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Matrix isolation is a powerful tool for studying photochemical processes occurring in isolated molecules. In this way, we characterized the chemical modifications occurring within a tri peptide molecule, IGF, when exposed to the influence of Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. This paper first describes the successful formation of the tripeptide (IGF) argon matrix under vacuum conditions, followed by the in situ UV irradiation and characterization of the molecular matrix reactivity after UV-irradiation. These studies have been performed by combining two complementary spectroscopic techniques, Fourier-Transform Reflexion Absorption Spectroscopy (FT-IRRAS) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The IR spectra of the isolated peptide-matrix, before and after UV irradiation, revealed significant differences that could be associated either to a partial deprotonation of the molecule or to a tautomeric conversion of some amide bonds to imide ones on some peptide molecules. XPS analyses undoubtedly confirmed the second hypothesis; the combination of IRRAS and XPS results provide evidence that UV irradiation of peptides induces a chemical reaction, namely a shift of the double bond, meaning partial conversion from amide tautomer into an imidic acid tautomer., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this work was to analyze the microbiota involved in the traditional vinegar elaboration of strawberry fruit during a spontaneous and inoculated process. In the spontaneous processes, low biodiversity was detected in both alcoholic fermentation (AF) and acetification. Nevertheless, a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and of Acetobacter malorum were selected and tested as starter cultures in the inoculation study. The inoculated processes with these strains were compared with another spontaneous process, yielding a significant reduction in time for AF with a total imposition of the S. cerevisiae strain. The resulting strawberry wine was acetified in different containers (glass and wood) yielding an initial imposition of the A. malorum inoculated strain, although displacement by Gluconacetobacter species was observed in the wood barrels., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A coordination polymer is fully exfoliated by solvent-assisted interaction only. The soft-delamination process results from the structure of the starting material, which shows a layered structure with weak layer-to-layer interactions and cavities with the ability to locate several solvents in an unselective way. These results represent a significant step forward towards the production of structurally designed one-molecule thick 2D materials with tailored physico-chemical properties., (Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Introduction: Postoperative bleeding is common complication, affecting up to 20% of patients, after cardiac bypass surgery. Fibrinolysis is one of the causes of this excessive bleeding, and for this reason the use of tranexamic acid is recommended. The problem with using this is that there are numerous guidelines and differences in the dose to be administered. Our aim was to evaluate whether there were any differences in postoperative bleeding and morbidity after cardiac surgery with the administering of different tranexamic acid doses in three university hospitals., Material and Methods: A retrospective, multicentre cohort study was conducted. A total of 146 patients who were subjected to elective cardiac bypass surgery according to the anaesthetic-surgical protocol of each hospital were included in the study. The clinical histories were reviewed, and they were divided into two groups according to the tranexamic acid dose: Group A (high doses), initial dose of 20mg/kg and continuous infusion of 4 mg/kg/hour until closure of the sternotomy. A further 100mg was added to prime the bypass machine. Group B (low doses), initial dose of 10mg/kg followed by a continuous infusion of 2mg/kg/hour until closure of the sternotomy. A further 50mg was added to prime the bypass machine. Variables, such as age, sex, weight, height, type of surgical procedure (valvular, coronary or mixed), haematocrit, INR, and preoperative platelet count, time and temperature of the bypass machine, and haematocrit on sternum closure, were recorded. Among the post-operative variables collected were: debit due to drainage at 6, 12 and 24 hours after surgery, number and type of blood products transfused in the first 24 hours, need for further surgery due to haemorrhage, CVA, TIA, or a new acute myocardial infarction, convulsions, and mortality., Results: The incidence of increased bleeding (patients in the 90 percentile) was higher in Group B at all the study evaluation times (P<.05). The incidence of further surgery due to bleeding, and the need for transfusion of ≥ 3 units of packed red cells was lower in Group A (5.56%) than in Group B (13.89%). There were no significant differences in the requirements for blood products transfusions between the groups. As regards associated morbidity, there was one isolated case of convulsion and a perioperative AMI in another case in Group A, and three cases of perioperative AMI in Group B., Conclusions: Elevated doses of tranexamic acid in cardiac bypass surgery appear to significantly reduce bleeding in the first hours after surgery compared to low doses. However, this decrease did not lead to a reduction in the needs for blood products., (Copyright © 2012 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.)

