First measurements of an imaging heavy ion beam probe at the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak.

The imaging heavy ion beam probe (i-HIBP) diagnostic has been successfully commissioned at ASDEX Upgrade. The i-HIBP injects a primary neutral beam into the plasma, where it is ionized, leading to a fan of secondary (charged) beams. These are deflected by the magnetic field of the tokamak and collected by a scintillator detector, generating a strike-line light pattern that encodes information on the density, electrostatic potential, and magnetic field of the plasma edge. The first measurements have been made, demonstrating the proof-of-principle of this diagnostic technique. A primary beam of 85/87Rb has been used with energies ranging between 60 and 72 keV and extracted currents up to 1.5 mA. The first signals have been obtained in experiments covering a wide range of parameter spaces, with plasma currents (Ip) between 0.2 and 0.8 MA and on-axis toroidal magnetic field (Bt) between 1.9 and 2.7 T. Low densities appear to be critical for the performance of the diagnostic, as signals are typically observed only when the line integrated density is below 2.0-3.0 × 1019 m-2 in the central interferometer chord, depending on the plasma shape. The strike line moves as expected when Ip is ramped, indicating that current measurements are possible. Additionally, clear dynamics in the intensity of the strike line are often observed, which might be linked to changes in the edge profile structure. However, the signal-to-background ratio of the signals is hampered by stray light, and the image guide degradation is due to neutron irradiation. Finally, simulations have been carried out to investigate the sensitivity of the expected signals to plasma density and temperature. The results are in qualitative agreement with the experimental observations, suggesting that the diagnostic is almost insensitive to fluctuations in the temperature profile, while the signal level is highly determined by the density profile due to the beam attenuation.

Clinical course of a complex regional pain syndrome type II in upper limb.

INTRODUCTION: the complex regional pain syndrome type II, also called causalgia, is a rare clinical condition that appears after a traumatic or surgical event with evidence of nervous system involvement. Its clinical presentation is the consequence of a multifactorial pathogenic process that involves peripheral and central mechanisms and has variable clinical manifestations. We present the photographic record of a patient with complex regional syndrome type II. CLINICAL CASE: 43-year-old patient who consulted for neuropathic pain during the last four years, of severe intensity, associated with sensory, vasomotor and trophic changes in the right upper limb, as a consequence of neurectomy of the palmar digital nerves of the third finger. CONCLUSION: achieving the photographic record of the clinical phases of complex regional pain syndrome type II in its entirety is difficult, because not all patients present all clinical phases, a fact that gives relevance to this case.

INTRODUCCIÓN: el síndrome doloroso regional complejo (SDRC) tipo II, también llamado causalgia, es una condición clínica poco frecuente que aparece después de un evento traumático o quirúrgico con evidencia de afectación del sistema nervioso. Su presentación clínica es consecuencia de un proceso patogénico multifactorial que involucra mecanismos periféricos y centrales y tiene manifestaciones clínicas variables. Presentamos el registro fotográfico de un paciente con síndrome regional complejo tipo II. CASO CLÍNICO: paciente de 43 años que consultó por dolor neuropático durante los últimos cuatro años, de intensidad severa, asociado a cambios sensoriales, vasomotores y tróficos en miembro superior derecho, como consecuencia de neurectomía de los nervios digitales palmares propios del tercer dedo. CONCLUSIÓN: lograr el registro fotográfico de las fases clínicas del SDRC tipo II en su totalidad resulta difícil, debido a que no todos los pacientes presentan todas las fases clínicas; hecho que otorga la relevancia a este caso.

