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Background: Endometrial polyps are a common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. In-office hysteroscopic management is frequently performed to treat this frequently encountered pathology. Objectives: To evaluate the long-term outcome and patients’ satisfaction with office hysteroscopic polypectomy in patients with symptomatic endometrial polyps. Materials and Methods: Retrospective longitudinal observational study of all hysteroscopic polypectomies performed at d’Igualada University Hospital (Barcelona, Spain) between May 2016 and December 2018. The medical records were reviewed, and a telephone interview was conducted with all the patients diagnosed with symptomatic endometrial polyps who underwent outpatient hysteroscopic polypectomy, with the purpose of evaluating the post-procedure symptomatology and satisfaction with the procedure. Main outcomes and results: A total of 848 outpatient hysteroscopies were performed, 379 of which were polypectomies. Of those, 163 procedures were performed in symptomatic patients and were included in the final analysis. The most common symptom among premenopausal patients was abnormal uterine bleeding (84.85%) and in postmenopausal women, postmenopausal bleeding (95.3%). After the procedure, the symptoms resolved or decreased considerably in 66.7% of premenopausal and 93.7% of postmenopausal patients. Additionally, 87.1% of the patients were very satisfied with the procedure. Conclusion: Office hysteroscopic polypectomy is an effective treatment for endometrial polyps with high patient satisfaction reported following the procedure.

Introduction Compelling evidence supports that regular moderate exercise has a positive impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and prognosis [1]. Nevertheless, emerging clinician and experimental data in healthy individuals suggests that long-term, high-intensity endurance exercise might increase vascular stiffness and enhance coronary calcification [2,3]. In patients with CV risk factors, it has been hypothesized that the beneficial effects of strenuous exercise on risk factors could outweigh its deleterious effects, but this remains unproven [4]. Purpose To analyze how increasing doses of exercise impinge on the vascular system in a murine model of aged rats with metabolic syndrome and kidney disease. Methods Seven-week-old male Zucker obese rats, a metabolic syndrome model, were subjected to left nephrectomy. At 26 weeks of age, rats were assigned to a sedentary (SED), moderate intensity (MOD, 15 cm/s, 40 min/day), or high intensity (INT, 25 cm/s, 60 min/day) group, and trained 5 days/week for 10 weeks. An echocardiogram and a glucose tolerance test were performed 24 hours after the last training bout. At sacrifice, vascular reactivity was assayed in the descending thoracic aorta, and EC50 calculated for every experiment. Expression of oxidant and antioxidant mRNA markers was analyzed in thoracic perivascular adipose tissue (tPVAT). Cytokines levels (TNFα, IL10, IL6, Selectin, ICAM1 and Adiponectin) were analyzed in plasma samples. Results Rats in the INT group had a significantly lower body weight (10.99±0.35 g/mm vs 12.23±0.58 g/mm) and a higher heart weight (32.44±0.72 mg/mm vs 31.28±0.78 mg/mm), indexed by tibia length, than the SED group. Both MOD and INT exercise improved glucose tolerance compared with SED (Fig 1a). On echocardiography, INT rats presented with LV septum hypertrophy and dilation, mildly reduced ejection fraction and fractional shortening compared with SED. Aortic diameter was also increased in the INT group (3.62±0.11 mm vs 3.25±0.13 mm). In vascular reactivity assays, the MOD group showed improved endothelial function, indicated by a larger carbachol-induced relaxation than SED and INT (Fig. 1b). However, MOD and INT were no longer different after adding the antioxidant Tempol (Fig1c). No differences were found in tunica media fibrosis amongst the groups (19.12±0.45%; 26.97±2.52%; 25.98±2.14%). In tPVAT, the mRNA expression of prooxidants (NOX2, p47) was higher, and antioxidant markers (SOD2, GCH1) was lower in the INT group than MOD and SED (Fig. 2). TNFα levels were higher in plasma of INT rats than SED. Conclusion In a rodent model, both intense and moderate exercise improved the CV risk profile, but only moderate training improved vascular function. Oxidative stress may, at least partially, account for the lack of benefits of intensive exercise. Our results suggest that the deleterious effects of strenuous physical activity could persist even in individuals with CV risk factor. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Fondo de Investigaciόn Sanitaria (FIS), Instituto de Salud Carlos III

Black carbon (BC) is a product of incomplete combustion, present in urban aerosols and sourcing mainly from road traffic. Epidemiological evidence reports positive associations between BC and cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Despite this, BC is currently not regulated by the EU Air Quality Directive, and as a result BC data are not available in urban areas from reference air quality monitoring networks in many countries. To fill this gap, a machine learning approach is proposed to develop a BC proxy using air pollution datasets as an input. The proposed BC proxy is based on two machine learning models, support vector regression (SVR) and random forest (RF), using observations of particle mass and number concentrations (N), gaseous pollutants and meteorological variables as the input. Experimental data were collected from a reference station in Barcelona (Spain) over a 2-year period (2018-2019). Two months of additional data were available from a second urban site in Barcelona, for model validation. BC concentrations estimated by SVR showed a high degree of correlation with the measured BC concentrations (R2 = 0.828) with a relatively low error (RMSE = 0.48 μg/m3). Model performance was dependent on seasonality and time of the day, due to the influence of new particle formation events. When validated at the second station, performance indicators decreased (R2 = 0.633; RMSE = 1.19 μg/m3) due to the lack of N data and PM2.5 and the smaller size of the dataset (2 months). New particle formation events critically impacted model performance, suggesting that its application would be optimal in environments where traffic is the main source of ultrafine particles. Due to its flexibility, it is concluded that the model can act as a BC proxy, even based on EU-regulatory air quality parameters only, to complement experimental measurements for exposure assessment in urban areas., The authors would like to acknowledge the support from the Generalitat de Catalunya (Dept. Medi Ambient) by providing the air quality data. This work was partly supported by H2020 project RI-URBANS (H2020-LC-GD-2020-6, reference 101036245), the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (projects CEX2018-000794-S and PID2019-107910RB-I00), Academy of Finland via flagship on Atmosphere and Climate Competence Center (ACCC, project number 337549) and by AGAUR (project 2017 SGR41 and 2017 SGR 990). It was carried out in the framework of a joint collaboration between IDAEA-CSIC and University of Barcelona (Physics Faculty).

