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This study aimed to develop and evaluate ''functional'' beverages made from a blend of soursop (Annona muricata L.), whey, and/or inulin using a selected Lactobacillus strain. To achieve this objective, various steps were conducted: 1) analysis of soursop powder in its chemical proximal, physicochemical, and antioxidant properties, 2) selection of Lactobacillus species with the highest ability to grow in a formulated beverage, 3) evaluation of several beverages based on soursop, whey, and/or inulin in their physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant capacity, probiotic survival, and sensory acceptance to choose the one with the highest quality characteristics, 4) analyze the effect of storage time (20 days at 4 °C) on the quality characteristics of chosen beverage. The results indicated that soursop contains functional compounds like dietary fiber (2.41%), total phenolic compounds (370.26 mg GAE/100 g), and antioxidant capacity (2260.72 mg Trolox/100 g). Although LAB grew (6.88–7.73 log cycles) in formulated beverage, L. acidophilus presented the highest microbial count (7.73 log cycles, p < 0.05) after 12 h of fermentation; therefore, it was used to ferment soursop solutions. On the other hand, among fermented beverages, the one formulated with soursop, whey, and inulin presented the highest probiotic growth and antioxidant capacity. Therefore, it was analyzed during the storage at 4 °C. After storage time, the fermented beverage maintained a high probiotic count (> 7.5 log cycles) and antioxidant capacity (even more than at the beginning of storage), with a good sensory acceptance (like it). Thus, this study successfully developed a probiotic beverage using soursop, whey, and inulin, which have favorable functional properties and sensory acceptance.

The pursuit of efficient, profitable, and ecofriendly materials has defined solar cell research from its inception to today. Some materials, such as copper nitride (Cu3N), show great promise for promoting sustainable solar technologies. This study employed reactive radio-frequency magnetron sputtering using a pure nitrogen environment to fabricate quality Cu3N thin films to evaluate how both temperature and gas working pressure affect their solar absorption capabilities. Several characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nanoindentation, and photothermal deflection spectroscopy (PDS), were used to determine the main properties of the thin films. The results indicated that, at room temperature, it is possible to obtain a material that is close to stoichiometric Cu3N material (Cu/N ratio ≈ 3) with (100) preferred orientation, which was lost as the substrate temperature increases, demonstrating a clear influence of this parameter on the film structure attributed to nitrogen re-emission at higher temperatures. Raman microscopy confirmed the formation of Cu-N bonds within the 628–637 cm−1 range. In addition, the temperature and the working pressure significantly also influence the film hardness and the grain size, affecting the elastic modulus. Finally, the optical properties revealed suitable properties at lower temperatures, including bandgap values, refractive index, and Urbach energy. These findings underscore the potential of Cu3N thin films in solar energy due to their advantageous properties and resilience against defects. This research paves the way for future advancements in efficient and sustainable solar technologies.

Resumen: Antecedentes: Revisión retrospectiva de pacientes con diagnóstico de síndrome del túnel del tarso (STT) tratados quirúrgicamente. Método: Serie retrospectiva de pacientes con diagnóstico de STT operados entre los años 2005 y 2020 en un mismo centro. Se analizan variables como edad, género, lado, nervio o rama afectada, clasificación, tipo de estudio imagenológico, resultado biopsia, tasa de infección, tasa recurrencia, secuelas, entre otras. Resultados: Se incluyen ocho hombres y dos mujeres con edad promedio de 47 años (rango 34-67) y seguimiento promedio de 62,2 meses (rango 2-149). Todos los casos se relacionan con una compresión intrínseca. La causa más frecuente fue la presencia de quiste (40%), seguida de adherencias perineurales (20%). El nervio tibial posterior fue el más afectado (50%) y 30% la rama plantar medial. La ecografía (70%) y resonancia magnética (50%) fueron los estudios más solicitados. No hubo casos de infección postoperatoria. Hubo tres pacientes que presentaron recurrencia de la lesión requiriendo una nueva cirugía. Conclusiones: El STT es una neuropatía que compromete al nervio tibial posterior o a algunas de sus ramas. En general su causa es la compresión del nervio por distintas estructuras como músculos accesorios, gangliones, entre otras. El diagnóstico es eminentemente clínico apoyándose en estudio por imágenes. El tratamiento quirúrgico presenta mejores resultados cuando la causa es una compresión intrínseca, aunque se describen tasas variables de recurrencia. Abstract: Background: Retrospective review of patients with a diagnosis of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS) treated surgically. Methods: Retrospective series of patients with diagnosis of TTS operated between 2005 and 2020 in the same center. Variables such as age, sex, side, affected nerve or branch, classification, type of imaging study, biopsy result, infection rate, recurrence rate, sequelae, among others, were analyzed. Results: We included 8 men and 2 women with an average age of 47 years (range 34-67) and an average follow-up of 62.2 months (range 2-149). All cases were related to intrinsic compression. The most frequent cause was the presence of cyst (40%) followed by perineural adhesions (20%). The Posterior Tibial Nerve was the most affected (50%) and 30% the Medial Plantar Branch. Ultrasound (70%) and MRI (50%) were the most requested studies. There were no cases of postoperative infection. There were 3 patients who presented recurrence of the lesion requiring a new surgery. Conclusions: TTS is a neuropathy involving the posterior tibial nerve or some of its branches. In general, it is caused by compression of the nerve by different structures such as accessory muscles and ganglions, among others. The diagnosis is eminently clinical, supported by imaging studies. Surgical treatment presents better results when the cause is an intrinsic compression, although variable recurrence rates are described.

