All-POF coupling ratio-imbalanced Sagnac interferometer as a refractive index sensor.

A polymer optical Sagnac interferometer is proposed as a compact and low-cost refractive index sensor for the first time to our best knowledge. The Sagnac interferometer is fabricated by only one piece of fiber to facilitate its fabrication and to avoid losses due to misalignment or fusion. The coupler was developed based on chemical and twisting techniques of ∼5cm of fiber. We modified the coupling ratio by varying the refractive index of media surrounding the coupler and consequently modified the transmission. For several values of mass percent concentration of sugar solutions surrounding the coupler, we found that transmittance decreases as the mass concentration increases. However, the decay is faster for the low concentration, while the decay is slower for higher concentrations. Two sets of experiments were carried out, at high (≥ 1 gm/100 ml) and low (<1gm/100ml) mass concentration of sugar solutions. The calibration of the sensor was done at 733 nm, where the response of the interferometer displays larger transmission variations for different solutions. The refractive index estimation was possible by correlation of the transmittance function (calculated by fitting the experimental data) with a linear refractive index model. The estimated resolution of the system is 0.057 weight percent of sugar solution, determined by the noise of the system.

[Neurosurgical treatment of cervical spine injuries]. / Neurochirurgische Eingriffe bei Traumata der Halswirbelsäule.

BACKGROUND: Injuries of the cervical spine are quite common with an incidence of more than 3% in trauma patients. The incidence is even higher in elderly patients. Cervical spine injuries might induce severe neurological deficits. Therefore, they must be quickly and adequately diagnosed and treated. Depending on the pattern of injury, conservative or surgical treatment is indicated. OBJECTIVE: The authors describe the different surgical strategies and treatment options based on the pattern of injury. Typical surgical methods are illustrated by case presentations. CONCLUSION: Cervical spine injuries should be treated in a trauma centre with extensive expertise in spine surgery. The immobilisation and gentle transportation is important already at the scene of the accident. Nowadays, there are excellent surgical options and strategies available as well as excellent intensive care therapy. These possibilities lead to rapid and good stabilisation of cervical spine injuries and the posttraumatic morbidity and mortality can be reduced significantly especially in elderly patients.

Rotationally shearing interferometer for extra-solar planet detection: preliminary results with a solar system simulator.

We describe preliminary experimental results on the laboratory demonstration of a technique to detect an extrasolar planet using a rotationally shearing interferometer. We simulate a planet and a star in a laboratory solar system. It consists of two laser beams; each passed through a spatial filter, collimated and combined. We confirm the theoretical prediction that the on-axis star generates no fringes for any shear angle. The star generates a uniform wave front that is invariant to the shear angle. Additionally, we demonstrate that the off-axis planet produces straight fringes. Thus, the mere presence of fringes confirms the existence of a planet. Furthermore, we illustrate that the fringe density and their inclination increase with the shear angle in the rotational shearing interferometer. Therefore, the number of fringes and their direction may be changed from the Earth to confirm (or reject) the existence of a planet.

Intensified blood glucose treatment in diabetic patients undergoing a liver transplant: impact on graft evolution at 3 months and at 5 years.

PURPOSE: The debate about the impact of intensified hyperglycemia treatment is still ranging. The main objective was to assess whether intensive glycemic control in hospitalized diabetic patients undergoing a liver transplant is associated with a lower rate of graft rejection at 3 months and at 5 years post-transplant. METHODS: Cross-sectional study comparing a cohort of patients undergoing liver transplant in 2010 and 2011, in whom an intensive insulin protocol was applied, with a retrospective group of patients undergoing a liver transplant in 2005 and 2006, in whom a conventional insulin protocol was applied. Both diabetics and non-diabetics were compared. As intensive insulin therapy is applied mainly in diabetic patients, it is expected that, when comparing both periods, the treatment would only benefit those patients. RESULTS: The logistic regression model showed a statistically significant interaction between the treatment group and the presence of diabetes for the rejection rate 3 months and 5 years post-transplant. At both time points, the intensive insulin treatment group had lower rejection rates in the case of diabetic patients, which did not occur in non-diabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows a decrease in the rate of liver graft rejection in diabetic patients undergoing intensive insulin treatment.

Polymorphisms of the WNT16 gene are associated with the heel ultrasound parameter in young adults.

