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12C +12 C is the main reaction during core and shell carbon burning in massive stars, however, at temperatures higher than 109K when most of the carbon is depleted and its abundance is lower than 16O, the 12C +16 O fusion can also become relevant. Moreover, 12C +16 O reaction can ignite also in the scenario of explosive carbon burning. The astrophysical energy region of interest thus ranges from 3 to 7.2 MeV in the center-of-mass frame. There are various measurements of the cross-section available in the literature, however, they all stop around 4 MeV, making extrapolation necessary at lower energies. To try to solve this uncertainty and corroborate direct measurement the Trojan Horse Method was applied to three-body processes 16O(14N, α24Mg)2H and 16O(14N, p27Al)2H to study the 16O(12C, α)24Mg and 16O(12C, p)27Al reactions.

The carbon-burning process in massive stars mainly occurs via the 12C +12 C. However, at temperatures higher than 109K and considering the increased abundance of 16O produced during the later stages of the heliumburning,the 12C+16O fusion can also become relevant. Moreover, 12C+16O also plays a role in the scenario of explosive carbon burning. Thus, the astrophysical energy region of interest ranges from 3 to 7.2 MeV in the center-of-mass frame. However, the various measurements of the cross-section available in the literature stop around 4 MeV, making extrapolation necessary. To solve this uncertainty and corroborate direct measurement we applied the Trojan Horse Method to three-body processes 16O(14N, α24Mg)2H and 16O(14N, p27Al)2H to study the 12C(16O, α)24Mg and 12C(16O, p)27Al reactions in their entire energy region of astrophysical interest. In this contribution, after briefly describing the method used, the experiment and the preliminary phases of the data analysis will be presented and discussed.

Background It is known that sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been shown to confer important clinical benefits in patients with congestive heart failure (HF). Several evidences show SGLT2 influence the longitudinal systolic function of the left ventricle after medium and long term follow–up (FUP) in patients with HF. The aim of this study is to demonstrate how dapagliflozin can modify the global longitudinal strain (GLS) in a population of patients with systolic congestive heart failure (HFrEF) evaluating possible correlations with the basal functional capacity. Methods Clinical and echocardiographic data were retrospectively analyzed in 60 HFrEF patients treated with dapagliflozin, within a dedicated outpatient HF clinic. Pre–treatment data were correlated with to clinical and instrumental FUP date that was generally performed after two months of treatment. The clinical and instrumental data consisted of the NYHA functional class, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the GLS. Results There was no significant change between baseline and FUP date on LVEF (25.2 ± 9.9% vs 25.6 ± 9.6% p.s.), while GLS showed significant improvement (13.1 ± 3.7% vs 14.3 ± 3.1% p < 0.03). GLS improvement in HFrEF patients with more impaired functional class (NYHA III/IV) was more significant from 10.9 ± 3.4% to 13.1 ± 2.2% (p < 0.01), compared to that in HFeEF patients with less compromised functional class (NYHA I–II) from 13.6 ± 2.4% to 14.1 ± 2.1% (p 0.07). Conclusions Dapagliflozin was associated with short term improvement in longitudinal left ventricular myocardial function in patients with chronic congestive systolic heart failure. This improvement is more evident in patients who start from a more impaired functional capacity than in clinically more stable patients.

Background With this work we wanted to draw attention on the importance of administering a physical exercise path sheet and nutritional information sheet to patients with congestive heart failure (HF) in a FUP path. Materials and methods 164 patients were included in the FUP course dedicated to the HF at the dedicated outpatient clinic of the “Card.G. Panico” hospital in Tricase (Lecce, IT) in collaboration with the “Cardiomed Center” in Maglie (Lecce, IT). During the evaluation of insertion in the FBD, patients were divided according to the risk of events: low, medium and high. To improve adherence, both the patient and his caregiver obtained adequate and detailed information about the importance of the project and its aims. Patients with greater clinical stability, at medium and low risk (102) were divided into two groups. The FUP path was ideal for both, but only in the first (58 Group A) had a sheet with a personalized physical exercise path (PEP) and a sheet with nutritional information (SNI), identifying it as a real additional pharmacological therapy. The aim of the work was to highlight how an education and invitation to carry out physical exercise and an adequate nutritional path can bring benefit by evaluating medium–short term parameters that are weight, Borg scale, BNP, clinical alerts. Results The following differences were observed in the group of patients followed in the follow–up of Group A to whom the PEP and SNI sheets were administered compared to group B. – Alert in group A: 10 (7 diuretic therapy correction for OS, 1 access to the ER, 2 coomorbidity corrections) — Alert in group B: 18 (9 correction of diuretic therapy, 4 accesses to the ER, 1 hospitalization, 4 coomorbidity correction) P Conclusions Our experience in the clinic dedicated to heart failure has demonstrated the improtance and usefulness of administering a personalized physical exercise sheet to an adequate nutritional path, highlighting the improvement of various parameters such as weight, the perception of effort and the reduction of clinical alerts in the medium–short term.

