Adhesión de osteoblastos sobre andamios de PLA-PLG- biocerámico-colágeno, fotosensibilizados con luz UV

ResumenEmpleando simultáneamente, las técnicas de Espectroscopia de Impedancia Electroquímica (EIE) y Microbalanza de Cristal de Cuarzo (MCC) en una celda de tres electrodos, bajo condiciones de bioseguridad y adicionando una concentración de 60000células/ml de osteoblastos, con 2ml de medio celular, fue evaluada la adhesión celular sobre películas delgadas de polímeros (PLA-PGA) con 10% de biocerámicos de hidroxiapatita y fosfato tricálcico (HAP, TCP-β). Estas películas fueron obtenidas por electrodeposición catódica sobre un sustrato de Ti6Al4V ELI y sobre cristales de cuarzo con Au- Ti. Estos materiales, luego fueron modificados superficialmente con colágeno disuelto, pipeteado homogéneamente sobre la superficie polimérica en concentraciones de 10μg/ml y 20μg/ml y luego, fueron irradiados con luz ultravioleta durante 10 minutos. Observaciones de Microscopía electrónica sellevaron a cabo para estudiar la morfología superficial, comprobando una mayor adhesión por el efectode la fotoxidación por irradiación UV. Palabras clave: ingeniería de tejidos, irradiación ultravioleta, adhesión celular, espectroscopia de impedancia electroquímica, microbalanza de cristal de cuarzo. Osteoblast adhesion on PLA-PLG bioceramic- collagen scaffolds, photosensitized UV light  Abstract Simultaneously using the techniques of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy ( EIS ) and quartz crystal microbalance (MCC) in a three-electrode cell under conditions of biosafety and adding a concentration of 60000cells/ml of osteoblasts , with 2ml of medium cell was evaluated cell adhesion on thin films of polymers (PLA -PGA) bioceramic 10% tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite (HAP , TCP - β ) . These films were obtained by cathodic electrodeposition on ELI Ti6Al4V substrate and quartz crystals with Au –Ti. These materials were then surface modified with dissolved collagen, pipetting homogeneously on the polymer surface at concentrations of 10μg/ml and 20μg/ml and then they were irradiated with UV light for 10minutes. Electron microscopy observations were carried out to study the surface morphology, ensuring greater adherence by the effect of photo-oxidation by UV irradiation. Keywords: tissue engineering, ultraviolet irradiation, cell adhesion, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, quartz crystal microbalance.  Adesão de osteoblastos no andaime PLA-PLG- biocerâmica-colágeno, fotossensibilizada com luz UV   Resumo  Simultaneamente, utilizando as técnicas de espectroscopia de impedância electroquímica (EIA) e microbalança de cristal de quartzo (MCC), em uma célula de três eléctrodos em condições de segurança biológica e a adição de uma concentração de 60000células/ml de osteoblastos, com 2ml de meio de células foi avaliada a adesão celular em filmes finos de polímeros (PLA-PGA) biocerâmica 10% fosfato tricálcico e hidroxiapatita (HAP, TCP - β). Estes filmes foram obtidos por electrodeposição catódica em ELI Ti6Al4V substrato de quartzo e cristais com Au-Ti. Estes materiais foram então superfície modificada com dissolvido colagénio, pipetagem homogeneamente na superfície do polímero em concentrações de 10μg/ml e 20μg/ml e, em seguida, foram irradiadas com luz UV durante 10 minutos. Observações de microscopia eletrônica foram realizados para estudar a morfologia da superfície, garantindo maior aderência pelo efeito da foto-oxidação por irradiação UV.    Palabras-chave: engenharia de tecidos, a irradiação ultravioleta, adesão celular, espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica, cristal de quartzo microbalance.      Cita: Estupiñan Duran HA, Peña Ballesteros DY, Martínez NM. Adhesión de osteoblastos sobre andamios de PLA-PLG-biocerámico- colágeno, fotosensibilizados con luz UV. rev.ion. 2014;27(2): 7-15

Adhesión de osteoblastos sobre andamios de PLA-PLG- biocerámico-colágeno, fotosensibilizados con luz UV