Objectives: The Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire is the most frequently used instrument for assessing the level of disability in studies into migraine. This study aims to determine the level of completion of the questionnaire, assess the ease of use, and understand patients’ subjective perception of the questionnaire's actual ability to measure disability. Material and methods: We performed a prospective study of a sample of 78 patients with chronic migraine, determining their level of education and employment status. In a baseline visit, patients were trained to properly complete the questionnaire. At 3 months, we determined the total score and level of completion. Patients also completed a survey measuring ease of use of the questionnaire and patients’ perception of whether the score accurately reflected their disability. Results: Only 46% of patients fully completed the questionnaire. Sixty-nine percent reported finding it difficult to complete (this was influenced by patient's employment status but not by educational level). Sixty-two percent of respondents believed that the questionnaire did not fully reflect their own perception of their disability. Conclusions: Although the validity and consistence of the MIDAS questionnaire are well documented, a high percentage of the study population reported finding it difficult to complete; many patients also considered that the questionnaire did not accurately reflect their disability. Understanding patients’ opinions of the suitability of questionnaires used in consultation is crucial to improving completion. Resumen: Objetivos: El cuestionario Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) es el instrumento más empleado para valorar el grado de discapacidad en los estudios de migraña. El objetivo del estudio es determinar el nivel de cumplimentación del cuestionario, valorar su facilidad de uso y conocer la percepción subjetiva del paciente sobre la capacidad del cuestionario para medir realmente su discapacidad. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo sobre una población de 78 pacientes con migraña crónica. Se determina el nivel educativo y la situación laboral. En la visita basal se adiestra a los pacientes sobre la correcta cumplimentación del cuestionario. A los 3 meses se determina la puntuación total y el nivel de cumplimentación. Además los pacientes contestan una encuesta que mide: facilidad de uso y percepción del paciente sobre si la escala refleja su propia discapacidad. Resultados: Solo el 46% rellena completamente el cuestionario. El 69% de los pacientes indica que el cuestionario no les resulta fácil de cumplimentar (resultado no influido por el nivel educativo, pero sí por la situación laboral de los pacientes). El 62% de los encuestados opina que el cuestionario no refleja completamente su propia percepción de discapacidad. Conclusiones: Aunque está más que demostrada la validez y consistencia del cuestionario MIDAS, un porcentaje elevado de nuestra población reconoce que el cuestionario no es fácil de rellenar y además es percibido por muchos de nuestros pacientes como un cuestionario que no refleja adecuadamente su discapacidad. Conocer la opinión de los pacientes sobre la idoneidad de los cuestionarios administrados en las consultas es crucial para mejorar su cumplimentación.

Background: The concept of aberrant salience is related to the onset of psychosis. Its study is important for early identification and possible intervention in processes activating later positive symptoms. Objectives: This study validated the Spanish Aberrant Salience Inventory (ASI) for adult and clinical populations. Methods: The sample consisted of 6178 participants, of whom 4523 were adolescents, 1292 were general population adults and 363 were patients with a psychopathology. Results: The evidence provided validates the instrument's structure. Invariance of measurement suggests that both men and women, patients and nonclinical population (adults and adolescents) interpreted the items on the ASI similarly. The distribution of scores by age also suggests stabilization of the trend at about 19 years of age, showing a developmental change in motivational response. The hypothesis that patients, and in particular, those diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders and bipolar disorders would have the highest average scores in aberrant salience was met. Conclusions: This is a valuable instrument for evaluating a complex process related to abnormal motivation in the development of schizophrenia.

Resumen: Objetivos: Medida de variaciones de la presión intracraneal estimada mediante medida ecográfica del diámetro del nervio óptico en perioperatorio de cirugía traumatológica de extremidad inferior. Comparación de los cambios registrados entre pacientes intervenidos bajo anestesia general o anestesia raquídea. Metodología: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo en 30 pacientes programados para cirugía traumatológica: 24 bajo anestesia raquídea y 26 con anestesia general. Se recogieron datos de filiación, anestésico-quirúrgicos y diámetros ecográficos 3 mm retrobulbares bilaterales en tres momentos: basal, 10 minutos tras la punción dural o inducción y 10 minutos tras recuperar bloqueo motor. Análisis estadístico descriptivo de las variables analizadas y estudio de correlación entre los dos grupos (anestesia general y raquídea) en los tres momentos del estudio mediante el índice Rho de Spearman para pruebas no paramétricas. Resultados: Se estudiaron 25 varones y 25 mujeres, de 63,40 ± 16,36 años, 77 ± 10,66 kg de peso, tiempo quirúrgico 93,20 ± 23,659 minutos; 28 casos precisaron isquemia con duración de 58,15 ± 10,57 minutos. Medidas ecográficas del nervio óptico preoperatorias: 5,06 ± 0,89 mm (ojo derecho) y 4,45 ± 0,7955 (ojo izquierdo); intraoperatorias: 5,70 ± 0,77 mm (ojo derecho) y 4,84 ± 0,75 (ojo izquierdo) y postoperatorias: 4,91 ± 0,88 mm (ojo derecho) y 4,46 ± 0,64 (ojo izquierdo). Ambos grupos presentaron parámetros comparables. Significación estadística bilateral entre valores preoperatorios (p < 0,01) y postoperatorios (p < 0,05) en ambos grupos (anestesia general y raquídea). Conclusiones: El diámetro del nervio óptico aumenta tras la inducción anestésica o anestesia intradural, para recuperar valores basales en postoperatorio inmediato. Abstract: Aims: Measurement of optic nerve diameter variations in lower limb trauma surgery. Comparation between patients under general or spinal anesthesia changes. Methods: Prospective observational study in 50 patients undergoing lower limb trauma surgery under general (26) or spinal anesthesia (24). Data on filiation, surgical, anesthetic and optic nerve diameter were collected at three moments: before surgery, 10 minutes after dural puncture or anesthesia induction, and 10 minutes after motor blockade recovery. Descriptive statistical analysis and Spearman Index to study groups (general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia) correlation. Results: 25 males and 25 females were studied, 63,40 ± 16,36 years aged, 77 ± 10,66 kg weight, 93,20 ± 23,659 minutes of surgery duration. Ischemia was needed on 28 cases, for 58,15 ± 10,57 minutes of duration. Preoperative optic nerve measurements: 5,06 ± 0,89 mm (right eye) and 4,45 ± 0,7955 (left eye); intraoperative: 5,70 ± 0,77 mm (right eye) and 4,84 ± 0,75 (left eye); Postoperative: 4,91 ± 0,88 mm (right eye) and 4,46 ± 0,64 (left eye). Two both groups presented similar data. Bilateral statistic signification between groups in preoperative (p< 0.01) and postoperative data. Conclusions: Optic nerve diameter grows after spinal anesthesia and general anesthesia as well; to recover preoperative data in immediate postoperative period.

Since 2006, our research team has been establishing in the islands of Livingston and Deception, (South Shetland archipelago, Antarctica) several monitoring stations of the active layer thickness within the international network Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring (CALM), and the ground thermal regime for the Ground Terrestrial Network-Permafrost (GTN-P). Both networks were developed within the International Permafrost Association (IPA). In the GTN-P stations, in addition to the temperature of the air, soil, and terrain at different depths, the snow thickness is also monitored by snow poles. Since 2006, a delay in the disappearance of the snow layer has been observed, which could explain the variations we observed in the active layer thickness and permafrost temperatures. Therefore, in late 2015 our research group started the PERMASNOW project (2015-2019) to pay attention to the effect of snow cover on ground thermal This project had two different ways to study the snow cover. On the first hand, in early 2017 we deployed new instrumentation, including new time lapse cameras, snow poles with high number of sensors and a complete and complex set of instruments and sensors to configure a snow pack analyzer station providing 32 environmental and snow parameters. We used the data acquired along 2017 and 2018 years with the new instruments, together with the available from all our already existing sensors, to study in detail the snow cover. On the other hand, remote sensing data were used to try to map the snow cover, not only at our monitoring stations but the entire islands in order to map and study the snow cover distribution, as well as to start the way for future permafrost mapping in the entire islands. MODIS-derived surface temperatures and albedo products were used to detect the snow cover and to test the surface temperature. Since cloud presence limited the acquisition of valid observations of MODIS sensor, we also analyzed Terrasar X data to overcome this limitation. Remote sensing data validation required the acquirement of in situ ground-true data, consisting on data from our permanent instruments, as well as ad hoc measurements in the field (snow cover mapping, snow pits, albedo characterization, etc.). Although the project is finished, the data analysis is still ongoing. We present here the different research tasks we are developing as well as the most important results we already obtained about the snow cover. These results confirm how the snow cover duration has been changing in the last years, affecting the ground thermal behavior.