Cronotaraxis como síntoma guía de un infarto talámico medial / Chronotaraxis as a harbinger of medial thalamic infarction

La cronotaraxis es una afectación de la percepción de la secuencia temporal. Esta alteración de la temporalidad se ha descrito asociada de forma característica a la afectación talámica, concretamente al núcleo dorsomediano. Casos clínicos. Presentamos los casos clínicos de dos pacientes con ictus isquémicos agudos de localización en dicho territorio, con una clínica basada en este síntoma y cuyo reconocimiento resultó esencial en el abordaje terapéutico. Tanto en el primero como en el segundo caso se describe cómo la percepción de la temporalidad fue esencial para el diagnóstico de la patología isquémica de ambos pacientes. Discusión. El conocimiento y la divulgación de esta asociación pueden resultar fundamentales en el manejo de los pacientes con alteraciones talámicas. Esto se debe a la posibilidad que surge de influir y modificar el abordaje inicial, puesto que el reconocimiento de un síntoma específico, como es la cronotaraxis, puede evitar la extensión del daño talámico, y prevenir de esta manera las secuelas, sobre todo cognitivas, que ocasiona a largo plazo.(AU)

Introduction: Chronotaraxis is an impairment of the perception of the sequencing of time. This alteration of temporality has been described as being characteristically associated with thalamic involvement, specifically in the dorsomedial nucleus. Case reports: We report the clinical cases of two patients with acute ischaemic strokes located in said territory, with a clinical presentation based on this symptom and the recognition of which was essential in the therapeutic approach. In the first and second cases, it is described how the perception of temporality was essential for the diagnosis of the ischaemic condition in both patients. Discussion: Awareness and dissemination of this association may be vital in the management of patients with thalamic disorders. This is due to the possibility of influencing and modifying the initial approach, since the recognition of a specific symptom, such as chronotaraxis, can prevent the spread of thalamic damage, in addition to the long-term sequelae that it causes, especially those of a cognitive nature.(AU)

[Chronotaraxis as a harbinger of medial thalamic infarction]. / Cronotaraxis como síntoma guía de un infarto talámico medial.

INTRODUCTION: Chronotaraxis is an impairment of the perception of the sequencing of time. This alteration of temporality has been described as being characteristically associated with thalamic involvement, specifically in the dorsomedial nucleus. CASE REPORTS: We report the clinical cases of two patients with acute ischaemic strokes located in said territory, with a clinical presentation based on this symptom and the recognition of which was essential in the therapeutic approach. In the first and second cases, it is described how the perception of temporality was essential for the diagnosis of the ischaemic condition in both patients. DISCUSSION: Awareness and dissemination of this association may be vital in the management of patients with thalamic disorders. This is due to the possibility of influencing and modifying the initial approach, since the recognition of a specific symptom, such as chronotaraxis, can prevent the spread of thalamic damage, in addition to the long-term sequelae that it causes, especially those of a cognitive nature.

TITLE: Cronotaraxis como síntoma guía de un infarto talámico medial.Introducción. La cronotaraxis es una afectación de la percepción de la secuencia temporal. Esta alteración de la temporalidad se ha descrito asociada de forma característica a la afectación talámica, concretamente al núcleo dorsomediano. Casos clínicos. Presentamos los casos clínicos de dos pacientes con ictus isquémicos agudos de localización en dicho territorio, con una clínica basada en este síntoma y cuyo reconocimiento resultó esencial en el abordaje terapéutico. Tanto en el primero como en el segundo caso se describe cómo la percepción de la temporalidad fue esencial para el diagnóstico de la patología isquémica de ambos pacientes. Discusión. El conocimiento y la divulgación de esta asociación pueden resultar fundamentales en el manejo de los pacientes con alteraciones talámicas. Esto se debe a la posibilidad que surge de influir y modificar el abordaje inicial, puesto que el reconocimiento de un síntoma específico, como es la cronotaraxis, puede evitar la extensión del daño talámico, y prevenir de esta manera las secuelas, sobre todo cognitivas, que ocasiona a largo plazo.

Conceptual study for velocity space resolved thermal ion loss detection in tokamaks.

