A modified cable wiring technique with C-shaped passer through a mini-open approach to assist reduction in femoral fractures.

Femur fractures reduction can be technically challenging due to the deforming forces exerted by the muscles causing displacement of the fracture fragments. Cerclage wiring is one of the reduction techniques frequently performed, allowing anatomical reduction of the fragments and a more stable fixation when an accurate closed reduction is not possible. We describe a modified cerclage wiring through a minimally invasive technique, using a conventional cannulated C-shaped passer.

Enhanced Performance of Zn/Br Flow Battery Using N-Methyl-N-Propylmorpholinium Bromide as Complexing Agent.

Redox flow batteries (RFB) are one of the most interesting technologies in the field of energy storage, since they allow the decoupling of power and capacity. Zinc-bromine flow batteries (ZBFB) are a type of hybrid RFB, as the capacity depends on the effective area of the negative electrode (anode), on which metallic zinc is deposited during the charging process. Gaseous bromine is generated at the positive electrode (cathode) during the charging process, so the use of bromine complexing agents (BCA) is very important. These BCAs are quaternary amines capable of complexation with bromine and generating an organic phase, immiscible with the aqueous electrolyte. One of the most commonly used BCAs in RFB technology is 4-methylethylmorpholinium bromide (MEM-Br). In this work, an alternative quaternary amine 4-methylpropylmorpholinium bromide (MPM-Br) was studied. MPM-Br was integrated into the electrolyte, and 200 charge-discharge cycles were performed on the resulting ZBFBs. The obtained results were compared with those when MEM-Br was used, and it was observed that the electrolyte with MPM-Br displays a higher resistance in voltage and higher energy efficiency, making it a promising alternative to MEM-Br.

Clinical and Economic Evaluation after Adopting Contingent Cell-Free DNA Screening for Fetal Trisomies in South Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Contingent cell-free (cf) DNA screening on the basis of the first-trimester combined test (FCT) results has emerged as a cost-effective strategy for screening of trisomy 21 (T21). OBJECTIVES: To assess performance, patients' uptake, and cost of contingent cfDNA screening and to compare them with those of the established FCT. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study including all singleton pregnancies attending to their FCT for screening of T21 at 2 university hospitals in South Spain. When the FCT risk was ≥1:50, there were major fetal malformations, or the nuchal translucency was ≥3.5 mm, women were recommended invasive testing (IT); if the risk was between 1:50 and 1:270, women were recommended cfDNA testing; and for risks bellow 1:270, no further testing was recommended. Detection rate (DR), false-positive rate (FPR), patients' uptake, and associated costs were evaluated. RESULTS: We analyzed 10,541 women, including 46 T21 cases. DR of our contingent strategy was 89.1% (41/46) at 1.4% (146/10,541) FPR. Uptake of cfDNA testing was 91.2% (340/373), and overall IT rate was 2.0%. The total cost of our strategy was €1,462,895.7, similar to €1,446,525.7 had cfDNA testing not been available. CONCLUSIONS: Contingent cfDNA screening shows high DR, low IT rate, and high uptake at a similar cost than traditional screening.

Cost-effectiveness of Carotid Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to determinate the cost-effectiveness of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) versus transfemoral stenting (TFS) and transcervical stenting (TCS) in a short- and long-term basis in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. METHODS: From January 2003 to December 2014, patients from the vascular department, with symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid stenosis, who were clinically and anatomically suitable for TFS, TCS, or CEA, were included. Prospective cost data for each individual procedure and complication during follow-up were obtained from the diagnosis-related group. The quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were estimated. Analysis of data was by treatment received. All statistical tests were two-sided. The significance level was 5%. RESULTS: A total of 349 patients were enrolled: 61 for CEA (17.5%), 159 for TFS (45.5%), and 129 for TCS (37%). A total of 220 (63%) patients were symptomatic and 129 (37%) were asymptomatic. The median procedural cost and overall cost were lower on CEA (5499€ and 5595€, respectively). However, QALYs, for symptomatic patients, were better on TCS (7.3), whereas for asymptomatic patients, QALYs were better on CEA (9.6). Cost-effectiveness for symptomatic patients was better with TCS (803€/QALY), and for asymptomatic patients, it was with CEA (654€/QALY). CONCLUSIONS: TFS and TCS were associated with clinical outcomes equivalent to CEA on both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Cost-effectiveness ratios for symptomatic patients were better on TCS, whereas the CEA showed the best results in asymptomatic patients.

