High frequency properties of a planar ion trap fabricated on a chip.

We report on the measurement of the high frequency properties of a planar Penning ion trap fabricated on a chip. Two types of chips have been measured: the first manufactured by photolithographic metal deposition on a p-doped silicon substrate and the second made with printed circuit board technology on an alumina substrate. The input capacitances and the admittances between the different trap's electrodes play a critical role in the electronic detection of the trapped particles. The measured input capacitances of the photolithographic chip amount to 65-76 pF, while the values for the printed circuit board chips are in the range of 3-5 pF. The latter are small enough for detecting non-destructively a single trapped electron or ion with a specifically tuned LC resonator. We have also measured a mutual capacitance of ∼85 fF between two of the trap's electrodes in the printed circuit board chip. This enables the detection of single, or very few, trapped particles in a broader range of charge-to-mass ratios with a simple resistor on the chip. We provide analytic calculations of the capacitances and discuss their origin and possible further reduction.

Radioinmunoterapia en el linfoma no Hodgkin, posicionamiento, seguridad y eficacia de 90Y-ibritumomab. Experiencia y seguimiento a los 10 años / Radioimmunotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; positioning, safety, and efficacy of 90Y-Ibritumomab. 10 years of experience and follow-up

Introducción. La radioinmunoterapia (RIT) es uno de los tratamientos dirigidos contra dianas moleculares del linfoma no Hodgkin (LNH). Objetivo. Evaluar el posicionamiento de la RIT con 90Y-ibritumomab en pacientes con LNH, así como su seguridad y efectividad. Método. Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con LNH que recibieron RIT con 90Y-ibritumomab. Se evaluaron la concordancia con las guías clínicas, la toxicidad según la clasificación Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) y la efectividad en función de la respuesta al tratamiento y de la supervivencia global (SG) y la supervivencia libre de progresión (SLP). Resultados. Se solicitó RIT en 26 pacientes, de los que 21 (11 mujeres, edad media ± desviación estándar 56±10 años) fueron incluidos en el estudio, con la siguiente distribución: LNH folicular 67%, LNH del manto 14%, LNH difuso de células B grandes 9,5% y LNH transformado 9,5%. Se trató a 12 pacientes con LNH refractario, 7 para consolidación de respuesta y 2 para acondicionamiento a trasplante. El 71% de los pacientes presentó efectos adversos, generalmente manejables y transitorios, siendo la trombocitopenia el más frecuente. A los 3-4 meses, se obtuvo una tasa de respuesta global del 76,2% (completa en 71,4% y parcial en 4,8%) y el 19% mostró progresión de su enfermedad. Con una mediana de seguimiento de 70 meses, la SG fue 96±8 y la SLP de 54±11 meses. Conclusiones. La RIT presentó una moderada correlación con las guías clínicas y probablemente esté infrautilizada. Los efectos adversos fueron frecuentes, leves y manejables. Los datos muestran una alta tasa de respuesta completa y una prolongación de la SG y la SLP (AU)

Introduction. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is one of the therapies directed against molecular targets in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Objective. To evaluate the positioning, safety, and effectiveness of RIT with 90Y-Ibritumomab in NHL patients. Method. A retrospective study was conducted on patients with NHL who received RIT with 90Y-Ibritumomab. An evaluation was made of the concordance with clinical guidelines, toxicity as rated by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), and effectiveness was assessed based on response to treatment, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Results. RIT was requested in 26 patients, of whom 21 (11 women, mean age 56±10 years) were included in the study, with the following distribution: Follicular NHL, 67%, Mantle NHL, 14%, Diffuse large B-cell NHL, 9.5%, and Transformed NHL 9.5%. Twelve patients with refractory NHL, 7 for consolidation response, and 2 transplant conditioning, were treated. Adverse effects were observed in 71% of patients, which were usually manageable and transient, and with the most common being thrombocytopenia. At 3-4 months, overall response rate was 76.2% (71.4% complete and 4.8% partial response), and 19% had progression of disease. With a median follow up of 70 months, the OS was 96±8 months, and the PFS was 54±11 months. Conclusion. RIT showed a moderate correlation with clinical guidelines, and is probably underused. Adverse effects were common, mild, and manageable. The data show a high complete response rate and an increase in the OS and PFS (AU)

Radioimmunotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; positioning, safety, and efficacy of 90Y-Ibritumomab. 10 years of experience and follow-up. / Radioinmunoterapia en el linfoma no Hodgkin, posicionamiento, seguridad y eficacia de 90Y-ibritumomab. Experiencia y seguimiento a los 10 años.

