Enhanced weak superconductivity in trigonalγ-PtBi2.

Electrical resistivity experiments show superconductivity atTc=1.1K in a high-quality single crystal of trigonalγ-PtBi2, with an enhanced critical magnetic fieldµ0Hc2(0)≳1.5Tesla and a low critical current-densityJc(0)≈40 A cm-2atH = 0. BothTcandHc2(0)are the highest reported values for stoichiometric bulk samples at ambient pressure. We found a weakHc2anisotropy withΓ=Hc2ab/Hc2c<1, which is unusual among superconductors. Under a magnetic field, the superconducting transition becomes broader and asymmetric. Along with the low critical currents, this observation suggests an inhomogeneous superconducting state. In fact, no trace of superconductivity is observed through field-cooling-zero-field-cooling magnetization experiments.

The chaperonin CCT controls T cell receptor-driven 3D configuration of centrioles.

T lymphocyte activation requires the formation of immune synapses (IS) with antigen-presenting cells. The dynamics of membrane receptors, signaling scaffolds, microfilaments, and microtubules at the IS determine the potency of T cell activation and subsequent immune response. Here, we show that the cytosolic chaperonin CCT (chaperonin-containing TCP1) controls the changes in reciprocal orientation of the centrioles and polarization of the tubulin dynamics induced by T cell receptor in T lymphocytes forming an IS. CCT also controls the mitochondrial ultrastructure and the metabolic status of T cells, regulating the de novo synthesis of tubulin as well as posttranslational modifications (poly-glutamylation, acetylation, Δ1 and Δ2) of αß-tubulin heterodimers, fine-tuning tubulin dynamics. These changes ultimately determine the function and organization of the centrioles, as shown by three-dimensional reconstruction of resting and stimulated primary T cells using cryo-soft x-ray tomography. Through this mechanism, CCT governs T cell activation and polarity.

Clinical and Serological Dynamics of Besnoitia besnoiti Infection in Three Endemically Infected Beef Cattle Herds.

The dynamics of bovine besnoitiosis were studied in an area where the disease is endemic. A four-year longitudinal study was conducted for the first time in three infected beef cattle herds located in the Urbasa-Andía Mountains (Navarra, Spain). Each herd was visited four to seven times, and clinical and serological prevalence rates and incidence rates were estimated. Clinical inspections to identify compatible clinical signs with the disease stages were conducted at the beginning and end of the study. Serological assessment was initially performed by ELISA. Seronegative animals with clinical signs and seropositive animals with relative index per cent (RIPC) values lower than 30 that did not increase during the study period were analysed by Western blot to optimize the sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA test. Clinical prevalence rates were slightly higher (62% on average) than the seroprevalence rates (50% on average), and tissue cysts located in the vestibulum vaginae and sclera were the most frequently detected clinical signs. The proportion of seropositive animals with clinical signs varied from 16.7% to 73.6% among the herds, and 17% of cattle with clinical signs proved to be seronegative by both serological tests. An average 22% serological incidence rate was also reported in addition to clinical incidence rates that varied from 12.5% to 16.7%. Additionally, parasitemia was investigated in the herd that showed the highest clinical and seroprevalence rates. Only one PCR positive blood sample was detected. Thus, the role that blood may play in parasite transmission needs to be further investigated. Infected herds maintained both high prevalence and incidence rates in the absence of control measures and a high number of parasite carriers. Finally, economic impact studies on reproductive and productive losses associated with besnoitiosis need to be performed to implement a cost-benefit control programme.

Prospective study of predictive factors of changes in pain and hip function after hip fracture among the elderly.

