Activating two-dimensional semiconductors for photocatalysis: a cross-dimensional strategy.

The emerging two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors substantially extend materials bases for versatile applications such as semiconductor photocatalysis demanding semiconductive matrices and large surface areas. The dimensionality, while endowing 2D semiconductors the unique properties to host photocatalytic functionality of pollutant removal and hydrogen evolution, hurdles the activation paths to form heterogenous photocatalysts where the photochemical processes are normally superior over these on the mono-compositional counterparts. In this perspective, we present a cross-dimensional strategy to employ thenD (n= 0-2) clusters or nanomaterials as activation partners to boost the photocatalytic activities of the 2D semiconductors. The formation principles of heterogenous photocatalysts are illustrated specifically for the 2D matrices, followed by selection criteria of them among the vast 2D database. The computer investigations are illustrated in the density functional theory route and machine learning benefitted from the vast samples in the 2D library. Synthetic realizations and characterizations of the 2D heterogenous systems are introduced with an emphasis on chemical methods and advanced techniques to understand materials and mechanistic studies. The perspective outlooks cross-dimensional activation strategies of the 2D materials for other applications such as CO2removal, and materials matrices in other dimensions which may inspire incoming research within these fields.

Uso de vaina asistida por vacío en mininefrolitotomía percutánea (mini-NLPC) en decúbito supino / Vacuum-assisted access sheath in supine mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL)

Introducción La vaina de acceso asistida por vacío es un nuevo dispositivo para el tratamiento de los cálculos renales mediante nefrolitotomía percutánea (NLPC). Objetivo Nuestro objetivo fue comparar la tasa libre de litiasis (TLL) y las complicaciones entre la mini-NLPC estándar y la asistida por vacío (VaNLPC). Método Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes intervenidos mediante mini-NLPC y VaNLPC desde enero de 2018 hasta junio de 2022. La VaNLPC se realizó con una vaina desechable (ClearPetra®) que permite la conexión de aspiración por un canal lateral facilitando la extracción de fragmentos. Se recogieron las características basales de los pacientes, los resultados quirúrgicos y los datos perioperatorios y postoperatorios. Se compararon en cuanto a las complicaciones y la TLL. Resultados Identificamos 136 pacientes, 57 (41,9%) intervenidos con VaNLPC y 79 (58,15%) con mini-NLPC. El tiempo quirúrgico medio fue significativamente menor en el grupo VaNLPC (95 min) que en el mini-NLPC (146 min; p = 0,001). La técnica tubeless se realizó con mayor frecuencia en el grupo VaNLPC (61,4 vs. 34,2%; p = 0,002). No se observaron diferencias en las complicaciones postoperatorias. El tiempo medio de hospitalización fue significativamente inferior en el grupo VaNLPC con 1,7 días por paciente frente a 2,7 días en el grupo mini-NLPC (p = 0,001). No hubo diferencias en la TLL a los tres meses entre VaNLPC (71,9%) y mini-NLPC (71,8%; p = 0,848). Conclusiones Los pacientes tratados con VaNLPC obtuvieron resultados comparables a la mini-NLPC, mostrando una TLL igual con similares complicaciones infecciosas. Como potenciales beneficios de la VaNLPC, se postulan menor tiempo quirúrgico y estancia postoperatoria. (AU)

Introduction The vacuum-assisted access sheath is a new device for the treatment of kidney stones with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Objective Our aim was to compare the stone-free rate (SFR) and complications between standard mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL) and vacuum-assisted PCNL (Va-PCNL). Methods Retrospective study of patients undergoing mini-PCNL and Va-PCNL from January 2018 to June 2022. Va-PCNL was performed with a disposable sheath (ClearPetra) with continuous high-flow irrigation and vacuum fluid dynamics for easier stone fragment removal. Baseline patient characteristics, surgical outcomes, perioperative and postoperative data were collected. We compared SFR and complications. Results A total of 136 patients were identified, 57 (41,9%) underwent Va-PCNL and 79 (58,15%) mini-PCNL. Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the Va-PCNL group (95 min.) than in mini-PCNL (146 min.; P = .001) group. The tubeless technique was performed more frequently in Va-PCNL group (61,4% vs. 34,2%; P = .002). We did not observe any differences in postoperative complications. The mean hospital stay was significantly lower in Va-PCNL with 1,7 ± 1,9 days per patient compared with 2,7 ± 1,5 days in the mini-PCNL group (P = .001). There were no differences in SFR at 3 months between Va-PCNL (71,9%) and mini-PCNL (71,8%; P = .848). Conclusion Patients treated with Va-PCNL had comparable results to mini-PCNL, showing equal SFR with similar infectious complications rates. Potential benefits of Va-PCNL include shorter operative time and postoperative stay. (AU)

Vacuum-assisted access sheath in supine mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL).