Context: Laparoscopic surgery in urology is considered to be an important advance, although it is not exempt from some morbidity associated to the use of multiple trocars and specifically to the extraction of the specimen. In order to decrease this morbidity and improve esthetics, other techniques are being developed, such as natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). It is aimed to review the current status of laparoendoscopic single site surgery in urology., Acquisition of Evidence: A nonsystematic review has been carried out by means of the bibliographic search using the terms LESS and Urology from 2007 to 2012. The current LESS experience in urology is described, and its principal indications and the different single site devices and instruments available on the market are described., Synthesis of Evidence: LESS surgery arose as one more step in the constant evolution of minimally invasive surgery in an attempt to improve esthetics, reduce surgical trauma and decrease pain and the post-operative complications associated to the conventional laparoscopy with multiple trocars. Since it was first described in 2007, the experience has been increasing exponentially and the LESS technique, whether assisted or not by robot, is becoming consolidated for a large spectrum of urological indications (both in oncological and reconstructive surgery) on a much greater scale than the NOTES technique. Even though most of the existing data are not randomized and very rarely comparative, with the selection bias that this represents, it seems clear that the esthetic benefit and analgesic control associated to the LESS surgery is real and reproducible. The complications associated to it are greater in cases of major oncology surgery and are due more to the technique itself then to the approach., Conclusions: Although the real benefit of the LESS surgery in urology cannot be appropriately quantified, the cosmetic improvement, less pain and greater patient satisfaction with their wound are clear. Appropriate training in this type of procedures in centers having large volumes and the continuous technical improvements in the instrumental development by the biomedical industry has resulted in the fact that the transumbilical LESS technique in urology has been born to stay., (Copyright © 2012 AEU. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.)

Herein, we report the isolation of new heterobimetallic complexes [Ni(0.6)Pd(1.4)(EtCS(2))(4)] (1), [NiPt(EtCS(2))(4)] (2) and [Pd(0.4)Pt(1.6)(EtCS(2))(4)] (3), which were constructed by using transmetallation procedures. Subsequent oxidation with iodine furnished the MM'X monodimensional chains [Ni(0.6)Pt(1.4)(EtCS(2))(4)I] (4) and [Ni(0.1)Pd(0.3)Pt(1.6)(EtCS(2))(4)I] (5). The physical properties of these systems were investigated and the chain structures 4 and 5 were found to be reminiscent of the parent [Pt(2)(EtCS(2))(4)I] species. However, they were more sensitively dependent on the localised nature of the charge on the Ni ion, which caused spontaneous breaking of the conduction bands., (Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Objectives: Minimal access cardiac surgery via minithoracotomy aims faster recovery and shorter hospital length of stay. Pain control is essential in order to achieve this goal. A study was conducted to assess the quality of post-operative analgesia and complications related to the analgesia techniques after cardiac surgery by minithoracotomy., Material and Methods: A descriptive, observational and retrospective study was conducted on the patients subjected to minimal access cardiac surgery in our centre between the years 2009 to 2011. The patients were divided into two groups according to the type of analgesia received: analgesia through a paravertebral catheter, with an infusion of local anaesthetics (PVB group), and intravenous analgesia with opioids (IOA group). The aim of the study was to compare the analgesic quality and the complications associated to the analgesic technique, extubation time, post-surgical complications, and length of hospital stay between both techniques., Results: A total of 37 patients underwent to a modified minimally invasive Heart-Port access cardiac surgery. Fifteen patients received analgesia through a paravertebral block and the other 22 IV analgesia with opioids. Data are shown as means and standard deviation (SD). Mean tracheal extubation time less than 4 hours was observed in 60% of the patients in the PVB group, compared to 22% in the IOA group (P<.05). Length of stay in ICU for the PVB group was 1.2 (0.7) days compared to 2.2 (0.7) days in the IOA group (P<.05). Mean hospital stay was 4.8 (1.2) days for the PVB group, and 5.6 (2.8) for the IOA group (P>.05. No complications associated to the continuous paravertebral block were observed., Discussion: PVB analgesia is an acceptable safe technique in cardiac surgery via thoracotomy which enables early extubation with optimal pain control when compared with IV analgesia with opioids., (Copyright © 2011 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.)

Background: The Word Endometriosis Society estimates that 176 millions of women in the world have experienced endometriosis symptoms way before their quality of life has been compromised. Despite the advances, endometriosis continues to be a challenge for doctors nowadays., Objective: The purpose of this article is to make an attempt to unify the foundations and theories worldwide accepted on endometriosis infertility treatment., Conclusion: Infertility management caused by endometriosis remains daring. Laparoscopic cystectomy for ovarian endometriomas larger than 4 cm of diameter improves fertility compared with drainage and coagulation. Those with mild disease (I and II) after surgical reconstruction can undergo ovarian stimulation with artificial insemination. At the identification of endometriosis it must be treated surgically, except in those patients that because of special circumstances (elderly, compromised pelvis, azoospermia, etc.) is advisable to appeal in vitro fertilization with embryos transference, like in advanced stages cases (III and IV).

Chronic wounds represent a drain on the Spanish health system, nowdays is necessary an optimization of the resources used and that is for this that is necessary justify the use of the products over others through cost-effective studies for to show the economic benefit to professionals and the life quality of patient. This article compares the use of a new technology for format polyurethane foam, TLC-NOSF, with the most commonly used products for treating wounds. This comparison is made using a cost-effectiveness model (Markov Model). The results demonstrate that treatment with polyurethane foam dressing with TLC-NOSF are cost-effective versus treatments with polyurethane foams most commonly used in Spain.