A new concept for velocity space thermal ion loss detection is presented. This diagnostic provides pitch angle resolved measurements that are unfeasible with current diagnostics. It uses the same detection principle as the Fast-Ion Loss Detector with a scintillator as the active component and includes a double slit configuration to measure simultaneously the escaping counter- and co-current ions. Simulations show a gyroradius range between 0.15 and 1.00 cm with a resolution below 0.15 cm (for a gyroradius of 1 cm) and a pitch angle range between 30° and 150° with a resolution below 8° for both counter- and co-current ions. The formation of a sheath in front of the detector and its associated electric field may impact the detection principle. Preliminary simulations with a homogeneous electric field show a decrease in the measurable velocity space range, whereas the gyroradius and pitch angle resolution barely change. The strike map is sensitive to the sheath electric field.

[Rapidly progressive dementia as the initial presentation of human immunodeficiency virus infection].

Dementia associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is currently a rare cause of rapidly progressive dementia. Its appearance is not only limited to the late phases of the disease, but can sometimes be the presenting symptom. We present the case of a patient who debuted with anxious-depressive symptoms and rapid cognitive deteri-oration with early repercussions on his daily functionality. HIV was detected in the study, with a higher viral load in cerebrospinal fluid than in plasma. Despite a torpid course at the beginning, antiretroviral therapy brought about a progressive improvement in the cognitive sphere, consistent with the decrease in the viral load. Although rare, HIV continues to be a cause of dementia that primary care and hospital care professionals should not forget. The relevance of its early diagnosis lies in its potentially reversible nature.

Multineuritis craneal y mielitis transversa como complicaciones de una meningitis neumocócica / Cranial multineuritis and transverse myelitis as complications of pneumococcal meningitis

Introducción: La meningitis neumocócica es una patología que asocia una elevada tasa de morbimortalidad. Caso clínico: Presentamos el caso clínico de un varón de 41 años que, tras una meningitis causada por Streptococcus pneumoniae, tuvo como complicaciones posteriores una mielitis transversa torácica que le ocasionó una plejía en las extremidades inferiores, abolición de todas las modalidades sensitivas y trastornos disautonómicos, así como una alteración de las astas anteriores a nivel cervical que produjo plejía en las extremidades superiores, pero con conservación de la sensibilidad. Esto plantea un diagnóstico diferencial entre la afectación denominada ‘poliomielitis like’ y una encefalomielorradiculitis diseminada aguda. La exploración y el estudio radiológico y neurofisiológico avalaron una recuperación clínica completa en las extremidades superiores, gracias, en parte, a una neurorrehabilitación precoz. Conclusiones: Las complicaciones medulares en el contexto de una infección del sistema nervioso central son muy infrecuentes. La afectación medular de astas anteriores se ha descrito únicamente de forma anecdótica, y no se han encontrado referencias bibliográficas que la asocien con S. pneumoniae.(AU)

Introduction: Pneumococcal meningitis is a condition associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Case report: We report the clinical case of a 41-year-old man who, following meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, developed subsequent complications such as thoracic transverse myelitis, which caused paralysis in the lower extremities, abolition of all sensory modalities and dysautonomic disorders, as well as an alteration of the anterior horn cells at the cervical level that produced paralysis in the upper extremities, but with preservation of sensibility. This implies the need for a differential diagnosis between what is known as ‘poliomyelitis-like’ disorder and acute disseminated encephalomyeloradiculitis. The examination and the radiological and neurophysiological study showed a full clinical recovery of the upper extremities, thanks in part to early neurorehabilitation. Conclusions: Complications of the spinal cord within the context of infection of the central nervous system are very rare. Involvement of the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord has only been described anecdotally, and no bibliographical references have been found that associate it with S. pneumoniae.(AU)

[Cranial multineuritis and transverse myelitis as complications of pneumococcal meningitis]. / Multineuritis craneal y mielitis transversa como complicaciones de una meningitis neumocócica.

INTRODUCTION: Pneumococcal meningitis is a condition associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. CASE REPORT: We report the clinical case of a 41-year-old man who, following meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, developed subsequent complications such as thoracic transverse myelitis, which caused paralysis in the lower extremities, abolition of all sensory modalities and dysautonomic disorders, as well as an alteration of the anterior horn cells at the cervical level that produced paralysis in the upper extremities, but with preservation of sensibility. This implies the need for a differential diagnosis between what is known as 'poliomyelitis-like' disorder and acute disseminated encephalomyeloradiculitis. The examination and the radiological and neurophysiological study showed a full clinical recovery of the upper extremities, thanks in part to early neurorehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Complications of the spinal cord within the context of infection of the central nervous system are very rare. Involvement of the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord has only been described anecdotally, and no bibliographical references have been found that associate it with S. pneumoniae.