INTRODUCTION: The vacuum-assisted access sheath is a new device for the treatment of kidney stones with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to compare the stone-free rate (SFR) and complications between standard mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (Mini-PCNL) and vacuum-assisted PCNL (Va-PCNL). METHODS: Retrospective study of patients undergoing Mini-PCNL and Va-PCNL from January 2018 to June 2022. Va-PCNL was performed with a disposable sheath (ClearPetra®) with continuous high-flow irrigation and vacuum fluid dynamics for easier stone fragment removal. Baseline patient characteristics, surgical outcomes, perioperative and postoperative data were collected. We compared SFR and complications. RESULTS: A total of 136 patients were identified, 57 (41,9%) underwent Va-PCNL and 79 (58,15%) Mini-PCNL. Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the Va-PCNL group (95 min.) than in Mini-PCNL (146 min; P = ,001) group. The tubeless technique was performed more frequently in Va-PCNL group (61,4% vs. 34,2%; P = ,002). We did not observe any differences in postoperative complications. The mean hospital stay was significantly lower in Va-PCNL with 1,7 ± 1,9 days per patient compared with 2,7 ± 1,5 days in the Mini-PCNL group (P = ,001). There were no differences in SFR at 3 months between Va-PCNL (71,9%) and Mini-PCNL (71,8%; P =v ,848). CONCLUSION: Patients treated with Va-PCNL had comparable results to Mini-PCNL, showing equal SFR with similar infectious complications rates. Potential benefits of Va-PCNL include shorter operative time and postoperative stay.

Impact on clinical practice of the preoperative screening of Covid-19 infection in surgical oncological patients. Prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In the oncological patient, an COVID-19-Infection, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, a surgical procedure may carry a higher postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to describe the impact on clinical practice of sequential preoperative screening for COVID-19-infection in deciding whether to proceed or postpone surgery. METHODS: Prospective, cohort study, based on consecutive patients' candidates for an oncological surgical intervention. Sequential preoperative screening for COVID-19-infection: two-time medical history (telematic and face-to-face), PCR and chest CT, 48 h before of surgical intervention. COVID-19-infection was considered positive if the patient had a suggestive medical history and/or PCR-positive and/or CT of pneumonia. RESULTS: Between April 15th and May 4th, 2020, 179 patients were studied, 97 were male (54%), mean (sd) age 66.7 (13,6). Sequential preoperative screening was performed within 48 h before to surgical intervention. The prevalence of preoperative COVID-19-infection was 4.5%, 95%CI:2.3-8.6% (8 patients). Of the operated patients (171), all had a negative medical history, PCR and chest CT. The complications was 14.8% (I-II) and 2.5% (III-IV). There was no mortality. The hospital stay was 3.1 (sd 2.7) days.In the 8 patients with COVID-19-infection, the medical history was suggestive in all of them, 7 presented PCR-positive and 5 had a chest CT suggestive of pneumonia. The surgical intervention was postponed between 15 and 21 days. CONCLUSION: Preoperative screening for COVID-19-infection using medical history and PCR helped the surgeon to decide whether to go ahead or postpone surgery in oncological patients. The chest CT may be useful in unclear cases.

