Anemochory of diapausing stages of microinvertebrates in North American drylands.

1. Dry, ephemeral, desert wetlands are major sources of windblown sediment, as well as repositories for diapausing stages (propagules) of aquatic invertebrates. Zooplankton propagules are of the same size range as sand and dust grains. They can be deflated and transported in windstorm events. This study provides the evidence that dust storms aid in dispersal of microinvertebrate propagules via anemochory (aeolian transport). 2. We monitored 91 windstorms at six sites in the southwestern U.S. over a 17-year period. The primary study site was located in El Paso, Texas in the northern Chihuahuan Desert. Additional samples were collected from the Southern High Plains region. Dust carried by these events was collected and rehydrated to hatch viable propagules transported with it. 3. Using samples collected over a six-year period, 21 m above the ground which included 59 storm events, we tested the hypothesis that transport of propagules is correlated with storm intensity by monitoring meteorological conditions such as storm duration, wind direction, wind speed, and PM10 (fine dust concentration). An air quality monitoring site located adjacent to the dust samplers provided quantitative hourly measurements. 4. Rehydration results from all events showed that ciliates were found in 92% of the samples, rotifers in 81%, branchiopods in 29%, ostracods in 4%, nematodes in 13%, gastrotrichs in 16%, and tardigrades in 3%. Overall, four bdelloid and 11 monogonont rotifer species were identified from rehydrated windblown dust samples. 5. PCA results indicated gastrotrichs, branchiopods, nematodes, tardigrades, and monogonont rotifer occurrence positively correlated with PM10 and dust event duration. Bdelloid rotifers were correlated with amount of sediment deposited. NMDS showed a significant relationship between PM10 and occurrence of some taxa. Zero-inflated, general linear models with mixed-effects indicated significant relationships with bdelloid and nematode transport and PM10. 6. Thus, windstorms with high particulate matter concentration and long duration are more likely to transport microinvertebrate diapausing stages in drylands.

Evidence for regional aeolian transport of freshwater micrometazoans in arid regions.

While separated by large expanses of dry terrain unsuitable for aquatic biota, aridland waters possess high biodiversity. How aquatic micrometazoans disperse to, and colonize, these isolated ephemeral habitats are not well understood. We used a multi-faceted approach including wind tunnel and rehydration experiments, and next-generation sequencing to assess potential movement of diapausing propagules of aquatic invertebrates by anemochory across regional scales (102-105 km). Wind tunnel experiments using dry playa sediments with added micrometazoan propagules demonstrated that after entrainment by saltation and downwind transport were subsequently recoverable as viable animals when rehydrated. Further, rehydration of fallen natural dust yielded micrometazoans, including rotifers, gastrotrichs, microcrustaceans, and nematodes. Using conserved DNA primers, we identified >3,300 eukaryotic Operational Taxonomic Units (excluding fungi) in the dust including some taxa found in rehydration experiments. Thus, we provide strong evidence that anemochory can disperse micrometazoans among isolated, ephemeral ecosystems in North American deserts and likely elsewhere.

Development and psychometric validation of a brief comprehensive health status assessment scale in older patients with hematological malignancies: The GAH Scale.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to develop a new brief, comprehensive geriatric assessment scale for older patients diagnosed with different hematological malignancies, the Geriatric Assessment in Hematology (GAH scale), and to determine its psychometric properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 30-item GAH scale was designed through a multi-step process to cover 8 relevant dimensions. This is an observational study conducted in 363 patients aged≥65years, newly diagnosed with different hematological malignancies (myelodysplasic syndrome/acute myeloblastic leukemia, multiple myeloma, or chronic lymphocytic leukemia), and treatment-naïve. The scale psychometric validation process included the analyses of feasibility, floor and ceiling effect, validity and reliability criteria. RESULTS: Mean time taken to complete the GAH scale was 11.9±4.7min that improved through a learning-curve effect. Almost 90% of patients completed all items, and no floor or ceiling effects were identified. Criterion validity was supported by reasonable correlations between the GAH scale dimensions and three contrast variables (global health visual analogue scale, ECOG and Karnofsky), except for comorbidities. Factor analysis (supported by the scree plot) revealed nine factors that explained almost 60% of the total variance. Moderate internal consistency reliability was found (Cronbach's α: 0.610), and test-retest was excellent (ICC coefficients, 0.695-0.928). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the GAH scale is a valid, internally reliable and a consistent tool to assess health status in older patients with different hematological malignancies. Future large studies should confirm whether the GAH scale may be a tool to improve clinical decision-making in older patients with hematological malignancies.