INTRODUCTION: Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is one of the therapies directed against molecular targets in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the positioning, safety, and effectiveness of RIT with 90Y-Ibritumomab in NHL patients. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted on patients with NHL who received RIT with 90Y-Ibritumomab. An evaluation was made of the concordance with clinical guidelines, toxicity as rated by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), and effectiveness was assessed based on response to treatment, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: RIT was requested in 26 patients, of whom 21 (11 women, mean age 56±10 years) were included in the study, with the following distribution: Follicular NHL, 67%, Mantle NHL, 14%, Diffuse large B-cell NHL, 9.5%, and Transformed NHL 9.5%. Twelve patients with refractory NHL, 7 for consolidation response, and 2 transplant conditioning, were treated. Adverse effects were observed in 71% of patients, which were usually manageable and transient, and with the most common being thrombocytopenia. At 3-4 months, overall response rate was 76.2% (71.4% complete and 4.8% partial response), and 19% had progression of disease. With a median follow up of 70 months, the OS was 96±8 months, and the PFS was 54±11 months. CONCLUSION: RIT showed a moderate correlation with clinical guidelines, and is probably underused. Adverse effects were common, mild, and manageable. The data show a high complete response rate and an increase in the OS and PFS.

Intensa retención de 99mTc-MIBI en la fase tardía como causa de error diagnóstico en la gammagrafía combinada paratiroides-tiroides / High retention of 99mTc-MIBI in delayed phase as a pitfall in the combined parathyroid-thyroid scintigraphy

La gammagrafía de paratiroides con 99mTc-sestaMIBI es muy sensible en el diagnóstico y localización del adenoma de paratiroides. Sin embargo, se pueden producir errores diagnósticos debido a la coexistencia de lesiones tiroideas captantes de MIBI o en pacientes con cirugía tiroidea previa. Para intentar detectar dichas alteraciones tiroideas se realiza una gammagrafía con 99mTc-pertecnetato comparativa el mismo día. Ocasionalmente, como en nuestro caso, la lesión paratiroidea puede presentar una captación inicial y retención tardía de MIBI lo suficientemente importantes como para ser visualizadas en la gammagrafía tiroidea realizada a continuación, dando la falsa apariencia de una lesión captante también de pertecnetato. Este hecho ha sido llamado «shine through». Para evitarlo se pueden realizar las gammagrafías paratiroidea y tiroidea en días distintos. A nosotros nos resultó también de gran utilidad la comparación con ecografía y la PAAF de la lesión con determinación de PTH y tiroglobulina en el líquido aspirado(AU)

Dual phase parathyroid scintigraphy with 99mTc-sestaMIBI is a very sensitive technique in the preoperative localization and diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma. However, pitfalls have been reported in patients with thyroid nodules with MIBI uptake or with previous thyroid surgery. To solve this problem, a thyroid scintigraphy with 99mTc-pertechnetate is usually performed following the parathyroid study. Occasionally, as in our patient the parathyroid lesion may show high MIBI uptake and delayed washout that interfere with the subsequent thyroid scintigraphy giving the false appearance of a pertechnetate avid lesion. This has been called the «shine through» effect. To avoid it, the parathyroid and thyroid scintigraphies can be performed on separate days. We have also found it useful to compare our results with that of ultrasound and fine needle aspiration puncture with measurement of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) and thyroglobulin in the aspirated material(AU)

Modificaciones de las curvas de glucemia y vaciamiento gástrico de los niños con síndrome dedumping tras cirugía de Nissen laparoscópico / Modifications of the glucose curves and gastric voiding of children with dumping syndrome after laparoscopic nissen surgery

