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Study question Is it possible to use different commercial thawing kits with donor oocytes that have been vitrified with a Kitazato vitrification kit? Summary answer The Omni thawing kit showed higher survival rates of donor oocytes. However, fertilization, blastulation, and chemical pregnancy rates were similar in all three thawing kits. What is known already Vitrification is the best method for cryopreserving metaphase II (M2) oocytes and blastocysts. Oocyte vitrification and subsequent thawing is performed with the use of different commercial kits. Currently, the thawing kit usually corresponds to the same provider as the vitrification kit used. However, this may create issues when using cryopreserved oocytes among different clinics with different vitrification kits and, furthermore, not all lab professionals are accustomed to using other commercial kits. Using a “single warming protocol” would provide a solution to these drawbacks and would improve the compatibility of exchanging gametes and embryos among collaborating centers. Study design, size, duration This is a longitudinal, comparative and prospective study conducted between January 2017 and December 2020 at four different IVF private centers. Overall, we vitrified a total number of oocytes (n = 2172) with a single Kitazato commercial vitrification kit at a Spanish Egg Bank, and three independent IVF centers used different thawing kits (Kitazato, Irvine or Omni) as a warming protocol. Participants/materials, setting, methods The study included oocytes from altruistic anonymous egg donors aged 18-35 years, subject to the rigorous standards to become an oocyte donor. The primary outcome was survival and fertilization rate; secondary outcomes included blastulation rate, and chemical pregnancy rate. Main results and the role of chance A total of 2172 M2 oocytes were retrieved and subsequently vitrified using the Kitazato protocol and the Cryotop device. All vitrified donor M2 oocytes were thawed at independent assisted reproduction centers using the following thawing kits: Omni Vitrolife (n = 655), Kitazato (n = 1021), and Irvine (n = 496). Oocytes thawed using the Omni kit had a 94% (617/655) survival rate and a 73% fertilization rate. Kitazato thawing kits had an 86% (877/1021) survival rate and a 77% fertilization rate. Lastly, Irvine thawing kits had an 85% (423/496) survival rate and a 74% fertilization rate. Survival rate results were statistically significant among different thawing kits (P-Value = Limitations, reasons for caution The study was carried out in centers with long experience collaborating together, but many different professionals intervened in the process, without the same conditions in all labs. Wider implications of the findings With increasing requirements for cryopreserved oocytes due to the difficulties of donor-recipient synchronization, popularization of treatments from abroad, and the need to import or send donor oocytes for recipient phenotypes, it has become of paramount importance to use a single universal warming protocol irrespective of cryopreservation kits. Trial registration number NOT APPLICABBLE

Background The role of self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) as a bridge to surgery in left-sided malignant colonic obstruction is still debated. Here we assess the morbidity, mortality and long-term oncological outcomes as a bridge to surgery for patients with left-sided malignant colonic obstruction. Method Prospective observational study with retrospective analysis of patients with left-sided malignant colonic obstruction undergoing stenting. April 2006–April 2018. We assessed all patients with intent-to treat and per protocol analyses and long-term follow-up variables. Results Colonic stent was performed in 117 patients. Technical and clinical success of SEMS placement: 94.4% (111/117), only 4.3% perforation. Elective surgery resection following the strategy of SEMS was performed in 83.8% (98/117). A laparoscopic approach was: 25.6% (30/117); 76.9% in the last two years. Primary anastomosis rate: 92.8% (91/98), without protective stoma in any patients. Anastomotic leakage rate: 8.2% (8/97). Median follow-up: 44.5 months (range 0–109). The intent-to-treat analysis showed overall and disease-free survival rates of 63.3% (74/117) and 58.1% (68/117), and local and distant recurrence rates: 9.4% (11/117) and 58.1% (68/117). In the per protocol analysis, overall and disease-free survival rates: 63.2% (62/98) and 60.2% (58/98), and local and distant recurrence rates: 10.2% (10/98) and 36.7% (36/98). Disease progression was predominantly observed during the first 5 years' follow-up as disease recurrence; after five years' follow-up, 60% of the patients were disease-free. Conclusions According to the results of the study SEMS as a bridge to surgery achieves perioperative results comparable to non-occlusive colonic cancer surgery and does not adversely affect long-term oncological outcomes. Further investigations are needed.

Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is the most frequent congenital germ cell tumor. Patients have a higher risk of perinatal complications and death, with bleeding and cardiac decompensation being the most common causes of neonatal mortality. This is the case of a 35-week preterm newborn with a large SCT diagnosed at ultrasound screening in the second trimester. Preoperative selective embolization of the middle sacral artery and total surgical resection were performed postnatally with minimal blood loss. The patient was discharged at 25 days of life with a normal physical examination. Selective embolization prior to giant SCT resection is feasible and appears as a safe and useful technique in the control of perioperative bleeding.El teratoma sacrococcígeo (TSC) es el tumor congénito de células germinales más frecuente. Los pacientes afectados tienen un mayor riesgo de complicaciones perinatales y muerte, siendo la hemorragia y la descompensación cardiaca las causas más comunes de mortalidad neonatal. Presentamos el caso de un recién nacido pretérmino de 35 semanas con un TSC de gran tamaño diagnosticado por ecografía en el segundo trimestre. La embolización selectiva preoperatoria de la arteria sacra media y la resección quirúrgica total postnatal se realizaron con una mínima pérdida de sangre. El paciente fue dado de alta a los 25 días de vida con un examen físico normal. La embolización selectiva antes de la cirugía de resección del TSC gigante es factible y aparece como una técnica segura y útil en el control del sangrado perioperatorio.

