Fiber-based angular filtering for high-resolution Brillouin spectroscopy in the 20-300†GHz frequency range.

Brillouin spectroscopy emerges as a promising non-invasive tool for nanoscale imaging and sensing. One-dimensional semiconductor superlattice structures are eminently used for selectively enhancing the generation or detection of phonons at few GHz. While commercially available Brillouin spectrometers provide high-resolution spectra, they consist of complex experimental techniques and are not suitable for semiconductor cavities operating at a wide range of optical wavelengths. We develop a pragmatic experimental approach for conventional Brillouin spectroscopy that can integrate a widely tunable excitation-source. Our setup combines a fibered-based angular filtering and a spectral filtering based on a rotating single etalon and a double grating spectrometer for sequential reconstruction of Brillouin spectra. This configuration allows probing confined acoustic phonon modes in the 20-300 GHz frequency range with excellent laser rejection and high spectral resolution. Remarkably, our scheme based on the excitation and collection of the enhanced Brillouin scattering signals through the optical cavity allows for better angular filtering with decreasing phonon frequency. It can be implemented for the study of cavity optomechanics and stimulated Brillouin scattering over broadband optical and acoustic frequency ranges.

Test-Retest Reliability of Time-Domain EEG Features to Assess Cognitive Load Using a Wireless Dry-Electrode System.

Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) can provide critical support and improve daily task functionality for prosthesis users or social interaction for patients with locked-in syndrome using an assistive communication device. One goal in the development of sophisticated HMIs is to reduce the cognitive load (CL) they place on the user to promote the use of the technology. Electroencephalogram (EEG)-derived measures collected with wired wet-electrode systems have been used to assess CL in laboratory environments and have demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability. Assessment of CL during real-world unconstrained HMI operation, however, requires the use of a wireless dry-electrode EEG system which provides easier electrode application and untethered movement. However, the test-retest reliability of wireless dry-electrode systems to quantify CL has not been explored. Ensuring the consistent capture of CL-related signals across multiple sessions is critical if these devices are to be used to assess how improvements in HMIs affect CL. Therefore, the current study used a wireless dry-electrode EEG system to compare Evoked Response Potential (ERP) features of a simple auditory oddball task to measure CL during two separate testing sessions a week apart. ERPs of 11 subjects were recorded while participants performed a virtual task at two difficulty levels. A significant correlation was found between the P300 component of the ERPs and subjective ratings of CL during both testing sessions. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant test-retest reliability for this same ERP feature and similar signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) across sessions.Clinical Relevance- This is an initial step in validating wireless dry-electrode EEG systems to assess cognitive load across multiple sessions. The evidence presented is critical if dry-wireless EEG systems are to be used to identify aspects of HMIs that reduce CL in clinical and real-life environments. Assessing CL in unconstrained environments can better inform clinicians and technology developers in their design of future HMIs.

Graphene oxide and graphene oxide functionalized with silver nanoparticles as adsorbents of phosphates in waters. A comparative study.

Phosphate removal is an important factor that must be taken into account in eutrophized waters. For this reason, many studies on different ways of removing phosphates from water have been published nowadays. In this work, a comparative study between the use of graphene oxide (GO) and graphene oxide functionalized with silver nanoparticles (GO@AgNPs) as adsorbents to remove phosphates from water samples has been carried out. Experimental conditions, including the pH, adsorbent dose, contact time and temperature, have been analyzed to achieve the highest adsorption efficiency. Although both adsorbents can be considered suitable for removing phosphates from aqueous solutions, GO@AgNPs provided a maximum removal efficiency of 100%, reaching the equilibrium conditions instantaneously under straightforward experimental conditions. Moreover, a much lower adsorbent dose was necessary than with graphene oxide. When GO was used, the maximum removal efficiency was 75%, 9 min were necessary to reach the equilibrium conditions and 20 mg of adsorbent were needed. Both adsorbents can be regenerated in an acid medium, giving recovery percentages of 98% and 80% for GO and GO@AgNPs respectively, which allows them to be recycled and used again.

