-series columns evaluated reached a total efficiency of 90% on average after the third column in GSH with a cadmium concentration of 20.97 mg L-1. This kind of configuration should be considered the best alternative for cadmium removal from GSH. Additionally, the chemical composition of GSH, which was considered a quality parameter, was not affected by cadmium adsorption.

Are Exposures to Multiple Frequencies the Key to Future Radiofrequency Research?

There is an extensive literature investigating possible effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields associated with mobile phone technologies. This has not identified any public health risks with any degree of certainty. Some epidemiological studies have observed associations between heavy users of mobile phones and some types of cancer, but animal studies do not support this association, although a few studies have reported increased tumor yields. However, there is a crucial difference between epidemiology studies and laboratory work in terms of signals investigated: most people are exposed to a complex mixture of frequencies and signals at varying intensities, whereas the majority of animal studies have been performed using a single frequency or intensity. Whether this might explain the differences in outcome will be discussed, and whether there is a need for additional laboratory investigations that reproduce more accurately realistic exposure conditions will be considered.

Guide of attributes of the nurse's political competence: a methodological study / Guía de atribuciones de la competencia política del enfermero: estudio metodológico / Guia de atributos da competência política do enfermeiro: estudo metodológico

ABSTRACT Objective: To build and validate a guide of attributes of the nurse's political competence. Method: Methodological research. This study comprised the construction of the instrument through literature review; experts validation of pre-established attributes for composing the guide; and clinical validation in the nurses work environment/reality. The data collection took place in the months from August to October 2014, and the analysis was based on the content analysis of Bardin and use of Epi info 3.5. All ethical precepts have been complied with. Results: From 29 attributes found in the literature, 25 have been validated by experts. Clinical/practical validation involved the participation of 43 nurses, who observed that the attributes are not articulated with the professional practices developed by them. Conclusion: The attributes of the nurse's political competence were identified with support of literature. It is concluded that the professionals still have limited and fragmented perception of political competence, expressing difficulty/limitation.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Construir y validar una guía de atribuciones de la competencia política del enfermero. Método: Investigación metodológica. El estudio comprendió la construcción del instrumento mediante revisión de la literatura; validación por expertos de las atribuciones preestablecidas para composición de la guía; y validación clínica en el ámbito/realidad de trabajo del enfermero. Datos recolectados de agosto a octubre de 2014, analizados según análisis de contenido de Bardin y utilización de Epi info 3.5. Fueron respetados todos los preceptos éticos. Resultados: Fueron encontrados 29 atribuciones en la literatura, 25 fueron validados por los expertos. La validación clínica/práctica involucró la participación de 43 enfermeros, los cuales observaron que las atribuciones no mostraran articulación con las prácticas profesionales por ellos desarrolladas. Conclusión: Identificadas las atribuciones de la competencia política del enfermero, con respaldo en la literatura. Se concluye en que los profesionales tienen aún percepción limitada y fragmentaria de la competencia política, manifestando dificultad/limitación.

RESUMO Objetivo: Construir e validar um guia de atributos da competência política do enfermeiro. Método: Pesquisa metodológica. O estudo compreendeu a construção do instrumento por meio de revisão da literatura; validação, por especialistas, dos atributos preestabelecidos para composição do guia; e validação clínica no ambiente/realidade de trabalho dos enfermeiros. A coleta dos dados ocorreu nos meses de agosto a outubro de 2014, e a análise baseou-se na análise de conteúdo de Bardin e utilização do Epi info 3.5. Foram respeitados todos os preceitos éticos. Resultados: Dos 29 atributos encontrados na literatura, 25 foram validados pelos especialistas. A validação clínica/prática envolveu a participação de 43 enfermeiros, os quais observaram que os atributos não apresentam articulação com as práticas profissionais por eles desenvolvidas. Conclusão: Identificados os atributos da competência política do enfermeiro com apoio da literatura. Conclui-se que os profissionais ainda possuem percepção limitada e fragmentada da competência política, manifestando dificuldade/limitação.