ResumenEmpleando simultáneamente, las técnicas de Espectroscopia de Impedancia Electroquímica (EIE) y Microbalanza de Cristal de Cuarzo (MCC) en una celda de tres electrodos, bajo condiciones de bioseguridad y adicionando una concentración de 60000células/ml de osteoblastos, con 2ml de medio celular, fue evaluada la adhesión celular sobre películas delgadas de polímeros (PLA-PGA) con 10% de biocerámicos de hidroxiapatita y fosfato tricálcico (HAP, TCP-β). Estas películas fueron obtenidas por electrodeposición catódica sobre un sustrato de Ti6Al4V ELI y sobre cristales de cuarzo con Au- Ti. Estos materiales, luego fueron modificados superficialmente con colágeno disuelto, pipeteado homogéneamente sobre la superficie polimérica en concentraciones de 10μg/ml y 20μg/ml y luego, fueron irradiados con luz ultravioleta durante 10 minutos. Observaciones de Microscopía electrónica sellevaron a cabo para estudiar la morfología superficial, comprobando una mayor adhesión por el efectode la fotoxidación por irradiación UV. Palabras clave: ingeniería de tejidos, irradiación ultravioleta, adhesión celular, espectroscopia de impedancia electroquímica, microbalanza de cristal de cuarzo. Osteoblast adhesion on PLA-PLG bioceramic- collagen scaffolds, photosensitized UV light  Abstract Simultaneously using the techniques of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy ( EIS ) and quartz crystal microbalance (MCC) in a three-electrode cell under conditions of biosafety and adding a concentration of 60000cells/ml of osteoblasts , with 2ml of medium cell was evaluated cell adhesion on thin films of polymers (PLA -PGA) bioceramic 10% tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite (HAP , TCP - β ) . These films were obtained by cathodic electrodeposition on ELI Ti6Al4V substrate and quartz crystals with Au –Ti. These materials were then surface modified with dissolved collagen, pipetting homogeneously on the polymer surface at concentrations of 10μg/ml and 20μg/ml and then they were irradiated with UV light for 10minutes. Electron microscopy observations were carried out to study the surface morphology, ensuring greater adherence by the effect of photo-oxidation by UV irradiation. Keywords: tissue engineering, ultraviolet irradiation, cell adhesion, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, quartz crystal microbalance.  Adesão de osteoblastos no andaime PLA-PLG- biocerâmica-colágeno, fotossensibilizada com luz UV   Resumo  Simultaneamente, utilizando as técnicas de espectroscopia de impedância electroquímica (EIA) e microbalança de cristal de quartzo (MCC), em uma célula de três eléctrodos em condições de segurança biológica e a adição de uma concentração de 60000células/ml de osteoblastos, com 2ml de meio de células foi avaliada a adesão celular em filmes finos de polímeros (PLA-PGA) biocerâmica 10% fosfato tricálcico e hidroxiapatita (HAP, TCP - β). Estes filmes foram obtidos por electrodeposição catódica em ELI Ti6Al4V substrato de quartzo e cristais com Au-Ti. Estes materiais foram então superfície modificada com dissolvido colagénio, pipetagem homogeneamente na superfície do polímero em concentrações de 10μg/ml e 20μg/ml e, em seguida, foram irradiadas com luz UV durante 10 minutos. Observações de microscopia eletrônica foram realizados para estudar a morfologia da superfície, garantindo maior aderência pelo efeito da foto-oxidação por irradiação UV.    Palabras-chave: engenharia de tecidos, a irradiação ultravioleta, adesão celular, espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica, cristal de quartzo microbalance.      Cita: Estupiñan Duran HA, Peña Ballesteros DY, Martínez NM. Adhesión de osteoblastos sobre andamios de PLA-PLG-biocerámico- colágeno, fotosensibilizados con luz UV. rev.ion. 2014;27(2): 7-15

Uncertainty Estimation for Performance Evaluation of a Confocal Microscope as Metrology Equipment

Both in industry and research, the quality control of micrometric manufactured parts is based on the measurement of parameters whose traceability is sometimes difficult to guarantee. In some of these parts, the confocal microscopy shows great aptitudes to characterize a measurand qualitatively and quantitatively. The confocal microscopy allows the acquisition of 2D and 3D images that are easily manipulated. Nowadays, this equipment is manufactured by many different brands, each of them claiming a resolution probably not in accord to their real performance. The Laser Center (Technical University of Madrid) has a confocal microscope to verify the dimensions of the micro mechanizing in their own research projects. The present study pretends to confirm that the magnitudes obtained are true and reliable. To achieve this, a methodology for confocal microscope calibration is proposed, as well as an experimental phase for dimensionally valuing the equipment by 4 different standard positions, with its seven magnifications and the six objective lenses that the equipment currently has, in the x–y and z axis. From the results the uncertainty will be estimated along with an effect analysis of the different magnifications in each of the objective lenses

Multiple Processes Regulate Long-Term Population Dynamics of Sea Urchins on Mediterranean Rocky Reefs

We annually monitored the abundance and size structure of herbivorous sea urchin populations (Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula) inside and outside a marine reserve in the Northwestern Mediterranean on two distinct habitats (boulders and vertical walls) over a period of 20 years, with the aim of analyzing changes at different temporal scales in relation to biotic and abiotic drivers. P. lividus exhibited significant variability in density over time on boulder bottoms but not on vertical walls, and temporal trends were not significantly different between the protection levels. Differences in densities were caused primarily by variance in recruitment, which was less pronounced inside the MPA and was correlated with adult density, indicating density-dependent recruitment under high predation pressure, as well as some positive feedback mechanisms that may facilitate higher urchin abundances despite higher predator abundance. Populations within the reserve were less variable in abundance and did not exhibit the hyper-abundances observed outside the reserve, suggesting that predation effects maybe more subtle than simply lowering the numbers of urchins in reserves. A. lixula densities were an order of magnitude lower than P. lividus densities and varied within sites and over time on boulder bottoms but did not differ between protection levels. In December 2008, an exceptionally violent storm reduced sea urchin densities drastically (by 50% to 80%) on boulder substrates, resulting in the lowest values observed over the entire study period, which remained at that level for at least two years (up to the present). Our results also showed great variability in the biological and physical processes acting at different temporal scales. This study highlights the need for appropriate temporal scales for studies to fully understand ecosystem functioning, the concepts of which are fundamental to successful conservation and management

