X-ray generation by fs-laser processing of biological material.

The use of ultrashort pulse lasers in medical treatments is increasing and is already an essential tool, particularly in the treatment of eyes, bones and skin. One of the main advantages of laser treatment is that it is fast and minimally invasive. Due to the interaction of ultrashort laser pulses with matter, X-rays can be generated during the laser ablation process. This is important not only for the safety of the patient, but also for the practitioner to ensure that the legally permissible dose is not exceeded. Although our results do not raise safety concerns for existing clinical applications, they might impact future developments at higher peak powers. In order to provide guidance to laser users in the medical field, this paper examines the X-ray emission spectra and dose of several biological materials and describes their dependence on the laser pulse energy.

Empeoramiento clínico paradójico en una crisis asmática moderada-grave / Paradoxical clinical worsening in a moderate-severe asthmatic attack

La reagudización o crisis asmática es uno de los motivos de consulta más frecuentes en las consultas de Atención Primaria y en los servicios de urgencias pediátricas. Se trata de una patología con un algoritmo de actuación y de tratamiento según la gravedad bien establecido, con fármacos con un buen perfil de seguridad para la edad pediátrica. Se presenta un caso con mala respuesta inicial que ilustra un efecto paradójico del salbutamol (AU)

Asthma exacerbations are among the most frequent reasons for paediatric primary care and emergency care visits. Asthma is a disease with a well-established management and treatment algorithm based on severity, and drugs with a good safety profile for the paediatric population are available for its treatment. We present a case with a poor inital response illustrating a paradoxical reaction to salbutamol. (AU)

New duality results for evenly convex optimization problems.

We present new results on optimization problems where the involved functions are evenly convex. By means of a generalized conjugation scheme and the perturbation theory introduced by Rockafellar, we propose an alternative dual problem for a general optimization one defined on a separated locally convex topological space. Sufficient conditions for converse and total duality involving the even convexity of the perturbation function and c-subdifferentials are given. Formulae for the c-subdifferential and biconjugate of the objective function of a general optimization problem are provided, too. We also characterize the total duality by means of the saddle-point theory for a notion of Lagrangian adapted to the considered framework.

Características de replicación y supervivencia del virus de viremia primaveral de la carpa (SVCV) aislado en México / Replication and survival traits of spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) isolated in Mexico

RESUMEN Objetivo. Realizar el aislamiento del virus de la viremia primaveral de la carpa (SVCV) en ejemplares de carpa común (Cyprinus carpió), evaluar su crecimiento en diferentes tipos de células, así como la supervivencia viral a diferentes temperaturas. Materiales y métodos. Diez carpas de entre 400 500 gramos de una laguna del centro de México fueron procesadas para el diagnóstico de SVCV mediante aislamiento en cultivo de células y RT-PCR semianidado. El virus obtenido se inoculó en células EPC, BF-2, CHSE-214 y RTG-2 para determinar diferencias de crecimiento de SVCV. Además, se evaluó la supervivencia del virus conservado a temperatura ambiente (TA 20-25°C), refrigeración (REF 4°C) y congelación (CONG -80°C) hasta once meses. Los órganos internos se procesaron para análisis histológico. Resultados. Los peces analizados no presentaron signos externos sugestivos de enfermedad, pero interna e histopatológicamente se observaron lesiones sugestivas de infección sistémica. SVCV fue aislado en células EPC y BF-2 y confirmado por RT-PCR semianidado. SVCV únicamente indujo CPE en células EPC y BF-2 y fue negativo en RTG-2 y CHSE-214. El virus conservado a TA perdió viabilidad después de cuatro meses post infección (mpi), siendo total a seis mpi; mientras REF y CONG fueron estables durante los once meses de estudio. Conclusiones. La infección subclínica por SVCV fue confirmada en carpas que presentaron lesiones histológicas asociadas a esta infección. SVCV únicamente causó CPE en células EPC y BF-2 y el virus conservó su viabilidad a 4°C y -80°C hasta once meses; mientras que a TA se perdió en seis meses.

