Tackling unbalanced datasets for yellow and brown rust detection in wheat.

This study evaluates the efficacy of hyperspectral data for detecting yellow and brown rust in wheat, employing machine learning models and the SMOTE (Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique) augmentation technique to tackle unbalanced datasets. Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Gaussian Naïve Bayes (GNB) models were assessed. Overall, SVM and RF models showed higher accuracies, particularly when utilizing SMOTE-enhanced datasets. The RF model achieved 70% accuracy in detecting yellow rust without data alteration. Conversely, for brown rust, the SVM model outperformed others, reaching 63% accuracy with SMOTE applied to the training set. This study highlights the potential of spectral data and machine learning (ML) techniques in plant disease detection. It emphasizes the need for further research in data processing methodologies, particularly in exploring the impact of techniques like SMOTE on model performance.

Needs assessment of informal primary caregivers of patients with borderline personality disorder: psychometrics, characterization, and intervention proposal / Evaluación de las necesidades de los cuidadores primarios informales de pacientes con trastorno límite de la personalidad: psicometría, caracterización y propuesta de intervención

Abstract Introduction Informal Primary Caregivers (IPC) of people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) experience a significant burden, making it important to determine their specific needs. Objectives Cross-sectional study aimed at adapting and establishing the reliability of the Questionnaire on the Needs of Family Members of People with Severe Mental Disorders to identify felt and unfelt needs that may or may not have been met in IPCs of patients with BPD and suggest intervention strategies to effectively address them. Method The adapted version of the instrument was completed by 80 IPCs of patients with confirmed BPD diagnosis. Results Cronbach's alpha coefficients for different groups of needs evaluated through the instrument were: Knowledge/information = .77, Instrumental support = . 78, Participation = .63, and Personal support = .74; and for the total score = .86. The most important unmet felt needs were: 1. having information on interventions for patients and caregivers, legal and administrative aspects, and available support services; 2. having coping skills to deal with crises and manage patients' risk behaviors; 3. receiving professional care to reduce stress; and 4. being listened by health professionals, express their personal opinions, and need for rest. Conclusions The adapted instrument showed satisfactory internal consistency in IPCs of patients with BPD. The results highlight the urgent need for interventions for this population, focusing on psychoeducation, assertiveness training, stress management, and problem solving.

Resumen Introducción Los cuidadores primarios informales (CPI) de pacientes con trastorno límite de personalidad (TLP) soportan una pesada carga, por lo que es importante conocer sus necesidades específicas. Objetivos Estudio transversal dirigido a adaptar y determinar la confiabilidad del Cuestionario de Necesidades de Familiares de Personas con Trastornos Mentales Graves a fin de identificar las necesidades sentidas y no sentidas que han sido satisfechas o no en los CPI de pacientes con TLP y sugerir estrategias de intervención para que reciban una atención efectiva. Método Ochenta CPI de pacientes con diagnósticos confirmado de TLP completaron la versión adaptada del instrumento. Resultados Los coeficientes alpha de Cronbach para los cuatro grupos de necesidades evaluadas mediante el instrumento fueron: Conocimientos/información = .77, Apoyo instrumental = .78, Participación = .63, y Apoyo personal = .74; y para el total de la escala = .86. Las necesidades sentidas y no satisfechas que destacaron fueron: 1. tener información de intervenciones para el paciente y los cuidadores, aspectos legales y administrativos, y servicios disponibles para apoyarse; 2. contar con herramientas para afrontar crisis y manejar conductas de riesgo de los pacientes; 3. ser atendidos profesionalmente para reducir el estrés; y 4. ser escuchados por los profesionales de salud y tomados en cuenta en relación con sus opiniones personales y necesidad de descanso. Conclusiones El instrumento adaptado mostró una consistencia interna satisfactoria en CPI de pacientes con TLP. Los resultados resaltan la necesidad urgente de intervenciones para esta población, enfocadas en psicoeducación, entrenamiento asertivo, manejo del estrés ansiedad y solución de problemas.

