Hexane extract of Persea schiedeana Ness as green corrosion inhibitor for the brass immersed in 0.5 M HCl.

The hexane extract of Persea schiedeana Ness (PSN) was analyzed as corrosion inhibitor for the brass surface immersed in 0.5 M HCl. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and a gas chromatographic (GC) and mass spectrometric (MS) were used to identify the PSN extract's functional groups and compound constituents. The functional groups identified were CH 3 and CH 2 functional alkyl groups, C=O stretching vibration of aldehydes, ketones, and carbonyl groups. The GC/MS determined the presence of fatty acids in the PSN extract, where palmitic acid, oleic acid, and ethyl oleate were the major constituents. Electrochemical characterizations were conducted to observe the effect of PSN as corrosion inhibitor on the brass surface. The Rp and Rn calculated from EIS and ENA give the same behavior. Based on the OCP behavior, it was determined that the PSN works as a mix inhibitor, affecting both anodic and cathodic reactions. The corrosion current density (Icorr) suggests that the extract of PSN reduces the corrosion rate of the brass with efficiencies above 90% for all concentrations. The efficiency obtained for each PSN concentration was attributed to forming a corrosion scale of CuO and Cu 2 O , which reacted with the carboxyl group to form copper carboxylates on the metal surface.

Online Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention on Adherence and Quality of Life in Elderly Adults with Diabetes: Two cases study

During the COVID-19 pandemic, elderly adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have experienced difficulties to adhere to their therapy (TA), a situation which not only has had an impact on their glycemic control, but on their quality of life (QoL) as well. Telepsychology has proved to be an effective alternative to treat health-related complications in patients with this disease, however, results of same are unknown among the Latin American population. The aim of this study was determining the effect of Online Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on TA, overall QoL and specific QoL in two elderly adults with T2DM. The case of a 62-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man who was offered an intervention consisting of nine sessions offered through a video conference platform is presented. The procedure included: psychoeducation, self-control training techniques, behavior reinforcement, feedback and problem solving. The Objective Clinical Change (OCC) evidences an increase in TA behaviors, such as use of medications, following a healthy diet (OCC≥ 0.20) and monitoring capillary blood glucose in the medium term (four months). Likewise, improve specific QoL for T2DM patients (OCC≤ -0.20). It is concluded that telepsychology is a low-cost, safe, feasible and effective type of therapy to increase and maintain TA behaviors, as well as to improve the QoL of patients suffering T2DM. Even though, more research is needed to increase the effectiveness of this therapy modality (AU)

Long-term outcomes of an acellular dermal matrix for the treatment of complex cryptoglandular anal fistula: a pilot study.

BACKGOUND: Effective, standardized treatments for complex anal fistula (CAF) still represent a clinical challenge. Emerging procedures attempted to achieve the healing rates of fistulotomy whilst preserving sphincter function. Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) used as a plug inserted through the fistulous tract is among newer treatment options. Varying success rates have been reported, most with short-term follow-up. The aim of this study was to report the long-term results of ADM-plug for CAF. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospective database of patients treated with CAF. All consecutive patients presenting at two tertiary centers (Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Bellvitge University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain) between November 2015 and March 2019 with a single, cryptoglandular CAF were evaluated for treatment with an ADM-plug were included. The primary endpoint was absence of discharge at clinical examination at 12 month follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included [7 women and 15 men, median age 56 (33-74) years]. Most patients had high transsphincteric fistulas (63.6%). The median follow-up was 42 (21-53) months. The 12 month success rate was 68.2%, with an overall healing rate of 59.1%. 77.8% of recurrences occurred within 12 months from surgery. One plug extrusion was observed. No major complications or mortality occurred during the follow-up. Patients did not report any worsening of fecal continence. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed that more than half of patients with CAF could benefit from ADM-plug placement, preserving continence. A minimum follow-up of 12 months is recommended, because most recurrences occur during the first year.

Fracturas intraarticulares de calcáneo. ¿Las placas bloqueadas mantienen la reducción mejor que las convencionales? / Intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Do locking plates keep the reduction better than conventional plates?

