Prophylaxis of Macular Edema with Intravitreal Ranibizumab in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy after Cataract Surgery: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intravitreal ranibizumab (Lucentis, Genentech, South San Francisco, Calif, USA) combined with cataract surgery for the prevention of clinically significant macular edema (CSME) in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR). This prospective interventional case series included fifty-four eyes of 54 patients with a previous diagnosis of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) without macular edema preoperatively. Subjects were assigned in a 1 : 1 ratio to receive an intraoperative intravitreal ranibizumab injection (n = 27) or not (control group, n = 27) associated with standardised phacoemulsification surgery. The main outcome measure was the incidence of CSME one and three months after surgery. One month after surgery the incidence of CSME in the control group was 25.92% and 3.70% in the treatment group and at three months was 22.22% and 3.70%, respectively. Short-term results suggest that intravitreal ranibizumab immediately after phacoemulsification prevents CS ME in patients with NPDR

Geoelectrical prospecting of glauberite deposits in the Ebro basin (Spain)

Glauberite (Na2Ca[SO4]2) is an evaporitic mineral which is used in the industries of detergents, paper, glass, pharmacy, etc. Glauberite rocks are seldom found cropping out because they are very sensitive to weathering processes; for this reason their prospection is conducted by means of boreholes. Nowadays, geophysical techniques are not used to support the characterization of glauberite deposits due to the lack of knowledge of their physical properties. In this study geoelectrical methods are proposed as alternative techniques in the early stages of glauberite prospecting. Several glauberite units have been studied in different parts of the Ebro basin (Spain) by means of electrical resistivity tomography sections. The electrical resistivity range showed by glauberite deposits has been found to be low (10-100 Ω.m) when the matrix component (clay andmicrocrystalline carbonates) is above 45% of the bulk composition of the rock. This type of rocks has been studied in Montes de Torrero (Zaragoza) and is the most common glauberite deposit case. Besides matrix-rich glauberite rocks, an exceptional case of a pure glauberite layer has been studied in Alcanadre (La Rioja). From this site, it has been estimated that deposits with glauberite crystals fraction close to 100% show a resistivity range of at least 3×103 Ω.m. Using this extreme value as reference, the Hashin-Shtrikman bounds have been calculated for glauberite rocks considering that they are constituted of four phases (glauberite, gypsum, anhydrite and matrix). When the matrix fraction represents 45% or more of the bulk rock, the resistivity range will be that of the lower Hashin-Shtrikman bound, which is similar for any combination of sulphate (glauberite, gypsum and/or anhydrite) composition; hence, it can be considered as a two-phase system (matrix and sulphate). For rocks with less than 30% of matrix fraction, the upper Hashin-Shtrikman bound trend must be considered; however, the resistivity values overlap, making it impossible to establish a classification. Between 30 and 45% of matrix fraction, there is a transitional domain. Additionally, some theoretical models representing the most common structures in sulphate rocks have been elaborated in order to help in the interpretation of the inverted resistivity images obtained from the field data. Some artifacts generated by the complexity of the resistivity distribution of the terrain have been identified in both data sets. Keywords: Glauberite, Gypsum, Electrical Resistivity Tomography, Kars

Acute endothelial failure after cosmetic iris implants (NewIris®)

We report a case of an acute endothelial failure after the implantation of a new cosmetic, colored, artificial iris diaphragm implant called NewIris®. A 21-year-old woman came to us complaining of progressive loss of vision and pain after NewIris lenses had been implanted. Decreased visual acuity, corneal edema, and increased intraocular pressure in both eyes appeared only 3 weeks after the surgery. The lenses were removed as soon as possible but had already severely affected the endothelial cell count. NewIris implants are an alternative to cosmetic contact lenses, but they are not as safe as other phakic anterior chamber intraocular lenses, nor are they a good option for the patient

Structure of the N-terminal domain of the protein Expansion: an 'Expansion' to the Smad MH2 fold