ABSTRACT Objective. To perform the isolation of spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) in common carp (Cyprinus carpió) and evaluate its growth in different cell types and viral survival at different temperatures. Materials and methods. Ten carps of between 400-500 grams of a lagoon in central Mexico were processed for diagnosis of SVCV by isolation in cell culture and by RT-PCR. The virus obtained was inoculated into EPC, BF-2, CHSE-214 and RTG-2 cells to determine differences in virus growth; the survival of virus stored at room temperature (TA 20-25°C), refrigeration (REF 4°C) and freezing (CONG -80°C) up to eleven months was also evaluated. Internal organ samples were processed for histological analysis. Results. The fish analyzed did not show external signs suggestive of disease but internally and histopathologically lesions suggestive of systemic infection were observed. SVCV was isolated in EPC and BF-2 cells and confirmed by semi-nested RT-PCR. SVCV only induced CPE in EPC and BF-2 cells and was negative in RTG-2 and CHSE-214. The virus conserved at TA lost viability after four months post-infection (mpi), being total at six mpi; while REF and CONG were stable during the eleven months. Conclusions. Subclinical SVCV infection was confirmed in carp that presented histological lesions associated with this infection; SVCV only caused CPE in EPC and BF-2 cells; and the virus kept in refrigeration and at -80°C retained its viability up to eleven months; while TA was lost in six months.

Therapeutic Patient Education with Learning Objects Improves Asthma Control in Mexican Children.

One of the most common chronic diseases that causes missed school days and workdays is pediatric asthma, producing education, health and economic delays in low and middle-income countries. A patient-centered remarkable therapeutic strategy in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases is the Therapeutic Patient Education (TPE) which denotes an outstanding difference in the outcomes, from the awareness, to the personal treatment adaption to prevent crises. In this paper, an intervention of TPE with learning objects (LOs) of a pediatric asthma course, designed to train the uncontrolled patient and the caregiver as a team on the specific knowledge to self-control the disease, was carried out at a health facility in Mexico. The Asthma Control Test (ACT) was used and the learning performance was evaluated with formative quizzes. A randomized controlled trial was designed, with pairs of children patients and caregivers during 60 days; the control group was trained with the usual approach, receiving general information about the disease. ACT measures showed statistical significance for the TPE group after the use of the LOs, achieving a controlled state, while the control group did not show difference. Also, the intervention group obtained a higher score in learning performance assessment. The users learned how to avoid risks, the personal triggers of the patient, how to correctly use the different treatments and accessories, consequently, they learned how to self-manage the disease. Our study also confirmed that control of asthma is not only a matter of knowledge, but financial issues to afford the treatment.

Collisional ionization and recombination in degenerate plasmas beyond the free-electron-gas approximation.

One of the most successful ways to model the multitude of electron and photon processes in plasmas is the approach used in collisional radiative (CR) codes. The accuracy of CR codes depends largely on the accuracy of the rates of each process. These rates are generally well approximated in hot, classical plasmas. However, in degenerate plasmas quantum effects can influence these rates and must be accounted for. Previous approaches have developed corrections to the classical rates using the free-electron-gas (FEG) approximation. Here, we use electronic structures beyond the FEG approximation and show how the collisional rates are affected by degeneracy in aluminum and iron plasmas. We find that the FEG is a good approximation for aluminum, whereas more complex electronic structures that include d orbitals, such as iron, deviate from the FEG approximation. This results in different degeneracy corrections to the collisional rates relative to those for the FEG. Although the general trend of the corrections to degenerate plasmas is captured by assuming an FEG, we show that more complex electronic structures can result in deviations, even outside the degenerate regime. This study further advances the treatment of free-electron quantum effects in collisional radiative models.

Patient, tumor, and healthcare factors associated with regional variability in lung cancer survival: a Spanish high-resolution population-based study.

PURPOSE: The third most frequently diagnosed cancer in Europe in 2018 was lung cancer; it is also the leading cause of cancer death in Europe. We studied patient and tumor characteristics, and patterns of healthcare provision explaining regional variability in lung cancer survival in southern Spain. METHODS: A population-based cohort study included all 1196 incident first invasive primary lung cancer (C33-C34 according to ICD-10) cases diagnosed between 2010 and 2011 with follow-up until April 2015. Data were drawn from local population-based cancer registries and patients' hospital medical records from all public and private hospitals from two regions in southern Spain. RESULTS: There was evidence of regional differences in lung cancer late diagnosis (58% stage IV in Granada vs. 65% in Huelva, p value < 0.001). Among patients with stage I, only 67% received surgery compared with 0.6% of patients with stage IV. Patients treated with a combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery had a 2-year mortality risk reduction of 94% compared with patients who did not receive any treatment (excess mortality risk 0.06; 95% CI 0.02-0.16). Geographical differences in survival were observed between the two regions: 35% vs. 26% at 1-year since diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The observed geographic differences in survival between regions are due in part to the late cancer diagnosis which determines the use of less effective therapeutic options. Results from our study justify the need for promoting lung cancer early detection strategies and the harmonization of the best practice in lung cancer management and treatment.

