Novel DGT method with tri-metal oxide adsorbent for in situ spatiotemporal flux measurement of fluoride in waters and sediments

Natural mineral-water interface reactions drive ecosystem/global fluoride (F−) cycling. These small-scale processes prove challenging to monitoring due to mobilization being highly localized and variable; influenced by changing climate, hydrology, dissolution chemistries and pedogenosis. These release events could be captured in situ by the passive sampling technique, diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT), providing a cost-effective and time-integrated measurement of F− mobilization. However, attempts to develop the method for F− have been unsuccessful due to the very restrictive operational ranges that most F−-absorbents function within. A new hybrid-DGT technique for F− quantification containing a three-phase fine particle composite (Fesingle bondAlsingle bondCe, FAC) adsorbent was developed and evaluated. Sampler response was validated in laboratory and field deployments, passing solution chemistry QC within ionic strength and pH ranges of 0–200 mmol L−1 and 4.3–9.1, respectively, and exhibiting high sorption capacities (98 ± 8 μg cm−2). FAC-DGT measurements adequately predicted up to weeklong averaged in situ F− fluvial fluxes in a freshwater river and F− concentrations in a wastewater treatment flume determined by high frequency active sampling. While, millimetre-scale diffusive fluxes across the sediment-water interface were modeled for three contrasting lake bed sediments from a F−-enriched lake using the new FAC-DGT platform.

Analgesia em modelo animal superior para ortopedia

O teste de novos biomateriais para aplicações clínicas em ortopedia, ou noutras áreas da medicina, em modelos animais vivos e sencientes, em prol do benefício humano, deve ser objecto de planeamento cuidado e ponderado, dado o conflito ético que se coloca. Compete-nos, enquanto investigadores, garantir que as condições de vida, saúde e bem-estar são asseguradas. O uso de ovinos como modelo superior pré-clínico, para investigação em Ortopedia, tem-se evidenciado devido às suas características translacionais para a espécie humana. Neste estudo retrospectivo deu-se ênfase ao plano anestésico/ analgésico instituído em três tipos de técnicas cirúrgicas ortopédicas, realizadas em ovinos. Os animais intervencionados foram adquiridos com 2 meses de antecedência em relação às cirurgias e mantidos em rebanho, com condições adequadas de abrigo, alimentação e maneio. As técnicas cirúrgicas inovadoras foram treinadas previamente em peças anatómicas adquiridas no matadouro. Todas as cirurgias e anestesias foram realizadas por médicos veterinários devidamente qualificados. Durante os períodos pós-operatórios os animais foram mantidos no Hospital Veterinário, sob vigilância e tratamento, após o que regressaram ao pasto. Considera-se que os protocolos anestésico e analgésico instituídos foram suficientes para eliminar a dor ortopédica/ neuropática causada pelas técnicas cirúrgicas referidas.

On the development of an automatic voice pleasantness classification and intensity estimation system

In the last few years, the number of systems and devices that use voice based interaction has grown significantly. For a continued use of these systems, the interface must be reliable and pleasant in order to provide an optimal user experience. However there are currently very few studies that try to evaluate how pleasant is a voice from a perceptual point of view when the final application is a speech based interface. In this paper we present an objective definition for voice pleasantness based on the composition of a representative feature subset and a new automatic voice pleasantness classification and intensity estimation system. Our study is based on a database composed by European Portuguese female voices but the methodology can be extended to male voices or to other languages. In the objective performance evaluation the system achieved a 9.1% error rate for voice pleasantness classification and a 15.7% error rate for voice pleasantness intensity estimation.

Assessment of nutritional and metabolic profiles of pea shoots: The new ready-to-eat baby-leaf vegetable

Pea-shoots are a new option as ready-to-eat baby-leaf vegetable. However, data about the nutritional composition and the shelf-life stability of these leaves, especially their phytonutrient composition is scarce. In this work, the macronutrient, micronutrient and phytonutrients profile of minimally processed pea shoots were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of a 10-day storage period. Several physicochemical characteristics (color, pH, total soluble solids, and total titratable acidity) were also monitored. Standard AOAC methods were applied in the nutritional value evaluation, while chromatographic methods with UV–vis and mass detection were used to analyze free forms of vitamins (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS), carotenoids (HPLC-DAD-APCI-MSn) and flavonoid compounds (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn). Atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-AAS) was employed to characterize the mineral content of the leaves. As expected, pea leaves had a high water (91.5%) and low fat (0.3%) and carbohydrate (1.9%) contents, being a good source of dietary fiber (2.1%). Pea shoots showed a high content of vitamins C, E and A, potassium and phosphorous compared to other ready-to-eat green leafy vegetables. The carotenoid profile revealed a high content of β-carotene and lutein, typical from green leafy vegetables. The leaves had a mean flavonoid content of 329 mg/100 g of fresh product, mainly composed by glycosylated quercetin and kaempferol derivatives. Pea shoots kept their fresh appearance during the storage being color maintained throughout the shelf-life. The nutritional composition was in general stable during storage, showing some significant (p < 0.05) variation in certain water-soluble vitamins.

