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The comparative mid and long-term durability, including the rates of bioprosthetic valve failure (BVF) of the Sapien XTConsecutive intermediate-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis from the Mexican registry of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with SapienDuring 2014-2019, 115 (60 Sapien XTThe BVF rate at 25 months of follow-up was similar with the XT and S3 systems. During this follow-up period, the major composite events of death from any cause and neurological events were significantly lower with the S3 system.

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the rate of proximal radial artery occlusion (RAO) with Doppler ultrasound between distal and conventional radial access 24 h and 30 days after a transradial coronary procedure. Background The use of distal radial access to prevent proximal RAO (PRAO) in the proximal segment at 24 h and 30 days after a procedure, compared with conventional radial access, is unknown. Methods This was a prospective, comparative, longitudinal, randomized study. A total of 282 patients were randomized to either proximal radial access (n = 142) or distal radial access (n = 140) to evaluate the superiority of the distal approach in the prevention of PRAO with Doppler ultrasound 24 h and 30 days after a transradial coronary procedure. Results In the per protocol analysis, the rates of PRAO at 24 h and 30 days were 8.4% and 5.6% in the proximal group and 0.7% and 0.7% in the distal group, respectively (24 h: odds ratio [OR]: 12.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6 to 100.0; p = 0.002; 30 days: OR: 8.2; 95% CI: 1.0 to 67.2; p = 0.019). In an intention-to-treat analysis, the 24-h and 30-day rates of PRAO were 8.8% and 6.4% for proximal radial access and 1.2% and 0.6% in the distal radial access group (24 h: OR: 7.4; 95% CI: 1.6 to 34.3; p = 0.003; 30 days: OR: 10.6; 95% CI: 1.3 to 86.4; p = 0.007). Conclusions Distal radial access prevents RAO in the proximal segment at 24 h and 30 days after the procedure compared with conventional radial access.

Nada mais apropriado para uma nova publicação periódica que oferecer contributos para a avaliação e atualização da sua agenda. Hoje, pelo seu posicionamento na Universidade e na Sociedade, a Geografia deve contribuir para as respostas adequadas às questões que se colocam no âmbito da sustentabilidade do Planeta a da Humanidade. Acreditamos que há uma prática geográfica que é necessário enaltecer e atualizar, face aos problemas com que a humanidade e os seus territórios se confrontam. É importante voltar ao “trabalho de campo”, adequado aos novos problemas, atualizado com novas técnicas, olhares e sentidos, e recuperar o ethos da Geografia: no trabalho com as comunidades, na participação das populações nos processos de gestão e de ordenamento do território, bem como na compreensão dos riscos naturais e antrópicos, a várias escalas espácio-temporais, das alterações climáticas às contaminações na cultura do ordenamento do território, com as suas evidências, consequências, mitigação e perceção.

The main objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of 3 hemostatic methods for the prevention of early radial artery occlusion (RAO): standard patent hemostasis, patent hemostasis with ulnar compression or the ulnar artery transient compression facilitating radial artery patent hemostasis (ULTRA) method, and facilitated hemostasis with a hemostatic disc.There are no prospective randomized studies that compare early RAO rates with the 3 most used nonocclusive hemostatic methods.This was a prospective, longitudinal, comparative, and randomized study. The final population analyzed was 1,469, and they were randomized into 3 groups: 491 patients in group 1 with standard patent hemostasis, 490 patients in group 2 with the ULTRA method, and 488 patients in group 3 with facilitated hemostasis with a hemostatic disc.The RAO rate at 24 hours of the total population analyzed was 4.6%. By hemostasis groups, it was 3.6% for patent hemostasis, 5.5% for the ULTRA method, and 4.7% for facilitated hemostasis with a hemostatic disc, with no statistical difference among the 3 groups (P = 0.387). At 30 days, the overall rate of RAO was 1.8%, and by groups, it was 1.4% for the patent hemostasis group, 1.8% for the ULTRA method group, and 2.2% for the facilitated hemostasis with a hemostatic disc group, respectively (P = 0.185).The rates of RAO at 24 hours evaluated by plethysmography oximetry and confirmed by ultrasound among 3 current radial hemostasis methods (ie, patent hemostasis, the ULTRA method, and facilitated hemostasis with a hemostatic disc) are not different.

