Antifungal activity of Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes containing 1,3-bis(benzotriazol-1-yl)-propan-2-ol on the growth and virulence traits of fluconazole-resistant Candida species: synthesis, DFT calculations, and biological activity.

Relevant virulence traits in Candida spp. are associated with dimorphic change and biofilm formation, which became an important target to reduce antifungal resistance. In this work, Co(II) complexes containing a benzotriazole derivative ligand showed a promising capacity of reducing these virulence traits. These complexes exhibited higher antifungal activities than the free ligands against all the Candida albicans and non-albicans strains tested, where compounds 2 and 4 showed minimum inhibitory concentration values between 15.62 and 125 µg mL-1. Moreover, four complexes (2-5) of Co(II) and Cu(II) with benzotriazole ligand were synthesized. These compounds were obtained as air-stable solids and characterized by melting point, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared, Raman and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy. The analysis of the characterization data allowed us to identify that all the complexes had 1:1 (M:L) stoichiometries. Additionally, Density Functional Theory calculations were carried out for 2 and 3 to propose a probable geometry of both compounds. The conformer Da of 2 was the most stable conformer according to the Energy Decomposition Analysis; while the conformers of 3 have a fluxional behavior in this analysis that did not allow us to determine the most probable conformer. These results provide an important platform for the design of new compounds with antifungal activities and the capacity to attack other target of relevance to reduce antimicrobial resistance.

Dispositivo de medición de fuerza de los dedos y su rol en el seguimiento de las funciones de la mano / Device for measuring fingers strength and its role in monitoring hand functions

Introducción y objetivo: El amplio rango de movimiento y fuerza de la mano ha sido clave en el desarrollo de la especie humana dada su capacidad de adaptación según las demandas funcionales. El conocimiento de la anatomía y biomecánica de las estructuras que influyen en la generación de la fuerza de los dedos es crucial para el entendimiento de las alteraciones que pueden producir un deterioro de la misma. Son múltiples los estudios para valorar la fuerza de cada dedo y su rol en la funcionalidad del complejo sistema músculo-esquelético de la mano. En este trabajo descriptivo revisamos conceptos básicos y presentamos las etapas de diseño y construcción de un dispositivo tridimensional capaz de cuantificar de manera individual la fuerza de los dedos para la evaluación en pacientes sanos. Material y método: Realzamos múltiples mediciones en 20 pacientes sanos con un dispositivo que discrimina la fuerza de cada dedo y comparamos los resultados con estudios previamente publicados. Resultados: Los hallazgos numéricos de las diferentes mediciones son equiparables entre si y con los resultados en estudios previos. Conclusiones: Este nuevo dispositivo brinda la posibilidad de medir la fuerza de los dedos de manera individual, como valiosa herramienta en la evaluación del paciente sano y de pacientes con patologías traumáticas y no traumáticas, para cuantificar su grado de discapacidad, evolución postoperatoria o de su enfermedad de manera especifica al dedo comprometido y el impacto en la fuerza global de agarre. (AU)

Background and objective: The wide range of movement and strength of the hand have been key in the development of the human species given its ability to adapt according to functional demands. Knowledge of the anatomy and biomechanics of the structures that influence the generation of fingers force is crucial to understand the alterations that can cause its deterioration. Multiple studies have been conducted to assess the strength of each finger and its role in the functionality of the complex musculoskeletal system of the hand. In this descriptive paper, basic concepts are reviewed and stages of design and construction of a three-dimensional device capable of individually quantify the strength of each finger for healthy patients evaluation is presented. Methods: Multiple measurements were performed in 20 healthy patients with a device that discriminates the strength of each finger, comparing the results with previously published studies. Results: The results of the different measures are comparable with each other and with the results in previous studies. Conclusions:The use of this new device offers the possibility of measuring the strength of the fingers individually, which constitutes a valuable and novel tool in the evaluation of healthy patients and patients with traumatic and non-traumatic pathologies, to quantify their degree of disability, postoperative evolution or its disease specifically to the involved finger and its impact on the global grip strength. (AU)

A4 Pulley Reconstruction Using the Superficialis Oblique Flap and the Transverse Double Loop Techniques: A Biomechanical Evaluation Using a Chicken Model.