SUMMARY: Bone mineral content is influenced by genetic factors. We investigated the role of WNT16 in bone properties determined using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) on young adults. Three WNT16 genetic markers (rs2908007, rs2908004, and rs2707466) were found to have a significant association with the broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) measurement, suggesting that WNT16 influences bone mass in young adults. INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate whether genetic markers on the WNT16 gene are associated with bone mass, as assessed using QUS in a population of healthy young Spanish adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 575 individuals (mean age 20.41 ± 2.69). Bone quality was assessed using BUA measurements (dB/MHz) on the right calcaneus. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2908007, rs2908004, rs3801387, rs3801385, rs2707466, and rs2536184) covering the WNT16 gene were selected as genetic markers and genotyped to test their association with BUA variations. RESULTS: The rs2908007, rs2908004, and rs2707466 SNPs were found to have a significant association with BUA (p = 0.004, p = 0.001, and p = 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION: We demonstrate for the first time that WNT16 genetic polymorphisms influence QUS traits in a population of young adults. This finding suggests that WNT16 might be an important genetic factor in determining peak bone mass acquisition.

BORIS and CTCF are overexpressed in squamous intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer.

We investigated the expression of Brother of Regulator of Imprinted Sites (BORIS) and CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) in squamous intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer. To analyze BORIS and CTCF expression, an endocervical cytobrush sample was taken for total RNA isolation. CTCF and BORIS mRNA was quantified from total RNA using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. A total of 71 samples were collected and classified according to the Bethesda Classification of squamous intraepithelial lesions. BORIS expression was observed in 9 (12.7%) samples; of these, 5.3, 5.9, 14.8, and 37.5% in the groups that were cytology negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), and invasive cervical carcinoma, respectively. The expression level of BORIS was significantly higher in the group with invasive cervical carcinoma as compared with the groups negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy, LSIL, and HSIL (P < 0.0005). CTCF mRNA was expressed in all samples. CTCF expression was significantly higher in carcinoma groups compared with LSIL, HSIL, and negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy groups. We found that BORIS and CTCF expressions in the LSIL and invasive cervical carcinoma groups were higher than expression in cytological normal samples. Additional studies should be conducted to examine the function of transcription factors during different stages of the transformation of cervical cancer cells.

Virtual surgical planning for extensive fibrous dysplasia in the mandible.

The reconstruction of extensive mandibular defects is a challenge for which virtual surgical planning is extremely helpful. This report describes the case of a 33-year-old woman who experienced the gradual development of a severe mandibular deformity with elongation of the chin and mandibular border because of fibrous dysplasia. Consequently, 19 cm of the mandible extending from the neck of the condyle to the contralateral body was resected together with vestibular and lingual deformities. This bone was replaced with a fibula-free flap. For planning, a virtual resection was performed via a Web conference, followed by virtual reconstruction by superimposition of the fibula on the mandibular defect after the creation of three osteotomies. A stereolithographic model of the reconstructed mandible and cutting guides for the mandibular resection and fibula osteotomies were made. The stereolithographic model of the neo-mandible allowed prebending of a reconstruction plate before the surgery because the deformity did not allow this to be performed intraoperatively. The cutting guides shortened the operating time and enabled accurate reproduction of the virtual plan with exact bone-to-bone contact in the reconstructed mandible. Surgical virtual planning, despite its upfront cost, is a time-saving procedure, which is especially important in complex reconstruction cases, and eliminates the variability of surgical expertise for flap in-setting.

Prevalence of squamous gastric disease in Colombian equids at slaughter: A postmortem comparative study among horses, donkeys and mules.

Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) occurs with variable prevalence in horses, donkeys, and mules. Due to the particularities of the mucous membranes, the syndrome is made up of Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD) and Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD). Given the multifactorial nature and multiple classification systems of the syndrome, significant differences have been reported between prevalence studies performed ante mortem, which are even more remarkable when compared with postmortem evaluations. This study aimed to determine the presence and grade of squamous gastric disease in horses, donkeys and mules immediately after slaughter. The postmortem examination considered the inspection of the squamous region (cardia, dorsal fundus, and margo plicatus) and the classification of the observed lesions. The general prevalence of ESGD in the entire population of study was 83.3 % (78 %, 89 %, and 83 % for horses, donkeys, and mules, respectively), compromising the margo plicatus in all cases. 75 % had more than 5 lesions and 50 % had deep lesions, lesions of varying severity and/or evidence of recent/active bleeding. The prevalence of ESGD was similar in horses, donkeys, and mules subjected to similar handling conditions prior to slaughter, including long-distance traveling, fasting, and stress factors.

