Salinity stress on three representative species from Mediterranean semifixed dunes: Assessment of salinity exposure and substrate conductivity data reveal variable response strategies and tolerance between species.

Coastal ecotones can disrupt natural conditions, yielding intricate ecological contexts where salinity plays a variable role. The aim of this study was to assess the salinity effect on three species representatives of semifixed dune (Crucianella maritima, Helianthemum caput-felis and Teucrium dunense). Field data were collected to assess plant cover in semifixed dunes, ecotone with other coastal habitats, and artificial Posidonia oceanica wracks. Soil samples were collected, and conductivity measured. Then, experimental exposure to salinity was conducted with 6 seawater (SW) treatments (Control, 6.25 % SW, 12.5 % SW, 25 % SW, 50 % SW, 100 % SW). Flowering, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and enzymatic antioxidant measurements were conducted after two months of exposure. In the field trial, species presence varied depending on the habitat and was null on P. oceanica. The relation between conductivity and species abundance showed moderate tolerance for the three species. For C. maritima this relation was variable depending on the habitat. Experimental data suggest moderate tolerance with stress occurring at 25 % SW onwards. Gas exchange response to salinity was similar among species, but more drastic reduction in assimilation rate and larger decrease in water use efficiency was observed for C. maritima. Instead, photoinhibition occurred in H. caput-felis and T. dunense but was absent in C. maritima likely related to the fact that H. caput-felis and T. dunense activated catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes, while C. maritima showed activation of glutathione-related enzymes. Malondialdehyde (MDA) increased in C. maritma and decreased for the other species indicating a more complex involvement of MDA under stress conditions. Flowering response to salinity was overall more resilient in T. dunense. Our results, based on field conductivity data and measurements of physiological, antioxidant, and reproductive traits, delineate specific tolerance differences and strategies towards salinity for Mediterranean semifixed dune species.

Reacciones sarcoideas relacionadas con inhibidores de puntos de control inmunitario / Sarcoid-like Reactions to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Los inhibidores de puntos de control inmunitario (ICI) pueden producir toxicidades cutáneas inmunomediadas entre las que se encuentran las reacciones sarcoideas. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar retrospectivamente los datos clínicos e histológicos de los pacientes en tratamiento con ICI que desarrollaron reacciones sarcoideas cutáneas entre 2019 y 2022. Se incluyeron siete pacientes (seis mujeres y un varón, con una edad mediana de 65años). La mediana de tiempo de instauración de la clínica fue de 4meses y la forma de presentación más frecuente fue la sarcoidosis papulosa de las rodillas, seguida de la sarcoidosis subcutánea. En todos se confirmó el diagnóstico histológicamente y no se observaron diferencias respecto a la sarcoidosis idiopática. Solo en dos casos fue preciso retirar la inmunoterapia. Las reacciones sarcoideas por ICI suelen ser leves y no suelen requerir la interrupción del tratamiento. Es fundamental obtener una confirmación histológica para distinguirlas de la progresión tumoral (AU)

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can cause immune-mediated cutaneous adverse events, including sarcoid-like reactions. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze clinical and histologic data from patients who developed cutaneous sarcoid-like reactions between 2019 and 2022 while under treatment with ICIs. We studied 7 patients (6 women and 1 man) with a median age of 65years. Median time to onset of symptoms was 4months. The most common presentation was papular sarcoidosis of the knees followed by subcutaneous sarcoidosis. Diagnosis was confirmed histologically in all cases, and no differences were observed relative to idiopathic sarcoidosis. Discontinuation of ICI therapy was required in just two patients. ICI-induced sarcoid-like reactions tend to be mild and generally do not require treatment discontinuation. Histologic confirmation is essential for distinguishing these reactions from tumor progression (AU)

[Translated article] Sarcoid-like Reactions to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / Reacciones sarcoideas relacionadas con inhibidores de puntos de control inmunitario

