Non-Abelian topological order and anyons on a trapped-ion processor.

Non-Abelian topological order is a coveted state of matter with remarkable properties, including quasiparticles that can remember the sequence in which they are exchanged1-4. These anyonic excitations are promising building blocks of fault-tolerant quantum computers5,6. However, despite extensive efforts, non-Abelian topological order and its excitations have remained elusive, unlike the simpler quasiparticles or defects in Abelian topological order. Here we present the realization of non-Abelian topological order in the wavefunction prepared in a quantum processor and demonstrate control of its anyons. Using an adaptive circuit on Quantinuum's H2 trapped-ion quantum processor, we create the ground-state wavefunction of D4 topological order on a kagome lattice of 27 qubits, with fidelity per site exceeding 98.4 per cent. By creating and moving anyons along Borromean rings in spacetime, anyon interferometry detects an intrinsically non-Abelian braiding process. Furthermore, tunnelling non-Abelions around a torus creates all 22 ground states, as well as an excited state with a single anyon-a peculiar feature of non-Abelian topological order. This work illustrates the counterintuitive nature of non-Abelions and enables their study in quantum devices.

Bizarre tail weaponry in a transitional ankylosaur from subantarctic Chile.

Armoured dinosaurs are well known for their evolution of specialized tail weapons-paired tail spikes in stegosaurs and heavy tail clubs in advanced ankylosaurs1. Armoured dinosaurs from southern Gondwana are rare and enigmatic, but probably include the earliest branches of Ankylosauria2-4. Here we describe a mostly complete, semi-articulated skeleton of a small (approximately 2 m) armoured dinosaur from the late Cretaceous period of Magallanes in southernmost Chile, a region that is biogeographically related to West Antarctica5. Stegouros elengassen gen. et sp. nov. evolved a large tail weapon unlike any dinosaur: a flat, frond-like structure formed by seven pairs of laterally projecting osteoderms encasing the distal half of the tail. Stegouros shows ankylosaurian cranial characters, but a largely ancestral postcranial skeleton, with some stegosaur-like characters. Phylogenetic analyses placed Stegouros in Ankylosauria; specifically, it is related to Kunbarrasaurus from Australia6 and Antarctopelta from Antarctica7, forming a clade of Gondwanan ankylosaurs that split earliest from all other ankylosaurs. The large osteoderms and specialized tail vertebrae in Antarctopelta suggest that it had a tail weapon similar to Stegouros. We propose a new clade, the Parankylosauria, to include the first ancestor of Stegouros-but not Ankylosaurus-and all descendants of that ancestor.

Entanglement from Tensor Networks on a Trapped-Ion Quantum Computer.

The ability to selectively measure, initialize, and reuse qubits during a quantum circuit enables a mapping of the spatial structure of certain tensor-network states onto the dynamics of quantum circuits, thereby achieving dramatic resource savings when simulating quantum systems with limited entanglement. We experimentally demonstrate a significant benefit of this approach to quantum simulation: the entanglement structure of an infinite system-specifically the half-chain entanglement spectrum-is conveniently encoded within a small register of "bond qubits" and can be extracted with relative ease. Using Honeywell's model H0 quantum computer equipped with selective midcircuit measurement and reset, we quantitatively determine the near-critical entanglement entropy of a correlated spin chain directly in the thermodynamic limit and show that its phase transition becomes quickly resolved upon expanding the bond-qubit register.

Nonablative transurethral Erbium:YAG laser treatment for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: A prospective comparative study.

