Monte Carlo simulation of a LSC based on stacked layers of fiber arrays with core-coating different absorbing properties.

In this work, a Monte Carlo ray-tracing model for the simulation and optimization of a fiber Luminescent Solar Concentrator (LSC) based on stacked layers of fiber arrays is developed and validated. The fiber LSC efficiency improvements are compared against a conventional planar LSC. We developed a new model to analyze the performance of different configurations of bulk-doped fibers and fibers constituted by a doped coating and a passive core. These configurations are analyzed also varying fiber packing geometry diameters, and length. Due to the exceptionally low absorption coefficient of the silica fibers (αwg ≈ 10-4 cm-1), concentration factors of up to 1.9 are predicted when dimensions are scaled over 1 m2, which improve more than twice the maximum concentration factor ever reported. These results serve as a preliminary theoretical study for the future development of a new LSC design based on flexible silica micro-fibers coated with Si-QDs doped poly(lauryl methacrylate) (PLMA) layers.

Fabrication and Deposition of Copper and Copper Oxide Nanoparticles by Laser Ablation in Open Air.

The proximity of the "post-antibiotic era", where infections and minor injuries could be a cause of death, there are urges to seek an alternative for the cure of infectious diseases. Copper nanoparticles and their huge potential as a bactericidal agent could be a solution. In this work, Cu and Cu oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by laser ablation in open air and in argon atmosphere using 532 and 1064 nm radiation generated by nanosecond and picosecond Nd:YVO4 lasers, respectively, to be directly deposited onto Ti substrates. Size, morphology, composition and the crystalline structure of the produced nanoparticles have been studied by the means of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), the energy dispersive spectroscopy of X-rays (EDS), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The UV-VIS absorbance of the thin layer of nanoparticles was also measured, and the antibacterial capacity of the obtained deposits tested against Staphylococcus aureus. The obtained deposits consisted of porous coatings composed of copper and copper oxide nanoparticles interconnected to form chain-like aggregates. The use of the argon atmosphere contributed to reduce significantly the formation of Cu oxide species. The synthesized and deposited nanoparticles exhibited an inhibitory effect upon S. aureus.

Genetic risk assessment of thrombophilia in patients with adverse obstetric outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the incidence of inherited thrombophilias in patients with adverse obstetric outcomes and to compare detection rates of thrombophilias between standard blood tests and a novel genetic test. METHODS: This is a case-control prospective study performed in Hospital Sant Joan de Déu in Barcelona, Spain. Cases had a history of intrauterine growth restriction requiring delivery before 34 weeks gestation, placental abruption before 34 weeks gestation, or severe preeclampsia. Controls had at least two normal, spontaneously conceived pregnancies at term, without complications or no underlying medical disease. At least 3 months after delivery, all case and control women underwent blood collection for standard blood tests for thrombophilias and saliva collection for the genetic test, which enables the diagnosis of 12 hereditary thrombophilias by analyzing genetic variants affecting different points of the blood coagulation cascade. RESULTS: The study included 33 cases and 41 controls. There were no statistically significant differences between cases and controls in the standard blood tests for thrombophilias in plasma or the TiC test for genetic variables. One clinical-genetic model was generated using variables with the lowest P values: ABO, body mass index, C_rs5985, C_rs6025, and protein S. This model exhibited good prediction capacity, with an area under the curve of almost 0.7 (P <0.05), sensitivity of almost 67%, and specificity of 70%. CONCLUSION: Although some association may exist between hypercoagulability and pregnancy outcomes, no significant direct correlation was observed between adverse obstetric outcomes and inherited thrombophilias when analyzed using either standard blood tests or the genetic test. Future studies with a larger sample size are required to create a clinical-genetic model that better discriminates women with a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes and an increased risk of poor outcomes in subsequent pregnancies.