Objectives: To describe the onset of a single port laparoendoscopic program to carry out oncology surgery in a Urology Service. We present the initial experience in the laboratory and in the Animal Facility with rigid precurved instruments and KeyPort reusable access element (Richard Wolf)., Material and Methods: Two surgeons experienced in laparoscopic surgery and with the help of four assistants performed a training program based on predetermined tasks performed in simulation boxes (pelvitrainer) and porcine model following the requirements of the Regional Community of Madrid to handle experimental animals., Results: The participants in this program were initially divided into pairs made up of an experienced surgery and assistant for the predetermined multiple tasks in simulator box in order to become familiarized with the instruments. After, 20 animal sessions were conducted in which the following were performed: (retroperitoneal or pelvic) lymph node dissections (n = 20), nephrectomies (n = 40), cystorrhaphy with suture (n = 20) and uterine-vesical anastomosis (n = 20). Times needed to perform the exercises and the principal errors perceived during the performance of each one of the tasks were recorded. The tasks, of growing complexity, were performed with the instruments described in increasingly less time and with less difficulty. An accessory trocar of 3.5 mm was required to perform the in vivo sutures., Conclusions: The KeyPort approach has potential application in different urological applications. Standardized training allows the acquirement of skills and makes the successful implementation possible of a laparoendoscopic surgery program in humans., (Copyright © 2012 AEU. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.)

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is a seasonal fruit with important health benefits. In this study, persimmon use in wine and condiment production was investigated using molecular methods to identify the yeast and acetic acid bacteria (AAB) isolated from the alcoholic fermentation and acetification of the fruit. Alcoholic fermentation was allowed to occur either spontaneously, or by inoculation with a commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae wine strain, while acetification was always spontaneous; all these processes were performed in triplicates. Non-Saccharomyces yeast species were particularly abundant during the initial and mid-alcoholic fermentation stages, but S. cerevisiae became dominant toward the end of these processes. During spontaneous fermentation, S. cerevisiae Sc1 was the predominant strain isolated throughout, while the commercial strain of S. cerevisiae was the most common strain isolated from the inoculated fermentations. The main non-Saccharomyces strains isolated included Pichia guilliermondii, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Zygosaccharomyces florentinus and Cryptococcus sp. A distinct succession of AAB was observed during the acetification process. Acetobacter malorun was abundant during the initial and mid-stages, while Gluconacetobacter saccharivorans was the main species during the final stages of these acetifications. Four additional AAB species, Acetobacter pasteurianus, Acetobacter syzygii, Gluconacetobacter intermedius and Gluconacetobacter europaeus, were also detected. We observed 28 different AAB genotypes, though only 6 of these were present in high numbers (between 25%-60%), resulting in a high biodiversity index., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The inflammatory pseudotumor is a rare lesion, having benign behavior and some histological heterogeneity that appears in the genitourinary tract. A series of urogenital inflammatory pseudotumors are reviewed with emphasis on their clinicopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics., Material and Methods: A retrospective study the causistics treated between January 1981 in December 2010 was performed. It identified the cases of inflammatory pseudotumor with urogenital localization. The variables age, gender, symptoms, topography, treatment and anatomopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of each case were analyzed., Results: A total of 8 cases of the urogenital-located inflammatory pseudotumor are described. Of these, 6 were located in the bladder, one in the kidney and one in the epididymis. Mean age of the patients was 46.75 (± 19.84) years. Tumor presentation symptoms were macroscopic hematuria, single symptom or accompanied by symptoms of the lower urinary tract and inguinoscrotal mass. In regards to treatment in the cases of bladder localization, transuretheral ± cystectomy were performed. In the case of kidney localization, treatment was made by means of pyelotomy and exeresis, and in the case of epididymis localization, simple exeresis was performed. The anatomopathological study showed inflammatory pseudotumor in every cases, having a mesenchymal and myxoid appearance, with fusiform cells of eosinophil cytoplasm, with presence of frequent inflammatory cells. The most common immunohistochemical pattern shows positivity for the muscle-specific actin (HHF-35), vimentin and negativity for protein S-100. ALK-1 was positive and 87.5% of the cases., Conclusion: The inflammatory pseudotumor is a condition having good prognosis which, when there is a good histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnosis, every urologist should recognize and distinguish in order to carry out as conservative a surgical treatment as possible., (Copyright © 2011 AEU. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Precursor solutions for the synthesis of zeolites are irradiated by means of a Nd-YAG laser. These solutions are subsequently submitted to a hydrothermal treatment and the results analyzed by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. Laser irradiation promotes the formation of silica nanoparticles that nucleate into zeolite (silicalite-1), following a hydrothermal treatment. The average crystal size (in the 0.6-3.6 μm range) of the zeolite exponentially decreases as a function of laser irradiation time. In addition, a longer irradiation time results in a narrower crystal size distribution., (Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

We demonstrate mode-division multiplexed WDM transmission over 50-km of few-mode fiber using the fiber's LP01 and two degenerate LP11 modes. A few-mode EDFA is used to boost the power of the output signal before a few-mode coherent receiver. A 6×6 time-domain MIMO equalizer is used to recover the transmitted data. We also experimentally characterize the 50-km few-mode fiber and the few-mode EDFA.