Objective To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) done to treat renal tumors in patients with high surgical risk or with the risk of developing multiple renal tumors in the medium term at our center over a period of 10 years. Material and methods Between 2005 and 2015, we used RFA to treat 89 T1a or T1b tumors in 87 patients (mean age, 73.7 ± 10.87 years) with high surgical risk. We excluded patients treated with radiofrequency and embolization or microwave ablation. The tumors treated were clear cell carcinomas (43.6%), papillary renal carcinomas (17.2%), chromophobe renal cell carcinomas (10.3%), cystic tumors (2.2%), and an angiomyolipoma (1.1%). The mean size of the tumors was 2.6 cm. Computed tomography and/or ultrasonography were used to guide the procedure. We analyzed the relation between the efficacy of the procedure and patients’ age, the type of needle, the source of the patients, the size and location of the tumor, and the number of sessions required to achieve ablation. We recorded all complications. Results The RFA procedure was completed in all patients. The mean follow-up period was 32.1 months. The efficacy was 93.7%. A single session was sufficient in 87.5% of patients; 8% required two sessions and 4.5% required three sessions. The only factor associated with worse efficacy was the size of the tumor ( p = 0.03). The rate of complications was 5.6%. Conclusions RFA is efficacious and safe, with results comparable to those reported in the literature.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar retrospectivamente la eficacia y la seguridad de la radiofrecuencia (RF) percutanea para el tratamiento de tumores renales en pacientes de alto riesgo o con riesgo de padecer tumores renales multiples con un seguimiento a medio plazo a lo largo de un periodo de 10 anos. Material y metodos Entre 2005 y 2015, 87 pacientes (89 tumores) con una media de edad de 73,7 anos (desviacion estandar: 10,87) con riesgo quirurgico alto que presentaban tumores renales T1a y T1b fueron tratados mediante RF. Se excluyeron los pacientes sometidos a RF y embolizacion o ablacion con microondas. Se trataron carcinomas de celulas claras (43,6%), papilares (17,2%), cromofobos (10,3%), tumores quisticos (2,2%) y un angiomiolipoma (1,1%). El tamano medio de los tumores fue 2,6 cm. La tomografia computarizada y/o la ecografia se utilizaron para guiar el procedimiento. Se analizo la relacion entre la eficacia y la edad de los pacientes, el tipo de aguja, el origen de los pacientes, el tamano y localizacion tumoral, y el numero de sesiones necesarias para ablacionar el tumor. Se registraron las complicaciones. Resultados La RF se pudo realizar a todos los pacientes. La media de seguimiento fue de 32,1 meses. La eficacia fue de un 93,7%. El 87,5% de los pacientes requirieron una sola sesion, el 8%, 2 sesiones y el 4,5%, 3 sesiones. El unico factor asociado a una menor eficacia fue el tamano del tumor (p = 0,03). La tasa de complicaciones fue del 5,6%. Conclusiones La RF es eficaz y segura, con resultados comparables a los referidos en la literatura especializada.

Successful embryo implantation requires good quality embryo but also needs a receptive endometrium site. In our clinical practice, we daily verify that an adequate endometrial growth is reached for successful implantation. To understand whether platelet rich plasma (PRP) can improve endometrium thickness and performance, PRP treatment was carried out after at least three of the classic medical protocols currently in use had been unsuccessfully adopted. Eight patients with more than 3 cryo-transfers cancelled because of failure of endometrial growth, defined as endometrium less than 6 mm, with negative hysteroscopic screening for endometrial pathology, and with negative bacteriologic screening, before present and all previous treatment, were selected to undergo PRP treatment. In 7 out of 8 treatments, an endometrial thickness greater than 6.5 mm (mean 6.9 mm) was reached, with endometrial three-layer pattern, before progesterone administration and embryo transfer was performed. In 6 out of 7 patients, who underwent embryo transfer, beta-HCG were positive, with 2 biochemical abortions, one miscarriage at 6-week pregnancy, two babies born and one drop-out. In this study, 8 patients had extraordinarily poor endometrial quality, and the endometrium was non-responsive to conventional estrogenic therapy, resulting in cycle cancellation. After application of PRP, the endometrial thickness was satisfactory in all the patients except one. Of these, beta-HCG was positive in 6 women, the pregnancy was progressing normally in 2 women, and one had an early miscarriage. We can suppose that the multiple implantation failures were caused by inefficient expression adhesion molecules, which can hypothetically be more represented after PRP application.

In gridded electrostatic plasma thrusters, an ion current is extracted from a primary plasma and later accelerated to impart thrust. The operation modes are strongly influenced by the neutralization of the ion current which otherwise becomes space charge limited. This neutralization process is investigated in a small diameter ring cusp ion thruster by using both collecting and emissive Langmuir probes. The ion beam was neutralized by a DC current heated wire placed at the outer section of the thruster and the probes were located between 11 and 24 cm along the axial axis of symmetry. The outgoing ion current is determined by both the magnitude of the discharge current and the ion extraction and the acceleration potentials. The levels of thrust calculated from the emitted ion current are equivalent to similar devices but requiring lower electric power levels. The experimental results evidence that the electron neutralization current not only controls the space charge level of extracted ion currents, but it also affects the spatial properties of the emitted plasmas plumes. The electron temperature of the plasma decreases along the axial distance when the neutralization of the ion beam becomes more effective. On the contrary, higher neutralizer electron currents increase the outgoing plasma density. These experimental results suggest that subtle physical mechanisms are involved in the ion beam electron neutralization process (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