Bloqueo del plano del músculo erector espinal: estudio anatómico-cadavérico para determinar su mecanismo de acción / Erector spinae plane block: A cadaver study to determine its mechanism of action

Introducción: El bloqueo del plano del músculo erector (ESP) es una técnica novedosa para el tratamiento del dolor agudo y crónico. Su lugar y mecanismo de acción todavía no han sido explicados. Objetivos: Determinar el mecanismo de acción del anestésico local en el bloqueo ESP a través de la inyección del azul de metileno, describiendo su distribución desde la cara anterior del tórax. Hallar o determinar un paso o canal por el cual el anestésico atraviesa las estructuras musculares y óseas de posterior a anterior. Materiales y métodos: Se utilizaron 4 columnas de cadáveres frescos criopreservados. Se realizaron 9 bloqueos ESP ecoguiados en diferentes regiones de los especímenes con 20ml de azul de metileno al 0,01% por bloqueo. Se observó la distribución del colorante desde la cara anterior de tórax, midiendo la cantidad de espacios intercostales teñidos, antes y después de la extracción de la pleura parietal, y se registraron las estructuras en que se constató tintura. Resultados: En todos los bloqueos ESP se encontró colorante en el espacio paravertebral, los espacios intercostales y en algunos casos en la cadena prevertebral. Los bloqueos tuvieron un promedio de 4,6 espacios intercostales teñidos, con un máximo de 7 y un mínimo de 3. La intensidad del colorante fue mayor del lado de la inyección, dorsal a la columna, que el hallado en la parte ventral por debajo de la pleura. No se logró constatar un mecanismo claro por el que el colorante difundiera hacia el la zona anterior. Conclusiones: Por los datos recogidos en este trabajo se puede deducir que el bloqueo ESP tiene un mecanismo de acción anestésico similar a los bloqueos paravertebrales. El sitio por el cual el anestésico atravesaría desde el plano posterior de la columna a la región anterior del tórax no fue aclarado y debería ser investigado en futuros trabajos

Introduction: The erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a novel technique for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. Its mechanism and site of action has not yet been explained properly. Objectives: In order to explain the mechanism of action of the ESP block, injections were performed with methylene blue to simulate the local anaesthetics and to determine its distribution from the anterior side of the thorax. To find an aperture or channel through which the local anaesthetic passes from posterior to anterior through the muscular and bone structures. Materials and methods: Four spinal columns of fresh cryopreserved corpses were used. A total of 9 ultrasound-guided ESP blocks were performed in different regions of the specimens using 20ml of 0.01% methylene blue per block. The distribution of the dye was observed from the anterior side of the thorax, measuring the amount of intercostal spaces stained, before and after the removal of the parietal pleura, and the structures in which the stain was found were recorded. Results: In all blocks of the ESP, dye was found in the paravertebral space, intercostal spaces, and in some cases in the prevertebral chain. The blocks had a mean of 4.6 intercostal spaces stained, with a maximum of 7 and a minimum of 3. The intensity of the dye was greater on the side of the injection, dorsal to the column, than that found in the ventral part below of the pleura. It was not possible to verify a clear channel through which the dye diffuses towards the previous zone. Conclusions: From the data collected in this study, it can be deduced that the blockade of the ESP has a mechanism of anaesthetic action similar to paravertebral blocks. The site from which the anaesthetic would cross from the posterior plane of the spine to the anterior region of the thorax was not clear, and should be investigated in future works

Erector spinae plane block: A cadaver study to determine its mechanism of action. / Bloqueo del plano del músculo erector espinal: estudio anatómico-cadavérico para determinar su mecanismo de acción.

INTRODUCTION: The erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a novel technique for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. Its mechanism and site of action has not yet been explained properly. OBJECTIVES: In order to explain the mechanism of action of the ESP block, injections were performed with methylene blue to simulate the local anaesthetics and to determine its distribution from the anterior side of the thorax. To find an aperture or channel through which the local anaesthetic passes from posterior to anterior through the muscular and bone structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four spinal columns of fresh cryopreserved corpses were used. A total of 9 ultrasound-guided ESP blocks were performed in different regions of the specimens using 20ml of 0.01% methylene blue per block. The distribution of the dye was observed from the anterior side of the thorax, measuring the amount of intercostal spaces stained, before and after the removal of the parietal pleura, and the structures in which the stain was found were recorded. RESULTS: In all blocks of the ESP, dye was found in the paravertebral space, intercostal spaces, and in some cases in the prevertebral chain. The blocks had a mean of 4.6 intercostal spaces stained, with a maximum of 7 and a minimum of 3. The intensity of the dye was greater on the side of the injection, dorsal to the column, than that found in the ventral part below of the pleura. It was not possible to verify a clear channel through which the dye diffuses towards the previous zone. CONCLUSIONS: From the data collected in this study, it can be deduced that the blockade of the ESP has a mechanism of anaesthetic action similar to paravertebral blocks. The site from which the anaesthetic would cross from the posterior plane of the spine to the anterior region of the thorax was not clear, and should be investigated in future works.

