Adsorption of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on activated carbons from macadamia nut shells.

This study reports on the application of activated carbons from macadamia nut shells as adsorbents for the removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, a commonly used pesticide, from water. Different activating agents (FeCl3, ZnCl2, KOH and H3PO4) were used to obtain adsorbents within a wide range of porous texture and surface properties. The characterization of the resulting activated carbons was performed by N2 adsorption-desorption, elemental analysis, TG and pHPZC. The adsorption experiments were conducted in batch at 25, 45 and 65 °C. The adsorption kinetics on activated carbons obtained with FeCl3 H3PO4 or KOH was well described by the pseudo-second order model, whereas for the resulting from ZnCl2 activation the experimental data fit better the pseudo-first order model. The equilibrium studies were performed with the KOH- and ZnCl2-activated carbons, the two showing higher surface area values. In both cases, high adsorption capacities were obtained (c.a. 600 mg g-1) and the experimental data were better described by the Langmuir and Toth models. The thermodynamic study allows concluding the spontaneous and endothermic character of the adsorption process, as well as an increase of randomness at the solid/liquid interface. Breakthrough curves were also obtained and fitted to the logistic model.

SYNAPSES. A European observational study to evaluate the safety and the effectiveness of safinamide in routine clinical practice: post-hoc analysis of the Spanish study population. / SYNAPSES. Estudio observacional europeo para evaluar la seguridad y la efectividad de la safinamida en la práctica clínica habitual: análisis post hoc de la población española del estudio.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive age-related neurodegenerative condition requiring new therapeutic alternatives. Safinamide, a novel levodopa add-on therapy, positively affects disease fluctuations by modulating both dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems. To further investigate the use of safinamide in European routine clinical practice, the present post-hoc analysis aimed to understand safinamide's safety profile within the Spanish study population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five hundred eleven Spanish patients with PD were evaluated at baseline, four (±1), eight (±1), and 12 (±1) months after initiating safinamide treatment. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) total score and UPDRS part III score during on time were used to measure the overall severity of PD and motor complications, respectively, while the severity of adverse events was evaluated following the investigators' criteria. RESULTS: Safinamide showed a favourable safety profile within the Spanish study population, although prescription to patients with psychiatric conditions and off-label use were more frequent than in the European study population. In Spain, clinically meaningful improvements were observed in UPDRS scores when safinamide was used as the only add-on therapy to levodopa (57.4% and 53.7% of patients) and when switching from rasagiline (55.1% of patients). Motor complications were reduced from 83.2% to 63.3% after the study period. Increased safety concerns were undetected in any patient subgroup, although patients with cognitive impairment showed a slightly higher frequency of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: This subanalysis further supports safinamide use as a safe and efficacious option for the management of motor fluctuations in different subgroups of levodopa-treated patients. However, safinamide should be used with caution in patients with cognitive impairment.

TITLE: SYNAPSES. Estudio observacional europeo para evaluar la seguridad y la efectividad de la safinamida en la práctica clínica habitual: análisis post hoc de la población española del estudio.Introducción. La enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) es una enfermedad neurodegenerativa progresiva relacionada con la edad que requiere nuevas alternativas terapéuticas. La safinamida, un nuevo tratamiento add-on a la levodopa, afecta positivamente a las fluctuaciones de esta enfermedad al modular los sistemas dopaminérgico y glutamatérgico. Para investigar más a fondo el uso de la safinamida en la práctica clínica rutinaria europea, el presente análisis post hoc tiene como objetivo comprender el perfil de seguridad de la safinamida dentro de la población española del estudio. Pacientes y métodos. Se evaluó a 511 pacientes españoles con EP al inicio, cuatro (±1), ocho (±1) y 12 (±1) meses después de iniciar el tratamiento con safinamida. Se utilizaron la puntuación total de la escala unificada de puntuación de la enfermedad de Parkinson (UPDRS) y la puntuación de la UPDRS III, durante el tiempo en on para medir la gravedad general de la EP y las complicaciones motoras, respectivamente, mientras que la gravedad de los acontecimientos adversos se evaluó siguiendo los criterios de los investigadores. Resultados. La safinamida mostró un perfil de seguridad favorable en la población española del estudio, aunque la prescripción a pacientes con enfermedades psiquiátricas y el uso para indicaciones no autorizadas fueron más frecuentes que en la población europea del estudio. En España se observaron mejoras clínicamente significativas en las puntuaciones de la UPDRS cuando se utilizó la safinamida como único tratamiento add-on a la levodopa (el 57,4 y el 53,7% de los pacientes) y cuando se venía de administrar rasagilina (el 55,1% de los pacientes). Las complicaciones motoras se redujeron del 83,2 al 63,3% tras el período de estudio. No se detectaron mayores problemas de seguridad en ningún subgrupo de pacientes, aunque los pacientes con deterioro cognitivo mostraron una frecuencia algo superior de acontecimientos adversos. Conclusiones. Este subanálisis respalda el uso de la safinamida como opción segura y eficaz para el tratamiento de las fluctuaciones motoras en diferentes subgrupos de pacientes tratados con levodopa. Sin embargo, la safinamida debe utilizarse con precaución en pacientes con deterioro cognitivo.

