On the robustness of model-based algorithms for photoacoustic tomography: Comparison between time and frequency domains

For photoacoustic image reconstruction, certain parameters such as sensor positions and speed of sound have a major impact on the reconstruction process and must be carefully determined before data acquisition. Uncertainties in these parameters can lead to errors produced by a modeling mismatch, hindering the reconstruction process and severely affecting the resulting image quality. Therefore, in this work, we study how modeling errors arising from uncertainty in sensor locations affect the images obtained by matrix model-based reconstruction algorithms based on time domain and frequency domain models of the photoacoustic problem. The effects on the reconstruction performance with respect to the uncertainty in the knowledge of the sensors location are compared and analyzed both in a qualitative and quantitative fashion for both time and frequency models. Ultimately, our study shows that the frequency domain approach is more sensitive to this kind of modeling errors. These conclusions are supported by numerical experiments and a theoretical sensitivity analysis of the mathematical operator for the direct problem.Fil: Hirsch, Lucas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Física; ArgentinaFil: González, Martín Germán. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Física; ArgentinaFil: Rey Vega, Leonardo Javier. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Física; Argentin

Macroinvertebrados asociados a macrófitas en la laguna La Virginia, páramo Sumapaz, Colombia. Macroinvertebrates associated with macrophytes in lagoon La Virginia, páramo Sumapaz, Colombia

El conocimiento limnológico de los páramos es casi inexistente ya que las investigaciones se han desarrollado, principalmente, en zonas andinas y alto andinas. Al respecto, en este estudio se planteó la pregunta: ¿cómo se asocian la diversidad (H ́), densidad, riqueza y biomasa de macroinvertebrados asociados a Potamogeton sp., Azolla filiculoides y Myriophyllum aquaticum, con las variables medidas en cada una de ellas: hábito de vida (flotante, emergente y sumergida), biomasa y condiciones de hábitat? El objetivo fue determinar cambios espacio-temporales de densidad, biomasa y diversidad de la fauna, en función del hábitat que ocupaban y de las condiciones ambientales. Los muestreos se adelantaron durante cuatro temporadas hidrológicas. Se tomaron muestras de las plantas y se extrajeron de ellas los invertebrados. Se midieron variables fisicoquímicas en campo y en laboratorio. Fueron identificados 19 géneros/morfotipos de macroinvertebrados, presentando mayor densidad y biomasa, Helobdella, Hyalella y Tubificidae. El ecosistema presentó H ́promedio de 0,62 bits.ind-1 y dominancia promedio de 0,5. La densidad fue correlacionada con conductividad eléctrica y caudal, y la biomasa con conductividad y oxígeno disuelto. La macrófita sumergida presentó la mayor cantidad de biomasa, densidad, riqueza y H ́ de macroinvertebrados. Las condiciones ambientales fueron optimas para la diversidad faunística.Bogotá, D. C

Macroinvertebrados asociados a macrófitas en la laguna La Virginia, páramo Sumapaz, Colombia

The limnological knowledge in the páramo is almost nonexistent, in the countries where these ecosystems are present, research have been developed, mainly, in Andean and high Andean zones. In this context, in this study was formulated the question ¿How H´ diversity is associated, density, richness and biomass of macroinvertebrates with variables associated to Potamogeton sp., Azolla filiculoides y Myriophyllum aquaticum, these were: habitat of life (floating, emergent and submerged), biomass and habitat conditions?. The objective was to determine spatiotemporal changes of density, biomass and diversity of macroinvertebrates, depending of occupied habitat and environmental conditions. Samplings were carried out during four hydrological seasons. Then physic-chemical variables were measured in field and laboratory. There were found 19 genera/morphotypes of macroinvertebrates, the most relevant in terms of density and biomass were Helobdella, Hyalella and Tubificidae morphotype. In general, the ecosystem has an average H´ of 0.62 bits.Ind-1, and a Simpson dominance of 0.5. The density was correlated with electrical conductivity and stream flow; and biomass with conductivity and dissolved oxygen. The submerged macrophyte has the highest amount of biomass, density, macroinvertebrates richness and H´ biodiversity. The environment conditions were optimal for faunal diversity.El conocimiento limnológico de los páramos es casi inexistente ya que las investigaciones se han desarrollado, principalmente, en zonas andinas y alto andinas. Al respecto, en este estudio se planteó la pregunta: ¿cómo se asocian la diversidad (H´), densidad, riqueza y biomasa de macroinvertebrados asociados a Potamogeton sp., Azolla filiculoides y Myriophyllum aquaticum, con las variables medidas en cada una de ellas: hábito de vida (flotante, emergente y sumergida), biomasa y condiciones de hábitat? El objetivo fue determinar cambios espaciotemporales de densidad, biomasa y diversidad de la fauna, en función del hábitat que ocupaban y de las condiciones ambientales. Los muestreos se adelantaron durante cuatro temporadas hidrológicas. Se tomaron muestras de las plantas y se extrajeron de ellas los invertebrados. Se midieron variables fisicoquímicas en campo y en laboratorio. Fueron identificados 19 géneros/morfotipos de macroinvertebrados, presentando mayor densidad y biomasa, Helobdella, Hyalella y Tubificidae. El ecosistema presentó H´promedio de 0,62 bits.ind-1 y dominancia promedio de 0,5. La densidad fue correlacionada con conductividad eléctrica y caudal, y la biomasa con conductividad y oxígeno disuelto. La macrófita sumergida presentó la mayor cantidad de biomasa, densidad, riqueza y H´ de macroinvertebrados. Las condiciones ambientales fueron optimas para la diversidad faunística

