Influence of boron doping level and calcination temperature on hydrogen evolution reaction in acid medium of metal-free graphene aerogels.

In this work, metal-free boron-doped graphene-based aerogels were successfully synthesized via a one-step autoclave assembly followed by freeze-drying and used as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic media. The synthesized reduced graphene oxide aerogels (rGOA) showed improved electrocatalytic activity by introducing boron and structural defects. The amount of boric acid used both as a dopant and reducing agent in the synthesis was optimized (boric acid/GO mass ratio = 17.5) to practically reach the crystallization limit of boric acid (boric acid/GO mass ratio = 20). It was observed that the higher the amount of boric acid added, the more boron was incorporated into the carbonaceous structure, improving the electrocatalytic activity of the final aerogel. Furthermore, calcination of the boron-doped electrocatalyst at 600 °C resulted in final aerogels with low oxygen content, moderate surface area, bimodal pore size distribution, and a high electrochemical active surface area. The final 3D graphene aerogel developed in this work, showed such outstanding electrocatalytic activity in HER as to replace noble metal-based electrocatalysts in the future.

Validation of electrodeposited 241Am alpha-particle sources for use in liquified gas detectors at cryogenic temperatures.

This paper describes a procedure for the validation of alpha-particle sources (exempt unsealed sources) to be used in experimental setups with liquefied gases at cryogenic temperatures (down to -196 °C) and high vacuum. These setups are of interest for the development and characterization of neutrino and dark matter detectors based on liquid argon, among others. Due to the high purity requirements, the sources have to withstand high vacuum and cryogenic temperatures for extended periods. The validation procedure has been applied to 241Am sources produced by electrodeposition.

Electrical Impedance to Easily Discover Undeclared Freeze-thaw Cycles in Slaughtered Bovine Meat.

A portable electrical impedance spectroscopy device was developed to monitor the bioimpedance resistive component of bovine meat by injecting a sinusoidal current of 1 mA at 65 kHz. Both right and left longissimus dorsi muscles were trimmed from 4 slaughtered cows. The left muscle portions were frozen to -18 °C for 7 days while the right ones were meantime maintained at 5 °C. Mean value of impedance per length (Ω/cm) of frozen and thawed left samples was 31% lower than that of right non-frozen one (P = 0.0001). It was concluded that the device is reliable for monitoring the maturation of beef meat in situ with the possibility of revealing undeclared freeze-thaw cycles.

Toxina botulínica en el tratamiento del síndrome de dolor miofascial / Botulinum toxin in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome

Las infiltraciones con toxina botulínica han sido utilizadas en el tratamiento del dolor asociado a múltiples patologías, como distonías focales, espasticidad, cefaleas y dolor miofascial. Sin embargo, los resultados de los diferentes estudios realizados con toxina botulínica en el síndrome de dolor miofascial (SDM) son contradictorios. El objetivo de la presente revisión es analizar la evidencia de la eficacia de la toxina botulínica tipo A (TBA) frente a placebo en la disminución del dolor crónico de origen miofascial.Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en PubMed, Web of Science (WoS), Scielo y Scopus, utilizando las siguientes palabras clave: dolor miofascial, punto gatillo, toxina botulínica y bótox. Los estudios que cumplieron los criterios inclusión fueron once ensayos clínicos que comparaban la TBA frente a solución salina normal (SSN).Aunque en la mayoría de los ensayos clínicos ana­lizados no podemos evidenciar un beneficio de la TBA frente a SSN, no sería acertado concluir que la toxina botulínica no está indicada en el tratamiento de dolor asociado al SDM, dado que existe una selección de pacien­tes muy heterogénea, hay una gran variabilidad en la dosis de toxina botulínica, se usan diferentes técnicas de infiltración de los puntos gatillo (PG), la duración de los estudios es variable y no hay estudios que realicen un análisis costo-efectivo.Se necesitan ensayos clínicos más específicos, con muestras más homogéneas, que nos permitan sacar conclusiones acerca del papel de la TBA en el tratamiento del SDM.(AU)

Botulinum toxin injections have been used in pain treatment associated with pathologies such as focal dystonia, spasticity, headaches and myofascial pain. However, results from botulinum toxin trials in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) are contradictory.The objective of this paper is to analyze the evidence of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) efficacy compared to placebo in myofascial pain management. Literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science (WoS), Scielo and Scopus, using the following key words: myofascial pain, trigger point, botulinum toxin and botox. Eleven clinical trials comparing BTA versus normal saline solution (NSS) met the inclusion criteria. Although most of the clinical trials analyzed cannot demonstrate a BTA superiority, it would not be correct to conclude that botulinum toxin is not indicated in miofascial pain treatment due to the great heterogeneous patient selection, variability in BTA doses, different trigger points (TP) injections techniques, variability in trials duration, and absence of cost-effective analysis.More specific clinical trials are required using homogeneous samples to provide conclusive evidence for BTA in the MPS treatment.(AU)

