Unveiling the potential of machine learning in cost-effective degradation of pharmaceutically active compounds: A stirred photo-reactor study.

In this study, neural networks and support vector regression (SVR) were employed to predict the degradation over three pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs): Ibuprofen (IBP), diclofenac (DCF), and caffeine (CAF) within a stirred reactor featuring a flotation cell with two non-concentric ultraviolet lamps. A total of 438 datapoints were collected from published works and distributed into 70% training and 30% test datasets while cross-validation was utilized to assess the training reliability. The models incorporated 15 input variables concerning reaction kinetics, molecular properties, hydrodynamic information, presence of radiation, and catalytic properties. It was observed that the Support Vector Regression (SVR) presented a poor performance as the ε hyperparameter ignored large error over low concentration levels. Meanwhile, the Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) model was able to provide rough estimations on the expected degradation of the pollutants without requiring information regarding reaction rate constants. The multi-objective optimization analysis suggested a leading role due to ozone kinetic for a rapid degradation of the contaminants and most of the results required intensification with hydrogen peroxide and Fenton process. Although both models were affected by accuracy limitations, this work provided a lightweight model to evaluate different Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) by providing general information regarding the process operational conditions as well as know molecular and catalytic properties.

Distinct spatial landscapes in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma as revealed by whole transcriptome analysis.

Background: Clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common and aggressive form of renal cancer and a paradigm of inter- and intratumor heterogeneity. We carried out an exploratory digital spatial profiling of the tumor interior and periphery of two ccRCC tumor specimens and mapped spatially the molecular and cellular composition of their tumor microenvironment and ecosystem. Materials and methods: Digital spatial profiling of the whole transcriptome of 19 regions of interest (ROIs) was carried out from two selected highly immunogenic stage pT3a/grade 3 (G3) and stage pT3a/grade 4 (G4) ccRCC. A total of 9-10 ROIs were selected from distinct areas from each tumor, including tumor interior and tumor periphery, and differences in gene expression were analyzed by RNA sequencing, pathway enrichment analysis, and cell deconvolution. Results: The distinct areas from the two locally advanced tumors displayed unique gene expression spatial patterns defining distinct biological pathways. Dimensional reduction analysis showed that the G3 ccRCC, compared to the G4 ccRCC, correlated with more variability between regions from the tumor interior and tumor periphery. Cell deconvolution analysis illustrated higher abundance of immune cells, including macrophages, myeloid dendritic cells, and CD4 T cells, and lower abundance of regulatory T cells in the tumor periphery compared to the tumor interior. Conclusions: Transcriptome spatial profiling revealed high inter- and intratumor heterogeneity in the analyzed tumors and provided information with potential clinical utility. This included the finding of less intratumor heterogeneity and more tumor-infiltrated T cells in the ccRCC tumor specimen with a higher grade.

Swinging between shine and shadow: Theoretical advances on thermally activated vibropolaritonic chemistry.

Polariton chemistry has emerged as an appealing branch of synthetic chemistry that promises mode selectivity and a cleaner approach to kinetic control. Of particular interest are the numerous experiments in which reactivity has been modified by virtue of performing the reaction inside infrared optical microcavities in the absence of optical pumping; this effort is known as "vibropolaritonic chemistry." The optimal conditions for these observations are (1) resonance between cavity and reactive modes at normal incidence (k = 0) and (2) a monotonic increase of the effect with the concentration of emitters in the sample. Importantly, vibropolaritonic chemistry has only been experimentally demonstrated in the so-called "collective" strong coupling regime, where there is a macroscopic number of molecules (rather than a single molecule) coupled to each photon mode of the microcavity. Strikingly, efforts to understand this phenomenon from a conceptual standpoint have encountered several roadblocks, and no single, unifying theory has surfaced thus far. This Perspective documents the most relevant approaches taken by theorists, laying out the contributions and unresolved challenges from each work. We expect this Perspective to not only serve as a primer for experimentalists and theorists alike but also inform future endeavors in the quest for the ultimate formalism of vibropolaritonic chemical kinetics.