AIMS: This prospective study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between the use of Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser in a nonablative mode, to the use of the pharmacological treatment of oral tadalafil for the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). METHODS: The laser group received two sessions of Erbium:YAG laser, administered intraurethrally in a long, nonablative train of long pulses (SMOOTH™ mode), applied at the level of the male prostatic urethra. Tadalafil group received oral tadalafil at a dose of 5 mg/day, consecutively for 2 months. Effectiveness was assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, VAS (visual analogue scale) pain score, and maximum urethral flow at follow-up visits up to 12 months after initiating treatment. Adverse effects were recorded after each treatment and follow-up sessions. RESULTS: The results show a significant decrease in the IPSS score in both groups up to the 12-month follow-up. The increase in Q-max was evident up to 3-months follow-up in the tadalafil group and up to 6 months in the laser group. The decrease in the VAS pain score was also significant in both treatment groups, lasting up to 3 months in the tadalafil group and up to 6 months in the laser group. CONCLUSIONS: The nonablative Er:YAG SMOOTH™ laser seems to be a promising treatment for this widely occurring condition. More studies are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy.

Nitrogen depletion in Arthrospira sp. PCC 8005, an ultrastructural point of view.

In cyanobacteria, the nitrogen and carbon metabolisms are functionally bridged and consequently respond to the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Consequently, a nitrogen deficiency results in carbon excess. For the first time, the biological adaptation of Arthrospira sp. PCC 8005 to nitrogen starvation has been deeply characterized at the cellular structure scale. The results indicated that the carbon excess is rerouted into carbon storage granules, such as the polyhydroxyalkanoate and glycogen granules corroborating existing data. Additionally, this photosynthetic organism hugely secreted exopolysaccharides, which could constitute another biological carbon reservoir. It has been reported that few cells in trichomes of Arthrospira sp. PCC 8005 still display a high level of fluorescence after a long-term nitrogen starvation. The transmission electron microscopy showed that some cells still contained thylakoids and phycobilisomes after this long-term nitrogen starvation, which could explain the remaining fluorescence.

Intralesional Versus Wide Resection of Low-Grade Chondrosarcomas of the Hand.