Manejo de antiagregantes y anticoagulantes en procedimientos intervencionistas de dolor crónico / An update of the management of antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapy for interventional technics in chronic pain

Los especialistas en dolor crónico nos enfrentamos habitualmente a situaciones en las que los pacientes que van a ser sometidos a procedimientos intervencionistas están bajo tratamiento antiagregante o anticoagulante. Las complicaciones hemorrágicas pueden ser catastróficas cuando se trata de bloqueos profundos y técnicas dentro del canal espinal. Sin embargo, el riesgo de eventos tromboembólicos aumenta con la suspensión inadecuada de los fármacos antiagregantes y anticoagulantes en estos pacientes. A día de hoy no existen unos algoritmos o recomendaciones actualizadas para el manejo de estos pacientes en el área de dolor crónico. El objetivo de este documento es ofrecer unas recomendaciones de seguridad sobre el manejo de estos fármacos según el tipo de intervención y el tipo de paciente, con el objetivo de minimizar el riesgo de complicaciones hemorrágicas sin aumentar el riesgo de eventos tromboembólicos. Para ello, se han revisado las últimas publicaciones sobre el manejo fármacos que alteran la hemostasia en anestesia regional y otras técnicas de dolor crónico, incluyendo diferentes guías de manejo perioperatorio (ASRA, ESA, SEDAR...). Existe buena evidencia en el incremento del riesgo de eventos tromboembólicos en pacientes que suspenden la terapia antiagregante, y que este riesgo es mayor que el de la incidencia de hematomas epidurales en pacientes que continúan con el tratamiento, si bien ambos riesgos son significativos. Así mismo, existe buena evidencia de la incidencia de hematomas pidurales espontáneos asociados o no a punción traumática, en pacientes con o sin terapia antitrombótica. Estos hematomas epidurales espontáneos están asociados a factores favorecedores como la manipulación excesiva, el uso de agujas de mayor calibre, el uso de catéteres, los procedimientos sobre el canal cervical, la edad avanzada, y las anormalidades vasculares y anatómicas del paciente. Hay una tendencia menos conservadora hacia los intervalos de interrupción de los fármacos antiagregantes en pacientes de alto riesgo (Aspirina® 3 días, clopidogrel 5 días), si bien el manejo de heparinas y anticoagulantes orales clásicos prácticamente no ha cambiado. Recientemente han surgido nuevos anticoagulantes orales no contemplados en muchas de estas guías (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban) con mayor perfil de seguridad que el Sintrom®, habitualmente sin necesidad de terapia puente con heparinas tras la suspensión del fármaco. El inconveniente es que existe escasa documentación en la literatura sobre su manejo perioperatorio, por lo que su suspensión se basa actualmente en sus características farmacocinéticas y farmacodinámicas estrictas (2 días, siendo mayor si existe insuficiencia renal) (AU)

Interventional pain physicians usually face situations were, the patients that are going to be under an interventional procedure, are undergoing an antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. Bleeding complications can be catastrophic when we talk about deep blocks and interventions into the spinal canal. However, the risk of thromboembolic events increases with the improper discontinuation of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs in those patients. Nowadays, there are no algorithms or updated recommendations on the handling of those patients in the chronic pain area. The goal of this article is to offer some recommendations on how to use, in a safety way, those drugs depending on the type of intervention and patient, with the objective of minimizing the risk of bleeding complications without increasing the risk of thromboembolic events. To do this, the latest news on the use of drugs which alters the hemostasis in regional anesthesia and other chronic pain technics had been reviewed, including different guides on the perioperative management (ASRA, ESA, SEDAR, etc.). There is fair evidence that the risk of thromboembolic phenomenon increases on those patients whom discontinues their antiplatelet therapy, and that this risk is even higher than the risk of epidural hematomas on those patients whom continues with their treatment, even though both risks are significant. There is also good evidence of the incidence of spontaneous epidural hematomas, associated or not to a traumatic puncture, in patients with or without an antithrombotic therapy. Those spontaneous epidural hematomas are more likely associated to favorable factors such as: Excessive manipulation, the use of larger gauge needles, the use of catheters, procedures into the cervical spinal canal, elderly patients, and vascular and anatomical abnormalities of the patient. There is a less conservative tendency about intervals of discontinuation of antiplatelet drugs in high risk patients (3 days for Aspirin®, 5 days for clopidogrel), while the use of heparin and classic oral anticoagulants practically has not changed. Recently, new oral anticoagulants, not included in most of these guides, have appeared (dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban) with a higher security profile than Sintrom®, usually without the need of heparin bridging therapy after discontinuation of the drug. The inconvenience is that there is limited evidence about its perioperative use. That is why it ́s suspension is actually based on its strict pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics characteristics (2 days, being higher if there exists a decline in renal function) (AU)

