[Quantification of changes in the external morphology of the back by means of surface topography based on structured light in idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents after a year of treatment with orthopedic corse]. / Cuantificación de cambios en la morfología externa de la espalda mediante topografía de superficie basada en luz estructurada en la escoliosis idiopática del adolescente tras un año de tratamiento con corsé ortopédico.

BACKGROUND: To quantify the morphological changes in the surface of the back of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis as a result of treatment with braces and to correlate them with radiographic changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analytical, cohort, prospective study on a sample of 31 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. We divided them into two groups: eleven treated with braces and twenty without them. Quantification of the deformity was performed on two separate occasions with an interval of one year using three systems: 1) angle of trunk rotation (scoliometer); 2) surface topography; 3) full spine X-rays. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were detected between the initial and final assessment of the topographic and radiographic variables in the group with braces. In the untreated group, only in measures with the scoliometer significant differences were registered. A positive correlation was found between the Cobb angle difference of the main curve with two topographic variables that quantify the asymmetry in the axial and coronal plane, respectively. DISCUSSION: In following patients with scoliosis treated with braces, we should consider and evaluate not only radiographic parameters such as the Cobb angle, but also clinical and topographic parameters that quantify the external deformity of the back, as there is a clinical-radiographic discrepancy amply demonstrated in the literature. The improvement of the external shape of the back is a very important factor for the patient, and can influence a better completion of the orthopedic treatment. In our study, the scoliotic curve and external deformity of the back remained stable during the follow-up period in both treated and untreated patients.

ANTECEDENTES: Cuantificar los cambios morfológicos producidos en la superficie de la espalda de adolescentes con escoliosis idiopática como resultado del tratamiento mediante corsé y correlacionarlos con las variaciones radiográficas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio analítico, de cohortes, prospectivo, sobre una muestra de 31 adolescentes con escoliosis idiopática divididos en dos grupos: 11 con tratamiento mediante corsé y 20 sin corsé. Se realizó una cuantificación de la deformidad en dos ocasiones separadas entre sí por un intervalo de un año mediante tres sistemas: 1) ángulo de rotación del tronco (escoliómetro); 2) topografía de superficie; 3) radiografía simple de raquis completo. RESULTADOS: No se detectaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la valoración inicial y final de las variables topográficas y radiográficas en el grupo con corsé. En el grupo no tratado, sólo hubo diferencias significativas para las medidas del escoliómetro. Se encontró una correlación positiva entre la diferencia del ángulo de Cobb de la curva principal con la de dos variables topográficas que cuantifican la asimetría en el plano axial y en el coronal, respectivamente. DISCUSIÓN: En el seguimiento de pacientes con escoliosis tratados con corsé, se deben tener en cuenta y valorar no sólo parámetros radiográficos como el ángulo de Cobb, sino también parámetros clínicos y topográficos que cuantifiquen la deformidad externa de la espalda, ya que existe una discrepancia clínico-radiográfica demostrada de manera amplia en la literatura. La mejoría de la forma externa de la espalda es un factor muy importante para el paciente y es lo que va a percibir fundamentalmente, lo que puede influir en una mejor cumplimentación del tratamiento ortopédico. En nuestro estudio, la curva escoliótica, así como la deformidad externa de la espalda, se mantuvo estable en el período de seguimiento tanto en los pacientes tratados con corsé como en los no tratados.