A label-free DNA aptamer-based impedance biosensor for the detection of E. coli outer membrane proteins

A label-free DNA aptamer-based impedance biosensor for the detection of E. coli outer membrane proteins (OMPs) was developed. Two single stranded DNA sequences were tested as recognition elements and compared. The aptamer capture probes were immobilized, with and without 6-mercapto-1-hexanol (MCH) on a gold electrode. Each step of the modification process was characterized by Faradaic impedance spectroscopy (FIS). A linear relationship between the electron-transfer resistance (Ret) and E. coli OMPs concentration was demonstrated in a dynamic detection range of 1 × 10−7–2 × 10−6 M. Moreover, the aptasensor showed selectivity despite the presence of other possible water contaminates and could be regenerated under low pH condition. The developed biosensor shows great potential to be incorporated in a biochip and used for in situ detection of E. coli OMPs in water samples.

L'Écho de Paris

1920/06/06 (Numéro 13077).

Discurso pronunciado en la Ciudad de Culiacán el 27 de septiembre de 1866 por el Lic. Eustaquio Bulnes con motivo de la festividad, celebrada en esa fecha, de la Consumación de la Independencia Mexicana.

UANL

Hypophosphatémie après résection hépatique

Introduction : L’hypophosphatémie survient couramment après hépatectomie partielle. La régénération du foie était l’explication initiale. Cependant, les pertes rénales de phosphate observées récemment suggèrent que l’hypophosphatémie est probablement d’origine rénale. Nous avons donc mesuré la fraction d’excrétion urinaire de phosphate (FePO4) après hépatectomie partielle et nous avons étudié le rôle de la parathormone (PTH) et des phosphatonines dans cette hypophosphatémie. Méthodes : Les taux sériques de phosphate, de calcium ionisé, de PTH intacte, de « fibroblast growth factor- 23 » (FGF-23) intact et carboxyle-terminal, de FGF-7, de la « frizzled-related protein-4 » (FRP-4) et de HCO3- ainsi que le pH et la FePO4 ont été mesurés avant la chirurgie et aux jours postopératoires (po) 1, 2, 3, 5 et 7, chez 18 patients ayant subi une résection hépatique partielle. Résultats : Le phosphate sérique était à son plus bas niveau (0,66 ± 0,33 mmol/l; p < 0,001) au jour po 2. La FePO4 culminait à 25,07 ± 2,26 % au jour po 1 (p < 0,05) et était associée avec le taux de la parathormone intacte (r = 0,65; p = 0,006). Le calcium ionisé sérique diminuait à 1,1 ± 0,01 mmol/l, (p < 0,01) en même temps que la parathormone intacte s’élevait à 8,8 ± 0,9 pmol/l, (p < 0,01) au jour po 1; ces deux paramètres étaient inversement corrélés (r = -0,062; p = 0,016). Le FGF-23 intact atteignait son plus bas niveau à 7,8 ± 6,9 pg/ml (p < 0,001), au jour po 3; les valeurs de FGF-23 étaient corrélées avec la diminution du phosphate sérique aux jours po 0, 3, 5 et 7 (p < 0,001). Le FGF-23 carboxyle-terminal, le FGF-7 et la FRP-4 n’étaient pas reliés au phosphate sérique ni à la FePO4. Conclusion : L’hypophosphatémie observée après résection hépatique partielle est liée à une augmentation de la FePO4 qui est sans aucune relation avec les FGF-23 intact ou carboxyle-terminal, le FGF-7 et la FRP-4. La PTH intacte était associée avec la FePO4 uniquement au jour po 1. L’hypophosphatémie après résection hépatique est secondaire à d’autres facteurs non encore identifiés.

Is Breast Asymmetry Present in Girls with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis?

Study Design Cross-sectional descriptive study. Objectives To characterize breast asymmetry (BA), as defined by breast volume difference, in girls with significant adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Summary and Background BA is a frequent concern among girls with AIS. It is commonly believed that this results from chest wall deformity. Although many women exhibit physiological BA, the prevalence is not known in adolescents and it remains unclear if it is more frequent in AIS. Breasts vary in shape and size and many ways of measuring them have been explored. MRI shows the highest precision at defining breast tissue. Methods Thirty patients were enrolled on the basis of their thoracic curvature, skeletal and breast maturity, without regard to their perception on their BA. MRI acquisitions were performed in prone with a 1.5-Tesla system using a 16-channel breast coil. Segmentation was achieved using the ITK-SNAP 2.4.0 software and subsequently manually refined. Results The mean left breast volume (528.32 ± 205.96 cc) was greater compared with the mean right breast volume (495.18 ± 170.16 cc) with a significant difference between them. The mean BA was found to be 8.32% ± 6.43% (p < .0001). A weak positive correlation was observed between BA and thoracic Cobb angle (0.177, p = .349) as well as thoracic gibbosity angle (0.289, p = .122). The left breast was consistently larger in 65.5% of the patients. Twenty patients (66.7%) displayed BA ≥5%. Conclusions We have described BA in patients with significant AIS using MRI. This method is feasible, objective, and very precise. The majority of patients had a larger left breast, which could compound the apparent BA secondary to trunk rotation. In many cases, BA is present independently of thoracic deformity. This knowledge will assist in counseling AIS patients in regards to their concerns with BA.

