Arterioectatic Spinal Angiopathy of Childhood: Clinical, Imaging, Laboratory, Histologic, and Genetic Description of a Novel CNS Vascular Pathology.

Pediatric patients with myelopathy expressing intradural spinal vascular ectasia without arteriovenous shunting were studied at four tertiary referral neuropediatric centers. Patients were identified by retrospective review of institutional records and excluded if spinal vascular pathology could be classified into a previously described category of spinal vascular malformation. Four patients meeting the study criteria were enrolled in the study. Clinical, magnetic resonance imaging, catheter-directed angiography, laboratory, histological and genetic data were analyzed to characterize the disease process and elucidate underlying pathomechanisms. Our study revealed a highly lethal, progressive multi-segmental myelopathy associated with a unique form of non-inflammatory spinal angiopathy featuring diffuse enlargement and tortuosity of spinal cord arteries, spinal cord hyperemia, and spinal cord edema (Arterioectatic Spinal Angiopathy of Childhood). The condition was shown to mimic venous congestive myelopathy associated with pediatric spinal cord arteriovenous shunts on MRI but to have distinct pathognomonic findings on catheter-directed angiography. Clinicopathological, genetic, and neuroimaging features, which are described in detail, closely overlap with those of mitochondrial disease.

Women's mood at high altitude. sexual dimorphism in hypoxic stress modulation by the tryptophan-melatonin axis.

Sexual (and gender)-dimorphism in tolerance to hypobaric hypoxia increasingly matters for a differential surveillance of human activities at high altitude (HA). At low altitudes, the prevalence of anxiety and depression in women has already been found to double when compared with men; it could be expected to even increase on exposure to HA. In purposefully caring for the health of women at HA, the present work explores the potential involvement of the tryptophan (Trp)-melatonin axis in mood changes on exposure to hypobaric hypoxia. The present work highlights some already known anxiogenic effects of HA exposure. Hypoxia and insomnia reduce serotonin (5-HT) availability; the latter defect being expressed as failure of brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation and mood disorders. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep organization and synapsis restoration that are additionally affected by hypoxia impair memory consolidation. Affective complaints may thus surge, evolving into anxiety and depression. Sex-related differences in neural network organization and hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, and certainly also during the life cycle, underscore the possibility of 5-HT-related mood alterations, particularly in women on HA exposure. The mean brain rate of 5-HT synthesis at sea level is already 1.5-fold higher in males than in females. sexual dimorphism also evidences the overexpression effects of SERT, a 5-HT transporter protein. Gonadal and thyroid hormones, as influenced by HA exposure, further modulate 5-HT availability and its effects in women. Besides caring for adequate oxygenation and maintenance of one's body core temperature, special precautions concerning women sojourning at HA should include close observations of hormonal cycles and, perhaps, also trials with targeted antidepressants.

Experiencia en el uso de fototerapia en pacientes pediátricos y comparación de esta técnica frente a pacientes adultos / Comparison of Phototherapy in Pediatric and Adult Patients

INTRODUCCIÓN: La fototerapia se basa en el uso de radiación ultravioleta para el tratamiento de distintas enfermedades dermatológicas. Su eficacia y seguridad está ampliamente establecida en adultos y existen publicaciones que también lo avalan como un tratamiento efectivo y seguro en pacientes pediátricos con afecciones cutáneas recalcitrantes. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo desde 2002 hasta 2017 que incluye a todos los pacientes menores de 17 años que recibieron fototerapia en nuestro servicio. Además, se seleccionaron al azar 122 pacientes adultos que recibieron este tratamiento durante el mismo periodo de tiempo. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron un total de 98 tratamientos pediátricos, 61% en niñas y 39% en niños, con una media de edad de 10,5 años. Las 3 enfermedades más frecuentemente tratadas fueron la psoriasis (48% de pacientes), el vitíligo (17%) y la dermatitis atópica (16%). El 86% de los pacientes recibió fototerapia con radiación ultravioleta B de banda estrecha (UVB-BE), mientras que el 7% recibió fototerapia con radiación ultravioleta A con psoralenos (PUVA). No existían diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a dosis, duración o número de sesiones con respecto a la población adulta tratada con UVB-BE ni con PUVA. Se alcanzó una respuesta completa en el 35% de los pacientes pediátricos, sin diferencias con respecto a los adultos. Únicamente el 16% de los pacientes mostró efectos adversos, en su mayoría en forma de eritema leve. Encontramos mayor adherencia al tratamiento en los pacientes pediátricos que en los adultos (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIONES: La fototerapia con UVB-BE y/o PUVA parece un tratamiento seguro y eficaz en niños, sin ser necesarios protocolos de tratamiento diferentes a los empleados en adultos. La adherencia al tratamiento es mayor que en los pacientes adultos