Evaluación de resultados clínicos postoperatorios a corto y largo plazo de liberación percutánea con aguja vs técnica abierta de dedo en gatillo / Evaluation of postoperative results short and long term of percutaneous liberation vs open technique for trigger finger

Resumen: Introducción: El dedo en gatillo es muy frecuente en la población, con un riesgo de vida de padecer la enfermedad de 2.6% en la población general y con un aumento de 4 a 10% en diabéticos. Dado que no hay un estándar de oro de tratamiento quirúrgico y aún hay controversia en ello, es importante evaluar los resultados de las distintas técnicas quirúrgicas. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar resultados postoperatorios de ambas técnicas quirúrgicas en pacientes con seguimiento de uno a 12 meses de postoperatorio. Material y métodos: Se trata de un estudio prospectivo, longitudinal, descriptivo y observacional realizado en un período de Enero de 2015 a Diciembre de 2017. Se incluyeron pacientes postoperados de liberación con técnica abierta (grupo 1) y percutánea con aguja (grupo 2). Se llevó a cabo la revisión de expedientes de todos los pacientes y se les hizo una encuesta mediante vía telefónica. Los resultados de la comparación de ambas técnicas se analizaron mediante χ2 para resultados paramétricos y mediante la prueba de Fisher para los no paramétricos. Resultados: Se encontró que los pacientes del grupo 2 manifestaron mayor satisfacción, de los cuales 21.8% (n = 12) estuvieron totalmente satisfechos con el procedimiento percutáneo, a diferencia de los del grupo 1 quienes manifestaron satisfacción total sólo en 3.8% (n = 2). Conclusiones: En este estudio podemos concluir que ambas técnicas son efectivas para el tratamiento de dedo en gatillo, siendo la liberación percutánea con aguja la que ofrece mayor grado de satisfacción en los pacientes.

Abstract: Indroduction: Trigger finger is very common in the population, with a life-threatening risk of developing the disease of 2.6% in the general population and increasing to 4 to 10% in diabetics. Since there is no standard gold of surgical treatment and there is still controversy in this, it is important to evaluate the results of the different surgical techniques. The objective of this study is to evaluate postoperative results of both surgical techniques in patients with follow-up of 1 to 12 months postoperative. Material and methods: It is a prospective, longitudinal, descriptive and observational study carried out in a period from January 2015 to December 2017. Postoperative open (group 1) and percutaneous needle (group 2) patients were included. All patients were reviewed and surveyed by telephone. The comparison results of both techniques were analyzed using χ2 for parametric results and by the Fisher test for nonparametric results. Results: It was found that patients in group 2 expressed greater satisfaction, where 21.8% (n = 12) were fully satisfied with the percutaneous procedure, unlike those in group 1 where total satisfaction was only manifested at 3.8% (n = 2). Conclusions: In this study we can conclude that both techniques are effective for the treatment of trigger finger, with percutaneous needle release offering the highest degree of satisfaction in patients.

Ultrasound-guided, percutaneous injection of steroids as a treatment for symptomatic adhesions between the lumbrical and interosseous muscles of the hand: A case report.

Adhesions between lumbricales and interossei muscles are known as "saddle deformities." Clinical diagnosis of saddle deformities of the hand requires a high index of clinical suspicion; this specific injury is often missed or remains undiagnosed using conventional X-ray or MRI techniques. Although the "gold standard" for treatment is surgical release of the adhesions, ultrasound-guided steroid injections at the site of adhesions could be considered a promising treatment option prior to surgical management and, as illustrated in this case, is shown to provide adequate pain relief and positive outcomes for the patient.

[Evaluation of postoperative results short and long term of percutaneous liberation vs open technique for trigger finger]. / Evaluación de resultados clínicos postoperatorios a corto y largo plazo de liberación percutánea con aguja vs técnica abierta de dedo en gatillo.