Abstract Background Network alterations underlying neurodegenerative diseases often precede symptoms and functional deficits. Thus, their early identification is central for improved prognosis. In Huntington’s disease (HD), the cortico-striatal networks, involved in motor function processing, are the most compromised neural substrate. However, whether the network alterations are intrinsic of the striatum or the cortex is not fully understood. Results In order to identify early HD neural deficits, we characterized neuronal ensemble calcium activity and network topology of HD striatal and cortical cultures. We used large-scale calcium imaging combined with activity-based network inference analysis. We extracted collective activity events and inferred the topology of the neuronal network in cortical and striatal primary cultures from wild-type and R6/1 mouse model of HD. Striatal, but not cortical, HD networks displayed lower activity and a lessened ability to integrate information. GABAA receptor blockade in healthy and HD striatal cultures generated similar coordinated ensemble activity and network topology, highlighting that the excitatory component of striatal system is spared in HD. Conversely, NMDA receptor activation increased individual neuronal activity while coordinated activity became highly variable and undefined. Interestingly, by boosting NMDA activity, we rectified striatal HD network alterations. Conclusions Overall, our integrative approach highlights striatal defective network integration capacity as a major contributor of basal ganglia dysfunction in HD and suggests that increased excitatory drive may serve as a potential intervention. In addition, our work provides a valuable tool to evaluate in vitro network recovery after treatment intervention in basal ganglia disorders.

Objective: Clear Cell Sarcoma (CCS) is a rare tumor of mesenchymal origin accounting for 1% of soft tissue sarcomas (STS)1. Often misdiagnosed as malignant melanoma2 (MM), it has only one curative treatment: radical surgery and an extensive postoperative follow-up program2. Herein, we present a case of CCS mimicking a right breast tumor, where the patient´s age, gender, growth and localization of the neoplasm render it uncommon. Case presentation: A 70-year-old male was admitted to the Surgery Department complaining about a 3-month right breast tumor. Ultrasound evidenced a nodular formation (2.29 cm-1.91 cm) and mammography showed a hyperdense image, projected 35 mm from the nipple, surrounded by calcifications. No signs of systemic disease were present. Core needle biopsy expressed histological characteristics compatible with both MM and CCS. Results: After multidisciplinary team meeting, a wide resection surgery was performed followed by lymphadenectomy. The immunohistochemistry and pathology report led to the diagnosis: CCS. Conclusions: CCS is a rare sarcoma with poor prognosis. This case is exceptional due to its epidemiology, unusual clinical manifestations and appearance, setting CCS up as a new differential diagnosis to keep in mind regarding breast tumors. Its extreme rarity could help other colleagues deal with this infrequent presentation.

Background: Retrospective review of patients with a diagnosis of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS) treated surgically. Methods: Retrospective series of patients with diagnosis of TTS operated between 2005 and 2020 in the same center. Variables such as age, sex, side, affected nerve or branch, classification, type of imaging study, biopsy result, infection rate, recurrence rate, sequelae, among others, were analyzed. Results: We included 8 men and 2 women with an average age of 47 years (range 34−67) and an average follow-up of 62.2 months (range 2–149). All cases were related to intrinsic compression. The most frequent cause was the presence of cyst (40%) followed by perineural adhesions (20%). The posterior tibial nerve was the most affected (50%) and 30% the medial plantar branch. Ultrasound (70%) and MRI (50%) were the most requested studies. There were no cases of postoperative infection. There were 3 patients who presented recurrence of the lesion requiring a new surgery. Conclusions: TTS is a neuropathy involving the posterior tibial nerve or some of its branches. In general, it is caused by compression of the nerve by different structures such as accessory muscles and ganglions, among others. The diagnosis is eminently clinical, supported by imaging studies. Surgical treatment presents better results when the cause is an intrinsic compression, although variable recurrence rates are described. Resumen: Antecedentes: Revisión retrospectiva de pacientes con diagnóstico de Síndrome del Túnel del Tarso (STT) tratados quirúrgicamente. Método: Serie retrospectiva de pacientes con diagnóstico de STT operados entre los años 2005 y 2020 en un mismo centro. Se analizan variables como edad, sexo, lado, nervio o rama afectada, clasificación, tipo de estudio imagenológico, resultado biopsia, tasa de infección, tasa recurrencia, secuelas, entre otras. Resultados: Se incluyen 8 hombres y 2 mujeres con edad promedio de 47 años (rango 34–67) y seguimiento promedio de 62,2 meses (rango 2–149). Todos los casos se relacionan a una compresión intrínseca. La causa más frecuente fue la presencia de quiste (40%) seguida de adherencias perineurales (20%). El Nervio Tibial Posterior fue el más afectado (50%) y 30% la Rama Plantar Medial. La Ecografía (70%) y Resonancia Magnética (50%) fueron los estudios más solicitados. No hubo casos de infección postoperatoria. Hubo 3 pacientes que presentaron recurrencia de la lesión requiriendo una nueva cirugía. Conclusiones: El STT es una neuropatía que compromete al nervio tibial posterior o a algunas de sus ramas. En general su causa es la compresión del nervio por distintas estructuras como músculos accesorios y gangliones entre otros. El diagnóstico es eminentemente clínico apoyándose en estudio por imágenes. El tratamiento quirúrgico presenta mejores resultados cuando la causa es una compresión intrínseca, aunque se describen tasas variables de recurrencia.

