Regionalized models for Spanish language variations based on Twitter

Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world. Its proliferation comes with variations in written and spoken communication among different regions. Understanding language variations can help improve model performances on regional tasks, such as those involving figurative language and local context information. This manuscript presents and describes a set of regionalized resources for the Spanish language built on 4-year Twitter public messages geotagged in 26 Spanish-speaking countries. We introduce word embeddings based on FastText, language models based on BERT, and per-region sample corpora. We also provide a broad comparison among regions covering lexical and semantical similarities and examples of using regional resources on message classification tasks.

Characterization of the antibacterial activity from ethanolic extracts of the botanical, Larrea tridentata

Background

β-lactam antibiotics are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics consisting of all antibiotic agents that contain a β-lactam ring in their molecular structures. β-lactam antibiotics are only known to be isolated from fungi (e.g. Acremonium chrysogenum, Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus nidulans) and bacteria (e.g. Streptomyces clavuligerus). We have shown that botanical extracts prepared from Larrea tridentata have strong antimicrobial activity against several bacteria, including members of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus genera.

Methods

Through resistance studies, inhibitor assays, and ELISA testing, we demonstrated L. tridentata extracts may contain a β-lactam type antibiotic activity.

Results

Based on the estimated β-lactam concentration within the extract, the antimicrobial activity of the L. tridentata extract was approximately 2000–8000-fold greater against Staphylococcus as compared to other β-lactams, penicillin or ampicillin. In the L. tridentata extract, this increased activity was found to be associated with the likely presence of a cofactor leading to increased potentiation of the β-lactam activity. This potentiation activity was also observed to enhance the activity of exogenously added natural penicillin antibiotics.

Conclusions

Although constituents were not isolated in this study, the results obtained strongly support the presence of β-lactam type antibiotic activity and antibiotic potentiation activity present in ethanolic extracts prepared from L. tridentata.

Analysis of the evolution and collaboration networks of citizen science scientific publications

The term citizen science refers to a broad set of practices developed in a growing number of areas of knowledge and characterized by the active citizen participation in some or several stages of the research process. Definitions, classifications and terminology remain open, reflecting that citizen science is an evolving phenomenon, a spectrum of practices whose classification may be useful but never unique or definitive. The aim of this article is to study citizen science publications in journals indexed by WoS, in particular how they have evolved in the last 20 years and the collaboration networks which have been created among the researchers in that time. In principle, the evolution can be analyzed, in a quantitative way, by the usual tools, such as the number of publications, authors, and impact factor of the papers, as well as the set of different research areas including citizen science as an object of study. But as citizen science is a transversal concept which appears in almost all scientific disciplines, this study becomes a multifaceted problem which is only partially modelled with the usual bibliometric magnitudes. It is necessary to consider new tools to parametrize a set of complementary properties. Thus, we address the study of the citizen science expansion and evolution in terms of the properties of the graphs which encode relations between scientists by studying co-authorship and the consequent networks of collaboration. This approach - not used until now in research on citizen science, as far as we know- allows us to analyze the properties of these networks through graph theory, and complement the existing quantitative research. The results obtained lead mainly to: (a) a better understanding of the current state of citizen science in the international academic system-by countries, by areas of knowledge, by interdisciplinary communities-as an increasingly legitimate expanding methodology, and (b) a greater knowledge of collaborative networks and their evolution, within and between research communities, which allows a certain margin of predictability as well as the definition of better cooperation strategies.

[Satisfaction survey of patients with sequels of peripheral facial palsy treated with botulinum toxin A]

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of peripheral facial palsy with botulinum toxin A is safe and effective. Although its beneficial impact on patients' quality of life is known, to date, there have been no studies specifically analysing patients' subjective perceptions.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

We performed a prospective study in a random sample of patients with sequels of peripheral facial palsy treated with botulinum toxin in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service of our hospital. We created a simple questionnaire to assess both patient satisfaction and subjective perception of improvement after botulinum toxin treatment.

RESULTS

After infiltration, 95% of the patients felt good or very good. More than 80% noted improvement in the sensation of tightness in the cheek and neck. Around 75% of patients perceived an improvement in the range of voluntary movement and approximately 80% reported improvement in synkinesis. Almost all the patients would repeat the treatment, if proposed, and 100% would recommend botulinum toxin infiltration to other patients with facial palsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients treated with botulinum toxin experience substantial subjective improvement in the sequels of peripheral facial palsy, both in repose and in the control of synkinesis. Satisfaction was higher than 8/10 in 99% of patients in this study.