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can cause immune-mediated cutaneous adverse events, including sarcoid-like reactions. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze clinical and histologic data from patients who developed cutaneous sarcoid-like reactions between 2019 and 2022 while under treatment with ICIs. We studied 7 patients (6 women and 1 man) with a median age of 65years. Median time to onset of symptoms was 4months. The most common presentation was papular sarcoidosis of the knees followed by subcutaneous sarcoidosis. Diagnosis was confirmed histologically in all cases, and no differences were observed relative to idiopathic sarcoidosis. Discontinuation of ICI therapy was required in just two patients. ICI-induced sarcoid-like reactions tend to be mild and generally do not require treatment discontinuation. Histologic confirmation is essential for distinguishing these reactions from tumor progression (AU)

Los inhibidores de puntos de control inmunitario (ICI) pueden producir toxicidades cutáneas inmunomediadas entre las que se encuentran las reacciones sarcoideas. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar retrospectivamente los datos clínicos e histológicos de los pacientes en tratamiento con ICI que desarrollaron reacciones sarcoideas cutáneas entre 2019 y 2022. Se incluyeron siete pacientes (seis mujeres y un varón, con una edad mediana de 65años). La mediana de tiempo de instauración de la clínica fue de 4meses y la forma de presentación más frecuente fue la sarcoidosis papulosa de las rodillas, seguida de la sarcoidosis subcutánea. En todos se confirmó el diagnóstico histológicamente y no se observaron diferencias respecto a la sarcoidosis idiopática. Solo en dos casos fue preciso retirar la inmunoterapia. Las reacciones sarcoideas por ICI suelen ser leves y no suelen requerir la interrupción del tratamiento. Es fundamental obtener una confirmación histológica para distinguirlas de la progresión tumoral (AU)

[Translated article] Sarcoid-like Reactions to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can cause immune-mediated cutaneous adverse events, including sarcoid-like reactions. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze clinical and histologic data from patients who developed cutaneous sarcoid-like reactions between 2019 and 2022 while under treatment with ICIs. We studied 7 patients (6 women and 1 man) with a median age of 65years. Median time to onset of symptoms was 4months. The most common presentation was papular sarcoidosis of the knees followed by subcutaneous sarcoidosis. Diagnosis was confirmed histologically in all cases, and no differences were observed relative to idiopathic sarcoidosis. Discontinuation of ICI therapy was required in just two patients. ICI-induced sarcoid-like reactions tend to be mild and generally do not require treatment discontinuation. Histologic confirmation is essential for distinguishing these reactions from tumor progression.

Sarcoid-like Reactions to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. / Reacciones sarcoideas relacionadas con inhibidores de puntos de control inmunitario.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can cause immune-mediated cutaneous adverse events, including sarcoid-like reactions. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze clinical and histologic data from patients who developed cutaneous sarcoid-like reactions between 2019 and 2022 while under treatment with ICIs. We studied 7 patients (6 women and 1 man) with a median age of 65years. Median time to onset of symptoms was 4months. The most common presentation was papular sarcoidosis of the knees followed by subcutaneous sarcoidosis. Diagnosis was confirmed histologically in all cases, and no differences were observed relative to idiopathic sarcoidosis. Discontinuation of ICI therapy was required in just two patients. ICI-induced sarcoid-like reactions tend to be mild and generally do not require treatment discontinuation. Histologic confirmation is essential for distinguishing these reactions from tumor progression.

Implantación de un programa de mininefrolitotomía percutánea ambulatoria: presentación del protocolo y resultados iniciales / Initial results of the implementation of an ambulatory mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy program

Objetivo Presentar nuestro protocolo de nefrolitotomía percutánea ambulatoria y evaluar los resultados iniciales del programa. Material y métodos Se analiza la implantación clínica del protocolo con los 30 primeros casos de mininefrolitotomía percutánea ambulatoria realizados en nuestro centro entre abril de 2021 y septiembre de 2022. Se recogen datos demográficos, variables perioperatorias, complicaciones y necesidad de atención médica no planificada, stone-free rate, tipología litiásica y parámetros de satisfacción con el proceso de cirugía mayor ambulatoria. Resultados Con una edad media de 60,2±11,6 años se intervinieron un total de 30 pacientes que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. El tamaño medio de la litiasis fue de 15mm [rango: 5-20]. No se registró ninguna complicación intraoperatoria. Todos los pacientes excepto uno fueron dados de alta el mismo día de la intervención, según lo planificado. El mes posterior al alta, la tasa de complicaciones, reconsulta a urgencias o reingreso hospitalario ha sido del 0%. La stone-free rate a los 3 meses ha sido del 83%. La satisfacción global de todo el proceso perioperatorio, valorada a través del cuestionario EVAN-G, fue de 124,3 puntos sobre un máximo de 150, equivalente a un 78,6% de grado de satisfacción. Conclusión La mininefrolitotomía percutánea en régimen ambulatorio puede instaurarse como una opción de asistencia en centros con experiencia en endourología, una unidad establecida de cirugía mayor ambulatoria y mediante una selección estricta de los pacientes. Nuestros resultados iniciales muestran un perfil de seguridad adecuado y un grado de satisfacción global elevado de los pacientes intervenidos en esta modalidad (AU)