PURPOSE: The aim of this work is to present a ready to industrialize low-cost and easy-to-install bleeding detector for use in intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT). The detector works in stand-alone mode and is embedded into a translucent polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) applicator avoiding any contact with the patient, which represent a novelty compared to previous designs. The use of this detector will prevent dose misadministration during irradiation in the event of accumulation of fluids in the applicator. METHODS: The detector is based on capacitive sensor and wireless power-supply electronics. Both sensor and electronics have been embedded in the applicator, so that any contact with the patient would be avoided. Since access to the tumor can be done through different trajectories, the detector has been calibrated for different tilting angles. RESULTS: The result of the calibration provides us with a fit curve that allows the interpolation of the results at any angle. Comparison of estimated fluid height vs real height gives an error of 1 mm for tilting angles less than 10° and 2 mm for tilting angles greater than 15°. This accuracy is better than the one required by clinic. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of the bleeding detector was evaluated in situ. No interference was observed between the detector and the beam. In addition, a user-friendly mobile application has been developed to help the surgical team making decisions before and during irradiation. The measurement provided by the mobile application was stable during the irradiation process.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar e identificar aquellas variables relacionadas con la tasa de exito en el manejo con el histeroscopio de energia mecanica Truclear System 5.0® de los restos ovulares retenidos. Material y metodos Estudio descriptivo prospectivo realizado en el Hospital de Igualada con periodo de inclusion de enero del 2015 a diciembre del 2016. Incluye a todas aquellas pacientes con diagnostico de restos ovulares a las que se les realizo en el quirofano una histeroscopia diagnostico-terapeutica con el histeroscopio de energia mecanica Truclear System 5.0®. Resultados Se incluyeron un total de 42 pacientes de las cuales se excluyeron 12 por no cumplir los criterios de inclusion. De las 30 pacientes analizadas, 21 (70%) presentaban perdidas discontinuas en el momento del diagnostico, mientras que 9 (30%) permanecian asintomaticas. La morcelacion completa de los restos se consiguio en el 77% de las pacientes (23). No hubo ninguna complicacion evidente intraoperatoria ni en el postoperatorio inmediato. Conclusiones La reseccion selectiva histeroscopica con energia mecanica parece ser un buen metodo terapeutico para la retencion de los restos ovulares, con unos porcentajes de exito del 77%. Esta tecnica nos ofrece una alternativa al tradicional legrado uterino evacuador que minimiza los riesgos y complicaciones que supone un acto quirurgico invasivo para la paciente. Se plantea, como futura hipotesis de trabajo, la seguridad y el beneficio en la realizacion de la histeroscopia ambulatoria en todas aquellas pacientes con restos ovulares que cumplan unos criterios especificos.

BackgroundGiven the progressive change in the management of inflammatory diseases,an observational study was conducted on the management of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (ERA) in Catalonia.ObjectivesTo know the management of ERA in Catalonia, to assess whether the recommendations of the EULAR/ACR guidelines are followed and to study the causes of management variability,to set improvement objectives.MethodsAn observational,descriptive,and cross-sectional study was conducted,with data collection from June 15 to 30, 2021.The rheumatologists’ partners of the Catalan Society of Rheumatology were the object of study. An online survey was conducted with 304 members on the management of the ERA. Variables related to the characteristics of the respondents,the derivation and variables of the disease including clinical variables,type of treatment and outcomes used for follow-up including the impact of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic were included.The univariate study was performed using a study of proportions with Pearson’s correlation.ResultsA total of 105 members (34.5%) responded to the survey.11.6%>60 y, only 7.8% Characteristics of ERA:77.5% are derived from primary care(PC),52% have been between 6 weeks,42.1%>3 months.54.9% make a first visit within 2-4 weeks of PC referral and 14.7%> 8 weeks.100%provide previous analysis,only 47% had had RX performed.98% were previously treated(50.4%NSAIDs + CG,36.1%NSAIDs,12.3% CG).4.3% had GC doses>10 mg/day,11.3%> to 20mg/day.The treatment:DMARDs of choice in 100% is MTX,44.1% start doses of 10mg/week and 3.9%7.5 mg/week.The route of choice is oral(55.9% vs 44.1%).92.2% associate GC and 31.7% have not withdrawn them after 6 m.57.8% consider the maximum of MTX 25mg/W.87.1% use dosesPROs(HAQ 83.3%,RAPID 3 14.3%).The use of systematic ultrasound is collected in 33%, being himself who performs it in 59.9% and an expert rheumatologist in 46.1%.Finally, when asked about incidence of pandemic in the follow-up,53.3% consider that it is doing the same as before. 46.1% consider that telephone visits are not suitable for the follow-up of the ERAvs14.7% who consider that Yes.When questioning the situations in which they consider them to be appropriate,75.9% that it was adequate in the control after the beginning of the DMARDs.Regarding the treatment of ERA, 66% delayed the onset of biological DMARDs, 72.1% due to difficulty of follow-up and only 8.8% due to an increased risk of infection. When performing the univariate analysis, it is evident that having a monographic dispensary is associated with earlier onset of MTX(p< 0.001)and at doses≥15 mg/W(p = 0.05),greater nursing intervention(p< 0.001),greater use of PROs(p = 0.008)and there is a tendency to a shorter waiting time for first visits(p = 0.07).It is also associated with not considering telephone visits(p< 0.001), making them in less than 25%(p< 0.0001).Similarly,hospital level is directly proportional to initiation at higher doses of MTX(p< 0.0001),lower use of GCConclusionThe recommendations of EULAR/ACR in the treatment and follow-up of ERA are consistently followed,although the wide use of MTX orally is striking.It is evident that the variable that most influences the early onset of FAME and at higher doses,is a monographic dispensary,as well as greater presence of nursing and performance of PROs.AcknowledgementsThanks to all the members of the Catalan society of reuamtology who participated in the surveyDisclosure of InterestsNone declared

The aim of this paper is to describe a new reference set-up developed for laboratory and on-board calibrations of the Energy Measuring Systems (EMS) installed in locomotives for AC supplies, which includes voltage and current transducers and power and energy measurements. The generation system is able to generate AC phantom power in distorted regimes with a frequency content from the fundamental frequency (16.7 or 50 Hz) up to 5 kHz (harmonics, inter-harmonics and sub-harmonics) up to 25 kV and up to 500 A. The reference systems shall be able to calibrate commercial EMS designed for 15 kV-16.7 Hz and 25 kV-50 Hz standard AC railway supplies [1] –[3].

Author's Accepted Version of a paper accepted for presentation in the 21st International Symposium on High Voltage Engineering (ISH2019), Budapest, Hungary, August 26-30, 2019., The work reported here has received support from the EMPIR programme co-financed by the Participating States and from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

Desde que fue definido, el Síndrome del ovario poliquístico ha estado relacionado con la cirugía. Antes del descubrimiento del Clomifeno, la resección en cuña bilateral de ovario era la única forma de estimular la ovulación y conseguir la gestación en las enfermas con este síndrome. Las técnicas quirúrgicas fueron abandonadas en favor del tratamiento médico, menos agresivo. Sin embargo, la cirugía vuelve a jugar un papel importante ya que ha reducido sus efectos secundarios gracias a la incorporación de las técnicas laparoscópicas y de otros valiosos avances.