PURPOSE: To report our experience with intralesional curettage (resection with positive margins) and amputation (resection with negative margins) of low-grade chondrosarcomas (LCS) of the hand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Skeletally mature patients treated surgically for LCS of the hand at our institutions were reviewed. Demographics and oncological history were collected. Results of the entire cohort and by treatment modality were analyzed radiographically, functionally (strength, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand measure), cosmetically, and oncologically (recurrence, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score, metastasis, and mortality rates). RESULTS: Seventeen cases in 16 patients were identified. Nine patients were women. Average age at surgery was 43 years (range, 20-80 years). Mean follow-up was 18 years (range, 9-23 years). Six of the 17 lesions treated at different institutions with intralesional procedures presented as recurrent disease. We treated 3 with a repeat intralesional procedure and the remaining with wide resection. Recurrence incidence was the same in both groups. The remaining 11 new-onset cases were treated with intralesional procedures (6) or wide resections (5). One of the 6 tumors treated with an intralesional procedure recurred. None treated with wide resection recurred. Recurrence incidence combining new- onset and recurrent disease after intralesional procedures was 22% versus 13% for wide resections. Average grip strength was 37 kg (range, 21-55 kg), and pinch strength was 7.6 kg (range, 4.5-12.5 kg). Mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 2 (range, 0-10). There were no wound complications, and appearance was satisfactory in most cases (visual analog scale score, > 8). Average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 29 points (range, 21-30 points). No patients presented with metastatic disease or died because of LCS. CONCLUSIONS: Intralesional resections aiming to preserve function are safe, recognizing that more than 1 procedure may be required. Amputation also plays a role with excellent functional outcome in cases in which severe joint deformity or involvement of soft tissues and neurovascular structures interferes with function. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Minimum 6-year follow-up after ulnar nerve decompression and submuscular transposition for primary entrapment.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate patients with 6-year minimum follow-up after submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve for primary entrapment. METHODS: From 1992 to 2005, 142 patients were treated surgically for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow by 2 senior surgeons using a technique that preserved nerve vascularity. A total of 99 cases were eligible, and 82 elbows in 76 patients, average age 48 years, were followed for at least 6 years (average, 8.3 y). Thirty-two (42%) were male, and the dominant limb was involved in 49 (64%). The average duration of symptoms before surgery was 25 months. Clinical records were reviewed, and sensory (S0-2) and motor (M0-5) testing was performed. Dellon scores were determined, and visual analog scale and modified questionnaires from Novak et al and Kleinman and Bishop were completed. Preoperatively, 48 elbows were Dellon grade III, 33 were grade II, and one was grade I. RESULTS: There were clinically and statistically significant improvements in patient and surgeon-reported data regardless of the preoperative disease severity. Visual analog scale questionnaires, sensory scale, and motor strength all improved, with at least antigravity strength in all subjects. Dellon scores also improved, and 38 elbows had normalized to Dellon 0. Of the 33 preoperative elbows that were grade III, 15 improved to grade II, 13 to grade I, and 5 normalized. Of the 48 preoperative elbows that were grade II, 16 improved to grade I and 32 normalized. Preoperative Dellon III elbows had more residual symptoms than grade II elbows. A total of 73 elbows (89%) had a good or excellent outcome. There were no reoperations or infections. CONCLUSIONS: Submuscular transposition is a safe and durable option for primary ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. Overall, good or excellent results were achieved in 89% of patients with a low complication rate. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Changes in tobacco imagery and smokers' depiction in Spanish top-grossing films before and after the implementation of a comprehensive tobacco control policy in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: As more restrictions on tobacco marketing communication are implemented, tobacco marketing has persisted through smoking in films. Our aims were to assess changes in tobacco imagery exposure in Spanish top-grossing films before and after the banning of tobacco advertising in Spain, and to determine whether the depiction of smoking characters has changed over the years. METHODS: A repeated cross-sectional study measured the tobacco content in the 10 Spanish top-grossing films in 2005, 2010 and 2015 (n=30) before and after a complete tobacco advertising ban. We conducted a descriptive and regression analysis of changes in tobacco impressions by year. RESULTS: The 30 films contained 1378 tobacco occurrences (90.2% positive for tobacco) with a median length of eight seconds onscreen. Total tobacco occurrences deemed positive for tobacco interests significantly increased in 2010 and 2015 compared to 2005. However, we observed decreased odds of tobacco brands appearances (OR=0.25; p<0.001) in 2010 and of implied tobacco use (OR=0.44; p=0.002), and tobacco brands appearances (OR=0.36; p<0.001) in 2015 compared to 2005. There was a change of pattern in the type of role smokers played from a leading role to a supporting one (p<0.001). The population reach of positive for tobacco occurrence in Spanish top-grossing films decreased from 15.9 (95% CI: 15.86-15.86) per 1000 spectators in 2005 to 0.8 (95% CI: 0.82-0.82) in 2015. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a ban on complete tobacco product advertising was followed by a decrease in tobacco incidents across top-grossing Spanish films. Yet, exposure to smoking in films is still unacceptably high.

Relict duck-billed dinosaurs survived into the last age of the dinosaurs in subantarctic Chile.

In the dusk of the Mesozoic, advanced duck-billed dinosaurs (Hadrosauridae) were so successful that they likely outcompeted other herbivores, contributing to declines in dinosaur diversity. From Laurasia, hadrosaurids dispersed widely, colonizing Africa, South America, and, allegedly, Antarctica. Here, we present the first species of a duck-billed dinosaur from a subantarctic region, Gonkoken nanoi, of early Maastrichtian age in Magallanes, Chile. Unlike duckbills further north in Patagonia, Gonkoken descends from North American forms diverging shortly before the origin of Hadrosauridae. However, at the time, non-hadrosaurids in North America had become replaced by hadrosaurids. We propose that the ancestors of Gonkoken arrived earlier in South America and reached further south, into regions where hadrosaurids never arrived: All alleged subantarctic and Antarctic remains of hadrosaurids could belong to non-hadrosaurid duckbills like Gonkoken. Dinosaur faunas of the world underwent qualitatively different changes before the Cretaceous-Paleogene asteroid impact, which should be considered when discussing their possible vulnerability.