Introducción: Desde el desarrollo de las placas bloqueadas, las fracturas de calcáneo han sido consideradas como ideales para este tipo de fijación, debido a la necesidad de mantener la altura de la articulación subastragalina tras las fracturas con hundimiento, en una localización donde la calidad ósea suele ser pobre. Sin embargo, no contamos con estudios comparativos que apoyen la superioridad teórica de estas placas frente a las convencionales. El objetivo de este estudio es comparar los resultados de las fracturas intraarticulares de calcáneo tratadas mediante placas bloqueadas versus convencionales, en cuanto a pérdida de reducción radiológica, complicaciones y número de reintervenciones. Material y métodos: Diseñamos un estudio comparativo de fracturas de calcáneo intervenidas en nuestro centro mediante abordaje en «L». Se establecieron 2 grupos: grupo B, formado por 15 pacientes intervenidos entre los años 2010 y 2015 con placas bloqueadas de calcáneo, y grupo A, formado por una muestra aleatoria estratificada de 23 pacientes extraídos de una cohorte histórica de 90 pacientes intervenidos en nuestro centro entre 1997 y 2007 con placas convencionales de calcáneo. Se registraron datos demográficos (edad, sexo, diabetes mellitus, tabaquismo) y datos relacionados con la fractura (tipo de fractura según la clasificación de Sanders, complicaciones, demora prequirúrgica). Para evaluar la pérdida de reducción se evaluaron radiográficamente la angulación en varo del calcáneo (medida en la proyección axial), el ángulo de Böhler y el ángulo de Gissane. Dichos ángulos se midieron preoperatoriamente, en el postoperatorio inmediato y al final del seguimiento. Finalmente, se registraron las complicaciones y el número de reintervenciones. Resultados: No hubo diferencias en cuanto a la edad, el sexo y el tipo de fractura entre ambos grupos. Hubo mayor pérdida de la angulación en varo en el grupo A, 0,6 vs. 0,41°, también hubo mayor disminución del ángulo de Böhler en el grupo A, 3,79 vs. 2,6°, mientras que el ángulo de Gissane disminuyó más en el grupo B, 4,13 vs. 2,52°. No hubo diferencias significativas en la proporción de complicaciones y reintervenciones entre ambos grupos. Conclusión: En nuestro estudio no se observan diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos en cuanto a la pérdida de reducción radiológica, las complicaciones y el número de reintervenciones. Sin embargo, observamos una mayor pérdida de reducción en el ángulo de Böhler en los pacientes intervenidos con placas convencionales

Introduction: Since the development of locking plates, calcaneal fractures have been considered ideal for this type of fixation, due to the need to maintain the height of the subastragaline joint after depression fractures in a location where bone quality tends to be poor. However, there are no comparative studies that support the theoretical superiority of these plates over conventional plates. The aim of this study was to compare the results of intraarticular calcaneal fractures treated using locking plates vs. conventional plates in terms of radiological reduction, complications and number of reinterventions. Material and methods: We designed a comparative study of calcaneal fractures operated in our centre using the "L" approach. Two groups were established: group B, comprising 15 patients operated between 2010 and 2015 with calcaneal locking plates, and group A, comprising a stratified random sample of 23 patients taken from a historical cohort of 90 patients operated in our centre between 1997 and 2007 using conventional calcaneal plates. Demographic data were recorded (age, sex, diabetes mellitus, smoking) and data relating to the fracture (type of fracture according to Sander's classification system, complications, presurgical delay). To evaluate loss of reduction, varus angulation of the calcaneus (measured from the axial view), Böhler's angle and Gissane's angle were assessed radiographically. These angles were measured preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at the end of follow-up. Finally, we recorded complications and the number of reinterventions. Results: There were no differences in terms of age, sex or fracture type between the 2 groups. There was greater loss of varus angulation in group A, 0.6 vs. 0.41°, and there was greater reduction in Böhler's angle in group A, 3.79 vs. 2.6°, while Gissane's angle decreased more in group B, 4.13 vs. 2.52°. There were no significant differences in the proportion of complications and reinterventions between the 2 groups. Conclusion: In our study we observed no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of radiological reduction, complications or number of reinterventions. However, we did observe a greater loss of reduction of Böhler's angle in the patients who were operated using conventional plates

Intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Do locking plates keep the reduction better than conventional plates? / Fracturas intraarticulares de calcáneo. ¿Las placas bloqueadas mantienen la reducción mejor que las convencionales?