This article is dedicated to the memory of H.-J. Bode, J. G. Greenhill and O. Faragó for their long-standing support and participation to occultation campaigns. The work leading to these results has received funding from the European Research Council under the European Community’s H2020 2014-2020 ERC Grant Agreement n° 669416 “Lucky Star”. E.M. thanks support from Concytec-Fondecyt-PE and GA, FC-UNI for providing support during the 2012 July 18 occultation. B.S. thanks S. Para for partly supporting this research though a donation, J. P. Beaulieu for helping us accessing to the Hobart Observatory facilities and B. Warner, B. L. Gary, C. Erickson, H. Reitsema, L. Albert, P. J. Merritt, T. Hall, W. J. Romanishin, Y. J. Choi for providing data during the 2007 March 18 occultation. M.A. thanks CNPq (Grants 427700/2018-3, 310683/2017-3 and 473002/2013-2) and FAPERJ (Grant E-26/111.488/2013). J.L.O. thanks support from grant AYA2017-89637-R. P.S.S. acknowledges financial support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, under Grant Agreement no 687378, as part of the project “Small Bodies Near and Far” (SBNAF). J.L.O., R.D., P.S.S. and N.M. acknowledge financial support from the State Agency for Research of the Spanish MCIU through the “Center of Excellence Severo Ochoa” award for the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (SEV-2017-0709). F.B.R. acknowledges CNPq support process 309578/2017-5. G.B.R. thanks support from the grant CAPES-FAPERJ/PAPDRJ (E26/203.173/2016). J.I.B.C. acknowledges CNPq grant 308150/2016-3. R.V.M. thanks the grants: CNPq-304544/2017-5, 401903/2016-8, and Faperj: PAPDRJ-45/2013 and E-26/203.026/2015. B.M. thanks the CAPES/Cofecub-394/2016-05 grant and CAPES/Brazil – Finance Code 001. B.M. and A.R.G.J. were financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) – Finance Code 001. TRAPPIST-North is a project funded by the University of Liège, in collaboration with Cadi Ayyad University of Marrakech (Morocco). TRAPPIST-South is a project funded by the Belgian Fonds (National) de la Recherche Scientifique (F.R.S.-FNRS) under grant FRFC 2.5.594.09.F, with the participation of the Swiss National Science Foundation (FNS/SNSF). VSD, SPL, TRM and ULTRACAM are all supported by the STFC. K.G. acknowledges help from the team of Archenhold-Observatory, Berlin, and A.R. thanks G. Román (Granada) for help during the observation of the 2016 July 19 occultation. A.J.C.T. acknowledges support from the Spanish Ministry Project AYA2015-71718-R (including EU funds). We thank Caisey Harlingten for the repeated use of his 50 cm telescopes in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. We thank the Italian Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG), operated on the island of La Palma by the Fundación Galileo Galilei of the INAF (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica) at the Spanish Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias. L.M. acknowledges support from the Italian Minister of Instruction, University and Research (MIUR) through FFABR 2017 fund and support from the University of Rome Tor Vergata through “Mission: Sustainability 2016” fund. The Astronomical Observatory of the Autonomous Region of the Aosta Valley (OAVdA) is managed by the Fondazione Clément Fillietroz-ONLUS, which is supported by the Regional Governmentof the Aosta Valley, the Town Municipality of Nus and the “Unité des Communes valdôtaines Mont-Émilius”. The research was partially funded by a 2016 “Research and Education”s grant from Fondazione CRT. We thank D.P. Hinson for his constructive and detailed comments that helped to improve this article., Context. The tenuous nitrogen (N2) atmosphere on Pluto undergoes strong seasonal effects due to high obliquity and orbital eccentricity, and has recently (July 2015) been observed by the New Horizons spacecraft. Aims. The main goals of this study are (i) to construct a well calibrated record of the seasonal evolution of surface pressure on Pluto and (ii) to constrain the structure of the lower atmosphere using a central flash observed in 2015. Methods. Eleven stellar occultations by Pluto observed between 2002 and 2016 are used to retrieve atmospheric profiles (density, pressure, temperature) between altitude levels of ~5 and ~380 km (i.e. pressures from ~ 10 μbar to 10 nbar). Results. (i) Pressure has suffered a monotonic increase from 1988 to 2016, that is compared to a seasonal volatile transport model, from which tight constraints on a combination of albedo and emissivity of N2 ice are derived. (ii) A central flash observed on 2015 June 29 is consistent with New Horizons REX profiles, provided that (a) large diurnal temperature variations (not expected by current models) occur over Sputnik Planitia; and/or (b) hazes with tangential optical depth of ~0.3 are present at 4–7 km altitude levels; and/or (c) the nominal REX density values are overestimated by an implausibly large factor of ~20%; and/or (d) higher terrains block part of the flash in the Charon facing hemisphere., European Research Council under the European Community’s H2020 2014-2020 ERC Grant Agreement n° 669416 “Lucky Star”, Grants 427700/2018-3, 310683/2017-3 and 473002/2013-2) and FAPERJ (Grant E-26/111.488/2013), Grant AYA2017-89637-R. P.S.S. acknowledges financial support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, under Grant Agreement no 687378, as part of the project “Small Bodies Near and Far” (SBNAF), Financial support from the State Agency for Research of the Spanish MCIU through the “Center of Excellence Severo Ochoa” award for the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (SEV-2017-0709), Support process 309578/2017-5. G.B.R. thanks support from the grant CAPES-FAPERJ/PAPDRJ (E26/203.173/2016). J.I.B.C. acknowledges CNPq grant 308150/2016-3. R.V.M. thanks the grants: CNPq-304544/2017-5, 401903/2016-8, and Faperj: PAPDRJ-45/2013 and E-26/203.026/2015. B.M. thanks the CAPES/Cofecub-394/2016-05 grant and CAPES/Brazil – Finance Code 001., Grant FRFC 2.5.594.09.F, with the participation of the Swiss National Science Foundation (FNS/SNSF), Support from the Spanish Ministry Project AYA2015-71718-R (including EU funds), Support from the Italian Minister of Instruction, University and Research (MIUR) through FFABR 2017 fund and support from the University of Rome Tor Vergata through “Mission: Sustainability 2016” fund

