Greenhouse gases capture applying impregnated silica with ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, and natural deep eutectic solvents.

The development of technologies to capture greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) is vital for climate change mitigation. Ionic liquids (ILs), deep eutectic solvents (DES), and natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) are promising absorbents to abate GHGs emissions. However, their high viscosity limits the gas-liquid contact, as consequence of the mass transfer. To overcome this, their impregnation onto porous silica gel has been carried out, increasing the gas-liquid contact area. The present study analyzes the effect of size particle of silica gel impregnated with ILs, DES, and NADES over the CO2 and N2O capture at atmospheric conditions. The degree of impregnation of silica particles was determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The identification of functional groups present on the surface of silica, ILs, DES, and NADES was performed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and their crystalline structure was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The partition coefficient of CO2 and N2O between gas and ILs, DES, and NADES was determined by a static headspace method. Results show that the degree of solvent impregnation on silica gel ranged from 36.8 to 43.0% w/w, the partition coefficient of CO2 in the impregnated silica varied from 0.005 to 0.067, and for N2O, from 0.005 to 0.032. This suggests that impregnated particles have a greater affinity for N2O compared to CO2. Using impregnated particles requires only 40% of the bulk solvent to achieve a similar GHG capture capacity compared to using bulk solvents.

Dental care and risk of developing severe COVID-19 / Atención odontológica y el riesgo de complicación por COVID-19

RESUMEN Durante la pandemia por la COVID-19 la atención odontológica fue recomendada solo en casos de urgencia y dolor. La reducción de citas dentales puede afectar la economía de los dentistas, principalmente la de aquellos que no cuentan con seguridad financiera. Los odontólogos por necesidades económicas requieren brindar atención a pesar del riesgo de ser infectados por SARS-COV-2. Objetivo : Describir la frecuencia de la atención odontológica y el riesgo de complicación por COVID-19 en odontólogos de Ixtlahuaca, Estado de México, México. Material y métodos : Estudio transversal, muestreo no probabilístico desarrollado desde agosto hasta septiembre de 2020. Se aplicó un cuestionario por redes sociales para identificar la frecuencia de la atención odontológica. Resultados: La muestra estuvo conformada por 121 odontólogos; el promedio de edad fue de 32,3 años. La mayor parte de la muestra estuvo conformada por mujeres (74,4 %). Los odontólogos mostraron un riesgo medio a desarrollar complicaciones por COVID-19 (92,5 %). Los odontólogos de práctica privada realizaron más tratamientos no urgentes durante el semáforo epidemiológico rojo y naranja, mostrando diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p ≤ 0,05). El 30 % de la muestra presentó un peso no saludable. Conclusiones : Los odontólogos tienen un riesgo medio a enfermar gravemente por COVID-19. El riesgo se encuentra asociado al peso no saludable. Los odontólogos realizaron tratamientos no urgentes a pesar de las recomendaciones gubernamentales. Los profesionales de práctica privada realizaron una mayor cantidad de tratamientos no urgentes. Los dentistas brindan atención a pesar del riesgo epidemiológico por COVID-19 debido a las necesidades económicas.

ABSTRACT During the COVID-19 pandemic, dental care was recommended only in urgent and severe pain cases. Reduced dental appointments may affect the financial situation of dentists, especially those who are not financially secure. Due to economic necessity, dentists are required to provide care despite the risk of being infected with SARS-COV-2. Objective: To describe the frequency of dental care and the risk of complications due to COVID-19 among dentists in Ixtlahuaca, State of Mexico, Mexico. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study, non-probabilistic sampling carried out from August to September 2020. A survey was carried out through social networks to identify the frequency of dental care. Results: The sample consisted of 121 dentists with an average age of 32.3 years. Women comprised most of the sample (74.4%). Dentists had a medium risk of suffering complications due to COVID-19 (92.5%). Private practice dentists performed more non-urgent treatments during the red and orange epidemiological risk periods, showing statistically significant differences (p≤0.05). Unhealthy weight was present in 30% of the sample. Conclusions: Dentists have a medium risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. The risk is associated with unhealthy weight. Dentists performed non-urgent treatments despite government recommendations. Private practitioners performed a greater number of non-urgent treatments. Dentists provide care despite epidemiological risk related to COVID-19 due to economic necessity.

Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Hospitalized Pediatric Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Mexico City, Mexico.

Background: Evidence from across the world suggests that the pediatric population shows different clinical manifestations and has a lower risk of severe presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to adults. However, Mexico has one of the highest mortality rates in the pediatric population due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, our objective was to explore the epidemiological and clinical characteristics associated with a positive confirmatory test in the Mexican pediatric population admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Mexico City. Methods: Clinical, imaging and laboratory data were retrospectively collected from 121 children hospitalized during the period from March 4th, 2020, to August 8th, 2021. The patients were identified as suspicious cases according to the guidelines of the General Directorate of Epidemiology of Mexico. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests were used to confirm SARS-CoV-2 infection. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test, and propensity score matching was performed to determine univariate and multivariate odds ratios of the population regarding a positive vs. negative SARS-CoV-2 result. Results: Of the 121 children, 36 had laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The main risk for SARS-CoV-2-associated pediatric hospitalization was contact with a family member with SARS-CoV-2. It was also found that fever and fatigue were statistically significantly associated with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test in multivariate models. Clinical and laboratory data in this Mexican hospitalized pediatric cohort differ from other reports worldwide; the mortality rate (1.6%) of the population studied was higher than that seen in reports from other countries. Conclusion: Our study found that fever and fatigue at hospital presentation as well as an antecedent exposure to a family member with SARS-CoV-2 infection were important risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 positivity in children at hospital admission.

Production of plant growth-promoting bacteria inoculants from composting leachate to develop durable agricultural ecosystems.

Composting process of residual organic material generates considerable amounts of liquid leachate which contains high organic load. This waste stream can be considered as potential nutrient source to support microbial growth. In the present work, the utilization of compost leachate as fermentation substrate for Bacillus species production was studied. The physicochemical properties of the leachate and two co-substrates (residual yeast and whey permeate) were determined. The characterization of leachate showed that it is a potential source of carbon, but its nitrogen content may limit the bacterial growth. In order to determine a good recipe of culture medium for fermentation of individual strains of Bacillus species, leachate was added with yeast and whey permeate. Raw and diluted leachates with and without amendments were tested in shake-flask fermentation assays. Results showed that Bacillus sp. grew better in diluted leachate than in raw leachate. When co-substrates were added, the growth was improved and the sporulation rate also increased. Since the aim was to produce plant growth-promoting bacteria, one of the objectives of fermentation assays was the production of viable bacteria when Bacillus sp. arrives to soil as component of a fertilizer. For this reason, the obtention of sporulated Bacillus cells was desired. The highest sporulation rate was obtained with co-substrates, inducing more than 89% of vegetative cells to develop spores. This approach of leachate valorization will produce economical benefits reducing the volume of leachate waste to be treated, as well as contribute in a cost-effective production of biological amendments in a circular economy mode.

Human Aging Alters the Spatial Organization between CD34+ Hematopoietic Cells and Adipocytes in Bone Marrow.

Age-related clonal hematopoiesis is a major risk factor for myeloid malignancy and myeloid skewing is a hallmark of aging. However, while it is known that non-cell-autonomous components of the microenvironment can also influence this risk, there have been few studies of how the spatial architecture of human bone marrow (BM) changes with aging. Here, we show that BM adiposity increases with age, which correlates with increased density of maturing myeloid cells and CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) and an increased proportion of HSPCs adjacent to adipocytes. However, NGFR+ bone marrow stromal cell (NGFR+ BMSC) density and distance to HSPCs and vessels remained stable. Interestingly, we found that, upon aging, maturing myeloid cell density increases in hematopoietic areas surrounding adipocytes. We propose that increased adjacency to adipocytes in the BM microenvironment may influence myeloid skewing of aging HSPCs, contributing to age-related risk of myeloid malignancies.