UNLABELLED: Our study identified pre-fracture variables, such as home status or function, that are directly or indirectly associated with frailty status before fracture. The prevention in the deterioration of those variables would improve the prognosis of those hip fractured, being this an important issue for the societies with increasingly aging population. INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to identify predictors of pain and declines in function among elderly patients following a fall-related hip fracture. METHODS: Patients aged 65 or older with a fall-related hip fracture retrospectively completed pre-fracture status questionnaires (T0; n = 740) and were then prospectively followed for 6 months (T1; n = 546). Of these, 474 were randomly selected to complete an additional 18 months of follow-up (T2; n = 356). Primary outcome measures were changes in the pain and function dimensions of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index questionnaire's short form (WOMAC-SF). Potential predictors included sociodemographic variables, in-hospital and clinical pre- and post-fracture data, and activities of daily living at baseline and follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression was used for analysis. RESULTS: Predictors of worsening pain at T1 and/or T2 included living in a home care situation or nursing home before the fracture (OR at T1, 1.515; OR at T2, 2.749), and low pre-fracture pain (OR at T1, 1.028; OR at T2, 1.027). Predictors of deterioration in function at T1 and/or T2 included age ≥85 years (OR at T1, 2.714; OR at T2, 4.762), lower income (OR at T1, 1.755), high pre-fracture hip function (OR at T1, 1.029; OR at T2, 1.028), referral to rehabilitation upon discharge (OR at T1, 2.378; OR at T2, 2.881), and longer delay between fall and surgery (OR at T1, 1.133; OR at T2, 1.124). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty before hip fracture is a predictor of greater post-fracture pain and deterioration in function. Given that exercise programs help prevent frailty, promoting exercise in elderly may improve the prognosis of hip fracture.

Changes in health-related quality of life and activities of daily living after hip fracture because of a fall in elderly patients: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The impact of hip fracture because of a fall on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and activities of daily living (ADL) have not been well established. AIM: To evaluate changes in HRQoL and the ability to conduct ADL among patients with hip fracture because of a fall and to compare these changes with patients who did not fall and break a hip, adjusting by gender and age. METHODS: Adults aged 65 or more who attended the emergency departments of seven public hospitals were recruited in a prospective double-cohort study (fracture cohort, n = 776; non-fracture cohort, n = 115). ADL and HRQoL were assessed at baseline (during the postfall hospitalisation or by telephone afterwards) and 6 months later using the Barthel Index and the Lawton Brody Index for ADL, and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index short form (WOMAC-SF) for HRQoL. RESULTS: Adjusting by gender, age and baseline status, a hip fracture was a strong predictor of decline in all outcomes measured except for mental quality of life among men (measured by SF-12). Hip fracture patients younger than 74 years reported significantly more pain (measured by WOMAC-SF) than the comparison group (p = 0.02), but this difference was not observed among older patients (p = 0.19 for 75-84 years; p = 0.39 for ≥ 85 years). DISCUSSION: Hip fractures have profound effects on HRQoL and ADL in both men and women, regardless of age. This indicates the need for special follow-up care of elderly hip fracture patients in the immediate and late postfracture periods.

Health-related quality of life and functionality in elderly men and women before and after a fall-related wrist fracture.

AIMS: To evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and functionality among older men and women who suffered a wrist fracture because of a fall and to identify postfracture consequences. METHODS: Observational, prospective cohort study of patients recruited in the emergency departments (ED) of six public hospitals of the Basque Health Service and one of the Catalan Health Service. Two groups of adults aged 65 or older were recruited: 960 with wrist fractures because of falls (fracture cohort) and 119 without fall-related wrist fractures in the previous year (non-fracture cohort). We collected sociodemographical and clinical data; general and specific HRQoL data measured by the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and a short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand instrument (QuickDASH); and data about basic (BADL) and instrumental (IADL) activities of daily living, measured by the Barthel Index and the Lawton and Brody Index (LBI). RESULTS: Women with wrist fractures exhibited greater declines than men 6 months after the fall in all questionnaires except the LBI, and greater declines than those in the non-fracture cohort independent of gender. Patients aged 80 years and older presented with worse baseline scores in all the outcome measures and lost more HRQoL and functionality after wrist fractures. DISCUSSION: Women and older individuals experienced the greatest reductions in HRQoL and functionality after a fall-related wrist facture, suggesting that they might merit special attention in clinical care and public health policy. CONCLUSIONS: Specific prevention strategies may be needed to avoid or reduce the consequences of fall-related wrist fractures.

[Axillary approach for surgical closure of atrial septal defect]. / Incisión axilar para el cierre quirúrgico de la comunicación interauricular.

Mid-line sternotomy is the routine approach for surgical repair of congenital heart diseases. However, its noticeable scar is a constant reminder of having undergone heart surgery. Several alternative approaches have been developed for simple cardiac conditions to hide the scar. Our series, consisting of 26 patients with axillary closure of atrial septal defect, is presented. The median age was 5.45 years (range 3-13), and median weight was 19.84 Kg. (range 13-37). The defect was closed directly in 13 cases, and with an autologous pericardial patch in the other 13. The number of surgical steps and time taken were the same as in median sternotomy. Functional recovery, intensive care unit stay, and hospital discharge were also standard. The cosmetic result, assessed both by patients and relatives, was excellent.

