186 research outputs found
Obstructive Jaundice Due to Hepatocarcinoma With Intraductal Growth. Report of a Successful Resection
We present a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma causing obstructive jaundice due to intraductal
growth, diagnosed intraoperatively by cholangiography and histological examination, and radically
treated by left lobectomy, extrahepatic biliary tract resection and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.
Survival after operation was 13 months. Other similar cases reported in the literature are reviewed
Brasil x Espanha: consumo de energia térmica e emissÔes de CO2 envolvidos na fabricação de revestimentos cerùmicos
A demanda de energia tĂ©rmica da indĂșstria de revestimentos cerĂąmicos Ă© bastante elevada, sendo atendida quase por completo pela combustĂŁo do gĂĄs natural. Os gastos com geração de energia tĂ©rmica representam uma grande parte do custo de produção de revestimentos cerĂąmicos, e as emissĂ”es de CO2 resultantes desta atividade industrial sĂŁo muito expressivas. Neste sentido, o aumento da eficiĂȘncia tĂ©rmica nos processos produtivos conhecidos atualmente deve ser buscado constantemente com o objetivo de reduzir o custo de fabricação e as emissĂ”es de CO2. Para isso, Ă© necessĂĄrio dispor de uma base de dados de consumos energĂ©ticos e emissĂ”es de CO2, a fim de conhecer a situação atual do setor e as possibilidades de aumentar a eficiĂȘncia energĂ©tica do processo. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de levantar dados baseados em mediçÔes diretas em equipamentos industriais consumidores de gĂĄs natural, no Brasil e na Espanha, utilizando a mesma metodologia. Foram visitadas 65 empresas e analisados 130 equipamentos, sendo possĂvel estabelecer comparaçÔes entre o consumo de diversas tipologias de produtos, etapas do processo produtivo, distintas rotas de processamento, equipamentos com caracterĂsticas construtivas diferenciadas, dentre outros. As informaçÔes obtidas constituem um inĂ©dito banco de dados que representa a real situação dos setores de revestimentos cerĂąmicos do Brasil e da Espanha, com respeito ao consumo energĂ©tico e Ă s emissĂ”es de CO2
Reduction of CO2-emissions in ceramic tiles manufacture by combining energy-saving measures
Ceramic tile manufacture requires a great quantity of energy, mainly in the form of heat.
The heat is principally used in the kilns and dryers, and it is obtained by natural gas
combustion.
The increasing cost of natural gas, as well as the application of a new gas tax, the new
legislation in regard to emissions trading, and the difficult current economic situation
have driven the ceramic tile sector to implement energy-saving actions in the production
process with the twofold aim of reducing energy costs and abating carbon dioxide
emissions.
One such course of action is the European project REDUCER, funded by the European
Commission and led by Azulev S.A.U., in which the Instituto de TecnologĂa CerĂĄmica
(ITC) also participates. This project seeks to implement energy-saving actions in
company kilns and dryers in order to lower natural gas consumption and reduce carbon
dioxide emissions in the tile manufacturing process.
One of the saving actions envisaged is the installation of a system of waste heat recovery
from one of the company kilns to the tile body dryers. This new waste heat recovery
system is to be added to and will complement the already existing system at the
company, thus achieving maximum heat recovery from the kiln stacks. The recovered
heat will go entirely to the green tile body dryers, thus reducing natural gas consumption
in the dryers.
The designed installation seeks to recover 600 kW heat from the stacks of one of the
kilns, entailing a natural gas saving of more than 120 kâŹ/year and suppressing the
emission into the atmosphere of 720 tons of CO2/year, savings that are to be added to
those attained with other energy-saving measures.