The Role of Endophytic/Epiphytic Bacterial Constituents in the Immunostimulatory Activity of the Botanical, Astragalus membranaceus

Astragalus membranaceus is a staple of Traditional Chinese Medicine being one of the oldest medicinal herbs listed in the material medica of Chinese herbal medicine. Chinese herbalists have used Astragalus to help the human body fight a variety of diseases. Modern herbalists utilize Astragalus primarily as an immunostimulant to prevent common infection and aid in the recovery following infection. Historically, the biological activities associated with Astragalus have been accounted for, at least in part, to several constituents present in the botanical including saponins and polysaccharides. We propose that in addition to these constituents, compounds from endophytic (or epiphytic) bacteria present in (or on) the roots of Astragalus may have an important biological role. Lipopolysaccharides and lipoproteins are major components of Gram-negative bacteria and highly potent activators of the innate immune response. Our data supports a direct correlation between the level of immune gene induction and the level of lipopolysaccharides/lipoproteins present in the Astragalus extract. We demonstrate that extracts from Astragalus specifically activate Toll-like and NOD-like receptors involved in the recognition and response to bacterial constituents and that removal of the lipopolysaccharide/lipoprotein from the Astragalus extract reduced the level of this response. The results support that many immune enhancing botanicals have established a symbiotic relationship with Gram-negative bacteria and that the immune enhancing effect of these botanical extracts on the body may not only be due to endogenous plant compounds, but endophytic (or epiphytic) bacterial components as well.

Association between PD1 mRNA and response to anti-PD1 monotherapy across multiple cancer types

Background

We hypothesized that the abundance of PD1 mRNA in tumor samples might explain the differences in overall response rates (ORR) observed following anti-PD1 monotherapy across cancer types.

Patients and methods

RNASeqv2 data from 10 078 tumor samples representing 34 different cancer types was analyzed from TCGA. Eighteen immune-related gene signatures and 547 immune-related genes, including PD1, were explored. Correlations between each gene/signature and ORRs reported in the literature following anti-PD1 monotherapy were calculated. To translate the in silico findings to the clinical setting, we analyzed the expression of PD1 mRNA using the nCounter platform in 773 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tumor samples across 17 cancer types. To test the direct relationship between PD1 mRNA, PDL1 immunohistochemistry (IHC), stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) and ORR, we evaluated an independent FFPE-based dataset of 117 patients with advanced disease treated with anti-PD1 monotherapy.

Results

In pan-cancer TCGA, PD1 mRNA expression was found strongly correlated (r > 0.80) with CD8 T-cell genes and signatures and the proportion of PD1 mRNA-high tumors (80th percentile) within a given cancer type was variable (0%-84%). Strikingly, the PD1-high proportions across cancer types were found strongly correlated (r = 0.91) with the ORR following anti-PD1 monotherapy reported in the literature. Lower correlations were found with other immune-related genes/signatures, including PDL1. Using the same population-based cutoff (80th percentile), similar proportions of PD1-high disease in a given cancer type were identified in our in-house 773 tumor dataset as compared with TCGA. Finally, the pre-established PD1 mRNA FFPE-based cutoff was found significantly associated with anti-PD1 response in 117 patients with advanced disease (PD1-high 51.5%, PD1-intermediate 26.6% and PD1-low 15.0%; odds ratio between PD1-high and PD1-intermediate/low = 8.31; P < 0.001). In this same dataset, PDL1 tumor expression by IHC or percentage of sTILs was not found associated with response.

Conclusions

Our study provides a clinically applicable assay that links PD1 mRNA abundance, activated CD8 T-cells and anti-PD1 efficacy.

