Rare Earth-Based Compounds as Inhibitors of Hot-Corrosion Induced by Vanadium Salts.

In this study, the performance evaluation of lanthanum compounds as corrosion inhibitors of vanadium salts was performed. The inhibitors tested were lanthanum acetate and La2O3. The performance of the inhibitors was tested using sodium metavanadate (NaVO3) as a corrosive medium at 700, 800, and 900 °C. The corrosion inhibitory effect was evaluated on the corrosion process of 304H stainless steel. The corrosion rate of the steel was determined by the mass loss technique after 100 h of immersion in the corrosive salt with and without the addition of the corrosion inhibitor. The results show that lanthanum compounds act as corrosion inhibitors of vanadium salts. The inhibitory effect increases by increasing the concentration and tends to decrease when increasing the test temperature. Lanthanum compounds act as excellent corrosion inhibitors due to their ability to stabilize vanadium cations. Vanadium is stabilized by forming a new compound, lanthanum vanadate (LaVO4), with a melting point much higher than the compounds formed when Mg or Ni compounds are used as corrosion inhibitors.

Nitrogen doped carbon dots derived from Sargassum fluitans as fluorophore for DNA detection.

This work focused on the use of waste seaweed Sargassum fluitans (S. fluitans) as carbon source precursor to prepare nitrogen doped carbon dots (NCDs) by hydrothermal method. High resolution transmission electron microscopic (HR-TEM) studies revealed that the synthesized water soluble NCDs are in the size range of 2-8nm and exhibits excellent fluorescent properties with a quantum yield of 18.2%. Elemental nitrogen in NCDs was evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transformed infrared spectrum (FT-IR). The phytochemical analysis of S. fluitans using 1H NMR and 13C NMR revealed the presence of few amino acids which act as nitrogen source in the preparation of NCDs. Application of NCDs as fluorophore for double stranded DNA, single stranded DNA and RNA detection was highlighted in this study. Excellent fluorescent tagging abilities of NCDs with the biological nucleic acids were evidenced using gel electrophoresis. Significant increase in fluorescence was observed upon tagging of NCDs with nucleic acids and this particular phenomenon helps better in visualizing the nucleic acids. All three nucleic acids i.e. double stranded DNA, single stranded DNA and RNA showed similar phenomenon upon tagging with NCDs. Thus synthesized NCDs may be used as an alternate fluorophore for commercial toxic organic staining agents to visualize nucleic acids.

Balance evaluation in haemophilic preadolescent patients using Nintendo Wii Balance Board®.

INTRODUCTION: Alterations in the musculoskeletal system, especially in the lower limbs, limit physical activity and affect balance and walking. Postural impairments in haemophilic preteens could increase the risk of bleeding events and deteriorate the physical condition, promoting the progression of haemophilic arthropathy. AIM: This study aims to evaluate static postural balance in haemophilic children, assessed by means of the Wii Balance Board® (WBB). METHODS: Nineteen children with haemophilia and 19 without haemophilia aged 9-10 years, have participated in this study. Postural balance was assessed by performing four tests, each one lasting 15 s: bipodal eyes open (BEO), bipodal eyes closed (BEC), monopodal dominant leg (MD) and monopodal non-dominant leg (MND). Two balance indices, standard deviation of amplitude (SDA) and standard deviation of velocity (SDV) were calculated in the anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) directions. RESULTS: Index values were higher in haemophilic group and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05) in only six (SDAAP in BEO, BEC and MD conditions, SDAML in BEO, SDVAP in BEO and SDVML in MND condition) of 16 parameters analysed. CONCLUSION: Tests performed indicate a poorer static postural balance in the haemophilic cohort compared to the control group. Accordingly, physiotherapy programmes, physical activity and sports should be designed to improve the postural balance with the aim of preventing joint deterioration and improving quality of life.

Effect of Ag Addition on the Electrochemical Performance of Cu10Al in Artificial Saliva.