Prevention of postoperative bleeding in hip fractures treated with prosthetic replacement: efficacy and safety of fibrin sealant and tranexamic acid. A randomised controlled clinical trial (TRANEXFER study).

INTRODUCTION: We assessed the efficacy of fibrin sealant (FS) and tranexamic acid (TXA) administered topically in patients with a hip fracture treated with prosthetic replacement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Parallel, multicentre, open label, randomised, clinical trial. We compared three interventions to reduce blood loss: (1) 10 ml of FS, (2) 1 g of topical TXA, both administered at the end of the surgery, and (3) usual haemostasis (control group). The main outcome was blood loss collected in drains. Other secondary variables were total blood loss, hidden blood loss, transfusion rate, average hospital stay, complications, adverse events, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 158 patients were included, 56 in the FS group, 52 in the TXA group, and 50 in the control group. The total amount of blood collected in drains was lower in the TXA group (148.6 ml, SD 122.7 in TXA; 168.2 ml, SD 137.4 in FS; and 201.5 ml, SD 166.5 in control group) without achieving statistical significance (p = 0.178). The transfusion rate was lower in the TXA group (32.7%), compared with FS group (42.9%) and control group (44.0%), without statistical significance (p = 0.341). There were no complications or adverse effects related to the evaluated interventions. CONCLUSIONS: The use of TXA and FS administered topically prior to surgical closure in patients with a sub-capital femoral fracture undergoing arthroplasty did not significantly reduce either postoperative blood loss or transfusion rate, compared with a group that only received usual haemostasis.

Frameless robot-assisted stereoelectroencephalography for refractory epilepsy in pediatric patients: accuracy, usefulness, and technical issues.

BACKGROUND: Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is an effective technique to help to locate and to delimit the epileptogenic area and/or to define relationships with functional cortical areas. We intend to describe the surgical technique and verify the accuracy, safety, and effectiveness of robot-assisted SEEG in a newly created SEEG program in a pediatric center. We focus on the technical difficulties encountered at the early stages of this program. METHODS: We prospectively collected SEEG indication, intraoperative events, accuracy calculated by fusion of postoperative CT with preoperative planning, complications, and usefulness of SEEG in terms of answering preimplantation hypothesis. RESULTS: Fourteen patients between the ages of 5 and 18 years old (mean 10 years) with drug-resistant epilepsy were operated on between April 2016 and April 2018. One hundred sixty-four electrodes were implanted in total. The median entry point localization error (EPLE) was 1.57 mm (1-2.25 mm) and the median target point localization error (TPLE) was 1.77 mm (1.2-2.6 mm). We recorded seven intraoperative technical issues. Two patients suffered complications: meningitis without demonstrated germ in one patient and a right frontal hematoma in the other. In all cases, the SEEG was useful for the therapeutic decision-making. CONCLUSION: SEEG has been useful for decision-making in all our pediatric patients. The robotic arm is an accurate tool for the insertion of the deep electrodes. Nevertheless, it is an invasive technique not risk-free and many problems can appear at the beginning of a robotic arm-assisted SEEG program that must be taken into account beforehand.