This paper describes the energy-saving actions implemented at the company, as well as
the resulting energy savings
Effects of Social Attitude Change on Smoking Heritability
Societal attitudes and norms to female smoking changed in Spain in the mid-twentieth century from a restrictive to a tolerant, and an even pro-smoking, posture, while social attitudes remained stable for males. We explored whether this difference in gender-related social norms influenced the heritability of two tobacco use measures: lifetime smoking and number of years smoking. We used a population-based sample of 2285 twins (mean ageâ=â55.78; SDâ=â7.45; 58% females) whose adolescence began between the mid-1950s and the early 1980s. After modeling the effect of sex and year of birth on the variance components, we observed that the impact of the genetic and shared environmental factors varied differently by birth cohort between males and females. For females, shared environment explained a higher proportion of variance than the genetic factors in older cohorts. However, this situation was inverted in the younger female cohorts. In contrast, no birth cohort effect was observed for males, where the impact of the genetic and environmental factors remained constant throughout the study period. These results suggest that heritability is larger in a permissive social environment, whereas shared-environmental factors are more relevant in a society that is less tolerant to smoking
Ongrowing of the octopus Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797 in floating cages on the Spanish Mediterranean coast of the Levant
In order to test the growth of the octopus Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797 in Mediterranean coastal waters, two ongrowing experiments were carried out in floating cages, located inside the area of Denia harbour (Alicante, Spain). During the first experiment (October 2004-January 2005), carried out over 94 days, males and females were kept separately. Females had higher survival rates (52.2 %) than males (30.3 %); average final weight was not significantly different in males and females, and average weight increase was 652 g/month. During the second culture experiment (March-June 2005), which lasted for 86 days, two diets with different crustacean content were used. Survival and growth were not improved by an increase of crustacean content in the diet. Increase in survival and average weight over the course of the entire cycle were 53.6 % and 975 g/month, respectively.Se han efectuado dos engordes de juveniles de pulpo Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797 en jaula flotante en el puerto de Denia (Alicante) con el objetivo de comprobar su rendimiento en aguas de la costa de Levante. En el primer engorde -de octubre de 2004 a enero de 2005 (94 dĂas)- se han mantenido separados machos y hembras. La supervivencia ha sido mayor en hembras (52,2 %) que en machos (30,3 %), el peso medio final no ha diferido significativamente y el incremento medio de peso ha sido de 652 g/mes. En el segundo engorde -de marzo a junio de 2005 (86 dĂas)- se han proporcionado dos dietas con diferente contenido en crustĂĄceos a sendos grupos de subadultos. El aumento de crustĂĄceos en la dieta no ha implicado mayor supervivencia y crecimiento. La supervivencia global en el engorde ha sido del 53,6 % y el incremento medio de peso 975 g/mes.Instituto Español de OceanografĂ
Impact of intercurrent introduction of steroids on clinical outcomes in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (Nsclc) patients under immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ici)
Background: Baseline steroids before ICI have been associated with poor outcomes, particularly when introduced due to cancer symptoms. Methods: Retrospective analysis of advanced NSCLC patients treated with ICI. We collected the use of intercurrent steroids (â„10 mg of prednisone-equivalent) within the first eight weeks of ICI. We correlated steroid use with patient outcomes according to the indications. Results: 413 patients received ICI, 299 were steroids-naĂŻve at baseline. A total of 49 patients received intercurrent steroids (16%), of whom 38 for cancer-related symptoms and 11 for other indications, such as immune-related events. Overall, median (m) progression-free survival (PFS) was 1.9 months (mo.) [95% CI, 1.8-2.4] and overall survival (OS) 10 mo. [95% CI, 8.1â12.9]. Intercurrent steroids under ICI correlated with a shorter PFS/OS (1.3 and 2.3 mo. respectively, both p < 0.0001). Intercurrent steroids for cancer-related symptoms correlated with poorest mPFS [1.1 mo.; 95% CI, 0.9â1.5] and mOS [1.9 mo.; 95%CI, 1.5â2.4; p < 0.0001)]. No mOS and mPFS differences were found between cancer-unrelated-steroid group and no-steroid group. Steroid use for cancer-related symptoms was an independent prognostic factor for poor PFS [HR 2.64; 95% CI, 1.2â5.6] and OS [HR 4.53; 95% CI, 1.8â11.1], both p < 0.0001. Conclusion: Intercurrent steroids during ICI had no detrimental prognostic impact if the indication was unrelated to cancer symptoms
The impact of clothing style on bone mineral density among post menopausal women in Morocco: a case-control study
BACKGROUND: The clothing style is an important factor that influences vitamin D production and thus bone mineral density. We performed a case-control study in order to evaluate the effect of veil wearing (concealing clothing) on bone mineral density in Moroccan post menopausal women. METHODS: The cases were osteoporotic women whose disease was assessed by bone mineral density measurement. Each patient was matched with a non osteoporotic woman for age, and body mass index. All our patients were without secondary causes or medications that might affect bone density. The veil was defined as a concealing clothing which covered most of the body including the arms, the legs and the head. This definition is this of the usual Moroccan traditional clothing style. RESULTS: 178 post menopausal osteoporotic patients and 178 controls were studied. The mean age of the cases and the controls was 63.2 years (SD 7) and the mean body mass index was 32.1 (SD 8). The results of crude Odds Ratios analyses indicated that wearing a veil was associated with a high risk of osteoporosis: OR 2.29 (95% CI, 1.38â3.82). Multiparity or a history of familial peripheral osteoporotic fractures had also a significant effect on increasing the osteoporosis risk (ORs: 1.87 (95% CI, 1.05â3.49) and 2.01 (95% CI, 1.20â3.38)). After a multiple regression analysis, wearing the veil and a history of familial osteoporotic fractures remained the both independent factors that increased the osteoporosis risk (ORs: 2.20 (95% CI, 1.22â3.9) and 2.19 (95% CI, 1.12â4.29) respectively). CONCLUSION: our study suggested that in Moroccan post menopausal women, wearing a traditional concealing clothing covering arms, legs and head increased the risk of osteoporosis. Further studies are required to evaluate the clinical impact of the above findings and to clarify the status of vitamin D among veiled women in Morocco