El envejecimiento: Una mirada a la transición demográfica y sus implicaciones para el cuidado de la salud / Aging: A look at the demographic transition and its implications for health care

Introducción: el envejecimiento poblacional es un fenómeno generado por cambios demográficos, epidemiológicos y sociales, caracterizados por el incremento de la población mayor de 60 años, la presencia de enfermedades crónicas y los cambios en el tamaño y rol de la familia. Objetivo: analizar el envejecimiento poblacional y sus implicaciones para el cuidado de la salud con base en la revisión de la bibliografía disponible en acceso abierto. Metodología: estudio de revisión narrativa, durante el periodo 2007-2018, se utilizaron los descriptores: envejecimiento y salud; cuidado y enfermería, y transición demográfica. Con dos vertientes de búsqueda: 1) artículos publicados en inglés o español, indexados en la base de datos Scielo, en acceso abierto, de corte cuantitativo y no experimental, y 2) para identificar el marco contextual del envejecimiento se buscaron informes publicados por organismos mundiales sobre el envejecimiento y el cuidado. Resultados: se identificaron 59 artículos y se eliminaron cuatro, posterior a la lectura y consenso por el grupo de autores, del total de artículos se eligieron 22. Conclusión: la verdadera necesidad del cuidado se dimensiona cuando se entiende a los adultos mayores, como un grupo diverso, con expectativas distintas, conscientes de sus derechos y participantes activos en la construcción de la salud.

Introduction: Population aging is a phenomenon generated by demographic, epidemiological and social changes characterized by an increase in the population over 60 years of age, the presence of chronic diseases and changes in the size and role of the family. Objective: To analyze population aging and its implications for health care based on the review of the literature available in open access. Methodology: Study of narrative review, in the period 2007-2018, the descriptors were used: aging and health; care and nursing; and, demographic transition. With two aspects of search 1) articles published in English or Spanish, indexed in the Scielo database, in open access, quantitative and non-experimental, 2) reports published by world organizations on aging and care Results: 59 articles were identified and four were eliminated, after reading and consensus by the group of authors, 22 articles were chosen. Conclusion: the true need of care is dimensioned when older adults are understood as a diverse group with different expectations, aware of their rights and active participants in the construction of health.

Alteraciones posturales frecuentes en pacientes con diferentes tipos de trastornos temporomandibulares / Frequent postural alterations in patients with different types of temporomandibular disorders

RESUMEN Objetivo Describir las alteraciones posturales más frecuentes, de acuerdo al tipo de trastorno temporomandibular (TTM). Metodología Se analizaron 30 pacientes con edad media de 27,4 años; 80% mujeres, con diagnóstico de TTM confirmado con los Criterios Diagnósticos (CD/TTM) por investigador capacitado en la clínica de la Facultad de Estomatología de la BUAP. Posteriormente se realizó el análisis postural (tres vistas) con ayuda de una cuadrícula de acetato en las instalaciones de la Licenciatura de Fisioterapia de la BUAP. Se analizaron los resultados con estadística descriptiva en el programa SPSS v20. Resultados El 16,7% de los pacientes presentó TTM de origen muscular, el 36,7% articular y el resto combinado. Las alteraciones posturales más frecuentes fueron: hombro elevado: 93,3%, basculación pélvica: 86,7% y posición de cabeza adelantada: 83,3%. El mayor porcentaje de pacientes presentó cinco alteraciones posturales. El 100% presentó alteraciones en la vista lateral y el 50% de los pacientes con TTM de origen combinado presentaron alteraciones en las tres vistas, mientras en los de origen articular; el 45,5% y en los de origen muscular; el 60%. Conclusiones Los pacientes con TTM presentan alteraciones posturales; principalmente posición de cabeza adelantada, basculación pélvica y hombro elevado, con especial compromiso en los de diagnóstico muscular y combinado.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To describe postural alterations according to the type of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Methods Prior informed consent, 30 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 27.4 years; 80% women, diagnosed with TMD based on Diagnostic Criteria (DC/ TTM) by a trained researcher in the clinic of the Faculty of Stomatology of the BUAP. Subsequently, a postural analysis (three views) was carried out at the facilities of the School of Physiotherapy of the BUAP using an acetate grid. The results were analyzed with descriptive statistics in the SPSS v20 program. Results 16.7% of the patients presented muscular TMD, 36.7% joint TMD, and the rest combined TMD. The most common postural alterations were: high shoulder: 93.3%, pelvic tilt: 86.7%, and forward head posture: 83.3%. On average, the patients had between 4 and 5 postural changes. 100% of the patients ha alterations in the side view, while 50% of the patients with TMD of combined origin had alterations in the three views, as well as 45.5% of the patients with TMD of joint origin, and 60% of the patients with TMD of muscular origin. Conclusions TMD patients present postural changes, mainly forward head posture, pelvic tilt and high shoulder, with special involvement related to muscle and combined diagnosis.(AU)