Overweight and obesity (O/O) generate lipotoxicity of the cardiac fiber and increase the incidence and progression of aortic valve stenosis. The low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is a timing complication after to aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery.The objective of the study was to investigate if body mass index (BMI) kg/mA historic cohort study was designed, including patients with severe aortic stenosis (SAS), who were subjected to AVR.152 patients were included, 45 (29.6%), with normal weight (NW), 60 were overweight (39.5%), and 47 obese (30.9%). The prevalence of systemic hypertension (HT) was higher in O/O (p0.0001). Incidence of LCOS was 44.7%, being more frequent in the O/O groups compared to the NW group, 43.3%, 68.1%, and 22.2%, respectively, (p0.05 in overweight and p0.0001 in the obese). Assessing the presence or absence of LCOS associated with BMI as a numerical variable, we found that women, HT, BMI, left ventricular mass, and valve size, were associated with LCOS (p0.02, p0.02, p0.001, p0.032, and p0.045, respectively). Mortality was higher in patients who had LCOS (p0.02). Multivariate model showed that BMI was an independent risk factor for LCOS (odds ratio [OR] 1.21 [95% CI 1.08-1.35], p0.001).BMI is a risk factor associated to LCOS in the post-operative period of AVR in patients with SAS.El sobrepeso y la obesidad (O/O) generan lipotoxicidad de la fibra cardíaca y aumentan la incidencia y progresión de la estenosis de la válvula aórtica. El síndrome de bajo gasto cardíaco (SBGC) es una complicación postquirúrgica de la cirugía de reemplazo de válvula aórtica (RVA).Investigar si el índice de masa corporal kg/mSe diseñó un estudio de cohorte histórico, que incluyó pacientes con estenosis aórtica importante (EAI), que fueron sometidos a RVA.Se incluyeron 152 pacientes, 45 (29.6%), con peso normal (N), 60 tenían sobrepeso (39.5%) y 47 obesos (30.9%). La prevalencia de hipertensión sistémica (HT) fue mayor en O/O (p0.0001). La incidencia de SBGC fue del 44.7%, siendo más frecuente en los grupos O/O en comparación con el grupo N, 43.3%, 68.1%, 22.2% respectivamente, (p0.05 en sobrepeso y p0.0001 en obesos). Al evaluar la presencia o ausencia de SBGC asociado con el IMC como una variable numérica, encontramos que las mujeres, HT, IMC, masa ventricular izquierda y tamaño de la válvula, se asociaron con SBGC (p0.02, p0.02, p0.001, p0.032, p0.045, respectivamente). La mortalidad fue mayor en pacientes con SBGC (p0.02). El modelo multivariado mostró que el IMC fue un factor de riesgo independiente asociado a SBGC [OR 1.21 (IC 95% 1.08-1.35), p0.001].El IMC es un factor de riesgo asociado a SBGC en el postoperatorio de RVA en pacientes con EAI.

The consequences of the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic go beyond the number of cases and deaths attributed to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-coronavirus-2 infection. The overwhelmed health care systems and the strict social containment measures have had an impact on the threshold at which patients seek medical care for diseases other than COVID-19, including cardiovascular conditions.

Background Overweight and obesity (O/O) generate lipotoxicity of the cardiac fiber and increase the incidence and progression of aortic valve stenosis. The low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is a timing complication after to aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery. Objective The objective of the study was to investigate if body mass index (BMI) kg/m2 is a risk factor associated with LCOS and mortality in the post-operative period of AVR. Methods A historic cohort study was designed, including patients with severe aortic stenosis (SAS), who were subjected to AVR. Results 152 patients were included, 45 (29.6%), with normal weight (NW), 60 were overweight (39.5%), and 47 obese (30.9%). The prevalence of systemic hypertension (HT) was higher in O/O (p < 0.0001). Incidence of LCOS was 44.7%, being more frequent in the O/O groups compared to the NW group, 43.3%, 68.1%, and 22.2%, respectively, (p < 0.05 in overweight and p < 0.0001 in the obese). Assessing the presence or absence of LCOS associated with BMI as a numerical variable, we found that women, HT, BMI, left ventricular mass, and valve size, were associated with LCOS (p < 0.02, p < 0.02, p < 0.001, p < 0.032, and p < 0.045, respectively). Mortality was higher in patients who had LCOS (p < 0.02). Multivariate model showed that BMI was an independent risk factor for LCOS (odds ratio [OR] 1.21 [95% CI 1.08-1.35], p < 0.001). Conclusion BMI is a risk factor associated to LCOS in the post-operative period of AVR in patients with SAS.

In this work we present a detailed study of the propagation length of Bloch modes along the surface between a bulk medium and a one-dimensional truncated photonic crystal and how this quantity is affected by different parameters like the number of periods composing the photonic crystal, absorption of materials, the leak of energy due to the intrinsic structure of the system, and the roughness of involved surfaces that is inherently present depending on the manufacturing method and the materials themselves. To analyze the influence of different factors affecting the propagation length, we use essentially three different methods: the characteristic matrix for systems composed of smooth surfaces, along with the numerical fitting of a Lorentz curve around the resonance; the boundary integral method based on the Green function for two-dimensional systems that include random rough surfaces; and the numerical analysis of the energy propagation along the surface when a Gaussian beam impinges on it. We have found that the propagation length can vary from a few nanometers to some millimeters depending on the different mentioned factors, along with the relative position of the modes within the bandgaps. Bloch modes located at the center of bandgaps propagate longer distances than those residing near the edges. Absorption and roughness provoke a drastic decreasing of the propagation length as they increase at small rates. Finally, the number of periods composing the structure also produces an increase of the propagation length reaching a maximum and then dropping almost suddenly to zero when it grows at a constant pace.

