Influence of lymphopenia on long-term mortality in septic shock, a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The diagnosis of infection, to diagnose septic shock, has been qualified by leukocyte counts and protein biomarkers. Septic shock mortality is persistently high (20%-50%), and rising in the long term. The definition of sepsis does not include leukocyte count, and lymphopenia has been associated with its mortality in the short term. Immunosuppression and increased mortality in the long term due to sepsis have not been demonstrated. The aim is to relate the occurrence of lymphopenia and its lack of recovery during septic shock with mortality at 2 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cohort of 332 elderly patients diagnosed with septic shock. Mortality at 28 days and 2 years was analysed according to leukocyte, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, and the ability to recover from lymphopenia (LRec). RESULTS: A total of 74.1% of patients showed lymphopenia, and 73.5% did not improve during ICU stay. Mortality was 31.0% and 50.3% at 28 days and 2 years, respectively. Lymphopenia was a predictor of early mortality (OR 2.96) and LRec of late mortality (OR 3.98). Long-term mortality was associated with LRec (HR 1.69). CONCLUSIONS: In elderly patients with septic shock, 28-day mortality is associated with lymphopenia and neutrophilia, and LRec with 2-year mortality; this may represent 2 distinct phenotypes of behaviour after septic shock.

Artroplastia total de cadera primaria en pacientes con secuelas de poliomielitis / Primary total hip arthroplasty in patients with sequelae of poliomyelitis

Introducción: La prótesis total de cadera (PTC) en pacientes con secuelas de poliomielitis (SP) supone un reto quirúrgico. La morfología displásica, la osteoporosis y la debilidad glútea dificultan la orientación, incrementan el riesgo de fractura y reducen la estabilidad del implante. El objetivo de este estudio es describir una serie de pacientes con SP tratados mediante PTC. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de pacientes con SP intervenidos mediante PTC entre 1999 y 2021 en un hospital de tercer nivel, con seguimiento clínico y radiológico y evaluación funcional y de las complicaciones hasta el presente o hasta el fallecimiento, con un mínimo de 12meses. Resultados: Se intervinieron 16 pacientes, implantándose 13PTC en el miembro parético, 6 por fractura y 7 por coxartrosis, mientras que las otras 3PTC se implantaron en el miembro contralateral. Se implantaron 4 cotilos de doble movilidad como medida antiluxante. Al año postoperatorio, 11 presentaban un balance articular completo sin aumentar los casos de Trendelenburg. El Harris Hip Score (HHS) mejoró 32,1puntos, la escala visual analógica (EVA), 5,25puntos, y la escala de Merlé-d’Augbiné-Poste, 6puntos. La corrección de la discrepancia de longitud fue de 13,77mm. La mediana del seguimiento fue de 3,5años (1-24). Dos casos se revisaron por usura del polietileno y 2 por inestabilidad, sin registrarse infecciones, fracturas periprotésicas o aflojamiento del cotilo o vástago. Conclusiones: La PTC en pacientes con SP permite mejorar la situación clínico-funcional con una tasa de complicaciones aceptable. El riesgo de luxación podría minimizarse con cotilos de doble movilidad.(AU)

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with residual poliomyelitis (RP) is a surgical challenge. Dysplastic morphology, osteoporosis and gluteal weakness hinder orientation, increase fracture risk and reduce implant stability. The aim of this study is to describe a series of patients with RP treated by THA. Material and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of patients with RP treated with THA between 1999 and 2021 in a tertiary hospital, with clinical and radiological follow-up and functional and complication evaluation until present or death, with a minimum of 12months. Results: Sixteen patients underwent surgery, with 13THA implanted in the paretic limb, 6 for fracture and 7 for osteoarthritis, while the remaining 3 were implanted in the contralateral limb. Four dual mobility cups were implanted as an antiluxation measure. At 1year postoperatively, 11 had complete range of motion with no increase in Trendelenburg cases. The Harris hip score (HHS) improved 32.1points, the visual analog scale (VAS) 5.25 points, and the Merlé-d’Augbiné-Poste scale 6 points. The length discrepancy correction was 13.77mm. Median follow-up was 3.5years (1-24). Two cases were revised for polyethylene wear and two for instability, with no infections, periprosthetic fractures, or cup or stem loosening. Conclusions: THA in patients with RP allows improvement of the clinico-functional situation with an acceptable complication rate. The risk of dislocation could be minimized with dual mobility cups.(AU)