This work deals with an original class of porcelain produced under the direction of Bartolomé Sureda in the last years (1803- 1808) of the Royal Porcelain Factory of Buen Retiro. The results of the chemical and mineralogical analysis of a selection of tableware, tiles and sculpture shards, found in the archaeological excavation (1996) of the site where the factory was built, confirm the production of a new hard-paste porcelain where the kaolin was substituted by a magnesium clay, the sepiolite. The characteristics of pastes and glazes and the investigation of the historic and scientific contexts of porcelain and white earthenware in Europe have allowed establishing the reasons and the technical parameters of this production. Replicas of the paste were done in the laboratory to assert the raw materials and the firing conditions of this porcelain.Este trabajo considera el estudio arqueométrico de un tipo de porcelana muy poco frecuente que se elaboró en los últimos años de la Real Fábrica de Porcelanas del Buen Retiro (1803-1808) bajo la dirección de Bartolomé Sureda. El análisis químico y mineralógico de una selección de fragmentos de vajillas, azulejos y esculturas, que se encontraron en la excavación arqueológica (1996) del solar de la fábrica, ratifica la producción de un nuevo tipo de porcelana dura, en la que se empleaba una arcilla de magnesio, la sepiolita, en lugar del caolín. Las características de las pastas y los vidriados y la investigación del contexto histórico y científico de la porcelana y la cerámica blanca en Europa han permitido establecer los motivos y los parámetros de su producción. La reproducción de la pasta a escala de laboratorio confirma las materias primas utilizadas y el tratamiento térmico empleado

Manufacturing of enamels and frits has undergone dramatic changes since the 1980s. This has required significant efforts in research and development. Typical compositions of frits for ceramic tiles are silica-based with fluxing agents; some of the components are highly corrosive. Improvements in the production of frits would imply the selection of the most adequate refractories as a function of the chemical composition of the considered frit and the fabrication procedure. The refractories currently used in frit furnaces are Al2O3–ZrO2–SiO2 (AZS) fused cast materials and Cr2O3-based materials. In this work, results on dynamic corrosion studies of AZS and Cr2O3-based materials by two ZnO-containing frits are described. Experiments have been performed using the “Merry Go Round” test at ≅1500 °C. Macroscopic results are analysed in terms of the remaining volume after the tests, as usually done in the glass industry. The significance and limits of such an approach are discussed.

The performances of a simple circuit for fast sweep measurements using collecting and emissive Langmuir probes are evaluated. The probes are biased by means of a time dependent ramp voltage signal with a variable pulse frequency and the current voltage curves are measured along the increasing flange of this sawtooth voltage. The response of this fast probe polarization circuit was verified under actual experimental conditions by measuring the properties of a stationary Maxwellian plasma produced by means of a glow discharge. The results are independent of the experimental conditions and essentially rely on the discharge properties for polarization pulse repetition rates below a threshold. This upper bound lies below the ion plasma frequency and is related with the faster time scale involved in the sawtooth signal probe bias voltage. The motion of ions would not follow the rapid change of the electric field around the probe associated to the short decreasing edge of the sawtooth polarization voltage and, therefore, the probe perturbs the local electric field. We conclude that these time scales should be considered for the interpretation of these measurements in addition to the electron and ion plasma frequencies in fast sweep Langmuir probe techniques. We conclude that these time scales should be considered for the interpretation of these measurements in addition to the electron and ion plasma frequencies in fast Langmuir probe techniques. c

Objective:The general aim of IBERICAN study is to know the prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular and renal disease in Spain. The aim of this abstract is to know the prevalence of microalbuminuria and its relation with cardiovascular disease in the hypertensive pa

Introducción: La reconstrucción mandibular constituye un permanente desafío ya que implica la restauración de múltiples funciones. Se han ensayado diversas técnicas y materiales siendo en la actualidad el colgajo de peroné el estándar de tratamiento reconstructivo. Objetivos: Estudiar las características del colgajo peroné aplicado a la reconstrucción mandibular. Material y método: Entre enero de 2006 y abril de 2009 se realizaron un total de 18 colgajos microquirúrgicos de peroné, siendo el 50% de tipo osteocutáneos. Diez fueron mujeres con una edad promedio de 58 años. Resultados. Encontramos constante la disposición anatómica vascular, tanto la irrigación ósea como de la pastilla cutánea, así también como la anatomía nerviosa y los parámetros musculares para el abordaje del hueso. Hallamos un promedio de 1,7 ramas perforantes septocutáneas. No obtuvimos pedículos vasculares mayores a 8 cm. de longitud. El resultado estético y funcional de nuestras reconstrucciones fue más que aceptable aportando buena cantidad de tejido óseo e incluso en 3 casos fueron colocados implantes osteointegrados. Conclusiones: El colgajo microvascularizado de peroné, en sus diferentes variedades osteo u osteocutáneo, constituye un colgajo seguro, siendo la primera elección en reconstrucción mandibular, debido a sus características anatómicas óseas, a su constante disposición anatómica vascular, y al mínimo déficit que produce en la zona dadora. Introduction: The mandibular reconstruction is a permanent challenge as the restoration of many functions depends on it. Multiple techniques and materials have been used and, at the present, the fibular free flap is the goal standard reconstructive treatment. Objective: We studied the characteristics of the fibular flap applied to the mandibular reconstruction. Material and method: We performed a total of 18 microsurgical fibula free flap between January 2006 and April 2009; 50% of them were osteocutaneos type. Ten were women and average age was 58 years. Result: Anatomic elements had regular distribution, including the vascular supply, as well the for the bone as for the skin paddle, nervous branches and muscular parameters considered for bone approach. Perforating septo-cutaneous branches were 1.7 average. We could not manage vascular pedicles longer than 8 cm. Stetic and funtional results could be considered better than acceptable, providing good cuantity of bone tissue and including three cases of osseointegrated implants. Conclusions: The fibular free flap is safe, being the first choice in mandibular reconstruction, due to the anatomical bone characteristics, the constant vascular anatomy and the minimal mobility caused to the donor.