Percentile of physical condition in children and adolescents from Cuenca - Ecuador: alpha-fit battery / Percentiles de la condición física en niños y adolescentes de cuenca - ecuador: batería alpha-fit

The physical condition was evaluated and the normative reference values were obtained using the Alpha-Fit Battery. The main objective of this study was to establish the percentiles, their respective curves and differences between the sexes for the tests, thus providing an instrument that facilitates the evaluation of physical condition. With a sample of 604 children and adolescents (9-12 years old) with a normal body mass index (BMI) and no conditions that affect their physical performance. A significant difference was evidenced, with a higher average in women, in the measurements of body composition (BMI, height, body weight and skin folds). As well as higher averages in men in the long jump, 20-m shuttle run and shuttle run 4 x 10m. Likewise, there were higher averages in the long jump, shuttle run 4 x 10m and handgrip, as age increased, regardless of sex (AU)

A través de la Batería Alpha-Fit, se evaluó la condición física y obtuvo los valores normativos referenciales. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue establecer los percentiles, sus respectivas curvas y las diferencias entre sexos para las pruebas, brindando así un instrumento, que facilite la evaluación de la condición física. Con una muestra de 604 niños y adolescentes (9-12 años) con un índice de masa corporal (IMC) normal y ninguna condición que afecte su desempeño físico. Se evidencio una diferencia significativa, con mayor promedio en las mujeres, en las medidas de composición corporal (IMC, estatura, peso corporal y pliegues cutáneos). Así como promedios mayores en los hombres en las pruebas de salto de longitud a pies juntos, ida y vuelta 20m y agilidad/velocidad 4x10m. Igualmente, se presentaron mayores promedios en las pruebas de salto de longitud a pies juntos, agilidad/velocidad 4x10m y de presión manual conforme aumenta la edad, independientemente del sexo (AU)

A new therapeutic approach in very refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

PURPOSE: Patients with diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, who relapse after stem cell transplant (SCT) or are no candidates to SCT, have a poor prognosis and no current treatment is available. Thus, we conduct a rotatory chemotherapy schedule that employed low doses of chemotherapy agents to assess efficacy and toxicity in this setting of patients; the end point was the improved outcome. METHODS: Retrospectively we revised an analysis of 461 patients who were treated with a low-doses regimen of cytotoxic agents, who were treated in a single institution, all patients has been treated with at least two salvage regimens, including SCT, > 18 years, performance status < 3, and that were informed about the possibility of severe toxicities,, were considered candidates to the study. They received a weekly rotatory scheme including low doses of cytotoxic agents during 2 years. RESULTS: Overall response rate was achieved in 314 patients (68%, 95% Confidence interval (CI) 59-76%) and complete response was achieved in 151 cases (32%, 95% CI 25-38%); actuarial curves at 10 years show that progression-free survival was 58% (95% CI 51-66%) and OS was 50% (95% CI 43-57%). Dose reduction was not necessary; toxicity was minimal and well controlled. No death related to acute or late toxicities has been observed. CONCLUSION: Low doses of cytotoxic agents for continuous, prolonged periods, with minimal drug-free intervals, represent a novel, active, and easily tolerated approach to management of patients with DLBCL in a terminal phase and improved outcome.

Experimental study of an in-fiber acousto-optic tunable bandpass filter for single- and dual-wavelength operation in a thulium-doped fiber laser.