LISS plate for treatment of distal femur fracture. Clinical and functional outcomes.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the use of the Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS) plate for distal femoral fractures, examining variables such as type of fracture and length of plate. A retrospective study of 30 patients with a distal femoral fracture, treated with a distal femur LISS plate (Synthes) was performed. Average age was 71 years old (20-101). According to the AO classification, 16 fractures were type A, 5 type B, and 9 type C. The consolidation index and clinical outcomes measured with Knee Society Score (KSS) questionnaire were evaluated. Fracture consolidation took an average time of 16 weeks (14-20). Mean KSS was 77,3 (50-97) at the 2-year follow-up visit, observing better outcomes on type C fractures (84,25). According to the KSS score, only two cases were described with bad functional outcomes (6%). Distal femur fractures treated with the LISS plate achieved 94% of good and acceptable outcomes. Unlike the previously published, the best results were obtained with AO type C fractures, probably associated to the lower age (mean 53 years old) and better functional recovery capacity of this group.

Clinical results and cost-effectiveness of radiofrequency and cyanoacrylate ablation compared with traditional surgical stripping for treating varicose veins.

BACKGROUND: Disease of the venous system is an underappreciated public health problem. Minimally invasive treatments such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or cyanoacrylate adhesive ablation (CAA) have almost entirely replaced surgical stripping (SS) of the great and small saphenous veins. The purpose of the present study was to compare the outcomes at 3 years after SS, RFA, and CAA by assessing the incidence of complications and reinterventions and performing a cost-effectiveness analysis. METHODS: From February 2016 to February 2019, all consecutive patients with symptomatic varicose veins treated at vascular department of two hospitals using SS, RFA, or CAA were included in the present study. The clinical outcomes were measured by quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), complications, and reintervention. A comparison with conservative treatment was also performed. A detailed resource use was recorded for each procedure. All costs were normalized to May 2020 U.S. dollars and euros. Analysis of the data was by the treatment received. All statistical tests were two-sided, and the significance level was set at 5%. Two perspectives of the analysis were considered: the social perspective and that of the Spanish Public Health System. The study period was 3 years. No discount rate was applied. RESULTS: A total of 233 patients were enrolled in the present study: SS, n = 90 (38.6%); RFA, 93 (39.9%); and CAA, n = 50 (21.5%). The number of complications was 11 (12.2%), 3 (3.3%), and 3 (6%) in the SS, RFA, and CAA groups, respectively (P = .06). No patient had required reintervention. The median loss of workdays for the SS, RFA, and CAA group was 15 days (interquartile range [IQR], 10-30 days), 0 days (IQR, 0-6 days), and 0 days (IQR, 0-1 days), respectively (P < .001). The median level of satisfaction for the SS, RFA, and CAA group was 9 (IQR, 8-10), 10 (IQR, 9-10), and 10 (IQR, 9-10), respectively (P < .001). The QALYs was 2.6 years for all three procedures. The median overall cost was €852 (US$926) for SS, €1002 (US$1089) for RFA, and €1228.3 (US$1335) for CAA. The total cost per QALY was €323/QALY (US$351/QALY) for SS, €380/QALY (US$413/QALY) for RFA, and €467/QALY (US$508/QALY) for CAA. The indirect costs were measured by the cost of the workdays lost for each patient and were €1527 (US$1660; IQR, €1018-3054); €0 (IQR, €0-611) for RFA, and €0 (IQR, €0-102) for CAA (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: All three techniques were cost-effective (procedures with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio <€30,000/QALY can be recommended). From the Spanish Public Health System perspective, when considering only the health care costs, the most cost-effective technique was SS. From the social perspective, including the opportunity costs of medical leave, CAA was the most cost-effective technique, saving €1600 per patient, a cost that more than compensated for the savings realized from using SS in direct health care costs.

Comparative study between fixed-angle and polyaxial screws in distal radius fixation with two volar locking plates.