Purpose: To investigate age-related differences in outcomes of critically ill patients with sepsis around the world. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of data from the prospective ICON audit, in which all adult ( >16 years ) patients admitted to participating ICUs between May 8 and 18, 2012, were included, except admissions for routine postoperative observation. For this sub-analysis, the 10,012 patients with completed age data were included. They were divided into five age groups - 80 years. Sepsis was defined as infection plus at least one organ failure. Results: A total of 2963 patients had sepsis, with similar proportions across the age groups (80 = 30.9%). Hospital mortality increased with age and in patients >80 years was almost twice that of patients 70 years was independently associated with increased risk of dying. Conclusions: The odds for death in ICU patients with sepsis increased with age with the maximal rate of increase occurring between the ages of 71 and 77 years. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The highly siderophile elements (HSE: Os, Ir, Ru, Rh, Pt, Pd, Re, Au) exist in solid solution in accessory base-metal sulfides (BMS) as well as nano-to-micron scale minerals in rocks of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). The latter include platinum-group minerals (PGM) and gold minerals, which may vary widely in morphology, composition and distribution. The PGM form isolated grains often associated with larger BMS hosted in residual olivine, located at interstices in between peridotite-forming minerals or more commonly in association with metasomatic minerals (pyroxenes, carbonates, phosphates) and silicate glasses in some peridotite xenoliths. The PGM found inside residual olivine are mainly Os-, Ir- and Ru-rich sulfides and alloys. In contrast, those associated with metasomatic minerals or silicate glasses of peridotite xenoliths consist of Pt, Pd, and Rh bonded with semimetals like As, Te, Bi, and Sn. Nanoscale observations on natural samples along with the results of recent experiments indicate that nucleation of PGM is mainly related with the uptake of HSE by nanoparticles, nanominerals or nanomelts at high temperature (> 900 °C) in both silicate and/or sulfide melts, regardless of the residual or metasomatic origin of their host minerals. A similar interpretation can be assumed for gold minerals. Our observations highlight that nanoscale processes play an important role on the ore-forming potential of primitive mantle-derived magmas parental to magmatic-hydrothermal deposits enriched in noble metals. The metal inventory in these magmas could be related with the physical incorporation of HSE-bearing nanoparticles or nanomelts during processes of partial melting of mantle peridotite and melt migration from the mantle to overlying continental crust., We thank Laurie Reisberg, Hannah Hughes and an anonymous referee for their criticism, which greatly improved the quality of our manuscript. We also are indebted to Prof. Sisir K. Mondal for Editorial handling of this work and their constructive edits. This research was supported by Spanish projects: RTI2018-099157-A-I00 , CGL2015-65824-P and CGL2016-81085-R granted by the “ Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades ” and Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad ” (MINECO), respectively. Additional funding was provided by the Ramón y Cajal Fellowship RYC-2015-17596 and Junta de Andalucía project B-RNM-189-UGR18 to JMGJ, and the BES-2017-079949 fellowship to ES. This work was also supported by the Mexican research programs CONACYT-Ciencia Básica ( A1-S-14574 ) and UNAM-PAPIIT grant IA-101419 awarded to VC. A. Jiménez-Franco also acknowledge a postdoctoral grant (CVU 350809 ) from the National Council on Science and Technology (CONACYT) of Mexico. Research grants, infrastructures and human resources leading to this research have benefited from funding by the European Social Fund and the European Regional Development Fund. We are grateful to Prof. José Jorge Aranda Gómez who provided the xenolith samples of La Breña (Durango Volcanic Field, Central Mexico). María del Mar Abad, Isabel Sánchez Almazo and Rocío Márquez Crespo (CIC, University of Granada) are acknowledged for her assistance with HRTEM, and HR-SEM and FE-SEM analysis, respectively. We are also indebted to Miguel Ángel Hidalgo Laguna from CIC of University of Granada and Xavier Llovet from the Centres Científics i Tecnològics of the Universitat of Barcelona (CCiTUB) for their careful help with EMPA.

This paper describes the design and characterization of test cells developed to generate a reference data bank of partial discharge (PD) series. The reference PD signals reproduced in these cells are useful for the evaluation of AC and DC PD diagnosis instruments. Technical functionalities such as PD sensitivity, PD clustering and PD source recognition can be checked using these test cells. A testing procedure to detect the existence of a specific defect in HVDC installations is proposed. This work is part of a task of the European co-funded project on metrology 15NRM02-UHV-EMPIR, which is focused in the achievement of valuable results for the IEC/CENELEC standardization.

This paper presents a method for detecting different types of defects in the cable sheaths interconnected in a cross bonding configuration of a HV cable system installed in flat or trefoil layout using the sheath currents as input data. Three different defects have been analyzed: electric continuity loss of earth connection, short-circuit between sectionalized metal sheaths of a cable joint and link-box flooding. The sheath current has been calculated by two different approaches, one on the basis of theoretical equations, programed in MATLAB® and the other on the basis of ATP software simulating the cable system model. The results obtained using both methods have achieved a good agreement between them. A simple criterion by the means of a easy normalized code of four discrete levels 0, 1, 2 and 3 has been developed to distinguish the magnitude level of change of sheath currents in case of the indicated defect existence in order to trigger alarm.

Persistent sciatic vein is a rare anomaly of mesodermal development. When found, it is often associated with varicosities in abnormal distributions, pain, limb congestion, and hypertrophy. In this report, we describe a case of an isolated, complete persistent sciatic vein with an atypical anatomy and onset.

Nitrogen fixed in the form of nitrogen oxides is essential to produce fertilizers and many other chemical products, which is vital to sustain life. The performance of a milli-scale gliding arc reactor operated under atmospheric pressure has been studied for nitrogen oxides synthesis. In this work, the electrical and process parameters of the gliding arc reactor, such as frequency, pulse width, amplitude and feed ratio were investigated respectively. The experiments were performed at 1 L/min in a gliding arc discharge regime. The highest concentration of NOx was found to be ~1 % at energy consumption of 10 kWh/kg of NOx. Increase in frequency, pulse width and amplitude resulted in an increased specific energy input and NOx concentration. The feed ratio (N2/O2) affected the amount of NO and NO2 produced, which gives possibility to independently obtain the desired ratio of NO/NO2 by tuning the electrical and process parameters.

Resumen El Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) se emplea como herramienta de cribado en la deteccion de consumidores de drogas que necesitan una intervencion breve. Este test podria ser empleado en dispositivos de atencion temprana. El test fue traducido al espanol por el mismo equipo que desarrollo la version inglesa original, pero carece de los necesarios estudios de validez en la version espanola. Objetivo El objetivo de esta investigacion es estimar la fiabilidad del test asi como conocer su estructura latente, como forma de obtener evidencias de validez del test para el uso propuesto. Metodo La muestra se compone de 1176 personas que consumen cocaina y que completaron la version on line del test. La fiabilidad fue estimada mediante el procedimiento alfa de Cronbach. Se aplico un analisis factorial exploratorio y otro confirmatorio para analizar la estructura factorial del ASSIST. Resultados El test ha mostrado una alta fiabilidad y una bondad de ajuste adecuada a una estructura unidimensional, proporcionando evidencia de validez del uso de la suma de los items para la interpretacion de puntuaciones propuesta. Conclusiones Los resultados obtenidos en este test avalan la utilizacion de este instrumento con este tipo de muestra, desde el punto de vista de la fiabilidad y la estructura factorial. No obstante, es necesario realizar nuevos estudios que aporten evidencias de validez basadas en la relacion con otras variables, para determinar su utilidad como instrumento de screening .