A tunable single- and dual-wavelength thulium-doped all-fiber laser is demonstrated based on the implementation of an in-fiber acousto-optic tunable bandpass filter (AOTBF). The AOTBF is fabricated to be operated in the 1.9 µm region, and takes advantage of the intermodal coupling effect produced by traveling flexural acoustic waves in an optical fiber. It exhibits a 3-dB bandwidth of 2.04 nm with an insertion loss of 4.75 dB. The tuning properties of the AO device allows a continuous-wave operation with characteristics of wide tuning range (211.5 nm), narrow linewidth (50 pm) and high signal-to-noise ratio (60 dB). In the dual-wavelength regime, the laser is capable of independent tuning of each of the laser lines, achieving a tunable dual-wavelength emission that extends from 1802.67 to 1932.75 nm. A controllable wavelength spacing with minimum and maximum separations of 1.04 and 130.08 nm is obtained.

Decreased rotational flow and circumferential wall shear stress as early markers of descending aorta dilation in Marfan syndrome: a 4D flow CMR study.

BACKGROUND: Diseases of the descending aorta have emerged as a clinical issue in Marfan syndrome following improvements in proximal aorta surgical treatment and the consequent increase in life expectancy. Although a role for hemodynamic alterations in the etiology of descending aorta disease in Marfan patients has been suggested, whether flow characteristics may be useful as early markers remains to be determined. METHODS: Seventy-five Marfan patients and 48 healthy subjects were prospectively enrolled. In- and through-plane vortexes were computed by 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in the thoracic aorta through the quantification of in-plane rotational flow and systolic flow reversal ratio, respectively. Regional pulse wave velocity and axial and circumferential wall shear stress maps were also computed. RESULTS: In-plane rotational flow and circumferential wall shear stress were reduced in Marfan patients in the distal ascending aorta and in proximal descending aorta, even in the 20 patients free of aortic dilation. Multivariate analysis showed reduced in-plane rotational flow to be independently related to descending aorta pulse wave velocity. Conversely, systolic flow reversal ratio and axial wall shear stress were altered in unselected Marfan patients but not in the subgroup without dilation. In multivariate regression analysis proximal descending aorta axial (p = 0.014) and circumferential (p = 0.034) wall shear stress were independently related to local diameter. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced rotational flow is present in the aorta of Marfan patients even in the absence of dilation, is related to aortic stiffness and drives abnormal circumferential wall shear stress. Axial and circumferential wall shear stress are independently related to proximal descending aorta dilation beyond clinical factors. In-plane rotational flow and circumferential wall shear stress may be considered as an early marker of descending aorta dilation in Marfan patients.

Broadband tuning of a long-cavity all-fiber mode-locked thulium-doped fiber laser using an acousto-optic bandpass filter.

A long-cavity passively mode-locked thulium-doped all-fiber laser is reported incorporating a tapered acousto-optic tunable bandpass filter (AOTBF). The operation of the AOTBF relies on the intermodal coupling between core and cladding modes when a flexural acoustic wave propagates along an 80 µm tapered fiber. The filter works in transmission and exhibits a 3 dB bandwidth of 9.02 nm with an insertion loss of 3.4 dB. The laser supports ultrashort pulse generation at a low repetition rate of 784.93 kHz. Optical pulses with 2.43 nm of optical bandwidth and 2.1 ps pulse duration were obtained in a broad tuning range from 1824.77 to 1905.16 nm.

Nucleus incertus ablation disrupted conspecific recognition and modified immediate early gene expression patterns in 'social brain' circuits of rats.

Social interaction involves neural activity in prefrontal cortex, septum, hippocampus, amygdala and hypothalamus. Notably, these areas all receive projections from the nucleus incertus (NI) in the pontine tegmentum. Therefore, we investigated the effect of excitotoxic lesions of NI neurons in adult male, Wistar rats on performance in a social discrimination test, and associated changes in immediate-early gene protein levels. NI was lesioned with quinolinic acid, and after recovery, rats underwent two trials in the 3-chamber test. In the first trial, NI-lesioned and sham-lesioned rats spent longer exploring a conspecific than an inanimate object. By contrast, in the second trial, NI-lesioned rats visited the familiar and novel conspecific chambers equally, whereas sham-lesioned rats spent longer engaging with the novel rat. Quantification of Fos- and Egr-1-immunoreactivity (IR) levels in brain areas implicated in social behaviour, revealed that social encounter and NI lesion produced complex, differential changes. For example, Egr-1-IR was broadly decreased in several amygdala nuclei in NI-lesioned rats relative to sham, but Fos-IR levels were unaltered. In hippocampus, NI-lesioned rats displayed decreased Fos-IR in CA2 and CA3, while Egr-1-IR was increased in the polymorphic dentate gyrus, CA1, CA2 and subiculum of NI-lesioned rats, relative to sham. Social encounter-related Egr-1-IR was also decreased in septum and anterior and lateral hypothalamus of NI-lesioned rats. Overall, these data suggest NI networks can modulate the activity of sensory, emotional and executive brain areas involved in social recognition, with a likely involvement of neuronal Egr-1 activation in amygdala, septum and hypothalamus, and Erg-1 inhibition in hippocampus.