This work presents a molecular dynamics simulation study of the vapor-liquid equilibrium curve for the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium mesilate ionic liquid [C4mim][OMs] along with other thermodynamic properties in condensed phase, such as: densities, surface tension, heats of vaporization, constant pressure heat capacities, and the dielectric constant. The latter were obtained using molecular simulation calculations employing a new non-polarizable classical force field developed in this work, for this ionic liquid experimental thermodynamic properties as well as calculated properties by molecular simulations are very scarce in the literature. The development of the force field for the [C4mim][OMs] ionic liquid involved first the parameterization of all-atom non-polarizable force fields for two well-studied imidazolium ionic liquids [C4mim][BF4], in order to validate first against existing experimental and calculated thermodynamic properties using molecular simulations. Even though many transferable force fields for ionic liquids have been developed in the past years, some of these force fields predict extremely well structural properties such as densities and radial distribution functions etc., while other force fields fail to predict accurately heats of vaporization, condensed phases properties such as dielectric constant and transport properties such as viscosity, diffusivity, and vice versa. The force fields developed in this work are centered on the OPLS functional, and were parameterized using a simple and robust methodology focused mainly in electrostatic charges determination and in the refinement of the most representative dihedral angles. The calculation of the electrostatic charges follows the methodology proposed by Salas et al. (J. Chem. Theory Compute. 2015, 11, 683–693) involving the inclusion of polarization effects in quantum mechanical calculations in order to represent implicitly the solvent by employing the experimental or calculated dielectric constant in conjunction with a restrain electrostatic potential fitted to an ionic liquid dimer, to account for the inclusion of solvation coordination effects. The dihedral angles were parameterized simultaneously from the energetic differences in molecular conformations between ab-initio calculations and the energies obtained with the classic force field. The force field validation for the ionic liquids 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [C4mim][BF4], and 1-butyl-3-metilimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [C4mim][PF6], gave good agreement for the properties calculated compared with experimental and literature results. Our motivation for this work focused mostly in force field development for specific individual ionic liquids capable of reproducing thermodynamic properties in condensed phase, such as density, heats of vaporization, surface tension, and static dielectric constants for applications oriented as absorption and reaction media for QM/MM and free energy calculations.

In this work, polymeric solar cells with the configuration anode/Hole Transport Layer (HTL)/Active Layer/Cathode, with an active area of 3 cm2 were fabricated layer by layer, including the cathode, by doctor blade and slot–die techniques at normal room atmosphere and temperatures about 90 °C for cathode deposition. Further, small modules were built on a single substrate with 3 cells connected in series (active area of 9 cm2). The best electrical parameters for single cells were open circuit voltage (Voc) = 571 mV, short circuit current density (Jsc) = 7.69 mA/cm2, fill factor (FF) = 0.55, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) = 2.4%, meanwhile for modules Voc = 1.54 V, Jsc = 2.09 mA/cm2, FF = 0.55, and PCE = 2.1%. The main parameters of the deposition technique such as substrate temperature, blade speed and bar–substrate gap were evaluated to ensure the best photovoltaic (PV) device performance. For the active layer, a co–solvent system based on chloroform and 1,8 diioodoctane was used to dissolve the blend poly(3–hexilthiophene–2,5dyil): [6,6]–Phenyl–C71–butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PC71BM). The utilized cathode, named Field’s metal, was an eutectic alloy of Bi:In:Sn (32.5:51:16.5%) with a melting point about 65 °C; thus, this metal is easily melted and deposited by blading process on the active area. The obtained PV parameters demonstrate high viability of the bar coating process both for the fabrication of solar cells and small solar modules.

espanolAntecedentes: el costo de realizar una intervencion coronaria percutanea es considerablemente alto tanto para el paciente como para los sistemas de salud, que han impulsado el desarrollo de tecnologia local para ayudar a cubrir la necesidad de estos dispositivos. Metodos: El stent de metal desnudo INC-01 fue desarrollado en el Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia de la Ciudad de Mexico y fue implantado por primera vez en modelos porcinos con exito tecnico en el 100% de los parametros evaluados. Presentacion de casos: Presentamos los tres primeros casos de pacientes con cardiopatia isquemica a los que se les implanto el stent de metal desnudo INC-01. La ecografia intracoronaria se realizo tras la implantacion del stent, mostrando todas las caracteristicas del exito del implante durante la evaluacion y el seguimiento clinico. Conclusiones: Se realizo angiografia y ecografia intracoronaria demostrando que el stent de metal desnudo INC-01 tiene caracteristicas fisicas, biologicas e histologicas similares a las encontradas en los stents metalicos comerciales. EnglishBackground: The cost of performing a percutaneous coronary intervention is considerably high for the patient as well as for health systems, which have promoted the development of local technology to help meet the need for these devices. Methods: The INC-01 bare-metal stent was developed at the National Institute of Cardiology in Mexico City and was first implanted on porcine models with technical success in 100% of the evaluated parameters. Presentation of Cases: We present the first three cases of patients with ischemic heart disease, to whom the INC-01 bare-metal stent was implanted. Intracoronary ul- trasonography was performed post-stent implantation, showing all the characteristics of implant success during evaluation and clinical follow-up. Conclusions: Angiography and intracoronary ultrasound were carried out demonstrating that the INC-01 bare-metal stent has physical, biological, and histological characteristics similar to those found in commercial metallic stents. (REV INVEST CLIN. 2020;72(1):32-6)