Measurement of the first ionization potential of lawrencium, element 103.

The chemical properties of an element are primarily governed by the configuration of electrons in the valence shell. Relativistic effects influence the electronic structure of heavy elements in the sixth row of the periodic table, and these effects increase dramatically in the seventh row--including the actinides--even affecting ground-state configurations. Atomic s and p1/2 orbitals are stabilized by relativistic effects, whereas p3/2, d and f orbitals are destabilized, so that ground-state configurations of heavy elements may differ from those of lighter elements in the same group. The first ionization potential (IP1) is a measure of the energy required to remove one valence electron from a neutral atom, and is an atomic property that reflects the outermost electronic configuration. Precise and accurate experimental determination of IP1 gives information on the binding energy of valence electrons, and also, therefore, on the degree of relativistic stabilization. However, such measurements are hampered by the difficulty in obtaining the heaviest elements on scales of more than one atom at a time. Here we report that the experimentally obtained IP1 of the heaviest actinide, lawrencium (Lr, atomic number 103), is 4.96(+0.08)(-0.07) electronvolts. The IP1 of Lr was measured with (256)Lr (half-life 27 seconds) using an efficient surface ion-source and a radioisotope detection system coupled to a mass separator. The measured IP1 is in excellent agreement with the value of 4.963(15) electronvolts predicted here by state-of-the-art relativistic calculations. The present work provides a reliable benchmark for theoretical calculations and also opens the way for IP1 measurements of superheavy elements (that is, transactinides) on an atom-at-a-time scale.

Fiabilidad técnica del bloqueo caudal guiado con ecografía / Technical reliability of caudal block with ultrasound guided

Introducción: el bloqueo-infiltración caudal es una técnica utilizada en las unidades de dolor para tratar el dolor de origen radicular lumbosacro. Esta técnica se ha realizado clásicamente mediante referencias anatómicas o guiado mediante fluoroscopia. Se presenta la realización de la técnica eco-guiada y las complicaciones surgidas tras la realización de la misma. Material y métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo en el que se estudiaron las complicaciones de la técnica. Se realizaron 126 procedimientos en pacientes adultos de ambos sexos. Procedimiento: se localizó el hiato sacro mediante ecografía y se insertó una aguja de Touhy 18 G en el espacio epidural caudal perforando el ligamento sacro-coccígeo. Resultados: no surgieron complicaciones graves en ninguno de los pacientes. No hubo casos de mala ventana ecográfica por lo que se pudo realizar la técnica en todos los enfermos programados. Conclusión: debido a la ausencia de complicaciones la realización de la técnica eco-guiada es una alternativa segura y fiable a la técnica guiada con fluoroscopia. Mediante esta técnica se evita la exposición de radiaciones ionizantes. Además el bloqueo caudal eco-guiado no necesita del uso de contrastes yodados y permite transportar el ecógrafo a la cabecera del enfermo en caso de ser necesario (AU)

Introduction: Caudal block is a procedure used to treat lumbo- sacral root pain. This procedure has traditionally been realized using anatomy references or guided by fluoroscopy. The realization of sonography-guided technique and complications following the embodiment there of is presented Material and methods: Observational and descriptive study in which is studied procedure complications. One hundred and twenty-six caudal blocks were performed in adult patients of both sexes. Procedure: The sacral hiatus was located by ultrasound and 18 G Tuohy needle was inserted into the epidural space flow drilling the sacro-coccygeal ligament. Results: There were no serious complications arose in any of the patients. There were no cases of poor ultrasound window so they could perform the technique on all scheduled patients. Conclusions: The procedure sonography-guided is safe and reliable due to the absence of complications and is an alternative to flouoroscopy-guided technique. This technique of ionizing radiation exposure is avoided. In addition the caudal block does not need ionized contrast substances and let take the sonography machine bedsides if necessary (AU)

