Evaluation of direct light processing for the fabrication of bioactive ceramic scaffolds: Effect of pore/strut size on manufacturability and mechanical performance

Bioactive ceramic scaffolds for bone regeneration consisting of a three-dimensional mesh of interpenetrating struts with square section were fabricated via Digital Light Processing (DLP). The ability of the technique to manufacture 3D porous structures from β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) powders with different dimensions of struts and pores was evaluated, identifying the possibilities and limitations of the manufacturing process. Small pore sizes were found to seriously complicate the elimination of excess slurry from the scaffold’s innermost pores. The effect of the strut/pore size on the mechanical performance of the scaffolds under compressive stresses was also evaluated, but no significant influence was found. Under compressive stresses, the structures resulted weaker when tested perpendicularly to the printing plane due to interlayer shear failure. Interlayer superficial grooves are proposed as potential failure-controlling defects, which could also explain the lack of a Weibull size effect on the mechanical strength of the fabricated DLP scaffolds.     

Context-Processing Deficits in Schizotypal Personality Disorder.

Research suggests that schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) is a part of the spectrum of schizophrenia-related illnesses. This article hypothesizes that a deficit in the representation and maintenance of context is a core cognitive disturbance in schizophrenia and that SPD individuals should demonstrate context-processing deficits. To test this hypothesis, the authors administered 3 versions of their AX-CPT task, designed to assess context processing, to 35 healthy controls and 26 individuals with DSM-IV SPD. They also administered working memory and selective attention tasks. SPD individuals displayed context representation deficits similar to those found in schizophrenia but did not show the same additional deficits in context maintenance. Context processing was strongly associated with working memory and selective attention performance in the SPD individuals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The usefulness of the timeliness of endoscopic sphincterotomy in severe acute pancreatitis of biliary origin

There are evidence indicating that endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy (ERCP+S) reduces the rate of complications in patients with severe acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP). The aim of this study was to analyze our experience in the treatment of severe ABP with ERCP+S and compare the evolution of the patients treated early (3 days or less following admission) with those treated late (after the 3rd day). A retrospective review of the clinical histories of the 16 patients with severe ABP treated with ERCP+S over the last two years is presented, analyzing their clinical features on admission and evolution. Biliary stones or biliary sludge was observed in 11 cases (69%). Nine patients had undergone early, and 7 late, ERCP+S. The patients of the latter group presented a greater number of complications during evolution than the former group (43% vs 0%; p = 0.025). The mortality of the patients of the late ERCP+S was also greater although without statistical significance (28.6% vs 0%; p = 0.15). No complication secondary to ERCP+S was detected. These findings confirm the fact that ERCP+S performed early in severe ABP significantly reduces the number of complications and is associated with a lower mortality.     

On bisymmetric operators on a finite chain

The bisymmetry property is studied for operators defined on a finite chain. In particular, a characterization of all bisymmetric, commutative and smooth binary operators is given. It is deduced from this characterization that bisymmetry and associativity are equivalent for finite chains, under these additional conditions.     

Content of carbohydrates and trace elements in a group of non-alcoholic drinks

BACKGROUND: In order to elaborate recommendations for the dietetic care of diabetic patients and other clinical disorders we have measured the concentration of carbohydrates and trace elements in a group of non alcoholic refreshments of current use in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty refreshments were classified into 10 groups. Glucose and phosphate were measured by hexokinase and reduction of phospho-molybdate methods respectively in an autoanalyzer Dax-72. Glucose and fructose were analyzed by cellulose thin-layer chromatography; glucose, fructose and sucrose by gas chromatographys. Sodium and potassium by emission spectrophotometry and calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Light refreshments and soft drinks have no carbohydrates. Isotonic beverages, fruit juices, cool tea and non alcoholic beers had less than 10 g/dl. Tonic waters, Fanta, different coles, non alcoholic bitter and others had more than 10 g/dl. Sodium levels between 15-20 mEq/l were found in the isotonic beverages and 7-Up and levels of 7 mEq/l in the others. Potassium values between 15-40 mEq/l were found in the fruit juices, 3-4 mEq/l in Gatorade and less than 1 mEq/l in the others. CONCLUSIONS: Light refreshments and soft drinks contain low concentrations of carbohydrates and sodium. Fruit juices have high potassium concentration. Such information can be especially useful for dietetic care of diabetic patients.     

Acclimation of the photosynthetic response of Chromatium vinosum to light-limiting conditions

The predictive value of the Neonatal Neurological Examination (NNE) adapted from Prechtl (1977) and the Infant Motor Screen (IMS) from Nickel (1989) at 4 months was studied in severely jaundiced infants in Zimbabwe. Fifty infants were examined with the NNE, 41 with the IMS and 43 with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) (Bayley 1969). Five infants had choreoathetosis and six had a motor delay at age 1 year. The NNE and IMS proved to be sensitive instruments particularly when two infants who became malnourished after the neonatal period were excluded. Logistic regression was used to investigate the relation between the BSID and five selected predictors from the NNE. This resulted in a correct classification of 93%. By using only the predictors acoustic blink and traction response, 80% of the infants were correctly classified but the number of false negatives was reduced from three to one.     

Epidemiology of peptic ulcer disease in cirrhotic patients: role of Helicobacter pylori infection

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and epidemiological factors associated with the appearance of peptic ulcer in patients with cirrhosis and, in particular, the role of Helicobacter pylori infection. METHODS: A total of 201 of 220 consecutive patients included in a prospective study that aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary intervention on cirrhotic complications and survival underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. At entry, an epidemiological and clinical questionnaire was completed and the presence of peptic ulcer disease or esophageal varices at endoscopy was prospectively collected. Sera were obtained and stored at -70 degrees C until analyzed, being tested afterward for Helicobacter pylori antibodies using a commercial ELISA kit. RESULTS: Eleven of 201 patients had borderline anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG titers and were excluded from further analysis. In the remaining 190 patients, point prevalence of peptic ulcer was 10.5% and lifetime prevalence 24.7%. Multivariate analysis selected male sex (OR 2.3; 95%CI 1.09-4.89) and Helicobacter pylori seropositivity (OR: 1.7, 95%CI 1.02-2.81) as the variables independently related to peptic ulcer disease. CONCLUSIONS: Male sex and seropositivity for Helicobacter pylori are the major risk factors for peptic ulcer in cirrhosis.