Signal-to-noise ratio of single-pixel cameras based on photodiodes.

Single-pixel cameras have been successfully used in different imaging applications in the last years. One of the key elements affecting the quality of these cameras is the photodetector. Here, we develop a numerical model of a single-pixel camera, which takes into account not only the characteristics of the incident light but also the physical properties of the detector. In particular, our model considers the photocurrent, the dark current, the photocurrent shot noise, the dark-current shot noise, and the Johnson-Nyquist (thermal) noise of the photodiode used as a light detector. The model establishes a clear relationship between the electric signal and the quality of the final image. This allows us to perform a systematic study of the quality of the image obtained with single-pixel cameras in different contexts. In particular, we study the signal-to-noise ratio as a function of the optical power of the incident light, the wavelength, and the photodiode temperature. The results of the model are compared with those obtained experimentally with a single-pixel camera.

An examination of injuries in Spanish Professional Soccer League.

AIM: Objective of the study was to examine the injury incidence in the Spanish Professional Soccer League, and to analyse differences between competition and training. METHODS: Sport injuries data from 11 out of 22 Spanish second division soccer teams (301 players) were prospectively collected during the season 2008/2009. RESULTS: A total of 891 injuries (111 recurrence injuries) were identified during 161602.7 hours of exposure. Competition injury incidence was higher than training (38.8 vs. 3.8 injuries per 1000h; P<0.05). The higher injury incidence was located at lower extremities (4.82 per 1000 h), and mainly affected muscles and tendons (3.1 per 1000 h). Two out of three injuries were due to overuse (54% during competition and 72% during training), and mainly result in players were unable to full soccer participation for less than 7 days (64%). Training injury incidence was higher during the pre-season and tended to decrease throughout the season (P<0.05), while competition injury incidence increased progressively throughout the season (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In our best knowledge, this is the first examination of injuries in Spanish professional soccer players. The main findings of the study suggest that competition is much more injurious than training, revealing a progressive decrease of training injury incidence and a progressive increase of competition injury incidence throughout the season. These data might be considered by clubs, coaches, and medical staff in order to design new strategies that reduce injury risk in Spanish Professional Soccer League.

Microbiome-induced Increases and Decreases in Bone Tissue Strength can be Initiated After Skeletal Maturity.

Recent studies in mice have indicated that the gut microbiome can regulate bone tissue strength. However, prior work involved modifications to the gut microbiome in growing animals and it is unclear if the same changes in the microbiome, applied later in life, would change matrix strength. Here we changed the composition of the gut microbiome before and/or after skeletal maturity (16 weeks of age) using oral antibiotics (ampicillin + neomycin). Male and female mice (n=143 total, n=12-17/group/sex) were allocated into five study groups:1) Unaltered, 2) Continuous (dosing 4-24 weeks of age), 3) Delayed (dosing only 16-24 weeks of age), 4) Initial (dosing 4-16 weeks of age, suspended at 16 weeks), and 5) Reconstituted (dosing from 4-16 weeks following by fecal microbiota transplant from Unaltered donors). Animals were euthanized at 24 weeks of age. In males, bone matrix strength in the femur was 25-35% less than expected from geometry in mice from the Continuous (p= 0.001), Delayed (p= 0.005), and Initial (p=0.040) groups as compared to Unaltered. Reconstitution of the gut microbiota, however, led to a bone matrix strength similar to Unaltered animals (p=0.929). In females, microbiome-induced changes in bone matrix strength followed the same trend as males but were not significantly different, demonstrating sex-related differences in the response of bone matrix to the gut microbiota. Minor differences in chemical composition of bone matrix were observed (Raman spectroscopy). Our findings indicate that microbiome-induced impairment of bone matrix in males can be initiated and/or reversed after skeletal maturity. The portion of the femoral cortical bone formed after skeletal maturity (16 weeks) is small; however, this suggests that microbiome-induced changes in bone matrix occur without osteoblast/osteoclast turnover using an, as of yet unidentified mechanism. These findings add to evidence that the mechanical properties of bone matrix can be altered in the adult skeleton.