Background With this work we drew attention on the importance of a proper FUP dedicated to patients affected by heart failure (HF), while also underlining the importance of proper and efficient management of comorbidities. Material and Methods 164 patients were put into the FUP program for HF at Cardiology Department in “Card. G.Panico Hospital” in Tricase (Lecce, IT) and with the same organization at “Cardiomed Centre” in Maglie (Lecce, IT) 61% of the patients had just been hospitalized, 24% came from a generic clinic, 15% from the ER. 59% presented a systolic HF, diastolic genesis for the other patients left. The average age was 69±21 year old. During the evaluation of admission to the FUP program, the patients were divided into patients at high, medium and low risk, based on their clinical situation regarding the risk of events. Each risk category had its own different FUP iter, which was both clinical and telemedical, commited to the clinical nurse. During the periodic call, the nurse set, where necessary, a stability judgment after confronting FUP parameters, and showed the report, or better to say, the alerts, to the medical staff who had the role of re–evaluating the patient in order to put in place proper therapeutic measures. Results In a 12 month FUP period of time 78 alerts have been highlighted. In 64% of the cases it was about weight gaining; in 54% an increase in Borg scale index; in 37% it was due to a reduced Spo2 during exercise; In the following clinical evaluations, in 91% of the cases correctional therapeutic measures have been put into place, consisting of: – diuretic therapy readjustment for os (31 cases); – start of transitory period diuretic therapy for ev (19 cases); – hospitalization (3 cases); – comorbidities correction (59 cases). This last parameter got most attention: in 23 cases it was highlighted a reduction of a % of transferrin saturation by less than 10%, then adjusted (target according to guidelines: >20%); in 17 cases we noticed a clinical situation of bronchial inflammation; in 19 patients showed a worsening in kidney function index. Conclusion Our experience in the clinic dedicated to heart failure suggests how fundamental attention to comorbidity is, especially where instability can be considered a predicting alert of re–exacerbation of HF.

