Photoionization of the water molecule with XCHEM.

We have evaluated total and partial photoionization cross sections, ß asymmetry parameters, and molecular frame photoelectron angular distributions (MFPADs) of the water molecule by using the XCHEM methodology. This method accounts for electron correlation in the electronic continuum, which is crucial to describe Feshbach resonances and their autoionization decay. We have identified a large number of Feshbach resonances, some of them previously unknown, in the region between 12.2 and 18.7 eV, for which we provide energy positions and widths. Many of these resonances lead to pronounced peaks in the photoionization spectra, some of them remarkably wide (up to 0.2 eV, for resonances converging to the third ionization threshold), which should be observable in high-energy resolution experiments. We show that, in the vicinity of these peaks, both asymmetry parameters and MFPADs vary very rapidly with photoelectron energy, which, as in atoms and simpler molecules, reflects the interference between direct ionization and autoionization, which is mostly driven by electron correlation.

Electrochemical corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of Ti-Ag biomedical alloys obtained by two powder metallurgy processing routes.

Titanium is frequently used as a biomaterial and the importance of Ti-Ag alloys has increased thanks to the antibacterial behavior of silver. In this study, Ti-Ag alloys (5, 10 and 15 wt% Ag) were obtained by two different powder metallurgy routes: blended elemental (BE) and mechanical alloying (MA). The influence of the powder mixture methodology on both microstructure and electrochemical behavior was analyzed. Powders were compacted at 600 and 900 MPa, respectively, and sintered at high vacuum for 3 h at 950 °C. The obtained Ti-Ag alloys were microstructurally characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and mechanically tested by hardness and bending tests. Electrochemical tests were run using a three-electrode cell in an artificial Fusayama saliva solution. Open-Circuit Potential (OCP), polarization curves, potentiostatic tests and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) techniques were employed to evaluate the corrosion resistance of the studied Ti-Ag alloys. The initial characteristics of powders before sintering and after blend/alloying modified the electrochemical behavior of the Ti-Ag-sintered alloys and were determined. The samples obtained with the BE powders better resisted corrosion than the MA samples, and this behavior was directly related to the quantity and distribution of intermetallic Ti2Ag. A large quantity of intermetallics present on both the edge and inside grains reduced the corrosion resistance of TiAg alloys.

Influence of the fabrication process and fluoride content on the tribocorrosion behaviour of Ti6Al4V biomedical alloy in artificial saliva.

Titanium and its alloys are widely used as dental implants due to their low density, excellent biocompatibility, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. However, during their lifetime Ti6Al4V biomedical alloys are subjected to different mechanical actions (i.e., sliding or fretting), thus resulting in a tribocorrosion system, which is an irreversible material degradation process due to the combined effect of corrosion and wear. In this study, the tribo-electrochemical behavior of cast and sintered (by powder metallurgy) Ti6Al4V alloy in artificial human saliva solution without and with fluoride additions of 100ppm and 1000ppm and in an average industrial mouth wash solution with a 112ppm fluoride content have been investigated by different electrochemical techniques. The same tribocorrosion mechanisms were found in the cast and sintered titanium alloys, although slightly different wear debris behavior was observed. At low applied passive potentials, wear rates are similar to those obtained under equilibrium conditions (Open Circuit Potential). There exists a critical fluoride concentration above which corrosion and tribocorrosion rates increase.

Type 1 diabetes and perinatal factors in Catalonia (Spain).

AIM: To identify perinatal risk factors associated with the development of type 1 diabetes. METHODS: The research was designed as a retrospective study of cases and controls. Catalan Register of Diabetes and the Register of Newborn Screening for Metabolic Diseases were the data sources used in this study. The variables studied include sex, birth weight, age of onset of type 1 diabetes, maternal age at delivery, type of delivery, and type of feeding at birth. Anthropometric growth patterns of Carrascosa have been used to classify birth weight as small for gestational age: weight <10th percentile; appropriate for gestational age: weight ≥10th percentile and ≤90th percentile; and large for gestational age (LGA): weight >90th percentile. Statistical analysis was carried out using bivariate analysis (chi-squared test), and odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were predicted. RESULTS: A total of 1530 infants were analyzed (306 type 1 diabetes cases, 1224 control subjects). A significantly greater percentage of LGA babies were observed among diabetics (16.3% compared with 11.3% of the control group). The risk of having type 1 diabetes in children who were LGA was 1.45 times greater than that shown in children with normal and low birth weight. CONCLUSIONS: Only being born LGA was significantly associated with developing type 1 diabetes.

Solución del caso 20: Angiomixoma agresivo / No disponible

No disponible

Novel (60%) and recurrent (40%) androgen receptor gene mutations in a series of 59 patients with a 46,XY disorder of sex development.