INTRODUCTION: Phototherapy involves the use of UV radiation to treat different dermatologic diseases. Its efficacy and safety have been thoroughly established in adults and some publications indicate that it is also an effective and safe treatment in pediatric patients with refractory skin diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study that included all patients under 17 years of age and 122 randomly selected adults who received phototherapy in our department between 2002 and 2017. RESULTS: Ninety-eight pediatric patients (61% girls and 39% boys) with a mean age of 10.5 years received phototherapy. The 3 most frequently treated diseases were psoriasis (48% of patients), vitiligo (17%), and atopic dermatitis (16%). Eighty-six percent of the patients received phototherapy with narrowband UV-B, whereas 7% received phototherapy with psoralen and UV-A (PUVA). No statistically significant differences were found in terms of dosage, duration, or number of sessions compared to the adult population treated with narrowband UV-B therapy or PUVA. A complete response was achieved in 35% of the pediatric patients and no differences were found with respect to the adults. Only 16% of the children showed adverse effects, mostly in the form of mild erythema. We found greater adherence to treatment in the pediatric patients than in the adult patients (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Narrowband UV-B therapy and PUVA appear to be safe and effective in children and can be administered using the same treatment protocols as those used in adults. Adherence to treatment is greater in children than in adult patients

Comparison of Phototherapy in Pediatric and Adult Patients. / Experiencia en el uso de fototerapia en pacientes pediátricos y comparación de esta técnica frente a pacientes adultos.

INTRODUCTION: Phototherapy involves the use of UV radiation to treat different dermatologic diseases. Its efficacy and safety have been thoroughly established in adults and some publications indicate that it is also an effective and safe treatment in pediatric patients with refractory skin diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study that included all patients under 17 years of age and 122 randomly selected adults who received phototherapy in our department between 2002 and 2017. RESULTS: Ninety-eight pediatric patients (61% girls and 39% boys) with a mean age of 10.5 years received phototherapy. The 3 most frequently treated diseases were psoriasis (48% of patients), vitiligo (17%), and atopic dermatitis (16%). Eighty-six percent of the patients received phototherapy with narrowband UV-B, whereas 7% received phototherapy with psoralen and UV-A (PUVA). No statistically significant differences were found in terms of dosage, duration, or number of sessions compared to the adult population treated with narrowband UV-B therapy or PUVA. A complete response was achieved in 35% of the pediatric patients and no differences were found with respect to the adults. Only 16% of the children showed adverse effects, mostly in the form of mild erythema. We found greater adherence to treatment in the pediatric patients than in the adult patients (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Narrowband UV-B therapy and PUVA appear to be safe and effective in children and can be administered using the same treatment protocols as those used in adults. Adherence to treatment is greater in children than in adult patients.

Preparation and characterization of metallomicelles of Ru(II). Cytotoxic activity and use as vector.