Macroinvertebrates associated with macrophytes in lagoon La Virginia, páramo Sumapaz, Colombia

The limnological knowledge in the páramo is almost nonexistent, in the countries where these ecosystems are present, research have been developed, mainly, in Andean and high Andean zones. In this context, in this study was formulated the question ¿How H´ diversity is associated, density, richness and biomass of macroinvertebrates with variables associated to Potamogeton sp., Azolla filiculoides y Myriophyllum aquaticum, these were: habitat of life (floating, emergent and submerged), biomass and habitat conditions?. The objective was to determine spatiotemporal changes of density, biomass and diversity of macroinvertebrates, depending of occupied habitat and environmental conditions. Samplings were carried out during four hydrological seasons. Then physic-chemical variables were measured in field and laboratory. There were found 19 genera/morphotypes of macroinvertebrates, the most relevant in terms of density and biomass were Helobdella, Hyalella and Tubificidae morphotype. In general, the ecosystem has an average H´ of 0.62 bits.Ind-1, and a Simpson dominance of 0.5. The density was correlated with electrical conductivity and stream flow; and biomass with conductivity and dissolved oxygen. The submerged macrophyte has the highest amount of biomass, density, macroinvertebrates richness and H´ biodiversity. The environment conditions were optimal for faunal diversity

Fracturas periprotésicas postoperatorias de tibia.

Pese a su baja frecuencia las fracturas periprotésicas de tibia son una complicación grave cuya incidencia probablemente aumente en los próximos años. Es fundamental clasificar adecuadamente estas fracturas en función de su localización y presencia de af lojamiento para plantear un correcto tratamiento en cada caso. Se podrá realizar un tratamiento conservador, síntesis o revisión de la prótesis en función del tipo de fractura. En caso de fijación de la fractura, las placas de estabilidad angular, preferiblemente poliaxiales pueden ser una buena opción debido al limitado stock óseo en la metáfisis proximal que aloja un componente protésico. En caso de revisión se produce una importante perdida de hueso que necesita una adecuada reconstrucción. La utilización de sistemas de navegación y la colocación de prótesis unicompartimentales se ha relacionado con esta complicación.The incidence of periprosthetic tibia fractures is expected to increase although still being rare. It is paramount to classify these fractures properly, based on level and loosening in order to plan an adequate treatment in each case. Conservative treatment, fracture fixation and prosthetic revision can be performed depending on the fracture type. In case of fracture fixation, locking plates, preferable polyaxial, can be a good option due to the limited bone stock in the proximal metaphysis hosting a prosthetic component. Revision can result in relevant bone lose that will need of adequate reconstruction. Navigation systems as well as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty have been related to this complication

Laser treatment of nanoparticulated metal thin films for ceramic tile decoration

This paper presents a new method for the fabrication of metal-like decorative layers on glazed ceramic tiles. It consists of the laser treatment of copper thin films prepared by electron beam evaporation at glancing angles. A thin film of discontinuous copper nanoparticles was electron beam evaporated in an oblique angle configuration onto ceramic tiles and an ample palette of colors obtained by laser treatment both in air and in vacuum. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM and FESEM) along with UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) analysis were used to characterize the differently colored layers. Based on these analyses, color development has been accounted for by a simple model considering surface melting phenomena and different microstructural and chemical transformations of the outmost surface layers of samples.Financial support from the EU (Grant LIFE11/ENV/ES560), Innovaragon (Grant ITA-DGA/ES 1368), DGA (Group T87), MINECO (Projects MAT2013-40852-R and MAT2013-42900-P), and Junta de Andalucia (Projects TEP 8067 and FQM 6900) is gratefully acknowledged. F.R.-G. acknowledges the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation for Grant SFRH/BPD/108581/2015.Peer reviewe