Desvelando el proceso de producción de Les Tumeurs de la Vessiede Joaquín Albarrán 125 años después de su escritura / Revealing the production process of Joaquín Albarrán's Les Tumeurs de la Vessie 125 years after its writing

Objetivo: Investigar cómo Joaquín Albarrán organizó y escribió en 1891 Les Tumeurs de la Vessie, obra impresa por Georges Steinheil en 1892. Material y métodos: Análisis del manuscrito que compila la casuística expuesta en la obra y permite entender su proceso de producción. Se analizan los contenidos del texto, y se pone en evidencia la originalidad y el valor del mismo en el tratado. Resultados: El cuaderno ordena y describe hallazgos histopatológicos realizados personalmente por el autor sobre casos intervenidos o autopsiados en el Hospital Necker entre 1868 y 1891: 28 especímenes numerados de autopsia y 67 identificados por el nombre del paciente (o en su defecto médico, cama y pabellón, y fecha de intervención). El cuaderno contiene también el diseño preliminar de algunas microfotografías impresas en el libro. Se aportan datos histopatológicos sobre la clasificación del cáncer vesical, la vía de extensión linfática, la génesis del cáncer, la heterogeneidad tumoral y algunas descripciones originales (carcinoma epidermoide, nidos de Von Brunn). Otros conceptos clínicos destacados en la obra son la semiología diagnóstica, la evaluación del pronóstico, la extirpación por talla vesical con cierre primario de vejiga y pared abdominal, el papel de la naciente extirpación endoscópica del tumor y el desarrollo experimental de la cistectomía radical con derivación urinaria. Conclusiones: Joaquín Albarrán analizó su experiencia y la de los profesores Reverdin, Guyon y Horteloup. Revisó autopsias y especímenes quirúrgicos de pacientes intervenidos y realizó el estudio histopatológico en cada caso. Se discuten las principales observaciones originales de la obra

Objective: Investigate how in 1891 Joaquín Albarrán organised and wrote his Les Tumeurs de la Vessie, a manuscript printed by Georges Steinheil in 1892. Material and methods: An analysis was conducted of the manuscript that compiles the casuistry set forth in the work, which helps us understand his production process. The contents of the text are analysed, revealing the originality and value of the text in the manuscript. Results: The book describes the author's personal histopathology findings from surgical and autopsied cases in Necker Hospital between 1868 and 1891: 28 numbered autopsy specimens and 67 identified by the patient's name (or, in lieu thereof, the physician's name, bed, ward and date of surgery). The notebook also contains the preliminary design of a number of photomicrographs printed in the book. Histopathology data are provided on the classification of bladder cancer, the pathway of lymphocytic spread, the genesis of cancer, tumoural heterogeneity and a number of original descriptions (squamous cell carcinoma, Von Brunn nests). Other notable clinical concepts include diagnostic symptomatology, prognosis assessment, extirpation by vesical height (with primary closure of the bladder and abdominal wall), the role of nascent endoscopic tumour extirpation and the experimental development of radical cystectomy with urinary diversion. Conclusions: Joaquín Albarrán analysed his experience and that of professors Reverdin, Guyon and Horteloup. He reviewed autopsies and surgical specimens from patients and performed the histopathology study in each case. The main original observations from the work are discussed

Revealing the production process of Joaquín Albarrán's Les Tumeurs de la Vessie 125 years after its writing. / Desvelando el proceso de producción de Les Tumeurs de la Vessie de Joaquín Albarrán 125 años después de su escritura.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate how in 1891 Joaquín Albarrán organised and wrote his Les Tumeurs de la Vessie, a manuscript printed by Georges Steinheil in 1892. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analysis was conducted of the manuscript that compiles the casuistry set forth in the work, which helps us understand his production process. The contents of the text are analysed, revealing the originality and value of the text in the manuscript. RESULTS: The book describes the author's personal histopathology findings from surgical and autopsied cases in Necker Hospital between 1868 and 1891: 28 numbered autopsy specimens and 67 identified by the patient's name (or, in lieu thereof, the physician's name, bed, ward and date of surgery). The notebook also contains the preliminary design of a number of photomicrographs printed in the book. Histopathology data are provided on the classification of bladder cancer, the pathway of lymphocytic spread, the genesis of cancer, tumoural heterogeneity and a number of original descriptions (squamous cell carcinoma, Von Brunn nests). Other notable clinical concepts include diagnostic symptomatology, prognosis assessment, extirpation by vesical height (with primary closure of the bladder and abdominal wall), the role of nascent endoscopic tumour extirpation and the experimental development of radical cystectomy with urinary diversion. CONCLUSIONS: Joaquín Albarrán analysed his experience and that of professors Reverdin, Guyon and Horteloup. He reviewed autopsies and surgical specimens from patients and performed the histopathology study in each case. The main original observations from the work are discussed.