Milk fatty acid profile from cows fed with mixed rations and different access time to pastureland during early lactation.

Milk fatty acid (FA) profiles were determined in Holstein cows (n = 27) fed total mixed rations (TMR) ad libitum (G0) or diet composed by TMR (50% dry matter [DM] offered) plus grazing of pasture with 6 hr of access time to paddock in one session (G1) or 9 hr in two sessions (G2) at 45 days in milk (DIM). Moreover, milk FA was determined at 65 DIM when G0 cows turned out to G1 diet without adaptation period (Post-G0), G1 remained as controls. Milk FA was quantified using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Preformed FA at 45 DIM was greater (+27%) for G2 than G0 cows (p < .05). Stearic acid (C18:0) was 30% greater for G2 cows (p < .05). De novo FA was lowest for G2 cows (p < .05). Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) did not differ (p < .12), while vaccenic acid (C18:1trans) was twofold greater for grazing treatments (p < .01). Linolenic acid [C18:3(n-3)] was greatest for G2 and lowest for G0 cows (p < .01). Omega 6 FA was greater for G0 than grazing cows, mainly due to linoleic acid [18:2cis(n-6); p < .05]. These results determined that n-6/n-3 ratio was almost threefold greater for G0 than grazing cows (p < .001). When diet of G0 cows changed to include pasture (Post-G0), preformed FA increased (p < .05), explained mainly by the increase (p < .05) of stearic (C18:0) and C18:1trans, while de novo FA tended to decrease (p < .1). Moreover, the amount of CLA and C18:3(n-3) tended to increase (p < .1) in Post-G0 cows. Offering 50% of dietary DM from pasture modified milk FA profile in early lactation potentially beneficial for human health. When TMR-fed cows were turned out to 50% pasture, milk FA profile reflected dietary change without need of an adaptation period.

Experimental measurements of the collisional absorption of XUV radiation in warm dense aluminium.

The collisional (or free-free) absorption of soft x rays in warm dense aluminium remains an unsolved problem. Competing descriptions of the process exist, two of which we compare to our experimental data here. One of these is based on a weak scattering model, another uses a corrected classical approach. These two models show distinctly different behaviors with temperature. Here we describe experimental evidence for the absorption of 26-eV photons in solid density warm aluminium (T_{e}≈1 eV). Radiative x-ray heating from palladium-coated CH foils was used to create the warm dense aluminium samples and a laser-driven high-harmonic beam from an argon gas jet provided the probe. The results indicate little or no change in absorption upon heating. This behavior is in agreement with the prediction of the corrected classical approach, although there is not agreement in absolute absorption value. Verifying the correct absorption mechanism is decisive in providing a better understanding of the complex behavior of the warm dense state.

[About microbiological methods for detection of oxacillin resistance in coagulase-negative staphylococci]. / Sobre los métodos microbiológicos para la detección de la resistencia a oxacilina en Staphylococcus coagulasa negativos.

OBJECTIVE: Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) take part of the human skin and mucous membranes, but they are also involving in infections with the increasing use of prosthetic, indwelling devices or intravascular catheter-related bacteraemia. They are more resistance than Staphylococcus aureus against a wide range of antimicrobial agents, and it have been observed an increase in morbidity and mortality of patients with incorrect treatment. METHODS: To analyze the results obtained by different commercial techniques: two automatic microdilution systems (MicroScan and Vitek2 Compact), PBP2a agglutiation test, with and without 1 µg oxacillin disk induction, and detection of mecA gene by nucleic acids amplification techniques, for the diagnosis of methicillin resistance staphylococci in 170 strains of CoNS isolated from blood cultures. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy methicillin resistance staphylococci were detected by MicroScan, 167 strains by Vitek 2 Compact, 115 strains were PBP2a positive without oxacillin induction and 168 after oxacillin induction. Finally, 167 strains were mecA gene positive detected by nucleic acids amplification techniques. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to do oxacillin induction before PBP2a test to avoid false negatives. There are a great variability in the phenotypic expression of methicillin resistance in CoNS.