[Impact of digital mammography in the detection and management of microcalcifications]. / Influencia de la mamografía digital en la detección y manejo de microcalcificaciones.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the introduction of digital mammography in breast cancer screening has resulted in changes in the detection and management of microcalcifications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied the performance indicators of our breast cancer screening program that are related to the diagnosis of microcalcifications (rates of recall and recommendation of intermediate follow-up after screening, rate of indication of invasive procedures for microcalcifications and their positive predictive value, detection rate for microcalcifications, and number of ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS) diagnosed). We compared the results obtained using direct digital mammography (september 2008-august 2009) with those obtained using analog mammography (September 2006-August 2007). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi-square test and measures of association. RESULTS: We found that using digital mammography led to significant increases in the recall rate (from 50.8 to 64‰), in the rate of intermediate follow-up after screening (from 9.41 to 18.7‰), in the rate of indication for invasive procedures (from 1.88 to 3.01‰), in the cancers detected through microcalcifications (from 0.86 to 1.36‰), and in the number of DCIS diagnosed. CONCLUSION: Direct digital mammography has improved the detection of microcalcifications, increasing the number of DCIS diagnosed without decreasing the positive predictive value of the invasive procedures indicated for microcalcifications. However, direct digital mammography has had a negative effect by increasing the recall rate and indication for short-term follow-up, possibly due to the difficulty of comparing the findings with those of earlier analog mammograms.

Wall-loss distribution of charge breeding ions in an electron cyclotron resonance ion source.

We investigated the ion-loss distribution on the sidewall of an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma chamber using the 18-GHz ECR charge breeder at the Tokai Radioactive Ion Accelerator Complex (TRIAC). Similarities and differences between the ion-loss distributions (longitudinal and azimuthal) of different ion species (i.e., radioactive (111)In(1+) and (140)Xe(1+) ions that are typical volatile and nonvolatile elements) was qualitatively discussed to understand the element dependence of the charge breeding efficiency. Especially, the similarities represent universal ion loss characteristics in an ECR charge breeder, which are different from the loss patterns of electrons on the ECRIS wall.

Wall-loss distribution of charge breeding ions in an electron cyclotron resonance ion source.

The ion loss distribution in an electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) was investigated to understand the element dependence of the charge breeding efficiency in an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) charge breeder. The radioactive (111)In(1+) and (140)Xe(1+) ions (typical nonvolatile and volatile elements, respectively) were injected into the ECR charge breeder at the Tokai Radioactive Ion Accelerator Complex to breed their charge states. Their respective residual activities on the sidewall of the cylindrical plasma chamber of the source were measured after charge breeding as functions of the azimuthal angle and longitudinal position and two-dimensional distributions of ions lost during charge breeding in the ECRIS were obtained. These distributions had different azimuthal symmetries. The origins of these different azimuthal symmetries are qualitatively discussed by analyzing the differences and similarities in the observed wall-loss patterns. The implications for improving the charge breeding efficiencies of nonvolatile elements in ECR charge breeders are described. The similarities represent universal ion loss characteristics in an ECR charge breeder, which are different from the loss patterns of electrons on the ECRIS wall.

Development of radioactive ion beam production systems for Tokai Radioactive Ion Acceleration Complex-High temperature ion source for short-lived isotopes.

We have developed a new ion source system in the isotope separator on-line at Japan Atomic Energy Agency, for separation of short-lived isotopes produced by proton-induced fission of (238)U. The ion source system is a forced electron beam induced arc discharge version E type ion source with a target container. We successfully operated this system at 2000 degrees C as a result of reductions in volume of the ion source and the target container, introduction of heating method by electron bombardment, and improvement to the heat shield. This new ion source system was tested using (238)U of 640 mg/cm(2) with a proton primary beam of 30 MeV, 350 nA. Release times were measured for Kr, In, and Xe. The values of release times are 2.6 s for Kr, 1.8 s for In, and 4.6 s for Xe. In this work, the ion source system enabled us to mass-separate short-lived isotopes such as (93)Kr(T(1/2)=1.286 s), (129)In(T(1/2)=0.61 s), and (141)Xe(T(1/2)=1.73 s) with intensity of 10(3) ions/s.

KEKCB electron cyclotron resonance charge breeder at TRIAC.