The use of nanovectors in several medicinal treatments has reached a great importance in the last decade. Some drugs need to be protected to increase their lifetimes in the blood flow, to avoid degradation, to be delivered into target cells or to decrease their side effects. The goal of this work was to design and prepare nanovectors formed by novel surfactants derived from the [Ru(bpy)3]2+ complex. These amphiphilic molecules are assembled to form metallomicelles which can act as pharmaceutical agents and, at the same time, as nanovectors for several drugs. TEM images showed a structural transition from spherical to elongated micelles when the surfactant concentration increased. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed the internalization of these metallomicelles into diverse cell lines and cytotoxicity assays demonstrated specificity for some human cancer cells. The encapsulation of various antibiotics was carried out as well as a thorough study about the DNA condensation by the metallomicelles. To the best of our knowledge, applications of these metallomicelles have not been shown in the literature yet.

Revascularización mediante aterectomía direccional en isquemia crítica de miembro inferior. Primera experiencia ecuatoriana / Revascularization through directional atherectomy in critical inferior limb ischemia: first Ecuadorian experience

Introducción: La aterectomía direccional es una técnica mínimamente invasiva que puede ser utilizada para evitar la amputación de los miembros inferiores en caso de isquemia crítica. Caso: Se presenta la primera experiencia en Ecuador, realizada en una paciente diabética e insuficiente renal. Este procedimiento logró repermeabilizar el segmento femoropoplíteo izquierdo con éxito. Discusión: La aterectomía direccional es una alternativa eficaz, mínimamente invasiva, para evitar la amputación de miembros inferiores en pacientes isquemia crítica y múltiples comorbilidades. Palabras clave: Aterectomía, isquemia, miembro inferior, pie diabético.

Introduction: Directional atherectomy is a minimally invasive technique that can be used to avoid lower limb amputation due to critical ischemia. Case report: This is the first experience in Ecuador, using this technique in a diabetic patient with chronic renal failure. The procedure achieved successful recanalization of the left femoropopliteal artery. Discusion: Directional atherectomy seems to be an alternative to avoid limb amputation in patients with critical ischemia and several comorbidities.

Efecto del tiempo e institucionalización en variables antropométricas apendiculares, en un grupo de adultos mayores independientes y dependientes / Effect of time and institutionalization in appendicular anthropometric variables, in a group of independent and dependent elderly

Objetivo: Determinar el efecto del tiempo y de la institucionalización en el cambio de variables antropométricas apendiculares, en un grupo de adultos mayores (AM) independientes y dependientes. Materiales y método: Estudio exploratorio con un diseño observacional analítico con temporalidad longitudinal prospectiva. El diseño se basa en la observación de variables antropométricas durante 5 semanas, en sujetos AM institucionalizados. Se incluyó a 17 AM, que se dividieron en 2 grupos: AM independiente (AMI) (7 sujetos) y AM dependiente (AMD) (10 sujetos). Se registraron las variables de circunferencia de brazo (CB); circunferencia de pantorrilla (CP); pliegue de brazo (PB); pliegue de pantorrilla (PP); área muscular de brazo corregida (AMBc) y área muscular de pierna (AMP). Resultados: Tanto en los AMI como en los AMD a la quinta semana de evolución, las variables CB (AMI: p < 0,05; AMD: p < 0,001), CP (AMI: p < 0,05; AMD: p < 0,05), AMBc (AMI: p < 0,05; AMD: p < 0,001) y AMP (AMI: p < 0,05; AMD: p < 0,01) presentaron diferencias significativas al compararse con la primera semana de medición, siendo más pronunciadas en el grupo de AMD. Los valores de PP en el grupo de AMI en la primera semana fueron mayores respecto del grupo AMD (p < 0,05), lo mismo para la quinta semana en la CB y en el AMBc (p < 0,005). Conclusión: El efecto del tiempo de 5 semanas produce cambios estadísticamente significativos en las variables de CB, CP, AMBc y AMP, no así en PB y PP