It has been studied by Analysis Heating Microscope – Optical the behaviour of some kaolinitic clays from a reservoir of Cayo Guan rich in iron oxides and low silica content proving to be a refractory materials whose softening appears after 1500 °C. It has obtained the workability diagram of the different clay minerals calculating the plasticity by the method of Casagrande spoon; only one of the samples is in the area suitable for extrusion. Vitrification diagrams report that the capacity of water absorption is < 0.6 % when the temperature of 1400 ºC is achieved. We have designed a program to calculate compositions of porcelain stoneware prepared from these modified clays adding low-cost raw materials that facilitate the formation of glassy phase ((potassium feldspar and glass cullet) and/or increase the silica (sand and diatomaceous earth used as filters in the brewing industry). With one of these compositions, prepared in the laboratory (60 % of clay, 30 % feldspar and 10 % of diatomaceous earth), calcined at 1250 ºC with a heating rate of 15 °C/min, the results were: water absorption 0.8 %, and linear shrinkage 21 % without any deformation observed. These clays have been treated with acid to eliminate its high iron content and study its application as an sorbent of heavy metals as Cd2+, Cr3+. The results of the immobilization of these elements have been compared with those obtained with thermally activated vermiculite at 800 °C, showing that the treated samples show sorption of both cadmium and chromium below the vermiculite, but the non-treated ones are suitable to remove chromium; this is because these clays do not contain in its composition exchangeable ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+), and even if they are chemically activated only the presence of Fe ions is which produces form bindings (Crx.Fe1-x) (OH)3 which favor Cr sorption.En Cayo Guan, municipio de Moa, hay junto a las importantes explotaciones industriales de lateritas, minerales arcillosos cuya caractarización química, mineralógica y evolución de fases con la temperatura han sido objeto de estudio por estos autores en un anterior trabajo; entre las características físicas, químicas y mineralógicas del yacimiento destacan los altos contenidos de óxidos de hierro y aluminio, bajas concentraciones de SiO2 y óxidos alcalinos, y la caolinita como mineral más abundante, además de hematita, gibsita y goethita en forma de geles. Se pretende en esta investigación estudiar sus propiedades tecnológicas para dilucidar la posible aplicabilidad a estos recursos minerales en la fabricación de ladrillos, baldosas de pasta roja, gres rústico y para la inmovilización de metales pesados en efluentes acuosos. El estudio por microscopía óptica de calefacción de los minerales arcillosos, indica que son unos materiales refractarios cuyo reblandecimiento aparece después de los 1500 ºC. El diagrama de trabajabilidad de las diferentes arcillas y el cálculo de la plasticidad por el método de la cuchara de Casagrande presentan dentro de la zona favorable para la extrusión sólo a una de las muestras. Los diagramas de gresificación informan que es a partir de 1400 ºC cuando se consigue una capacidad de absorción de agua < 0,6 %. El diseño de un programa ha posibilitado el cálculo de múltiples composiciones de un gres porcelánico preparado a partir de dichas arcillas, modificadas con materias primas de bajo coste que facilitan la formación de fase vítrea (feldespato potásico y casco de vidrio) y/o incrementan el contenido de sílice (arena y diatomea utilizada como filtros en la industria cervecera). Se presentan los resultados de una de ellas (60 % de mineral arcilloso, 30 % de feldespato potásico y 10 % de diatomea) que calcinada a 1250 ºC con una velocidad de calentamiento de 15 ºC/min dio lugar a una absorción de agua de 0,8 % y contracción lineal de 21 % sin observarse deformación. Por último, para estudiar su aplicación como adsorbente de metales pesados (Cd2+, Cr3+), los minerales arcillosos se sometieron a un tratamiento ácido para eliminar su alto contenido en hierro y se compararon los resultados de la inmovilización de estos iones con los obtenidos con un reconocido material adsorbente como la vermiculita activada a 800 ºC, observándose que los minerales sometidos al tratamiento de lixiviación presentan una adsorción, tanto de Cd2+ como de Cr3+, por debajo de la conseguida con la vermiculita, sin embargo los que no se han sometido a dicho tratamiento presentan buen comportamiento frente al cromo; esto se debe a que estos minerales arcillosos no contienen en su composición apenas iones intercambiables (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+), y aunque se hayan activado/lixiviado químicamente sólo la presencia de iones Fe es la que produce enlaces del tipo (Crx.Fe1-x)(OH)3 que favorecen la adsorción del Cr.

>La Alcazaba de Almería> is one of the most impressive mediaeval remains in Al-Andalus. It was the sea port of the Córdoba Caliphate and, afterwards, the capital of a >Taifa> kingdom. In the course of recent excavations in this monumental area, several glass remains were found in the access to its palace and were dated back to the XIII-XV centuries, during the so-called >Nazarí> period. We have made PIGE and PIXE analysis of different fragments of these glasses in order to identify their composition versus the different colours and shapes. These analyses have been complemented with other techniques, like SEM in order to learn about the corrosion process suffered by these glasses during their long burial period. Also a comparison with ICP-OES has been made to check the validity of the IBA results in this case where we are dealing with corroded samples. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved., This work has been partially supported by the “Proyecto de Excelencia HUM-493 de la Consejería de Innovación, Ciencia y Tecnología de la Junta de Andalucía”.

In this work the synthesis of hydroxyapatite by combustion method has been studied. The influence of temperature, time of reaction, Ca/P molar ration and pH parameters have been considered in order to obtain hydroxyapatite powder with nanometric size through a rapid and simple method like the combustion synthesis. Calcium nitrate and ammonium phosphate have been used as raw materials and urea has been added as fuel. The reaction has been carried out in an oven. Powder characterization was performed by XRD, DTA-TG, FTIR, FESEM and N2 adsorption.En este trabajo se ha estudiado la síntesis de hidroxiapatito por el método de combustión. Se ha considerado la influencia de los parámetros de temperatura, tiempo de reacción, relación Ca/P y la acidez del medio, para sintetizar partículas nanométricas de hidroxiapatito por un método rápido y simple como es el de combustión. Se han empleado como materias primas nitrato de calcio y fosfato amónico, y como combustible urea. Las diferentes síntesis se han llevado a cabo en una mufla y los polvos obtenidos han sido caracterizados por DRX, FESEM, ATD-TG, FTIR y superficie específica.