Cuantificación de cambios en la morfología externa de la espalda mediante topografía de superficie basada en luz estructurada en la escoliosis idiopática del adolescente tras un año de tratamiento con corsé ortopédico / Quantification of changes in the external morphology of the back by means of surface topography based on structured light in idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents after a year of treatment with orthopedic corse

Resumen: Antecedentes: Cuantificar los cambios morfológicos producidos en la superficie de la espalda de adolescentes con escoliosis idiopática como resultado del tratamiento mediante corsé y correlacionarlos con las variaciones radiográficas. Material y métodos: Estudio analítico, de cohortes, prospectivo, sobre una muestra de 31 adolescentes con escoliosis idiopática divididos en dos grupos: 11 con tratamiento mediante corsé y 20 sin corsé. Se realizó una cuantificación de la deformidad en dos ocasiones separadas entre sí por un intervalo de un año mediante tres sistemas: 1) ángulo de rotación del tronco (escoliómetro); 2) topografía de superficie; 3) radiografía simple de raquis completo. Resultados: No se detectaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la valoración inicial y final de las variables topográficas y radiográficas en el grupo con corsé. En el grupo no tratado, sólo hubo diferencias significativas para las medidas del escoliómetro. Se encontró una correlación positiva entre la diferencia del ángulo de Cobb de la curva principal con la de dos variables topográficas que cuantifican la asimetría en el plano axial y en el coronal, respectivamente. Discusión: En el seguimiento de pacientes con escoliosis tratados con corsé, se deben tener en cuenta y valorar no sólo parámetros radiográficos como el ángulo de Cobb, sino también parámetros clínicos y topográficos que cuantifiquen la deformidad externa de la espalda, ya que existe una discrepancia clínico-radiográfica demostrada de manera amplia en la literatura. La mejoría de la forma externa de la espalda es un factor muy importante para el paciente y es lo que va a percibir fundamentalmente, lo que puede influir en una mejor cumplimentación del tratamiento ortopédico. En nuestro estudio, la curva escoliótica, así como la deformidad externa de la espalda, se mantuvo estable en el período de seguimiento tanto en los pacientes tratados con corsé como en los no tratados.

Abstract: Background: To quantify the morphological changes in the surface of the back of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis as a result of treatment with braces and to correlate them with radiographic changes. Material and methods: An analytical, cohort, prospective study on a sample of 31 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. We divided them into two groups: eleven treated with braces and twenty without them. Quantification of the deformity was performed on two separate occasions with an interval of one year using three systems: 1) angle of trunk rotation (scoliometer); 2) surface topography; 3) full spine X-rays. Results: No statistically significant differences were detected between the initial and final assessment of the topographic and radiographic variables in the group with braces. In the untreated group, only in measures with the scoliometer significant differences were registered. A positive correlation was found between the Cobb angle difference of the main curve with two topographic variables that quantify the asymmetry in the axial and coronal plane, respectively. Discussion: In following patients with scoliosis treated with braces, we should consider and evaluate not only radiographic parameters such as the Cobb angle, but also clinical and topographic parameters that quantify the external deformity of the back, as there is a clinical-radiographic discrepancy amply demonstrated in the literature. The improvement of the external shape of the back is a very important factor for the patient, and can influence a better completion of the orthopedic treatment. In our study, the scoliotic curve and external deformity of the back remained stable during the follow-up period in both treated and untreated patients.

Positioning of the cross-stitch on the modified Kessler core tendon suture.

Cryopreserved human tendons were sutured with different variations of a modified Kessler-type grasping suture in a series of different designs in order to assess the influence of the distance between the cross-stitch on the core suture (5 and 10 mm from the cut tendon edge) on the peripheral suture. An original mathematical model was employed to explain the mechanical behavior (strength, deformation, and distribution of load) of the different suture designs. The effect of the peripheral epitendinous suture, combined with the distance of the core suture, was evaluated. The variation of core suture distance had no relevant consequences on the overall resilience of the design. However, increasing the distance between the cross-stitches of the core suture reduces the deformation that is absorbed not only by the core suture itself but also by the peripheral suture. Adding a peripheral epitendinous suture to a 10-mm design almost doubles the breaking load in absolute values. The mathematical model predicts that the peripheral suture will support a greater load when the distance of the core suture cross-stitches is increased. The evidence level is II.

Shadow prices of emerging pollutants in wastewater treatment plants: Quantification of environmental externalities.

Conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are designed to remove mainly the organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus compounds and suspended solids from wastewater but are not capable of removing chemicals of human origin, such as pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs). The presence of PPCPs in wastewater has environmental effects on the water bodies receiving the WWTP effluents and renders the effluent as unsuitable as a nonconventional water source. Considering PPCPs as non-desirable outputs, the shadow prices methodology has been implemented using the output distance function to measure the environmental benefits of removing five PPCPs (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, carbamazepine and trimethoprim) from WWTP effluents discharged to three different ecosystems (wetland, river and sea). Acetaminophen and ibuprofen show the highest shadow prices of the sample for wetland areas. Their values are 128.2 and 11.0 €/mg respectively. These results represent a proxy in monetary terms of the environmental benefit achieved from avoiding the discharge of these PPCPs in wetlands. These results suggest which PPCPs are urgent to remove from wastewater and which ecosystems are most vulnerable to their presence. The findings of this study will be useful for the plant managers in order to make decisions about prioritization in the removal of different pollutants.

Structural basis of the substrate specificity and instability in solution of a glycosidase from Lactobacillus plantarum.

Statistics from structural genomics initiatives reveal that around 50-55% of the expressed, non-membrane proteins cannot be purified and therefore structurally characterized due to solubility problems, which emphasized protein solubility as one of the most serious concerns in structural biology projects. Lactobacillus plantarum CECT 748T produces an aggregation-prone glycosidase (LpBgl) that we crystallized previously. However, this result could not be reproduced due to protein instability and therefore further high-resolution structural analyses of LpBgl were impeded. The obtained crystals of LpBgl diffracted up to 2.48Å resolution and permitted to solve the structure of the enzyme. Analysis of the active site revealed a pocket for phosphate-binding with an uncommon architecture, where a phosphate molecule is tightly bound suggesting the recognition of 6-phosphoryl sugars. In agreement with this observation, we showed that LpBgl exhibited 6-phospho-ß-glucosidase activity. Combination of structural and mass spectrometry results revealed the formation of dimethyl arsenic adducts on the solvent exposed cysteine residues Cys211 and Cys292. Remarkably, the double mutant Cys211Ser/Cys292Ser resulted stable in solution at high concentrations indicating that the marginal solubility of LpBgl can be ascribed specifically to these two cysteine residues. The 2.30Å crystal structure of this double mutant showed no disorder around the newly incorporated serine residues and also loop rearrangements within the phosphate-binding site. Notably, LpBgl could be prepared at high yield by proteolytic digestion of the fusion protein LSLt-LpBgl, which raises important questions about potential hysteretic processes upon its initial production as an enzyme fused to a solubility enhancer.

Energy saving in WWTP: Daily benchmarking under uncertainty and data availability limitations.

Efficient management of Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTPs) can produce significant environmental and economic benefits. Energy benchmarking can be used to compare WWTPs, identify targets and use these to improve their performance. Different authors have performed benchmark analysis on monthly or yearly basis but their approaches suffer from a time lag between an event, its detection, interpretation and potential actions. The availability of on-line measurement data on many WWTPs should theoretically enable the decrease of the management response time by daily benchmarking. Unfortunately this approach is often impossible because of limited data availability. This paper proposes a methodology to perform a daily benchmark analysis under database limitations. The methodology has been applied to the Energy Online System (EOS) developed in the framework of the project "INNERS" (INNovative Energy Recovery Strategies in the urban water cycle). EOS calculates a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the evaluation of energy and process performances. In EOS, the energy KPIs take in consideration the pollutant load in order to enable the comparison between different plants. For example, EOS does not analyse the energy consumption but the energy consumption on pollutant load. This approach enables the comparison of performances for plants with different loads or for a single plant under different load conditions. The energy consumption is measured by on-line sensors, while the pollutant load is measured in the laboratory approximately every 14 days. Consequently, the unavailability of the water quality parameters is the limiting factor in calculating energy KPIs. In this paper, in order to overcome this limitation, the authors have developed a methodology to estimate the required parameters and manage the uncertainty in the estimation. By coupling the parameter estimation with an interval based benchmark approach, the authors propose an effective, fast and reproducible way to manage infrequent inlet measurements. Its use enables benchmarking on a daily basis and prepares the ground for further investigation.