Indicadores cineantropométricos y nutricionales para el control saludable de la condición física / Kineanthropometric and nutritional indicators for healthy control of physical condition

Introducción: La calidad de vida es un concepto que abarca numerosas variables influyentes, que incluye la condición física como requisito influyente en numerosas enfermedades no trasmisibles. La comunidad estudiantil universitaria de educación básica necesita presentar buenos indicadores cineantropométricos y nutricionales para su futuro egreso, siendo esta una condición exigida para el ejercicio profesional. Objetivo: Determinar indicadores cineantropométricos y nutricionales para el control saludable de la condición física en estudiantes de Educación de la Universidad Técnica de Manabí. Métodos: Se estudió una muestra aleatoria representativa de 50 estudiantes en Educación Básica en la Facultad de Filosofía Letras y Ciencias de la Educación de la Universidad Técnica de Manabí. Se investigaron parámetros relacionados con el índice de masa corporal, el porcentaje de grasa en cintura-cadera, el gasto calórico total, el registro de la ingesta calórica diaria y el balance energético. Resultados: El 50 por ciento de los estudiantes estuvieron sobrepeso u obesos, manifestando además un índice de actividad física bajo. El 24 por ciento tuvieron una relación peso-talla normal, pero con elevado índice cintura-cadera, lo cual reflejó acumulación de tejido adiposo en la región abdominal. Además 23 (46 por ciento) manifestaron un balance energético positivo a favor de la ingesta, incluyendo los dos que clasifican con un Índice de Masa Corporal de tipo delgados o bajo peso. Conclusiones: Los resultados demuestran que los estudiantes evaluados con el Índice de Masa Corporal, el Índice Cintura-Cadera y el Índice de Actividad Física están en correspondencia con un balance energético positivo, lo que refleja una tendencia a un estilo de vida no saludable incongruente con sus funciones de futuros educadores (AU)

Introduction: Quality of life is a concept encompassing a large number of influential variables, including physical condition as a determining factor in many non-communicable diseases. The basic education university student community needs to exhibit good kineanthropometric and nutritional indicators for their eventual graduation, this being a condition required for professional practice. Objective: Determine kineanthropometric and nutritional indicators for the healthy control of physical condition among Education students from the Technical University of Manabí. Methods: A study was conducted of a representative random sample of 50 Basic Education students from the School of Philosophy, Humanities and Education Sciences (FFLCE) of the Technical University of Manabí. The parameters analyzed were body mass index, waist-hip fat percentage, total energy expenditure, daily calorie intake, and energy balance. Results: 50 percent of the students were either overweight or obese, with a low physical activity index. 24 percent had a normal weight-height ratio, but with a high hip-waist index, reflecting an accumulation of adipose tissue in the abdominal region. Additionally, 23 (46 percent) exhibited a positive energy balance toward the intake, including two classed as slim or underweight according to their BMI. Conclusions: Results show that the students evaluated for body mass, waist-hip and physical activity indices are in correspondence with a positive energy balance, pointing to a trend toward an unhealthy lifestyle inconsistent with their functions as future educators (AU)

Análisis de conocimientos durante sesiones educativas de sensibilización para el alivio del dolor, en el marco del proceso de acreditación: lecciones aprendidas / Knowledge Analysis During Educational Awareness Sessions for Pain Relief, In the Framework of an Accreditation Process: Lessons Learned

Introducción: Los vacíos de conocimiento del personal de salud pueden generar resultados negativos en la detección, valoración y manejo integral para el alivio del dolor. Este trabajo los pone en evidencia y muestra cómo un proceso de acreditación en salud diagnostica problemas y genera planes de mejoramiento. Objetivo: Analizar los conocimientos respecto al alivio del dolor en el personal de salud durante un proceso de acreditación, para lograr estándares de calidad. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional con 358 encuestas al personal de salud de un hospital de alta complejidad, donde se evaluó la percepción sobre la importancia, seguimiento y tratamiento para el alivio del dolor. Resultados: En congruencia con la literatura mundial, el 61,9% de los participantes percibe que hay un inadecuado tratamiento del dolor intrahospitalario. Al detectarlo, el 55,3% de las veces se toma una conducta para aliviarlo. Un 22% piensa que los opioides son solo de uso por clínica de dolor, y el 33%, que todos los pacientes con dolor deberían ser evaluados por clínica de dolor. Conclusión: Aunque el alivio del dolor se percibe como un elemento importante, se diagnostican vacíos en el conocimiento que son susceptibles de intervención para optimizar la calidad de la atención.