Introduction and objective: Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease described in case series and publications worldwide. Over the past twenty years, the authors of different studies have attempted to evaluate its incidence and prevalence. The objetive of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in a group of children seen at 36 pediatric gastroenterology centers in ten Latin American countries. Materials and methods: A multicenter, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted that estimated the period prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in children seen at outpatient consultation and that underwent diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for any indication at 36 centers in 10 Latin American countries, within a 3-month time frame. Results: Between April and June 2016, 108 cases of eosinophilic esophagitis were evaluated. Likewise, an average of 29,253 outpatient consultations and 4,152 diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopies were carried out at the 36 participating centers. The period prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in the population studied (n = 29,253) was 3.69 cases × 1,000 (95% CI: 3.04 to 4.44), and among the children that underwent routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (n = 4,152), it was 26 x 1,000 (95% CI: 22.6 to 29.4). Conclusions: The general period prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in a group of children evaluated at 36 Latin American pediatric gastroenterology centers was 3.69 × 1,000, and in the children that underwent endoscopy, it was 26 × 1,000. There was important prevalence variability between the participating countries and centers. The present analysis is the first study conducted on the prevalence of pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis in Latin America. Resumen: Introducción y objetivo: La esofagitis eosinofílica es una enfermedad crónica, mediada inmunológicamente, descrita en series y publicaciones alrededor del mundo. En los últimos 20 años diversos estudios han intentado evaluar la incidencia y prevalencia de la enfermedad. El objetivo del presente trabajo es estimar la prevalencia de esofagitis eosinofílica en un grupo de niños atendidos en 36 centros de gastroenterología pediátrica de 10 países latinoamericanos. Materiales y métodos: A través de un protocolo multicéntrico, observacional y transversal se estimó la prevalencia de período de esofagitis eosinofílica entre los niños atendidos en consulta externa y sometidos a endoscopia superior diagnóstica por cualquier motivo en 36 centros de 10 países latinoamericanos durante un período de 3 meses. Resultados: Entre abril y junio de 2016 108 casos de esofagitis eosinofílica fueron evaluados. Asimismo, un promedio de 29,253 consultas ambulatorias y 4,152 endoscopias superiores de carácter diagnóstico fueron realizadas en los 36 centros participantes. La tasa de prevalencia de esofagitis eosinofílica en la población estudiada (n = 29,253) fue de 3,69 casos × 1,000 (IC 95%: 3.04 a 4.44) y entre los niños sometidos a endoscopia superior de rutina (n = 4,152) fue de 26 x 1,000 (IC 95%: 22.6 a 29.4). Conclusión: La tasa general de prevalencia de período de esofagitis eosinofílica en un grupo de niños evaluados en 36 centros latinoamericanos de gastroenterología pediátrica resultó de 3,69 × 1,000, y entre aquellos sometidos a endoscopia fue de 26 × 1,000. La prevalencia mostró una importante variabilidad entre los países y centros participantes. Este es el primer estudio de prevalencia de esofagitis eosinofílica pediátrica en Latinoamérica. Keywords: Esophagitis, Eosinophilic, Children, Prevalence, Latin America, Palabras clave: Esofagitis, Eosinofílica, Niños, Prevalencia, Latinoamérica

Resumen: Introducción y objetivo: La esofagitis eosinofílica es una enfermedad crónica, mediada inmunológicamente, descrita en series y publicaciones alrededor del mundo. En los últimos 20 años diversos estudios han intentado evaluar la incidencia y prevalencia de la enfermedad. El objetivo del presente trabajo es estimar la prevalencia de esofagitis eosinofílica en un grupo de niños atendidos en 36 centros de gastroenterología pediátrica de 10 países latinoamericanos. Materiales y métodos: A través de un protocolo multicéntrico, observacional y transversal se estimó la prevalencia de período de esofagitis eosinofílica entre los niños atendidos en consulta externa y sometidos a endoscopia superior diagnóstica por cualquier motivo en 36 centros de 10 países latinoamericanos durante un período de 3 meses. Resultados: Entre abril y junio de 2016 108 casos de esofagitis eosinofílica fueron evaluados. Asimismo, un promedio de 29,253 consultas ambulatorias y 4,152 endoscopias superiores de carácter diagnóstico fueron realizadas en los 36 centros participantes. La tasa de prevalencia de esofagitis eosinofílica en la población estudiada (n = 29,253) fue de 3,69 casos × 1,000 (IC 95%: 3.04 a 4.44) y entre los niños sometidos a endoscopia superior de rutina (n = 4,152) fue de 26 x 1,000 (IC 95%: 22.6 a 29.4). Conclusión: La tasa general de prevalencia de período de esofagitis eosinofílica en un grupo de niños evaluados en 36 centros latinoamericanos de gastroenterología pediátrica resultó de 3,69 × 1,000, y entre aquellos sometidos a endoscopia fue de 26 × 1,000. La prevalencia mostró una importante variabilidad entre los países y centros participantes. Este es el primer estudio de prevalencia de esofagitis eosinofílica pediátrica en Latinoamérica. Abstract: Introduction and objective: Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease described in case series and publications worldwide. Over the past twenty years, the authors of different studies have attempted to evaluate its incidence and prevalence. The objetive of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in a group of children seen at 36 pediatric gastroenterology centers in ten Latin American countries. Materials and methods: A multicenter, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted that estimated the period prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in children seen at outpatient consultation and that underwent diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for any indication at 36 centers in 10 Latin American countries, within a 3-month time frame. Results: Between April and June 2016, 108 cases of eosinophilic esophagitis were evaluated. Likewise, an average of 29,253 outpatient consultations and 4,152 diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopies were carried out at the 36 participating centers. The period prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in the population studied (n = 29,253) was 3.69 cases × 1,000 (95% CI: 3.04 to 4.44), and among the children that underwent routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (n = 4,152), it was 26 x 1,000 (95% CI: 22.6 to 29.4). Conclusions: The general period prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in a group of children evaluated at 36 Latin American pediatric gastroenterology centers was 3.69 × 1,000, and in the children that underwent endoscopy, it was 26 × 1,000. There was important prevalence variability between the participating countries and centers. The present analysis is the first study conducted on the prevalence of pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis in Latin America. Palabras clave: Esofagitis, Eosinofílica, Niños, Prevalencia, Latinoamérica, Keywords: Esophagitis, Eosinophilic, Children, Prevalence, Latin America

Abstract Background The ability to direct the cellular response by means of biomaterial surface topography is important for biomedical applications. Substrate surface topography has been shown to be an effective cue for the regulation of cellular response. Here, the response of human aortic endothelial cells to nanoporous anodic alumina and macroporous silicon with collagen and fibronectin functionalization has been studied. Methods Confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed to analyse the effects of the material and the porosity on the adhesion, morphology, and proliferation of the cells. Cell spreading and filopodia formation on macro- and nanoporous material was characterized by atomic force microscopy. We have also studied the influence of the protein on the adhesion. Results It was obtained the best results when the material is functionalized with fibronectin, regarding cells adhesion, morphology, and proliferation. Conclusion These results permit to obtain chemical modified 3D structures for several biotechnology applications such as tissue engineering, organ-on-chip or regenerative medicine.