[Translated article] Primary total hip arthroplasty in patients with sequelae of poliomyelitis / Artroplastia total de cadera primaria en pacientes con secuelas de poliomielitis

Introducción: La prótesis total de cadera (PTC) en pacientes con secuelas de poliomielitis (SP) supone un reto quirúrgico. La morfología displásica, la osteoporosis y la debilidad glútea dificultan la orientación, incrementan el riesgo de fractura y reducen la estabilidad del implante. El objetivo de este estudio es describir una serie de pacientes con SP tratados mediante PTC. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de pacientes con SP intervenidos mediante PTC entre 1999 y 2021 en un hospital de tercer nivel, con seguimiento clínico y radiológico y evaluación funcional y de las complicaciones hasta el presente o hasta el fallecimiento, con un mínimo de 12meses. Resultados: Se intervinieron 16 pacientes, implantándose 13PTC en el miembro parético, 6 por fractura y 7 por coxartrosis, mientras que las otras 3PTC se implantaron en el miembro contralateral. Se implantaron 4 cotilos de doble movilidad como medida antiluxante. Al año postoperatorio, 11 presentaban un balance articular completo sin aumentar los casos de Trendelenburg. El Harris Hip Score (HHS) mejoró 32,1puntos, la escala visual analógica (EVA), 5,25puntos, y la escala de Merlé-d’Augbiné-Poste, 6puntos. La corrección de la discrepancia de longitud fue de 13,77mm. La mediana del seguimiento fue de 3,5años (1-24). Dos casos se revisaron por usura del polietileno y 2 por inestabilidad, sin registrarse infecciones, fracturas periprotésicas o aflojamiento del cotilo o vástago. Conclusiones: La PTC en pacientes con SP permite mejorar la situación clínico-funcional con una tasa de complicaciones aceptable. El riesgo de luxación podría minimizarse con cotilos de doble movilidad.(AU)

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with residual poliomyelitis (RP) is a surgical challenge. Dysplastic morphology, osteoporosis and gluteal weakness hinder orientation, increase fracture risk and reduce implant stability. The aim of this study is to describe a series of patients with RP treated by THA. Material and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of patients with RP treated with THA between 1999 and 2021 in a tertiary hospital, with clinical and radiological follow-up and functional and complication evaluation until present or death, with a minimum of 12months. Results: Sixteen patients underwent surgery, with 13THA implanted in the paretic limb, 6 for fracture and 7 for osteoarthritis, while the remaining 3 were implanted in the contralateral limb. Four dual mobility cups were implanted as an antiluxation measure. At 1year postoperatively, 11 had complete range of motion with no increase in Trendelenburg cases. The Harris hip score (HHS) improved 32.1points, the visual analog scale (VAS) 5.25 points, and the Merlé-d’Augbiné-Poste scale 6 points. The length discrepancy correction was 13.77mm. Median follow-up was 3.5years (1-24). Two cases were revised for polyethylene wear and two for instability, with no infections, periprosthetic fractures, or cup or stem loosening. Conclusions: THA in patients with RP allows improvement of the clinico-functional situation with an acceptable complication rate. The risk of dislocation could be minimized with dual mobility cups.(AU)

[Translated article] Primary total hip arthroplasty in patients with sequelae of poliomyelitis.

INTRODUCTION: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with residual poliomyelitis (RP) is a surgical challenge. Dysplastic morphology, osteoporosis and gluteal weakness hinder orientation, increase fracture risk and reduce implant stability. The aim of this study is to describe a series of patients with RP treated by THA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study of patients with RP treated with THA between 1999 and 2021 in a tertiary hospital, with clinical and radiological follow-up and functional and complication evaluation until present or death, with a minimum of 12 months. RESULTS: Sixteen patients underwent surgery, with 13 THA implanted in the paretic limb, 6 for fracture and 7 for osteoarthritis, while the remaining 3 were implanted in the contralateral limb. Four dual mobility cups were implanted as an antiluxation measure. At 1 year postoperatively, 11 had complete range of motion with no increase in Trendelenburg cases. The Harris hip score (HHS) improved 32.1 points, the visual analogue scale (VAS) 5.25 points, and the Merlé-d'Augbiné-Poste scale 6 points. The length discrepancy correction was 13.77mm. Median follow-up was 3.5 years (1-24). Two cases were revised for polyethylene wear and two for instability, with no infections, periprosthetic fractures, or cup or stem loosening. CONCLUSIONS: THA in patients with RP allows improvement of the clinico-functional situation with an acceptable complication rate. The risk of dislocation could be minimised with dual mobility cups.