Objective: Determine the effect of time and institutionalizati n in appendicular anthropometrics variables, in an independents and dependents elderly group. Materials and methods: Exploratory study with an analytical observational design, with prospective longitudinal temporality. The design is based on the observation of appendicular anthropometric variables during 5 weeks in adult subjects aged institutionalized in the region of Maule. A total of 17 elderly were included; the sample was divided in 2 groups: independent elderly (IE), 7 subjects, and dependent elderly (DE), 10 subjects. Arm circumference (AC); calf circumference (CC); arm skinfold (AS); calf skinfold (CS), corrected arm muscle area (CAMA) and leg muscle area (LMA) were recorded. Results: In both (IE) and AMD (DE), in the fifth week of evolution, the variables: AC (IE: P < .05; DE: P < .001), CC (IE: P < .05; AMD: P < .05), cAMA (IE: P < .05; DE: P < .001) y LMA (IE: P < .05; AMD: P < .01) these showed significant differences at the time to compare with the first week of measurement, being more pronounced in the group of DE. PP values in the IE group in the first week were higher compared to the DE group (P < .05), same for the fifth week in the CB and the cAMA (P < .005). Conclusion: The effect of time in 5 weeks is able to produce significant statistical changes in the AC, CC, cAMA, and LMA, not in the AS, CS

A Spiral Spin-Echo MR Imaging Technique for Improved Flow Artifact Suppression in T1-Weighted Postcontrast Brain Imaging: A Comparison with Cartesian Turbo Spin-Echo.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A challenge with the T1-weighted postcontrast Cartesian spin-echo and turbo spin-echo brain MR imaging is the presence of flow artifacts. Our aim was to develop a rapid 2D spiral spin-echo sequence for T1-weighted MR imaging with minimal flow artifacts and to compare it with a conventional Cartesian 2D turbo spin-echo sequence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: T1-weighted brain imaging was performed in 24 pediatric patients. After the administration of intravenous gadolinium contrast agent, a reference Cartesian TSE sequence with a scanning time of 2 minutes 30 seconds was performed, followed by the proposed spiral spin-echo sequence with a scanning time of 1 minutes 18 seconds, with similar spatial resolution and volumetric coverage. The results were reviewed independently and blindly by 3 neuroradiologists. Scores from a 3-point scale were assigned in 3 categories: flow artifact reduction, subjective preference, and lesion conspicuity, if any. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed to evaluate the reviewer scores. The t test was used to evaluate the SNR. The Fleiss κ coefficient was calculated to examine interreader agreement. RESULTS: In 23 cases, spiral spin-echo was scored over Cartesian TSE in flow artifact reduction (P < .001). In 21 cases, spiral spin-echo was rated superior in subjective preference (P < .001). Ten patients were identified with lesions, and no statistically significant difference in lesion conspicuity was observed between the 2 sequences. There was no statistically significant difference in SNR between the 2 techniques. The Fleiss κ coefficient was 0.79 (95% confidence interval, 0.65-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed spiral spin-echo pulse sequence provides postcontrast images with minimal flow artifacts at a faster scanning time than its Cartesian TSE counterpart.

Cooperative interaction between metallosurfactants, derived from the [Ru(2,2'-bpy)3](2+) complex, and DNA.

With the idea of improving and advancing the design and preparation of new reagents based on cationic surfactants for gene therapy, two luminescent metallosurfactants derived from the [Ru(2,2'-bpy)3](2+) complex were synthesized. Their interaction with DNA and the effect they exert on the conformation of the polynucleotide were studied by using different techniques. The equilibrium binding constants, Kb, of the two surfactants to DNA were obtained at different molar ratios X=[surfactant]/[DNA]. The observed sigmoidal dependence of Kb on X confirms the cooperative character of the binding. After the addition of a determined surfactant concentration, the condensation of the polymer was observed. The amount of surfactant needed to produce this conformational change is lower for the double stranded surfactant than for the single chain surfactant due to a stronger hydrophobic interaction. The addition of α-cyclodextrin molecules to the metallosurfactant/DNA solutions results in polynucleotide decompaction, which confirms the importance of the hydrophobic interactions in the condensation of the polynucleotide. Results also show the importance of choosing both a proper system to study and the most seeming measuring technique to use. It is demonstrated that, in some cases, the use of several techniques is desirable to obtain reliable and accurate results.