Abstract Background Scientific congresses have become the most expedient method to communicate novel findings on any research topic. However, an important question is whether this information will be published in peer-reviewed journals. Our aim was to determine the publication rate of the abstracts presented at the European Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and Elbow Congress and analyze factors that may influence this rate. Methods A total of 398 abstracts reported in the Abstract Book from the 2008 European Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and Elbow Congress were examined and categorized by oral and poster presentations, topic, and the number of authors listed. A search in PubMed and Google Scholar for subsequent peer-reviewed publications was performed in September 2015. The time to publication after the meeting had been held; the type of journal and its impact factor at the time to publication were recorded for those abstracts that reached peer-reviewed journal publication. Results The overall publication rate for the 2008 European Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and Elbow oral and poster presentations was 45.20% after 7 years. The mean time to publication was 18.53 months, and the mean impact factor value was 2.32. Oral presentations were significantly better represented in journals than posters (64.40 vs. 35.40%, p

The study of the thermal behavior of permafrost and active layer on the South Shetland Islands, in the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula (Antarctica), has been our research topic since 1991, especially after 2006 when we established different active layer thickness and ground thermal monitoring sites of the CALM and GTN-P international networks of the International Permafrost Association. Along this period, the snow cover thickness did not change at those sites, but since 2010, we observed an elongation on the snow cover duration, with similar snow onset, but a delay on the snow offset. Due to the important effects of snow cover on the ground thermal behavior, we started in late 2015 a new research project (PERMASNOW) focused on the accurate monitoring of the snow cover (duration, density, snow water equivalent and distribution), from very different approaches, including new instrumentation, pictures analysis and remote sensing on optical and radar bands. Also, this interdisciplinary and international research team intends to compare the snow cover and ground thermal behavior with other monitoring sites in the Eastern Antarctic Peninsula where the snow cover is minimum and remains approximately constant.

The opioid effect of αs1-casein fragments related to 143AYFYPEL149 and 144YFYPEL149, which had previously shown mucin-stimulatory activity in human goblet cells, was investigated. Peptides 144YFYPEL149 and 144YFYPE148 showed opioid agonistic activity in guinea pig ileum, and in mouse vas deferens but to a lower extent. Peptides were partly hydrolysed during the assay and several of the resulting fragments lost the N-terminal Tyr residue. Docking of peptides 144YFYPEL149 (active) and 144YFYP147 (inactive) into the active site of the opioid receptor model showed remarkable differences regarding the flexibility at the third intracellular loop of the receptor and the interaction with Pro at the peptide C-terminus that forced residues Arg148 and Glu166 from the receptor to move towards the interior of the binding pocket. The study on human cells HT29-MTX has shown that 144YFYPEL149 is the minimum fragment able to stimulate MUC5AC expression.

Introduction: Cardiac arrhythmias are frequent in acute stroke. Stroke units are widely equipped with cardiac monitoring systems. Pre-existing heart diseases and heart–brain interactions may be implicated in causing cardiac arrhythmias in acute stroke. This article analyses cardiac arrhythmias detected in patients hospitalised in a stroke unit. Method: Prospective observational study of consecutive patients admitted to a stroke unit with cardiac monitoring. We collected clinical data from patients and the characteristics of their cardiac arrhythmias over a 1-year period (2013). Time of arrhythmia onset, associated predisposing factors, and the therapeutic decisions made after detection of arrhythmia were examined. All patients underwent continuous cardiac monitoring during no less than 48 hours. Results: Of a total of 332 patients admitted, significant cardiac arrhythmias occurred in 98 patients (29.5%) during their stay in the stroke unit. Tachyarrhythmia (ventricular tachyarrhythmias, supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, complex ventricular ectopy) was present in 90 patients (27.1%); bradyarrhythmia was present in 13 patients (3.91%). Arrhythmias were independently associated with larger size of brain lesion and older age. In 10% of the patient total, therapeutic actions were taken after detection of significant cardiac arrhythmias. Most events occurred within the first 48 hours after stroke unit admission. Conclusions: Systematic cardiac monitoring in patients with acute stroke is useful for detecting clinically relevant cardiac arrhythmias. Incidence of arrhythmia is higher in the first 48 hours after stroke unit admission. Age and lesion size were predicted appearance of arrhythmias. Detection of cardiac arrhythmias in a stroke unit has important implications for treatment. Resumen: Introducción: Las arritmias cardiacas son frecuentes en el ictus agudo. La monitorización cardiaca telemétrica es una técnica extendida en las unidades de ictus. La aparición de arritmias en el ictus agudo puede relacionarse con las interacciones cerebro-corazón o con la patología cardiaca. Se analiza las arritmias relevantes en pacientes ingresados en una unidad de ictus. Método: Estudio descriptivo observacional prospectivo de pacientes ingresados en una unidad de ictus con monitorización cardiaca. Se analizan las características de los pacientes y las arritmias registradas durante un año (2013). Se investigó el tiempo de aparición, su asociación con factores predisponentes y las consecuencias terapéuticas de la detección. Todos los pacientes al menos tuvieron 48 h de monitorización cardiaca. Resultados: Se analizó a 332 pacientes, de los cuales 98 (29,5%) presentaron algún tipo de arritmia relevante. Se registraron taquiarritmias (taquiarritmias ventriculares, taquiarritmias supraventriculares, actividad ectópica ventricular compleja) en 90 pacientes (27,1%), y bradiarritmias en 13 pacientes (3,91%). La aparición de arritmias se asoció a un mayor tamaño de la lesión y mayor edad de los pacientes. La detección de arritmias relevantes tuvo consecuencia terapéuticas en el 10% de todos los pacientes. La incidencia de arritmias fue mayor durante las primeras 48 h. Conclusiones: La evaluación sistemática de la monitorización cardiaca en pacientes con ictus agudo permite detectar arritmias cardiacas clínicamente relevantes. Su incidencia es mayor durante las primeras 48 h. La edad y el tamaño de la lesión cerebral se relacionan con su aparición. La detección de arritmias en una unidad de ictus tiene consecuencias terapéuticas fundamentales. Keywords: Cardiac arrhythmias, Stroke unit, Stroke, Telemetry, Cardiac monitoring, Therapeutic implications, Palabras clave: Arritmias cardiacas, Unidad de ictus, Ictus, Telemetría, Monitorización cardiaca, Consecuencias terapéuticas