Objective To present our program for ambulatory mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy and evaluate its initial results. Material and methods We analyzed the implementation of the protocol into the clinical practice with the first 30 outpatient mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy cases performed in our center between April 2021 and September 2022. Demographic characteristics, perioperative variables, complications and need for unplanned health care, stone-free rate, stone type and patient satisfaction with the major ambulatory surgery process were collected. Results A total of 30 patients with a mean age of 60.2±11.6 years who met the inclusion criteria underwent surgery. The mean stone size was 15mm [range: 5-20]. No intraoperative complications were recorded. All patients except one were discharged the same day of surgery as planned. In the month following discharge, the rate of complications, emergency department revisits or hospital readmissions rates were 0%. Stone-free-rate at 3 months was 83%. Overall satisfaction with the whole perioperative process was assessed with the EVAN-G questionnaire, obtaining 124.3 points out of a maximum of 150, which is equivalent to a 78.6% level of satisfaction. Conclusion Ambulatory mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy can be implemented as a treatment option in centers with experience in endourology, an established major ambulatory surgery unit, and strictly selected patients. Our initial results show an adequate safety profile and high overall satisfaction perceived by patients undergoing the ambulatory approach (AU)

Resultados preliminares de la implementación de la prostatectomía radical robótica en régimen de cirugía mayor ambulatoria / Preliminary results of the implementation of robotic radical prostatectomy in a major ambulatory surgery regimen

Objetivo Reportar nuestra experiencia inicial de prostatectomía radical robótica (PRR) en régimen ambulatorio. Material y métodos Análisis retrospectivo de los pacientes intervenidos de PRR en cirugía mayor ambulatoria (CMA) en nuestro centro entre marzo de 2021 y mayo de 2022. Recopilamos las características basales de los pacientes, los resultados intraoperatorios y los datos del postoperatorio (necesidad de asistencia médica no planificada y complicaciones al mes de la cirugía). Se recogieron las características oncológicas al diagnóstico de la enfermedad (PSA, estadificación, ISUP, RMN) y el resultado anatomopatológico tras la intervención. Resultados Identificamos un total de 35 pacientes, con una edad promedio de 60,8 ±6,88 años y un IMC de 27 ±2,9kg/m2. Todos presentaban un riesgo anestésico bajo y un 25,71% tenían alguna cirugía abdominal previa. El tiempo quirúrgico fue de 151,66 ±42,15 minutos y el sangrado promedio fue de 301,2 ±184,38mililitros. Dos pacientes (5,7%) ingresaron la primera noche de la cirugía y 7 pacientes (20%) consultaron en urgencias en el mes siguiente, de los cuales 3 (8,57%) reingresaron. Registramos una complicación intraoperatoria, 7 complicaciones postoperatorias leves (ClavienI-II) y una complicación grave (ClavienIIIb). La complicación grave transcurrió al octavo día postoperatorio y no tuvo relación con la ambulatorización del procedimiento. Conclusión La ausencia de complicaciones graves en el postoperatorio inmediato avala la PRR en régimen de CMA como una técnica segura dirigida a pacientes seleccionados (AU)