Surgical treatment of Menière's disease.

Surgical treatment is used only for patients with Menière's disease in cases that do not respond to medical therapy. At the present time, the endolymphatic sac shunt operation is performed in cases where the auditory threshold is fluctuant around 30 dB. When the auditory threshold is between 40 and 70 dB we use the vestibular neurectomy by the retrosigmoid approach. In patients with Menière's disease with profound hearing loss the translabyrinthine neurectomy is used. The advantages of the vestibular neurectomy by the retrosigmoid approach compared to the retrolabyrinthine and middle fossa approaches will be described.

Combined vestibular neurectomy and endolymphatic sac shunt via the retrosigmoid approach in the treatment of Ménière's disease.

The nature of surgical treatment for Ménière's disease has evolved from destructive to conservative in the interest of preserving hearing. We have performed a combined procedure that involves a vestibular neurectomy to control vertigo, which is followed by an endolymphatic sac shunt to control hydrops in 26 patients. Both procedures are performed via the retrosigmoid approach during the same surgical step. We believe this combination procedure is a worthwhile option to consider in order to achieve good control of vertigo and endolymphatic hydrops and to preserve hearing in patients with Ménière's disease.

[A program of intracavernous drug-induced erection for the treatment of impotence]. / Programa de erección farmacológica intracavernosa para el tratamiento de la impotencia.

The study includes 138 patients with erectile dysfunction, all of them previously treated with intracavernous injections. Following study and classification of the type of impotence, they were all included in one of the four following groups. The drugs used were, in group I (73 patients) Prostaglandins E1, in group II (37 patients) Papaverine, in group III (6 patients) a combination of Papaverine and Phentolamine and in group IV (22 patients) a combination of Papaverine and Prostaglandins E1. We found a good treatment response in 59.3% cases (60.3% in group I, 51.3% in group II, 66.7% in group III, and 69% in group IV). We outline the better results obtained in group IV, as well as the reduced number of complications in our series.

[Infiltrating transitional carcinoma of the bladder (4). Our approach to stage pT2 and critique of other risk factors. Multifactorial analysis]. / Carcinoma transicional infiltrante de vejiga. (4a parte). Nuestra actitud frente al estadio pT2 y crítica de otros factores de riesgo. Análisis multifactorial.

From the analysis of our experience with pT2 and pT3a tumours it could be deduced that the former have better prognosis. The papillary appearance, invasion in a wide front and extent, whether with good or moderate differentiation, in T2 are signs of good prognosis, as well as the non-existence of unilateral dilation or an effaced kidney. Considering the good evolution obtained with radical cystectomy only, these patients should be recruited for study in order to see whether evolution with bladder preservation is similar. Patients with pT2 tumours should not be included in protocols to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant therapies used with surgery. The evolution is not equivalent to that expected in tumours of deeper invasion.

Towards a consensus on a hearing preservation classification system.

CONCLUSION: The comprehensive Hearing Preservation classification system presented in this paper is suitable for use for all cochlear implant users with measurable pre-operative residual hearing. If adopted as a universal reporting standard, as it was designed to be, it should prove highly beneficial by enabling future studies to quickly and easily compare the results of previous studies and meta-analyze their data. OBJECTIVES: To develop a comprehensive Hearing Preservation classification system suitable for use for all cochlear implant users with measurable pre-operative residual hearing. METHODS: The HEARRING group discussed and reviewed a number of different propositions of a HP classification systems and reviewed critical appraisals to develop a qualitative system in accordance with the prerequisites. RESULTS: The Hearing Preservation Classification System proposed herein fulfills the following necessary criteria: 1) classification is independent from users' initial hearing, 2) it is appropriate for all cochlear implant users with measurable pre-operative residual hearing, 3) it covers the whole range of pure tone average from 0 to 120 dB; 4) it is easy to use and easy to understand.