Background: Knowledge gaps in the health personnel can generate negative results in the detection, assessment and management for pain relief. This work puts them in evidence and shows how a health accreditation process can diagnose problems and generate plans for improvement. Objective: Analyze knowledge regarding pain relief in the health personnel during an accreditation process to achieve quality standards. Methods: An observational study was conducted with 358 surveys for the health personnel of a hospital, where the perception about the importance, follow-up and treatment for pain relief was evaluated. Results: In congruence with the literature, 61.9% of the participants perceived that there is an inadequate intrahospitalary pain treatment. When detected 55.3% of the times a behavior is taken to alleviate it. 22% think that opioids are only to be used by pain clinics, and 33% considered that all patients should be evaluated by pain clinics. Conclusion: Although pain relief is perceived as an important element, gaps in knowledge are diagnosed, and these are amenable for intervention to optimize care quality.

Ultrasonido gástrico "point-of-care" en tricobezoar: Reporte de caso / Point-of-care gastric ultrasound in trichobezoar: case report

Abstract Introduction: Trichobezoar is a rare entity that consists of a mass of hair particles in the gastrointestinal tract. The treatment of trichobezoar is basically surgical; however, alterations in gastric emptying represent a challenge for anesthesia because of the risk of bronchoaspiration during induction. Ultrasonography as a perioperative tool is helpful to guide decision-making and to plan the anesthetic technique to evaluate the gastric contents. Clinical findings, diagnostic evaluation, and interventions: This is a case of an emergent surgical correction due to trichobezoar. The ultrasound findings of the gastric evaluation allowed for the identification of a patient at risk of regurgitation and guided the decision about the induction of anesthesia. Conclusion: Currently, the opinion of the anesthesiologist based on the medical record and the physical examination determines the approach to the induction of anesthesia. The qualitative evaluation of the gastric contents using ultrasound, in addition to the physical examination, is extremely useful in case of a surgical emergency or in the absence of more sophisticated diagnostic images, when suspecting conditions with a full stomach and high risk of bronchoaspiration.

Resumen Introducción: El tricobezoar es una entidad poco frecuente, que consiste en la concentración de partículas de pelo en el tracto gastrointestinal. Su tratamiento es esencialmente quirúrgico y por la alteración en el vaciamiento gástrico, representa un reto anestésico por el riesgo de broncoaspiración durante la inducción anestésica. La ultrasonografía como herramienta perioperatoria es útil en la orientación de toma de decisiones y en el planeamiento de la técnica anestésica dado que nos permite realizar una evaluación del contenido gástrico. Hallazgos clínicos, evaluación diagnóstica e intervenciones: Presentamos un caso de corrección quirúrgica por tricobezoar de emergencia. Los hallazgos ecográficos de la evaluación gástrica y como estos permitieron identificar a una paciente con riesgo de regurgitación, orientando así la toma de decisiones en la inducción anestésica. Conclusión: En la actualidad el criterio del anestesiólogo basado en la historia clínica y el examen físico determinan la conducta durante la inducción anestésica. La evaluación cualitativa del contenido gástrico con ultrasonido como extensión del examen físico, resulta de inmensa utilidad frente a una urgencia quirúrgica o ausencia de imágenes diagnosticas de mayor complejidad, si se sospecha entidades con estómago lleno y alto riesgo de broncoaspiración.

Intubación selectiva evaluada con ecografía en neonato pretérmino llevado a corrección de atresia esofágica tipo C. Reporte de caso / Ultrasound-guided selective intubation in a preterm neonate undergoing type-C esophageal athresia correction. Case report

Abstract Introduction: Neonatal patients presenting with tracheoesophageal fistula represent a challenge to the anesthesiologist due to the multiple difficulties this pathology involves for airway management. Case discussion: Following is a description of a case of a neonate undergoing tracheoesophageal fistula repair using ultrasound-guided orotracheal intubation as an adjunct to selective intubation. Conclusion: Perioperative ultrasound is a promising tool for airway management of the pediatric patient. Further studies to assess the possibility to position the technique as a standard of care are needed.