INTRODUCTION: Since the development of locking plates, calcaneal fractures have been considered ideal for this type of fixation, due to the need to maintain the height of the subastragaline joint after depression fractures in a location where bone quality tends to be poor. However, there are no comparative studies that support the theoretical superiority of these plates over conventional plates. The aim of this study was to compare the results of intraarticular calcaneal fractures treated using locking plates vs. conventional plates in terms of radiological reduction, complications and number of reinterventions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed a comparative study of calcaneal fractures operated in our centre using the "L" approach. Two groups were established: group B, comprising 15 patients operated between 2010 and 2015 with calcaneal locking plates, and group A, comprising a stratified random sample of 23 patients taken from a historical cohort of 90 patients operated in our centre between 1997 and 2007 using conventional calcaneal plates. Demographic data were recorded (age, sex, diabetes mellitus, smoking) and data relating to the fracture (type of fracture according to Sander's classification system, complications, presurgical delay). To evaluate loss of reduction, varus angulation of the calcaneus (measured from the axial view), Böhler's angle and Gissane's angle were assessed radiographically. These angles were measured preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at the end of follow-up. Finally, we recorded complications and the number of reinterventions. RESULTS: There were no differences in terms of age, sex or fracture type between the 2 groups. There was greater loss of varus angulation in group A, 0.6 vs. 0.41°, and there was greater reduction in Böhler's angle in group A, 3.79 vs. 2.6°, while Gissane's angle decreased more in group B, 4.13 vs. 2.52°. There were no significant differences in the proportion of complications and reinterventions between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: In our study we observed no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of radiological reduction, complications or number of reinterventions. However, we did observe a greater loss of reduction of Böhler's angle in the patients who were operated using conventional plates.

Evaluation of psychometric properties of instruments measuring nursing-sensitive outcomes: a systematic review.

AIM: To evaluate the psychometric properties of instruments measuring Nursing-sensitive Outcomes in acute care hospitals. INTRODUCTION: Nursing-sensitive outcomes have been shown to play an active role in the quality of care and cost-effectiveness of health systems. Tools for assessing nursing-sensitive outcomes are necessary to evaluate the nurses' contributions to the health of patients. METHODS: Psychometric systematic review. The SCOPUS, PubMed, CINAHL, PsychoINFO, EMBASE, Science Direct and Web of Science databases were used. Searches were performed between March and May 2018. A search with screened titles and abstracts, assessment of methodological quality using the COSMIN checklist and risk of bias assessment using QUADAS-2 were carried out. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies validated 26 different instruments. The methodological quality, measured with the COSMIN checklist, showed that the studies which assessed fewer psychometric properties had poorer quality. The majority of studies had high quality, and optimally assessed the risk of bias evaluated with QUADAS-2. DISCUSSION: Concerning the focus of the scales, some of them focused on the patients while others focused on the nursing staff. The scales found assessed aspects such as nursing-care quality, complexity and personalization. CONCLUSION: The majority of studies had a high methodological strength and a thorough validation process. The Nurse Caring Behaviours Scale, the MISSCARE Survey, the Patient Advocacy Engagement Scale and the INICIARE scale were the tools which best combined structure, methodological quality and risk of bias. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: The instruments with the best psychometric properties should be implemented in acute care settings to improve the quality of care, assess the effectiveness of nursing interventions, reduce health expenditure and reduce the occurrence of adverse events.

A novel MYH7 founder mutation causing Laing distal myopathy in Southern Spain.

MYH7 gene mutations are associated with wide clinical and genetic heterogeneity. We report a novel founder mutation in MYH7 in Southern Spain (Andalucía). We studied two index patients and 24 family members from two apparently independent families by physical examination, serum creatine-kinase, muscle MRI, sequencing studies and genetic linkage analysis. Sixteen individuals were heterozygous for a (p.R1560P) variant in the MYH7 gene. Haplotype was consistent with a common ancestor for the two families. The patients displayed the classic Laing distal myopathy phenotype, with hanging first toe as the initial presentation, even in mildly affected patients who declared themselves asymptomatic, although neck flexor weakness was revealed as an early sign in some cases. MRI showed that the sartorius was the first muscle involved, even in two out of three asymptomatic carriers. Our findings support the novel variant p.R1560P in MYH7 as a founder mutation in Andalucía. The early involvement of the sartorius muscle in MRI may be useful as an indicator of affection status.