Introducción. Se ha asistido a una importante evolución del tratamiento quirúrgico en los últimos años por la generalización progresiva de la cirugía laparoscópica. Todas las técnicas disponibles pueden hacerse laparoscópicamente con similares resultados a los de la cirugía abierta. En 1978, Villet et al. describieron el síndrome de Dumping (SD) como una complicación frecuente de la fundoplicatura de Nissen. EL SD es un complejo de signos y síntomas que aparecen poco después de la cirugía, incluyendo dolor abdominal, palidez, sudoración, diarrea, náuseas, palidez, incluso pérdida de peso. Los síntomas se pueden diferenciar en dumping precoz, que ocurre entre 30 y 60 minutos después de la comida, y tardío, que ocurre entre 90-240 min. del período postprandial. Material y métodos. Se han estudiado 8 pacientes (3 niños y 5niñas) de edades comprendidas entre 3 y 12 años (media de 9 años) diagnosticados de síndrome de dumping tras la realización de Nissen-Rosseti laparoscópico. A todos ellos se les realizó un estudio de vaciadogástrico por gammagrafía tras administración de un volumen de leche adecuado a su peso marcado con Tc99 DTPA y Test de sobrecarga ora (..) (AU)

Introduction. There has been an important evolution of surgical treatment in recent years due to the progressive generalization of laparoscopic surgery. All of the available techniques can be done laparoscopically with similar results to those of open surgery. In 1978, Villet etal. described the Dumping syndrome (DS) as a frequent complication of Nissen fundoplication. DS is a group of signs and symptoms that appear shortly after surgery, including abdominal pain, paleness, sweating, diarrhea, nausea, even weight loss. These symptoms can be differentiated into early dumping that occurs between 30 to 60 minutes after eating and late dumping that occurs 92-240 minutes after the postprandial period (..) (AU)

[High retention of (99m)Tc-MIBI in delayed phase as a pitfall in the combined parathyroid-thyroid scintigraphy]. / Intensa retención de (99m)Tc-MIBI en la fase tardía como causa de error diagnóstico en la gammagrafía combinada paratiroides-tiroides.

Dual phase parathyroid scintigraphy with (99m)Tc-sestaMIBI is a very sensitive technique in the preoperative localization and diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma. However, pitfalls have been reported in patients with thyroid nodules with MIBI uptake or with previous thyroid surgery. To solve this problem, a thyroid scintigraphy with (99m)Tc-pertechnetate is usually performed following the parathyroid study. Occasionally, as in our patient the parathyroid lesion may show high MIBI uptake and delayed washout that interfere with the subsequent thyroid scintigraphy giving the false appearance of a pertechnetate avid lesion. This has been called the «shine through¼ effect. To avoid it, the parathyroid and thyroid scintigraphies can be performed on separate days. We have also found it useful to compare our results with that of ultrasound and fine needle aspiration puncture with measurement of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) and thyroglobulin in the aspirated material.

[Modifications of the glucose curves and gastric voiding of children with Dumping syndrome after laparoscopic Nissen surgery]. / Modificaciones de las curvas de glucemia y vaciamiento gástrico de los niños con síndrome de dumping tras cirugía de nissen laparoscópico.