Apps para el aprendizaje de las matemáticas en educación infantil

Las Tecnologías del Aprendizaje y el Conocimiento (TAC) tienen una influencia cada vez mayor en la manera de mediar el aprendizaje de los más jóvenes. El incremento del proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje mediado por las TAC en el ámbito de la educación y en el ámbito doméstico, induce a la creación de nuevas herramientas efectivas, avaladas por la ciencia y diseñadas para mejorar el aprendizaje de nuestros alumnos. El desafío al que se enfrenta la psicología de la educación consiste en fomentar éstas tecnologías y ponerlas al servicio de la comunidad educativa y sin perder de vista el hecho de generar productos atractivos para los usuarios y que puedan generar rendimiento comercial para las empresas. Pretendiendo generar además de una transferencia efectiva de la labor científica, el aumento en la visibilidad de la investigación. En este trabajo, presentamos 9 aplicaciones (APPs) diseñadas para Tablet y Smartphone, adaptadas a los diferentes sistemas operativos actuales, destinadas a trabajar sobre las bases cognitivas asociadas con el aprendizaje de la matemática temprana. Con el objeto de crear una herramienta atractiva para el alumnado de 4 a 7 años, se ha contado con la colaboración de la empresa de entretenimiento y divulgación infantil Babyradio, colaborando en el desarrollo gráfico y en la transferencia de los resultados de la inves tigación. Una vez demostrada la validez empírica de estas APPs, los maestros, el sistema educativo y las empresas de software dispondrían de un material de apoyo didáctico contrastado. El objetivo principal del trabajo es contribuir en el desarrollo de las habilidades matemáticas de los niños de 4 a 7 años para que estos puedan afrontar con éxito los requerimientos de la escuela y para que puedan resolver situaciones en sus vidas diarias, promoviendo por otro lado, el cambio actitudinal del alumnado con respecto a las matemáticas

Identification of botanicals with potential therapeutic use against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen. Over- and improper-use of pharmaceuticals against S. aureus has led to the development of antibiotic resistance, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). This study examined the efficacy of botanical extracts as an alternative form of treatment to S. aureus and MRSA, including penicillin/methicillin-resistant S. aureus (Pen^R ), and multidrug resistant S. aureus (MDR). Initial screening of botanicals was done via a minimum inhibitory concentration procedure. In addition, a temporal growth curve was performed in order to quantify the growth of the bacteria in the presence of the extracts. Results demonstrated 13 botanicals that had varying activities against S. aureus, Pen^R , and MDR. These botanicals were separated into mild, moderate, and highly efficacious based on the concentration needed to inhibit bacterial growth. These results propose a comparison of botanical-derived antimicrobial extracts that may be utilized against S. aureus and different antibiotic resistant strains of MRSA.

New Adenovirus Groups in Western Palaearctic Bats

In the context of long-term screening for viruses on Western Palaearctic bats, we tested for the presence of adenovirus 1392 oropharyngeal swabs and 325 stool samples taken from 27 bat species. Adenoviruses were detected in 12 species of the Vespertilionidae and the Rhinolophidae families. Fifty positive respiratory and 26 positive stool samples were studied. Phylogenetic analyses of partial hexon protein and partial DNA-dependent DNA polymerase genes indicate that all these bat adenoviruses belong to the genus Mastadenovirus but without constituting a monophyletic cluster. According to genetic identities, the new groups are distinct to the previously described Bat mastadenovirus A and B species and contribute with potentially new members. Our data support that diversity of bat mastadenovirus is host-dependent and increase the knowledge of potentially pathogenic virus from bats. Due to the active role of bats as viral reservoirs, the characterization of these viruses is relevant for Public Health.

Electrophysiological and Histological Measures of Retinal Injury in Chronic Ocular Hypertensive Monkeys

PURPOSE

This study was performed to determine whether components of the standard ERG (electroretinogram), multifocal ERG, and flash VECP (visually-evoked cortical potential) response might provide a sensitive measure of retinal ganglion cell injury in a monkey model for chronic ocular hypertension.

METHODS

Argon laser treatment of the aqueous outflow tissue was used to induce chronic elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) in the right eye of 18 young adult cynomolgous monkeys. At 15 months post- IOP elevation, standard methods were used to record ERG and VECP responses. Multifocal ERG responses were also recorded at this time. Loss of retinal ganglion cells due to ocular hypertensive injury was determined by histological analysis of all retinas.

RESULTS

Ocular hypertensive retinal injury was associated with a loss of retinal ganglion cells. There was no histological or electrophysiological evidence for injury to any other retinal cell type. Correlation of electrophysiological response amplitudes with histological measures of retinal ganglion cell loss/survival yielded results which suggest that activity in retinal ganglion cells makes a substantial contribution to components of the 30 Hz flicker ERG, the flash VECP, and both first and second order multifocal ERG responses. Of the electrophysiological measures used in this study, multifocal ERG response amplitude had the greatest sensitivity to retinal ganglion cell loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Components of the multifocal ERG provide a sensitive measure of ganglion cell injury in a monkey model of chronic ocular hypertension. These same measures may have utility in the clinical diagnosis and management of glaucoma.

