Use of LDH- chromate adsorption co-product as an air purification photocatalyst.

This work deals with the use of layered double hydroxides for a double environmental remediation. The residue obtained in the use of these materials as a chromate sorbent in water, was subsequently studied as a photocatalyst for the removal of NOx gases. With this aim, MgAl-CO3 layered double hydroxides were synthesized by the coprecipitation method with a divalent/trivalent metal ratio of 3. After its calcination at 500 °C, the mixed oxide was obtained and MgAl-CrO4 were synthesized by the reconstruction method. A complete chemical, morphological and photochemical study of the samples was carried out with techniques such as XRD, FT-IR, TGA, XRF, PL, DRIFTS and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Results showed that LDH materials presented no significant changes in their structure after their use as a sorbent. Photocatalytic tests of the samples showed a very good NO removal efficiency, as well as a high selectivity (low NO2 emissions) through complete oxidation of these oxides to nitrate. The incorporation of chromate into the LDH structure improved the absorption of light in the visible region of the spectra, producing an improvement of 20% in the NO elimination compared with the LDH without chromate.

Insight into the role of copper in the promoted photocatalytic removal of NO using Zn2-xCuxCr-CO3 layered double hydroxide.

In this work the ability of Zn2-xCuxCr-CO3 layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as highly efficient DeNOx photocatalysts was studied. LDHs with x = 0, 0.2 and 0.4 were prepared using a coprecipitation method. The samples were characterized by different techniques such as XRD, XPS, FT-IR, ICP-MS, TG, SBET, SEM and Diffuse reflectance (DR). The increased amount of copper ions in the LDH layers gave rise to slight changes in the structure and morphology and an important variation of the optical properties of the LDHs. The prepared ZnCuCr-CO3 photocatalysts exhibited favourable conversion efficiency (51%) and an extraordinary selectivity (97%) for the photochemical NO abatement. The photochemical mechanism was elucidated from DOS, EPR, Femtosecond transient absorption and in-situ DRIFTS studies. The results suggested that the presence of Cu2+ ions in the LDH framework introduced new states in the valence band states, thus favouring the production and mobility of e-/h+ charge carriers and a greater production of ⋅O2- and ⋅OH.

Transversal modulation ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS): exploring the IMS-IMS-MS possibilities of the instrument.

A prototype is introduced based on the transversal modulation ion mobility spectrometry (TMIMS) technique, which provides a continuous output of mobility-selected ions, greatly easing the synchronization between different analyzing stages. In the new architecture, two stages of filtration are used to drastically reduce the background produced by one stage alone. Two-stages TMIMS was coupled with two different atmospheric pressure interface mass spectrometers (MS). The new system enables IMS-IMS-MS analysis and other modes of operation: IMS prefiltration, IMS-IMS, and full transmission mode. It provides a resolving power R > 60 in IMS mode, and R > 40 in each stage of IMS-IMS mode. 2-Propanol vapors were introduced in one of the stages to enhance the mobility variations, and their effect was studied on a set of tetraalkylammonium ions. We found that concentrations as low as 1% (in partial pressure) produce mobility variations as high as 20%, which suggest that IMS-IMS separation using dried N2 (in one stage) and a dopant (in the other stage), could be a very powerful way to enhance the separation capacity of the IMS-IMS prefiltration approach.

Low-sample flow secondary electrospray ionization: improving vapor ionization efficiency.

In secondary electrospray ionization (SESI) systems, gaseous analytes exposed to an elecrospray plume become ionized after charge is transferred from the charging electrosprayed particles to the sample species. Current SESI systems have shown a certain potential. However, their ionization efficiency is limited by space charge repulsion and by the high sample flows required to prevent vapor dilution. As a result, they have a poor conversion ratio of vapor into ions. We have developed and tested a new SESI configuration, termed low-flow SESI, that permits the reduction of the required sample flows. Although the ion to vapor concentration ratio is limited, the ionic flow to sample vapor flow ratio theoretically is not. The new ionizer is coupled to a planar differential mobility analyzer (DMA) and requires only 0.2 lpm of vapor sample flow to produce 3.5 lpm of ionic flow. The achieved ionization efficiency is 1/700 (one ion for every 700 molecules) for TNT and, thus, compared with previous SESI ionizers coupled with atmospheric pressure ionization-mass spectrometry (API-MS) (Mesonero, E.; Sillero, J. A.; Hernández, M.; Fernandez de la Mora, J. Philadelphia PA, 2009) has been improved by a large factor of at least 50-100 (our measurements indicate 70). The new ionizer coupled with the planar DMA and a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (ABSciex API5000) requires only 20 fg (50 million molecules) to produce a discernible signal after mobility and MS(2) analysis.