OBJECTIVES To determine the safety and efficacy of pimecrolimus cream on lesions of discoid lupus erythematosus. METHODS In an open-label phase II trial, patients with discoid lupus were treated with pimecrolimus 1% cream twice daily for 8 weeks. We assessed skin involvement with a clinical severity score, quality of life, patient improvement and toxicity. The changes were documented by skin biopsy at baseline and at the end of treatment. RESULTS Ten patients with a mean age of 34 +/- 17 yr and disease duration of 3 yr (range 1-8) were studied; 90% were female and 40% had received prior topical or systemic therapy without response. In all patients, improvement of skin damage was observed after therapy. A significant decrease of 52% was observed in the mean +/- s.d. clinical severity score, from 6.1 +/- 1.4 before treatment to 2.9 +/- 1.5 after treatment (P = 0.005). Quality of life score (0 = no effect, 100 = maximum effect on quality of life) showed a mean improvement of 46%, from 42.8 +/- 23.1 before to 23 +/- 16.5 after treatment (P = 0.008). According to the patients' assessment of the response to treatment, 50% qualified as marked improvement, 40% moderate and 10% slight improvement. The treatment was well tolerated; adverse reactions consisted of minimal erythema and pruritus, which resolved without any further action. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that pimecrolimus cream for discoid lupus erythematosus seems to be a safe and clinically effective option. However, this was an open and uncontrolled study, and double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are needed.

Microstructural control during processing is necessary to assure uniform performance of random packed columns filled with ceramic Raschig rings. In this work, the statistical analysis of the fracture strength of three series of Raschig rings fabricated using three different green processes, uniaxial pressing, extrusion and slip casting, is proposed as a method of comparing the reliability of the three processes. The rings were prepared from industrial and urban wastes and contained hydroxyapatite as agent for the ionic exchange that leads to the immobilisation of heavy metals. Strength values were determined by the diametric compression of ring test and results were analysed using Weibull statistics. Results were correlated with scanning microscope observations of fracture surfaces. Simple monomodal two parameter Weibull statistics have been demonstrated to be suitable to analyse the fracture behaviour of the rings. From the stand point of strength reliability, extrusion is proposed as the most adequate green forming method.

Calcium phosphate glass–ceramic materials in the P2O5–CaO–SiO2–K2O system were prepared from mineral and industrial waste raw materials. They were characterized by chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Tricalcium phosphate (α and β-Ca3(PO4)2), tetracalcium phosphate (Ca4P2O9) and glassy phases were identified in various proportions. The materials were treated in water, ammonium citrate, ammonium acetate and citric acid solutions. The mechanism of attack of the different phosphate phases in dilute acid conditions was established mainly following the P, Si, Ca, K concentrations versus time by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP–OES). The results show that these glass–ceramic materials can be used as controlled released fertilisers.

Melnick-Needles syndrome is an X-linked dominant bone dysplasia, lethal in males, characterized by a typical facies and characteristic radiological findings: including sclerosis of skull base and mastoids, S-shaped appearance of tibia; cortical irregularities with a ribbon appearance of the ribs. About 48 well-documented cases have been reported, most of them were sporadic. Parental transmission has been published in only 11 kindreds. We are presenting the first Brazilian family with mother-daughter transmission.The proposita presented the typical clinical and radiological features with characteristic facies, severe thoracic cage restriction and pulmonary hypertension. Her mother was more mildly affected.A síndrome de Melnick-Needles é uma displasia esquelética ligada ao X e letal no sexo masculino. Caracteriza-se pela presença de um fácies típico e dos seguintes achados radiológicos: esclerose dos ossos da base do crânio e mastóide, tíbia em forma de "S"; irregularidades corticais e costelas com aspecto de fita ("ribbon-like"). A maioria dos 48 casos já relatados na literatura (bem documentados), eram esporádicos, observando-se transmissão parental em apenas 11 famílias. Estudamos a primeira família brasileira com transmissão mãe-filha, cuja propósita apresentava o fácies e as manifestações radiológicas características da síndrome, além de uma restrição pulmonar importante e hipertensão pulmonar. Sua mãe, também afetada, mostrava um quadro clínico e radiológico mais leves.