Objective To report our initial experience with robotic radical prostatectomy (RRP) as an outpatient procedure. Material and methods Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent RRP as major ambulatory surgery (MAS) at our center between March 2021 and May 2022. We collected baseline patient characteristics, intraoperative outcomes and postoperative data (need for unplanned medical care and complications at one month after surgery). Oncologic characteristics at disease diagnosis (PSA, staging, ISUP, MRI) and postoperative pathologic outcomes were collected. Results We identified a total of 35 patients with an average age of 60,8 ±6,88years and a BMI of 27 ±2,9kg/m2. All patients had a low anesthetic risk and 25.71% had undergone previous abdominal surgery. The surgical time was 151,66 ±42,15minutes and the average blood loss was 301,2 ±184,38milliliters. Two patients (5.7%) were admitted for one night and 7 patients (20%) consulted the emergency department in the following month, of which 3 (8.57%) were readmitted. We recorded one intraoperative complication, 7 mild postoperative complications (ClavienI-II) and one severe complication (ClavienIIIb). The severe complication occurred on the eighth postoperative day and was not related to the procedure being ambulatory. Conclusion The absence of serious complications in the immediate postoperative period supports RRP in MAS as a safe technique for selected patients (AU)

Initial results of the implementation of an ambulatory mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy program.

OBJECTIVE: To present our program for ambulatory mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL) and evaluate its initial results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed the implementation of the protocol into the clinical practice with the first 30 outpatient mini-PCNL cases performed in our center between April 2021 and September 2022. Demographic characteristics, perioperative variables, complications and need for unplanned health care, stone-free rate (SFR), stone type and patient satisfaction with the major ambulatory surgery (MAS) process were collected. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients with a mean age of 60.2 ±â€¯11.6 years who met the inclusion criteria underwent surgery. The mean stone size was 15 mm [range: 5-20]. No intraoperative complications were recorded. All patients except one were discharged the same day of surgery as planned. In the month following discharge, the rate of complications, emergency department (ED) revisits or hospital readmissions rates were 0%. Stone-free-rate (SFR) at 3 months was 83%. Overall satisfaction with the whole perioperative process was assessed with the EVAN-G questionnaire, obtaining 124.3 points out of a maximum of 150, which is equivalent to a 78.6% level of satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Ambulatory mini-PCNL can be implemented as a treatment option in centers with experience in endourology, an established MAS Unit, and strictly selected patients. Our initial results show an adequate safety profile and high overall satisfaction perceived by patients undergoing the ambulatory approach.

Preliminary results of the implementation of robotic radical prostatectomy in a major ambulatory surgery regimen.

OBJECTIVE: To report our initial experience with robotic radical prostatectomy as an outpatient procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent RRP as MAS (Major Ambulatory Surgery) at our center between March 2021 and May 2022. We collected baseline patient characteristics, intraoperative outcomes and postoperative data (need for unplanned medical care and complications at one month after surgery). Oncologic characteristics at disease diagnosis (PSA, staging, ISUP, MRI) and postoperative pathologic outcomes were collected. RESULTS: We identified a total of 35 patients with an average age of 60,8 ± 6,88 years and a BMI of 27 ± 2,9 Kg/m2. All patients had a low anesthetic risk and 25.71% had undergone previous abdominal surgery. The surgical time was 151,66 ± 42,15 min and the average blood loss was 301,2 ± 184,38 mL. Two patients (5.7%) were admitted for one night and 7 patients (20%) consulted the emergency department in the following month, of which 3 (8.57%) were readmitted. We recorded one intraoperative complication, seven mild postoperative complications (Clavien I-II) and one severe complication (Clavien IIIb). The severe complication occurred on the eighth postoperative day and was not related to the procedure being ambulatory. CONCLUSION: The absence of serious complications in the immediate postoperative period supports RRP in MAS as a safe technique for selected patients.

An ancestral molecular response to nanomaterial particulates.

The varied transcriptomic response to nanoparticles has hampered the understanding of the mechanism of action. Here, by performing a meta-analysis of a large collection of transcriptomics data from various engineered nanoparticle exposure studies, we identify common patterns of gene regulation that impact the transcriptomic response. Analysis identifies deregulation of immune functions as a prominent response across different exposure studies. Looking at the promoter regions of these genes, a set of binding sites for zinc finger transcription factors C2H2, involved in cell stress responses, protein misfolding and chromatin remodelling and immunomodulation, is identified. The model can be used to explain the outcomes of mechanism of action and is observed across a range of species indicating this is a conserved part of the innate immune system.

Analysis of Poly(thiourethane) Covalent Adaptable Network through Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy.