Objective To report our experience of laparoscopic heminephroureterectomy (Hnu) in pediatric patients with duplex anomalies, in comparison to open surgery. Patients and methods Retrospective review of data from patients who underwent Hnu from 2005 to 2008 was performed. The patients were divided into two groups: laparoscopic (LHnu) and open surgery (OHnu). Laparoscopic surgery was performed by transperitoneal approach in majority of cases. Open surgery was performed by retroperitoneal approach in all cases. Results Group LHnu: nine patients (8 females, 1 male) with median age of 14 months (range 3–205). Transperitoneal approach was performed in eight patients. Mean operative time was 182 min (CI 95% 146–217). No conversion to open surgery was necessary and there were no complications. Mean hospital stay was 2.44 days (CI 95% 1.37–3.52). Group OHnu: eight patients (3 females, 5 males) underwent nine heminephrectomies at median age of 6.9 months (range 1–12). Mean operating time was 152 min (CI 95% 121–183). There were no complications and mean hospital stay was 4.38 (CI 95% 2.59–6.16) days. Statistical analysis showed no statistically significant difference ( P > 0.05) in operating time between groups while mean hospital stay was significant ( P = 0.021). Conclusion The laparoscopic approach is feasible, safe, reduces hospital stay, does not increase operating time and has better cosmetic results. We believe this should be the first option for heminephrectomy.

In the annular or total eclipses of 3 October 2005, 29 March 2006, 22 September 2006, and 1 August 2008, observational campaigns were organized to record the phenomenon of Baily’s beads. These campaigns were internationally coordinated through the International Occultation Timing Association (IOTA) at both its American and European sections. From the stations in the northern and southern zones of grazing eclipse, the eclipses have been recorded on video. Afterward, as many beads as possible have been identified by analyzing the video data of each observing station. The atlas presented in this paper includes 598 data points, obtained by 23 observers operating at 28 different observing stations. The atlas lists the geographic positions of the observing stations and the observed time instants of disappearance or reappearance of beads, identified by an angle measured relative to the Moon’s axis of rotation. The atlas will serve as a basis for determining the solar diameter.

The ICRP has recently recommended reducing the occupational exposure dose limit for the lens of the eye to 20 mSv y(-1), averaged over a period of 5 y, with no year exceeding 50 mSv, instead of the current 150 mSv y(-1). This reduction will have important implications for interventional cardiology and radiology (IC/IR) personnel. In this work, lens dose received by a staff working in IC is studied in order to determine whether eye lens dose monitoring or/and additional radiological protection measures are required. Eye lens dose exposure was monitored in 10 physicians and 6 nurses. The major IC procedures performed were coronary angiography and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. The personnel were provided with two thermoluminescent dosemeters (TLDs): one calibrated in terms of Hp(3) located close to the left ear of the operator and a whole-body dosemeter calibrated in terms of Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) positioned on the lead apron. The estimated annual eye lens dose for physicians ranged between 8 and 60 mSv, for a workload of 200 procedures y(-1). Lower doses were collected for nurses, with estimated annual Hp(3) between 2 and 4 mSv y(-1). It was observed that for nurses the Hp(0.07) measurement on the lead apron is a good estimate of eye lens dose. This is not the case for physicians, where the influence of both the position and use of protective devices such as the ceiling shield is very important and produces large differences among doses both at the eyes and on the thorax. For physicians, a good correlation between Hp(3) and dose area product is shown.

In the present study, we evaluated the concentrations of PAHs in 3 PM fractions (10, 2.5 and 1) collected in the surroundings of a cement plant located in Barcelona. PAH content and speciation were developed for the three fractions to elucidate their distribution among different sizes. Complementarily, the human health risks associated to the PAH exposure were risks by considering the daily activity pattern of an average adult living in of Barcelona (Spain)., Financial support was received by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO), through the project CTM2012-32778. F. Sánchez-Soberón received a doctoral scholarship as part of the project above mentioned. We also want to thank the European Union Seventh Framework Program for the funding received through the HEALS project (grant agreement No. 603946).