The weekend effect on the provision of Emergency Surgery before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: case–control analysis of a retrospective multicentre database

Introduction: The concept of “weekend effect”, that is, substandard healthcare during weekends, has never been fully demonstrated, and the different outcomes of emergency surgical patients admitted during weekends may be due to different conditions at admission and/or different therapeutic approaches. Aim of this international audit was to identify any change of pattern of emergency surgical admissions and treatments during weekends. Furthermore, we aimed at investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the alleged “weekend effect”. Methods: The database of the CovidICE-International Study was interrogated, and 6263 patients were selected for analysis. Non-trauma, 18+ yo patients admitted to 45 emergency surgery units in Europe in the months of March–April 2019 and March–April 2020 were included. Demographic and clinical data were anonymised by the referring centre and centrally collected and analysed with a statistical package. This study was endorsed by the Association of Italian Hospital Surgeons (ACOI) and the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES). Results: Three-quarters of patients have been admitted during workdays and only 25.7% during weekends. There was no difference in the distribution of gender, age, ASA class and diagnosis during weekends with respect to workdays. The first wave of the COVID pandemic caused a one-third reduction of emergency surgical admission both during workdays and weekends but did not change the relation between workdays and weekends. The treatment was more often surgical for patients admitted during weekends, with no difference between 2019 and 2020, and procedures were more often performed by open surgery. However, patients admitted during weekends had a threefold increased risk of laparoscopy-to-laparotomy conversion (1% vs. 3.4%). Hospital stay was longer in patients admitted during weekends, but those patients had a lower risk of readmission. There was no difference of the rate of rescue surgery between weekends and workdays. Subgroup analysis revealed that interventional procedures for hot gallbladder were less frequently performed on patients admitted during weekends. Conclusions: Our analysis revealed that demographic and clinical profiles of patients admitted during weekends do not differ significantly from workdays, but the therapeutic strategy may be different probably due to lack of availability of services and skillsets during weekends. The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic did not impact on this difference

Erratum to: 36th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13054-016-1208-6.]

Elective Cancer Surgery in COVID-19-Free Surgical Pathways During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: An International, Multicenter, Comparative Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19-free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19-free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation). RESULTS: Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19-free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19-free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.2% v 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score-matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.1% v 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76). CONCLUSION: Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19-free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks

Elective cancer surgery in COVID-19-free surgical pathways during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: An international, multicenter, comparative cohort study

PURPOSE As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19–free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19–free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation). RESULTS Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19–free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19–free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.2% v 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score–matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.1% v 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76). CONCLUSION Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19–free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks

Adhesión de osteoblastos sobre andamios de PLA-PLG-biocerámico-colágeno, fotosensibilizados con luz UV

Empleando simultáneamente, las técnicas de Espectroscopia de Impedancia Electroquímica (EIE) y Microbalanza de Cristal de Cuarzo (MCC) en una celda de tres electrodos, bajo condiciones de bioseguridad y adicionando una concentración de 60000células/ml de osteoblastos, con 2ml de medio celular, fue evaluada la adhesión celular sobre películas delgadas de polímeros (PLA-PGA) con 10% de biocerámicos de hidroxiapatita y fosfato tricálcico (HAP, TCP-β). Estas películas fueron obtenidas por electrodeposición catódica sobre un sustrato de Ti6Al4V ELI y sobre cristales de cuarzo con Au-Ti. Estos materiales, luego fueron modificados superficialmente con colágeno disuelto, pipeteado homogéneamente sobre la superficie polimérica en concentraciones de 10 y 20μg/ml y luego, fueron irradiados con luz ultravioleta durante 10 minutos. Observaciones de Microscopía electrónica se llevaron a cabo para estudiar la morfología superficial, comprobando una mayor adhesión por el efecto de la fotoxidación por irradiación UV

Eucalyptus honey: Quality parameters, chemical composition and health-promoting properties

Eucalyptus honey is an important unifloral honey commercialized worldwide and much desired by consumers due to the medicinal properties attributed to it because of the plant from which it is produced. In general, eucalyptus honey has been classified as being rich in pollen grains from the eucalyptus tree as well as having physicochemical characteristics that, in a way, have made it stand out from other honeys. Similar to other types of honey, eucalyptus honey can suffer contaminations and adulterations that compromise its quality, safety and authenticity. Thus, detailed knowledge of the composition and properties of this monofloral honeys is of great importance. With this background, the aim of this review is to present and discuss recent data regarding the physicochemical characteristics, chemical and health-promoting properties of eucalyptus honey as well as microbial contamination, authenticity, processing and adulteration