Adenomas Ectópicos de paratiroides. Sensibilidad y Valor de las pruebas diagnósticadas para el tratamiento quirúrgico / Ectopic parathyroid adenomas. Sensitivity and value of the diagnostic tests for surgical treatment

OBJETIVOS. Presentar las peculiaridades clínico-quirúrgicas de los adenomas ectópicos de paratiroides relacionándolas con las de los adenomas normotópicos. Determinar el valor de las pruebas diagnósticas para asegurar el éxito terapéutico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS. Estudio prospectivo de 158 pacientes intervenidos por hiperparatiroidismo primario (1998-2010). 83% mujeres. Edad media 62,8 años±13,7. Para el diagnóstico topográfico se usaron la gammagrafía con Tecnecio-sestaMIBI, ECO y TAC (ocasional) y para asegurar la exéresis quirúrgica, la monitorización intraoperatoria de PTH y, eventualmente en los ectópicos, la cirugía radioguiada. Se seleccionaron 15 pacientes (80% mujeres) con adenomas ectópicos y se compararon con 143 adenomas ortotópicos. Se evaluaron: sexo, edad, localización, clínica, diagnóstico bioquímico y topográfico, peso glandular, vías de abordaje quirúrgico, gradientes de descenso de PTH en la monitorización y resultados postoperatorios. Para la comparación de medias se utilizó la U de Mann-Whitney y para las variables cualitativas el test de Fisher aceptando valores de p≤0,05. RESULTADOS. Fueron ectópicos el 9,5% de los adenomas. 86,7% en paratiroides inferiores (4 mediastínicas) y 13,3% en superiores. La ectopia no modificó el comportamiento clínico de los adenomas (ambas series fueron similares). La sensibilidad diagnóstica de la gammagrafía, en los ectópicos, fue 100% y para los normotópicos 80,5%. La TAC alcanzó el 66,7%, en los ectópicos, y 48,6% en los normotópicos y la Ecografía el 36,4% y 54%, respectivamente. En el grupo de adenomas ectópicos se utilizó la cervicotomía bilateral en 12 pacientes (80%), el abordaje selectivo en 3 y la sonda radioisotópica en 4. Las glándulas ectópicas extirpadas fueron adenomas. En el grupo normotópico se eligió el abordaje selectivo en el 55%. La comparación de grupos no mostró diferencias de los parámetros evaluados, salvo en la localización de los adenomas, mayor en las paratiroides inferiores (86,7% vs 68%) (p<0,05), en la sensibilidad de la gammagrafía con MIBI, también mayor (100% vs 80,5%) (p<0,001) en el grupo de los ectópicos, y en el tipo de abordaje quirúrgico CONCLUSIONES: 1. Los adenomas ectópicos constituyeron el 9,5% y fueron más frecuentes en las glándulas inferiores (86,4%). 2. No hubo diferencias clínicas entre los ectópicos y normotópicos. 3. La gammagrafía fue la prueba más sensible (100%) para detectarlos (AU)