BACKGROUND: The pulley system plays an important role in flexion mechanism. Reconstruction after trauma can be challenging. Numerous techniques have been described with several drawbacks. Herein, we describe the superficialis flap oblique technique for A4 pulley reconstruction using an animal model. METHODS: Forty-two fresh legs of 21 eight-week-old chickens were used to evaluate the maximum flexion angle (MFA) and force at maximum flexion (FMF) in intact and sectioned A4 pulley equivalents of the third digit after reconstruction with the transverse double loop (TDL) technique and the superficialis oblique flap (SOF) technique. Biomechanical measurements were obtained in an exclusively designed instrument. Descriptive statistics were reported, and mean differences between the reconstructive techniques were analyzed. RESULTS: Intact and severed A4 pulley equivalent average MFA were 96.50° ± 1.70° and 115.60° ± 1.50°, respectively. Average FMF were 8.16 ± 0.23 psi with the intact pulley and 6.92 ± 0.20 psi with the sectioned pulley (P < 0.001). After reconstruction with TDL and SOF techniques, the legs reached an average MFA at the distal interphalangeal joint of 98.13° ± 1.20° and 96.90° ± 1.30°, respectively. Mean MFA difference was 1.23° (P = 0.03). Force at maximum flexion was 8.12 psi and 8.10 psi for the TDL and SOF techniques (P = 0.6), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The authors believe that SOF technique for A4 pulley reconstruction can be used as first option when available, taking into account its theoretical advantages and its proven biomechanical characteristics. Long-term functional results should be assessed to translate these results into the clinical setting.

A Low-Resources TDC for Multi-Channel Direct ToF Readout Based on a 28-nm FPGA.

In this paper, we present a proposed field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based time-to-digital converter (TDC) architecture to achieve high performance with low usage of resources. This TDC can be employed for multi-channel direct Time-of-Flight (ToF) applications. The proposed architecture consists of a synchronizing input stage, a tuned tapped delay line (TDL), a combinatory encoder of ones and zeros counters, and an online calibration stage. The experimental results of the TDC in an Artix-7 FPGA show a differential non-linearity (DNL) in the range of [-0.953, 1.185] LSB, and an integral non-linearity (INL) within [-2.750, 1.238] LSB. The measured LSB size and precision are 22.2 ps and 26.04 ps, respectively. Moreover, the proposed architecture requires low FPGA resources.

Architecture-Level Optimization on Digital Silicon Photomultipliers for Medical Imaging.

Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) are arrays of single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) connected in parallel. Analog silicon photomultipliers are built in custom technologies optimized for detection efficiency. Digital silicon photomultipliers are built in CMOS technology. Although CMOS SPADs are less sensitive, they can incorporate additional functionality at the sensor plane, which is required in some applications for an accurate detection in terms of energy, timestamp, and spatial location. This additional circuitry comprises active quenching and recharge circuits, pulse combining and counting logic, and a time-to-digital converter. This, together with the disconnection of defective SPADs, results in a reduction of the light-sensitive area. In addition, the pile-up of pulses, in space and in time, translates into additional efficiency losses that are inherent to digital SiPMs. The design of digital SiPMs must include some sort of optimization of the pixel architecture in order to maximize sensitivity. In this paper, we identify the most relevant variables that determine the influence of SPAD yield, fill factor loss, and spatial and temporal pile-up in the photon detection efficiency. An optimum of 8% is found for different pixel sizes. The potential benefits of molecular imaging of these optimized and small-sized pixels with independent timestamping capabilities are also analyzed.

Prepectoral Two-Stage Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction with and without Acellular Dermal Matrix: Do We See a Difference?