Endourological treatment of ectopic ureterocele. Our experience in the last 15 years. / Tratamiento endourológico del ureterocele ectópico. Experiencia en los últimos 15 años.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of the endourological treatment of ectopic ureterocele in children in a large series and with a long-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive study of patients with ectopic ureterocele who had undergone surgery in our institution in the last 15 years was carried out. All patients were treated using an endourological approach, both for ureterocele and postoperative vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). RESULTS: 40 patients were treated -55% with left involvement and 5% with bilateral involvement. Mean age at diagnosis was 4.97 months, with diagnosis being established prenatally in 54.1% of cases. In all patients but one, endourological puncture of the ureterocele was conducted. Mean age at surgery was 6.96 months (0-1.11). Surgery was performed on an outpatient basis in 94.9% of patients. No perioperative complications were recorded. In the last 30 patients, preoperative voiding cystourethrography was not carried out. 72.5% of patients had postoperative VUR (44.8% into the upper pyelon, 10.3% into the lower pyelon, 17.2% into both, 6.9% into the contralateral system, and 20.7% into the bilateral system), but it was resolved with a single endoscopic procedure in 48.1% of cases (65% of patients were healed with two procedures). VUR was not endoscopically resolved in 3 patients who required ureteral re-implantation. 6 patients required heminephrectomy (n=3) or nephrectomy (n=3) as a result of functional impairment and infections. CONCLUSION: The endourological treatment of ectopic ureterocele is a little aggressive and little invasive technique that allows the obstruction to be resolved on an outpatient basis, which means bladder surgery -if required- can be performed outside the neonatal period.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia del tratamiento endourológico del ureterocele ectópico en niños en una serie amplia y con seguimiento a largo plazo. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo de los pacientes con ureterocele ectópico intervenidos en nuestro centro en los últimos 15 años. Todos los pacientes se tratan por vía endourológica, tanto el ureterocele como el reflujo vesicoureteral (RVU) postoperatorio. RESULTADOS: Se trataron 40 pacientes, 55% eran izquierdos y 5% bilaterales. La edad media al diagnóstico fue de 4,97 meses siendo de diagnóstico prenatal el 54,1%. En todos los pacientes menos uno se realizó una punción endourológica del ureterocele. La edad media en el momento de la cirugía era de 6,96 meses (0-1,11). La cirugía fue ambulante en un 94,9% de los pacientes. No se registraron complicaciones perioperatorias. En los últimos 30 pacientes no se realizó cistouretrografía miccional preoperatoria. Un 72,5% de los pacientes presentaron RVU postoperatorio (44,8% a pielón superior, 10,3% a pielón inferior, 17,2% a ambos, 6,9% al sistema contralateral y 20,7% bilateral), pero este se resolvió con un único procedimiento endoscópico en un 48,1% de los casos (curación del 65% de los pacientes con dos procedimientos). El RVU no se resolvió de forma endoscópica en 3 pacientes que requirieron un reimplante ureteral. Seis pacientes precisaron heminefrectomía (n= 3) o nefrectomía (n= 3) por anulación funcional e infecciones. CONCLUSION: El tratamiento endourológico del ureterocele ectópico es una técnica poco agresiva invasiva que consigue la resolución de la obstrucción de forma ambulante permitiendo diferir la cirugía vesical (si fuera necesaria) fuera del periodo neonatal.

Tratamiento endourológico del ureterocele ectópico. Experiencia en los últimos 15 años / Endourological treatment of ectopic ureterocele. Our experience in the last 15 years

Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia del tratamiento endourológico delureterocele ectópico en niños en una serie amplia y con seguimientoa largo plazo. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo de los pacientes con ureterocele ectópico intervenidos en nuestro centro en losúltimos 15 años. Todos los pacientes se tratan por vía endourológica,tanto el ureterocele como el reflujo vesicoureteral (RVU) postoperatorio. Resultados: Se trataron 40 pacientes, 55% eran izquierdos y 5%bilaterales. La edad media al diagnóstico fue de 4,97 meses siendo dediagnóstico prenatal el 54,1%. En todos los pacientes menos uno serealizó una punción endourológica del ureterocele. La edad media enel momento de la cirugía era de 6,96 meses (0-1,11). La cirugía fue ambulante en un 94,9% de los pacientes. No se registraron complicacionesperioperatorias. En los últimos 30 pacientes no se realizó cistouretrografía miccional preoperatoria. Un 72,5% de los pacientes presentaron RVUpostoperatorio (44,8% a pielón superior, 10,3% a pielón inferior, 17,2%a ambos, 6,9% al sistema contralateral y 20,7% bilateral), pero este seresolvió con un único procedimiento endoscópico en un 48,1% de loscasos (curación del 65% de los pacientes con dos procedimientos). ElRVU no se resolvió de forma endoscópica en 3 pacientes que requirieronun reimplante ureteral. Seis pacientes precisaron heminefrectomía (n= 3)o nefrectomía (n= 3) por anulación funcional e infecciones. Conclusión: El tratamiento endourológico del ureterocele ectópicoes una técnica poco agresiva invasiva que consigue la resolución de laobstrucción de forma ambulante permitiendo diferir la cirugía vesical(si fuera necesaria) fuera del periodo neonatal.(AU)

Objective: To assess the efficacy of the endourological treatmentof ectopic ureterocele in children in a large series and with a long-termfollow-up. Materials and methods: A retrospective, descriptive study ofpatients with ectopic ureterocele who had undergone surgery in ourinstitution in the last 15 years was carried out. All patients were treatedusing an endourological approach, both for ureterocele and postoperativevesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Results: 40 patients were treated – 55% with left involvement and5% with bilateral involvement. Mean age at diagnosis was 4.97 months,with diagnosis being established prenatally in 54.1% of cases. In allpatients but one, endourological puncture of the ureterocele was conducted. Mean age at surgery was 6.96 months (0-1.11). Surgery wasperformed on an outpatient basis in 94.9% of patients. No perioperativecomplications were recorded. In the last 30 patients, preoperative voidingcystourethrography was not carried out. 72.5% of patients had postoper-ative VUR (44.8% into the upper pyelon, 10.3% into the lower pyelon,17.2% into both, 6.9% into the contralateral system, and 20.7% into thebilateral system), but it was resolved with a single endoscopic procedurein 48.1% of cases (65% of patients were healed with two procedures).VUR was not endoscopically resolved in 3 patients who required ureteral remplantation. 6 patients required heminephrectomy (n=3) ornephrectomy (n=3) as a result of functional impairment and infections. Conclusion: The endourological treatment of ectopic ureterocele isa little aggressive and little invasive technique that allows the obstructionto be resolved on an outpatient basis, which means bladder surgery – ifrequired – can be performed outside the neonatal period.(AU)

Buried penis secondary to ectopic scrotum. / Pene oculto secundario a ectopia escrotal.

INTRODUCTION: Ectopic scrotum is a rare clinical entity, potentially associated with other congenital abnormalities. We present the case of a patient with buried penis secondary to ectopic scrotum. The surgical technique was described, and a literature review was carried out. CLINICAL CASE: 1-year-old patient with ectopic right hemiscrotum and the testes within the scrotal sac. A double Z-plasty was performed with two flaps - one above the penis, surrounding the ectopic scrotum, and the other one at the scrotum to modify the bifid scrotum. The upper flap was rotated downwards, which allowed ectopy to be repaired, and the lower flap was used to repair bifidity. No postoperative complications were recorded. Follow-time was 6 months, with good final cosmetic results. DISCUSSION: Ectopic scrotum is an infrequent congenital malformation. Cutaneous rotation flaps with Z-plasties are a valid treatment option, with good long-term cosmetic results.

INTRODUCCION: La ectopia escrotal constituye una entidad clínica rara, que puede asociar otras anomalías congénitas. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con un pene oculto secundario a una ectopia escrotal, con descripción de la técnica quirúrgica y revisión de la literatura. CASO CLINICO: Paciente de un año de vida que presentaba un hemiescroto derecho ectópico con testes en bolsa. Se diseñó una doble Z-plastia con realización de dos colgajos, uno suprapeneano rodeando el escroto ectópico y otro escrotal para modificar el escroto bífido. El colgajo superior se rotó hacia abajo corrigiendo la ectopia y el colgajo inferior corregió la bifidez. No se produjeron complicaciones posoperatorias. El tiempo de seguimiento fue de seis meses con buen aspecto estético final. COMENTARIOS: El escroto ectópico es una malformación congénita infrecuente. Los colgajos de rotación cutáneos con Z-plastias son una opción válida de tratamiento con buenos resultados estéticos a largo plazo.