Fractura vertebral transversal metastásica por cáncerde pulmón / Metastatic transverse vertebral fracture due to lung cancer

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Modificaciones en la altura patelar por el uso del injerto hueso-tendón-hueso / Changes in patellar height due to bone-tendon-bone graft

Objetivo: Las complicaciones asociadas al uso de injertos del ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) son frecuentes. Los cambios en la altura, sobre todo de la patela baja, pueden ser la razón de la aparición de dolor en la zona anterior de la rodilla. Diversos estudios han asociado la reconstrucción del LCA mediante la técnica de injerto hueso-tendón-hueso con patela baja. Métodos: Cuarenta y tres pacientes con reconstrucción del LCA mediante injerto hueso-tendón-hueso fueron incluidos en el presente estudio. Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a la misma cirugía, con el cierre del paratendón del tendón rotuliano. Se realizó un estudio radiológico antes de la cirugía y 2 años después de la misma. En todos los casos se estudió el índice Insall-Salvati, el corte axial y la inclinación patelar. Como control se utilizó la rodilla sana contralateral del paciente. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre el estudio preoperatorio y el realizado tras 2 años de la cirugía. Conclusiones: El uso del tendón patelar con cierre del paratendón en la reconstrucción del LCA no ha demostrado modificar la altura patelar en estudios radiológicos a los 2 años de seguimiento

Purpose: Complications related to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft are common. Change in height, especially patella baja, can be a cause of anterior knee pain. Several studies have related ACL reconstruction with bone-tendon-bone graft to patella baja. Methods: Forty-three patients with ACL reconstruction using a with bone-tendon-bone graft were included in this study. All patients underwent the same surgery, with closure of the paratenon of the patellar tendon. A radiological study was performed before surgery and 2 years after surgery. The Insall-Salvati index, axial view and patellar tilt were analyzed in all patients. The healthy contralateral knees were used as the control group. Results: No significant differences were observed from the preoperative measurements or at the 2-year follow-up. Conclusions: The use of patellar tendon with closure of the paratenon in ACL reconstruction was not shown to modify patellar height within the radiological follow-up of two years

Changes in patellar height due to bone-tendon-bone graft. / Modificaciones en la altura patelar por el uso del injerto hueso-tendón-hueso.

PURPOSE: Complications related to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft are common. Change in height, especially patella baja, can be a cause of anterior knee pain. Several studies have related ACL reconstruction with bone-tendon-bone graft to patella baja. METHODS: Forty-three patients with ACL reconstruction using a with bone-tendon-bone graft were included in this study. All patients underwent the same surgery, with closure of the paratenon of the patellar tendon. A radiological study was performed before surgery and 2 years after surgery. The Insall-Salvati index, axial view and patellar tilt were analyzed in all patients. The healthy contralateral knees were used as the control group. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed from the preoperative measurements or at the 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The use of patellar tendon with closure of the paratenon in ACL reconstruction was not shown to modify patellar height within the radiological follow-up of two years.

Pustulosis exantemática generalizada aguda simulando necrólisis epidérmica tóxica: forma combinada / Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis Simulating Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: Overlapping Processes

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Transscleral resection without hypotensive anaesthesia vs iodine-125 plaque brachytherapy in the treatment of choroidal melanoma.

AimsThe aim of this study was to compare transscleral resection technique performed without hypotensive anaesthesia (TSRWH) with iodine-125 brachytherapy (IBT) in the treatment of choroidal melanoma.Patients and methodsThis was a retrospective surgical cohort study. Nineteen eyes treated with TSRWH were matched with 53 eyes treated with IBT according to: tumour size, distance to fovea, distance to optic nerve, and follow-up time. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), local recurrence, secondary enucleation, metastasis, overall and specific survival, and complications were evaluated.ResultsPatients treated with TSRWH had significantly better BCVA than those treated with IBT. The local recurrence risk was significantly higher when ciliary body was involved (HR=11.4, 95% CI 2.24-49.7, P=0.04). Metastatic disease was observed in 14 of 53 patients (26.4%) in the IBT group vs 3 patients (15.8%) in the TSRWH group (P=0.531). Multivariate analysis showed that iris involvement (HR=16.0, 95% CI 4.2-170.2, P=0.033) and large tumour (HR=2.3, 95% CI 1.2-4.8, P=0.04) increased the probability of metastasis. During follow-up, six patients (11.3%) in IBT group died vs two (10.5%) in the TSRWH group (P≥0.999). Nine patients required secondary enucleation: 5 (9.4%) in the IBT group vs 4 (21.1%) in the TSRWH group (P=0.231). The most common complications in IBT group were radiation-induced retinopathy (45.3%), neovascular glaucoma (28.3%), and macular oedema (24.5%), whereas rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (21.1%), ocular hypertension (21.1%), and submacular haemorrhage (15.8%) were the most frequent complications after TSRWH.ConclusionTSRWH is a technically challenging procedure. However, when performed successfully, this technique achieves better preservation of visual acuity than IBT and without the limitations inherent in hypotensive anaesthesia.