Impaired Fibrinolysis in Sickle Cell Disease

Coagulation studies were performed in 52 patients with sickle cell disease during asymptomatic periods and during episodes of crisis and infection. Platelet counts averaged 473,000, 469,000, and 461,000 per mm3 in these 3 groups, and factor VIII concentrations were elevated in all. Fibrinogen was increased to the same extent in both sickle cell and non-sickle cell patients with infection. Fibrinolytic activity, as measured by euglobulin lysis times and zones of lysis on fibrin plates, was markedly reduced during periods of infection in sickle cell patients but not in non-sickle patients. Impairment of fibrinolysis in most patients was not on the basis of overutilization or consumption, since no decrease in the levels of clotting factors or plasminogen was observed. It was suggested that generalized intravascular sickling in these patients may have caused widespread endothelial damage, resulting in decreased production of plasminogen activator.

In addition, several sickle cell patients with infection were found to possess elevated levels of an inhibitor directed against urokinase.

Weighted regularized statistical shape space projection for breast 3D model reconstruction

The use of 3D imaging has increased as a practical and useful tool for plastic and aesthetic surgery planning. Specifically, the possibility of representing the patient breast anatomy in a 3D shape and simulate aesthetic or plastic procedures is a great tool for communication between surgeon and patient during surgery planning. For the purpose of obtaining the specific 3D model of the breast of a patient, model-based reconstruction methods can be used. In particular, 3D morphable models (3DMM) are a robust and widely used method to perform 3D reconstruction. However, if additional prior information (i.e., known landmarks) is combined with the 3DMM statistical model, shape constraints can be imposed to improve the 3DMM fitting accuracy. In this paper, we present a framework to fit a 3DMM of the breast to two possible inputs: 2D photos and 3D point clouds (scans). Our method consists in a Weighted Regularized (WR) projection into the shape space. The contribution of each point in the 3DMM shape is weighted allowing to assign more relevance to those points that we want to impose as constraints. Our method is applied at multiple stages of the 3D reconstruction process. Firstly, it can be used to obtain a 3DMM initialization from a sparse set of 3D points. Additionally, we embed our method in the 3DMM fitting process in which more reliable or already known 3D points or regions of points, can be weighted in order to preserve their shape information. The proposed method has been tested in two different input settings: scans and 2D pictures assessing both reconstruction frameworks with very positive results.

Bla-OXA48 gene microorganisms outbreak, in a tertiary Children's Hospital, Over 3 years (2012-2014): Case Report

RATIONALE

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae are an emerging problem in children. Nosocomial spread remains the principal risk factor for acquisition of these microorganisms.

PATIENTS CONCERNS

We describe an outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae OXA48 (KOXA48) in a tertiary children's hospital during the years 2012 to 2014, as well as the preventive measures put in place in colonized and infected cases.

DIAGNOSES

We studied, "in vitro," the KOXA48 susceptibility to antiseptics and surface disinfectants. Moreover, an epidemiological surveillance of infection or colonization by these microorganisms, with molecular typing of the KOXA48, was performed, and carbapenemase genes were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

INTERVENTIONS

The bundles recommended (early detection, cohorting of children and health care workers [HCW], contact precautions, etc.) to control the KOXA48 outbreak were taken from those described in the centers for disease control (CDC) 2012 guide, and adapted according to our experience in controlling other outbreaks.

OUTCOMES

All the KOXA48 microorganisms isolated from children belonged to the same strain (ST11) and were susceptible to alcohol solutions but not the surface disinfectant previously employed in our hospital (tensoactive). We reinforced the surface disinfection using a double application (tensoactive + alcohol). The outbreak of KOXA48 begun in 2012 (16 cases in neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] and 1 in pediatric intensive care unit [PICU]) ended before the end of the same year and was not transmitted to new patients in 2013 to 2014, despite readmission of some colonized cases, in intensive care units (ICUs) and other units, of our children hospital.

LESSONS

Infected children are the tip of the iceberg (3/17) of KOXA48 prevalence making it necessary to identify the cases colonized by these bacteria. At the beginning of the outbreak, the susceptibility of the epidemic strain to antiseptics and surface disinfectants should be studied. Moreover, the measures taken (cohorts, contact precautions, etc.) must be thorough in both colonized and infected cases, immediately, after microbiological diagnosis.