TITLE: Multineuritis craneal y mielitis transversa como complicaciones de una meningitis neumocócica.Introducción. La meningitis neumocócica es una patología que asocia una elevada tasa de morbimortalidad. Caso clínico. Presentamos el caso clínico de un varón de 41 años que, tras una meningitis causada por Streptococcus pneumoniae, tuvo como complicaciones posteriores una mielitis transversa torácica que le ocasionó una plejía en las extremidades inferiores, abolición de todas las modalidades sensitivas y trastornos disautonómicos, así como una alteración de las astas anteriores a nivel cervical que produjo plejía en las extremidades superiores, pero con conservación de la sensibilidad. Esto plantea un diagnóstico diferencial entre la afectación denominada 'poliomielitis like' y una encefalomielorradiculitis diseminada aguda. La exploración y el estudio radiológico y neurofisiológico avalaron una recuperación clínica completa en las extremidades superiores, gracias, en parte, a una neurorrehabilitación precoz. Conclusiones. Las complicaciones medulares en el contexto de una infección del sistema nervioso central son muy infrecuentes. La afectación medular de astas anteriores se ha descrito únicamente de forma anecdótica, y no se han encontrado referencias bibliográficas que la asocien con S. pneumoniae.

Demencia rápidamente progresiva como forma de presentación de infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana / Rapidly progressive dementia as the initial presentation of human immunodeficiency virus infection

La demencia asociada a virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) es una causa de demencia rápidamente progresiva poco frecuente en la actualidad. Su aparición no se limita a las fases tardías de la enfermedad, sino que en ocasiones puede ser el síntoma de presentación. Presentamos el caso de un paciente que debutó con síntomas ansioso-depresivos y un rápido deterioro cognitivo con repercusión precoz en su funcionalidad diaria. En el estudio se detectó VIH con mayor carga viral en líquido cefalorraquídeo que en plasma. La terapia antirretroviral logró, a pesar de la tórpida evolución inicial, una mejora progresiva en la esfera cognitiva, congruente con la disminución de la carga viral. Aunque poco frecuente, el VIH sigue siendo una causa de demencia que los profesionales de atención primaria y hospitalaria no debemos olvidar. La importancia de su diagnóstico precoz radica en su carácter potencialmente reversible.(AU)

Dementia associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is currently a rare cause of rapidly progressive dementia. Its appearance is not only limited to the late phases of the disease, but can sometimes be the presenting symptom. We present the case of a patient who debuted with anxious-depressive symptoms and rapid cognitive deterioration with early repercussions on his daily functionality. HIV was detected in the study, with a higher viral load in cerebrospinal fluid than in plasma. Despite a torpid course at the beginning, antiretroviral therapy brought about a progressive improvement in the cognitive sphere, consistent with the decrease in the viral load. Although rare, HIV continues to be a cause of dementia that primary care and hospital care professionals should not forget. The relevance of its early diagnosis lies in its potentially reversible nature.(AU)