Resumen: Introducción: Las arritmias cardiacas son frecuentes en el ictus agudo. La monitorización cardiaca telemétrica es una técnica extendida en las unidades de ictus. La aparición de arritmias en el ictus agudo puede relacionarse con las interacciones cerebro-corazón o con la patología cardiaca. Se analiza las arritmias relevantes en pacientes ingresados en una unidad de ictus. Método: Estudio descriptivo observacional prospectivo de pacientes ingresados en una unidad de ictus con monitorización cardiaca. Se analizan las características de los pacientes y las arritmias registradas durante un año (2013). Se investigó el tiempo de aparición, su asociación con factores predisponentes y las consecuencias terapéuticas de la detección. Todos los pacientes al menos tuvieron 48 h de monitorización cardiaca. Resultados: Se analizó a 332 pacientes, de los cuales 98 (29,5%) presentaron algún tipo de arritmia relevante. Se registraron taquiarritmias (taquiarritmias ventriculares, taquiarritmias supraventriculares, actividad ectópica ventricular compleja) en 90 pacientes (27,1%), y bradiarritmias en 13 pacientes (3,91%). La aparición de arritmias se asoció a un mayor tamaño de la lesión y mayor edad de los pacientes. La detección de arritmias relevantes tuvo consecuencia terapéuticas en el 10% de todos los pacientes. La incidencia de arritmias fue mayor durante las primeras 48 h. Conclusiones: La evaluación sistemática de la monitorización cardiaca en pacientes con ictus agudo permite detectar arritmias cardiacas clínicamente relevantes. Su incidencia es mayor durante las primeras 48 h. La edad y el tamaño de la lesión cerebral se relacionan con su aparición. La detección de arritmias en una unidad de ictus tiene consecuencias terapéuticas fundamentales. Abstract: Introduction: Cardiac arrhythmias are frequent in acute stroke. Stroke units are widely equipped with cardiac monitoring systems. Pre-existing heart diseases and heart-brain interactions may be implicated in causing cardiac arrhythmias in acute stroke. This article analyses cardiac arrhythmias detected in patients hospitalised in a stroke unit. Method: Prospective observational study of consecutive patients admitted to a stroke unit with cardiac monitoring. We collected clinical data from patients and the characteristics of their cardiac arrhythmias over a 1-year period (2013). Time of arrhythmia onset, associated predisposing factors, and the therapeutic decisions made after detection of arrhythmia were examined. All patients underwent continuous cardiac monitoring during no less than 48 hours. Results: Of a total of 332 patients admitted, significant cardiac arrhythmias occurred in 98 patients (29.5%) during their stay in the stroke unit. Tachyarrhythmia (ventricular tachyarrhythmias, supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, complex ventricular ectopy) was present in 90 patients (27.1%); bradyarrhythmia was present in 13 patients (3.91%). Arrhythmias were independently associated with larger size of brain lesion and older age. In 10% of the patient total, therapeutic actions were taken after detection of significant cardiac arrhythmias. Most events occurred within the first 48 hours after stroke unit admission. Conclusions: Systematic cardiac monitoring in patients with acute stroke is useful for detecting clinically relevant cardiac arrhythmias. Incidence of arrhythmia is higher in the first 48 hours after stroke unit admission. Age and lesion size were predicted appearance of arrhythmias. Detection of cardiac arrhythmias in a stroke unit has important implications for treatment Palabras clave: Arritmias cardiacas, Unidad de ictus, Ictus, Telemetría, Monitorización cardiaca, Consecuencias terapéuticas, Keywords: Cardiac arrhythmias, Stroke unit, Stroke, Telemetry, Cardiac monitoring, Therapeutic implications

We report the influence of the AlN interlayer thickness (0-15 nm) on the photovoltaic properties of Al0.37In0.63N on Si heterojunction solar cells deposited by radio frequency sputtering. The poor junction band alignment and the presence of a 2-3 nm thick amorphous layer at the interface mitigates the response in devices fabricated by direct deposition of n-AlInN on p-Si(111). Adding a 4-nm-thick AlN buffer layer improves the AlInN crystalline quality and the interface alignment leading to devices with a conversion efficiency of 1.5% under 1-sun AM1.5G illumination. For thicker buffers the performance lessens due to inefficient tunnel transport through the AlN. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using In-rich AlInN alloys deposited by radio frequency sputtering as novel electron-selective contacts to Si-heterojunction solar cells.

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) is a major, economically important, international crop and has been associated with several nutritional benefits including high antioxidant capacity. The aim of the present study was to isolate, characterize and quantify phenolic compounds of T. cacao extract using HPLC-MSESI-QTOF. A total of 61 compounds were identified and quantified in the T. cacao extract and fractions belonging to various structural classes such as flavan-3-ol and derivatives (including procyanidins), flavonols, N-phenylpropenoyl-L-amino acids, and other compounds. These compounds were isolated by semi-preparative HPLC. Afterwards, the composition of each fraction was established by the detailed HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MSESI-QTOF method. The relationship between the chemical structure of flavonoids and their radical-scavenging activities was analyzed. In addition, T. cacao extract and fractions show antioxidant activity (by TEAC, FRAP and ORAC methods) decreasing the generation of reactive oxygen species.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the involvement of endothelial-relaxing factors as possible antihypertensive mechanism of low-molecular-weight procyanidin rich grape seed extract (LM-GSPE). Thirty 17–20-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were administered water or 375 mg/kg LM-GSPE by intragastric gavage. One millilitre of saline, 30 mg/kg NG-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) or 5 mg/kg indomethacin was administrated intraperitoneally. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were recorded before and 6 h after oral administration. Plasma concentration of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (PGF1α) was quantified. In addition, we evaluated the relaxation caused by LM-GSPE in different aorta preparations. The antihypertensive effect of LM-GSPE was completely and partially abolished by l-NAME and indomethacin, respectively. In addition, plasma PGF1α was increased in LM-GSPE-administered rats. Finally, LM-GSPE relaxed the intact aorta preparations but did not relax the endothelium-denuded aorta rings. l-NAME inhibited the relaxation caused by LM-GSPE in the SHR aorta rings, but indomethacin did not. Therefore, the antihypertensive effect of LM-GSPE in SHR is endothelium dependent, and it could be mediated by changes in endothelium-derived nitric oxide bioavailability. Nevertheless, prostacyclin could also contribute additionally to this effect.