INTRODUCTION: There has been an important evolution of surgical treatment in recent years due to the progressive generalization of laparoscopic surgery. All of the available techniques can be done laparoscopically with similar results to those of open surgery. In 1978, Villet et al. described the Dumping syndrome (DS) as a frequent complication of Nissen fundoplication. DS is a group of signs and symptoms that appear shortly after surgery, including abdominal pain, paleness, sweating, diarrhea, nausea, even weight loss. These symptoms can be differentiated into early dumping that occurs between 30 to 60 minutes after eating and late dumping that occurs 92-240 minutes after the postprandial period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 8 patients (3 boys and 5 girls) have been studied. Their ages ranged from 3 to 12 years (mean 9 years), and they were diagnosed of dumping syndrome after performing the laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti. All underwent a gastric voiding study by scintigraphy after administration of a volume of milk adjusted to their weight labeled with 99Tc-DTPA and oral glucose overload test with 1.75 g/kg of glucose, determining the baseline glycemia and every 30 minutes post-intake, at 0, 30 and 90 minutes. Insulin was also measured to obtain the glucose/insulin ratio. This study was conducted for all patient diagnosed of dumping syndrome before and after laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti surgery. RESULTS: The following results were obtained: Glucose Curve: 1. Maximum glycemia. PreNissen. The mean of the maximum glycemia values before surgery was 133.9+/-32.11 mg/dl. Post-Nissen. Mean maximum glycemias after surgery was 208.5 +/- 45.07 mg/dl with a range of 147-276 mg/dl. These differences of maximum glycemia were clearly significant with a p <0.002. Minimum glycemia. The mean value of the minimum glycemias after the surgery, compared with the previous value, did not show significant differences: 62.6+/- 11.51 mg/dl versus 71.8 +/- 28.04 mg/dl. Glucose/insulin ratio. The hyperinsulinism values after the intervention studied by means of the glucose/insulin ratio were abnormal in 70.5% (defined as ratio under 3). The mean value was also characteristic of hyperinsulinism (2.3 +/- 1.62). The mean value of the coefficient prior to the surgery was 4.6 with a deviation of 3.04, the differences not being statistically significant with a p= 0.097. Measurement of gastric voiding: The T1/2 (decay) value in post-Nissen patients was significantly lower than in pre-Nissen patients. The postsurgical mean and standard deviation was 29.74 +/- 7.92 min, while in the presurgical group, the mean and standard deviation was 73.75 +/- 28.34 min with p< 0.011; statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: From the values obtained, we can state that a significant increase in maximum glycemia has been found in all children after surgery who were diagnosed of dumping syndrome and a significant decrease in the mean time of gastric voiding and therefore an increase in the acceleration of gastric voiding after the performance of the Nissen regarding the previous values. The dumping syndrome is a frequent side effect that we must keep in mind in patients who have been previously operated for anti-reflex surgery, the symptoms being greater in most of the transitory cases. Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind because it has an easy treatment that reverts the symptoms in a short time

Strong magnetic coupling of an ultracold gas to a superconducting waveguide cavity.

Placing an ensemble of 10;{6} ultracold atoms in the near field of a superconducting coplanar waveguide resonator with a quality factor Q approximately 10;{6}, one can achieve strong coupling between a single microwave photon in the coplanar waveguide resonator and a collective hyperfine qubit state in the ensemble with g_{eff}/2pi approximately 40 kHz larger than the cavity linewidth of kappa/2pi approximately 7 kHz. Integrated on an atomchip, such a system constitutes a hybrid quantum device, which also can be used to interconnect solid-state and atomic qubits, study and control atomic motion via the microwave field, observe microwave superradiance, build an integrated micromaser, or even cool the resonator field via the atoms.

Patient dose reference levels for interventional radiology: a national approach.

A set of patient dose reference levels (RLs) for fluoroscopically guided interventional procedures was obtained in a survey launched by the National Society of Interventional Radiology (IR), involving 10 public hospitals, as recommended by the European Medical Exposures Directive. A sample of 1391 dose values (kerma area product [KAP]) was collected randomly during clinical procedures for seven of the most frequent procedures. Third quartiles of the KAP distributions were used to set the RLs. A regular quality control of the X-ray systems and a calibration of the dose meters were performed during the survey. The fluoroscopy time and total number of digital subtraction angiography images per procedure were also analyzed. The RL values proposed were 12 Gy cm(2) for fistulography (hemodialysis access; sample of 180 cases), 73 Gy cm(2) for lower limb arteriography (685 cases), 89 Gy cm(2) for renal arteriography (55 cases), 80 Gy cm(2) for biliary drainage (205 cases), 289 Gy cm(2) for hepatic chemoembolization (151 cases), 94 Gy cm(2) for iliac stent (70 cases), and 236 Gy cm(2) for uterine embolization (45 cases). The provisional national RL values are lower than those obtained in a similar survey carried out in the United States from 2002 to 2004. These new values could be used to improve the practice of centers consistently working with doses higher than the RLs. This national survey also had a positive impact, as it helped increase the awareness of the members of the National Society of IR on a topic as crucial as patient dose values and programs on radiation protection.