Resumen Introducción: Los pacientes neonatales con fístula traqueoesofágica representan un reto para el anestesiólogo dadas las dificultades en el manejo de la vía aérea que esta patología supone. Presentación del caso: A continuación se expone un caso de un neonato llevado a corrección de fístula traqueoesofágica con intubación orotraqueal guiada por ultrasonido como técnica adjuvante a la intubación selectiva. Conclusion: La ultrasonografía perioperatoria en el manejo de la vía aérea del paciente pediático constituye una herramienta prometedora que requiere de estudios adicionales para evaluar la posibilidad de posicionarla como un estándar de cuidado.

Stress During Development of Experimental Endometriosis Influences Nerve Growth and Disease Progression.

PURPOSE: We have previously shown that stress prior to induction worsens clinical presentation and inflammatory parameters in a rat model of endometriosis. This study was designed to examine whether stress during the development of endometriosis can affect the growth of endometriotic implants through nerve growth and immune alterations. METHODS: Endometriosis was surgically induced in female Sprague-Dawley rats by suturing uterine horn implants onto the small intestine mesentery. Two weeks later, one group of rats (endo-stress) was subjected to a 10-day swim stress protocol. Controls had no stress (endo-no stress) or sutures only and stress (sham-stress). On day 60, all rats were killed and examined for the presence of endometriotic vesicles. The size of each vesicle was measured. The uterus and colon were removed and assessed for damage, cell infiltration, and expression of nerve growth factor (NGF), its receptors (p75 and Tropomyosin receptor kinase A (Trk-A)/pTrk-A), and calcitonin gene-related peptide, a sensory fiber marker. A differential analysis of peritoneal fluid white blood cell count was performed. RESULTS: Stress significantly increased endometriotic vesicle size but not colonic damage and increased infiltration of mast cells. Significantly increased expression of NGF and its receptors was found in the uterus of animals with endometriosis receiving stress. CONCLUSIONS: Stress stimulates the development of ectopic endometrial vesicles in an animal model of endometriosis and increases inflammatory cell recruitment to the peritoneum. In addition, stress promotes nerve fiber growth in the uterus.

Experiencia inicial con esofagectomia mínimamente invasiva transtorácica en posición semiprono por cáncer esofágico / Initial experience with minimally invasive transtoraxic esophagectomy in semiprone position for esophageal cancer

Resumen Introducción El tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer esofágico se asocia a una alta morbimortalidad. El abordaje mínimamente invasivo se ha introducido con el objetivo de disminuir la morbilidad postoperatoria. Objetivo Describir la técnica y los resultados de la esofagectomía mínimamente invasiva (EMI) transtorácica en posición semiprono. Métodos Estudio de cohorte descriptivo. Se incluyeron pacientes con una EMI electiva por cáncer entre abril de 2013 y mayo de 2017. Se registraron variables demográficas, perioperatorias, anatomía patológica y la sobrevida. Resultados Incluimos 33 pacientes (24 hombres, edad 69 años, 91% con comorbilidades). La ubicación predominante del tumor fue en los tercios medio e inferior del esófago (90%). Quince (45%) pacientes recibieron neoadyuvancia. No existieron casos de conversión a toracotomías. La reconstrucción se realizó con estómago en un 93%. Se realizó anastomosis cervical en 66% y torácica en 30%. El tiempo operatorio fue de 420 (330-570) minutos y el sangrado de 200 (20-700) cc. La mortalidad a 90 días fue de 0%. La morbilidad global fue de 78%, se registró un 15% de neumonía y un 9% requirió una reoperación. La estadía hospitalaria fue de 23 (11-81) días. La histología fue carcinoma escamoso en 51% y adenocarcinoma en 45%. Los márgenes fueron RO en 87%. El recuento ganglionar alcanzó 30 (9-45) ganglios. La sobrevida global a 2 años es 68%. Conclusión Los resultados preliminares de esta técnica son favorables; sin ningún caso de mortalidad postoperatoria. Los resultados oncológicos demuestran un alto porcentaje de cirugía RO y adecuado recuento ganglionar.