OBJECTIVES. To present the clinical-surgical peculiarities of ectopic parathyroid adenomas, comparing them to those of the normotopic adenomas. To determine the value of the diagnostic tests in ensuring therapeutic success. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Prospective study of 158 patients operated on for primary hyperparathyroidism (1998-2010), in which 83% were women, average age 62.8 years±13.7. For the topographic diagnostic, the gammagraph was used with Tecnecio-sestamibi, ultrasound and CAT (occasional) and to ensure the surgical exeresis, the intraoperative monitoring of PTH and, possible radio-guided surgery in the ectopic adenomas. Fifteen patients were selected (80% women) with ectopic adenomas and they were compared with 143 orthotopic adenomas. The following were evaluated: Gender, age, location, clinical symptoms, biochemical diagnosis, and topography, glandular weight, channels for surgical approach, degrees of decrease of PTH in the monitoring and postoperative results. For the comparison of means, the U of Mann-Whitney was used and the Fisher test was used for the qualitative variable, accepting values of p≤0.05. RESULT. Of the adenomas, 9.5% were found to be ectopic; 86.7% in inferior parathyroids (4 mediastinal) and 13.3% in superior parathyroids. The ectopia did not change the clinical behaviour of the adenomas (both series were similar). The diagnostic sensitivity of the gammagraphy, in the ectopic adenomas, was 100% and for the normotopic 80.5%. The CAT achieved 66.7% in the ectopic and 48.6% in the normotopic; and the ultrasound achieved 36.4% and 54%, respectively. In the group of ectopic adenomas, the bilateral cervicotomy was used on 12 patients (80%), the selective approach on 3 and the radioisotopic probe on 4. The removed ectopic glands were adenomas. In the normotopic group, the selective approach was chosen in 55%. The comparison of the groups did not show differences of the evaluated parameters, except in the location of the adenomas, greater in the inferior parathyroids (86.7% vs. 68%) (p<0.05), in the sensitivity of the gammagraph with MIBI also greater (100% vs. 80.5%) (p<0.001) in the group of ectopic adenomas, and in the type of surgical approach. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The ectopic adenomas constituted 9.5%. More frequent in the inferior glands (86.4%). 2. There were no clinical differences between the ectopic and normotopic adenomas. 3. The gammagraph was the most sensitive test (100%) for detecting them (AU)

Morbilidad y costes en las tiroidectomías totales. Mejora del Valor del Proceso mediante el cambio de gestión / Morbidity and costs in complete thyroidectomies. Improvement in Value of the Process by a change in the management

Objetivos. 1) Presentar la morbilidad postoperatoria de las tiroidectomías totales y los resultados de su gestión clínica y costes obtenidos tras la cirugía. 2) Tras los cambios de gestión introducidos por la Unidad de Cirugía Endocrina (UCE), comparar en el Proceso de la tiroidectomía total, los resultados obtenidos en cuanto a morbilidad y costes. 3) Establecer si estos cambios mejoran el Valor del Proceso (relación beneficio/coste). Material y métodos. Estudio prospectivo de cohortes realizado en 529 tiroidectomías totales efectuadas entre 1998 y 2011. Presentamos sus características clinicopatológicas y comparamos los resultados clínicos y de gestión obtenidos tras la cirugía en 2 períodos de tiempo, 1998-2006 sin UCE (grupo 1, de 205 pacientes), y 2007-2011 con UCE (grupo 2, de 324 pacientes). Los resultados clínicos y el posible beneficio se valoraron mediante el estudio de la morbimortalidad (lesiones recurrenciales, hipocalcemia [<8 mgrs/dl], hematomas sofocantes y sangrado) y los de gestión por la valoración del tiempo de utilización de quirófano, de la estancia media y del coste total del Proceso. El estudio estadístico de comparación se hizo mediante la t de Student, para la comparación de medias y la Chi2 para comparar porcentajes aceptando como significativo p<0,05. Resultados. El porcentaje global de disfunciones recurrenciales transitorias (DRT) fue 6%. El de parálisis recurrenciales definitivas (PRD) de 1,5%. El de hipocalcemias, a las 24 horas, de 54,6%, al mes de 7%, a los 6 meses de 6,2% y el de hipoparatiroidismo definitivo de 1,3%. Se registraron 2,8% de hematomas sofocantes y 2% de secuelas. El tiempo quirúrgico medio fue de 98 minutos y la estancia media de 3,66 días. En la comparación de resultados de grupos, la UCE mejoró el índice de DRT en casi 7 puntos (10,2 vs 3,4%; p=0,002), el de PRD en 1,5 (2,4 vs 0,4%; p=0,3) hasta situarse por debajo del 1%, las cifras de sangrado a las 24 horas (53 vs 44 cc; p=0,002) y 48 horas (23 a 17 cc; p<0,001), la tasa de hematomas en otros 6 puntos (6,3 vs 0,6%; p<0,001), y la de hipocalcemias a las 24 horas (p=0,01). También mejoró la estancia media (4,79 vs 2,94 días; p<0,001), el tiempo de utilización de quirófanos (rebajado en 20 minutos/intervención; p<0,001), el coste total del Proceso, disminuyéndolo en más de 2.000€/Proceso (p<0,001), y produjo un ahorro total para el hospital, en el período de estudio, de 665.820€. Conclusiones. 1) Los resultados globales (morbilidad postoperatoria) de nuestras tiroidectomías totales se mantienen dentro de los estándares de calidad. 2) La especialización quirúrgica y los cambios introducidos por la UCE mejoraron los resultados clínicos (mayor beneficio) y los de gestión, acortando la estancia media, el tiempo de utilización del quirófano y disminuyendo los costes. 3) El cambio de gestión incrementó el Valor del Proceso(AU)