The identification of acetic acid bacteria (AAB) from sound grapes from the Canary Islands is reported in the present study. No direct recovery of bacteria was possible in the most commonly used medium, so microvinifications were performed on grapes from Tenerife, La Palma and Lanzarote islands. Up to 396 AAB were isolated from those microvinifications and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. With this method, Acetobacter pasteurianus, Acetobacter tropicalis, Gluconobacter japonicus and Gluconacetobacter saccharivorans were identified. However, no discrimination between the closely related species Acetobacter malorum and Acetobacter cerevisiae was possible. As previously described, 16S-23S rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region phylogenetic analysis was required to classify isolates as one of those species. These two species were the most frequently occurring, accounting for more than 60% of the isolates. For typing the AAB isolates, both the Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC)-PCR and (GTG)5-PCR techniques gave similar resolution. A total of 60 profiles were identified. Thirteen of these profiles were found in more than one vineyard, and only one profile was found on two different islands (Tenerife and La Palma)., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Antibody microarrays are becoming frequently used tools for analytical purposes. A key factor for optimal performance is the stability of the immobilized (capturing) antibodies as well as those that have been fluorescently labeled to achieve the immunological test (tracers). This is especially critical for long-distance transport, field testing, or planetary exploration. A number of different environmental stresses may affect the antibody integrity, such as dryness, sudden temperature shift cycles, or, as in the case of space science, exposure to large quantities of the highly penetrating gamma radiation. Here, we report on the effect of certain stabilizing solutions for long-term storage of printed antibody microarrays under different conditions. We tested the effect of gamma radiation on printed and freeze- or vacuum-dried fluorescent antibodies at working concentrations (tracer antibodies), as well as the effect of multiple cycles of sudden and prolonged temperature shifts on the stability of fluorescently labeled tracer antibody cocktails. Our results show that (i) antibody microarrays are stable at room temperature when printed on stabilizing spotting solutions for at least 6 months, (ii) lyophilized and vacuum-dried fluorescently labeled tracer antibodies are stable for more than 9 months of sudden temperature shift cycles (-20°C to 25°C and 50°C), and (iii) both printed and freeze- or vacuum-dried fluorescent tracer antibodies are stable after several-fold excess of the dose of gamma radiation expected during a mission to Mars. Although different antibodies may exhibit different susceptibilities, we conclude that, in general, antibodies are suitable for use in planetary exploration purposes if they are properly treated and stored with the use of stabilizing substances.

Introduction: Female urethral stricture secondary to erosión by suburethral sling is an unfrequent problem of difficult solution. Ventral vaginal rotation flaps or buccal mucosa dorsal grafts are not useful because this type of stricture is very proximal (close to the bladder neck) and the vagina is thinned. We present our experience to manage this problem using excision of disease urethral tract, associated to bladder mucosa flap and vaginal sling using transverse vaginal flap to repair the weakened vaginal wall., Material and Methods: Three females with urethral stricture secondary to urethral erosion of their sling were treated with a technique of combined urethroplasty with bladder flap and vaginal reinforcement with pediculated vaginal flap transferred in a mini-sling fashion. Two of the patients suffered chronic urinary retention and preoperative placement of urethral catheter was not possible. The patients were evaluated 12, 36 and 55 months after surgery, respectively., Results: Surgery was performed without complications. Results were satisfactory in all the patients, reaching good micturition postoperative caliber and being without incontinence at follow-up., Conclusion: Patients with suburethral erosion by a synthetic sling and secondary severe urethral stricture need total extirpation of the mesh and complete reconstruction of the urethro-vaginal septum. Tension-free urethral suture and use of vaginal sling with the technique here described are two useful technical tips for this problem., (Copyright © 2011 AEU. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

In recent decades great advances have been made in surgical procedures for treating thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta defects. Associated mortality and morbidity rates have dropped considerably, mainly in major reference centers, but nonetheless continue to be significant. The need for new strategies to reduce mortality and morbidity has made endovascular approaches an attractive alternative for high-risk surgical patients. The most feared complications of these procedures include paraparesis and paraplegia, which have devastating consequences on patients' quality of life. We provide an updated review of the pathophysiology of spinal cord ischemia in open and endovascular surgery, as well as perioperative measures designed to protect the spinal cord in both types of procedure.

Behcet's disease is a multisystemic inflammatory disease with various manifestations at the skin level, especially in the form of acne-like lesions or erythema nodosum. Susceptibility to this disease is strongly linked to the presence of the HLA&#95;B51 allele, although certain environmental factors such as infectious agents have also been implicated in its pathogenesis. We present the case of a patient with Behcet's disease who developed a severe flare characterized by lesions similar to those seen in Sweet's syndrome. Histologically we observed granulomatous vasculitis., (Copyright © 2009 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

The traditional production of wine vinegar is a lengthy process with little or no microbiological control. The aim of this study was to shorten the acetification process via three different strategies: changes in wood type; barrel shape; and the inoculation of an Acetobacter pasteurianus pure culture. The barrel shape was modified by constructing two prototypes with higher liquid-air interface. We compared the changes in acetic acid bacteria (AAB) population dynamics in these barrels with those of a submerged method. The wood type had no effect on the acetification length, whereas the shape of the barrel resulted in a significant shortening of the acetification length. Although the selected AAB strain did not always take over, it reduced the biodiversity of the AAB. The inoculated strain was predominant in oak barrels, whereas in the highly aerated prototypes Gluconacetobacter species (Ga. intermedius and/or Ga. europaeus) displaced A. pasteurianus, as what occurs in the submerged method., (2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A multifunctional bidimensional mixed-valence copper coordination polymer [Cu2Br(IN)2]n (IN = isonicotinato) has been characterized in crystal phase and isolated on graphite surface as single sheets.