The dielectric spectra of the poly(thiourethane) network, HDI-S3, have been analyzed to know the nature and the cooperativity of each of the six dielectric processes observed. At low temperatures, γ1, γ2, and ß dielectric relaxations were attributed to noncooperative local motions in the glassy state, in which apparent activation energies are 30, 36, and 60 kJ·mol-1, respectively. At higher temperatures, three dielectric relaxations are observed (αTg, α*, ρ). The αTg relaxation is attributed to the glass transition, and it is overlapped with the α* relaxation. The molecular origin of α* relaxation is associated with the bond exchange reaction. Finally, the ρ relaxation is ascribed to the heterogeneity of the sample although its origin is uncertain. The DC conductivity (σDC) is found to be an appropriate variable to analyze the bond exchange reaction. Accordingly, the HDI-S3 has a molecular exchange mechanism of dissociative nature.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during pregnancy and peripartal. An international retrospective multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) may be used in the setting of pregnancy or the peripartal period, however its utility has not been well-characterized. This study aims to give an overview on the prevalence of peripartel ECMO cases and further assess the indications and outcomes of ECMO in this setting across multiple centers and countries. METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter, international cohort study of pregnant and peripartum ECMO cases was performed. Data were collected from six ECMO centers across three continents over a 10-year period. RESULTS: A total of 60 pregnany/peripartal ECMO cases have been identified. Most frequent indications are acute respiratory distress syndrome (n = 30) and pulmonary embolism (n = 5). Veno-venous ECMO mode was applied more often (77%). ECMO treatment during pregnancy was performed in 17 cases. Maternal and fetal survival was high with 87% (n = 52), respectively 73% (n = 44). CONCLUSIONS: Various emergency scenarios during pregnancy and at time of delivery may require ECMO treatment. Peripartal mortality in a well-resourced setting is rare, however emergencies in the labor room occur and knowledge of available rescue therapy is essential to improve outcome. Obstetricians and obstetric anesthesiologists should be aware of the availability of ECMO resource at their hospital or region to ensure immediate contact when needed.

Exploring the relationship between bacterial genera and lipid metabolism in bovine rumen.

The rumen is characterised by a complex microbial ecosystem, which is particularly active in lipid metabolism. Several studies demonstrated a role of diet and breed on bacterial community profile, with the effect on metabolic pathways. Despite the knowledge achieved on metabolism and the bacterial profile, little is known about the relationship between individual bacteria and metabolic pathways. Therefore, a multivariate approach was used to search for possible relationships between bacteria and products of several pathways. The correlation between rumen bacterial community composition and rumen lipid metabolism was assessed in 40 beef steers (20 Maremmana and 20 Aubrac) reared with the same system and fed the same diet. A canonical discriminant analysis combined with a canonical correlation analysis (CCA) was performed to explore this correlation. The variables showing a Pearson correlation higher than 0.6 as absolute value and significant were retained for CCA considering the relationship of bacterial composition with several metabolic pathways. The results indicated that some bacterial genera could have significant impacts on the presence of several fatty acids. However, the relationship between genera and fatty acid changes according to the breed, demonstrating that the metabolic pathways change according to the host genetic background, related to breed evolution, although there is also an intra-breed genetic background which should not be ignored. In Maremmana, Succiniclasticum and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group showed a high positive correlation with dimethylacetals (DMAs) DMAC13:0, DMAC14:0, DMAC14:0iso, DMAC15:0, DMAC15:0iso, and DMAC18:0. Prevotellaceae_UCG-003 correlates with C18:3c9c12c15 and C18:1t11, while Fibrobacter and Succiniclasticum correlate with C18:2c9t11 and Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group correlates with C18:1c12. Prevotellaceae_UCG-003, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010, and Oribacterium showed a positive correlation with C13:0iso, and C17:0. Conversely, in Aubrac, Treponema_2 and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group correlated with DMAC14:0iso, DMAC16:0iso, DMAC17:0iso, while Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group and Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group correlated with DMAC18:1t11, DMAC14:0, DMAC18:1c12. Acetitomaculum correlated with C18:2c9c12, C18:1c12, C18:1c13, C18:1t12 and Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group with C18:1t6-8 and C18:1t9. Saccharofermentas, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010 and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group correlated with C18:2c9t11 while, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 and Ruminococcus_1 correlated with C14:0iso, C15:0, C15:0iso, C17:0. Saccharofermentans, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010 correlated with C13:1c12 and C16:0iso. These results lead to hypothesise a possible association between several metabolic pathways and one or a few bacterial genera. If these associations are confirmed by further investigations that verify the causality of a bacterial genus with a particular metabolic process, it will be possible to deepen the knowledge on the activity of the rumen population in lipid metabolism. This approach appears to be a promising tool for uncovering the correlation between bacterial genera and products of rumen lipid metabolism.