Binding of DNA by a dinitro-diester calix[4]arene: denaturation and condensation of DNA.

A study of a dinitro-diester calix[4]arene (5,17-(3-nitrobenzylideneamino)-11,23-di-tert-butyl-25,27-diethoxycarbonyl methyleneoxy-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene) interaction with calf-thymus DNA was carried out using several techniques. The measurements were done at various molar ratios X=[calixarene]/[DNA]. Results show diverse changes in the DNA conformation depending on the X value. Thus, at low macrocycle concentrations, the calixarene binds to the polynucleotide. This interaction, mainly in groove mode, weakens the hydrogen bonds between base pairs of the helix inducing denaturation of the double strands, as well as condensation of the macromolecule, from an extended coil state to a globular state. An opposite effect is observed at X molar ratios higher than 0.07. The de-condensation of DNA happens, that is, the transition from a compact state to a more extended conformation, probably due to the stacking of calixarene molecules in the solution. Results also show the importance of making a proper choice of the system under consideration.

Conformational changes of DNA in the presence of 12-s-12 gemini surfactants (s=2 and 10). Role of the spacer's length in the interaction surfactant-polynucleotide.

A multifaceted study on the interaction of calf-thymus DNA with two different cationic gemini surfactants alkanediyl-α-ω-bis(dodecyldimethyl-amonium)bromide, 12-s-12,2Br(-) (with s=2, G2, and 10, G10) was carried out. The measurements were done at different molar ratios X=[surfactant]/[DNA]. Results show two different conformational changes in DNA: a first compaction of the polynucleotide corresponding to a partial conformational (not total) change of DNA from an extended coil state to a globular state that happens at the lower molar ratio X. A second change corresponds to a breaking of the partial condensation, that is, the transition from the compacted state to a new more extended conformation (for the higher X values) different to the initial extension. According to circular dichroism spectra and dynamic light scattering measurements, this new state of DNA seems to be similar to a ψ-phase. Measurements confirm that interactions involved in the compaction are different to those previously obtained for the analog surfactant CTAB. X values at which the conformational changes happen depend on the length of the spacer in the surfactant along with the charge of the polar heads.

Interaction between monomers of two surfactants derived from the [Ru(2,2'-bpy)(3)](2+) complex and α, ß and γ-cyclodextrins: formation of [2]- and [3]-pseudorotaxanes.

Two new surfactants derived from the tris(2,2'-bipyridine) ruthenium(II) complex, [Ru(2,2'-bpy)(3)](2+), were synthesized and characterized: the double-tailed [Ru(2,2'-bipy)2(4,4'-(C(11)H(23))(2)-2,2'-bipy)](2+) surfactant (RuC11) and the mono-tailed [Ru(2,2'-bipy)(2)(4-(CH(3))-4'-(C(13)H(27))-2,2'-bipy)](2+) surfactant (RuC13). The main characteristic of these species is the presence of an inorganic complex as the polar head of the surfactant with interesting luminescence properties, which were used to study the interaction of these cationic surfactants with α-, ß- and γ-cyclodextrins (CD). The results showed the formation of [2]- and [3]-pseudorotaxanes. The binding constant values as well as the stoichiometry of the complexes formed were obtained; the results were confirmed, from a qualitative point of view, with NMR spectra.

