Computed tomography changes diagnosis, management and surgical planning of ankle fractures.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate how the use of adjunctive Computed Tomography (CT) can modify diagnosis, treatment options, and operative planning of ankle fractures in comparison with conventional radiographs (CR) in isolation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 53 patients diagnosed with an ankle fracture between 2011 and 2016, were assessed with CT and CR. Evaluations of the fractures using CR in isolation and CR combined with CT were compared using different readers. Fractures were assessed in terms of type, displacement, size, associated injuries, treatment, patient position and surgical planning. RESULTS: The medial malleolus fractures characteristics (posteromedial fragment and anterior colliculus), the presence of posterior malleolus fracture and its characteristics (displacement, size, posteromedial or posterolateral segment) (ps < 0.042), syndesmosis injury (p < 0.001), and the absence of deltoid ligament lesion (p < 0.001), were more evident with the combination of CT and radiographs. There was an increase in operative indication (p = 0.007), prone positioning (p = 0.002), posterior malleolus surgical treatment (p < 0.001), posterolateral approach for the lateral malleolus (p = 0.003), and syndesmosis fixation (p = 0.020) with the association of CT and CR, among all groups of expertise, with a high interobserver reliability (> 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: The CR may fail to demonstrate subtle lesions, such as posterior malleolus fractures and syndesmotic injuries. The CT evaluation increases the diagnostic precision and improves the quality of information the surgeon receives, what might positively affect patient care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: Retrospective Comparative Study.

Ecotoxicological effects of commercial herbicides on the reproductive system of aquatic arthropod Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae)

Abstract Worldwide, conventional agriculture makes extensive use of pesticides. Although the effects of herbicides are relatively well known in terms of environmental impacts on non-target organisms, there is very little scientific evidence regarding the impacts of herbicide residues on aquatic arthropods from tropical conservation areas. This study evaluates for the first time the toxicity of the herbicides ametryn, atrazine, and clomazone on the aquatic insect Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae). The lethal concentration (LC50) of herbicides was evaluated for these insects, as well as the effect of the herbicides on the insects tissues and testicles. The estimated LC50 was 1012.41, 192.42, and 46.09 mg/L for clomazone, atrazine, and ametryn, respectively. Spermatocyte and spermatid changes were observed under the effect of atrazine, and effects on spermatogenesis were observed for some concentrations of clomazone, with apparent recovery after a short time. Our results provide useful information on the effects of herbicide residues in aquatic systems. This information can help minimize the risk of long-term reproductive effects in non-target species that have been previously overlooked in ecotoxicology studies.

Resumo Em todo o mundo, a agricultura convencional faz uso extensivo de pesticidas. Embora os efeitos dos herbicidas sejam relativamente bem conhecidos em termos de impactos ambientais em organismos não-alvo, há pouca evidência científica sobre os impactos de resíduos de herbicidas em artrópodes aquáticos de áreas de conservação tropicais. Este estudo avalia pela primeira vez a toxicidade dos herbicidas ametryn, atrazine e clomazone sobre o inseto aquático Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae). A concentração letal (LC50) de herbicidas foi avaliada para esses insetos, bem como o efeito dos herbicidas nos tecidos e testículos dos insetos. A LC50 estimada foi de 1012,41, 192,42 e 46,09 mg/L para clomazone, atrazine e ametryn, respectivamente. Alterações nos espermatócitos e espermátides foram observadas sob o efeito de atrazine, e efeitos na espermatogênese foram observados para algumas concentrações de clomazone, com aparente recuperação após um curto período de tempo. Nossos resultados fornecem informações úteis sobre os efeitos de resíduos de herbicidas em sistemas aquáticos. Essas informações podem ajudar a minimizar o risco de efeitos reprodutivos de longo prazo em espécies não-alvo que foram negligenciadas anteriormente em estudos de ecotoxicologia.