Towards the personalization of septic shock resuscitation: the fundamentals of ANDROMEDA-SHOCK-2 trial.

Septic shock is a highly lethal and prevalent disease. Progressive circulatory dysfunction leads to tissue hypoperfusion and hypoxia, eventually evolving to multiorgan dysfunction and death. Prompt resuscitation may revert these pathogenic mechanisms, restoring oxygen delivery and organ function. High heterogeneity exists among the determinants of circulatory dysfunction in septic shock, and current algorithms provide a stepwise and standardized approach to conduct resuscitation. This review provides the pathophysiological and clinical rationale behind ANDROMEDA-SHOCK-2, an ongoing multicenter randomized controlled trial that aims to compare a personalized resuscitation strategy based on clinical phenotyping and peripheral perfusion assessment, versus standard of care, in early septic shock resuscitation.

Uric acid and acute kidney injury in high-risk patients for developing acute kidney injury undergoing cardiac surgery: A prospective multicenter study.

PURPOSE: It is unclear whether preoperative serum uric acid (SUA) elevation may play a role in the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with cardiac surgery (CSA-AKI). We conducted a cohort study to evaluate the influence of preoperative hyperuricemia on AKI in patients at high risk for developing SC-AKI. DESIGN: Multicenter prospective international cohort study. SETTING: Fourteen university hospitals in Spain and the United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS: We studied 261 consecutive patients at high risk of developing CSA-AKI, according to a Cleveland score ≥ 4 points, from July to December 2017. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: AKIN criteria were used for the definition of AKI. Multivariable logistic regression models and propensity score-matched pairwise analysis were used to determine the adjusted association between preoperative hyperuricemia (≥7 mg/dL) and AKI. Elevated preoperative AUS (≥7 mg/dL) was present in 190 patients (72.8%), whereas CSA-AKI occurred in 145 patients (55.5%). In multivariable logistic regression models, hyperuricemia was not associated with a significantly increased risk of AKI (adjusted Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81-3; P = .17). In propensity score-matched analysis of 140 patients, the hyperuricemia group experienced similar adjusted odds of AKI (OR 1.05, 95%CI 0.93-1.19, P = .37). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperuricemia was not associated with an increased risk of AKI in this cohort of patients undergoing cardiac surgery at high risk of developing CSA-AKI.

[Haemorrhage and morbidity associated with the use of tranexamic acid in cardiac surgery: a retrospective, multicentre cohort study]. / Hemorragia y morbilidad asociada al uso de ácido tranexámico en cirugía cardiaca. Estudio multicéntrico de cohortes retrospectivo.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative bleeding is common complication, affecting up to 20% of patients, after cardiac bypass surgery. Fibrinolysis is one of the causes of this excessive bleeding, and for this reason the use of tranexamic acid is recommended. The problem with using this is that there are numerous guidelines and differences in the dose to be administered. Our aim was to evaluate whether there were any differences in postoperative bleeding and morbidity after cardiac surgery with the administering of different tranexamic acid doses in three university hospitals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, multicentre cohort study was conducted. A total of 146 patients who were subjected to elective cardiac bypass surgery according to the anaesthetic-surgical protocol of each hospital were included in the study. The clinical histories were reviewed, and they were divided into two groups according to the tranexamic acid dose: Group A (high doses), initial dose of 20mg/kg and continuous infusion of 4 mg/kg/hour until closure of the sternotomy. A further 100mg was added to prime the bypass machine. Group B (low doses), initial dose of 10mg/kg followed by a continuous infusion of 2mg/kg/hour until closure of the sternotomy. A further 50mg was added to prime the bypass machine. Variables, such as age, sex, weight, height, type of surgical procedure (valvular, coronary or mixed), haematocrit, INR, and preoperative platelet count, time and temperature of the bypass machine, and haematocrit on sternum closure, were recorded. Among the post-operative variables collected were: debit due to drainage at 6, 12 and 24 hours after surgery, number and type of blood products transfused in the first 24 hours, need for further surgery due to haemorrhage, CVA, TIA, or a new acute myocardial infarction, convulsions, and mortality. RESULTS: The incidence of increased bleeding (patients in the 90 percentile) was higher in Group B at all the study evaluation times (P<.05). The incidence of further surgery due to bleeding, and the need for transfusion of ≥ 3 units of packed red cells was lower in Group A (5.56%) than in Group B (13.89%). There were no significant differences in the requirements for blood products transfusions between the groups. As regards associated morbidity, there was one isolated case of convulsion and a perioperative AMI in another case in Group A, and three cases of perioperative AMI in Group B. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated doses of tranexamic acid in cardiac bypass surgery appear to significantly reduce bleeding in the first hours after surgery compared to low doses. However, this decrease did not lead to a reduction in the needs for blood products.