Objectives. 1) To present the postoperative morbidity of complete thyroidectomies and the results of their clinical management and costs obtained after surgery. 2) To compare the results obtained for the morbidity and costs in the complete thyroidectomy Process, after the management changes introduced by the Endocrine Surgical Unit (ESU). 3) To define whether these changes improve the Value (benefit/cost ratio) of the Process. Material and methods. Prospective study of cohorts conducted on 529 complete thyroidectomies performed between 1998 and 2011. We present their clinical-pathological characteristics and we compare the clinical and management results obtained after surgery in 2 time periods: 1998-2006 without ESU (group 1, 205 patients) and 2007-2011 with ESU (group 2, 324 patients). The clinical results and the possible benefits are assessed by studying the morbimortality (recurrent lesions, hypocalcaemia [<8mg/dl], suffocative haematomas and bleeding), and those of management, for the evaluation of the use of operating room time, the average stay and the total cost of the Process. The statistical comparison study was made using Student t test, for the comparison of means and the Chi2 to compare percentages, accepting P<.05 as significant. Results. The global percentage of transient recurrent dysfunctions (TRD) was 6%, and for definitive recurrent paralysis (DRP) it was 1.5%. Hypocalcaemia, at 24hours was 54.6%, at one month 7%, at six months 6.2% and that of definitive hypoparathyroidism 1.3%. There were 2.8% of suffocative haematomas and 2% adverse effects. The mean surgical time was 98minutes, and the average stay was 3.66 days. In the comparison of results of the groups, the ESU improved the TRD index by nearly 7 points (10.2 vs. 3.4%, P=.002), that of DRP by 1.5 (2.4 vs. 0.4%; P=.3) until reaching under 1%. The figures on bleeding at 24hours (53 vs. 44 cc; P=.002) and 48hours (23 to 17 cc; P<.001), the rate of haematomas by another 6 points (6.3 vs. 0.6%; P<.001), and that of hypocalcaemia at 24hours (P=.01). The average stay also improved (4.79 vs. 2.94 days; P<.001), the use of operating room time (reduced by 20minutes/operation; P<.001), the total cost of the Process, decreasing by more than € 2,000/Process (P<.001), and produced a total savings for the hospital in the period of study of € 665,820. Conclusions. 1) The global results (post-operative morbidity) of our total thyroidectomies are within the quality standards. 2) The surgical specialisation and the changes introduced by the ESU improved the clinical results (greater benefit) and those of management, cutting down the average stay and the operating room usage time and decreasing costs. 3) The change in management increased the Value of the Process(AU)

[Morbidity and costs in complete thyroidectomies. Improvement in Value of the Process by a change in the management]. / Morbilidad y costes en las tiroidectomías totales. Mejora del Valor del Proceso mediante el cambio de gestión.