BACKGROUND: Androgen receptor (AR) gene mutations are the most frequent cause of 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) and are associated with a variety of phenotypes, ranging from phenotypic women [complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS)] to milder degrees of undervirilization (partial form or PAIS) or men with only infertility (mild form or MAIS). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to characterize the contribution of the AR gene to the molecular cause of 46,XY DSD in a series of Spanish patients. SETTING: We studied a series of 133 index patients with 46,XY DSD in whom gonads were differentiated as testes, with phenotypes including varying degrees of undervirilization, and in whom the AR gene was the first candidate for a molecular analysis. METHODS: The AR gene was sequenced (exons 1 to 8 with intronic flanking regions) in all patients and in family members of 61% of AR-mutated gene patients. RESULTS: AR gene mutations were found in 59 individuals (44.4% of index patients), of whom 46 (78%) were CAIS and 13 (22%) PAIS. Fifty-seven different mutations were found: 21.0% located in exon 1, 15.8% in exons 2 and 3, 57.9% in exons 4-8, and 5.3% intronic. Twenty-three mutations (40.4%) had been previously described and 34 (59.6%) were novel. CONCLUSIONS: AR gene mutation is the most frequent cause of 46,XY DSD, with a clearly higher frequency in the complete phenotype. Mutations spread along the whole coding sequence, including exon 1. This series shows that 60% of mutations detected during the period 2002-2009 were novel.

Rehabilitación tras reconstrucción del LCA con plastia H-T-H / Rehabilitation after-tendon-bone ACL plastia

Los protocolos de rehabilitación tras reconstrucción del LCA han sufrido notables transformaciones en las últimas décadas, desde los protocolos clásicos y conservadores de Paulos hasta los actuales y más agresivos de Beynnon. El proceso de reeducación ha de sustentarse en la evidencia científica en cada uno de los diferentes elementos que lo componen. Los protocolos acelerados actuales se basan en una período de enfriamiento y rehabilitación preoperatoria con el objetivo de conseguir un balance articular y muscular adecuados. La reeducación postoperatoria se iniciará de forma precoz, con un buen control del dolor, buscando la rápida recuperación del balance articular, la carga completa y un refuerzo muscular intensivo inicialmente en cadena cerrada y a partir de la sexta semana en cadena cinética abierta, junto con un programa de reeducación neuromuscular propioceptiva. La utilización de técnicas de electromioestimulación ayudará en las fases iniciales en la recuperación de los desequilibrios del balance muscular. Las ortesis desempeñan todavía un papel discutido durante el proceso de rehabilitación, pudiendo ser utilizadas en las primeras fases de rehabilitación para el mayor confort del paciente. Es fundamental la valoración y monitorización mediante los tests funcionales, las escalas de valoración funcional y los tests instrumentados isocinéticos. El cumplimiento de estas premisas minimizará las complicaciones(artrofibrosis, síndromes rotulianos y algodistrofia) permitiendo el retorno a la práctica deportiva al mismo nivel prelesional (AU)

Rehabilitation protocols after ACL reconstruction has undergone remarkable transformations in recent decades, from the classic and conservative Paulos’ protocols to the current most aggressive of Beynnon. The rehabilitation process must be supported by scientific evidence in each of the different elements that compose it. The current accelerated protocols are based on a period of cooling and pre-operative rehabilitation in order to achieve a suitable joint and muscle balance. The postoperative rehabilitation starts early, with good pain control, for the speedy recovery of the joint stock, the full load and intensive muscle strengthening initially using closed chain and from the sixth week open kinetic chain, along with a proprioceptive neuromuscular re-education program. The electromios estimulation techniques helps in the initial stages in the recovery of muscle imbalances. Orthoses still play a discussed role during the rehabilitation process and can be used in the early stages of rehabilitation for greater patient comfort. It is essential to the assessment and monitoring by the functional tests, functional assessment scales and isokinetic instrumented test. The fulfillment of these assumptions will minimize complications (Arthrofibrosis, patellar syndrome and reflex sympathetic dystrophy) allowing the return to sports at the same level before de injury (AU)

Response of three types of cast posts and cores to static loading.

OBJECTIVE: An analysis is made of the influence of continuous compression loading on different types of cast posts and cores and its effects on the crowns and teeth. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Thirty extracted maxillary canines were prepared and divided into three groups (n = 10) according to the type of cast posts and cores used for restoration: chrome-nickel alloy, acetalic resin, and IPS-Empress porcelain. Metallic cast crowns were luted onto the cores. The specimens were evaluated with an Instron testing machine at an angulation of 45 degrees and a forward speed of 0.5 mm/min. After testing, the specimens were sectioned along the axis and examined under x40 magnification. RESULTS: Mean load resistance of the restorations until fracture was 2,120 N, 1,491 N, and 2,139 N in the chrome-nickel, IPS-Empress ceramic, and acetalic resin groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Significant differences in resistance were observed between metal and porcelain and between resin and porcelain. Microscopically, the apical portion was found to be most affected by fracture and compromised the teeth subjected to chrome-nickel restorations. The metal cast posts and cores exhibited different angulations, while the ceramic restorations showed cracks. The acetalic resin cast posts and cores presented no fractures.

[Supernumerary right pararenal spleen]. / Bazo supernumerario pararrenal derecho.

Presentation of one case report of unexpected retroperitoneal mass, since it occurred no only in a supernumerary spleen but also because of the right pararenal location. A discussion is presented on the diagnostic difficulties due to such cases being most often asymptomatic, and on the differential diagnosis with splenosis, although the possibility of an embryologic origin was also considered.

[Extrahepatic aneurysm of the portal vein. Apropos of 2 cases]. / Aneurisma extrahepático de la vena porta. A propósito de dos casos.

Aneurysms of the portal vein are rare and their origin remains under discussion. They may be intra or extrahepatic and in some patients previous history of portal hypertension may be reported. Nonetheless, numerous cases of congenital origin have been observed in which no factors determining their formation have been found. Two cases of portal aneurysms of extrahepatic localization who were accidentally found in patients with no history of portal hypertension or other known etiologic factors are presented.