Correction to: Distal Doppler-guided transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization with mucopexy versus conventional hemorrhoidectomy for grade III and IV hemorrhoids: postoperative morbidity and long-term outcomes.

The article "Distal Doppler-guided transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization with mucopexy versus conventional hemorrhoidectomy for grade III and IV hemorrhoids: postoperative morbidity and long-term outcomes", written by L. Trenti, S. Biondo, A. Galvez, A. Bravo, J. Cabrera, E. Kreisler, was originally published electronically on the publisher's internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on [27 April 2017] without open access. With the author(s)' decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 7 June, 2018 to

MS tools for a systematic approach in survey for carotenoids and their common metabolites.

Metabolism of the carotenoids in humans is often reserved to bioconversion of provitamin A carotenoids in retinoids and oxidative/degradative products arising from enzymatic eccentric cleavage, yielding apo-carotenoids. Nevertheless, additional metabolic routes should be available, and some of the structures of those metabolites have only been anticipated. The identification of carotenoids and their metabolites is commonly performed by HPLC coupled to MS. The acquisition of MS data in different instrumental modes and hardware configurations allows the detailed structural description of the target compound. Indeed, the MS data of carotenoids and their metabolites available in literature could be collected in a database to automatically perform a screening of the theoretical MS data included in the database with the MS experimental values. This review describes the required fundamentals for a systematic pursuit of carotenoids and their metabolites. Highlights on the use of appropriate hyphenated HPLC-MS systems and the requirements for the identification are discussed, while the application of software tools to apply filtering rules and the implementation of post-processing workflow, which uses two orthogonal criteria for the identification from the mass spectra data, are described.

Distal Doppler-guided transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization with mucopexy versus conventional hemorrhoidectomy for grade III and IV hemorrhoids: postoperative morbidity and long-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Distal Doppler-guided transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization with mucopexy (Doppler-guided THD) seems to be associated with better short-term outcomes than conventional hemorrhoidectomy, but there are little data about long-term recurrence. The aim of this study was to compare Doppler-guided THD for grade III-IV hemorrhoids with conventional hemorrhoidectomy with regard to long-term postoperative morbidity and recurrence. METHODS: This was a single-center longitudinal and comparative study of a cohort of patients who underwent either distal Doppler-guided THD with low ligation of the hemorrhoidal artery and mucopexy or conventional excisional hemorrhoidectomy (Milligan and Morgan or Ferguson) for grade III and IV hemorrhoids. Short- and long-term postoperative morbidity was recorded. Severity of hemorrhoid symptoms (bleeding, prolapse, manual reduction, discomfort or pain and impact on quality of life) and fecal continence status (Vaizey score) were evaluated before surgery and at minimum of 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients were included in the study. Forty-nine patients (59%) underwent Doppler-guided THD, and 34 (41%) patients underwent conventional hemorrhoidectomy. The 30-day postoperative surgical morbidity was 26.5% in the Doppler-guided THD group and 8.82% in the conventional hemorrhoidectomy group (p = 0.085). No significant differences between the groups were observed in terms of persistence of bleeding, prolapse, need for manual reduction in prolapse and pain. One (2%) patient in the THD group and 2 (5.4%) patients in the conventional hemorrhoidectomy group needed further surgical procedures. Minor fecal incontinence occurred only after conventional hemorrhoidectomy in 2 (5.4%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that Doppler-guided THD is not inferior to conventional excisional hemorrhoidectomy for advanced hemorrhoidal disease in terms of postoperative complications and long-term recurrence of symptoms.

Anastomic urethroplasty in bulbar urethral stricture. 13 years experience in a department of urology. / Uretroplastia anastomótica en el manejo de estenosis de uretra bulbar. Experiencia de 13 años en un Servicio de Urología.