The prevalence of pregnancy in adolescent women is high in Mexico and represents a public health problem. The pregnant teenager with heart disease has a high probability of complications during pregnancy and the delivery, which carries a risk of death of both the mother and the product. In many cases the pregnancy should have been avoided, planned or interrupted, however the majority at this age is vulnerable and although certain cases must be interrupted by their high risk of maternal-fetal death, prevention and legal aspects should be considered. In some cases the woman wants a pregnancy although her health condition does not allow it, but there are options of adoption or recourse to a surrogate belly. In response to this growing social problem, the National Cardiology Institute Ignacio Chavez and National Institute of Perinatology, with the coordination of Ministry of Health in Mexico, started a pregnancy prevention module within a clinic of follow-up of cardiopathy and pregnancy. This review raises the global problem in our country that occupies the first place in pregnancies in adolescents, with more than 400,000 pregnancies a year and the form of immediate response in a multidisciplinary way.

Nowadays, we are witnessing an increase of innovation both on start-up and SME. The implementation of innovation has a strong impact in the knowledge of economy. The ability of human being in creating it can be defined as a basic skill in a global economy, involving learning as an essential dynamism of the competition. Furthermore, the research and development activities are very important not only for universities and companies but also for the global economy. This paper presents a new conceptual approach for innovation process in start-ups and a new methodology to know how long the innovation process must take. The conceptual approach proposed is divided into seven interactive steps: 1) Have an idea (product, service, process, business/marketing; 2) Analyze the state-of-the-art and the market; 3) R&D activities and Intellectual Property; 4) Listen the market; 5) Define a flexible business plan; 6) Find a business partner; and 7) Go-to-market. Regarding the time of innovation, the presented methodology is based on five Porter's Forces.

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In this work, we show that a THz reflector made of a phosphorene (graphene)–dielectric multilayer can be analyzed through a simple effective plasma frequency model. We obtain the cutoff frequency, marking the beginning of the transmission region in terms of the effective plasma frequency, which depends on structural parameters of the multilayer and, more importantly, on the carrier density of phosphorene (graphene) layers. This implies that the cutoff frequency can be varied when considering carrier density tuning. We also show that the frequency regime, where cutoff frequency is obtained by carrier density tuning, goes through a wide range in the THz domain (3–25 THz), making the design of tunable reflectors in these frequencies possible through electrical doping. We numerically analyze the cutoff frequency as a function of carrier density and optical thickness of the multilayer, finding that the cutoff frequency and carrier density of phosphorene (graphene) have a very simple quadratic (quartic) relation. Our analysis allows us to obtain ranges where the effective analytical model fits better with the cutoff frequency computed from photonic bands for the multilayer periodic structure.

Nowadays photonic crystals are widely used in many different applications. One of the most used methods to compute their band structure is the plane wave method (PWM). However, it can only be applied directly to non-dispersive media and be extended to systems with a few model dielectric functions. We explore an extension of the PWM to photonic crystals containing dispersive materials, that solves an eigenvalue equation for the Bloch wave vectors. First we compare our calculation with analytical results for one dimensional photonic crystals containing Si using experimental values of its optical parameters, and obtainig very well agreement, even for the spectrum region with strong absorption. Then, using the same method, we computed the band structure for a two dimensional photonic crystal without absorption, formed by an square array of MgO cylinders in air. The optical parameters for MgO were modeled with the Lorentz dielectric function. Finally, we studied an array of MgO cylinders in a metal, using Drude model without absorption, for the metal dielectric function. For this last case, we study the gap–midgap ratio as a function of the filling fraction for both the square and triangular lattice. The gap–midgap ratio is larger for the triangular lattice, with a maximum value of 10% for a filling fraction of 0.6. Our results show that the method can be applied to dispersive materials, and then to a wide range of applications where photonic crystals can be used.