Ecotoxicological effects of commercial herbicides on the reproductive system of aquatic arthropod Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae) / Efeitos ecotoxicológicos de herbicidas comerciais no sistema reprodutivo do artrópode aquático Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae)

Abstract Worldwide, conventional agriculture makes extensive use of pesticides. Although the effects of herbicides are relatively well known in terms of environmental impacts on non-target organisms, there is very little scientific evidence regarding the impacts of herbicide residues on aquatic arthropods from tropical conservation areas. This study evaluates for the first time the toxicity of the herbicides ametryn, atrazine, and clomazone on the aquatic insect Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae). The lethal concentration (LC50) of herbicides was evaluated for these insects, as well as the effect of the herbicides on the insects' tissues and testicles. The estimated LC50 was 1012.41, 192.42, and 46.09 mg/L for clomazone, atrazine, and ametryn, respectively. Spermatocyte and spermatid changes were observed under the effect of atrazine, and effects on spermatogenesis were observed for some concentrations of clomazone, with apparent recovery after a short time. Our results provide useful information on the effects of herbicide residues in aquatic systems. This information can help minimize the risk of long-term reproductive effects in non-target species that have been previously overlooked in ecotoxicology studies.

Resumo Em todo o mundo, a agricultura convencional faz uso extensivo de pesticidas. Embora os efeitos dos herbicidas sejam relativamente bem conhecidos em termos de impactos ambientais em organismos não-alvo, há pouca evidência científica sobre os impactos de resíduos de herbicidas em artrópodes aquáticos de áreas de conservação tropicais. Este estudo avalia pela primeira vez a toxicidade dos herbicidas ametryn, atrazine e clomazone sobre o inseto aquático Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae). A concentração letal (LC50) de herbicidas foi avaliada para esses insetos, bem como o efeito dos herbicidas nos tecidos e testículos dos insetos. A LC50 estimada foi de 1012,41, 192,42 e 46,09 mg/L para clomazone, atrazine e ametryn, respectivamente. Alterações nos espermatócitos e espermátides foram observadas sob o efeito de atrazine, e efeitos na espermatogênese foram observados para algumas concentrações de clomazone, com aparente recuperação após um curto período de tempo. Nossos resultados fornecem informações úteis sobre os efeitos de resíduos de herbicidas em sistemas aquáticos. Essas informações podem ajudar a minimizar o risco de efeitos reprodutivos de longo prazo em espécies não-alvo que foram negligenciadas anteriormente em estudos de ecotoxicologia.

Alterations induced by titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) in fertilization and embryonic and larval development of the tropical sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus.

The release of nanomaterials into the environment is the cause of an emerging concern. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) among the most produced nanomaterials, has been documented in marine coastal areas posing a threat on marine biota. Sea urchin embryos are recognized as suitable bioindicators in ecological risk assessment and recently for nanomaterials. This study investigated the impact of nano-TiO2 on fertilization, embryonic and larval development of the tropical sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus in a range of concentrations (0.005-5 µg/mL) which includes environmentally relevant ones. The behavior of nano-TiO2 in tropical natural seawater was determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and toxicity was evaluated through fertilization and embryotoxicity tests, and morphological/morphometric analyses of sea urchin's larvae. Limited toxicity was recorded for nano-TiO2 in tropical sea urchin embryos and larvae, except for effects at the gastrula stage at 0.005 µg/mL. Large agglomerates of nano-TiO2 (5 µg/mL) were observed adhering onto sea urchin larvae thus probably preventing nanoparticles uptake at the highest concentrations (>0.005 µg/mL). Environmental levels of nano-TiO2 are able to cause toxicity on tropical sea urchin L. variegatus embryos with potential consequences on populations and their ecological role in tropical coastal areas.

Opioid-free mastectomy under thoracic epidural anesthesia-analgesia in a patient with critical tracheal stenosis: a case report.

Mastectomy is traditionally performed under general anaesthesia and invasive ventilation, and is often complemented with regional techniques. In this setting, tracheal stenosis can pose a challenge to airway management. The aim of this report is to describe the successful management of a 68-year-old woman with severe subglottic tracheal stenosis undergoing mastectomy due to breast cancer. Surgery was performed without airway instrumentation under an opioid-free regimen consisting of thoracic epidural, propofol and dexmedetomidine perfusion, and non-opioid analgesics. Spontaneous ventilation and adequate perioperative analgesia were achieved. Opioid-free anaesthesia without airway instrumentation, consisting of thoracic epidural anaesthesia and sedation, is a good alternative in patients undergoing mastectomy in whom airway manipulation is best avoided.

Electrocardiography in Hypertensive Patients without Cardiovascular Events: A Valuable Predictor Tool?