In this work we proposed to evaluate the corrosion resistance of four different alloys by electrochemical techniques, a binary alloy Cu10Al, and three ternary alloys Cu10Al-xAg (x = 5, 10, and 15 wt.%) to be used like biomaterials in dental application. Biomaterials proposed were tested in artificial saliva at 37°C for 48 h. In addition, pure metals Cu, Al, Ag, and Ti as reference materials were evaluated. In general the short time tests indicated that the Ag addition increases the corrosion resistance and reduces the extent of localized attack of the binary alloy. Moreover, tests for 48 hours showed that the Ag addition increases the stability of the passive layer, thereby reducing the corrosion rate of the binary alloy. SEM analysis showed that Cu10Al alloy was preferably corroded by grain boundaries, and the Ag addition modified the form of attack of the binary alloy. Cu-rich phases reacted with SCN(-) anions forming a film of CuSCN, and the Ag-rich phase is prone to react with SCN(-) anions forming AgSCN. Thus, binary and ternary alloys are susceptible to tarnish in the presence of thiocyanate ions.

Corrosion Performance of Fe-Cr-Ni Alloys in Artificial Saliva and Mouthwash Solution.

Several austenitic stainless steels suitable for high temperature applications because of their high corrosion resistance and excellent mechanical properties were investigated as biomaterials for dental use. The steels were evaluated by electrochemical techniques such as potentiodynamic polarization curves, cyclic polarization curves, measurements of open circuit potential, and linear polarization resistance. The performance of steels was evaluated in two types of environments: artificial saliva and mouthwash solution at 37°C for 48 hours. In order to compare the behavior of steels, titanium a material commonly used in dental applications was also tested in the same conditions. Results show that tested steels have characteristics that may make them attractive as biomaterials for dental applications. Contents of Cr, Ni, and other minor alloying elements (Mo, Ti, and Nb) determine the performance of stainless steels. In artificial saliva steels show a corrosion rate of the same order of magnitude as titanium and in mouthwash have greater corrosion resistance than titanium.

Electrochemical Study of Ni20Cr Coatings Applied by HVOF Process in ZnCl2-KCl at High Temperatures.

Corrosion behavior of Ni20Cr coatings deposited by HVOF (high velocity oxygen-fuel) process was evaluated in ZnCl2-KCl (1 : 1 mole ratio) molten salts. Electrochemical techniques employed were potentiodynamic polarization curves, open circuit potential, and linear polarization resistance (LPR) measurements. Experimental conditions included static air and temperatures of 350, 400, and 450°C. 304-type SS was evaluated in the same conditions as the Ni20Cr coatings and it was used as a reference material to assess the coatings corrosion resistance. Coatings were evaluated as-deposited and with a grinded surface finished condition. Results showed that Ni20Cr coatings have a better corrosion performance than 304-type SS. Analysis showed that Ni content of the coatings improved its corrosion resistance, and the low corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel was attributed to the low stability of Fe and Cr and their oxides in the corrosive media used.

Analysis of results, quality indicators, and postsurgical complications in an outpatient dermatological surgery program.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of an outpatient program for major dermatological surgery in patients with a range of skin conditions. METHODS: We undertook a retrospective, observational study of patients who underwent scheduled dermatological surgery as outpatients in a public hospital between 2004 and 2007. The most common procedures were excision of basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma with or without graft reconstruction. The rates of substitution (of inpatient procedures), cancellation, hospital admission, and readmission were analyzed along with service utilization and systemic complications arising within the first 72 h of surgery. Variables were analyzed as relative frequencies. The occurrence of complications during the study period was analyzed by chi square test. RESULTS: A total of 2789 patients underwent surgery during the study period, and of those, 2757 procedures were performed on an outpatient basis (overall substitution rate, 17.99%). The service utilization was 74.36%. Fourteen patients were admitted to hospital following surgery (2.62%), and of those 12 were admitted immediately (85.71%). Nine patients had serious complications (cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, or infectious), representing a proportional risk of 1:59. Less serious complications (hypertension, nausea, vomiting, and vasovagal syncope) requiring hospital admission occurred in 25 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Major surgery undertaken on an outpatient basis is an excellent multidisciplinary surgical care model that allows well-selected patients to be treated effectively, safely, and efficiently. A small percentage of postoperative complications of varying severity can still occur despite patients' meeting optimal criteria for success. Fortunately, however, the rate of mortality is practically zero.