Transversal Modulation Ion Mobility Spectrometry (TM-IMS), a new mobility filter overcoming turbulence related limitations.

The analysis of ions according to their mobility is a technique that is attracting increasing interest. The new technology presented here, which we have termed Transversal Modulation Ion Mobility Spectrometry (TM-IMS), utilizes only electric fields, operates at atmospheric pressure, produces a continuous output of mobility selected ions (according to their true mobility and not to nonlinear effects), and has a very accessible inlet and outlet. These features would make it an ideal choice for tandem IMS-MS analysis in combination with most commercial Atmospheric Pressure Interface MS (API-MS) systems. We modeled and evaluated two different TM-IMS configurations (TM-IMS, and multistage TM-IMS), and we concluded that the most promising configuration would be a two-stage TM-IMS. We developed and tested a TM-IMS, and the measured resolving power is R = 55. The TM-IMS behaves similarly to the planar Differential Mobility Analyzer, but the TM-IMS utilizes only electric fields, and no fragile flow with high Reynolds numbers is required. We tested the robustness of the TM-IMS, which proves to be a very robust and reliable analyzer: the required voltage accuracy is 5 V in 10 kV, and the mechanical precision is 1 mm in 5 cm.

Femto to millisecond observations of indole-based squaraine molecules photodynamics in solution.

We present femto-to-millisecond studies of the photodynamics of seven types of indole-based squaraine molecules (SQs) in solvents of different H-bonding ability and viscosity. These SQs can be classified into two families: SQs with two carboxylic groups in the side indole groups (symmetrical SQs) and with only one carboxylic group (asymmetrical SQs). Steady-state absorption and fluorescence techniques show narrow absorption and emission bands, with a small Stokes shift (about 300 cm(-1)). The femtosecond transient absorption spectra give a very short (∼100 fs) dynamics (assigned to IVR) and the associated spectra show two excited species assigned to two stereoisomers. A trans-cis photoisomerization occurs in a very fast time through a conical intersection. Pico-to-nanosecond emission experiments also reveal the presence of two fluorescing trans stereoisomers whose lifetimes show similar sensitivities to the nature of solvent. For example, lifetimes of 1.72, 0.46 and 0.29 ns were determined for the trans photoisomer of the SQ 41 in triacetin, dichloromethane and acetonitrile, respectively, reflecting the short decay of the S(1) state in highly polar and low viscous solvents. Flash photolysis experiments gave the transient absorption signals of the cis photoisomer that is formed after the twisting process at S(1). The cis-to-trans photoisomerization at the ground state happens in the µs time scale (1-4 µs), and it depends on the H-bonding ability and viscosity of the solvent. Thus, combining fs-ns and ns-µs experiments suggests that in the conical intersection region, only a small fraction of the twisted trans isomers are converted to the cis ones in the excited states. These results bring detailed and global insight into the large time window photodynamics of this family of SQs in solution.

Atresia coanal congénita unilateral en paciente adulto: presentación de un caso y revisión bibliográfica sobre vías de abordaje: complicaciones y tratamientos adicionales / Unilateral congenital choanal atresia in adult patient: case report and bibliographical review about surgical approaches, complications and additional treatments

La atresia de coanas, es una patología poco frecuente, que habitualmente se diagnostica en las edades tempranas. Representa un reto quirúrgico por su alta tendencia a la reestenosis, considerándose en la actualidad de elección el tratamiento endoscóplco. Tratamientos como stents posoperatorios o la aplicación de mitomicina C tópica para disminuir la reestenosis son todavía controvertidos, sin que exista consenso. Presentamos el caso de un adulto con atresia de coana unilateral que se reparó vía endoscópica transnasal y se realiza una revisión bibliográfica sobre el estado actual del tratamiento de esta patología.

Choanal atresia is a very rare condition, usually it's diagnosticated in early age. It represents a surgical challenge for the high tendency to restenosis, being actually the endoscopic treatment first option. Other treatments like postoperative stents or topical mitomycin-C in order to avoid restenosis are controversial, and there is a lack of consensus. We present an adult case with unilateral choanal atresia treated by transnasal endoscopic technique and It's carry out a bibliographical review about the current treatment state of this pathology.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in biosutures do not improve healing of experimental colonic anastomoses.