INTRODUCTION: When treating a distal radius fracture with a volar locking plate (VLP), numerous plate-screw designs are available. To date, there is not a screw fastening system with a clear superiority among the others. HYPOTESIS: Fixed-angle screws are superior to polyaxial screws in distal radius VLP fixation with respect to screw protrusion and reduction preservation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study based on eighty patients was performed. The first forty patients were treated by polyaxial VLP (PA group) were the next forty by a fixed-angle VLP (FA group). Fixation was performed by the flexor carpi radialis approach. Screws were placed 2mm shorter than actual measurement and intraoperative AP, lateral and tilt wrist views were done routinely. A computed tomography (CT) was conducted searching for screw protrusion. Loss of reduction was calculated from the difference between post-operative x-rays values and those at the 6-month follow-up. The total follow-up was 12 months with no losses. RESULTS: Postoperative CT detected dorsal screw protrusion in 17 patients in PA group and 16 patients in FA group that intraoperative radiographs were assumed as correct (p=0.48). The mean invasion of dorsal cortex was of 2.2mm (1-7mm) for PA group and 2.6mm (1-5mm) for FA group (p=0.70). As from those protruding screws, the mean size was registered founding that fixed-angle screws had protrusions with shorter screws 20 vs. 22mm (p<0.05). Intraarticular screw protrusion was registered in 3 and 2 patients respectively (p>1.0). Experienced loss of reduction in volar tilt (p=0.42), radial inclination (p=0.75) and ulnar variance (p=0.83) were equivalent in both groups while a better preservation of the radial height in the PA group was observed (p<0.05). DISCUSSIONS: In terms of screw protrusion rate, both fastening systems where similar. However, fixed-angle group invaded the dorsal cortex with shorter screws. Polyaxial screws were associated with a better preservation of the radial height. Finally, this study reinforces the idea that dorsal and articular screw protrusion is more frequent than we expected. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II; therapeutic, prospective cohort study.

Factors affecting dental fear in French children aged 5-12 years.

BACKGROUND: While dental anxiety is often correlated with prior negative dental experience, prevention of dental anxiety should in theory include early exposure to the dental setting. OBJECTIVE: We set out to evaluate factors affecting dental fear in French children. METHODS: Dental fear was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (DF-VAS) in a group of 1303 French children (681 boys and 622 girls) aged 5-11 years (mean: 8.12 years, SD: 1.42 years). Indicators of caries and oral hygiene were evaluated on dental examination. Indicators of well-being related to oral health, dental experience, and oral health education were collected via a structured interview. RESULTS: Dental fear was scored low in 75.7% (DF-VAS 0-3), moderate in 16.7% (DF-VAS 4-6), and high in 7.6% (DF-VAS 7-10). DF-VAS decreased statistically with experience of a prior dental visit. Children who had at least one decayed tooth presented a higher level of dental fear than those with no decay, while children with fillings were significantly less anxious than those without previous dental care. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that for children aged 5-12 years, prior experience of the dental setting can act as a positive component of dental fear.

Olecranon mayo IIA fractures treated with transosseous high strength suture: A series of 29 cases.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to assess the causes and rates of re-operation in olecranon fractures in adults treated with transosseous suture. METHODS: We prospectively recruited 29 patients who were treated with this technique between 2010 and 2018. The type of suture used, tourniquet time and surgical time were analyzed for each one. X-rays were taken after 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 6 months, recording complications, causes, rates of re-operation and the final clinical condition. RESULTS: Median time for ischemia and surgery were 51 (95% CI:48;62) and 45 (95% CI:42;55) minutes respectively. The radiologic studies showed diastasis of the posterior cortex in the X-rays taken after 2 weeks and after 6 weeks in 7 (24,1%) cases. Of these cases, two (6,8%) were no longer followed-up after 6 months. There was only one case of aseptic non-union. Among these cases, two patients (6.8%) required surgical debridement due to acute soft tissue infection. No complication had any clinical impact, maintaining all patients full range of motion and no pain. Osteosynthesis removal was not necessary in any case. CONCLUSION: Transosseous suture with high strength thread is a valid alternative for treating Mayo IIA olecranon fractures in adult patients, decreasing re-operation rates for implant removal. There may be, in a moderate percentage of cases, radiologic diastasis of the posterior cortex at the fracture site, without causing pain nor limiting mobility LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Symptomatic delayed coil migration after balloon assisted embolization: An underreported adverse event?