Objective: Outcomes of surgical treatment of the descending thoracic aorta have improved markedly, although high associated morbidity and mortality continue to be a concern. Endovascular treatments are therefore attractive alternatives to open surgery. We compared outcomes of endovascular treatment to outcomes of open surgery on both aortic segments., Material and Methods: Retrospective study of patients treated for descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta disease by means of open surgery or endovascular treatment in our hospital between 1995 and 2009. We analyzed preoperative characteristics, intraoperative variables, and postoperative results in both groups., Results: We retrieved the cases of 22 patients, 10 who underwent open surgery and 12 who received endovascular treatment. Surgery was indicated to treat aneurysm (40%), aortic dissection (30%), or both (30%) in the open surgery group. In the endovascular treatment group, 66.7% had aneurysm, 33.3% dissection, and 0% both. Trauma was involved in 20% of the open surgeries and 16.7% of the endovascular procedures. Forty percent of the open surgery cases and 16.2% of the endovascular interventions were emergencies. Patient age was the only statistically significant between-group difference in preoperative characteristics. Postoperative complication rates were similar. Significant differences were observed in duration of surgery, lengths of critical care unit and total hospital stays, and intubation time (P < .05)., Conclusions: The incidence of postoperative complications in the group of patients undergoing open surgery on the descending thoracic aorta was similar to incidences reported by other hospitals with moderate caseloads. A trend toward reduced morbidity and mortality in the endovascular treatment group was observed, and this group had significantly shorter times of intubation and lengths of critical care unit and hospital stays.

A Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR) assay was developed using TaqMan minor groove binder (MGB) probes for the specific detection and quantification of five acetic acid bacteria (AAB) species (Acetobacter pasteurianus, Acetobacter aceti, Gluconacetobacter hansenii, Gluconacetobacter europaeus and Gluconobacter oxydans) in wine and vinegar. The primers and probes, designed from the 16S rRNA gene, showed good specificity with the target AAB species. The technique was tested on AAB grown in glucose medium (GY) and inoculated samples of red wine and wine vinegar. Standard curves were constructed with the five target species in all these matrices. Quantification was linear over at least 5 log units using both serial dilution of purified DNA and cells. When this technique was tested in GY medium and inoculated matrices, at least 10(2)-10(3) cells/ml were detected. To quantify low populations of AAB in microbiologically complex samples, a PCR enrichment including part of the 16S-23S rRNA gene ITS region was needed to increase the amount of target DNA compared to non-target DNA. The RT-PCR assay used in this study is a reliable, specific and fast method for quantifying these five AAB species in wine and vinegar.

The population dynamics of acetic acid bacteria in traditional vinegar production was determined in two independent vinegar plants at both the species and strain level. The effect of barrels made of four different woods upon the population dynamics was also determined. Acetic acid bacteria were isolated on solid media and the species were identified by RFLP-PCR of 16S rRNA genes and confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, while strains were typed by ERIC-PCR and (GTG)(5)-rep-PCR. The most widely isolated species was Acetobacter pasteurianus, which accounted for 100% of all the isolates during most of the acetification. Gluconacetobacter europaeus only appeared at any notable level at the end of the process in oak barrels from one vinegar plant. The various A. pasteurianus strains showed a clear succession as the concentration of acetic acid increased. In both vinegar plants the relative dominance of different strains was modified as the concentrations of acetic acid increased, and strain diversity tended to reduce at the end of the process., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We have studied the first stages leading to the formation of self-assembled monolayers of S-cysteine molecules adsorbed on a Au(111) surface. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations for the adsorption of individual cysteine molecules on Au(111) at room temperature show low-energy barriers all over the 2D Au(111) unit cell. As a consequence, cysteine molecules diffuse freely on the Au(111) surface and they can be regarded as a 2D molecular gas. The balance between molecule-molecule and molecule-substrate interactions induces molecular condensation and evaporation from the morphological surface structures (steps, reconstruction edges, etc.) as revealed by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) images. These processes lead progressively to the formation of a number of stable arrangements, not previously reported, such as single-molecular rows, trimers, and 2D islands. The condensation of these structures is driven by the aggregation of new molecules, stabilized by the formation of electrostatic interactions between adjacent NH(3)(+) and COO(-) groups, together with adsorption at a slightly more favorable quasi-top site of the herringbone Au reconstruction.