Context. In 2009, the Sun and the Earth passed through the equatorial plane of Jupiter and therefore the orbital planes of its main satellites. It was the equinox on Jupiter. This occurrence made mutual occultations and eclipses between the satellites possible. Experience has shown that the observations of such events provide accurate astrometric data able to bring new information on the dynamics of the Galilean satellites. Observations are made under the form of photometric measurements, but need to be made through the organization of a worldwide observation campaign maximizing the number and the quality of the data obtained. Aims. This work focuses on processing the complete database of photometric observations of the mutual occultations and eclipses of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter made during the international campaign in 2009. The final goal is to derive new accurate astrometric data. Methods. We used an accurate photometric model of mutual events adequate with the accuracy of the observation. Our original method was applied to derive astrometric data from photometric observations of mutual occultations and eclipses of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter. Results. We processed the 457 lightcurves obtained during the international campaign of photometric observations of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter in 2009. Compared with the theory, for successful observations, the r.m.s. of O-C residuals are equal to 45.8 mas and 81.1 mas in right ascension and declination, respectively; the mean O-C residuals are equal to -2 mas and -9 mas in right ascension and declination, respectively, for mutual occultations; and -6 mas and +1 mas in right ascension and declination, respectively, for mutual eclipses. © ESO, 2014. Arlot J.-E. 1 Emelyanov N. 2 1 Varfolomeev M. I. 2 Amossé A. 3 Arena C. 4 Assafin M. 40 Barbieri L. 5 Bolzoni S. 6 Bragas-Ribas F. 54 Camargo J. I. B. 54 Casarramona F. 8 Casas R. 37 Christou A. 9 Colas F. 1 Collard A. 3 Combe S. 10 Constantinescu M. 11 Dangl G. 12 De Cat P. 34 Degenhardt S. 13 Delcroix M. 14 Dias-Oliveira A. 54 Dourneau G. 15 57 Douvris A. 16 Druon C. 3 Ellington C. K. 17 Estraviz G. 8 Farissier P. 10 Farmakopoulos A. 16 Garlitz J. 18 Gault D. 19 George T. 20 Gorda S. Yu. 42 Grismore J. 21 Guo D. F. 22 Herald D. 56 Ida M. 23 Ishida M. 23 Ivanov A. V. 24 Klemt B. 7 Koshkin N. 25 Le Campion J. F. 15 57 Liakos A. 26 Liao S. L. 27 Li S. N. 27 Loader B. 28 Lopresti C. 29 Lo Savio E. 4 Marchini A. 30 Marino G. 4 Masi G. 53 Massallé A. 8 Maulella R. 29 McFarland J. 9 Miyashita K. 32 Napoli C. 4 Noyelles B. 33 1 3 Pauwels T. 34 Pavlov H. 35 Peng Q. Y. 36 Perelló C. 8 Priban V. 38 Prost J. 39 Razemon S. 3 Rousselle J. P. 3 ⋆ Rovira J. 8 Ruisi R. 41 Ruocco N. 31 Salvaggio F. 4 Sbarufatti G. 43 Shakun L. 25 Scheck A. 44 Sciuto C. 4 da Silva Neto D. N. 55 V Sinyaeva N. 45 Sofia A. 4 Sonka A. 11 Talbot J. 46 Tang Z. H. 27 Tejfel V. G. 45 Thuillot W. 1 Tigani K. 16 Timerson B. 47 Tontodonati E. 48 Tsamis V. 16 Unwin M. 49 Venable R. 50 Vieira-Martins R. 54 1 40 Vilar J. 51 Vingerhoets P. 34 Watanabe H. 52 Yin H. X. 22 Yu Y. 27 Zambelli R. 29 1 Institut de mécanique céleste et de calcul des éphémérides-Observatoire de Paris, UMR 8028 CNRS, UPMC, USTL , 77 avenue Denfert-Rochereau , 75014 Paris , France 2 Sternberg Astronomical Institute, Lomonosov Moscow State University , 119991 Moscow , Russia 3 Association Jonckheere-Les Amis de l’Observatoire de Lille, 1 Impasse de l’Observatoire , 59000 Lille , France 4 Gruppo Astrofili Catanesi , 95128 Catania , Italy 5 Associazione Astrofili Bolognesi , 95128 Bologna , Italy 6 viale L.Pirandello, 26 , 21052 Busto Arsizio (VA) , Italy 7 Im Erlenhof 2a , 51429 Bergisch Gladbach , Germany 8 Agrupació Astronómica de Sabadell, Carrer Prat de la Riba, s/n, 08206 Sabadell , Catalonia , Spain 9 Armagh Observatory , College Hill , Armagh BT61 9DG , UK 10 CALA, Place de la nation , 69120 Vaulx-en-Velin , France 11 Observatorul Astronomic Amiral Vasile Urseanu , no.21, Lascar Catargiu Boulevard , 71111 Bucharest , Romania 12 Nonndorf 12 , 3830 , Austria 13 2112 Maple Leaf Trail , Columbia , TN , 38401 , USA 14 2 rue de l’Ardèche , 31170 Tournefeuille , France 15 Univ. Bordeaux, LAB, UMR 5804 , 33270 Floirac , France 16 Astronomical Union of Sparta , 23100 Sparta , Greece 17 Plantation, FL , USA 18 1155 Hartford St Elgin , Oregon 97827 , USA 19 22 Booker Road , Hawkesbury Heights NSW 2777 , Australia 20 136 Rio Senda , Umatilla , Oregon 97882 , USA 21 Bartlesville , Oklahoma , USA 22 Shandong University at Weihai , 264209 Weihai , PR China 23 1-4-17, Okino, Higashi-Ohmi , 527-0034 Shiga , Japan 24 Central Astronomical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences , St. Petersburg , Pulkovo , Russia 25 Astronomical observatory of Odessa University , Marazlievskaya st. 1-B , Odessa , Ukraine 26 Department of Astrophysics, Astronomy and Mechanics, University of Athens , 15784 Zografos , Athens , Greece 27 Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 200030 Shanghai , PR China 28 14 Craigieburn Street , 7510 Darfield , New Zealand 29 Istituto Spezzino Ricerche Astronomiche , 19125 La Spezia , Italy 30 Astronomical Observatory University of Siena , 53100 Siena , Italy 31 Astrocampania , 80063 Piano di Sorrento , Italy 32 4368-1, Akashina-Nanaki, Azumino, 399-7104 Nagano , Japan 33 University of Namur , NAmur Center for CompleX SYStems (naXys), Rempart de la Vierge 8 , 5000 Namur , Belgium 34 Koninklijke Sterrenwacht van België, Ringlaan 3 , 1180 Brussels , Belgium 35 45/192 Vimiera Rd , Marsfield , NSW 2122 , Australia 36 Department of computer Science, Jinan University , 510632 Guangzhou , PR China 37 Institut de Ciéncies de l’Espai (IEEC-CSIC), Campus UAB, Facultat de Ciéncies , Torre C5 parell 2n pis, 08193 Bellaterra , Catalonia , Spain 38 Observatory and Planetarium Praha , Kralovska obora 233 170 21 Praha 7 , Czech Republic 39 26 impasse des Forsythias , 06560 Valbonne , France 40 Observatório do Valongo/UFRJ , Ladeira Pedro Antonio 43, RJ 23. 070-200 Rio de Janeiro , Brazil 41 Organizzazione Ricerche e Studi di Astronomia , Palermo , Italy 42 Kourovskaya observatory of the Ural Federal University , Prospect Lenina 51 , 620000 Ecaterinbourg , Russia 43 Gruppo Astrofili di Piacenza , Italy 44 Scaggsville , Maryland , USA 45 Fessenkov Astrophysical Institute , Alma-Ata , Kazakhstan 46 RASNZ Occultation Section, 3 Hughes Street , Waikanae Beach , New Zealand 47 Newark , New York , USA 48 Associazione Iblea Divulgazione Astronomica , 497100 Ragusa , Italy 49 9 Payling Lane, 8052 Christchurch , Christchurch , New Zealand 50 PO Box 117 , Chester , GA 31012 , USA 51 8 rue des Ormes , 67450 Mundolsheim , France 52 281, Kasadashinden, Inabe , Mie , 511-0205 , Japan 53 Virtual Telescope Project , Via Madonna de Loco 47 , 03023 Ceccano (FR) , Italy 54 Observatorio Nacional/MCTI , R. General Jose Cristino 77, RJ 20. 921-400 Rio de Janeiro , Brazil 55 Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste , Av. Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga 1203, RJ 23. 070-200 Rio de Janeiro , Brazil 56 3 Lupin Pl , Murrumbateman , NSW 2582 , Australia 57 CNRS, LAB, UMR 5804 , 33270 Floirac , France ⋆ J. P. Rousselle died in 2009. e-mail: Jean-Eudes.Arlot@imcce.fr 09 12 2014 09 12 2014 12 2014 572 aa/2014/12 A120 20 3 2014 15 5 2014 © ESO, 2014 2014 ESO Context. In 2009, the Sun and the Earth passed through the equatorial plane of Jupiter and therefore the orbital planes of its main satellites. It was the equinox on Jupiter. This occurrence made mutual occultations and eclipses between the satellites possible. Experience has shown that the observations of such events provide accurate astrometric data able to bring new information on the dynamics of the Galilean satellites. Observations are made under the form of photometric measurements, but need to be made through the organization of a worldwide observation campaign maximizing the number and the quality of the data obtained. Aims. This work focuses on processing the complete database of photometric observations of the mutual occultations and eclipses of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter made during the international campaign in 2009. The final goal is to derive new accurate astrometric data. Methods. We used an accurate photometric model of mutual events adequate with the accuracy of the observation. Our original method was applied to derive astrometric data from photometric observations of mutual occultations and eclipses of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter. Results. We processed the 457 lightcurves obtained during the international campaign of photometric observations of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter in 2009. Compared with the theory, for successful observations, the r.m.s. of O–C residuals are equal to 45.8 mas and 81.1 mas in right ascension and declination, respectively; the mean O–C residuals are equal to –2 mas and –9 mas in right ascension and declination, respectively, for mutual occultations; and –6 mas and +1 mas in right ascension and declination, respectively, for mutual eclipses. astronomical databases: miscellaneous planets and satellites: general occultations eclipses ephemerides idline A&A 572, A120 (2014) cover_date December 2014 first_month 12 last_month 12 first_year 2014 last_year 2014 This work was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (project no. 12-02-00294), by The European contract ESPaCE (FP7-grant agreement 263466), by the Scientific Council of Paris Observatory, by the CNRS PICS 3840 France-Russia, by the Programme National de Planétologie (CNES and CNRS) and by the National Science Foundation of China (Grant No 11273014) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.