UNLABELLED: Urethral stenosis is a common disease in the clinical practice of urology, with a major impact on the quality of life of patients. The anastomotic urethroplasty is a technique with very precise indications usually membranous or bulbar urethra stenosis with a length of 3 cm or up to 7 cm when it is secondary to urethral disruptions (no stenosis) after pelvic trauma. OBJECTIVE: We review anastomotic urethroplasty performed in our department between 2002 and 2015. METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive and inferential analysis on 107 patients out of 482 treated with Anastomotic urethroplasty by urethral strictures at the Urology Department of the Hospital "Virgen de la Victoria" (Malaga) from January 2002 to September 2015, establishing effectiveness and safety of the technique, as well as factors that might influence the results. The main diagnostic method was retrograde urethrography and voiding cystourethrography in 100% of patients undergoing surgery, using voiding uroflowmetry for subsequent monitoring. The definition of success was a postoperative flowmetry with Qmax>15 ml/s, and in case of lower flow, we perform a cystoscopy to verify recurrence of stenosis or exclude other pathology. RESULTS: The median age was 42 years, with a mean follow up of 59 months. The length of stenosis valued by retrograde urethrography and voiding cystourethrography was in 91.6% of cases of >1 cm and <2 cm. The most common etiology was idiopathic in 72.9%, followed by iatrogenic with 15.9%. Regarding the location, it was observed that the area most often affected was the bulbar urethra with 82.2%, with the membranous urethra in second place. In 77.6% of patients anastomotic urethroplasty was the initial treatment, followed in frequency by direct vision internal urethrotomy 9.3%. In the case of comorbidities associated with treatment with anastomotic urethroplasty it was observed that only Diabetes Mellitus had a tendency to statistical significance, with p=0.092, not demonstrating such significance in the case of hypertension or when the subject presented Diabetes Mellitus together with hypertension. Finally, the intervention was successful in 102 cases (95.3%), with only 5 cases (4.7%) where it failed, 4 of them treated with a new Anastomotic urethroplasty, with resolution of the stricture. CONCLUSIONS: Anastomotic urethroplasty is the treatment of choice for short bulbar urethral stricture, with high success rate and low complication rate, as well as low recurrence of these.

The impact of enterocin AS-48 on the shelf-life and safety of sardines (Sardina pilchardus) under different storage conditions.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of enterocin AS-48, packaged under normal atmosphere (NA), vacuum (VP) or modified atmosphere (MAP) on the shelf life and safety of fresh sardines (Sardina pilchardus) stored at 5 °C. We studied the effect of these hurdles, alone or combined, on the relevant autochthonous bacterial populations. Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content was used as indicative of freshness. Levels of biogenic amines cadaverine, putrescine, tyramine, and histamine were also determined. The application of AS-48 did not reduce the mesophilic, psychrotrophic, or Gram negative bacteria viable cell counts under any of the storage conditions tested. AS-48 did cause significant reductions in viable staphylococci counts, especially under VP. In sardines under NA treated with AS-48, the populations of histamine- and tyramine-forming total and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) showed no significant reductions. MAP or VP with AS-48 allowed reductions (significant at some storage times) in histamine- and tyramine-forming LAB. The TVB-N content was also reduced under normal atmosphere and, especially, in sardines stored under MAP. The most interesting results are those concerning the decrease (by several fold) in the levels of the biogenic amines cadaverine, putrescine, tyramine, and histamine determined after treatment with AS-48.

Effect of virgin and refined olive oil consumption on gut microbiota. Comparison to butter.

There is increasing evidence of the health benefits of olive oil consumption in the diet. Some authors have studied the effect of high fat/high calorie diets and have detected changes on the microbiota. However, these studies are mainly based on saturated fats. Here we present a study on the specific effect on gut bacterial populations of extra virgin olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and phenolic compounds, in comparison to refined olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids but low in phenolic compounds, and to butter, rich in saturated fatty acids and cholesterol. Four groups of animals were studied: one group of mice received a standard chow diet, and the other received three high fat diets, rich in extra virgin olive oil, refined olive oil or butter. Evolution of symbiont population in feces was studied using culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. In the latter, the V3 region of 16S rDNA was amplified and separated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis; followed by sequencing of the most representative bands. Culture-dependent studies and comparison of the different DGGE profiles throughout the experiment demonstrated that different dietary fats had different effects on gut microbial composition. Butter-induced changes in the microbial counts resembled those previously described in obese individuals. Interestingly, a different behavior between extra virgin and refined olive oil was also observed, extra virgin olive oil being most different from butter. To our knowledge, no studies have analyzed gut microbiota depending on diets with different fatty acid saturations including different types of olive oil. This may offer new data supporting the benefits for health of extra virgin olive oil, so important in the Mediterranean diet.