Primary total hip arthroplasty in patients with sequelae of poliomyelitis. / Artroplastia total de cadera primaria en pacientes con secuelas de poliomielitis.

INTRODUCTION: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with residual poliomyelitis (RP) is a surgical challenge. Dysplastic morphology, osteoporosis and gluteal weakness hinder orientation, increase fracture risk and reduce implant stability. The aim of this study is to describe a series of patients with RP treated by THA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study of patients with RP treated with THA between 1999 and 2021 in a tertiary hospital, with clinical and radiological follow-up and functional and complication evaluation until present or death, with a minimum of 12months. RESULTS: Sixteen patients underwent surgery, with 13THA implanted in the paretic limb, 6 for fracture and 7 for osteoarthritis, while the remaining 3 were implanted in the contralateral limb. Four dual mobility cups were implanted as an antiluxation measure. At 1year postoperatively, 11 had complete range of motion with no increase in Trendelenburg cases. The Harris hip score (HHS) improved 32.1points, the visual analog scale (VAS) 5.25 points, and the Merlé-d'Augbiné-Poste scale 6 points. The length discrepancy correction was 13.77mm. Median follow-up was 3.5years (1-24). Two cases were revised for polyethylene wear and two for instability, with no infections, periprosthetic fractures, or cup or stem loosening. CONCLUSIONS: THA in patients with RP allows improvement of the clinico-functional situation with an acceptable complication rate. The risk of dislocation could be minimized with dual mobility cups.

Clinical usefulness of serum angiotensin converting enzyme in silicosis.

INTRODUCTION: Silicosis is an irreversible and incurable disease. Preventive measures to eliminate exposure are the only effective way to reduce morbidity and mortality. In such situations, having a biomarker for early diagnosis or to predict evolution would be very useful in order to improve control of the disease. The elevation of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (sACE) in silicosis has been described in previous studies, although its relationship with severity and prognosis is not clear. AIMS: To determine the levels of sACE in a cohort of patients with exposure to silica dust with and without silicosis, and to assess their impact on the prognosis of the aforementioned patients. METHOD: Prospective observational study on patients treated in a silicosis clinic from 2009 to 2018. sACE levels and pulmonary function tests were performed. Radiological progression was assessed in patients who had already had 2 X-rays of the thorax and / or two CT scans with at least a 1-year interval, from the time of inclusion in the study. RESULTS: A total of 413 cases of silicosis were confirmed, as well as 73 with exposure to silica dust but without silicosis. The mean sACE level for healthy subjects was 27.5±7.3U/L, for exposed patients without silicosis it was 49.6±24.2U/L, for simple silicosis it was 57.8±31,3U/L and for complicated silicosis it was 74.5±38.6U/L. Patients with a higher sACE generally progressed radiologically during follow-up (73.3±38.0 vs. 60.4±33.7; p<.001) and so the category of silicosis changed (73,9±38.1 vs. 62.5±34.6; p<.021). CONCLUSIONS: sACE was elevated in patients with silicosis, and the greater its severity, the higher it was, which is associated with disease progression measured radiologically or as a category change of silicosis.

Counselling toward reducing alcohol use, knowledge about its morbidity and personal consumption among students of medical and dental courses in north-western Spain.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is directly linked to high-risk consumption. Healthcare students have a crucial role to play in its prevention and management. The aim of this study is to analyse alcohol consumption, as well as to consider the knowledge and attitudes regarding morbidity, and the stage of change when providing assistance to quit AUD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Dentistry and Medical students using specific and validated questionnaires in an anonymous and voluntary way. Initially, 925 students were invited to participate, of them 500 were reached. RESULTS: Among them 85.9% suffered from AUD of whom 75% were women (p<0.001), and it was considered that the female gender constituted an independent risk factor (OR=2.63, CI 95% 1.55-4.45, p<0.001). The majority of the participants did not achieve the pass mark, nonetheless, the results showed improved levels of knowledge among participants in the latter years of their studies (p<0.001). Dental students demonstrated greater shortcomings in terms of their knowledge of general pathology, whereas the medical students' knowledge of oral pathologies proved worse (p<0.001). Most of students believed that identifying cases of AUD-affected patients falls within their competence, nonetheless, they believed that they do not have the necessary competencies. Among participants 58.2% were in a stage of change regarding AUD attitudes. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of respondents presented AUD. In general, the participants' knowledge about alcohol was low. Reviewing the syllabuses and evaluating the implementation of gender-differentiated training programmes in both degrees would be considered necessary.

