Barbed suture pharyngoplasty in velopharyngeal complete concentric collapse: a multicentric study

Abstract Background Studies have shown that complete concentric circular collapse (CCC) at the velum is a frequent finding in drug-induced sleep endoscopy, implying a worse prognosis for surgical outcomes in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Our group evaluated the results of pharyngoplasties with barbed sutures for this indication. We selected 48 patients with OSAS and CCC who underwent pharyngoplasty with barbed sutures in 8 tertiary centers. The outcome results were measured by polygraphy or polysomnography and Epworth Symptoms Scale (ESS) at least 6 months after surgery. Results Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) improved from 34.9/h [21.2] to 12.7/h [10.6]. The success rate according to Sher's criteria was 86.7%, the cure rate was 23.9%, and an AHI < 10 occurred in 42.2% of the cases. The oxygen desaturation index improved from 32.5/h [29.9] to 12.5/h SD [11.6], and the ESS improved from 10.2 [5.2] to 6 [3.5]. Conclusions Pharyngoplasty with barbed sutures seems to be a good alternative for patients with OSAS and CCC findings in drug-induced sleep endoscopy

Measurement of the cosmic ray spectrum above 4×10184{\times}10^{18} eV using inclined events detected with the Pierre Auger Observatory

A measurement of the cosmic-ray spectrum for energies exceeding $4{\times}10^{18}$ eV is presented, which is based on the analysis of showers with zenith angles greater than $60^{\circ}$ detected with the Pierre Auger Observatory between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2013. The measured spectrum confirms a flux suppression at the highest energies. Above $5.3{\times}10^{18}$ eV, the "ankle", the flux can be described by a power law $E^{-\gamma}$ with index $\gamma=2.70 \pm 0.02 \,\text{(stat)} \pm 0.1\,\text{(sys)}$ followed by a smooth suppression region. For the energy ($E_\text{s}$) at which the spectral flux has fallen to one-half of its extrapolated value in the absence of suppression, we find $E_\text{s}=(5.12\pm0.25\,\text{(stat)}^{+1.0}_{-1.2}\,\text{(sys)}){\times}10^{19}$ eV.Comment: Replaced with published version. Added journal reference and DO

Jardins per a la salut

Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona. Ensenyament: Grau de Farmàcia. Assignatura: Botànica farmacèutica. Curs: 2014-2015. Coordinadors: Joan Simon, Cèsar Blanché i Maria Bosch.Els materials que aquí es presenten són el recull de les fitxes botàniques de 128 espècies presents en el Jardí Ferran Soldevila de l’Edifici Històric de la UB. Els treballs han estat realitzats manera individual per part dels estudiants dels grups M-3 i T-1 de l’assignatura Botànica Farmacèutica durant els mesos de febrer a maig del curs 2014-15 com a resultat final del Projecte d’Innovació Docent «Jardins per a la salut: aprenentatge servei a Botànica farmacèutica» (codi 2014PID-UB/054). Tots els treballs s’han dut a terme a través de la plataforma de GoogleDocs i han estat tutoritzats pels professors de l’assignatura. L’objectiu principal de l’activitat ha estat fomentar l’aprenentatge autònom i col·laboratiu en Botànica farmacèutica. També s’ha pretès motivar els estudiants a través del retorn de part del seu esforç a la societat a través d’una experiència d’Aprenentatge-Servei, deixant disponible finalment el treball dels estudiants per a poder ser consultable a través d’una Web pública amb la possibilitat de poder-ho fer in-situ en el propi jardí mitjançant codis QR amb un smartphone

Changes in pain and muscle architecture in colon cancer survivors after a lumbopelvic exercise program: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Objective To investigate the efficacy of an eight-week lumbopelvic stabilization program (CO-CUIDATE) for colon cancer survivors. Design A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled clinical trial. Settings A blinded, trained researcher performed the end point assessments for pain (Pressure Pain Threshold and Brief Pain Inventory) and muscle architecture (ultrasound imaging measurements). Subjects Forty-six colon cancer survivors who were assigned to the CO-CUIDATE group or usual care group. Methods The CO-CUIDATE program was conducted for eight weeks. A trained researcher who was blinded to patient group performed the assessments. The tests were carried out with multiple observations. Intention-to-treat analyses were performed. Results The program had an adherence rate of 88.36% and two dropouts (10.5%). The participants reported some minor side effects during the first exercise sessions. The analysis revealed significant differences in the group x time interactions for the lumbar side (dominant: F = 3.1, P P = 0.01) and the infra-umbilical dominant side (F = 1.2, P = 0.04) after the program and at the six-month follow-up and for the internal oblique thickness (F = 5.1, P = 0.030) after the program. The experimental group experienced a greater improvement in all values after the program compared with the control group. There were no significant changes in the other pressure pain threshold points, pain severity, interference of pain, or the remaining ultrasound imaging measurements. Conclusion The CO-CUIDATE program is effective for improving the musculoskeletal conditions related to the lumbopelvic area in colon cancer survivors, specifically in relation to pain and the internal oblique thickness

Variants of the Aggression-Related RBFOX1 Gene in a Population Representative Birth Cohort Study: Aggressiveness, Personality, and Alcohol Use Disorder

Contains fulltext : 228588.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access

Deficiency of the ywhaz gene, involved in neurodevelopmental disorders, alters brain activity and behaviour in zebrafish

Genetic variants in YWHAZ contribute to psychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, and have been related to an impaired neurodevelopment in humans and mice. Here, we have used zebrafish to investigate the mechanisms by which YWHAZ contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders. We observed that ywhaz expression was pan-neuronal during developmental stages and restricted to Purkinje cells in the adult cerebellum, cells that are described to be reduced in number and size in autistic patients. We then performed whole-brain imaging in wild-type and ywhaz CRISPR/Cas9 knockout (KO) larvae and found altered neuronal activity and connectivity in the hindbrain. Adult ywhaz KO fish display decreased levels of monoamines in the hindbrain and freeze when exposed to novel stimuli, a phenotype that can be reversed with drugs that target monoamine neurotransmission. These findings suggest an important role for ywhaz in establishing neuronal connectivity during development and modulating both neurotransmission and behaviour in adults