Knot Invariants for Intersecting Loops

We generalize the braid algebra to the case of loops with intersections. We introduce the Reidemeister moves for 4 and 6-valent vertices to have a theory of rigid vertex equivalence. By considering representations of the extended braid algebra, we derive skein relations for link polynomials, which allow us to generalize any link Polynomial to the intersecting case. We perturbatively show that the HOMFLY Polynomials for intersecting links correspond to the vacuum expectation value of the Wilson line operator of the Chern Simon's Theory. We make contact with quantum gravity by showing that these polynomials are simply related with some solutions of the complete set of constraints with cosmological constantComment: 22 page

Towards a loop representation for quantum canonical supergravity

We study several aspects of the canonical quantization of supergravity in terms of the Asthekar variables. We cast the theory in terms of a $GSU(2)$ connection and we introduce a loop representation. The solution space is similar to the loop representation of ordinary gravity, the main difference being the form of the Mandelstam identities. Physical states are in general given by knot invariants that are compatible with the $GSU(2)$ Mandelstam identities. There is an explicit solution to all the quantum constraint equations connected with the Chern-Simons form, which coincides exactly with the Dubrovnik version of the Kauffman Polynomial. This provides for the first time the possibility of finding explicit analytic expressions for the coefficients of that knot polynomial.Comment: 12 pages Revtex, figures with epsf. An important revision was made of section four. We were able to identify the exact quantum state of all the constraints of supergravity as the Dubrovnik version of the Kauffman polynomial. This provides the first known link of that polynomial to quantum field theor

Evolving trends in the management of acute appendicitis during COVID-19 waves. The ACIE appy II study

Background: In 2020, ACIE Appy study showed that COVID-19 pandemic heavily affected the management of patients with acute appendicitis (AA) worldwide, with an increased rate of non-operative management (NOM) strategies and a trend toward open surgery due to concern of virus transmission by laparoscopy and controversial recommendations on this issue. The aim of this study was to survey again the same group of surgeons to assess if any difference in management attitudes of AA had occurred in the later stages of the outbreak. Methods: From August 15 to September 30, 2021, an online questionnaire was sent to all 709 participants of the ACIE Appy study. The questionnaire included questions on personal protective equipment (PPE), local policies and screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection, NOM, surgical approach and disease presentations in 2021. The results were compared with the results from the previous study. Results: A total of 476 answers were collected (response rate 67.1%). Screening policies were significatively improved with most patients screened regardless of symptoms (89.5% vs. 37.4%) with PCR and antigenic test as the preferred test (74.1% vs. 26.3%). More patients tested positive before surgery and commercial systems were the preferred ones to filter smoke plumes during laparoscopy. Laparoscopic appendicectomy was the first option in the treatment of AA, with a declined use of NOM. Conclusion: Management of AA has improved in the last waves of pandemic. Increased evidence regarding SARS-COV-2 infection along with a timely healthcare systems response has been translated into tailored attitudes and a better care for patients with AA worldwide

Psicothema

Resumen tomado de la publicaciónMindfulness en el trastorno límite de la personalidad: el descentramiento media la efectividad del entrenamiento. Antecedentes: el entrenamiento de habilidades en Mindfulness es un componente central en la terapia dialéctica conductual para el tratamiento del trastorno límite de la personalidad (TLP). El objetivo del estudio fue comparar la efectividad del entrenamiento de habilidades DBT basado en mindfulness (DBT-M) con el entrenamiento de habilidades DBT basado en la efectividad interpersonal (DBT-IE), en reducir síntomas TLP. También evaluamos el mecanismo de acción específico de estas terapias a través de dos mediadores propuestos: descentramiento y desregulación emocional. Método: 102 participantes diagnosticados con TLP fueron incluidos en el estudio. Se realizaron Anova de medidas repetidas y análisis de mediación múltiple. Resultados: DBT-M fue más efectivo que DBT-IE en reducir síntomas TLP, aunque ambas intervenciones fueron eficaces para reducir la desregulación emocional. Identificamos un modelo de mediación en serie en el que DBT-M redujo síntomas TLP al aumentar la capacidad de descentramiento, lo que a su vez redujo la desregulación emocional. Este efecto de mediación mostró que los cambios en el descentramiento precedieron a las mejoras en la desregulación emocional. Conclusiones: estos hallazgos destacan el rol del descentramiento como un mecanismo de acción primario en DBT-M y sugiere que esta habilidad es un componente principal para el tratamiento del TLP.ES

Evolving trends in the management of acute appendicitis during COVID-19 waves. The ACIE appy II study (vol 46, pg 2021, 2022)

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Global attitudes in the management of acute appendicitis during COVID-19 pandemic: ACIE Appy Study

Background: Surgical strategies are being adapted to face the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations on the management of acute appendicitis have been based on expert opinion, but very little evidence is available. This study addressed that dearth with a snapshot of worldwide approaches to appendicitis. Methods: The Association of Italian Surgeons in Europe designed an online survey to assess the current attitude of surgeons globally regarding the management of patients with acute appendicitis during the pandemic. Questions were divided into baseline information, hospital organization and screening, personal protective equipment, management and surgical approach, and patient presentation before versus during the pandemic. Results: Of 744 answers, 709 (from 66 countries) were complete and were included in the analysis. Most hospitals were treating both patients with and those without COVID. There was variation in screening indications and modality used, with chest X-ray plus molecular testing (PCR) being the commonest (19\ub78 per cent). Conservative management of complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis was used by 6\ub76 and 2\ub74 per cent respectively before, but 23\ub77 and 5\ub73 per cent, during the pandemic (both P < 0\ub7001). One-third changed their approach from laparoscopic to open surgery owing to the popular (but evidence-lacking) advice from expert groups during the initial phase of the pandemic. No agreement on how to filter surgical smoke plume during laparoscopy was identified. There was an overall reduction in the number of patients admitted with appendicitis and one-third felt that patients who did present had more severe appendicitis than they usually observe. Conclusion: Conservative management of mild appendicitis has been possible during the pandemic. The fact that some surgeons switched to open appendicectomy may reflect the poor guidelines that emanated in the early phase of SARS-CoV-2