Ovarian mature teratoma: a ten year experience in our institution.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: To describe the surgical management and diagnoses of mature ovarian teratomas and ovarian strumas in the present centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive retrospective analysis of cases of mature ovarian teratoma at the present university-associated hospital over ten years. RESULTS: The mean age was 29 years and in 17 patients the diagnosis was made during other surgery. When surgery was planned, the approach was 80.2% laparoscopic and 16.1% laparotomic. In the laparoscopy group more cases had been diagnosed previously as dermoid cyst by ultrasound and fewer days of hospital admission. In the laparotomy group the authors found higher ultrasound size and the size in the gross pathology description. With regards to treatment, 45.3% of cases underwent ovariectomy and 49.3% a cystectomy. Comparing these two groups, the authors found larger pelvic mass size in the group of ovariectomies. Healthy ovarian tissue in the removed specimen was found more frequently in the ovariectomies group (29.1%) but also in some cystectomies (7.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical treatment of the ovarian mature teratoma in the present center was directed on the basis of ultrasound diagnosis, ultrasound tumor size, and the existence of associated gynecologic pathology. The authors strongly recommend a laparoscopic approach and a cystectomy in order to preserve fertility especially in young women.

El proceso de producción de "Étude sur le Rein des Urinaires", tesis doctoral de Joaquin Albarrán en la Facultad de Medicina de París / The production process of "Étude sur le Rein des Urinaires", Doctoral Thesis of Joaquin María Albarrán at the Faculty of Medicine in Paris

Objetivos: El manuscrito de la tesis doctoral de Joaquín Albarrán de la Facultad de Medicina de París «Étude sur le Rein des Urinaires» ha sido donado a la Asociación Española de Urología. La comparación directa del material original e impreso da información del proceso de producción de esta obra maestra. Material y métodos: La comparación directa entre el trabajo original escrito a mano, un solo volumen de tapa dura con lomo de tela y papel de agua, estaba compuesta por 145 páginas numeradas y 206 páginas numeradas de nuevo de datos clínico-patológicos (37 sujetos) y experimentales (19 ensayos en 20 conejos) y el trabajo impreso editado por Georges Steinheil en 1889. Las impresiones incluían 4 láminas con 14 figuras, 9 gráficos de temperatura y 5 tablas que describen los exámenes de orina. Las figuras eran tricrómicas y los gráficos y tablas en blanco y negro. Las cromolitografías fueron producidas por el Sr. Leuba en la impresión propiedad de Lemercier et Cie, París. Resultados: El trabajo original fue terminado en 1888 sin ningún tipo de corrección o supresión. Las diferencias son notables entre el texto en el trabajo original e impreso: reordenamiento de los datos e inclusión de una nueva observación clínica, 5 nuevos experimentos, resumen y dedicatorias. Los cambios en la iconografía son notables. La obra maestra incluía 24 láminas (numeradas del 1 al 22, 13bis, 16bis) con 46 figuras (44 en color) integradas en el texto y 26 registros de temperatura a doble página que acompañan a las observaciones clínicas. Ilustraciones anatómicas, histológicas y microbiológicas, incluidos los medios de cultivo, tintes microbiológicos y preparados histobacteriológicos se representaron como acuarelas (44%), acuarelas compuestas con lápiz o tinta (52%), o dibujos a lápiz (4%). Cuatro (9%) fueron firmadas por el autor, 5 (11%) tenían anotaciones numéricas y solo 14 (30%) fueron definitivamente impresas con pérdida del componente negro y vueltas a dibujar de 4/14 (29%) imágenes. No se imprimieron las imágenes más grandes. Conclusiones: Joaquín Albarrán describió e ilustró a la perfección el papel que E. coli (pyogenic bacillus) desempeña en la infección renal, la bacteriemia, la insuficiencia renal por sepsis y la muerte del paciente. La evolución de la pielonefritis a perinefritis y absceso perinéfrico se interpretó magistralmente, describiendo por primera vez la infección ascendente y la diseminación peritubular linfática de las bacterias. Las diferencias detectadas entre el trabajo escrito e impreso son numerosas, y pueden explicarse por las correcciones del profesor Guyon antes de la presentación definitiva y por el proceso técnico para llevar a cabo las litografías