Plasmonic bands in 1D graphene-based photonic crystals have recently been reported for transverse magnetic polarization in the low THz regime. In this work, we demonstrate that plasmon coupling, giving rise to plasmonic bands, is also present for transverse electric polarization at IR frequencies corresponding to the region of interband transitions in graphene. Due to the doping level dependence of graphene interband optical conductivity, plasmonic band region can be shifted in the IR frequency regime for different doping levels. We have analyzed graphene-based photonic crystals with a homogeneous and periodic doping level sequence along crystal growth direction in the unit cell; our results prove that plasmonic band opening is obtained for these two different graphene doping sequences, in the frequency region such that imaginary optical conductivity turns negative, displaying different levels of attenuation due interband absorption processes. Finally, we show that TE plasmonic modes in a finite multilayer can be excited by attenuated total reflection technique in Otto configuration.

Despite advances in pharmacologic treatment, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains a fatal disease. In recent years, surgical/interventional approaches including balloon dilation atrial septostomy and Potts anastomosis have been applied to improve the hemodynamic variables associated with right ventricular failure in the setting of PAH. These interventions may improve quality of life and prolong survival in this population. In this review, we will discuss the role of these 2 therapeutic alternatives in the management of PAH.

Despite significant advances in pharmacological treatments, pulmonary arterial hypertension remains an incurable disease with an unreasonably high morbidity and mortality. Although specific pharmacotherapies have shifted the survival curves of patients and improved exercise endurance as well as quality of life, it is also true that these pharmacological interventions are not always accessible (particularly in developing countries) and, perhaps most importantly, not all patients respond similarly to these drugs. Furthermore, many patients will continue to deteriorate and will eventually require an additional, non-pharmacological, intervention. In this review we analyze the role of atrial septostomy and Potts anastomosis in the management of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, we summarize the current worldwide clinical experience (case reports and case series), and discuss why these interventional/surgical strategies might have a therapeutic role beyond that of a “bridge” to transplantation.

Background For patients with complicated acute thoracic aortic syndromes, endovascular treatment, when feasible, is preferred over open surgery. However, there are limited data on the long-term benefits of endovascular treatment in complicated acute aortic syndromes affecting the descending thoracic aorta. Hypothesis The endovascular treatment is expected to have more favorable long-term mortality and fewer late reintervention in complicated acute thoracic aortic syndromes. Methods Of 155 consecutive patients with acute aortic syndromes, 94 met the inclusion criteria of the study; 63 underwent endovascular repair (group 1) and 31 underwent open repair (group 2). Patients with a diagnosis of acute aortic syndrome localized in the descending thoracic aorta distal to the emergence of the left subclavian artery, complicated by rupture, malperfusion syndrome, and/or acute aortic expansion, were included. Indications for repair of the descending thoracic aorta included impending rupture in 70.2%, malperfusion syndrome in 29.8%, and persistence of pain with aortic expansion (aortic diameter >40 mm) in 2 patients. Results During the follow-up period (63.0 ± 24.6 months), the cumulative survival free from cardiovascular death rates at 5 years was 92.0% and 51.4% in group 1 and 2, respectively (log rank P = 0.0001). Late mortality related to the aorta was 1.6% with thoracic endovascular aortic repair and 0% with surgical treatment. Conclusions Endovascular treatment in patients with complicated acute thoracic aortic syndromes localized at the descending thoracic aorta is feasible and safe, with a lower rate of early complications and similar long-term benefits when compared with surgical treatment.

In this work, we propose a two-dimensional photonic crystal–photonic crystal heterostructure that possesses the requirements for exciting an electromagnetic interface mode and investigate its interaction with photonic crystal waveguide modes. To study the interaction and coupling of both types of modes, the proper conditions to excite them are analyzed. Photonic crystal guided modes can appear in nearly any band gap when the photonic crystal has a line of defects within its lattice. Photonic crystal–photonic crystal surface modes can be excited at the junction of two different photonic crystals that share translation symmetry along the interface direction and have overlapped frequency band gaps. When this condition is met, dispersion relations of photonic crystal–photonic crystal surface modes will lie in the common region of both band gaps. Once the proper conditions are provided to excite these two modes, an interaction between them is possible. In the resulting calculations, a symmetric supercell and a plane wave basis are defined to numerically solve the wave equation.

The transverse magnetic Gaussian beam diffraction from a finite number, equally spaced and rectangular cross section dielectric cylinder row is studied. The infinitely long cylinders’ axes are perpendicular to the beam’s direction of propagation. The cylinder row, with dielectric constant ec=nc2, is treated as a periodic inhomogeneous film, with period ax and thickness wy, bounded by two semi-infinite homogeneous media. With this restriction, the method is valid only for square or rectangular cross section cylinders. The supercell and the plane wave expansion methods are used to calculate the eigenfrequencies and eigenvectors supported for a one-dimensional photonic crystal. Then, these eigenfrequencies and eigenvectors are used to expand the field in the inhomogeneous film. Numerical results are presented for ax greater than λ (the incident light wavelength), wx (the cylinder width), and wg (Gaussian beam waist). Two cases are studied. In the first (second) case, the unit cell contains one cylinder (a cylinder row), which simulates the scattering from a single cylinder (an inhomogeneous thin film). The total integrated scattering in transmission (reflection) shows three well-defined minima (maxima), which are due to interference effects. Its positions can be approximately obtained with the formula λk=4ncwy/k, with k=3, 4, and 6. The total integrated scattering in transmission decreases linearly as a function of the cylinder number.