A pilot experience launching a national dose protocol for vascular and interventional radiology.

The design of a national dose protocol for interventional radiology has been one of the tasks during the European SENTINEL Coordination Action. The present paper describes the pilot experience carried out in cooperation with the Spanish Society on Vascular and Interventional Radiology (SERVEI). A prospective sample of procedures was initially agreed. A common quality control of the X-ray systems was carried out, including calibration of the air kerma area product (KAP) meters. Occupational doses of the radiologists involved in the survey were also included in the survey. A total of 10 Spanish hospitals with interventional X-ray units were involved. Six hundred and sixty-four patient dose data were collected from 397 diagnostic and 267 therapeutic procedures. Occupational doses were evaluated in a sample of 635 values. The obtained KAP median/mean values (Gy.cm2) for the gathered procedures were: biliary drainage (30.6/68.9), fistulography (4.5/9.8), lower limb arteriography (52.2/60.7), hepatic chemoembolisation (175.8/218.3), iliac stent (45.9/73.2) and renal arteriography (39.1/59.8). Occupational doses (mean monthly values, in mSv) were 1.9 (over apron); 0.3 (under apron) and 4.5 (on hands). With this National experience, a protocol was agreed among the SENTINEL partners to conduct future similar surveys in other European countries.

[Differences between the neuropsychological profiles of Asperger's syndrome and non-verbal learning disorder]. / Diferencias entre los perfiles neuropsicológicos del síndrome de Asperger y del sindrome de dificultades de aprendizaje no verbal.

INTRODUCTION: The validity of the Asperger syndrome (AS) diagnose continues to be debated due to the lack of consensus on its definition, specially regarding higher-functioning autism. Previous research has suggested that the neuropsychological profile of the non verbal learning syndrome (NVLS) might be utilized to sustain a differential diagnose of the AS with other diseases associated with development. AIM: To analyze the neuropsychological profile of children diagnosed with AS and compare with those obtained from children with NVLS. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All cognitive domains from 15 children have been evaluated with an extensive variety of tests; 5 were diagnosed with AS and 5 with NVLS, all of them submitted to the Nino Jesus Children's University Hospital. As a control group, another 5 children with no pathology were evaluated. RESULTS: Obtained data shows significant differences between the two groups under study. Profile from individuals under AS shows deficit in linguistic as well as non verbal skills and, when compared to the control group, executive functions seem to be generally more altered. CONCLUSIONS: Further investigation is suggested to determine that the NVLS could be an explanation model for AS. On the other hand, we stress the need to deepen the study of the executive functions and their relationship with the mind's theory, as an hypothesis to explain the AS.

Diferencias entre los perfiles neuropsicológicos del síndrome de Asperger y del síndrome de dificultades de aprendizaje no verbal / Differences between the neuropsychological profiles of asperger’s syndrome and non-verbal learning disorder

La validez del diagnóstico del síndrome de Asperger (SA) sigue siendo un tema a debate, debido, sobretodo, a la falta de consenso en su definición frente al autismo de alto nivel. La investigación previa ha sugerido que el perfil neuropsicológico del síndrome de dificultades de aprendizaje no verbal (SDANV) puede servir para apoyar un diagnóstico diferencial del SA con otros trastornos generalizados del desarrollo. Objetivo. Analizar los perfiles neuropsicológicos de niñoscon diagnóstico de SA y compararlos con los obtenidos de niños con SDANV. Sujetos y métodos. Se han evaluado, conuna extensa batería de pruebas, todos los dominios cognitivos de 15 niños, de los cuales cinco tenían diagnóstico de SA y cinco de SDANV, todos ellos remitidos al Hospital Universitario Niño Jesús. Como grupo control se evaluó a otros cinco niñossin patología. Resultados. Los datos obtenidos muestran diferencias significativas entre los grupos estudiados. El perfil de los niños con SA muestra déficit tanto en habilidades lingüísticas como no verbales y, en comparación con el grupo control, se registrauna alteración más generalizada de funciones ejecutivas. Conclusiones. Sugerimos más investigación en la línea de justificar que el SDANV pueda ser un modelo explicativo del SA. Por otro lado, destacamos el interés de profundizar en el estudio de las funciones ejecutivas y su relación con la teoría de la mente, como hipótesis para explicar el SA