Thyroid hormone activates rat liver adenosine 5,-monophosphate-activated protein kinase: relation to CaMKKb, TAK1 and LKB1 expression and energy status.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a sensor of energy status supporting cellular energy homeostasis that may represent the metabolic basis for 3,3,,5-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) liver preconditioning. Functionally transient hyperthyroid state induced by T3 (single dose of 0.1 mg/kg) in fed rats led to upregulation of mRNA expression (RT-PCR) and protein phosphorylation (Western blot) of hepatic AMPK at 8 to 36 h after treatment. AMPK Thr 172 phosphorylation induced by T3 is associated with enhanced mRNA expression of the upstream kinases Ca2+ -calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase-beta (CaMKKbeta) and transforming growth-factor-beta-activated kinase-1 (TAK1), with increased protein levels of CaMKKbeta and higher TAK1 phosphorylation, without changes in those of the liver kinase B1 (LKB1) signaling pathway. Liver contents of AMP and ADP were augmented by 291 percent and 44 percent by T3 compared to control values (p less than 0.05), respectively, whereas those of ATP decreased by 64% (p less than 0.05), with no significant changes in the total content of adenine nucleotides (AMP + ADP + ATP) at 24 h after T3 administration. Consequently, hepatic ATP/ADP content ratios exhibited 64 percent diminution (p less than 0.05) and those of AMP/ATP increased by 425 percent (p less than 0.05) in T3-treated rats over controls. It is concluded that in vivoT3 administration triggers liver AMPK upregulation in association with significant enhancements in AMPK mRNA expression, AMPK phosphorylation coupled to CaMKKbeta and TAK1 activation, and in AMP/ATP ratios, which may promote enhanced AMPK activity to support T3-induced energy consuming processes such as those of liver preconditioning.

Molecular bases of the postzygotic barriers in interspecific crosses between the wild potato species Solanum acaule and Solanum commersonii.

To investigate the molecular bases of postzygotic hybridization barriers in tuber-bearing Solanums, the wild species Solanum commersonii Dunal ex Poir. (cmm, 2n = 2x = 24, 1EBN) and Solanum acaule Bitter (acl, 2n = 4x = 48, 2EBN) were crossed in intra- and interspecific genotypic combinations, and the transcriptome of immature seeds was analyzed by using the cDNA-AFLP technique. From a total of 423 analyzed cDNA fragments, 107 (25.3%) were differentially regulated in the compatible (acl × acl and cmm × cmm) versus incompatible (acl × cmm) crosses. DNA sequence data were obtained from 21 fragments and RT-PCR analyses were carried out with five fragments to validate the cDNA-AFLP differential pattern. Sequence analysis suggested a possible role for the differentially expressed sequences in cytokinesis, cell cycle, secondary and hormonal metabolism, biodegradation, and transport. In situ hybridization experiments with fragments encoding an ubiquitin-fold modifier 1 precursor and a possible vesicle transport protein revealed expression of these genes in the embryo and endosperm. The results suggest that the collapse of the embryo and endosperm in incompatible crosses may be related to alterations in cell cycle and cytokinesis.

Compaction and decompaction of DNA induced by the cationic surfactant CTAB.

A multifaceted study on the interaction of the cationic surfactant CTAB with calf thymus DNA was carried out by using different techniques. The measurements were done at different molar ratios X = [CTAB]/[DNA]. Results show the conformational change that DNA suffers due to the interaction with surfactant molecules at low molar ratios: the condensation of the polynucleotide, from an extended coil state to a globular state. The effect observed at the higher molar ratios is worth noting: the decondensation of DNA, that is, the transition from a compact state to a more extended conformation. Experimental data obtained confirm that this latter state is not exactly the same as that found in the absence of the surfactant. Attractive interactions between different parts of the molecule by ion correlation effects are the driving force to produce both the compaction and decompaction events. Results also show the importance of choosing both a proper system for the study and the most seeming measuring technique to use. The study demonstrates that, in some cases, the use of several techniques is desirable in obtaining reliable and accurate results.