Background: Hypertension is an important risk factor of cardiovascular (CV) disease. An early diagnosis of target organ damage could prevent major CV events. Electrocardiography (ECG) is a valuable clinical technique, with wide availability and high specificity, used in evaluation of hypertensive patients. However, the use of ECG as a predictor tool is controversial given its low sensitivity. This study aims to characterise ECG features in a hypertensive population and identify ECG abnormalities that could predict CV events. Methods: We studied 175 hypertensive patients without previous CV events during a follow-up mean of 4.0 ± 2.20 years. ECGs and pulse wave velocity were performed in all patients. Clinical characteristics and ECG abnormalities were evaluated and compared between the patients as they presented CV events. Results: Considering the 175 patients (53.14% male), the median age was 62 years. Median systolic blood pressure was 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure was 78 mmHg. Median PWV was 9.8 m/s. Of the patients, 39.4% were diabetic, 78.3% had hyperlipidaemia, and 16.0% had smoking habits. ECG identified left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in 29.71% of the patients, and a LV strain pattern was present in 9.7% of the patients. Twenty-nine patients (16.57%) had a CV event. Comparative analyses showed statistical significance for the presence of a LV strain pattern in patients with CV events (p=0.01). Univariate and multivariate analysis confirmed that a LV strain pattern was an independent predictor of CV event (HR 2.66, 95% IC 1.01-7.00). In the survival analysis, the Kaplan-Meier curve showed a worse prognosis for CV events in patients with a LV strain pattern (p=0.014). Conclusion: ECG is a useful daily method to identify end-organ damage in hypertensive patients. In our study, we also observed that it may be a valuable tool for the prediction of CV events.

Multifidus muscle cross-sectional area adaptations over two volleyball seasons and one off-season in athletes with and without low back pain.

BACKGROUND: The multifidus muscle is important in spine stabilization. Atrophy of the multifidus muscle has been associated with low back pain. OBJECTIVE: To examine multifidus muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) adaptations over two volleyball seasons and one off-season in volleyball athletes experiencing low back pain or no low back pain. METHODS: Twelve female NCAA division 1 volleyball athletes participated. Athletes were placed into a low back pain or no low back pain group. Athlete's multifidus was imaged and measured using ultrasound at four time points across seasons. Imaging time points were before season one, following season one, following off-season, and following season two. A single level mixed-model analysis of variance was used for all analyses. A Tukey HSD post hoc test was used to determine differences between and within the low back pain and the no low back pain groups. RESULTS: Following off-season training the pain group had clinically significant smaller multifidus CSA at the L4 (-2.36 cm2 difference or 17.5%) and L5 (-2.40 cm2 or 12.5%) levels. Non-significant (p> 0.05) decreases in multifidus CSA were seen in both groups following season one and two. Athletes with pain had decreased multifidus CSA at the L4 and L5 vertebral levels at all time points which was non-significant (p> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Clinically significant decreases in multifidus CSA occurred in female volleyball athletes with low back pain at the L4 and L5 level following off-season training. Volleyball athletes with pain had smaller multifidus CSA averages at all time points measured of the two year period.

Ecotoxicological effects of commercial herbicides on the reproductive system of aquatic arthropod Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae).

Worldwide, conventional agriculture makes extensive use of pesticides. Although the effects of herbicides are relatively well known in terms of environmental impacts on non-target organisms, there is very little scientific evidence regarding the impacts of herbicide residues on aquatic arthropods from tropical conservation areas. This study evaluates for the first time the toxicity of the herbicides ametryn, atrazine, and clomazone on the aquatic insect Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae). The lethal concentration (LC50) of herbicides was evaluated for these insects, as well as the effect of the herbicides on the insects' tissues and testicles. The estimated LC50 was 1012.41, 192.42, and 46.09 mg/L for clomazone, atrazine, and ametryn, respectively. Spermatocyte and spermatid changes were observed under the effect of atrazine, and effects on spermatogenesis were observed for some concentrations of clomazone, with apparent recovery after a short time. Our results provide useful information on the effects of herbicide residues in aquatic systems. This information can help minimize the risk of long-term reproductive effects in non-target species that have been previously overlooked in ecotoxicology studies.

Fully automated preoperative segmentation of temporal bone structures from clinical CT scans.