Objectives: The manuscript of the Doctoral Thesis of Joaquín Albarrán in the Faculty of Medicine in Paris "Étudesur le Rein des Urinaires" has been donated to Asociación Española de Urología. Direct comparison of the original and printed material gives information of the production process of this master work. Material and Methods: Direct comparison between the original hand-written work, a single hard bound volume covered with loin cloth and water paper composed of 145 numbered pages plus 206 newly numbered pages of clinico-pathological (37 subjects) and experimental (19 assays in 20 rabbits) data, and the printed work edited by Georges Steinheil in 1889. Prints included 4 plates with 14 figures, 9 temperature charts and 5 tables describing urine examinations. Figures were trichromic and charts and tables black & white. Chromolithographs were produced by Mr. Leuba in the printing owned by Lemercier et Cie, Paris. Results: The original work was completed in 1887 without any correction or deletion. Differences are noticeable between the text in the master and printed works: rearrangement of data and inclusion of a new clinical observation, 5 new experiments, summary and dedications. Changes in iconography are noticeable. The masterwork included 24 plates (numbered from 1 to 22, 13bis, 16bis) with 46 figures (44 colored) integrated within the text and 26 double-page temperature registries that accompany clinical observations. Anatomical, histological and microbiological illustrations, including culture media, microbiological stains and histobacteriological preparations were depicted as watercolors (44%), watercolors mixed with pencil or ink (52%) or pencil drawings (4%). Four (9%) were signed by the author, 5 (11%) had numerical annotations and only 14 (30%) were definitely printed with loss of the black component and redrawn of 4/14 (29%) images. The largest images were not printed. Conclusions: Joaquín Albarrán described and beautifully illustrated himself the role "pyogenic bacillus" (E. coli) played in renal infection, bacteriemia, renal failure sepsis and patient death. The evolution of pyelonephritis to perinephritis and perinephric abscess was masterly interpreted, with new description of ascending infection and lymphatic peritubular dissemination of bacteria. The differences detected between written and printed work are numerous and can be explained by the corrections of Prof. Guyon before definite presentation and the technical process to perform the lithographs

The production process of "Étude sur le Rein des Urinaires", doctoral thesis of Joaquin María Albarrán at the Faculty of Medicine in Paris.

OBJECTIVES: The manuscript of the Doctoral Thesis of Joaquín Albarrán in the Faculty of Medicine in Paris "Étudesur le Rein des Urinaires" has been donated to Asociación Española de Urología. Direct comparison of the original and printed material gives information of the production process of this master work. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Direct comparison between the original hand-written work, a single hard bound volume covered with loin cloth and water paper composed of 145 numbered pages plus 206 newly numbered pages of clinico-pathological (37 subjects) and experimental (19 assays in 20 rabbits) data, and the printed work edited by Georges Steinheil in 1889. Prints included 4 plates with 14 figures, 9 temperature charts and 5 tables describing urine examinations. Figures were trichromic and charts and tables black & white. Chromolithographs were produced by Mr. Leuba in the printing owned by Lemercier et Cie, Paris. RESULTS: The original work was completed in 1887 without any correction or deletion. Differences are noticeable between the text in the master and printed works: rearrangement of data and inclusion of a new clinical observation, 5 new experiments, summary and dedications. Changes in iconography are noticeable. The masterwork included 24 plates (numbered from 1 to 22, 13bis, 16bis) with 46 figures (44 colored) integrated within the text and 26 double-page temperature registries that accompany clinical observations. Anatomical, histological and microbiological illustrations, including culture media, microbiological stains and histobacteriological preparations were depicted as watercolors (44%), watercolors mixed with pencil or ink (52%) or pencil drawings (4%). Four (9%) were signed by the author, 5 (11%) had numerical annotations and only 14 (30%) were definitely printed with loss of the black component and redrawn of 4/14 (29%) images. The largest images were not printed. CONCLUSIONS: Joaquín Albarrán described and beautifully illustrated himself the role "pyogenic bacillus" (E. coli) played in renal infection, bacteriemia, renal failure sepsis and patient death. The evolution of pyelonephritis to perinephritis and perinephric abscess was masterly interpreted, with new description of ascending infection and lymphatic peritubular dissemination of bacteria. The differences detected between written and printed work are numerous and can be explained by the corrections of Prof. Guyon before definite presentation and the technical process to perform the lithographs.