INDRODUCTION: Trigger finger is very common in the population, with a life-threatening risk of developing the disease of 2.6% in the general population and increasing to 4 to 10% in diabetics. Since there is no standard gold of surgical treatment and there is still controversy in this, it is important to evaluate the results of the different surgical techniques. The objective of this study is to evaluate postoperative results of both surgical techniques in patients with follow-up of 1 to 12 months postoperative. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It is a prospective, longitudinal, descriptive and observational study carried out in a period from January 2015 to December 2017. Postoperative open (group 1) and percutaneous needle (group 2) patients were included. All patients were reviewed and surveyed by telephone. The comparison results of both techniques were analyzed using 2 for parametric results and by the Fisher test for nonparametric results. RESULTS: It was found that patients in group 2 expressed greater satisfaction, where 21.8% (n = 12) were fully satisfied with the percutaneous procedure, unlike those in group 1 where total satisfaction was only manifested at 3.8% (n = 2). CONCLUSIONS: In this study we can conclude that both techniques are effective for the treatment of trigger finger, with percutaneous needle release offering the highest degree of satisfaction in patients.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El dedo en gatillo es muy frecuente en la población, con un riesgo de vida de padecer la enfermedad de 2.6% en la población general y con un aumento de 4 a 10% en diabéticos. Dado que no hay un estándar de oro de tratamiento quirúrgico y aún hay controversia en ello, es importante evaluar los resultados de las distintas técnicas quirúrgicas. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar resultados postoperatorios de ambas técnicas quirúrgicas en pacientes con seguimiento de uno a 12 meses de postoperatorio. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se trata de un estudio prospectivo, longitudinal, descriptivo y observacional realizado en un período de Enero de 2015 a Diciembre de 2017. Se incluyeron pacientes postoperados de liberación con técnica abierta (grupo 1) y percutánea con aguja (grupo 2). Se llevó a cabo la revisión de expedientes de todos los pacientes y se les hizo una encuesta mediante vía telefónica. Los resultados de la comparación de ambas técnicas se analizaron mediante 2 para resultados paramétricos y mediante la prueba de Fisher para los no paramétricos. RESULTADOS: Se encontró que los pacientes del grupo 2 manifestaron mayor satisfacción, de los cuales 21.8% (n = 12) estuvieron totalmente satisfechos con el procedimiento percutáneo, a diferencia de los del grupo 1 quienes manifestaron satisfacción total sólo en 3.8% (n = 2). CONCLUSIONES: En este estudio podemos concluir que ambas técnicas son efectivas para el tratamiento de dedo en gatillo, siendo la liberación percutánea con aguja la que ofrece mayor grado de satisfacción en los pacientes.

Actitud de los estudiantes de enfermería hacía los adultos mayores evaluada con las escalas de Osgood y Kogan / Attitudes of nursing students towards old patients as measured by Osgood and Kogan scales / Atitude dos estudantes de enfermagem face aos idosos utilizando as escalas de Osgood e Kogan

Introducción: El incremento de la población de adultos mayores, requiere de particular atención y planeación en el área de la salud, así como considerar las actitudes hacia ellos, principalmente por parte de los estudiantes de enfermería quienes los cuidarán después de graduarse. Objetivo: Identificar la actitud que tienen los estudiantes de enfermería hacia el adulto mayor y el interés que muestran en cuidar a esta población. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, cuantitativo y trasversal realizado por medio de una encuesta a una muestra representativa de 283 estudiantes de ambos sexos de la carrera de enfermería. El instrumento de investigación se aplicó para determinar la actitud que tienen los estudiantes hacia el adulto mayor con la utilización de dos escalas: el diferencial semántico de Osgood y la de Kogan. Resultados: Con base en la escala de Osgood el 37.7% de los estudiantes tienen una actitud negativa hacia el adulto mayor y con la escala de Kogan se obtuvo el 47% para esta categoría. En promedio, la actitud de los estudiantes fue valorada como regular, y es el sexo femenino quien tiene más actitudes positivas, independientemente de la escala utilizada. Al 51.9% le gustaría desempeñarse en el área gerontológica. Conclusiones: Los estudiantes de enfermería tienen más actitudes negativas relacionadas principalmente a la fragilidad y necesidades de cuidado que requiere el adulto mayor. Es necesario revisar los programas educativos en enfermería para que el aprendizaje y la comunicación orienten al estudiante desde el inicio de la carrera, para incrementar las experiencias y actitudes positivas hacia este grupo social.