Introduction Surgical treatment of esophageal cancer is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The minimally invasive approach has been introduced with the aim of reducing postoperative morbidity. Aim To describe the surgical technique and the results of transthoracic minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in semiprone position. Material and Methods Descriptive cohort study. Patients with an elective MIE for cancer were included between April 2013 and May 2017. Demographic, perioperative, pathology and survival variables were recorded. Results We included 33 patients (24 men, age 69 years, 91% with comorbidities). The predominant location of the tumor was in the middle and lower thirds of the esophagus (90%). Fifteen (45%) patients received neoadjuvant treatment. There were no cases of conversion to thoracotomy. The reconstruction was performed with stomach in 93%. Cervical anastomosis was performed in 66% and thoracic anastomosis in 30%. The operative time was 420 (330-570) minutes and bleeding 200 (20-700) cc. The 90-day mortality rate was 0%. Overall morbidity was 78%, there was a 15% occurrence of pneumonia and 9% required a reoperation. The hospital stay was 23 (11-81) days. The histology was squamous carcinoma in 51% and adenocarcinoma in 45%. Margins were RO at 87%. The lymph node count reached 30 (9-45) lymph nodes. Overall 2-year survival is 68%. Conclusion The preliminary results of this technique are favorable, without any case of postoperative mortality. The oncological results demonstrate a high percentage of RO surgery and adequate lymph node count.

¿3 o 4 años de residencia en anestesiología?: cómo plantear la discusión en términos de educación basada en co / 3 or 4 years for Anesthesia Residency Program? How to approach the discussion in terms of competency-based education

Abstract Faced with the dilemma of extending the anesthesiology residency from 3 to 4 years, there have been several arguments for and against. However, the starting point of the discussion must be redesigning the national program curricula to move away from a fixed-time training and variable competencies, to a competency-based model; i.e., fixed competencies and variable time frames.

Ante la disyuntiva de prolongar la duración de la residencia en anestesiología de 3 a 4 años se han esgrimido varias razones de lado y lado. Sin embargo, la discusión debe partir de un rediseño curricular de los programas nacionales para dar el paso de un entrenamiento de tiempo fijo y competencias variables a el paradigma de educación basada en competencias, es decir, competencias fijas y tiempo variable.

Gestión del conocimiento y liderazgo: Perspectivas de relación / Knowledge management and leadership: Relationship prospects

El presente trabajo muestra las relaciones que se han estudiado entre la gestión del conocimiento y el liderazgo con el propósito de comprender mejor la interrelación de ambos constructos. Para ello, en primer lugar se efectúa la revisión teórica de los aspectos centrales de la gestión del conocimiento y el liderazgo, y posteriormente se analizan las relaciones entre los dos conceptos con miras a fijar perspectivas que contribuyan a la determinación de espacios y desarrollo de procesos para la perdurabilidad de las organizaciones. Nuestros resultados señalan la existencia de una fuerte interrelación entre el liderazgo y la gestión del conocimiento, de forma que las empresas precisan de un mayor conocimiento acerca de las características del liderazgo para facilitar la comprensión e implantación de las mejores prácticas en la organización.

This paper shows relationships that have been studied between knowledge management and leadership in order to better understand the interaction between both constructs. With this purpose, we have first performed a theoretical review of the central aspects of knowledge management and leadership, and then we have analyzed the relationship between these concepts in order to set perspectives that contribute to the identification of areas and process development for the sustainability of organizations. Our results indicate the existence of a strong relationship between leadership and knowledge management, so companies need greater knowledge about the characteristics of leadership to facilitate the understanding and implementation of best practices in the organization.

Prediction of dopant atom distribution on nanocrystals using thermodynamic arguments.

A theoretical approach aiming at the prediction of segregation of dopant atoms on nanocrystalline systems is discussed here. It considers the free energy minimization argument in order to provide the most likely dopant distribution as a function of the total doping level. For this, it requires as input (i) a fixed polyhedral geometry with defined facets, and (ii) a set of functions that describe the surface energy as a function of dopant content for different crystallographic planes. Two Sb-doped SnO2 nanocrystalline systems with different morphology and dopant content were selected as a case study, and the calculation of the dopant distributions expected for them is presented in detail. The obtained results were compared to previously reported characterization of this system by a combination of HRTEM and surface energy calculations, and both methods are shown to be equivalent. Considering its application pre-requisites, the present theoretical approach can provide a first estimation of doping atom distribution for a wide range of nanocrystalline systems. We expect that its use will support the reduction of experimental effort for the characterization of doped nanocrystals, and also provide a solution to the characterization of systems where even state-of-art analytical techniques are limited.

