Butyrate supplementation in the liquid diet of dairy calves leads to a rapid recovery from diarrhea and reduces its occurrence and relapses in the preweaning period.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of continuous butyrate administration in dairy calves' liquid diet considering diarrhea, metabolic profile, gastrointestinal development, and corporal growth. Immediately after birth, calves were randomly allocated into 2 groups of 62 calves (50 females and 12 males), with access to water and a solid feed ad libitum. The butyrate group (BG) received 4 g/d of sodium butyrate (Admix Easy, Adisseo) diluted in the whole milk, and the control group (CG) received whole milk with no supplementation. Sodium butyrate was administered from d 1 of life until the weaning at 90 d. Feces consistency was assessed daily for the first 30 d of life and characterized by scores from 0 to 4 (0 and 1 for normal, and 2, 3, and 4 for abnormal feces). Diarrhea was diagnosed when the animals had abnormal feces and fever. Morbidity, recurrence, mortality, and lethality data were recorded and compared between the groups. Average daily gain (ADG) and corporal growth (body weight, thoracic perimeter, height at the withers, and croup width) were evaluated weekly, from the first day to d 30, and later at 45, 60, and 90 d of life. Blood samples were taken weekly for up to 30 d to determine the circulating levels of total calcium, phosphorus, chloride, bicarbonate, glucose, ß-hydroxybutyrate, and nonesterified fatty acids. The males were euthanized at 15 (n = 6 per group) and 30 d (n = 6 per group) for morphometric, histological, and gene expression analysis of the gastrointestinal tract. The results showed that the BG had a lower rate of morbidity (BG = 30% vs. CG = 50%) and recurrence (BG = 26.7% vs. CG = 60%) of diarrhea than the CG. In addition, the BG had abnormal feces for a shorter period (BG = 4.64 ± 0.47 d vs. CG = 8.6 ± 0.65 d). The ADG tended to be higher in BG than CG up to 30 and 60 d. Metabolic evaluations showed the lowest levels of glucose and highest levels of nonesterified fatty acids in BG. On d 30 of life, rumen papillae length, papilla area, duodenum villus length, and crypt depth were higher in BG than in CG. The duodenal gene expression at 30 d showed that animals with diarrhea episodes that did not receive butyrate had the highest levels of transcripts for the LCT and GLP2 genes. In addition, in different ways, both butyrate and neonatal diarrhea affected the gene expression of IGF1, SLC5A1, and AQP3. These results allow us to conclude that continuous supplementation with sodium butyrate improves gastrointestinal development, reduces the occurrence of diarrhea, and makes clinical conditions milder with faster recovery, favoring a higher ADG in the first 30 and 60 d of life. Based on these results, we conclude that sodium butyrate can be indicated for liquid diet supplementation to accelerate gastrointestinal tract development and prevent severe cases of neonatal diarrhea, tending to improve average daily gain until weaning.

Determination of the nonradiative conversion efficiency of lead mixed-halide perovskites using optical and photothermal spectroscopy.

Mixed-halide organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites are considered promising light-absorbing materials in the development of solar cells related to the obtained high-power conversion efficiency. Current efforts are focused on the study of the energy-conversion mechanisms, where the nonradiative recombination pathway is the least explored. In this work, a combination of optical and photoacoustic spectroscopies is used to determine the visible spectral light-into-heat conversion efficiency of lead-based mixed-halide organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites in a semicomplete n-i-p mesoscopic perovskite solar cell (PSC). A remarkable average conversion efficiency of about 87% has been found for the nonradiative combination in the perovskite, with the estimated composition ${{\rm FA}_{0.71}}{{\rm MA}_{0.29}}{{\rm PbI}_{2.9}}{{\rm Br}_{0.1}}$FA0.71MA0.29PbI2.9Br0.1 in the wavelength range of 400 to 800 nm. As a result, 13% of the incident light is transformed in radiative recombination processes and/or photodegradation of the material. Furthermore, the extinction coefficient and refractive index of the material are reported, and it was found that the optical constants and the optical absorption in the short-wavelength range are significantly smaller than previously reported for${{\rm MAPbI}_3}$MAPbI3.

Measurement of the hysteretic thermal properties of W-doped and undoped nanocrystalline powders of VO2.