Corrective osteotomy for combined intra- and extra-articular distal radius malunion.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the functional outcome of corrective osteotomy for combined intra- and extra-articular malunions of the distal radius using multiple outcome scores. METHODS: We evaluated 18 skeletally mature patients at an average of 78 months after corrective osteotomy for a combined intra- and extra-articular malunion of the distal part of the radius. The indication for osteotomy in all patients was the combination of an extra-articular deformity (≥ 15° volar or ≥ 10° dorsal angulation or ≥ 3 mm radial shortening) and intra-articular incongruity of 2 mm or greater (maximum stepoff or gap), as measured on lateral and posteroanterior radiographs. The average interval from the injury to the osteotomy was 9 months. The average maximum stepoff or gap of the articular surface before surgery was 4 mm. RESULTS: All 18 patients healed uneventfully and the final articular incongruity was reduced to 2 mm or less. Final range of motion and grip strength significantly improved, averaging 89% and 84% of the uninjured side and 185% and 241% of the preoperative measures, respectively. The rate of excellent or good results was 72% according to the validated rating system Mayo Modified Wrist Score, and 89% according to the unvalidated system of Gartland and Werley. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 11, which corresponds to mild perceived disability. Of the 18 cases, 11 normalized upper limb function. Five patients had complications; all were successfully treated. According to the rating system of Knirk and Jupiter, 4 had grade 1 and 1 had grade 2 osteoarthritis of the radiocarpal joint on radiographs. Two of those patients reported occasional mild pain. Radiographic osteoarthritis did not correlate with strength, motion, and wrist scores. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes of corrective osteotomy for combined intra- and extra-articular malunions were comparable to those of osteotomy for isolated intra- and extra-articular malunions. A successful corrective osteotomy for the treatment of complex intra- and extra-articular distal radius malunions can improve wrist function. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Changes in Antimicrobial Resistance and Etiology of Blood Culture Isolates: Results of a Decade (2010-2019) of Surveillance in a Northern Region of Colombia.

Background: Bloodstream infections (BSI) are important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Antimicrobial surveillance is essential for identifying emerging resistance and generating empirical treatment guides, the purpose of this study is to analyze trends in antimicrobial susceptibility of BSI from 2010 to 2019 in healthcare institutions from Medellin and nearby towns in Colombia. Methods: A Whonet database was analyzed from the GERMEN antimicrobial surveillance network; frequency and antibiotic susceptibility trends were calculated on more frequent microorganisms using Mann Kendall and Sen's Slope Estimator Test. Results: 61,299 isolates were included; the three microorganisms more frequent showed a significant increasing trend through time E. coli (Sen's Slope estimator = 0.7 p = <0.01) S. aureus (Sen's Slope estimator = 0.60 p = <0.01) and K. pneumonia (Sen's Slope estimator = 0.30 p = <0.01). E. coli showed a significant increase trend in cefepime and ceftazidime resistance, while K. pneumoniae showed a significant increase in resistance to cefepime, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin. P. aeruginosa increases its susceptibility to all analyzed antibiotics and S. aureus to oxacillin. No increasing trend was observed for carbapenem resistance. Conclusion: An upward trends was observed in more frequent microorganisms and resistance to third and fourth-generation cephalosporins for E. coli and K pneumoniae; in contrast, not increasing trends in antibiotic resistance was observed for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. The essential role of AMR-surveillance programs is to point out and identify these trends, which should improve antibiotic resistance control.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes: Long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy (SAP) in addition to a comprehensive diabetes program on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), severe hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis, and the hospital admission rate in patients with type 1 diabetes under real-world settings during a 2-year follow-up. METHODS: This was a retrospective real-life study comparing diabetes control before and after SAP therapy initiation. Patients ≥18 years old with type 1 diabetes were included. They were followed for 2 years with clinical assessments at months 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24. Effectiveness was estimated by difference in medians of HbA1c from baseline and at each follow-up visit. Safety was assessed by comparing the annual rates of severe hypoglycemia, hyperglycemic crisis, and hospital admission related to diabetes. RESULTS: 162 patients were included, median age 32 years, women 73%). The main indication for SAP was poor metabolic control (51.2%). At 2 years HbA1c decreased from 8.4% to 7.5% (-0.9%, 95% CI: 0.5-1.2; p<0.0001), HbA1c ≤7% improved from 14.2% to 25.3% (11.1%, 95% CI: 19.7-2.5; p=0.006), and severe hypoglycemia decreased from 22.2% to 14.1% (-8.1%, 95% CI: -16.5 to 0.3; p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: SAP therapy improved glycemic control after the third month of use and for up to 2 years of follow-up, with lower rates of hospital admission and severe hypoglycemia. More studies are needed to assess the add-on impact of education programs and technologies for diabetes care.