Microsurgical clipping is still regarded as the gold-standard treatment for broad-neck intracranial aneurysms. New endovascular techniques like balloon or stent assisted coiling are quickly rising to the challenge and showing promising outcomes. As a result, broad-neck aneurysms are increasingly addressed by these techniques despite they have not been tested against clipping in a randomized controlled trial and long-term complications might be unknown yet. Intraprocedural coil migration has been well documented in the literature, but the same complication in a delayed fashion is scarcely reported. We present a case of delayed coil migration occurring after a balloon-assisted embolization of a wide-necked intracranial aneurysm and we perform a literature review for similar cases. We discuss how, despite seeming an extremely rare complication, with new endovascular techniques increasingly perceived as the safer option in any aneurysm, potential adverse events may become more frequent. Strategies proposed to address this developing scenario are also reviewed.

Integrating complex numerical approaches into a user-friendly application for the management of coastal environments.

This paper presents a software platform to compute the total water level, one of the key variables for the environmental management of coastal zones. The platform integrates six modules: (1) simulation of deep-water wave variables, storm surge and river flow; (2) wave downscaling; (3) wave propagation; (4) contribution of the river discharge; (5) astronomical tide; and (6) total water level. It was applied to three case studies in southern Spain. The first case study consisted of designing the extension of a fluvial marina in a highly dynamic area (Guadalete estuary, Cádiz), and the maximum number of floating docks to avoid flooding events was obtained. The second case study involved calculating the operation conditions for navigation purposes in an inlet with sedimentation problems (Punta Umbría, Huelva), and a relationship between the percentage of operation hours and the dredged volume was obtained. The third case study consisted of estimating the number of overwash events as a function of the height of the berm on a deltaic beach with erosion issues (Guadalfeo, Granada), and a simple design curve to help managers during the decision-making process of artificial nourishment projects was provided. These results highlight the potential of the developed software, whose methodology is feasibly extensible to other coastal areas worldwide, to help managers handle a wide range of environmental problems related to the total water level. This is especially relevant due to the expected sea level rise in the coming years.

Isolation and characterization of lignins from wheat straw: Application as binder in lithium batteries.

Three different lignin-rich fractions have been used as binder material for electrodes in rechargeable lithium batteries. Lignin samples were obtained through three different pulping processes; kraft, soda and organosolv pulping processes, using wheat straw as raw material. Physico-chemical characterization of three types of lignins was evaluated. Characterization has been performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and 31P NMR Spectroscopy to analyse the functional groups; gel permeation chromatography (GPC) for determining molar mass distribution (MWD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to follow the thermal behaviour. Electrodes containing lignin or poly vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) were tested electrochemically. The three different lignin samples exhibited excellent performance as binder, retaining the specific capacity after 50 cycles at a current density of 100mAg-1. These results show that lignin could be used as a low-cost and environmental binder, replacing the PVDF polymer in electrodes for energy storage applications.

Treatment strategy for tibial plateau fractures: an update.