Case report: Comprehensive follow-up of a Colombian family carrying a novel MEN1 variant linked to a rare ACTH-producing pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma.

Background: Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant disorder marked by pathogenic variants in the MEN1 tumor suppressor gene, leading to tumors in the parathyroid glands, pancreas, and pituitary. The occurrence of ACTH-producing pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma is exceedingly rare in MEN1. Case presentation: This report details a Colombian family harboring a novel MEN1 variant identified through genetic screening initiated by the index case. Affected family members exhibited primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) symptoms from their 20s to 50s. Uniquely, the index case developed an ACTH-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma, a rarity in MEN1 syndromes. Proactive screening enabled the early detection of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) as microadenomas in two carriers, with subsequent surgical or pharmacological intervention based on the clinical presentation. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the significance of cascade screening in facilitating the early diagnosis and individualized treatment of MEN1, contributing to better patient outcomes. Additionally, this study brings to light a novel presentation of ACTH-producing pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma within the MEN1 spectrum, expanding our understanding of the disease's manifestations.

Development of a method to determine essential oil residues in cow milk.

Over the past few years, the use of essential oils in breeding has been gaining ground because of their wide range of application, especially in terms of antimicrobial activity, and the current emphasis on the use of natural compounds, particularly to replace antibiotics. Among the essential oils and their active components, 4 molecules are of great interest and are studied in this paper: carvacrol, thymol, cinnamaldehyde, and diallyl disulfide. In particular, we examined the transfer of essential oil components from animal feed to milk. Because these components could confer an undesirable odor or taste to milk and derived products or interfere with milk processing, it is necessary to quantify their residues in milk. Milk is a complex biological matrix containing large amounts of water, fat, and protein. As a consequence, the extraction of volatile compounds, which are mainly lipophilic, is often critical. In this work, a method based on solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was developed and optimized. We evaluated the effect of several parameters on the sensitivity of the method: fiber type, fiber to sample contact, extraction temperature, extraction time, agitation, and salt addition. The best results were obtained using a divinylbenzene-carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane (50/30 µm) fiber in headspace mode at 34.6°C for 32.6 min without agitation or salt addition. Standard calibration curves were constructed, and the limits of detection and quantification and ranges of linear response and repeatability were evaluated. Detection limits ranged from 25 to 50 µg/L, quantification limits from 50 to 75 µg/L, and variation coefficients from 23.5 to 36.6%. Therefore, the optimized methodology was able to evaluate whether significant transfer of essential oil components from feed to milk occurred, and the method is simple and solvent-free. We applied the method to milk samples from cows whose feed included thymol, carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, or diallyl disulfide as feed additives at the recommended dose and at twice the usual dose. None of the 4 essential oil components were found in milk samples, regardless of the dose administered.

Evaluation of a lateral flow assay for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis infection in dairy cattle.

A commercially available multi-antigen lateral flow assay (LFA) for detection of antibodies to Mycobacterium bovis was evaluated by testing dairy cattle in Baja California, México. Sera and tissue samples were obtained from 268 dairy cattle at a slaughterhouse and were tested by LFA, bacteriological culture, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of 107 culture positive samples, 70 (65.4%) were positive by PCR and 49 (45.8%) were positive by LFA. The PCR and LFA gave positive results with an additional 59 (36.6%) and 77 (47.8%) of the 161 culture negative samples, respectively. The false negative rate for the PCR was 34.6% and 54.2% for the LFA. Due to the high false positive rate for both PCR and LFA observed in this study, the LFA cannot be a useful test, even in combination with PCR.

[Mandibular distraction osteogenesis in patients with craniofacial malformation]. / Distracción mandibular osteogénica en pacientes con malformaciones craneofaciales.