BACKGROUND: Prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction has gained popularity because of advantages over the subpectoral technique. Acellular dermal matrix use with implant-based breast reconstruction has become common because of its perceived superior aesthetic outcome. Matrices are expensive, however, and recent evidence has pointed to several potential complications. This article reports a series of prepectoral implant-based breast reconstructions with and without acellular dermal matrix and compared their outcomes. METHODS: This is a single-surgeon retrospective review of patients who underwent staged prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction following nipple-sparing mastectomy over two periods. Patients with well-perfused mastectomy skin flaps with a homogeneous thickness underwent reconstruction with acellular dermal matrix initially. On evolution of the practice, it was not used. Patient demographics, operative data, and complications were analyzed. Aesthetic outcome was measured by the BREAST-Q survey and the Aesthetic Item Scale. A cost analysis was also performed. RESULTS: Forty patients were included (acellular dermal matrix group, n = 19; non-acellular dermal matrix group, n = 21). The nonmatrix group had one case (5 percent) of seroma and one case (5 percent) with hematoma; there were none in the acellular dermal matrix group. Average BREAST-Q and Aesthetic Item Scale scores were 82.3 versus 81.6 (p = 0.954) and 20.98 versus 20.43 (p = 0.640) for the matrix and nonmatrix groups, respectively. The direct cost savings for the authors' institution over 1 year if matrix was not used in all cases of implant-based breast reconstruction would be estimated at $3,105,960 to $6,211,920 for unilateral and bilateral cases, respectively, for Medicare reimbursement. CONCLUSIONS: With adequate patient selection, acellular dermal matrix is not always required during two-stage prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction for good aesthetic outcomes. The economic burden on patients and the health care system could be lessened with selective matrix use. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Assessment of Pelvic Floor Anatomy for Male-to-Female Vaginoplasty and the Role of Physical Therapy on Functional and Patient-Reported Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Rapid increase in number of male-to-female vaginoplasties emphasizes the need for preoperative measures to optimize final surgical and patient-reported outcomes. Hormonal therapy and socioeconomic factors may contribute to a higher incidence of pelvic floor dysfunction in patients undergoing male-to-female vaginoplasty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of pelvic floor dysfunction in this population and the role of physical therapy in its treatment. METHODS: From July 2016 to July 2018, patients scheduled to undergo male-to-female vaginoplasty were evaluated by a physical therapist for pelvic floor dysfunction. Patient charts were reviewed for demographics, comorbidities, and length of hormonal therapy. Those with and without symptoms were compared. Symptomatic patients underwent therapy. Assessment of symptom severity and its impact on daily living were completed at 2- to 3-month intervals with physical therapy using the 6-item Urinary Distress Index 6 and 8-item Colorectal Anal Distress Index components of the 20-item Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) before and after surgery. A third component of the PFDI-20, the 6-item Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory, was also included in the postoperative assessment. RESULTS: Over a 24-month period, a total of 40 patients with a mean age of 40.7 (19-72) years and body mass index of 27.1 kg/m (22-39 kg/m) were enrolled. Comorbidities included 4 patients (10%) with diabetes and 6 patients (15%) with hypertension. Patients with symptoms had a significantly higher mean age (P < 0.01). Only 1 patient (2.5%) had new-onset pelvic floor dysfunction after surgery, and there was no significant increase in severity of symptoms in those with a previous pelvic floor dysfunction postoperatively. Physical therapy significantly (P < 0.01) reduced severity of symptoms and its impact on daily living as assessed by the Urinary Distress Index and Colorectal Anal Distress Index before and after surgery and by the PFDI-20 and 7-item Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Index postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: A high incidence of pelvic floor dysfunction may exist in patients undergoing male-to-female vaginoplasty preoperatively. Screening at this early stage with both preoperative and postoperative therapy can significantly reduce pelvic floor dysfunction and improve symptoms and quality of life for this population.

Cadaver Study of Combined Neurovascular Sensate Flaps to Create Vaginal Erogenous Sensation During Male-to-Female Genital Confirmation Surgery: The Pedicle "O" Flap.

PURPOSE: The lack of erogenous sensitivity in the neovagina is one of the major shortcomings for patients undergoing male-to-female genital confirmation surgery. Remnant fibers of the dorsal nerve of the penis (DNP) after clitroplasty can potentially be used for a second neurovascular pedicle flap for intravaginal erogenous sensation. METHODS: An anatomic dissection of the DNP was performed in 10 male frozen pelvises to identify major trunks and their branches. Lateral branches of DNP were preserved for a sensate "O" pedicle flap for the vagina. The number of main branches in the lateral dorsal aspect of the penis was calculated to ensure sufficient erogenous innervation to the vagina. Cross sections of the penis were used for histological analysis. Optimal width and length of the new sensate flap were described. RESULTS: There were 1, 2, and 3 main branches in the lateral compartment in 2 (20%), 6 (30.7%), and 2 (42.8%) cadavers, respectively. A sensate pedicle flap from the lateral aspect of the glans penis with a mean width of 1.14 cm (range, 0.9-1.28 cm) ensured at least one main branch of the DNP for erogenous sensitivity of the vagina. This sensate vaginal flap and its neurovascular pedicle had a mean length of 9.8 cm (range, 8.7-10.3 cm) allowing its inset into the anterior vaginal canal. CONCLUSION: Lateral branches of the DNP can be preserved for a pedicle sensate flap to the vagina, which can provide patients with an erogenous vaginal "spot" during male-to-female confirmation surgery.