Tibial plateau fractures are complex injuries produced by high- or low-energy trauma. They principally affect young adults or the 'third age' population.These fractures usually have associated soft-tissue lesions that will affect their treatment. Sequential (staged) treatment (external fixation followed by definitive osteosynthesis) is recommended in more complex fracture patterns. But one should remember that any type of tibial plateau fracture can present with soft-tissue complications.Typically the Schatzker or AO/OTA classification is used, but the concept of the proximal tibia as a three-column structure and the detailed study of the posteromedial and posterolateral fragment morphology has changed its treatment strategy.Limb alignment and articular surface restoration, allowing early knee motion, are the main goals of surgical treatment. Partially articular factures can be treated by minimally-invasive methods and arthroscopy is useful to assist and control the fracture reduction and to treat intra-articular soft-tissue injuries.Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is the gold standard treatment for these fractures. Complex articular fractures can be treated by ring external fixators and minimally-invasive osteosynthesis (EFMO) or by ORIF. EFMO can be related to suboptimal articular reduction; however, outcome analysis shows results that are equal to, or even superior to, ORIF. The ORIF strategy should also include the optimal reduction of the articular surface.Anterolateral and anteromedial surgical approaches do not permit adequate reduction and fixation of posterolateral and posteromedial fragments. To achieve this, it is necessary to reduce and fix them through specific posterolateral or posteromedial approaches that allow optimal reduction and plate/screw placement.Some authors have also suggested that primary total knee arthroplasty could be an option in specific patients and with specific fracture patterns. Cite this article: Prat-Fabregat S, Camacho-Carrasco P. Treatment strategy for tibial plateau fractures: an update. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:225-232. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000031.

[Sensitivity to change and minimally important difference of the Spanish version of the life-satisfaction questionnaire LISAT-8 in male patients with erectile dysfunction]. / Sensibilidad al cambio y diferencia mínimamente importante de la versión española del cuestionario de satisfacción con la vida LISAT-8 en pacientes varones con disfunción eréctil.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We determined the sensitivity to change and minimally important difference (MID) of the Spanish version of the life-satisfaction check list LISAT-8. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We included a random sample obtained from an open, naturalistic, prospective and multicenter study, which assessed the effectiveness of sildenafil as erectile dysfunction (ED) therapy. A total of 537 patients, males older than 18 years, with ED and > active sexual desire, received flexible and at demand doses of sildenafil for 10 weeks. IIEF and LISAT-8 questionnaires were used. MID was determined from the patient's classification according to change in erectile function domain of the IIEF after treatment as follows: no change (< 5 pts), small change (6 to 10 pts), moderate change (11 to 15 pts) and big change (> 15 pts). RESULTS: Sildenafil significantly modified the baseline punctuation of the LISAT 8 from a crude value of 30.2 (5.9) pts (mean [standard deviation]), at baseline, to 34.7 (5.6) pts after treatment., and from 55.4% (14.7%) to 66.8% (14.3%) in standardized punctuation (p < 0.0001 in both cases). Sildenafil responders showed a response increase of the total punctuation which was significantly higher than non-responders: 12.5% versus 4.3% (p < 0.001). MID was 3.2 pts as crude punctuation, and 8.1% in normalized score. Statistically significant correlations were found between changes in LISAT-8 and changes in IIEF. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the LISAT-8 showed to be responsive to change in male ED patients. Meaningful MID was 3.1 pts (crude) and 8.1% (normalized).

Low-molecular-weight heparin in the acute and long-term treatment of deep vein thrombosis.

Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) are frequently used during acute treatment of deep vein thrombosis, but their utility for long-term treatment needs to be defined. In this multi-centre trial, 378 patients with acute deep vein thrombosis were randomised to intravenous unfractionated heparin (group A), once daily subcutaneous LMWH (bemiparin) for one week (group B) or once daily bemiparin in a therapeutic dose for one week followed by a maintenance dose for 12 weeks (group C). Fifty-two per cent of patients in group A, 72% of group B and 72% of group C showed venographic reduction in thrombus size assessed objectively on day 14; 20% greater improvement in group B and C indicates not only non-inferiority of bemiparin (p = 0.00003) but also superiority (p = 0.004) compared to UFH. Day 84 venographic or Doppler sonographic recanalisation of the affected veins was demonstrated in 75.3%, 79.8% and 81.5% in groups A, B and C respectively. Mortality, recurrent thromboembolic events and bleeding were similar in the three groups. Both bemiparin regimens were more effective than UFH in reducing thrombus size during the acute phase of treatment. The efficacy in terms of recurrence of venous thromboembolism and safety of Bemiparin is similar to UFH. Bemiparin is also an effective alternative to warfarin for long-term treatment.