To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) done to treat renal tumors in patients with high surgical risk or with the risk of developing multiple renal tumors in the medium term at our center over a period of 10 years.Between 2005 and 2015, we used RFA to treat 89 T1a or T1b tumors in 87 patients (mean age, 73.7±10.87 years) with high surgical risk. We excluded patients treated with radiofrequency and embolization or microwave ablation. The tumors treated were clear cell carcinomas (43.6%), papillary renal carcinomas (17.2%), chromophobe renal cell carcinomas (10.3%), cystic tumors (2.2%), and an angiomyolipoma (1.1%). The mean size of the tumors was 2.6cm. Computed tomography and/or ultrasonography were used to guide the procedure. We analyzed the relation between the efficacy of the procedure and patients' age, the type of needle, the source of the patients, the size and location of the tumor, and the number of sessions required to achieve ablation. We recorded all complications.The RFA procedure was completed in all patients. The mean follow-up period was 32.1 months. The efficacy was 93.7%. A single session was sufficient in 87.5% of patients; 8% required two sessions and 4.5% required three sessions. The only factor associated with worse efficacy was the size of the tumor (p=0.03). The rate of complications was 5.6%.RFA is efficacious and safe, with results comparable to those reported in the literature.

Heart rate (HR) assessment is essential during neonatal resuscitation, and it is usually done by auscultation or pulse oximetry (PO). The aim of the present study was to determine whether HR assessment with ECG is as fast and reliable as PO during preterm resuscitation.Thirty-nine preterm (32 weeks of gestational age and/or1.500g of birth weight) newborn resuscitations were video-recorded. Simultaneous determinations of HR using ECG and PO were registered every 5s for the first 10min after birth. Time needed to place both devices and to obtain reliable readings, as well as total time of signal loss was registered. The proportion of reliable HR readings available at the beginning of different resuscitation manoeuvres was also determined.Time needed to connect the ECG was shorter compared with the PO (26.64±3.01 vs. 17.10±1.28 s, for PO and ECG, respectively, P.05). Similarly, time to obtain reliable readings was shorter for the ECG (87.28±12.11 vs. 26.38±3.41 s, for PO and ECG, respectively, P.05). Availability of reliable HR readings at initiation of different resuscitation manoeuvres was lower with the PO (PO vs. ECG for positive pressure ventilation: 10.52 vs. 57.89% P.05; intubation: 33.33 vs. 91.66%, P.05). PO displayed lower HR values during the first 6min after birth (P.05, between 150 and 300s).Reliable HR is obtained later with the PO than with the ECG during preterm resuscitation. PO underestimates HR in the first minutes of resuscitation.

The haemodynamic approach for the treatment of varicose veins is a minimally invasive, non-ablative procedure that preserves the saphenous vein. The strategic principles for the implementation of this treatment include fragmentation of the venous pressure column, interruption of the venous segments where reflux originates, preservation of the superficial venous outflow channels to allow adequate drainage of the residual superficial system, and excision of the superficial varicose veins that remain undrained. This treatment modality requires a thorough understanding of the haemodynamic and anatomic rationale on which haemodynamic surgery is construed to tailor a treatment plan individually for each patient. The principles for the implementation of this strategy for the treatment of varicose veins are described here and the results are discussed.

The treatment of varicose veins has traditionally been ablative in nature and implemented without intent to improve the haemodynamic condition of the lower extremity veins. Haemodynamic surgery attempts to treat varicose veins by changing the reflux pattern while preserving the most efficient venous drainage channels. To implement this treatment modality it is necessary to have a clear understanding of the physiologic principles and the different reflux patterns that form the basis of haemodynamic surgery. Haemodynamic surgery is an emerging treatment for varicose veins, and has received little attention in the English literature. The rationale, and functional and anatomic basis of haemodynamic surgery for varicose veins are herein described.

This paper analyses how environmental issues have affected and are continuing to affect the evolution of European manufacturing industries based on the example of the Spanish Ceramic Tile Industry (SCTI).1 The Ceramic Tile Industry (CTI)2 in Europe became very competitive and innovative in the early 1990s, with the Italian and the Spanish sectors, which are cluster-based, becoming world leaders. However, since 2008, this leadership position is being eroded. We provide an in depth analysis of the SCTI focusing on the influence of new European environmental regulations. The CTI has a major impact on the environment and has been the focus of environmental regulations. We also consider the innovation system and socioeconomic effects of the industry. In order to analyse the relationship between the environmental issues and innovation the empirical part of the paper builds on research on SCTI, including the industry value chain, and the innovation system and how it functions. We take account of the views of industry experts on the SCTI innovation system, its environmental impact and the constraints on the sector. Current research at the local level suggests that the environmental impacts of the industry are outweighed by its huge contribution to socioeconomic wellbeing. The transition from national environmental legal frameworks towards EU-wide regulation has had a clear effect on both the strategic goals and the management of the industry and the new regulation combined with a more complex international economic scenario is jeopardizing European manufacturing industries. This applies especially to traditional industries. The case study demonstrates that the capacity of the SCTI to adapt to new scenarios will be vital for its future survival and success. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Background Periodontal dressing has been advocated and showed some positive outcomes for placing over the surgical site after periodontal surgery. However, little is known about its effect on non-surgical therapy. Purpose The aim of this review was to assess the clinical effect of periodontal dressing when used after non-surgical therapy. Material and methods Two examiners performed an electronic search in several databases for relevant articles published in English up to November 2013. Selected studies were randomized human clinical trials (prospective or retrospective trials) with the clear aim of investigating the effect of periodontal dressing placement upon periodontal non-surgical mechanical therapy. Data were extracted from the included articles for analysis. Results Three randomized clinical trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria and thus were included in the data analysis. Statistical analysis could not be carried out due to the lack of clear data of the included studies. However, descriptive analysis showed its effectiveness in improving clinical parameters such as gain of clinical attachment level and reduction of probing pocket depth. Conclusion Placement of periodontal dressing right after non-surgical mechanical therapy can be beneficial in improving overall short-term clinical outcomes, although more controlled studies are still needed to validate this finding.