Compensation of PVT Variations in ToF Imagers with In-Pixel TDC.

The design of a direct time-of-flight complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor (dToF-CIS) based on a single-photon avalanche-diode (SPAD) array with an in-pixel time-to-digital converter (TDC) must contemplate system-level aspects that affect its overall performance. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the impact of process parameters, voltage supply, and temperature (PVT) variations on the time bin of the TDC array. Moreover, the design and characterization of a global compensation loop is presented. It is based on a phase locked loop (PLL) that is integrated on-chip. The main building block of the PLL is a voltage-controlled ring-oscillator (VCRO) that is identical to the ones employed for the in-pixel TDCs. The reference voltage that drives the master VCRO is distributed to the voltage control inputs of the slave VCROs such that their multiphase outputs become invariant to PVT changes. These outputs act as time interpolators for the TDCs. Therefore the compensation scheme prevents the time bin of the TDCs from drifting over time due to the aforementioned factors. Moreover, the same scheme is used to program different time resolutions of the direct time-of-flight (ToF) imager aimed at 3D ranging or depth map imaging. Experimental results that validate the analysis are provided as well. The compensation loop proves to be remarkably effective. The spreading of the TDCs time bin is lowered from: (i) 20% down to 2.4% while the temperature ranges from 0 °C to 100 °C; (ii) 27% down to 0.27%, when the voltage supply changes within ±10% of the nominal value; (iii) 5.2 ps to 2 ps standard deviation over 30 sample chips, due to process parameters' variation.

Osseointegrated Finger Prostheses Using a Tripod Titanium Mini-Plate.

BACKGROUND: Digital amputation is a common upper extremity injury and can cause significant impairment in hand function, as well as psychosocial stigma. Currently, the gold standard for the reconstruction of such injuries involves autologous reconstruction. However, when this or other autologous options are not available, prosthetic reconstruction can provide a functionally and aesthetically viable alternative. This study describes a novel technique, known as a tripod titanium mini-plate, for osseointegrated digit prostheses, and reviews the outcomes in a set of consecutive patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent 2-stage prosthetic reconstruction of digit amputations was performed. Demographic information, occupation, mechanism of injury, number of amputated fingers, and level of amputation were reviewed. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were assessed using the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Q-DASH) scale and a visual analog scale (VAS) score, respectively. In addition, complications during the postoperative period were recorded. RESULTS: Seven patients were included in this study. Their average age was 29 years. Five patients had single-digit amputations and 2 patients had multiple-digit amputations. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were assessed using the Q-DASH score (average, 10.4) and VAS score (average, 9.1), respectively. One episode of mild cellulitis was seen at 24 months of follow-up. However, it was treated successfully with oral antibiotics. No other complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: When autologous reconstruction is not suitable for digit reconstruction, prosthetic osseointegrated reconstruction can provide good aesthetic and functional results. However, larger series with longer-term follow-up are required in order to rule out the possibility of other complications.

Taxonomic position of the genus Bicornispora and the appearance of a new species Bicornispora seditiosa.

The discovery of a second species of Bicornispora in Spain, B. seditiosa, which is closely related to B. exophiala but has smaller ascospores, narrower asci and different ecology, gave us the opportunity to culture and sequence the fungus. Phylogenetic analyses of rDNA regions including partial nuc 28S rDNA (28S) and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) supported a close relationship with species of the genus Lambertella (Rutstroemiaceae), placing Bicornispora, previously ascribed to Coryneliales, within Helotiales. This result confirmed an evolutionary linkage between certain inoperculate discomycetes such as Lambertella palmeri and derived cleistothecial forms (Bicornispora spp.). Based on analyses of morphological study and molecular phylogenetic analyses, a new combination Rutstroemia asphodeli is proposed for Ciboria asphodeli.

Focal-plane sensing-processing: a power-efficient approach for the implementation of privacy-aware networked visual sensors.