BACKGROUND: The feasibility of producing 'biosutures' coated with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) was assessed and their effect on colonic anastomoses evaluated. METHODS: Sutures were cultured with ASCs isolated from BDIX rats before analysis by light and scanning electron microscopy. Anastomoses were performed in 40 BDIX rats using either biosutures or conventional sutures. Histopathological features, adhesion formation and anastomotic strength were evaluated. RESULTS: Sutures were coated with ASCs within 24 h. Anastomoses made with biosutures had a lower adhesion index only during the first week (P = 0.006 at 7 days), but not subsequently. There were no significant differences in anastomotic healing with the two types of suture. CONCLUSION: ASC biosutures have no effect on anastomotic healing in rats.

[An experimental model to measure real intraocular pressure (IOP) during LASIK]. / Modelo experimental para medir la presión intraocular (PIO) durante LASIK.

PURPOSE: To design a model to measure real IOP during lasik in pig eyes. METHODS: A reusable blood pressure transducer was used. Each eye was placed on a stand with sufficient support for the surgical procedure. The globes were inflated with 5% glucosated solution through the optic nerve to attain an IOP of 10-20 mmHg. A 27-gauge catheter was then inserted from the pars plana to the anterior chamber cavity. Real IOP was transmitted via the catheter liquid column to an external sensor. A suction ring was applied and a flap was created. During the procedure, IOP was registered with the ML110 Bridge Amplifier connected to a baro transducer. RESULTS: Values of real IOP were measured in freshly enucleated pig eyes during the lasik procedure. The model was able to instantaneously register the changes in IOP induced by the application of a suction ring and the creation of a flap in the pig eyes with good reproducibility. At the end of the procedure the IOP values remained stable. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed an experimental model to observe the course of suctioning and changes in IOP simultaneously. This model seems to be accurate in obtaining IOP values from the anterior chamber cavity during LASIK.

[Eclipse retinopathy: three case reports]. / Retinopatía por eclipse. A propósito de tres casos.

CASE REPORT: We present the evolution of eclipse retinopathy in 3 patients who came to our hospital after the eclipse of October 2005 and had foveal lesions and visual field alterations. DISCUSSION: Eclipse retinopathy is a maculopathy that occurs after exposure to intense solar radiation, such as occurs during an eclipse, and is produced by a photochemical mechanism. Although the macular changes and symptoms are usually reversible, residual defects at the level of the EPR and scotoma in visual fields can occur. For these reasons the most appropriate treatment is prevention by means of public awareness campaigns.

Modelo experimental para medir la presión intraocular (PIO) durante LASIK / An experimental model to measure real intraocular pressure (IOP) during LASIK

Objetivo: Diseñar un modelo para medir la presión intraocular real (PIO) durante el procedimiento LASIK (Laser Assisted in situ Keratomileusis) en ojos de cerdo. Métodos: En este experimento se utilizó un transductor de presión sanguínea. Cada ojo se colocó sobre una superficie con soporte como para realizar el procedimiento quirúrgico. Los ojos se insuflaron con una solución glucosada al 5% introducida a través del nervio óptico con el fin de conseguir una presión intraocular de inicio de entre 8-20 mmHg. En ese momento, un catéter de 27G se insertó desde la pars-plana hacia la cámara anterior. La PIO real se transmitió vía la columna líquida del catéter hacia un sensor externo. Después se colocó el anillo de succión y se realizó el corte. Durante todo el proceso, la PIO fue registrada mediante un amplificador ML 110 Bridge conectado al baro-transductor. Resultados: Se midieron los valores de PIO real, en siete ojos de cerdo enucleados, durante el procedimiento LASIK. El modelo fue capaz de registrar instantáneamente los cambios de PIO inducidos por la aplicación del anillo de succión y la creación del flap corneal con buena reproductibilidad. Al final del procedimiento, los valores de PIO resultantes permanecían estables. Conclusiones: Hemos desarrollado un modelo experimental para observar simultáneamente durante la succión del ojo y la creación del flap los cambios de presión intraocular que se producen. Este modelo parece ofrecer con precisión los valores de PIO en la cámara anterior durante el procedimiento LASIK

Purpose: To design a model to measure real IOP during lasik in pig eyes. Methods: A reusable blood pressure transducer was used. Each eye was placed on a stand with sufficient support for the surgical procedure. The globes were inflated with 5% glucosated solution through the optic nerve to attain an IOP of 10-20 mmHg. A 27-gauge catheter was then inserted from the pars plana to the anterior chamber cavity. Real IOP was transmitted via the catheter liquid column to an external sensor. A suction ring was applied and a flap was created. During the procedure, IOP was registered with the ML110 Bridge Amplifier connected to a baro transducer. Results: Values of real IOP were measured in freshly enucleated pig eyes during the lasik procedure. The model was able to instantaneously register the changes in IOP induced by the application of a suction ring and the creation of a flap in the pig eyes with good reproducibility. At the end of the procedure the IOP values remained stable. Conclusions: We have developed an experimental model to observe the course of suctioning and changes in IOP simultaneously. This model seems to be accurate in obtaining IOP values from the anterior chamber cavity during lasik