Nanosized ZnO:Mg phosphors were synthesized through a controlled chemical reaction. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed that Mg entered in a substitutive way in Zn sites. To investigate their thermoluminescence (TL) properties, some samples were exposed to beta-particle irradiation. The results reported here show that Mg doping improves ZnO TL features that are important for TL dosimetry applications, such as the shape of the glow curve, the temperature at which the maximum TL intensity is observed, and the TL fading and reproducibility. No saturation clues of the TL response as a function of the dose is observed for doses below 1600 Gy.

We demonstrate that the symmetry breaking in photonic crystals can be used to obtain a narrow opening of the Dirac cone. We have found that in a two-dimensional square lattice composed by dielectric square rods, it is possible to open a bandgap by rotating the crystal basis. Our simulations of the transmission demonstrate that it can be substantially tuned, allowing a switching mechanism. These results can be useful for developing active devices.

The main complication of transradial access (TRA) is radial artery occlusion (RAO). RAO is clinically relevant because it limits the radial approach for future coronary interventions and disables this conduit for coronary bypass grafting and arteriovenous fistulas. Strategies to prevent RAO are

In this work, we demonstrate the existence of TE polarized surface Bloch modes localized at the boundary of semi-infinite graphene-based photonic crystal and homogeneous dielectric. Imposing an alternate low-high doping level on graphene layers along the multilayer, it is possible to open bandgaps where mode localization can be achieved for TE polarization. The surface modes reported here exist in the low terahertz regime with a corresponding long decaying length and close to allowed band. Due to the tunable gap characteristics of the periodic structure proposed, an on-off switch for TE polarized surface Bloch modes can be achieved. We proved that TE polarized surface mode excitation can be achieved by attenuated total reflection technique in the Otto configuration, making them suitable for experimental probing. Fermi levels considered in this work lie in the range 0.2 eV < μ < 0.8 eV, which is experimentally achievable in electrical gated configurations.

Objectives To evaluate the mid-term outcomes, and the aortic remodeling in Marfan syndrome (MFS) patients with type B dissection that were treated with endovascular repair. Background MFS is a relative contraindication to thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Mid-term aortic outcomes data in MFS after TEVAR are limited, and the occurrence of late events remains unclear. Methods Of 89 patients that underwent TEVAR between September 2002 and February 2011, 10 patients with mid-term follow-up fulfilled the Ghent criteria for MFS and complicated type B dissection. High risk for open surgery was documented in 90%. Results The mean age was 35.1 ± 9.4 years and all patients presented with acute aortic syndrome complicating a chronic type B dissection (DeBakey type IIIb). Five patients underwent a Bentall surgical procedure previous to endovascular repair, and in four patients initial TEVAR was followed by surgery of the ascending aorta. Treatment was limited to endovascular repair in only one patient. In-hospital mortality was 10%. At a mean follow-up of 59.6 ± 38.9 months, the cumulated mortality was of 20% and late mortality 11.1%. The rate of secondary endoleak was 44.4%, and late reintervention of 33.3%. Survival freedom from cardiovascular death at 8 years was 80.0%, and positive remodeling was documented in 37.5% of patients. Conclusions Our results suggest that TEVAR is feasible, safe, and associated with a high reintervention rate and reduced rate of positive aortic remodeling in patients with Marfan syndrome. Survival at 8 years was comparable to contemporary series of open repair. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

There has been a rising interest in swarm robotics, nonetheless, being able to test algorithms in hardware is inaccessible to most people interested in the area due to the high price of the hardware required and the work area needed to test these robots. Our project aims to decrease this issue by providing a low cost and size efficient module that implements a variety of functions required in swarm robotics. The solution shown in this article is based on infrared (IR) transmitters and receivers arranged in a way that allows the robots to communicate, sense ambient light, triangulate the position of other robots and detect obstacles in a 360 radius.