OBJECTIVES: 1) To present the postoperative morbidity of complete thyroidectomies and the results of their clinical management and costs obtained after surgery. 2) To compare the results obtained for the morbidity and costs in the complete thyroidectomy Process, after the management changes introduced by the Endocrine Surgical Unit (ESU). 3) To define whether these changes improve the Value (benefit/cost ratio) of the Process. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study of cohorts conducted on 529 complete thyroidectomies performed between 1998 and 2011. We present their clinical-pathological characteristics and we compare the clinical and management results obtained after surgery in 2 time periods: 1998-2006 without ESU (group 1, 205 patients) and 2007-2011 with ESU (group 2, 324 patients). The clinical results and the possible benefits are assessed by studying the morbimortality (recurrent lesions, hypocalcaemia [<8 mg/dl], suffocative haematomas and bleeding), and those of management, for the evaluation of the use of operating room time, the average stay and the total cost of the Process. The statistical comparison study was made using Student t test, for the comparison of means and the Chi(2) to compare percentages, accepting P<.05 as significant. RESULTS: The global percentage of transient recurrent dysfunctions (TRD) was 6%, and for definitive recurrent paralysis (DRP) it was 1.5%. Hypocalcaemia, at 24 hours was 54.6%, at one month 7%, at six months 6.2% and that of definitive hypoparathyroidism 1.3%. There were 2.8% of suffocative haematomas and 2% adverse effects. The mean surgical time was 98 minutes, and the average stay was 3.66 days. In the comparison of results of the groups, the ESU improved the TRD index by nearly 7 points (10.2 vs. 3.4%, P=.002), that of DRP by 1.5 (2.4 vs. 0.4%; P=.3) until reaching under 1%. The figures on bleeding at 24 hours (53 vs. 44 cc; P=.002) and 48 hours (23 to 17 cc; P<.001), the rate of haematomas by another 6 points (6.3 vs. 0.6%; P<.001), and that of hypocalcaemia at 24 hours (P=.01). The average stay also improved (4.79 vs. 2.94 days; P<.001), the use of operating room time (reduced by 20 minutes/operation; P<.001), the total cost of the Process, decreasing by more than € 2,000/Process (P<.001), and produced a total savings for the hospital in the period of study of € 665,820. CONCLUSIONS: 1) The global results (post-operative morbidity) of our total thyroidectomies are within the quality standards. 2) The surgical specialisation and the changes introduced by the ESU improved the clinical results (greater benefit) and those of management, cutting down the average stay and the operating room usage time and decreasing costs. 3) The change in management increased the Value of the Process.

Utilization of advanced-age donors in renal transplantation.

The shortage of organ availability in recent years has made it necessary to use grafts from advanced-aged donors to maintain the rate of renal transplantation in our country. The objective of this study was to evaluate the graft function and patient survival using kidneys from deceased donors of over 65 year of age. From 2005 until 2010, we compared the outcomes of patients who received grafts from donors over 65 years old vs less than 65 years. We observed no significant difference in sex, time on dialysis, or cold ischemia time between the groups. As expected the recipient age was significantly different. For the analysis of survival, we used the Tablecloth-Haenzel test and the Kaplan-Meier survival estimator. Actuarial survivals at 3 years after transplantation showed 84.8% among patients transplanted with kidneys from donors over 65 years old versus 97.5% in the control group. The graft survival was 78.8% among expanded criteria versus 86.85% in the control group. When we analyzed graft survival using an "exitus-censured" analysis, we obtained graft survivals of 89.1% in the expanded criteria kidney group versus 88.6% among the controls. We concluded that the use of kidney from donors over 65 years of age allows us to increase the rate of renal transplantation to about 15 to 20 per million population, with good graft and patient survivals provided that the protocol for expanded criteria organs ensured proper macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of the organ for transplantation.

Morbilidad Postoperatoria en cirugía Tiroidea / Postoperative Morbidity in Thyroid surgery

OBJETIVOS. Presentar la morbilidad de nuestra cirugía tiroidea, relacionándola con el diagnóstico clínico, tipo de cirugía y, cuando se realiza, la “disección central”. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO. Estudio prospectivo de cohortes (1.998-2.010). 772 pacientes tratados mediante tiroidectomías, 266 lobectomías, 444 tiroidectomías totales simples y 62 con “disección central”. Describimos sus características clínicopatológicas y morbilidad postoperatoria (lesiones recurrenciales, hipocalcemia <8 mgrs/dl y hematomas sofocantes) relacionándola con el diagnóstico clínico y tipo de cirugía efectuada. Comparación estadística mediante mediante la Chi2 (p<0,05). RESULTADOS. El porcentaje de disfunciones recurrenciales transitorias (DRT) fue 7,6%. El de parálisis recurrenciales definitivas (PRD) de 1,42%. El de hipocalcemias, a las 24 horas, de 57,7%, al mes de 10,8%, a los seis meses de 6,85% y el de hipoparatiroidismo definitivo de 0,5%. Hubo 2,9% de hematomas sofocantes y 2% de secuelas. La afectación recurrencial y la hipocalcemia fueron mayores en la E. Basedow y los carcinomas que en el BMN y nódulos solitarios (p<0,001). Hubo también diferencias en la incidencia de DRT y de hipocalcemias, mayor en las tiroidectomías totales con “disección central” que en las totales simples, y en estas que en las parciales (p<0,001), pero no en la de PRD y secuelas. CONCLUSIONES. 1. La cirugía de los carcinomas y E. Basedow aumenta la morbilidad postoperatoria. 2. La “disección central” asociada a tiroidectomía total produce más morbilidad que las totales simples y ambas más que las parciales. 3. La indicación de realizar la “disección central” profiláctica debería adecuarse a cada paciente valorando el riesgo-beneficio (AU)

