Bupivacaine 0.5 % versus articaine 4 % for the removal of lower third molars. A crossover randomized controlled trial

Objective: To compare the anesthetic action of 0.5% bupivacaine in relation to 4% articaine, both with 1:200,000 epinephrine, in the surgical removal of lower third molars. As a secondary objective hemodynamic changes using both anesthetics were analyzed. Study Design: Triple-blind crossover randomized clinical trial. Eighteen patients underwent bilateral removal of impacted lower third molars using 0.5% bupivacaine or 4% articaine in two different appointments. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative variables were recorded. Differences were assessed with McNemar tests and repeated measures ANOVA tests. Results: Both solutions exhibited similar latency times and intraoperative efficacy. Statistical significant lower pain levels were observed with bupivacaine between the fifth (p=0.011) and the ninth (p=0.007) postoperative hours. Bupivacaine provided significantly longer lasting soft tissue anesthesia (p<0.05). Systolic blood pressure and heart rate values were significantly higher with articaine. Conclusions: Bupivacaine could be a valid alternative to articaine especially due to its early postoperative pain prevention ability.

Análisis de viabilidad de la ejecución y puesta en marcha de un hotel con encanto en el Pirineo Aragonés

A través de este proyecto final de carrera se pretende analizar la viabilidad técnica y económica para la puesta en marcha de un hotel de montaña en una comarca concreta del Pirineo Aragonés, como alternativa de negocio. Aunque no podemos olvidar que es un sector que puede parecer saturado, se tratará de buscar el elemento diferenciador para superar esta amenaza competitiva. Desde el año 2000, el número total de turistas que llegan a España, ha ido ascendiendo año a año, hasta alcanzar valores máximos en 2007 y de nuevo en 2013. Las estadísticas demuestran que es un sector al alza y en la comunidad aragonesa aporta al PIB aragonés, cerca de 3.000 millones de euros. Por otro lado, la crisis ha provocado una bajada importante en los precios de los inmuebles y parcelas, por lo que nos aprovecharemos de esta oportunidad de negocio. A través de otros estudios que implementan el trabajo, llegamos a los resultados del análisis que demuestran que la inversión es posible. La modalidad escogida para la construcción y diseño del hotel, el efecto diferenciador en los productos y servicios ofertados y la cercanía del hotel de las estaciones de esquí, hacen posible el sueño de los futuros promotores, que apuestan por un tipo de negocio sostenible e integrado en la naturaleza y que respete la autenticidad sociocultural de la comarca y el entono.

Alternative Techniques of Neural Signal Processing in Neuroengineering

Neural signal processing is a discipline within neuroengineering. This interdisciplinary approach combines principles from machine learning, signal processing theory, and computational neuroscience applied to problems in basic and clinical neuroscience. The ultimate goal of neuroengineering is a technological revolution, where machines would interact in real time with the brain. Machines and brains could interface, enabling normal function in cases of injury or disease, brain monitoring, and/or medical rehabilitation of brain disorders. Much current research in neuroengineering is focused on understanding the coding and processing of information in the sensory and motor systems, quantifying how this processing is altered in the pathological state, and how it can be manipulated through interactions with artificial devices including brain–computer interfaces and neuroprosthetics.

A mechanistic approach to methylene blue sorption on two vegetable wastes: Cork bark and grape stalks

Two vegetable wastes, cork bark and grape stalks, were investigated for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution. The effects of contact time, dye concentration, pH, and temperature on sorption were studied relative to adsorption on a commercially-activated carbon. The highest adsorption yield was obtained within the pH range 5 to 10 for grape stalks and 7 to 10 for cork bark. The sorption kinetics of dye onto activated carbon and grape stalks was very fast. Kinetics data were fitted to the pseudo-first and second order kinetic equations, and the values of the pseudo-second-order initial rate constants were found to be 1.69 mg g-1 min-1 for activated carbon, 2.24 mg g-1 min-1 for grape stalks, and 0.90 mg g-1 min-1 for cork bark. Langmuir maximum sorption capacities for activated carbon, grape stalks, and cork bark for methylene blue estimated by the Orthogonal Distance Regression method (ODR) were 157.5 mg g-1, 105.6 mg g-1, and 30.52 mg g-1, respectively. FTIR spectra indicated that carboxylic groups and lignin play a significant role in the sorption of methylene blue. Electrostatic forces, n-p interactions, cation-p, and p-p stacking interactions contribute to methylene blue sorption onto grape stalks and cork bark. Grape stalks can be considered an efficient biosorbent and as a viable alternative to activated carbon and ion-exchange resins for the removal of methylene blue