The best revascularisation method of the unprotected left main artery is a current and evolving topic.A total of 2439 percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) were registered during a 3-year period. The study included all the patients with PCI of the unprotected left main coronary (n=48) and matched with patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) (n=50). Major adverse cerebral and cardiac events (MACCE) were assessed within the hospital and in outpatients during a 16 month follow up.The cardiovascular risk was greater in the PCI group; logEuroSCORE 16±21 vs. 5±6, P=.001; clinical Syntax 77±74 vs 53±39, P=.04. On admission, the PCI group of patients had a higher frequency of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and cardiogenic shock. The MACCE were similar in both groups (14% vs. 18%, P=.64). STEMI was less frequent in the PCI group (0% vs. 10%, P=.03). Cardiovascular events were lower in the PCI group (2.3% vs. 18%, P=.01), and there was a decrease in general and cardiac mortality (2.3% vs. 12%, P=.08 y 2.3% vs. 8%, P=.24), on excluding the patients with cardiogenic shock as a presentation. MACCE were similar in both groups in the out-patient phase (15% vs. 12%, P=.46). Survival without MACCE, general and cardiac death were comparable between groups (log rank, P=.38, P=.44 and P=.16, respectively).Even though the clinical and peri-procedural risk profile of the PCI patients were higher, the in-hospital and out-hospital efficacy and safety were comparable with CABG.

The advanced third-stage larvae (AdvL(3)) of Gnathostoma lamothei was obtained from experimental hosts. Frogs Lithobates heckscheri and snakes Nerodia fasciata pictiventris were compatible hosts allowing optimal larval development. AdvL(3) are 4,487.94 μm long, have two lateral cervical papillae between rows 10 and 16 and an excretory pore at row 23. The average counts of the cephalic bulb hooklets from the four rows are 39.3, 43.3, 44.2, and 47.3. Larvae show an esophagus that represents 40 % of the body width. These findings indicate that amphibians and reptiles could be involved as G. lamothei natural hosts; nevertheless, their role as etiological agents of human gnathostomiasis is uncertain. This paper reports for the first time the taxonomic description of G. lamothei AdvL(3) obtained from experimental hosts and contributes to the understanding of its life cycle.

The unique redox and catalytic chemistry of Cu has justified the development of novel Cu complexes for different therapeutic uses including cancer therapy. In this work, four pyridine-containing aza-macrocyclic copper(II) complexes were prepared (CuL1–CuL4) varying in ring size and/or substituents and their superoxide scavenging activity evaluated. CuL3, the most active superoxide scavenger, was further studied as a modulator of the cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin in epithelial breast MCF10A cells and in MCF7 breast cancer cells. Our results show that CuL3 enhances the therapeutic window of oxaliplatin, by both protecting non-tumour cells and increasing its cytotoxic effect in breast carcinoma cells. CuL3 is thus a promising complex to be further studied and to be used as a lead compound for the optimization of novel chemotherapy sensitizers.

Atrial septostomy (AS) is a palliative treatment for right ventricular failure from severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We sought to investigate the effect of AS, alone or combined with PAH-specific pharmacotherapy, on the survival of patients with PAH. We performed a retrospective analysis of the functional and haemodynamic changes in patients with PAH following AS, and long-term survival characteristics for the whole group and separately for the subgroup who received post-procedural pharmacotherapy. 50 procedures performed in 34 patients (mean ± SD age 35 ± 10 yrs) resulted in haemodynamic and symptomatic improvement in most of the patients. Only one (2%) procedure-related death occurred. Due to spontaneous closure of the defect, AS was repeated in 10 patients. In 21 patients, AS was the only form of treatment, while 11 received additional pharmacotherapy after AS. During follow-up (58.5 ± 38 months), 21 patients died; median survival of the group was 60 months (95% CI 43-77 months). Median survival for patients on pharmacotherapy additional to AS was 83 months (95% CI 57-109 months), which was better than that for patients with AS alone (53 months, 95% CI 39-67 months) (log-rank 6.52; p = 0.010). In selected patients with PAH, AS is a safe and effective intervention that exerts a beneficial impact on long-term survival. Survival appears to be improved when AS is combined with PAH-specific pharmacotherapy.

Objectives: Fanconi anaemia (FA) is a cancer-prone chromosome instability syndrome characterized by hypersensitivity to DNA cross-linking agents, such as diepoxybutane (DEB). Previous studies have shown that normal red blood cells (RBC) can protect cultured lymphocytes against chromosomal breaks induced by DEB. The present study was designed to analyse influence of RBCs from normal individuals on frequency of DEB-induced chromosome breaks in lymphocyte cultures from FA patients. Materials and methods: A comparative study was performed between DEB-induced chromosome breaks in cultures of FA lymphocytes with either autologous or heterologous RBCs. A further comparative study was carried out between whole blood cultures from FA patients performed on two occasions, before and 1 week after transfusion of RBCs. Results: It was observed that normal RBCs compared to FA RBCs, partially reduced chromosome breaks in cultured FA lymphocytes. A significant reduction in DEB-induced breaks was also observed in FA cultured lymphocytes obtained 1 week after transfusion of RBCs, in comparison to those observed in the same patients before RBC transfusion. Conclusions: This study shows that DEB-induced chromosome instability in FA lymphocytes is partially reduced by normal RBCs. This effect may have some clinical relevance in vivo, whenever FA patients receive a RBC transfusion.