The objective of this article is to develop and apply several types of price indexes to the analysis of pharmaceutical expenditure to improve the way traditional indexes adjust for innovation in drug supply. The Laspeyres and Paasche indexes in the fixed and linked modalities were used. Price is defined as average expenditure at consumer price per daily defined dose (DDD). The empirical application is restricted to two therapeutic groups, antipsychotics and antidepressants, and to the pharmaceutical expenditure of the Catalan Health Service in the period 1991–1999. The indexes can be computed from the information currently recorded in the administrative procedures of health care insurers, or from sample information provided by regular market surveys. The proposed method allows for controlling the effect of several factors on average pharmaceutical price changes, specifically, the introduction of new drugs that show some degree of therapeutic innovation.

To characterize the endocrine cell types of the pancreas of Rana temporaria, conventional staining, silver impregnation, and immunocytochemical methods for light and electron microscopy have been applied to paraffin, thin and semithin sections, many of them serial pairs. Quantitative data on the frequency and distribution (insular, extrainsular among the exocrine cells, or within the pancreatic ducts) of each endocrine cell type are also reported. Four distinct endocrine cell types have been identified: insulin (B) cells, which are also immunoreactive for [Met]enkephalin; glucagon/PP (A/PP) cells, also immunoreactive for GLP1; somatostatin (D) cells; and a fourth endocrine-like cell type (X cells) of unknown content and function. X cells display characteristic ultrastructure and tinctorial traits but are nonimmunoreactive for all of the 37 antisera tested. The presence of [Met]enkephalin in amphibian pancreatic endocrine cells is now reported for the first time. Almost half (44.9 +/- 7.9) of the total endocrine cell population lies outside the islets, mainly spread among the exocrine cells. Approximately 37.2 +/- 4.6% of the total endocrine cell population was immunoreactive for insulin, 48.8 +/- 6.9% was immunoreactive for glucagon/PP, and 14.0 +/- 4.9% was immunoreactive for somatostatin; 79.2 +/- 6.4% of glucagon/PP cells are found within the exocrine parenchyma, representing the majority (86.4 +/- 4.3%) of extrainsular endocrine component. On the contrary, most B cells (94.2 +/- 2.1%) are located within the islets; 30.8 +/- 12.9% of D cells are found outside the islets.

ResumenLa regulación de los medicamentos por parte de las administraciones públicas es una actividad que se produce en los países de manera independiente del modelo sanitario que posean. En el ámbito de la financiación pública de los medicamentos se han experimentado diversas medidas para mejorar la eficiencia en su utilización. Sin embargo, el análisis del impacto de estas medidas es complejo y quizá ello justifique la escasez de resultados objetivables, especialmente a largo plazo.El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una revisión sistemática de dichas medidas dada la necesidad de disponer de información sobre las distintas alternativas previo a la toma de decisión.El planteamiento de una medida aislada es en muchas ocasiones compensada por cambios en otros ámbitos reguladores o asistenciales lo que aconseja una estrategia integral afectando a distintos ámbitos (oferta/demanda de medicamentos y prescriptores).Parece necesario proponer un debate social a partir de la información científica de que se dispone y promover la toma de decisiones que conduzca a la utilización racional de los recursos farmacológicos disponibles.SummaryRegulation of drugs from the public administration is an activity which is produced in different countries independently from the sanitary model they own. In the field of public financing of drugs there have been several measures to improve the efficiency of their use.However, the analysis of the impact of these measures is complex and this may justify the shortage of objectivable results, especially at long term.The objective of this study is to perform a systematic review of such measures due to the need to have information about the different alternatives before making a decision.The introduction of an isolated measure is in many cases compensated by other changes in other regulating or aiding fields wich suggests the creation of an integral strategy which affects different fields (supply/demand of drugs and prescribers).It seems necessary to suggest a social debate taking as a basis the scientific information available at the moment and promote the taking of decisions which lead to a rational use of the available pharmacological resources.

Purpose To compare efficacy of Cohen's ureteral reimplantation and endoscopic treatment with Dx/HA in patients with primary VUR grades II, III and IV. Methods From April 2002 to June 2004, patients over 1 year old with VUR grade I, II, III or IV were included. Patients were randomized into two groups: endoscopic treatment (ET) or ureteral reimplantation (UR). In the ET group, an ultrasonography study was performed 24 h and 1 month after surgery, and two voiding cystourethrographies at 3 and 6 months post treatment. In the UR group, an ultrasonography study was done 7 days and 1 month after surgery and a micturial cystography 6 months post surgery. A postoperative nuclear direct cystogram was performed 5 years later in both groups. Results A total of 41 patients were included in this study: in ET 22 patients with 35 refluxing ureters and in UR 19 patients with 32 refluxing ureters. The VUR grades in ET were: 16 grade II, 16 grade III and 3 grade IV; and in UR: 15 grade II, 12 grade III and 5 grade IV. VUR was resolved in 91% (32/35) of ET (28% of ureters needed a second injection), and in 100% of UR group. Five years after the procedure, VUR was still resolved in 30/32 of ET and 32/32 of UR. Conclusion Short- and long-term follow up shows that multiple endoscopic treatment of VUR grades II, III and IV with Dx/HA is as effective as ureteral reimplantation.