The Spanish glass and ceramic industry reached in 2000 a record production value figure of 1.6 billion* pesetas (10.000 M euros), almost 1,5 % of the GDP, which places Spain after Italy as the UE country in which those sectors are the most important in terms of value of all the industrial activity. All together both sectors employ more than 110 000 in around 3 000 companies, with a distinct regional distribution according to sectors and specific products. Excellent raw materials, research and development network, skilled labour force, energetic efficiency, world-wide strong marketing policy and the drive of the internal demand, has turned the Spanish ceramic as a worldwide leading sector.La industria española de la cerámica y el vidrio alcanzó en el año 2000 un valor récord de la producción, con 10 000 Meuro (1,6 billones de ptas), casi el 1,5% del PIB. Esta cifra sitúa a España, junto con Italia, a la cabeza de los países de la UE por el peso que representan dichos sectores en el conjunto de la actividad industrial. Estas industrias dan empleo a más 110 000 personas, distribuidas en cerca de 3000 empresas y presentan una clara especialización regional en función de los diferentes sectores y productos. Excelentes materias primas, una amplia red de centros de investigación y desarrollo, personal experto, eficiencia energética, una poderosa política de ventas en todo el mundo y el empuje de la demanda interna ha convertido al sector cerámico español en un líder mundial.

The SiC reinforcement particles react with the molten aluminium to form Al4C3 that is brittle and sensitive to the the humidity. This reaction degrades the properties of the SiC reinforced aluminium matrix composites. The extend of the reaction in the Al/SiC interface depends on the fabrication parameters such as the temperature, residence time, atmosphere and chemical composition of the aluminium matrix and the reinforcement. Systematic studies on the reactivity between the SiC particles and molten aluminium alloys have been performed, analysing the effect of the presence of a SiO2 layer, which was formed by oxidation on the ceramic particles before their incorporation into the melt, as a protective barrier for preventing the attack of the SiC. As well, the effect of the metal matrix composition on the interfacial reactivity has been studied employing different aluminium alloys: AA1070 (99,7% Al), A-319.0 (Al-6Si-3Cu) and A-332.0 (Al-11Si-1,5Cu). The composites were prepared by mixture of SiC particles (30 % vol. %), cold pressure and fusion at 900 ºC, varying the residence time in the furnace, which simulated a cast fabrication process. The results are compared with those obtained for a metal matrix composite (AA2014/SiC/13p).Las partículas de refuerzo de SiC reaccionan con el aluminio fundido y forman Al4C3 que es frágil y sensible al contacto con la humedad, lo que degrada las propiedades de los materiales compuestos constituidos por ambos componentes. La reacción en la intercara Al/SiC depende de varios parámetros de fabricación como temperatura, tiempo de residencia, atmósfera y composición química, tanto de la matriz de aluminio como del refuerzo de SiC. Se han realizado estudios sistemáticos de reactividad entre partículas de SiC y aluminio fundido, analizando el efecto que tiene la formación de una capa de SiO2 por oxidación de las partículas cerámicas, antes de su incorporación en el fundido, como barrera protectora para prevenir el ataque del SiC por la matriz. Se ha estudiado también el efecto de la composición de la matriz metálica en dicha reactividad, empleando para ello varias aleaciones de aluminio: AA1170 (99,7%Al), A-319.0 (Al-6Si-3Cu) y A-332.0 (Al-11Si-1,5Cu). Los materiales compuestos se prepararon mediante mezcla de partículas de SiC (30 % vol.) y polvo de las aleaciones de aluminio, prensado en frío y posterior fusión a 900ºC, variando el tiempo de residencia dentro del horno para simular un proceso de fabricación por colada. Los resultados obtenidos se comparan con los obtenidos para materiales compuestos del tipo AA 2014/SiC/20p.