A review of k-NN algorithm based on classical and Quantum Machine Learning
[EN] Artificial intelligence algorithms, developed for traditional
computing, based on Von Neumannâs architecture, are slow and expen-
sive in terms of computational resources. Quantum mechanics has opened
up a new world of possibilities within this field, since, thanks to the basic
properties of a quantum computer, a great degree of parallelism can be
achieved in the execution of the quantum version of machine learning
algorithms. In this paper, a study has been carried out on these proper-
ties and on the design of their quantum computing versions. More specif-
ically, the study has been focused on the quantum version of the k-NN
algorithm that allows to understand the fundamentals when transcribing
classical machine learning algorithms into its quantum versions
Vandetanib (ZD6474), an inhibitor of VEGFR and EGFR signalling, as a novel molecular-targeted therapy against cholangiocarcinoma
Cholangiocarcinoma is an intractable cancer, with no effective therapy other than surgical resection. Elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expressions are associated with the progression of cholangiocarcinoma. We therefore examined whether inhibition of VEGFR and EGFR could be a potential therapeutic target for cholangiocarcinoma. Vandetanib (ZD6474, ZACTIMA), a VEGFR-2/EGFR inhibitor, was evaluated. Four human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines were molecularly characterised and investigated for their response to vandetanib. In vitro, two cell lines (OZ and HuCCT1), both of which harboured KRAS mutation, were refractory to vandetanib, one cell line (TGBC24TKB) was somewhat resistant, and another cell line (TKKK) was sensitive. The most sensitive cell line (TKKK) had EGFR amplification. Vandetanib significantly inhibited the growth of TKKK xenografts at doses â©Ÿ12.5âmgâkgâ1âdayâ1 (P<0.05), but higher doses (50âmgâkgâ1âdayâ1, P<0.05) of vandetanib were required to inhibit the growth of OZ xenografts. Vandetanib (25âmgâkgâ1âdayâ1) also significantly (P=0.006) prolonged the time to metastasis in an intravenous model of TKKK metastasis. Inhibiting both VEGFR and EGFR signalling appears a promising therapeutic approach for cholangiocarcinoma. The absence of KRAS mutation and the presence of EGFR amplification may be potential predictive molecular marker of sensitivity to EGFR-targeted therapy in cholangiocarcinoma
"Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the OPG/RANKL system genes in primary hyperparathyroidism and their relationship with bone mineral density"
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) affects mainly cortical bone. It is thought that parathyroid hormone (PTH) indirectly regulates the activity of osteoclasts by means of the osteoprotegerin/ligand of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-ÎșÎČ (OPG/RANKL) system. Several studies have confirmed that <it>OPG </it>(osteoprotegerin) and <it>RANKL </it>(ligand of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-ÎșÎČ) loci are determinants of bone mineral density (BMD) in the general population. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between fractures and BMD and the rs3102735 (163 A/G), rs3134070 (245 T/G) and rs2073618 (1181 G/C) SNPs of the <it>OPG </it>and the rs2277438 SNP of the <it>RANKL</it>, in patients with sporadic PHPT.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We enrolled 298 Caucasian patients with PHPT and 328 healthy volunteers in a cross-sectional study. We analyzed anthropometric data, history of fractures or renal lithiasis, biochemical determinants including markers for bone remodelling, BMD measurements in the lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck and distal radius, and genotyping for the SNPs to be studied.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Regarding the age of diagnosis, BMI, menopause status, frequency of fractures or renal lithiasis, we found no differences between genotypes in any of the SNPs studied in the PHPT group. Significant lower BMD in the distal radius with similar PTH levels was found in the minor allele homozygotes (GG) compared to heterozygotes and major allele homozygotes in both <it>OPG </it>rs3102735 (163 A/G) and <it>OPG </it>rs3134070 (245 T/G) SNPs in those with PHPT compared to control subjects. We found no differences between genotypes of the <it>OPG </it>rs2073618 (1181 G/C) SNP with regard to BMD in the PHPT subjects. In the evaluation of rs2277438 SNP of the <it>RANKL </it>in PHPT patients, we found a non significant trend towards lower BMD in the 1/3 distal radius and at total hip in the minor allele homocygotes (GG) genotype group versus heterocygotes and major allele homocygotes (AA).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our study provides the first evaluation of the relationship between SNPs of the <it>OPG/RANK </it>system and sporadic PHPT. Subjects with PHPT and minor homocygote genotype (GG) for the <it>OPG </it>rs3102735 (163 A/G) and <it>OPG </it>rs3134070 (245 T/G) SNPs have lower BMD in the distal radius, and this association does not appear to be mediated by differences in PTH serum levels.</p
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