Styrene is a commercially important chemical widely used in the manufacture of synthetic rubber, resins, polyesters and plastics. The highest levels of human exposure to styrene occur during the production of reinforced plastic products. The objective of this work was to evaluate both DNA and cytogenetic damage in styrene-exposed workers, analysing only non-smoker individuals. Environmental levels of styrene and urinary concentrations of mandelic and phenylglyoxylic acids were determined, and genetic damage was studied by means of micronucleus (MN) test, sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and comet assay. Fifty-two fibreglass-reinforced plastics workers and 54 controls took part in the study. The mean air concentration of styrene in the breathing zone of workers exceeded the threshold limit value, and 24 workers exceeded the biological exposure index. A strong and significant correlation was found between styrene environmental concentrations and urinary metabolites. Higher SCE rate (P < 0.01) was observed in exposed workers than in controls. Besides, significant correlations were obtained for SCE rate with both environmental and internal exposure parameters (r = 0.496, P < 0.01 and r = 0.511, P < 0.01, respectively). Results from MN test and comet assay showed slight and non-significant increases related to the exposure. Our data seem to support previous studies reporting genotoxicity associated with occupational exposure to styrene, excluding the confounding influence of smoking, although caution must be taken in the interpretation of these results since the significance of an increase in SCE rate is still unclear.

Background Massive angiographic pulmonary embolism (PE) with right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) is associated with a high early mortality rate. The therapeutic alternatives for this condition include thrombolysis, surgical embolectomy, or percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT). We describe our experience using PMT in patients with massive PE and RVD with unsuccessful thrombolysis, increased bleeding risk, or major contraindications for thrombolytic therapy. Methods Clinical, hemodynamic, and angiographic parameters prior to and following PMT were evaluated. Our primary objective was to describe the incidence of in-hospital cardiovascular death, and of major and minor complications. Mid-term outcomes included analysis of occurrence of cardiovascular death, recurrent pulmonary embolism, change of New York Heart Association functional class, and hospital readmission. Results From July 2004 to May 2007, 69 patients were referred to the cardiac catheterization laboratory with a diagnosis of acute PE, 18 of whom met the criteria for massive PE and are the subject of this study. All patients underwent thrombus fragmentation using a pigtail catheter that was complemented in 13 patients with thrombus aspiration. A percutaneous thrombectomy device (Aspirex; Straub Medical; Wangs, Switzerland) was used in 11 patients. Hemodynamic, angiographic, and blood oxygenation parameters improved after the procedure. A significant increase was observed for systolic systemic BP (74.3 ± 7.5 mm Hg vs 89.4 ± 11.3 mm Hg, p=0.001) [mean ± SD], as was a decrease in mean pulmonary artery pressure (37.1 ± 8.5 mm Hg vs 32.3 ± 10.5 mm Hg, p=0.0001). The in-hospital major complications rate was 11.1%; one patient died from refractory shock, and one patient had intracerebral hemorrhage with minor neurologic sequelae. No cardiovascular deaths or recurrent pulmonary thromboembolism were documented during clinical follow-up (12.3 ± 9.4 months). Conclusions In patients with massive PE, RVD and major contraindications to thrombolytic therapy, increased bleeding risk, failed thrombolysis, or unavailable surgical thrombectomy, PMT appears to be a useful therapeutic alternative.

Nowadays, we are witnessing an increase of innovation both on start-up and SME. The implementation of innovation has a strong impact in the knowledge of economy. The ability of human being in creating it can be defined as a basic skill in a global economy, involving learning as an essential dynamism of the competition. Furthermore, the research and development activities are very important not only for universities and companies but also for the global economy. This paper presents a new conceptual approach for innovation process in start-ups and a new methodology to know how long the innovation process must take. The conceptual approach proposed is divided into seven interactive steps: 1) Have an idea (product, service, process, business/marketing; 2) Analyze the state-of-the-art and the market; 3) R&D activities and Intellectual Property; 4) Listen the market; 5) Define a flexible business plan; 6) Find a business partner; and 7) Go-to-market. Regarding the time of innovation, the presented methodology is based on five Porter's Forces.

Light scattering and reflection measurements using attenuated total reflection technique for s polarization of the incident light on a finite one-dimensional photonic crystal are reported. Angular specular reflection was measured experimentally to determine, the optimum thickness, the angular position of the surface mode, and the number of bi-layers of the system. It was demonstrated that the position of the surface mode inside the last film is close to the asymptotic value when the number of periods is increased. Spectral reflection measurements were made to determine experimentally the band gap width and measure the dispersion relation of the surface mode inside this band. The corresponding field amplitude was calculated (∣E∣ 2 ) showing that in resonant conditions it has a maximum near the surface. The angular dependence of the scattered light measured displays a peak caused by singles cattering and located approximately at the excitation angle of the surface electromagnetic mode. When the incident light is in resonance with the surface electromagnetic wave, it is found experimentally that the scattering of light is enhanced overall by approximately one order of magnitude in comparison with the off-resonance case.