[Health related quality of life in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2]. / Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the impact of diabetes mellitus type 2 on health related quality of life. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Site: a basic health zone of the Foral Community of Navarre (12,200 inhabitants). Selection through simple random sampling (n=95) of the universe of patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type 2 of our basic health zone (n=655). Methods: Health Related Quality of Life evaluated with generic questionnaires SF-36 and EQ-5D; comparison of the general population samples carried out in Spain (SF-36), general population y>65 years of Navarre and Spanish diabetic population (EQ-5D). RESULTS: The diabetic patients have a tendency to show results lower than the general population in the following health concepts of the SF-36: "Physical Function" (76.6 +/- 27.2 SD), "Bodily Pain" (73.7 +/- 26.2 SD) , "General Health" (54.7 +/- 22.4 SD), "Social Function" (84.2 +/- 21.7 SD), "Role Emotional" (84.7 +/- 28.9 SD). Comparing the data with the general population >60 years, only two health concepts -"General Health" and "Role Emotional"- are equal to the reference values. With respect to the rates of respondents to some problem in the dimensions of the EQ-5D, the "Anxiety/Depression" dimension is outstanding with 43%. The value of the analogical visual scale in the diabetic patients is 64.6. CONCLUSIONS: This study increases the evidence that diabetes mellitus type 2 is related to a worse perception of quality of life related to health. The impact of certain diseases on the patients should not be measured only through the quantification of objective clinical parameters (such as morbidity or mortality).

[Impact of common reasons for consultation on the feeling of vitality and the physical performance of the over-65s]. / Impacto de los motivos comunes de consulta en el sentimiento de vitalidad y en el rendimiento físico de personas mayores de 65 años.

OBJECTIVES: To measure two functional dimensions (vitality and physical function) involved in the quality of life of the over-65s and to find what relationship they maintain with the commonest reasons for consultation. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, descriptive study. SETTING: Primary care. PARTICIPANTS: Randomised sample of 179 patients over 65 from 14 primary care clinics in Navarra. METHODS: SF-36 quality-of-life questionnaire and most common reasons for consultation. Personal and family details and ongoing drug prescription were also recorded. RESULTS: The most common reasons for consultation were insomnia (31.8%), arthrosis (48%), and urinary symptoms (16.2%). The greatest differences in the SF-36 scales occurred in patients with insomnia. In the multiple regression models, inverse associations were found for each of the reasons for consultation with the vitality and physical function dimensions. Vitality was associated with urinary symptoms, with an adjusted beta coefficient of -11.2 points (95% CI, -18.6 to -3.7). Insomnia was associated with significant decline in vitality and physical function, with beta of -7.7 points (95% CI, -13.9 to -1.5) and -10.3 points (95% CI, -19.1 to -1.6), respectively. Arthrosis symptoms behaved in a similar way. CONCLUSIONS: The most common pathologies or symptoms causing primary care consultations in the over-65s affect significantly the quality-of-life dimensions relating to the pursuit of normal daily life.

Incidence of caries in an infant population in Mostoles, Madrid. Evaluation of a preventive program after 7.5 years of follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and effectiveness of a dental-health programme after 7.5-years of follow-up. DESIGN: The study follows a prospective cohort design without randomization. POPULATION AND METHODS: The study group cohort consisted of 547 school children, 266 girls and 281 boys, the control group was composed of 237 school children, 121 girls and 116 boys. Dental examinations were carried out using WHO criteria. Preventive measures included health education, a weekly mouth rinse using sodium fluoride (NaFI) at 0.2% concentration, fissure sealants to first permanent molars and topical application of fluoride gel. The outcomes using different indices of tooth decay and socio-demographic variables were compared between study and control groups and statistical significance determined through the Mann-Whitney U-test. Logistic regression was used in the multivariate analysis. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between cohorts in the indices of decay. The mean DMFT value for study group children was 1.52 and for first permanent molars (DMFM) 1.10 per child, mean DMFS was 2.09. In the control group, values were DMFT-3.07, DMFM-2.03 per child, DMFS-4.33. Logistic regression showed the preventive programme to have a significant independent effect. CONCLUSION: The preventive programme had been effective and had a clear protective effect.