Memoria Proyecto de Investigación de la Comunidad de Madrid., A lo largo del siglo XVIII, las principales cortes Europeas desarrollan manufacturas cerámicas, dentro de un proceso genérico de fortalecimiento de las Fábricas Reales, al cuál no fue ajeno el Reino de España. La creación de la Real Fábrica de Porcelanas del Buen Retiro se inserta en este marco, y su estudio debe ser concebido en relación con el patronato regio y el influjo de la ilustración española de la centuria

During the last 3 decades subcutaneous extraanatomic bypass, despite its limited durability, has been the favored alternative to infrarenal aortofemoral bypass. Meanwhile, the descending thoracic aorta has been scarcely used as an inflow source for aortoiliac reconstruction. Over the past 8 years we performed 16 bypasses from the descending thoracic aorta to the iliofemoral vessels for occlusive disease. Our experience combined with that found in the English-language literature totaled 141 patients. In 79 patients (56%) the indication for surgery was failure or infection of an abdominal aortofemoral graft. Previous abdominal operations, sepsis, radiation therapy, the presence of abdominal stomas, or an unsuitable infrarenal aorta were the indications in the remaining cases. The combined operative mortality rate was 6.4%. The life-table primary graft patency was 98% at 1 year, 88% at 2 years, and 70.4% at 5 years. Bypass from the descending thoracic aorta to the iliofemoral artery uses an inflow source superior to other extraanatomic reconstructions, does not require aortic cross-clamping, avoids the abdominal cavity, and places the graft remote to the skin and intestine. The operative mortality and patency rates compare favorably to those of other extraanatomic or remedial aortic reconstructions. Descending thoracic aorta to iliofemoral artery bypass is a superb alternative to abdominal aortofemoral bypass, carries a low mortality rate, has an excellent short-term patency, and features unique characteristics for long-term durability.

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) remains under scrutiny because of the controversial results of major trials that compared it with carotid endarterectomy. However, the question of how the results of carotid stenting are influenced by the access technique and cerebral protection methods has not been properly addressed in any trial. Most unresolved technical weaknesses of transfemoral carotid stenting are related to instrumentation of the arch and proximal supra-aortic trunks, crossing of the carotid lesion without protection, and use of distal filter protection devices of unproven benefit. All these problems can be avoided by using a transcervical approach with carotid flow reversal for protection. The potential advantage of transcervical carotid artery stenting (CAS) is demonstrated by the fact that it can be done in octogenarians without increased morbidity, produces a lower incidence of middle cerebral artery transcranial Doppler (TCD)-detected embolic signals during the procedure, carries a significant reduction in the incidence of ischemic brain infarcts as detected by diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), when compared to transfemoral stenting with distal filter protection, and can be done with a remarkably low incidence of major adverse events.

6 pages, 7 figures, 3 tables.-- Available online Nov 7, 2007., A XVIII century polychrome porcelain, of complex layered structure has been analysed by using several techniques. The studied porcelain shard was a fragment of a flooring tile from the “Casita del Labrador”, a small palace located in Aranjuez, near Madrid. The high spatial resolution of the α-PIXE technique, an appropriate choice of the beam energies and the use of an external micro-beam have allowed to determine the composition of the constituent layers almost free from interferences, which was not possible with other analytical techniques. The nature of the pigments in particular is now well understood. PIXE analysis was confirmed by traditional, although destructive, XRD, XRF and SEM-EDS analyses., One of us (A.Z.) is particularly indebted to the Centro de Micro Análisis de Materiales of the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid for financial support and to the staff of that centre for friendly and restless collaboration.

The aim of this Italian prospective registry was to evaluate the applicability and efficacy of the Mo.Ma Device (Invatec, Roncadelle, Italy) for the prevention of cerebral embolization during carotid artery stenting (CAS) in a real world population.In 4 Italian centers, 416 patients (300 men; mean age 71.6+/-9 years) between October 2001 and March 2005 were enrolled in a prospective registry. Two-hundred and sixty-four symptomatic (63.46%) with50% diameter stenosis and 152 (36.54%) asymptomatic patients with70% diameter stenosis were included. The Mo.Ma Proximal Flow Blockage Embolic Protection System was used to perform protected CAS, achieving cerebral protection by endovascular clamping of the common carotid artery (CCA) and of the external carotid artery (ECA).Technical success, defined as the ability to establish protection with the Mo.Ma device and to deploy the stent, was achieved in 412 cases (99.03%). The mean duration of flow blockage was 4.91+/-1.1 min. Transient intolerances to flow blockage were observed in 24 patients (5.76%), but in all cases the procedure was successfully completed. No peri-procedural strokes and deaths were observed. Complications during hospitalization included 16 minor strokes (3.84%), 3 transient ischemic attacks (0.72%), 2 deaths (0.48%) and 1 major stroke (0.24%). This resulted in a cumulative rate at discharge of 4.56% all strokes and deaths, and of 0.72% major strokes and deaths. All the patients underwent thirty-day follow-up. At thirty-day follow-up, there were no deaths and no minor and major strokes, confirming the overall cumulative 4.56% incidence of all strokes and deaths rate, and of 0.72% rate of major strokes and deaths at follow up. In 245 cases (58.89%) there was macroscopic evidence of debris after filtration of the aspirated blood.This Italian multicenter registry confirms and further supports the efficacy and applicability of the endovascular clamping concept with proximal flow blockage in a broad patient series. Results match favorably with current available studies on carotid stenting with cerebral protection.

[ES] Se ha realizado un análisis de la distribución temática de los trabajos publicados en el Boletín de la Sociedad Española de Cerámica y Vidrio. Se han analizado los trabajos comprendidos en el periodo 2003-2004. La distribución se ha realizado correlacionando la temática de los trabajos con las distintas secciones de la SECV. Esta asignación permite establecer una primera comparación con la relevancia del sector industrial de España. Se estudia la influencia que tienen estos parámetros sobre el factor de impacto de la revista., [EN] An analysis of the scope distribution of the papers published in Bulletin of the Spanish Ceramic and Glass Society has attempted. The papers analyzed has been those published in 2003-2004. The scope distribution has been realized by assigning the paper to the different section of the Spanish Ceramic and Glass Society. This assignation allows to compare this data with the industrial sector relevance. The influence of these parameters on the journal impact factor has also studied.