Análisis de resultados, índices de calidad y complicaciones extrahospitalarias de un programa de cirugía ambulatoria en Dermatología / Analysis of Results, Quality Indicators, and Postsurgical Complications in an Outpatient Dermatological Surgery Program

Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de un programa de cirugía mayor ambulatoria en pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente de diversas patologías dermatológicas en nuestro hospital. Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo que incluye los pacientes intervenidos de forma programada en el periodo 2004-2007 en un hospital público realizándose diferentes procedimientos quirúrgicos de forma ambulatoria, siendo la cirugía de exéresis de carcinomas basocelulares y espinocelulares, con y sin injerto, la operación mayoritaria. Se han analizado diversos índices (sustitución, suspensión, ingresos, reingresos), así como el rendimiento quirúrgico y las complicaciones sistémicas que surgieron dentro de las primeras 72 horas tras la cirugía. La medición de las variables se realizó mediante frecuencias relativas. El análisis utilizado para la evolución de las complicaciones en el periodo de estudio fue la Chi cuadrado de tendencias. Resultados: 2.789 pacientes fueron intervenidos en el periodo indicado, de los que 2.757 se operaron de forma ambulatoria (índice de sustitución global del 17,99%). El rendimiento quirúrgico medio fue 74,36%. El índice de ingresos tras la cirugía fue 2,62% (14 pacientes), siendo ingresos inmediatos en el 85,71% de los casos (12). Nueve pacientes sufrieron complicaciones graves (cardiovasculares, neurológicas, metabólicas e infecciosas), representando un riesgo proporcional de 1:59. En 25 pacientes aparecieron complicaciones de menor gravedad (hipertensión arterial, náuseas, vómitos, síncope vasovagal) que requirieron ingreso hospitalario. Conclusiones: La cirugía mayor ambulatoria (CMA) es un excelente modelo organizativo de asistencia quirúrgica multidisciplinar, que permite tratar pacientes bien seleccionados de una manera efectiva, segura y eficiente. A pesar del cumplimiento de los requisitos óptimos, existe un porcentaje pequeño de complicaciones postoperatorias de gravedad variable, aunque afortunadamente la mortalidad es prácticamente nula (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the results of an outpatient program for major dermatological surgery in patients with a range of skin conditions. Methods: We undertook a retrospective, observational study of patients who underwent scheduled dermatological surgery as outpatients in a public hospital between 2004 and 2007. The most common procedures were excision of basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma with or without graft reconstruction. The rates of substitution (of inpatient procedures), cancellation, hospital admission, and readmission were analyzed along with service utilization and systemic complications arising within the first 72hours of surgery. Variables were analyzed as relative frequencies. The occurrence of complications during the study period was analyzed by chi square test. Results: A total of 2789 patients underwent surgery during the study period, and of those, 2757 procedures were performed on an outpatient basis (overall substitution rate, 17.99%). The service utilization was 74.36%. Fourteen patients were admitted to hospital following surgery (2.62%), and of those 12 were admitted immediately (85.71%). Nine patients had serious complications (cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, or infectious), representing a proportional risk of 1:59. Less serious complications (hypertension, nausea, vomiting, and vasovagal syncope) requiring hospital admission occurred in 25 patients. Conclusions: Major surgery undertaken on an outpatient basis is an excellent multidisciplinary surgical care model that allows well-selected patients to be treated effectively, safely, and efficiently. A small percentage of postoperative complications of varying severity can still occur despite patients’ meeting optimal criteria for success. Fortunately, however, the rate of mortality is practically zero (AU)

Cefalea postpunción dural tras anestesia subaracnoidea en un programa de cirugía mayor ambulatoria / No disponible

