A cost-effective tool to standardize the scratch assay for cell migration.

Background: The scratch assay is commonly used in cell biology to evaluate cell migration; however, it is not a standardized method; it produces highly variable gap dimensions. We design a printable device, comprising a single wounding tool and a guide, and compared the gap produced by our device and the traditional method. The deviceis printable in a standard 3D printer.

Effects on the accelerating electron bunches due to the presence of sulfur hexafluoride or air in the linac waveguide.

Sulfur hexafluoride gas (SF6) is used as a dielectric insulator in the acceleration process of certain medical linear accelerator waveguides. Nevertheless, some innovative development and investigation cases require intervention in the linear accelerator or, specifically, on the waveguide, which could affect the sealing of the device. In this regard, vacuum sealing systems can be compromised, affecting the properties of the radiation beams produced.

Dosimetry of tumor targeting imaging by convergent X-ray beam as compared with nuclear medicine.

During decades nuclear medicine procedures, based on radiolabeled agents, have proved to be efficient for diseases diagnosis and treatment. Radiation emerging from patient is detected aimed at localizing radiotracer distribution that is further correlated with biochemical/metabolic physiological processes. However, a significant drawback associated with current nuclear medicine procedures implementing radionuclide infusion regards to the inherent absorbed dose as well as radiopharmaceuticals' production, storage and elimination from patient body, thus representing a risk at patient and public health level.

[The direct costs of epilepsy in a Chilean population].

Introduction: Epilepsy Chilean prevalence is 17-21/1,000 inhabitants. In past years, there is concern for the high costs involved in its handling. AIM.

The epidemiology of malaria in an epidemic area of the Peruvian Amazon.

A longitudinal study of malariometric indicators and their association with potential risk factors was conducted during August 1997-July 1998 at Padre Cocha, a village of 1,400 residents in the Peruvian Amazon. The incidence of Plasmodium falciparum infections during the study year was 166/1,000 persons; that of P. vivax was 826/1,000 persons.