Association between xerostomia, oral and general health, and obesity in adults. A cross-sectional pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to analyse the association between oral and general health variables and obesity indicators with the sensation of dry mouth or xerostomia as evaluated on the Xerostomia Inventory (XI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 354 randomly selected subjects participated in this cross-sectional pilot study and completed an anonymous questionnaire. Anthropometric, clinical, and xerostomic variables were evaluated. Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA and Bonferroni test were used for multiple comparisons. ROC curves and multinomial logistic regression were used to determine the (OR) risk of xerostomia. RESULTS: A total of 30.7 % of respondents reported xerostomia based on XI. The dry mouth question, the XI taken as a "gold standard", showed a diagnostic sensitivity of 70.37 %, and a specificity of 83.27 % (AUC=0.768, p<0.001). Logistical regression showed the highest xerostomia OR was associated to patients with bad self-perceived health, 6.31 (CI 95% 2.89-13.80, p<0.001). In the model adjusted for tooth mobility, bone or respiratory diseases, and the consumption of anxiolytics and antidepressants, the OR was 3.46 (CI 95% 1.47-8.18, p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: a high prevalence of xerostomia was found in this cross-sectional pilot study, which was significantly more frequent in women, and increased with age. Xerostomia was associated to several systemic diseases, psychological conditions, and oral functional disorders such as tooth mobility. These preliminary results can serve as the basis for developing guidelines for the application of innovative measures designed to improve the quality of life of individuals with xerostomia.

Is mortality in elderly septic patients as high as expected? Long-term mortality in a surgical sample cohort / ¿Es la mortalidad en los pacientes ancianos sépticos tan alta como esperamos? Mortalidad a largo plazo en una cohorte quirúrgica

Purpose: To determine the differences in short- and long-term mortality in elderly septic patients with multiorgan dysfunction syndrome and establish the factors related to non-survival. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study was made of 206 patients over 65 years of age with septic and septic shock criteria admitted to the ICU of Rio Hortega Hospital between January 2011 and February 2017. Study variables were obtained from electronic database records. Results: A total of 206 patients were included, divided into three groups of age (65-74, 75-85, >85 years). There were no significant differences in mortality according to age group after 28 days, 90 days or one year (28.6%, 32.1% and 45.2% in the 65-74 years age group; 32.5%, 38.6% and 45.8% in the 75-85 years age group, 41%, 48.7% and 56.4% in the >85 years age group). The factors related to mortality were: chronic heart failure, non-haematological cancer, liver dysfunction and central nervous system dysfunction. Conclusions: The results indicate that there is no significant difference in mortality among the different age groups. About 50% of the elderly patients survive a septic process. There is a close relationship between the number of affected organs and days of dysfunction, the use of interventional techniques and long-term mortality

Objetivo: Determinar las diferencias en la mortalidad a corto y largo plazo en pacientes sépticos ancianos con síndrome de disfunción multiorgánica, y cuáles son los factores de riesgo determinantes de esta. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de cohortes de 206 pacientes mayores de 65 años con criterios de shock séptico y sepsis admitidos en la UCI del Hospital Río Hortega entre enero de 2011 y febrero de 2017. Los datos analizados se obtuvieron a través de los registros de bases de datos electrónicas de la unidad. Resultados: Se incluyeron 206 pacientes divididos en 3 grupos de edad (65-74; 75-85; >85). No encontramos diferencias estadísticas en la mortalidad por grupo de edad al cabo de 28 días, 90 días y un año (28,6, 32,1 y 45,2% en el grupo de 65-74 años; 32,5, 38,6 y 45,8% en el grupo de 75-85 años; 41, 48,7 y 56,4% en el grupo de edad >85) Los factores relacionados con la mortalidad fueron: insuficiencia cardíaca crónica, cáncer no hematológico, disfunción hepática y disfunción del sistema nervioso central. Conclusión: Los resultados indican que no hay una diferencia significativa en la mortalidad entre los diferentes grupos de edad. Alrededor del 50% de los pacientes ancianos sobreviven ante un proceso séptico. Existe una estrecha relación entre el número de órganos disfuncionantes, los días de disfunción, el uso de técnicas de intervención y la mortalidad a largo plazo