Introduction: The increasing older adult population requires special health attention and planning which should include considerations on the attitudes which nursing students demonstrate while taking care of these individuals. Objective: To identify the attitudes and caring interest which nursing students have towards older adults. Material and methods: This is a descriptive, quantitative, and transversal study which used a survey on a representative sample of 283 nursing students of both sexes to determine their attitudes towards older adults in terms of two scales: the Osgood Semantic differential and the Kogan scale. Results: In terms of the Osgood's scale, 37.7% of students showed a negative attitude towards older adults, while in terms of Kogan's scale, 47% demonstrated a negative attitude. In average, the students' attitude was assessed as regular, though the female students exhibited a more positive attitude regardless of the scale. 51.9% of the sample stated they would accept working in the area of gerontology. Conclusions: Nursing students in general show more negative than positive attitudes towards caring older adults, particularly regarding issues of fragility and special needs. Strengthening the nursing education programs in terms of improving the experiences and attitudes of nursing students towards the older adult population is recommended.

Introdução: O incremento da população de idosos requer de particular atenção e planejamento na área de saúde, assim como considerar as atitudes face a eles, principalmente por parte dos estudantes de enfermagem quem os cuidaram depois de formar-se. Objetivo: Identificar a atitude que têm os estudantes de enfermagem face ao idoso e o interesse que mostram para cuidar a esta população. Material e métodos: Estudo descritivo, quantitativo e transversal realizado por meio de uma enquete a uma amostra representativa de 283 estudantes de ambos os sexos da carreira de enfermagem. O instrumento de pesquisa aplicou-se para determinar a atitude que têm os estudantes face ao idoso com a utilização de duas escalas: o diferencial semântico de Osgood e a de Kogan. Resultados: Com base na escala de Osgood o 37.7% dos estudantes têm uma atitude negativa face ao idoso e com a escala de Kogan obteve-se o 47% para esta categoria. Em média, a atitude dos estudantes foi valorizada como regular, e foi o sexo feminino quem teve mais atitudes positivas, independente da escala utilizada. O 51.9% gostaria de desenvolver-se na área gerontológica. Conclusões: Os estudantes de enfermagem têm mais atitudes negativas relacionadas, principalmente à fragilidade e necessidades de cuidado que requer o idoso. É necessário revisar os programas educativos em enfermagem para que a aprendizagem e a comunicação orientem o estudante desde o início da carreira para incrementar as experiências e atitudes positivas face a este grupo social.

Recent advances in objectifying pain using neuroimaging techniques.

The pursuit of a physiological indicator of noxious stimulation is desirable as it has the potential to provide mechanistic information regarding acute pain and may ultimately improve pain management strategies. Currently, there are no specific neurophysiological markers of pain to evaluate treatments. Recent attempts to identify neural correlates of pain have focused on different neuroimaging modalities. The purpose of this review is to discuss common neuroimaging techniques and findings thus far.

Viability of maxillary bone harvesting by using different osteotomy techniques. A pilot study.

The use of autogenous grafts is still considered in bone regeneration surgeries. However, the bone cell viability of such grafts after being harvested from donor sites remains a matter of debate. The aim of the present study is to evaluate particulated and block bone cell viability, in terms of presence or absence of apoptosis and necrosis, obtained from different maxillary intra-oral harvesting methods: bone scraper, rotary carbide burs and piezoelectric device. Five healthy patients were enrolled in the study. The patients required sinus augmentation by lateral window approach. The bone was harvested by the bone scraper, piezoelectric device and rotary surgical instrument. The samples were processed with the Annexin V/FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate stain) kit and were analyzed by means of Fluoresence-Activated Cell Sorted (FACS) technique. Within the limitations of this pilot study, the results indicated that autogenous bone chips collected from the three harvesting methods presented a large percentage of apoptotic cells, although large scale production of necrotic cells was not detected. In summary, although rotary surgical instrument and piezoelectric devices are frequently used instruments for oral osteotomy, fresh autogenous bone chips collected from them did not present a viable bone cell source.

Distribution of diacylglycerol lipase alpha, an endocannabinoid synthesizing enzyme, in the rat forebrain.