Demographic and socioenvironmental predictors of premorbid marijuana use among patients with first-episode psychosis.

OBJECTIVE: We identified, in subjects with first-episode psychosis, demographic and socioenvironmental predictors of three variables pertaining to premorbid marijuana use: age at initiation of marijuana use, trajectories of marijuana use in the five years prior to onset of psychosis, and the cumulative "dose" of marijuana intake in that same premorbid period. METHODS: We enrolled 247 first-episode psychosis patients and collected data on lifetime marijuana/alcohol/tobacco use, age at onset of psychosis, diverse socioenvironmental variables, premorbid adjustment, past traumatic experiences, perceived neighborhood-level social disorder, and cannabis use experiences. Bivariate tests were used to examine associations between the three premorbid marijuana use variables and hypothesized predictors. Regression models determined which variables remained independently significantly associated. RESULTS: Age at initiation of cigarette smoking was linked to earlier initiation, faster escalation, and higher cumulative dose of premorbid marijuana use. During childhood, poorer academic performance was predictive of an earlier age at initiation of marijuana use, while poorer sociability was related to more rapid escalation to daily use and a higher cumulative dose. As expected, experiencing euphoric effects was positively correlated with trajectories and cumulative dose, but having negative experiences was unrelated. Traumatic childhood/adolescent experiences were correlated with rapid escalation and amount of marijuana used, but not with age at initiation of marijuana use. CONCLUSION: These data expand the very limited literature on predictors of premorbid marijuana use in first-episode psychosis. Given its association with earlier age at onset of psychosis, and poorer outcomes among first-episode patients, prevention and treatment efforts should be further developed.

[Frequent postural alterations in patients with different types of temporomandibular disorders]. / Alteraciones posturales frecuentes en pacientes con diferentes tipos de trastornos temporomandibulares.

OBJECTIVE: To describe postural alterations according to the type of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). METHODS: Prior informed consent, 30 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 27.4 years; 80% women, diagnosed with TMD based on Diagnostic Criteria (DC/ TTM) by a trained researcher in the clinic of the Faculty of Stomatology of the BUAP. Subsequently, a postural analysis (three views) was carried out at the facilities of the School of Physiotherapy of the BUAP using an acetate grid. The results were analyzed with descriptive statistics in the SPSS v20 program. RESULTS: 16.7% of the patients presented muscular TMD, 36.7% joint TMD, and the rest combined TMD. The most common postural alterations were: high shoulder: 93.3%, pelvic tilt: 86.7%, and forward head posture: 83.3%. On average, the patients had between 4 and 5 postural changes. 100% of the patients ha alterations in the side view, while 50% of the patients with TMD of combined origin had alterations in the three views, as well as 45.5% of the patients with TMD of joint origin, and 60% of the patients with TMD of muscular origin. CONCLUSIONS: TMD patients present postural changes, mainly forward head posture, pelvic tilt and high shoulder, with special involvement related to muscle and combined diagnosis.