Hysteresis loops exhibited by the thermal properties of undoped and 0.8 at.% W-doped nanocrystalline powders of VO2 synthesized by means of the solution combustion method and compacted in pellets, are experimentally measured by photothermal radiometry. It is shown that: (i) the W doping reduces both the hysteresis loops of VO2 and its transition temperature up to 15 °C. (ii) The thermal diffusivity decreases (increases) until (after) the metallic domains become dominant in the VO2 insulating matrix, such that its variation across the metal-insulation transition is enhanced by 23.5% with W-0.8 at.% doping. By contrast, thermal conductivity (thermal effusivity) increases up to 45% (40%) as the metallic phase emerges in the VO2 structure due to the insulator-to-metal transition, and it enhances up to 11% (25%) in the insulator state when the local rutile phase is induced by the tungsten doping. (iii) The characteristic peak of the VO2 specific heat capacity is observed in both heating and cooling processes, such that the phase transition of the 0.8 at.% W-doped sample requires about 24% less thermal energy than the undoped one. (iv) The impact of the W doping on the four above-mentioned thermal properties of VO2 mainly shows up in its insulator phase, as a result of the distortion of the local lattice induced by the electrons of tungsten. W doping at 0.8 at.% thus enhances the VO2 capability to transport heat but diminishes its thermal switching efficiency.

Thermal hysteresis measurement of the VO2 emissivity and its application in thermal rectification.

Hysteresis loops in the emissivity of VO2 thin films grown on sapphire and silicon substrates by a pulsed laser deposition process are experimentally measured through the thermal-wave resonant cavity technique. Remarkable variations of about 43% are observed in the emissivity of both VO2 films, within their insulator-to-metal and metal-to-insulator transitions. It is shown that: i) The principal hysteresis width (maximum slope) in the VO2 emissivity of the VO2 + silicon sample is around 3 times higher (lower) than the corresponding one of the VO2 + sapphire sample. VO2 synthesized on silicon thus exhibits a wider principal hysteresis loop with slower MIT than VO2 on sapphire, as a result of the significant differences on the VO2 film microstructures induced by the silicon or sapphire substrates. ii) The hysteresis width along with the rate of change of the VO2 emissivity in a VO2 + substrate sample can be tuned with its secondary hysteresis loop. iii) VO2 samples can be used to build a radiative thermal diode able to operate with a rectification factor as high as 87%, when the temperature difference of its two terminals is around 17 °C. This record-breaking rectification constitutes the highest one reported in literature, for a relatively small temperature change of diode terminals.

Extending MAM5 Meta-Model and JaCalIV E Framework to Integrate Smart Devices from Real Environments.

This paper presents the extension of a meta-model (MAM5) and a framework based on the model (JaCalIVE) for developing intelligent virtual environments. The goal of this extension is to develop augmented mirror worlds that represent a real and virtual world coupled, so that the virtual world not only reflects the real one, but also complements it. A new component called a smart resource artifact, that enables modelling and developing devices to access the real physical world, and a human in the loop agent to place a human in the system have been included in the meta-model and framework. The proposed extension of MAM5 has been tested by simulating a light control system where agents can access both virtual and real sensor/actuators through the smart resources developed. The results show that the use of real environment interactive elements (smart resource artifacts) in agent-based simulations allows to minimize the error between simulated and real system.

Intubación traqueal «a ciegas» con la mascarilla air-Q ® (ILA-Cookgas). Comparación con la mascarilla laríngea de intubación ILMA-Fastrach™ / Blind tracheal intubation with the air-Q ® (ILA-Cookgas) mask. A comparison with the ILMA-Fastrach™ laryngeal intubation mask