Is mortality in elderly septic patients as high as expected? Long-term mortality in a surgical sample cohort.

PURPOSE: To determine the differences in short- and long-term mortality in elderly septic patients with multiorgan dysfunction syndrome and establish the factors related to non-survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was made of 206 patients over 65 years of age with septic and septic shock criteria admitted to the ICU of Rio Hortega Hospital between January 2011 and February 2017. Study variables were obtained from electronic database records. RESULTS: A total of 206 patients were included, divided into three groups of age (65-74, 75-85, >85 years). There were no significant differences in mortality according to age group after 28 days, 90 days or one year (28.6%, 32.1% and 45.2% in the 65-74 years age group; 32.5%, 38.6% and 45.8% in the 75-85 years age group, 41%, 48.7% and 56.4% in the >85 years age group). The factors related to mortality were: chronic heart failure, non-haematological cancer, liver dysfunction and central nervous system dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that there is no significant difference in mortality among the different age groups. About 50% of the elderly patients survive a septic process. There is a close relationship between the number of affected organs and days of dysfunction, the use of interventional techniques and long-term mortality.

Correlation between Streptococcus bovis bacteremia and density of cows in Galicia, northwest of Spain.

BACKGROUND: There are few data on the epidemiology of infections caused by Streptococcus bovis (Sb). Some studies suggest that both residence in rural areas and contact with livestock could be potential risk factors. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study for the period 2005-2016 of all cases of bacteremia caused by Sb in Galicia (a region in the northwest of Spain). The association between the incidence rate of Sb bacteremia and the number of cattle by province and district was analyzed. RESULTS: 677 cases were included with a median age of 76 years, 69.3% males. The most frequent infections were endocarditis (234 cases, 34.5%), primary bacteremia (213 cases, 31.5%) and biliary infection (119 cases, 17.5%). In 252 patients, colon neoplasms were detected (37.2%). S. gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus was the predominant species (52.3%). Mortality was 15.5% (105 cases). The annual incidence rate was 20.2 cases/106 inhabitants and was correlated with the density of cattle (p < 0.001), but not with rurality. When comparing the two provinces with a strong predominance of rural population, but with important differences in the number of cattle, such as Orense and Lugo, with 6% and 47.7% of Galician cattle, respectively, the rates were very different: 15.8 and 43.6 cases/106, respectively, with an RR of 2.7 (95% CI, 2.08-3.71). Some districts of the province of Lugo had rates higher than 100 cases/106 inhabitants. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows a significant correlation between the rates of Sb bacteremia and cattle density, suggesting a possible transmission of Sb from cows to people.

First evidence of an extensive Acheulean large cutting tool accumulation in Europe from Porto Maior (Galicia, Spain).

We describe a European Acheulean site characterised by an extensive accumulation of large cutting tools (LCT). This type of Lower Paleolithic assemblage, with dense LCT accumulations, has only been found on the African continent and in the Near East until now. The identification of a site with large accumulations of LCTs favours the hypothesis of an African origin for the Acheulean of Southwest Europe. The lithic tool-bearing deposits date back to 293-205 thousand years ago. Our chronological findings confirm temporal overlap between sites with clear "African" Acheulean affinities and Early Middle Paleolithic sites found elsewhere in the region. These complex technological patterns could be consistent with the potential coexistence of different human species in south-western Europe during the Middle Pleistocene.

New interpretation of the Gran Dolina-TD6 bearing Homo antecessor deposits through sedimentological analysis.