Gene-expression changes observed in Drosophila embryos after inducing the transcription factor Tramtrack led to the identification of the protein Expansion. Expansion contains an N-terminal domain similar in sequence to the MH2 domain characteristic of Smad proteins, which are the central mediators of the effects of the TGF- signalling pathway. Apart from Smads and Expansion, no other type of protein belonging to the known kingdoms of life contains MH2 domains. To compare the Expansion and Smad MH2 domains, the crystal structure of the Expansion domain was determined at 1.6 A˚ resolution, the first structure of a non-Smad MH2 domain to be characterized to date. The structure displays the main features of the canonical MH2 fold with two main differences: the addition of an -helical region and the remodelling of a protein-interaction site that is conserved in the MH2 domain of Smads. Owing to these differences, to the new domain was referred to as N-MH2. Despite the presence of the N-MH2 domain, Expansion does not participate in TGF- signalling; instead, it is required for other activities specific to the protostome phyla. Based on the structural similarities to the MH2 fold, it is proposed that the N-MH2 domain should be classified as a new member of the Smad/FHA superfamily. 1

Quality assessment of information about medications in primary care electronic patient record (EPR) systems

Background Many different brands of primary care electronic patient record (EPR) software are available to general practitioners (GPs). Their ability to support GPs in improving prescribing varies greatly. Objective To assess, using a ten-item tool, the quality of drug information provided by EPR software to support the appropriateness of prescriptions and to propose a list of quality standards for this type of application. Methods The eight EPR programmes most used in general practice in Italy were assessed by a multidisciplinary team using the ten-item tool. The tool evaluated information on single drugs and drug safety and information on prescription rules in force. Results Out of eight EPR programmes assessed, none scored more than 55% of the maximum possible score. Two achieved scores higher than 50%, one scored 48%, four ranged from 32% to 39% and one obtained 22%. Information on drug safety, such as the ability to detect interactions, to monitor laboratory parameters or to get updated information on drug safety was particularly limited. None of the eight EPR programmes contained drug information for patients, but two of them contained drug advertising. Conclusions This project highlighted the poor quality of drug information provided by these EPR programmes. The ten-item tool seems suitable for assessing their quality. Based on this analysis, we have proposed a set of ten quality standards for prescribing software

Formación y sellado de fracturas en un cuerpo salino del subsuelo: el anticlinal de Súria (Pirineos sudorientales)

Las rocas de sal normalmente se deforman principalmente de forma dúctil e impiden la circulación de fluidos. Sin embargo, los cuerpos salinos a veces se pueden fracturar y presentar permeabilidad. Esta contribución presenta ejemplos de fracturación y sellado en halita en el anticlinal de Súria, un cuerpo salino de los pirineos Sudorientales altamente deformado. El análisis de afloramientos en galerías de la mina de potasa de Cabanasses muestra que hay redes densas de venas formadas por cristales de calcita grandes y limpios que cortan a una roca encajante compuesta principalmente de halita. En este trabajo se ha realizado un análisis estructural de orientaciones de venas, junto con el estudio de láminas delgadas y contenido de bromo (Br) en las venas y sus rocas de caja. Las rocas encajantes de la unidad de halita-silvinita sufrieron recristalización dinámica y presentan una orientación preferente de bordes de grano (SPO), pliegues isoclinales, zonas de cizalla y niveles de despegue. Por otro lado, las rocas encajantes de la unidad de halita inferior, que se encuentra por debajo de la halita-silvinita, son más competentes que estas y sufrieron recristalización y disolución. El contenido en Br de las rocas encajantes se incrementa hacia arriba, reflejando el cierre de la cuenca evaporítica marina y un aumento de la concentración de la salmuera marina por evaporación. La fuerte deformación por presión-disolución, creep de dislocaciones y recristalización produjo disolución de cristales y transferencia de Br de la roca encajante a la salmuera El contenido en Br de las venas es similar al de su roca de caja en la unidad de halita inferior, pero las venas de la unidad de halita-silvinita contienen menos Br que su roca encajante, mostrando que el fluido mineralizante fluyó de abajo hacia arriba. La unidad de potasa, que se sitúa sobre las unidades de halita inferior y halita-silvinita, es más dúctil que estas y por lo tanto no se fracturó, ejerciendo de sello para las salmueras que formaron las venas.</p

Quality assessment of information about medications in primary care electronic patient record (EPR) systems