Floral traits and reproductive success variation among inflorescence orders in Eryngium maritimum.

Eryngium maritimum L. is considered a key species in dunes of the western Mediterranean. Although Northern European populations are endangered, the Mediterranean populations show a good conservation status, despite a lack of studies of the reproductive requirements and strategies of this species. This study aims to analyse the reproductive biology of a population of E. maritimum in the western Mediterranean (Balearic Islands, Spain), specifically focusing on differences in morphometric and reproductive traits among inflorescence orders. Capitulum size, number of flowers, fruit set and seed set were analysed to evaluate the morphological and reproductive differences among inflorescence orders. The association between subterranean development and investment in reproductive structures was also studied along the dune location. Breeding system was analysed, evaluating self-pollination capacity at capitulum level and the pollen/ovary ratio. Finally, floral visitors were assessed. Morphometric and reproductive traits showed a decline in size and production from early to subsequent inflorescence orders. A correlation between width of stem base (caudex) and number of reproductive structures was observed, whereas seashore distance did not affect the reproductive development. Flowering occurred during summer, from May until late July, while fructification took place from the middle of August until the last days of September. Pollinator exclusion treatments induced a fruit and seed set decline. Twenty-one species of floral visitor were found. First and second inflorescence orders contributed to the generation of seeds, displaying high fruit and seed production, while other inflorescence orders seemed to attract pollinators. Reproductive and non-reproductive development could depend on the capacity to reallocate resources from underground to aerial structures, which seemed to be superior in samples with highly developed caudices. In the studied population, inner areas closest to the seashore showed a delay in anthesis, which could be related to microclimate differences along the coast-to-inland gradient. Pollination is strongly entomophilous and showed low levels of self-compatibility at capitulum level. Considering these results, for habitat conservation the reported microclimate diversity should be taken into consideration, with a focus on conservation of the pollinator populations.

Prevalence and morphometric analysis of the retromolar canal in a Spanish population sample: a helical CT scan study.

BACKGROUND: The retromolar canal (RMC) is an anatomical variation of the mandibular canal (MC) whose identification and study should be considered given its implication in the surgical procedures of the retromolar area. The prevalence of the RMC widely varies according to previous studies and may be influenced by the followed study method. This work aimed to evaluate the prevalence of the RMC in a Spanish population sample. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this purpose, 225 CT scan images (with a higher resolution than the cone beam CT used in other previous studies) from the Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia were analyzed. The Osirix MD® radiological image analysis system was applied to analyse the dimensions, location in the retromolar area and morphologic characteristics of the RMC by classifying them according to their typology. Furthermore, the relations between the RMC and gender, age and laterality were studied. RESULTS: RMC prevalence was 23.1%. No significant relation between the presence of the canal and gender, age or laterality was found. Type Ia was the commonest type with a prevalence of 40.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, the RMC should be considered a frequent anatomical variation whose complete study is very important in daily clinical practice.

Influence of Rogowski coil structure for sub-ns current pulses.

Short current pulses are very diffuse and have also been used in many electronic devices for biological stress recently. In order to measure these current pulses, Rogowski coils are applied. In this work, we focus our efforts on the structure of the Rogowski box, which has a narrow slit, needed to correctly lead the current to be diagnosed. The attenuation coefficient depends mainly on the inductance values, the load resistance, and the virtual capacitance between coil and ground. Until now, the influence of the slit length and its width was never considered. We have studied, either theoretically or experimentally, the influence of the slit dimensions on calibration factor variations. The attenuation factor ranged from 11.3 to 16.3 A/V for s ranging from 0.8 to 0.2 mm, respectively. The device we realized is able to perform precise measurements of sub-nanosecond rise time pulses (∼100 ps).