The validity of the Asperger syndrome (AS) diagnose continues to be debated due to the lack ofconsensus on its definition, specially regarding higher-functioning autism. Previous research has suggested that the neuropsychological profile of the non verbal learning syndrome (NVLS) might be utilized to sustain a differential diagnose of the AS with other diseases associated with development. Aim. To analyze the neuropsychological profile of children diagnosed withAS and compare with those obtained from children with NVLS. Subjects and methods. All cognitive domains from 15 children have been evaluated with an extensive variety of tests; 5 were diagnosed with AS and 5 with NVLS, all of them submitted to the Niño Jesus Children’s University Hospital. As a control group, another 5 children with no pathology were evaluated. Results.Obtained data shows significant differences between the two groups under study. Profile from individuals under AS shows deficit in linguistic as well as non verbal skills and, when compared to the control group, executive functions seem to be generally more altered. Conclusions. Further investigation is suggested to determine that the NVLS could be an explanationmodel for AS. On the other hand, we stress the need to deepen the study of the executive functions and their relationship with the mind’s theory, as an hypothesis to explain the AS

[Clinical-biological analysis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in the General University Hospital of Alicante during 1983-2006]. / Características clínico-biológicas de las púrpuras trombocitopénicas trombóticas tratadas entre los años 1983-2006 en el Hospital General Universitario de Alicante.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to evaluate the patients diagnosed of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in our hospital during the last 23 years. METHODS: We have made a retrospective study of the clinical records of 25 patients diagnosed of TTP between 1983-2005, describing the clinical, epidemiological and laboratory data. RESULTS: Twenty-five cases were diagnosed. Mean age was 39 years, 64% women and 36% men, 44% had suffered headaches, 4% fever, 32% neurological focality, 12% renal disorders, 36% hemorrhagic disease and 16% thromboembolic disease. TTP etiology was: 72% idiopathic, 8% pregnancy, 4% Human Immunodeficiency Virus, 4% myasthenia gravis, 4% pulmonary neoplasm and 4% puerperium. Medium hemoglobin level was 9 g/dl, leucocytes 8700/mm3 and platelets 12000/mm3. Patients received a median of 5 plasmapheresis. Mean time to relapse was two months. Other treatments for TTP were aspirin (16%), cyclosporine (4%), vincristine (4%) and splenectomy (4%). CONCLUSIONS: PTT incidence in our region has increased in recent years, probably due to an increase in the immigrant population not included in the census, among the most relevant reasons. In our study, renal disorders and presence of fever were less frequently described than in other reports. There was no correlation between the number of plasmapheresis and likelihood of relapse. Most relapses were in idiopathic TTP.

Características clínico-biológicas de las púrpuras trombocitopénicas trombóticas tratadas entre los años 1983-2006 en el Hospital General Universitario de Alicante / Clinical-biological analysis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in the General University Hospital of Alicante during 1983-2006