Pene oculto secundario a ectopia escrotal / Buried penis secondary to ectopic scrotum

Introducción: La ectopia escrotal constituye una entidad clínicarara, que puede asociar otras anomalías congénitas.Presentamos el caso de un paciente con un pene oculto secundario auna ectopia escrotal, con descripción de la técnica quirúrgica y revisiónde la literatura. Caso clínico: Paciente de un año de vida que presentaba un he-miescroto derecho ectópico con testes en bolsa. Se diseñó una dobleZ-plastia con realización de dos colgajos, uno suprapeneano rodeandoel escroto ectópico y otro escrotal para modificar el escroto bífido.El colgajo superior se rotó hacia abajo corrigiendo la ectopia y elcolgajo inferior corregió la bifidez. No se produjeron complicacionesposoperatorias. El tiempo de seguimiento fue de seis meses con buenaspecto estético final.Comentarios: El escroto ectópico es una malformación congénitainfrecuente. Los colgajos de rotación cutáneos con Z-plastias son una op-ción válida de tratamiento con buenos resultados estéticos a largo plazo.(AU)

Introduction: Ectopic scrotum is a rare clinical entity, potentiallyassociated with other congenital abnormalities. We present the case ofa patient with buried penis secondary to ectopic scrotum. The surgicaltechnique was described, and a literature review was carried out. Clinical case: 1-year-old patient with ectopic right hemiscrotumand the testes within the scrotal sac. A double Z-plasty was performedwith two flaps – one above the penis, surrounding the ectopic scrotum,and the other one at the scrotum to modify the bifid scrotum. The up-per flap was rotated downwards, which allowed ectopy to be repaired,and the lower flap was used to repair bifidity. No postoperative com-plications were recorded. Follow-time was 6 months, with good finalcosmetic results. Discussion: Ectopic scrotum is an infrequent congenital malfor-mation. Cutaneous rotation flaps with Z-plasties are a valid treatmentoption, with good long-term cosmetic results.(AU)

Development of castration resistance in prostate cancer patients treated with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogues (LHRHa): results of the ANARESISTANCE study.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the percentage of patients with prostate cancer treated with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogues (LHRHa) that develop castration resistance after a follow-up period of 3 years. The secondary objective is to evaluate the variables potentially related to the progression to castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). METHODS: A post-authorization, nation-wide, multicenter, prospective, observational, and longitudinal study that included 416 patients treated with LHRHa between 2012 and 2017 is presented. Patients were followed for 3 years or until development of CRPC, thus completing a per-protocol population of 350 patients. A Cox regression analysis was carried out to evaluate factors involved in progression to CRPC. RESULTS: After 3 years of treatment with LHRHa 18.2% of patients developed CRPC. In contrast, in the subgroup analysis, 39.6% of the metastatic patients developed CRPC, compared with 8.8% of the non-metastatic patients. The patients with the highest risk of developing CRPC were those with a nadir prostate-specific antigen (PSA) > 2 ng/ml (HR 21.6; 95% CI 11.7-39.8; p < 0.001) and those receiving concomitant medication, most commonly bicalutamide (HR 1.8; 95% CI 1-3.1, p = 0.0431). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of metastatic patients developing CRPC after 3 years of treatment with LHRHa is consistent with what has been previously described in the literature. In addition, this study provides new findings on CRPC in non-metastatic patients. Concomitant medication and nadir PSA are statistically significant predictive factors for the time to diagnosis of CRPC, the nadir PSA being the strongest predictor.