Short-term Use of Ventricular Assist Device in a Patient With Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report.

The CentriMag (Levitronix LLC, Waltham, MA, USA) ventricular assist device is a centrifugal pump designed for short-term support in patients with cardiogenic shock. In patients with restrictive physiology, there is some concern about the use of these devices due a very small ventricular cavity. We review the evolution of a 32-year-old woman with restrictive cardiomyopathy, moderate pulmonary hypertension, and severe biventricular systo-diastolic dysfunction in whom a biventricular Centrimag device was implanted due to a progressive clinical worsening.

Cultura de seguridad y eventos adversos en una clínica de primer nivel / Culture of safety and adverse events in a first level clinic / Cultura de segurança e eventos adversos em uma clínica de primeiro nível

Objetivo: Identificar la percepción sobre clima y cultura de seguridad, y determinar la prevalencia de eventos adversos en el personal de enfermería de una clínica de primer nivel. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal y prospectivo, desarrollado en una clínica de medicina familiar del sur de la ciudad de México. Se aplicó el cuestionario Hospital survey on patient safety culture. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva. Los datos se capturaron y analizaron en el programa estadístico SPSS versión 22. Resultados: Aceptaron participar en el estudio 27 profesionales de enfermería. El promedio de edad fue de 44.7 años. Cerca del 15% refirió percibir un clima de seguridad del paciente entre excelente y muy bueno. El 66.7% del personal de enfermería describió no haber notificado ningún evento adverso. La dimensión retroalimentación y comunicación sobre errores con 75.3% aparece globalmente como fortaleza. En las debilidades percibidas, destacan 2 dimensiones: respuesta no punitiva a los errores con 61.7% y dotación de personal con 62%, ambas corresponden al área o rubro de cultura de seguridad en el nivel servicio. Conclusiones: Cerca de la tercera parte de los entrevistados no habían reportado ningún evento adverso en los últimos años, además de que solo un poco más de la mitad refirió percibir un clima de seguridad del paciente entre aceptable y superior.

Objective: To identify the perception on climate and culture of safety and prevalence of adverse events among nurses in a first level clinic. Methods: This is a descriptive, transversal and prospective study conducted in a family medicine clinic located at the south of Mexico City. The questionnaire hospital survey on patient safety culture was used. Descriptive statistics were obtained and analyzed with spss v22. Results: A total of 27 nurses agreed to participate in the study. The average age of the participants was 44.7 years old. Close to 15% said they perceive a patient safety climate between excellent and very good. The 66.7% describe having not noticed any adverse event. The dimension of feedback and communication about errors with 75.3% appears globally as a strength. In the perceived weaknesses, 2 dimensions stand out: non-punitive response to errors with 61.7% and staffing with 62% both correspond to the area or culture of service-level safety culture. Conclusions: Approximately one third of the interviewed had not reported any adverse event during the previous years, while a little more than half perceive a patient safety climate between acceptable and superior.

Objetivo: Identificar a percepção sobre clínica e cultura de segurança, e determinar a prevalência de eventos adversos em enfermeiras/os de uma clínica de primeiro nível. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, transversal e prospetivo, desenvolvido em uma clínica de medicina familiar do sul da Cidade do México. Aplicou-se o questionário hospital survey on patient safety culture: utilizou-se estatística descritiva, os dados capturaram-se e analisaram no programa estatístico spss versão 22. Resultados: Aceitaram participar no estudo vinte e sete enfermeiras/os. A média de idade foi de 44.7 anos. Cerca do 15 % refere perceber um clima de segurança do paciente entre excelente e muito bom. O 66.7% das enfermeiras/os descrevem não ter notificado nenhum evento adverso. A dimensão dos erros de feedback e comunicação com 75,3% aparece globalmente como uma fortaleza. Em debilidades percebidas, existem duas dimensões: nenhuma resposta punitiva a erros com 61,7% e de pessoal com 62%, tanto para a área ou categoria de cultura de segurança no nível de serviço. Conclusões: Cerca da terceira parte 2 entrevistados não tinham reportado algum evento adverso nos últimos anos, além disso que um pouco mais da metade refere perceber um clima de segurança do paciente entre aceitável e superior.