Objetivo. Evaluar la experiencia obtenida en los últimos 23 años en el diagnóstico y el manejo de la púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica (PTT) en nuestro servicio. Métodos. Hemos realizado el estudio de manera retrospectiva, en el período comprendido entre enero de 1983 y diciembre de 2005. Se han revisado las historias clínicas de los pacientes diagnosticados de PTT en ese período valorando datos epidemiológicos, clínicos y de laboratorio. Resultados. Hemos diagnosticado a 25 pacientes. El 64% de los pacientes eran mujeres y el 36% varones. La edad media fue de 39 años. El 44% presentó cefalea, el 4% fiebre, el 32% focalidad neurológica, el 12% alteración renal, el 36% clínica hemorrágica y el 16% clínica trombótica. La etiología de la PTT fue: idiopática (72%), embarazo (8%), infección por virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) (4%), miastenia gravis (4%), neoplasia de pulmón (4%) y puerperio (4%). La mediana de hemoglobina fue de 9 g/dl, la de leucocitos fue de 8.700/mm3 y la de las plaquetas de 12.000/mm3. La mediana de plasmaféresis por paciente fue de 5 sesiones. El tiempo medio hasta la primera recaída fue de 60 días. Otros tratamientos fueron: aspirina (16%), ciclosporina (4%), vincristina (4%) y esplenectomía (4%). Conclusiones. La incidencia de PTT en nuestra región ha aumentado en los últimos años probablemente debido a un incremento de la población inmigrante no censada, entre los motivos más relevantes. El bajo porcentaje de pacientes con fiebre y alteraciones renales en comparación con lo descrito en otros trabajos es un dato a resaltar en nuestro estudio. No hubo relación entre el número de plasmaféresis y la probabilidad de recaída de la enfermedad. La mayoría de las recaídas fueron en PTT idiopáticas (AU)

Objective. Our study aimed to evaluate the patients diagnosed of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in our hospital during the last 23 years. Methods. We have made a retrospective study of the clinical records of 25 patients diagnosed of TTP between 1983-2005, describing the clinical, epidemilogical and laboratory data. Results. Twenty-five cases were diagnosed. Mean age was 39 years, 64% women and 36% men, 44% had suffered headaches, 4% fever, 32% neurological focality, 12% renal disorders, 36% hemorrhagic disease and 16% thromboembolic disease. TTP etiology was: 72% idiopathic, 8% pregnancy, 4% Human Immunodeficiency Virus, 4% myasthenia gravis, 4% pulmonary neoplasm and 4% puerperium. Medium hemoglobin level was 9 g/dl, leucocytes 8700/mm3 and platelets 12000/mm3. Patients received a median of 5 plasmapheresis. Mean time to relapse was two months. Other treatments for TTP were aspirin (16%), cyclosporine (4%), vincristine (4%) and splenectomy (4%). Conclusions. PTT incidence in our region has increased in recent years, probably due to an increase in the immigrant population not included in the census, among the most relevant reasons. In our study, renal disorders and presence of fever were less frequently described than in other reports. There was no correlation between the number of plasmapheresis and likelihood of relapse. Most relapses were in idiopathic TTP (AU)

Ingesta de vitamina A en la población adulta de la Comunidad Autónoma Andaluza / Vitamin intake in the adult population of the Andalusian Autonomous Community

Antecedentes: El objetivo de este estudio es conocer la ingesta de vitamina A en la población andaluza y su distribución por sexo y edad. Ámbito del estudio: El tamaño muestral fue de 3.680 individuos sanos de ambos sexos, residentes y censados en la Comunidad Autónoma Andaluza, realizándose un estudio probabilístico, estratificado y polietápico. Sujetos: Hombres y mujeres con edades comprendidas entre los 25 y los 60 años ambos inclusive. Intervenciones: Mediante una entrevista personal, se recogieron los hábitos de salud de los individuos encuestados y se realizó una encuesta de alimentación consistente en primer lugar en un Recordatorio de 48 horas, en el cual se analizó la ingesta alimentaria de cada individuo seleccionado y se ha determinado no sólo el tipo de alimentos y la cantidad consumida, sino también la forma de preparación y sus ingredientes, distribuyéndolos en las distintas comidas diarias. Resultados: La ingesta media de vitamina A en Andalucía es de 800,63 μg/día. En los hombres la ingesta de vitamina A es superior a las mujeres, aunque dichos valores se encuentran por debajo de las IR para ambos sexos. La ingesta de vitamina A en los hombres disminuye con la edad, mientras que para las mujeres el grupo de 50-59 años es el que tiene una ingesta menor. El 8,84% de las mujeres y el 15,22% de los hombres presentan ingestas inferiores a 1/3 de las IR, lo que podría considerarse de alto riesgo. El porcentaje de individuos que presenta un posible riesgo de ingesta inadecuada para esta vitamina (valores inferiores a los 2/3 de las IR) es bastante elevado en la población andaluza. Conclusiones: En Andalucía la vitamina A presenta un consumo medio global aceptable, aunque alrededor de un 40% de la población puede presentar riesgo de ingesta inadecuada, siendo en el caso de los hombres esta situación más acentuada