Two frit ceramic materials were prepared from minerals (phosphate and feldspar) and other low-cost materials (bones and glass cullet). These powders can be used in agriculture as fertilizers since they are able to release the nutrient elements at a low rate. The above materials were characterized by X-ray Diffraction, Photoluminescence Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry. The dissolution kinetic of macro and micro nutrients, components from frit materials, was also studied.

Fertilizing glass–ceramics were prepared and characterized by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. These materials, and some of the related phosphorites, unexpectedly exhibited intense PL emission in the near-infrared region. In the 1100–1250 nm range a very intense doublet at 1161 and 1149 nm and a less intense band at 1214 nm were assigned to emission from the uncommon ionic species MnV. Therefore, one of the d2 ions such as CrIV and MnV which are of growing interest in the field of solid-state lasers, was found in minerals for the first time. In order to obtain further information about these materials, structural and spectroscopic properties of the raw materials were recorded separately. As far as the coordination of MnV is concerned, the hypothesis of partial substitution of PV by MnV in the phosphate lattice appears to be quite reliable. Typical PL emission of neodymium was also observed both in glass–ceramics and in raw materials.

Combinatorics, Let f(n,k) be the minimum number of edges that must be removed from some complete geometric graph G on n points, so that there exists a tree on k vertices that is no longer a planar subgraph of G. In this paper we show that ( 1 / 2 )n2 / k-1-n / 2≤f(n,k) ≤2 n(n-2) / k-2. For the case when k=n, we show that 2 ≤f(n,n) ≤3. For the case when k=n and G is a geometric graph on a set of points in convex position, we completely solve the problem and prove that at least three edges must be removed.

Plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma is an extremely rare pathological finding. We report our experience of one case. A 60 year old male with hematuria of two years evolution, with frequency and dysuria. A tumor was found and he received surgical treatment by TURB at first. The pathology result was a plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma. Subsequently a radical cystectomy with urinary diversion was performed. The patient received follow-up until his death.

Let P be a set of points in the plane in general position. Any three points \(x,y,z \in P\) determine a triangle \(\Delta (x,y,z)\) of the plane. We say that \(\Delta (x,y,z)\) is empty if its interior contains no element of P. In this chapter, we study the following problems: What is the size of the largest family of edge-disjoint triangles of a point set? How many triangulations of P are needed to cover all the empty triangles of P? We also study the following problem: What is the largest number of edge-disjoint triangles of P containing a point q of the plane in their interior? We establish upper and lower bounds for these problems.

Corrosion exposures at room temperature in different diluted acid media (0·025 n and 0·05 n HCl) were performed on two aluminum nitride powders with different oxygen contents: 0·6 wt% and 1 wt%. The process was monitored, measuring the amount of Al 3+ leached and the solution pH. The results show that the corrosion kinetics are dependent on the acid concentration, and that the amount of oxygen present in the powder in solid solution is the factor that controls the length of the low rate attack step of the corrosion process.

We assessed the effect of the findings of the renal gammagraphy (99mTc-DTPA) taken in the first 24 hours after the transplant in the survival of the kidney transplant.We retrospectively studied 413 kidney transplants carried out between January 1994 and December 2008, with emphasis on normal gammagraphic findings or alterations in the vascular, parenchymal and excretory stages, as well as their effect on the survival of the graft.Of the 413 transplants, 44 (10.7%) presented alterations in the vascular stage, 256 (62%) in the parenchymal stage and 269 (65.1%) in the excretory stage. The mean follow-up of the entire group was 72.5 months (± 54.1 DE). The univariate analysis shows that the survival of the graft is significantly less in patients with alterations in the vascular stage (OR: 3; IC 95% 1.9 - 4.9 p0.001), in the excretory stage (OR: 2.5; IC 95% 1.5 - 4; p=0.001) in the parenchymal stage (OR: 2.21; IC 95% 1.3-3.36; p=0.001). The multivariate studies of the gammagraphic variables that affect the survival of the graft show that the presence of alterations in the vascular stage (OR: 3; IC 95% 1.9-4.9; p0.001) in the parenchymal stage (OR: 2; IC 95% 1.2-3.3; p=0.005) are directly related to survival. This data is also confirmed by means of the actuarial survival analysis of the graft at 3 and 5 years.The presence of alterations in the vascular stage and in the parenchymal stage of the renal gammagraphy immediately after the transplant are variables that affect the survival of the graft.