Efusiones pleurales en pequeños animales

El derrame pleural es una acumulación anormal de líquidos en la cavidad pleural y constituye una manifestación clínica común a numerosos procesos. El derrame pleural es relativamente frecuente en perros y gatos. Su presentación clínica es variable, depende de la enfermedad subyacente, del volumen del derrame y de la rapidez en su formación. En ocasiones puede ser asintomático e identificarse como un hallazgo accidental, mientras que en otras es de tal magnitud que los signos de dificultad respiratoria dominarán el cuadro clínico. El planteamiento diagnóstico dependerá de las causas probables establecidas en función de la anamnesis y la exploración física de cada paciente en particular. La evaluación de un paciente con derrame pleural de causa no conocida comienza con la toracocentesis diagnóstica, excepto cuando la sospecha de derrame pleural es claramente secundaria a una enfermedad específica. El análisis del líquido pleural genera una información vital para el proceso diagnóstico, y en ciertos casos, suficiente para determinar la causa. El tratamiento es muy variable pues depende de la etiología subyacente. En ocasiones la causa puede no ser manejable. Los derrames neoplásicos generalmente tienen mal pronóstico y el tratamiento suele ser paliativo. Los piotórax tienen un pronóstico bueno, pero requieren de tratamiento con antibióticos riguroso y prolongado, y frecuentemente quirúrgico. Los trasudados, y derrames hemorrágicos son generalmente fáciles de resolver, pero las expectativas a largo plazo dependerán de la causa primaria. Los derrames quilosos pueden responder a tratamiento dietético y drenaje, pero si estos métodos fallan, será necesario realizar tratamiento quirúrgico

Body composition and fitness in elite Spanish children tennis players

The aims of this study were to describe body composition and physical fitness changes during a whole-season in elite children tennis players. A total of 7 elite children tennis players participated in the study. Whole body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and physical fitness were assessed during a season. Subjects increased lean and bone percentage, and decreased abdominal fat and total body fat percentage (all p<0.05). From month1 to month5 subjects improved in handgrip right test, standing broad jump and 20m shuttle run test (all p<0.05). From month5 to month10 there were not significant differences in physical fitness, although some showed a decline (back-saver sit and reach and shuttle run 20 m test). During the whole season, subjects decreased sit and reach in the left leg, but increased handgrip dominant test and standing broad jump (all p<0.05). During a season, children tennis players increased lean and bone percentage, and decreased abdominal and total fat percentage (all p<0.05). However, waist circumference and waist to height ratio were not useful to detect body composition changes. In addition, there were asymmetric changes in fitness (maximal isometric strength increased in the dominant hand and flexibility decreased in the contra lateral leg)

Activity of the β-Lactamase inhibitor LN-1-255 against carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D β-lactamases from Acinetobacter baumannii

The number of infections caused by Gram-negative pathogens carrying carbapenemases is increasing, and the group of carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D β-lactamases (CHDLs) is especially problematic. Several clinically important CHDLs have been identified in A. baumannii, including OXA-23, OXA-24/40, OXA-58, OXA-143, OXA-235, and the chromosomally encoded OXA-51. The selection and dissemination of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii strains constitutes a serious global threat. Carbapenems have been successfully utilized as last resort antibiotics for the treatment of multi-drug-resistant A. baumannii infections. However, the spread of OXA carbapenemases is compromising the continued use of these antimicrobials. In response to this clinical issue, it is necessary and urgent to design and develop new specific inhibitors with efficacy against these enzymes. The aim of this work is to characterize the inhibitory activity of LN-1-255 (a 6-alkylidene-2-substituted penicillin sulfone) and compare it to that of two established inhibitors (avibactam and tazobactam) against the most relevant enzymes of each group of class D carbapenemases in A. baumannii. The β-lactamase inhibitor LN-1-255 demonstrated excellent microbiological synergy and inhibition kinetics parameters against all tested CHDLs, and a significantly higher activity than tazobactam and avibactam. A combination of carbapenems and LN-1-255 was effective against A. baumannii class D carbapenemases. Docking assays confirmed the affinity of LN-1-255 for the active site of these enzymes. LN-1-255 represents a potential new β-lactamase inhibitor, which may have a significant role in eradicating infections caused by A. baumannii isolates carrying CHDLsThis work was supported by the Spanish National Plans for Scientific Research, Development and Technological Innovation 2008-2011 and 2013-2016 and funded by the ISCIII- General Subdirection of Assessment and Promotion of the Research-European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) “A way of making Europe”: PI12/00552 to G.B. and PI14/00059 to M.P. and A.B. Also, this study was supported in part by funds from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health (USA) under award numbers R01AI063517 and R01AI100560, by funds and/or facilities provided by the Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Affairs Merit Review Program Award 1I01BX001974 and the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center VISN 10 to R.A.B., and by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competiveness (SAF2013-42899-R), Xunta de Galicia (GRC2013-041) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to C.GB. J.V. was financially supported by the Sara Borrell Programme ISCIII-FEDER (CD13/00373). J.V.H. and A.B. were financially supported by the Miguel Servet Programme ISCIII-FEDER (CP13/00226)S

Genética, riesgo y derecho penal: una aproximación interdisciplinaria

Este texto presenta un estudio científico y jurídico sobre la genética y el derecho penal, con el objeto de realizar un pequeño aporte para la superación de la polarización política y moral de los debates sobre la genética y el derecho, que sólo ha conducido a una desafortunada paralización de la regulación sobre el tema que aumenta los riesgos para la salud humana y el equilibrio de los ecosistemas. Ante una problemática tan compleja, el derecho moderno no plantea una solución unitaria, sino una metodología a través de la cual cada sociedad democráticamente pueda adoptar sus propias decisiones frente a la salvaguarda de su patrimonio genético