[Cost-effectiveness analysis of fixed dose antihypertensive drugs]. / Análisis coste-eficacia de los antihipertensivos en dosis fijas.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the efficiency of different fixed-dose combinations of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers and calcium channel blockers, to use it as a guide to assist the rational prescribing in antihypertensive therapy. METHODS: The efficacy of each drug was obtained from intervention studies randomized, double-blind, made with these combinations and a utility-cost modeling from the model proposed and used by NICE. The perspective of our analysis is the National Health System and the time horizon is long enough to achieve therapeutic goals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cost per mmHg reduction in BP, percentage of reduction necessary to achieve the therapeutic goals for hypertension control and cost, and finally quantity and quality of life gained with these treatments in patients with hypertension, diabetes. RESULTS: We studied three fixed-dose combinations: amlodipine/olmesartán, amlodipine/valsartan and manidipine/delapril. The cost per mmHg systolic BP ranged from 24.93 to 12.34 €/mmHg, and diastolic BP ranged from 34.24 to 18.76 €/mmHg, depending on the drug used. For an initial value of 165mmHg systolic BP the most efficient treatment to achieve the therapeutic goal of hypertension control (<140mmHg) is manidipine/delapril with a cost of 67.76 €. The use of these drugs to control diabetic and hypertensive patients resulted in all cases being cost-effective (more effective and lower cost compared to "no treatment"). Manidipine/delapril showed the best relation cost-utility (1,970 €/QALY (quality-adjusted life year)) followed by amlodipine/olmesartan and amlodipine/valsartan (2,087 and 2,237 €/QALY, respectively).

Isolation and characterization of a nisin-like bacteriocin produced by a Lactococcus lactis strain isolated from charqui, a Brazilian fermented, salted and dried meat product.

A Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis strain (L. lactis 69) capable to produce a heat-stable bacteriocin was isolated from charqui, a Brazilian fermented, salted and sun-dried meat product. The bacteriocin inhibited, in vitro, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, several lactic acid bacteria isolated from foods and spoilage halotolerant bacteria isolated from charqui. The activity of the bacteriocin was not affected by pH (2.0-10.0), heating (100 °C), and chemical agents (1% w/v). Treatment of growing cells of L. monocytogenes ScottA with the cell-free supernatant of L. lactis 69 resulted in complete cell inactivation. L. lactis 69 harbored the gene for the production of a nisin-like bacteriocin, and the amino acid sequence of the active peptide was identical to sequences previously described for nisin Z. However, differences were observed regarding the leader peptide. Besides, the isolate was able to survive and produce bacteriocins in culture medium with NaCl content up to 20%, evidencing a potential application as an additional hurdle in the preservation of charqui.

Effects of sulphate addition and sulphide inhibition on microbial fuel cells.

The effects of adding sulphate in: (i) standard activated sludge microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and (ii) larger-scale leachate-treating columns - both as individual units and as a system connected in cascade - are reported. S-replete power output was ∼2-fold higher than that of the S-deplete MFC. Furthermore, the effects of evolved sulphide (S(2-)) inhibition were investigated. The overall decrease in power output from the sulphide inhibitor (Na(2)MoO(4)) additions was 83% for the S-replete and 90% for the S-deplete. The second phase with the leachate treating units shows an improvement of 32-86% (depended on leachate strength) in current output as a result of adding sulphate. When leachate column MFCs were connected fluidically in series, the amount of Na(2)SO(4) made available downstream was decreasing (increase in power was 99%, 40% and 12% for columns in cascade). Results demonstrated the beneficial effects of added sulphur sources to both activated sludge and leachate-treating MFCs.