The efficacy of a modified live virus vaccine Fostera® PRRS against heterologous strains of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus: A meta-analysis.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is currently one of the most economically important health challenges in the global swine industry. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the overall efficacy of a modified live virus vaccine Fostera® PRRS (F-PRRS) compared to no vaccination as reported in published studies, using meta-analytic techniques. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the potential impact of age at vaccination and F-PRRS cross-protection against different genetically distanced PRRS strains. In total, 20 papers fulfilled the predefined inclusion criteria. Vaccinated pigs had on average 38.52 g/d higher daily weight gain and a 65% lower mortality (relative risk = 0.35) compared to non-vaccinates. F-PRRS reduced the maximum macroscopic lung lesion score on average by 16.82% points and the maximum viral load in serum by 1.36 log10 PRRSV RNA copies. Vaccination at 1 day and 21 days of age was similarly effective, and the pathogenic PRRS strain(s) used for challenge or being endemic in field studies (PRRSV-1, PRRSV-2, or PRRSV-1 & -2) did not significantly influence the outcomes. Our findings confirm the effectiveness of F-PRRS against heterologous PRRSV infection.

Stereoelectroencephalography in the preoperative assessment of patients with refractory focal epilepsy: experience at an epilepsy centre.

OBJECTIVE: Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is a technique for preoperative evaluation of patients with difficult-to-localise refractory focal epilepsy (DLRFE), enabling the study of deep cortical structures. The procedure, which is increasingly used in international epilepsy centres, has not been fully developed in Spain. We describe our experience with SEEG in the preoperative evaluation of DLRFE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the last 8 years, 71 patients with DLRFE were evaluated with SEEG in our epilepsy centre. We prospectively analysed our results in terms of localisation of the epileptogenic zone (EZ), surgical outcomes, and complications associated with the procedure. RESULTS: The median age of the sample was 30 years (range, 4-59 years); 27 patients (38%) were women. Forty-five patients (63.4%) showed no abnormalities on brain MR images. A total of 627 electrodes were implanted (median, 9 electrodes per patient; range, 1-17), and 50% of implantations were multilobar. The EZ was identified in 64 patients (90.1%), and was extratemporal or temporal plus in 66% of the cases. Follow-up was over one year in 55 of the 61 patients undergoing surgery: in the last year of follow-up, 58.2% were seizure-free (Engel Epilepsy Surgery Outcome Scale class I) and 76.4% had good outcomes (Engel I-II). Three patients (4.2%) presented brain haemorrhages. CONCLUSION: SEEG enables localisation of the EZ in patients in whom this was previously impossible, offering better surgical outcomes than other invasive techniques while having a relatively low rate of complications.

Estereoelectroencefalografía en la evaluación prequirúrgica de epilepsias focales refractarias: experiencia de un centro de epilepsia / Stereoelectroencephalography in the preoperative assessment of patients with refractory focal epilepsy: Experience at an epilepsy centre

Objetivo: La estereoelectroencefalografía (E-EEG) es una técnica de evaluación prequirúrgica en pacientes con epilepsia focal refractaria de difícil localización (EFRDL) que permite explorar con electrodos profundos regiones cerebrales de difícil acceso y la profundidad de la corteza. Esta técnica, en auge en centros internacionales, apenas se ha desarrollado en España. Describimos nuestra experiencia con la E-EEG en la evaluación de pacientes con EFRDL. Material y métodos: En los últimos 8 años, 71 pacientes con EFRDL fueron evaluados con E-EEG en nuestro centro. Analizamos prospectivamente los resultados obtenidos en la localización, los resultados quirúrgicos y las complicaciones asociadas a la técnica. Resultados: La mediana de edad fue de 30 años (rango 4-59 años), 27 pacientes eran mujeres (38%). La RM cerebral fue negativa en 45 pacientes (63,4%). Se implantaron 627 electrodos (mediana de 9 electrodos por paciente, rango 1-17), con un 50% de implantaciones multilobares. En 64 (90,1%) pacientes se localizó la zona epileptógena (ZE), siendo extratemporal o temporal plus en el 66% de los casos. En 55 pacientes de los 61 intervenidos el seguimiento fue superior al año: en el último año de seguimiento 32/55 pacientes (58,2%) estaban libres de crisis (Engel I) siendo los resultados favorables (Engel I-II) en el 76,4% de las intervenciones. Tres pacientes (4,2%) presentaron una hemorragia cerebral. Conclusión: La E-EEG permite localizar la ZE en pacientes en quienes anteriormente no era posible, ofreciendo unos resultados quirúrgicos superiores a otras técnicas invasivas y una tasa de complicaciones relativamente baja. (AU)