Background Many different brands of primary care electronic patient record (EPR) software are available to general practitioners (GPs). Their ability to support GPs in improving prescribing varies greatly. Objective To assess, using a ten-item tool, the quality of drug information provided by EPR software to support the appropriateness of prescriptions and to propose a list of quality standards for this type of application. Methods The eight EPR programmes most used in general practice in Italy were assessed by a multidisciplinary team using the ten-item tool. The tool evaluated information on single drugs and drug safety and information on prescription rules in force. Results Out of eight EPR programmes assessed, none scored more than 55% of the maximum possible score. Two achieved scores higher than 50%, one scored 48%, four ranged from 32% to 39% and one obtained 22%. Information on drug safety, such as the ability to detect interactions, to monitor laboratory parameters or to get updated information on drug safety was particularly limited. None of the eight EPR programmes contained drug information for patients, but two of them contained drug advertising. Conclusions This project highlighted the poor quality of drug information provided by these EPR programmes. The ten-item tool seems suitable for assessing their quality. Based on this analysis, we have proposed a set of ten quality standards for prescribing software

Identification of tissue microRNAs predictive of sunitinib activity in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

PURPOSE: To identify tissue microRNAs predictive of sunitinib activity in patients with metastatic renal-cell-carcinoma (MRCC) and to evaluate in vitro their mechanism of action in sunitinib resistance. METHODS: We screened 673 microRNAs using TaqMan Low-density-Arrays (TLDAs) in tumors from MRCC patients with extreme phenotypes of marked efficacy and resistance to sunitinib, selected from an identification cohort (n = 41). The most relevant differentially expressed microRNAs were selected using bioinformatics-based target prediction analysis and quantified by qRT-PCR in tumors from patients presenting similar phenotypes selected from an independent cohort (n = 101). In vitro experiments were conducted to study the role of miR-942 in sunitinib resistance. RESULTS: TLDAs identified 64 microRNAs differentially expressed in the identification cohort. Seven candidates were quantified by qRT-PCR in the independent series. MiR-942 was the most accurate predictor of sunitinib efficacy (p = 0.0074). High expression of miR-942, miR-628-5p, miR-133a, and miR-484 was significantly associated with decreased time to progression and overall survival. These microRNAs were also overexpressed in the sunitinib resistant cell line Caki-2 in comparison with the sensitive cell line. MiR-942 overexpression in Caki-2 up-regulates MMP-9 and VEGF secretion which, in turn, promote HBMEC endothelial migration and sunitinib resistance. CONCLUSIONS: We identified differentially expressed microRNAs in MRCC patients presenting marked sensitivity or resistance to sunitinib. MiR-942 was the best predictor of efficacy. We describe a novel paracrine mechanism through which high miR-942 levels in MRCC cells up-regulates MMP-9 and VEGF secretion to enhance endothelial migration and sunitinib resistance. Our results support further validation of these miRNA in clinical confirmatory studies

Memòria Digital de Catalunya

Localització: Barcelona, Biblioteca de Catalunya, ms. 1082/1 (f. 1-157)A port.: "estrenada en lo teatro Español la nit del 23 de octubre de 1883"Núm. 1282, a la coberta ms.Còpia de representacióAls f. 52, 117v i 156v, rúbrica amb el nom del copista: "Font."Lloc deduït de la menció d'estrena de l'obraData al f. 55: 1883Fuente de ingreso: Compra a Elisa Castells, Vda. de Joan Almirall i Forast

Compartir ideas, la universidad va al instituto. Análisis de la primera edición de un proyecto de aprendizaje servicio transversal a la Universidad de Barcelona

Esta comunicación presenta las principales claves de análisis y evaluación de la 1a edición del proyecto Compartir Ideas. La Universidad va al instituto. Este es un proyecto de aprendizaje servicio transversal que consiste en un ciclo de conferencias-taller impartidas por estudiantes de la UB sobre temes de interés general relacionados con sus estudios. El objetivo es compartir conocimientos y conversar sobre un tema que la universidad trabaja y que será relevante para la formación del alumnado de secundaria.El proyecto cuenta con el apoyo del Vicerectorado de Política Docente y Lingüística de la Universitat de Barcelona