The KEKCB is an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source for converting singly charged ions to multicharged ones at Tokai Radioactive Ion Accelerator Complex. By using the KEKCB, singly charged gaseous and nongaseous ions were converted to multicharged ones of A/q approximately 7 with efficiencies of 7% and 2%, respectively. The conversion efficiency was found to be independent of the lifetime of the radioactive nuclei having lifetimes of the order of one second. Three collimators located at the entrance and the exit of the KEKCB defined the beam axis and facilitated beam injection. Grinding and washing the surfaces of aluminum electrode and plasma chamber dramatically reduced impurities originating from the ECR plasma of the KEKCB.

Síndrome antisintetasa con buena respuesta a micofenolato mofetilo / Antisynthetase syndrome with good response to mycophenolate mofetil

No disponible

Is there a correlation between brain naturietic peptide levels and echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters in heart transplant patients?

BACKGROUND: Brain naturietic peptide (BNP) elevations have been reported in heart transplant patients both at baseline and during rejection. An association between BNP levels and certain echocardiographic and hemodynamic abnormalities has also been found in nontransplanted heart disease patients. We sought to determine whether BNP values were correlated with echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters among a large cohort of heart transplant patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 71 consecutive heart transplant patients, excluding combined grafts, retransplants, and pediatric cases. We performed 488 BNP determinations during catheterization and within 48 hours of echocardiography. Hemodynamic parameters included mean pulmonary artery pressure, right ventricular systolic and diastolic pressures. Doppler echocardiography parameters were wall thickness, ventricular mass, left and right ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters, isovolumic relaxation time, and mitral flow deceleration time. RESULTS: We observed significant correlations between BNP values and left ventricular size, ventricular mass, and a restrictive filling pattern. BNP levels were also significantly correlated with right ventricular size, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and right ventricular diastolic and end-diastolic pressures. CONCLUSIONS: In heart transplant patients, BNP levels positively correlated with ventricular diameters and a restrictive filling pattern. An increase in right ventricle and pulmonary artery pressures was associated with elevated BNP values.

Echocardiographic evaluation of the evolutionary changes after heart transplantation.

AIM: To undertake an evolutionary analysis of echocardiographic examinations carried out during follow-up of cardiac transplant patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 193 consecutive patients transplanted between August 1998 and December 2004. We excluded pediatric, cardiopulmonary, and repeat transplants. Four echocardiographic examinations were analyzed per patient (first, second, third quarter and the last study carried out; average time from transplant: 1115 +/- 681 days). The total number of examinations was 772. The evaluated variables were thickness of walls and diameters of the cavities, systolic and diastolic functions, pericardial effusion, and number of rejections. RESULTS: The isovolumetric relaxation time showed reduced values during early echocardiography with subsequent increases during evolution (first echocardiogram: 92 +/- 16 vs final echocardiogram 101 +/- 16 ms; P < .0001). Right ventricular function showed initial deterioration with subsequent recovery (first echocardiogram: 16% vs final echocardiogram: 8%; P < .05); moreover, the existence of delayed malfunction of the right ventricle was correlated with a higher incidence of transplant rejection (P < .01). Pericardial effusion was initially present with a tendency to reduce over time (first echocardiogram: 58% vs final echocardiogram: 12%; P < .0001). There was no difference in the other variables. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac transplant patients undergo evolutionary echocardiogram alterations that were mainly early and normalized as of the first quarter. The most usual changes in this period were restrictive isovolumetric behavior accompanied by some degree of depressed right ventricular function. Right ventricular malfunction during late evolution was correlated with a higher incidence of transplant rejection during follow-up.

[Neuropsychological disorders in teenagers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]. / Trastornos neuropsicológicos de los adolescentes afectos de trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to report on the neuropsychological aspects of teenage patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), namely disorders affecting attention, memory, the executive functions and language. We also discuss how to perform neuropsychological and functional evaluation of the systems involved in attention, by means of haemodynamic (functional magnetic resonance imaging) and neurophysiological (magnetoencephalography) techniques. The comorbidities that most frequently occur in teenage patients with ADHD are also described. DEVELOPMENT: The fundamental symptoms, that is to say, inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness, continue to be present in the teenager with ADHD, although with mild variations, and are probably dependent on each individual's own genetic load. The disorders most commonly associated with ADHD are oppositional defiant disorder (33%), conduct disorders (25%), anxiety (25%), learning disabilities (22%) and depression (22%). CONCLUSIONS: During adolescence, patients with ADHD usually suffer disorders that are secondary to their inability to process information efficiently due to the inadequate development of the executive functions. The lack of inhibitory control and a poor capacity to learn from their own mistakes facilitate the appearance of comorbid neuropsychiatric disorders.