[Continuous paravertebral analgesia versus intravenous analgesia in minimally invasive cardiac surgery by mini-thoracotomy]. / Analgesia paravertebral continua frente a analgesia intravenosa en cirugía cardiaca mínimamente invasiva por minitoracotomía.

OBJECTIVES: Minimal access cardiac surgery via minithoracotomy aims faster recovery and shorter hospital length of stay. Pain control is essential in order to achieve this goal. A study was conducted to assess the quality of post-operative analgesia and complications related to the analgesia techniques after cardiac surgery by minithoracotomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, observational and retrospective study was conducted on the patients subjected to minimal access cardiac surgery in our centre between the years 2009 to 2011. The patients were divided into two groups according to the type of analgesia received: analgesia through a paravertebral catheter, with an infusion of local anaesthetics (PVB group), and intravenous analgesia with opioids (IOA group). The aim of the study was to compare the analgesic quality and the complications associated to the analgesic technique, extubation time, post-surgical complications, and length of hospital stay between both techniques. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients underwent to a modified minimally invasive Heart-Port access cardiac surgery. Fifteen patients received analgesia through a paravertebral block and the other 22 IV analgesia with opioids. Data are shown as means and standard deviation (SD). Mean tracheal extubation time less than 4 hours was observed in 60% of the patients in the PVB group, compared to 22% in the IOA group (P<.05). Length of stay in ICU for the PVB group was 1.2 (0.7) days compared to 2.2 (0.7) days in the IOA group (P<.05). Mean hospital stay was 4.8 (1.2) days for the PVB group, and 5.6 (2.8) for the IOA group (P>.05. No complications associated to the continuous paravertebral block were observed. DISCUSSION: PVB analgesia is an acceptable safe technique in cardiac surgery via thoracotomy which enables early extubation with optimal pain control when compared with IV analgesia with opioids.

Diploma on Basic Echocardiography training and competencies for Intensive Care and Emergency medicine: Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SEDAR) and the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES).

Cardiac ultrasound has become an essential tool for diagnosis and hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill patients. Scientific societies need to work toward developing a training program that will allow clinicians to acquire competence in performing cardiac ultrasound and understanding its indications. The Clinical Ultrasound for Intensive Care task force of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SEDAR) and the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) have drawn up this position statement defining the learning objectives and training required to acquire the competencies recommended for basic ultrasound management in the intensive care and emergency setting in order to obtain a diploma in Basic Ultrasound in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine. This document defines the training program and the competencies needed for basic skills in ultrasound in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine-part of the Diploma in Ultrasound for Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine awarded by SEDAR/SEMES. The Spanish Society of Anesthesia (SEDAR), Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI) and Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) have drawn up a position statement determining the competencies and training program for a diploma in ultrasound (lung, abdominal and vascular) in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine. To obtain the SEDAR/SEMES Diploma in Ultrasound in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, clinicians must have completed the SEDAR, SEMI and SEMES Diploma in basic ultrasound and the Diploma in lung, abdominal, and vascular ultrasound.