Perspectivas en el uso de materiales de relleno inyectables para tejidos blandos, desde nuestra experiencia. 2ª Parte / Perspectives on the use of soft tissue fillers from our experience. Part II

El médico que emplea un determinado material de relleno dérmico debe dominar la técnica de inyección, conocer las características del producto a fondo y los posibles efectos adversos derivados de su actuación. Las indicaciones que realizamos desde nuestra experiencia no agotan las posibilidades de lograr una mejoría estética evidente solo con el empleo de materiales inyectables; por el contrario, la buena formación y el conocimiento de técnicas afines pueden ser claves para el rejuvenecimiento de las zonas que lo precisan, redundando siempre en beneficio de los pacientes. La mayoría de efectos adversos que pueden producirse son leves y/o transitorios. Destacan el eritema ,edema, equímosis o hematomas; otros pueden ser potencialmente graves o prolongarse en el tiempo hasta que se resuelven. Destacan las reacciones de hipersensibilidad, las infecciones, granulomas o necrosis. Las recomendaciones sobre el tratamiento de las complicaciones deben seguir los principios básicos de la Medicina en relación a su diagnóstico y a las recomendaciones de la literatura experta que exponemos. La creciente demanda de tratamientos con materiales de relleno dérmicos, no debe suponer un incremento de los efectos adversos asociados si se tienen en cuenta y se conocen bien las indicaciones de empleo de cada uno de ellos (AU)

It is mandatory for doctors who use dermal fillers to dominate the injection technique and to know the product characteristics as well as the possible side effects that can derive from the procedure. Indications on fillers given in this paper, based on the authors' experience, do not prevent the use of other aesthetic treatments; moreover, a solid formation and a deep knowledge of the different adjunctive techniques that can be used are the key to achieve an aesthetic rejuvenation of the treated areas and, consequently, attain patients’ satisfaction. Most of the incidents or side effects that can appear with the use of dermal fillers are mild and brief. Erythema, edema, ecchymosis and/or haematomas are the most common ones. However, other effects such as cutaneous reaction to the product, granuloma formation and/or necrosis are more serious complications. Treatment in all of these cases should follow the basic medical knowledge principles in accordance to the complication diagnosed as well as to the recommendations given in related expert medical literature. The increased demand of treatments with fillers should not imply an increase in adverse effects if indications and correct use of the different available materials are taken into account (AU)

Influence of copper on root exudate patterns in some metallophytes and agricultural plants.

A hydroponic experiment was carried out to determine the root exudation patterns in two Cu-metallophytes (Oenothera picensis and Imperata condensata) and two agricultural plants (Lupinus albus and Helianthus annuus). Plants were grown in nutrient solution at increasing Cu doses (0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2mgCuL(-1)), and plant growth, root elongation, Cu accumulation and root exudates were measured. All plants showed a decrease of over 60% in root elongation at the highest Cu supply level, being O. picensis the most sensitive specie and showing the highest shoot and root Cu concentrations (116 and 2657µgCug(-1), respectively), which were six fold higher than the other species. Differences in root exudation patterns of low molecular weight organic acids were found, with extremely high amounts of succinic acid exuded by O. picensis (1049µmolg(-1)h(-1)), and citric acid by I. condensata (164µmolg(-1)h(-1)). In metallophytes, the organic acid exudation was increased even with no root elongation, meanwhile agricultural plants exuded citric acid at constant levels. Exudation of phenolic compounds was highly species-dependent, with catechin mainly exuded by I. condensata, (2.62µmolg(-1)h(-1)) cinnamic acid by O. picensis (5.08µmolg(-1)h(-1)) and coumaric acid exclusively exuded by H. annuus (13.6µmolg(-1)h(-1)) at high Cu levels. These results indicated that differences in root exudation patterns among metallophytes and agricultural plants could affect their Cu tolerance. Particularly, the higher exudation rate showed by I. condensata can be an effective exclusion mechanism to tolerate high Cu concentrations, supporting its use in Cu phytostabilization programs.