Craniofacial malformations (Pierre-Robin sequence, Treacher-Collins syndrome, Nager syndrome, etc.) are frequently associated to severe mandibular hypoplasia, which can cause upper airway obstruction by retroposition of the base of the tongue in the posterior pharyngeal space. Most of the patients respond to postural treatment. In prone decubitus position, it may be necessary to monitor oxygen saturation, insert a nasopharyngeal tube and even an endotracheal one. In more severe cases with prolonged and frequent pauses of apnea, tracheostomy may be necessary, but it is associated with high morbidity and sometimes mortality. In the last two years, in the Multidisciplinary Cleft Lip and Palate Unit of the Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, 4 children with severe obstructive apnea secondary to severe mandibular hypoplasia have been treated with mandibular distraction osteogenesis, this procedure being effective in the resolution of the condition. It has avoided tracheostomy, it has lengthened the jaw in a period of 2-3 weeks. During this time, the obstructive respiratory problems and also swallowing problems have disappeared. The esthetic results were excellent and the complications, for the moment, minimum.

Tin and mercury and their speciation (organotin compounds and methylmercury) in worldwide red wine samples determined by ICP-MS and GC-ICP-MS.

One hundred and twenty-two red wines were analysed for their total tin, total mercury and speciation concentrations. Total Sn and Hg concentrations were in average 4.4 ± 7.2 µg/L and 0.22 ± 0.12 µg/L, respectively. Two GC-ICP-MS methods were developed and validated for speciation purposes: one to measure organotin compounds (OTCs) with internal standard correction; the other, to evaluate methylmercury (MeHg+) by isotopic dilution. Methyltins (mainly dimethyltin, but also monomethyltin) were the most abundant OTCs recovered. Methylation seems to occur biotically during the wine making process and not during the bottling time. Therefore, it also seems to be roughly dependent on the geographical origin of the wine. For higher OTCs, monobutyltin was the most regularly found, but dibutyltin and monooctyltin were also detected sometimes. MeHg+ was not recovered in any of the samples investigated, probably due to the low level of Hg. These results suggest that, in terms of these parameters, normal consumption of wine is not a hazard for human health.

Diet Quality and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: C-reactive protein (CRP) is commonly used as a biomarker for inflammation. Mild elevations of CRP have been seen in chronic autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and CRP has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Diet quality and certain dietary factors seem to influence CRP levels in healthy subjects. To date, the effect of diet on serum CRP in SLE has not been studied. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between dietary nutrients, antioxidant intake, and serum CRP in SLE. DESIGN AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 91 patients with SLE. High-sensitivity hsCRP values were determined using an immuno-turbidimetry assay in a Beckman Coulter analyzer (AU5800). Dietary intake of macro- and micronutrients was assessed through a 24-hr diet recall. Antioxidant nutrient intake was evaluated using the dietary antioxidant quality score (DAQs). Linear regression models were used to investigate the relationships between serum hsCRP levels, dietary nutrient intake, and DAQs. RESULTS: The mean serum hsCRP level observed (3.76 ± 6.68 mg/L) was above the established normal range. However, participating SLE patients had low-quality diets, and we found no significant correlations between dietary intake of macro- or micronutrients or antioxidant nutrient intake (DAQs) and serum CRP levels. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals that participating SLE patients had a low-quality diet that did not influence inflammatory status measured using serum CRP levels. Further interventional studies with high-quality diets in this population are necessary to dissect the role of diet on CRP levels in SLE.

Genetic association analysis of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and obesity-related phenotypes.

Vitamin D has been established as a key factor in the development of obesity through the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of the VDR gene to obesity-related phenotypes in a population of Caucasian young adults. The study population consisted of 701 healthy Spanish young adults (mean age 20.41±2.48). Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of VDR (TaqI, BsmI and FokI) were selected as genetic markers. Body composition measurements including weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), percentage of fat mass (PFM), fat-free mass (FFM) and visceral fat level (VFL) were analysed. Differences in obesity traits across the genotypes were determined using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The FokI polymorphism showed a significant association with PFM across the whole population after adjusting for age and sex (p=0.022). Age-adjusted analysis revealed an association between body weight and the TaqI and BsmI SNPs in males (p=0.033 and p=0.028, respectively). However, these positive findings did not remain significant after applying the Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. Our findings suggest that VDR genetic variants are unlikely to play a major role in obesity-related phenotypes in a population of Caucasian young adults.