Middle- and inner-ear surgery is a vital treatment option in hearing loss, infections, and tumors of the lateral skull base. Segmentation of otologic structures from computed tomography (CT) has many potential applications for improving surgical planning but can be an arduous and time-consuming task. We propose an end-to-end solution for the automated segmentation of temporal bone CT using convolutional neural networks (CNN). Using 150 manually segmented CT scans, a comparison of 3 CNN models (AH-Net, U-Net, ResNet) was conducted to compare Dice coefficient, Hausdorff distance, and speed of segmentation of the inner ear, ossicles, facial nerve and sigmoid sinus. Using AH-Net, the Dice coefficient was 0.91 for the inner ear; 0.85 for the ossicles; 0.75 for the facial nerve; and 0.86 for the sigmoid sinus. The average Hausdorff distance was 0.25, 0.21, 0.24 and 0.45 mm, respectively. Blinded experts assessed the accuracy of both techniques, and there was no statistical difference between the ratings for the two methods (p = 0.93). Objective and subjective assessment confirm good correlation between automated segmentation of otologic structures and manual segmentation performed by a specialist. This end-to-end automated segmentation pipeline can help to advance the systematic application of augmented reality, simulation, and automation in otologic procedures.

Association of positive and negative life events with cognitive performance and psychological status in late life: A cross-sectional study in Northern Portugal.

Objectives: Life events have important effects on psychological well-being. Yet, studies have mainly focused on exploring the impact of traumatic and negative experiences on health and well-being, with positive events receiving marginal attention. In this study, we investigated the association between negative and positive life events, cognitive performance and psychological status in older individuals. Method: A cross-sectional approach with a sample of 97 community-dwelling adults, recruited from a network of 23 centres/institutions in Northern Portugal, and aged between 56 and 85 years, was conducted. All participants were evaluated through a battery of tests assessing for depressive mood, perceived stress, and cognitive functioning. Life events were measured using the Lifetime Experiences Scale (LIFES) which covers 75 life experiences organized in eight domains. Results: A total of 95.9% of the participants reported more positive life events than negative throughout life. Participants reporting more positive experiences had lower scores in the depressive mood and perceived stress measures. At the domain-level of LIFES scale, more negative experiences in the Work and Health domains were associated with a depressed mood and more perceived stress. Significant positive associations were found between positive life experiences and most cognitive measures, after controlling for sex, education, age and depressive symptoms. Namely, more positive experiences at School, Leisure, and Living conditions were positively associated with better performance across cognitive tests. Discussion: This study adds important evidence on the association between of life events, both negative and positive experiences, on cognition and psychological well-being, providing a more balanced view of the field.

Standardization of antimicrobial testing of dental devices.

OBJECTIVE: Dental device is a very broad term that can be used to include any foreign material or product that is introduced in the host oral cavity to replace missing tissues. These devices are subjected to different environments which include dental hard tissues, tissue fluids, blood and saliva. All dental devices are continuously challenged microbiologically and a number of failures in clinical management are related to microbial colonization. Thus, the assessment of the antimicrobial properties of dental devices are extremely important. In this paper, a classification of dental devices is being proposed. This classification distinguishes the devices based on whether they are implantable or not, and also sub-classified based on their specific application and the substrate receiving the device. METHODS AND RESULTS: A literature search was conducted to identify how dental devices have been tested with relation to the microbial strains used and whether the testing has been performed in isolation or reported with other relevant tests such as material characterization and biological activity. The results of the literature review were analyzed and recommendations for antimicrobial testing of dental devices are proposed. These recommendations include the need for the setting up of pre-testing parameters such as ageing and the details of the pre-testing sterilization procedures, as these may affect the material chemistry and the specification for antimicrobial testing to be done with specific single strains or polymicrobial that are native to the region where the device is located are also suggested. Testing can be undertaken in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. Since the antimicrobial and biological activities influence/condition one another and the material chemistry may affect both the antimicrobial and biological testing this document also makes recommendations regarding biological assessment which can be carried out in isolation or integrated with the microbiological testing and also material testing methods including chemical and physical characterization of bulk, surface, eluted and degraded materials as well as physical characterization methods. SIGNIFICANCE: The level of standardization of antimicrobial testing for the dental devices needs to be based on the device location and host interaction in order to increase the clinical applicability of the mentioned tests.