An analytical method was developed for the determination of Al, Ba, Ca, Hf, Mg, Si and Sr impurities and Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Nb, Ni, P, W and Zn dopants in lead zirconate–titanate (PZT) electroceramics by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. A niobium-doped dense PZT ceramic sample was used. Sample dissolution was achieved by using: decomposition with HF + H2SO4 in a poly(tetrafluoroethylene)-lined pressure vessel at 170 °C for 16 h followed by evaporation to dryness and dissolution of the residue with HCl; decomposition with (NH4)2SO4+H2SO4 in a glass beaker followed by evaporation to dryness and dissolution of the residue with HCl; and fusion with Li2B4O7 in a graphite crucible and dissolution of the melt with 1+24 v/v HNO3. For each element, an analytical line free from spectral interference was selected. The decomposition reagents present in the final solutions of the sample (HCl and Li2B4O7–HNO3), and the Ti and Zr macro-constituents, decrease the emission signals substantially. Nevertheless, the inter-element effect of Pb is negligible. The correction of these matrix effects was carried out by preparing standard solutions, for obtaining detection limits, and calibration by matrix matching. The 3σ detection limits of the impurities were determined using the three decomposition methods and correction of the matrix effects. The lowest values of the detection limits were obtained using acid decompositions, and were between ≈0.1 µg g–1 for CaO, MgO and SrO, and 461 µg g–1 for P2O5. The analytical results obtained for 17 minor and trace elements using the three decomposition methods were in excellent agreement. Good precision and accuracy were attained; the relative standard deviations for the results obtained for each element for each dissolution method ranged in general from 3 to 7%.

An analytical method was developed for the determination of macro-constituents by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry in the following six advanced ceramic materials: calcia partially stabilized zirconia (Ca-PSZ), yttria–ceria–tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP/Ce), barium titanate (BaTiO3), gadolinium-modified lead titanate (Gd-PT), lead zirconate–titanate (PZT) and lanthanum-modified lead zirconate–titanate (PLZT). The dissolution of the samples was achieved by using the following methods: decomposition with HCl in a poly(tetrafluoroethylene)(PTFE)-lined pressure vessel at 160 °C for 16 h; decomposition with HF + H2SO4 in a PTFE-lined pressure vessel at 170 °C for 16 h; decomposition with (NH4)2SO4+ H2SO4 in a glass beaker; decomposition with (NH4)2SO4+ H2SO4 in a platinum dish; fusion with Na2CO3+ Na2B4O7 in a platinum crucible; and fusion with Li2B4O7 in a graphite crucible. The precision of the determination of the macro-constituents with regard to the wavelength, integration time, dilution of the sample solution and use of an internal standard was studied. In general, the highest precision was obtained by employing the most sensible analytical line of each element, by working with elevated integration times (700–1000 ms), by diluting the sample solution 1 + 9 or 1 + 19 and by using V or Y as an internal standard. The analytical results obtained following three different methods of dissolution for each advanced ceramic material were in excellent agreement. Good precision and accuracy were attained; the relative standard deviations for the results obtained for each element for each dissolution method are

Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados a la anemia durante el embarazo en mujeres gestantes. Material y Métodos: Estudio de casos y controles; se revisaron expedientes clínicos y se realizó entrevista directa a embarazadas con parto ocurrido en febrero y marzo de 2005. Por cada paciente con anemia se seleccionaron dos controles de la misma base institucional. La muestra se determinó con la fórmula de comparación de proporciones modificada. Se buscaron asociaciones por medio de la razón de momios, X2 y regresión logística. Resultados: Se incluyeron 60 pacientes con anemia y 120 sin anemia. Se identificaron nueve factores asociados con anemia de 23 investigados: deficiencia de hierro RM 15.4 (IC 95% 6.740-35.18), suplementación de hierro inadecuada RM 5.4 (IC 95% 2.770-10.60), disfunción familiar RM 3.8 (IC 95% 1.920-7.714), falta de orientación nutricional RM 3.7 (IC95%1.950- 9.400), nivel socioeconómico bajo RM 3.5 (IC 95%1.581-9.590), IMC pregestacional bajo RM 3.1 (IC 95%1.586-6.093), alimentación deficiente RM 2.6 (IC 95%1.590-5.848), antecedente de tres o más partos RM 2.5 (IC 95%1.333-5.518) y control prenatal inadecuado RM 2.4 (IC 95% 1.755-4.103). Conclusiones: La anemia en el embarazo se asoció fundamentalmente con factores relacionados a la deficiencia de hierro, con pobres condiciones de vida y hábitos nutricionales deficientes y alteraciones de la dinámica familiar.