Gran Dolina is a cavity infilled by at least 25 m of Pleistocene sediments. This sequence contains the TD6 stratigraphic unit, whose records include around 170 hominin bones that have allowed the definition of a new species, Homo antecessor. This fossil accumulation was studied as a single assemblage and interpreted as a succession of several human home bases. We propose a complete stratigraphic context and sedimentological interpretation for TD6, analyzing the relationships between the sedimentary facies, the clasts and archaeo-palaeontological remains. The TD6 unit has been divided into three sub-units and 13 layers. Nine sedimentary facies have been defined. Hominin remains appear related to three different sedimentary facies: debris flow facies, channel facies and floodplain facies. They show three kinds of distribution: first a group of scattered fossils, then a group with layers of fossils in fluvial facies, and third a group with a layer of fossils in mixed fluvial and gravity flow facies. The results of this work suggest that some of these hominin remains accumulated in the cave by geological processes, coming from the adjacent slope above the cave or the cave entry, as the palaeogeography and sedimentary characteristics of these allochthonous facies suggest.

Using kinematic reduction for studying grasping postures. An application to power and precision grasp of cylinders.

The kinematic analysis of human grasping is challenging because of the high number of degrees of freedom involved. The use of principal component and factorial analyses is proposed in the present study to reduce the hand kinematics dimensionality in the analysis of posture for ergonomic purposes, allowing for a comprehensive study without losing accuracy while also enabling velocity and acceleration analyses to be performed. A laboratory study was designed to analyse the effect of weight and diameter in the grasping posture for cylinders. This study measured the hand posture from six subjects when transporting cylinders of different weights and diameters with precision and power grasps. The hand posture was measured using a Vicon(®) motion-tracking system, and the principal component analysis was applied to reduce the kinematics dimensionality. Different ANOVAs were performed on the reduced kinematic variables to check the effect of weight and diameter of the cylinders, as well as that of the subject. The results show that the original twenty-three degrees of freedom of the hand were reduced to five, which were identified as digit arching, closeness, palmar arching, finger adduction and thumb opposition. Both cylinder diameter and weight significantly affected the precision grasping posture: diameter affects closeness, palmar arching and opposition, while weight affects digit arching, palmar arching and closeness. The power-grasping posture was mainly affected by the cylinder diameter, through digit arching, closeness and opposition. The grasping posture was largely affected by the subject factor and this effect couldn't be attributed only to hand size. In conclusion, this kinematic reduction allowed identifying the effect of the diameter and weight of the cylinders in a comprehensive way, being diameter more important than weight.

Uterine contractility as a cause of amniotic band syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether puncturing the uterine wall and the amnion causes uterine contractions that result in fetal abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental study was performed using four groups of three female rabbits. Group A received a puncture of the amniotic membranes of one of the uteri on day 15 of gestation followed by group B on day 16, group C on day 17, and group D on day 18. The duration and force of contractions and fetal abnormalities were determined. RESULTS: There were immediate contractions after the puncture, which lasted 20 to 132 seconds with forces that ranged from 309 to 4,411 mg. All of the experimental fetuses exhibited anomalies of the head and extremities, exencephaly, cleft palates, and an absence of eye-lids. CONCLUSION: Injury to the uterine wall and the aniion can immediately cause uterine contractions, which are associated with different types of fetal abnormalities.

The Origin of The Acheulean: The 1.7 Million-Year-Old Site of FLK West, Olduvai Gorge (Tanzania).

The appearance of the Acheulean is one of the hallmarks of human evolution. It represents the emergence of a complex behavior, expressed in the recurrent manufacture of large-sized tools, with standardized forms, implying more advance forethought and planning by hominins than those required by the precedent Oldowan technology. The earliest known evidence of this technology dates back to c. 1.7 Ma. and is limited to two sites (Kokiselei [Kenya] and Konso [Ethiopia]), both of which lack functionally-associated fauna. The functionality of these earliest Acheulean assemblages remains unknown. Here we present the discovery of another early Acheulean site also dating to c. 1.7 Ma from Olduvai Gorge. This site provides evidence of the earliest steps in developing the Acheulean technology and is the oldest Acheulean site in which stone tools occur spatially and functionally associated with the exploitation of fauna. Simple and elaborate large-cutting tools (LCT) and bifacial handaxes co-exist at FLK West, showing that complex cognition was present from the earliest stages of the Acheulean. Here we provide a detailed technological study and evidence of the use of these tools on the butchery and consumption of fauna, probably by early Homo erectus sensu lato.