[Late-onset postpartum sepsis with septic shock and heart dysfunction]. / Sepsis puerperal tardía con shock séptico y disfunción cardiaca.

We report a case of late-onset postpartum sepsis from endometritis due to group A streptococci (GAS) in a 37-year-old white woman. The patient developed septic shock, with mitral regurgitation and cardiac dysfunction. Early treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics and hemodynamic support was essential for a favorable outcome. Because of the resurgence of virulent strains of GAS that can cause fatal infections, these pathogens should be included in the differential diagnosis of postpartum infections in the mother. Although cardiac dysfunction is rare in association with GAS infection, it should be ruled out by echocardiography when the condition of a patient with sepsis does not improve.

[Spinal cord protection during open and endovascular surgery in thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta diseases]. / Protección medular en la cirugía abierta y endovascular de las enfermedades de la aorta torácica y toracoabdominal.

In recent decades great advances have been made in surgical procedures for treating thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta defects. Associated mortality and morbidity rates have dropped considerably, mainly in major reference centers, but nonetheless continue to be significant. The need for new strategies to reduce mortality and morbidity has made endovascular approaches an attractive alternative for high-risk surgical patients. The most feared complications of these procedures include paraparesis and paraplegia, which have devastating consequences on patients' quality of life. We provide an updated review of the pathophysiology of spinal cord ischemia in open and endovascular surgery, as well as perioperative measures designed to protect the spinal cord in both types of procedure.

Diploma on Ultrasound training and competency for Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine: Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Anesthesia (SEDAR), Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI) and Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES). / Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología y Reanimación (SEDAR), Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (SEMI) y Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias y Emergencias (SEMES) para la definición de competencias mínimas de ecografía en Cuidados Intensivos y Urgencias y la obtención del Diploma acreditativo.

The use of ultrasound as a clinical diagnostic tool and guide of bedside procedures has become an indispensable examination in the acute critically ill patient. The training of professionals in minimum skills of knowledge, management and indications of use of ultrasound required to be defined by the Scientific Societies. The Intensive Care Ultrasound Working Group of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (SEDAR), of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI) and the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) has developed this consensus document in which the recommended training program and the minimum competencies to be achieved with regard to the use of Ultrasound in Intensive Care, Anesthesia and Emergency medicine are defined. This document defines the training program and the skills to acquire in order to achieve the diploma in lung, abdominal and vascular ultrasound. This document can serve as a guide to define the skills to be acquired in the training programs of residents (MIRs) of specialists working in intensive care, anesthesia, and emergency medicine.

[Open surgery and endovascular treatment on the descending thoracic aorta: 15 years' experience]. / Cirugía abierta y endovascular en la patología de aorta torácica descendente: 15 años de experiencia.

OBJECTIVE: Outcomes of surgical treatment of the descending thoracic aorta have improved markedly, although high associated morbidity and mortality continue to be a concern. Endovascular treatments are therefore attractive alternatives to open surgery. We compared outcomes of endovascular treatment to outcomes of open surgery on both aortic segments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients treated for descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta disease by means of open surgery or endovascular treatment in our hospital between 1995 and 2009. We analyzed preoperative characteristics, intraoperative variables, and postoperative results in both groups. RESULTS: We retrieved the cases of 22 patients, 10 who underwent open surgery and 12 who received endovascular treatment. Surgery was indicated to treat aneurysm (40%), aortic dissection (30%), or both (30%) in the open surgery group. In the endovascular treatment group, 66.7% had aneurysm, 33.3% dissection, and 0% both. Trauma was involved in 20% of the open surgeries and 16.7% of the endovascular procedures. Forty percent of the open surgery cases and 16.2% of the endovascular interventions were emergencies. Patient age was the only statistically significant between-group difference in preoperative characteristics. Postoperative complication rates were similar. Significant differences were observed in duration of surgery, lengths of critical care unit and total hospital stays, and intubation time (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of postoperative complications in the group of patients undergoing open surgery on the descending thoracic aorta was similar to incidences reported by other hospitals with moderate caseloads. A trend toward reduced morbidity and mortality in the endovascular treatment group was observed, and this group had significantly shorter times of intubation and lengths of critical care unit and hospital stays.