Background Psoriasis is recognized as the most prevalent T-cell-mediated inflammatory disease in humans, with predominantly activated T-helper (Th) 1 cell effectors. Leflunomide exerts its anti-inflammatory activities by preventing the generation of proinflammatory Th1 effectors and promoting Th2 cell differentiation. Objectives To determine the safety and efficacy of leflunomide in patients with moderate to severe plaque-type psoriasis. Methods In an open-label phase II trial, eight patients with psoriasis received oral leflunomide 20 mg daily for 12 weeks. Patients were evaluated for improvement in psoriasis, quality of life, histological changes and toxicity. Results Antipsoriatic effects were obtained in all but two patients. A significant decrease was observed in the mean +/- SD Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score, from 20.08 +/- 6.85 before treatment to 12.51 +/- 11.83 after (P = 0.03). The antipsoriatic efficiency was confirmed histologically, with a significant mean +/- SD decrease in epidermal thickness, from 0.73 +/- 0.19 micro m before to 0.31 +/- 0.16 microm after (P = 0.01). The quality of life score showed an improvement, from 8.58 +/- 2.38 (mean +/- SD) before to 5.33 +/- 1.95 after (P = 0.02). The treatment was well tolerated; adverse reactions primarily consisted of transitory gastrointestinal events. Conclusions Our data suggest that leflunomide for plaque-type psoriasis is a safe and clinically effective option as monotherapy. However, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are needed.

To evaluate gonadal function in male adolescents and young men with juvenile onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Four young men with SLE underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation, testicular ultrasound, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, testosterone, and anti-sperm antibody determination. The semen analyses were performed according to the WHO guidelines and Kruger strict criteria. All patients were asked to provide 3 semen samples over a period of 2 months. A new sample was collected 6 months later.The median disease duration was 6.6 years. The median age at initial ejaculation was 13.5 years. All 4 patients had severe disease with renal involvement (WHO class IV or V). The SLICC/ACR damage index at the time of study entry ranged between 0 and 3. The patients' Tanner stage was P5G5; all reported normal erection and libido. Gonadal evaluation by thorough examination of the genitalia and ultrasound was normal. Anti-sperm antibodies were negative in all patients. Only one patient showed high FSH and LH levels. The initial and final semen evaluations of the 4 patients were abnormal (azoospermia, oligoastenoteratospermia, or teratospermia). One patient was receiving azathioprine and 2 were receiving cyclophosphamide at the time of study entry.Although these patients had normal sexual activity and normal external genitalia, their fertility was decreased based on the sperm abnormalities. Serial semen analyses in larger study populations will be necessary to clarify the degree and duration of sperm abnormalities in male patients with SLE in general.

[ES] Este trabajo es una revisión bibliográfica de los métodos de síntesis del Hidroxiapatito (HA) más empleados: Sol-gel, mecanoquímico, hidrotérmico, sonoquímico, cerámico, hidrólisis y precipitación. Se incluye igualmente el comportamiento de los apatitos cuando son sometidos a tratamientos térmicos y se recopilan las aplicaciones que tienen los materiales de HA obtenidos mediante distintos procesos de conformado., [EN] In this work, a wide up-to-date bibliography information about the most important synthetic routes has been collected, such as sol-gel processing, mecano-chemical, hydrothermal, sonochemical, ceramic, hydrolysis and chemical precipitation. At the same time, properties and reactivity of hydroxyapatite when treated at high temperature are described. Finally applications of hydroxyapatite materials obtained by several forming methods are discussed.

Phenytoin was synthesized in 1908. Merritt and Putnam, 1 in 1938, described its anticonvulsive properties, and it was this article that began the drug's popularity as a cornerstone of anticonvulsive therapy. 1 We report our experience in an open trial withthe use of phenytoin in the treatment of patients with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) at the Dermatological Institute of Jalisco (Mexico). Materials and Methods. The age, sex, onset of disease, activity, time, length, extent, and distribution of the lesions as well as previous treatments were recorded in all patients. Ninety-three patients (76 women and 17 men) were included in this study. All patients had clinically and histologically confirmed DLE. Routine blood analyses were performed in all subjects. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were excluded. The treatment consisted exclusively of 100 mg of sodium diphenylhydantoin administered orally three times daily. Informed consent was obtained from each patient. In all patients, cutaneous lesions were examined