Introducción y objetivos. El uso de los dispositivos supraglóticos en pacientes con dificultades para la intubación y/o ventilación se ha incrementado de manera progresiva tanto en el ámbito de la anestesia como en la medicina de urgencias. Este estudio se diseñó para evaluar la tasa de éxito de intubación «a ciegas» en pacientes sin criterios de vía aérea difícil con la mascarilla air-Q®, comparándola con el dispositivo supraglótico patrón: la mascarilla laríngea de intubación ILMA-Fastrach™. Pacientes y métodos. Se incluyeron 80 pacientes (40 por grupo). La inserción de los dispositivos se realizó de acuerdo con las instrucciones de los fabricantes. Tras la colocación, se realizó un test de fugas (aplicando una presión inspiratoria de 20 cmH2O por el ventilador). Se comprobó posteriormente la visión glótica usando un fibrobroncoscopio pediátrico, y se realizó la inserción de un tubo endotraqueal a través del dispositivo. En aquellos casos en que el intento resultó fallido, se retiró el dispositivo y se repitió nuevamente la secuencia. Se evaluaron, como objetivo primario, el éxito en la intubación, y como objetivos secundarios, la ventilación adecuada, el grado de visión fibrobroncoscópica y las complicaciones observadas tras su uso. Resultados. La ventilación adecuada en el primer intento de colocación fue mayor con ILMA-Fastrach™ que con air-Q® (90 frente a 60%, p = 0,0019), y el éxito global en la ventilación (primer y segundo intentos incluidos) fue mejor con ILMA-Fastrach™ (95 frente a 80%, p = 0,04). El grado de visión glótica de acuerdo con la escala de Brimacombe fue mejor con air-Q® (84,62 frente a 37,50%, p = 0,0017) en el segundo intento, pero no en el primero. No hubo diferencias en el porcentaje de intubación con ambos dispositivos. La incidencia de dolor de garganta fue similar con los 2 dispositivos empleados. Dos pacientes en el grupo de air-Q® presentaron ronquera y desaturación arterial. Conclusiones. Ambos dispositivos fueron igualmente eficaces para conseguir una adecuada intubación «a ciegas», y la incidencia de efectos adversos fue similar también con los 2. La ILMA-Fastrach™ permitió ventilar de forma adecuada a un mayor número de pacientes, pero como no se emplearon en ningún caso maniobras adicionales de recolocación, habrá que confirmar necesariamente estos resultados con futuros estudios (AU)

Background and objectives. Supraglottic airway devices are increasingly used in anesthesia and emergency medicine as a rescue for intubation and ventilation. This study was designed to investigate the air-Q® supralaryngeal device and compare it with the ILMA-Fastrach™ for airway rescue and intubation. Patients and methods. The devices were inserted in 80 patients (40 patients in each group) according to manufacturer’ instructions. An inspiration pressure of 20 cmH2O was applied through a ventilator for checking air leaks. If no air leak was detected, the glottis status was checked using a pediatric fiberoptic bronchoscope, followed by introducing an endotracheal tube through the supraglottic device. If the first attempt was unsuccessful, the device was removed and a second attempt was made in the same way. The primary outcome was the overall success rate for intubation. Other measurements were: successful ventilation, fiberoptic glottis view and adverse events. Results. Successful first-attempt ventilation was better with the Fastrach™ than with the air-Q® (90 vs. 60%, P = .0019) and overall ventilation success (first plus second attempts) was also better with ILMA-Fastrach™ (95 vs. 80%, P = .04). View of the glottis,according to Brimacombe scale, was better with air-Q® (84.62 vs. 37.50%, P = .0017) at the second, but not at the first, attempt. There were no differences in the percentage of successful intubations between the 2 devices. The incidence of sore throat was similar with both devices. Two patients in the air-Q® group suffered hoarseness and arterial desaturation, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions. Both the ILMA-Fastrach™ and the air-Q® provided a similar rate of successful intubation, but ILMA-Fastrach™ was better for ventilation. The rate of adverse events was similar with both devices. Because no additional maneuver was used to facilitated intubation, there needs to be further studies to confirm these findings (AU)

[Blind tracheal intubation with the air-Q(®) (ILA-Cookgas) mask. A comparison with the ILMA-Fastrach™ laryngeal intubation mask]. / Intubación traqueal «a ciegas¼ con la mascarilla air-Q(®) (ILA-Cookgas). Comparación con la mascarilla laríngea de intubación ILMA-Fastrach™

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Supraglottic airway devices are increasingly used in anesthesia and emergency medicine as a rescue for intubation and ventilation. This study was designed to investigate the air-Q(®) supralaryngeal device and compare it with the ILMA-Fastrach™ for airway rescue and intubation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The devices were inserted in 80 patients (40 patients in each group) according to manufacturer' instructions. An inspiration pressure of 20cmH2O was applied through a ventilator for checking air leaks. If no air leak was detected, the glottis status was checked using a pediatric fiberoptic bronchoscope, followed by introducing an endotracheal tube through the supraglottic device. If the first attempt was unsuccessful, the device was removed and a second attempt was made in the same way. The primary outcome was the overall success rate for intubation. Other measurements were: successful ventilation, fiberoptic glottis view and adverse events. RESULTS: Successful first-attempt ventilation was better with the Fastrach™ than with the air-Q(®) (90 vs. 60%, P=.0019) and overall ventilation success (first plus second attempts) was also better with ILMA-Fastrach™ (95 vs. 80%, P=.04). View of the glottis,according to Brimacombe scale, was better with air-Q(®) (84.62 vs. 37.50%, P=.0017) at the second, but not at the first, attempt. There were no differences in the percentage of successful intubations between the 2 devices. The incidence of sore throat was similar with both devices. Two patients in the air-Q(®) group suffered hoarseness and arterial desaturation, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Both the ILMA-Fastrach™ and the air-Q(®) provided a similar rate of successful intubation, but ILMA-Fastrach™ was better for ventilation. The rate of adverse events was similar with both devices. Because no additional maneuver was used to facilitated intubation, there needs to be further studies to confirm these findings.