Osteotomía cupuliforme combinada con transposición del nervio cubital como tratamiento del cúbito valgo postraumático en una paciente pediátrica / Combined dome-shaped osteotomy and ulnar nerve transposition for the treatment of traumatic cubitus valgus

Resumen: Una secuela de las fracturas supracondíleas de húmero distal en la infancia es la deformidad angular. Generalmente es más frecuente el cúbito varo, pero también existen casos descritos de cúbito valgo. Esta última puede ser la causa de la aparición de una neuropatía tardía del nervio cubital, que requerirá de tratamiento. Existe controversia en cuanto si es posible tratar con éxito ambos problemas en un mismo procedimiento quirúrgico. En este artículo se presenta el caso de una niña de 11 años, que presenta una deformidad en cúbito valgo secundaria a una fractura supracondílea de húmero distal de codo derecho a la edad de siete años, asociada con una clínica progresiva de neuropatía del nervio cubital. Esta paciente se trató de forma satisfactoria mediante un procedimiento único de osteotomía correctora cupuliforme supracondilar asociada con una transposición anterior subcutánea del nervio cubital a través de un abordaje posterior.

Abstract: A sequel of supracondylar fractures of distal humerus in children is the angular deformity. It is usually more frequent cubitus varus, but there are reported cases of cubitus valgus. The latter may be the cause of the occurrence of a late ulnar nerve neuropathy, which will require treatment. There is controversy as to whether it is possible to successfully treat both problems at the same surgical procedure. This article describes the case of a girl of 11 years old, who has a cubitus valgus deformity secondary to supracondylar fracture of distal humerus of right elbow at the age of seven years, associated with progressive symptoms of ulnar nerve neuropathy. This patient was treated successfully by a single procedure for corrective dome-shaped supracondilar osteotomy associated with subcutaneous anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve through a posterior approach.

[Dome shaped osteotomy combined with transposition of the ulnar nerve as a treatment for post-traumatic ulnar valgus in a pediatric patient]. / Osteotomía cupuliforme combinada con transposición del nervio cubital como tratamiento del cúbito valgo postraumático en una paciente pediátrica.

A sequel of supracondylar fractures of distal humerus in children is the angular deformity. It is usually more frequent cubitus varus, but there are reported cases of cubitus valgus. The latter may be the cause of the occurrence of a late ulnar nerve neuropathy, which will require treatment. There is controversy as to whether it is possible to successfully treat both problems at the same surgical procedure. This article describes the case of a girl of 11 years old, who has a cubitus valgus deformity secondary to supracondylar fracture of distal humerus of right elbow at the age of seven years, associated with progressive symptoms of ulnar nerve neuropathy. This patient was treated successfully by a single procedure for corrective dome-shaped supracondilar osteotomy associated with subcutaneous anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve through a posterior approach.

Una secuela de las fracturas supracondíleas de húmero distal en la infancia es la deformidad angular. Generalmente es más frecuente el cúbito varo, pero también existen casos descritos de cúbito valgo. Esta última puede ser la causa de la aparición de una neuropatía tardía del nervio cubital, que requerirá de tratamiento. Existe controversia en cuanto si es posible tratar con éxito ambos problemas en un mismo procedimiento quirúrgico. En este artículo se presenta el caso de una niña de 11 años, que presenta una deformidad en cúbito valgo secundaria a una fractura supracondílea de húmero distal de codo derecho a la edad de siete años, asociada con una clínica progresiva de neuropatía del nervio cubital. Esta paciente se trató de forma satisfactoria mediante un procedimiento único de osteotomía correctora cupuliforme supracondilar asociada con una transposición anterior subcutánea del nervio cubital a través de un abordaje posterior.