Radiofrecuencia pulsada para el tratamiento del dolor crónico postherniorrafia inguinal. Reporte de caso / Pulsed radiofrequency for the treatment of chronic pain groin postherniorraphy. Case report

Introducción: El dolor crónico postherniorrafia inguinal es una condición clínica caracterizada por dolor frecuentemente neuropático, incapacitante, de difícil control farmacológico, lo cual ha derivado en la búsqueda de diferentes herramientas de tratamiento. Objetivo: Presentamos el caso de un paciente con diagnóstico de dolor crónico postherniorrafia inguinal, refractario al tratamiento farmacológico, a quien se le realizó una radiofrecuencia pulsada con la cual se logró control del dolor y su reintegro a la vida laboral. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda en la base de datos Pub- Med/Medline, entre los años 2000 y 2013. Resultados: Se revisaron 25 artículos para la descripción del caso. Conclusión: En pacientes con dolor crónico postherniorrafia inguinal, refractarios al tratamiento farmacológico, la radiofrecuencia pulsada aplicada sobre los nervios ilioinguinal, iliohipogástrico y genitofemoral, es una alternativa útil, disponible en nuestro medio y segura con una baja incidencia de efectos adversos o complicaciones (AU)

Introduction: Postherniorrhaphy groin chronic pain is a clinical condition characterized by neuropathic pain mainly, disabling, with difficult pharmacological control, which has resulted in the search for different treatment tools. Objective: To present the case of a patient diagnosed with postherniorrhaphy groin chronic pain, resistant to medical therapy, to whom was made a pulsed radiofrequency by means of which achieved pain control and their reintegration into working life. Methods: A search was conducted on PubMed/Medline database, between the years 2000-2013. Results: 25 papers were reviewed to describe the case. Conclusion: In patients with postherniorrhaphy groin chronic pain resistant to pharmacological treatment, pulsed radiofrequency applied to the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric and genitofemoral nerves is an effective alternative, available and safe with a low incidence of adverse effects or complications (AU)

[Blind bifid ureter associated with duplicity and contralateral vesicoureteral reflux]. / Uréter bífido ciego asociado a duplicidad y reflujo vesicoureteral contralateral.

We report on a pediatric patient who was evaluated for recurrent episodes of urinary tract infection. Evaluation by IVP, cystography and retrograde ureteropyelography revealed a complete ureteral duplicity, grade II vesicoureteral reflux in the lower half of the left kidney and a blind bifid ureter arising at the distal third of the right ureter. This is an uncommon condition (about 150 cases have been reported) difficult to diagnose if undetected by conventional radiological evaluation and retrograde ureteropyelography may be required. It may be associated with urological or other types of malformations. It is generally asymptomatic and with scant consequences, thus treatment is initially conservative. Surgical excision of the blind bifid ureter is warranted only when complications present. In the present case, prophylactic antibiotic therapy was instituted. At one year follow up, the patient is asymptomatic and urine cultures are negative.

[Hemangioma of the spermatic cord. Presentation of a case with review of the literature]. / Hemangioma de cordón espemático. Aportación de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a rare variety of spermatic cord tumor, with special reference to the differential diagnosis. The literature is briefly reviewed. METHODS: The clinical and pathological features of a tumor located in the right inguino-scrotal region of a 27-year-old male patient are described. RESULTS: The preoperative evaluation disclosed an irregular mass in the right hemiscrotum that was unconnected to the testis. The patient underwent orchidectomy and resection of the tumor. Pathological analysis of the surgical specimen revealed a hemangioma of the spermatic cord. CONCLUSIONS: Hemangioma of the spermatic cord is a very uncommon tumor, it is a slow growing, indolent, benign scrotal lesion that must be distinguished from other paratesticular masses or tumors with similar clinical features. Ultrasound and other diagnostic imaging techniques are not useful in making the preoperative differential diagnosis.