The Coriolis mass flow meter as a volume meter for the custody transfer in liquid hydrocarbons logistics.

In recent years, the Coriolis mass flow meters (CMF), devices based on the Coriolis effect over a vibrating pipe, have developed better metrological performance and they are now a reasonable alternative for the custody transfer measurements. Nowadays, many custody transfer operations require measurement of the net volume (volume measured at a certain reference temperature) and, therefore, it is not feasible to use the CMF as a mass flow meter. However, the actual CMF can be used as net volume meters because they have special equipment to measure density and temperature, and a flow computer. In this work, firstly a mathematical simplification of the physical model is proposed for the CMF. We part from the dimensional analysis of the flow-phase relationship produced by the Coriolis force, the main physical principle behind these devices. A simplified formula is obtained and it permits identifying the magnitudes of influence of the CMF as a mass meter. Secondly, its metrological properties are characterized. For such purpose, a 4" straight tube commercial meter has been calibrated in volume, in the 50 to 165 m3/h range against a standard container and a bidirectional prover, employing gas oil and kerosene (JET-A1). These calibrations have turned out to be compatible with the ones performed by the manufacturer in mass and using water. Then it is verified that the CMF fulfills the requisites of the legal metrology: maximum error allowed, linearity and repeatability. Skewness is observed in the relative error (expressed in %) of the CMF and it has been researched to be due to systematic effects related to constructive parameters of the meter. Lineal correlation is verified between relative error and temperature, and between relative error and flow rate, with negative slopes of -0.03% °C-1 and -0.001% h/m3 respectively.

Raman spectroscopy study of the structural effect of microbial transglutaminase on meat systems and its relationship with textural characteristics.

Raman spectroscopy and texture analysis (TPA) studies were carried out to determine the effect of adding different levels of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) to meat systems. This addition produced a significant (p<0.05) increase in hardness, springiness and cohesiveness in the meat systems. Raman spectroscopy analysis revealed the occurrence of secondary structural changes in meat proteins due to MTGase. Modifications in the amide I (1650-1680cm(-1)) and amide III (1200-1300cm(-1)) regions indicated a significant (p<0.05) decrease in α-helix content, accompanied by a significant (p<0.05) increase in ß-sheets and turns due to the addition of the enzyme to meat systems. Significant (p<0.05) correlations were found between these secondary structural changes in meat proteins and the textural properties (hardness, adhesiveness, springiness and cohesiveness) of meat systems.

[Results of the implementation of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in the "Gerencia de Atención Integrada" of Alcazar de San Juan (Castilla La Mancha)]. / Resultados de la implantación de un Programa de Optimización de Antimicrobianos en la Gerencia de Atención Integrada de Alcázar de San Juan (Castilla La Mancha).

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate the efficiency of an ASP after its implementation in 2016 in a Spanish hospital quality system. METHODS: Efficiency of the ASP was measured by process and outcome indicators at the level of the patient's quality of life, antimicrobial consumption and percentage of resistance to them during the 2016-2017 period. In 2017, the failures mode and effects analysis (FMEA) methodology was applied. An annual satisfaction survey was conducted. RESULTS: The clinical indicators were within the threshold of acceptability, as well as the empirical prescription of antimicrobials, the consumption of antibiotics (reduction of 77 DDD in the first semester of 2016 to 26 in the second semester of 2017) and the renal (gentamicin) and neurological (carbapenems) toxicity. The FMEA identified as a main risk the lack of adequacy of the empirical treatment once the antibiogram was obtained; thus, a corrective action was taken in 2017. Regarding the microbiological indicators, the incidence of multi-drug resistant and carbapenemase-producing enterobacteria, and that of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, were reduced. Eighty-three percent of the counselling activities carried out were accepted. The surveys revealed a good acceptance and spread of the program, the need for protocols and training in the use of antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the ASP in the quality system was efficient. The consumption of antibiotics and the adverse effects derived from their use were reduced, improving the quality of life of patients, and reducing health costs.