Objective: To analyze clinical records of cardiac surgery patients in an attempt to identify factors associated with mortality in the postoperative critical care units of the public health service hospitals in the Community of Valencia, Spain, in 2007., Methods: Retrospective study of cases from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007. The charts of all patients who underwent cardiac surgery with or without extracorporeal circulation were reviewed. A data collection protocol was followed to obtain information on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), presurgical risk factors, type of surgery, duration of extracorporeal circulation, duration of ischemia, cause of death, and length of stay in the postoperative critical care unit., Results: The study population consisted of 2113 patients at 5 public hospitals; 124 patients (70 men, 54 women) died. The mean (SD) age was 70 (9.43) years (range, 36-91 years). The mean BMI was 28.19 kg/m2 (maximum, 42 kg/m2). The mean Euroscore was 21.92 (maximum, 94.29). Hypertension was present as a preoperative risk factor in most patients (74.2%); dyslipidemia was present in 51.6%, diabetes mellitus in 38.7%, stroke in 73%, and renal failure in 2.4%. It was noteworthy was that the group who underwent coronary revascularization had the highest mortality rate (nearly 35% of the 124 patients). The next highest mortality rate (19.4%) was in patients who had combined procedures (valve repair or substitution plus coronary revascularization). Mortality was 18.5% in the group undergoing aortic valve surgery and 11.3% in those undergoing mitral valve surgery. The mean duration of extracorporeal circulation was 148.63 minutes. The mean duration of myocardial ischemia was 94.91 minutes. The most frequent cause of death was cardiogenic shock (54.8%). This was followed by distributive shock (29.8%) and hemorrhagic shock (8.9%). The mean length of stay in the postoperative critical care unit was 13.6 days. Overall mortality was 5.87%., Conclusions: The highest mortality rate among cardiac surgery patients in postoperative critical care units in hospitals in the Community of Valencia in 2007 was in patients who underwent coronary revascularization. The most prevalent preoperative risk factor was hypertension. Cardiogenic shock and distributive shock were the most frequent causes of death in these patients. A system for classifying risk is needed in order to predict mortality in critical care units and improve perioperative care.

Background and Objectives: Anesthesiologists became more concerned about ensuring patient safety by a greater emphasis on outcome, quality patient care both in operation theatre and elsewhere in hospital. In the clinical practice, there is no aspect of Anesthesia that occupies a more important place in the safe management of the patients than the accurate drug administration. Medication errors represent a small part of anesthesia problems but still have potential for serious morbidity and legal consequences. The objective of this report was to describe four cases of unusual medical errors (ME) in the operation theatre, without harm to the patient, and how their analysis and identification had prevented more serious damage occurrence., Case Reports: Four cases of inadvertent overdose in operation theatre previous to induction anesthesia. The same syringe was used to prepare and dilute two different drugs. This error was therefore caused by the presence of the second drug. Toxicity was manifested as brief respiratory depression and sedation, and assisted ventilation was required but no adverse outcomes happened., Conclusions: We explain how we identified the drug involved, the point at which the error occurred in order to improve clinical practice reducing medication errors. We focus on providing more information and education to each health care professional about new drugs and their preparation process, because this is should not be an acceptable practice in 2009.

Carbon nitride materials have extraordinary potential in various applications, including catalysts, filled-particles, and superhard materials. Carbon nitride nanoclusters have been prepared under mild solvothermal conditions by a reaction between 1,3,5-trichlotriazine and sodium azide in toluene. The bulk material formed has a C(3)N(4) composition and consists of spheres with diameters ranging from approximately 1 nm to 4 mum. Nanometer-sized clusters of C(3)N(4) stoichiometry have been isolated on surfaces by sublimation or simple physicochemical methods. The clusters have then been characterized by atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The laser desorption ionization mass spectra show peaks assignable to the C(12)N(16), C(21)N(28), and C(33)N(44) molecules which could correspond to cage structures with 4, 7, and 11 units of the C(3)N(4) subunit, respectively. The structure and stability of these new nitrogen-rich carbon nitride nanocages has been investigated using density functional theory calculations.

The adenine molecule is a DNA nucleobase, an essential component of genetic material. Because of the important role of DNA nucleobases in terrestrial biochemistry, we have studied the molecular adsorption, orientation, and chemical binding of adenine on metallic and semiconducting surfaces, such as gold and silicon, respectively, and their stability toward ultraviolet radiation by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) techniques. We have exposed the adenine surface system to UV radiation (200-400 nm) under a high-vacuum environment (10(-7) mbar) to study the photostability and photochemistry of adenine on different surfaces. After 10 or 24 hours of exposure under interplanetary space conditions, UV radiation induces desorption and partial dissociation of the molecule, which is dependant on the nature of the surface. The electronic excitations, induced in the material by UV absorption, play a major role in the photodestruction of the absorbed molecules on the solid surfaces.

Objective: To evaluate if an education program for the nursing staff helps to reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers and prevent their poor evolution., Material and Methods: A prospective and observational study where the prevention and educational methods have been used to prevent and treat pressure ulcers. All patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit during one year were included (six months of basal period and six months of post-training period). The following variables were analyzed: incidence of Pressure Ulcers, risk score according to EMINA, ulcer grade and location., Results: A total of 134 ulcers were identified in the 69 patients (14.37%) with pressure ulcers included in the basal period. Forty-four patients (7.88%) of the patients in the post-training period developed 77 pressure ulcers. The significance level was p < 0.01, OR: 0.40 (95% CI: 0.26-0.62). Fifteen of the 211 pressure ulcers evolved to grade III-IV p > 0.20., Conclusions: Conducting a training program in the application of standardized prevention methods for the nursing staff reduces the incidence of pressure ulcers.

Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) are fastidious microorganisms with poor recovery in culture. Culture-independent methods are currently under examination. Good DNA extraction is a strict requirement of these methods. We compared five methods for extracting the DNA of AAB directly from wine and vinegar samples. Four matrices (white wine, red wine, superficial vinegar and submerged vinegar) contaminated with two AAB strains belonging to Acetobacter pasteurianus and Gluconacetobacter hansenii were assayed. To improve the yield and quality of the extracted DNA, a sample treatment (washing with polyvinyl pyrrolidone or NaCl) was also tested. DNA quality was measured by amplification of the 16S rRNA gene with conventional PCR. DNA recovery rate was assessed by real-time PCR. DNA amplification was always successful with the Wizard method though DNA recovery was poor. A CTAB-based method and NucleoSpin protocol extracted the highest DNA recoveries from wine and vinegar samples. Both of these methods require treatment to recover suitable DNA for amplification with maximum recovery. Both may therefore be good solutions for DNA extraction in wine and vinegar samples. DNA extraction of Ga hansenii was more effective than that of A. pasteurianus. The fastest and cheapest method we evaluated (the Thermal shock protocol) produced the worst results both for DNA amplification and DNA recovery.

The impact of cross-phase modulation (XPM) and four-wave mixing (FWM) on electronic impairment compensation via backward propagation is analyzed. XPM and XPM+FWM compensation are compared by solving, respectively, the backward coupled Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation (NLSE) system and the total-field NLSE. The DSP implementations as well as the computational requirements are evaluated for each post-compensation system. A 12 x 100 Gb/s 16-QAM transmission system has been used to evaluate the efficiency of both approaches. The results show that XPM post-compensation removes most of the relevant source of nonlinear distortion. While DSP implementation of the total-field NLSE can ultimately lead to more precise compensation, DSP implementation sing the coupled NLSE system can maintain high accuracy with better computation efficiency and low system latency.

Controlled synthesis of cobalt ferrite superparamagnetic nanoparticles covered with a gold shell has been achieved by an affinity and trap strategy. Magnetic nanoparticles are functionalized with a mixture of amino and thiol groups that facilitate the electrostatic attraction and further chemisorption of gold nanoparticles, respectively. Using these nanoparticles as seeds, a complete coating shell is achieved by gold salt-iterative reduction leading to monodisperse water-soluble gold-covered magnetic nanoparticles, with an average diameter ranging from 21 to 29 nm. These constitute a versatile platform for immobilization of biomolecules via thiol chemistry, which is exemplified by the immobilization of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomers that specifically hybridize with complementary DNA molecules in solution. Hybridation with DNA probes has been measured using Rhodamine 6G fluorescence marker and the detection of a single nucleotide mutation has been achieved. These results suggest the PNA-nanoparticles application as a biosensor for DNA genotyping avoiding commonly time-consuming procedures employed.

All-optical control of the phase-matching condition in four-wave mixing (FWM) processes is demonstrated using the Brillouin slow-light effect in optical fibers. A counterpropagating stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) pump has been used to control the phase velocity of the FWM pump in a wavelength conversion scheme. Both experimental results and theoretical simulations show an SBS-controlled 20 dB difference on the wavelength conversion efficiency.

Congenital sinus of Valsalva aneurysms are extremely rare in Spain. The lesion consists of a defect that allows the aortic media to separate from the annulus fibrosus of the aortic valve, causing it to dilate with arterial pressure. The natural course of the aneurysm involves the risk of complication due to bacterial endocarditis, with conduction blocks or myocardial ischemia. Rupture of the aneurysm, usually into a right chamber, causes a left-right shunt that leads to heart failure and death if untreated. We present the case of a previously asymptomatic 60-year-old woman who presented with a clinical picture that led to a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, and in whom there occurred a coincident rupture of a congenital sinus of Valsalva aneurysm. We describe the anesthetic procedure and emphasize the importance of intraoperative echocardiography throughout the resection of the aneurysm.

In this work we present both spectroscopic and morphological evidence showing one-dimensional organization of [CuBr(HIN)]n (HIN=isonicotinic acid) on surfaces.

A universal post-compensation scheme for fiber impairments in wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) systems is proposed based on coherent detection and digital signal processing (DSP). Transmission of 10 x 10 Gbit/s binary-phase-shift-keying (BPSK) signals at a channel spacing of 20 GHz over 800 km dispersion shifted fiber (DSF) has been demonstrated numerically.

The resistance mechanisms and clonal relationship were determined for two Streptococcus pyogenes isolates with high-level resistance to levofloxacin as well as to other fluoroquinolones. DNA amplification and sequencing revealed a serine-81-->phenylalanine substitution in GyrA and a double substitution in ParC of serine-79-->phenylalanine and aspartic acid-91-->asparagine. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis and emm typing determined that both isolates were emm type 28 and were genetically indistinguishable.

A nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) assay based on molecular beacons was used for real-time detection of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in samples of chicken meat. A set of specific primers and beacon probe were designed to target the 16S rRNA of both species. The real-time NASBA protocol including the RNA isolation was valid for both of the cell suspensions in buffered saline and the artificially contaminated chicken meat samples. The presence of rRNA could be correlated with cellular viability, following inactivation of the bacteria by heating, in inoculated chicken meat samples but not in RNase-free cell suspensions.

We present a DNA biosensor based on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of thiol-derivatized peptide nucleic acid (PNA) molecules adsorbed on gold surfaces. Previous works have shown that PNA molecules at an optimal concentration can be self-assembled with their molecular axes normal to the surface. In such structural configuration BioSAMs of PNAs maintain their capability for recognizing complementary DNA. We describe the combined use of PM-RAIRS and synchrotron radiation XPS for the detection and spectroscopic characterization of PNA-DNA hybridization process on gold surfaces. RAIRS and XPS are powerful techniques for surface characterization and molecular detection, which do not require a fluorescence labeling of the target. We present a characterization of the spectroscopic IR and XPS features, some of them associated to the phosphate groups of the DNA backbone, as an unambiguous signature of the PNA-DNA heteroduplex formation. The N(1s) XPS core level peak after DNA hybridization is decomposed in curves components, and every component assigned to different chemical species. Therefore, the results obtained by means of two complementary structural characterization techniques encourage the use of PNA-based biosensors for the detection of DNA molecules on natural samples.

A Real-time PCR assay was developed by using Taqman-MGB probes to screen mutations at codons Ser79 and Asp83 of Streptococcus pneumoniae parC. One hundred and thirty levofloxacin-susceptible and forty-two levofloxacin-resistant clinical strains were assayed. Mutations at codon 79 were found among all the levofloxacin-resistant strains. Mutations at codon 79 or 83 were found in ten levofloxacin-susceptible strains. This procedure is a reliable method for a rapid detection of mutations in the QRDRs of parC gene of S. pneumoniae and could be carried out in a diagnostic laboratory for some high-risk patients or in epidemiological surveys.

The aims of this study were to assess adherence to oral hypoglycaemic/cardiovascular drugs and determine non-adherence predictors in type 2 diabetes patients. It was designed as a population-based cross-sectional study in which 90 patients from a primary care setting were studied. Pill count and self-report methods were used to measure adherence. Logistic regression analysis was performed to predict factors related to non-adherence. Adequate adherence to all drugs was found in 29 patients (35.4%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 25.0-45.7). Variables associated with non-adherence were HbA1c odds ratio (OR) 2.32 (95% CI: 1.09-4.95), systolic blood pressure OR 1.68 (95% CI: 1.08-2.62), total cholesterol OR 1.34 (95% CI: 1.08-1.66), number of pills OR 1.80 (95% CI: 1.26-2.55) and duration of disease OR 0.44 (CI 95%: 0.24-0.83). In conclusion, one in three patients had adequate adherence. Factors associated with non-adherence were duration of disease, complexity of drug regimen and inadequate control of cardiovascular risk factors.

A multiplex PCR was developed for simultaneous detection of the cytolethal distending toxin (cdt) genes of Campylobacter jejuni. Three primer pairs targeting each one of the cdtA, cdtB and cdtC genes were designed and combined in the same PCR reaction. The assay was evaluated with 100 C. jejuni strains recovered from humans and animals and it was found to be rapid and specific. Two isolates presented several deletions affecting both cdtA and cdtB genes. High prevalence (98%) of the three cdt genes was found among isolates of different geographic origins.

We have characterized self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of thiol-derivatized peptide nucleic acid (PNA) chains adsorbed on gold surfaces by using reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. We have found that the molecular orientation of PNAs strongly depends on surface coverage. At low coverage, PNA chains lie flat on the surface, while at high coverage, PNA molecules realign their molecular axes with the surface normal and form SAMs without the need of co-immobilization of spacers or other adjuvant molecules. The change in the molecular orientation has been studied by infrared spectroscopy and it has been confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). PNA immobilization has been followed by analyzing the N(1s) XPS core-level peak. We show that the fine line shape of the N(1s) core-level peak at optimal concentration for biosensing is due to a chemical shift. A combination of the above-mentioned techniques allow us to affirm that the structure of the SAMs is stabilized by molecule-molecule interactions through noncomplementary adjacent nucleic bases.

Twenty Campylobacter jejuni and 16 Campylobacter coli strains isolated from humans and food/animals, including 17 isolates resistant to erythromycin, were analyzed. A combined mismatch amplification mutation assay-PCR technique was developed to detect the mutations A 2074 C and A 2075 G in the 23S rRNA gene associated with erythromycin resistance. All high-level erythromycin-resistant strains examined by DNA sequencing carried the transition mutation A 2075 G, whereas no isolate carried the A 2074 C mutation. No mutations were found among the susceptible and low-level erythromycin-resistant strains.

We present the design of an all-optical router based on the properties of both propagation and interaction of Gaussian beams in lenslike planar guides. Variational results of single co- and counterpropagation are derived and used to design three integrated optical devices, that is, a header extraction device, an optical bistable device and a data routing device, which perform an ultrafast, phase-insensitive and fiber compatible routing operation in the optical domain.