Similar Metabolic Health in Overweight/Obese Individuals With Contrasting Metabolic Flexibility to an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test.

Background: Low metabolic flexibility (MetF) may be an underlying factor for metabolic health impairment. Individuals with low MetF are thus expected to have worse metabolic health than subjects with high MetF. Therefore, we aimed to compare metabolic health in individuals with contrasting MetF to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Methods: In individuals with excess body weight, we measured MetF as the change in respiratory quotient (RQ) from fasting to 1 h after ingestion of a 75-g glucose load (i.e., OGTT). Individuals were then grouped into low and high MetF (Low-MetF n = 12; High-MetF n = 13). The groups had similar body mass index, body fat, sex, age, and maximum oxygen uptake. Metabolic health markers (clinical markers, insulin sensitivity/resistance, abdominal fat, and intrahepatic fat) were compared between groups. Results: Fasting glucose, triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were similar between groups. So were insulin sensitivity/resistance, visceral, and intrahepatic fat. Nevertheless, High-MetF individuals had higher diastolic blood pressure, a larger drop in TG concentration during the OGTT, and a borderline significant (P = 0.05) higher Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue (SAT). Further, compared to Low-MetF, High-MetF individuals had an about 2-fold steeper slope for the relationship between SAT and fat mass index. Conclusion: Individuals with contrasting MetF to an OGTT had similar metabolic health. Yet High-MetF appears related to enhanced circulating TG clearance and enlarged subcutaneous fat.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes: Long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy (SAP) in addition to a comprehensive diabetes program on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), severe hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis, and the hospital admission rate in patients with type 1 diabetes under real-world settings during a 2-year follow-up. METHODS: This was a retrospective real-life study comparing diabetes control before and after SAP therapy initiation. Patients ≥18 years old with type 1 diabetes were included. They were followed for 2 years with clinical assessments at months 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24. Effectiveness was estimated by difference in medians of HbA1c from baseline and at each follow-up visit. Safety was assessed by comparing the annual rates of severe hypoglycemia, hyperglycemic crisis, and hospital admission related to diabetes. RESULTS: 162 patients were included, median age 32 years, women 73%). The main indication for SAP was poor metabolic control (51.2%). At 2 years HbA1c decreased from 8.4% to 7.5% (-0.9%, 95% CI: 0.5-1.2; p<0.0001), HbA1c ≤7% improved from 14.2% to 25.3% (11.1%, 95% CI: 19.7-2.5; p=0.006), and severe hypoglycemia decreased from 22.2% to 14.1% (-8.1%, 95% CI: -16.5 to 0.3; p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: SAP therapy improved glycemic control after the third month of use and for up to 2 years of follow-up, with lower rates of hospital admission and severe hypoglycemia. More studies are needed to assess the add-on impact of education programs and technologies for diabetes care.

Perceptions of plain cigarette packaging among smokers and non-smokers in Andalusia (Spain).

OBJECTIVES: Each year tobacco is responsible for 650,000 deaths in Europe and 55,000 in Spain. With tobacco advertising and promotion banned in Spain and most of Europe, the last bastion of marketing is the packaging. Plain tobacco packaging -which involves packs having a standardised appearance- has been proposed to counter this. The objective of this study is to research perceptions arising from the plain packaging of tobacco products. METHODS: We employed a qualitative research methodology -focus groups- with smokers and non-smokers in in two medium-sized Andalusian towns (Spain). RESULTS: Results show the importance of plain cigarette packaging as a form of promotion, particularly among women and young people, how pack colour influences product perceptions, and how removing full branding increases the salience of the warnings. CONCLUSIONS: Plain packaging, combined with pictorial health warnings, may reduce the capacity of packaging to be distinctive and a badge product. Altering pack design in such a way would make it more difficult for tobacco companies to create a favourable image of their brands and may help to reinforce the ability of the population to protect themselves from the dangers of smoking.