Objetivo: Evaluar mediante indicadores bioquímicos el estado nutricional del hierro y el zinc en mujeres con y sin diagnóstico de pica durante el embarazo. Metodología: Se seleccionaron 109 puérperas del Hospital Fiorito, Argentina. El diagnostico de pica se realizó en 42 de ellas, en tanto que 67 mujeres no refirieron el hábito. Mediante un contador hematológico se determinaron los valores de hemoglobina, volumen corpuscular medio, hemoglobina corpuscular media, concentración de hemoglobina corpuscular media y hematocrito. Los niveles de zinc en plasma y en eritrocito se determinaron mediante espectrofotometría de absorción atómica. Resultados: Las sustancias consumidas durante la práctica de pica fueron: hielo, tierra, papel, ladrillo, desinfectante y alimento para perros. Las mujeres con diagnóstico de pica tuvieron prevalencias más elevadas de antecedentes familiares de pica y antecedentes personales de pica en la infancia (OR: 15,9). Las características sociodemográficas, antropométricas y el peso del neonato fueron similares en ambos grupos, no obstante las mujeres con diagnóstico de pica tuvieron valores más bajos en el volumen corpuscular medio (p = 0,008) la hemoglobina corpuscular media (p = 0,009) y el zinc en eritrocito (p = 0,008). Aplicando un modelo de regresión logística, el zinc eritrocitario continuó asociado al diagnóstico de pica (p = 0,028). Conclusiones: Durante el puerperio, las mujeres que presentaron pica durante el embarazo pueden tener indicadores bioquímicos más bajos del estado nutricional del hierro y el zinc, por lo se sugiere que el diagnóstico temprano de pica puede ayudar a identificar deficiencias de micronutrientes.Objective: To evaluate by biochemical parameters iron and zinc nutritional status in women with and without pica diagnosis during pregnancy. Metodology: During puerperium 109 women were evaluated at Fiorito Hospital, Argentina. Pica diagnosis was made in 42 women while 67 did not refer the practice. Fasting blood samples were obtained and analyzed in a hematology analyzer for values of red blood cells, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit. Serum zinc and erythrocyte zinc was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: Substances consumed during pica practice were: earth, ice, brick, paper, desinfectant and dog food. Women with pica diagnosis had higher a rate of family history of pica and personal antecedents of pica in childhood (OR: 15.9). Sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics and neonatal birth weight were similar between both groups, although women with pica diagnosis had lower values in mean corpuscular volume (p = 0,008), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (p = 0,009) and erythrocyte zinc (0,008). Applying a logistic regression model, erythrocyte zinc was the only biochemical indicator associated with pica practice (p = 0,028). Conclusiones: At puerperium, women with pica during pregnancy could have lower levels in biochemical parameters for iron and zinc status so we suggest that early diagnosis of pica could help to identify micronutrient deficient.

Introducción: El envejecimiento de la población representa uno de los retos más importantes desde el punto de vista biosanitario. Objetivo: Valorar el estado nutricional de las personas de 65 y más años de Cantabria. Métodos: Un total de 1605 personas fueron evaluadas por medio del MNA; a) en atención primaria (59,9% en la consulta y 4,7% en domicilios) y, b) en residencias de ancianos (35,4%). Resultados: La puntuación nutricional (PN) obtenida de la suma de los ítems del MNA fue 23,4 ± 4,1 para las mujeres y 24,4 ± 4 en los varones (p < 0,001). Destaca el hecho de que el 22,3% de las personas estudiadas en residencias está malnutrida o en riesgo de malnutrición, frente al 14,2% de las que acuden a consulta, y sólo el 3,3% de las estudiadas en su domicilio. La correlación entre los valores de la PN y la apreciación subjetiva del estado de nutrición mostró un valor elevado (0,65). Destacamos la correlación negativa (-0,53) entre los valores del IMC y la incidencia de lesiones cutáneas. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados indican la importancia de la identificación de la desnutrición o su riesgo, en personas mayores, por las consecuencias negativas que presenta este estado carencial.Introduction: Population ageing is a main concern under the biosanitary point of view. Aim: To assess the nutritional status of people 65 year-old and older in Cantabria (Spain) Method: A total of 1605 persons were studied by means of the MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment); a) by primary care (59.9% in the unit, and 4.7% at home) and, b) in nursing homes (35.4%). Results: Nutritional score (NS) was 23.4 ± 4.1 for women and 24.4 ± 4 in males (p < 0.001). We emphasize the fact that 22.3% of people studied in the nursing homes were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, compared with 14.2% of those studied at the unit, and only 3.3% of the home visited elders. The correlation between the value of the NS and the subjective estimation of nutrition status showed a high value (0.65). We emphasize the negative correlation (-0.53) between BNI value and the incidence of skin lesions. Conclusion: Our results highlight the importance of identifying malnutrition or its risk in elders in order to prevent the negative consequences of this deficiency.

Existe una incidencia no despreciable de lesiones de colon de origen isquémico tras resecciones anteriores bajas por cáncer. Presentamos un caso de estenosis isquémica de colon, no relacionada con radioterapia, a los 5 años de la cirugía. Se discute la dificultad del diagnóstico diferencial con recidiva tumoral, así como el importante papel que desempeña la endoscopia en el abordaje de estos pacientes.A considerable incidence of colonic strictures after oncologic low anterior resections has been reported. The present paper describes a colonic stricture 5 years after the surgery, and not related to radiotherapy, that required a challenging differential diagnosis with local recurrence of rectal cancer. The role of endoscopy in the management of this condition is discussed.

Introducción: La resección masiva de intestino delgado (RMID) con remanente inferior a los 60 cm de yeyuno ocasiona una grave depleción hidroelectrolítico-vitamínica y calórico-proteica. En espera de trasplante intestinal viable la mayoría de RMID dependen de la Nutrición Parenteral (NPT). Caso clínico: Varón de 32 años. RMID por traumatismo seccionante de la raíz de la arteria mesentérica superior. En primera intervención de urgencia : yeyunostomía con resección de I. Delgado, colon derecho y bazo. A los 6 meses: anastomosis yeyunocólica con remanente yeyunal de 12 cm y colecistectomía profiláctica. Actuación nutricional: 1ª fase.-Estabilización hemodinámica y estimulación enteral (6 meses): NPT + Nutrición Enteral con fórmula elemental + solución oral glucohidroelectrolítica (SOGH) + 15 g/d de glutamina oral + omeprazol. Indicadores de progresión: bioquímica, balance I/P. 2ª fase.-Adaptación digestiva con integración del colon (8 meses): Sustitución de NPT por NP Periférica a tiempo parcial. Dieta culinaria progresiva asociada a polienzimático pancreático, omeprazol, SOGH, glutamina, fórmula elemental. Indicadores de progresión: bioquímica, diuresis, peso y deposiciones. 3ª fase. Autosuficiencia sin dependencia parenteral: Dieta oral libre fragmentada asociada a polienzimático pancreático, bebidas mineralizadas, complemento enteral de fórmula, suplementos orales de Ca y Mg, polivitamínico-mineral oral, vitamina B12 im/mensual. Situación actual (52 meses de evolución): Ligera ganancia ponderal, diuresis > litro/día, 2-3 deposiciones normales, sin signos clínicos de deficiencias y valores de micronutrientes en sangre normales. Conclusión: Prescindir de la NP en RMID es posible considerando, como en este caso, una edad y etiología no desfavorables, y la precoz aplicación de un protocolo de adaptación del remanente adecuado.Introduction: Massive small bowel resection (MSBR) with a remnant jejunum shorter than 60 cm produces severe water, electrolytes, vitamins and protein-caloric depletion. While waiting for a viable intestinal transplantation, most of MSBR patients depend on total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Clinical case: 32 years old male, with MSBR due to sectioning trauma of the superior mesenteric artery root. First surgical intervention: jejunostomy with small bowel, right colon, and spleen resection. Six months later: jejunocolic anastomosis with 12-cm long jejunum remnant and prophylactic cholecystectomy. Nutritional intervention: 1st phase. Hemodynamic stabilization and enteral stimulation (6 months): TPN + enteral nutrition with elemental formula + oral glucohydroelectrolitic solution (OGHS) + 15 g/d of oral glutamine + omeprazol. Clinical course indicators: biochemistry, I/L balance. 2ª phase. Digestive adaptation with colonic integration (8 months): replacement of TPN by part-time peripheral PN. Progressive cooked diet complemented with pancreatic poly-enzyme preparation, omeprazol, OGHS, glutamine, elemental formula. Clinical course indicators: biochemistry, diuresis, weight and feces. 3ª phase. Auto-sufficiency without parenteral dependence: fragmented free oral diet supplemented with pancreatic poly-enzyme preparation, mineralized beverages, enteral formula supplement, Ca and Mg oral supplements, oral multivitamin and mineral preparation, monthly IM vitamin B12. Current situation actual (52 months): slight ponderal gain, diuresis > liter/day, 2-3 normal feces, no clinical signs of any deficiency and normal blood levels of micronutrients. Conclusion: It may be possible to withdraw from PN in MSBR considering, as in this case, favorable age and etiology and early implementation of an appropriate protocol of remnant adaptation.