[Active management of the third stage of labor: Three schemes of oxytocin: randomised clinical trial]. / Tratamiento activo del tercer periodo del trabajo de parto: tres esquemas de oxitocina.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of intramuscular oxytocin against intravenous oxytocin against intravenous traditional oxytocin infusion, in the active management of the third period of the delayed impingement labor work and controlled cord traction. METHODS: Randomized controlled blinded clinical trial. In women age 14 to 40 with full term pregnancy, childbirth attended by ISSSTE's Regional Hospital "Gral. Ignacio Zaragoza", in the period from August to December 2015. RESULTS: 152 deliveries were attended, from which 66 fulfill with selection criteria. Group 1 = 22 patients, group 2 = 21 patients and Group 3 = 23 patients. The total age average was 26.92 + 5.8. For blood volume, statistical differences were significant among the three groups (p = 0.000). Adverse reactions were presented in 1 .5%, without difference between the groups. (P = 0.337). The differences in hemoglobin values and final and initial hematocrit presented differences with statistical significance (p = 0.000 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Nonetheless, the differences obtained in the analysis of the diverse variables among the three types of treatment, the three schemes are effective on the obstetrical hemorrhage prevention.

Toxic Profile of Benznidazole in Patients with Chronic Chagas Disease: Risk Factors and Comparison of the Product from Two Different Manufacturers.

Benznidazole is considered the first-line treatment option against Chagas disease. The major drawback of benznidazole is its toxicity profile. The main objectives of this study were to describe the adverse events (AEs) in patients with chronic Chagas disease treated with benznidazole, determine the risk factors involved and compare the toxic profiles of two different preparations of the drug from ELEA and Roche. A total of 746 patients were diagnosed with Chagas disease in a 5-year period, and of these 472 were treated with benznidazole. A high proportion of patients (n = 360 [76%]) suffered AEs, the most frequent being those related to hypersensitivity (52.9% of patients), headache (12.5%), and epigastric pain (10.4%). In 72 (12.7%) cases, treatment was discontinued. Overall, women had a higher incidence of AEs compared to men (81.3% versus 66%, P = 0.001) and were subject to higher levels of hypersensitivity-related events. Dermatological events, digestive tract manifestations, and general symptoms had a greater likelihood to appear around day 10 and neurological AEs around day 40 after starting treatment. With respect to liver function and hematological tests, the majority of patients did not suffer significant perturbation of liver enzymes or altered blood cell counts. However, 14 patients suffered from neutropenia, and 14 patients had aminotransferase levels that were more than four times the upper limit of the normal range. Patients treated with the ELEA benznidazole product experienced more arthromyalgia, neutropenia, and neurological disorders (mainly paresthesias) than those treated with the Roche product. Both drug products resulted in approximately the same percentage of permanent withdrawals.

Insuficiencia hepática aguda grave por virus del herpes simple en un paciente inmunocompetente / Severe acute liver failure due to herpes simplex virus infection in an immunocompetent patient

No disponible

Randomized clinical trial of zoledronic acid in multiple myeloma patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and stem-cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of evidence is demonstrating that the nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate zoledronic acid (zol) improves clinical outcomes in various cancer settings, including multiple myeloma. Those findings provided the rationale for conducting an open-label randomized controlled phase iii trial to evaluate the effect of zol on overall survival (os) and progression-free survival (pfs) in patients with previously untreated high-risk multiple myeloma. METHODS: The trial randomly assigned 308 adult patients less than 65 years of age with previously untreated symptomatic multiple myeloma (1:1) to receive zol 4 mg intravenously once every 28 days for 24 months (n = 151) or no zol (n = 157). Before autologous stem-cell transplantation (asct), all patients received a high-dose noncytotoxic induction regimen of dexamethasone, all-trans-retinoic acid, and interferon alpha 2b. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 69.8 months (range: 36.5-96 months), the 10-year pfs (66% vs. 52%, p < 0.001) and os (67% vs. 48%, p < 0.001) rates were significantly higher in treated patients than in control patients. Overall response (77% zol vs. 75% control), complete response (52% vs. 46%), and very good partial response (25% vs. 29%) rates were similar between the groups. Treatment was generally well tolerated, with no reports of renal impairment or osteonecrosis of the jaw. CONCLUSIONS: In symptomatic previously untreated multiple myeloma patients, zol combined with high-dose therapy followed by asct improved os and pfs without appreciable toxicity. These findings provide additional evidence of the meaningful anticancer activity of zol in this patient population.