Dietary Glycotoxins Impair Hepatic Lipidemic Profile in Diet-Induced Obese Rats Causing Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Insulin Resistance.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is caused by excessive liver lipid accumulation, but insulin resistance is specifically associated with impaired lipid saturation, oxidation, and storage (esterification), besides increased de novo lipogenesis. We hypothesized that dietary glycotoxins could impair hepatic lipid metabolism in obesity contributing to lipotoxicity-driven insulin resistance and thus to the onset of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In diet-induced obese rats with methylglyoxal-induced glycation, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography were used to assess liver composition in fatty acyl chains and phospholipids. High-fat diet-induced obesity increased liver lipid fraction and suppressed de novo lipogenesis but did not change fatty acid esterification and saturation or insulin sensitivity. Despite a similar increase in total lipid fraction when supplementing the high-fat diet with dietary glycotoxins, impairment in the suppression of de novo lipogenesis and decreased fatty acid unsaturation and esterification were observed. Moreover, glycotoxins also decreased polyunsaturated cardiolipins and caused oxidative stress, portal inflammation, and insulin resistance in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. Dietary glycated products do not change total lipid levels in the liver of obese rats but dramatically modify the lipidemic profile, leading to oxidative stress, hepatic lipotoxicity, and insulin resistance in obesity and thus contribute to the onset of NASH.

Avaliação da produção lacrimal, pressão intraocular, retinografia e biometria ocular em bovinos das raças Nelore e Gir hígidos / Evaluation of tear production, intraocular pressure, retinography and ocular biometry in bovine Nelore and Gir breeds

No presente estudo, foram avaliados parâmetros oftalmológicos de 38 bovinos das raças Nelore (n= 19; grupo GN) e Gir (n= 19; grupo GG), machos, com idade média de 15 meses. Os exames oftalmológicos realizados foram teste lacrimal de Schirmer 1 (TLS-1), tonometria de aplanação, retinografia e biometria por ultrassonografia em modo B. Os resultados do TLS-1, tonometria de aplanação e biometria ocular foram avaliados por meio da análise de variância (ANOVA), e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. Para o exame de retinografia, foi realizada a análise descritiva das estruturas anatômicas. O TLS-1 e a tonometria não diferiram (P≥0,05) nas comparações entre os olhos e entre os grupos raciais. A retinografia permitiu a visualização do disco óptico, dos vasos retinianos, do fundo tapetal e não tapetal, sem constatação de diferenças anatômicas entre as raças. Por meio da biometria ocular, foram observados valores maiores nos animais da raça Gir para as medidas do comprimento axial (CAx), da espessura da lente (EL) e da profundidade da câmara vítrea (CV), em ambos os eixos, horizontal (CAH) e vertical (CAV). Os exames oftalmológicos realizados podem ser executados a campo sem comprometer o bem-estar dos animais. Somente na ultrassonografia em modo B foram identificadas diferenças entre os bovinos das raças Nelore e Gir.(AU)

The ophthalmological parameters were evaluated of 38 male Nelore bovine (n= 19, GN group) and Gir (n= 19, GG group), with 15 months age. The ophthalmological examinations by Schirmer 1 (TLS-1), aplanation tonometry, retinography and B-mode ultrasonography were done. The results of the TLS-1, aplanation tonometry and ocular biometry were evaluated by analysis of variance and means compared by the Tukey test. A descriptive analysis of the anatomical structures was performed for the retinography examination. TLS-1 and tonometry did not differ (P≥ 0.05) in the comparisons between the eyes and between the groups. Retinography allowed the visualization of the optic disc, retinal vessels, tapetal and non-tapetal fundus, without any anatomical differences between the breed. In the ocular biometry, higher values were observed in Gir animals for measurements of axial length (CAx), lens thickness (EL) and depth of the vitreous chamber (CV), both horizontal (CAH) and vertical (CAV) imaging planes. Ophthalmologic examinations can be performed on the field without compromising animal welfare. Differences between Nelore and Gir bovines were identified only by B-mode ultrasonography.(AU)

Conditioned medium of ovine Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells improves growth and reduces ROS generation of isolated secondary follicles after short-term in vitro culture.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the conditioned medium of ovine Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (oWJ-MSCs) on the morphology, growth, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) intracellular levels, active mitochondria, and meiotic resumption of isolated ovine secondary follicles in vitro. The oWJ-MSCs were isolated and the medium where they were cultured was recovered (conditioned medium). Isolated ovine secondary follicles were cultured for 6 days in 1) supplemented α-MEM+ (control); 2) 50% α-MEM+ + 50% conditioned medium (α-MEM + CM group) or 3) conditioned medium only (CM group). The parameters analyzed were morphology, antrum formation, follicle and oocyte growth, ROS and GSH levels, mitochondrial activity and meiotic resumption. The percentage of normal follicles, antrum formation, and fully grown oocytes did not differ (P > 0.05) among treatments. Follicles cultured in α-MEM + CM group had greater (P < 0.05) diameter than other treatments after culture. Moreover, the diameter of the follicles cultured in CM alone was higher (P < 0.05) than in the α-MEM+. In addition, α-MEM + CM and CM treatments increased the growth rate compared to the α-MEM+. Treatments containing conditioned medium (α-MEM + CM or CM) significantly reduced ROS levels compared to the control medium. Moreover, mitochondrial activity was higher in α-MEM+ and α-MEM + CM than in CM alone. All treatments showed oocytes in GV, GVBD and MI. In conclusion, oWJ-MSCs conditioned medium, especially when associated with α-MEM, improves the growth of secondary follicles and reduces ROS generation after short-term culture.