1,2-diacylglycerol lipase alpha (DAGLα) is responsible for the biosynthesis and release of 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG), the most abundant endocannabinoid in the brain. Although its expression has been detected in discrete regions, we showed here an integrated description of the distribution of DAGLα mRNA and protein in the rat forebrain using in situ hybridization histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. As novelty, we described the distribution of DAGLα protein expression in the olfactory system, the rostral migratory stream, neocortex, septum, thalamus, and hypothalamus. Similar DAGLα immunostaining pattern was also found in the brain of wild-type, but not of DAGLα knockout mice. Immunohistochemical data were correlated by the identification of DAGLα mRNA expression, for instance, in the somata of specific cells in olfactory structures, rostral migratory stream and neocortex, cells in some septal-basal-amygdaloid areas and the medial habenula, and magnocellular cells of the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus. This widespread neuronal distribution of DAGLα is consistent with multiple roles for endocannabinoids in synaptic plasticity, including presynaptic inhibition of neurotransmitter release. We discuss our comparative analysis of the forebrain expression patterns of DAGLα and other components of the endocannabinoid signaling system, including the CB(1) receptor, monoacylglyceride lipase (MAGL), and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), providing some insight into the potential physiological and behavioral roles of this system.

Intra-accumbens rimonabant is rewarding but induces aversion to cocaine in cocaine-treated rats, as does in vivo accumbal cannabinoid CB1 receptor silencing: critical role for glutamate receptors.

Reinforcing effects mediated by accumbal CB(1) receptors (CB(1)R) are controversial, as well as their role in the rewarding effects of cocaine. Accumbal glutamate and glutamate receptors have been proposed to be involved in CB(1)R-mediated effects on cocaine reward. Rewarding effects of cocaine can be evaluated with the conditioned place preference or CPP test. Rimonabant, a cannabinoid CB(1)R ligand, lentiviruses aimed at silencing CB(1)R, and selective glutamatergic ligands are good tools for studying the function of accumbal CB(1) and glutamate receptors. The objectives of the present study were (i) to discern the CPP effects of in vivo gene silencing of accumbal CB(1) receptors by means of lentiviruses containing siRNAs; (ii) to discern the CPP effects of intra-accumbens infusions of the cannabinoid CB(1)R ligand rimonabant, and to evaluate whether effects are due to receptor blockade or inverse agonism; (iii) to discern the role of CB(1)R located within the nucleus accumbens shell in the rewarding effects of cocaine, by means of local infusions of rimonabant, and (iv) to discern the role of glutamate receptors (AMPAR, NMDAR, mGluR2/3) in rimonabant-induced effects on CPP in cocaine-treated rats. The findings revealed that in vivo silencing of accumbal CB(1) receptors with Lenti-CB(1)R-siRNAs induced place aversion to cocaine, but intra-accumbal rimonabant induced place preference in its own right, indicating that this compound seems to act as inverse agonist on the CPP. Glutamate receptors participate in rimonabant-mediated place preference because it was abolished after blocking AMPA glutamate receptors, but not NMDAR or mGluR2/3. Finally, in cocaine-treated rats, local rimonabant induced place aversion to the drug (not place preference), and this effect was mediated by glutamate neurotransmission because it was abolished after blockade of AMPA, NMDA or mGlu2/3 receptors, even though only the blockade of mGlu2/3 autoreceptors restored the emergence of place preference to cocaine.

Environmental performance of construction waste: Comparing three scenarios from a case study in Catalonia, Spain.

The main objective of this paper is to evaluate environmental impacts of construction wastes in terms of the LIFE 98 ENV/E/351 project. Construction wastes are classified in accordance with the Life Program Environment Directive of the European Commission. Three different scenarios to current waste management from a case study in Catalonia (Spain) have been compared: landfilling, recycling and incineration, and these scenarios were evaluated by means of Life Cycle Assessment. The recommendations of the Catalan Waste Catalogue and the European Waste Catalogue have been taken into account. Also, the influence of transport has been evaluated. Results show that in terms of the Global Warming Potential, the most environmentally friendly treatment was recycling, followed by incineration and lastly landfilling. According to the influence of treatment plants location on the GWP indicator, we observe that incineration and recycling of construction wastes are better than landfilling, even for long distances from the building site to the plants. This is true for most wastes except for the stony types, than should be recycled close to the building site. In summary, data from construction waste of a Catalan case study was evaluated using the well established method of LCA to determine the environmental impacts.