Treatment of Athlete's Plantar Warts Using a Botanical Blend: A Case Report

Context • Viral plantar warts, or verruca plantaris, are a benign epithelial tumor caused by various strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV). Current treatments have had mixed degrees of success, are moderately invasive, and are often incompatible with participation in sports. Objective • The study intended to examine the benefits of treating plantar warts with a topical, botanical blend that has had clinical success treating herpes simplex virus cold sores. Methods • A synergistic botanical blend was applied topically. Setting • The case report was completed at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Tempe, Arizona, USA). Participant • The participant was a 24-y-old male soccer player, 177.8 cm tall, and weighing 69 kg with previously diagnosed, viral mosaic warts. Intervention • The patient used a pumice stone during bathing for the first week to remove dead tissue and ensure sufficient contact and entry of the botanical gel into infected tissue. After drying the area, the patient applied the botanical gel blend 1 to 2 times daily postshower, spreading it evenly across the surface of the entire lesion. The patient discontinued the exfoliation technique after the first week. Results • Within the first week of treatment, the patient noted changes to the infected area of the hallux epidermal tissue. The combination of exfoliation and application of the gel caused marked, visible differences in presentation by the fifth day of treatment. At 1-mo postintervention, or day 90, the epidermal tissue was asymptomatic and devoid of petechiae, malformations, or visible infection. Conclusions • The results of the current case study directly contrast with the drawbacks of commonly accepted, first-line interventions in the treatment of viral plantar warts and, in many respects, demonstrate better efficacy and fewer side effects than the standard of care. The positive results also highlight the necessity for additional study in the fields of sports medicine and podiatry to further establish the botanical blend when treating viral plantar in athletes, an overall at-risk population for the condition.

Microbial competition in environmental nosocomial reservoirs and diffusion capacity of OXA48-Klebsiella pneumoniae: potential impact on patients and possible control methods

BACKGROUND

We have found clusters of Klebsiella pneumoniae with OXA48-carbepenemase cases in some hospital rooms, and decided to investigate whether bathroom siphons could be a reservoir for OXA48 bacteria, as occurs with K. oxytoca with other types of carbepenemases.

METHODS

We evaluated the microbial competition between strains with OXA48 and VIM carbepenemases, in diluted nutrient-broth, on a slime germ-carrier. We compared the number of colonies at 5 and 10 days on the contaminated carriers with one or two strains. We evaluated the dissemination of K. pneumoniae with carbepenemase OXA48 or VIM from thumbs and index fingers of volunteers, to standard surfaces (20 glass germ-carrier by each volunteer). After, we counted the number of microorganisms on each carrier. Microbiological weekly studies of faecal microbiota of all patients were obtained in Traumatology and Oncology. Moreover, we studied samples of the sink in their rooms. PCR and MLST sequence-type was determined in all K. pneumoniae diagnosed from patients and sinks.

RESULTS

A large possibility of diffusion from contaminated hands, which continue to transmit high numbers of microorganisms after more than 10 successive surface contacts, was highlighted; OXA bacteria were more persistent than VIM bacteria. Microbial competition studies showed that VIM bacteria are inhibited by OXA ones. These observations can explain the concentration of cases of K. pneumoniae OXA48 in some rooms in Traumatology and Oncology, producing a significant OR between rooms with OXA48-bacteria-contaminated siphons and other rooms (3.1 and 3.3 respectively). Risk was lowered after changing or disinfecting (heat plus chlorinated disinfectant) the contaminated siphons. Siphon colonization by VIM bacteria was not related with human infections by similar microorganisms.

CONCLUSIONS

Bathroom siphons can be a reservoir for K. pneumoniae OXA48 and lead to outbreaks. Outbreaks can be controlled by replacement or heat plus chemical treatment of the sink-siphons.

Diagnostic contribution of cytological specimens obtained from biopsies during gastrointestinal endoscopy in dogs and cats

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to compare cytological samples obtained from endoscopic biopsies using "imprint" and "squash" techniques, and to evaluate the potential value of cytology compared to histology in reaching the diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen dogs and five cats undergoing endoscopy for chronic gastrointestinal signs were prospectively included. Imprint and squash samples were obtained from one biopsy and then analysed. Comparison between cytology and histology was performed using Cohen's j coefficient.

RESULTS

Appropriate samples for cytological evaluation were more often obtained with the squash technique (96% of the cases versus 68% with the imprint technique). The diagnoses obtained with cytological samples and by histology, considered as the gold standard, were compared. The same diagnosis was obtained with the squash technique in 65% of the cases. Furthermore, cytology was considered complementary to histology for gastric spiral organisms and mast cells identification.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

These results suggest that squash cytology obtained from endoscopic biopsies of the gastrointestinal tract can provide relevant and additional information to histology in dogs and cats.