Desprendimiento de Retina Bilateral Asociado al Bungee Jumping: Reporte de Caso / Bilateral retinal detachment associate to bungee jumping: Case report

Objetivo: Describir el caso de un paciente joven con antecedente de miopía bilateral y degeneración en Lattice en el ojo izquierdo (OI), que desarrolló un desprendimiento de retina bilateral después de realizar una actividad de alto riesgo tipo bungee jumping. Diseño: Reporte de caso. Metodología: Reporte de caso retrospectivo mediante la recopilación de datos clínicos, estudios imagenológicos y valoraciones postoperatorias. Resultado: Recuperación de la agudeza visual posterior a tres procedimientos quirúrgicos de 20/400 en ojo derecho (OD) y de 20/30 en OI en el paciente con antecedente de desprendimiento de retina bilateral. Conclusión: El desprendimiento de retina traumático secundario a actividades de alto riesgo donde está implicado el movimiento de latigazo es poco común, sin embargo, la identificación temprana de patologías como la miopía y degeneración en lattice, en personas que van a realizar deportes extremos, debe considerarse. También es importante que las compañías que promocionan este tipo de actividades conozcan esta patología, ya que a pesar de ser infrecuente, puede llegar a desarrollarse.

Purpose: To describe the case of a young patient with a history of bilateral pathologic myopia and lattice degeneration in the left eye who developed bilateral retinal detachment after making a bungee jumping activity. Design: Case report. Methods: A descriptive, case report study type was performed by collecting clinical data, imaging studies and postoperative evaluations. Result: Subsequent recovery of visual acuity after three surgical procedures of 20/400 in right eye and 20/30 in the left eye in the case report patient with a history of bilateral retinal detachment. Conclusion: Traumatic retinal detachment secondary to high-risk activities where is involved the whipping motion is uncommon, however, early identifi cation of diseases as myopia and lattice degeneration in people who practice this extreme sports should be identifi ed. It is also important that companies promoting such activities acquire knowledge about it, taking into account, that despite it is a rare disease, it may develop.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices on HIV/AIDS and prevalence of HIV in the general population of Sucre, Bolivia

Background: To analyse knowledge, attitudes and sexual practices on HIV/AIDS, and estimate HIV prevalence among residents of Sucre (Bolivia).Methodology: Population-based survey of residents aged 15-49 randomly selected during 2008/2009. Blood samples were collected on Whatman-filter paper and tested with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Knowledge on HIV/AIDS, sexual risk practices and discriminatory attitudes against people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) were modelled with multiple logistic regression.Results: Of 1499 subjects, 59% were women. All subjects were HIV-negative. Inadequate knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention was observed in 67% and risk factors varied by gender (interaction p-value < 0.05). Discriminatory attitudes were displayed by 85% subjects; associated factors were: rural residence, low educational level and low income. Unsafe sex was reported by 10%; risk factors varied by residence area (interaction p-value < 0.05). In urban areas, risk factors were male sex, younger age and being in common-law union.Conclusions: Prevalence of HIV infection is very low and unsafe sex is relatively uncommon. Inadequate knowledge on HIV/AIDS and discriminatory attitudes towards PLWHA are extremely high and are associated to gender, ethnic and economic inequalities.

Influence of novel lignocellulosic residues in a biobed biopurification system on the degradation of pesticides applied in repeatedly high doses