OBJETIVO: Describir las alteraciones posturales más frecuentes, de acuerdo al tipo de trastorno temporomandibular (TTM). METODOLOGÍA: Se analizaron 30 pacientes con edad media de 27,4 años; 80% mujeres, con diagnóstico de TTM confirmado con los Criterios Diagnósticos (CD/TTM) por investigador capacitado en la clínica de la Facultad de Estomatología de la BUAP. Posteriormente se realizó el análisis postural (tres vistas) con ayuda de una cuadrícula de acetato en las instalaciones de la Licenciatura de Fisioterapia de la BUAP. Se analizaron los resultados con estadística descriptiva en el programa SPSS v20. RESULTADOS: El 16,7% de los pacientes presentó TTM de origen muscular, el 36,7% articular y el resto combinado. Las alteraciones posturales más frecuentes fueron: hombro elevado: 93,3%, basculación pélvica: 86,7% y posición de cabeza adelantada: 83,3%. El mayor porcentaje de pacientes presentó cinco alteraciones posturales. El 100% presentó alteraciones en la vista lateral y el 50% de los pacientes con TTM de origen combinado presentaron alteraciones en las tres vistas, mientras en los de origen articular; el 45,5% y en los de origen muscular; el 60%. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes con TTM presentan alteraciones posturales; principalmente posición de cabeza adelantada, basculación pélvica y hombro elevado, con especial compromiso en los de diagnóstico muscular y combinado.

Exploring the Effectiveness of External Use of Bach Flower Remedies on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: A randomized, pilot, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of a cream based on Bach flower remedies (BFR) on symptoms and signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: Forty-three patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome during their "waiting" time for surgical option were randomized into 3 parallel groups: Placebo (n = 14), blinded BFR (n = 16), and nonblinded BFR (n = 13). These groups were treated during 21 days with topical placebo or a cream based on BFR. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed on self-reported symptom severity and pain intensity favorable to BFR groups with large effect sizes (η2partial > 0.40). In addition, all signs observed during the clinical exam showed significant improvements among the groups as well as symptoms of pain, night pain, and tingling, also with large effect sizes (φ > 0.5). Finally, there were significant differences between the blinded and nonblinded BFR groups for signs and pain registered in clinical exam but not in self-reports. CONCLUSION: The proposed BFR cream could be an effective intervention in the management of mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, reducing the severity symptoms and providing pain relief.

Historia de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad de Cuenca

Hemos dividido esta obra en cuatro períodos. El motivo de la división es para facilitar la periodización, que nada tiene de académica: El primer período será el de la gestación como CORPORACIÓN UNIVERSITARIA DEL AZUAY desde su fundación en 1867 hasta 1895, año del advenimiento del Liberalismo Radical, y de la primera reforma universitaria abordada por Jacinto Landívar Heredia y Jaime Abad Vázquez. El segundo período desde la revolución liberal hasta el año de 1944, cuando se da la Reforma Universitaria General, estudiada por Ernesto Cañizares Aguilar. El tercer período que comprende desde el año 1944 hasta 1977 año de la crisis y renuncia masiva de docentes abordada por David Achig Balarezo. El último período desde la crisis del año 1977 hasta la actualidad estudiado por el Dr. Raúl Pino Andrade. Se completará el segundo período con el estudio del Libro de Actas de la Escuela de Medicina entre los años 1915-1923 y con la Historia de la Obstetricia revisados por Jacinto Landívar Heredia. Luego del último período se introducirá un análisis y testimonio como actora del mismo de la Mst. Gladys Eskola Torres. Cocluirá con los estudios de historia de Tecnología y Enfermería y luego con minibiografías de los exdecanos últimos y de los profesores recientemente jubilados

A one-step, versatile synthesis of dibenzo [n.2.2] macrobicyclic compounds via a conformation-directed macrocyclization reaction.

A series of dibenzo [n.2.2] bicyclic compounds (n = 2-20) were prepared in one step and good yields starting from dimethyl anthracene-9,10-dicarboxylate. Reduction of the aromatic diester using lithium/naphthalene led to a bis-enolate that was cyclized with a variety of bis-electrophiles. The ease of the cyclization is probably due to the puckered conformation of the intermediate formed after the first alkylation step, in which the newly introduced chain that will become the bridge portion occupies a pseudoaxial position, positioning the leaving group close to the enolate nucleophile in the macrocyclization step.