Determination of Irgarol 1051 in Western Mediterranean sediments. Development and application of supercritical fluid extraction-immunoaffinity chromatography procedure.

A supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) procedure for Irgarol 1051 (i.e. 2-(tert-butylamino)-4-(cyclopropylamino)-6-(methylthio)-1,3,5-triazine) determination in marine sediments, which minimises the solvent usage, is developed and compared to a conventional extraction technique (i.e. sonication). First, the use of methanol (MeOH) in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as secondary modifier of supercritical carbon dioxide was evaluated. Extraction efficiency was strongly dependent on the modifier content but lesser on pressure (100-410 bar) and temperature (60-200 degrees C). In the selected extraction conditions (20% MeOH/TFA 0.65M, 370 bar, 150 degrees C) recoveries higher than 87% were obtained and the limit of detection was 3 ngg(-1) and the relative standard deviation of 10% (N=3) by GC coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in the electron impact mode. The developed SFE procedure is more convenient to extract Irgarol 1051 than the agitation plus sonication methods concerning on solvent usage (1.5 vs. 20 mL) being compatible with immunochemical procedures avoiding any solvent transfer step. The developed SFE combined with immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) is highly selective allowing the determination of Irgarol by gas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus detection or in sediments at low ngg(-1) level (11-35 ngg(-1)) from Mediterranean marina and harbour sediments.

Effects of a low molecular weight heparin, bemiparin, and unfractionated heparin on hemostatic properties of endothelium.

Human endothelial cells synthesize and secrete a variety of molecules involved in fibrinolysis and coagulation. The effects of a low molecular weight heparin, Bemiparin, and unfractionated heparin (UFH) were compared on plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA), tissue factor (TF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) release, and PAI-1 gene expression by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Cell cultures were supplemented with Bemiparin or UFH at 1 or 10 U/mL. Culture media samples were obtained before the addition of the drugs and 2, 6, and 24 hours afterward to measure the antigen levels of TF, TFPI, t-PA, and PAI-1. RNA was obtained to study the endothelial expression of PAI-1 by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Bemiparin at 1 U/mL resulted in a decreased messenger RNA (mRNA) PAI-1 expression, which remained unaltered when UFH had been added. PAI-1 levels increased after the cultures had been supplemented with either Bemiparin or UFH at both doses. UFH induced an increase in t-PA either at 1 or 10 U/mL. Both doses of UFH, but not Bemiparin, induced an important increase in TF secretion. An increase in the TFPI levels was seen with UFH at 1 U/mL. The decrease in PAI-1 gene expression observed with a therapeutic dose of Bemiparin might confer this drug interesting profibrinolytic properties. The fact that Bemiparin, in contrast with UFH, does not induce an increase in TF could give this drug another positive feature.

Influence of sociodemographic variables on use of dental services, oral health and oral hygiene among Spanish children.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the possible influence of sociodemographic variables on use of dental services, oral health and oral hygiene among Spanish children. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study based on 1,676 interviews conducted with parents or guardians of children ages 3-15 years. The dependent variables analysed were: use of dental services in the preceding 12 months; self-reported caries ever; and daily dental hygiene measured as toothbrushing frequency. Independent variables were sex, age, size of town or city, educational level, and monthly income of the family unit. RESULTS: A total of 60% of the study children had not visited a dental professional in the preceding 12 months. Children having parents or guardians with the lowest educational level were 1.592 times more likely to have received no dental care than those with the highest educational level. The likelihood of not having made use of such dental services rose 2.232-fold in cases where income was < 600 versus >1200 per month. Overall prevalence of self-reported caries for the sample as a whole was 34.4%. Subjects in the lowest income bracket (< 600 per month) were 1.497 times more likely to have caries than those in the highest income bracket. In all, 68.5% brushed their teeth every night, but the percentage rose significantly with age, size of town or city, and income. CONCLUSION: There is considerable social inequality in the use of dental services, oral health and oral hygiene among Spanish children.