Aplicación de nuevas tecnologías a la reestructuración de grupos de apoyo.

Reorganizar los grupos de apoyo educativo e introducción de Nuevas Tecnologías en áreas instrumentales con objeto de reducir el fracaso escolar.

Haciendo Historia y Geografía juntos II.

Se lleva a cabo un planteamiento de trabajo compartido tomando como base los momentos de reflexión sobre los grandes temas sociales de nuestro tiempo (información, interculturalidad, inmigración e integración social) elaborando materiales y dinamizando la vida en el aula con una metodología que invita a que el alumnado se sienta protagonista de su propio aprendizaje.

Programa de introducci??n a la Educaci??n Ambiental para profesores e inspectores de Ciencias Sociales de Ense??anza Media

Este m??dulo pretende ayudar a los profesores de Historia, Geograf??a, Estudios Sociales, Econom??a, Educaci??n C??vica, Hitoria del Arte y ??tica a impartir su materia, dot??ndola de un contenido medioambiental m??s amplio y profundo, se interrelacionan los problemas del medio ambiente con los principios f??sicos y biol??gicos necesarios para su comprensi??n. Se analizan los m??todos que los ense??antes podr??n utilizar para inculcar los conceptos ambientales a los alumnos en clase, a fin de aumentar su concienciaci??n al respecto. Al presentar los conceptos ambientales al mismo tiempo que los temas relativos a las Ciencias Sociales, sugieriendo m??todos, actividades, experiencias y t??cnicas de evaluaci??n, se pretende que el m??dulo resulte f??cil de utilizar para los profesores suscitando al mismo tiempo el inter??s del alumno por las cuestiones medioambientales. Entre otras se sugieren experiencias y actividades como: cuestionarios, realizaci??n de proyectos ficticios (an??lisis de la situaci??n, gui??n de la investigaci??n, evaluaci??n), juegos de simulaci??n, etc..

Consumo de antibióticos de uso controlado en adultos mayores en una institución prestadora de servicios de salud de Bogotá

Introducción: producir conocimiento sobre el consumo de antibióticos es importante para fomentar el uso racional de medicamentos y controlar el crecimiento de la resistencia bacteriana, sin afectar el tratamiento de infecciones, especialmente en adultos mayores. Metodología: estudio de Utilización de Medicamentos (antibióticos de uso controlado) en adultos mayores en una IPS en Bogotá, basado en registros de facturación y prescripción entre enero y julio de 2009. Resultados: la mediana de edad estuvo en 75 años; 48,6% eran mujeres; los registros del grupo de 71–80 años mostraron una alta frecuencia de prescripción de antibióticos. De los 4624 registros de egresos, 426 tenían al menos una solicitud de prescripción de algún antibiótico de uso controlado. De las 676 solicitudes de prescripción de antibióticos de uso controlado, 27,7% correspondieron al principio activo Vancomicina. Se consumieron en total 5983 DDD de antibióticos de uso controlado; la densidad de consumo fue 18,63 DDD/100 camas-día y Meropenem el antibiótico de mayor consumo con 4,59 DDD/100 camas-día, correspondiente a 24,6% del total de DDD/100 camas-día. Los antibióticos controlados representaron US$361.062 del total facturado en medicamentos. Meropenem tiene el costo total más alto: US$136.313. El antibiótico con mayor costo por DDD fue Tigeciclina con US$27.346. Conclusiones: la frecuencia de prescripción de antibióticos de uso controlado fue 9,2% con mayor prescripción en el grupo de 71- 80 años. 59,2% de las solicitudes de prescripción correspondieron a un antibiótico. Vancomicina fue el antibiótico más prescrito. Se utilizaron 18,63 DDD/100 camas-día en total de antibióticos de uso controlado. Meropenem, Piperacilina/Tazobactam y Ertapenem representaron el 75% del costo total facturado de antibióticos de uso controlado. De los 16 antibióticos estudiados, seis fueron prescritos en mayor porcentaje en otras septicemias.

La Araucana

Poema épico que relata la primera fase de la Guerra de Arauco entre españoles y mapuches. Según el propio autor, que participó en dicho conflicto, el poema fue escrito durante su estadía en Reino de Chile usando, a manera de papel, cortezas de árboles y otros elementos rústicos. Ercilla quien, como antiguo paje de la corte de Felipe II, contaba con una educación mayor a la del promedio de los conquistadores, había llegado a dicho país como parte de la expedición de refuerzo comandada por el nuevo gobernador García Hurtado de Mendoza. La trama incluye episodios históricos como la captura y ejecución de Pedro de Valdivia, y la muerte de los caciques mapuches Lautaro y Caupolicán.