How to reduce avoidable admissions due to acute diabetes complications? Interrelation between primary and specialized attention in a diabetes unit / ¿Cómo reducir los ingresos evitables por complicaciones agudas de la diabetes? Interrelación entre atención primaria y especializada en una unidad de diabetes

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a serious health problem. In the year 2030 it will affect 366 million people around the world. Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of a mixed intervention and reducing the amount and seriousness of acute complications in diabetics from our Health Area. Materials and method: Protocols of action as well as information documents were produced. Diabetes Unit coordinated educational activities in the different support levels of the Area VII of Murcia. Information talks were provided for the people in charge of the Diabetes Unit in every Care Center and Service of the Health Area. Personalized training was provided for patients treated in the differet Care levels. The study comprised three stages. Information leaflets were spread and talks offered to the patient regarding in house handling of hypo and hyper glycemia. Results: A reduction of 39% of the emergencies due to acute non complicated diabetes was achieved, as well as a reduction of 47.6% of hospital admissions. There was a reduction of 67.8% of the amount of total hospital stays for the group of patients under 35 years who were admitted into the hospital due to type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus that didn't show any complications (GRD295). Conclusions: There was a reduction of more than thirty percent in the emergencies due to acute decompensations in the disease and a significant reduction in the avoidable hospital stays in the young adult, thus improving the patients' life quality and reducing the social cost of the diabetic patient (AU)

Introducción: La diabetes mellitus tipo 2 es un problema de salud grave. En el año 2030 afectará a 366 millones de personas en todo el mundo. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de una intervención mixta y reducir la cantidad y gravedad de las complicaciones agudas de la diabetes en nuestra Área de Salud. Material y método: Se diseñaron protocolos de actuación y documentos de información. La Unidad de Diabetes coordinó las actividades educativas en los diferentes niveles de soporte de la VII Zona de Murcia. Se realizaron charlas de información para los responsables de la Unidad de Diabetes en cada Centro de Atención y Servicio del Área de Salud. Se dio formación personalizada a los pacientes tratados en los distintos niveles de atención. El estudio constó de tres etapas. Se entregaron folletos informativos y charlas al paciente con respecto a la manipulación domiciliaria de hipo e hiperglucemia. Resultados: Se logró una reducción del 39% de las emergencias debidas a diabetes aguda no complicada, así como una reducción del 39% de las emergencias debidas a diabetes aguda no complicada, así como una reducción del 47,6% de los ingresos hospitalarios. Hubo una reducción del 67,8% de la estancia hospitalaria total para el grupo de pacientes menores de 35 años que fueron ingresados en el hospital debido a diabetes tipo 1 o 2 que no mostraron ningún tipo de complicaciones (GRD295). Conclusiones: Se observó una reducción de más del treinta por ciento en los casos de urgencias por descompensaciones agudas de la enfermedad y una reducción significativa en las estancias hospitalarias evitables en el adulto joven, mejorando así la calidad de vida de los pacientes y reduciendo el costo social del paciente diabético (AU)

Dynamics of carbon nanotube alignment by electric fields.

The dynamics of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) alignment inside viscous media using electric fields is investigated. Electrical current measurements were performed in situ during the application of an electric field to liquid solutions of deionized water or dissolved polymer containing MWCNTs. The variation of electrical current over time was associated to the dynamics of the MWCNT network formation. The influence of the electric field magnitude and frequency on the MWCNT network formation was studied. MWCNT migration towards the negative electrode was observed when a direct current electric field was applied, whereas formation of an aligned MWCNT network was achieved for an alternating current electric field. The increase of the electric field frequency promotes a faster formation of an aligned MWCNT network and thinner MWCNT bundles. A higher viscosity of the liquid medium yields slower MWCNT alignment evidenced by a slower change of electrical current through the viscous system. An analytical model based on the dielectrophoresis-induced torque, which considers the viscosity of the medium, is also proposed to explain the dynamics of MWCNT alignment. Furthermore, aligned MWCNT/polysulfone solid composites were fabricated and electrically characterized. The solid composites presented anisotropic electrical conductivity, which was more evident for low MWCNT concentrations (0.1-0.2 wt%).