Introduction: the capsule endoscopy (CE), from his approval, has become a first line diagnostic procedure for the study of the small bowel disease. The aim of this study is to report our experience since the implantation of this technique in our hospital. Material and methods: retrospective review of the CE undertaken in Department of Endoscopy. There was gathered in every case the age, sex, motive of consultation, previous diagnostic procedures, capsule endoscopy findings and complication of the technique. One took to end a descriptive and analytical analysis. Results: there was achieved a total of 416 explorations in 388 patients. The obscure gastrointestinal bleeding was the most frequent indication (83.30%) followed by suspected Crohn's disease (7.5%). Angiodisplasia was the endoscopic lesion more frequently detected (42.2%), especially, in patients with digestive bleeding of obscure origin (OR 3.13 p < 0.001), followed by the flebectasia (10.6%) and the ulcer suspicious of Crohn’s disease (9.9%). The global diagnostic yield as for the detection of injuries was 77.34% with a case of "not defecation of the capsule' and therefore need of laparotomy. Conclusions: the capsule endoscopy is a technique consolidated and as his potential is known, his indications are extended. The obscure gastrointestinal bleeding is the most frequent indication and the angiodisplasia the most identified injury. Once known his diagnostic yield, larger studies are needed that assess the influence of capsule endoscopy on clinical outcoumes.Introducción: la cápsula endoscópica desde su aprobación se ha convertido en un procedimiento diagnóstico de primera línea para el estudio del intestino delgado. El objetivo del estudio es exponer la experiencia desde la implantación de esta técnica en nuestro hospital. Material y métodos: se hizo una revisión retrospectiva de los estudios realizados en el Servicio de Endoscopia. Se recogió en cada caso la edad, sexo, motivo de consulta, procedimientos diagnósticos previos, diagnósticos endoscópicos e incidencias inherentes a la técnica y se llevó a cabo un análisis descriptivo y analítico. Resultados: se realizaron un total de 416 exploraciones en 388 pacientes. La hemorragia digestiva de origen oscuro fue la indicación más frecuente (83,30%) seguida de la sospecha de enfermedad de Crohn (7,5%). La angiodisplasia fue la lesión endoscópica más detectada (42,2%) cuando se analizó la hemorragia digestiva oscura (OR 3.13 p < 0,001) seguida de la flebectasia (10,6%) y las úlceras sugerentes de enfermedad de Crohn (9,9%). La rentabilidad global en cuanto a la detección de lesiones fue del 77,34% con un caso de "no defecación de la cápsula' y por lo tanto de necesidad de laparotomía. Conclusiones: la cápsula endoscópica es una técnica consolidada y a medida que se conoce su potencial, se van ampliando sus indicaciones. La hemorragia digestiva de origen oscuro es la indicación más frecuente y la angiodisplasia la lesión más identificada. Una vez conocida su eficacia diagnóstica se hace necesario determinar mediante estudios a gran escala y con metodología precisa la rentabilidad clínica de la misma.

Se caracteriza por análisis químico, microscopía óptica y difracción de rayos X un mineral neoformado en los lodos del Embalse de Proserpina. Los datos analíticos confirman la identidad del mineral como vivianita, fosfato de hierro hidratado, que aparece comúnmente en depósitos sedimentarios asociado a huesos, madera en descomposición y otros residuos orgánicos. El análisis químico del mineral indica un elevado porcentaje de ión férrico, procedente de la oxidación del ión ferroso, responsable del intenso color azul del mineral. Los diagramas de difracción de rayos X se ajustan perfectamente a la ficha 30-622 del fichero JCPDS correspondiente a vivianita sintética.

Most unsuccessful palynological work is never published. As a consequence, pollen analysts waste time re-processing sterile sediments, and the available literature exhibits a uniformly positive record of success in pollen extraction. Here we report failures with Quaternary pollen analyses in the Iberian Peninsula; that is, case studies where it was not possible to extract palynomorphs for pollen counting. Both totally sterile and partially sterile sites are considered. Sites and perspectives for future studies are suggested. The majority of the failed studies are open-air archaeological and palaeontological sites, caves and rockshelters, but there are prominent cases of success. Peat bogs have provided positive results, but only with sequences formed under continuous sedimentation processes in marshy environments. Lakes are often successful sites, but a multi-core strategy, following the facies change along a transect from the shore to the depositional centre, is recommended for saline lacustrine deposits, salt marshes and lagoons, especially when there is evidence of temporary desiccation. Cave and rockshelter infills should be considered case-by-case, and these sites definitely require a palyno-taphonomical approach to post-depositional processes. Indurated deposits are sometimes surprising in their high pollen concentration, but one must be prepared for sterility. Coprolites have been insufficiently exploited, and offer a great potential, especially those of Pleistocene Crocuta. This article shows that venturing into sediments assumed a priori to be 'difficult', like fluvial terraces, slope deposits, speleothems, cave travertines, and palaeosols, may nevertheless be successful. A summary is proposed of the various factors causing sterility, before, during and after sedimentation.