Metastatic medullary carcinoma is related to very bad prognosis. Surgery, associated or not to radiotherapy, may be effective in controlling metastasis due to local invasion, as in mediastinal extension. We present a case of medullary carcinoma with mediastinal disease that was treated through mediastinal dissection following by complimentary radiotherapy. After three years of follow-up, the patient remains free of recurrence, although calcitonin levels have not become normal yet.

La industria española de la cerámica ha experimentado un notable crecimiento en los últimos cuatro años; expansión que ha alcanzado a todos los sectores, pero que ha sido especialmente notable en los mas directamente asociados a la construcción: revestimientos, esmaltes, tejas y ladrillos. La combinación de un extraordinario esfuerzo exportador unido a las cifras récord en la viviendas iniciadas, 415 000 en 1999, justifican este auge. Otros sectores como refractarios han experimentado crecimientos significativos ante el ritmo elevado en la producción de acero, que alcanzó asimismo un récord histórico, 15 Mt en 1999. Para el conjunto de estos sectores el ritmo de crecimiento ha duplicado el de los principales competidores europeos. La producción de materias primas han experimentado un dinamismo aún mas elevado duplicándose prácticamente las cifras respecto a 1995. Este crecimiento ha estado asociado a un notable incremento en la calidad y en los procesos de innovación tecnológica.

Breastfeeding is being abandoned as the preferred feeding method in the early months of baby's life, and many early failures take place among the few mothers who attempt to breastfeed their babies. For that reason, sanitation professionals must encourage breastfeeding and convince mothers to keep it up, at least, for 4-6 months after giving birth. Analysis of pregnancy, delivery and after delivery sociocultural and sanitary conditions may help sanitation workers to elaborate an educational strategy that considers breastfeeding as healthy behavior that should he encouraged. The support of sanitation professionals is considered fundamental for breastfeeding maintenance, and a more profound training of these professionals about every aspect of breastfeeding is necessary. More active sanitary policies supporting this healthy behavior should also be established.

Current surgical options for the treatment of unilateral iliac artery occlusive disease are quite varied and include aortic-based procedures, femorofemoral bypass ileofemoral bypass, and transluminal angioplasty and stenting. Patients with unilateral iliac disease present with a variety of anatomic, physiological and clinical situations. As a result, the surgical options are complementary rather than competitive, and their use needs to be tailored on an individual basis. Femorofemoral bypass, despite its relatively lower patency rate compared with aortic-based inflow procedures, is a useful operation for the treatment of unilateral limb ischemia. It is best suited for patients with limited life-expectancy and/or for those with contraindications for transabdominal or more extensive surgery, or as a remedial procedure for unilateral limb failure of aortofemoral grafts. The purpose of this article is to analyze the results of femorofemoral bypass, and to discuss the factors that may influence its outcome in the treatment of unilateral iliac artery occlusive disease.

Endovascular exclusion of arterial injuries associated with arteriovenous fistulas and pseudoaneurysms has only recently been described using various stent-graft prostheses. This report details a transbrachial technique used to exclude an axillary artery pseudoaneurysm developing at the axillary anastomosis of an axillofemoral graft.Thin-walled polytetrafluoroethylene was expanded with an angioplasty balloon catheter and used to cover standard Palmaz stents. Two covered stents were delivered under fluoroscopic guidance via open brachial artery access to the site, resulting in complete exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm. Follow-up duplex scanning confirmed aneurysm exclusion 3 months postprocedure.This technique can be applied in arteries of different sizes and lengths, using currently available materials. However, the long-term behavior of these devices in the arterial tree must be determined before their widespread use can be recommended for most indications.

The design and operation modes of a small, low power ion plasma thruster and the properties of the emitted plasma plumes are discussed. The ion beam is extracted from a primary plasma produced by a stationary low pressure electric discharge where the ion production rate is essentially determined by the discharge current. The experiments evidence that the electron neutralization current controls the space charge levels of the outgoing ion current and also influences the spatial properties of emitted plasmas. The electron plasma density increases with the discharge and the electron neutralization currents, while decreases as the plasma plume expands. However, the corresponding electron temperatures decrease when the electron neutralization currents increments. The collisional origin of this electron cooling effect is excluded because of the large collisional mean free paths involved. Then, these electron energy losses during the neutralization of the ion beam would be caused by more subtle physical mechanisms than collisions. The experimental results are compared with previous numerical simulations and similar phenomena found in other experiments.

To evaluate the results of femorofemoral bypass graft (FFBPG), we analyzed 110 consecutive FFBPGs performed at our institution during an 11-year period.In 62 (56%) patients the indication for surgery was claudication and in 48 (44%) patients rest pain or tissue loss. In 42 patients the superficial femoral artery (SFA) was occluded. A preoperative percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTA) was performed in 24 (22%) patients to correct a significant donor iliac artery stenosis. In 48 (44%) patients a total of 54 arterial procedures were performed simultaneously with FFBPG.After surgery 75 (68%) patients were moderately or markedly improved, whereas 20 (18%) were minimally improved, unchanged, or worse, including 7 (6%) with hemodynamic failures. The in-hospital mortality rate was 4.5%. Actuarial patient survival rate was 70% +/- 8.6% at 6 years. The actuarial primary graft patency rate was 83% +/- 4.2% at 1 year, 71% +/- 6.9% at 3 years, 60% +/- 8.3% at 5 years, and 51% +/- 9.6% at 6 years. Age, sex, and race of the patient did not influence graft patency. Grafts placed for limb-threatening ischemia or in patients with SFA occlusion had a similar patency rate compared with those placed for claudication or in patients with patient SFA. The overall limb preservation rate was 83% +/- 7.3% at 5 years but was only 64% for patients who underwent operation for limb-threatening ischemia.In conclusion, FFBPG offers moderately low long-term patency in a population with limited survival. Outflow procedures performed concomitantly with FFBPG seemed to compensate for the negative impact on graft patency rate of ipsilateral SFA occlusion and limb-threatening ischemia. Limb-threatening ischemia, however, carried a significantly higher (p0.05) amputation rate. The influence of preoperative donor iliac artery percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty on FFBPG patency remains unclear.

Percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) has become an established and often preferred alternative to surgical treatment in the management of pancreatic pseudocysts. However, the long term results of percutaneous drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts remain uncertain. In an effort to determine the long term outcome of this therapy, 42 patients undergoing PCD of a pancreatic pseudocyst were analyzed retrospectively. Forty-two pancreatic pseudocysts were drained percutaneously in 42 patients. Sixty-seven percutaneous drainage procedures were performed--22 patients underwent one, 15 had two and five patients required three procedures. Percutaneous drainage was considered not to be effective when the pseudocyst persisted or when it recurred after initial resolution. Twenty-three pseudocysts were infected at the time of drainage and 19 were not infected. In 30 patients, the cause of the pseudocyst was alcoholic pancreatitis. There were no deaths related to the procedures and seven complications occurred, including hemorrhage, pancreatic fistula and empyema. Mean follow-up evaluation time of the patients was ten months. In nine patients, the pseudocyst was successfully drained and resolved. There were 33 treatment failures, among which 26 pseudocysts failed to resolve and seven recurred after initial resolution. Eventually, 25 patients underwent a surgical procedure, 20 for persistent pseudocyst and five for recurrence. Using contingency table analysis, the size of the pseudocyst, amount of fluid drained, amylase concentration in the aspirate, presence of infection, number of drainage procedures performed and duration of catheter drainage had no influence on the likelihood of success in long term pseudocyst resolution after PCD. Pseudocysts not related to alcoholic pancreatitis seemed to be less likely (p0.05) to resolve with percutaneous drainage than those caused by alcohol. PCD is a safe and valuable procedure in the acute management of patients with pancreatic pseudocyst. However, the current data suggest that despite early success with percutaneous drainage, the lack of resolution and recurrence rate of pancreatic pseudocyst is high. Therefore, it should not be considered as the definitive form of therapy in most patients. Close surveillance of patients undergoing percutaneous drainage and communication between surgeons and radiologists are critical in the management of pancreatic pseudocysts.

Infection of the foot is a limb threatening condition for patients with diabetes mellitus. Identification of patients with diabetes and severe infection of the foot most likely to benefit from early revascularization or major amputation would improve the results of a treatment policy to prevent limb loss and avoid futile delays in amputation. During a nine year period, 79 diabetic patients underwent emergency procedures for severe infection of the foot during the initial hospitalization period. None of the patients underwent arterial reconstruction. Eventually, 21 of the patients required a major amputation, eight during the initial hospitalization and 13 on a subsequent admission. Stepwise discriminant analysis of clinical independent variables revealed that the patients most likely to require a major amputation during the initial hospitalization were those with an absent dorsalis pedis pulse and a polymicrobial infection (p = 0.018). The overall amputation rate (immediate or subsequent amputation) was higher for patients of either sex with nonpalpable pedal pulses when compared with those with at least one palpable pulse (p less than 0.05). Males who were not dependent on insulin had the highest risk of overall limb loss (p = 0.01). Patients undergoing delayed amputation required a significantly higher number (p = 0.01) of readmissions to the hospital for recurrent infection of the foot than those who did not undergo amputation. Data in the current study suggest that early major amputation in a subset of patients would prevent delay in the rehabilitation process of the amputee, decrease long term morbidity and reduce health care cost. An aggressive policy of early revascularization in patients with a pulse deficit may reduce the amputation rate in those with diabetes with severe infection of the foot.

The natural history of intermittent claudication is generally benign. Clear indications for revascularization in patients with intermittent claudication are rest pain and necrotic tissue. Disabling claudication in patients who are at low operative risk is another acceptable indication for surgical treatment. Young patients with intermittent claudication from aortoiliac occlusion constitute a subset of patients in whom a more aggressive approach is justified. Nevertheless, in most patients, the management of intermittent claudication should be conservative.

1. Although varicose veins are the most prevalent form of venous insufficiency, obstruction or valvular incompetence of the deep system produces the most severe forms of lower extremity venous insufficiency and is responsible for most cases of leg ulceration of venous etiology. 2. With careful patient selection, surgery for varicose veins can be successful. Deep venous surgery, however, has limited indications and still carries a high failure rate; it should only be indicated in selected patients after conservative therapy has failed. 3. The main causes for failure of deep venous surgery are the low pressure and low velocity flow characteristics of the venous system that favor thrombosis.

The phase relationships in the system K2O · AL2O3-Al2O3 between 1200 and 1700° C have been experimentally established. The homogeneity range of potassium β-alumina is limited by the 83 and 91 mol % Al2O3 compositions. The eutectic point between the K2O-Al2O3 and β-alumina was found to be at 1450° at about 62 mol % Al2O3 composition. An X-ray diffraction pattern analysis of potassium β-alumina is shown.

The thermal behaviour of uranyl propionate dihydrate was investigated by differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetry and X-ray diffraction analysis. Differential thermal analysis showed that anhydrous uranyl propionate, which is stable at lower temperatures, transforms into an enantiotropic form at higher temperatures.