Background: The biobed is a simple biopurification system used to prevent the point-source pesticide contamination that occurs at farm level. The typical composition of the biomixture used in this system is soil, peat and straw in volumetric proportions of 1:1:2. The principal component is straw due to its positive effects on biological activity and thus pesticide degradation. However, access to straw can be limited in some regions, so it must be replaced by other more readily available lignocellulosic residues. Results: Therefore, two alternate lignocellulosic materials (barley husks and pine sawdust) were evaluated as partial substitutes for straw. The degradation of a repeatedly applied mixture of six pesticides by these alternates was assessed. The microbial respiration and fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis activity were also assessed. The results showed that the highest degradation efficiency was found in mixtures containing straw and barley husks. Each biomixtures tested achieved a high degradation (50 to 90%) of all the pesticides used except iprodione. Repeated applications of pesticides resulted in a slowing of the degradation rate of all pesticide types in all biomixtures. FDA activity and microbial respiration were higher in the biomixtures containing barley husks and straw compared to the mixture with pine sawdust, a result consistent with the pesticide degradations observed. Conclusions: This paper demonstrates that the straw in the traditional biomixture can be partially replaced by other lignocellulosic materials to efficiently degrade a mixture of pesticides, even when the pesticides are added in successive applications and high concentrations.

Embriología del desarrollo de los bronquios y el parénquima pulmonar / Embryology of development of the bronchi and lung parenchyma

Las malformaciones congénitas de aparato respiratorio son un extenso número de patologías que oscilan en gravedad dependiendo del momento embriológico en que se dio el fallo y cuales mecanismos fueron afectados. En la revisión se profundiza en patologías congénitas como el secuestro broncopulmonar y la malformación adenomatoide quística...

Prevalencia de ceguera en el Departamento de Santander - Colombia / Blindness prevalence in Santander, Colombia

Objetivo: Medir la prevalencia de ceguera y déficit visual severo en población mayor de 50 años en el Departamento de Santander; igualmente medir la prevalencia de catarata relacionada con ceguera y déficit visual; la cobertura y resultados de los servicios de cirugía de catarata y las principales barreras que tienen las personas para acceder a dicho servicio. Materiales y métodos: estudio de prevalencia de base poblacional con muestreo aleatorio sistemático por conglomerados, tamaño de la muestra de 4.082 individuos. Se siguió la metodología de evaluación rápida de servicios de cirugía de catarata de la Organización Mundial de la Salud - OMS. Resultados: la prevalencia de ceguera fue de 1,79%, el problema afecta prioritariamente a la población pobre y rural. Las principales causas de ceguera son la catarata (67.61%), alteraciones del segmento posterior (14.08%), otras opacidades cornéales (8.45%), glaucoma (2.82%) y errores refractivos, retinopatía diabética y complicaciones quirúrgicas (cada una con 1.41%). El 82,5% de las personas no se han operado por desconocimiento de la enfermedad o dificultades económicas. Discusión: la ceguera es un problema de salud pública de la región y su distribución es inequitativa, afectando prioritariamente a la población pobre ubicada en zonas rurales. Las principales causas de déficit visual son la catarata y los errores refractivos, causas totalmente corregibles de manera sencilla y económica. Se recomienda a las autoridades de salud, formular e implementar un plan de salud visual que incluya la movilización de actores del sistema de seguridad social en salud del Departamento. [Galvis V, Rey JJ, Rodríguez LA, Serrano C, Tello A. Prevalencia de ceguera en el Departamento de Santander - Colombia. MedUNAB 2009; 12:66-73].

Objective: to measure the prevalence of blindness and severe visual deficit in population greater of 50 years in the Department of Santander, Colombia; also to measure the cataract prevalence related to blindness and visual deficit, the cover and results of the cataract's surgery services, and the main barriers that people have to access to this service. Materials and methods: cross-sectional study with population base and systematic conglomerates random sampling; sample size of 4.082 individuals. The methodology followed was the WHO Fast Evaluation of Cataract's Surgery Services survey. Results: the prevalence of blindness was of 1,79%; this problem affects primarily poor and rural population. The main causes of blindness are the cataract (67.61%) back segment alteration (14.08%), another corneal opacities (8.45%), glaucoma (2.82%) y refractive errors, diabetic retinopathy and surgical complications (each with 1.41%). 82,5% of the people have not been operated by ignorance of their disease or economic difficulties. Discussion: blindness is a public health problem in Santander, and its distribution is inequitable, affecting primarily poor population located in rural zones. The main causes of visual deficit are cataract and refracting errors, totally correctable causes by simple and economic way. It is recommended to the health authorities, to formulate and to implement a plan of visual health that includes mobilization all social security system actors in health in Santander. [Galvis V, Rey JJ, Rodríguez LA, Serrano C, Tello A. Blindness prevalence in Santander, Colombia. MedUNAB 2009; 12:66-73].