Carpal tunnel syndrome presenting as sclerodactylia, nail dystrophy and acro-osteolysis in a 60-year-old woman.

Skin changes associated with carpal tunnel syndrome have rarely been reported. A 60-year-old patient was referred to our Department of Dermatology for evaluation of an aseptic gangrene of the distal phalanx of the third finger of her left hand, progressive nail dystrophy, sclerodactylia and spontaneous ulcerations. These features were seen on the digits with sensory supply from the median nerve. The patient had hand paresthesias for at least 10 years. No abnormal results were found in biochemical, hematological or immunological determinations. An echo-Doppler study of the upper limbs was normal. An electromyographic study was consistent with a bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Ulcerative and mutilating CTS can occasionally produce sclerodactylia with ulcerative lesions on distal fingers, nail dystrophy and acro-osteolysis as a consequence of mechanical compression of the autonomic fibers of the median nerve. The clinical picture includes Raynaud's phenomenon in some patients. Correct diagnosis is important, since ulcerative and mutilating CTS is a marker of a severe neural lesion, which is amenable to treatment by surgical decompression.

Bilateral blindness in Takayasu's disease.

We report the case of a 61-year-old woman who presented bilateral blindness at the age of nineteen. Although she did not receive any treatment, she did not present any other symptoms through 40 years of follow-up. After reviewing the literature, we have not found any case of bilateral blindness as the first manifestation of TD without further progression of the disease despite the absence of treatment.

On-line medical direction: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency with which physician, on-line medical direction (OLMD) [direct medical control] of prehospital care results in orders, to describe the nature of these orders, and to measure OLMD time intervals. METHODS: Blinded, prospective study. SETTING: A university hospital base-station resource center. PARTICIPANTS: Ten emergency physicians, 50 advanced life support providers. INTERVENTIONS: Prehospital treatment was directed by both standing orders and OLMD physician orders. Independent observers recorded event times and the characteristics of OLMD. RESULTS: Physician orders were given in 47 (19%) of the 245 study cases, and covered a variety of interventions, including many already authorized by standing orders. Mean OLMD radio time was four minutes (245 +/- 216 seconds [sec]), and time from beginning of OLMD to hospital arrival averaged 12 minutes (718 +/- 439 sec). Mean transport time in this system was 13 minutes. CONCLUSION: Despite detailed standing orders, OLMD results in orders for clinical interventions in 19% of cases. On-line medical direction requires about four minutes of physician time per call. This constituted about one-third of the potential field treatment time interval in this system. Thus, OLMD appears to play an important role in providing quality prehospital care.

Comparison of interventions in prehospital care by standing orders versus interventions ordered by direct [on-line] medical command.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the patient care measures provided by paramedics according to standing orders versus measures ordered by direct [on-line] medical command in order to determine the types and frequency of medical command orders. DESIGN: Prospective identification of patient care measures done as part of a prehospital quality assurance program. SETTING: An urban paramedic service in the northeast United States with direct medical command from three local hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: One thousand eight paramedic reports from October 1992 through March 1993. INTERVENTIONS: All patient care interventions recorded as done by standing orders or by direct medical command orders. Errors in patient care were determined by the same criteria as in the prior two studies of the same system. RESULTS: Direct medical command gave orders in 143/1,008 (14.2%) cases. Paramedics performed 2,453/2,624 (93.5%) of the total patient care interventions using standing orders. In 61 cases (6.1%), medical command ordered a potentially beneficial intervention not specified by standing orders or not done by the paramedic. 21/171 (12.3%) command orders were for additional doses of epinephrine or atropine in cardiac arrest cases (where the initial doses had been given under standing orders), and 59/171 (34.5%) were for interventions already mandated or permitted by standing orders. The paramedic error rate was 0.6%, and the medical command error rate was 1.8% (unchanged form the prior study of the same standing-orders system). CONCLUSION: Direct medical command gave orders in 14% of cases in this standing-orders system, but 35% of command orders only reiterated the standing orders. More selective and reduced uses of on-line command could be done in this system with no change in the types or numbers of patient care interventions performed.

[Acute external otitis: retrospective study of 170 cases]. / Otitis externas agudas: estudio retrospectivo de 170 casos.

170 external otitis have been diagnosed and treated for one year (1989) in our ENT department. The etiology of the otitis was both bacterial and mycotic. The purpose of this paper is to study the clinical, therapeutic, epidemiologic and microbiologic aspects of this type of otitis.