Genetics of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Practical Aspects and Prognostic Significance

status: publishe

Effects of sevoflurane and propofol on left ventricular diastolic function in patients with pre-existing diastolic dysfunction

Background. The effects of anaesthetics on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in patients with pre-existing diastolic dysfunction are not well known. We hypothesized that propofol but not sevoflurane will worsen the pre-existing LV diastolic dysfunction. Methods. Of 24 randomized patients, 23 fulfilled the predefined echocardiographic criterion for diastolic dysfunction. They received general anaesthesia with sevoflurane 1 MAC (n=12) or propofol 4 μg ml−1 (n=11). Echocardiographic examinations were performed at baseline and in anaesthetized patients under spontaneous breathing and under positive pressure ventilation. Analysis focused on peak early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (Ea). Results. During spontaneous breathing, Ea was higher in the sevoflurane than in the propofol group [mean (95% CI) 7.0 (5.9-8.1) vs 5.5 (4.7-6.3) cm s−1; P<0.05], reflecting an increase of Ea from baseline only in the sevoflurane group (P<0.01). Haemodynamic findings were similar in both groups, but the end-tidal carbon dioxide content was more elevated in the propofol group (P<0.01). During positive pressure ventilation, Ea was similarly low in the sevoflurane and propofol groups [5.3 (4.2-6.3) and 4.4 (3.6-5.2) cm s−1, respectively]. Conclusions. During spontaneous breathing, early diastolic function improved in the sevoflurane but not in the propofol group. However, during positive pressure ventilation and balanced anaesthesia, there was no evidence of different effects caused by the two anaesthetic

Effects of halothane, sevoflurane and propofol on left ventricular diastolic function in humans during spontaneous and mechanical ventilation

Background. There is limited knowledge of the effects of anaesthetics on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in humans. Our aim was to evaluate these effects in humans free from cardiovascular disease. Methods. Sixty patients (aged 18-47 yr) who had no history or signs of cardiovascular disease were randomized to receive general anaesthesia with halothane, sevoflurane or propofol. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and during spontaneous respiration at 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of the inhalational agents or propofol 4 µg ml−1 (step 1), and repeated during positive-pressure ventilation with 1 and 1.5 MAC of the inhalational agents or with propofol 4 and 6 µg ml−1 (steps 2a and 2b). Analysis of echocardiographic measurements focused on heart rate corrected isovolumic relaxation time (IVRTc) and early diastolic peak velocity of the lateral mitral annulus (Ea). Results. IVRTc decreased from baseline to step 1 in the halothane group (82 [95% CI, 76-88] ms and 74 [95% CI, 68-80] ms respectively; P=0.02), remained stable in the sevoflurane group (78 [95% CI, 72-83] ms and 73 [95% CI, 67-81] ms; n.s.) and increased in the propofol group (80 [95% CI, 74-86] ms and 92 [95% CI, 84-102] ms; P=0.02). Ea decreased in the propofol group only (18.8 [95% CI, 16.5-19.9] cm s−1 and 16.0 [95% CI, 14.9-17.9] cm s−1; P=0.003). From step 2a to step 2b, IVRTc increased further in the propofol group (109 [95% CI, 99-121] ms and 119 [95% CI, 99-135] ms; P=0.04) but remained stable in the other two groups. Ea did not change from step 2a to step 2b. Conclusions. Halothane and sevoflurane did not impair LV relaxation, whereas propofol caused a mild impairment. However, the impairment by propofol was of a magnitude that is unlikely to cause clinical diastolic dysfunctio

Propuesta de reacondicionamiento termo-energético en tipología escolar localizada en el área metropolitana de San Juan

Posteriormente al terremoto de 1944 acaecido en San Juan, fueron construidas bajo normativas del “Consejo de Reconstrucción” una serie de escuelas, entre las cuales se destaca la tipología en peine doble materializada por el Arq. Ramos Correa. Estos establecimientos deben remodelarse para adecuarlos a requerimientos físicos y funcionales de la actualidad, siendo el momento oportuno para dar también soluciones tecnológicas a componentes de la envolvente, que mejoren su comportamiento termo-energético. A tal fin, se desarrolla un procedimiento utilizando modelos de simulación que evalúan el desempeño del edificio antes y después de cambios propuestos, verificando el cumplimiento de los valores admisibles de las Normas IRAM. Con las mejoras planteadas la energía necesaria para calefacción disminuye entre 28% y 50%, cumpliendo los valores admisibles de la Transmitancia Térmica en calidad edilicia “B”. Las contribuciones se centran en lo metodológico-instrumental, y en lo tecnológico termo-energético para su transferencia inmediata a los organismos pertinentes.After the 1944 occurred earthquake in San Juan, a number of schools were built under regulations of the "Reconstruction Council", among them the “double comb” typology materialized by Arch. Ramos Correa stands out. These establishments should be refurbished to suit today´s physical and functional requirements, being the right time to also give technological solutions to envelope components, which improve their thermal-energy performance. Aimed to this, a method is developed using simulation models to evaluate the building performance before and after the proposed changes, to verify compliance with the permissible values of the IRAM Standards. With the proposed constructive improvements, the required energy for heating is reduced between 28% and 50% fulfilling the allowable values of the Thermal Transmittance at “B” building quality. The contributions are focused on instrumental-methodological aspects, and on those technological referred to thermalenergy efficiency, for its immediate transfer to the relevant agencies.Tema 5: Arquitectura ambientalmente consciente.Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanism

Propuesta de reacondicionamiento termo-energético en tipología escolar localizada en el área metropolitana de San Juan

Posteriormente al terremoto de 1944 acaecido en San Juan, fueron construidas bajo normativas del “Consejo de Reconstrucción” una serie de escuelas, entre las cuales se destaca la tipología en peine doble materializada por el Arq. Ramos Correa. Estos establecimientos deben remodelarse para adecuarlos a requerimientos físicos y funcionales de la actualidad, siendo el momento oportuno para dar también soluciones tecnológicas a componentes de la envolvente, que mejoren su comportamiento termo-energético. A tal fin, se desarrolla un procedimiento utilizando modelos de simulación que evalúan el desempeño del edificio antes y después de cambios propuestos, verificando el cumplimiento de los valores admisibles de las Normas IRAM. Con las mejoras planteadas la energía necesaria para calefacción disminuye entre 28% y 50%, cumpliendo los valores admisibles de la Transmitancia Térmica en calidad edilicia “B”. Las contribuciones se centran en lo metodológico-instrumental, y en lo tecnológico termo-energético para su transferencia inmediata a los organismos pertinentes.After the 1944 occurred earthquake in San Juan, a number of schools were built under regulations of the "Reconstruction Council", among them the “double comb” typology materialized by Arch. Ramos Correa stands out. These establishments should be refurbished to suit today´s physical and functional requirements, being the right time to also give technological solutions to envelope components, which improve their thermal-energy performance. Aimed to this, a method is developed using simulation models to evaluate the building performance before and after the proposed changes, to verify compliance with the permissible values of the IRAM Standards. With the proposed constructive improvements, the required energy for heating is reduced between 28% and 50% fulfilling the allowable values of the Thermal Transmittance at “B” building quality. The contributions are focused on instrumental-methodological aspects, and on those technological referred to thermalenergy efficiency, for its immediate transfer to the relevant agencies.Tema 5: Arquitectura ambientalmente consciente.Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanism

Asparagine 42 of the conserved endo-inulinase INU2 motif WMNDPN from Aspergillus ficuum plays a role in activity specificity

Endo-inulinase INU2 from Aspergillus ficuum belongs to glycosidase hydrolase family 32 (GH32) that degrades inulin into fructo oligosaccharides consisting mainly of inulotriose and inulotetraose. The 3D structure of INU2 was recently obtained (Pouyez et al., 2012, Biochimie, 94, 2423–2430). An enlarged cavity compared to exo-inulinase formed by the conserved motif W-M(I)-N-D(E)-P-N-G, the so-called loop 1 and the loop 4, was identified. In the present study we have characterized the importance of 12 residues situated around the enlarged cavity. These residues were mutated by site-directed mutagenesis. Comparative activity analysis was done by plate, spectrophotometric and thin-layer chromatography assay. Most of the mutants were less active than the wild-type enzyme. Most interestingly, mutant N42G differed in the size distribution of the FOS synthesized

Light-induced reflectivity transients in black-Si nanoneedles

© 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. The change in reflectivity of black-Si (b-Si) upon optical excitation was measured by the pump-probe technique using picosecond laser pulses at 532 (pump) and 1064 nm (probe) wavelengths. The specular reflection from the random pattern of plasma-etched b-Si nano-needles was dominated by the photo-excited free-carrier contribution to the reflectivity. The kinetics of the reflectivity were found to be consistent with surface structural and chemical analysis, performed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The surface recombination velocity on the b-Si needles was estimated to be ~102cm/s. Metalization of b-Si led to much faster recombination and alteration of reflectivity. The reflectivity spectra of random b-Si surfaces with different needle lengths was modeled by a multi-step refractive index profile in the Drude formalism. The dip in the reflectivity spectra and the sign reversal in the differential reflectivity signal at certain b-Si needle sizes is explained by the model

Sub-micron period lattice structures of magnetic microtraps for ultracold atoms on an atom chip

We report on the design, fabrication and characterization of magnetic nanostructures to create a lattice of magnetic traps with sub--micron period for trapping ultracold atoms. These magnetic nanostructures were fabricated by patterning a Co/Pd multilayered magnetic film grown on a silicon substrate using high precision e-beam lithography and reactive ion etching. The Co/Pd film was chosen for its small grain size and high remanent magnetization and coercivity. The fabricated structures are designed to magnetically trap $^{87}$Rb atoms above the surface of the magnetic film with 1D and 2D (triangular and square) lattice geometries and sub-micron period. Such magnetic lattices can be used for quantum tunneling and quantum simulation experiments, including using geometries and periods that may be inaccessible with optical lattice

Leptogenesis in the presence of exact flavor symmetries

In models with flavor symmetries in the leptonic sector leptogenesis can take place in a very different way compared to the standard leptogenesis scenario. We study the generation of a $B-L$ asymmetry in these kind of models in the flavor symmetric phase pointing out that successful leptogenesis requires (i) the right-handed neutrinos to lie in different representations of the flavor group; (ii) the flavons to be lighter at least that one of the right-handed neutrino representations. When these conditions are satisfied leptogenesis proceeds due to new contributions to the CP violating asymmetry and -depending on the specific model- in several stages. We demonstrate the validity of these arguments by studying in detail the generation of the $B-L$ asymmetry in a scenario of a concrete $A_4$ flavor model realization.Comment: 25 pages, 7 figures; version 2: A few clarifications added. Version matches publication in JHE