Objective: Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is a technique for preoperative evaluation of patients with difficult-to-localise refractory focal epilepsy (DLRFE), enabling the study of deep cortical structures. The procedure, which is increasingly used in international epilepsy centres, has not been fully developed in Spain. We describe our experience with SEEG in the preoperative evaluation of DLRFE. Material and methods: In the last 8 years, 71 patients with DLRFE were evaluated with SEEG in our epilepsy centre. We prospectively analysed our results in terms of localisation of the epileptogenic zone (EZ), surgical outcomes, and complications associated with the procedure. Results: The median age of the sample was 30 years (range, 4-59 years); 27 patients (38%) were women. Forty-five patients (63.4%) showed no abnormalities on brain MR images. A total of 627 electrodes were implanted (median, 9 electrodes per patient; range, 1-17), and 50% of implantations were multilobar. The EZ was identified in 64 patients (90.1%), and was extratemporal or temporal plus in 66% of the cases. Follow-up was over one year in 55 of the 61 patients undergoing surgery: in the last year of follow-up, 58.2% were seizure-free (Engel Epilepsy Surgery Outcome Scale class I) and 76.4% had good outcomes (Engel I-II). Three patients (4.2%) presented brain haemorrhages. Conclusion: SEEG enables localisation of the EZ in patients in whom this was previously impossible, offering better surgical outcomes than other invasive techniques while having a relatively low rate of complications. (AU)

A stokes polarimetric light microscopy view of liquid crystal droplets.

The optical characteristics of materials, such as their magnetooptical effects, birefringence, optical activities, linear and circular dichroism, are probed via the polarisation states of light transmitted through or reflected from the specimens. As such, the measurements of the polarisation states play an important role in many research disciplines. Experimentally, Stokes parameters provide a full description of the polarisation states of light. We report the implementation of a dual- photoelastic modulator based polarimeter in a light microscope, enabling the determination of Stokes parameters at each pixel. As a case study, polarimetric images of liquid crystal droplets of different internal structures are obtained, showing their distinct polarisation characteristics. We demonstrate that the prototype Stokes polarimetric microscope allows the quantitative determination of the polarisation characteristics of light at the object plane and enables the access of the information of full polarisation states as compared to a conventional cross polariser microscope. This work shows that Stokes polarimetric microscopy may find potential applications in a wide range of research fields.

Authentication of barley-finished beef using visible and near infrared spectroscopy (Vis-NIRS) and different discrimination approaches.

This study evaluated visible and near-infrared spectroscopy (Vis-NIRS) to authenticate barley-finished beef using different discrimination approaches. Dietary grain source (barley, corn, or blend-50% barley/50% corn) did not affect (P > 0.05) meat quality but influenced (P < 0.05) fatty acid profiles. The longissimus thoracis (LT) from barley-fed steers had lower n-6 fatty acid content and n-6/n-3 ratio compared to LT from corn and blended grain-fed steers. Vis-NIRS coupled with partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and support vector machine in the linear (L-SVM) kernel classified with approximately 70% overall accuracy subcutaneous fat and intact LT samples, respectively, from barley, corn, and blended-fed cattle. When only barley and corn samples were considered, fat and intact LT samples were correctly classified with overall accuracy >94% with PLS-DA and radial/L-SVM, and approximately 90% with PLS-DA and L-SVM, respectively. Ground LT samples were classified with ≤70% overall accuracy. Vis-NIRS measurements on fat and intact LT have potential to discriminate between corn and barley-fed beef.

Vascular reconstruction in a case of iliac artery infiltrating giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma

Introduction. Liposarcoma is the most common tumor type of retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas. Case report. A 35 year-old male with a history of smoking with hypogastric abdominal pain, abdominal fullness, constipation and weight-loss for several months. Physical examination revealed abdominal distension, increased abdominal collateral circulation and a left subcostal mass. Abdominal and pelvic CT scan showed a large, septated fat tumor measuring approximately 30cm x 31cm x 41cm in size. It was decided to perform a resection of the tumoral mass, the para-aortic adenopathy and the infiltrating component of the arterial axis plus a left nephrectomy. During the operation, we observed infiltration of the left CIA which required a block resection of the left CIA, followed by a CIA to left external iliac artery terminal-terminal (T-T) bypass using a 8mm Polyethylene Terephthalate prosthesis, internaliliac artery ligation and venous axis ligation. (AU)

Disentangling functional trait variation and covariation in epiphytic lichens along a continent-wide latitudinal gradient.