BRILMA methylene blue in cadavers. Anatomical dissection / BRILMA azul de metileno en cadáveres. Disección anatómica

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Bloqueos guiados por ultrasonidos para cirugía mamaria / Ultrasound guided nerve block for breast surgery

La cirugía mamaria ha experimentado cambios en los últimos años motivando nuevas iniciativas para el manejo anestésico de estos pacientes, en aras de lograr la mayor calidad y una rápida recuperación. La herramienta fundamental que ha permitido una mejora significativa en los avances de la anestesia regional para enfermedad mamaria ha sido la ultrasonografía, impulsando la descripción e incorporación a la práctica clínica de los bloqueos interfasciales de la pared torácica, pese a que todavía el gold standard siga considerándose el bloqueo paravertebral. Es muy probable que estos bloqueos produzcan cambios en los protocolos de actuación en los próximos años. Se realiza una revisión de la anatomía de la región mamaria, descripción de los bloqueos y técnicas de realización, así como sus indicaciones, todo ello según los artículos disponibles y la opinión de los autores en función de su experiencia (AU)

The breast surgery has undergone changes in recent years, encouraging new initiatives for the anaesthetic management of these patients in order to achieve maximum quality and rapid recovery. The fundamental tool that has allowed a significant improvement in the progress of regional anaesthesia for breast disease has been ultrasound, boosting the description and introduction into clinical practice of interfascial chest wall blocks, although the reference standard is still the paravertebral block. It is very likely that these blocks will change the protocols in the coming years. A review is presented of the anatomy of the breast region, description of nerve blocks and techniques, as well as their indications, all according to published articles and the opinion of the authors based on their experience (AU)

Ultrasound guided nerve block for breast surgery.

The breast surgery has undergone changes in recent years, encouraging new initiatives for the anaesthetic management of these patients in order to achieve maximum quality and rapid recovery. The fundamental tool that has allowed a significant improvement in the progress of regional anaesthesia for breast disease has been ultrasound, boosting the description and introduction into clinical practice of interfascial chest wall blocks, although the reference standard is still the paravertebral block. It is very likely that these blocks will change the protocols in the coming years. A review is presented of the anatomy of the breast region, description of nerve blocks and techniques, as well as their indications, all according to published articles and the opinion of the authors based on their experience.

Fourier transform holography with high harmonic spectra for attosecond imaging applications.

We demonstrate a method of using a Fourier holographic technique to utilize attosecond soft x-ray pulses to image nanometer-scale objects. A discrete frequency comb of laser-generated high-order harmonics, yielding a train of attosecond pulses, has been used to record spatially and spectrally resolved images. The individual wavelengths were also combined to form a single image, albeit with lower spatial resolution, demonstrating the applicability of the method to using isolated attosecond pulses with continuous bandwidths.

Shot-to-shot intensity and wavefront stability of high-harmonic generation.

We report on the shot-to-shot stability of intensity and spatial phase of high-harmonic generation (HHG). The intensity stability is measured for each high-harmonic (HH) order with a spectrometer. Additionally, the spatial phase is measured with an XUV wavefront sensor for a single HH order measured in a single shot, which according to our knowledge was not reported before with a Hartmann wavefront sensor. Furthermore, we compare the single-shot measurement of the spatial phase with time-integrated measurements and we show that the XUV wavefront sensor is a useful tool to simultaneously optimize the spatial phase and intensity of HHG within the available HHG parameter range used in this study.

Towards enabling femtosecond helicity-dependent spectroscopy with high-harmonic sources.

Recent advances in high-harmonic generation gave rise to soft X-ray pulses with higher intensity, shorter duration and higher photon energy. One of the remaining shortages of this source is its restriction to linear polarization, since the yield of generation of elliptically polarized high harmonics has been low so far. We here show how this limitation is overcome by using a cross-polarized two-colour laser field. With this simple technique, we reach high degrees of ellipticity (up to 75%) with efficiencies similar to classically generated linearly polarized harmonics. To demonstrate these features and to prove the capacity of our source for applications, we measure the X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) effect of nickel at the M2,3 absorption edge around 67 eV. There results open up the way towards femtosecond time-resolved experiments using high harmonics exploiting the powerful element-sensitive XMCD effect and resolving the ultrafast magnetization dynamics of individual components in complex materials.

A new thoracic interfascial plane block as anesthesia for difficult weaning due to ribcage pain in critically ill patients / Nuevo bloqueo del plano interfascial torácico como anestesia para retiradas dificultosas de ventilación mecánica a causa de dolor torácico, en pacientes críticos

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