Background: The aim of this study was to know the intake of vitamin A of the Andalusian population and its distribution by gender and age. Study setting: The sample size was 3680 healthy individuals, from both genders, residents and registered at census of the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, with a multi-step, stratified and probabilistic study. Subjects: Men and women with ages between 25-60 years, both included. Interventions: By means of a personal interview, health habits of the individuals interviewed were gathered, and a dietary questionnaire was undertaken, which consisted, in the first place, of a 48-hour remembering analyzing dietary intake of each selected individual determining not only the type and quantity of foods consumed but also the way of cooking them and other ingredients, and distributing them according to the different daily meals. Results: Mean Vitamin A intake in Andalusia is 800,63 mg/day. Men have greater intake than women, although the values for both genders are under the recommended (RI) ones. Vitamin A intake decreases with age in men, whereas in women the age group 50- 69 years is the one having the lowest intake. 8,84% of women and 15,22% of men have intakes lower than 1/3 of de RI, which may be considered a high risk factor. The percentages of individuals having a likely risk of inadequate vitamin A ingestion (values lower than 2/3 of RI) are considerably high among the Andalusian population. Conclusions: Mean global intake of vitamin A in Andalusia is acceptable although about 40% of the population may be at risk of inappropriate ingestion, this condition being more pronounced for men

[Vitamin intake in the adult population of the Andalusian Autonomous Community]. / Ingesta de vitamina A en la población adulta de la Comunidad Autónoma Andaluza.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to know the intake of vitamin A of the Andalusian population and its distribution by gender and age. STUDY SETTING: The sample size was 3680 healthy individuals, from both genders, residents and registered at census of the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, with a multi-step, stratified and probabilistic study. SUBJECTS: Men and women with ages between 25-60 years, both included. INTERVENTIONS: By means of a personal interview, health habits of the individuals interviewed were gathered, and a dietary questionnaire was undertaken, which consisted, in the first place, of a 48-hour remembering analyzing dietary intake of each selected individual determining not only the type and quantity of foods consumed but also the way of cooking them and other ingredients, and distributing them according to the different daily meals. RESULTS: Mean Vitamin A intake in Andalusia is 800,63 mg/day. Men have greater intake than women, although the values for both genders are under the recommended (RI) ones. Vitamin A intake decreases with age in men, whereas in women the age group 50-69 years is the one having the lowest intake. 8,84% of women and 15,22% of men have intakes lower than 1/3 of de RI, which may be considered a high risk factor. The percentages of individuals having a likely risk of inadequate vitamin A ingestion (values lower than 2/3 of RI) are considerably high among the Andalusian population. CONCLUSIONS: Mean global intake of vitamin A in Andalusia is acceptable although about 40% of the population may be at risk of inappropriate ingestion, this condition being more pronounced for men.

Thermoregulation in endothermic dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae): effect of body size and ecophysiological constraints in flight.

We explore the physiological constraints of body temperature as related to body mass and ambient temperature during flight in endothermic dung beetles showing a mass-related breakpoint where species show strong vs. weak endothermy. We found two different strategies in the dung beetles prior to flight; larger beetles (>1.9 g) elevate and maintain their body temperature (T(b)) at levels well above ambient temperature (T(a)) whereas smaller beetles' (<1.9 g) T(b) tends to conform with T(a). Physiological constraints analysis revealed a constant maximum tolerated temperature (in flight) of 42 degrees C and a minimum temperature for flight of around 25 degrees C. These, with body mass, may play a role in thermal niche partitioning and geographical distribution patterns.