Objetivo: Evaluar la incidencia de cefalea postpunción dural en pacientes sometidos a cirugía mayor ambulatoria bajo anestesia espinal intradural. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo de9.992 pacientes intervenidos en un periodo de 9 años. Se cuantifican la relación de CPPD-tipo de aguja empleada, así como el consumo de agujas espinales por año de estudio. Se valoró por las consultas e ingresos al Servicio de Urgencias de los casos de CPPD según criterios de Jones. El método estadístico empleado fue la t de Student para las variables cuantitativas y la (..) (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the ratio of headaches after dural puncture (PDPH) in patients undergoing intradural spinal anaesthesia for ambulatory surgery. Material and methods: We undertook a retrospective and descriptive study of 9,992 patients over a period of 9 years. The relationship between PDPH and the type of needle used, as well as the consumption of spinal needles per year of study, were quantified. We evaluated the number of cases of PDPH through the consultations and admissions to the Emergency Service according to the Jones’ criteria. The statistical methods used were: Student’s t test for the quantitative variables and chi-squared test of frequencies for the qualitative variables. Results: The incidence of PDPH was 0.60%. The average age of PDPH appearance was 43.12 ± 15.62 years, with a predominance of the feminine sex (63,3%). The incidence of PDPH when using a 22-G Quincke type needle was superior, with statistically significant differences, with respect to the rest of needles. The PDPH was severe in 58% of the cases. The evolution of the migraine in most of the cases (91%) was benign with medical treatment. Conclusions: The progressive reduction in the number of days of hospitalization, accentuated, in the last years, with the new organizational models for surgical assistance has lead to the appearance, in primary medicine, of clinical problems usually found only in hospitalized patients. The PDPH is characterized bya front occipital headache that gets worse when in the upright position in surgical patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia, and is benign and self-limited when treated with conventional medication (AU)

Cirugía ambulatoria en un Servicio de Urología. Análisis del período 2003-2006 / Ambulatory surgery in a urology department. Analysis of the period 2003-2006

Objetivo: En la cirugía sin ingreso deberemos distinguir entre el concepto de cirugía menor ambulatoria y cirugía mayor ambulatoria. La cirugía ambulatoria, permite que el paciente no esté en el hospital más allá de unas horas, mostrando una seguridad y efectividad similar a la cirugía convencional. Evaluar los resultados de un programa de cirugía ambulatoria. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de los resultados de funcionamiento de la Cirugía Ambulatoria (C.A) en un Servicio de Urología, incluyendo 4185 pacientes en un periodo de estudio de cuatro años, que comprende desde el 1 de enero del 2003 hasta el 31 de diciembre del 2006. Resultados: En el periodo de estudio el índice de sustitución global fue del 83,6%. El índice de ingresos fue del 2,5%, de los cuales la mayoría fueron ingresos precoces. Las complicaciones mayores se presentaron en 26 pacientes (0,6%), siendo la hemorragia mayor la predominante. La mayoría de las complicaciones son menores o leves, y el dolor en la zona de la herida quirúrgica es el problema encontrado con mayor frecuencia. Conclusiones: El auge y la promoción continua de la cirugía ambulatoria están más que justificadas. La alta satisfacción de los pacientes sometidos a este tipo de cirugía, con el escaso número de complicaciones registradas, nos proporcionan una valiosa herramienta de control del gasto sanitario (AU)

Objectives: When talking about day surgery we have to differentiate between minor and major ambulatory surgery. Ambulatory surgery enables the patient to stay in the hospital not more than a few hours, showing similar safety and efficacy than conventional surgery. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the results of an ambulatory surgery program. Methods: Descriptive retrospective study of the results of the Ambulatory Surgery in a Urology Department, including 4185 patients in a four-year period, from January 1st 2003 to December 31st 2006. Results: In the study period the global substitution rate was 83.6%. The hospital admission rate was 2.5%, most of which were early admissions. Major complications appeared in 26 patients (0.6%), being major bleeding the predominant one. Most complications were minor or mild, and pain at the site of the surgical wound was the most frequent problem found. Conclusions: The increase and continuous promotion of ambulatory surgery are more than justified. The high satisfaction among patients undergoing this type of surgery, with a very low number of complications registered, provides us with a valuable tool for health-care expenditure control (AU)

[Response to presurgical stress in outpatient surgery: effects on lymphocyte populations of psychological treatment to prevent surgical anxiety]. / Respuesta al estrés prequirúrgico en la cirugía sin ingreso: efectos sobre las poblaciones linfocitarias de un procedimiento de psicoprofilaxis quirúrgica.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a psychological stress control intervention on lymphocyte populations in patients preparing for outpatient surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial enrolling 74 patients scheduled for major outpatient surgery at the Hospital Universitario de Albacete in Spain. The patients were randomized to a control (n = 37) or experimental group (n = 37). Measurements were recorded at baseline (preoperative visit) and before entering the operating room (just before surgery). The experimental group received treatment in a psychological stress control program consisting of an interview, watching a video, provision of informative literature about the operation and techniques for controlling anxiety. Anxiety was measured with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg) was applied, and lymphocyte populations were assessed (total white cell count; CD3, CD4, CD4RA, CD4RO, CD8, CD56, CD19, and CD56 lymphocyte counts). Values were expressed as means (SD). RESULTS: The group that received psychological stress prevention therapy had significantly lower CD19 (B lymphocyte) cell counts than did the control group just before surgery. No differences were found between the groups for any other variables. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological stress control therapy prevents a decrease in B cell populations before outpatient surgery.