Characterizing functional trait variation and covariation, and its drivers, is critical to understand the response of species to changing environmental conditions. Evolutionary and environmental factors determine how traits vary among and within species at multiple scales. However, disentangling their relative contribution is challenging and a comprehensive trait-environment framework addressing such questions is missing in lichens. We investigated the variation in nine traits related to photosynthetic performance, water use and nutrient acquisition applying phylogenetic comparative analyses in lichen epiphytic communities on beech across Europe. These poikilohydric organisms offer a valuable model owing to their inherent limitations to buffer contrasting environmental conditions. Photobiont type and growth form captured differences in certain physiological traits whose variation was largely determined by evolutionary processes (i.e. phylogenetic history), although the intraspecific component was non-negligible. Seasonal temperature fluctuations also had an impact on trait variation, while nitrogen content depended on photobiont type rather than nitrogen deposition. The inconsistency of trait covariation among and within species prevented establishing major resource use strategies in lichens. However, we did identify a general pattern related to the water-use strategy. Thus, to robustly unveil lichen responses under different climatic scenarios, it is necessary to incorporate both among and within-species trait variation and covariation.

Experimental data on the relationship between dyes sensitizers and wavelength during the photocatalytic degradation of diclofenac.

Sensitizers are being used to improve the photocatalytic activity of semiconductors in the visible light region of the solar spectrum. Different types of dyes are reported as sensitizer agents, such as ruthenium complex molecules, porphyrins and Pt complexes, which are critically assessed because they are hazardous substance. Therefore, it is necessary to replace these compounds with safer sensitizer like organic dyes. This work evaluated the photocatalytic degradation of diclofenac using two different types of organic dyes (Perinaphtenone and Eosin-Y) as sensitizer agents. The catalyst concentration [0.15; 0.35 g/l], source of light (UVA - Vis) and type of dye were evaluated. The data obtained can be useful to classify organic dyes that could be employees as sensitizers and which is the wavelength more adequate to use as an energy source. The Kapp for the reaction has values between 1*10-3 to 5*10-3 min-1 for UVA, 3*10-4 to 3*10-3 min-1 for Vis and 2*10-3 to 6*10-3 min-1 for UV-Vis.

Stereoelectroencephalography in the preoperative assessment of patients with refractory focal epilepsy: Experience at an epilepsy centre. / Estereoelectroencefalografía en la evaluación prequirúrgica de epilepsias focales refractarias: experiencia de un centro de epilepsia.

OBJECTIVE: Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is a technique for preoperative evaluation of patients with difficult-to-localise refractory focal epilepsy (DLRFE), enabling the study of deep cortical structures. The procedure, which is increasingly used in international epilepsy centres, has not been fully developed in Spain. We describe our experience with SEEG in the preoperative evaluation of DLRFE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the last 8 years, 71 patients with DLRFE were evaluated with SEEG in our epilepsy centre. We prospectively analysed our results in terms of localisation of the epileptogenic zone (EZ), surgical outcomes, and complications associated with the procedure. RESULTS: The median age of the sample was 30 years (range, 4-59 years); 27 patients (38%) were women. Forty-five patients (63.4%) showed no abnormalities on brain MR images. A total of 627 electrodes were implanted (median, 9 electrodes per patient; range, 1-17), and 50% of implantations were multilobar. The EZ was identified in 64 patients (90.1%), and was extratemporal or temporal plus in 66% of the cases. Follow-up was over one year in 55 of the 61 patients undergoing surgery: in the last year of follow-up, 58.2% were seizure-free (Engel Epilepsy Surgery Outcome Scale class I) and 76.4% had good outcomes (Engel I-II). Three patients (4.2%) presented brain haemorrhages. CONCLUSION: SEEG enables localisation of the EZ in patients in whom this was previously impossible, offering better surgical outcomes than other invasive techniques while having a relatively low rate of complications.