Immunohistochemical detection of the putative mechanoproteins ASIC2 and TRPV4 in avian herbst sensory corpuscles.

The avian Herbst corpuscles are the equivalent of the Pacinian corpuscles in mammals, and detect vibration and the movement of joints and feathers. Therefore, they can be regarded as rapidly adapting low-threshold mechanoreceptors. In recent years, it has been establish that some ion channels are involved in mechanosensation and are present in both mechanosensory neurons and mechanoreceptors. Here we have used immunohistochemistry to localize some putative mechanoproteins in the Herbst corpuscles from the rictus of Columba livia. The proteins investigated were the subunits of the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC), the transient-receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), and the acid-sensing ion channel 2 (ASIC2). Immunoreactivity for ENaC subunits was never found in Herbst corpuscles, while the axon expressed ASIC2 and TRPV4 immunoreactivity. Moreover, TRPV4 was also detected in the cell forming the inner core. The present results demonstrate for the first time the occurrence of mechanoproteins in avian low-threshold mechanoreceptors and provide further evidence for a possible role of the ion channels in mechanosensation.

Eficacia y durabilidad de la electroestimulación percutánea del nervio tibial posterior en el tratamiento de la vejiga hiperactiva idiopática con procedimiento enfermero asociado / No disponible

El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la respuesta a la electroestimulación percutánea del nervio tibial posterior (PTNS), en un grupo de pacientes con diagnóstico de vejiga hiperactiva y determinar cuándo se debe reiniciar un nuevo tratamiento. Se presenta una cohorte retrospectiva de 53 mujeres, de edades comprendidas entre 30 y 82 años, con una media de 61,5 años. Todas fueron sometidas a estudios urodinámicos antes y después del tratamiento, realizados de acuerdo a las recomendaciones de la Sociedad Internacional de Continencia (ICS).Paralelamente se diseñó y realizó un procedimiento enfermero a lo largo de todas las sesiones del tratamiento, orientado a la enseñanza de ejercicios y técnicas conductuales para el control voluntario de la micción. Se ha utilizado el programa SPSS 15.0 para el tratamiento estadístico de los datos, llegando a la conclusión de que la PTNS es segura, efectiva y una buena opción en pacientes con vejiga hiperactiva refractaria al tratamiento médico o con intolerancia al mismo y que el tratamiento debería reiniciarse después de 24 meses. La tasa de pacientes con reducción superior al 50% en los episodios de micción fue mayor que el reportado por otros autores. Los conocimientos adquiridos por medio del procedimiento enfermero utilizado ayudan a mantener la mejoría, aunque se ha observado que después de un tiempo se relajan estos hábitos (AU)

The purpose of this study is to assess the answer to the (PTNS) for a group of patients diagnosed with, determining the optimal timing for reinitiating a new treatment plan. This retrospective cohort study included a total of 53 patients (range 30-82 years; median age 61.5 years), with an age range from 30 to 82 years; with an median age of 61.5 years. They underwent urodynamic studies before and after the treatment, conducted in accordance with the recommendations set forth by the International Continence Society (ICS). Simultaneously a nursing procedure was designed and performed all along the sessions of the treatment, oriented towards training exercises and behavioural techniques for voluntary control of urination. Patients with > 50% reduction in episodes of urination were higher than those reported by other authors. Knowledge gained throughout the Nursing procedure help to maintain improvement, although it has been observed that these habits get relaxed after some time (AU)

[Femoral superficial vein thrombosis due to a large iliopsoas bursitis secondary to polyethylene wear debris in total hip arthroplasty]. / Trombosis de la vena femoral superficial por gran bursitis en psoas secundaria a enfermedad de las partículas en artroplastia total de cadera.

A 76 year old male patient with a history of implantation of a total hip arthroplasty Perfecta (Orthomet(®)), who presented with an iliac fossa mass, increased diameter of the thigh, and pain during hip flexion and extension. CT and ultrasound show the presence of a giant cystic mass in left iliac fossa about 7 cm in diameter next to the prosthesis. A pseudo-tumour secondary to wear debris after placement of a total arthroplasty is rare. We present a case of a large iliopsoas bursitis caused by polyethylene particles, which caused compression and thrombosis of the superficial femoral vein.