OBJECTIVES. To present the morbidity of our thyroid surgery, relating it to the clinical diagnosis, type of surgery and, when itis done, the "central dissection". MATERIALS AND METHOD. Prospective study of cohorts (1998-2010), conducted on 772 patients treated by thyroidectomies, 266 lobectomies, 444 simple total thyroidectomies and 62 with "central dissection". We describe their clinicopathological characteristics and postoperative morbidity (recurrent lesions, hypocalcemia <8 mgrs/dl and suffocating hematomas) relating them to the clinical diagnosis and type of surgery performed. Statistical comparison by means of Chi2 (p<0.05). RESULTS. The percentage of transient recurrent dysfunctions (TRD) was 7.6%. That of definitive recurrent paralysis (DRP) was 1.42%. That of hypocalcemia, at 24 hours, was 57.7%, at one month 10.8%, at six months 6.85% and that of definitive hypoparathyroidism was 0.5%. There were 2.9% of suffocating hematomas and 2% of sequelae. he recurrent affection and hypocalcemia were greater in Grave's Disease and in carcinomas than in the MNG and solitary nodules (p<0.001). There were also differences in the incidence of TRD and of hypocalcemia, greater in the total thyroidectomies with "central dissection" than in the simple total thyroidectomies, and greater in these than in the partial (p<0,001), but not in the DRP and sequelae (AU)

Guión bilingüe en urgencias de atención primaria / A bilingual script in primary care

El conocimiento del inglés avanza a pasos de gigante entre la población mundial, y muy especialmente entre la europea, una tendencia de la que los profesionales sanitarios ni debemos ni podemos quedar al margen, porque lograr una comunicación fluida y eficaz con los pacientes es una de las competencias básicas de nuestra profesión. Lo que pretendemos con este artículo es facilitar con un guión de conversación bilingüe (español-inglés), la elaboración de una historia clínica en urgencias graves rurales. El conocimiento del inglés para cualquier profesional en el área de la salud constituye una necesidad evidente en un mundo donde la lengua de comunicación por excelencia es la inglesa. El guión bilingüe contribuye a la realización de un diagnóstico sindrómico inicial en la atención urgente de un paciente extranjero y al mismo tiempo mediante el guión facilitamos la cumplimentación del registro de pacientes extranjeros atendidos en nuestra zona básica de salud (AU)

English language skills are growing fast among the world's population, and especially in Europe. Health professionals cannot and should not be excluded from this group, as achieving fluent and effective communication with foreign patients is a basic skill in our profession. The basic purpose of this paper is to provide a simple bilingual script that may help to prepare a medical record in emergency medical situations in rural areas. The knowledge of English for any professional in the area of Health is an obvious need in a world where the language of communication is English. The bilingual script contributes to the achievement of an initial syndromic diagnoses in the urgent care of a foreign patient, and with this script, we make it easier to register the foreign patients treated in our health area (AU)

1H, 13C, and 15N resonance assignments of the N-terminal domain of human Tubulin Binding Cofactor C.

Human Tubulin Binding Cofactor C (hTBCC) is a 346 amino acid protein composed of two domains, which is involved in the folding pathway of newly synthesized α and ß-tubulins. The 3D structure of the 111-residue hTBCC N-terminal domain of the protein has not yet been determined. As a previous step to that end, here we report the NMR (1)H, (15)N, and (13)C chemical shift assignments at pH 6.0 and 25°C, based on a uniformly doubly labelled (13)C/(15)N sample of the domain.

Nondenaturing electrophoresis as a tool to investigate tubulin complexes.

A protein molecule may exist as a monomer, homo-oligomer, or hetero-oligomer in a multiprotein complex. One-dimensional (1-D) native electrophoresis has long been used to characterize tubulins and their complexes. In this chapter, we describe the simplest way to identify the state of aggregation of commercial or homemade tubulins for further studies based on 1-D electrophoresis under nondenaturing conditions. We present a series of detailed protocols that can be used to analyze the maturation of alpha- and beta-tubulins and to identify the complexes formed during the folding and dimerization pathway as well as their stability.