Assessment of a nanocrystal 3-D morphology by the analysis of single HAADF-HRSTEM images.

This work presents the morphological characterization of CeO2 nanocrystals by the analysis of single unfiltered high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF)-high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HRSTEM) images. The thickness of each individual atomic column is estimated by the classification of its HAADF integrated intensity using a Gaussian mixture model. The resulting thickness maps obtained from two example nanocrystals with distinct morphology were analyzed with aid of the symmetry from the CeO2 crystallographic structure, providing an approximation for their 3-D morphology with high spatial resolution. A confidence level of ±1 atom per atomic column along the viewing direction on the thickness estimation is indicated by the use of multislice image simulation. The described characterization procedure stands out as a simple approach for retrieving morphological parameters of individual nanocrystals, such as volume and specific surface areas for different crystalline planes. The procedure is an alternative to the tilt-series tomography technique for a number of nanocrystalline systems, since its application does not require the acquisition of multiple images from the same nanocrystal along different zone axes.

High-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HRSTEM) techniques: high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy side by side.

This work presents an overview of high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HRSTEM) techniques and exemplifies the novel quantitative characterization possibilities that have emerged from recent advances in these methods. The synergistic combination of atomic resolution imaging and spectroscopy provided by HRSTEM is highlighted as a unique feature that can provide a comprehensive analytical description of material properties at the nanoscale. State-of-the-art high-angle annular dark field and annular bright field examples are depicted as well as the use of X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy for probing samples properties at the atomic scale. In addition, promising techniques such as cathodoluminescence, confocal HRSTEM, and diffraction mapping are introduced. The presented examples and results indicate that HRSTEM-related techniques are fundamental tools for comprehensive assessment of properties at the atomic scale.

Parálisis diafragmática secundaria a bloqueo de plexo braquial vía infraclavicular para cirugía de miembro superior / Diaphragmatic paresis secondary to infraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgery

En las últimas décadas, ha sido exponencial el incremento del uso de la anestesia regional, y es cada vez mayor el número de pacientes que se benefician de bloqueos de nervio periférico, ya sea anestésicos o analgésicos. El uso de la anestesia regional ha demostrado ser una herramienta útil en el manejo analgésico post operatorio. La vía infraclavicular para bloqueo de plexo braquial es frecuentemente utilizada en la cirugía de miembro superior.

Introduction. Regional anesthesia techniques have grown exponentially in the last decades, and there is a growing number of patients who can benefit from anesthetic or analgesic peripheral nerve blocks. The use of Regional Anesthesia has shown to be a helpful tool for postoperative analgesic management. The infraclavicular approach to the brachial plexus block is widely used in upper extremity surgery.

Arsenic removal from groundwater of the Chaco-Pampean plain (Argentina) using natural geological materials as adsorbents.

Use of natural geological materials for arsenic (As) removal is an emerging solution at a household level for poor people in remote rural settlements, especially when the materials are locally available and can be collected by the local population. Their low or zero cost makes these materials very attractive compared with synthetic or commercial materials. Sometimes, this may be the only option to provide safe water to very poor settlements. Their suitability for As removal from water is mainly due to adsorption, co-precipitation and ion exchange processes involving Fe- and Al-rich minerals and clay minerals present in the soils or sediments. In the present study, various clay-rich soils from the Santiago del Estero province (SDE, NW Argentina) and, for comparison, a laterite from the Misiones province have been tested as adsorbents for As in shallow naturally contaminated groundwaters of the Río Dulce alluvial aquifer in SDE. Batch adsorption experiments showed higher As(V) removal for the Misiones laterite sample (99 %) as compared with the soils from SDE (40-53 %), which can be related to lower contents of water-soluble and oxalate extractable Al and Fe in the last samples. These results suggest the application of the Misiones laterite soil as an alternative for As removal. However, high transportation costs from Misiones to SDE can be an economical restriction for the low-income population of SDE.