[Monoclonal spread of multi-drug resistant CTX-M-15-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. Impact of measures to control the outbreak]. / Diseminación monoclonal de Klebsiella pneumoniae productora de CTX-M-15 multirresistente. Impacto de las medidas para controlar el brote.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an outbreak of multi-drug resistant extended-spectrum ß-lactamases-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDR-ESBL-KPN) and the impact of measures for its control. METHODS: We reviewed the patients´ clinical records with MDR-ESBL-KPN isolation during 2013-2016 with resistance to fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, fosfomycin, and nitrofurantoin; susceptible to imipenem, meropenem, colistin, and tigecycline and variable to ertapenem and cotrimoxazole (Vitek-2). The genetic relationship between 35 isolates was established by PFGE and MLST. Control measures were put in place in January 2016. RESULTS: We detected 269 patients colonized and/or infected by KPN-ESBL-MDR with a common resistance phenotype; the strains studied carried the blaCTX-M-15 gene and formed a single cluster belonging to ST11. The outbreak was detected at the end of 2015, although it began in 2013 in an elderly center. The acquisition source of the strains was: 6% community-acquired, 37% hospital-acquired (76% in internal medicine) and 57% related to long health care facilities (78% of hospitalizations in the last year). Ninety-four percent of patients had at least one underlying disease, 90% received antibiotics previously and 49% had some invasive devices. After the introduction of control measures, the incidence of cases in the quarter was reduced from 29 to 15. CONCLUSIONS: We detected a monoclonal outbreak of MDR-CTX-M-15-KPN in 2015, with predominance of health-care associated cases. The success in the rapid spread of the outbreak was due to the delay in its detection and to the fact that most of the patients had previously received antibiotics. The control measures reduced the number of isolates by 50%.

Infrared spectroscopy used to determine effects of chia and olive oil incorporation strategies on lipid structure of reduced-fat frankfurters.

This article reports an infrared spectroscopic study, using attenuated total reflectance (ATR-FTIR), on the structural characteristics of lipids in frankfurters as affected by different strategies to replace animal fat with chia flour and olive oil. Three incorporation strategies were considered: direct addition (FCO) and addition in a conventional emulsion (non-gelled) (FCE) or an emulsion gel using alginate as a gelling agent (FCEG). Reduced-fat (all-pork-fat) frankfurters (FP) were used as reference. Proximate composition and specific technological properties (pH, processing loss, texture) were also evaluated. FCE and FCEG frankfurters showed a shift to higher frequencies and the highest (p<0.05) half-bandwidth in the νasCH2 and νsCH2 bands. These spectroscopic results could be related to the fact that the lipid chain was more disorderly in these samples, presumably because there were more lipid interactions than in the reference frankfurter. These features of lipid structure correlated significantly with processing loss and textural behaviour.

Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología y Reanimación (SEDAR) y la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias y Emergencias (SEMES) para la adquisición de competencias y obtención del diploma acreditativo en el uso de la Ecocardiografía básica en Cuidados Intensivos y Urgencias / Diploma on Basic Echocardiography training and competencies for Intensive Care and Emergency medicine: Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SEDAR) and the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES)