Improved mechanical stability of HKUST-1 in confined nanospace.

One of the main concerns in the technological application of several metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) relates to their structural instability under pressure (after a conforming step). Here we report for the first time that mechanical instability can be highly improved via nucleation and growth of MOF nanocrystals in the confined nanospace of activated carbons.

Aplicabilidad de análogos de la prostaglandina I2 en el tratamiento del síndrome de edema de médula ósea de la cabeza femoral. Caso clínico / Applicability of prostaglandin I2 analogs in the treatment of bone marrow edema syndrome of the femoral head. Clinical case

Objetivo: Mostrar nuestra experiencia con el uso de la prostaciclina en el tratamiento del síndrome de edema de médula ósea de la cabeza femoral. Material y método: Se evalúa retrospectivamente la efectividad de la infusión intravenosa de prostaciclina en un caso clínico de una mujer de 40 años de edad con síndrome de edema de médula ósea de cabeza femoral, con pruebas de imagen (radiografía y resonancia magnética) y escalas analógicas (EVA) y funcionales (Harris). Resultados: Se objetivó la prácticamente plena resolución del edema óseo en resonancia magnética a las seis semanas de la infusión, con mejoría significativa tanto de la escala analógica como de la funcional. En el control clínico y radiográfico a los cuatro meses la paciente estaba asintomática, sin evidencia de osteonecrosis. Conclusión: Los análogos de la prostaglandina I2 podrían tener beneficio terapéutico en los síndromes de malperfusión ósea, si bien son necesarios más estudios para determinar su efectividad real (AU)

Objective: To show our experience with the use of prostacyclin in the treatment of bone marrow edema syndrome of the femoral head. Material and method: We retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness of intravenous infusion of prostacyclin in a case of a 40 year old woman with bone marrow edema syndrome of the femoral head, with imaging techniques (x-ray and MRI), pain scale (VAS) and functional scale (Harris). Results: We achieved nearly complete resolution of bone edema on MRI at seis weeks after infusion, with significant improvement of both the pain and the functional scale. At the clinical and radiographic control after four months the patient is asymptomatic, without evidence of osteonecrosis. Conclusion: Prostaglandin I2 analogues may have therapeutic benefit in bone malperfusion syndromes, although more research is necessary to determine its real effectiveness (AU)

[Anterior cruciate ligament ganglion: a case report]. / Ganglión en ligamento cruzado anterior: a propósito de un caso.

Intraarticular ganglions are rare and they are usually incidental findings of MRIs and arthroscopies. We report the case of a male athlete with this condition affecting the anterior cruciate ligament. The most frequent symptoms include pain that worsens with activity, and motion limitations. The MRI shows the typical signs of a ganglion and it is the most specific and sensitive test. Arthroscopy is used for both the diagnosis and the treatment of this condition. A late diagnosis turns arthroscopic resection into a complicated or impossible procedure that at times warrants extensive debridement of the anterior cruzate ligament.

From chain collapse to new structures: spectroscopic properties of poly(3-thiophene acetic acid) upon binding by alkyl trimethylammonium bromide surfactants.

The binding of cationic surfactants with varying alkyl chain length to a regiorandom conjugated polyanion, poly(3-thiophene acetic acid) (PTAA), is studied in an aqueous buffer by using absorption and emission spectroscopies, photon correlation spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. We study the mixed solutions as a function of composition ratio R of surfactant molecules to monomer units molar concentrations, at low polymer concentration and in a very wide composition range (10(-6) < R < 10(2)) below the critical micellar concentration. Upon surfactant binding, the molecularly dispersed chains first collapse progressively and then form new structures as the mixed aggregates get enriched in surfactant. The collapse leads to a strong decrease of the conjugation length and to a blue shift of the absorption spectra by 30 to 50 nm. The new structures are responsible for a new intense emission band at about 600 nm, red-shifted by nearly 130 nm from the initial emission maximum of the polymer (~472 nm). As the surfactant tail becomes shorter, the blue shift of the absorption spectra and the intensity raise of the new emission are delayed to larger composition ratios while their variations become smoother functions of the surfactant concentration. These particular spectroscopic properties of PTAA seem related to its unique combination of a strongly hydrophobic backbone, a large ratio of contour length to persistence length, and an overall good aqueous solubility. Our results show that such features are well suited to design a colorimetric biosensor at small composition ratio, and a fluorescent biomarker at large composition ratio.