[Schwannomas of the lingual nerve]. / Schwanoma del nervio lingual.

Schwanomas in extracranial head and neck region are an uncommon tumour, but when refered to its origin in the parasympathetic nerve fibers are extremely rare. We describe a case of schwanoma of the right submandibular gland originating from the parasympathetic branch of the lingual nerve, and we discuss about the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of this rare tumour and a literature review of the recent cases.

Percepciones del paciente en realimentación tras cirugía colorrectal. Un estudio cualitativo

Introducción: El conocimiento obtenido a partir de las experiencias de los pacientes favorece una atención de calidad. El objetivo de este estudio cualitativo es conocer la percepción de los pacientes sobre su realimentación tras una cirugía colorrectal, y los factores condicionantes en relación con dicho proceso. Material y Método: En base a la directriz de Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research, se realiza un estudio cualitativo a partir de una entrevista de 8 preguntas de término abierto realizada a 20 pacientes seleccionados por un método de variación máxima de muestreo. Se realizó análisis temático. Resultados: Se identificaron cuatro dimensiones principales (con subtemas respectivos) que condicionan la alimentación en el postoperatorio: 1. propósitos del paciente tras la alimentación (búsqueda de alta, hidratación, búsqueda de salud, finalizar ayuno, deambulación); 2. propiedades y características de los alimentos (sazón, presentación, temperatura, porciones, consistencia, favoritos); 3. factores del paciente (físicos, psicológicos); y 4. relación equipo de salud-paciente (confianza, complacencia, información, agradecimiento). Conclusión: El proceso de ingesta de alimentos en este contexto está condicionado por las cuatro dimensiones mencionadas. Sería importante considerarlas al momento de crear y ejecutar pautas y guías de alimentación adaptadas a los pacientes.

Introduction: Knowledge obtained from the experiences of patients favors quality care. The aim of this study is to know the perception of patients regarding refeeding after colorectal surgery, and particular factors that condition postoperative intake from their perspective. Materials and Method: Based on the guideline of Standards for reporting qualitative Research, a qualitative study was constructed from an interview with 8 open-ended questions to 20 patients selected by a maximum sampling variation method. Thematic analysis was carried out. Results: Four main dimensions were identified that determine feeding in the postoperative period: 1. patient's goals after feeding (search for discharge, hydration, search for health, end fasting, ambulation); 2. properties and characteristics of food (seasoning, presentation, temperature, portions, consistency, favorites); 3 patient factors (physical, psychological); and 4. health team-patient relationship (trust, complacency, information, gratitude). Conclusion: The process of food intake in this context is conditioned by the four dimensions mentioned. It would be important to consider them when creating and executing feeding guidelines adapted to patients.

Anxiolytic-like actions of the hexane extract from leaves of Annona cherimolia in two anxiety paradigms: possible involvement of the GABA/benzodiazepine receptor complex.

A hexane extract of leaves of Annona cherimolia produced anxiolytic-like actions when administered to mice and tested in two animal models of anxiety: the mouse avoidance exploratory behavior and the burying behavior tests. In order to discard unspecific drug-actions on general activity, all treatments studied in the anxiety paradigms were also analyzed in the open field test. Results showed that A. cherimolia induced anxiolytic-like actions at the doses of 6.25, 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg. Picrotoxin (0.25 mg/kg), a GABA-gated chloride ion channel blocker, antagonized the anxiolytic-like actions of A. cherimolia, while a sub-effective dose of muscimol (0.5 mg/kg), a selective GABA(A) receptor agonist, facilitated the effects of a sub-optimal dose of A. cherimolia (3.12 mg/kg). Thus, the involvement of the GABA(A) receptor complex in the anxiolytic-like actions of A. cherimolia hexane extract is suggested. In addition the extract was also able to enhance the duration of sodium pentobarbital induced sleeping time. Taken together, results indicate that the hexane extract of A. cherimolia has depressant activity on the Central Nervous System and could interact with the GABA(A) receptor complex. On the other hand, the chromatographic separation of this extract led to the isolation of palmitone, and beta-sitosterol as major constituents. In addition a GC-MS study of some fractions revealed the presence of several compounds such beta-cariophyllene, beta-selinene, alpha-cubebene, and linalool that have been reported to show effects on behavior that could explain some of the extract effects.