Economic valuation of environmental benefits of removing pharmaceutical and personal care products from WWTP effluents by ozonation.

Continuous release of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) present in effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is nowadays leading to the adoption of specific measures within the framework of the Directive 2000/60/EC (Water Framework Directive). The ozonation process, normally employed for drinking water production, has also proven its potential to eliminate PPCPs from secondary effluents in spite of their low concentrations. However, there is a significant drawback related with the costs associated with its implementation. This lack of studies is especially pronounced regarding the economic valuation of the environmental benefits associated to avoid the discharge of these pollutants into water bodies. For the first time the shadow prices of 5 PPCPs which are ethynilestradiol, sulfamethoxazole, diclofenac, tonalide and galaxolide from treated effluent using a pilot-scale ozonation reactor have been estimated. From non-sensitive areas their values are -73.73; -34.95; -42.20; -10.98; and -8.67 respectively and expressed in €/kg. They represent a proxy to the economic value of the environmental benefits arisen from undischarged pollutants. This paper contributes to value the environmental benefits of implementing post-treatment processes aimed to achieve the quality standards required by the Priority Substances Directive.

Effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Ochrobactrum intermedium on sheep experimentally infected with Fasciola hepatica.

The effects of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Ochrobactrum intermedium was evaluated in sheep experimentally infected with Fasciola hepatica. Animals were divided into four groups: two treated with the LPS (T1/T2) and two controls (C1/C2). T1/C1 were slaughtered at 30 days postinfection (dpi) and T2/C2 at 85 dpi. Body weight and body condition were found higher in T1 and T2 than in controls, although differences were not significant. Treated sheep showed lower cumulative fecal egg count than controls (p < 0.01). Levels of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit (HCT) were higher in T1 and T2. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in RBC and HCT were found between groups at 84 dpi. More severe macrocytic and hypochromic anemia was observed in C1 and C2 than in treated groups. Total protein and albumin values were higher in T1 and T2 (p < 0.01) until 29 dpi. At the end of the trial, no significant differences were observed in hepatic enzymes, although gamma-glutamyl transferase and aspartate aminotransferase values were higher in C2, and alanine aminotransferase was higher in T2. At necropsy, the mean weight of liver, fibrosis in portal triads, and ganglion size were similar in all groups. The number and size of flukes was greater in C2 than in T2 (p < 0.05). The histological examinations revealed a higher degree of parenchymatous fibrosis in T2 compared to C2 (p < 0.05). The administration of LPS from O. intermedium increased the nonspecific resistance against F. hepatica in experimentally infected sheep.

Economic feasibility study for intensive and extensive wastewater treatment considering greenhouse gases emissions.

Economic feasibility assessments represent a key issue for selecting which wastewater treatment processes should be implemented. The few applications that exist focus on the positive economic value of externalities, overlooking the existence of negative externalities. However, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) consume a significant amount of energy, contributing to climate change. In this context, as a pioneering approach, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) have been incorporated as a negative externality of wastewater treatment. Within this framework, this study aims to compare the economic feasibility of five technologies, both intensive and extensive, for small communities. The results show that both the investment and operation costs are higher for intensive than for extensive technologies. Moreover, significant differences in the value of negative externalities were observed. This study demonstrates that from an economic perspective, constructed wetland is the most suitable option for treating wastewater in small agglomerations.

Gene expression signatures and molecular markers associated with clinical outcome in locally advanced head and neck carcinoma.