Maxillary changes and occlusal traits in crania with artificial fronto-occipital deformation.

Artificial fronto-occipital deformation of the cranial vault was typical of pre-Columbian cultures in the central Andean coastal regions. We have studied the influence of this deformation on maxillary and mandibular morphology. Measurements were performed on 86 adult Ancon skulls with anteroposterior deformation. Undeformed skulls from the area of Makatampu (n = 52) were used as the control group. To explore the influence of the deformity on occlusion, the skulls were categorized using the Angle classification and the alignment of the interincisor midline. In the group of deformed skulls, there was an increase in lateral growth of the vault and of the base of the skull (P < 0.001), giving rise to a greater interpterygoid width of the maxilla (P < 0.001), and an increase in the transverse diameter of the palatal vault. The mandible presented an increase in the length of the rami (P < 0.001) and in the intercondylar width, with no alteration of mandibular length. The deformed skulls had normal (class I) occlusion, with no displacement of the midline. The difference in the asymmetry index between the two groups was not statistically significant. Artificial fronto-occipital deformation of the cranial vault provoked compensatory lateral expansion of the base that was correlated with the transverse development of the maxilla and mandible. Occlusion and sagittal intermaxillary position were not affected by the cranial deformity. These results provide evidence of the integration between the neurocranium and the viscerocranium in craniofacial development, and support the hypothesis of a compensatory effect of function.

[Urethral myomas: report of two cases and literature review]. / Miomas uretrales: reporte de dos casos y revisión de la bibliografía.

Leiomyomas of the bladder and urethra are extremely rare. Depending on their location and size, they can produce diverse clinical manifestations. At urethral level in particular, formed near the vaginal wall, symptoms include recurrent urinary tract infections, voiding dysfunction, foreign body sensation, heaviness and dyspareunia. We present two cases of urethral leiomyomas, one expressed during pregnancy, which resolved successfully with surgical resection without damage to the urinary tract and no recurrence so far.

(S)-(+)-N-Benzyl-idene-1-(1-naphth-yl)ethyl-amine.

In the title chiral aldimine, C(19)H(17)N, the azomethine group is not fully conjugated with the phenyl substituent: the dihedral angle between phenyl and C(*)-N=C mean planes is ϕ(3) = 23.0 (2)°. Compared with the earlier DFT-B3LYP/6-31 G(d) computations from the literature, the C=N-C(*)-C(naph-thyl) torsion angle, found at ϕ(2) = -118.0 (2)° in the X-ray structure, does not match the angle calculated for the potential minimum energy at ϕ(2) = 0°. However, this angle is close to the second potential energy minimum at ϕ(2) = -120° which is ca. 8.5 kJ mol(-1) above the global energy minimum. Thus, the reported X-ray structure corresponds to the second most likely (according to DFT) conformer, allowing the existence of other polymorphs to be anti-cipated.

(-)-(S)-N,N'-Bis[1-(1-naphth-yl)eth-yl]-oxalamide.

The title mol-ecule, C(26)H(24)N(2)O(2), displays C(2) symmetry, with the mol-ecule located on a twofold axis perpendicular to the plane of the oxalamide unit -NH-CO-CO-NH-. The oxalamide core deviates from planarity, as reflected by the O=C-C=O and N-C-C-N torsion angles of 164.3 (5) and 163.2 (5)°, respectively. The naphthyl groups are oriented toward the same face of the oxalamide mean plane and make a dihedral angle of 43.76 (8)°. This conformation is suitable for the formation of inter-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, giving noncentrosymmetric dimers incorporating R(2) (2)(10) ring motifs. These nonbonding inter-actions propagate along the 6(1) screw axis normal to the mol-ecular twofold axis, resulting in a single-stranded right-handed helix parallel to [001]. In the crystal, Δ helices are arranged side-by-side and inter-act through π-π contacts between naphthyl groups. The shortest centroid-centroid separation between inter-acting benzene rings is 3.623 (4) Å.

Osteoporosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

In recent years the survival of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus has increased markedly. Consequently, long-term complications, such as osteoporosis, are currently of paramount importance. SLE is known to increase the risk of bone fractures, and numerous studies have found that SLE patients have osteoporosis. Of the various risk factors associated with osteoporosis in SLE, disease duration, the use of corticosteroids and chronic disease-related damage are consistently reported, with differences between studies probably due to the different populations studied. The role of chronic inflammation in osteoporosis is also important. On the other hand, little attention has been paid to osteoporotic fractures, especially of the vertebra, which are associated with reduced quality of life, increased mortality rates and increased risk of new vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in the general population.

Cáncer gástrico por laparoscopia: análisis de los datos del Registro Nacional de Cirugía Gástrica por Laparoscopia / Gastric cancer and laparoscopy: analysis of data from the national register of laparoscopic gastric surgery

Objetivo: Describir los datos enviados al Registro Nacional de Cirugía Gástrica por laparoscopia y analizar el tipo de cirugía, la reconversión, las complicaciones postoperatorias y la mortalidad. Pacientes y método: Desde marzo de 2005 a julio de 2008 han sido remitidos al registro 302 pacientes a través de un cuestionario ubicado en la página web de la Asociación Española de Cirujanos, donde se registraron datos clinicopatológicos, características de la cirugía realizada, reconversión y morbimortalidad. Resultados: Se ha intervenido a 245 pacientes por adenocarcinoma gástrico, 35 por tumores estromales y 22 por otras afecciones. En los adenocarcinomas gástricos se realizó cirugía resectiva en 232 (95%) casos. La localización predominante fue el tercio distal y el tipo de tumor más frecuente, el intestinal. El 34% fueron tumores localmente avanzados. Se realizó una linfadenectomía D2 en 117 casos, D1 en 105 y D0 en 6. Se realizó reconversión en 21 (9%), y entre las causas destacan las dificultades técnicas. Se han descrito complicaciones postoperatorias en 72 (31%) casos, entre las que destacan por su gravedad las fístulas digestivas. Hubo una mortalidad postoperatoria del 6%, y las causas más frecuentes fueron la sepsis por fuga anastomótica y las complicaciones cardiorrespiratorias. La estancia media hospitalaria en los pacientes que no presentaron complicaciones fue de 9,2±3 días. Conclusiones: La gastrectomía laparoscópica en el cáncer gástrico es un procedimiento factible que no está exento de dificultades técnicas. Una considerable tasa de complicaciones postoperatorias pueden llegar a condicionar los beneficios de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva(AU)

Objective: To study the data from the Laparoscopic Gastric Surgery Spanish National Register of laparoscopic Gastric Surgery and to analyse the type of surgery, the conversion to laparotomy, postoperative complications and mortality. Patients and Method: From March 2005 to July 2008, details of 302 laparoscopic gastric surgical interventions were sent to the Association of Spanish Surgeons web-site. Details of surgical technique, reconversion, clinical and pathological data, morbidity and mortality were collected and analysed. Results: A total of 245 patients had gastric adenocarcinoma, 35 of them stromal tumours and 22 other gastric pathologies. In gastric adenocarcinoma patients, resection was performed in 232 cases (95%). The most frequent histology was intestinal, mainly located in the distal third of the stomach, with 34% of the tumours being locally advanced. D2 lymphadenectomy was performed in 117 cases, D1 in 105, and D0 in 6. Reconversion was needed in 21 cases (9%), with technical difficulty being the most frequent cause . Postoperative complications were reported in 72 patients (31%), with anastomotic leak being one of the most significant. Postoperative mortality was 6%, with sepsis due to anastomotic leak and cardiac or respiratory complications the most frequent causes. The mean hospital stay of patients without complications was 9.2±3 days.Conclusions: Laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer is a feasible but technically demanding procedure. Potential benefits of minimal invasive surgery can be reduced due to a high rate of postoperative complications(AU)

[Gastric cancer and laparoscopy: analysis of data from the national register of laparoscopic gastric surgery]. / Cáncer gástrico por laparoscopia: análisis de los datos del Registro Nacional de Cirugía Gástrica por Laparoscopia.