An introductory study of common grasps used by adults during performance of activities of daily living.

This paper presents the results of a descriptive survey on human grasps. Sixty-four videos were selected to represent tasks performed in the main areas of activities of daily living (ADL) (personal care, meal preparation, eating, housekeeping, etc.). All the participants were right-handed. Elementary grasps were identified for each hand, and the grasp type (from a 9-type classification), the hands involved, and the duration were registered for each case. The results show that the most commonly used grasps are: pinch, non-prehensile, cylindrical, lateral pinch and lumbrical. The presence of these grasps in the areas of ADL is, however, very different (e.g., pinch is widely used in food preparation and very little in driving). Some grasps were used more frequently with one hand or when both hands were used simultaneously (e.g., special pinch was hardly used by the left hand). Knowing the grasp types most frequently used in ADL is essential to be able to assess grasp rehabilitation processes or hand prostheses development.

A case study perspective on psychological outcomes after female genital mutilation.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is still performed throughout Africa and in a few countries of Asia and the Middle East, affecting over 100 million females worldwide. It includes procedures that intentionally injure female external genital organs for non-medical reasons, and can have deleterious consequences for the physical, psychological and sexual lives of its victims. This paper presents three case studies illustrating the psychological and sexual consequences of FGM. Data were gathered about child and family history, employment, medical and psychiatric history, and the genital mutilation experienced. Self-report measures of self-esteem, mental health status and sexual life were also administered. The results obtained highlight the need for European professionals to develop greater knowledge about FGM and its serious consequences, especially as regards sexuality. This is particularly important given the large numbers of immigrant women now residing within EU countries.

State of the art and review on the treatment technologies of water reverse osmosis concentrates.

The growing demand for fresh water is partially satisfied by desalination plants that increasingly use membrane technologies and among them reverse osmosis to produce purified water. Operating with water recoveries from 35% to 85% RO plants generate huge volumes of concentrates containing all the retained compounds that are commonly discharged to water bodies and constitute a potentially serious threat to marine ecosystems; therefore there is an urgent need for environmentally friendly management options of RO brines. This paper gives an overview on the potential treatments to overcome the environmental problems associated to the direct discharge of RO concentrates. The treatment options have been classified according to the source of RO concentrates and the maturity of the technologies. For the sake of clarity three different sources of RO concentrates are differentiated i) desalination plants, ii) tertiary processes in WWTP, and iii) mining industries. Starting with traditional treatments such as evaporation and crystallization other technologies that have emerged in last years to reduce the volume of the concentrate before disposal and with the objective of achieving zero liquid discharge and recovery of valuable compounds from these effluents are also reviewed. Most of these emerging technologies have been developed at laboratory or pilot plant scale (see Table 1). With regard to RO concentrates from WWTP, the manuscript addresses recent studies that are mainly focused on reducing the organic pollutant load through the application of innovative advanced oxidation technologies. Finally, works that report the treatment of RO concentrates from industrial sources are analyzed as well.

Experimental strength of restorations with fibre posts at different stages, with and without using a simulated ligament.

The aim of this study was to analyse the strength and failure mode of teeth restored with fibre posts under retention and flexural-compressive loads at different stages of the restoration and to analyse whether including a simulated ligament in the experimental setup has any effect on the strength or the failure mode. Thirty human maxillary central incisors were distributed in three different groups to be restored with simulation of different restoration stages (1: only post, 2: post and core, 3: post-core and crown), using Rebilda fibre posts. The specimens were inserted in resin blocks and loaded by means of a universal testing machine until failure under tension (stage 1) and 50º flexion (stages 2-3). Half the specimens in each group were restored using a simulated ligament between root dentine and resin block and the other half did not use this element. Failure in stage 1 always occurred at the post-dentine interface, with a mean failure load of 191·2 N. Failure in stage 2 was located mainly in the core or coronal dentine (mean failure load of 505·9 N). Failure in stage 3 was observed in the coronal dentine (mean failure load 397·4 N). Failure loads registered were greater than expected masticatory loads. Fracture modes were mostly reparable, thus indicating that this post is clinically valid at the different stages of restoration studied. The inclusion of the simulated ligament in the experimental system did not show a statistically significant effect on the failure load or the failure mode.