Trastornos neuropsicológicos de los adolescentes afectos de trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad / Neuropsychological disorders in teenagers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Objetivo. Presentación de los aspectos neuropsicológicosinvolucrados en los pacientes adolescentes con trastorno por déficitde atención con hiperactividad (TDAH): trastornos de atención, dememoria, de las funciones ejecutivas y del lenguaje. También se presentala forma de evaluación neuropsicológica y funcional de lossistemas atencionales, con técnicas hemodinámicas (resonanciamagnética funcional) y neurofisiológicas (magnetoencefalografía).Descripción de las comorbilidades que se presentan con mayor frecuenciaen los pacientes adolescentes con TDAH. Desarrollo. Lasintomatología de base, desatención, hiperactividad e impulsividad,continúa acompañando al adolescente con TDAH, con variacionesmenores, probablemente con una dependencia de la carga genéticapropia de cada individuo. Los trastornos asociados más frecuentescon el TDAH son la actitud oposicionista desafiante (33%), las alteracionesde la conducta (25%), la ansiedad (25%), los problemas deaprendizaje (22%) y la depresión (22%). Conclusiones. Durante laadolescencia, los pacientes con TDAH suelen padecer trastornossecundarios a la falta de adquisición de procesos de información eficientespor el desarrollo escaso de las funciones ejecutivas. La faltadel control inhibitorio y la capacidad pobre para aprender de suspropios errores facilitan la aparición de trastornos comórbidos neuropsiquiátricos

Aims. The aim of this study is to report on the neuropsychological aspects of teenage patients with attention deficithyperactivity disorder (ADHD), namely disorders affecting attention, memory, the executive functions and language. We alsodiscuss how to perform neuropsychological and functional evaluation of the systems involved in attention, by means ofhaemodynamic (functional magnetic resonance imaging) and neurophysiological (magnetoencephalography) techniques. Thecomorbidities that most frequently occur in teenage patients with ADHD are also described. Development. The fundamentalsymptoms, that is to say, inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness, continue to be present in the teenager with ADHD,although with mild variations, and are probably dependent on each individual's own genetic load. The disorders mostcommonly associated with ADHD are oppositional defiant disorder (33%), conduct disorders (25%), anxiety (25%), learningdisabilities (22%) and depression (22%). Conclusions. During adolescence, patients with ADHD usually suffer disorders thatare secondary to their inability to process information efficiently due to the inadequate development of the executive functions.The lack of inhibitory control and a poor capacity to learn from their own mistakes facilitate the appearance of comorbidneuropsychiatric disorders

Circulating activated protein C is reduced in young survivors of myocardial infarction and inversely correlates with the severity of coronary lesions.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular risk factors for myocardial infarction (MI) are less frequent in younger than in older MI survivors. Therefore, the thrombotic component of MI may play a more important role at a young age. As activated protein C (APC) provides systemic anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory protection, a low plasma APC level may be an arterial thrombotic risk factor. AIM: To determine whether there is an association between reduced APC levels and early MI and severe coronary lesions. METHODS: APC was measured in 231 young MI survivors and 231 controls. RESULTS: Low APC levels were significantly associated with MI. Compared with the fourth quartile, the odds ratio (OR) for APC values in the first quartile was 3.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.1-6.4], and 3.2 (1.5-7.0) after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. Moreover, each decrease of 0.43 ng mL(-1) (1 SD) in APC increased the OR 1.7 times (1.4-2.2), and 1.5 times (1.2-1.9) after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. Low APC levels were also associated with the number of coronary arteries affected and with the severity of coronary lesions (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant association between low circulating APC levels and both early MI and the extent and severity of coronary atherosclerosis, which might be related to the anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties of APC.

Analysis of cadmium in food by multiple prompt gamma-ray spectroscopy.

The Cd concentration in food is a public concern related to the human health. In order to remove Cd-polluted food, the development and validation of a rapid and sensitive method of Cd analysis is required. By applying the multiple gamma-ray detection method to prompt gamma-ray analysis (PGA), the influence from nuclei which emit only one prompt gamma-ray at a time at every neutron capture reaction can be reduced, therefore the quantification limit of Cd is improved significantly. The limit of Cd contained in rice in the case of MPGA was evaluated, and under our proposed experimental conditions, it may be possible to quantify Cd content in rice to within 0.2 ppm in 10 min.