The purpose of this study was to identify molecular markers associated with tumor recurrence and survival in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We studied the expression profile of 63 pre-treatment tumor biopsies obtained from locally advanced HNSCCs treated with standard treatments. Cluster analysis identified three tumor subtypes associated with significant differences in local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) (P<0.001), progression free-survival (PFS) (P<0.009) and overall survival (OS) (P<0.004). Tumor subtype 1, associated with short LRFS, PFS and OS, showed features of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and undifferentiation. It also overexpressed genes involved in cell adhesion, NF-κB and integrin signalling. Tumor subtype 3, associated with longer LRFS, PFS and OS, showed a high degree of differentiation and overexpressed genes located in chromosomal regions 19q13 and 1q21. Tumor subtype 2, which had an intermediate clinical outcome between subtype 1 and subtype 3, overexpressed genes involved in branching morphogenesis. Finally, we validated the association between gene cluster classification and patient survival using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and two HNSCC data sets obtained from two independent patient cohorts. In conclusion, we generated a gene prognostic signature associated with survival in locally advanced patients using the expression profile of the pre-treatment tumor biopsy. Independent prospective studies would be necessary to assess if the proposed survival signature could help to guide clinical management of HNSCC.

Assessment of wastewater treatment plant design for small communities: environmental and economic aspects.

The preliminary design and economic assessment of small wastewater treatment plants (less than 2000 population equivalent) are issues of particular interest since wastewaters from most of these agglomerations are not covered yet. This work aims to assess nine different technologies set-up for the secondary treatment in such type of facilities embracing both economic and environmental parameters. The main novelty of this work is the combination of an innovative environmental decision support system (EDSS) with a pioneer approach based on the inclusion of the environmental benefits derived from wastewater treatment. The integration of methodologies based on cost-benefit analysis tools with the vast amount of knowledge from treatment technologies contained in the EDSS was applied in nine scenarios comprising different wastewater characteristics and reuse options. Hence, a useful economic feasibility indicator is obtained for each technology including internal and external costs and, for the first time, benefits associated with the environmental damage avoided. This new methodology proved to be crucial for supporting the decision process, contributing to improve the sustainability of new treatment facilities and allows the selection of the most feasible technologies of a wide set of possibilities.

Techno-economical efficiency and productivity change of wastewater treatment plants: the role of internal and external factors.

Efficiency and productivity are important measures for identifying best practice in businesses and optimising resource-use. This study analyses how these two measures change across the period 2003-2008 for 196 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Spain, by using the benchmarking methods of Data Envelopment Analysis and the Malmquist Productivity Index. To identify which variables contribute to the sustainability of the WWTPs, differences in efficiency scores and productivity indices for external factors are also investigated. Our results indicate that both efficiency and productivity decreased over the five years. We verify that the productivity drop is primarily explained by technical change. Furthermore, certain external variables affected WWTP efficiency, including plant size, treatment technology and energy consumption. However, plants with low energy consumption are the only ones which improve their productivity. Finally, the benchmarking analyses proved to be useful as management tools in the wastewater sector, by providing vital information for improving the sustainability of plants.

[A retrospective study about 11 cases of Esthesioneuroblastomas treated in Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau between 2000 and 2008 and literature review]. / Estudio retrospectivo de 11 casos de estesioneuroblastomas tratados en el Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau entre los años 2000 y 2008 más revisión de la literatura.