Situación sociodemográfica del menor en situación irregular (abandono o peligro). Envigado, Colombia 2000-2004 / Sociodemografic situation of the minor in irregular situation (abandonment or danger). Envigado, Colombia 2000-2004

Introducción: Con este artículo se busca reflexionar sobre el tema del abandono de menores por parte de sus padres, y que se adquiera conciencia sobre aquellos comportamientos sociales que afectan y ponen en una situación irregular la niñez y la juventud, en este caso de Envigado (Antioquia). Objetivo: Explorar las características sociodemográficos de los menores en situación irregular (abandono o peligro), el querellante y el querellado, de los casos reportados en la Comisaría Segunda de Familia del Municipio de Envigado (Antioquia) entre los años 2000-2004, que permitan realizar un diagnóstico oportuno para la implementación de nuevas estrategias de promoción y prevención de esta situación. Materiales y métodos: La fuente de información, secundaria, fue proporcionada por la Comisaría Segunda de Familia del municipio de Envigado, Antioquia, correspondientes a los años 2000 a 2004, equivalentes a 82 casos de menores en situación irregular. Resultados: El 37 por cien de los menores en situación irregular tenían edades comprendidas entre los 5 y los 9 años (edad promedio 7 años); el porcentaje de casos reportados en menores desescolarizados fue mínimo. Los querellados son mujeres en un 85 por cien, con edades entre 25 y 29 años de edad, pertenecientes a los estratos socioeconómicos 2 y 3 de las zonas 6 y 9 del Municipio de Envigado, y en el 97 por cien de los casos abandonaron un hijo. El 77 por cien de los querellantes, acudió personalmente a la Comisaría, de los cuales el 70 por cien tenía formación secundaria y un 20 por cien de las denuncias fueron llamadas telefónicas anónimas, lo que no permite una completa caracterización sociodemográfica de ellos. Conclusiones: Los menores infantes son las principales víctimas del abandono y las madres las principales causantes de situaciones de menores en situación irregular (abandono o peligro), según los casos reportados ante la Comisaría Segunda de Familia del municipio de Envigado (Antioquia)...

Fenómenos visuales como parte de un síndrome migrañoso. revisión de la literatura / Visual phenomenon as part of the migraine syndrome. literature review

Teniendo en cuenta los múltiples síntomas que suelen acompañar los episodios de migraña, son los síntomas visuales los que adquieren mayor porcentaje de presentación, los cuales pueden estar acompañados o no de cefalea. Estos síntomas pueden ubicarse dentro de un síndrome migrañoso específico como lo son la migraña con aura, aura típica sin cefalea, migraña retiniana y migraña oftalmoplégica. Se revisan y se presentan sus criterios diagnósticos y su manejo.

Visual phenomenon as part of the migraine syndrome.Literature review. Among the multiple symptoms, usually accompanying, the migraine episodes, there are the visual symptoms, which account for the highest incidence. These symptoms may or may no be accompanied by headache. These symptoms can be located into a specific migraine syndrome, such as “migraine with aura”, “aura without migraine”, “retinal migraine” and the “ophthalmoplegic migraine”. In this article we provide a topic review, as well as the diagnostic criteria and the management of this entity.

Haga su diagnóstico: Datos Clínicos / Do his i diagnosis: clinician data

Niño de 3 años de edad que consultó por desnutrición grave, retraso del crecimiento, distención abdominal desde los 6 meses de vida y deposiciones diarreicas intermitentes