Patient education program at the forefront of cancer-associated thrombosis care.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) requires specific approaches, although it is well codified in most cases. Current national and international (International Initiative on Cancer and Thrombosis, ITAC) Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) recommend the use of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) over 6 months as first treatment option, and anticoagulation should be maintained thereafter as long as cancer is active. Since compliance improves when patients understand their disease and related treatments, we created a dedicated patient education program (PEP) for CAT, aiming to improve quality of care. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all patients who voluntarily joined the PEP for CAT from 2014 to 2020. RESULTS: In total, 182 cancer patients (median age, 64.9 years) were included, 53.3% with metastatic disease. A total of 528 PEP sessions (median, 3 per patient) were delivered. After PEP completion, the rate of self-injections or those performed at home by a relative had increased from 49.1% to 59.8% (P=0.05). Quality of life had improved significantly (P=0.025) and 90.0% of patients reported adhering to anticoagulant therapy. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a structured and personalized PEP for CAT is feasible, allowing to improve cancer patient empowerment, adherence to CAT treatment and quality of life. The Groupe francophone et cancer (GFTC) members aim at facilitating access to CAT-PEP for both patients and caregivers and use of the multi-language ITAC-CPG mobile app (free access: www.itaccme.com) to improve the care and quality of life of patients with CAT.

Design and simulation of an imaging neutral particle analyzer for the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak.

An Imaging Neutral Particle Analyzer (INPA) diagnostic has been designed for the ASDEX Upgrade (AUG) tokamak. The AUG INPA diagnostic will measure fast neutrals escaping the plasma after charge exchange reactions. The neutrals will be ionized by a 20 nm carbon foil and deflected toward a scintillator by the local magnetic field. The use of a neutral beam injector (NBI) as an active source of neutrals will provide radially resolved measurements, while the use of a scintillator as an active component will allow us to cover the whole plasma along the NBI line with unprecedented phase-space resolution (<12 keV and 8 cm) and a fast temporal response (up to 1 kHz with the high resolution acquisition system and above 100 kHz with the low resolution one), making it suitable to study localized fast-ion redistributions in phase space.

Implementation of synthetic fast-ion loss detector and imaging heavy ion beam probe diagnostics in the 3D hybrid kinetic-MHD code MEGA.

A synthetic fast-ion loss (FIL) detector and an imaging Heavy Ion Beam Probe (i-HIBP) have been implemented in the 3D hybrid kinetic-magnetohydrodynamic code MEGA. First synthetic measurements from these two diagnostics have been obtained for neutral beam injection-driven Alfvén Eigenmode (AE) simulated with MEGA. The synthetic FILs show a strong correlation with the AE amplitude. This correlation is observed in the phase-space, represented in coordinates (Pϕ, E), being toroidal canonical momentum and energy, respectively. FILs and the energy exchange diagrams of the confined population are connected with lines of constant E', a linear combination of E and Pϕ. First i-HIBP synthetic signals also have been computed for the simulated AE, showing displacements in the strike line of the order of ∼1 mm, above the expected resolution in the i-HIBP scintillator of ∼100 µm.

Utilidad de la quimioterapia neoadyuvante en el carcinoma vesical músculo invasivo no metastásico / Usefulness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in non-metastatic muscle-invasive bladder cancer

Objetivo: Analizamos el perfil de pacientes candidatos a quimioterapia neoadyuvante (QTn) en estadio pT2-4aN0M0, la tolerabilidad y adherencia de nuestro protocolo basado en cisplatino y los resultados oncológicos.Material y métodosEstudio observacional de cohortes retrospectivo que incluye a pacientes con diagnóstico de carcinoma vesical músculo infiltrante tratados con QTn. Se analizaron las características clínicas, histopatológicas, terapéuticas y evolutivas de los pacientes. El uso de la QTn se evaluó mediante la respuesta completa en la pieza quirúrgica (pT0). Este y otros factores anatomopatológicos se relacionaron con la supervivencia global y el tiempo libre de progresión.ResultadosIncluimos a 90 pacientes con carcinoma vesical músculo invasivo (estadio clínico T2a-T4aN0M0) que recibieron algún esquema de QTn basado en cisplatino, entre enero de 2011 y diciembre de 2018, antes del tratamiento quirúrgico radical. El 40% de los pacientes presentaron alguna reacción adversa al tratamiento, con un cumplimiento del protocolo de QTn del 92,2%. No se presentaron muertes relacionadas con el tratamiento sistémico y ninguna reacción adversa al tratamiento imposibilitó la realización de la cistectomía radical. Tras la cistectomía radical, se objetivó la presencia de respuesta completa (pT0) en 20 pacientes (21%), un estadio inferior en pieza quirúrgica ( p = 0,012), en enfermos con afectación ganglionar respecto a pN0 (65,4 vs. 28,2 meses; p=0,014) y en aquellos con bordes quirúrgicos afectos respecto a los que presentaban márgenes libres de tumor (63,5 vs. 8,5 meses; p=0,021).ConclusiónLa selección adecuada de los pacientes con carcinoma vesical músculo infiltrante ha mostrado una buena tolerancia a la QTn, con una alta tasa de cumplimiento previo a la CR. La mejoría en la tasa de respuesta completa implica una mayor supervivencia en este grupo de pacientes. La afectación ganglionar y los bordes quirúrgicos positivos son factores pronósticos importantes. (AU)