OBJECTIVE: To study the data from the Laparoscopic Gastric Surgery Spanish National Register of laparoscopic Gastric Surgery and to analyse the type of surgery, the conversion to laparotomy, postoperative complications and mortality. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From March 2005 to July 2008, details of 302 laparoscopic gastric surgical interventions were sent to the Association of Spanish Surgeons web-site. Details of surgical technique, reconversion, clinical and pathological data, morbidity and mortality were collected and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 245 patients had gastric adenocarcinoma, 35 of them stromal tumours and 22 other gastric pathologies. In gastric adenocarcinoma patients, resection was performed in 232 cases (95%). The most frequent histology was intestinal, mainly located in the distal third of the stomach, with 34% of the tumours being locally advanced. D2 lymphadenectomy was performed in 117 cases, D1 in 105, and D0 in 6. Reconversion was needed in 21 cases (9%), with technical difficulty being the most frequent cause. Postoperative complications were reported in 72 patients (31%), with anastomotic leak being one of the most significant. Postoperative mortality was 6%, with sepsis due to anastomotic leak and cardiac or respiratory complications the most frequent causes. The mean hospital stay of patients without complications was 9.2 +/- 3 days. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer is a feasible but technically demanding procedure. Potential benefits of minimal invasive surgery can be reduced due to a high rate of postoperative complications.

Detection of West Nile virus in the Mexican blood supply.

BACKGROUND: West Nile virus (WNV) is the etiologic agent of an emerging disease in the Western Hemisphere that can be transmitted to humans by blood transfusion. WNV first appeared in the United States in 1999, in Canada in 2001, and in Mexico in 2002. The aim of this nationwide study was to determine the prevalence of WNV in blood donors in Mexico as a first step in preventing its transfusion-associated transmission. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In July and August 2004, a total of 3856 fresh plasma specimens collected from each state's center for blood transfusion in 29 of 31 Mexican states were screened with an investigational WNV assay (Procleix,(R) Gen-Probe Inc. and Chiron Corp.), a nucleic acid test based on transcription-mediated amplification (TMA). Reactive specimens were confirmed with a second TMA-based test, the alternative WNV assay (Gen-Probe), and with WNV capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for detection of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies. In addition, 3714 frozen plasma samples collected in 2002 and 2003 were similarly tested. RESULTS: One of 3856 fresh samples from an asymptomatic donor from Chihuahua was reactive by both TMA-based tests and IgM ELISA, suggesting a recently acquired infection. The observed percentage of viremic donors blood donors was 0.03 percent. Results from frozen samples were not included in the prevalence calculation and none were TMA-reactive for WNV. CONCLUSIONS: WNV is present in the Mexican blood supply and measures should be taken to reduce the risk of transfusion transmission.

Conformational change induced by hydration: trans-dichlorobis[(1R,2R,3R,5S)-(-)-isopinocampheylamine]palladium(II) and trans-dichlorobis[(1S,2S,3S,5R)-(+)-isopinocampheylamine]palladium(II) hemihydrate.

The title compounds, trans-dichlorobis[(1R,2R,3R,5S)-(-)-2,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]heptan-3-amine]palladium(II), [PdCl2(C10H19N)2], and trans-dichlorobis[(1S,2S,3S,5R)-(+)-2,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]heptan-3-amine]palladium(II) hemihydrate, [PdCl2(C10H19N)2].0.5H2O, present different arrangements of the amine ligands coordinated to PdII, viz. antiperiplanar in the former case and (-)anticlinal in the latter. The hemihydrate is an inclusion compound, with a Pd coordination complex and disordered water molecules residing on crystallographic twofold axes. The crystal structure for the hemihydrate includes a short Pd...Pd separation of 3.4133 (13) A.