The capture, processing and distribution of visual information is one of the major challenges for the paradigm of the Internet of Things. Privacy emerges as a fundamental barrier to overcome. The idea of networked image sensors pervasively collecting data generates social rejection in the face of sensitive information being tampered by hackers or misused by legitimate users. Power consumption also constitutes a crucial aspect. Images contain a massive amount of data to be processed under strict timing requirements, demanding high-performance vision systems. In this paper, we describe a hardware-based strategy to concurrently address these two key issues. By conveying processing capabilities to the focal plane in addition to sensing, we can implement privacy protection measures just at the point where sensitive data are generated. Furthermore, such measures can be tailored for efficiently reducing the computational load of subsequent processing stages. As a proof of concept, a full-custom QVGA vision sensor chip is presented. It incorporates a mixed-signal focal-plane sensing-processing array providing programmable pixelation of multiple image regions in parallel. In addition to this functionality, the sensor exploits reconfigurability to implement other processing primitives, namely block-wise dynamic range adaptation, integral image computation and multi-resolution filtering. The proposed circuitry is also suitable to build a granular space, becoming the raw material for subsequent feature extraction and recognition of categorized objects.

Status epilepticus during early development disrupts sexual behavior in adult female rats: recovery with sexual experience.

Female sexual behavior is sensitive to stress and diseases. Some studies have shown that status epilepticus (SE) can affect sexual proceptivity and receptivity in female rats and also increases reject responses towards males. However, epidemiologic studies indicate that SE is more frequent in young individuals. Herein, we assessed the effects of SE in infant females on their sexual behavior during adulthood. Thirteen-day-old (P13) rat pups received intraperitoneal injections of lithium chloride (3 mEq/kg). Twenty hours later, at P14, SE was induced by subcutaneous injection of pilocarpine hydrochloride (100 mg/kg s.c.). Control animals were given an equal volume of saline subcutaneously. The animals were weaned at P21 and, later in adulthood, were ovariectomized and hormone-primed with estradiol+progesterone, and their sexual behavior assessed during 4 separate trials of 30 min each with a stud male. Our results indicate that proceptive behaviors (solicitations and hops and darts) were impaired during the first trial, but no alterations were observed for receptivity and attractivity. By trial 3, all SE females displayed normal proceptivity. These results indicate that SE in infancy readily affects proceptivity in a reversible manner. We discuss the role of sexual experience in recovery.

Detecting single-electron events in TEM using low-cost electronics and a silicon strip sensor.

There is great interest in developing novel position-sensitive direct detectors for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) that do not rely in the conversion of electrons into photons. Direct imaging improves contrast and efficiency and allows the operation of the microscope at lower energies and at lower doses without loss in resolution, which is especially important for studying soft materials and biological samples. We investigate the feasibility of employing a silicon strip detector as an imaging detector for TEM. This device, routinely used in high-energy particle physics, can detect small variations in electric current associated with the impact of a single charged particle. The main advantages of using this type of sensor for direct imaging in TEM are its intrinsic radiation hardness and large detection area. Here, we detail design, simulation, fabrication and tests in a TEM of the front-end electronics developed using low-cost discrete components and discuss the limitations and applications of this technology for TEM.

Prevalencia de obesidad y sobrepesoen la población infantil del Centro de SaludOtero de Ceuta (EPOICE 2009) / Prevalence of obesity and overweight in the paediatric population in the Otero health care in Ceuta

Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de la obesidad y sobrepesoen niños y niñas de entre 6 y 13 años adscritos alCentro de Salud Otero de Ceuta. También se pretendió analizarla obesidad y el sobrepeso en función del sexo, la edad,la realización del desayuno, hacer alguna actividad física y laadscripción cultural.Material y método: estudio descriptivo transversal en niñosy niñas de entre 6 y 13 años, adscritos al Centro de SaludOtero de Ceuta y que acudieron a la consulta de pediatríaentre el 1 de enero y el 30 de junio de 2009. Se planificóestudiar 255 sujetos (seguridad: 95%, proporción esperadade obesidad: 0,21, precisión absoluta: 5%). El instrumentode medida fue un cuestionario validado sobre hábitos dealimentación para la población infantil española (ProgramaPerseo). Se consideró obesidad un Índice de Masa Corporal(IMC) ≥ p 97; y sobrepeso un IMC p ≥ 85-p < 97. Para el análisisbivariante se utilizó el test de Chi cuadrado.Resultados: la prevalencia de obesidad fue del 22,8% (IC95%:17,6-28) y del 19,1% (IC 95%:14,1-24) para el sobrepeso,con una mayor incidencia en el sexo masculino. La obesidadapareció con mayor relevancia en el grupo etáreo 12-13años (45%). Los sujetos que no realizaban ningún tipo de actividaddeportiva presentaban mayor prevalencia de obesidad(29% frente al 17%). No se dio sobrepeso ni obesidad enaquellos niños/as que realizaban un desayuno completo.Conclusiones: los niveles de obesidad/sobrepeso presentadosponen de manifiesto el alarmante problema al que nosenfrentamos. Poner en práctica programas como el que selleva a cabo en la actualidad, a través del grupo PERSEO ola estrategia NAOS, orientados al fomento de hábitos devida saludable, pueden ser los pilares fundamentales dondese deba asentar nuestra política educacional para disminuirlas cifras de obesidad/sobrepeso (AU)

Objective: to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweightin boys and girls aged 6 to 13 years registered at theOtero health care centre in Ceuta. A second aim of the studywas to analyse both these conditions depending on the gender,age, eating or not eating breakfast, the level of physicalactivity and cultural affiliation.Material and method: cross-sectional descriptive study inchildren of both genders aged between 6 and 13 years registeredat the Otero health care centre in Ceuta who werevisited at the paediatric office between 1 January and 30June 2009. The study population included 255 subjects (safety:95%, expected obesity ratio: 0,21, absolute accuracy:5%). The measure instrument used was a validated questionnaireon the nutritional habits for the spanish paediatricpopulation (PERSEO programme). Obesity was consideredas a Body Mass Index (BMI) of p ≥ 85-p < 97. The chisquare test was used for multivariate analysis.Results: the prevalence of obesity was 22,8% (CI95%:17,6-28) and 19,1% (CI 95%: 14,1-24) for overweight, with agreater incidence in boys than girls. Obesity was identifiedin a greater proportion in the age group from 12-13 years(45%). Subjects who did not engage in any type of sportpresented a higher prevalence of obesity (29% vs 17%). Noobesity was found in children who had a full breakfast.Conclusions: the levels of obesity/overweight identifiedshow the very alarming problem we are facing. Programmessuch as the one being currently implemented throughthe PERSEO group or the NAOS strategy, aimed at promotinggood health and notional habits, should be put intoplace urgently, as they should be the fundamental cornerstone on which our educational policy should be based todecrease the observed obesity/overweight figures (AU)

Cirugía refractiva mediante láser excimer / Refractive surgery by means of "excimer" laser and its complications

La cirugía para la corrección de la miopía, hipermetropía y astigmatismo se ha hecho muy popular en los últimos años. Los pacientes consiguen desprenderse de las gafas o lentes de contacto pudiendo realizar actividades diarias sin preocuparse de su visión. Ello se consigue a través de la técnica LASIK (queratomileusis in situ asistida mediante Láser Excimer). Consiste en la aplicación de una luz ultravioleta sobre la córnea con el fin de modificar dicha estructura contrarrestando el defecto óptico existente. Se trata del procedimiento más efectivo y seguro existente hoy en día. A pesar de ello, igual que cualquier procedimiento quirúrgico, no está exento de complicaciones, que pueden ir desde una pequeña inflamación de la zona ocular, hasta casos extremos que requieran un trasplante de córnea. Todas estas complicaciones deben conocerse por el paciente que va a ser sometido a la cirugía en cuestión (AU)

[Refractive surgery with excimer laser]. / Cirugía refractiva mediante láser excimer.

Surgery to correct myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism has become very popular over the past few years. Patients have been able to do away with their glasses or contact lenses are can carry out daily activities without having to worry about their vision. This happens by means of the LASIK technique (in situ "keratomyleusis" assisted by means of an "Excimer" laser). This method consists of the application of ultraviolet light on the cornea in order to modify its structure to offset the existing optical defect. This is the most effective and safest procedure available today. In spite of this, as with any surgical procedure, this procedure is not without its complications which may range from a small inflammation in the eye area to extreme cases which require a cornea transplant. A patient who desires to undergo this surgery should be fully aware of all these complications.