Objective: We analyzed the profile of patients who were candidates for neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in stage pT2-4aN0M0, the tolerability and adherence of our cisplatin-based protocol and oncological outcomes.Material and methodsRetrospective observational cohort study including patients diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma treated with NACT. Clinical, histopathological, therapeutic and evolutionary characteristics of the patients were analyzed. The use of NACT was evaluated by the complete response in the surgical specimen (pT0). This and other pathological factors were related to overall survival and progression-free survival.ResultsWe included 90 patients with muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma (clinical stage T2a-T4aN0M0) who received a cisplatin-based NACT regimen between January 2011 and December 2018, prior to radical surgery. Forty percent of patients presented an adverse reaction, with a compliance with the NACT regimen of 92.2%. There were no deaths related to systemic treatment and no adverse reaction to treatment made radical cystectomy impracticable. After performing radical cystectomy, the presence of complete response (pT0) was observed in 20 patients (21%), lower stage in the surgical specimen ( P=0.012), in patients with lymph node involvement compared to pN0 (65.4 vs. 28, 2 months, P=0.014) and in those with positive surgical margins compared to those with tumor-free margins (63.5 vs. 8.5 months, P=0.021).ConclusionThe adequate selection of patients with muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma has shown a good tolerance to NACT, with a high compliance rate prior to RC. The improvement in the complete response rate implies a greater survival in this group of patients, with lymph node involvement and positive surgical margins being important prognostic factors. (AU)

Usefulness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in non-metastatic muscle-invasive bladder cancer. / Utilidad de la quimioterapia neoadyuvante en el carcinoma vesical músculo invasivo no metastásico.

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the profile of patients who were candidates for neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in stage pT2-4aN0M0, the tolerability and adherence of our cisplatin-based protocol and oncological outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational cohort study including patients diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma treated with NACT. Clinical, histopathological, therapeutic and evolutionary characteristics of the patients were analyzed. The use of NACT was evaluated by the complete response in the surgical specimen (pT0). This and other pathological factors were related to overall survival and progression-free survival. RESULTS: We included 90 patients with muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma (clinical stage T2a-T4aN0M0) who received a cisplatin-based NACT regimen between January 2011 and December 2018, prior to radical surgery. Forty percent of patients presented an adverse reaction, with a compliance with the NACT regimen of 92.2%. There were no deaths related to systemic treatment and no adverse reaction to treatment made radical cystectomy impracticable. After performing radical cystectomy, the presence of complete response (pT0) was observed in 20 patients (21%), lower stage in the surgical specimen (

Enfermedad de Behcet: un reto diagnóstico en reumatología. Descripción de una serie de casos y revisión de la literatura / Behcet's disease: a diagnostic challenge in rheumatology. Description of a case series and a review of the literature

RESUMEN La enfermedad de Behcet es una entidad clínica autoinflamatoria, de etiología desconocida, generalmente con compromiso sistémico, con un patrón de exacerbación y remisión frecuente que se asocia a retraso en el diagnóstico. El diagnóstico de esta enfermedad es complejo, por esta razón presentamos 4 casos de pacientes con enfermedad de Behcet, que durante el abordaje clínico fueron consideradas otras enfermedades de naturaleza autoinmune. La revisión integrada de la historia clínica, la aparición de úlceras orales y genitales, así como el estudio de tipificación del complejo mayor de histocompatibilidad (HLA) permitieron diagnosticar la enfermedad de Behcet.