Direct Relationship Between Metabolic Flexibility Measured During Glucose Clamp and Prolonged Fast in Men.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the relationship between metabolic flexibility (MetFlex) measured during a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp and a prolonged fast. This study also analyzed the association between MetFlex and metabolic health. METHODS: Eighteen healthy men (mean [SD]: 22 [2] years old; BMI: 22 [1] kg/m2 ) performed two sessions: (1) euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (2 mIU/kg of insulin per minute) and (2) ~20-hour fast. Clamp MetFlex corresponded to the change in (Δ) respiratory quotient (RQ) (ΔRQ = postchallenge RQ - prechallenge RQ) adjusted for M value and prechallenge RQ. Prolonged fast MetFlex corresponded to the ΔRQ adjusted for the Δß-hydroxybutyrate and prechallenge RQ. RESULTS: MetFlex during the clamp related directly with MetFlex during prolonged fast (r = 0.59, P = 0.014). Using the median of MetFlex for each challenge, this study split participants into high or low MetFlex. Participants with high or low MetFlex to both challenges were identified. Participants with high MetFlex had 3% lower serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol than participants with low MetFlex (P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Measuring MetFlex during a clamp or a prolonged fast produces similar results, despite challenging the oxidation of different substrates. An impaired MetFlex in response to these challenges may be an early event in the development of abnormal lipid metabolism.

[The plain packaging of tobacco products: a new strategy for tobacco control]. / El envase neutro de los productos de tabaco: una nueva estrategia para el control del tabaquismo.

There is evidence that global tobacco smoking control policies contribute to decrease the prevalence of smoking among populations, so there is a need to effectively implement different measures in a coordinated way. The plain packaging and labelling of tobacco products is one of the measures proposed by the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. At the moment, leading countries are implementing this tobacco control measure, which involves a plain packaging for all tobacco products, i.e., the absence of any promotional or communication tool in the packaging, except the name of the brand, appearing with a standardised font, size, colour and placing in the pack. Australia was the first country to implement this measure in 2012 and recently other countries are legislating and approving it. In Spain, tobacco legislation (2005 and 2010), was an important advance in tobacco control policies. The introduction of plain packaging in Spain would mean the next step in the development of a global strategy for fighting this significant health problem. The aim of this article is to synthesise in a structured manner the role that the packaging of tobacco products has within marketing and communication strategies, as well as to describe the potential effects that the plain packaging has on some aspects of smoking behaviour, according to current literature.

Impact of different nitrogen sources on the growth of Arthrospira sp. PCC 8005 under batch and continuous cultivation - A biochemical, transcriptomic and proteomic profile.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of varying concentrations of different nitrogen sources (individually or in combination) on the biochemical, transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of Arthrospira sp. PCC 8005 under batch and continuous modes. In batch mode, while ammonium showed a repressive effect on nitrate-assimilation pathway of the cyanobacteria; better growth and nutrient uptake rate were observed in presence of urea than nitrate. The inhibitory effect of ammonium was further confirmed by the continuous photobioreactor study wherein the nutrient feed was transiently replaced from nitrate to ammonium (28mM turbiostat regime). The changes in lipid, exopolysaccharide, transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of cyanobacteria on transition from nitrate to ammonium indicated at an onset of nutrient stress.

Corrective osteotomy for intra-articular malunion of the distal part of the radius.