Inflammatory biomarkers responses after acute whole body vibration in fibromyalgia.

The aims of this study were 1) to characterize the intensity of the vibration stimulation in women diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FM) compared to a control group of healthy women (HW) matched by age and anthropometric parameters, and 2) to investigate the effect of a single session of whole body vibration (WBV) on inflammatory responses. Levels of adipokines, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFr1, sTNFr2), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was estimated by a portable gas analysis system, heart rate (HR) was measured using a HR monitor, and perceived exertion (RPE) was evaluated using the Borg scale of perceived exertion. Acutely mild WBV increased VO2 and HR similarly in both groups. There was an interaction (disease vs vibration) in RPE (P=0.0078), showing a higher RPE in FM compared to HW at rest, which further increased in FM after acute WBV, whereas it remained unchanged in HW. In addition, there was an interaction (disease vs vibration) in plasma levels of adiponectin (P=0.0001), sTNFR1 (P=0.000001), sTNFR2 (P=0.0052), leptin (P=0.0007), resistin (P=0.0166), and BDNF (P=0.0179). In conclusion, a single acute session of mild and short WBV can improve the inflammatory status in patients with FM, reaching values close to those of matched HW at their basal status. The neuroendocrine mechanism seems to be an exercise-induced modulation towards greater adaptation to stress response in these patients.

Phenomenological modeling of reactive dye adsorption onto fish scales surface in the presence of electrolyte and surfactant mixtures.

The aim of this work was an experimental and theoretical investigation of the influence of electrolyte (NaCl) and surfactant (SP), as textile auxiliary agents (TAAs), onto reactive blue 5G (RB5G) dye removal by applying untreated fish scales (FS) in batch system. Kinetic and equilibrium studies were performed, aiming at the comprehension of the mass transfer mechanisms through phenomenological modeling. The biosorbent was texturally characterized, to investigate the adsorbent's characteristics and to support the models' assumptions. Hence, a 'physically meaningful' modeling to assess different systems containing dye-TAA mixtures was employed. The experimental results indicated that despite the FS nonporous characteristics, it showed remarkable adsorption capacities (≈291 mg g-1), which may be ascribed to the adsorbent-adsorbate affinity and to dye-aggregates adsorption onto the FS surface. Those results evidence a potential use of FS as an alternative biosorbent material. The mathematical model was able to identify the rate-limiting step of the process; to predict the adsorption kinetics and equilibrium condition, comprising the description of aggregates formation; and to successfully predict kinetic behavior of independent data in simulated real effluent. Those results indicate that the model can be used to simulate operating conditions and, therefore, support the design, optimization, and scale-up of adsorption processes.

Morfologia do coração e dos vasos da base do pinguim-de-magalhães (Spheniscus magellanicus) / Morphology of heart and vessels of the cardiac base in Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)

O pinguim-de-magalhães é uma ave marinha de porte médio, de origem do hemisfério sul, com grandes colônias próximas à Patagônia. Em certas épocas do ano, alguns exemplares aparecem no litoral brasileiro, devido ao desvio de rotas de caça, e alguns indivíduos não conseguem retornar por debilidades na saúde. Foram utilizados 34 exemplares de Spheniscus magellanicus que vieram a óbito no litoral do estado de Espírito Santo. O presente estudo analisou a morfologia de câmaras e paredes cardíacas, valvas e artérias da base. Os fragmentos dessas regiões foram analisados histologicamente com coloração hematoxilina-eosina (HE) e Tricrômico de Gomori (TG), além da coloração Picrosirius Red (PSR) sob luz polarizada, visando observar, principalmente, a composição do tipo de colágeno existente em cada região descrita. Entre os 34 exemplares, nenhum apresentou discrepância em relação a sua morfologia. A tipificação do colágeno dessas regiões pelas colorações TG e PSR sob luz polarizada demonstrou a presença do colágeno tipo I em maior evidência que o tipo III, encontrada na maioria das estruturas, o que atribuiu a aparência avermelhada intensa a quase todas elas. Pode-se concluir que a anatomia cardíaca do pinguim-de-magalhães é semelhante à de outras aves, com predominância do colágeno do tipo I.(AU)