INTRODUCTION. Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a very uncommon malignant tumor with a neuroectodermal origin that usually involves the anterior cranial fossa and nasal cavity. OBJECTIVES. To review our experience in the management of ENB and assess the validity of the histopathological diagnosis, modality of treatment and prognostic factors of the disease comparing our findings with the literature. METHODS. A retrospective study of 11 cases with the diagnosis of esthesioneuroblastoma treated in our hospital between 2000 and 2008. Statistical analysis was performed in search for prognostic factors. The bibliography about ENB published between 1990 and 2009 was reviewed RESULTS. There were 3 women and 8 men, with a mean age of 42 years old (range 20-71y). Their symptoms upon admission were nasal obstruction (81%), epistaxis (27%), visual loss (18%), headache and others. According to the Kadish Stage, 2 were stage B and 9 were stage C. Dulguerov and Calcaterra Classification was also used: 2 were T2, 3 were T3 and 6 were T4. The hystopathological result according to the Hyams classification was: 2 cases in stage I, 4 in stage II, 3 in stage III and 2 in stage IV. The two cases classified in stage IV changed the diagnosis to undifferenciate tumor in the second biopsy. A subcranial approach was performed in 8 cases combined with endonasal endoscopy to confirm the total removal, followed by radiotherapy in all and chemotherapy in one case, resulting on 62% (5 patients) being alive without disease, 12,5% (1 p) alive with disease, and 25% (2 p) dead of disease. Another patient was operated by a single endonasal endoscopic approach and a subtotal removal was achieved. This patient is alive without disease. The other 2 patients were treated by biopsy plus radiotherapy and chemotherapy, because they were considered unresectable, and one of them is alive with disease and the other one is dead of disease. Radiotherapy was performed in all cases and chemotherapy in 5 cases. The hystopathological grading system of Hyams was considered statistically significant as a prognostic factor of disease-free survival. CONCLUSIONS. When the hystopathological diagnosis of ENB is considered, the Hyams classification can be valid considering grade IV as an advanced stage that is sometimes difficult to differentiate from other undiferentiated tumors. The subcranial approach or craneofacial resection in advanced stages (Kadish C and some B) should be considered as the first treatment of choice. Radiotherapy is indicated in all cases and chemotherapy in selected cases. Hyams' classification was the only staging system that proved useful as a prognostic factor in our series.

Estudio retrospectivo de 11 casos de estesioneuroblastomas tratados en el Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau entre los años 2000 y 2008 más revisión de la literatura / A retrospective study about 11 cases of Esthesioneuroblastomas treated in Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau between 2000 and 2008 and literature review

Introducción. El estesioneuroblastoma (ENB) es un tumor maligno de origen neuroectodérmico poco habitual que afecta principalmente a la fosa craneal anterior y cavidad nasal. Objetivos. Revisar nuestra experiencia en el manejo de los ENB, evaluar la validez del diagnóstico anatomopatológico, el tipo de tratamiento y factores pronósticos de la enfermedad comparando nuestros hallazgos con los descritos en la literatura. Material y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de 11 casos de ENB tratados en nuestro hospital en el periodo comprendido entre 2000 y 2008. Se realiza análisis estadístico sobre la existencia de factores pronósticos. Se revisa la bibliografía publicada sobre el ENB entre 1990 y 2009.Resultados. Se trataron 3 mujeres y 8 hombres, cuya edad media fue 42 años (rango 20-71 años). El síntoma inicial fue la obstrucción nasal (81%), epistaxis (27%), disminución de agudeza visual (18%), cefalea y otros. Según la clasificación de Kadish, 2 son estadío B y 9 estadío C; según la clasificación de Dulguerov, 2 son T2, 3 son T3 y 6 son T4. El resultado histológico según la clasificación de Hyams fue de 2 casos en grado I, 4 en grado II, 3 en grado III y 2 en grado IV. Dos de los casos inicialmente catalogados en grado IV cambiaron de diagnóstico en la segunda (..) (AU)

Introduction. Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a very uncommon malignant tumor with a neuroectodermal origin that usually involves the anterior cranial fossa and nasal cavity. Objectives. To review our experience in the management of ENB and assess the validity of the histopathological diagnosis, modality of treatment and prognostic factors of the disease comparing our findings with the literature. Methods. A retrospective study of 11 cases with the diagnosis of esthesioneuroblastoma treated in our hospital between 2000 and 2008. Statistical analysis was performed in search for prognostic factors. The bibliography about ENB published between 1990 and 2009 (..) (AU)

Environmental and economic profile of six typologies of wastewater treatment plants.