Taraxacum officinale and related species-An ethnopharmacological review and its potential as a commercial medicinal plant

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dandelion (Taraxacum spec) is a wild plant that has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine in the relief and treatment of several diseases. This use is due to the presence of sesquiterpenes, saponins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and sugars, among others, found in the organs of the plant.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this work is to provide a current review of developments and trends in research on the Taraxacum genus, with a focus on traditional uses and pharmacological properties. This should shed light on the potential of this plant as an attractive commercial herbal medicine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Documents were collected, analyzed, and classified for information regarding medical, agronomic, genetic, and biological aspects of the Taraxacum species. This process was based on a thorough search of documents indexed by scientific search engines.

RESULTS

Two important periods of research on Taraxacum have been identified: the first, between 1930 and 1950; and the second, from 1990 to today. During the former, agricultural and genetics research on this plant were, due to the shortage of natural rubber, the focus. In contrast, the main drive in Taraxacum research is now the recovery of bioactives and/or applications in medicine. Pharmacology is the main area in which these plants have been tested, thanks in part to its widely known traditional uses; however, there is less than enthusiastic interest in further human clinical trials. In other areas, Taraxacum sports an enormous list of compounds of industrial interest; and while it is true that only a small amount of these compounds is immediately available in Taraxacum organs and makes it relatively commercially unattractive, only scarce efforts have been made to improve yields. Compounding this issue, most studies of its growth and cultivation have been focused mainly on controlling it as a weed detrimental to certain industrial crops. To wit, in spite of all the research carried out, less than 1% of all the species identified so far (>2500) have been studied (including Taraxacum officinale, Taraxacum coreanum, Taraxacum mongolicum and Taraxacum platycarpum). This is a indication of the little knowledge that we have about this genus so far. Biotechnology (involving genetics, agriculture, and biology) is the most powerful means by which to take advantage of all the medicinal potential of Taraxacum. Great strides have been made in identifying metabolic pathways for synthesizing terpenes, one of the most important compound families in clinical applications. In order to improve yield and performance of the plant in the field, greenhouse cultivation is another aspect taken into account, deriving an increase in recovery of bioactives from Taraxacum organs. Even while considering that only a few species have been studied, their different biochemical and cultivation profiles indicate huge potential for qualitative improvements in composition through genetic engineering, thus directly impacting pharmacological properties.

CONCLUSIONS

Taraxacum is has been traditionally considered a natural remedy, well-inserted into popular knowledge, but with low commercial applicability. Only once the recovery of pure and highly reactive compounds can be pursued at (a qualitatively and quantitatively attractive) economical scale, human clinical trials would be of interest in order to prove their efficacy and safety, positioning Taraxacum as an important commercial source of natural drugs.

Femoral vessel injuries; high mortality and low morbidity injuries

Femoral vessel injuries are amongst the most common vascular injuries admited in busy trauma centers. The evolution of violence and the increase in penetrating trauma from the urban battlefields of city streets has raised the incidence of femoral vessel injuries, which account for approximately 70% of all peripheral vascular injuries. Despite the relatively low mortality associated with these injuries, there is a high level of technical complexity required for the performance of these repairs. Similarly, they incur low mortality but are associated with significantly high morbidity. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are the keys to successful outcomes with the main goals of managing ischemia time, restoring limb perfusion, accomplishing limb salvage and instituting rehabilitation as soon as possible.

Iliac vessel injuries: difficult injuries and difficult management problems

INTRODUCTION

Injury to the iliac vessels poses a serious and frustrating treatment dilemma for all trauma surgeons. Generally, patients present in profound shock secondary to severe hemorrhage from either iliac arterial, venous, or combined injuries. Despite improvements in our emergency medical services (EMS), rapid transport, standard training of trauma surgeons, and improved technology, the morbidity and mortality from iliac vessel injuries remain high, ranging from 25 to 40 %.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review of the literature, with emphasis placed on the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of these injuries, incorporating the author's experience.

CONCLUSIONS

Injuries to the iliac vessel remain a daunting task, even after great advances in anatomic injury grading and damage control as well as advances in surgical techniques and critical care. Despite all the advances in treatment and appropriate management strategies, the morbidity and mortality from iliac vessel injuries remain high, demonstrating the complex challenge their treatment presents to even the modern-day trauma surgeon.