ABSTRACT Behcet disease is a rare autoinflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology and is characterised by systemic manifestations with an exacerbation-remission pattern, often associated with diagnostic delay. The diagnostic approach to this disease is complex. A report is given on four cases of patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for Behcet disease. Other autoimmune rheumatic diseases were considered in the clinical approach. A meticulous clinical evaluation, taking into consideration relapsing aphthous ulcers in oral mucosa and genitalia, and HLA typing allowed a proper diagnosis of Behcet disease to be made.

Inflammatory markers as prognostic factors in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. / Marcadores inflamatorios como factor pronóstico en el cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración metastásico.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory markers have prognostic value in various tumors due to the role of inflammatory phenomena at different stages of tumor development. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the prognostic value of these markers, as well as other clinical and analytical variables in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study carried out on 80 patients diagnosed with mCRPC. Clinical and analytical data were collected, and the following inflammatory markers were estimated: Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC), Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Total Platelet Count (TPC), Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), Lymphocyte-Monocyte Ratio (LMR) and Systemic Inflammation Index (SII). The values of albumin, hemoglobin (Hb), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were also determined. RESULTS: Patients with ANC>7500, NLR>3, PLR>150, LMR>3 and/or SII>535,000, presented significantly lower median survival time than the remaining patients, and TPC was the only marker which did not show a significant association. Moreover, NLR, PLR and SII were inversely correlated with survival time. Patients with hypoalbuminemia, anemia, and elevated LDH values had significantly lower median survival time. Albumin and hemoglobin were directly correlated to overall survival time. The need for analgesia was also associated with shorter survival. CONCLUSION: The values of certain inflammatory markers are associated with shorter survival time in patients with mCRPC, and their use in clinical practice can be considered to evaluate the prognosis and estimate survival.

Femtosecond time-resolved pump-probe measurements on percolating gold in the ablation regime.

We report on femtosecond laser ablation experiments on percolating gold layers deposited on a glass substrate. In our experiments, we measure changes in optical transmission and reflection induced by single, high-intensity infrared laser pulses as a function of the time delay between the pump and the probe. For the highest pump intensities we find that on a time scale of about 150 ps after excitation, the transmission and reflection approach values close to the substrate values. We attribute this rapid ablation to vaporization of the entire layer when the injected energy exceeds the cohesive energy of the material. This vaporization results in the rapid transformation of the gold layer into a sufficiently dilute mist of atoms and nano-particles which renders the material almost optically transparent to the probe pulse. SEM images of the surfaces show how the morphology of the films changes at relatively low excitation intensities and show the complete removal of the gold at high intensities. We find that the ablation threshold for percolating Au on glass is 2.3 × 1011 W/cm2, which is two orders of magnitude lower than the damage threshold for continuous gold layers as reported in the literature.

Vertically-oriented MoS2 nanosheets for nonlinear optical devices.

Transition metal dichalcogenides such as MoS2 represent promising candidates for building blocks of ultra-thin nanophotonic devices. For such applications, vertically-oriented MoS2 (v-MoS2) nanosheets could be advantageous as compared to conventional horizontal MoS2 (h-MoS2) given that their inherent broken symmetry would favor an enhanced nonlinear response. However, the current lack of a controllable and reproducible fabrication strategy for v-MoS2 limits the exploration of this potential. Here we present a systematic study of the growth of v-MoS2 nanosheets based on the sulfurization of a pre-deposited Mo-metal seed layer. We demonstrate that the sulfurization process at high temperatures is driven by the diffusion of sulfur from the vapor-solid interface to the Mo seed layer. Furthermore, we verify an enhanced nonlinear response in the resulting v-MoS2 nanostructures as compared to their horizontal counterparts. Our results represent a stepping stone towards the fabrication of low-dimensional TMD-based nanostructures for versatile nonlinear nanophotonic devices.