The objective of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is to prevent pollution. However, it is necessary to assess their sustainability in order to ensure that pollution is being removed, not displaced. In this research, the performance of 24 WWTPs has been evaluated using a streamlined Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with Eutrophication Potential (EP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP) as environmental indicators, and operational costs as economic indicators. WWTPs were further classified in six typologies by their quality requirements according to their final discharge point or water reuse. Moreover, two different functional units (FU), one based on volume (m(3)) and the other on eutrophication reduction (kg PO(4)(3-) removed) were used to further determine sustainability. A correlation between legal requirements and technologies used to achieve them was found: Organic matter removal plants were found to be less costly both in environmental and economic terms if volume was used as the functional unit, while more demanding typologies such as reuse plants showed a trade-off between lower EP and higher cost and GWP; however, this is overcome if the second FU is used instead, proving the sustainability of these options and that this FU better reflects the objectives of a WWTP.

Cost-benefit analysis of water-reuse projects for environmental purposes: a case study for Spanish wastewater treatment plants.

Water reuse is an emerging and promising non-conventional water resource. Feasibility studies are essential tools in the decision making process for the implementation of water-reuse projects. However, the methods used to assess economic feasibility tend to focus on internal costs, while external impacts are relegated to unsubstantiated statements about the advantages of water reuse. Using the concept of shadow prices for undesirable outputs of water reclamation, the current study developed a theoretical methodology to assess internal and external economic impacts. The proposed methodological approach is applied to 13 wastewater treatment plants in the Valencia region of Spain that reuse effluent for environmental purposes. Internal benefit analyses indicated that only a proportion of projects were economically viable, while when external benefits are incorporated all projects were economically viable. In conclusion, the economic feasibility assessments of water-reuse projects should quantitatively evaluate economic, environmental and resource availability.

Energy efficiency in Spanish wastewater treatment plants: a non-radial DEA approach.

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are energy-intensive facilities. Thus, reducing their carbon footprint is particularly important, both economically and environmentally. Knowing the real operating energy efficiency of WWTPs is the starting point for any energy-saving initiative. In this article, we applied a non-radial Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodology to calculate energy efficiency indices for sampling of WWTPs located in Spain. In a second stage analysis, we examined the operating variables contributing to differences in energy efficiency among plants. It is verified that energy efficiencies of the analyzed WWTPs were quite low, with only 10% of them being efficient. We found that plant size, quantity of organic matter removed, and type of bioreactor aeration were significant variables in explaining energy efficiency differences. In contrast, age of the plant was not a determining factor in energy consumption. Lastly, we quantified the potential savings, both in economic terms and in terms of CO(2) emissions, that could be expected from an improvement in energy efficiency of WWTPs.

Chagas disease: progress and new perspectives.

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) estimates that currently 7.7 million of people have Trypanosoma cruzi infection in the 21 endemic countries from the southern and southwestern United States to central Argentina and Chile. The only approved therapeutics for the treatment of Chagas disease are two nitroheterocyclic compounds as a nitrofuran (nifurtimox; Lampit) and a nitroimidazole (benznidazole; Rochagan). However, the anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activities of these compounds were discovered empirically over three decades ago. The treatment of Chagas disease with nifurtimox or benznidazole is unsatisfactory because of their limited efficacy in the prevalent chronic stage of the disease and their toxic side effects. In this context, this article will review the current knowledge of the different aspects involved in this illness, such as Trypanosoma cruzi transmission, physiology and biochemistry of the etiological agent, epidemiological aspects and current treatments for American trypanosomiasis. An important section of this review will focus on the different strategies in drug discovery for Chagas disease, including methodology, in vitro screening studies against whole parasites, novel rationally developed approaches on the basis of the increasing knowledge of the biochemistry of Trypanosoma cruzi and the recent progress in the understanding and validation of several targets for the therapy of Chagas's disease. A summary of the most relevant drug targets such as sterol biosynthesis pathway, cysteine protease pathway, pyrophosphate metabolism and purine salvage pathway will be reviewed. Moreover, recent studies regarding other strategies currently under development including thiol-dependent redox metabolism, lysophospholipid analogues and DNA binders will also be discussed.