El uso de la ecocardiografía a pie de cama se ha convertido en una herramienta indispensable en la monitorización hemodinámica y diagnóstico en el paciente crítico. Su conocimiento, manejo e indicaciones requieren por parte de las sociedades científicas una implicación para una formación reglada que capacite al profesional. El grupo de trabajo de Ecografía Clínica en Cuidados Intensivos de la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología y Reanimación (SEDAR) y el grupo de trabajo de Ecografía Clínica de la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias y Emergencias (SEMES) han desarrollado un documento de consenso en el que se definen los objetivos de aprendizaje y los requisitos necesarios para adquirir las competencias recomendadas en relación con el uso de la Ecocardiografía básica en Cuidados Intensivos y Urgencias, y así poder obtener un diploma acreditativo en Ecocardiografía básica en Cuidados Intensivos y Urgencias. En este documento se definen las competencias y el programa de formación para alcanzar el nivel básico en Ecocardiografía en Cuidados Intensivos y Urgencias, como parte del Diploma Completo en Ecografía en Cuidados Intensivos y Urgencias de la SEDAR y SEMES. La Sociedad Española de Anestesiología y Reanimación (SEDAR), junto con la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (SEMI) y la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias y Emergencias (SEMES), ha desarrollado un documento de consenso determinando las competencias y un programa formativo para la adquisición de un diploma en ecografía (pulmonar, vascular y abdominal) en Cuidados Intensivos y Urgencias. Solo cuando se obtenga el Diploma en Ecocardiografía básica y el Diploma en Ecografía pulmonar, vascular, abdominal de la SEDAR, SEMI y SEMES se podrá adquirir el Diploma Completo de Ecografía en Cuidados Intensivos y Urgencias de la SEDAR y SEMES.(AU)

Cardiac ultrasound has become an essential tool for diagnosis and hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill patients. Scientific societies need to work toward developing a training program that will allow clinicians to acquire competence in performing cardiac ultrasound and understanding its indications. The Clinical Ultrasound for Intensive Care task force of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SEDAR) and the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) have drawn up this position statement defining the learning objectives and training required to acquire the competencies recommended for basic ultrasound management in the intensive care and emergency setting in order to obtain a diploma in Basic Ultrasound in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine. This document defines the training program and the competencies needed for basic skills in ultrasound in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine - part of the Diploma in Ultrasound for Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine awarded by SEDAR/SEMES. The Spanish Society of Anesthesia (SEDAR), Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI) and Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) have drawn up a position statement determining the competencies and training program for a diploma in ultrasound (lung, abdominal and vascular) in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine. To obtain the SEDAR/SEMES Diploma in Ultrasound in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, clinicians must have completed the SEDAR, SEMI and SEMES Diploma in basic ultrasound and the Diploma in lung, abdominal, and vascular ultrasound.(AU)

An anthropomorphic breathing phantom of the thorax for testing new motion mitigation techniques for pencil beam scanning proton therapy.

Motion-induced range changes and incorrectly placed dose spots strongly affect the quality of pencil-beam-scanned (PBS) proton therapy, especially in thoracic tumour sites, where density changes are large. Thus motion-mitigation techniques are necessary, which must be validated in a realistic patient-like geometry. We report on the development and characterisation of a dynamic, anthropomorphic, thorax phantom that can realistically mimic thoracic motions and anatomical features for verifications of proton and photon 4D treatments. The presented phantom is of an average thorax size, and consists of inflatable, deformable lungs surrounded by a skeleton and skin. A mobile 'tumour' is embedded in the lungs in which dosimetry devices (such as radiochromic films) can be inserted. Motion of the tumour and deformation of the thorax is controlled via a custom made pump system driving air into and out of the lungs. Comprehensive commissioning tests have been performed to evaluate the mechanical performance of the phantom, its visibility on CT and MR imaging and its feasibility for dosimetric validation of 4D proton treatments. The phantom performed well on both regular and irregular pre-programmed breathing curves, reaching peak-to-peak amplitudes in the tumour of <20 mm. Some hysteresis in the inflation versus deflation phases was seen. All materials were clearly visualised in CT scans, and all, except the bone and lung components, were MRI visible. Radiochromic film measurements in the phantom showed that imaging for repositioning was required (as for a patient treatment). Dosimetry was feasible with Gamma Index agreements (4%/4 mm) between film dose and planned dose >90% in the central planes of the target. The results of this study demonstrate that this anthropomorphic thorax phantom is suitable for imaging and dosimetric studies in a thoracic geometry closely-matched to lung cancer patients under realistic motion conditions.