[Diaphysectomy of the proximal phalanx in quintus varus supraductus and hammer toe in children]. / Diafisectomía de la falange proximal en el quinto dedo supraducto y dedo en martillo en niños.

The most frequent foot and ankle anatomical alterations in the pediatric population are found in the little toes. Several treatments are proposed for these conditions, ranging from total phalangeal resections, phalangeal osteotomies, osteosynthesis, and soft tissue management. We propose a surgical technique based on the diaphysectomy of the proximal phalanx and the release of soft tissues that are under tension. The purpose is to assess the functional foot results after surgical treatment consisting of proximal phalanx diaphysectomy and soft tissue release using the functional AOFAS scale in pediatric patients. A prospective, longitudinal, descriptive, non-comparative clinical study was conducted from March 2008 to December 2010, with a follow-up of up to six months. Twenty patients (35 toes) were included; 15 females and five males, with a mean age of 14.65 years. Fifteen (30 toes) had bilateral involvement; 88.56% had greater involvement of the fifth toe. The surgical indication was determined based on the degree of functional disability for gait and the type of footwear. The functional assessment was conducted using the AOFAS criteria and a subjective assessment scale with a total score of 100 to assess the metatarsophalangeal and the interphalangeal joints of the smallest toes. Scores were as follows: < 50 points, poor; 51-70 points, fair; 71-90, good, and > 91, excellent. The assessment was done preoperatively and at postoperative month six. The mean preoperative score was 73.55 and the mean postoperative score was 85.75, with a 12.2 point difference (p > 0.5). Results were: 11 excellent, seven good and two fair. There were four relapses, so a salvage procedure was performed with the Ruiz-Mora technique; excellent results were obtained in all four. One case had soft tissue infection. Proximal phalanx diaphysectomy and soft tissue release provides appropriate alignment of the affected toes and relief of soft tissues under tension, thus avoiding broad resections leading to both esthetic and functional alterations. This is a simple and effective technique for the treatment of little toe deformities as it improves function and alignment.

Diagnóstico mediante ecocardiografía transesofágica de canulación accidental de la aurícula izquierda, por una cánula de vena cava inferior / Diagnosis by transesophageal echocardiography of an accidental cannulation of the left atrium by an inferior vena cava catheter

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Lesiones pulmonares en necropsias de consumidores de cocaina / Pulmonary injuries in necropsy of cocaine consumers

Esta investigación se propuso como objetivo general, establecer las lesiones pulmonares más comunes que se encuentran en las necropsias de occisos con antecedentes de adicción a la cocaina y bazuco. Fueron materiales básicos para la investigación los protocolos de las necropsias realizadas desde el primero de junio a 31 de diciembre de 1995 y las muestras patológicas de pulmón para establecer el tipo de lesión. Metodológicamente, se procedió de la siguiente forma: se seleccionaron 30 casos de 300 necropsias que cumplieran ciertas características tales como no poseer documento de identificación y quemadura de los pulpejos entre otras, donde se obtuvieron datos demográficos, manera de muerte y resultados de laboratorio previa su elaboración de instrumento. Los estudios de histopatología fueron realizados por patólogos del INME con tinciones de hematoxilina-eosina. Entre los resultados más sobresalientes podemos señalar que las lesiones más frecuentes encontradas fueron la ruptura alveolar con un 91.7 y la neumonitis intersticial un 90.2, así como hiperplasia alveolar, necrosis bronquial, metaplasma escamosa y trombosis arterial, los cuales se presentaron con menor frecuencia y no son descritos en la literatura internacional. Finalmente destacamos como conclusión que en nuestro medio los consumidores de bazuco presentan lesiones histopatológicas similares a las descritas en los consumidores de crack