[Anterior tibial tubercle fracture in teenagers. Clinical cases]. / Fractura de la tuberosidad anterior de la tibia en el adolescente. Casos clínicos.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior tibial tubercle fractures are relatively infrequent and occur mainly in young athletes 14 to 17 years old. Most fractures result from jumping during sports activities. METHODS: We describe two cases of anterior tibial tubercle fractures. The latter were Ogden IIIA and IIIB. In both cases treatment consisted of open reduction and internal fixation with cannulated screws. DISCUSSION: The mechanism of injury in the first case is more common than the one in the second case. The first case occurred after jumping to receive a pass during a basketball game. The second one occurred while playing soccer. The patient was kicked on the quadriceps musculature. Both cases involved functional disability. CONCLUSION: Biomechanically, the mechanism of injury in the second case increased the tension on the extensor apparatus. We performed synthesis with cannulated screws and obtained good results without complications.

Artropatía psoriásica complicada con amiloidosis secundaria / Psoriatic arthritis complicated with secondary amyloidosis

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[Unfrequently opportunistic infection in lupus erythematosus with inmunosuppresive treatment]. / Enfermedad oportunista poco frecuente en paciente con lupus eritematoso sistémico con tratamiento inmunosupresor.

We present a case of systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by pancytopenia and visceral leishmaniasis in Spain. The literature on opportunistic infection in lupus erythematosus is reviewed.Leishmaniasis is a group of infections caused by the protozoa Leishmania, which is endemic in the Mediterranean basin. These opportunistic infections are an emerging entity in immunosuppressed patients. The use of immunosuppressive treatment in systemic lupus erythematosus modifies natural defense patterns and increases the risk of visceral leishmaniasis in endemic areas.

Enfermedad oportunista poco frecuente en paciente con lupus eritematoso sistémico con tratamiento inmunosupresor / Unfrequently opportunistic infection in lupus erythematosus with inmunosuppresive treatment

Presentamos un caso de lupus eritematoso sistémico complicado con pancitopenia y leishmaniasis visceral ocurrido en España. A propósito del mismo, realizamos una revisión bibliográfica sobre infecciones oportunistas en el lupus eritematoso sistémico. La leishmaniasis es un grupo de enfermedades causadas por el protozoo Leishmania, endémica en la cuenca mediterránea y de carácter oportunista y emergente en pacientes inmunodeprimidos. El uso de inmunosupresores en el tratamiento del lupus eritematoso sistémico induce modificaciones en la defensa natural, aumentando el riesgo de aparición de leishmaniasis visceral en zonas endémicas

We present a case of systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by pancytopenia and visceral leishmaniasis in Spain. The literature on opportunistic infection in lupus erythematosus is reviewed. Leishmaniasis is a group of infections caused by the protozoa Leishmania, which is endemic in the Mediterranean basin. These opportunistic infections are an emerging entity in immunosuppressed patients. The use of immunosuppressive treatment in systemic lupus erythematosus modifies natural defense patterns and increases the risk of visceral leishmaniasis in endemic areas

Improved search for nu(mu) --> nu(e) oscillation in a long-baseline accelerator experiment.

We performed an improved search for nu(mu) --> nu(e) oscillation with the KEK to Kamioka (K2K) long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment, using the full data sample of 9.2 x 10(19) protons on target. No evidence for a nu(e) appearance signal was found, and we set bounds on the nu(mu) --> nu(e) oscillation parameters. At Deltam(2)=2.8 x 10(-3) eV(2), the best-fit value of the K2Knu(mu) disappearance analysis, we set an upper limit of sin(2)2theta(mue) < 0.13 at a 90% confidence level.