Respuesta al estrés prequirúrgico en la cirugía sin ingreso: efectos sobre las poblaciones linfocitarias de un procedimiento de psicoprofilaxis quirúrgica / Response to presurgical stress in outpatient surgery: effects on lymphocyte populations of psychological treatment to prevent surgical anxiety

OBJETIVO: Estudio prospectivo randomizado para averiguar el efecto de un programa de psicoprofilaxis quirúrgica sobre las poblaciones linfocitarias en sujetos que van a ser tratados con cirugía sin ingreso. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron 74 pacientes que iban a ser tratados en la Unidad de Cirugía Mayor Ambulatoria del Hospital Universitario de Albacete. Los pacientes se asignaron de forma aleatoria a un grupo control (n=37) o a un grupo experimental (n= 37). Se consideraron dos momentos: basal (consulta preoperatoria) y antequirófano (antes de comenzar la cirugia). En el grupo experimental se realizó un procedimiento de psicoprofilaxis que consistía en una entrevista, un video y un boletín de información peroperatoria y entrenamiento en habilidades para controlar la ansiedad. Se midieron con pruebas psicométricas los niveles de ansiedad de estado (STAI) y salud general (Goldberg), así como las poblaciones linfocitarias (linfocitos totales, CD 3, CD 4, CD 4RA, CD 4RO, CD 8, CD 56, CD 19 y CD 57). Los valores observados se expresaron como media aritmética y su desviación estándar. RESULTADOS: En el grupo con psicoprofilaxis quirúrgica los niveles de CD 19 (linfocitos B) disminuyeron significativamente menos respecto al control en el antequirófano. No se encontraron diferencias en las demás variables estudiadas entre ambos grupos. CONCLUSIONES: La psicoprofilaxis en pacientes de cirugía ambulatoria previene la disminución de las células B antes de la cirugía

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a psychological stress control intervention on lymphocyte populations in patients preparing for outpatient surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial enrolling 74 patients scheduled for major outpatient surgery at the Hospital Universitario de Albacete in Spain. The patients were randomized to a control (n=37) or experimental group (n=37). Measurements were recorded at baseline (preoperative visit) and before entering the operating room (just before surgery). The experimental group received treatment in a psychological stress control program consisting of an interview, watching a video, provision of informative literature about the operation and techniques for controlling anxiety. Anxiety was measured with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg) was applied, and lymphocyte populations were assessed (total white cell count; CD3, CD4, CD4RA, CD4RO, CD8, CD56, CD19, and CD56 lymphocyte counts). Values were expressed as means (SD). RESULTS: The group that received psychological stress prevention therapy had significantly lower CD19 (B lymphocyte) cell counts than did the control group just before surgery. No differences were found between the groups for any other variables. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological stress control therapy prevents a decrease in B cell populations before outpatient surgeryOBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a psychological stress control intervention on lymphocyte populations in patients preparing for outpatient surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial enrolling 74 patients scheduled for major outpatient surgery at the Hospital Universitario de Albacete in Spain. The patients were randomized to a control (n=37) or experimental group (n=37). Measurements were recorded at baseline (preoperative visit) and before entering the operating room (just before surgery). The experimental group received treatment in a psychological stress control program consisting of an interview, watching a video, provision of informative literature about the operation and techniques for controlling anxiety. Anxiety was measured with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg) was applied, and lymphocyte populations were assessed (total white cell count; CD3, CD4, CD4RA, CD4RO, CD8, CD56, CD19, and CD56 lymphocyte counts). Values were expressed as means (SD). RESULTS: The group that received psychological stress prevention therapy had significantly lower CD19 (B lymphocyte) cell counts than did the control group just before surgery. No differences were found between the groups for any other variables. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological stress control therapy prevents a decrease in B cell populations before outpatient surgery