Perspectivas en el uso de materiales de relleno inyectables para tejidos blandos, desde nuestra experiencia. 1ª Parte / Perspectives on the use of soft tissue fillers from our experience. Part I

Los materiales de relleno inyectable empleados con finalidad estética o para recuperar el volumen en las atrofiasgrasas cutáneas, suponen uno de los procedimientos esté-ticos más empleados en España. El conocimiento de sus características, su técnica de depósito y correcta localización, así como saber los riesgos potenciales que pueden derivarse de su uso, son capitales para una elección adecuada a fin de obtener resultados correctos con mínimos efectos adversos. La elección de un tipo de material de relleno u otro dependerá de la evaluación del área a inyectar, de la experiencia de cada profesional y del seguimiento de las recomendaciones y técnicas particulares que requiere cada producto. El adecuado aprendizaje, asesoramiento y desarrollo de experiencia, representan la garantía del éxito (AU)

Treatment with fillers for aesthetic purposes or to replace subcutaneous fat loss produced by muscle atrophyis one of the aesthetic procedures more frequently carried out in Spain. Knowledge of the properties of the products, the injection technique, correct location of the area and awareness of the potential side effects and risks involved are important at the time of selecting this therapy, with the aim of obtaining good results with minimum of adverse effects. The selection of one type of filler or another will depend on the evaluation of the area to be filled, the experience of each professional and following the advice and specific techniques that each product requires. An adequate training, assessment and experience will represent a successful outcome (AU)

Photoinduced electron-transfer reactions: a study of the diffusion-controlled and activation-diffusion-controlled processes.

The diffusion-controlled electron transfer rate constants (k(d)) of several quenching reactions of ruthenium complexes [Ru(L)(3)](2+*) (L = bpy, phen, and 4,7-(CH(3))(2)phen) with [Fe(CN)(6)](3-) were experimentally determined at different concentrations of NaNO(3). From these rate constants, the effective values of viscosity coefficients for NaNO(3) solutions were calculated using EMSA (exponential mean spherical approximation) and EF (Eigen-Fuoss) approaches in order to take into account the mean force potential between reactants. The reliability of the effective parameters were checked through calculations of the rate constants of the reaction [IrCl(6)](2-)+ [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+)* in these NaNO(3) solutions. The rate constants of this reaction were also obtained by fluorescence quenching measurements. The agreement between the two sets of data (experimental and predicted) is excellent. The trends of association (k(d)) and dissociation (k(-d)) rate constants for 2+/3-, 2+/2-, and 2+/2+ reactions in NaNO(3) solutions are discussed. The use of effective diffusion coefficients for estimating k(d) and k(-d) allowed us to obtain the intrinsic electron transfer rate constant (k(et)) for the activation-diffusion-controlled process between [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+)* and [Co(NH(3))(5)Cl](2+) complexes from the observed (quenching) rate constant. The trend of electron-transfer rate constant in NaNO(3) for this reaction was rationalized by using the Marcus electron-transfer treatment.

Binding of Ru(NH3)5pz2+ to 4-sulfocalix[4]arene sodium salt. Effects of the host-guest interaction on electron transfer processes.

The reactions [Ru(NH3)5pz]2++S2O8(2-) and [Ru(NH3)5pz]2++[Co(C2O4)3]3- have been studied in solutions of 4-sulfocalix[4]arene sodium salt. Results show a binding of the ruthenium complex to the calixarene with a 2:1 stoichiometry; that is, a ruthenium molecule binds to two calixarene molecules. This stoichiometry changes when NaCl is added to the medium. Thus, a mixture of 1:1 and 2:1 adducts is found in the presence of 0.1 mol dm(-3) NaCl and only 1:1 adducts when the salt concentration is increased up to 0.3 mol dm(-3). Results show that the binding of the ruthenium complex to the calixarene is due to electrostatic and nonelectrostatic interactions. Kinetic data are interpreted by using the pseudophase model and taking into account the stoichiometry of the ruthenium binding to calixarene. The presence of a supporting electrolyte in the medium produces ion pair formation which exerts an influence on the kinetic rate constants.