BACKGROUND: Corrective osteotomy is an appealing treatment for malunited articular fractures of the distal part of the radius since articular incongruity may be the factor most strongly associated with arthrosis and diminished function after such fractures. Enthusiasm for osteotomy has been limited by concerns regarding the difficulty of the technique and the potential for additional injury, osteonecrosis, and nonunion. METHODS: Twenty-three skeletally mature patients were evaluated at an average of thirty-eight months after corrective osteotomy for an intra-articular malunion of the distal part of the radius. The indication for the osteotomy included dorsal or volar subluxation of the radiocarpal joint in fourteen patients and articular incongruity of > or =2 mm as measured on a posteroanterior radiograph in seventeen patients. Six patients had combined intra-articular and extra-articular malunion. The average interval from the injury to the osteotomy was six months. The average maximum step-off or gap of the articular surface prior to the operation was 4 mm. RESULTS: One patient had a subsequent partial wrist arthrodesis because of radiocarpal arthrosis, and three patients had additional surgery because of dysfunction of the distal radioulnar joint. One patient had a rupture of the extensor pollicis longus, which was treated with a tendon transfer. The final articular incongruity averaged 0.4 mm, and the final grip strength averaged 85% of that on the contralateral side. The rate of excellent or good results was 83% according to the rating systems of Fernandez and of Gartland and Werley, and 43% according to a modification of the rating system of Green and O'Brien. CONCLUSIONS: The results of corrective osteotomy for the treatment of intra-articular malunion are comparable with those of osteotomy for the treatment of extra-articular malunion. Intra-articular osteotomy can be performed with acceptable safety and efficacy, it improves wrist function, and it may help to limit the need for salvage procedures such as partial or total wrist arthrodesis.

Perceptions of plain cigarette packaging among smokers and non-smokers in Andalusia (Spain) / Percepciones del envase neutro del tabaco entre fumadores y no fumadores en Andalucía (España)

OBJECTIVES: Each year tobacco is responsible for 650,000 deaths in Europe and 55,000 in Spain. With tobacco advertising and promotion banned in Spain and most of Europe, the last bastion of marketing is the packaging. Plain tobacco packaging -which involves packs having a standardised appearance- has been proposed to counter this. The objective of this study is to research perceptions arising from the plain packaging of tobacco products. METHODS: We employed a qualitative research methodology -focus groups- with smokers and non-smokers in in two medium-sized Andalusian towns (Spain). RESULTS: Results show the importance of plain cigarette packaging as a form of promotion, particularly among women and young people, how pack colour influences product perceptions, and how removing full branding increases the salience of the warnings. CONCLUSIONS: Plain packaging, combined with pictorial health warnings, may reduce the capacity of packaging to be distinctive and a badge product. Altering pack design in such a way would make it more difficult for tobacco companies to create a favourable image of their brands and may help to reinforce the ability of the population to protect themselves from the dangers of smoking

OBJETIVOS: El tabaco es causa de aproximadamente 650.000 muertes en Europa, y de ellas, unas 55.000 en España. Debido a las prohibiciones de realizar actividades de publicidad y promoción, el envase está considerado como el último bastión de comunicación para la industria tabacalera. El envase neutro -un aspecto uniforme del envase para toda marca comercializada- ha sido propuesto como forma de combatirlo. El objetivo de este trabajo se centra en estudiar las percepciones que suscita el diseño neutro del envase. MÉTODOS: Se ha realizado una investigación cualitativa, a través de grupos focales en dos ciudades de tamaño medio con personas fumadoras y no fumadoras en dos ciudades de tamaño medio de Andalucía (España). RESULTADOS: Los resultados señalan la importancia que tendría el envase de tabaco neutro como estrategia de desnormalización del tabaco, en especial en las mujeres y las personas jóvenes, como el color del envase neutro influye en las percepciones que el consumidor tiene del producto, y como incrementa la visibilidad de las esquelas sanitarias insertadas en el envase. CONCLUSIONES: El envase neutro, unido a las advertencias sanitarias combinadas, podrían reducir la capacidad distintiva del envase. La desaparición de los rasgos estéticos del envase, de esta manera, añadiría una dificultad más a las compañías para presentar sus marcas de forma favorable, y ayudaría a proteger a la población de los peligros del tabaco