The gastric wall of Rana temporaria tadpoles consists of a well-developed mucosa and thin muscular and serosa layers. Three cellular types--mucous, ciliated and endocrine cells--make up the lining epithelium. Different types of endocrine cells exist. Argyrophylic endocrine cells can be recognized in semithin sections of plastic-embedded material while non-argyrophylic endocrine cells can only be identified under the electron microscope. Glands are composed mainly of well-differentiated oxyntic cells and, occasionally, scarce endocrine cells. Oxyntic cells show abundant mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, but do not contain zymogen granules as do those present in adults. Secretory canaliculi with microvilli are also well-developed. The lamina propria contains numerous vascular sinuses and nerve bundles which innervate the endothelium and some endocrine cells. The neuroendocrine regulation of frog gastric functions seems therefore to have developed in young tadpoles. Nerve fibers also innervate the muscular propria, which is composed of a single layer of smooth muscle cells. Underlying the muscle, connective fibers and a flattened layer of mesothelial cells make up the serosa. In summary, the structure of the frog larval stomach shows a well-differentiated histological pattern, especially referring to surface epithelium and glands. Some of the histological traits will also be present in adult frogs while others are characteristic of the tadpole's stage.

Endocrine cells have been identified in the intestine of the frog Rana temporaria after application of the Grimelius and Masson-Fontana techniques. These endocrine cells were examined using immunocytochemical techniques on paraffin and semithin sections for light microscopy. After testing 19 antisera. 12 immunoreactivities were identified. Numerous serotonin-, somatostatin- and GLP-1-immunoreactive cells; a moderate number of PYY-, glucagon-VIP-, gastrin/CCK-immunoreactive cells and few human PP-, bombesin-, substance P- and neurotensin-immunoreactive cells were found. VIP- and met-enkephalin were identified in nerve fibers of the muscular layer. Using semithin-thin sections five types of endocrine cells (serotonin-, somatostatin-, gastrin/ CCK-, glucagon- and bombesin-immunoreactive cells) have been characterized according to their immunocytochemical reaction and the ultrastructure of the secretory granules.

Objetivo: Analizar la experiencia inicial en nuestros primeros pacientes afectos de estenosis pieloureteral tratados mediante cirugía laparoscópica. Pacientes y métodos: Se han incluido todas las pieloplastias laparoscópicas tipo Andereson Hynes realizadas entre julio de 2007 y abril de 2009. Los pacientes fueron estudiados preoperatoriamente mediante ecografía renal, renograma isotópico. Se les dejó un tutor doble «J» que se retiró posteriormente. El seguimiento ha sido ecográfico y renográfico. Resultados: Catorce pacientes con una media de edad de 8,6 años El estudio ecográfico prequirúrgico mostró una media del diámetro de la pelvis renal de 34,5mm. El tiempo quirúrgico media ha sido de 235min. La estancia media fue de 5,5 días. En todos los pacientes ha habido una disminución de la media del diámetro de la pelvis renal (13,5mm). Conclusiones: La laparoscopia es técnica eficaz para la corrección de la estenosis pieloureteral en la edad pediátrica; a pesar que los tiempos quirúrgicos aún son elevados. Objective: To analyze the initial experience in our first patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) treated by laparoscopic surgery. Patients and methods: All laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasties performed from July 2007 to April 2009 were analyzed. Before surgery, patients underwent a renal ultrasound and isotope renogram. A double J catheter was left in place and subsequently removed. Patients were followed up by ultrasound and renography. Results: Fourteen patients with a median age of 8.6 years were analyzed. Preoperative ultrasound showed a median renal pelvis diameter of 34.5mm. Median operating time was 235min, and median hospital stay 5.5 days. Median renal pelvis diameter decreased in all patients (13.5mm). Conclusions: Laparoscopy is an effective procedure for UPJO correction in children, although operating times are still long.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar la experiencia inicial en nuestros primeros pacientes afectos de estenosis pieloureteral tratados mediante cirugia laparoscopica. Pacientes y metodos Se han incluido todas las pieloplastias laparoscopicas tipo Andereson Hynes realizadas entre julio de 2007 y abril de 2009. Los pacientes fueron estudiados preoperatoriamente mediante ecografia renal, renograma isotopico. Se les dejo un tutor doble «J» que se retiro posteriormente. El seguimiento ha sido ecografico y renografico. Resultados Catorce pacientes con una media de edad de 8,6 anos El estudio ecografico prequirurgico mostro una media del diametro de la pelvis renal de 34,5 mm. El tiempo quirurgico media ha sido de 235 min. La estancia media fue de 5,5 dias. En todos los pacientes ha habido una disminucion de la media del diametro de la pelvis renal (13,5 mm). Conclusiones La laparoscopia es tecnica eficaz para la correccion de la estenosis pieloureteral en la edad pediatrica; a pesar que los tiempos quirurgicos aun son elevados.

The objective is to assess the prevalence and treatment patterns of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in Spain as well as the cost associated to this disorder in different countries.A search in the literature of health and economics databases was conducted.In regards to the 32 references selected, 6 studies had data on the prevalence of GAD and 3 on treatment patterns in Spain and 11 studies on the costs associated to the disease on an international level. The remaining 20 studies were of general interest for methodological or contextual reasons.GAD is a mental disorder with high prevalence. According to some authors, it is probably underdiagnosed. No appropriate long term treatment is available. High health care and social costs are associated to GAD. The frequent presence of comorbidity, different definitions and methodologies used in the studies limits the comparability and synthesis of the results. It also makes it difficult to obtain valid estimations of prevalence and costs.

The supernatant from mesophilic anaerobic digestion of piggery wastewater is characterised by a high amount of COD (4.1 g COD L(-1)), ammonium (2.3g NH(4)(+)-NL(-1)) and suspended solids (2.5 g SS L(-1)). This effluent can be efficiently treated by means of a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) strategy for biological COD, SS and nitrogen removal including a Coagulation/Flocculation step. Total COD and SS reduction yields higher than 66% and 74%, respectively, and a total nitrogen removal (via nitrite) of more than 98% were reached when working with HRT 2.7 days, SRT 12 days, temperature 32 degrees C, three aerobic/anoxic periods, without external control of pH and under limited aeration flow. The inhibition of nitrite oxidizing biomass was achieved by the working free ammonia concentration and the restricted air supply (dissolved oxygen concentration below 1 mg O(2)L(-1)). Since a part of the total COD was colloidal and/or refractory, a Coagulation/Flocculation step was implemented inside the SBR operating strategy to meet a suitable effluent quality to be discharged. Several Jar-Tests demonstrated that the optimal concentration of FeCl(3) was 800 mg L(-1). A respirometric assay showed that this coagulant dosage did not affect the biological activity of nitrifying/denitrifying biomass.