Tubulin cofactor B regulates microtubule densities during microglia transition to the reactive states.

Microglia are highly dynamic cells of the CNS that continuously survey the welfare of the neural parenchyma and play key roles modulating neurogenesis and neuronal cell death. In response to injury or pathogen invasion parenchymal microglia transforms into a more active cell that proliferates, migrates and behaves as a macrophage. The acquisition of these extra skills implicates enormous modifications of the microtubule and actin cytoskeletons. Here we show that tubulin cofactor B (TBCB), which has been found to contribute to various aspects of microtubule dynamics in vivo, is also implicated in microglial cytoskeletal changes. We find that TBCB is upregulated in post-lesion reactive parenchymal microglia/macrophages, in interferon treated BV-2 microglial cells, and in neonate amoeboid microglia where the microtubule densities are remarkably low. Our data demonstrate that upon TBCB downregulation both, after microglia differentiation to the ramified phenotype in vivo and in vitro, or after TBCB gene silencing, microtubule densities are restored in these cells. Taken together these observations support the view that TBCB functions as a microtubule density regulator in microglia during activation, and provide an insight into the understanding of the complex mechanisms controlling microtubule reorganization during microglial transition between the amoeboid, ramified, and reactive phenotypes.

Isolation of microtubules and microtubule proteins.

This unit describes various protocols for the isolation and purification of the main constituents of microtubules, chiefly alpha- and beta-tubulin, and the most significant microtubule associated proteins (MAPs), specifically MAP1A, MAP1B, MAP2, and tau. We include a classical isolation method for soluble tubulin heterodimer as the first basic purification protocol. In addition, we show how to analyze the tubulin and MAPs obtained after a phosphocellulose chromatography purification procedure. This unit also details a powerful and simple method to determine the native state of the purified tubulin based on one-dimensional electrophoresis under nondenaturing conditions (UNIT 6.5). The last protocol describes the application of a new technique that allows visualizing the quality of polymerized microtubules based on atomic force microscopy (AFM).

[Unusual complications of the lumboperitoneal shunt as treatment of benign intracranial hypertension]. / Complicaciones inusuales de la derivación lumboperitoneal como tratamiento de la hipertensión intracraneal benigna.

INTRODUCTION: Intracranial hypertension is a picture characterized by elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure that may cause some different complications including optic disc edema and visual accuracy alterations. Although treatment is generally pharmacological, invasive therapeutical techniques such as optic nerve sheath fenestration and lumboperitoneal shunt are sometimes required. The latter one is a technique that usually provides good results with a low complication rate, including infections, mechanical failure and overdrainage. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 40 year-old female patient with an idiopathic intracranial hypertension picture who required a lumboperitoneal shunt due to her progressive deterioration. After a few hours, the patient developed an intracerebral hematoma and subarachnoid hemorrhage, and some days later she developed a venous sinus thrombosis. These two complications, although described in the literature, are very unusual. CONCLUSIONS: Even though the lumboperitoneal shunt is a safe technique with good results, it is not exempt from complications. We alert about the need to take into account subarachnoid hemorrhage and venous sinus thrombosis as possible complications in the followup of these patients.

Tubulin cofactor B plays a role in the neuronal growth cone.

Tubulin cofactors, initially identified as alpha-, beta-tubulin folding proteins, are now believed to participate in the complex tubulin biogenesis and degradation routes, and thus to contribute to microtubule functional diversity and dynamics. However, a concrete role of tubulin cofactor B (TBCB) remains to be elucidated because this protein is not required for tubulin biogenesis, and it is apparently not essential for life in any of the organisms studied. In agreement with these data, here we show that TBCB localizes at the transition zone of the growth cones of growing neurites during neurogenesis where it plays a role in microtubule dynamics and plasticity. Gene silencing by means of small interfering RNA segments revealed that TBCB knockdown enhances axonal growth. In contrast, excess TBCB, a feature of giant axonal neuropathy, leads to microtubule depolymerization, growth cone retraction, and axonal damage followed by neuronal degeneration. These results provide an important insight into the understanding of the controlling mechanisms of growth cone microtubule dynamics.