Magellanic penguin is medium-sized seabird originated from southern hemisphere with colonies near Patagonia. At certain times of the year in Brazilian coast, a few penguins lose their hunting routes and can´t return because they are very sick. Thirty-four penguins died in Espírito Santo´s coast. This study analyzed the cardiac morphology and morph metric of heart chambers and walls, valves, and arteries of the cardiac base. These parts were analysed and stained by Hematoxilin and eosin and Gomori´s trichrome. Mainly targeting the collagen´s composition in each described part the Picru-sirius Red´s stain under polarized light was used. Among thirty-four penguin hearts, none presented discrepancy in morphology, they were all very similar. The characterization of collagen by Picrusirius Red stain highlighted type 1 collagen in comparison to type 3 collagen in most structures, giving a more reddish appearance in almost of them. In conclusion, the cardiac anatomy of the Magellanic Penguin is similar to that of other birds, with a predominance of type I collagen.(AU)

Case report on the role of radiofrequency-assisted spleen-preserving surgery for splenic metastasis in the era of check-point inhibitors.

RATIONALE: An isolated splenic metastasis is a rare phenomenon noted in advanced stage melanoma. We report the role of radiofrequency (RF) -based splenic-preserving splenectomy in a patient with a solitary splenic metastasis from advanced stage melanoma that was managed with checkpoint inhibitors. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report a case of a 60-year-old man who presented with multiple lung metastases and a solitary splenic metastasis with advanced stage melanoma following excision of primary from his trunk 2.3 years back. DIAGNOSIS: Considering the diagnosis of advanced stage melanoma with multiple lung metastases and a solitary splenic metastasis, and its ongoing progressive nature. This case was discussed in the tumour board meeting. INTERVENTIONS: A decision was made to commence treatment with immunotherapy in the form of PD-1 inhibitor (programmed cell death 1 receptor) pembrolizumab. Follow-up restaging computer tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and chest showed a significant reduction in the lung and chest wall lesions, but the splenic lesion remained unchanged. Given the lack of response to treatment in the splenic metastasis and the significant decrease in lung metastases, the multidisciplinary team decided that a partial splenectomy combined with continued immunotherapy treatment would be appropriate as the success of immunotherapy was imminent within the splenic preservation. OUTCOMES: The postoperative recovery was smooth and the patient was discharged from hospital on the sixth postoperative day with normal platelets and white blood cells. The histopathological analysis of the resected specimen showed a metastatic melanoma with negative margins.At 10-month follow-up after the splenic resection the patient had not experienced further tumour recurrences. LESSONS: Spleen-preserving resection for an isolated, solitary splenic metastasis of melanoma is a feasible approach as it not only preserves the ongoing efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors by preserving the physiological T cell milieu, but the immunomodulation properties of RF can produce potentially additional therapeutic benefit.

Different levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cortisol in healthy heavy smokers.

Studies suggest that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis modulate dopaminergic activity in response to nicotine and that the concentrations of BDNF and cortisol seem to be dependent on the amount and duration of smoking. Therefore, we investigated BDNF and cortisol levels in smokers ranked by daily cigarette consumption. Twenty-seven adult males (13 non-smokers and 14 smokers) participated in the study. The smokers were divided in two groups: light (n=7) and heavy smokers (n=7). Anthropometric parameters and age were paired between the groups, and plasma BDNF and salivary cortisol levels were measured. Saliva samples were collected on awakening, 30 min after awakening, at 10:00 and 12:00 am, 5:00 and 10:00 pm. Additionally, cotinine serum levels were measured in smokers. Heavy smokers had higher mean values of BDNF compared to the control group (P=0.01), whereas no difference was observed in light smokers. Moreover, heavy smokers presented lower cortisol levels in the last collection (10:00 pm) than the control group (P=0.02) and presented statically higher values of cotinine than the light smokers (P=0.002). In conclusion, changes in BDNF and cortisol levels (10:00 pm) appear to be dependent on heavy cigarette smoking and can be involved in activation and in the relationship between the mesolimbic system and the HPA axis.