Automatic Apnea Identification by Transformation of the Cepstral Domain

A new approach based on the transformation of the Cepstral domain is developed on this work. This approach reaches an automatic diagnosis for the syndrome of obstructive sleep apnea that includes a specific block for the removal of electrocardiogram (ECG) artifacts and the R wave detection. The system is modeled by a transformation of the Cepstral domain sequence using hidden Markov model (HMM). The final decision is done with two different approaches: one based on HMM as a classifier and a second one based on support vector machines classification and a parameterization based on the transformation of HMM by a kernel. The later approach reached results up to 99.23 %, using all test samples from Physionet Apnea-ECG Database.     

Isolation and characterization of 15 tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the desert iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis, Baird and Girard) by 454 pyrosequencing

New microsatellite loci were developed for the Desert iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) through GS-FLX 454 pyrosequencing. We selected 15 primer pairs that were tested on 23 individuals from San Isidro area in the southern part of Baja California Peninsula. We observed low to medium genetic variation among loci (mean number of alleles per locus = 7, mean H_O = 0.696). These loci are the first characterized for D. dorsalis and they are expected to be useful for population level studies in this species.     

Design and characterization of biofunctional magnetic porous silicon flakes

Magnetic porous silicon flakes (MPSF) were obtained from mesoporous silicon layers formed by multi-step anodization and subsequent composite formation with Fe oxide nanoparticles by thermal annealing. The magnetic nanoparticles adhered to the surface and penetrated inside the pores. Their structure evolved as a result of the annealing treatments derived from X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption analyses. Moreover, by tailoring the magnetic load, the dynamic and hydrodynamic properties of the particles were controlled, as observed by the pressure displayed against a sensor probe. Preliminary functionality experiments were performed using an eye model, seeking potential use of MPSF as reinforcement for restored detached retina. It was observed that optimal flake immobilization is obtained when the MPSF reach values of magnetic saturation >10^?4 A m² g^?1. Furthermore, the MPSF were demonstrated to be preliminarily biocompatible in vitro. Moreover, New Zealand rabbit in vivo models demonstrated their short-term histocompatibility and their magnetic functionality as retina pressure actuators.     

Immunohistochemical Detection of the Putative Mechanoproteins ASIC2 and TRPV4 in Avian Herbst Sensory Corpuscles

The avian Herbst corpuscles are the equivalent of the Pacinian corpuscles in mammals, and detect vibration and the movement of joints and feathers. Therefore, they can be regarded as rapidly adapting low‐threshold mechanoreceptors. In recent years, it has been establish that some ion channels are involved in mechanosensation and are present in both mechanosensory neurons and mechanoreceptors. Here we have used immunohistochemistry to localize some putative mechanoproteins in the Herbst corpuscles from the rictus of Columba livia. The proteins investigated were the subunits of the epithelial Na⁺ channel (ENaC), the transient‐receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), and the acid‐sensing ion channel 2 (ASIC2). Immunoreactivity for ENaC subunits was never found in Herbst corpuscles, while the axon expressed ASIC2 and TRPV4 immunoreactivity. Moreover, TRPV4 was also detected in the cell forming the inner core. The present results demonstrate for the first time the occurrence of mechanoproteins in avian low‐threshold mechanoreceptors and provide further evidence for a possible role of the ion channels in mechanosensation. Anat Rec, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Diversity,frequency and antifungal resistance of Candida species in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective: To determine number, species of Candida and Candida resistance to antifungal therapy according to the metabolic control state and the associated salivary changes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2).

Materials and methods: Samples of non-stimulated saliva were collected from 52 patients with DM2. Salivary pH was measured and cultured on Sabouraud glucose agar and the values of CFU/ml were calculated. The species were presumptively identified using CHROMagar Candida^® plates, and identification was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). C. albicans isolates were cultured on SGA tetracycline agar with nystatin and fluconazole diffusion disks to measure susceptibility.

Results: Sixty six percent of the yeasts isolated were Candida albicans, followed by C. glabrata (20.7%). In patients with decompensated DM2, there was an inverse association between HbA1c value and salivary pH. At higher levels of salivary acidification, a greater diversity and quantity of yeasts of the genus Candida were observed. With nystatin, higher inhibition was observed at lower pH.

Conclusions: The antifungal therapies could be more effective if it consider, qualitative salivary characteristics as pH, that could determine the susceptibility of species of Candida to at least to nystatin, which is the most used antifungal for treatment to oral candidiasis in patients with DM2.     

Osteomyelitis of the Mandible in a Patient with Osteopetrosis. Case Report and Review of the Literature

Osteopetrosis is a rare hereditary bone disorder presenting with variable clinical features and is characterized by an increase in bone density and reduction of marrow spaces that result from a defect in the function of osteoclasts and, consequently, a decrease in bone turnover. This disease is generally divided into three types: severe infantile malignant autosomal recessive, intermediate mild autosomal recessive, and benign autosomal dominant. The prognosis of the first two types is very poor and is characterized by an early onset, usually within the first decade of life, and early death. The benign-type is characterized by a later onset and a longer life span. Ten percent of osteopetrosis cases develop osteomyelitis that usually involves the mandible. The osteomyelitis is generally caused by tooth extraction or pulpal necrosis. The leading cause of the increased rate of infection is thought to be a lack of adequate bone vasculature. Treatment of osteomyelitis secondary to osteopetrosis is controversial. Treatment regimens include high-dose systemic antibiotics coupled with thorough debridement of necrotic bone and primary closure of soft tissues, if possible. Hyperbaric oxygen has been used for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis.     

Abordaje ecoguiado a nivel antecubital para cirugía del síndrome del túnel del carpo

IntroductionThere are various anaesthetic techniques for ambulatory surgery of carpal tunnel release. The ultrasound-guided nerve blocks offer advantages compared to other techniques. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy using ultrasound-guided block at the antecubital fossa, as well as to evaluate complications, patient satisfaction and surgeon satisfaction with the block.Materials and methodsProspective observational study with 32 elective patients for carpal tunnel release in a one-day case unit. An ultrasound-guided block with mepivacaine 1% was performed at the antecubital fossa, aiming for the median, ulnar and the lateral and medial cutaneous nerves of the forearm. The measurements of the anteroposterior and laterolateral diameters of the median and ulnar nerves were recorded, before and after injection. Motor and sensory levels were evaluated for the median and ulnar nerves at 5 and 30 min post injection, and compared with the contralateral hand. Pain from the surgical incision time and recovery were recorded, together with complications, and patient and surgeon satisfaction with the block.ResultsThe antecubital fossa ultrasound-guided block was successful in 93.7% of the patients. No patients needed rescue analgesia in recovery and no complications were recorded. Patient satisfaction was 93.7% and surgeon satisfaction was 97%.ConclusionsA selective block of the medial, ulnar and medial and lateral cutaneous nerves of the forearm are effective and satisfactory anaesthetic techniques for carpal tunnel release in a one-day case unit. It allows early mobilization, minimises risks and amount of local anaesthetic used.