Prevalence and socioeconomic differences of risk factors of cardiovascular disease in Ecuadorian adolescents.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to report the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and socioeconomic differences in school-going Ecuadorian adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed from January 2008 until April 2009 in 770 adolescents aged 10 to 16 years old, who attend secondary schools in an urban (Cuenca), and rural area (Nabón) in Ecuador. Data collected for the overall sample included anthropometric variables (weight, height and waist circumference), blood pressure and socio-demographic characteristics. Fasting blood glucose and lipid profile determinations were collected in a subsample of 334 adolescents. RESULTS: The most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors were dyslipidemia (34.2%), abdominal obesity (19.7%) and overweight (18.0%). The prevalence of the remaining cardiovascular risk factors were high levels of blood pressure (6.2%) and obesity (2.1%). Boys were 3.3 times (P < 0.001) more likely to have risk levels of blood pressure. Compared to their peers from lower socioeconomic groups, children from better off socioeconomic strata were 1.5 times (P = 0.048) more likely to be overweight/obese and 1.5 times (P = 0.046) more likely to have abdominal obesity. Overweight and obese children were 4.4 times more likely to have dyslipidemia (P < 0.001). Children living in the rural area were 2.8 times (P = 0.002) more likely to have dyslipidemia than those from the urban area. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the advanced levels of the nutrition transition in this Ecuadorian adolescent population. Primary health care should monitor and take actions to address this public health problem in adolescents.

How to reduce avoidable admissions due to acute diabetes complications?: interrelation between primary and specialized attention in a diabetes unit.

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a serious health problem. In the year 2030 it will affect 366 million people around the world. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effectiveness of a mixed intervention and reducing the amount and seriousness of acute complications in diabetics from our Health Area. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Protocols of action as well as information documents were produced. Diabetes Unit coordinated educational activities in the different support levels of the Area VII of Murcia. Information talks were provided for the people in charge of the Diabetes Unit in every Care Center and Service of the Health Area. Personalized training was provided for patients treated in the different Care levels. The study comprised three stages. Information leaflets were spread and talks offered to the patient regarding in house handling of hypo and hyper glycemia. RESULTS: A reduction of 39% of the emergencies due to acute non complicated diabetes was achieved, as well as a reduction of 47.6% of hospital admissions. There was a reduction of 67.8% of the amount of total hospital stays for the group of patients under 35 years who were admitted into the hospital due to type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus that didn't show any complications (GRD295). CONCLUSIONS: There was a reduction of more than thirty percent in the emergencies due to acute decompensations in the disease and a significant reduction in the avoidable hospital stays in the young adult, thus improving the patients' life quality and reducing the social cost of the diabetic patient.

Breast conservative surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients: comparison of two tumor localization methods.

AIMS: The key to surgical planning for breast conservative treatment (BCT) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is tumor localization. Tumor marking can be performed using either skin tattoo or metallic marker. The objective of this study is to compare both types of tumor localization markers and to assess which techniques improve BCT in achieving a complete resection without compromise margins. METHODS: 149 patients between 1999 and 2009 were eligible for the study. The skin tattoo group (TG) included 118 patients and the metallic marker group (MG) included 31 patients. Both markers were placed before starting NAC. RESULTS: Median clinical tumor volume was 10.3 cm(3) in the TG and 22.4 cm(3) in the MG (p = 0.051). After NAC treatment, there were no significant statistically differences in both groups regarding complete clinical response, partial clinical response, and complete and partial pathological response. Median pathological tumor volume was: 0.8 cm(3) in the TG and 0.69 cm(3) in the MG (p = 0.8). Lumpectomy volume was bigger in the TG (268 cm(3)) than MG (143 cm(3)); p < 0.004. There were no statistically significant differences when comparing margin status. CONCLUSIONS: Lumpectomy guided with metallic marker after NAC allows lower excision of breast tissue without compromising margins. Having similar pathologic response between groups, skin tattoo leads to excise larger volume of tissue adding no benefits to the surgery. With the increasing pathologic complete responses to NAC, patients who are candidates for BCT after NAC will benefit from marking the tumor with metallic markers.